May 2007


 From The Scotsman

Some would call it the Devil’s work. Two ancient religions have locked horns in a bizarre “freedom of speech” row that is echoing around the corridors of one of Scotland’s oldest academic institutions.

The University of Edinburgh has granted permission to the Pagan Society to hold its annual conference – involving talks on witchcraft, pagan weddings and tribal dancing – on campus next month. Druids, heathens, shamans and witches are expected to attend what is a major event in the pagan calendar.

But the move has enraged the Christian Union, which accuses the university of double standards after banning one of its events on the “dangers” of homosexuality.

Matthew Tindale, an Edinburgh-based Christian Union staff worker, claimed some faiths and beliefs appeared to be more equal than others on campus.

“This seems to be a clear case of discrimination,” he said. “It’s okay for other religions, such as the pagans, to have their say at the university, but there appears to be a reluctance to allow Christians to do the same. All we are asking for is the tolerance that is afforded to other faiths and organisations.”

The Union has won strong backing from the Catholic Church in Scotland, whose spokesman, Simon Dames, felt that allowing the pagan festival to go ahead while barring the Union meeting was an example of “Christianphobia”.

full article here

There are four basic elements of nature: fire, air, earth, and water. Within each of the four elements are nature spirits that are the spiritual essence of that element. They are made up of etheric substance that is unique and specific to their particular element. They are living entities oftentimes resembling humans in shape but inhabiting a world of their own.The beings in the Elemental Kingdom work primarily on the mental plane and are known as “builders of form.” Their specialty is translating thought-forms into physical forms by transforming mental patterns into etheric and then physical patterns. Each of them is a specialist in creating some specific form whether it be an electron or interstellar space.

Elementals range in size from smaller than an electron to vaster than galactic space. Like the angels, elemental beings begin their evolution small in size and increase their size as they evolve. The elementals serving on planet Earth materialize whatever they pick up from the thoughts and feelings of mankind. This relationship was intended to facilitate the remanifestation of “heaven on Earth.”

They take their orders from the devas.

They do not remain individualized as humans are. These beings are animated by the thought power of the lower angels and so are thought forms of sorts.

They may be etheric thoughts forms, yet they have etheric flesh, blood, and bones. They live, propagate off spring, eat, talk, act, and sleep. They cannot be destroyed by frosser material elements such as fire, air, earth, and water because they are etheric in nature. they are not immortal. When their work is finished they are absorbed back into the ocean of spirit. They do live a very long time–300 to 1,000 years.

They have the power to change their size and appearance almost at will. They cannot, however, change elements.

Earth Gnomes The nature spirits of the Earth are called Gnomes.

Subgroups:
Brownies
Dryads
Durdalis
Earth Spirits
Elves
Hamadryads
Pans
Pygmies
Sylvestres
Satyrs

Fire: SalamandersThe salamanders are the spirit of fire. Without these beings, fire cannot exist. You cannot light a match without a salamander’s being present. There are many families of salamanders, differing in size, appearance, and dignity. Some people have seen them as small balls of light, but most commonly they are perceived as being lizard-like in shape and about a foot or more in length.

The salamanders are considered the strongest and most powerful of all the elementals. Their ruler is a magnificent flaming being called Djin. Those who have seen him say that he is terrible, yet awe-inspiring in appearance.

Salamanders have the ability to extend their size or diminish it, as needed. If you ever need to light a campfire in the wilderness, call to the salamanders and they will help you.

It has also been said that salamanders (and the other elemental beings) can be mischievous at times. For example, a fiery temper and inharmonious conditions in a person’s home can cause these beings to make trouble. They are like children in that they don’t fully understand the results of their actions. They are greatly affected, as are all nature spirits, by human humankind’s thinking.

Air: Sylphs

The sylphs are the air spirits. Their element has the highest vibratory rate of the four (beside earth, fire, water). They live hundreds of years, often reaching one thousand and never seeming to get old. They are said to live on the tops of mountains. The leader of the sylphs is a being called Paralda who is said to dwell on the highest mountain of Earth.

Sylphs often assume human form but only for short periods of time. The vary in size from being as large as a human to being much smaller. They are volatile and changeable. The winds are their particular vehicle. The work through the gases and ethers of the Earth and are kindly toward humans.

They are usually seen with wings, looking like cherubs or fairies. Because of their connection to air, which is associated with the mental aspect, one of their functions is to help humans receive inspiration. The sylphs are drawn to those who use their minds, particularly those on creative arts.

Water: Undines

The undines are the elemental beings that compose water. They are able to control, to a great degree, the course and function of the water element.

Etheric in nature, they exist within the water itself and this is why they can’t be seen with the normal physical vision. These beings are beautiful to look at and are very graceful.

They are often seen riding the waves of the ocean. They can also be found in rocky pools and in marshlands. They are clothed in a shimmery substance looking like water but shinning with all the colors of the sea, with green predominating. The concept of the mermaid is connected with these elemental beings.

The undines also work with the plants that grow under the water and with the motion of water. Some undines inhabit waterfalls, others live in rivers and lakes. Every fountain has its nymph. Every ocean has its oceanids.

The undines closely resemble humans in appearance and size, except for those inhabiting smaller streams and ponds. The undines often live in coral caves under the ocean or on the shores of lakes or banks of rivers. Smaller undines live under lily pads.

The undines work with the vital essences and liquids of plants, animals, and human beings. They are present in everything containing water. There are many families of undines, as the chart indicates.

The ruler of the undines is a called Necksa. The undines love, serve, and honor her unceasingly. They are emotional beings, very friendly and open to being of service to human beings.

The smaller undines are often seen as winged beings that people have mistakenly called fairies. Those winged beings are seen near flowers that grow in watery areas. They have gossamer wings and gossamer clothing.

Subgroups

Limoniades
Mermaids
Naiads
Oceanid
Oreads
Potamides
Sea Maids
Water Spirits

Reference: Joshua David Stone

This technique is best if done with a Crystal Ball 2-5 inches in diameter and works best on nights of the full moon.

If the purchase a Crystal Ball is not within your budget, a bowl of water with a Quartz Crystal Cluster at the bottom will suffice. True Quartz Crystal Balls can be quite expensive.

Light one or two candles in a darkened, quiet room. You can hold the crystal or place it on a stand, but it should have a blue or black velvet cloth underneath it. Make sure that there are no reflections from anything showing in the ball. You can also burn incense if you wish. Patchouli works great for me.

Before beginning, center yourself. Gaze into the ball, but do not stare. Try not to blink that much. While you are gazing, breathe in and out slowly and deeply. Just relax and gaze. You will feel a sense of limitless time. Enjoy the peacefulness and simply gaze. Do this for at least 15 minutes, and increase your time by 5 minutes with each succeeding session.

Usually around the second or third session, you will notice a small cloudy glow in the center of the crystal. This is your focusing area where your visions will appear. You may get a vision on your first try, while others have to attempt it several times before seeing something. Go at your own pace.

Just a small warning: Always remember the saying “Be Careful What You Wish For” while gazing. Think about what you wish to see before gazing.

On my third session ( when I got my first vision ) I asked to see a vision of my previous life. I saw myself burning to death in a house fire. That was something that I didn’t really enjoy remembering. Now I find that it is best to just gaze and receive whatever comes to me. Perhaps you can have more peaceful visions by doing that too.

There are also different forms that visions come in. You can get actual visions of places and people, or you can get symbolic pictures. Another form that visions come in are color clouds. Although no one has been successful in identifying what each color cloud means, the following has been pretty accurate for a lot of seers.

  • Blue clouds symbolize success of career or business
  • Gold clouds symbolize prosperity, steady cash flow, and renewed romance to come
  • Gray/Dark gray symbolize ill fortune
  • Black clouds symbolize some seriously bad stuff coming one’s way
  • Green clouds symbolize health, happiness of the heart
  • Orange clouds symbolize hidden aggression and anger, troubled emotions
  • Red clouds symbolize danger to come. This person must watch themselves
  • Silver clouds symbolize troublesome times ahead followed by goodness
  • White clouds symbolize very good fortune to come
  • Yellow clouds symbolize upcoming obstacles

 

by CelesteExploring the possibilities of Dream Magic is a powerful and effective way of breaking away from linear consciousness and allowing magic into your life. Prospective magicians may even be identified by virtue of the content of their dreams, and it is not unusual for people to meet their mentors in dreams. We tend to think of dreams as a very personal aspect of our experience, so it is sometimes disconcerting when someone that we know appears in our dreams. In dreams, historical time is abolished, and distance is no object. We may witness events from the past, future, or alternative presents. Dreams are a useful starting point for entering the innerworlds. It can be useful to induce prophetic dreams, or meetings with spirits so that you can discuss a particular problem. A friend of mine who makes incense and perfumes reports that she occasionally dreams of a unique smell, which on waking, she can then analyse and manufacture. The magical artist Austin Osman Spare wrote that he would sometimes awake to find himself standing in front of a finished picture, having drawn it in his sleep. Dreams can bring new ideas, revelations, and many shades of magical experiences. Having some practical experience in Dream Magic can be an aid to developing the techniques of so-called Astral Magic.

The Language of Dreams

I find, reading through my dream-diary, that there seem to be different types, or grades, of dreaming. Some dreams appear to be meaningless – unrelated to other areas of my life. Some may seem to be somehow related to things that have happened to me. Other dreams may have a different quality – an internal consistency which makes them more memorable. Some dreams may contain imagery or events which relate to your magical work. it is generally taken as a ‘good sign’ of progress is you start to dream about your magical practice.

The language of dream is not always clear – it is often cryptic and personal. The significance of your dreams becomes very much a matter of personal judgement. You will find, over time, that the ‘message’ of some dreams will be very clear, whilst you will intuitively recognise that some are clearly meaningless. Others however, may not be so clear-cut, and may require further interpretation. There are many books which attempt to provide general ‘interpretations’ for dreams, but overall, it is more effective if you learn to understand and interpret your own personal dream-imagery. If a dream seems ambiguous yet significant, you could, for example, turn to your tarot cards or another form of oracle for ‘clues’.

Basic Approaches To Dream Control

It is remarkably easy to make the content of dreams conform to expectation. People who are undergoing Freudian analysis tend to have ‘Freudian’ dreams, whilst people who are undergoing Jungian psychotherapy will tend to experience ‘Jungian’ dreams. You might choose to begin experimenting with Dream Control by setting a ‘theme’ for your dreams – such as a particular subject, location, or person. There are several different approaches to intentionally guiding dream content.

Dream Control Using Sigils

Firstly, prior to sleep, perform a relaxation exercise and clearly formulate the Statement of Intent with regard to your dream-experience. For example, “It is my will to dream of my father.” Once this is done, you can allow your mind to ‘wander’ until you fall asleep.
Alternatively, you could try visualising a scene or image as you fall asleep. This need not be a strong visualisation, just the subject of attention as you fall asleep.
A third way of willing dream-content is to use a graphic or mantric sigil. Whatever technique you use, remember that the point is not to impose your will into your dreams, but to be relaxed at the same time as formulating your intention.

Dreamscaping

This is a basic technique for inducing the repetition and extension of a dream-fragment. You simply write down what you can recall of a dream and then, the next time you lie down to sleep, imagine yourself to be re-experiencing that dream. I have found that it does help if you are tired, and can slip into the half-dream, half-aware state when all kinds of sensory images – voices, faces, places etc., seem to whirl around you. Again, on awakening, you record any fragments you can remember, and use them to extend what you dreamt about previously. Over time, this approach can enable you to generate your own dream landscapes – which can be used in a similar way to astral temples.

Dream Telepathy

The possibility of transmission of telepathic information into dreams has been the subject of a good deal of parapsychological research, usually in the form that a “sender” attempts to project some kind of information to a dreamer. However, it can happen that you will have a dream about someone in a particular situation, which they do experience.

Of course, the only way that you can find out whether a not a dream had telepathic content is to check out the person(s) concerned and find out if your dream has any meaning for them. Another possibility is to establish a telepathic link between yourself and another person by using smell. If two people use a particular fragrance or perfume, to the extent that the scent of it evokes the image or memory of the other person, then this can be used to create a dream-link. If the scent is inhaled prior to sleep, whilst relaxed and formulating an image of the other person, and a Statement of Intent for the dream, then it is possible that the other person can experience that smell in their dream, and be more receptive to telepathic experience. I have used this technique in a series of experiments, where a partner and I found that we could awaken each other during a pre-arranged hour of the night, by using scent as a telepathic signal ‘booster’.

Shared Dreams

A shared dream is an event wherein two or more people experience the same dream, or elements of a similar dream. Alternatively, you might dream about yourself and another person in a dream, and find out later that they too dreamt about you with them, perhaps in a different context. Again, the only way to validate this is to inform the people concerned. Attempts to orchestrate group shared-dreams can be an interesting exercise, perhaps using a semi-structured pathworking to provide the basic setting which participants could later attempt to dream themselves to. Some experiments in shared dreaming, for example, focus on all participants attempting to meet each other in a commonly-known setting – which may be a real place, or an imaginary one known to all taking part in the experiment.

Dreaming The Future

That dreams have the power to warn us of the future is an ancient idea, and precognitive dreams played an important role in ancient civilisations. On the basis of a dream, the destiny of a country or state could be shaped. Dreams about the future can be symbolic, distorted, or even highly detailed and clear, but it is often difficult, beforehand to distinguish the important elements of the dream. A few years ago, some friends of mine decided to undertake an experiment in dreaming the future. They planned a visit to a town that none of them had ever visited before, and then attempted to dream themselves there. One person kept seeing the recurrent image of a long-necked cat, but for the life of him couldn’t figure out how this was relevant. When he actually visited the town, almost the first thing he saw, after getting out of the car, was an antique shop. In the window was a glazed model of a long-necked cat.

Lucid Dreaming

A basic definition of a lucid dream is that you know at the time that you are dreaming – as though you ‘wake up’ to awareness of the dream. The term ‘lucid dream’ was coined in 1913 by a Dutch psychiatrist, Frederik van Eeden. Surveys enquiring into the incidence of lucid dreams have found that more than 50% of people have at least one lucid dream in their lives. Lucid dreams are also distinguished from ordinary dreams in that, when you wake up, there is much more of a sense of continuity from the dream, to the waking state.

Approaches To Triggering Lucid Dreams

1. Incongruity
Lucid dreams can be triggered by the sudden recognition of incongruous imagery within a dream. For example, I once dreamed that I was in a house which I had not lived in for over a decade. The dream was perfect in every detail, except that when I looked down at my feet, I saw that I was wearing a pair of shoes that I did not possess at that time. This incongruity jarred me into realised that I was dreaming.
2. Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreaming (MILD) This approach is done on waking in the early morning from a dream. After waking, try reading or walking around for a while, then lie down for sleep again. Imagine yourself asleep and dreaming – rehearse the elements of the dream which you have just had, and say to yourself “next time I dream this, I will remember that I am dreaming.”
Lucidity can also be brought about by metaprogramming oneself so that if a particular image or scene appears, this will trigger lucidity, i.e. “I will become lucid whenever I see a yellow sphere floating towards me.”
Also, it is not uncommon for people to become lucid in a dream when they realise that they have had the dream before, can remember how it develops, and do not want to re-experience it.
3. Lucid Awake-ness
A German psychologist, Paul Tholey, has suggested that if we are more ‘lucid’ when awake, then perhaps we will be more lucid during our dream-life. He suggests asking yourself many times throughout the day, “Am I dreaming or not?” I have not met anyone who has tried this method, but the sheer determination and persistence that constantly reminding yourself of this each day would take, could act as a form of self-programming.
4. Recognition of an Image
Recognition of an image or symbol appearing in dream that one has meditated upon can trigger lucidity. Carlos Castaneda’s brujo Don Juan advises his student to learn to look at his hands in dream, and thereby achieve lucid consciousness of the dream.

Creation Of A Dream-Tulpa

A ‘tulpa’ is a consciously- projected thought-form or servitor, which may perform a particular task for a magician or act as a general ‘helper’. They are of a similar nature to Spirit Desire-Forms. A Dream Tulpa takes the form of a shadowy figure – Tibetan shamans, from whom the name derives, often projected these figures in the form of monks – whom you should gradually begin to embellish with features over time.
For example, you could spend some minutes working with the Dream Tulpa each night. Your aim should be not so much to impose features onto the shadow-form – but to let them arise. For example, you might notice, the first time you do this, that the Tulpa is a man. Mentally note one or two features (write them down when you can) and leave it at that. The next night, you might find yourself deciding that the man wears heavy gold rings on his hands. The trick is to let the shape build up gradually, taking on more detail and its own ‘life’, until it spontaneously crosses over into your dream experience.

Knowing that you have dreamt about the Tulpa is itself, a great step forwards. If you can reach that stage, then you may consider working with the Tulpa consciously, in waking, semi-waking, and dream states. You could for example, ask the Tulpa to act as a ‘trigger’ to bring you to lucid awareness in dream, or to guide you in travelling to different realms in the lands of dream. It is important that you build up a relationship of trust and confidence with the Tulpa, that you recognise it as an individual entity, albeit one that you are responsible for.

Bridging The Conscious Divide

It can be rewarding to try and approach dreaming from a non-western point of view, such as that of the Australasian Aborigines. The Ancient Egyptians believed that sleep is a ‘rehearsal’ for death, and that the pathways through the lands of the dead could be mapped through dreaming. The Chippewa of Canada and the Northern United States believed that the origin of all their tribal skills, customs and values came from dreams or visions.

The Magical Applications Of Dream Revelation & Oracle

The search for revelation of one kind or another – or for an answer to a pressing issue or problem, may often terminate in a dream. In ‘primitive’ societies, the course of an individuals’ life may be drastically changed by a dream. In some Native American societies for example, the transgender role of Berdache (man-woman) was often confirmed through the interpretation of a candidates dreams.

Dream Incubation

As is a practice by which significant dreams are obtained by sleeping at a sacred site related to a particular cult or spirit. This practice features in many cultures, from Ancient Egypt to Tibet. By the 3rd Century A.D, it became popular in Greece to ask for physical healing through dream – the cult of Aesculapius became the most widespread cult of dream incubation. Pilgrims would, following purification rites and preparation (such as sacrifice, prayer etc.), sleep on the skins of sacrificial animals, surrounded by yellow snakes (a symbol of the god), in order that they might dream of the god Aesculapius – which was in itself a marvellous cure. Later, in Rome, the dream was no longer in itself a cure, but a source of medical advice.
Similarly, it is not uncommon for people having taken part in a magical ritual, to dream of it continuing. It has been reported that sleeping in the area where group ritual has been worked can facilitate this.

Seeking Answers Through Dream

Answers to specific questions or issues can be sought through dreams using, for example, a sigil of some kind. One is not however, guaranteed of an unambiguous answer.

Power Objects & Spirit Names

Personal Power objects may be obtained through dreaming. Symbols or images beheld in dream may be transferred into the waking world as talismans or fetishes. Such artifacts ‘contain’ the essence of the dream – perhaps a reminder of the heightened awareness experienced within it.
Also, spirits and other entities may name themselves in dreams. A friend of mine received his ‘magical name’ in a dream. Entities encountered in dreams could be given form – such as a drawing, poppet, or carving, and worked with on a conscious level.

These are just a few of the applications of Dream Magic, but there is enough here to make a start in exploring this fascinating area of magical work


from wiccaseekers

Cherokee Star Constellation – Prophecy of the Rattlesnake

The Stars above and its configurations hold TIME UNTIME within its grasp upon all life. As all cultures sustain a Zodiac system written upon Time Untime so also the Chickamaugan Cherokee of the Americas hold also an Ancient Zodiac of the heavens.

Within the Zodiac of the Heavens of the Chickamauga Cherokee are etched Ancient designs written upon and within the lines of seeing. The Cherokee Zodiac is alive and moves and spins upon the rings of TIME UNTIME. As the main outline remains its hold and is stationed in the sky of stars its movement within that frozen outline does indeed change with the movements of the other elements. Elements within the rotations planets, stars, and bodies of the heavens. As other cultures station their Zodiac as a permanent fixture the Cherokee Zodiac morphs or changes and becomes as if ALIVE. Always Alive, breaths, lives, and takes upon each constellation its own deeming of things, Time, Untime, and among those things, PROPHECY.

The Constellations of the Chickamaugan Cherokee are 13 fold which contain the characterizations of mainly animals. Among the many design configurations seen written upon the stars are the designs of animals, objects, and many other elements of TIME UNTIME. The figures of the sky are totally different from other cultures of the Zodiac except for a rare few which seem to be similar. The only one which seems to relative to similarity is found within the Cherokee Constellation Scorpion and Snake and this in relation to others as Scorpio and Serpent.

This is the story of only one of those constellations. This is of the Cherokee Constellation Rattlesnake. And within this one Constellation is found a PROPHECY. Within the Rattlesnake of the Heavens is found TIME UNTIME foretold since the dawn of TIME.

In the sky is found the figure of a Snake. And upon this snake it is the outline of a Rattlesnake. Sometimes the Serpent and the Rattlesnake take on its bearing of one or the other but the Snake of the Rattlesnake is ITS design.

The Cherokee Rattlesnake Constellation is not like other cultures of the world. The Cherokee Rattlesnake in the Heavens has a head and winds itself back and forth with its body as in sidewinding itself to its tail. The boundary of the Rattlesnake is unlike the boundaries of other Zodiac cultures. In the Heavens the Pleiades Star System is found as the tip of the Rattlesnake tail.

The Rattlesnake of the Cherokee is very sacred and its sacredness is written even in the Heavens. Upon the mouth of the Rattlesnake is found 52 scales. These scales in number of 52 is written upon the Calendar of the Cherokee and upon the wheels and rings of TIME UNTIME. The Calendar of the Cherokee spins upon wheels and rings as a sophisticated dating system. A dating system that not only tells TIME of events, people, places, and things but also a very holy and sacred element within the Cherokee culture itself of ALL THINGS.

The Rattlesnake can sometimes be imaged as a serpent. To be a Serpent or to be the Rattlesnake depends on the knowing of the TIMES and TIMES of TIME UNTIME. To know the culture of the Cherokee and its Ancient design upon LIFE. One MUST know the things of TIME UNTIME in order to place the constellation as a Rattlesnake or a Serpent. But this is another story.

The stationary outline is always of the Rattlesnake. However upon the wheels of the Cherokee calendar is also found when where how what who in its changing and transformation. The transformation is not the changing of the shape of the Rattlesnake but the addition or subtraction of elements upon the snake itself. These things also tell the tales of the universe and all its bearing of what was, what is, and to be.

On the Cherokee Calendar a great thing is foretold of things about to take shape within all things upon the earth, the heavens, and the universe. And the Rattlesnake Constellation is one of those which speaks as a voice of TIME UNTIME of things to be.

Upon the Cherokee Calendar Rings and written in the Star Constellation Rattlesnake is a prophecy of TIME UNTIME.

And so it is thus foretold ….

When the Earth sees the fingers of Spearfinger strike Jupiter, when the ages of the Rings and wheels tell it is the ending of the ages of cycles of 5, this will be the sign for the whole earth, for all the earth will see this thing, to wake up from sleep. These fingers that stuck Jupiter was the comet fragments that hit Jupiter in the 1990s and the whole earth took of is majesty. This was the sign foretold on the Calendar for the Cherokee people to WAKE UP to come out of sleep.

The Cherokee Calendar also speaks its voice telling that at this time of the fingers striking Jupiter that Orion Star System will awaken. And the Pleiades and Orion will war once again as in old. Jupiter and Venus will awaken to its destiny of TIME UNTIME of cycles. Orion will WAR with Pleadies, Jupiter will WAR with Venus. The time of the Cherokee UKU’s will be at hand.

In the year 2004 and 2012 an alignment will take place both on the Cherokee Calendar and in the heavens of the Rattlesnake Constellation both. It is the time of the doublehead serpent stick. It is the time of the Red of Orion and Jupiter against White Blue of Pleadies and Venus. It is the time of the Uku’s choosing. It is the time of the Beloved Woman and MYSTERIES OF TIME UNTIME. It is the Time Untime of the THUNDERBOLT and the spirits of Lightning Mountains.

In the year 2004 and 2012 the Cherokee Rattlesnake Constellation will take on a different configuration. The Snake itself will remain, however, upon the Rattlesnake shall be added upon its head feathers, its eyes will open and glow, wings spring forth as a winged Rattlesnake, it shall have hands and arms and in its hands shall be found a bowl. The bowl will hold blood. Upon its tail of 7 rattles shall be the glowing and movement of Pleiades.

The Rattlesnake shall become a FEATHERED RATTLESNAKE or FEATHERED SERPENT of TIME UNTIME.

And upon the Rattlesnake is also the Milky Way. A crossing of the Milky Way shall be seen at these times.

For the center of the Universe is what many know as the Constellation Sagittarius by modern man. But upon this constellation of is also found the Pleiades Star system which is what is different in the boundary of others and the Cherokee Zodiac.

The Milky Way is ALSO a Tree … STONE TREE. And upon Stone Tree is as a Tree with a tree trunk, branches, a top, and even roots. The Flower and the Tree is also a tassel as corn. And upon the flower and the tree is the TREE OF LIFE. REBIRTH, RENEWAL, NEW.

And the Cherokee Calendar shall end in the year 2012. But upon the times just prior shall be the Feathered Serpent and its prophecy.

Upon the Heavens design, within the Cherokee Rattlesnake Constellation, it is written. And upon the Rings of TIME UNTIME of the Cherokee Calendar it also says BEHOLD RATTLESNAKE CONSTELATION. And Remember.

The Rings of the Cherokee Calendar are read by the winding motion of the Rattlesnake. To Add or to subtract TIME UNTIME. To MOVE the Wheels backward or forward, to add a wheel to move the rings, to tell the tale what was, what is, and to be. The Rattlesnake and it design tells the movement of the RINGS OF TIME.

And in the sky heavens the motions of the movement of stars, planets, and life tell the tale of its bearing. For all is as the winding of the Rattlesnake. And in the year 2004 the Morning Star shall be first and in the year 2012 the Evening Star shall be first. And upon those years the crown of the Feathered Serpent shall bear its colors and honor. The hands shall hold the bowl and the tail shall be as the roots of a Tree, The Pleaides Tree of the beginning.

And in the Year 2004 and 2012 shall be the TIME UNTIME of the Feathered Serpent of the Sky Heavens. And the Rings shall turn upon those years of prophecy foretold on the Rings of TIME UNTIME. And Ywahoo Falls Kentucky shall sing of Venus and the Feathered Rattlesnake.

For this is not all the prophecy not all the things thereof. For if it was meant for one to know and I give only part, then you have received a great gift. For if I tell all and it was not meant for one to know then I have waisted my breath. For this is a sacred thing, the Venus Alignment and the Feathered Serpent of the Heavens.

And in the Year 2012 the Cherokee Calendar Ends. And all is reborn. For the Feathered Rattlsnake comes and shall be seen in the heavens in the year 2004 to 2012.

In the south of the americas … it is related as the coming of Quetzalcoatl. The Ancient Cherokee relate it as the coming of the Pale One once again.

The Rattlesnake Constelation shall appear with the Venus Alignment. The Stars of the Heavens of the Cherokee Zodiac, the Rings of the Calendar, and The Venus Alignment tell the story of a Chickamaugan Prophecy. For they all are aligned in the year 2004 to 2012.


Monster With The White Eyes

Handed down as a traditional Cherokee story from grandmother to grandchild, the storyteller cautions that long ago before the Europeans discovered Turtle Island and her indigenous people, the elders of those people warned of the monsters with white eyes yet to come.

Similar stories are to be found among the Aztecs and Mexican people.

The spirits foretold that the monster with white eyes would cross the great eastern water.

The monster would possess evil and terrifying power, and would wreak destruction in its path.

The spirits of the animals and trees began to wither.

Prophecy states that Mother Earth herself would be devastated and her heartbeat would become faint. The monster was said to devour the children of Turtle Island tribe by tribe, with no escape.

If one did survive, its spirit would be dead since it would now be lost and have no connection to its ancestors.

The story tells that one day the Earth would begin to sing a death song due to the severity of the harsh conditions.

When this happens, the children of the people who followed the white-eyed monster to the island would look into their hearts and realize that they faced annihilation at the hands of their fathers.

They would find that the spirits of the children of the tribes had been reborn, waiting to guide the children of the white-eyed monster.

The few keepers of the truth would emerge, becoming strong enough to overcome the power of the white-eyed monster, restoring Mother Earth back to health.

The children of the tribes of Turtle Island would lead the people back to the right way. The races would live in peace, the spirit of the animals and trees would return to safety, and the monster with white eyes would fail to exist.

Other such prophecies are to be found in the Cherokee Legend of the White Snake.

[Snake is a metaphor for DNA]


Legend of the Keetoowahs

Cherokee occasionally refer to themselves as Ani-Kituhwagi, (Keetoowah) ‘the people of Kituhwagi’, after the ancient nucleus city of the Cherokee. The Legend of the Keetoowahs places the tribe on an island in the Atlantic Ocean east of South America. Seventy tribes attempted attack on the Keetoowahs, but the Keetoowah were granted victory through the assistance of spirit-warriors.

As the story tells us, Ner-du-er-gi, the last warrior of the attackers, was overlooking the valley camp below, from upon a mountain top, when he saw smoke arising from the camp that extended up beyond the clouds, divided into three parts, with an arrow-holding eagle in the center. The warrior and his followers witnessed this miraculous event. Ner-du-er-gi then ordered his warriors not to attack the Keetoowahs for they were protected, and if attacked, the warrior knew he would surely be destroyed.

The Great Spirit granted the Keetoowahs a grand mysterious power to only be utilized in the best interest of their people. However, some of the wise people began to use their wisdom for unfruitful purposes. The Great Spirit instructed them to take their white fire and move away, heading to Asia, India and North America. Some of the large cities the new travelers claimed sank into the ocean and were no more.

Legend has it The Great Spirit turned to the peoples of America and guided them. They too began to violate their teachings by committing murders and feuding with the seven clans. The seven clans with their medicine men met around a fire to request guidance from The Great Spirit. The most truthful seven holy men selflessly gave of themselves for the tribe.

They carried medicine deerskin and medicine tobacco. The medicine men spread out the deerskin and prayed. They blew smoke over the deerskin, and watched the smoke trails for a sign from The Great Spirit. Inspiration led the medicine men to travel up to the top of a mountain, each day one new medicine man for seven days.

On day seven, a messenger came down from The Great Spirit, appeared in a bright light, and stated that The Great Spirit heard the prayers of the medicine men and held passion for their people. First, the men were told that they would someday fly in the air. The messenger warned of an enemy white ball from the east traveling their way, but that their grandchildren¹ s feet were facing toward Tsusginai – west – the ‘ghost land’.

The messenger warned of trials on the edge of the prairie, with tribes dividing into different factions and their blood evolving into only half of their heritage. The messenger forewarned that families would divide and disregard chiefs, leaders and medicine men. The schools would teach important knowledge to all the people and the young people would return to point rudely at the elders.

However, if the younger generation would heed The Great Spirit’s instruction, a chance would exist for the people to turn back east, otherwise they would go to Tsusginai then to the coast, then leave by boat, never to return. They were given the ‘Keetoowah’ namesake and were instructed to return to their fire for worship, and prophesy to their people.


1986 Continental Indigenous Council,
Fairbanks, Alaska By Lee Brown, Cherokee
There was the cycle of the mineral, the rock. There was the cycle of the plant. And now we are in the cycle of the animal coming to the end of that and beginning the cycle of the human being. When we get into the cycle of the human being, the highest and greatest powers that we have will be released to us.

At the beginning of this cycle of time, long ago, the Great Spirit made an appearance and gathered the peoples of this earth together, and said to the human beings. “I’m going to send you to four directions and over time I¹m going to change you to four colors. I’m going to give you some teachings, and you will call these the Original Teachings; when you come back together with each other, you will share these so that you can live and have peace on Earth, and a great civilization will come about. During the cycle of time, I’m going to give each of you two stone tablets. When I give you those stone tablets, don’t cast them upon the ground. If any of the sisters and brothers cast their tablets on the ground, not only will human beings have a hard time, but almost the earth itself will die.”

And so He gave each of us a responsibility, and we call that the Guardianship.

To the Indian people, the red people, He gave the Guardianship of the Earth. We are to learn during this cycle of time the teachings of the Earth; the plants that grow from the Earth; the foods that you can eat, and the herbs that heal. Then, when we came back together with the other sisters and brothers, we could share this knowledge with them. Something good was to happen on the Earth.

To the South He gave the yellow race of people the Guardianship of the Wind. They were to learn about the sky and breathing and how to take that within ourselves for spiritual advancement. They were to share that with us at this time.

To the West He gave the black race of people the Guardianship of the Water. They were to learn the teachings of the water, which is the chief of the elements, being the most humble and the most powerful. The elders have told me that the black people would bring the teachings of the water.

To the North He gave the white race of people the Guardianship of the Fire. If you look at the center of many of the things they do, you will find the fire. They say a light bulb is the white man’s fire. If you look at the center of a car you will find a spark. If you look at the center of the airplane and the train you will find the fire. The fire consumes, and also moves. This is why it was the white sisters and brothers who began to move upon the face of the earth and reunite us as a human family.

And so a long time passed, and the Great Spirit gave each of the four races two stone tablets. Ours are kept at the Hopi Reservation in Arizona at Four Corners Area on Third Mesa. I talked to people from the black race, and their stone tablets are at the foot of Mount Kenya. They are kept by the Kukuyu Tribe. I was at an Indian spiritual gathering about 15 years ago.

A medicine man from South Dakota put a beaded medicine wheel in the middle of the gathering. It had the four colors from the four directions; he asked the people, “Where is this from?” They said, “Probably Montana, or South Dakota, maybe Saskatchewan. ” He said, “This is from Kenya.” It was beaded just like ours, with the same colors.

The stone tablets of the yellow race of people are kept by the Tibetans. If you went straight through the Hopi Reservation to the other side of the world, you would come out in Tibet. The Tibetan word for sun is the Hopi word for moon, and the Hopi word for sun is the Tibetan word for moon.

The guardians of the traditions of the people of Europe are the Swiss. In Switzerland, they still have a day when each family brings out its mask. They still know the colors of the families, and they still know the symbols, some of them. Each of these four peoples happen to live in the mountains.

Each of the four races went to their directions and learned their teachings. It was in Newsweek not long ago that eight out of ten foods that people eat on the earth are developed here in the western hemisphere because that is our Guardianship — to learn the teachings of the earth and the things that grow from the Earth. We were given a sacred handshake to demonstrate, when we came back together as sisters and brothers, that we still remember the teachings.

It was indicated on the stone tablets that the Hopis had that the first sisters and brothers who would come back to them would come as turtles across the land. They would be human beings, but they would come as turtles. So when the time came close, the Hopis were at a special village to welcome the turtles that would come across the land.

They got up in the morning and looked out at the sunrise. They looked out across the desert, and they saw the Spanish conquistadores coming, covered in armor, like turtles across the land. So this was them. So they went out to the Spanish man, and they extended their hand, hoping for the handshake. But into the hand the Spanish man dropped a trinket. And so word spread throughout North America that there was going to be a hard time, that maybe some of the brothers and sisters had forgotten the sacredness of all things and all the human beings were going to suffer for this on the Earth.

So tribes began to send people to the mountains to have visions to try to figure out how they could survive. At that time there were 100,000 cities in the Mississippi Valley alone, called the mound civilization: cities built on great mounds. Those mounds are still there. They began to try to learn to live off the land because they knew a hard time was going to come. They began to send people to have visions to see how we could survive this time. They were told in the prophecies that we should try to remind all the people that would come here of the sacredness of all things. If we could do that, then there would be peace on Earth. But if we did not do that, if we had not come together as a human family, the Great Spirit would grab the earth with His hand and shake it.

The elders on the west coast prophesied that they would then begin to build a black ribbon. And on this black ribbon there would move a bug. And when you begin to see this bug moving on the land, that was the sign for the First Shaking of the Earth. The First Shaking of the Earth would be so violent that this bug would be shaken off the earth into the air and it would begin to move and fly in the air. And by the end of this shaking this bug will be in the air around the world. Behind it would be a trail of dirt and eventually the whole sky of the entire earth would become dirty from these trails of dirt, and this would cause many diseases that would get more and more complicated. So the bug moving on the land, of course it¹s easy to see now. In 1908 the Model-T Ford was mass-produced for the first time. So the elders knew the First Shaking of the Earth was about to come about — that was the First World War.

In the First World War the airplane came into wide usage for the first time. That was that bug moving into the sky. And so they knew something very important would happen. There would be an attempt to make peace on earth on the west coast of this land, and so the elders began to watch for this. They began to hear that there was going to be a League of Nations in San Francisco, so the elders gathered in Arizona around 1920 or so, and they wrote a letter to Woodrow Wilson. They asked if the Indian people could be included in the League of Nations.

The United States Supreme Court had held that a reservation is a separate and semi-sovereign nation, not a part of the United States but protected by it. This became a concern because people didn¹t want the reservations to become more and more separate. They didn¹t want them to be considered nations. So they did not write back, and the Native people were left out of the League of Nations so that circle was incomplete. In the League of Nations circle there was a southern door, the yellow people; there was a western door, the black people; there was a northern door, the white people; but the eastern door was not attended. The elders knew that peace would not come on the Earth until the circle of humanity is complete, until all the four colors sat in the circle and shared their teachings, then peace would come on earth.

So they knew things would happen. Things would speed up a little it. There would be a cobweb built around the earth, and people would talk across this cobweb. When this talking cobweb, the telephone, was built around the earth, a sign of life would appear in the east, but it would tilt and bring death (the swastika of the Nazis). It would come with the sun. But the sun itself would rise one day, not in the east but in the west (the rising sun of the Japanese Empire).

So the elders said, “When you see the sun rising in the east, and you see the sign of life reversed and tilted in the east, you will know that the Great Death is to come upon the earth. Now is when the Great Spirit will grab the earth again in His hand and shake it, and this shaking will be worse than the first.”

So the sign of life reversed and tilted, we call that the Swastika, and the rising sun in the east was the Rising Sun of Japan. These two symbols are carved in stone in Arizona. When the elders saw these two flags, they knew that these were the signs that the earth was to be shaken again.

The worse misuse of the Guardianship of the fire is called the gourd of ashes. They said the gourd of ashes will fall from the air. It will make the people like blades of grass in the prairie fire, and things will not grow for many seasons. The atomic bomb, the gourd of ashes, it was the best-kept secret in the history of the US. The elders wanted to speak about it in 1920.

They would have spoken of it and foretold its coming if they could have entered into the League of Nations. The elders tried to contact President Roosevelt to ask him not to use the gourd of ashes because it would have a great effect on the earth and eventually cause even greater destruction and a the Third Shaking of the Earth, the Third World War.

So they knew after the Second Shaking of the Earth when they saw the gourd of ashes fall from the sky, there would be an attempt to make peace on the other side of this land. And because the peace attempt on the west coast had failed, they would build a special house on the east coast of this Turtle Island, and all the nations and peoples of the Earth would come to this house, and it would be called the House of Mica, and it would shine like the mica on the desert shines.

So the elders began to see they were building the United Nations made out of glass that reflects like the mica on the desert so they knew this was the House of Mica, and all the peoples of the earth should go to it. So they met and talked about this. They said that in the 1920’s they had written and they had not been responded to, so they said this time we¹d better go to the front door of the House of Mica because things might get a lot worse.

So elders representing a number of tribes drove to New York City. When the United Nations opened, they went to the front door of the house of Mica and they said these words, “We represent the indigenous people of North America, and we wish to address the nations of the Earth. We’re going to give you four days to consider whether or not we will be allowed to speak.”

They retreated to one of the Six Nations Reserves in New York State. Four days later they came back, and I believe the nations of the earth heard that the Indians had come to the door. And they voted to let the Indians in. They wanted to hear what they had to say. But the United States is one of five nations of the United Nations with a veto power, and still they were concerned because this time the Native sovereignty was even stronger. And I believe they vetoed the entrance of the Native people.

So then they knew other things would happen on the Earth. So they retreated to the Six Nations Reserve, and they talked about this, and they said the time is really getting close now — 1949. They said, “We’re going to divide the United States into four sections, and each year we¹re going to have a gathering. We¹re going to call these the White Roots of Peace Gatherings.”

They began to have these around 1950. And they authorized certain people to speak in English for the first time about these prophecies.

One that I used to listen to many times, over and over, was Thomas Banyaca. He was authorized to speak in English about what was on the stone tablets, and he has dedicated his life to doing this. And they began to tell us at these gatherings, “You’re going to see a time in your lifetime when the human beings are going to find the blueprint that makes us.”

They call that now DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid. They said, “They’re going to cut this blueprint.”

They call that now genetic splicing. And they said they’re going to make new animals upon the Earth, and they’re going to think these are going to help us. And it’s going to seem like they do help us. But maybe the grandchildren and great-grandchildren are going to suffer.

The elders said long ago, “They will release these things, and they will use them.” This is going to be released not too long from now. They are making new animals. The elders talked about this. “You will see new animals, and even the old animals will come back, animals that people thought had disappeared. They will find them here and there. They¹ll begin to reappear.”

“You’re going to see a time when the eagle will fly its highest in the night, and it will land upon the moon. And at that time, many of the Native people will be sleeping, which symbolically means they have lost their teachings. We’re at that time now. The Eagle has landed on the moon, 1969. When that spaceship landed, they sent back the message, “The Eagle has landed.”

Traditionally, Native people from clear up in the Inuit region have shared with us this prophecy, clear down to the Quechuas in South America.

At this time you’re going to see that things will speed up, that people on the Earth will move faster and faster. Grandchildren will not have time for grandparents. Parents will not have time for children. It will seem like time is going faster and faster. The elders advised us that, as things speed up, you yourself should slow down. The faster things go, the slower you go. Because there”s going to come a time when the Earth is going to be shaken a third time. The Great Spirit has shaken the Earth two times: the First and Second World Wars to remind us that we are a human family, to remind us that we should have greeted each other as brothers and sisters. We had a chance after each shaking to come together in a circle that would have brought peace on earth, but we missed that.

 The Ancients divided the world into four basic principles or *elements* earth, water, fire, and air. That viewpoint has mostly changed with advances of science, but the four elements are still accepted in magick, for they are more closely linked with emotions, the human psyche, and with nature than are modern explanations of the world. These *magical elements* are also of some importance in astrology. Many occultists think of the magical elements as forces, or as *qualities* of energy; especially within the astral world. Each element has a symbol and color. (Common symbols are — fire: a triangle pointing up; air: a triangle pointing up and with a horizontal line through the middle of it; water: a triangle pointing down; earth: a triangle pointing down and with a horizontal line through the middle of it.) Colors of the elements are — earth: brown and green; water: blue; fire: red; air: yellow… The Eastern tattvic system uses different symbols and colors. (The tattvic symbols are briefly described later on in this course.) The elements are often used in magick ritual.

Magick sees relationships between things. These relationships are called ‘correspondences’ . Although magical correspondences are not literally equal to one another, you can think of them that way (such as gold equals sun). Tables of these relationships, called ‘Correspondence Tables’, are available (an important one is Crowley’s ‘777′). Thus one thing or symbol can be used to suggest another. This is important in magick, for the magician may surround himself with as many appropriate correspondences as he can to vividly affect the senses; thus making his magical contact with the inner planes more lucid.

The magical elements have correspondences with the tarot cards as the four suits. The four quarters (directions of the universe as used in magick ritual) and the Archangels also correspond with these same elements.

Element Suit Quarter Archangel
Earth
Water
Fire
Air
Pentacles
Cups
Swords
Wands
North
West
South
East
Uriel
Gabriel
Michael
Raphael

Astrological signs also correspond with the elements. Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are earth signs. Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are water signs. Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are fire signs. Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are air signs.

ELEMENTALS
The magical elements are said to be peopled by spirits and mythological entities called elementals or nature spirits. These are grouped into four main categories:

Earth Water Fire Air
Gnome
Dwarfs
Elves
Brownies
Hobgoblins
Leprechauns
Undine
Nymphs
Tritons
Mermaids
Mermen
Sirens
Harpies
Salamander
Jin
Genies
Sylph
Faries
Angles

Elementals are usually only visible to those with clairvoyant sight and are more likely to be seen at night in the mountains or country away from cities — especially if you are tired or sleepy. Although elementals exist naturally, it is also possible to create one which will exist for a limited time — no elemental has immortality. A created elemental is called an ‘artificial elemental’.

To the Ancients, elementals were the physical explanation of the universe. However, some contemporary occultists see them only as symbols for forces and otherwise not ‘real’ at all. Another word sometimes used for elemental is ‘familiar’ (usually in medieval witchcraft); the term is ambiguous, as it might merely be an ordinary household pet such as a dog or cat.

YIN YANG
Chinese philosophy and acupuncture talk of yin yang. This is the idea of polarity, or opposite pairs, as shown:

Yin Yang
Water
Contraction
Cold
Feminine
Moon
Negative
Passive
Ebb
Wane
Fire
Expansion
Hot
Masculine
Sun
Positive
Active
Flow
Wax

The list could go on. In Chinese literature it is quite long. Some occultists suggest everything can be similarly arranged into related opposite pairs.

SIMPLE MAGICK
Here is a simple magical technique you may wish to try. It is a variation of affirmation, which was discussed in an earlier lesson…To help you to achieve your goal (magical or otherwise), find a word or short phase which sums up what it is that you want to accomplish. Write the word (or phrase) down 10 times each day until you achieve success.

Copyright © 1988 Phil Hansford. This article is licensed for free non-commercial distribution only. Coding and format by Herne of The Celtic Connection, http://www.wicca. com If this document is used in its current format, credit and a link for the effort and work involved is appreciated.


Witches often ask about how to make essential oils. I don’t know exactly how you
produce essential oils from herbs. What I do know is that it’s a laborious
process, and that most of the time you will want to dilute the essential oils
anyway, so that fragrant, blended oils consisting of a carrier oil and a herb
are often more versatile. In addition to that they are quite easy to
manufacture. This is how I do it.The Kitchen Magic School’s Fragrant Oils

This is what you need
============ =========
A carrier oil. The intended use decides which one. Edible oils are sold in
super-markets everywhere, and can often be used for other purposes than just
eating. In herbal cosmetic shops like the Body Shop you can buy pure or blended
oils for special purposes like bathing and massage. You can experiment with
different oils for different purposes, but never ingest any oil that wasn’t
specifically made for the purpose. It’s important that you use new oil with the
best before date well ahead, as fragrant oils don’t keep as well as essential
oils. Wheatgerm oil can be used as a preservative if you find that your oils
don’t keep well.

The herb. For this purpose it doesn’t matter if it’s fresh, dried or even
frozen. Herbs are sold in many places. Occult shops often have quite an
assortment, but the super-market in your area may sell some of these much
cheaper. Super-markets often have herbs in either the spice department (notably
fennel and cardamon), the health food department (notably rosehips and
buckwheat) or even the hot drinks department (notably chamomile and cocoa).
Specialized health food stores and natural cosmetics boutiques often have herbs
too.

Growing your own herbs can be a very satisfying experience, and it doesn’t take
a lot of skill to do with the most common ones. You can buy plants at a nursery
or raise your own from seeds. Seeds are available in super-markets, garden
centers and nurseries. There are often quite adequate instructions on the seed
envelope. If you are new to growing things, start out with easy growers like
mint, heartsease and dill and grow them in pots.

Which herb to choose is a science in itself. If you want to use the oil for
magickal purposes, you will probably want to choose it according to its
correspondences. At the end of Starhawk’s _Spiral_Dance_ there is a substantial
list of common correspondences, and the classic Culpeper’s Complete Herbal lists
herbs and their uses and correspondences. Of course if you follow a specific
tradition you will want to consult it, so you don’t use inappropriate herbs.
Many eclectic witches like to make up their own correspondences following their
intuition. If you will use the oil on your skin, make sure that it won’t
irritate or cause allergic reactions. You may want to consult a book on
aromatherapy if you are using fragrant oils for healing. Some oils are
considered aphrodisiacs, and can be quite fun to use for massage.

A practical consideration is the availability of a given herb. Herbs may be
unavailable for many different reasons. Maybe it isn’t traditionally used in
your part of the world, it may be illegal for a number of reasons, it could be
surrounded with superstition or it can simply be out of season.

A bottle. Fragrant oils are sensitive to light so try avoiding crystal clear
bottles. You will often want to use just a spoonful of the oil, so a squirt cap
is useful. Shampoo bottles can often be used, as they are generally about the
right size and have caps which are made so you can easily take a small amount
without having oil run down the outside of the bottle. Plastic bottles will
often be found to take on some of the aroma of the contents, so you may want to
throw them away after one use, or always keep the same oil in the same bottle.
Some occult shops sell amber glass bottles, too. Of course it’s neat to have all
your oils in identical bottles instead of having an array of brightly colored
shampoo bottles, but they’re a lot more expensive than saved up shampoo bottles.
Label all your bottles carefully with the name of the herb, carrier oil and date
of manufacture!

This is how to do it
============ ========
The basic principle is easy: put the herb in the oil, and wait.

If you are bothered by herb particles in the finished product, you can use a tea
egg or a small bag of muslin or nylon suspended by string in the bottle, and
remove them when you find the fragrance strong enough. This requires a bottle
with a wide opening. If you don’t have such a bottle, you can strain the oil in
a wire-mesh tea sieve instead. If you aren’t bothered by herb particles, you can
often leave the herb in the oil until you’ve used it all up. This works
particularly well with antiseptic herbs like peppermint, but can in other cases
make the oil go stale.

The time it takes for an oil to become pleasantly fragrant depends on the herb
and the oil, what you consider pleasant and the conditions you keep them under.
You will have to experiment with concentration, stirring, and time to find out
which works best under your circumstances. With some herbs crushing can speed up
the process. Seeds like fennel are among those. Many herbs vary quite a lot in
strength depending on a range of factors, so sometimes you will have to adapt
your recipes. The best thing is probably to develop your intuition with regards
to herbs. As a rule of thumb, two weeks to three months should be adequate.

Suggested uses for fragrant oils
============ ========= ========= ==
Bathing:
Many oils can change your mood when used in a bath. Try out  different
ones, like thyme and heartsease. Caveat 1: Some herbs are skin irritants, and
you may be allergic to some without knowing this. If your skin gets irritated
during or after a bath, immediately take a shower and wash yourself all over
with hypoallergenic soap.  Then dry yourself and use a hypoallergenic body
lotion. This should take care of most skin irritations. If it doesn’t, seek a
doctor.  Carefully note which herbs cause skin irritations in you, and avoid
them. If you know that your skin is sensitive, avoid herbs which are known to
cause skin irritations or allergic reactions in many people. Some of the more
common ones are mint, vanilla and of course all hot spices like pepper. Caveat
2: Never use psychoactive herbs in a bath, this includes sleep inducing herbs. 
You can drown yourself quite easily that way.

Anointing:
Fragrant oils are much milder than essential oils, and can often be used
directly for anointing on your skin. If you are using fragrant oils for magickal
purposes, you may want to take into account the correspondences of the carrier
oil, too.

Vaporizing:
Vaporizing means that you heat the oil so that it gives off its fragrance. This
is useful in its own right, but can also serve as a substitute for incense when
you or members of your household object to incense for medical or other reasons.
Vaporizers can be bought in occult stores, shops for herbal cosmetics, interior
decoration boutiques or even in the department store. The most common ones are a
terra-cotta ring that you suspend on a lightbulb, and more elaborate structures
with a house for a tea-candle and a shallow pan suspended above it. The fragrant
oil has to be quite strong for this purpose.

Massage:
Massage is a fine art and healing in many ways. You may want to experiment with
using edible oils for this purpose. Caveat 1: The oil used for massage enters
the skin even more forcefully than the one used in a bath. Make sure you aren’t
allergic beforehand.  Vigorously rub in a tad of oil on a sensitive place like
the inside of the arm just above your wrist. If the skin is irritated after an
hour, don’t use that oil on your skin again. Caveat 2: Massage is often a part
of lovemaking. If you use a condom for birth control, don’t use massage oils.
The reason for this is that the oil makes microscopic holes in the rubber, and
renders it useless.

Cooking:
Fragrant oils of spices like oregano or basil can be used in cooking. You can
use it as a marinade, or to brush on meat before you grill it. How about making
your own curry oil? Caveat: Use only oils specifically made for ingestion for
this purpose.

Libations:
We often use wine or water for libations, but we know that for instance the
Minoans on Crete offered their deities oils as well as wine and honey.

Further suggestions
============ =======
You can use this method with other mediums than oil; shampoo and liquid soap for
instance. Find fragrance free products, and make your own herbal cosmetics. I
like to use chamomile shampoo, so I blend 100 ml of fragrance free shampoo with
1 gram of chamomile flowers from a teabag. After one week the liquid starts to
turn yellow and smell of chamomile, and is ready for use. I use a hair
conditioner (again fragrance free) to make sure I rinse out all chamomile
particles from my hair. The same can be done with rosemary if you have dark
hair, and other herbs if you have problems with your hair or scalp. Lavender
produces a soothing soap, and pine needles an invigorating one. Again, make sure
you aren’t allergic to herbs used on the skin or in the hair in this way.
Copyright Ceci Henningsson 1994. This article may be freely copied and
distributed, provided this copyright notice is included.
 

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