Rosewood Wand

My first commissioned wand is complete, and I am very pleased with it’s final form.  A simple wand without ornamentation, it resonates with a warm, peaceful energy,  no doubt a result of the choice of Rosewood for the shaft combined with the smooth, tapered shape, which mirrors  the natural wood grain.  The finished piece is 8-inches in length.

Wand info:

Rosewood is one of the most prized woods in the world. Originating in Central America, this tropical hardwood is excellent for enhancing spirituality, tapping into healing energies, promoting change and blocking unwanted forces. Rosewood has a warm, loving energy which is known for it’s ability to help manifest your desires and dreams.

This beautiful wand is hand finished and then sealed with all natural carnauba wax; also known as palm wax or Brazil wax.  Carnauba wax is harvested from the leaves of the Copernicia Prunifera palm, which is native to Brazil.  It is water resistant, non-toxic and hypoallergenic.

If you are interested in commissioning your own custom crafted wand, feel free to message me any time for a consultation. 🙂

Tiger Eye and Desert Jasper Necklace

Last night, I finished my newest necklace.  I had wrapped my favorite of the piece of tiger eye that I tumbled months ago using gold wire.  It made a lovely pendant, but I never wear gold necklaces, so I did not have a chain to slip it onto. Ever since, I’ve contemplated what kind of necklace I wanted to make for it. I knew I wanted leather, not chain.  I also knew I wanted to include some wire work as well.  This is what I finally came up with…

The pendent is Golden Tiger Eye, and the accent beads are Desert Jasper with Bronze seed beads.  The necklace itself is brown leather chord with hammered wire wraps.  The piece actually clasps in the front using the accent bead spirals and has no traditional clasp.  It has an absolutely lovely energy, whether draped around my Tardis or clasped around my neck. 🙂

And now a little about the stones themselves:

Combining Earth energy with that of the Sun, Golden Tiger Eye draws Spiritual energy down to the Earth, while still keeping you centered here on the ground. Sunny Tiger Eye brings brightness and optimism to a situation, and shines insight onto problems. It can provide a boost of creative energy when confronting a problem involving will or concentration, as well as create a sense of balance to those feeling overly emotional or overwhelmed.

Jasper is known as the “supreme nurturer”. It sustains and supports during times of stress, bringing a sense of  tranquility and wholeness.  It is a stone of protection, absorbing all types of negative energies.  Jasper is a stone of courage and determination. It can often help those who need more focus, organization abilities, and motivation to follow through. Jasper stimulates creativity and imagination, transforming ideas into action.

Carnelian: The Power Stone

Carnelian is a powerful Sacral Chakra Stone used to increase personal power, physical energy, courage, creativity, and compassion. Carnelian calms anger and grounds you in reality, while keeping you aware of unconditional love permeating the universe. Mentally, Carnelian focuses analytical capabilities and aids meditation by allowing deeper concentration while blocking out the swirl of thoughts that interrupt focus.   Carnelian boosts all psychic and magical powers, as well as courage and sexual energies.

Carnelian is one of the few stones that never needs clearing, and can be kept in a bag or box with other stones to keep them cleared as well. Carnelian is useful in making decisions; keeping the focus on the here and now instead of on past experiences. Carnelian encourages initiative and determination.

Making a Carnelian Elixir

Gemstone elixirs are special waters that are attuned with a gemstone’s specific vibrations. In this way, the properties of a stone can then be taken internally or applied to the body.  Gemstone Elixirs are also very useful for anointing tools or other objects used during spells and rituals.

You will need:

• A Carnelian or two (I use three small stones, but any amount will work)

• Two clean, clear glass containers.  One should be smaller and fit inside the other.

• Clean water, preferably distilled or purified.

• Distilled white vinegar or Vodka (Optional)

1. Always begin with cleansed, charged stones.  As carnelians never need to be charged, you simply need to cleanse them.
2. Place the carnelians in the smaller container, then place the small container into the larger one.
3. Pour the water into the large container.  This way the crystals vibrations will still be applied to the water without transferring any potential toxins and without damaging the crystal.
4. Leave the water out in the sunlight for 2-4 hours to allow the water to charge with the properties of the stone. or you can use the Full Moon’s light instead. If using moonlight, leave the water out overnight and retrieve it before dawn.
5. If your Carnelian water will not be used within a week, you can add vinegar or vodka to preserve it.

Using your Carnelian Elixir:

You can now use your elixir to anoint yourself and/or ritual tools.  You can also use it as an oral supplement for healing or drawing energy. If taking orally, only use about 4-5 drops per dose, and it can be placed directly on the tongue or added to tea or juice.

Note: You can also make gem oils in this way. Use oil instead of water and do not add alcohol. This oil can be used for anointing the self, candles, baths, or just for a perfume. You should not ingest these oils and be sure to discard them if they begin to smell rancid.

Gemstone Meditation

Stones speak to each person in a different way. Spend time with your stones and learn from them first-hand. They are by far the best teacher! This simple meditation is a great way to connect with the power in your gemstones.

Based on “The Stories of Stones” Meditation from Scott Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Crystals, Gems, and Metal Magic.

1. Find a quiet spot.  Settle down comfortably before the stone. The stone should be within arm’s reach. Close your eyes and listen to your breath.  Breathe deeply and rhythmically.
2. With your eyes still closed, hold out your receptive hand over the stone.  Don’t try and feel the stone’s energy.  Simply allow yourself to do so.
3. When you can sense the stone, slowly pick it up and hold it in your receptive hand.  How does it change your mood?  Are you happier, energized, calmer, or relaxed?
4. Now transfer the stone to your projective hand.  How does it feel?  Smooth or rough?  Warm or cool?
5. Open your eyes and look at the stone, examining it while remembering the feelings and sensations you just experienced.
6. Gaze at it for a while, as if seeing it for the first time. Note the shape, and imagine how it would feel to take that shape.  Note the color and let it expand to fill your entire awareness.  Imagine that you immersed in the stones energy.  Then listen and let it speak it’s truths to you.
7. When you feel that you have learned as much as you are ready to receive, Lift it to the sky, thanking the Goddess for granting you the wisdom to learn from Earth’s gifts.  Then lower the stone and hold it to your heart center for a moment.  Thank the stone for staring its wisdom.  End by laying the stone back back on the ground, returning it to the earth. .
8. After your meditation, look up the mystical qualities of your stone from a reputable source. See if it agrees with what you felt. It’s ok if it didn’t.  It’s possible the energy in your stone is as unique as the stone itself. Be sure to make notes about the experience in your Book of Shadows or Grimiore.

The Witches Toolbox – Purification, Consecration, and Dedication of Working Tools

The last two weeks, we’ve been learning about the ritual tools every witch should have in his/her practice. And this week’s homework might rival getting to pick out our future Ritual clothes for most enjoyable so far. What can compete with virtual, online shopping you ask?

Writing our first ritual!

The following is my first attempt at a ritual for purifying, consecrating, and dedicating a working tool (wand, besom, chalice, bell, cauldron… you get the idea). I have always used crystal energies in my rituals, so I saw no need for that to change now. It’s sorta who I am… my shtick so to speak. I’ve included notes that describe the reasons each stone was selected and each was paired with an elemental based on color and overall synergies.

Day 1: Purification.

Supplies: North – Azurite/Malachite, East – Citrine, South – Red Jasper, West – Chrysocolla, Goddess statue, Alter Tile, Wand, Quartz Crystal, Chalice of Creek Water for West Quarter, Sage Incense for East Quarter, Agate Bowl of Sand for North Quarter, White Candle for the South Quarter.

The stones and Elementals are placed at each quarter. The tools to be blessed are placed on a white cloth next to the Quartz Crystal in the center of the circle.

The circle is cast and the God and Goddess are called.

The tool to be blessed is taken to the East Quarter, moved through the incense smoke, and then raise it up to the third eye cupped in upright palms.

Say: “Spirits of the East; in swirling winds polish this tool, and with Citrine’s cleansing energies, sweep from it all fear and negative energy.”

Proceed to the South Quarter. Move the tool through the candle flame, then raise it to the third eye cupped in upright palms.

Say: “Spirits of the South; in fire born and shining flame, emblazon Red Jasper’s energy to purify this tool and return all darkness to in which it came.”

Proceed to the West Quarter. Dip (or sprinkle) the tool in the water, then raise it to the third eye cupped in upright palms.

Say: “Spirits of the West; with cool fresh water, drink of Chrysocolla’s energy and cleanse this tool of all phantasms and illusions.”

Proceed to the North Quarter. Sprinkle the tool with sand, then raise it to the third eye cupped in upright palms.

Say: “Spirits of the North; in Mother Earth, ground this tool. And with the help of Azurite and Malachite paired, reach deep within to release past wrongs and prepare this tool for the good works to come.”

Place the tool on the Alter Stone so that it is touching the Quartz crystal.

Say: “I send these words forth, and bring them into being. For the good of all, so mote it be.”

Repeat for each tool to be purified. After the ritual, place all tools in a window where they can bathe overnight in the moonlight.

*Notes:

Azurite helps release the past and makes room for insight and pure thought. Malachite is used for deep energy cleaning.

Citrine dispels negative feelings, fear, and negative energies.

Red Jasper is used in defensive magic as it sends negativity back to its source.

Chrysocolla is used to purify the environment and ward of doubt and illusions.

A larger white cloth would be used than in the picture so that I could also sit in the center during the ritual. The Ritual would be conducted barefoot, either wearing white or sky-clad.

Day 2: Consecration and Dedication

Supplies: North – Tigers Eye, East – Amethyst, South – Carnelian, West – Blue Lace Agate, Goddess statue, Onyx Sphere, red cloth, Power incense and anointing oil (see notes), red candle.

The stones are placed at each quarter. The tools to be consecrated and dedicated are placed in the center of a red cloth with the remaining items.

The circle is cast and the God and Goddess are called.

Hold the item to be consecrated in the dominant hand over the lit candle flame and say:

“Through my words, by the will of the Goddess and the power of the God, and with the energies from these stones (sweep the tool towards each stone in turn from East to North, returning to stop over the candle flame) only the most pure and Divine energies may enter and work through this sacred object.”

Raise the tool up to the heavens and visualize a small spark from the flame igniting in the center of the object and growing larger and brighter until it is enveloped in pure white flames. Hold this intent until you feel the tool is “full” of Divine energy. Bring the tool close to your heart and close the intent by saying:

“For the good of all, so mote it be. Thank ye God and Goddess, blessed be.”

While holding the tool close to your heart, allow yourself to open to it. Take, slow regular breaths and allow your body to become one with the tool. Once you feel you have aligned with the tool, bring it to your cheek and whisper:

“Will you walk this path with me as my ______________?”

Pause and listen with all of your being for the answer. When the answer has come, bring the tool close to your heart again and proclaim”

“This __________ will now be my ____________, from now until our work together is done. For the good of all, so mote it be.”

Repeat for each tool to consecrated and dedicated. Place the tool on the Alter at least overnight so that it can introduce itself and get comfortable in its new home. And don’t forget to thank the God, Goddess and Elements and close the circle.

*Notes:

Tigers Eye centers energy and mental focus.

Amethyst protects against harm, sickness and danger.

Carnelian gives energy to turn ideas into form.

Blue Lace Agate improves clarity, provides lasting energy for positive change.

Power Oil: 4 part orange oil, 1 part cinnamon oil, 1 part ginger oil, 1 part cedar oil

Power Incense: 2 parts sandalwood, 2 parts frankincense, 1 part nutmeg, touch of allspice, touch of ginger.