Shadows magick place

Imbolc and St Brigid folklore and magick

2012-01-27T17:43:00.000-08:00

When asked, many will tell You how Imbolc Is Pagan Holliday celebrated on 1st of February. This is, at least , in part, very true. I however believe that it definitely predates Pagan religions , for there are implications in anthropologic society, that it was celebrated in Neolith even. Furthermore, anyone could really celebrate Light, Arrival of the Spring, and Fertility can they not? Those are rather universal concepts present in so many religion as well as traditions. It’s also time of power for those who are eclectic practitioner, suitable for fire spells of all kind and divination.

Tradition suggests plenty things that can be done on Ibolc, one can light candles to help the Sun overcoming the dark period of Year and lengthening t of day, or to honor St Brigid. Clothes and ribbons are left outside e to be Blessed and thus empowered by St.Brigid, traditional food is prepared, and used such as dairies , butter and such. Processions by Young girls caring “Brideog” are made, to greet to forthcoming Light and start of the Light Part of the Year. Dianic Wiccans often perform initiations on this day.

St Brigid, butter, bed and maidens

Many folk rituals , festivities and ceremonies preformed on this day are associated with St Brigid or also Celtic deity Brigid. The line that separates Christian folklore and that of Celtic Pagan , associated with this particular time of the year , in time has almost completely faded away, leaving the scholars of all kinds
( anthropologists, theologists , historian , ethnologists etc, ) subject for futile and overheated debates. Folk people , in all their “simplicity” seem to know better, they practice what their ancestors and culture taught them, and there are no conflicts between Christian and pagan folk on Imbolc. To each it’s own, If You are in clear about who You honor and why, You can hardly ever go wrong about it.
One of such, tradition interlacing folk practice includes making of Brideog and bed for her , which is called Brigid’s bed. The bed is then “fed” with milk and honey , sometimes with butter as well and becomes something like a status symbol of maiden that made it. She carries it in house, greeted with respect and presents from her family, and she even sleeps next to her Brigid’s bed. For belief goes, St. Brigid herself, blesses, and protects these maidens that make beds for here, and carry it on festivity processions In her honor. Therefore appeasing the Maiden meant appeasing the deity/Saint as well , thus gaining their favors. I have wrote few lines of info on Brigit’s bed last year, on here http://shadowsmagickplace.blogspot.com/2010/02/imbolc-fire-oil-and-weather-divination.html

St Brigid ( or Brigit as one of many offered spelling ) is one of the Parton Saints of Ireland, who had liven 451-525. She was a nun, abbess, and founder of many monasteries.[1] A commendable soul according to many that had preformed many miracles. Her parents were her dad Dubhthach , a pagan chieftain of Leinster and mother Brocca, Christian , and former slave baptized by St Patrick according to hagiographers.

Saint Brigid is celebrated even today, as great helper of the poor , for she was always, ever since childhood know to give charity. According to legend as child she gave away her mother’s whole store of butter, which was later replenished miraculously as answer to St. Brigid’s prayers.
She founded a small cathedral city, starting from small oratory cathedral of Cil Dare or Kildare , that had monasteries for man and women. Oak wood is associated with Kildare and knowing that and association of Madonna’s lily ( Lilium candidum ) and Brigid’s anemone ( Anemone Coronaria ) , we can compound an oil suitable for work with her, use on Imboloc, Candlemass

St Brigid’s oil

• Piece of Oak wood
• Madonna Lily flower
• Brigid’s Anemone
• Few drops of milk or melted butter
• Olive oil as base with Vit E capsule

According to early Orthodox Christian legend, she was able to take her eye out of head, and that convinced her father not to force her to marry a men she did not like, and was supposed to go for. She had than prayed to Lord and was through Divine help able to put her own eye back into her head and completely heal.
It has also been reported that she healed a leprous man that brought a cow to be blessed by St, Brigid, she cursed the apple trees at one monastery because of pettiness and parsimony of a nun that gave her apples which she had gave out to poor, and the nun complained . She had also been known to bless fruit trees of those that gave away to the poor, and those trees would accordingly be healthy and bear twice as more fruit than earlier .

Her color is white, for she is depicted wearing white or black robes, holding a lamp, symbolic of purity, perpetual Divine light and Illumination. Her symbol is Brigid’s Cross.
Her feast day is 1st February, or 14th among Orthodox Christian churches that follow Julian calendar.
On Imboloc she is often offered with butter and milk, which might have to do with legend about her childhood charity act and miracle or restoration of butter. One such example is given latter

Imboloc ideas, charms , spells and divinations

Imboloc is traditional time for divination , and to some traditions also initiation. Partucularily prominent are weather divinations , and pyromancy.
For example seeing a cat scratch her ear on Imboloc was supposedly sing of storm, closed pine cones predicted wet weather. If Candlemass weather is nice and pleasant, winter will be there for a while, and opposite, If it rains and is cold on Candlemass rain is gone. If groundhog see’s it shadow on Candlemass day, it apparently means there are six more weeks of Winter [2] I have had written on association of mythical figure Cailleach and weather divination here http://shadowsmagickplace.blogspot.com/2010/02/imbolc-fire-oil-and-weather-divination.html

This is also the day associated with all sort of divinations. In Eastern Europe for example, popular are fire divinations, where the flames would be asked question and the bending would be inspected. Today same can be done with simple candle flame , minding some basic “code” answers,

• flame bending left – no
• flame bending right – yes
• flame decreasing or bending down – slowly, maybe , weakly
• flame rising or bednig up – swiftly, likely to, prominently
• flame flickering often – omen of danger, approaching or passing
• flame burning strongly, steadily and bright – good fortune, presence of kind spirits

People like to do bone divinations, in Eastern Europe pelvic bone divination is often employed, where dots, colors and auspicious shapes are inspected. Also , often consulted is chicken’s wishbone. Smaller bone fraction in right hand meant “no” , while the bigger faction meant “yes”. Usually employed to see if some wish is coming true.

Milk is sometimes poured into cauldron with optional addition of butter, and chosen plants dipped. Cauldron is encircled with candles, and praye d over. The plants are then taken out, dried and considered to be extremely powerful in magick and charm making, so used throughout the year. This simple ritual symbolizes another common practice of Imolc and that’s empowerment and consecration of items . Since it’s believed that Brigid or St. Brigid walks among humans on this day, people leave ribbons, fabrics , stockings etc outside, in the eve and in the morning they collect this, now charged power objects that are believed to bestowed luck and blessings. This was often done by Young maidens for the it’s believed that the St.Brigid is particularly y kind to them.

Many candles are lit, usually on windows sills, to greet the lengthening of the day. Any candle could be asked question and then through ceromancy , answer s obtained.
Here is a neat suggestions for the ritual according to Cass Eason :

“Make one very large candle to serve as the main Candlemass candle, and when You light it allow everyone to make a secret wish for the coming spring.
As You make smaller candles to shine in every window , visualize each one being endowed with optimism, for new beginnings, new directions and plans, and name one for each absent family member or friend.
Prepare a feast that includes delicious seed breads and cakes, milk, honey, seeds of all kind, lamb and dairy products, and spend the evening playing party games and charades.
If You have decision to make light two candles of the same size and thickness and endow each with an option. The one to burn down first indicates the right choice” [3]

Colors of the day are white, silver , pale yellow. Corresponding stones and gems include but are not limited on : Rubies, Sun Stone , Bloodstone, Garnet, Onyx, , Amber etc. Incenses include Frankincense, Bay, Ben zoin , Basil , Myrrh , Dragon’s blood and Cinnamon, among other, and herbs Angelica, Basil, Bay, Rosemary , Snowdrop, Daisy, Saffron, Sage and others.

Have a bright, Blessed Imboloc
Blessings Shadow

NOTES: This article was written and composed by myself, so If You would like to use any part of it elswhere, provide credits, Shadow of Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post.
CREDITS AND REFFRENCES:
[1] www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brigit_of_Kildare
[2] paraphrased from, Doreen Valiente “Natrail magic” and “Folklore in Adam county Illinois” by Harry Middletone Hyatt, used for educative and explanatory purposes here
[3] Quoted from Cassandra Eason’s “Candle magick” , for explanatory and discussion purposes, without any ill will
IMAGE CREDITS:IMAGE CREDITS : St Brigid’s image is from , Wikipedia site, as listed under [1] above, Candles image is common Microsoft word application, slightly edited by myself, and both are used here for illustrative and explanatory purposes only, without ill will

Archangel's root in Hoodoo and herbal magick

2012-01-23T14:04:00.000-08:00

Angelica Archangelica, commonly called Holy Ghost, or Holy Ghost root in Hoodoo, is a species of plant form formerly known as Umbeliferae family, now called Apiaceae.

It’s a tall plant that can grow more than six feet ( 2m ), with leaflets formed of numerous minute leafs, arranged in three main lobes, which the divide on three lesser ones and so on. Leaflets are slightly toot edged, or serrated sometimes. Flowers are multiple, grouped in large globular umbels or cluster, as typical for the Apiaceae family. The plant flourishes in July, with a lot of greenish and yellowish flowers, that bear very pale yellow, and oblong fruits . It’s mesophytic normally and skyophitic , so it can usually be found in shade near water deposits of all kind.

In Hoodoo ( and most of other systems ) we use Angelica Archangelica / officinalis ( syn ) as magickal plant most often root which is also called Root of Holy Ghost or Angel/Archangel root. It’s correspondent to Sun and Fire, making it logical to conclude use of in all sort of Apotropaic work, but also celestial contact work. It is alos used in Hoodoo in peaceful home work , for which often combined with Lavender, Rosemary, Motherwort and such, and carried in conjure hands dressed with suiting oil.

In powdered form, it’s frequently ingredient of Healing and Blessing mixtures [1] though as such Is commonly found in “Fiery wall of protection” powder or gree gree of similar use.

People use it in mixtures to bless children and/or adults and items and here is one such combination suitable both for use in oil and conjure hand

• Angelica root
• Flax seeds
• Rose hips
• Caraway seeds
• OPTIONAL : Styrax

They can be often found in healing unnatural diseases conjure hands, that tend to be sewn in mattresses of the sick or in infusions that are to be sprinkled on their bedposts, room , or even to be used in baths. Example of good Mojo to fight long standing , chronic or unnatural diseases as I would compose it may look something
like this

• Angelica root
• Strain of hair of the Patient
• Small Crucifix blessed in Church , best If wooden
• Boneset
• Wood Betony
• Sampson Snake root
• Goldenseal root thread

Optional, possible additions ( not exclusive list ) may be Master of The Woods, Camphor ( especially if mental condition is treated, in which case Mint could be added ), Cascarilla and Saint images or Medallions. Mojo can be dressed with variety of oils, including Run D***l Run , Blessing oil, even Psychic vision and of course Healing oil and Cast off evil oil. Plain Whiskey and Florida water will do as well.

All sort of powders congaing Angelica root powder are used as Peaceful home powdr or Blessing home powder such as following example as paraphrased from work of famous Hoodoo authority:
Mix Angelica with Peaceful Home powder, and Sea salt to purify house> Sprinkle in four corners inside and in center of the room/house inside , and four corners outside. [1]

Angelica roots are often hung together ( tied with string or yarn ) with De*il shoestrings or alike plants, or even chicken bones painted black or whitened to make powerful “ward of evil” hang-chimes or Ju Ju. Such unique “door guardians” can be commonly seen in New Orleans and are said to prevent evil from entering , much like red brick lines, that are often used together, as complementary methods of protection, or rather protective limitations :)

Mexican curanderos use Angelica to cure so called “susto” which I have mentioned writing on dream sorcery before on here

It is reputed to be a very powerful hex-breaking *[3] and Uncrossing agent, also powerful in repeling malicious spirits , and invoking Angelic help. It’s common ingredient in Angel related oils , one example I have given here : http://shadowsmagickplace.blogspot.com/2011/12/condition-and-spiritual-oils.html

Other formulas for oils using Angelica root can be found in my post on St Michale the Archangel, an d in following Scribd document http://www.scribd.com/Shadow3333333/d/58939249-Ars-olei-TEST-VERSION

And here is a powder I made and use for purposes of sprinkling and uncrossing places , items and humans. I suggested two versions

Red killer powder

• Red Brick Dust powdered
• Angelic root powdered

For annulling conjurations You find disagreeabl e with You, killing power of witchcraft or laying over powders and gree gree’s lain to harm You, to render those harmless.

Uncrossing salt #2

• Blessed Salt
• Black Pepper
• Mint
• Angelica root
• Chamomile
• Basil
I also like to

dust Angelica on my Blessing candles, as given in example on Candle magick spells in post on Candle magick.
Seems like Angelica has versatile uses, and association with Light ( Sun and Fire ) Angelic, and positive magickal workings, making it very favorite of many Spiritual workers. Could be included, in upcoming Imboloc ceremonies.
In Medieval lore it was even said to dispel lustful thoughts , even protect from Black death, bites of venomous and rabid animals and variety of illnesses [4]

NOTES: This article was written and composed by myself, so If You’d like to use any part of it eslwhere , add credit s , Shadow of Shadow’s magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post
CREDITS AND REFFRENCES :
[1] As stated on http://www.luckymojo.com/angelica.html by Yronwode, Catherine
[2] Suggested in “Hoodoo herb and root magick” , entry on Angelica, Yronwode, Catherine
[3] Cunningham, Scott, “Encyclopedia of magic(k) herbs”
[4] according to “Herbal magick , a witches guide to Herbal Enchantments folklore and divination” by Dunwich Gerina
IMAGE CREDITS: Image is Angelica’s common botanical illustration of ( Garden ) Angelica , used here for illustrative as well as educational purposes as found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Koehler1887-GardenAngelica.jpg

Unbaptized days , January folklore of Eastern European people

2012-01-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

January brings many holidays for people on Balkan penissula. This is due to the fact that on Balkan, Othodox church follows Julian calendar, while Gregorian is used for every day maters. That resulted in celebration of Christmas on 7th of January ( in Western Christianity as we know 25th of December ) and Epiphany, or Teophany on 19th of December ( in Western Christianity on 6th of January, celebrating the arrival of Three Holy Kings ), between which other important Christian holidays appear. On these days. Balkan peninsula religious folk, cunning folk and witches, perform all sort of rituals, spells and magickal workings, aiming to captivate and employ special powers of these Holy days. In this post we will be speaking of folklore, theology and beliefs behind some of these days of power, from a spiritual perspective, as seen in Balkan peninsula by spiritual folk of all kind, and we shall discuss some practical examples as well, for as I like to stress from time to time , these are practical writings, as is magick itself  Also , in my experience , people of any , religion, race and national denomination are more than welcome to try out the rites discussed, for they are universal, both in terms of symbolism and methodology

Ubabtized days, when demons roam freely

In Balkan peninsula ( and most of Eastern Europe ) folklore there is a specific time of the year, between 7th and 19th/20th January called “Unbabtized days” , called so since no weddings or Baptisms are preformed in Orthodox Christian temples , during these particular days. Folk people believe souls of th dead, and all sort of chthonic creatures and demons roam freely on these days attacking and tormenting people, causing illness and misfortune. These days are therefore, very dangerous and as such are fulfilled with folk magick practices of speaking apotropaic incantations, and prayers, carrying protective charms etc. Among people of Vlasi[1] situated in Southern Serbia, carrying garlic , piece of bread and sowing shift shall keep one protected from most of the demons that are customary mischievous and aggressive during that time interval. It’s worth to note here, that what the mentioned people use the word demon in very loose way, usually to describe chthonic entities, or types of spirits that come to existence as a result of changed ghost of evil, improperly buried or otherwise uncommon people. Meaning, thought the use of the very word is consequence of Christianization of Slavic people , the word might not share the same attributes implied in/by Christian theology. Furthermore, people in Balkan believe that if their compatriots die during unbaptized days , they will become vampires, or other kind of harmful supernatural creatures. Mostly prone to such are newborns, which tend to turn into some very nasty creatures If they die unbabtized, and during these days. The only way to prevent that from happening is to give them a proper burial, but outside on graveyard, they are often buried in forests, or crossroad instead. It is suggested ( in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro ) to evade, by all means being outside on these days after the nightfall. The harmful creatures often linger in wells, on doorsteps, forests, crossroads etc., and those places should be bypassed in wide range. Cunning folk warn us to stay away from them in wide circle. Also, during these days, You might want to, try carrying this herbal charm, reputed ( By Balkan peninsula cunning folk and witches ) to repel evil and protect from it :

• Basil
• Garlic
• Cloves
Very powerful, and covers large deal of protection from negative influences, including evil spirits and demons ( in Christian sense of the word ) and as powder could be used as Banishment and Exorcism agent as well.

St Stephen’s day

St Stephen the protomartyr is celebrated on 26th of December , in Western Christianity, making it being celebrated on 9th of January in places where Eastern Orthodox Church follows Julian calendar, such as many parts of Balkans.
St Stephen the protomartyr is a venerated Christian Saint, the “first martyr” who had been stoned by the enraged Hebrew mob, after being accused for blasphemy, due to the fact he had acknowledged Christ as Son of G’d . Furthermore he preached about Lord Christ’s sacrifice, and role as messiah and having managed to convince substantial number of Hebrew people, he has drawn the anger of members of certain Synagogue that complot to discredit him. Helped by Angel, and enlightened with wisdom by Holy Spirit , he had managed to renounce all accusations, and defeats his fellow Jew’s in argument, resulting in being stoned to death, as he prays for his executors. Most likely due to such death, St . Stephen is known as patron Saint of stone masons.
Hopefully, we will deal more with the enticing and very interesting hagiography of this Saint, in a separate article, in a more in depth manner, on another occasions. Here we shall deal with lore related to the day.

In Balkan peninsula St Stephen’s day, is also celebrated as the “third day of the Nativity/Christmas” , therefore many customs and folk rituals done on this day have something to do with three day festivities related to Christmas among Eastern Orthodox Christian. The straw, that was spread in houses on the first day of the Christmas ( 7th of January ) is now taken outside, placed in fields, or at the bases of fruit tree trunks, to ensure fertility and abundance of Earth, in year to come, for such straw is considered to has blessing qualities.
St Stephen is celebrated as one of the “feast” saints in Serbia, Montenegro and part of Bosnia. Which is a tradition in which certain Saints are assigned to families or clans, as protectors and guardians of those, and consequently celebrated by these families, via mixture of Orthodox Christian rites, and folk festivities, among others rich feast, hence the name. Can be seen, as some sort of family cult, akin to those among the ancient Greeks. Some people commonly fumigate their homes on this day with Frankincense , maybe because the Saint, in Eastern Iconography, is often depicted carrying censer. As they do it some may sat the common prayer used for such occasion[3] ( fumigation with Frankincense ) that say: “Angels cleansed my home with Frankincense, making all the evil spirits fled !“ Most of the rituals preformed to honor this saint are done by families that celebrate him as their feast Saint.

Feast of the Cross

There is more than one throughout the Year, different holidays dedicated to different events related to True Cross, Holly Cross on which Lord Christ had been Crucified. Due to fact that the Eastern Orthodox Christian church ( as I mentioned few times , I know ) adheres to Julian calendar, and the Gregorian is used as secular, mundane calendar, this day is on largest part of Balkan celebrated on 18th of January. This particular holidays commemorates two events, the finding of the True Cross by Empress Helen in 326th, as well as recovery of it from Persians in 628th . It is said that Empress Helen ( mother of Constantine the Great ) , searching for the Cross had encountered it under some temple of Venus, as instructed by certain Jewish old man called Judas. According to myth, she had also found the Basil plant, growing on Golgotha, on that spot. She had also found two more crosses, so she was wondering how will she be able to determine which one of them is the actual, True Cross, The Life-giving Cross as also said. Incidentally ( or maybe not ) there was a funeral procession passing nearby, so the empress decided to make somewhat a test. The body of the dead man, carried by procession was placed on each side of every Cross. With the first two, nothing came to be, but upon placing body on the third Cross the man had miraculously returned to life. Also, certain ailing women had kissed the same Cross and had miraculously healed. At this point It was clear, that very Cross was the Ture, Life-giving Cross.

The second event commemorated on this very day is recovering of the Cross, by emperor Heraclius in 627th year AD, when the Persians were defeated at the battle of Nineveh. The Emperor had then, along with Patriarch Zacharias , transferred the True Cross to the Temple of Resurrection in Jerusalem.

On this day , even many non initiated ( unbaptized People ) in Balkan peninsula fast, for it’s a day of strict fast, atonement , but folk rituals as well. On the next day, 19th of January, Water is traditionally blessed in Orthodox Christian Churches by priesthood. But, on this very day, folk will often bless small amount of water in their homes, using simple methods , of taking “new” water from sprigs, often by little girls , female children , which is stirred with Basil branch while petitions, prayers or made up words of Blessing are spoken. Some people make bonfires outside, in which they shall threw few Daisies to symbolize incense that descended to indicate the exact spot of the Cross to Helen, as noted in one version of the legend. In Serbia and Montenegro, there is a custom of placing a Cross in bowl with water and leaving it outside, and if the water turns to ice, that would be ominous to a healthy and fruit-baring year.

Egg divination is preformed on this day, especially by those very old or heavily sick. It’s fairly simple too, all one needs is a new, fresh egg and a container with water. The egg is then, near the Midnight released into the bowl, and if it would sank, it would be a sign that the person is unlikely to survive until next year. I must note hear , that I personally was taught, though from Western tradition occultists, to evade divinations that suppose to determine when will someone die, for even if they would work, such practices are seen as profane, and a insult to The Divine Force

Epiphany or Teophany ( also called Feast of Teophany )

On 19th January according to mundane, secular calendar among Eastern Orthodox Christian ( 6th January according to Gregorian , Church calendar ) a Feast of Teophany, Teophany or Epiphany is celebrated. It’s a Christian holiday associated with three Magi, that brought presents to baby Jesus, in Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Among the Eastern Orthodox Christians another event is commemorated with this holiday, and it’s the baptism of lord Christ on the river of Jordan, by John the Baptist. But , according to Christian theology that was also the first time Holy Trinity has manifested together, Lo’d speaking from cloud, Lord Christ being baptized in the river, and Lord Holy Spirit descending from Heaven upon Lord Christ.

On this day, among Eastern Orthodox Church holds two services, one in morning and one on afternoon but most parishes hold only one, when most parishioners are able to take part in service. People carry containers in Church ( bottles, jars etc ) in which they will take some Holy water, specially blessed on this occasion. This Holy water is used for Cleansing, Blessing, Exorcism , Peace and Healing rituals. There is an interesting practice, indigenous to Croatia ( Southern Balkan peninsula ) , Holy water is used to bless the dwellings and then above each doors an inscription is made 20 C+M+B XX where the number 20 represents first two numbers in the year, last two represent last two numbers in the year, and the letters are acronym of the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat , or three firts letter from names of the Magi. It worth noteing here that most of Croatian people are Catholic by relligion, hence like in other catholic water is blessed in Churches on Easter among them.

Likewise, in Montenegro and Serbia, Holy water is mixed with some firm powdered substance, such as flour, and the resulting creamy mixture is used to draw small Crosses above doors to prevent evil form bothering people in place where such charms are applied. Prior to this many will cleanse the home fuming it with frankincense, carrying lit candle throughout every room, speaking prayers, most often „Prayer to the venerable Cross“ . That is also a common method to cleanse home using Fire and Air . Afterwards the house is sprinkled with Holy water, most often using Basil branches as aspergent, in which case I personally read Psalm 62nd alongside personal petitions.

In most other parts of Balkans, it's customary to take a bath in river, prior to Sunrise. This of course can be done only by healthy people. After the benedicatation of the water in Churches, people organize folk festivities, where large Cross is tossed into the river and Young man shall dive to get it, one who does is considered blessed and ensured to be healthy and lucky throughout the all upcoming year. In some parts of Balkan peninsula, like Bulgaria traditional dances on, or in cold, sometimes iced river water are performed.

"Water-drinking" ritual

This folk ritual I was taught by a dear person , and it deals with ritual ingestion of Holy water, aslo called Epiphany or Teophany water by folk. See, this water will do great benefit when ingested in just a small sip, but this , according to folk must be performed in ritual manner. First of the day before ( 18th January, Feast of the Cross ) is fasted and no food is ingested after midnight of 18th to 19th , prior to taking sip of Holy water in the morning . One must remove left shoe and sock and place it on an axe blade, or If one lacks axe , larger kitchen knife is used. Then, upon making sign of Cross and saying : In the Name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, a sip of the Holy water is taken, and some is used to wash the face lightly.

The Holy water obtained in Church on the Epiphany or Feast of Teophany day is afterwards kept in house alongside the Basil branch, which is often used as aspergent for Holy water here. Priests sometimes tell people they can dilute Epiphany Holy water and doing so use it more economically throughout the year, for it's power will not decrease when doing so.

Eve of this day is also a magickal time indeed , for it’s believed by the folk that on this night, on Midnight, skies open and G’d listens out for wishes we make along our prayers. Old people usually stay as long as possible after Midnight praying and looking into skies expecting some sign , usually a fire miraculously dancing in skies or descending from it. People of Vlasi ( Eastern Serbia ) believe that these particular fires appearing on Midnight of this holy day , can ( and often do ) lead people to places where treasures have been buried.[6] There is another interesting ritual preformed just before the Midnight on this eve :

Egg divination Epiphany ritual

A single , fresh egg is taken , alongside the small plate, and taken outside, few minutes before the Midnight. The plate, which is suggested to be in dark color, is placed on Your terrace, or window shell, and while looking in skies, one focuses, thinking of questions and speaking petition to G’d to illuminate and guide , and to send signs and omens. After three such prayers, the egg is broken by knocking it over the plate’s edge, yolk is preserved in shell ( You can toss it, which would be shame really or, use it as You normally use yolk lol ) and the eggwhite ( albumen ) is poured on plate. Few more minutes are spent in silent prayer, or meditation, and then the plate with egg white is taken inside, and placed on the inside side of the window shell. In the morning we inspect and interpret the shapes eggwhite had been formed, noting the associations and ideas glimmering in mind.

On the next day ( 20th of January ) St John The Baptist feast day is commemorated, as part of family cults, in families that consider him their Feast Saint ( Patron , Protector Saint ) as mentioned in part regarding St Stephen’s day. People try to repent for sins they made on this day, and that practice is most likely associated with depiction of St John with the wand with Cross on the top in one hand and scroll with words speaking of importance of repentance due to proximity of the final Judgment.

Now, just because You might not be Christian, Orthodox Christian, Eastern European, does not mean You can not practice suggested rites, rituals and folk spells. Their foundations are universal and part of general occult thought train. If You want to get Epiphany Holy water, You can obtain it fairely easy even in States, in any Orthodox Christian Church. Also , just worth metioning that this post might get additional pictures, I'll try and take some pics of folks rituals here and post them for Your convenience, any how, till next time be well ! Many Blessings !

NOTES: This article was written and composed by myself, according to folklore I was raised in and local anthropologic accounts and literature. If You wish to use any part of it elswhere, provide credits: Shadow of Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post, For use in any sort of printed media, infrom me prior to use, e mailing me in given e mail account/address.
CREDITS AND REFRENCES:
[1] Ethnical minority in Serbia, originating from old tribe that had once inhabitated Southern Serbia, around the river Morava, tribe called Volos by Romans and Nhyalos by German
[3] Common folk , short verse prayer in Serbia and Mne \
[4] http://orthodoxwiki.org/Elevation_of_the_Holy_Cross
[5] According to writings of Jasna Jojic Pavlovski , as found in her book “Kalendar za Srecne dane”
[6] according to Anthropological work ( account ) of Vesilin Cajkanovic called “O magiji I religiji” literarily “Of magick and religion”
IMAGES:
The image depicting Elevation of the Cross is common Orthodox icon , as found on Orthodox Wiki website, while the other depicting Baptism of the Christ is work of :Bartolomé Esteban Murillo - The Baptism of Christ, which is obtained from here www.commons.wikimedia.org, both used for illustrative and explanatory y purposes ( here ) only, with no ill will

Spells for Successful New Year

2011-12-28T18:09:00.000-08:00

It appears like it’s that time of the Year again. Yes New Year, a date when something old ends, and something new begins. Time for us human, to mentally and spiritually “shed skin” , rejuvenate, evolve. Which is not always that easy. Sometimes we perceive it as hard to let go of old, and embrace the upcoming, an while for some things that is a proper way of dealing, many times this is a bad way to go about things. Stick to Your religion, soccer team, favorite food lol, but don’t cling to bad memories, failures, falls. Get up, shake it off, and continue, seize the opportunity.

Not just New Year eve, but whole late December magick is about that, really. Cleansing, wishing and empowering among other. The concept of cleansing among spiritual people at this point of time I even more specific, it’s about getting rid of all things unworthy, unnecessary, old and stale. Which means clean Your wardrobe, rooms etc, for the mere physical cleansing is not just that at this points, it removes old conditions and blockages. If You find it hard to chose among, simply try the 6month rule, If You have not even handled something for six months or more it’s a good candidate for getting rid of . After the physical spiritual cleansing should follow, more so for frequent practitioners of occult, and spiritual workers. Then , when we have finished with getting the old out, it’s time to get the new in, and it’s where wishing , success, blessing and empowering spells come in . And here are some ( practical suggestions ) for Your convenience

Cleansing recipes

Chinese wash, one of the most popular Hoodoo products for house cleansing ( though used for clothes and oneself as well ) and may I add, a very powerful one as well

• Van Van oil ( in lack of thereof add essential oils of Lemongrass, Citronella and Vertivert, all being among ingredients of Van Van condition oil )
• Base of liquid soap or dish detergent, preferably some scented with Pine
• Salt , Blessed sea salt works in a pinch
• Broom tops, or Broom straws from a new broom are traditional addition in style of old Conjure

You could also use Household ammonia solution with few drops of essential oil of Lemon. To a bucketful of water ( liter to two ) add few spoons of either, some lemon juice and Salt, and it shall clean any mess up !

For a personal cleansing, for this part of year I would suggest this simple bath
• Lemon/s sliced up ( 9 or 13 slices would be great choice )
• Hyssop
• Pine needles
Make an infusion and add some sea or Kosher salt to it. Alternatively You could make it into Bath salts, adding essential oils to salt with some powdered or finely processed/grinded dry Hyssop. This bath is ideal to cleanse oneself, from sin, crossed conditions, negative energy, and to cut ties with old as well.

Once having house and oneself cleansed this way, it would be good to use some incense that will not only clean but also bless, and thus seal the positive rites done, and make their effect more durable and strong. Good examples are those simple, yet powerful such as : Frankincense, Camphor, Benzoin or even the mixture of any of those. Rose petals and Myrrh might be added as well, more so If we want to emphasize Blessing.

Seeds of intention spell for drawing good things and growth of positive

This fairly simple folk ritual practice might have its roots in simple sowing divinations, frequent among European cunning folk. Small onions were sown, asked to grow for or “in name” of dear people we have not seen or hear from for long. Their germination, growth and wellbeing would be inspected and interpreted as omens and answers afterwards.
For this rite You shall need some seeds, a plant pot and some fresh soil. I light some nice white or pale blue candle when doing so. Seeds are traditionally sown for Yuletide, as one of the ways to employ the energy of the day, or on Winter Solstice. What seeds You will chose is not that relevant though here are just few suggestions

• Anise seeds for spiritual growth, obstacles removing, dreams
• Basil seeds for Protection , success, money and Love
• Sage seeds for wisdom and decrement
• Patchouli seeds for Money and Love etc, get creative

The key of the whole practice, is to empower seeds , In some way consecrate and bless and tell them what to do. Infuse them with Your intentions, wishes and goals , so they could grow with the seed, empowered by powerful wishing energy associated with late December. Then simply place them in the soil, saying something along these lines

As this plant grows and greets the Sun, so will success/money/whatever grow for me/in me/around me !

After that, all You need to do is take good care of plant. If I light a candle during this siple rite , I add remaining wax in the plant pot. When the life cycle of plant is over You can bury the plant near You or use the herb for magick like You would otherwise , and You can preserve the seeds as well.
An example of such, tad bit more elaborated spell, is given in my previous post on New Year magick , link provided at the end of this post, so check that out as well.

Crown of Success ritual

You shall need a gold or yellow candle. I sometimes use those offertory, spirally ribbed ones. Though any shall do, just try not to save on candle price and size, give to get, it simple and powerful ritual ;)

Make a petitioner paper, with Your name surrounded by circle made of written word “success” . Fold the paper thrice towards oneself. Place it under small saucer , like coffee plate like. On that plate, place Your candle and encircle it at bottom with some ( whole ) dry Bay Laurel leafs. Dress the candle with some “Crown of Success oil” ( one of the formulations for this condition oil I have added on this blog before, under formulas and recipes ) and do it from bottom to the top, preferably in spiral motion. Some people carve the word success spirally on the candle, You can do that If You like.
For the next seven days, each day burn a partition of candle, while reading the Psalm23rd followed by personal prayer for success in specific area, leaving candle to burn all the way down on the seventh day. You’ll be left with sort of waxy-bay leaf crown, that I suggest burring near home or in flower pot, maybe even placing in pouch and keeping somewhere high in house.

Double action candle for banishing negative and drawing positive

Simple and very effective, simply place double action, black - white, butted candle horizontally on a plate, and dress the black half with some Banishing or Uncrossing oil.
You may say something along these lines :

Lord, to You I cry, set me free of all evil, malice and snare s of the wicked people and spirits. As the candle burns, wax melts in presence of flame, and as smoke disappears, may all ills that trouble me be-gone ! Amen !

Then dress the white part, from top to middle with some Blessing oil or Holy Anointing oil, or Special oil No20, saying something along the lines:

I / We pray to You Lord, Merciful and Human Loving G’d, Be kind unto/to us sinners, Forgive us our trespassing, and be kind to us weak. Give power to our spirit and guide us on righteous paths . Remove obstacles and stones from our way, and send us Your Blessings, so we can live happily, praising You always Lord. Heal us, protect us and, how much we need, help us provide Lord. For the Power and Glory are eternally Yours. Amen!

This spell simply does what suggested in above article, cleanses bad and draws good instead. It is very beneficial to be done anytime, perhaps on full Moon, but certainly y well suited for dark winter days, ending of one Year and beginning of another. Alternatively You can burn candle vertically, same way, just in that case, make sure that the black part is first to be burnt.

I highly advise You to read this article regarding double action candles use in such manner

http://ldygry.livejournal.com/13172.html it’s a brilliant, inventive piece of work of a person I know, and find to be very wise, trustworthy and admirable.
If You’d like to read on some more spells for this time of Year and few other methods of cleansing ( including spell originating from Balkan peninsula traditional witchraft ) pay a visit to my post on it here
http://shadowsmagickplace.blogspot.com/2010/12/new-year-beliefs-customs-and.html

NOTE: This article was written, and composed by myself, therfore should You wish to use any part of it eslwhere feel free but give credits: Shadow of Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post
IMAGES: Image with greeting , holliday greeting is from : holidays.dbgreetings.com used for illutrative purposes with no ill will. O ther pics were taken by me

Condition and Spiritual oils

2011-12-27T16:59:00.000-08:00

I have written before on here about making condition oils and wanted to update that post, with this ( more informative and more organized ) one, though the two original formulas posted are kept here as well , Enjoy :

The fine art of potion making is almost as old as magick itself. The art of oils as potions may be seen as branch of fire magick, and in modern days we have Hoodoo to thank for it’s “revival” and improvement. Furthermore, Hoodoo has a unique way of making formulas, following tradition, doctrine of signatures and great knowledge of Materia magicka. As a result we get condition oils, named so because they represent some of the main part of Conjure/Hoodoo/Root doctor repertoire. Condition oils are used to treat just that – certain problems, conditions we may encounter , either in mundane life or in our spiritual endeavors.

Unlike their European counterparts, Condition oils are not blunt, they are very specific and targeted, so You might find an oil called “Sell it” or “Pay me back” etc, which clearly illustrates another important thing regarding Condition oils. Most often, their names clearly illustrate/indicate their purpose, goals and even methods of use.

Condition oils are used to dress candles, oneself ( as a perfume ), knobs, shoe soles, or anywhere where someone might come in contact with them.

They can contain boatnicals ( herbal material, essential oils included as well ), animal curios ( animal parts, processed specifically so they can be used in oils ) and sometimes mineral material ( such a Pyrite or Lodestone, or even metals, scuh as broken chain in Uncrossing oils ) as well.

Traditional formulas may be passed to successors only by wise Crossroad mama’s or Root doctors, or may be composed basing on good knowledge of Hoodoo herbal correspondences. If we know that Bay Laurel leafs, are traditional ingredient in Crown of Success oil, and that Vertiver is sort of all purpose New Orleans lucky-success bringing oil, and also we know that Bergamot essential oil brings personal
success, let’s try and compose some Crown of Success formula :

• Sandalwood chips ( said to bring Success )
• Bay Laurel leafs or essential oil ( traditional ingredient, symbol of Success )
• Frankincense tears ( Solar influence, Empowering Oils )
• Five finger grass ( Brings success in all things five fingers can do )
• Bergamot essential oil ( Brings success and boosts personal power )
• OPTIONAL : Vertvert essential oil ( Brings luck, success and empowers oils )
• OPTIONAL : Basil essential oil or herb ( repells evil and brings success, making sure formula is safe from bad that might try to intervene it’s work )

All in base of Sunflower, or Sunflower-Jojoba mixture oil.
And how are these spiritual/condition oils manufactured ?
Here is an excerpt on that, from my text “Ars Olei” :
Once You learn about ingredients and how to combine them, the technology of making oil comes relatively easy. These are basically standard pharmacological methods of extraction of the active principles ( from herbs and essential oils ) and compounds in oil base.
There are two main methods, which I like to refer as warm and cold extraction / infusion

1. Warm extraction, is a procedure of infusion of the herbal ( and possibly other ) ingredients in base oils. For this You will need a double boiler dishes, which means a dish to hold boiling water, and dish that will be placed on top of it or inside, and that will contain oil and the herbal material. You will also need the heat source, as well as some strainer like cheesecloth, and normally a container ( vial, bottle ) to hold the completed products.
The herbal material is added to smaller dish ( I use fireproof lab glass containers ) best if with a tight fitting caps. When You have added the herbal material You pour base oil over it, and place the smaller dish into that larger fireproof dish filled with water. You place the larger dish ( with smaller dish inside ) onto the fire source, and leave them “cooking” for 2-4 hours.
Then remove from heat and strain, when colleen. When completely cooled You may add essential oils, more herbs or herbal/animal or other material You wish bottles to contain.

2. Cold extraction, is a simple procedure of infusing of the herbal material in base oil here the herbal material is poured in bottle or container, covered or better yet topped with oil and left for week, or best month to sit. The herbal and other materials are added right away, when making the oil and are most often left inside the bottles, or If You like You can strain the oil. Wiccans repeat the procedure sometimes, adding new herbs each time and leaving the oil to sit for 28 days ( whole lunar cycle, from new to new ). Essential oils, to this type of oil can be added at any point, any time desired. Traditional Hoodoo practitioners are somewhat most fond on this type of oil making.

To keep oils made like that fresh one often adds some Benzoin or Vit E capsule to the bottles of oils. Once they are finished It’s preferable that the oils are placed in nice , clean bottles, best if dark glass ones, and kept on room or cold temperature, away from light.

And here are two more formulas , for Your convenience:

Essence of Bend over

• Licorice root
• Calamus root
• Frankincense tear
• OPTIONAL : Master root
• Bergamot essential oil [1]
For control and domination, compelling people to Your will and making them agree with You. Great for dressing Voodoo dolls and poppets. Also good to command evil spirits to go back to caster and leave one alone [2]

Angelic ( Celestial ) oil

For work with Guradian Angel, or Angels in general.

• Angelica root
• OPTIONAL: Bay Laurel leaf
• Altahea root
• Essential oil of Lavender
• Essential oil of Sandalwood
• OPTIONAL: Essential oil of Orange
• Frankincense tears
• Essential oil of Lemon [3]
Many more formulas You may find in ( the above mentioned, and quoted ) document of mine here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/58939249/Ars-olei-TEST-VERSION

NOTES: This article was composed and written by myself, so If You wish to use it elsewhere, whole or any part of it, add credits, such as Shadow of Shadows magick place , Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post.
CREDITS AND REFERENCES:
[1] Formula inspired by Cathrine Yronwode’s suggestions for ingredients for Essence of Bend over formula found here http://www.luckymojo.com/spells/recipes.html
[2] Use of Bend over as uncrossing and spirit removing agent, while not that often at West Coast of States, is very prominent practice in New Orleans, according to Denise Alvarado
[3] Addition of Essential oil of Lemon and or Orange ( sometimes Lime ) is mimicking the scent of commercial “Angelic oil” formulae, for most of them contain Lemon, and Orange, sometimes Lime as well. Lime is said by some Herbalists ( as scent ) to attract Angelic beings. According to Anna Riva, the oil is favorite of many spiritual beings, and entices protective spirits in home.
IMAGES: Photo taken by myself, Drawings are made by myself

Conjuring the Light , Hoodoo candle magick

2011-12-21T19:02:00.000-08:00

I have written on Hoodoo candle-work before on here, but looking back on that particular article, being one of very first I added, I don’t feel overly satisfied with it. Which is only normal I’d say, we are all humans, we learn throughout the life, something new every day, just if we really want to.
So I wanted to add more organized, and slightly more comprehensive article here

Candle magick is a very simple form of magick , being a common exemplary type of fire magick. It’s old almost as candle itself, though it became quite more popular and employed as industrialization enabled us comfort of obtaining candles easily. In local stores , rather than made in our homes by ourselves, like old European folk did. In different parts of the world we have different influences to thank for this. In Eastern Europe, folk in remote mountain areas, rarely had candles, and when they did they were precious items used for illumination rather than for magick. Not to mention the colors of the candle lol They were either dark grey , made from animal fat, and they stank like …well smth bad , or the cunning folk would buy orange-brown-ish or yellow candles readily available in Church. Cunning folk would buy the candles, used to light for the dead or for “health” in Orthodox or even some Catholic Christian churches, and use them for craft.

In Hoodoo, across the States , people commonly use candles in there rites, for prayers and laying tricks as well. [1] They became readily available during the 19th century, and their use in Conjure community was suggested , popularized even, by Henric Gamache’s work “Master book of Candle-Burning” a thin, paper bound, but highly informative pamphlet ( published in 1940.originally ) though candle burning as Roman Catholic practice and it’s encompassing in Voodoo-Hoodoo syncretism rituals and ceremonies, certainly plaid it’s important role. It’s suggested that such candle burning ceremonies had first started in New Orleans, at St. Anne’s Street, run by mysterious ( and at the time notorious ) Mamzell’e Leveaux
What is a candle in a magick ritual ? Multiple purposes candles serve; they act as spirit and power beacons, as well as focus tool and adjunct to power, for they posses qualities of fire, such as fierce force etc. Today, in modern occultism, inspired by old grimoires we attribute more power to candles depending on their color and shape ( image candles ) as well as burning time.

Types of candles

We differ many, varying on size and burning time for starters; chime candles, offertory candles, pillar candles, votive candles , tea lights/candles etc.
Image candles are candles shaped/molded to symbolize specific aspect or image and as such find use in specific spells, or spiritual works. Let’s mention some

Cross candle – Shaped like cross, coming in different colors are used for doing spiritual work, blessing , uncrossing and healing ( blue and white most often ) or doing harm ( black cross candles )

Some variations in forms appear, such as “Master key Crucifix candle” and “Lucky clover Crucifix candle” white used for blessing, black for mastery , conjure work and crossing, orange for positive changes and Road opening, brown for Court cases, red for love and green for money.

Skull candle – candle molded in form of a human skull , for clarity work , mind uncrossing and blessing ( white, pale blue ) domination and mastery , mind swaying ( purple , red or black ) and crossing and causing intranquility or to have luck in gambling ( black )

Male or Female figural candles – used to represent certain person in spellwork, like effigies in a way, really. Depening on color most often used in blessing, uncrossing and healing ( white ) causing lust ( pink, sometimes red ) contacting someone who’s fare away ( yellow if available ) domination ( purple, orange if available ) and crossing ( black ) . They come usually in two forms,

- naked male and female , so called “Adam” and “Eve” candles used mostly in love, marriage and lust work, and
- cloaked male and female, often referred as “Gentleman” and “Lady” used for any office, career or job related workings, as well as to influence or dominate someone

Male and female candles, other than in separate forms, as mentioned above, come in shapes where both are present, together. A simple example is “Bride and Groom” candle, used in marriage work, “Lovers” representing nude couple embracing each other, used in lust work or to attract a new lover ( red, pink , white ), and “Divorce candle” man and women back to back, one wick set between their backs, used in separation and divorce spells, often come black or red.

Black cat candle – is a candle shaped as cat, usually dark green or black, used in gambling luck, or money issues, also sometimes in Court work.

Seven day knob candles – also called Seven day wishing candle s are c andles that appear as knobbed, divided in seven sections each to be burnt for one day, all together even days, while praying for result. The can come in one color or each knob/section/part can have different color, for different wishes.

Coiled snake – Control, bind, increase spiritual awareness

De*il – for crossing and causing harm, contacting demons and sending them on one

Pyramid candle – Pyramid shaped candles, sometimes with an eye inscribed ( in which case called “pyramid and Eye” ) candles , used for drawing some sort of energy, most often green- money , pale blue –healing, and purple –spiritual power, divination.

Baphomet – shaped in form of Sabbatic Goat, red for causing lust, black for worship or evil forces

Angelic influence – Candle depicting and Angel , often in pale celestial blue, or white, for work with angelic forces, blessings, healing and guidance. Sometimes pale celestial blu e pillar candles are sold under the same name, and can be used interchangeably.

As we have seen, color symbolism is considered even for image candles, and when we speak of common ( not image ) candles color symbolism is even more important. So let’s go through basic correspondences of candles and colors , like Hoodoo teaches us:

· White – Purity, Uncrossing, Spiritual work and cleansing, Power, Prayer, Healing, Blessings, also sometimes in Tranquility work, as well as good general offering candle or to honor deities such as St Barbara, Obatala etc.
· Blue – Healing, Peace, Harmony , Good intentions, Spiritual work, work with Celestial forces
· Red – Love spells, Drawing spell, Bodily or other power ,Lust, Protection
· Green – Money, Gambling, Good job, Good crops
· Yellow – Devotion , Success, Youth and longevity work, Clearing the air
· Orange – Creating opportunities, Road opening, Prophetic dreams, Repelling or influencing Law
· Brown – Court work and Justice spells, Neutral spells
· Gold – Solar works, Success, Riches , Fortune, Luck
· Black – Doing evil or repelling evil, Gambling luck, Uncrossing, Reversal work, Dark arts type of Spiritual work, Contacting spirits, demons and necromantic work
· Pink – Lust, Bodily desire, Romance, Love
· Silver - Lunar works , Intuition, Divination, Petitioner’s candle
· Purple - Control and domination, mastery, Occult power and Guidance, Precognitive dreams, Power spells , work with Deities such as St. Cypriano ect

Other than single color candle spells, many times we use two , or sometimes even three color candles, frequently halves or thirds dyed in different colors. Sometimes candle may appear single color from outside but comes with a colored wax “core” inside, like Reversible candles. Let’s mention few most commonly sold ( and used ) ones

· Double action white and black – Returning evil to sender, Uncrossing and Blessing at same time
· Double action red and black – Removing love crossings
· Double action green and black – Removing money crossings
· Triple action – often coming in all sort of various colors though Black, white and orange is common and universal for uncrossing, Road opening and Blessing. In my humble opinion they are unpractical and unnecessary
· Reversible – Black wax outside, red wax inside, used to reverse evil back to sender, especially handy when the enemy is unknown, very powerful and gives fast results

Candles are also burnt, If instructed so, for specific periods of time ( for example 3 day period, 7 day period or other ) so we have to chose our candles taking this criteria in consideration as well. Chime candles and tea light are suitable If needed only while ritual lasts, meaning one times use only. They also come nifty to burn while taking spiritual baths. Offertory ( common household, table candles ) and pillar candles are more suitable for longer , repeated rituals that may require extinguishing and relighting the candles, though when the ritual calls for seven days of such practice we are suggested to use Seven day , or Seven knob candles.
In Hoodoo, Conjure and Creole Voodoo ( as well as in similar systems such as Palo, Santeria or even Kimbalad a ) glass encased candles are very popular. These are either “fixed” ( dressed and powdered ) candles made for specific magickal aim in glass vials, or devotional candles to certain deities such as Saints or Loa ( or Lwa ) in which case , they usually come along with Saint prints and novenas and prayers on back, also glass encased of course .In the latter case they are also called Novena candles and can also be found sold in Christian Churches or Church store/s .

Fixin’ da’ candle

“Fixing the candle” is a practice, indigenous to Hoodoo and Conjure, that calls for dressing candles with oil and rolling in powdered or crumbled herbs, or simply dusting anointed candles with powders.
Instead of such method of “fixing”, oil and herbs/powders can be added to wax when pouring a candle, or small holes can be made into candle and filled with oils and herbs/powders. This is usually done with sharp heated metal tool , such as needles, and is mostly used method when “fixing” pillar or glass encased candles.
When dressing/anointing the candles, it’s customary to use condition oils that suit the aim of candle, and sometimes even color, though in my humble opinion, oil – candle color correspondence is silly. Normally , we dress candle from top to bottom when we wish to draw something to us, or from bottom to top if we wish to banish, repel or reverse something. Individual methods that follow this general guidelines can be adopted, such as dressing candle from ends to middle to draw something, or from middle to ends for opposite effect. Some people twist them as they do. Some dress in falling or ascending spiral as well.
Candle can be rolled in dry herbs or powdered liberally afterwards with sachet powders and there is no specific rule of how this should be done. I would simply spread some dry herbs on some wax paper or plastic wrap, and roll , previously anointed candle in it. In case of powder I might use same method or I might blow powder at candle, sometimes in odd number of “blows” , that could correspond to aim .

Double action candle “butting” and dressing

Double action candle serve , as the name says two goals, they usually end, or banish something bad, such a scrossed condition, while at the same time drawing something good, like Blessings for example. When used in such mannerism , they are often “Butted” which would mean, their bottom part wick carved out, so it can be lit. Afterwards they are commonly laid on plate horizontally, though previously dressed, both wicks being lit afterwards. They are not commonly dusted, though this can be done as well. If burned vertically, white tip is cut, black butted and candle burnt upiside down, so the black part would burn first.

Candle spell examples

Prophetic dream candle spell

Get a purple candle and dress with some oil such as “Vision”, or “Aunt Sally’s dream” and roll in Anise seed , or /and Flax seed, or powder made of such. You can use sachet powder of same brand ( name ) as oils listed above too. Carve the divine name “Jah” into candle and light it.
Recite Psalm 23rd seven times, and any Prayer to Holy Ghost for inspiration or guidance. Alternatively You can say some personal prayer ( after each Psalm reading ) seeking answers such as :
“O Great , All-knowing, One True G’d, be merciful upon this servant of Yours , hear my cry and deliver me from, not knowing, Send me Your Holy Ghost to inspire me with True Knowledge and Your Angels to give me answers in my dreams. End the confusion and provide answers and guidance for those that seek You and invoke Your Name! For Your Glory is eternal ! Amen !”

Love candle

Get a red candle and dress it with “Attraction oil” , or “Look me over” or “Follow me boy/girl” oil, carve the name of those You wish to notice You, and role it in brown sugar. Place the candle on overturned saucer, bellow which You’ve placed charged lodestone.
Burn for nine nights saying nine times:
Like moths to flame, bee to flower, look me over, be my lover !

Money in rush candle spell

If You can get a pyramid shaped green candle, If not offertory green candle will do fine. Mix Bergamot and Basil essential oils[1] in base oil. You may add some Patchouli essential oil If You wish. Role the candle in some Cinnamon powder. Place on overturned saucer , bellow which You’ve placed brown paper with written amount of money You need and purpose ( be modest , only what You need ) , sprinkled with brown sugar, and folded thrice towards oneself. You can carve symbols associated with money onto candle, such as Aquarius symbol, or Jupiter symbol/s
Then light the candle and pray the Psalm 23rd. You can either read the psalm 7 times, and let the candle burn itself out, or You can read Psalm seven days, once a day, leaving candle to burn all the way down on the seventh day and burring the remaining wax and paper in Your yard.

Blessing candle

Place petitioner paper with the name of person in subject bellow White, offertory candle. Dress it with Blessing oil and sprinkle with some Angelica, Basil or Flax seed. Light the candle and pray for person, using personal words of power and /or 62nd Psalm[2]. It would be very beneficial indeed , If You’d burn some Frankincense resin/s along this candle.

NOTES: This article was written and composed by myself so If You'd like to use any of it ( parts, sections, quotes or all ) give credit s ; Shadow of Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com , or links to this post.
REFRENCES: [1] - According to Lucky mojo website page on Candle magick www.luckymojo.com/candlemagic.html
[2] - 62nd Psalm suggested for blessing according to Godrfrey Seilig's "Secrets of Psalms"
IMAGES: Taken or drawn by myself

Many Blessings, from Shadow , and Happy Equinox :)

St Barbara of Heliopolis, Thunder and Lightning patroness

2011-12-16T18:35:00.000-08:00

One of the Fourteenth Holy Helpers, this Miraculous Saint, venerated as patron Saint of the artillery, those that work with guns, explosive’s and those in dangerous, life threatening professions, and according to Eastern Orthodox Church, for delivery against sudden death and soldiers [1]

It is said that Barbara lived in Syria, in the town of Heliopolis, as a daughter of wealthy pagan Disocores, who after the death of his wife devoted his life to his daughter, Barbara. Barbara had to live isolated, in tower that her father had built for her, in luxury but also isolation and solitude. Experiencing the beauty of the nature from her tower windows, she started wondering about Creator, who she could not see in vane Pagan idols. Barbara grew into an extraordinary beautiful Young women, who had refused all the suitors her father had chosen and brought to her. Deducting it might have been a result of her isolation, Dioscores had given her freedom of movement and socializing , with people she herself would chose. Upon arriving to the town, Barbara met Christian maidens who had taught her about Christianity , Creator Mundi, The Most Holy Trinity and Logos. Be it accidental or not ( G’d providence ) a priest arrived in town, introduced her to Christian mysteries even more , and baptized her.

Meanwhile Dioscores had been building a bathhouse, very luxurious and beautiful, with two windows on the south side. Using one of her father’s absences Barbara instructed workers to make 3 of windows instead, symbolizing Holy Trinity, which had aggravated her father ferociously as soon as he had seen it, and heard from Barbara that she has chosen the True G’d over profane idols. Barbara, however stood up to her beliefs, which had only further angry her father.
In rage he had beaten up his daughter and wanted to kill her by sword, but Barbara fled and escape by means of miraculous creation of opening in the rock, leading her to a safety of the mountain , where she was protected by two shepherds.
According to some stories, it was one of the twpo very shepherds that had betrayed her and as punishment, he was turned to stone. Be it how it was, St Barbara was eventually caught and beaten badly by her father, then incarcerated , and tortured daily, starved and put to serious physical injuries. Over the night, she would pray , and the Lord Savior would heal her wound. Certain women, named Juliana, in sympathy with the righteous virgin, and trying to defend her has lived up to similar fate, and was imprisoned, and tortured along St. Barbara. They were both wounded, and led naked throught the city peoples derision, but because of St. Barbara’s prayers they were eventually covered by splendid robe, as an act of Angelic interdiction.

Dioscores finally decapitated St. Barbara and Martian soldiers decapitated Juliana. Soon , however, the wrath of the One True Righteous G’s befall on them, and they were both ( Disocores, and Martian, the city perfect ) struck down by the lightning. According to one version, the lightning had hit them on their way to town, after the gnarly act, while other version says how lightning had hit them in their residences/house.

St Barbara is often depicted in red and white clothes, holding chalice or miniature model of fortress she was imprissioned in. Sometimes the fortress is seen in background as well. The Sky above the Saint is often gloomy with indications of possible thunders. In Orthodox Christian iconography, her image is osurrounded by minor pictures depicting scenes from certain periods of her life.

The Cult of Saint Barbara in/among Balkan peninsula folk

St Barbara enjoys great reverence among Balkan peninsula folk, that almost borders with a cult ( much like some other Saints in this part of the world, such as Saint John, or Saint Cosmas and Damian ) , and is an proper collection of beliefs and folk rites.
In Christianized areas ( most ) of Balkan peninsula, folk will not work heavy jobs ( mostly reffering to physical country choirs, like cattle work, mowing, wood cutting etc ) on this day, furthermore, women usually do not sew on this day. Instead women will cook up a specific meal , commonly called ( in Southern Slavic Language group ) “Varica”* . The meal is fairly simple, it’s made of simply cooked up cereals of all sort, with an optional addition of Pumpkin or Sunflower seeds, and often addition of chopped fruit , anise seed and/or honey to savor it, and make more pleasant. While cooking this meal, women must not utter a single word, it is done in pure silence. No additional water, or other ingredient could be tadded after the meal was placed to cook on fire. Salt, from some ( to me unfamiliar ) reason was strictly prohibited adding in this meal. When finished, the meal was served to all the household members, to take at least a spoon, for it symbolized abundance and health, as well as honor to the Saint. Remaining would often be given to cattle.
According to old , Julian calendar, this Saint’s feast day in Orthodox Christian churches of Balkan peninsula is 17th of December, according to Church calendar 4th . Incidentally or not , 17th/18th December was the beginning day, for a seven day spiritual initiation/ journey in Balkan peninsula folk magick. The folk , wishing to become skilled in spiritual work, would “starting of ( St. ) Barbara’s day” and study the “art” for six days devotedly and on the sevenths day, would , sort of , become initiated, receiving to each person unique omen that they’ve succeed. The Seventh day (Initiation day ) of spiritual journey, would often fall on Equinox, again incidentally or not  [2]
This Saint is often petitioned by folk of Eastern Europe , when they believe they might be threatened by sudden or violent death. They would light a beeswax candle, obtained from church, though in modern day white or red candle are common choice as well, and would say following prayer, which is a troparion essentially [3] :

“Let us praise holy Barbara who has broken the snares of the enemy. By the help of the weapon of the Cross, she has escaped as a bird and flown Godwards.!”

Troparion, tone 4th

Hoodoo and Conjure

In Hoodoo St Barbra is patron Saint of ( as above in the text already mentioned ) soldiers, mine workers, firefighters , prisoners, stone masons, or any other life threatening profession. In New Orleans Voodoo-Hoodoo, and Creole Voodoo, it’s syncretized with loa Chango, one of the Seven African powers and St. Barbara image is used to depict it sometimes.
In Syria, Lebanon and Palestine , much like in Balkanic countries, she is offered with White Barley, pomegranate seeds , sweetened with raisins, sugar and anise. [4]

- Plants associated with Saint Barbara include; Anise, Feverfew, Life everlasting and other than some of those, sugar can be added to her devotional oil.

- Colors associated with her are red and white , so should candles be , though they come in all sort of colors from certain suppliers :/
Prayers and novenas to St. Barbara are many, but here are just few

Prayer in Honor of St. Barbara

O God, Who didst adorn Thy holy virgin and martyr Barbara with extraordinary fortitude in the confession of the Faith, and didst console her in the most atrocious torments; grant us through her intercession perseverance in the fulfilment of Thy law and the grace of being fortified before our end with the holy sacraments, and of a happy death. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

Invocation of St. Barbara

Intrepid virgin and martyr, St. Barbara, through thy intercession come to my aid in all needs of my soul. Obtain for me the grace to be preserved from a sudden and unprovided death; assist me in my agony, when my senses are benumbed and I am in the throes of death. Then, O powerful patroness of the dying, come to my aid! Repel from me all the assaults and temptations of the evil one, and obtain for me the grace to receive before death the holy sacraments, that I breathe forth my soul confirmed in faith, hope, and charity, and be worthy to enter eternal glory. Amen [5]

NOTES: This article was composed and editeb by myself, so If You would like ti use it elswehere, provide the credits, such as Shadow of Shadow's magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or direct link to this post.
CREIDTS : and reffrence
[1] as said here www.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourteen_Holy_Helpers
[2] According to folkloric writings of Jasna Jojic Pavlovski
[3] such belif might be based on Savior’s promise. Many pious Orthodox Christians are in the habit of chanting the troparion of St. Barbara each day, recalling the Savior's promise to her that those who remembered her and her sufferings would be preserved from a sudden, unexpected death, and would not depart this life without benefit of the Holy Mysteries of Christ  according to Orthowx wiki webpage on St Barbara, the troparion to St Barbara tone 4th mentioned above is from the same source, used here for educational purposes , without any ill will
[4] according to : http://www.luckymojo.com/saintbarbara.html
[5] Invocation and novena are from, posted for educative purposes here, with no ill will www.catholicharboroffaithandmorals.com/St.%20Barbara.html
explanation : as marked with * in text --> * varica - a noun in Serbian language from verb "variti" meaning "to brew" , hence the noun could somewhat tranlaste to "brewage" even though it does not reffer to a drink
IMAGES: Saint Barbara images used came from : saints.sqpn.com and http://www.holydormition.com/HolyDormition/images/245_0035133011_Barbara-The-Great-Martyr.jpg used for illustrative purposes only, without ill will

Thirthenth Conjuration , Hoodoo and power of No. 13

2011-11-18T08:36:00.000-08:00

I am certain that most of You are familiar, with what I must call urban, popularized superstition ( in worst sense of the word ) regarding number 13. Popularized by Hollywood, and consequently repeated, reposted online over and over, spread in other methods , number 13 has become epitome of bad luck. Truth be told 13 as any number has it’s proprietary good and evil/bad aspect and qualities. Yes, number 13 had been occurring mystically throughout the history, tied to some catastrophes, battle encounters, and all sort of noxious events , but number 13 was also related to many good events and symbols.

There were 12 apostles, plus Lord Jesus Christ as their Teacher and Guide. Allegedly the round table had 12 knights and King Arthur presiding ( once again sums to thirteen ) over them. There are 13 steps in pyramid entrance, 13 Lunar cycles in Solar year, there are 13 major joints in human body etc.

The very number does seem to possess extremely strong energy, which like fire if unattended and neglected can harm and destroy, employed knowledgably and respectively can act as counter-measure to such “unlucky” qualities, much like homeopathic principle. And similar conception is spawned and nourished by Hoodoo magick, where number 13 is employed to either cross, owerpower or turn bad luck to good one, or uncross. Seems like the Indigenous Hoodoo people, originally slaves of African American ( and prior to them according to some anthropological sources Native American slaves ) being resistant and determined to keep their heritage alive, despite the persecution and maltreatment, have used their will power to overcome and conquer those or that oppressing them. Simillar could had been with the unlucky power of number 13. Cunning Voodoo-Hoodoo folk were not having that, instead they might have employed the cruel and aggressive power of the number against itself and many other evils. Hence, the 13 herb Uncrossing bath and 13 Lucky oil formulas emerged, victoriously showing prevalence of knowledge and faith, over something innately seen as bad.

Thirteen herb uncrossing bath

This bath could be seen as one of the trademarks of Hoodoo magick , alongside popular formulas such as 7 herb and 9 herb bath. It’s usually only composed only of dry herbal material , and contains always exactly 13 ingredients. Which means 13 botanicals reputed to uncross , put end to crossed conditions, cleanse, exorcise or otherwise remove evil influence are combined into herbal blend and used to make bath, poured over afflicted or added to tab water and immersed body.
Sometimes it’s poured over the head 13 times, or the body is immersed 13 times , while speaking soothing words of power ( such as Psalms , Prayers ) , and in case of strong, long lasting conditions this practice is repeated for 13days of descent/ wanning Moon.
So any 13 apotropaic herbs go, and here is an example of formula

• Hyssop
• Wood betony
• Blessed Thistle
• Angelica root
• Rosemary
• Bay Laurel
• Rue
• Blessed Thistle
• Sage
• White Clover
• Blackberry leaves
• Basil
• Lemon slices

You could of course use what Herbs You have on hand, as long as they remove negative influences. Meaning You can also use: Wahoo bark, Coffee husks, Boldo leaves, Frankincense tears, Mimosa flowers , Cayenne pepper, Black pepper , Hydragenea bark, Mugwort, St John’s wart , Nettles , Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Pine etc.

Lucky thirteen ( 13 ) oil

Is a condition oil containing 13 ;lucky ingredients, which are not necessarily only herbal agents , soaked or emulated into base oil. Now most of commercially sold vials of this oil may appear skimmed of ingredients, showing few pieces of solid material ( or not at all ) in vials. This is due to fact many suppliers will simply combine 13 lucky oils, though that could also mean you can get tricked to believe so, and could be purchasing but a bottle of scented olive or almond oil. This “brand” is ectremely popular among hazard game players, lottery players and other so called “crap games” but it can be used whenever luck is needed.Furthermore, it serves to bring luck and success, and to turn misfortune into fortune, unlucky conditions into the lucky ones. Like with 13 herb bath, any thirteen lucky ingredients will do, but here is an example

• Dragon’s blood resin chunk, small one
• Vanilla essential oil or bean husk
• Nutmeg
• Cinnamon
• Patchouli leaves or essential oil
• Five fingers grass leaf
• High John TC root
• Black cat hair
• Four leaf clover ( can substitute with Fool’s gold or Lodestone )
• Irish moss
• Citronella essential oil
• Vertiver essential oil
• Bergamot essential oil

Now that is a powerful formula, based on traditional New Orleans luck formulas, lucky curios and doctrine of signatures of lucky botanicals. Again, other lucky items could be used to substitute some of the above.
Both formulas are mine own proprietary, and I shared them for Your personal use and convenience, so please do not repost online, or in any other media, without previous approval from my minority. Otherwise, enjoy and let the “roots works for You, while You work them” as I have a habbit of saying ;) Many blessings !

Blessings, Shadow

NOTES: This article was written and composed by myself. Should You desire to use it elswhere, feel free but give credits Shadow of Shadows magick place, or Shadow-333@hotmaail.com or direct link to this post.
IMAGE : Pic was from Microsoft Office clip art collection and is edited by me. Used only to illustrate , without an y ill will

Sweeping power of the broom

2011-11-13T03:27:00.000-08:00

Broom, as well as particular parts of it, have always been respected or even feared off. It’s rather hard to pin point when exactly, did the beliefs in supernatural qualities and attributes of broom began. Besoms, as earliest forms of brooms have been used since ancient Egypt, and even earlier than that. As a simple cleaning utility tool, it’s probably very much older. For getting It’s “official” place in magick , we can probably thank to Celts, who used to make brooms from ash, birch and willow ( that was used to hold the “bristles” of the broom together ). In Balkan peninsula magick, and according to cnning folk, they seem to date back as long as people can remember. Similar is in European traditional witchery, brooms are said to be as old as the population of the continent. The most commonly used plant for household brooms comes from Africa ( look Sorghum bellow in the text ) hence African people and Sub Saharan Africans always knew of it’s powerful properties, being a source of molasses, used as offering to certain Loa [1]

Regardless, their prominence and time lasting are evident even now, followed by fear inspired by fantasies of popular culture, commercialism and fearful ( not to use shallow ) minds. Superstitions and beliefs associated with the broom, as well as it’s role in the esotery seem to be cosmopolite, widely spread all across the globe.

While brooms, in occultism can be used by anyone, among folk and old, traditional witchery they are considered mostly to be female tool or witch attribute, though male have been known to use them. While in mundane every day sense, we differ the handle and the bristles, in occultism when we say broom or broomstick we are generally addressing to the whole thing. Further differences should be noted, while besom in every day sense is seen as “simple broom”, twigs tied up together, in occult sense, besom is synonymous with the broom, even more popular word to be used in New age witchery. Brooms are made from so many different materials, depending on tradition or even some more specific purposes of the broom. Most commonly , brooms sold are made from Sorghum plant ( few species included ) most often Sorghum vulgare, also known as Broomcorn, these are the common household brooms we can purchase almost everywhere, usually with dustpan s. While the contemporary author of respected witchcraft and Wicca related books will claim how by no means can mundane and magickal broom be mixed, there are simply no anthropological, folkloric nor historical inputs or records to support such claims. See, magickal use of broom is much older than Neo-paganism or Wicca, that advocate and perpetuate such claims. Cunning folk that used brooms all over Europe, usually had no means to get more than one broom, nor they have seen the need to. Though in some cases broom had to be ritually made if You were to use it for magick as well. Which is the case in Balkan peninsula traditional witchery.

Here, brooms were ( and in some places still are ) made by something that seems as community folk ritual, and participants are older women, usually older than 50 years. In the morning of the 7th of july they are out in the fields to gather “Field brooms” ( Xeranthemum annuum ) , which they are supposed to do naked and with their hair loose. What we would call skyclad now , really :) lol. Then they would knit the brooms out of the gathered plant material, tying it together with red yarn ( most often other colors have been used occasionally ) and left on Sun to dry and become of gold-yellow color. If the handle was made, which was not obligatory on Balkan , it was usually made out of the Birch wood. Broom was in Balkan traditional witchery considered to be sacred and magickal on itself, hence no other consecration or blessings were needed, as long as the broom was made ritually.

Young female practitioners in Balkan would also use Birch besoms, in work with fae folk , and there seemed to be another kind of magickal broom made out of Oakwood, used for initiation of younger witches by old ones. Those two types were used for magickal purposes only [2]

For Hoodoos and Conjurers, the broom as magickal as it is. It needs no consecration or special rites to bless it, although it can be done if needed. Same broom used for household cleansing is used for spiritual cleansing. Furthermore, both concepts of cleaning are often done at same time, in Hoodoo households. If You ask me, it’s decent, practical and justified magickal method, modus operandi If You would.

Practical advices and superstitions related to the broom

• When purchasing a new broom , You may, even nowadays be advised not to sweep dirt from house with it, before the broom has swep t something in . In connection to that belief, it is advisory to newer clean outdoors, unless You’ve previously cleansed indoors, with one ( same ) broom
• Old rhyme from England suggests that If You buy broom in May You may chase Your friends away
• Brooms are associated with fertility, African people jump over it on their weddings [3] and If an African man would get be struck with one, he would better hit the handle seven times, to prevent impotence.
• Intentional stepping over the broom, however, seems benefactor-y, especially should You be oppressed by unfriendly ghosts, haints or evil spirits. Whitches say how noxious spirits fear even the very sight of broom, and that sweeping outwards , barely touching the ground or just above it, banishes them and sends them away.
• Likewise, broom across, or in front of doorway will prevent evil from entering the house, so will placed on ground, before Your bed, but should never be leaned on the very bed. If leaned on the wall inwards, near the entrance of the house or room, it will warn of hostile presence or upcoming visit by falling
• 9627. "If someone comes and you don't want them to come back, put salt and black pepper on the carpet. When they leave, take a broom and sweep it out the door, and they will not come back." [4]
• Similar method is employed to inspire unpleasant visitor to leave, by putting the broom behind the door so that the handle is directed towards them, pointin’ in their direction. They will soon become uncomfortable and leave
• Broom is ridden by witches, so say folk. Well yes and no. Physical brooms , nope, but their astral bodies ( yes broom seem to have astral bodies as well ) were ridden by ethereal bodies of witches, so they could fly, and o through chimneys ( less evident ) for ethereal body is not so transcendental as astral, more dense and more hard to move, certainly not through solid matter. The broom was playing the role of “carrier” , and according to some author this is why witches were believed to fly the brooms. Of course handles ( of the broom ) were greased with Flying ointments of all kinds, and “ridden” so that they would be near the body openings, hence the skin and mucosal would easily come in contact with alkaloids [5]

Broom straws and Hoodoo spells to repel nightmares and cure asthma and warts

To cure heal a child from asthma , Hoodoo people would cut the broom so it’s as long as child is tall, then they would bury it under the front doorstep. As the child would grow “taller than the cut broom” the asthma would disappear

Burned broomstraw, is believed to be efficient in removing warts by drawing circle , with its charre d end around the wart. This is done for three consecutive mornings. Source of the aforementioned also suggests ; In removing a wart, rub it thrice with three broomstraws and bury them where water drips [6]

To dispel nightmares, some people use Rosemary and Broom straws from the new broom, tied to a make bundle, and aperse the Holy water thrice over room and bed where they sleep saying ; “In Nomine Pater, Fillii et Spiritus Sancti. Amen!”

Broom straws are in Hoodoo often used in jars against witches, or are placed before bed ( where You legs are ) or under pillow, nine of them broom straws from a new broom , to prevent nightly visitations of wicked spirits and hag riding .

Hope You enjoyed the read, Blessings
Shadow :)

NOTES: This article was composed and written by me, therefore should You desire to use any parts of it elsewhere feel free, but add credits, Shadow of Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post.
CREDITS:
[1] and [3] according to Stephanie Rose Bird, author of “Sticks, stones, roots and bones”
[2] and [5] according to Radomir Ristic, author of “Traditional Balkan witchcraft” , in the mentioned book he presents the theory of astral broom being used to uplift non –physical body during projection
[4] and [6] adopted and edited from “Folklore from Adam’s county Illinois”, by Harry Middleton Hyatt
IMAGE CREDITS: FIrst image is from www.wikipedia.com and is part of Francisko Goya's work "Caprichos", which is aviailable in public domain

All Hallow's eve, when the veil is thin 2

2011-10-25T16:48:00.001-07:00

Ideas and spells

When All Hallows eve approaches, the Autumn is already well settled in, the days are shorter and nights darker. For most of the population this time is associated with popularized and commercialized festivities, dressing up and scary movie marathons on TV, seen in dark but warm and cozy atmosphere with a lot of candies at hand.
But do some people know better ? Which people ? Ah yes, witch people  indeed . Occult community is rarely bothered with such profane celebrations, because they understand the true meaning behind this gloomy but powerful holiday.
For witch, occultist or any other magick practitioner, this is time of both action and introspection. Time to embrace the darker aspect of oneself to draw power and learn from it. To “ride the broom” metaphorically and ( why not ) astraly  Well now, on the historical background and symbolism of the Holliday as well as correspondences I have written some time ago here http://shadowsmagickplace.blogspot.com/2010/10/all-hallows-eve-night-when-veil-is-thin.html

And here are few ideas You could do Yourself, with just a bit of effort and time, to celebrate this time of power when the veil between the worlds is so very thin and “anything” is possible. Ideas may seem “different” than commonly suggested necromantic spells , divinations and spirit honoring ( of which I wrote in previously mentioned post, above given link ) as they encompass not so typical goals for this particular time of year . However this is a time when one can tap to great sources of magickal power, so why limit oneself , be creative , Carpe diem 

Green pumpkin spell

This is a rather nifty and according to broad experience very powerful prosperity spell employing pumpkins

Into a a carved, prepared pumpkin, with candle lit, place a square piece of fabric in which You have previously placed pine needles, lavender leafs , Saffron roots, and few crystals of sea salt. Fabric must be green, herbs placed inside like in sachet ( sew or paste if You need ), and is placed inside pumpkins mouths. I suppose that symbolizes “feeding the spirits” . Then through the “eyes and nose” of the pumpkin a single silver coin is passed into pumpkin, through each, meaning three altogether, two eyes opening and one nose. Now the spell source said how the spell is middle- aged, hence I would suppose silver coins where a every-day common thing at the time. I suppose we could use our volute nowadays. Through the pumpkin openings also add one silver and one gold piece of thread or yarn with ten knots previously knotted. Source further notes how the spell brings financial increase in few days or less. [1]

You could do something similar, place a green candle in pumpkin and freely add some sesame seed, rice and perhaps some corn, pine needles and patchouli or basil leafs as You speak some soothing incantation

“I honor the spirits in this Sacred night
Thirst and hunger may be quenched
So they’ll put misfortune to flight
And bring to me/us some needed wealth ! “

The symbolisms should be clear here, seeds used represent prosperity and food , given to spirits to honor and appease them in hope they’ll do same for us

Power pumpkin spell

Carve some symbol, like pentacle on pumpkin instead of commonly seen faces. Place inside a purple candle, some Solomon seal roots or Sandalwood chips, Indigo powder , or some Echinacea root and add some Mullein leaves and Lavender or Rosemary. Light two more white candles next to the pumpkin so that they form a triangle with one inside. Place Opal, or Onyx stone inside the pumpkin, near the candle base.

If You have , dress candles with some appropriate oil, such as "Master key" or "Power oil" or "Black arts even" , though that’s optional. Light that purple candle inside the pumpkin and chant seven times :

When veils between the worlds are thin,
And spirits walk among the living
We embrace dark/shadow outside and within
Seeking the power ever growing
Old ones , Once before me
I Invoke You, Aid me
In my quests, Spirits, bless me
And with power, gift me !
And by the power of the Three
As I wish, so mote it be !

Let the candles burn themselves out. Some of the remaining wax from the pumpkin candle, white candles and herbs and roots from pumpkin place in some nice, new indigo or purple pouch bag, along with that crystal You used. Carry or employ in rituals for extra power. Replace each year, burring or burning the last year’s contents, all but stone which You may use again.

All Hallows eve second sight potion

Wiccans and witches commonly ritually consume ( drink ) Absinthe , also called “Green Fairy”, on this day. However Absinthe is very strong , and has large percent of both alchohol and psychoactive alkaloids, hence it’s not suitable for minors or those that cannot really handle alcohol. Also If You simply desire to attain divinatory prolific effect of it, but not the intoxicating effect ( lol ) try this potion instead:
• Teaspoon of chopped, dry dandelion roots
• Teaspoon of Mugwort, herb, dry
• Teaspoon of Yarrow flowers
• Very nice pinch of Cinnamon
• Few rose petals or Wild rose buds OPTIONAL
Pour a cup of boiling spring water over the herbs and cover for 13 minutes. Afterwards, stir thirteen times, strain, sweeten with honey If You wish, and drink.
One could add some chopped apple ( “fruit of knowledge” ) or peeled and grinded Ginger rhizome ( power enhancing ) to make the taste more “seasonal” and appealing.

If You can, light some candles for all that died in all sort of catastrophes and calamities last year, and for those burnt at stakes long time ago, as well as for dear and familiar spirits. Also do not forget to light protective candles, and deploy shielding charms all around and in Your dwelling, and carry with oneself, for on All Hallows eve even malevolent spirits get tht desire to “socialize” and are more pestiferous that the rest of the year. It’s also a good time to vanquish something negative , and to send it away, and as suggested above get some money coming ( which I always seem to lack :D ) and finally
Many Blessings and stay safe :)
Shadow !

NOTES: This post ( article ) was written and composed by myself, hence If You want to use it elsewhere, feel free, but add credits Shadow of Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or direct link to this post. All spells, except the first green pupkin spell, were written by myself
CREDITS : [1] Spell was translated, adapted and edited by myself, from the original found in loacal ( where I live ) Occult magazine "Bakini recepti za srecu" ( lit. "Granny's recipes for luck ) NO 1. October 2011th, used for informative purposes without any ill will
IMAGE CREDITS : First image http://www.layoutsparks.com/1/168102/all-hallows-eve-night-31000.html
Second image http://www.wiccanwallpapers.com/wallpapers/all-hallows-eve-1024-x-768.jpg Used for ILLUSTRATIVE purposes only, without any ill will

FInding lost articles

2011-10-18T16:23:00.000-07:00

In this post we will just be ( briefly ) discussing few methods of finding lost items, for there seems to be an ever-pending interest for such magick. And it’s no wonder, really, for most of people do loses something almost every day, be it just a dropped coin. As to that, apparently to find money that You might have lost all one needs to do is to “kiss a Negro” [1] rofl ;)

Hoodoo people will commonly seek aid of either Lord Himself, or St Anthony, to find lost items, usually in form of prayer. Now since it’s a method of folk magick, rather than religious praying, prayers can be made up by oneself, honestly offered anywhere, anytime and they can even appear in form of simple rhyme! Most of folk prayers to Saint Anthony for finding lost articles rhyme, and contain but few rhymes made easy to memorize and chant. It’s customary to give some sort of thanks to Lord or Saint that aided us in finding lost article.

Witches use various forms of spells, sometimes ( thought that’s rarely done ) addressing to some deities to aid them in their quest, but most frequently simply using the power of symbolism and sympathetic magick. They will often invoke aid of certain deities in restoring stolen good, and compelling theft to return them or reveal themselves ( rather cunning examples of such magick appear in Heka ) but this is another type of magick, really. Stolen articles and lost articles, though each absent from us are not the same, and therefore are not dealt with in the same manner in occultism. In Middle ages, it was said that witches and sorcerers would lay a hand on their familiars ( most often cats and birds were used for this ) and would spoke some incantation that would ask the aid of animal to help them find what they have lost. The animal would then either guide them, or would occasionally even bring back the lost article.

Another frequent method used to help finding lost items is seek of guidance through
dream incubation. Invoking aid of St. Anthony is a simple example of guidance seeking. Dream incubation might include anything from inspiring prophetic dreams or visions of lost items in dreams, to asking from guidance from Higher sources in dreams.
The best time for such magick, is really anytime, for time correspondences in such cases is often a luxury one simply cannot afford, and the urgency of finding what’s lost takes precedence. If You can however, perform magick for finding lost articles in Mercury correspondent day, hours or in time of full Moon, or in Midday. Also any days and hours good for general divination will work here as well .
Now let’s go through a few simple example, for this is, as I often stress out a “practical” blog :)

Spell to find a lost item

Take a new piece of paper, and draw as best as You are able, in all possible riches of detail, the item/s ( or even a person ) that You have lost. It’s favorable to have a light blue candle lit as You do this. Now simply wrap the paper around a lodestone ( charged ) and carry it on Your behalf and sleep on it. Alternatively, You could sprinkle some lodestone dust or brown sugar on a paper and then fold it thrice towards oneself, place in small sachet ( preferably blue or yellow ) and also carry on Your behalf and sleep on it.

Prayer/s to Saint Anthony

There is a whole host or, short rhyming folk prayers to Saint Anthony to help us find what we have lost, be it an item or a person. Sometimes they were “composed” by a single person and handled down to successors as a part of family tradition. Here are few examples:
St. Anthony, St. Anthony
Please come down
Something is lost
And can't be foundNext one comes from Chicago ;

Dear St. Anthony, I pray
Bring it back, without delay. [2]

Though You can always make up Your own, that should ( in the spirit of the tradition ) rhyme, and hence could represent, sort of Your personal way of petitioning the Saint.
For example ( my own phrasing )

St. Anthony please, help me out
Where have I lost that , to find out
Guide me and lend me clarity
Or bring the item into ( my ) proximity

Or something like that , You get the idea 

Finally, it’s wise to note here , seems that people of all traditions and roots ( origins, nationalities ) have used this ( magickal ) mean of tracking down lost stuff, be them Christians or not. It is important however that when a Saint grants Your request, You express Your gratitude ( I feel bit silly for having to point this out, but I ought to, just in case ) , and a common way of giving thanks to Saint Anthony are ex votos.
You can ask G’d, directly as described in one entry { 13161; 3rd Edition, 2002 } in anthropological Work of Henry Middletone Haytt, “Folklore in Adam County Illinois”

Scrying

Either take a piece of paper with possible locations of the item ( start with broader categories, them go on more specific one, elimination method ) or go straight forward and take a map. Light a purple candle and ask Your higher source to aid You in finding the lost item. Around the chain or cord of Your pendulum wrap the piece of paper with the description of the item, or hold ( alongside the pendulum ) any form of link to this object in Your hand. I dress the top of the crystal ( or whatever You might use as pendulum ) with “Spirit guide oil” or “Psychic vision oil”. You could use any oil associated with some specific Deity who’s help You’d like to invoke. Now simply scry ( dowse ) with the crystal as You normally would.

Guiding spell

On a piece of paper describe what You have lost on one side, and on the other, draw an All seeing eye, or AGLA symbol. Place it under glass of bowl of Blessed spring water, symbol side pointed upward.
Light Angelic Influence candle ( or any candle of nice, soothing pale blue color ) and place next to it a small glass with Blessed spring water . Place some Althaea root nearside as well, and preferably also place a piece of Quartz, or Amethyst alongside. Then chant

“Guding spirits/angels, I need Your assistance,
For I have misplaced something dear
Bless me with knowledge and clairvoyance,
And bring me to what I’ve lost, be it far or near” 3X-7X

Use just few drops of that water to dress Your third eye, and let the candle burn itself out. Wrap the paper around the crystal and sleep on this charm . In the morning pour the water outside. Carry the charm with You until You find the item. Then burn the paper, scattering ashes to the wind and giving thanks to spirits.

Dream incubation

While spell used to gain answers through dreams , not being a typical/specific “ find lost article” spell, it should be obvious how it can be constructivel y employed in such case
There are many examples throughout classical grimoires, among others perhaps that from Clavicula Solomonis, “To get answers in/through dreams"
http://www.esotericarchives.com/solomon/ksol.htm

If You have had the badfortune to misplace something, I do hope this article and ideas presented here might help : )

NOTE: This article was written and composed by myself, therefore should You desire to use any part of it elsewhere, give credits : Shadow of Shadows magick place or Shadow-333@hotmail.com or direct link to this post
CREDITS: [1] According to entry 13163 in “Folklore in Adam County Illinois” third edition, 2002th, by Harry Middletone Hyatt
[2] Source of prayers : www.luckymojo.com more precise http://www.luckymojo.com/saintanthony.html , site proprietor’s informants contributions
IMAGES source : Wikipedia, page on St Anthony http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_of_Padua

Many Blessings
Shadow

Magick of "live things in You"

2011-10-04T17:29:00.001-07:00

One of the folkloric signatures/trademarks of Hoodoo is a practice of, what we could freely call a subgenera of Conjure, causing and treating “live things in You” . Rootworkers and Conjurers alike, seem to profoundly believe that it’s possible to cause animals such as snakes , insects, lizards to live inside someone’s body by means of “magickal poisoning” . Simply put, victim is fed with animal curios or powders, most often without their knowledge, and doing so being inflicted with a specific type of crossing condition called “live things in You” or simpler “live things”. Folk of Southern States will swear they’ve witnessed animals crawling under one’s skin, of those crossed, hoodooed, or cursed unfortunate individuals. In such case, they say, orthodox medicine cannot help, so the help of the root doctor ( as opposed to medical doctor ) is sought. And the rootdoctors or conjurers shall in such case prescribe versatile methods of removing this simple condition, be them simple as spreading some lard mixed with the milk of a black cow on anus, or be them as serious as making incisions and drawing blood.

Among people of Balkan peninsula, there is a similar belief still kept alive at remote mountain villages, that certain animal curios can cause, if ingested due to neglect or simple mind-slip, infection by living smaller animals or serpents. Typical example would be drinking from sprig in which horse’s hair has recently fallen in ( naturally ) , which causes snakes to live inside drinkers body. The methods of removing such “parasites” include making noises with metal dishes and dressing someone’s body with milk of a black animal, placing egg inside their mouths to draw snakes out, all often accompanied by shouting incantations. The apparent difference between Hoodoo and Eastern European people, regardin’ these beliefs, seems to be that Eastern Europeans mostly believe that infection with live things can not be caused intentionally.

Hoodoo people seem to have “inherited” this belief from Native American Indians, for this belief is prominently present in most of the Indian tribes and different traditions. Indians have always used things as frog spawns, eggs, snake eggs, animal hair to magickaly “poison” their enemies, often causing things to live inside them. However, admitably by some of very Indian witchdoctors themselves , they would often use tricks to make it seem as this phenomenon/condition took place. For example, they would dress someone’s but cheeks with mixture of honey and some chewed- up herbs, and as they finish the chants, would cunningly release the insects , previously hidden in their hands or down their sleeves. For people it was easy to believe that those animals came from inside of the affected person’s body.

In my humble opinion, it could have been that these beliefs of small animals living in someone’s body, developed simultaneously in various parts of the world. Let’s not forget that all up to late middle ages it was ( medically ) believed that various human infections are caused by small lizards or spiders living inside patient’s blood, and that the blood drawing from neck artery was standard medical procedure as well as skull perforation.

Some folklorist believe that most of such superstitions ( related to “live things inside You” ) are merely an urban legend based on some metaphorical elements of Indian or old European superstations, fueled and perpetuated by people that see it as a good chance to earn some money out of it, or scare their children from taking alcoholic beverages from strangers and suspicious people.
On the other side, many experienced and respected conjurers attest the existence of phenomenon, just not it’s frequency, to phrase myself that way. Simply put, it happens, it’s quite nasty ( from what I’ve heard, and read ), but I’s not common at all, rather actual cases are quite rar e.

Hence, it is very important for professional spiritual worker ( one that does work for others/clients ) to know how to fight or undo such condition, and bring forth healing and peace at once, for ( should I even state the obvious ) it’s excruciating and very agonizing experience.

Dealing with the condition and removing it

Throughout the years, being keenly inquisitive about the condition, I’ve encountered many methods of removing live things from someone. While very versatile, those methods , they all seem to have one common goal, expelling the live things out. So perhaps instead of uncrossing, such methods could be seen as exorcism methods ( in occult sense of the word, not religious ! ) even though they are still apotropaic methods nevertheless.

Rootworkers most commonly use roots fort this ( what a surprise  lol ) often in combination with some method of making person throw up, or drawing their blood. Sometimes, potions are given for victims to ingest, which have emetic properties, be it in magickal or medicinal sense of the word.

For example, there a method combining roots and blood drawing described in entry in Haytt’s “Folklore in Adam County, Illinois” where a man was inflicted with a living lizard and beetle in his arm. Conjure doctor tied a piece of cord, very firmly, around his arm, chewed up “some root” and spit it out in bottle. Then the root doctor drawn the blood from man’s arm, by making incision on it, then collected it in the same bottle, where he had previously spat up the roots. The members of the afflicted man’s family were strongly suggested not to inspect the content of the bottle until the root doctor would return the next day. When the root doctor came back he showed them the contents of the bottle, just to see a lizard and beetle inside. The afflicted man had gotten well since then, according to the entry , in the mentioned work. [1]
Now the roots that rootworker used in the story could have been anything really, but most commonly used are
• Poke root
• Black cohosh and
• Galangal , known also as Small John da’ chew root, or Courtcase root, ingredient of courts case and sometimes Justo Juez and African Ju Ju oil

I would not chew the Poke root too long though  emetic , very strong as to that
Now, of course rootworker from the story could have been using something else at the time, but the metioned roots are best choices to use in removal of live things. They can be brewed into some sort of potions, alone or with other ingredient such as alum and black cohosh for example. I’ve even read of using saltpeter and olive oil in combination with certain root, and giving this to sick person to ingest. [2]
Now, as I have mentioned somewhere at the beginning of the article black cow’s milk is another ingredient commonly used , often in salves or ointments used on rectum area, and in such case live animals can be drawn out through the very mentioned area.

A Santeria friend shared with me a method, that according to them anyone can try, as it’s safe and gives very good result, especially if undertaken sooner after supposed magical “infection” with live things. What You need is
• Smaller container of consecrated water
• Black hen’s egg, and
• Broom, preferably new, or the one You use in ritual cleansing

The “patient” is prayed over, for healing, while often cross marks are made over them with broom, as the Santeria practitioner prays. He or she then rolls the black hen’s egg over the whole body of the afflicted, thoughtfully as much as the occasion allows. Some of the consecrated water is then used to sprinkle clean white sheets in which the person is wrapped in. The eggs Is then broken and the contents released into the container with the remaining water. Blood or smaller animals may appear from the egg, nevertheless the whole content is disposed of, safely, burring, burning or flushing down the toilet.

My friend that shared the method with me, noted that he learned as it as a “folk cure” , not some method we could notably call Santerian. [3]

There is a method, noted as Hoodoo, but with questionable origins and even
source [4] ( though seems Hoodoo-sih to be honest ) used for expelling any foreign substance or things from body. Supposedly even live things. The “patient” is to ingest a mixture of its own urine and salt, while themselves or some conjurer is praying over them for expelling of foreign substance or thing or whatever. Something along these lines could be used as suitable words of power , composed by myself :

“Lord Christ, You had miraculously healed many, removing their plague, or demons from them. You have saved humans from damnation , sacrificing Yourself for us. Help me Lord, I cry to You, hear my prayer and release N.N. from afflictions. Remove anything impure, wicked from N.N.’s body, and heal lord. Expel any foreign matter and influence from N.N. in whatever form they might have, and let them never return. Like You removed the Legion, like You healed the lepers , and restored the sight to blind, heal and restore to pure and healthy state N.N. once again. Have mercy upon us, weak humans, for we trust in You Lord, deliver us and save us, as You have always done! And we will praise You every day, for Your infinite love and grace towards us, eternal glory to Father ( + ), Son ( + ) and Holy spirit ( + ) Amen !!!”

Now please note that removing live things from someone , if You are to ever find oneself before such task, is very complex and with very uncertain outcome, for its serious affliction that can sometime result in fatal outcome. Spiritual workers are either trained well for such work or they might have what they call “cure hand” , meaning a gift to heal such and alike conditions, as described in one particular case here
www.southern-spirits.com/holloway-live-things.html
Courtesy of Southern Spirits website proprietor .

Please have all that in mind before trying to help someone, If You do not see Yourself competent, or If You have the slightest doubts, contact a professional rootworker

Hopefully thought, this was tad ghastly , but informative article

NOTES: This article was composed and written by myself, so If You wish to use any part of it elswhere, feel free as long as You provide credits ; Shadow of Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post
CREDITS: [1] " Folklore from Adam County Illinois " Harry Middletone Haytt, enetry no [2] Some recipes with Black Cohosh , Alum and other mentioned, regarding classical rootwoork can be found, detailed in "Hoodoo herb and root magic" by Catherine Yronwode, [3] Informant's contribution, thanks Serp ;) [4] source of the infromation is unclear, as the method description can be found on various places online, in public domain
IMAGES , the second image showing Black Cohosh plant is from 123rf.com, used here for illustrative purposes only , with no ill will, the first image is my own humble scrible :)

Many Blessings, Shadow !!

Holly , Sacred Druidry plant

2011-09-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

Hoodoo makes use of Holly, most often, as sort of doorway guardian amulet and in incenses for blessing dwellings. It is believed that the use of the very plant is “imported” from European lore, perhaps through Christianity. Therefore it is important that we understand the “original” plant’s lore. Conjurers also say how this plant is reputed to attratct helpful spirits into the household.

Old Northern European legends speak of continuous rivalry , and an annual battle for dominion over the Nature between Oak and Holly. Two sacred trees, that Celtic Druid saw kind of twins like, with Holly being like black Oak. Being equal in power , they would defeat one another periodically, and their dominion would be divided on equal parts throughout the year.[1]
That way Oak would rule nature from Winter Solstice to Summer Solstice, and the darker, evergreen Holly would rule the nature from Summer Solstice to Winter Solstice, when most of the trees are bare, leafless and fruitless. Considering that fact, it is only logical that people use branches and loops as protective botanicals against spirits of Darkness and against misfortune. It was also believed by cunning folk to have power to peace the beasts, and invoke kind and helpful spirits to household. It is also said to be powerful guardian against poisons , thunder and evil spirits [1]

In Christianity, Holly became an very important plant often symbolizing Lord Christ ( respectfully ). It is very possible that the reverence of the plant in Christianity , was adopted from celebration of Yule and Roman Saturnalia. Be it so or not, the Holly was even included in paintings depicting Saints and their life, one fine example being painting of the anonymous author, known as “Master of the Holy family” , who painted seven leafs ( ! ) of Holly on triptych painting depicting life Virgin Mary, called "Seven joys of Virgn" . Christians see pale white flowers of Holly as symbol of Christ’s birth and innocence, it’s red fruits as symbolic of Blood of Christ, and finally it’s thorny leaves are symbolic of Lord’s thorny Crown.

In occultism, Holly represents masculine principle and it Mars/Fire correspondent plant, which can explain its reputation as powerful exorcism agentIvy is said to be its female counterpart, often assisting it in spiritual fights and empowering It , while often entwining it’s trunk as well. It’s even used in some beauty spells , such as Winter Queen water, of which I wrote here :http://shadowsmagickplace.blogspot.com/2011/07/conjure-beautiful-you.html

Now , briefly on the botanical information. Despite the fact we will commonly call Holly a tree, it’s actual ecological form ( life form ) is an evergreen shrub. In magck we use three species mostly , one of which is not commonly called Holly
- Ilex aquifolium, common ( European ) Holly with thorny edged leafs
- Ilex opaca, which differs botanically from the previous by only one taxonomic marker, leafs edges here do not have spines, and those two species are used interchangeably.
- Ilex parguaruensis known also as Yerba Mate, indigenous to Southern USA, used largely into Santeria and Palo, known also as Palo Espanta Muerte, and despite being another species of same gender, does not share magickal correspondences with common Holly, it’s a separate magickal plant , with its proprietary uses and will not be discussed in this post

Holly leaves are used in herbal medicine as analeptic, analgetic , anti-rheumatic and have few other minor uses.

Here are a few of recipes ( ideas on how to use Holly )

Door Guaradian

Make a loop out of braches of Holly or on a branch of Holly hung a piece of Angelica root and three De**l shoestrings. Such door guardian, form of Gris Gris, will secure the entrance where hung on door lintel so no evil may cross the protected threshold [2]

Blessed home condition oil

• Holly leaves
• Cumin seeds
• White rose , or white rose petals
• Frankincense resin
• Benzoin resin
All to base of preferably Olive oil or Almond oil, with a Capsule of Vit.E capsule. If You have, You could use Frankincense and Benzoin essential oils instead of resin. Or , optionally You could a dd Sandalwood and/ or Rosemary essential oils to scent condition oil and bring about peaceful vibration ( as they often ingredients of Peaceful home products ).

Beast calming powder

Combine

• Holly leafs
• Horehound
• Lavender

Pulverize, sprinkle in front, or blow at animals and beasts, to subdue them to peaceful and calm state.

NOTES: This article was written and composed by myself, therfore should You desire to use any part of it elswhere, feel free but do add credits Shadow of Shadows magick place or Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post.
CREDITS: [1] According to Cunningham Scott, stated in his "Encyclopedia of magic(k)al herbs"
[2] Inspired by Catherine Yronwode's entry ( about Holly ) in her "Hoodoo herb and root magick" book
Images, came from www.wikitionary.org , tribe.tribe.net and finally Ogham symbol for Tinne ( or Holly ) was a common picture edited by myself. Pictures used here are without ill will and for illustrative purposes only

Many light Blessings, Shadow !

Prophet's supper

2011-09-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

Here is something I have recently came up with, inspired by an entry on cinnamon in a certain book on herbal magick. The entry, among other, suggested eating toast bread with honey, sprinkled with cinnamon, prior to sleep to inspire precognitive dreaming
So I said it to myself, why not make it slightly more elaborated, and here is a simple “menu” I came up with
What You’ll need :
Toast bread with honey or jam ( If using jam, perhaps the Wild rose jam would be most suited )
Some cinnamon, some Mace powdered
Tablespoon of Rose petals, teaspoon of Mugwort, teaspoon of Yarrow , Spring water, Honey and some nice stylish glass

Instructions

1.Bevrage/Drink/Potion

Make a tea ( infusion ) using the following herbal mixture
• Tbs of Rose petals
• Ts of Mugwort
• Ts of Yarrow flowers
Pouring a 2-3dl ( 6-8 oz’s ) of Spring water ( If You happen to have it, use Lunar Slime ) . You can optionally add a pinch of Cinnamon as well. Leave it to sit for about 13mins, strain, and sweeten with Honey If You wish, and/or some Orange juice.
Serve in a fine vine glass or even Your chalice.

2. Meal

Smear some honey over Your toast bread. Sprinkle it with some Cinnamon powder and just a small pinch of Mace , powdered or grinded.

3. Bless, Serve and Enjoy

Some might feel inclined ( those legal people I hope lol ) to have some Absinthe with this, but I composed the “menu” targeting different age groups, and considering some , let’s call it “universal” taste. So this could be seen as “eclectic” , universal recipe, with simple sweet flavor that should be acceptable to most people.

NOTES: Written and composed by myself, so feel free to use elswhere ( online ) as long as You provide credits, Shadow of Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post. Pictures were taken by myself

Bon appetite and many Blessings , from Shadow ! :)

Orthodox Christian’s ( folk ) magick and Mother Mary

2011-08-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

The spell ( rather custom ) suggestions are made according to folk magick, as practiced ( here, where I am ) in Balkan. This does not mean they are reserved only for Christians ,or Balkan people, by no means that’s so. If You do not mind, the Christianized versions of these folk spells, You can use them , regardless on Your spiritual path and preferencess. These spells ( let’s call them that ) are before all folk spells, originating from Balkan peninsula folk magick, and have attained Christian elements later, but with good reasons, as experience has taught Eastern European cunning folk , how very proficient is to include Christianity in their magickal practices. I should just add here , that ( in short ) the folk magick of Balkan Penissula and most of the Eastern Europe is based on Slavic paganism, Magick of Vlasi ( tribe called Volos by Romans that had once inhabited southern Balkan peninsula, and some still do ), old ( not clearly defined ) magickal system associated with Druids that had once lived along the river Dunav, and folklore of Celt s and Romans that had lived there at certain point. In the very south of Eastern Europe ( Central and Southern Montenegro , Southern Croatia ) there are archeological findings of earliest form of Viking runes and certain spells, that are saved from oblivion by what’s now nearly lost oral tradition. With the Christianization of Balkan peninsula, ( being ) highly practical cunning folk of Eastern Europe, saw the power of Christian religion, and included it in their rituals, so You can find incantations calling both power of such chthonic creatures as Destinies ( org. in Serbian language Sudjaje, literarily ; those that judge )and Holy Trinity. So called “red letters” ( Orthodox Christian Saints feast days , dates in calendar when they are venerated ) became like Solomonic time and Hour correspondences in Western occultism, honoring both Saints and sometimes also chtonic spirits or even animals. These ( along with the eight holidays of the wheel of the year ) were/are seen as time of power, a opportunity to tap into the source of powerful and useful spiritu al energies. Folk of Balkan saw the amazing power of Christian G’d and Saints, and incorporated these in their spirituality, both for empowerment and social acceptance. See, in Balkan peninsula church has never executed a single witch ( or alleged witch ) but people did, and many of them. Furthermore Orthodox Christian ( as prevalent on most of Balkan ) church was highly against burning or drowning of people, accused of witchcraft. Acknowledging and respecting G’d and Saints meant that such practitioner is kind and practices magick for healing and uncrossing purposes mostly, so such people were left alone by ignorant and enraged villagers, seeking someone to blame for calamities that would happen form time to time.

I aimed to make a brief post with few suggestions, but as usually got sidetracked, by discussing historical ( folkloric , anthropological ) backgrounds of folk magick and or ethics and reason of/for the same. Sorry about that, I just wanted to help those who might be unfamiliar of occult practices in the Eastern Europe ( and Balkan ) to get a better idea of ways of beliefs of locals there . And without further ado, here are spell suggested to be performed on 28th of August, a day associated with The Most Holy Virgin Mary in Orthodox Christian calendar :

Midnight and Noon prayers

It is customary ( especially by women ) here on Balkan, to go out in Mindinght between 27th and 28th of August, and in secluded place pray to Mother Mary to guide them and aid in resolving of any problems. Then on noon ( Midday ) of 28th of August they repeat the prayer.
It is believed that on this day Mother Mary had fallen asleep, and that her soul had ascended miraculously to Heaven, leaving the room where she was illuminated, and odorous with scents from beyond physical world. So Eastern European keep this day in mind, as miraculous, with extremely strong wish energy, and as such, a brilliant chance for prayers directed to Mother Mary to be “heard” and answered. Some people visit up to 50 churches dedicated to Mother Mary, leaving prayers written on paper addressed to “Virgin Mary” or “Theotokos” , seeking healing, deliverance or simply some good fortune.
Catholics on Balkan peninsula venerate this day on 15th of August ( difference between Gregorian and Julian calendar ), and they have a custom to go herb gathering on this day, as they believe each herb gathered on this Holly day is even more powerful medicine, and charm.

Onion peel uncrossing water

On this day, Christian folk would ( early in the morning ) get out , and search in gardens ( their own or neighboring ones lol ) and pull red onions . And not any onion, the first onion plucked from garden for that year. Some would additionally pluck nine more onions , after that first one, to use in making some sort of uncrossing oil. The first onion plucked, is than peeled, and the peels are boiled in water for half an hour ( I use about a liter of spring water ). Then the infusion is left to sit for 3 hours. After that “Prayer to the Venerable Cross” is read over the pan with water, above which Cross signs are made with hand, often, as prayer is spoken/read. The water is then strained to bottle, through a cheesecloth, and kept in cool and dark place until needed. Some people also read prayers to Virgin Mary, as the onion bulbs are considered to be ( among some other plants ) sacred to Mother Mary, hence why plucking them on this very day. This water is therefore considered sort of “Holy water” , used for healing, warding off evil and blessing.

It’s used to wash heads those afflicted with unnatural ( magickaly induced )conditions, added to baths, or used as house sprinkle ( white walls might get stained though ). If the dwelling was heavily afflicted with bad energy, harmful magick or hauntings , some of that water would be poured in a vessel ( let’s say a bottle , I myself use few teaspoons of Onion water on 1/2l bottle ) and 3 pinches of salt, sugar and garlic ( preferably powdered or finely chopped of grinded ) were added to it, over that tap water was poured to fill the vessel, and the resulting potion was used to kill the power of evil conjuration targeting that particular house /dwelling/room. Such “spiced” onion water was considered to be among the best “cures” for Haunted and demonically y or poltergeist infected houses.

"Triple power" Basil

The following custom is most likely to be originating from Greek Orthodox church. Basil is believed ( by Orthodox Christians ) to be a Holly plant, that grows in paradise along with Roses in astonishing amount. It’s also a sacred plant to Virgin Mary, and by one of ( many ) myths associated with it, started to grow on Virgin Mary’s grave. Be it how it was, on 28th of August, Basil is taken ( potted or in sprigs ) to Churches, which are are decorated with it, but folk will have some to hold in hand during the service , and to take home with them afterwards. The priest will bless all the Basil plants present in the church during the service, meaning, ones used for decoration and those that faithful people brought with them. Such ( blessed ) Basil was/ is believed to have apotropaic powers, that could ward of or destroy even the most powerful malignant forces, and strengthen highly any love or prosperity spells, charms or incantations. Some people place it in small red pouches and carry on themselves or hung in and about the house for ongoing protection. If potted it may be kept in pot in room, to secure no evil may remain place hollowed by plants presence.

Prayer candle

A large beeswax candle can be afixed to the bottom of some fireproof vessel, then the spring water is poured inside, Basil leafs crumbled, St John wort as well and finally, Lilly flower is added. Then one prayes for Blessings, protection and fortune. Prayers or hymns to Mother Mary can be used too, such as

"It is truly meet and right to bless you, O Theotokos,
Ever blessed and most pure, and the Mother of our God.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim,
Without defilement you gave birth to God the Word.
True Theotokos, we magnify you!" [1]

Then the candle is left to burn itself out, and the water used to sprinkle house and to wash people, and the remaining wax and plants are left somwhere in Your own yard.

NOTES: This article was written and composed by myself, based on folklore and beliefs of people where I live , and with some help of Anthropologic literature available to me ( authors such as Dr Kazimirovic, Jasna Jojic Pavlovski , local authors highly respected ) among which „Kalendar za srećne dane – verovanja i obi-čaji evropskih naroda" by mentioned Jasna Jojic Pavlovski, which was the source for Onion water information and custom of Midnight and Noon prayers information. Otherwise text was composed by myself, and reflects my own experiences and ways I was taught by cunning folk I've been fortunate to speak to ( or rather interview them lol ) or is result of my own insight and inspiration. Therefore should You desire to use any part of this text elsewhere, feel free but do give credits ; Shadow-333@hotail.com or direct link to this post.
[1] The Hymn and the image are from http://orthodoxwiki.org/Theotokos , with no ill will used, presented here for educational purposes.

Many Blessings, Shadow

Mars and warrior spirit magick

2011-08-23T19:34:00.000-07:00

Some people are born warriors, be them physically, or mentally strong. Some rely on their leadership qualities and/or their power of persuasion. Others chose to be pacifists and go through life following that maxima how nice ( magick  ) word opens the iron doors. No mental ( physical even less ) profile of human being is perfect, and will not guarantee victory over other , as such. Yet we are faced with so many enemies, drawn willingly or unwillingly into so many fights, verbal, physical, magickal etc. Where does it all ends, if it ends at all ? Both Charles Darwin and Sigmund Freud ( with smaller differences ) claimed humans are by nature selfish and lead by self-preservation instinct before all. Freud called that “idd” . Oddly enough, in the age when human mind is supposed to be evolved above profanity of animal behavior, we find ourselves growling on each other, threatening with “fangs” and claiming absolute possession over partners, or territory. The fact that our behavior is “wrapped in pink ribbon” does not make it any less animalistic. Because of all that, those of more kind nature, those lunatics, and teding towards servility might find themselves faced to roar of some large gnarly beasty human, and forced into “survival of the strongest” cliché.
This is why ( where, when, read as You like lol ) magick designed to empower oneself, boost our courage, physical strength or stamina, defeat opponents, is needed and very much alive even nowadays. Liked it we or not, world is a jungle, and in jungle strength is an imperative. When faced to any type of battle/s, or frightening mission with uncertain outcome, Mars magick can come quite handy indeed. Drawings depicting hunt, dating to prehistoric times and stone age, are perhaps the very simple examples of sympathetic, warrior type magick. Before actually hunting down an animal, cave man would “conjure” the even on the walls using charcoal or whatever worked as fine drawing tool at that point. But instead of further pseudo-phylospohic rambling of mine  , let’s rather “get down on the business” as people from States would say 

Magick of empowerment and correspondences

Warrior magick , as I coved the name ( yeah, not that good at name coving :/ lol ) is not the same as battle, war magick or offensive magick. It’s the magick of self empowerment and increasing our chances to win.
Corresponding element would be fire ( action, power among other attributes ), corresponding planet Mars, corresponding day Tueseday , noon as the time of day is most preferable for such operations, while colors include red and purple, and symbols anything from swords to pentacles of King Solomon.
The symbol from the above pictur e is brilliant for such Mars/empowerment type of magick and can be inscribed to candlesa and burnt

Additionally Saturn correspodneces can be used, particularly if we are to deal with offensive magick, or unjust and cruel opponent .

Fiery warrior spell

This spell should be used when we want to attain fiery, and strong qualities, prior to some important battle, confrontation and alike. Should it be a debate or rhetorical type of “battle” rather try some Mercury spell. I wrote this spell, as typical fire spell, hence the effect is like the spell, powerful, abrupt and temporary
You will need
• The fourth pentacle of Mars drawn on piece of brown paper
• Some Borage
• Red Onion peals
• Ginger rhizome small piece
• Few cloves
• Pinch of black pepper
• Your own personal concern ( a single hair will do )
• Red candle with inscribed with appropriate symbol/s
• Fireproof dish, and some ignitable spirit ( cologne for example )
Best if all the herbs are very dry, and the best time to start the spell is Midday or in the hour of the Mars. Light the candle, and place the dish with charcoal ( larger censer could do ) in front of it. Now place the personal concern of Yours ( or party’s You are performing spell for ) on a paper with Pentacle drawn on it, add herbs, as much as You see fit, and then wrap it all in small package ( a sachet maybe ), folding towards oneself f as You do. Pour the ignitable spirit into dish, and then set the sachet alight, release it into the dish , and say the words :

“This timid soul craves for courage and strength,
To carry the sword of any length
Spirits of Mars, aid and ignite this charm,
Inflame my/this spirit for one day time
Turn me/him/her/them into fiery knight
Until once again, morn defeats the night !”

Sprinkle some of the resulting liquid or ash, on the sole of Your shoes.

Warrior’s mojo bag

In New Orleans Voodoo Hoodoo, for empowering and giving power to fight off enemies, especially to meek and timid, Papa Gator gris gris, is suggested as suitable charm. I can only assume the ingredients of such gris gris, and I think it’s safe to assume it contains alligator’s teeth among other .
In terms of Hoodoo You can compose a brilliant mojo combining some ( or all ) of the following:
• Masterwort
• Master of the Woods
• Dev*l’s shoestring
• High John TC root
• Sampson snake root
• Bay laurel leaf/s

In purple or red mojo bag. A small sword charm could be added as well. Feed with spirit ( whiskey ) that had Red hot chili peppers dipped in, or perhaps some suitable oil, such as “I can You can’t” , “High John TC oil” , “Victory oil” etc.

If You’d like to make, more of a charm bag type of “mojo” , combine any of the following into red pouch bag : High John TC root, Master of the woods, Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger, Black pepper, Sampson snake Black cohosh, Thyme, Borage, Red Onion, Iron nail, Garnet, Ruby, Aventurine, Carneol, Sun stone, Mars symbols, Dragon blood resin, Sword charms etc., and of course carry on Your behalf, for steady and graduate effect .

Warriors ointment

I wrote this formula based on Indian herbal lore, as if anyone knows their warrior magick, native American Indians do

• Ointment base ( shortening, Vaseline, equal mixture of oil and wax warmed in double boiler, scentless ointment or crème etc )
• Dev*l shoestrings ( oil infusion or powdered roots )
• Bay Laurel
• Sampson snake root ( powdered, or even tincture should do in a pinch )

Combine to make ointment, used to give one better strength, stamina and empower muscles. Use on oneself , very good for sport competitions.

Potions and magickal elixirs of bravery and strength

Be them ingestible or baths and sprinkles, potions for courage and strength, can be very dicverse. They can be used to, almost instantly energize, and for such You may combine equal parts of ginger rhizome infusion with orange juice and solar honey.
Or they can be used to give courage to meek, and ward off that paralyzing fear. Simple borage infused in red wine will do that. Or tea made of pinch of Black cohosh and some Thyme, and spring water.
Velerie Worth suggests combining apple cider with cloves, and cinnamon as a potion to make someone “strong as steal”, enchanting the potion by means of a very cunning rhyme, in one of her brilliant books [1]
Catch some of the waterfall ( or substitute with spring water ) and pour in a vessel that you will place it on “Helm of Awe” rune, exposed to rays of rising Sun . Just sprinkle Yourself, or/and drink small amount to be “invincible” in battle [2]
A nice bath made with Master of the Woods, should enable one mastery over adverse conditions.
A simple "Four thieves vinegar" as salad dressing, when used with intention of course will empower and ward of malice at same time. Same can be achieved by disolving a spoon of it in a glass of water to drink.

NOTES : This article and spells and formulas given here, were written by myself, which means, if You'd like to use it elswhere, feel free, but add credit/s Shadow of Shadows magick place, or Shadow-333@hotmail.com or provide a link fof this post.
CREDITS : [1] Valerie Worth's "Book of Words" , for complete formula
[2] Helm of Awe can be found in bindrunes section of www.sunnyway.com/runes

Hope You find this helpful, to go and kick some ...well something lol :)
Many Blessings, Shadow :)

St. Cosmas and Damian

2011-07-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

PLEASE NOTE First of all, this articl e deals with practical spiritual work with Saints that are not petitioned on Hoodoo tradition, meaning, Hoodoo has “list of Saints” that are used in magickal work, and technically speaking, working with any other is unofficial. I’d love to “beg the difference”, but I’d rather just suggest that If You see some Saint as close, or potentially kind and “cooperative” You should include it in your own, personal devotions and practice. Besides if enough people are to do same, would that not make Saint a part of “official Hoodoo pantheon” ? The terms that are between quotation marks , are written so, I do not want do mislead anyone, deviating from official practice as some may see.
But should You ask a Santerian, or Obeah practitioner they might tell You they work with Saints which You will not find on “Hoodoo lists”[1] but they might ( and usually will ) call it Hoodoo. This is a large debatable topic, but just had to mention it here, because otherwise, some self proclaimed know- all’s , might call me out and become offensive.

St Cosmas ( or Kosmas as otherwise spelled ) and Damian ( or Damianos ) are Christian martyrs and Saints, also Faith healers that have healed many, of various medical and mental conditions.
They are venerated by both those of Catholic and Orthodox faith. And for a good reason too. Their martyrdom had been epical and most commendable, as well as their life and work.
They were raised and lived in Rome ( according to most accepted version ) in III century.

Cosmas and Damian were brothers, miracle-workers, according to Christian folk able to heal any condition, most often by laying hands over the patients, curing them almost instantaneously. One of their most miraculous achievements was the transplantation of the leg of recently deceased Ethiopian to an patient with ulcerous leg. This very “operation” is a theme of many medieval ( and latter ) paintings and works of art. Perhaps the most famous depiction is from 16th century, though by an unknown author. They are often depicted ( in artwork ) as being helped by Angels in their work, like in the mentioned artwork.

Orthodox iconographers often depict brothers standing one beside another, with Damian often on the right, shown much younger than Cosmas. They are depicted holding
medicine bottles, medicine boxes and spoons for dosing cures. They often hold plants too, one specie in particular.
Among the Eastern Orthodox folk and Mediterranean people they enjoy great, almost cultic respect, but more profound and sincere. They are somewhat “folk Saints” If they can fit the category, being that Church acknowledges them as Saints and had canonized them in first place. Christian people pass on tales of their wisdom, kindness and miracles.
They were said to have known the most guarded secrets of herbal medicine and faith healing as well as that they were often helped and guided by Angels. People often address to them as “silverless” as they refused to take money for healing, instead they just asked people to believe in Christ the Lord, and according to some myths even the emperor himself was cured by them and consequently, acknowledged Christian G’d and Christ his son as his own Lord.

They died as martyrs. In one version the very teacher of their, a pagan physician killed them, by cunningly assuring them he needed their help in herb collection. After leading them to a certain hill, he stoned them. In another version they were arrested by order of Perfect , crucified, stoned and tortured, hit with arrows, all in attempt to make them refuse their faith. As splendidly devoted Christians, they firmly declined, stating how their only G’d was not made, instead he is a Creator, unlike artworks ( sculptures ) Romans worshiped , and were finally decapitated.
It appears to be most likely that they suffered martyrdom in Syria during the Roman persecution of Diocletian, around 303, meaning the second version.

They are considered Patron Saints of Surgeons, as well as protectors of children in Brasil, where on the 27th of September ( their feast day in Catholics ) children are given candy bags with effigies printed on them. In Orthodox Christian tradition they are considered patron saints of doctors, healers and medicine mans. Folk in Balkan peninsula often refer to them as “Sveti vrachi” ( literarily translates to Holly medicine man, or Holly witchdoctors, thought the term witchdoctor is not the same as the one most often used ,here, by meaning that is ) .

Plants associated with Silverless

European myths associate three plants with these Saints. According to legends of Eastern European, Italians and folks of Mediterranean, the Saints particularly
Praised and used three plants, most of all Sanicule ( Sanicula Europaea ) which they are sometimes depicted holding. Other two plants associated with them are Allheal ( Prunella vulgaris ) and Wood Betony ( Stachys officinalis , Stachys betonica ). Common folk had no precise botany knowledge, yet identified these three plants , as those Saints praised in legends , passed often orally from ancestors to Young people, Incidentally or not Sanicule is famed in old European tales of magickal herbs and folk fairytales. Like that of girl that goes in woods searching for cure for her sick mother, finds a tortoise , and saves her life ( tortoise was on the ground, overturned, laying helplessly on her armor ) , and after falling asleep from fatigue dreams of the amazing mystical plant that is a “cure-all” and can esily heal the deadliest diseases. The girl searches the woods yet is unable to fin the plant and eventually the tortoise she previously saved appears holding the plant in her mouths. The girl carries the plant, makes and infusion of plant and some Nettles and saves her mother, which was dying.

The colors that would be associated with them, are usually pale green and pale celestial sky-blue. So I can assume that candles of such colors would be correspondent to them.

And here is a soothing prayer, as used in Catholic Christian practice, to ask for their interdiction, in illness or to help being successful in any endavour or deliver from evil ( according to Orthodox Christian writings, they preformed Miracles even after death, and they have also saved certain man from evil spirit, so they can be petitioned for such problems as well ) :

Oh glorious martyrs of Christ,
Saints Cosmas and Damian,
you gave your lives for the love of God,
benefiting your fellow man,
and crowning your martyrdom with an open and loyal profession of your faith.
You taught us to love God above all things,
and to love our fellow man as ourselves,
professing always,
and without fear,
the religion of Jesus.

Augmenting amongst the faithful populace many miracles,
you are glorious indeed.
Through your intercession,
which brings about deliverance of these miracles,
we pray to you for your aid in all things.
May your patronage never be far from us in the illness of our body and soul.

Oh great protectors,
Saints Cosmas & Damian,
assist us with your love and free us from all evils.

Amen. [2]

Giving thanks

Simply express Your gratitude and fiath to Lord, as You give donation to the Churh, maybe a church built in their name, or before their icon in the churh.

NOTES: This article was composed by myself , and correspondences mentioned ( herbs, colors, giving thanks ) are suggested by myself, meaning being my personal idea based on research of the Saint’s life and folklore associated with them. Therfore should You desire to use any part of this post elsewhere feel free, but do give credits Shadow of Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post, and If You wish to use it in non-digital ( outside online space ) media like magazine or book, contact me via given e-mail address for approval before You do.
CREDITS: [1] One of such “Hoodoo lists” can be found here http://www.luckymojo.com/patronsaints.html
[2] This prayer is from http://www.catholicdoors.com/prayers/english3/p02159.htm , without any ill will, for educational purposes only
The first image is Orthodox Christian iconography, and is from www.wikipedia.com edited by me, for posting here, all rights to whom due. The second is botanical illustration of Sanicule and same saidth for the first image goes here as well.

If You wish, You can comment on wether or not should Hoodoo Saint's list be expanded
Hope this was informative many Blessings , Shadow

Conjure the beautiful You

2011-07-20T19:03:00.001-07:00

The two images depict Idealized Beauty in art, one showing section ( head )from "Birth of Venus " by Botticelli, Venus with impeculate tan, amazing face features and golden radiant hair, and other show part of ceiling art from Sistine's chapeln by great master Michelangelo, showing beautiful naked Young man, with a haircut that set's him before his time, regarding hair styling I'd say lol
Many other examples of beauty made eternal in arts ( some slightly too explicite to be hosted here ) include Goya's "La Maya nuda " and "La Maja vestida " , than perhaps Gustave Corbert's "Sleep" , the famous "Discobolus" even "Death of San Sebastian" or perhaps some of many depiction of tahitian ( women ) by Paul Gaugai n

A neglected topic in occultism, even in the modern practical magicks , is beauty magick. Internet provides little, and honestly, most of that “little” is either junk or some bad glamour. And host of popular eye-changing spells, and most of them are but poor attempt to mimic glamour spell from certain witchcraft movie, most of us are quite familiar with . Now, while beauty spells and glamour are naturally connected and often intertwine, the clear difference exists. Glamour is magickal ( not magical ea scene magic ) illusionism, and encompasses all magickal acts ( spells, rituals, incantations etc . ) designed to make something appear different, invisible or otherwise altered, be it living being or object, or even space. Most often than not glamour spells are of very short “life span” . Therefore, it’s a very wide category, with beauty spells, of some kind, as one of it’s subcategories. Actual beauty spell is designed to create a real, if needed be, physical change of human appearance, and is strictly targeted and very practical. Old ( or to say ancient ) wizards, despite having the most powerful charms and spells for beauty ( at least that is what occult community generality believes and many esotery expert s agree ) would find such spells reserved “just for clients”, those vain and of profane ( not to use shallow ) mind.

Well, let me say that they would not think so If they lived in today’s world. Today, everything revolves around beautiful people, and anything less than near perfection ( in terms of morphologic beauty concept ) is ugly, and consequently, discarded due to being unworthy. Many might argue this statement, but let’s be honest and practical, beautiful people do not need particular effort to find or maintain some good , heck they hardly even need degree.
The SAD TRUTH is that we live in community that is decadent in virtues and has a tendency in progressive downfall in same. Meaning , If You are spiritually and mentally aware enough to see behind physical appearance, most of other people , and “accidentally” those who’s opinion maters, are not.
Well not to ramble any longer on that, those are some reasons that inspired me to write this article, as I consider the topic needs some refreshing information, from eclectic perspective. Besides I did , as I am sure I’ve mentioned before, indented this blog to deal with practical information ;)

Hoodoo and Conjure

It’s only expected that Hoodoo does not pack that much of a punch in beauty spells, knowing it’s historical background. Seduction and love attraction, money-love attraction and love dominations, were more important and practical for slave people, who had more practical needs than modeling :D Nevertheless Hoddoo still provides some immensely powerful procedures to help increase the physical beauty and show the hidden, inner beauty, that mysterious glamour that makes people liked and pretty even if their facial or other antropo-morphological measurements do not follow beauty “codex” of measurements.

So we have brands such as “Seduction”, “Look me over” , “Glamour” etc. Herbs used in Hoodoo to “become” beautiful include ( but most likely are not limited on )
- Rosemary , often soaked in water and then used to wash the face, to make one more beautiful [1]
- Lemon balm , to cut ties with all the bad and provide Youthful, healthy and fresh look, especially when, worn out or stressed out look appears . Mostly used in form of bath ( body wash ) or infusion
- Solomon’s seal root – for beauty and wisdom of King Solomon , carried as charm, in conjure bags or used in incenses and baths
- Goldenseal root threads - used by those that seek physical beauty and pretty appeararance
- St John TC root – for masculine beauty
- Angelica root and Orris root – for feminine or sage-like beauty
- Rose – Red and pink are usually used by female, while white and yellow inspire , that look, of nice, slightly smug, appealing gentleman
Additional, and useful botanicals may include neroli essential oil or Bergamot essential oil, or Jasmine and/or Vanilla if female ( to “sweeten up” the looks )

Hoodoo beauty jar spell

Write the attributes You wish to draw, or changes You wish to make, or simply “beauty” , “good looks”, whatever inspires sense of good looking and appealing appearance to You, and place it inside a jar, place a fed lodestone on it, then add pinch of brown sugar, some Rose hips, few branches of Rosemary, small piece of Solomon’s seal root, pinch of Goldenseal root threads, and cover with lid. You may wish to add some personal concern of Your , such as hair or nail clippings . Atop the jar, place a purple candle that is scented with Bergamot and Lavender essential oil ( diluted in base oil ) or some Florida water. Light the candle, and say something along the lines ( I composed this simple prayer,
You can use Your own words of power ) :

“Lord , we ask You humbly, bless us with beauty as outwards so inwards. Let our heart be pure and pretty to You, and let our appearances be pretty to other human. Make us as trees planted near streams, those that do not wither . And like the lilies of the field, may the beauty of the righteous always grow Lord, so that when those that judge us by physical , look at us, see the Glory of Your Creations, in our hearts and in sight of us. And to us give heart free of vain, one that radiate beauty from within, and we’ll always praise You, Oh Lord !”
Then this Psalm139th line 14th
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well !

Conjure bag for beauty

In a pretty purple, or white mojo bag add the following ingredients :
• Solomon’s seal root piece
• Goldenseal root threads
• Rosemary branch
• Tumbled Quartz or a piece of Petrified wood, or piece of Snake skin sheds ( either of three )
• And First pentacle of Mercury

Dress with some Florida water, or Orange hydrosol, or few drops of “Look me over” or “Glamour oil” or “Enchantment oil”, blow three times on mojo, close I, bless , and carry on Your behalf, whenever You wish to look good.
Female practitioners might add Erzule Freda’s Veve too, and Amber makes a good addition for males and females on this mojo.

Doll baby spell for beauty

With the bare mention of doll babie and/or poppet, most people will get associations of Voodoo, but this particular spell I wrote, is however, quite undefined in terms of tradition, and might be seen as simple folk witchcraft spell, and obviously could be adopted and used by Voodooists as well
Under a New Moon create the doll or poppet, out of some sweet cookie like dough, and to the batch add Rosemary and Rose petals . Scent it with few drops of Lemon balm tincture or use Lemon balm tea instead of the water in the batch. When the batch is ready, light a white, orange and purple candle and place the dough between them. Then shape the poppet, picturing Yourself pretty and beautiful. Bless the poppet and sprinkle it with some Florida water. Let the candles extinguish themselves out.
Place it at a bottom of plant pot, or in a hole You’ve dug up in Your garden ( or in some forest , bellow some nice long-lasting tree ) . Plant some nice, pretty looking plant over it, and as You are buring it say :

The cookie may turn to dust,
The dolly may wither,
But my beauty will last,
And with Moon shall grow better
Nature spirits hear my plea, as I wish
So mote it be !

If You can, for each day until the Full Moon water the plant, under that poppet is planted.

There, those were some spells as I would wrote/compose them, and as You can probably notice, my love for folk magick is prevalent in those. Here is another spell, indented to be used by European witches and perhaps Wicca as well , and a few nice formulas

Witchcraft spell for beauty

On a night of Full Moon, place a bowl of spring water on Your altar, between two green tapper candles .If possible, set it so it reflects Moon on the sky. Now place some Maidenhair fern, Rosemary , Rose petals, Lemon balm and a Green opal stone in the bowl with water. Light the candles , and stir the water with Your fingers, few times chanting :

Blessed may this essence be, Precious beauty bring to me, Moonlight and spirits converse together, make my face and figure prettier !

Then let it stay awhile while You think about beauty and how You wish to look, while watching Your reflection in the water. Finally , wash Your face and sprinkle You body thrice with the water saying :

Pulchritudo capiam , et pulcher ( man ) / pulchra ( women ) fiam ! 3x

Use the remaining water in bath, or pour in Your Yard, and save opal to keep it as beauty charm.
Other stones that are reputed to bring beauty to the wearer include : Cat’s eye, Amber, Jasper, Opal, Orange Zircone [2] and Jade and Clear and Rainbow Quartz.

Winter Queen water :)

This fairly simple formula evokes old fairy- tale scents of cinnamon and apple cakes, nearside fireplace with snowing out, at winter don’t You think ? And is fairly simple , all You need is :
• Melted first snow, or first icicle
• Holly leaves
Make it into infusion and use to wash face for beautiful tan, and enticing , charming appearance, pale and mysterious [3]

Hungary water

It’s an old European cologne like recipe, form late 13th early 14th century, allegedly given to Hungary queen by certain Monk or according to some sources Alchemist. Either way, it’s used to restore and retain beauty and youthfulness , and as the legend says Queen Isabella or Saint Elisbateh of Hungary ( different source attribute it to different queen ) thanks to the water looked as If she was 30, when she was 70
The recipes are as debatable and mysterious as the history of the very cologne, but the oldest surviving recipes claimed how certain fresh herbs and spicesw should be soaked in brandy, or in vinegar/ Herbs that appear in most recipes I’ve been able to find are:
• Rosemary
• Lemon Balm
• Thyme
• Lavender
• Mint
• Sage
• Lemon
• Orange flowers
• Basil and
• Marjoram
So experiment  You could of course use essential oils in ethanol ( 70% ) and distilled water ( 30% )

Finally, let’s mention a few tricks that are originated from Balkan penniuslla folk magick, simple but very effective

Face of sparks and hair of Sun

In Balkan cunning folk advise Young female to wash their face with water in which they have boiled Nettle , collected when the Sun is rising, in the dawning of the new day, as it will make their face appear bright, and “sparkling” so to enchant men and wards off any unwanted competition. Thought the infusion must be enchanted, with the cunning rime

I washed my face with Stinging nettle
Other’s beauty compared to mine will be fable !

Young lads that collect the Nettle in same manner, will make a ring or a loop out of it, and place it in their right pocket to induce desire in girl/s

An old cunning women once taught me that to make one’s hair and face shine like “from the other world” , one must make infusion of onions peels and wash their head with it. It’s supposed to draw the inner beauty of the spirit out, and “make the soul’s crown shins brighter” , as the old women told me. Now I must comment, that this is very surprising, that she would say that, as old Balkan folk in rural place, though keepers of many old secrets, were not familiar with chakras, and this infusion could technically “boost” crown chakra’s work.
I’d say ( additionally ) why not combine the two tricks :D
There are specific times of year when Balkan folk would perform rituals to ensure beauty. Despite not having Solomonic day/hour – planetary correspondences, time in magick, certain days or Moon phase in particular have essential role in many magick spells of Balkan folk witchcraft. To illustrate this here is a quote from text I am working on :

On the religious ( Christian ) holiday of Palm Sunday ( that falls on Sunday before Easter according to Orthodox Gregorian calendar ) , or better yet in even ( as night ) before it, water is collected in larger container ( any, even tap water will do just fine ) and placed outside, preferably under a flowering tree. Flowers of Lilac, Roses, and Fruit blossoms ( often used Cherry, Orange, Plum or Peach blossom but it does not really matters which blossom , of which tree/fruit ) along with Rosemary twigs and Lemon balm , are placed in this water , freshly plucked, to represent health and beauty. They are left outside over night, and In the morning, as the Sun rises the container is taken into house ( meaning on the morning of the Palm Sunday ) and all house members, that would like, wash their face and sprinkle their body with this water, making sign of Cross and saying : “In the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit” , and leaving the water to air dry. This is said to ensure beauty and to make ageing insignificant and almost unnoticeable if preformed regularly each year. For children, which are highly suggested to take participation in this ritual, it ensures growing into beautiful and healthy Young man and women.

NOTES: This article was written and composed by me, and I have written all the formulas except the Winter Queen water ( check credits bellow ), therefore If You wish to use it elsewhere, You must provide credits Shadow of Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post
CREDITS : [1] Suggested to be used in such manner by Catherine Yronwode in her book “Hoodoo herb and root magick” [2] Five crystals, first five mentioned are suggestions by Cunningham, Scoot from his “Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem and Metal magick” [3] recipe for Winter or Snow Queen water can be found in Judika Illes’s “Encyclopedia of 5000 spells” in original form, as it was edited by me in this post , and ALL CREDITS TO THE AUTHOR, I posted it here with no ill will, as a sample, for educational and review/discussion purposes , then, image first, and second show idealized examples of beauty in art, the two here being sections of “Birth of Venus” by Renaissance master Boticelli, here showing head of Venus and Naked man from Sixtine chapel’s ceiling showing naked man, of course by Michelangelo, picture three shows botanical illustration of goldenseal root and it was in public domain, I edited it for posting here , The first two images came from www.wikipedia.com and are used here merely for illustrative and explanatory purposes, without ill will or any bad intentions

Hope You find this interesting, but before all helpful as that's the reason I wrote the article in firstplace
Lots of love and light, Be Blessed, Shadow

Reicpes and Formulas : Infusions and philtre type potions

2011-07-08T16:57:00.000-07:00

While I was “digging” through my personal library the other night, a book that I have rarely had chance to read, hit me in the head. Well, to be honest quite a few felt on me, but this one seemed to have targeted the head lol

It was a print of a rare magickal text called “Ars Philtron” by amazing, intelligent and very interesting occultist Dr Schulke. After skimming briefly, I felt the need to write down few outburst ideas about recipes for potions, in form of infusions or as “old mages” called them philtre. Now this is a misnomer really , as philtre as a term for potion became popular in middle ages, when the two most common type of potions vere death and love potions/waters , that were most often nothing more than aphrodisiac drinks and poisons, though made in a manner that would confuse even the modern day organic chemist, or pharmacist. Nevertheless, their effect was astonishing and was considered act of magick.

Still the name evokes nice ancient/old/vintage or even gothic magick - style sceneries in mind, hence is often used in occult community. Anyhow, it has been awhile, since I have shared some recipes, raw , without any particular topic assigned to them ( recipes and formulas label section ) so I decided to share these :

Sanctuary potion

This potion is meant to be used indoors, or to be more precise in Your home, or dwellings or even just Your room. Formula is indented for that “special” place of Yours, should it, at certain point, become disturbed by vicious spirits, be them mere ghosts or even demons, or bad energies and vibrations. So the formula will restore the sanctity and peace of the place by driving everything that is bad out and invoking luck ( hence the White Heather and Rosemary ) and good energies to take its place.

· St John’s wort, best If plucked on a sunny midday

· Rosemary branches, very small three of those

· Cayenne pepper, one whole, to move out, send away evil

· Basil, a nice sprig

· White heather ( Calluna vulgaris, Erica arborea )

· Blessed salt in a small pinch

· Sprig water or blessed tap water as a base

· OPTIONAL : Spoon of Holly water into colleen ,strained potion

Keep water in vessel until it nearly boils, then add herb by herb, preferably whispering to each ingredient what You want it to do, and praising it’s G’d given powers. Bring it to boil and stir steadily for seven or thirteen heartbeats. Then remove from heat, and dye the potion with some blue dye, be it laundry blue, indigo or common blue food dye. Cover and let it sit from 30mins, if You are in a hurry , or best for 3 hours. Strain, and If You have add a spoon of Holy water, Water of Notre damme, Marie Leveaux peace water or Sun infused water even. Stir once again, bless, bottle and it’s ready to use.

Such potion is brilliant to be used as floorwash, or If You find Your “sacred place” suddenly and heavily disturbed and You feel that You have to act instantaneously, pour it in small, fragile bottles ( 20-30ml,very thin glass ) and toss them on the floor of the affected place, shouting some exorcism incantation, prayer or alike words of power ( for example latin phrase: Extra domus ! which translates to Out of home ! ), after which You are normally to clean the floor, and place remainings somewhere in Your own yard, or on a bottom of a plant pot.

Regarding the quantities, I myself am not a strict follower of quantities, in magickal herbalism, as it’s not apothecary, as long as You use herbs safe to ingest or use externally. And if You use toxic plants, hallucinogens and /or irritants, You’d better know Your pharmacopeia material, otherwise go learn and then come back and dabble with physiologically ( or better said biochemically ) dangerous plants .

Aquaeum Mantia

This formula comes from an enticing and original magickal text called “Ars Philtron” by Dr. Shulke , who is a member of Cultus sabatti. Among other, many of his formulas give a way scent of old, arhaic and slightly gothic formulas, focusing on green gnosis, power of minerals, magnetized and infused waters as well as bodily fluids. Concoctions of a true magickal value, as presented in old Grimoires such as texts of Paracelsus, or Clavicula solomonis, which with no difficulty suggested using of all sort of materials besides botanicals, many of which toaday would be probably be illegal to attain and use J

The formula I chose to host and present here ( for educative and purposes of discussion and review only ) is all herbs J a nice, common, yet powerful infusion, drunk prior mantic work or divinations and scrying or even visions and dreams inducing. The author suggests combining:

· Petals of red rose, fresh and slightly bruised , 30g

· Borage fresh leaves and flowers 18g

· Chamomile 18g

· Mugwort 5 leaves

The author further suggests dipping ( infusing ) herbs ( all but rose petals ) in a liter of boiling water and covering and letting them steep for 2 hours, after which the Rose petals are added, and the infusion is left for another hour covered , then strained and drunk “on a empty stomach” prior to oracular work or divination.

To me personally seems as decent formula, based on herbs that strengthen second sight and ESP, such as Mugwort, and those that inspire, animate and uplift spirit, so it can ascend from bounding of the fable flesh ( Borage ) as well as those that illuminate ( Chamomile ) , with the traditional Clairvoynace formulas ingredients and a blessing agent in form of Rose petals.

Possible additions, for sake of “personal touch” may be in from of Lunar infused honey or a pinch of cinnamon or few Poppy petals, maybe a Yarrow flower head, but the above formula is more than sufficient and brilliant as it is, these may, as I said, be merely additions to personalize formula or improve taste.

Aquaeum Vocis Spiriti

This is my personal formula, for a quick potion that repels evil spirits, especially those that might appear at night, to torment sleepers mind and body. It can be aspersed lightly over the room or drunk to provide strength, cleanse the affected mind and ward spiritual attacks. It’s based on herbs reputed to repel evil, throughout various cultures and for centuries. Furtehrmore, some of those ingredients have a strong reputation and Mind clearing agents and magickal peace bringers, such as Basil or Mint, while Vervain is long associated with exorcism, longlivity and wisdom and allegedly ingredient of “Cedriween’s brew” , which according to lore, in just few sips may reveal all sort of magical secrets and instill vast magickal knowledge to one that drinks some

· Vervain , teaspoon

* Mint, in half a teaspoon

· Rue, in a good pinch

· Basil in a teaspoon

· 2-3dl of water, sprig or Blessed ( 7-10 fl oz’s app. )

Bring the water to boil and pour over the botanicals, then stir three times, cover and leave to sit for some good hour or more. Strain, and If sweetening, sweeten with Solar-infused honey, or Linden honey . Bless with soothing prayer or incantation, and asperse or drink prior to bedtime, or even in case of sudden awakening by some nasty spirit.

Due to containing Rue and Basil it may come handy as addition in anti evil eye baths.

NOTES: The first and the third formua/s were composed ( written ) by myself, while the second formula "Aquaeum Mantia" can be found, in original, unedited form in text "Ars Philtron" by Dr Shulke, and it was posted here for sole purposes of education and discussion of the formula , with NO ILL WILL intended, ALL CREDITS TO THE AUTHOR. If You wish to use my own formulas elswhere online , feel free but do add credits : Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post. Should You wish to use them in some printed media, send me an e-mail, so I can see if I can allow You to. The first image shows the painting "The love potion" by Evelyn Morgan and is from www.wikipedia.com, used here for ILLUSTRATIVE purposes only. The second is a photo of Calluna vulgaris, edited by myself.

Abundance of Blessings ,from Shadow to You :)

Midsummer and the festival of St.John the Babtist

2011-06-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

Birth of St. John the Baptist, Litha and the longest day

Wether You are a Christian, a Neo-Pagan or actual Pagan, druid descendant, or simply European J there are some feast days ahead. From 21^st to 24^th of June, great deal of people all over the globe celebrate this time of great power. The daytime is longest on this very date, and many rituals take place, on this very day, such as inevitable bonfires, a symbol of the holiday and a method of banishing everything ill, a mean of purification and a beacon for blessings. People dance, burn Oak wood and herbs , sing , celebrate and let the energy rise and be shared amongst every participant. While each culture has it’s own way of celebrating these days, most traditions share some universal symbols and rites such as mentioned bonfires, and herb gathering.

Traditional herbs associated with the day differ in different systems and traditions, but some tend to be recurrent in different lore more than other, such as Marigold, and St.John’s wort. Often mentioned are Chamomile, Vervain and Daisy, some of which are typical Solar plants. Oak wood is burned, and a Emeralds are worn and used to decorate altars.

In Wiccan and Pagan world this is the time when the power of Green man, an archetype symbol, and a chthonic spirit, or according to Wiccans, an aspect of Solar deity , is at it’s highest point. The figure of green man is seen even in popular literature and popular culture, cunningly hidden behind faces of Robyn Hood or Peter Pan.

For Christians, such symbolism is simply unacceptable, and furthermore blasphemous. Not because “pagans worship the de*il” , but because this is a day dedicate d to the birth of St.John the Baptist, one of the central characters of Christian religion and a powerful and respected Saint. Therfore, it would be a blasphemy to celebrate anything other than the birth of a Holy man that baptized our Lord, on Jordan.

In general occultism this is a time of the year that carries three beneficial energies, energy of the fertility, energy of the money, and energy that intertwines finely between our and the other-world, connecting them, and making interaction between man and spirits so much easier. This is one of the three days when the veil is thin , others being Beltaine and Smahain.

Read more about that in another post of mine here http://shadowsmagickplace.blogspot.com/2011/05/clairvoyance-and-seeint-spirits.html

I am however certain than You knew plenty of this, or at least could find this information elsewhere. So that is why I am gonna add some more “exotic” info, and share with You some, almost, completely secret beliefs and rites associated with these days ( 21^st-24^th of June ) practiced on mysterious Balkan peninsula

Summer solstice on Balkan peninsula magick and folklore

While “old” witchery, showing traces of early Celtic folklore and beliefs and European folk lore is still very much alive in Balkan, this is the time of the year when it’s syncretism get’s in the centre of the focus.The words folk of Balkan will commonly associate with the 21^st of June are St.John the Baptist and luck. Mothers give their daughters two coins, a golden one, which the maiden will place in the right shoe, and the silver one to be placed in the left shoe. Equipped in this manner, maiden goes to attend the Mass, or goes to her own wedding ( it is considered to be a very lucky day for marriage ) , or to see notation or priest, and she will never be without money, according to folk beliefs.

Curious girls go out to pluck seven or nine different flowers from seven or nine different fields, and then they place them beneath pillow to get a glimpse of their predestinated life partner in dreams. It even happens ( and not too rarely , even nowadays in remote village areas of Balkan ) that If a girl would meet a boy of approximately her age, after she would be done with flower picking, she gets married with him. I can see how this omen can be abused by a foxy and cheeky young people , not to use stronger words :D

Magick practitioners and the cunning folk light fires since the night of 21^st of june till morn of the 24^th, and utter the charm : Light comes and brings me the luck ! nine times in nine cycles each of those 3 nights. Some instead of small bonfires on some hillside clearance, burn 9 candles in safety of their home pronouncing the very same charm. Each night after the repletion of the charm some sheep milk is warmed over the candle or bonfire and there small sips and taken. On a last day, after all of the previously mentioned ritualistic procedures are done ( fire, charms, sheep milk ) the practitioner takes dried St.John wart sprigs, makes Crosses out of them, four Crosses, and places each on each quarter, which clears away the bad spirits and calls for spiritual and occult powers to settle in practitioner and raises practitioner spiritual potential.

St John wart is gathered each of the 3 days of celebration , preferably in the noon, as it is believed it holds greatest potential just then. Crosses or bracelets and necklaces fashioned from St. John’s wart, especially that gathered on this day are believed to protect even from that magick, considered to be most dangerous type of magick on Balkans, and that is fairy magick. Incense made out of St.John’s wart plucked on these days , and Frankincense is used as a sort of “high magick incense”, to conjure extra power in rituals and spells, to cleanse oneself and area prior to work with spirits and compel demons to do one's biddings

The 24^th of the June is reserved for the spirits of ancestors which are greeted as they prepare to depart back to other-world on this day . It is customary to light 44 candles in house, and in the morning You can see curious things in Balkan villages. Superstitious people place their heads among the grass to get “washed” with the morning dew, associated with old Slavic spirit Volos. It is believed that this very morning dew will ensure health throughout the next year, particularly in terms of eyes, ears and head. Herbs are plucked and used to fashion small rings or loops, size of a bracelet , which are hung to shield from wicked spells and bring prosperity.

Balkan people associates ancestral spirits, plant spirits and animal spirits as well as Volos and St.John with days 21^st-24^th of June , and they are believed to be particularly eager to help, working together on 24^th of June, so that is why this day Is believed to ensure success in all things done respectfully, more so if magick related.

So now, equipped with some interesting information I was able to persuade old folk to give away, or have found in some old local anthropological accounts , as well as general ideas presented in the begging of the article, go enjoy in these holidays and light and luck they bring. Whichever be Your faith or beliefs , and don’t forget to gather some herbs these day, Marigolds and St.John’s wart in particular ;)

Blessings from Shadow , and lots of luck

NOTES: This article was written and composed by me, Should You desire to use any part of it elsewhere, fine, but GIVE CREDITS, in form of either my e mail Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post. The fitrst image depicts St.John the babttist and is from http://www.wikipedia.com/ , the second shows St.John's wort and is edited by myself, and the third is a lovely pic from http://www.cauldronliving.com/ used for illustrative purposes purely with no ill will, ALL RIGHTS to owner

Have a nice Midsummer ;)

ESP and second sight

2011-06-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

It was always a prominent human desire to know what will happen next, what the future hold and to get some guidance from Higher Power. The people who were able to “read the future”, consult the spirits or read the omen, were always respected and even had very high ( though of course “unofficial” ) social positions. Be their abilities innate, gained and honed, or both, they were consulted by emperors and later dictators and war generals. The nature of “reader’s” or “Seer’s” work, much like any kind of spiritual, or even plainly “intangible” practice or work, made it a fruit - bearing ground for hustles and hoax of all kinds, but that being a whole another story.

In this article I wish to discuss some general terms, and practice they describe, such as mantic arts or divinations, spequlums, readings, extrasensory perception mostly really , and alike, and give some basic, official information about them, rather that pseudo-poetical new age claptrap on the topic. As I stated few times before, this is a blog that focuses on practicality of magick, rather than endless philosophical discussions on “ethics of magick” or purpose of same, therefore, I will also be giving examples on how to strengthen and develop our spiritual awareness and consequently supernatural abilities.

Different cultures and religious magickal systems, have different viewpoints and theories, regarding extrasensory perception and “psychic” gifts that derivate from it, as well as PSY abilities. Christian church for example calls them “chrisms” and according to Christian theology person is either born with them, or gains abilities as a reward for spiritually faithful, clean and responsible life, mysticism and fasting, both alimental and mental ( no pun intended ) . Considering this according to Christians, seeking these gifts through any form of occult work or meditation is wrong, and potentially sinful, as only G’d decides who shall have these abilities. I myself, as a Christian believe that, it is not all that simple, meaning If You want to develop some psychic gift, which are innate to our souls in one form or another, and You have a nice respectful goals, I doubt it’s a sin. To further elaborate, the reason why chrisms are honed mostly by Saint’s and mystics is because their way of life and their religious/social/mental awareness being high enough not to abuse the same. Simply put, if you want psychic gifts only so that You could win lottery, stick with Aunt Sally’s J but do not expect to have Lord’s blessings upon Your work. If You seek psychic gifts for better understanding of omens Lord sends us, for guidance of Yourself and others, or to prevent evil/bad things from happening, than we could say it’s somewhat OK. Otherwise, most other cultures and systems see nothing innately evil in them. Metaphorically speaking they are like frozen fish, You can melt it and feed someone with a healthy meal ( omega 3 acids enriched ) or You can smack someone on a back of their head with it, meaning ability itself is neutral, the user makes it good or bad.

Acording to parapsychologists, ESP is a human ability of reception of sensory experiences and information, without the use of physical ( medically recognized ) senses, but rather through mind. We must however, note that sometimes senses are indirectly included, some psychics need to touch items or people they work with or even use other sences. Sometimes I smell the air and I can tell wether it will rain, be windy or sunny, or it might hail perhaps, or even if something good or bad is to happen ( of general, rather than personal importance ). Psychology and consequently parapsychology as a branch of the same, gave us so many useful information and guidelines regarding ESP inducement and methods, as well as connection of such altered states of consciousness with cognitive process and sensory experience. Parapsychologist note some fundamental “laws” about mechanism of ESP work, such as increased ESP as a result of sensory experience deprivation, or sheep-goat effect ( people that believe in ESP have so much better results in ESP tests than people that do not believe in supernatural ), theories about REM sleep phase, alpha brain waves and their association with ESP events. Some of the great names and “fathers” of modern parapsychology and psychology of altered mind states include J.B Rhine and Louise Rhine, Russel Targ, Harold E. Putkoff etc.

Celts have a special name for it ( Scotts to be more precise ) dahulah, and it loosely translates as clairvoyance ( including ability to see spirits ). People often confuse remote seeing, clairvoyance , precognition, mediumship abilities and spiritual intuition for synonyms, which they are not. They are all different forms of extrasensory perception with their proprietary fields in which they work/appear. So let’s shed some light on some basic types of extrasensory perception ( to make it more clear I systematized abilities in types and families in this article, please keep in mind, this is not an official parapsychology-ical classification )

HUMAN ABILITIES

HUMAN SUPERNATURAL ABILITIES

· Type: PSY

· Type: ESP

- Family clairsensitive : Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Clairsentience , Clairalience,Clairgustance, Retrognotion, Remote seeing, Precognition , Psychometry

- Family guidance – Spiritual intuition, Intuitive aptitude, Mediumship abilities

- Family mental – Telepathy, Spiritual Empathy

Spells, energy work and recipes for empowerment of psychic abilities

Spiritual work of any sort ( prayer, meditation, spell casting ) will in due time develop some specific ability/abilities in one. What they will be, depends on the nature of practitioner. Introvert, melancholic people are most likely to develop ESP powers, such as empathy or psycometry, while extrovert sanguinary people are more likely to develop psychokinetic abilities of some form.

Sometimes however, from one or another reason, we want some help in faster and/or stronger ability inducement or development, sort of “boost tool” to call it that way.

Spells and recipes material ( materia magicka )

Burning purple and white candles with intention, and/or words of power will be of significant help. One should dress them with Psychic oil, or King Solomon’s wisdom oil, Clarity oil, Master key oil, St Cyprian oil, or any of the family of empowering oil for most prominent results.

Helpful botanicals include: Yarrow ( flower heads mostly ) Lemongrass essential oil, Flax seeds, Althaea roots, Mugwort herb, Wormwood herb, Acacia resin, Frankincense resin/tears etc .

Opal stones, Lodestones, Heliotropes, Quartz, Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite, Uleksite, Amber, Fluorite, Citrine, all make good choices in abilities boosting and development stones/charms.
Psalm 23^rd ,Prayers to Holy Spirit, Prayers to Saint Cyprian, prayers to St. Claire, Moon pentacles from Claviula Solomonis, All seeing Eye ( as symbols ) are all helpful and should be incorporated in rituals for development of psychic gifts.

Moon and water as element are associated with ESP, and Angels are Asariel, Uriel.

Exercises

Here are a few ( among many useful exercises ) for psychic gifts development

Randomly cover Your wrist watch , and try to guess the time ( precognition exercise )

Take a deck of playing cards. Draw one card at time, and without looking it try to guess card color. Half guesses or more indicate psychic talents. After a while one may pass onto guessing is it a picture or number card as well ( precognition exercise )

Look at some fare away object or scenery for a while. Than close Your eyes and try to visualize that picture with as much details as possible. Open Your eyes and check just how accurate were You ( clairvoyance and remote seeing exercise )

Ask someone to lay out number of object before You, the object we use in everyday life like pen or fork for example. Don’t look as they do it, then still with Your eyes closed pass Your hand over the objects trying to guess what they are ( clairvoyance and remote seeing exercise )

Get a new pack of handkerchiefs , give few out to some of Your friends , to hold for a few minutes, and touch their faces with. Let them right their initials on inside of the handkerchief so when folded, the initials cannot be seen. Shuffle the folded handkerchiefs and holding them try to guess which one was handled by who ( clairsentence and psychometry exercise )

NOTES: Please mind that the article was composed and written by myself, therfore should You wish to use any part of it elswhere, give credits Shadow of Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com IMAGE CREDITS : The first image shows Zener cards, and is a common image , available in public domain , this particular one came from Wikipedia , Second image depicts Alpha brain waves associated with ESP, and is edited by myself , original source is news Softpedia

Blessings !
from Shadow :)

St. Michael the Archangel

2011-05-25T17:19:00.000-07:00

He "Who is like G'd"

Though technically speaking Archangel Michael is not a Saint, sometimes this entity is venerated as one. In Hoodoo, he is petitioned to protect and shield from abusive people, harmful magick and demons, and their snares and trickery. In Santeria and sometimes ( by certain practitioners ) in New Orleans vodoun he is syncretized with Ogun, and sometimes with Legba as well.

The day of the weak associated with St. Michael is Sunday, so it’s clear that his planetary rulership is over the Sun. The Hebrew name translates to “brilliant one” or “one who is brilliant” and the Archangel plays important role in Abrahamic religions and Kabala , otherwise ( in other systems, such as Higher magick ) he is “imported” from those religions. His metals are gold and brass, and herbs and resins associated with this spirit are many, among most mentioned Angelica, Orange, Bay laurel, Benzoin, Ambergris, Cinnamon and Frankincense. It is said that the results of working with St. Michael are seen in seven days after the work with him.

Iconography and depiction of St. Michael is rather uniform really, he is depicted as mighty warrior with the flaming sword as his feature, sometimes also holding the scales to weigh the souls of the deceased. In Catholic and Orthodox Christian Iconography St.Michael is often depicted defeating the Adversary, trampling the Wicked One ( a nice example is “Archangel Michael” by Guido Reni’s )

Here is St. Michaels signature that can be inscribed on candles or petitioner paper ( candle colors are red or white )

We can find countless invocation, and compelling words of power relying on this spirit in many Western Higher magick works.

Generally, in magick this spirit is seen as a “blockbuster spirit” spirit that clears away evil spirits, demons in particular, and makes their evil undone. Therefore, it should not surprise that St.Michael is petitioned in hex removal spells, uncrossing and reversal magickal acts, and here are few examples :

Uncrossing spell

It is believed that if the crossing or hex is very powerful, old or material magicka used in casting negative spell, the originator is not known, or the crossing comes from wicked spirits, and common uncrossing procedures give no satisfactory results, St. Michael is to be called upon

Red candle is lit, in front of the St.Michaels image , dressed with any suitable oil ( Run D Run, St. Michael’s oil, Reversing oil, Uncrossing oil, Jinx killer oil ) and a petitioner paper is placed bellow the candle. The petitioner prays to St, Michael for liberation from evil that has befallen on them ( or their client ) after what a purification bath, with the addition of the same oil ( used in ritual ) is suggested.

Judika Illes suggest blending Frankincense, Myrrh and Salt in Almond oil as base, as suitable oil for such work.

Reversing and protection spells

St.Michael is also called upon, when returning the evil spells to their originator, and a very popular ( and very powerful ) method calls for writing Your enemy ‘s name ( or just enemy, if unknown ) on a piece of papper, placing paper in the glas, sprinkling with sea salt and pouring ( spring or Holy ) water over it. The saucer is than placed over the glass and the glass is swiftly overturned, so that it rests on saucer, without any water spilt , I n the process, and should some water escape, the ritual act is repeated. Then, a white candle is turned upside down, so that one could pick out the wick from the bottom of the candle, now becoming the top. Candle is divided into nine partitions ( in some version into nine small candles ) , and burned atop the glass for nine ( in some version seven days ) while praying that the evil spells are returned to the originator. I like to use St. Michael prayer by Pope Leo XIII in any apotropaic or protective magick work with Archangel Michael ( even though I’m an Orthodo x Christian ) , whether in Latin or other language . The English version is this:

Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle;
be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray:
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen

There is a nifty protection spell I was taught to use employing the mentioned prayer, Psalm 91^st ;

Light a Novena candle to St. Michael the Archangel or white or red offertory candle fixed with St.Michael’s oil. Read the Psalm 91^st and then the prayer given above and it is believed that as long as the candle burns, You will be safe from all ills.

Holy cards or St. Michael medallions are common ingredients in protection mojo’s and New Orleans Home Protection “packets” alongside protective herbs and salt. St. Michales holy card or printed images are often used in creating protective “amparos” a type of amulets used frequently in Latin America or Spain[1]

St. Michael the Archangel’s oil

This is my personal formula I’d like to share with my readers, based upon cross-reference on various herbal correspondences given for this Archangel, as well as resin, and essential oil’s correspondences and my personal inclination towards certain of the ingredients

This oil formula ( among many others ) will be available in my upcoming document that I will post on my Scribd page, so check often ; )

· Frankincense resin

· Dragon’s blood resin

· Myrrh resin

· Angelica root

· Bay Laurel leafs or essential oil

· Cinnamon powder or essential oil

· Salt

Mind that cinnamon essential oil can act as skin irritant , so if using use a in a pinch, sort of say. All in base of either Almond or Ambergris oil.

Expressing gratitude

Though in Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity, there are no suggestions for a tribute, in Hoodoo it’s customary to “pay” a spirit after they have helped, and I myself find such practice reasonable, very respectful and very beneficial. A candle lit, or a contribution to loccal police or comunity watch shall do, among other. It does seem like least we could do, right :D

NOTES: This article was composed and written by myself, so If You wish to use any part of it, elsewhere provide credits Shadow of Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post. [1] to learn how to make St. Michaels amparo visit this brilliant video by Devi sprig www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAAsVF-rZeY The first image show Catholic holy card depiction of St.Michael and is from www.luckymojo.com , page/entry about St. Michael ( lucky mojo amulet’s archive, St.Michael Archangel ) respectfully. The second image is edited by myself and show Angelic signature

Have a brilliant day and may the Lord bless You !
Shade :)

Hoodoo Herbalism Wood Betony

2011-05-17T18:01:00.000-07:00

Wood Betony or Bishopwort is a common, yet neglected magickal plant. While “imported” in Hoodoo Herbalism from European, American people did use plant Pedicularis canadiensis as Wood Betony, prior to the introduction of the aforementioned. In this article I will be speaking of Stachys officinalis, and while some authorities will claim they are used interchangeably, and that such practice is justified I beg the difference, well regarding the justification of equal use of plant. They are not even botanically related, let alone magickaly, well according to my knowledge that is, and I will elaborate on that later in the article.

Bishopwort or Lousewort is very common in Europe, where it’s native ( occurs naturally in some parts of Asia and in Northern Africas ) and it’s easy to distinguish, even to those without proper botanical taxonomy, morphology and systematic knowledge.

It can grow up to , about 60cm ( sometimes slightly more ) , and it can be recognized by purple inflorescence ( S. officinalis and S. betionica ) . Flowers have 5 teeth calyx and a corolla with anthers that stick straight out, making a positive taxonomic marker for Lamiace family. Being a skyophyte, it like’s grasslands and open wood, or meadows. In magick we use the two mentioned species S. officinalis and S.betonica. A species S.subernata is quite resembling, but yellow color of the flowers helps differentiate it, as they tend to occur together sometimes.

Use in European based magick

Old Roman entries are consistent with later European ( mostly British, Wells and German sources ) that prescribe the plant against sorcery and ghosts. It’s a typical plant to be used in Beltaine and Midsummer bonfires, and is found in various purification and protection mixtures. It’s often grown or sprinkled nearside homes to provide a sort of “protective barrier through which no evil can enter” [1] as a late occult herbalist stated. My experience taught me that it has brilliant evil repelling, banishing and vanquishing properties, hence it’s a ingredient in a potion recipe against evil spirits that I composed, and that calls for combining :

• St John’s wort
• Wood Betony
• Blackberry leaves
• Garlic cloves
• Basil
• Salt and
• Pepper

Europeans make similar mixtures with Wood Betony to treat notorious “Elf’s shoot” a mysterious condition belived to be caused by Elven arrows. Depending on sources recipes differ, some containing only the key ingredient, being Lousewort, while other common ingredients include Garlic, St John’s wort and Nettle.
It’s still common to found in some churchyards, to calm or banish the angry ghosts.
Anglo Saxon works on Herbalism suggest placing it bellow pillow, around neck or the juice of the plant ingested prior to going to bed to “prevent dreaming” and “nightly visions” and some modern authors assure us that it protects body and soul during astral journeys.

Hoodoo uses of Wood Betony

As I stated before, Hoodoo people use also “another” Wood Betony ( Pendicularia canadiensis ) but they use it interchangevly with Wood betony ( S. officinalis ) mostly to shield from spirits and diseases, and can be found in some “Reversing” incense recipe alongside Agrimony. Here is my personal formula of such incense “genre” :

• Wood Betony
• Agrimony
• Hyssop
• Patchouli Leaves ( optional )

It’s used in a bath to undo witches curses and to protect from same, along with 8 other herb , according to Miss Catherine Yronwode ( among other ingredients Wood Betony, Whitw clover, Nettles etc )[2]

I myself find it useful in countering unnatural diseases ( brought by magickal work ) and in a form of oil such as my formula I like to call “Vigoro oil”
• Wood Betony
• Self Heal
• Boneset
• Samson snake root
• Camphor essential oil
All to base oil or Almond or Olive, with a vit E capsule.

NOTES: This article was composed and writteb by me, therfore should YOu desire to use it elswhere, feel free, just add the credits Shadow of Shadows magick place, or Shadow-333@hotmail.com or give a direct link to this post
CREDITS: While no consulted literature or sources were quoted, I do want to note sources ofr specific information, as indexed in the text
[1] Cunnungham Scott, "Encyclopedia of magick herbs", entry on "Betony, Wood"
[2] "Hoodoo herb and root magick" Catherine Yronwode

Clairvoyance and seeing spirits

2011-05-11T16:35:00.000-07:00

Please, take my sincere appologies for the delay in posting this very post, it was due for 25th or 26th of april. Due to technical troubles I was unable to publish it on time. I hope You will still find the text useful, particularly for Middsummer. Thank You for the understanding, cordially Shadow.

As the Beltaine approaches, and we feel the spirits around us , be them fae, or the souls of dear deceased person, we might wonder how can we see them ? For people with mediumship abilities, it’s easy, they just roam the space with their eyes. Intuitive and open-minded people may also get a glimpse of the spirits, in their peripheral sight, or may dream of them, or even see them when astral projecting.

I wrote on significance and folklore Bletaine and Fairy magick before ( LINK ) and being that on this day the veil between the worlds is thin ( just like on Samhain ) it’s ideal time to converse with spirits or attempt to see them.

Is this advisable to try ? Honestly, it seems mostly subjective. If one feels ready to see specters of Fae ( and / or other nearby lingering spirits ) they should try, well in my humble opinion anyhow. If their aim is right and heart’s are without ill will they might get a glimpse of that often , in jargon, described as “more than meets the eye” , physical one at least  On the other hand, seeing spirits may be a highly traumatic experience, even
If one does not perceive it as such, even remotely, so to sum it up, both the choice and the responsibility are Yours alone

For Your convenience I collected, edited, wrote and presented some formulas to help You in becoming able to see spirits and here I will be discussing them

Folklore belifs and secrets of the cunning folk

According to some occult experts, on Samhaine and Beltane, all You need is to be on a place where spirit/s might appear and to be of an open heart.
You would be surprised how many different kind of spirits may appear near gravesites , especially old ones, and I do not refer only to ghosts of the dead, although on such places they might be most inclusive. Or an isolated clearance in the woods, mushroom rings, or fields with Daffodils or Digitalis flowers, all those are places, upon which not only possibility of encountering fae or ghosts increases, but so does our innate spiritual averseness and even clairvoyance.

Furthermore, time of the day when the spirits become easily visible are “threshold times” such as Twilight ( and no I do not mean the obnoxious and tacky movie trilogy >_< ) and Midnight. Circling three times around a graveyard, according to cunning folk, will significantly increase Your chances of seeing spirits. Should You, carry some Lavender and inhale it’s scent while at it, You are more than likely to see them. There is an interesting claim by famous deceased author Scot Cunningham : “In a wild and lonely place, preferablyby moonlight, hold a holey stone up to one eye. Close the other one and peer through the stone. You may see visions, ghosts, or nonphysical entities” , found in his book about gemstones [1] According to certain Scottish priest, Robert Kirk ( author of the significant and influential text on fae , from 1815th year ) , You need to procure a rope that had been tied around a coffin, and, tie it around Your waist, bend over and look, in-between, or “through” Your legs ( like kids often do ) some funeral procession, and You will ( according to author ) see the fairies. [2]

Herbs, herbalism and potions of spirits

There are many herbs that increase clairvoyance, reveal what is hidden or invisible or attract spirits.

Diferent cultures may have some of the plants related to spirit different, unique to the specific culture and geo-ecological areal.
Anthurimum ( Obake anthurium ) is for example a very strong spirit beacon and is indigenous to Hawaii areas , then there are Indian pipes ( I think they are pretty common in Arizona , USA ), with their perky yellow, slightly eerie flowers, or even the European Datura also known as Angelic Trumpet ( Datura stratimonium ) strongly associated with ghost and even evil spirits, and also very toxic to human and most of animals.

There are also those, cosmopolite or widely available plants, well famed for their powers to connect us to kingdoms of intangible , mystic and realms of mists and shadows.

Carrying a ring made of Rowan branches or Hawtorn ( Cartaegus monogyna, C.officinalis ) twigs, and looking through it on Bletaine ( or Samhain aswell ) should according to herbalists enable one to see fairies and spirits of nature through this unique “looking loop” . If You try this under Moonlight, You have certainly increased Your chances of seeing, what’s hidden from eye.

Cowslip ( Primulla verris ) or as also called Calver’s key reveals that what is hidden and invisible , and is often carried for such purposes.

Eyebright ( Euphrasia officinalis ) and Poppy ( Pappaver communis, P. somniferum ) petals can strongly increase one’s clairvoyance and spirit sight or faery sight as some phrase specific aspects of the same ( clairvoyance ), and are often applied as “eye baths”

There are potions drunk, eye infusions, and special incense/s called suffumigations, that are designed to aid us in seeing spirits or help them materialize. Following are two examples of such, written by myself

Potion of sight

• One part of Lunar slime ( or Lunar water )
• One part of Moonstone essence
• 1/15 – 1/20 part of Dried Mugwort
• Tincture of Opium*

Make strong infusion of Mugwort using, mixture of Moonstone essence and Lunar slime, as a base for decoction ( You can add a Moonstone to a lunar slime when making it and spare Yourself of excess work ). In strained and
Cooled infusion add up to 5 drops ( on a cup ) of Opium tincture. Drink and wash Your eyelids, and brow chakra with potion.
* If You do not know how to create the Tincture of Opium, get if from some occult shop, or learn how to make ( so it’s safe to use , as long as proper dosage is respected ) from a trusted source. If You feel uncomfortable or scared, using the Opium tincture, simply use Poppy petals instead

“Corpora spiriti” incense

This is my personal formula for suffumigation incense, that will act as medium for materialization of the spirit. I chose the seven ingredients ( seven being the number of the spirit ) that are reputed to invoke spirits and help them become visible, perhaps even tangible up to a point.

Combine

• Woods aloe *
• Acacia
• Dittany of Crete
• Small amount ( pinch ) of Saffron
• Some Myrrh resin
• Amaranth flowers or dried Amaranth
• Lavender flowers or few drops of essential oil

*Should You lack Wood’s aloe ( or feel more incliened to ) use Dragon’s blood resin in it’s place
Mix well and create incense, either with saltpeter ( self ignitable ) or as dry mixture . Light, or burn on charcoal to make spirits materialize.

Incense to see spirits of the dead in our dreams

Combine Acacia, Althaea and Star Anise, and burn before going to bed, on altar or besides candle dedicated to the dead, and they should appear in Your dream.

NOTES: This article was written and compounded by myself, therefore should You desire to use it or any part of it elsewhere, You may, as long as You provide the credits, Shadow of Shadows magick place, or Shadow-333@hotmail.com , or of course a direct link to this post.
CREDITS: [1] ( Cunningham’s encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem and Metal Magick. Llwellyn Publications, USA , entry on Holey stones,102nd page )
[2] The information came from Rosemary Ellen Guiley’s “Fairy Magick” 2008th edition book, but the original source is a 1815th year occult work called “Holly community” by Robert Kirk, entry here is paraphrased/edited by myself
The potion and incense recipes are written by myself, and If You want to use it in any media other than online ( and If You do use it online You must give credits ) such as magazine articles or book, e-mail me for approval using above given address.The image shows holey stone and is from http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1094/1215132184_8d8faf1306.jpg, used for illustrative and explanatory purposes here, all credits to the author

Hoodoo Blue ( Laundry bluing, haint blue )

2011-03-30T19:17:00.000-07:00

Though to some may appear reminiscent to “Hoodoo blues” and therefore remind of Doctor John and in general, music genre associated with African American Conjure community, this article is to deal with the power of different kind of blues ( blue, plural form ). The color that comes to my mind, when speaking of Hoodoo, is pale yellow and brownish pastel color, present so much on roots of all kind and old, parchment paper leafs of Hoodoo recipe books. But on a second thought, there is another color so prominent and respected in Hoodoo. This color is blue.

Wether it’s “Angelic influence candle” or a haint blue paint in ( and on lol ) folk’s dwellings, or it’s a blue water colored with Laundry bluing ( laundry blue Reckit’s or Mexican anil balls ) or with Bluestone Cu ( SO4 )2. This nice blue color inspires respect, and instills peace among conjurers and root doctors, as well as among arguing clients, and strikes fear into malevolent. Besides of these, well known uses, I’ve encountered some of these items in Bend over or Influence formulas, and on Hyatt’s anthropological works, we encounter usage of bluestone in gambling luck. So let’s go through some of the “sources” of Hoodoo blue ( followed by some exemplary formulas, as I do, after all, tend to write practical articles ) And their uses : Laundry Bluing and Bluestone

Laundry bluing and Mexican anil balls, a washing products, composed of Ultramarine ( or more rarely Persian blue ) dye and compressed washing soda, entered Hoodoo as a safe substitution for toxic bluestone which was used in apotrophaic and gamble luck spells among Conjure community. Although it’s pretty much safe ( as long as You are careful not to come in direct contact with ) to use Bluestone in mojo’s and gamble luck spells, as well as in making Blue water for placing around, for bathes or any other type of product we plan using on humans or other living beings, we use laundry bluing or Mexican blue balls. You can encounter names such as Roman vitrol and blue copperas, and they all refer to copper sulphate a crystalline, sulfide salt of Copper acid, a form of fungicide used in agriculture, mentioned above .

WARNING : If You have any doubts of how to properly handle, bluestone, keep in mind that is corrosive and highly toxic, and that If You decide to ignore this warning , for any possible injury, intoxication or otherwise harmful effect on Your body homeostasis I WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. You can always use LAUNDRY BLUING ( like Reckit’s crown laundry bluing or Mexican balls ) as magickaly equal substitute.

Spirit repelling blue water Dissolve some Laundry bluing in metallic pans or glass or metal bawls, and strategically arrange those in places infested with evil spirits to drive them away, while at the same time beacons kind ( benevolent ) spirits . A florwash made Copper blue, salt and Blessed water can do wonders as well.

Gambling charm ( mojo bag )

Hyatt’s “Hoodoo – Conjuration – Witchraft – Rootwork “ entry 13000, teaches us to place ( sew together ) 9 silver dimes with a piece of Bluestone in a red flannel mojo, to have success in games of chance and gambling. [1]

Aura of Influence

One spell suggests adding :

• Coriander seeds
• Licorice
• Sweetflag
To a jar or a bottle of Laundry bluing ( meaning dissolved in water or liquid laundry bluing ) and leaving it sit for 7 days, then straining. The liquid is used to wash clothes, than when dried, worn inspire respect and make others agree with You, improve leadership qualities , personal power and boosts self-confidence. [2]

It can also be used to dye, one of the components of Peace water, meaning either the oil or water. I’ve heard of folks mixing it with Florida water and using that as Peace water.

Haint Blue paint

Haint blue is a pale, celestial-marine , to aquamarine paint/color often seen on porch ceilings, doorways and even inside the Houses all over the world, particularly in South USA , Indonesia, Haiti, some parts of Africa and Mediterranean. There seems to be a never ending discussion between scholars of all sorts, anthropologists, sociologists and occultists about the origins of the custom of painting wall , ceilings or doorways. Does it comes from Gullah tradition ? Or from the Cherokee beliefs, that every spirit of the deceased ancestors are by nature angry and mischievous. Indigo powder . Maybe it comes from old German-Anglo-Saxom customs of warding off similar ( but by no means same ) hag creatures? There are no solid proofs that the belief comes from a single culture-bound system.

In my humble opinion ( for example ) it might as well be coming from Mediterranean. I live in Mediterranean country and the common folk belief, if not even a part of culture, here is that angry and mischievous spirits can not cross body of water, let alone sea or ocean water and that they greatly fear pale, aquatic tints and colors. Most likely however seems, that such beliefs are not culture bound at all, furthermore they may be cosmopolite and probably even developed simultaneously In many parts of the world. Because, regardless of the part of the world, haint blue paint have same purpose everywhere, to repel evil spirits and negate them entrance to house, In States and English speaking areas these spirits are often called “haints” ( aka angry ancestral spirits ) , hence the name. The paint is supposed to confuse the spirits, and make them think it’s either water of celestial infinities they see infront themselves, and haints as earthbound creatures, eager to remain on , our physical plane must by all means avoid those.

Indigo powder ( or indigotines )

Indigo tint , although not as light and pale as that obtained from Bluestones, has similar properties in magick and can additionally be used to dye oils and other products. You can get pale-er tint, If You use less indigo powder in base. Indigo powder C16H10N2O2 ( though mostly synthetic for those purposes ) , known as indigotine or carmine indigo is what is used to dye texas ( like Denim for example ) pants/jeans. Source of Indigo are plants of Indigofera genus, or less commonly Woad ( Isiatis tinctoria ) or dyer’s knotweed ( Polygonum tinctorium ). In magick, it’s founds popular use in Uncrossing baths, and is often suggested by Conjurers of Spiritual Church system, as such. It is not, however that much present in traditional Hoodoo. Also, alcoholature of the indigotines, malkes a brilliant Saturn related ink and a good addition to bath in small doses. It can also be found in some very old, spirit repelling and vanquishing potions and recipes.

NOTES: This article was written and compounded by myself, therefore If You wish to use it elswehre, feel free, but give credits : Shadow of Shadows magick place, or Shadow-333@hotmail.com Credits [1] from “Hoodoo – Conjuration – Witchraft – Rootwork “ by Harry Middletone Hyatt, entry 13000, paraphrased here Credits [2] Original spell, in slightly different form can be found in "Encyclopedia of 5000 spells “ by Judika Illes The image is taken by me, and shows Crown reckit blue squares and altar candles in pale blue color, all obtained from occult supplier

Many Blessings!

Spring Solar magick ( Energy flow, reenergizing and renewal )

2011-03-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

Warm air, moody weather, with interlace of sun and timely , soothing rains, dominant green in nature, scent of blossoms and spring flowers are some of the things we readily associate with, so long awaited spring. The dark part of the year is definitely gone, so is the introspection and anabiosis that normally come with it on spiritual plane. This long period of darkness, and self-battling has more than likely caused mental and physical fatigue in many people, be them spiritually aware or not. Some of the causes are mundane, some spiritual, some both, yet the result is same, weakness when we need the strength. Fear not, this is entirely normal for this time of year, even physiologically. The crafty and cunning folk, as well as those of “ higher “ magickal perspectives, had know that for ages now, they’ve worked up some rather nifty methods of dealing with energy lack.

Wether it’s wearing stones, taking potion or doing some energy channeling/meditation, it’s important to renew oneself after the long winter, so we are ready for the rest of the year and so that we do not miss a thing important, due to meekness of body and our mind.
Christians have a brilliant saying : “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak!” . Sometimes, going outside, enjoying still kind, solar energy and merely smelling the spring can do wonders, itself. But there are folks that are simply not as perceptive, sensitive or are simply too worn out, depressed or otherwise held back as a result of aforementioned self struggle and winter darkness. Such people, or people that happen to be in scuh situation could use some magickal knowledge, and recipes of the wise

Solar magick and correspondences are most proficient for this kind of work as well as power of the Crescent Moon. Mind that the magick I had here in mind is similar, but not the same to Power magick, Spiritual/Occult power magick and even Road opening, yet with significant differences.Therefore in this post we will discuss way of magickal reenergizing, renewal or simply put methods of making the chi flow strong and undisturbed again 
So here are some examples

Heaven and Earth meditation

Drawing energies from both Heaven ( symbolic of spiritual, ascendance, uplifting ) and Earth ( symbolic of grounding, strengthening ) , will not only work as charging from double source, but will bring the so needed balance as well. Perfect timing for such meditation can be midday, eclipse or midnight.
Sit on the ground in comfortable position ( it’s preferable to do this outside, should that be impossible at the moment, next best choice is in a nice room near an open window ).
Raise Your hands above Your head with palms opened, and envision gold rays if light coming down, and being absorbed through Your palms, circulating downwards Your body. Then, envision roots growing from Your feet, deep into Earth, and absorbing the Earth energy in from of green pulsating, powerful light, ascending up the roots and into Your body. See the Energies of Earth and Celestial energies softly intertwine becoming strong white light pulsating through all Your body. Keep that image for few minutes in Your head and You should feel energized and empowered.
This visualization can also come handy as a part of shielding.

Energy potion ( ingestible )

• Warm infusion of small peeled, cubed Ginger rhizome ( ½-1 teaspoon to 2 dl ) in spring water with a pinch of cinnamon
• Juice of one Orange
• Some fresh Mint finely chopped or few drops of Mint juice
• Honey that stood exposed to Sun some for at least and hour after Midday ( noontime ) , as much as You see fitting
• OPTIONAL: Powdered mace in a smallest finest, pinch

Combine all together, stir thoughtfully, bless and strain if needed be, and drink in three portions during the day, or all at once, should You be in serious energy deficiency state.
Another version for those that dislike ginger can be made with simple Echinacea infusion with Cinnamon and Honey, like above.

Spells of renewal and empowerment

Very simple, and very effective. Take Sowilo runic body posture, holding between Your palms, a cleansed, and charged Sun stone or Carnelian or Citrine. Place some Honey on Your tongue ( small amount , best to use Solar charged or Lunar charged honey as described in potion recipe above ) and say some words of power

Light of Heaven , Divine fire

Give me strength

Give me power

This is my desire
!

Hoodoo strength/power drawing spell ,

On a piece of petitioner paper write Your name and cross it seven times with the word power. Fold three times towards Yourself. Place the paper in a small jar, cover it with brown sugar, add some Echinacea root or Master of the Woods powdered if You have, and then place also a fed lodestone in the bottle. Place a with candle on the lid, and light it praying for strength and empowerment.

Strenght and endurance powder

Combine Echinacea root powder with Master of the Woods and High John root powder and lay small amount in Your shoes. Such powder shall prevent tiredness.

NOTE: This article and recipes are written by myself, so If You wish to use any of it elswhere, credeits must be given, Shadow of Shadows magick place or Shadow-333@hotmail.com . First image is Albert Durer's illustration "The Sun, The Moon and the Basilisk", which is a fragment of an old manuscript kept in British musem, and is used here for illustrative purposes only ( image source www.britishmuseum.org ). The second image shows Sowilo runic body posture and is from www.sunnyway.com I believe ( I recieved this image as a part of personal e-mail correspondence ) and is used here for explanatory purposes only.
The powder recipe, was inspired by entries from "Hoodoo herb and root magick" by Catherine Yronwode

Hoodoo Studious Success ( Pass test spells )

2011-03-04T20:40:00.001-08:00

There are many formulas and products in Hoodoo magick designated
To be beneficial to one’s mind, intellect, mental domination, social skills or even psychic powers. In lack of better term, “mind products” are a rich family in Hoodoo. Some of the famous formulas include “King Solomon’s wisdom”, or “Master key”. However these may be considered formulas with profound effect, on mind in more than just cognitive process
And logics. The two examples mentioned foster spiritual and elevated wisdom.

In this post, however I will speak of a slightly different genre of the family. And this is, what I like to call “Pass test” products. These products differ slightly from general “wisdom family” because they focus on shorter terms effects, and other than mind empowering and boosting ingredients, contain also success curios. Simply put, they are meant to do just what the name says, help one be successful in school, and pass tests thanking to both mind power and luck and success powers.

The best day for this type of operations is obviously Wednesday and the most proficient time of the day are hours or Mercury. Patron saints in Catholic Christian fiath, that are commonly associated with students are Thomas Aquinas, St. Albertus Magnus, Catherine of Alexandria and among Orthodox people, one of the patron saints of studnets and schoolchildren is St. Basileus.

The candles we use in such magickal work, should be of yellow or gold color, orange or seven days candles. Spheral and image skull candles are a brilliant choice as well. Purple offertory candles are another great choice. The words such as “pass test” may be inscribed in continuous ascending spiral on the candle.

Herbs associated with wisdom and mind power ( in terms of Hoodoo herbalism ) include, but are not limited on, Mint, Sage, Solomon’s seal root, Smart weed, Sage, Verbena, Peach tree leafs, Camphor, Bay laurel, then Rosemary etc.

I feel silly for having to point this out, but You do actually have to study. Simple “studious success” spells exist in most of the traditions, even folk magick ( see examples later in the text ) , and without further ado, here are some examples

Pass test/exam oil

• Mint leaves
• Solomon seal root
• Peach tree leaves
• Verbena
• Bay Laurel essential oil
• Sage essential oil
• Some Sandalwood or Bergamot essential oil ( optional )

Simple folk spells for exam passing

These spells orriginate from Balkan pennisula folk magick lore, though the one with the book seems to be widespread in Europe

• There is a custom in Balkan peninsula, that when the school kid or a student goes to take an important exam, mother or other dear person is to pour ( spill ) water behind them, as they walk outside the house, minding not to pour water on to the student, but that the water comes close to their ( student’s ) backs, simply put follow, but do not catch 
• Hold a new fresh egg for a few moments, prior to leaving Your yard, and hit it against some large stone. This Balkan simple, traditional folk spell ensures that no ill or misfortune may interfere with You on the day You have important task. Balkan folk commonly say : “Break an egg to outsmart the Wicked”
• Place a book ( textbook, one from which You have been learning ) bellow Your pillow , while asleep. If the material ( book, textbook ) was read ( material/lessons ) learned , then placed bellow the pillow it will assure that all the information bits come together and will strengthen memory, focus and eloquence, preventing confuse or memory flaws. .

Spell to pass test

Needed
- Seven day or large yellow, offertory candle
- Pass test oil
- Mint and Verbena mixed powder
- Incense like, King Solomon’s wisdom, or alike incense
- Petitioner’s paper , with phrase such as “pass exam” written 7 times and crossed 7 times with Your name

Carve “pass test” in continuous ascending spiral, on Your candle, If You are using Offertory candle. If You are using Seven days candle You don’t need to carve anything. Either way, dress a candle with “Pass test/exam oil”, and dust the candle with Mint and Verbena mixed powder.

Inscribe the petitioners paper as suggested and, fold it three times towards Yourself. Then place it underneath the overturned saucer, and on the saucer place the candle.

Light the candle, and light the incense. Fumigate Yourself with the incense briefly, than place it near the candle.
Than Read Psalm 23rd and follow by Your personal petitions to pass the test.

Prayers

Following Orthodox Christian prayers will bring You success, in specific task ( in this case, exam taking and studies ) . Now it is customary in Orthodox Christian practice to “give thanks” with a prayer, upon receiving spiritual help from Divine forces. Therfore many prayers, have two version, one to be prayed, when asking for help, and other giving thanks or expressing gratitude afterwards. The given prayer for successful task is no exception.

Prayers Before Any Task \

Lord Jesus Christ, my God, You have said, "Apart from me You can do nothing." In faith I embrace Your words, Lord, and I entreat Your goodness. Help me to carry out the work I am about to begin, and to bring it to completion. To You I give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty God, our Help and Refuge, who knows that we can do nothing right without Your guidance and help; direct me by Your wisdom and power, that I may accomplish this task and, whatever I do according to Your divine will, so that it may be beneficial to me and others and to the glory of Your holy Name. Amen.

My Lord and Savior, You became man and labored with Your hands until the time of Your ministry. Bless me as I begin this work. Help me to bring it to completion. Lord, enlighten my mind and strengthen my body, that I may accomplish my task according to Your will. Guide me to bring about works of goodness to Your service and glory. Amen.

Prayer After Any Task
Thank You, Lord, for Your strength and guidance in my work. You are the fulfillment of all good things. Fill also my soul with joy and gladness, that I may praise You always. Amen.

The following prayers should be read or spoken before and after the actual study process, and like previous, have second, “thanksgiving” part

Prayer of a Student

Christ my Lord, the Giver of light and wisdom, who opened the eyes of the blind man and transformed the fishermen into wise heralds and teachers of the gospel through the coming of the Holy Spirit, shine also in my mind the light of the grace of the Holy Spirit. Grant me discernment, understanding and wisdom in learning. Enable me to complete my assignments and to abound in every good work, for to You I give honor and glory. Amen.

Prayers Before Study

Most blessed Lord, send the grace of Your Holy Spirit on me to strengthen me that I may learn well the subject I am about to study and by it become a better person for Your glory, the comfort of my family and the benefit of Your Church and our Nation. Amen

Christ, the true light, who enlightens and sanctifies every person coming into the world, let the light of Your countenance shine upon me (us) that I (we) may see Your unapproachable light; and guide my (our) steps in the way of Your commandments, through the intercessions of Your all-holy Mother and of all the Saints. Amen.

Prayer After Study

I thank You, Lord our God, that again on this occasion You have opened my eyes to the light of Your wisdom. You have gladdened my heart with the knowledge of truth. I entreat You, Lord, help me always to do Your will. Bless my soul and body, my words and deeds. Enable me to grow in grace, virtue and good habits, that Your name may be glorified, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

NOTES: The recipe for oil, and spell to past test were written by myself. The folk spells, are as said in text, part of traditional Balkan witchraft, the picture is edited by myself ( Originally trading card of Yu gi oh game, "Brain contol" property Konami ), prayers are from www.orthodoxprayer.org posted here for educational purposes

Many Blessings !

Spiritual baths and bathing

2011-02-11T21:12:00.000-08:00

As a dedicated Hoodoo student, one of the first thing’s I had to learn about were spiritual baths. They are a staple, in great majority of treatments a Hoodoo doctor may prescribe. They are also quite popular in New Orleans Voodoo Hoodoo, If my observations are correct on it, as well as in work of so called “Spiritual church” , a specific system indigenous to Louisiana, which seems to be a mixture of Hoodoo and NO Voodoo.

It is rather hard to pinpoint the beginnings and origins of practice of spiritual bathing. We can assume that, as fare as concerns Hoodoo, ritual baths come from two main sources. Christian or Judaic ritual bathing, often in body of water, and from African witch doctors cures to foot tracking ( casting a spell, often harmful one, using foot imprints ) which often implied cleansing clients as well as dwellings with water that may have contained herbal material as well, or animal curios.

In my humble opinion, I believe mikveh ( also spelt Mikvah, or Mikve, or Mikva ) or Judaic ritual bath was very influential to Hoodoo bathing practice. Although Hoodoo baths are ( thankfully ) much simpler in terms of creation and use. Mikveh , as ritual bath in Jews, is very simple from point of ingredients. It contains simple water. But the water must of a natural source ( best choice is body of moving water such as river ) like river, lakes or even rain water, hail water or melted snow.
The very intricate practice of mikveh baths, reflects in the complexity of their preparation and applications. Rules referring to collecting and preparing the water for mikveh are extremely precise and leave no place for disobedience or ultimatums of any kind. For example the basin must be of specific dimensions, specific amount of water is used, water is poured in specific way, if got by melting snow, the snow must be melt in a very specific way etc. Everything about making and using these types of baths is ritual, if not ceremonial. The rules describing how to make mikveh, and how, and when to use it, can be found in the Hebrew Bible and in other Hebrew religious text, or literature. There are specific situations after which mikveh should be used, such as menstruation or childbirth in female, or in Orthodox Jews, special mikveh is taken prior entrance to synagogue. It is also suggested that mikveh should be taken after any abnormal emission ( discharge ) of bodily fluids. There is one rule,regarding Mikveh, that is invariable, regardless of the specific Judaic tradition, and it says, that body must be completely immersed, at least once.

Baths can also have initiatory purpose, like baptism in Christians. Spiritual bathing is suggested in many places in Bible, and a well known and fine example is the quote form David’s repent Psalm :”Cleanse me with Hyssop and I will be clean, wash me and I will be whiter than snow” ( Psalm 57:7 International version ) . This is in the same time a very popular bath taken in Hoodoo for personal cleansing and Uncrossing, or after “doing a job” on someone else.

Except from a tradition/religious perspective, baths also differ in terms of purpose ( banishing or attracting ) and in terms of applications. While most of the baths are taken, by means of filling the tub and emerging the whole body, or pouring baths over our body, some may target specific areas. Here are most common examples

Head washes – baths designed to be applied to head, mostly used when healing the mind, or in uncrossing work, when the crossing targeted one’s thoughts and peace of mind. Also in some traditions ( like Voodoun or Palo ) taking a head wash may be reffered as “feeding the head” and usually has initiatory purpose.

Hand washed – Are baths used mostly by gamblers to wash their hands prior to taking part in games of chance. They are very popular among Hoodoo people. Another reason to take this kind of bath is after dealing ( including handshaking ) with unpleasant or dangerous people, or ( once again ) after doing a job on someone else.
Spiritual workers are known to tale this type of bath after work with “heavy” or disturbed patients.

Feet wash – These type of bathes are not that common in Hoodoo, but among Christian folk these are used in cleansing and soothing, sometimes also prior to entrance to temples. Cunning folk used these baths to “drive out” evil energy through feet of the patient.

Anatomy of a Hoodoo bath

While there are ready, easily obtained Hoodoo baths offered by occult suppliers, many like to make the bathes themselves. It is not that hard at all, but lets first discuss the main types of Hoodoo bathes

• Mineral baths – very popular among Hoodoo practitioners, often very simple made from an odd number of mineral ingredients, sometimes a single one, like household ammonia or laundry bluing. They also often contain salt, or sugar ( for business success, drawing customers or attracting love ) saltpeter and Epsom salts. They may contain and addition of essential oil, but then we would speak of another type, as explained bellow in the text
• Herbal baths – Infusions of herbs and roots. Made by pouring boiling water over herbs and roots and washing Your body with it or adding it to tub water.
• Herbal – mineral, or mineral – herbal baths – are baths containing both herbal and mineral material, like for example some Epsom salts with the addition of Essential oil or specific condition oil, depending on bath’s goal . Spiritual workers I’ve been fortunate to become friends with, always advise that this types of baths should not be merely “scented” Epsom salts, or baking soda, but that they also contain some dried or fresh, chopped up ( not powdered ) herbal material.

The Hoodoo herbal baths most often ( or always according to some schools of thought ) contain odd number of ingredients, and this is how I make them myself.
I will most often use 3, 5, 7, 9 or 13 ingredients, depending on the bath’s goal.

Disolving Bath crystals, or bath salts

There is also a specific type of very popular Hoodoo bath supply called : Bath crystals.
Bath crystals are dissolved directly in tub or in water, or herbal infusion and poured over body, or added to florwashes.
They are made by slowly adding ( drop by drop ) condition oil to sea salt or table salt, while steadily mixing salt and oil. When the oil becomes scented and absorbs just enough of the oil, bath crystals are ready. You can use food dye to color them according to Your need. Here is an example, that might come handy for upcoming St. Valentine’s day

- Half a cup of Salt
- “Attraction” or “Love me” Condition oil
- Red dye ( You can use small amount of Dragon’s blood, powder, as it makes a good addition to love mixtures, and will color the salts red )

( If You happen to be “out of” love related condition oil, add some Rose otto , Lavender and Jasmine absolute to salt )

These salts are then left to dry in a tinfoil for a few days or so, and then can be used. Technically speaking as soon as You make them ( If You have not exaggerated in adding the oil ) the bath crystals or bath salts are ready.

How to properly take a spiritual bath ( according to Hoodoo tradition )

Here are some most basic rules, applying to most of the baths taken to cure some condition or attract something positive in our life

1. Make sure You wash Your body with shower gel or soap ( or even body scrub ) prior to taking spiritual bath.ritual baths are taken to cleanse spiritual “filth” , not physical. Therefore body is properly physically cleansed prior to spiritual bath.
2. Follow the instructions of taking the particular bath. If it’s poured over body ( or alternatively body is immersed ) certain amount of times, usually being an odd number, do as suggested.
3. Some conditions may require that the bath taken as treatment is repeated daily for certain period of time ( for example in Uncrossing work , baths can be taken once or for 3, 9 or 13 consequtive days, luck drawing baths may require 7 days of bathing with them etc. )
4. After taking a spiritual bath, You should not wipe Yourself ( with towel ), instead let the bath simply air dry on Your skin. If it is too cold You may dress a bathrobe.
5. You can use remaining water as a floor wash, or pour it over crossroads, facing east, especially for uncrossing work

While bathing, it is good to recite Psalm or Prayer that support Your need ( or other words of power, such as chants when speaking of baths in European witchcraft ) and sometimes appropriate candles are lit. So here is an example

Spiritual cleansing bath
__________________________

- Make a strong infusion form Hyssop, and Pine needles
- To strained bath, add some blessed salt and some lemon juice
- Add few drops of Eucalyptus essential oil to bath

Pour bath 9 or 13 times over Yourself, or immerse the same number of times.
During the bath, recite or read the psalm 57th . Read also Psalm 37th If You suspect You may have been crossed, and Psalms 3rd , 10th and 91st If You are spiritually oppressed.
While taking a bath You may light odd number of white candles, If You are to dress them, use some cleansing oil, like Van Van for example.
When finished bathing, let Your skin air dry, then wear some new ( if possible ), or clean white clothes, and sleep in new sheets, preferably white, or at least clean bathrobe ( best option of color, once again, white ) and go to sleep.

This type of bath can be undertaken when feeling spiritually filthy, to get relieve from our sins, remove spiritual oppressions and blockages, or as a part of uncrossing work.

This very type of cleansing bath should be taken, if possible, during the wanning period of the Moon phase and best if 13 or 9 days before the new Moon.

Now here are a few more recipes

Money attraction bath

- Patchouli leaves
- Cinnamon
- Brown sugar in small amount

Gamblers lucky hand wash

- Chamomile flowers
- Calendula flowers
- Five Finger’s grass leaves
- High John TC root chips
- Irish moss

Cleansing, Healing, Uncrossing and Blessing bath

- Florida water half a cup
- House hold Ammonia, tablespoon
- Conjure water half a cup

Add to half filled bath of warm water, or dilute in few liters of spring water and pour over Yourself.

Emergency bath

- Laundry bluing
- Five finger’s grass or/and Hyssop infusion
- Blessed salt

Or

- Chinese wash
- Laundry bluing
- Household ammonia ( up to tablespoon, no more )

Or

- Household ammonia
- Sea salt
- Epsom salts

These can be used for removal of strong evil that has suddenly befallen upon one.

Simple, one ingredient bath made with Laundry bluing is a brilliant and highly potent uncrossing agent, as well as bath made from spring or rain water with addition of Holy water from the church.

Peaceful bath

- Rosemary
- Basil
- Lavender

Or

- Peace water
- Florida water
- Few drops of Sandalwood or/and Lavender essential oil

NOTE: The article, as well as bath recipes are written by myself, therfore If You need to use them elswhere Yiu must provide credits : Shadow of Shadows magick place or Shadow-333@hotmail.com , Image is a digital reproduction of painting called " The Baptism of Christ" by Francesco Albani, and is used merely for illustrative purposes Second picture of the sprig is a photography taken by myself

Thank's for reading and many Blessings :)

Energy parasites ( Psychic vampires )

2011-01-27T14:05:00.000-08:00

[ IMAGE 1: My drawing depicting creation of rapport between energy vampire and unssuspecting sleeper , through heart chakras ]

NOTE : Semantics before all: Energy parasite is a psychic vampire of some sort that accidentally drains energy from another living being, or more living beings. That is the occult definition. However I disagree respectfully, as You need to have conscious desire, at least at lowest level of Your conscious being to start any sort of occult attack. In it's most basic form energy parasitism is an occult attack. In the text that follows I will be using the terms interchangeably ( psychic vampire, energy vampire, and energy vampire and energy parasite )

Ever had that sudden feel of fatigue, tiredness, with no obvious reason ? Did this by any chance occur after You dealt with certain person ? Have You had that happen before ? Think about it, because If the answer on the following question is affirmative, and If You were able to rule out mundane reason for Your state ( physiology or physiopathology ), You might have even more serious problem, occult or paranormal in it’s nature. An energy drain caused by, what we refer as energy vampires.
Energy vampires are human, or rarely, other living creatures that posses innate ability to steal another people’s vital force, energy sometimes referred as “chi” or or “prana” in esoteric circles, and in occult community in general.
There are also, spiritual energy vampires that are simply lowest level astral creatures, or non- living elementals created by other people ( like servitors or egregores ).
Even psychology, by some point, recognizes that there are humans capable to impose negative emotions upon others, consequently starting to feel better themselves. They call them emotional vampires. While in occultism we approve the fact that some people are
able of causing others to feel sad, depressive, melancholic or alike, relying only on every day, or natural means, we strongly think, that emotional vampires, as described in psychology are utterly rare. Meaning, up to some 98-99% of emotional vampires, are psychic vampires as well, or better yet their emotional vampirism is but a consequence of their ability to drain energy from other living being by supernatural means.
The main difference between the two types of vampires, is that emotional vampires have no influence when they are fare from You, and that You can easily resist them, using just will and determination. Psychic vampire – victim relation is masochistic, compelling, and can be severed only using both strong will and supernatural means.

Types of psychic vampires

We divide psychic vampires to following categories and subcategories

1. Human psychic vampires

a) Solar human psychic vampires – Aggressive, compelling, cruel, pathologically jealous and possessive, dominative, short fuse and abusive, yet highly dependant on their victims. They apologize often, and have episodes of “kind” behavior, which is to reassure their victims in their “good” aims and preventing victims from leaving them. Victims are often afraid and unwilling at same time to disassociate from them.
b) Lunar human psychic vampires – Kind, coercive, depressive, sometimes with suicidal tendencies they always fail to fulfill due to lack of courage and fear of pain. They always ask questions, ask for advices, seek help, they always appear to be in trouble and need victims help. The base for this pathological relation ( vampire – victim ) is based on victims sympathy for the vampire, and vampire’s outstandingly keen powers of suggestion and manipulation, subtle yet powerful and will bending.

2. Non-human psychic vampires ( spiritual vampires )

a) Natural spiritual psychic vampires – Lower level evil parasitic spirits occurring naturally, often inhabiting lower level astral plane, ethereal plane and Earthly plane by need. They mostly attack their victims during their sleep, though not rarely they can be attached to their victims almost non stop. People that are gifted and can see energies and energy beings ( clairvoyance ) gave pretty much uniformed description of these beings, spheral or with sharp cauloids ( head region ) and with great number of tentacles they use to attach themselves to human chakras.
b) Artificial spiritual psychic vampires – servitors created by other people, sometimes fugitives other times sent intentionally to feed on other people’s energies.

Regardless of the type ( human, non human ) and attributes ( solar, lunar, natural, artificial ) consequences of their acts are evident and obvious, and always pretty much the same.
Therefore the symptoms that will indicate on energetic vampirism, as well as methods of dealing with them are universal.

Recognizing a psychic vampire

Psychic vampires are always tired, never happy or satisfied individuals, that feel abandoned or rejected and always seek for support and help. They appear obsessed with fulfilling their goals and aims by all costs, they seek opinions and advices that they soak in.
“Some psychic vampires may suffer from physical ailments, unbalanced emotions,
or personality disorders. Many possess violent tempers, which are easily aroused”, according to famous occult author Dion Fortune.

Symptoms that indicate vampirism and diagnose

Most common and distinctive signs of energetic vampirism include

• State of general somatic and psychological fatigue, with no apparent physiological cause
• Poor sleep quality, sometimes followed by sleep apnea, or recurring nightmares
• Pain in the neck, lower spine and recurring headaches. Also it is commonly reported by victims that their ear rings and they are not hypertonic, and also sense of unease in are of solar plexus
• Sensation of ease, when bathing or staying over, or near bodies of water. Specific ease is felt If You make sign of Celtic cross over Forehead, Solar plexus and heart chakra
• Very small ( minute, use magnifying glass ) punctures bellow ears, on neck or down the inner surface of one forearms, lobes of the ears, under breast in women’s and on toe tips, sometimes they become infected and suppurating
Most people that have good basic occult knowledge will generally know when they are being attacked by an energy vampire. Anyhow, affirming that one has at least three above listed symptoms is alarming and healing and apothropaic measures are ought to be undertaken.

Warding off and healing energy vampirism

The simplest and best way to deal with leeches of these sort, is to disassociate. However even then, we may encounter them accidentally, so we either have to be rather vigilant and carry certain protective items and charms,
Or we have to coulter their power, restrict their magnetism and say no to their abuse.
The easiest, and very effective methods of protection against energy vampires, corporeal or not, include shielding, occult disassociation, and aura sealing, some of which are described in the text bellow.
The mentioned methods are also rather temporary and not a definite measure. I will be suggesting some of the means to severe the ties with energy parasites for good, later in this text.

[ Image 2: My own drawing depicting a visualization used to "cut off" the energy vampires, and their tentacles or rapport created. One visualizes 3 ( or more ) cilinders, extremely sharp rotatating with imense speed around their head, heart and navel. In Your visualization, it's advised that the cylinders rotate in different directions ]

Magickal disassociation techniques and shielding

Dion Fortune in her books suggests some of the best methods I’ve heard off ( or have read of ) in her book “Psychic self defense”.
Some are quite simple, actually. Should You find Yourslf in same room, with energy vampire and forced to speak to them, envision glass wall between You and energy parasite, and envision it clearly, until becomes like tangible between the two of You.
In Your mind or in low voice, say to them, how they are away from You and unable to harm or otherwise interact with You, unless how much You allow them to interact.
Another method suggested by Dion Fortune in above mentioned work of her ( an occult classic easily obtained ) she suggests simple method to close our energy leakage, while near them, and she describes the method as follows :

“When dealing with a person who saps your vitality, interlace your fingers, and lay your folded hands upon your solar plexus, keeping your elbows pressed against your sides. Keep your feet touching each other. You have thus contacted all your own terminals and made of your body a closed circuit. No magnetism will go out from you while you maintain this attitude. Your friend will probably complain of your lack of sympathy, however kindly you may speak.” *[1]
This is also a method of sealing Your aura. Another, more specific method author suggest to seal Your aura, for the approximate period of four hours is following ( from the same book ) :
Stand upright and cross yourself, by touching forehead, breast, right shoulder and left shoulder, saying, "By the power of the Christ of God within me, whom I serve with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my strength (extend your hands forward as far as you can reach at the level of the solar plexus, finger tips touching, then sweep them round to the back and touch the finger-tips together again behind you, saying), I encompass myself about with the Divine Circle of His protection, across which no mortal error dares to set its foot."
This is an old monkish formula. It is very effectual, but its potency only lasts aboutfour hours. " *[2]
A simple method of sealing Your aura to prevent energy leakage, and other similar harmful affect that would disrupt Your spiritual homeostasis, calls for red yarn ( best if it’s the one You soaked in Holy water ) to be tied around Your waist, bellow Your shirt so it remains unseen. This is a simple method both witches and cunning folk use on Balkan peninsula. I was taught to use it even as kid.

Severing the rapport

One of the best methods to deal with energy vampires is to severe the pathological connection that is often created between vampire and their victim. This so called “rapport” is an energy cord, a natural consequence of occult pathological connections between two individuals ( parasite – victim, adept/practitioner – victim, servitor – creator of them, astral being – victim, ghost – human ) , created as permanent energy link between two parties. A soothing analogy is astral cord between physical and astral body.
To cut this tie, an occult ritual is preformed that includes visualization and creation of protection circle, creation of astral weapon ( sword ), and severing the rapport with it, then setting the remaining alight with spiritual/astral torch. These steps are undertaken via practitioners careful visualization, followed with reciting certain affirmative words of power and using Divine names as symbol of authority and mastery over these adverse creatures and their abusive attacks. For the complete , detailed instructions for the ritual, I shall once again refer You to “Psychic self defense” by Dion Fortune. I must only add that, this ritual would ideally be done by some fellow practitioner, as victims of vampirism are fable of health and their mental focus might not be the best.
I believe I have found another method of severing this type of connection. Experience had taught me that Cut and Clear Hoodoo formulas, can be used for more than mere cutting away old partners and bad romances. If the Vampire is Human just do a normal Cut and Clear spell, a bath followed by some form of “Cut and clear spell” preferably following some banishment or Hot Footing. To make sure they will not come back finish with “Lost and away type” of work. Also “Cast off evil” formulas are ideal to be combined with “Cut and Clear” here.
If the Vampire is a spiritual leech, simply anoint a top of sharp pointed crystal ( like Kunzite or Clear or Smokey Quartz ) or dagger ( be careful not to cut Yourselves ) with “Cut and Clear oil” and pass over Your chakra points.

Spells to “destroy” energy vampires

The following are instructions for a typical witchcraft spell, to permanently disable vampire from harming one
1) Make a poppet to represent the vampire, personalize it as much as You can, and add any personal concerns of vampire You can get Your hands on in the doll
2) Consecrate or/and baptize the poppet/doll the way You normally do
3) Charge the poppet/doll holding it in Your hands, chanting the parasite’s name or simply thinking of them. Your hands should soon start having sensation of tingling
4) Lay the poppet on the altar, placing it between two lit black candles
5) If You have it, previous to lighting, dress the candles with “Cat off evil” oil and dust them with cayenne flakes, Black pepper and Sulphur. Do the same ( anointing and dusting ) with the poppet
6) Chant the following ( or read Psalm 10th , 13th and 91st )

Psychic vampire set me free.
No powers have you over me.
By number three times number three,
All harm you’ve done returns to thee!

7) Drive a wooden stake through a doll’s/puppet’s heart, so to symbolize Your triumph over the enemy saying : “So mote it be!”
8) in white cloth along with some salt and dispose away from Your property *[3]

Occult ritual to vanquish spiritual and other kind of energy vampires

This ritual is known since old times among Traditional occultists , and requires someone dear to help You ( partner, cousin, friend or simply a person willing to help ). This person shall prepare a fish, the best way they are able, cook it, spice it and serve it, praising how delicious and outstanding meal they have made for Your delight. They must constantly praise it aloud and You must appear like You are hungry and looking forward to the meal. Once they place the dish with a meal infront of You in a table, You make a declining mark with a hand, and a face that shows clear disgust, person offers You once more, again praising the fish but You steadily decline. The person that takes the meal and tosses it away as fare as possible. Than, affected person takes protective measures to make leeches unable to return.

Protection charms and methods

There are quite a few botanicals, animal curios as well as minerals that provide great protection against psychic vampires.
Now, keeping in mind that the rapport ( link ) between energy parasite and their victim is not as strong as one created by most of other aggressors, good protection in most cases is on itself, enough to cut the rapport, by making it inefficient, and consequently gradually “dissolving” it.
Still, it is highly advisable to, perform some cleansing work, or any of the methods described earlier.
This is strongly advised particularly in cases If the link between vampire and victim is long standing, and If the victim has exposed tendencies to “return” to the parasite.

Here is a list of some useful charms ( I have also given the explanations, alongside each item, as to why I think it might be helpful )

• High John TC root – to conquer Your enemies and overcome their power
• Sampson snake root – To give strength and endurance and to make You successful
• Mint – for it will give power of mind, and sharpness in need times and
ituations, also has wide range of uncrossing and unjinxing properties
• Lemon – Due to it’s cut and clear effect
• Poppy seeds – To confuse them and decrease their
• Master root – to dominate and master Your enemies
• Master of the woods – To protect ( against ) and overcome adverse conditions, and enemies
• Green Aventurine stone – Among the best “cures” for energy vampirism, also provides shield for the heart chakra and soothes
• Rusty bent nail – Interferes and decreases significantly abilities of vampire attack, as well as any psychic and most of occult attacks
• Camphor – Tincture or chunks, because of their powers to disrupt enemies activities

Atypical energy vampires

In earlier given classification of energy vampires I have given, I could have added third category of “atypical energy vampires”
The reason I did not do this, due to the fact that they are actually not the same species, kind if You will. Atypical energy vampire are beings varying in terms of origin and species, having the same modus opernadi, the same or similar energy draining abilities, like energy vampires. Some examples are Lamias, Baobhan Sidhe and so on.
Being different kind of beings, their behavior, and methods of dealing with are completely different.

This article is written by myself, but following sources were quoted ( as labelled ) in text [1] Dion Fortune "Psychic self-defense"
[2] Dion Fortune "Psychic self-defense"
[3] Gerina Dunwich "A witches guide to ghosts and suppernatural" , spell was used from this work, but significantly edited by me
Other spells and procedures are result of occult experience and are standard measures undertaken when fighting this occult condition, or are suggested by me.
Since the article was written and composed by myself, should You wish to use any of the information ( or whole text ) elswehere, You are welcome as long as You provide the credits Shadow of Shadows magick place or www.shadow-333@hotmial.com
Images used on this post were drawn by me , so should You wish to use them elswhere, the same rule applies.

Have a great upcoming Imbolc and check out my post on it
http://shadowsmagickplace.blogspot.com/2010/02/imbolc-fire-oil-and-weather-divination.html
Also check out this wonderful post by Miss Kallista of Kallista's magick notes
http://kallistasmagicks.blogspot.com/2011/01/preparing-for-imbolcoimelc.html
Also check these delicious ideas by recognized author Celeste Heldstab
http://hedgewitchcottage.blogspot.com/2011/01/candalmas-orange-pound-cake.html

Blessed be and stay safe !

Hoodoo Herbology Samspon snake , Echinacea or Black Sampson

2011-01-21T21:44:00.001-08:00

Influenza season is actual at the moment, and we should take care to prepare our immune system. Vaccination is of course the obvoius choice, yet herbal medicine can help prevent getting fly or help curing it, and alevating the symptomes. Among first choices would probbalu be Ecinacea. But here I will disuss the use of herb in magick.

In books on magickal herbalism various plants species, from 5 or so genera, are often named Sampson snake. In Hoodoo we can consider only those of belonging to g. Echinacea ( fam. Asteraceae ) and g.Gentian ( fam Gentianaceae ) to have earned the name Sampson snake.
However those plants of genera Gentian, are used mostly in love magick, lust and domination of male, while those that belong to genus Echinacea are used in more than lust, love and domination magick.
In this article I will be discussing Echinacea magickal uses.

Echinacea are perennial, xerophytic plants, belonging to family Astreraceae ( daisies ), growing up o 140cm height. The taxonomic characters easily used to determine the species include central flower disk, that has spiny elongations ( hence the name, echinos means “spine” in Greek ), bracts just bellow the flower head ( 15-50 depending on species ) and the corolla, most often being purple or pink, or pale purple ( Echinacea palida ) , though there are species with white or yellow inflorescence ( Echinacea paradoxa for example ). Leafs are very variable, therefore can help in determination but are not among evident taxonomic characters. The nerve count on them, however, can be used to easily inidicate gender, as they count 3-5 nerves. They are native to America, endemic in certain regions, but grown all over the world, mostly industrially.
In magick, like in official herbal medicine, we use three species Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea pallida and Echinacea angustiofolia ( which can be easily identified by narrow lanceted, sometimes pointed leaves and pale purple to pink corolla ).

In Hoodoo, we use root ( Radix Echinaceae ), for different purposes, that include

• increasing male virility and regaining lost ( in from of baths, often combined with Wahoo bark , and/or dill leafs for this )
• inducing lust and seducing and controlling female
• obtaining power and strenght ( often carried in mojo bags )
• healing unnatural diseases
• obtaining admiration and success ( particularly on workplace, though for this is often mixed with other herbs, see the oil recipe later in text )

Europeans use it to amplify magick spells and heal, which is most likely imported from Indian herbal practice, as they use it for such purposes. I have read that *Iroquis wash their guns in Echinacea infusion, so they could aim better.
**Powdered root placed in shoes, can bring success, admiration of colleges, and increase physical strength, endurance and delay tiredness. It is commonly combined with Master of the woods , or Masterwort for such. Here are some examples of use

Potion to cure unnatural diseases or conditions

Tea made of equal parts of Echinacea root and Tormentil, will cure unnatural diseases and remove “magickal poisons” from ones body, neutralizing them in the process. A strong tea made of Echinacea root alone will do the trick also.
NOTE : Echinacea tea has medical effects as immune stimulant, thanks to root polysaccharides, alkyamides ,chikoric acid and phenols.Some studies show that it might have some ( yet non identified ) anti-viral compound.

High Job oil ( or Executive oil )

This is my formulation for condition oil used to attain business success, get collogues admiration, impress boss, get a raise, and improve leadership qualities.

• Gravel root, smaller piece or chips
• Master root
• Sampson Snake root
• Five Finger’s grass
• Essential oil of Bergamot
• E. oil of Benzoin
• E. oil of Cedar ( just a few drops )

All in base oil of course.

Power oil

This is one of my formulas for Power oil, that includes Sampson snake root

• Master of the Woods herb
• Sampson snake root
• Solomon seal root
• Lodestone
• Sandalwood essential oil
• Lemon essential oil or lemon rinds
• Frankincense Essential oil or resin

Used to attract power, and strength both physical and that necessary to overcome enemies as well as adverse conditions.

Formulas and text are written and composed by myself, and the picture is from
http://www.wearechangeedinburgh.org/uploads/Echinacea_purpurea.jpg , therefore If You wish to use any of the text elswhere, do so, but make sure You add Credits , Shadow of Shadows magick place, or Shadow-333@hotmail.com. Some of the text was inspired by Catherine Yarnwode's entries on Echinacea in her book "Hooodoo herb and root magick" , some labelled with * or **

Hope You found this useful, many Blessings

New Year beliefs, customs and superstition

2010-12-27T20:18:00.000-08:00

As I am writing this, the New Year approaches. It is 28th of December 2010th and I am thinking, about what spiritual work is done on new Year. So many traditions have so many customs, superstitions, some similar internationally, other completely different and seemingly having nothing in common at all. Nevertheless each fascinating and intriguing, and unique. Even the well known and worldwide practiced tree decoration have roots in ancient Winter solstice celebrations, but I am sure You knew that :)

Most of them are fun. Some may include some labor J nothing too hard though
See New Year is that time of Year that has no special place in any magickal nor Religious calendar, yet it holds great power. For Pagans Winter Solstice or even Samhain may be considered pagan New Year, but that particular day, that particular time between 31st and 1st of January is a time that holds great power. Humans all over the world are getting ready to “leave the old behind and welcome the new”, to leave worries and all ill and bad behind, and make resolutions and whisper wishes under the New Year’s eve sky.

So what kind of spiritual work is mostly employed on New Year’s eve ?
Well I would say : cleansing , prosperity and wishes, sometime love too, but better wait for Valentine’s for that last one ; D . Also, divination, like melting small lead petals and pouring them in cold water and interpreting the shapes obtained that way. A nice cup of warm tea just after midnight will both warm You, while the swirled resin on the cup walls, will speak brilliantly about the adventures that await for You in upcoming Year. Of course, there are blessings to be done , so hang a sprig of Holly above Your door lintel to invite blessings and helpful spirits into Your household and sprinkle all the house with blessed water. Burn white candles and Frankincense. Traditionally, blessing is done afterwards the Cleansing.

Cleansing
_________

In many cultures this is the best time to leave something bad behind and perform spiritual cleansing.
The coming of New Year should be awaited in spiritually cleansed home, so that all that is negative may remain in past, never to come back, and so that You make room for the good things to pour in. I am certain most of You that read these lines are familiar with some method of spiritual cleansing, or better yet spiritual space cleansing, be it with tools such as incense, or candle or other, or simply ringing a bell and letting it’s harmonizing tones expel all negative. There ya go, some ideas already. Here is also a traditional Balkan witchcraft method, the cunning folk of Balkan peninsula use to clean the home on the 31st of December.

First the witch cleanses the home, physically, preferably expelling all old items, that he/she no longer uses, making sure the dwelling remains clean and neat

Than the witch takes her trusty broom, or simply a new one is made for the occasion. Birch branches binded together with three twines are often used for such/this occasion. The color of the twines are

- red , for protection
- black to absorb negative
- and white for protection and blessings

Should You use a purchased, everyday broom, or bunch of branches You collected Yourself, make sure You tie the twines around the handle, or to use twines ( or yarn ) to secure branches together.

Than the practitioner ( witch, or simply folk, as common folk were known to employ this simple rite ) cleanses the house, going towards the front door , room by room, sweeping and chanting

“ I cleanse not the mere dirt and dust, but I cleanse and chase away all the sickness, ill will, bad luck ( etc. add anything You wish to banish ) away from my home, never to return or bother me again!”

Any dirt, or other items that You may collect, are sweped outside the house, and away from Your property.

The broom is than sprinkled with Holy water from the Church , and than placed behind the front door, but the black twine is sometimes burned. Some witches burn the whole broom, all with all three twines.

Prosperity
_____________

In Ireland, people hit the walls, better said knock or bang with Christmas bread in order to chase away bad spirits and vibrations, while in same time attract abundance of food for the next year, so none from the house
Would be left hungry.

It is a worldwide spread superstition that one should hold something made of silver or gold when the clock sounds/hit s midnight. Celtic people would place a silver or gold coin at doors threshold or on windowsills of the house/apartment/other

A brand new bill or few coins can be placed under a green pyramid candle , which is to be lit a hour before midnight and left to burn all the way down, until it would put itself out. If the melted candle wax should form some auspicious shape, this is a sign of great fortune in year to come. Either way, put all in some green fabric, with a pinch of blessed salt if You have, and keep somewhere high above in house , or buried in Your own yard, to attract prosperity all year long.

Now here is something I like to do, just as passes Midnight or early in the morning of thr 1st of January, hold some Basil or Patchouli seed, and infuse them with Your desires to attain money and prosperity and plant them in a new pot with a fresh, new soil to which You have added few Pine needles and perhaps some dried Thyme in a pinch. As the plant grows, so will Your prosperity. I also write 3 letters of Hebrew alphabet considered to attract prosperity : Samech Aleph Lamed , and another good advice is reading the Psalm 23rd over the pot.

The similar way, You may infuse flax seeds with Your prayers and needs , and sprinkle them in sweeping motion over the body of water ( best river ) , even more if the Moon is crescent, speaking Your affirmations and /or Prayers as You release the seeds, with a sweeping clockwise motion, into the water.

Whishing
___________

Any whish spell will do. Here is a simple one, I wrote, based on old Roman practice

In red ink, preferably Dagon’s blood , on a larger Bay Laurel leaf write Your wish. Light a single white candle, near the foundation of the candle You may place some D Dandelion root, and on the canlde flame, set the leaf alight ( best to hold it with tweezers, so You do not burn Yourself ) and hold it over some container ( a plate, small bawl etc ) that will collect the resulting ashes. As the leaf burns You may chant :

“ I come asking for what I need tonight
Offering good will and candlelight
Blessed spirits hear my plea
And as I wish so mote it be ! “

When the candle burns all the way down ( chime candle is good to use here ), scatter the ashes in the wind or before Your front door, or in Your yard.

There, hope these ideas serve You and may inspire You to spend the New Year in safety and warmness of Your home, feeling the whole Holliday and not just spending time on some wild party, as You can do that anytime ;)

NOTE: This article was written and compounded by me, and the wish spell was written by me, inspired by an old Roman custom. If You wish to use them elsewhere, feel free but please give credits Shadow of Shadows magio place or Shadow-333@hotmail.com , Image of Holly Branch and candle is from www.istockphoto.com , artwork ( banner ) is made by myslef

Many Blessings dear Readers, and Happy holidays !!!

Aunt Sally and Lucky Dreams

2010-12-06T20:59:00.000-08:00

Root doctors are famed , by gambling spells and lucky dream spells ( among other things of course ). Such "lucky" dreams in Hoodoo are alleged to guide one to
money , love , treasure or even lucky lottery numbers. There are variety of herbs and products used to help in getting/perceiving such dreams . Aunt Sally's dream powder, for example a typical New Orleans brand, used to induce precognitive , prophetic and lucky dream numbers.So with this powder ( or alike formulas ) , one may even dream of the lottery numbers combination , or betting combinations , but these still more frequently appear symbolic. That is where "Dream/Number Books" kick in. They contain interpretations of dream symbols that are then "translated" to their numeric equivalents, and easy to follow.

One of the most popular books of the kind is"Aunt Sally's Policy Players Dream Book" which consists of alphabetical charts , listing objects and situations one may encounter in their "lucky dreams", and how are they converted to numbers. Well which lucky numbers correspond to which event or object that appeared in dream.Certain symbols, such as bullfrogs appearing
to the dreamer are certain sign of gambling and lottery related luck.

For example, should someone dream of glass of vine or opened grave, they should interpret the omen as number 7. Should You dream You washed Your clothes, make sure You add number 50 in Your bets and lottery numbers. Dreaming of Judge may also point out to number 50 or number 28 or 70, while the ladders "translate" to 31. These are just some examples. Many books that offer these types of "dream interpretation" may be found at occult suppliers, but Aunt Sally's is somehow, most familiar to "broad audience".
So an example of a dream, let's say You stole a vine glass in the dream, police chased You and You climbed the ladder, the numbers , following order of the dream, would be something along the lines 4 , 7 , 31.
To dream lucky, rootworkers burn incenses that are used to induce lucky dreams, sprinkle bedsheets with "Dream lucky" or Aunt Sally's powder, dress themselves with oil for same purposes, take a "Lucky dreams" bath or simply place a mojo of same fashion ( Lucky Dream , Aunt Sally's ) under pillow. And how to make them ?
While I am not familiar with the original Aunt Sally's dream oil/powder formula, I can suggest some that will produce same effect. So they may not be titled "Aunt Sally's" but they will do the same thing. The reason behind this, is that Aunt Sally's products are indigenous to New Orleans type Hoodoo, so the actual traditional formula/s are little known, but they ought to contain lucky, sweet smelling herbs such as cinnamon, or citronella , vertivert maybe carnation petals ( common ingredient of "Algires" ) formulas, combined with herbs that inspire precognitive dreams and visions, such as anise sedds or Yarrow flower heads or Flax etc.
So here are few of my own formulas for Your convenience:

- Poppy flower petals
- Calendula Flowers
- Bilberry or Huckleberry , also called Blueberry ( in Europe ) leafs , official taxonomic name is Vaccinium myrtilus
Place under pillow and record the dreams .

Above three ingredients could be added to Base oil with addition of some Jasmine essential oil, or Anise essential oil, to make up an oil of same purpose that could be dressed on blue candles burnt on night table , just next to Your "Night water" , or Incense of similar type. You could additionally place some Anise seeds under Your pillow, just an idea to boost the mojo's charm even further :)

Dream lucky powder #1
________________________

- Powdered Althaea leafs or root
- Calendula Flowers Powdered
- Cinnamon powder
- Unscented talk as a base
- Few drops of Jasmine essential oil
- Few drops of Lemongrass essential oil

Dream lucky powder #2
_________________________

- Five Finger Grass leafs powdered
- Cinnamon
- Licorice
- Powdered poppy flower
- Unscented talk as a base
- Few drops of essential oil of Jasmine
- Few drops of essential oil of Anise

So there You go, dress Your forehead with Lucky Dream's oil, powder Your sheets, add oil to Your bath salts, burn incense before bedtime and dream lucky. For Conjure doctors have a habit to say that a lucky dream
can lead to lifetime of happiness :)
NOTE:
Formulas for Mojo, suggestion of ingredients for oil, as well as powder recipes are my proprietary formulas. That being said You are allowed to post them elsweher online , however you have to give credits : Shadow of Shadows magick place or
Shadow-333@hotmail.com Should You wish to use them in other medias ( books, magazine articles, and alike ) You have to ask for my permission first. Artwork is by me, the second picture is illustration of Cslendula, edited by me.

Thank You for reading and have a blessed day !

Cleo May Formula

2010-11-05T16:58:00.000-07:00

On reader's request

A reader of this blog asked me about formula for Cleo May Condition oil. They've stated how they "cannot find the formula online", lol no wonder, hard to find this formula at all :D

To tell the truth, I was never really interested in this formula. I mean, I am male , it's only logical :D But I like a good challenge on the other hand.

I consulted my books , spoke to many fellow practitioners. Unfortunately the original formula seems to be a secret

Furthermore, the original formula was a perfume actually and was latter imported in Hoodoo practice , like Hoytt;s cologne or Jockey's club or alike

While I am unable to provide the original formula ( sorry dear reader :/ ) I gave it a thought , about the oil purpose ( original perfume had allegedly been used by prostitute workers to get "well situated" or simply put to attract and marry a rich man, to get married well , If You will ) and composed a formula for that

Here it is

Cleo may oil formula

- Licorice
- Cubeb berries
- Brown sugar
- Lodestone
- Orange essential oil or Orange blossom
- Patchouli essential oil
- Cinnamon
- Rose essential oil
- OPTIONAL : Jezbel root , a dear friend an amazing practitioner suggetsed I add it
Thank You Sharon

Here is a bonus Cleo may type folk spell

Simply obtain some hair of the desired man and bury it under Your kitchen doorstep or near it, preferably with a piece of Dragon's blood and perhaps a lodestone. This comes from old and belief that If You bury some hair near or under the kitchen doorstep, or keep it in kitchen,
of a stray - dog or cat that appear on Your doorstep, they would stay with You. I suggested adding Dragon blood since it is popular among cunning folk ( female ones ) to wrap the paper with names of those to be married around a piece of Dragon's blood as a simple marriage spell. Lodestone I suggested for it's attraction powers.

Hope this helps Ya , Many Blessings

Artwork is by Me
Oil recipe was by me, If You wish to use it elsewhere , please give credits Shadow of Shadow's magick place or Shadow-333@hotmail.com , Enjoy :)

All Hallow's eve, night when the veil is thin

2010-10-29T14:40:00.000-07:00

Samhain is Gaelic/Celtic celebration/festival of the dead, representing the end of the “light” part of the year and the beginning of the “dark” part of the year. Also, according to some scholars it was beginning of the Year for the Celts , a Celtic New Year If You will.
This is the time of the year, when according to Occultists, the veil between this and the Other - world ( world of the dead ) is thinnest and both benevolent ancestral spirits and harmful spirits seeking revenge or simply joy in harming others linger all around, walking free. On this very day it is easiest to get in touch, or commune with the spirits , ghosts and all sorts of supernatural creatures.
The very name, translates from old Scotish to “summer end”, and the name Halloween is actually shorten(ed) from All Hallows Even, which was the full name. All Hallows eve is a Christian interpretation of the festival , and the original All Hallows day, was “moved” from may to 31st of October, in order to suppress and diminish pagan celebration.
And what does this holliday represent in Wicca ? It is considered by most Wiccans to be the most important of the four 'greater Sabbats'. It is generally celebrated on October 31st
in the Northern Hemisphere, starting at sundown, even though some traditions celebrate it on the first day of the November. Samhain is considered by some Wiccans to be the time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on, and it often involves paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets and other loved ones who have passed on/ died. In some rituals the spirits of the departed are invited to attend the festivities. It is seen as a festival of darkness, which is balanced at the opposite point of the wheel by the spring festival of Beltane, which Wiccans celebrate as a festival of light and fertility.

Customs and believes

It was customary to pay respect to the dead on this day, as well as do some cleansing work. Wiccans will not cast spells on this Sabbat, while all sort of other magick practitioners will make sure to use empowering and amplifying energies of the day, as it is said that magick spells cast on this day will be multiple times stronger. Due to that fact and the fact that spirits roam freely on this day,
makes it a good idea to protect Yourself , and Your home on this, powerful and potentially dangerous day.
People and their livestock would often walk between two bonfires as a cleansing ritual, and the bones of slaughtered livestock were cast into its flames
The Gaelic custom of wearing costumes and masks, was an attempt to copy the spirits or placate them. In Scotland the dead were impersonated by young men with masked, veiled or blackened faces, dressed in white Samhnag turnips which were hollowed-out and carved with faces to make lanterns — were also used to ward off harmful spirits
Dumb supper is a Wiccan ritual , where the spirits of the dead were “fed” by setting extra place at the table, extra plate and the meals are ate in silence, sometimes sitting in circle.

Candles are lit on window sills , near homes and hollowed pumpkins are placed around one’s dwellings to honor the dead and protect from harmful spirits

Jack o’ Lantern , the Irish

In old Irish myth, Certain farmer, Jack was a drunk and gambler . One night, after hi s usual card game, he went home and on his way he met a demon, nearby an old tree. Pretty drunk, he was he was not afraid, instead he dared the spirit, to climb the old tree. As soon as the spirit climbed the tree , Jack carved a cross on the tree, imprisoning the spirit in the tree that way. Angry spirit, in retaliation, hexed and cursed Jack to wander and roam on the Nights such as that night ( it was All Hallow’s eve ) with the only light he had with his side, a carved beet with candle inside.

Spells for Halloween

Dr. Shadow’s suffumigation

- 3 parts of Dittany or Crete
- 2 parts of Lavender
- Good pinch of Saffron
- Gum mastic , some
- Dried Amaranth flowers or few buds of Balm of Gilead

This incense will cause spirits to become visible and materialize and is my personal recipe based on European herbalism.

All Hallows Protection spell

“ When the white dog is out
And torts all abut
Under the clouds
That cover the Moon
And the hag with her broom
Rides high on the winds
And the cat on the fence
Spits even on friends
Then it is right
To conjure a light

Against every spirit
That shadows the night
Thus say
Let the pumpkin’s
Candle glare
Into Darkness
Everywhere
Burn all evil
From the Air

When it is dark
And the black trees roar
Set Jack O’ Lantern
To guard by the door.

By Valerie Worth,
“The Book of words”
Available here : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1567188257/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=1278548962&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0875428916&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=051JVS45P85AAD0KAT0Q

Spirit fumes potion

Infusion of Dandelion roots, and/or Thistle , and/or Lavender, still hot and fuming, on altar or near bed will invoke spirits

Hoodoo Herbology Solomon's seal root

2010-10-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

Solomon's seal root

When You speak of magick and hear of Solomon seal, what will usually cross someone’s mind are Planetary pentacles of Solomon or that miraculous seal King Solomon had used to captivate demons and spirits in Jar and control them.
If You would speak with a rootworker, they would probably mean the root of Solomon.

Solomon's seal plant is a flowering plant of Ruscace family ( formerly Lilaceae ).The Slender, arching steams, have alternate , green or green with white top, lance like leafs. They like shaded place ( they are sciophytes ) and are often found in Gardens in Shade. However, they are most beautiful in woodland, where they grow greener and bigger than in most garden. Flowers are tubular, white and arranged equally on the steam in one or two rows. Mostly one with the exception of Polygonatum biflorum that has two rows of flowers and this one is called True Solomon seal.True Solomon seal is used interchangeably with
Polygonatum odoratum ( and it’s many varieties, for example P. odoratum var, comutatum ) and Large Solomon seal ( Polygonatum officinale ) in magick.
Part that we use in magick is root , which is used in incenses, oils and washes ( infusions ).

Some people place root chips alongside windowsills to protect dwellings from evil. Other make infusions with Solomon seal and Black pepper or Verbena and use as strong Exorcism agent.
It has use in Success formulas , Controlling formulas , Mastery formulas , Wisdom and Pass test products, and Clarity, Protection and sometimes Healing.
Some use it as ingredients of Master key, and it’s main Ingredient in King Solomon Wisdom products.

Here are some ways You could use Solomon seal

Deliverance bath
To end evil that has suddenly beffalen upon one
Combine

- Solomon's seal roots
- Mint
- Balm of Gilead
- Five finger's grass
- Salt

Clarity mojo

Combine Bay Laurel leafs with Solomon's seal roots and Sage. Dress with Clarity , Solomon's wisdom, Pass test , Spirit Guide Or Blessing oil .
Carry with You , place under pillow , touch forehead and eyes occasionally.

Clarity incense

- Bay Laurel leafs
- Solomon's seal root
- Frankincense

You may add Sage and / or Althaea root If You feel so inclined

Mojo and incense recipes are by me Shadow of Shadows magick place or Shadow-333@hotmail.com :)

Many Blessings

Nightmares and sleep disorders healing

2010-10-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

Ever woke up in sweat ? Screaming ? Clinging to Your bed-sheets, looking around You, convincing Yourself how You are safe and it was just a bad dream ?
Ever had a sensation of disorientation after You wake up, like You are not where You should be and, the feeling would simply not go away for half a minute or so ? Do You wake up even more tired than You were when You lain to sleep ?
To people that had never experienced this, all may seem exaggerated, abstract and maybe even attention drawing.
However us that have had such experiences or perhaps keep having them it is an agony that can result in fable health, low creativity and social disorders.
Sleep deprivation is indeed a very nasty thing that can have devastating consequences on one. Sometimes all we need is a Valerian root tea, or Lemon balm tea and a pillow stuffed with Hops.
But what If nightmares simply will not go away ? The sleep quality is ill, and there is no physiological reason for this. Neurologist will direct You to psychiatrist, Psychiatrist will direct You to therapist ( psychologist ) and this one will just shrug, telling You how You simply think too much, or eat too many sweets before bedtime.

If You have the following symptoms:

- Chronic insomnia
- Poor sleep quality
- ackes and pains all over the body
- hypersomnia
- inability to rest
- weird dreams and constant nigtmares, often twice or more times a night
- bruises and marks that appear mysteriously
- suddenly awakenings followed by strange sightings or smells
- lack of air and chocking sensation
- sensation of someone/something "riding" You or sitting upon Your chest

It is time to get some spiritual help. Your dreams might just be incubated, manipulated.
They can be symptoms of occult attack or simply spiritual shrapnel sent by someone.

Painting; The Nightmare by John Fuseli Henry

Luckily Hoodoo, Folk Magick and even Wicca and Traditional Witchery have many good cures for this condition. And since this is a “practical” blog I am ought to write about some , right ? Well here it goes , for my dear readers :

Hoodoo Night water
________________________
Night water is a term used by Christian ( Traditional ) Hoodoo and New Orleans Hoodoo practitioners, for blessed spring water kept in clean glass, near one’s bedpost overnighter, usually on altar or night table/coffee table
The water is blessed by prayers of personal choice, though a very good suggestion is Psalm 125th that is said to protect one while sleeps from Nightly attacks of spirits and dreams.
Water is discarded in the morning ( first thing, though If You need to go , in bathroom that is, don’t wet your pants hehe ) . Each night new is used. It is said to absorb the bad dreams.

Folk and Hoodoo Nightmare cures, spells and beliefs

• In Hoodoo You can place a Mullein leaf under the pillow to prevent nightmares and spirit attack at night
• Hoodooists use Ginger rhizome pieces for same purpose, and also to ward of hag riding, by placing whole pieces or pieces under pillow. If the root has some neat shape even better
• Broom straws protect from Hag riding and are used to sprinkle Holy Water from Church in Your room and on Your sheets while saying :
“In the Name of The Father, Son and Holy Ghost” ( sometimes Rosemary is used instead or even combined ) . If one suffers from Hag riding nine broom straws are
are laid/placed before Your bed ( leg side) to prevent Hags from tormenting sleepers ( Hoodoo )
• Fill a white mojo with frankincense grains and touch Your forehead prior to falling asleep. Place beneath the pillow where You will sleep. You will have a deep and restful sleep. ( Hoodoo )
• Fumigate the room and smudge Yourself with Thyme incense ( Hoodoo , this is often used among children )
• .Place open scissors under the pillow , sharp points in head direction ( be careful with this ) European folk
• Place the open Holy Book beneath Your pillow. ( Hoodoo )
• Place Your shoes at the bottom fo the bed, fingers side facing outwards ( European , Hoodoo )
• Walk backwards to Your bedpost ( Worldwide spread belief )
• Always stand up on right leg and sleep on side facing doors ( Worldwide spread belief )
• Hang a dreamcatcher over Your bed ( Indian, African, New Age )
• Place an Amethyst or Quartz bellow Your bed ( European folk magick )

What are night terrors , “sustos” , Night Mares and Alps
___________________________________________________

Night terror and similar “susto” ( Spanish for frightened, or fear ) are spiritual conditions defined by strong irrational fear, bad dreams and sometimes delusions, without medical or psychological explanations.
These can reduce life quality significantly , or further more lead to harming others or oneself.

In European magick to cure such conditions, one must throw up in bowl and bury the content under maple tree , reciting a simple incantation that speaks of sending fears away down the “rabbit roads/tracks” to “never land” or deep hole , where they are to “become dust forevermore, never troubling anyone else, especially N.N”

In Eastern Europe and Balkan witches melt lead in a spoon over the flame , then take it as near the face of victim as they can stand , commanding the lead to overtake the fear and destroy it. The lead is then tossed into bowl with water that contains addition of Holy water and sometimes a bit of Basil too. The lead will form into shape ( in contact with water ) that will reflect the fear, and then the patient washes face thrice with the remaining water and will do that for next three days.

Spanish Curadoras, cover patient with sheets waiving with broom over them while they read “Creed” and they often prescribe Marijuana and/or Orange Blossom teas afterwards too.

It is believed that susto can be a result of Evil spirits interference, bewitchment or simply
intense mental traumas
( falling from a horse for example, stepping over snakes etc )

Night Mares are female demons of European ( Anglo Saxon, Nordic and Eastern European ) that are believed to torment sleeper in night, causing nightmares and “riding them” )
Alps are similar ( common in Germanic people folklore ) , and they are said to be able to enter through a smallest whole , that is why it is good to stuff keyhole with paper or other over the night. They can turn into animals such as Cats, rodents and even insects. Both can be fenced off by methods described above.
Alps alos attack their victims leaving them unable to speak , and they are said to be able to “crush” animals to death, mostly domestic ones.
About Lilith and Incubi and Sucubi that can also torment sleeper You can read in my “Practical Kabala” Scribd publication and even learn how to fence them off here

http://www.scribd.com/doc/26701911/Practical-Kabalah

Charms and incantations against Night Mares
_______________________________
Here is a nifty folk incantation recited by people before bedtime to make sure nightmares will not disturb their rest

I lay me here to sleep;
No night-mare shall plague me,
Until they swim all the waters
That flow upon the earth,
And count all the stars
That appear in the firmament!
Thus help me God Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

You can see here how Nightmares are “employed” to do impossible task so that the dawn will catch them unprepared.
Another one , said to “bind the Mare”

A Shetland Charm
Shetland Islands
Arthur Knight
He rade a' night,
Wi' open swird
An' candle light.
He sought da mare;
He fan' da mare;
He bund da mare
Wi' her ain hair.
And made da mare
Ta swear:
'At she should never
Bide a' night
Whar ever she heard
O' Arthur Knight.

Source : County Folk-Lore, vol. 3: Examples of Printed Folk-Lore Concerning the Orkney & Shetland Islands , London Folk Lore society 1903.

Baku , the dream eater spirit
______________________________

In Japan, among superstitious people, evil dreams are believed to be the result of evil spirits, and the supernatural creature called Baku is known as Eater of Dreams.
It has the face of a lion, the body of a horse, the tail of a cow, the forelock of a rhinoceros, and the feet of a tiger.
Several evil dreams are mentioned in an old Japanese book, such as two snakes twined together, a fox with the voice of a man, blood-stained garments, a talking rice-pot, and so on.
When a Japanese peasant awakens from an evil nightmare, he cries: "Devour, O Baku! devour my evil dream." At one time pictures of the Baku were hung up in Japanese houses and its name written upon pillows. It was believed that if the Baku could be induced to eat a horrible dream, the creature had the power to change it into good fortune )

Image : Baku by Katushika Hosukai ( source Wikipedia ) Source : F. Hadland Davis, Myths and Legends of Japan

There ya’ go, hope this was informative and useful
Article written and excerpts and quotes collected and presented ( sources are provided ) by me Shadow-333@hotmail.com or Shadow of ShadowsMagickPlace blog
So You know already , feel free to use elsewhere but give credits

Hoodoo Money Recipes and Formulas

2010-09-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

Do You ever lack the money or is it a redundant question ? Many have money problems and even more in this time of economy crise. So I decided to share few formulas to help anyone with money problems to overcome them

Hoodoo oils and products You can use include Money come to me ( recipe given bellow ), Red fast Luck, Algiers , Lucky lodestone oil , Lady Luck oil, Money stay with me , Money jinx uncrossing ( recipe given bellow incense form )
so search Your herb cabinets and get started

Money oil
_______________

• Bayberry root, good piece
• Thyme essential oil 7 drops
• Cinnamon in a pinch
• Pyrite ( some, crushed, a pinch shall do )
• Bergamot or Basil essential oil 7 drops
• Lodestone , optional, but suggested, will make it like money come to me formula
All in 2 oz's of olive or Grapeseed oil. You can add a capsule of vit E .

The image shows Bayberry plant branch ( source wikipedia )

Money floorwash to attract money in hurry
______________________________________________

• Fumitory , half a handful
• Cinnamon in a tablespoon
• Teaspoon of sugar

All in 1l of spring water, preferably one that was exposed to the light of the Waxing Moon. Bring it to boil, stir, cover and leave for couple of hours. Strain and wash and scrub Your premises inward to attract money .

Sometimes we need to attract customers to our business. In Hoodoo we use Yellow dock root infusion with some cinnamon as a knob wash ( to dress knobs )

Money jinx Uncrossing incense
_________________________________

Mix the

• Flakes of alkanet
• Essential oil of Patchouli or leaves of the same
• Salt

The image show Alkana Tinctoria, whose root is used interchangeably with root of Anchusa tinctoria and Anchusa officinalis as , flakes of alkanet , and is an ingredient on Fast Luck oil

In a base of saltpeter or other commercial self igniting incense base, or pulverize and add burn on incense coal disks.
Used to remove Jinxes Targeting one’s money. Smudge Yourself , and/or burn next to double action black-green candle dressed with Uncrossing oil while reading the psalm
23rd.

All recipes by me Shadow of Shadows magick place or Shado-333@hotmail.com
If You wish to use them elsewhere, fine , but give credits.

Snakes in Balkan Penissula magick and beliefs

2010-09-21T18:04:00.000-07:00

This is an article that I have wrote, because I find the snakes to be fascinating creatures, and since we are all prety much well informed about snakes in Western cultures and religions I though to shed sum light on Eastern European concepts and belifs regarding them.
This is why I decided I should share the folklore about snakes originating from Balkan as it is indeed fascinating, and in my humble opinion among the richest , well in this particular theme that is.Also I wish to dedicate the article to my dear friend Ldy Gry, an amazing Root doctor and spiritual worker (
there is a link to her live journal site in one of my older posts, about Hoodoo sources ) who was interested in finding out more about Balkan witchery. Blessings dear Miss Lady Gry

Snake, One of the most respected, and in same time most feared animals among Balkan and Slavic people is snake.
Our elder people, never even name it, or at least they never use the word “snake”. Instead, they use pseudonyms, such as “unnamed one” * , “bitter one” , or also “boogey” ( not boogeyman , just boogey, though meaning is quite similar ) etc.
People also believe here that the snake actually has both legs and wings and that, snakes are dragon’s sisters, members of same draconic family alongside with “ala” ** .
This is why it’s a common saying among all Slavonic people, “He/She/It hides it like snake her legs”. Snakes hide their legs and wings by means of fascination, according to myth anyway, and folk belif. It had been believed that If mentioned too often ( snake ) will become the doom of the one that had spoke of her*** .

How did they came to be?

There are many legends among Slavonic people, varying depending on specific area, and whether or not was that particular part of Balkan Christianized, but also depending on other cultural influences ( for example Celtic or Romanic origins of the people and their cultural legacy ).
According to one of the legends the cattle keeper ( shepherd ) of St, Demetrius, slain a Dragon, and from it’s flesh came to be snakes, lizards and rodents.
Another legend however, speaks of ancient times, and how, jealous of G’d and his creation ( the world, humans, animals and plants ), the Fiend decided to make his own creation, which was snake. Here we can see the obvious influence of Christianization, and it’s tendency ( especially that of Orthodox church ) to depict the snake as malevolent creature or omen.
Slavonic folk, especially Serbian, Montenegrin and Macedonian folk, believe that snake came to be from a horse hair that touched some water surface, especially if the hair has fallen naturally**** .

Good or bad?

Well, despite all the negative propaganda, snake is still believed to be good, moody and strong-tempered, sure, but not evil. Especially among population of Vlasi***** , which have the richest folk culture among all the Slavic people, who kept both the Old Religion and their pagan pantheon even nowadyas, unedited since earlier than middle age , with all the rustic and often cruel and scary rituals, spells and practice, though in places, admitably , Christianized. They believe that snakes get out from the ground on Annunciations and go under the ground on St. John’s day.
In meanwhile they are said to drink the milk of the cattle such as goats and cows, without harming them. According to Vlasi people , the snake will bite only, and only when endangered and threatened. They have abundance of customs and folk rituals that pay respect to the snakes, so that snakes will be kind towards them. Those procedures are often done on Orthodox holidays such as St. Jeremiah’s day, or St. Lazarus Saturday,Holliday re;ated to Entering / arival of Lord Jesus into Jerusalem know as Palm Sunday These days are known as Snake Feast days. If a Young man would see a snake on
such a day, and near their respective dwellings or in their yards , he would look for a
large stone and would throw it as fare as he could behind
his back. According to the folk lore, snakes will not cross the boundary set by this stone, and wont approach the home of the one that threw the stone.
Large bonfires are lit on these days and people hit with spoons or forks on metal dishes, walking around them, to both honor the slithering creatures, and scare them away.
To protect from snake bite, people would pick a plantain or boneset on such a day and carry it.
If someone was silly enough to shave or cut hair ( in some regions even bathe !!! ) on these days would risk themselves being followed and threatened by snakes whole year long.

Snake spells and curios
_____________________________

Balkan peninsulla folk, have also many use of snakes in witchraft and magick.
For example the one that would kill a first snake they see on spring, using their bare heel ( by stepping on their head )to do it, was said to gain incredible strength and make his heel a healing charm for many pains and diseases.

If You wish to be protected from snakebite, lightning and poison, as well as remain Young and beautiful, all You need to do,according to Slavic folk beliefs is to find a snake shedding Your self and carry it always with You.

Snakebite cure incantations are cultural treasure of Serbian and Montenegrin, as well as Roman and Bulgarian people. People of Vlasi are said to be most skilled in such procedures. These incantations are in some ancient language, which to me seems like some archaic mixture of Celtic and Latin. People called Vlasi, that I have mentioned before, have also incantations to cure snake bites in their own language, which they hardly ever use ( mainly in magick, for incantations ).
If one would like to speak snake language and understand animals, they should catch a white ( albino snake ) and make a soup out of it. They must eat it all, and they will become able to speak the snake language and understand and communicate with animals.
The “snake tongue” ability is gained If You save life of Snake King, who will in such case reward You by spitting in Your mouths O.o thus giving You the gift of “snake tongue”.

To become able to see apparitions and demons, as well as fairies and other normally “unseen” creatures, one should decapitate snake with a sliver dime ( snake can be dead already or one must hunt it and kill it ). The Cunning folk of Balkan would then place whole garlic in snake’s mouths ( not to say jaws ) and wait until germinates, after what the garlic is collected and carried to provide clairvoyance, or ability to see supernatural entities and beings. This can be done with snake skull too.

Snakes are offered with eggs ( often those of bird, but that might be due to nomadic way of life of the Slavic people and their ancestors, that would rather eat edible/ chicken eggs ) and fresh milk, and appeased and honored in such manners they will do You a favor or allow You to dig up a treasure they guard.

Slavic Snake deity

Veles is Slavic snake deity, ruling from the bottom of the World tree or Tree of life, from it’s roots and underground. Bellow, wet and dark are his attributes and he has slithering form.

Snake kings, Snake Queens, Snake Doctors, Treasure Guards and Basilisk

Snake king is a ruler of Snakes quite similar, if not same as Basilisk. He has a large crown that he never takes off, unlike snake Queens that can remove their crown on St. Peter’s day when Cunning folk
Would place large white fabric near sprigs hoping snake queen would leave hers crown there. Such Crown is a insurance of abundance, riches and money for the one that posses it. Snake queens change each 1000 years and in appearance are considerably smaller than Snake kings, but generally less benevolent and very dangerous.
Snake doctors are snakes with ability to heal or even revive dead snakes ( that had not been dead for longer than seven days, and whose corpse was not tempered or moved in any way ). Helping snake doctor is a great way to get favors and patronage of snakes.
Treasure guards are Snakes that guard treasure, often being Aesculpian snake ( Elamphe longissima syn. Zamennis longissimus ). They can be offered with eggs and milk in order to let one dig up the treasure, otherwise, they are said to suffocate mean and greedy people or even fascinate them ( hypnotize )
Forcing them to take their own life.
Basilisk is a dangerous creature siad to be a hybrid of a rooster, snake and dragon. His very look can kill, much like that of King of Snakes, but it is said to be fable on sight of a rooster ( ironically ) especially the black one, which is very valluable in Balkan folk craft witchery.

_________________Terms explanation as marked with stars
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* unnamed – meaning one that should not be named rather than nameless one
** Ala ( plural Ale ) is a Slavic serpent like demon causing hail and bad weather, in Russian folk tales it is known for insatiable appetite and cruelty. It is said to be of Dragon family alongside snakes and Dragons themselves
*** Her, because snake’s grammatical gender is female in most Slavic languages
**** Note the similarity between snake origin’s beliefs in Slavic people and living things in one, a horse hair split and
Then placed in whiskey is said to induce snakes to live inside a belly of the one that drinks the whiskey
***** Vlasi ( plural , singular is Vlah ) are group of people inhabiting the South of Serbia, with Bulgarian origins, but their ancestors were Celtic tribe called Volca by Romans and Nyahlos by Germans. They are fierce guardians of folk magick as intact as taught by “elders of their elders”
Also very skilled Cunning folk
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The article is written by myself, so please refrain from copy pasting it elswhere without giving credits Shadow-333@hotmail.com or Shadow of Shadows magick place

I hope You liked the post and find it informative . Many Blessings :)

Hoodoo herbology Peony Root

2010-09-10T20:43:00.000-07:00

September is best time to get Peony roots as Peonies ( Paeonia officinalis ) are propagated via means of root division in September.

Peonies are herbaceous perennial shrubs, or small trees from Paeoniaceae family, growing up to 3m high. They are native to Asia, Southern Europe and some parts of USA, but are often grown as ornamental and decorative.

As for magick , European and general occult herbalism prescribes them as exorcism and protection agents, using roots and seeds, often hung on threads or carried in bags. They are said to protect from mischievous spirits, illness and malicious craft and sorcery . Peony is normally simply described described as protection or exprcism agent and seeds are said to glow with an earie glow on the nights of the Full Moon.

In Hoodoo it is agent of Exorcism, Spiritual protection, stops misfortune , Uncrosses and healing, and a success herb.

I use the roots as ingredients in oil i prepare and call "Luminous protection" and here is the simpler version of it

- Paeony roots , few pieces
- White mustard seeds, half a teaspoon
- Frankincense tears , some

All in 2Oz's of base oil

This oil can be used for protection, and Healing Root is often dipped in oil and sold as "Peony root oil" by occult suppliers , and used for uncrossing, protection and malicious spirits repellent.

In Hoodoo it can be used in Healing Mojo . especially those intended to ward off unnatural and persitant disseases, so You can combine them with small Crucifix , personal concerns of person in subject, and Boneset, Wood bettony or Sampson snake root

Paeony root is thought ti be the source of "Aglaophotis" the legendary exorcism agent and demonifuge that has amazing power and when ingested can expel spirits from the possessed person even. For this purpose the root was allegedly powdered, mixed with petals and sometimes seeds too, pulverized and then mixed with Holly water.

Here is one of Scot Cunningham's suggestions on using Peony roots ( it is a charm bag, or a sachet, a hex bag If You will , not to be confused with mojo bags, even though they do have similarities )

Anti-Sorcery Sachet
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1 part Dillseed
1 part Flax seed
1 part Peony root

Tie up in white cloth, wear or carry, suspend over doors and windows.

NOTE : Oil recipe was by Me Shadow of Shadows Magick place or Shadow-333@hotmail.com. Feel free to use elsewhere but do give credits. First image is from www.wikipedia.com, while other is a scribble of mine :)

Hope You find this a usefully read and interesting and many Blessing to all that read these lines

Open the Roads for me ( Road Opening, Abre Camino Spells and Products )

2010-08-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

Open the roadsfor me ( Abre camino products )

So many brilliant practitioners find themselves unable to practice effectively , blocked, restrained and so on, despite their vast experience and being prominent in spellcraft work, and that means they are blocked.
For people that are not into occult symptoms are intense and evident though of slightly different nature, their job, money, love life and success in general, on any field, seems inhibited and their life appears stagnant and unproductive. No matter how hard they try , they seem not to be getting optimal or even good results.
So why is that ?
Simple, hey are blocked or they have what Spiritual workers tend to call “Blocked condition”
What causes this kind of condition ?
Many things I’ll try to chose the most common ones and one of great importance :
- Practitioner has exhausted their magickal “tank” , even though mana ( magickal energy ) even that of practitioner is inexhaustible, when it gets to low, body refrains from channeling it as it might result in catastrophe, until of course the mana is recharged and replenished. That is what causes “writer’s block” ( lol ) at practitioners anyway
- One can be blocked in some magickal/spiritual manner by another, by means of curse, binding or energy theft
- One can be tormented by Energy vampires, those nasty leeches constantly drink nergy newer really getting tired, they don’t even need a pause, their hunger is appalling, and doing so they steal one’s precious productive energy making them ineffective
- Your own bad deeds may be the reason behind Your condition, in such case one needs a personal cleansing ( done In Hoodoo with Hyssop baths and reciting Psalm 51st most frequently ) alongside with Road opening
- One may be having strike of bad luck, be victim of Evil eye or Glance of Malice ( Malochio in Spanish ), or can be Spiritually oppressed ( similar to possession with difference of spirit/s acting from outside rather than from inside ) etc .

And how can one deal with such a hard and dangerous ( often very persistent too ) condition ?

If one has a strong will and is mentally strong, being more stubborn than the obstacles ( blockages ) would normally do then trick , but then again will power is what in 99% of such cases breaks first, and there is the constant lack of overall energy, which make the saidth look like mission impossible no ?
Meaning If You feel unable to break those blockages and clear away obstacles there are two main ways to deal with it magickaly

• Using products such as Abre Camino and/or Road openers ( Mind that Abre Camino originates form Santeria, and Espiritsismo of Spanish and Latino people where as Road opener is a Hoodoo product and though names mean the same , and products do the same, they have considerably different formulas ) and botanicals, spell etc of same genre
• Making a petition to “Road Opener” spirits such as PaPa Legba ( Voodoo Loa, New Orleans Voodoo Loa , Santerian Ellegua, Eshu Elegbara , refer to my Spirit publication from previous post, there is a link and there is Yemaya unblocking spell great for such condition in mentioned document )

So let’s go through products here and how to make them shall we 

Abre camino oil

The main and key ingredient ( and the only one needed ) is Abre camino herb ( Trichilia Havanensis ) used in Spain and Latin America mostly, or Palo Abre Camino ( Eupatorium villosum ) used by Santeria and Palo practitioners. Mind that the second is endangered specie in States, and can be found in somewhat greater amount in California, still considered endangered though.
Any other herb added is purely practitioners good will/choice/inclination . Check Hoodoo Road opening herbs for that.

Pa’ Legba oil

Oil dedicated to this Road opener Loa will honor the Loa and open roads for You blasting away the obstacles and leaving clear way for luck and success to come to You. Combine Legba herbs that have Purification, Clearing/Cleansing and Road opening properties. Here is a list of some of Legba associated herbs that You might use for this oil.

Hoodoo Road Opener Condition oil

Lemongrass
Lemon
Citronella
Five fingers grass
Mint
Salt
Camphor

And add up tow more ingredients , like Sage or Frankincense, or Vetivert oil , Patchouli oil, Sandalwood oil, anything that can supercharge, empower or break obstacles, and another very common ingredient in Hoodoo Road openers are mastery herbs such as High John or Mater of the Woods. Good addition are broom straws too , form a new broom.
MY OWN FORMULA, IF USING ELSWHERE GIVE CREDITS: Shadow of Shadows magick place or/and Shadow-333@hotmail.com

Thank You !

Powder and incense

Try this incense :

Palo Abre camino
Camphor
Lemon

Has a very fresh and nice smell , easy to make and a true Abre camino type of incense, Burn on charcoal since not self combustible unless of course You add it to base of saltpeter.

Powders should contain either Abre Camino , or Abre Camino palo with salt while others are added much like in oils or incense. Best if three or nine ingredients.

Road openers spirit list

Some of them are

• Papa Legba
• Maximon
• Pomba Gira
• Hekate
• Ogun

If You do not know or are unsure how to properly ask and offer these spirits read my Scribd publication on Seven African powers mentioned before. That should give You some idea.

Road Opening Spells
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In Traditional Hoodoo we burn Orange or Purple candles dressed with Road Opener and/or Van Van oil, praying that obastacles are removed, best if done for nine consecutive nights.

We pray to Lord for deliverance, Guidance and to cleanse our way , remove obstacles and lead us to right path. Pray in Your own words , along with praying Psalm 23rd or these suggested below

Here are some Psalms associated with road opening:
Psalms 16:11: Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psalms 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Psalms 25:4: Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. 25:10: All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
Psalms 119:35: Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. 119:105: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.Source of Psalm suggestions is Luckymojo site , as well as it’s source for the following prayer :

SCOTS-IRISH PRAYER FOR THE ROAD

God before me
God behind me
I on Thy path, O God
Thou, O God, in my steps.
In the twistings of the road.
In the currents of the river.
Be with me by day.
Be with me by night.
Be with me by day and by night.

Now a simple ritual as I would suggest someone who would ask me
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1. Take a bath in the morning with Road opener bath or bath crystals. Let It air dry, dress new clean clothes ( best If You buy new white clothes for this occasions, they need not to be expensive and elegant, but they should be new and white if possible ) . The remaining water is poured over a Crossroads, towards East
2. Inscribe a Orange or Purple candle with Your name and dress with Road opener and If You have it Van Van oil too
3. Say Prayers and Psalms as suggested above
4. Repeat steps 2nd and 3rd for nine consecutive days, burning a partition of candle each day , best if using pillar of nine day fixed novena candle in which case You need not to dress the candle , unless You wish to
5. After nine days dispose of any wax remaining by securing them together with thread and buring in Your backyard

Creole Legba opening spell

Carry three bags each having candies and pennies in them, and three new pennies and some candies with You, and go to Crossroad.
Rub the bag all over Your body and leave it at one side of the Crossroad.As You rub ask for Your blockages to be removed and roads to good thing s opened. Do so on the next two sides of the crossroad, alternatively You could do it silently asking only without speaking but by thoughts . On the last side ( preferably East ) lay three pennies and some candies asking Papa Legba to open Your roads, and remove obstacles.
Go home without looking back, some say via circuitous route.

Coloring potions and oils with herbs

2010-08-14T21:06:00.000-07:00

Today I will be giving few practiacl advices on how to color Your oils or brews ( potions ) Downright practical list of herbal dyes I composed,

so If You are going to used it elswhere, feel free but add the credits

Shadow of Shadows Magick place and/or Shadow-333@hotmail.com

You can always purchase comercial dyes or, food dyes which are easy to obtain, inexpeniseve and non-tocxic, However If You are traditionalist or You just preffer natural dyes try these:

Red Color
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*Onion peel will give good red or orange collor ( depending on quantity ) and is a good addition to banishment , hot foot or allike oils
Image shows halved red onion
*Flakes of Alkanet give red tint to Fast luck and are great for any money oil. I use them in Fast luck and Money Uncrossing oil
*Cayenne peppers dried and pulverized will give tint to such oils as Run D run or Fiery wall of Protection ( I saw people using Red Sandalwood as a dying agent in Red Sandalwood, yet that just seems not in place to me as Red Sandalwood is a love herb )
*St John's wart gives brilliant red dye

Blue Color
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*Indigo powder or Woad will give beautiful blue tint
*Red Cabbage leafs

Green
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*Fresh and squeezed alder flowers will dye Your oils ( and Your hands lol ) green

Yellow
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*Shafroon will dye Your oils yellow to gold, a small pinch is enough for two oz's pf oil , chamommile or Yarrow will gave pale yellow tint

Shaffron Crocus dalmaticus, native where I live

Purple
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*Combine powdered Indigo and Woad with some Onnion peel powdered and Cayenne chips all three equaly dosed

The best base oils that can be colored this way are Olive, Almond and Jojoba, but with more herb material and time even Castor oil could be colored :D

Hope You find this articele usefull and have a great day