The Malachim Mystery Revealed- We Have Set A Date!

I honestly cannot believe how much and how little time has passed. I'm only halfway through the second month of 2014, and yet the little idea I had over one year ago when I was still sleeping on a mattress of the second bedroom going through my break-up, is finally coming to fruition. I am speaking of course, as most of you already know, about the jewelry line for my Etsy store known as Eerie Enchantments called the Malachim Mysteries.

The Malachim Mysteries came to me while pouring over my many books on magick hunting for fresh ideas for the shop. I knew I wanted to make magick accessible, but I wanted to do things differently. I didn't want cute or kitschy, I wanted what I loved, which was something eerie and, well, creepy. Not necessarily dark or gothic per se, but more of that rustic, heathen of olde vibe. Today this theme has been settled into what I call "the gypsy/swamp witch aesthetic". I have seen tons and tons of work with the Futhark runes, but the Malachim script has remained fairly untouched. 

I'm incredibly passionate about my work, and I could go on about it for hours, but in the spirit of keeping this post condensed down to the good bits, I've made this little Q & A. It keeps me for rambling and my thoughts on point.

Why did this take over a year to create?

Time, money, and process. Metal working isn't cheap, and honestly I was terrified it would be beyond me. I also did not know how I wanted to go into it- would I do scratch engraving, work with a corrosive? It took half of the year just to decide that stamping was the way to go. From there it was about saving up, and managing my time so working on this became an everyday occurrence. 

What the heck is the Malachim Script?

The Malachim script is a form of writing published in its original form by Cornelius Agrippa in the 16th century, when alchemy and ceremonial magic was in full swing. If you notice, it greatly resembles sigils for fallen angels in the Goetic tomes, which was widely used in that same era and is probably not a coincidence. In short- its a magical alphabet most likely used just to keep ones work secret from the prying eyes of the church. 

What is the process you use?

Technically, its called metal stamping, but this feels a bit ill-fitting for what I'm doing. For one- stampers tend to use simple and expensive font-sets for custom engraving work, which is pretty basic and easy. I think I anyone can manage it with the time and budget, depending on what metal base you're working with. In short- you take a metal stamp, line it up where you want it to go, smack it with a hammer, and bang - an impression is made. Then you simply polish, and darken up the impressions with your material of choice. Liver of sulphur is a popular one. What I do uses a total of 4 stamps in total, which I layer and modify by holding at odd angles in order to create the designs. Its a lot more work, requires patience and precision, but in the end it allows me to truly customize my work to make hammering out beautiful Malachim script pieces a reality. After they're finished, every piece gets a moonlight blessing so its ready for use. This entire line was blessed and charged under the light of the Snow Moon. 

What are you planning for the line exactly?

The first line is titled Words Of Reverence, and contains a series of words I believe to be vastly important to daily life, magickal or not. I have plans for other lines with the names of deities, as well as maybe a reverse form that has been requested of me by the darling shop owner of Some Enchanted Evening here in Spencer, MA. Ideas for necklaces and earrings are also in sketch-form, with customized options on all of the above. I want my customers to find the perfect fit that empowers there lives. Do you have a circle name you go by, or a god or goddess you want to feel more connected to? Or do you just want Castiel because Malachim reminds you of Enochian? If they can dream it, and I can fit in on a blank, we can make it happen. 

When can we expect these pieces to be available for purchase?

You can actually find a piece I made just for Some Enchanted Evening in her beautiful magick store right here in Spencer, MA. She carries the best collection of incense and stones and makes gorgeous wire-wrapped jewelry. She also personally knows Dorothy Morrison and is a published author, so if you are in or around Spencer, I highly encourage you pay her shop a visit at 234 Main Street. The full line of the Words of Reverence of the Malachim Mysteries will launch on the next New Moon, which happens to fall on March 1st. Mark your calenders, and keep your eyes open. This journey is only just beginning.  

Weekend Witchcraft- Playing With Fire

I find with witchcraft, as it is all aspects of life really, it can be so terrifyingly easy to limit yourself. 

Just as I once sought the earth for grounding, when the ocean is my home, I am so easily tied to my main elements of the air and sea, that I often forget I can command anything else. It sounds silly, but its true.

It struck me yesterday that, though I don't think about it, I call it up more often than I realize. When darkness falls, either from the setting sun or a stormy day, I often light candles to warm up the apartment. I love having a few lit candles in the living room and the kitchen at night to walk around without the need for turning on the lights. It gives me warmth and comfort, and keeps the utility bills down.

Yesterday I summoned fire at my altar with just an orange tea light to give me the energy and strength to get everything done that I needed to. It worked! I was able to stay on my feet despite the lack of sleep, though it proved to be a bit too much for me, as I broke a bowl in my kitchen, but! If you can channel it better (I'm sure remembering to eat helps) that I, it can work wonders for you. 

The Element of Fire

ANSKRIT/IRISH/LATIN: Tejas/Tine/

DIRECTION: South

ASSOCIATIONS: Action, the will, passion, sex, lust , anger, desire, energy, work, purification , destruction, strength, protection

QUALITIES: hot, dry, light, active

GENDER: masculine, projective

MAGICAL POWER: To will

COLORS: red, orange, gold, yellow

ARCHANGEL: Michael

ELEMENTAL BEING: Salamanders

ELEMENTAL KING: Djinn

ANIMALS: Lion, Tiger, lizards

PLANTS: Celtic trees - Thorn, Holly, Oak. Herbs - Basil, Cinnamon, Garlic. Natives ? Spanish Dagger, Oaks, Juniper, Sunflower, Chiletepin

STONES: Amber, Bloodstone, Carnelian, Citrine, Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Tiger's Eye

METALS: Brass, Gold, Steel

MYTHOLOGICAL BEINGS: Dragon, Phoenix

KERUB: Lion

TAROT SUIT: Wands, (Swords)

TAROT TRUMPS: Sun, Strength, Emperor

RUNES: Thurisaz, Kenaz, Naudhiz, Sowilo, Ingwaz

ZODIAC SIGNS: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

PLANETS: Sun, Mars

HOUR: Noon

DAY(S): Sunday, Tuesday

SEASON: Summer

LIFE CYCLE: Youth and adolescence

ALCHEMICAL SYMBOL: upward pointing triangle

TATTWA SYMBOL: upward pointing red triangle

QABALISTIC SEPHIROT: Netzach/Victory, Geburah/Judgement, Chokmah/Wisdom

MAGICAL TOOLS: Athame, Sword, Wand, Staff, Candle, Flame, Scourge

CHAKRA(S): Solar Plexus

TYPES OF MAGIC: Banishing, Exorcism, purification, tantra, sex, empowering, protection, success

POSITIVE CHARACTERISTICS: Energetic, enthusiastic, courageous, daring, faithful

NEGATIVE CHARACTERISTICS: Stubborn, greedy, jealous, angry, resentful

OVERBALANCE: Dominating, egotistical, violent

UNDERBALANCE: Apathy, boredom, feelings of inferiority, laziness, lack of energy

Weekend Witchcraft, the Work Altar

Its no secret that I love my job. I adore working from home and all of the little joys that come with it, like wearing whatever the heck I want (and that gets really weird went left to my own devices, let me tell ya), to putting magick into my work space. Here's what I've got going on at the desk, where the desktop known as Sorceress and my work place resides 90% of the time:

I recently purchased the Motivation candle of the Reiki energy charged candle line from Some Enchanted Evening. Its a nice heady scent of frankincense and myrrh with a cute charging affirmation card, and has really helped to keep my head in the game and remember what matters most. Next we have a green oak leaf I crafted from clay and carved an old symbol for earth into. This used to go on my altar, but now it resides here. On it rests clockwise from the top, a somewhat rare crystal form of malachite, a tumbled hematite, a beautiful sparkling citrine, and a piece of fluorite.

Once the charms come off they go on my body and around the keyboard. Malachite is great for success and grounding, hematite is wonderful for focus and guidance, citrine for inspiration, and fluorite for knowledge retention.

A moss agate worry stone to calm anxiety when deadline's grow closer, a tiny pocket pentacle that I basically use to remind myself of Kaijana's presence, and a compass charm to keep me moving in the right direction, and away from facebook and the glorious Tumblr.

I also wear a beautiful fluorite ring in its rare blue form to organize my chaotic thoughts, which tend to jump about like my cat at 3am if left to their own devices.

What do you do to stay focused at work or in the classroom?

Weekend Witchcraft; Animal Guides and How To Find Them

Kaijana, my fierce and powerful animal guide. 

Animal guides are different for all of us, and in my own experience they tend to shift and change with us throughout our lives. She was once a leopard, smaller in stature, and far more timid. Black with dark brown spots. Today she is a massive golden jaguar, her head is nearly the size of pillow. She doesn't tolerate much, and is fiercely territorial. Kaijana is my greatest asset and has pushed, prodded, and snarled at me to become the woman I am today, and one I am truly proud to be. 

To find your animal guide takes time. I don't recommend the trip for anyone who is faint of heart or short on patience. Again, I surmise that the journey to finding your guide is different for everyone. Mine began, as most of you already know, with a thorough cleansing of my home. You will need to meditate, and one session will rarely yield all of your answers.Doing so for some can feel like astral projecting, moving to a different plane of existence where the metaphysical is more physical than meta, allowing  you to see the unseen within and outside yourself. Focus on breathing, and if your brain is wandering, try to give it a singular thought, a word or even just staring into a candle flame, to put your mind in the proper state. I used an Ascended Guides candle, sandalwood incense, and a pentagram charm from Some Enchanted Evening to help discover the name of mine, and it truly worked to gain her trust once more.

Once found, name learned, and trust earned, be sure to speak to them often and keep them close. I wear a necklace with a pendant shaped like a fang filled with pyrite and a drop of mercury, reminding me of her fierce and powerful nature. Recently I purchased a small figurine of a powerful jaguar placed by my personal spell candle. I also found Rainforest incense by Gaia, which I burn in the living room and makes my home feel like exactly that. Kaijana sleeps in my bed at night, taking up most of the full size mattress, often headbutts me to get to work, and loves to prowl on a walk about town. So far she has helped me to make better choices, and to do so confidently and without fear. 

The power of your animal guide is only limited to that which you limit yourself. If you choose to have none, the possibilities which they hold for you can be as endless and vast as time itself. 

You'll Feel A Change In The Air

I was going to bed last night, at my usual hour of 3am, when I felt it. I was brushing my teeth in the bathroom, door open, all other lights aside from the bedroom off, and I kept getting that twitch on the back of my neck that says "Something is there". I kept looking down the hall, the darkness in the living room, and no matter how much I told myself, 'there isn't anything' the feeling would not leave me.

That's how I knew it was time to cleanse my apartment.

If you're feeling anxious, depressed for no reason, its probably more than just you. Negativity collects, like cobwebs in corners. And just like you have friends that leave a mess behind them, you also have friends who track their emotional mud in and can leave it behind for you to clean up.

If you've never cleansed your apartment before, you're going to need:
-sage
-a fireproof dish

Optional additives:
-feather/athame
-holy water
- incense (this I do NOT consider optional, but you don't need it to get the job done)

To note, I have never heard of anyone using an athame, but that's what I did today for the first time, and I felt infinitely better.

Some say cleansing is a solemn affair, but for me, this simply isn't the case. When I smudge, walking from room to room, wafting the smoke onward with my Greek athame, I get angry. I demand the negativity get the hell out of my house and out of my life, and tell any negative entities that they are not welcome here, ever. I sweep the negativity of friends and ex-lovers and lovers alike out the door.

The next step for me is my holy water. I used to a spritzer bottle, but since it stopped working when I moved, I just dip my fingers into the blue glass bottle you see on my altar, and fling it about the house, letting its purity and warm and strength soak into the home and into me. I'll press my palm over the top, so it leaves a circle of holy water in my hand, then palm my front door and windows, and draw banishing pentagrams in the wetness. I take extra care to dab a little on each quartz of my grid (do NOT get any on your selenite. Selenite and water Are Not Friends) and simply soak it all in as my home feels lighter, happier, easier to breath again.

The last step is the lighting. When I remove darkness, I always want to bring in light. I light a candle in every room, and incense wherever I can. Not only do the scents help to take out the smell of pot which burning sage always brings, but it rekindles the warmth of the hearth fire and the spirit of my home, which is turbulent and wild, ever-changing as I do.

Opalescence

Opals are one of my favorite stones. They have an array of amazing mystical properties. Often known as bringers of luck, many opals which change their color so easily are often told to ease great changes in life, such as a break-up, or a move, or staring a new job. 

The stone I carry more often than  not is a pink opal. Opals are very fragile, so be careful if you're going to carry it in your pocket that they do not fall out. Try keeping it in a pouch to cushion any falls, or mounting it on a piece of jewelry. I took to wire-wrapping mine in cheap aluminum wire, as I'm still learning wire wrapping. I'm quite happy with how it came out though. Pink opals are a wonderful aid in healing the heart. I find mine helps to re-center my aura, and give me peace and guidance in the chaos that is my life these days. 

More information about opals:

• Shimmerlings
• Little Treasure Chest

Body Butter Blessings

In my efforts to practice self-love, I have, of course!, turned to witchcraft. As I often tend to do with everything I struggle with in life. It always seems to help too, in ways that surprise me.

At the start of every week I now do a full body-blessing. If it sounds complicated, don't worry, it is superbly simple. Just visualize all of the negativity washing down the drain during your daily shower, scrub away all of that metaphysical ick that has you down or causes self-doubts and anxieties, just take a deep breath and rinse it all away. You can even say a few words if you would like to, such as "Water of life, wash away all negativity, cleanse me from all darkness and strife."

Cocoa butter can tighten skin and heal stretch marks as it moisturizes. Infinitely awesome.

Once you're toweled off, drenched yourself in body butter from head to toe. I prefer cocoa butter myself, and take time to massage it into your skin as you ask whatever deities you worship for your body blessings. Traditionally this is done by going from chakra to chakra, but you can do it however you like. Ask for your gods to bless your feet so you don't stub your toes (I've broken mine twelve times, this is something I ask for often), or for your mind to think clearly towards solutions. Your body is just as individual and beautiful as your Craft.

Changes Coming To This Blog

• Mondays will be for Musings. Expect personal diatribes and lengthy rants to start off your week.
• Tunes will be moved in leiu of Turn It Up Tuesdays. I would like to start posting little playlists. If I can find the technology to work it, I will make it happen
• Life changes! I now have two jobs, so once I start the second one postings on here will probably get farther and farther between. I'll try to make them worth your while.

Witchy Wednesday: Quartz Grid

Quartz is an extremely versatile stone. You can literally use it for every spell you can think of, its a great substitute, and can also be used to boost the properties of other stones. You can even place ir in gardens and potted plants to help plants grow. What I have been using my quartz bits as since I've moved out on my own is a crystal grid to protect my home.

I've noticed my aura has a tendency to attract things, and likewise negative bits and things can be found trying to make a home in any place with anyone no matter who you are or where you live. One way I try to combat this is with this quartz point grid. Simply place a piece of quartz on the corners of your property. I keep them in the windowsills closest to the four corners of my apartment. Keep your largest point in the center of your home, and try and refresh or cleanse it often. Even if its simply dusting it off, anointing it with a smidge of holy water, or simply noticing its presence and reminding yourself its there.

I have also found that selenite can be just as powerful as a protection stone, so you can use it instead of quartz if you prefer, or simply inter-mix the two. I keep a polished selenite point at the center of home as the focal point of my grid, and a large unpolished tower as a main piece of my altar. I highly recommend a quartz or selenite grid to anyone, especially if you begin to feel uncomfortable in your home. Do you find yourself running up the stairs or wanting the lights on in every room around you? Try a quartz grid, and call me in the morning.

Places to find them:

-Azuregreen

-Etsy

-your own backyard!

Oh, The Many Things Your Hands Can Do

Does anyone else remember that faucet commercial jingle? It was a cute little song, lots of adorable clips of messy hands turning on the faucet with a tap of the wrist. Good advertising, that. I got it into my head a few days ago in the bath after a long workout and many hours of working on my new Warrior Witch vest, as I have come to call it. Its like if witches rode motorcycles instead of brooms? Yeah, that kind of vest. Think Witchcraft meets Road Warrior.

I love these kind of projects because so far everything I've used has been FREE. The beautiful tarot-card patch was a Yule present from Unlaced, the vest I'm using a hand-me-down from the lovely Coors, and the various studs come from Unlaced, while others I stripped off a falling-apart-belt. I plan to use some black denim scraps to make a few more witchy patches, velvet bits, add some stones and bones, occult symbols on the lining, and runes for a more traditional witchy vibe, and more studs! Maybe even a secret inside pocket for charms. Debating on buying more tarot card patches, or one big ouijia board patch. Its a tough call.

In a few hours I had the above work. I watched a lot of Ghost Adventures and trashed my nail polish, which was all of four days old. I came to remember why I have just about never painted my nails, I always wreck them, either at work at my various jobs I've held throughout the past few years, or just working around the house/getting crafty. 

The more I thought about it, the more I began to realize how much I love doing work with my hands. The feel of the keys beneath my fingers right now as they crawl across the keyboard, memorized years ago from typing many pages of the stories I've written and continue to write. The feel of a pen swirling the words across the page. The careful and hurried strokes of a paintbrush. Hauling hay from trailers to leaning towers of terror. Weeding and shifting books in the stacks. Climbing cherry-pickers to grab water bottles for orders at the factory. Hands covered in dirt and dust, ink and paint, bruised and scratched and worn from working with studs and farm equipment and pens. 

What have you done with your hands lately?