tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76379674628097814522024-03-13T23:20:14.499-07:00Pagans of Etsy Street TeamWe are a group of crafters and artists on Etsy who all identify ourselves as Pagan. Some are more specifically Wiccan, Reconstructionist, Shamanistic, Druidic and so on.
We do not limit our membership by location and have members all over the world.
The main goal of the group is to support one another. Our group discussions are a place where you can talk about product ideas, local pagan shops, groups, events, and more!Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-4406619675204134362013-01-04T19:28:00.000-08:002013-03-17T17:39:15.999-07:00Pagan Team Challenge 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">VOTING IS OPEN UNTIL APRIL 14, 2013 </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE!!! </span></span></div>
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We kick off the new year with a team challenge. The theme for this challenge is 'Your Pagan Way'. What that means is that team members are to create something that embodies their pagan-ness. It may be who they call upon, what they most admire in nature, or who knows what might come from this theme.<br />
Guaranteed, this will be a unique and beautiful collection of pagan 'style'.<br />
As entries are submitted, they will be posted here. After the deadline and all entries are in, we will begin the voting. Voting will be in mid March.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">ENTRY # 1</span> By <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/UrdHandicrafts?ref=owner_profile_leftnav" target="_blank">Ramona Friggasdotter </a> and in her shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/UrdHandicrafts" target="_blank">Urd Handicrafts</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/119321221/silver-plated-persian-chainmaille" target="_blank">"Brisingamen", Freyja's necklace of desire</a></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5iwUvqjgV8mdyU8S59HgBTWH90pvVX4RCGIsyCcK9iBB7MiH0dgNx32qTJBW0uBA81FwSrbzE9mBH2KQwKrk71pOTDFG08gD8dtpbjpFqaDE76NJoel_QHi9vgNPQjsxdssB0GWVlk3f/s1600/urd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5iwUvqjgV8mdyU8S59HgBTWH90pvVX4RCGIsyCcK9iBB7MiH0dgNx32qTJBW0uBA81FwSrbzE9mBH2KQwKrk71pOTDFG08gD8dtpbjpFqaDE76NJoel_QHi9vgNPQjsxdssB0GWVlk3f/s1600/urd.jpg" height="246" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is what Ramona has to say about the creation of her piece~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Full Persian 6in1 is definitely one of the most beautiful chainmaille
weaves. It is a rope type weave made of lots of stacked rings, looking
similar to a Viking wire weaving, and it is a great choice for jewelry
because of its thick, tight appearance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because of its similarity
with Viking knit, we made a necklace inspired by the most famous
necklace from Norse tradition - Brisingamen, the necklace of desire
owned by Freyja (Freya), Goddess of love, fertility and beauty, also
connected to war and death of fallen heroes. The word Brísingamen comes
from Old Norse brisinga "flaming, glowing" and men "jewelry, ornament",
and it was probably made of gold and amber.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our Norse-inspired
chainmaille necklace is a unique, deluxe, heavy piece of jewelry made of
silver-plated copper rings, tightly weaved to make a Full Persian chain
that is 7 mm thick. It is adorned with a huge rectangular pendant made
of polished red jasper. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">ENTRY # <span style="font-size: large;">2</span></span> is from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/leighswiccanboutique" target="_blank">leighswiccanboutique</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/121267835/elemental-diamond-shaman-kansas-boji" target="_blank">Elemental Power Stone</a></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuRO_TUmUjP-3kDJ8xbxk1ZEeAnJTUoDWv7zbciYThppK2MiDeQcdJrwbvC26TCfvaB-KQFMIT5RPRhJQht6rbty0R0f2a0Q3cZxD_RE0b4NPEY5K6c3qgtl0DTTIJcZaGA9oYekNi0l2/s1600/LWbCHll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuRO_TUmUjP-3kDJ8xbxk1ZEeAnJTUoDWv7zbciYThppK2MiDeQcdJrwbvC26TCfvaB-KQFMIT5RPRhJQht6rbty0R0f2a0Q3cZxD_RE0b4NPEY5K6c3qgtl0DTTIJcZaGA9oYekNi0l2/s1600/LWbCHll.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">This is what Mandi has to say about her piece~</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">These Stones are very powerful. You can feel their energy!</span><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">While in a state of Meditation Hold your stones lightly in your hand and you can actually feel them pulsate, or tingle once they have been attuned to you. The stones themselves sometimes become very warm when you are working with them. I can state this fact as being true from my own personal Experience with these stones. In fact while I was photographing a previous set that I sold here on Etsy upon request, the screen on my camera had these little moving spots on it all around the area of the stones when I had zoomed in on them, actually detecting their energy field. I have not attuned these stones. I only worked with them during the design process.</span><br style="line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Basic Info on the stones:</span><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">These stones are found at the base of a natural pyramid mount in the center of the continental USA, and are the same type of rock, having the same properties. Kansas Pop Rocks usually come in pairs, a smoother stone which has Yin or female energy and is referred to as the female, and a rougher stone that has Yang or masculine energy and is referred to as the male. Kansas Pop Rocks are excellent for balancing energy and polarities of all kinds. They are used a lot in energy healing and psychic healing to release blockages. They are also used a lot to balance the chakras and align them. They are also excellent for grounding excess energies, grounding people who are feeling "spacey", and for shielding. In the both the household plant pots and out in nature, Kansas Pop Rocks are used to promote plant growth. Kansas Pop Rocks are also used in healing arthritis, back pain, general healing, regeneration of cells, adrenal glands, chronic fatigue, and physical energy.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">ENTRY # <span style="font-size: large;">3</span></span> is from </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/NaturaPlumaDesigns" style="color: #0192b5; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Elizabeth</a><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"> </span><span class="from-seller-nowrap" style="line-height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="prefix" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">from</span> </span><a class="shopname" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/NaturaPlumaDesigns" style="color: #0192b5; display: inline-block; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;" title="NaturaPlumaDesigns">NaturaPlumaDesigns</a></span></span></div>
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Natural Birch Bark Mask with Purple Flowers and Moss</h1>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw32jpeNbsvbgV8Urklanvk3t37zIXkxKxiI67EbsWgr11Kp3bY5OdBbrPiyDp7hTsR0R2jJMTanWSBUmtZiQZl6NgmDMIMpjXLslxFvMYk1V2AquHv1z0CQTOZUTo8EbBS3fmTZTZMYPQ/s1600/cllgmask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw32jpeNbsvbgV8Urklanvk3t37zIXkxKxiI67EbsWgr11Kp3bY5OdBbrPiyDp7hTsR0R2jJMTanWSBUmtZiQZl6NgmDMIMpjXLslxFvMYk1V2AquHv1z0CQTOZUTo8EbBS3fmTZTZMYPQ/s1600/cllgmask.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">This is what Elizabeth has to say about her piece~</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">This unique mask is made from natural birch bark which has naturally fallen from a birch tree in my yard. It has been carefully cut to fit the face, and eye holes have been burned into the bark. Dried purple flowers trail upward to a point at the top of the mask. Dried springy green moss is affixed to the base of the flowers, and in spots just underneath the flowers as they come to the top of the mask. The flowers were part of a bouquet that I dried in my dehydrator, and the dried moss was purchased at a craft store. Twine string acts as a ribbon to tie the mask together. The mask has been sprayed with a light coat of sealant to prevent breakage and decay.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">This beautiful mask is wearable art. It can be displayed or worn depending on your preference.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">You can also read <a href="http://naturapluma.blogspot.com/2013/02/nature-spirituality-and-masquerade.html" target="_blank">her blog</a> about this mask and others.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;">ENTRY # <span style="font-size: large;">4</span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">is from</span> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/MoonsCraftsUK" style="color: #0192b5; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Moon'sCraft's</a><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="from-seller-nowrap" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="prefix" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">from</span> <a class="shopname" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MoonsCraftsUK" style="color: #0192b5; display: inline-block; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px;" title="MoonsCraftsUK">MoonsCraftsUK</a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pendulum in Oak</span></h1>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvD-nRmDurMOMUpoIkf5zQplIiT-hEOZxl8NXHQ_2Q2KnipsH8ChUq3b_TL2R9CDTGSxGW-cUHx6Q_E-KMNqJFhyphenhyphenj7QWSt1QbPJ8cdABRqqAhhaIglehEPAJxmBRDZAhl66FJ-Mx_fuUIZ/s1600/pendchall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvD-nRmDurMOMUpoIkf5zQplIiT-hEOZxl8NXHQ_2Q2KnipsH8ChUq3b_TL2R9CDTGSxGW-cUHx6Q_E-KMNqJFhyphenhyphenj7QWSt1QbPJ8cdABRqqAhhaIglehEPAJxmBRDZAhl66FJ-Mx_fuUIZ/s1600/pendchall.jpg" height="385" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">This pendulum is crafted from oak and depicts the wheel of the year in pyrography. At the end of each of the eight points which represent the eight sabbats or pagan celebratory festivals are different coloured rhinestones.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">This pendulum has been lightly varnished to ensure the integrity of the design, however the top has been left unvarnished to allow the energy to be charged and to flow.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">The pendulum is attached to the cord with a handmade copper spiral, which connects to the crystal and moonstone beads. The centrepiece of these beads is a single spiral of life in silver to represent the cycles of life, the ebb and flow.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Finally the pendulum is finished with a grey silk silver cord and finished a large tibetan silver Triquetra representing the power of three.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">A stunning pendulum.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">All Moon's crafts pieces are ethically foraged and created in the UK entirely by hand. No stencils are used for the art work and all art is original. Each piece is magically correct and researched to ensure all energy within the piece can be utilised spcifically and magically.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">ENTRY # <span style="font-size: large;">5</span></span> by </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="notranslate"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/inkleing">Pamela Kaylor</a>
</span></span><span class="from-seller-nowrap"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span class="prefix">from</span>
<a class="shopname" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/inkleing" title="inkleing">
inkleing </a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="notranslate"><span class="from-seller-nowrap"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/122334835/labyrinth-walk-pagan-prayer-beads" target="_blank">Labyrinth Walk Pagan Prayer Beads</a> </span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRWi-WhN3OJr1Kziv0Ul8F4owanbATX0uOgLBMjHFz4XKPrAk34jhLk9obLOjR7u7VupSE4q3NIKJaa6DGrakiGxtFUg9z28wNLvhtZE_piNn_UDAogxxrofkUun7fIAsUJfBi7eJOphn/s1600/pryrbeads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRWi-WhN3OJr1Kziv0Ul8F4owanbATX0uOgLBMjHFz4XKPrAk34jhLk9obLOjR7u7VupSE4q3NIKJaa6DGrakiGxtFUg9z28wNLvhtZE_piNn_UDAogxxrofkUun7fIAsUJfBi7eJOphn/s400/pryrbeads.jpg" height="363" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Labyrinth Walk Pagan
Prayer beads can be a useful tool for meditation or focusing spiritual
energies. This set is comprised of: 9 6mm Serpentine, 9 6mm Yellow Jade
and 9 6mm Peach Aventurine with tiny daisy beads and 4 beautiful pieces
of Yellow Flower Jade. This set begins with a Spiral Goddess charm and
ends with a Labyrinth charm with tiny peridot bead . The total length is
16”. The more you use prayer beads, the more they feel at home in your
hand, and bring your mind to the spiritual and contemplative. Give them
a try! <br /><br />Natural gemstone beads also help us make a connection to
the earth itself. This link opens us to the Web of Life, the positive
energy of Nature, and to the Divine. Using prayer beads joins us to an
ancient spiritual tradition, and sets us on a new path of discovery. As
we use prayer beads, each individual bead links us to our fellow
spiritual travelers.<br /><br />Yellow Jade is a stone of joy and happiness<br /><br />Peach or Apricot Aventurine gently increases the energy, help with decision-making and can boost creativity.<br /><br />Serpentine is an earthing stone that aids meditation and spiritual exploration.<br /><br />Peridot
assists in rebirth and renewal of all kinds. Peridot also brings
abundance and prosperity. It also assists in finding what is lost, and
strengthens ESP abilities<br /><br />Flower Jade ~ Nephrite Jade from New
Zealand~ Maori appreciation of jade centers on these features patterns
that seem to evoke images of forests, rivers and clouds. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">ENTRY # 6 is from </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="notranslate"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/faeriewise">faeriewise</a> <span class="from-seller-nowrap"><span class="prefix">and her shop</span>
<a class="shopname" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/EarthMoonandStars" title="EarthMoonandStars">
EarthMoonandStars<span style="font-size: large;">'</span></a></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/125676766/green-man-embroidered-and-quilted-wall" target="_blank" title="Green Man Embroidered and Quilted Wall Hanging">Green Man Embroidered and Quilted Wall Hanging </a></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUSxCTxvlN0lqdgW9v_325D_nRbgHtaMq0G3LzEeMiUtcEw8PaVUetBwcPtSj6kqwUEBVy_Kk3xw25rDeocx05Q5pvp17VF4extybwZWgEhZvsrjI1xMZ6LMnTgHkNemtC8tVAQKlXdh1/s1600/greenman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUSxCTxvlN0lqdgW9v_325D_nRbgHtaMq0G3LzEeMiUtcEw8PaVUetBwcPtSj6kqwUEBVy_Kk3xw25rDeocx05Q5pvp17VF4extybwZWgEhZvsrjI1xMZ6LMnTgHkNemtC8tVAQKlXdh1/s400/greenman.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here are the lyrics to a favorite song, and what helped inspire me as I listened to it while creating this piece :</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Noon of the Solstice by Damh the Bard</span></span></span></span></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In times long past</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Lived a Man of green,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And his footsteps brought life wherever he'd been.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the deepest wildwood</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Was the place he was seen,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And the people did love</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And protect him.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And they saw his face change,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With the turn of the Wheel</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Of the Seasons,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">They heard his voice sing.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(Chorus)</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm the Horned God,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm the face in the trees,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm the breath of the wind that rustles the leaves,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm the Green Man</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the wildwood I roam,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cernunnos, I'm Pan and I'm Herne.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I shall be as the Dark Holly King,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Darkness and cold</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In my cloak I will bring,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And on Winter's nights</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To me you will sing,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Till the air around me starts changing,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And on the noon of the solstice</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'll give up my crown,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To the Light</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And the Mighty Oak King.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">All Summer long</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I shall rule just and fair,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bring your crops to fruit</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With the light that I share,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With fire and water,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">From earth into air,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But the Wheel it keeps</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Steadily turning.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And on the noon of the Solstice</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'll give up my crown,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To the cold and the Dark Holly King.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">T'is now modern times</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And the Summer is here,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Winter has gone</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And the air it is clear,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On a fine day I walked</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Through a woods I live near,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When a battle I spied</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Through a clearing,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Two giants of leaves,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One light and one dark,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Even now the Wheel it is turning!</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">STAY TUNED...... I think we have our last entry, dead line for Challenge submissions is just a few days away....VOTING WILL Begin shortly after.</span></span></span></span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-30763952476465647012012-05-21T09:06:00.000-07:002013-01-04T19:29:41.077-08:00Beltane Fire Challenge<br />
The Pagan Team on Etsy was challenged to creat an item in their medium!<br />
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As one of the Fire Festivals nears, turn your energy to the coming of the May Queen and the conception of a new year to come!<br />
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Brenda of HowlingCaterpillars challenges you to create a representation of the Fires of Beltane!<br />
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Enjoy the entries below, read the great descriptions and select your favorite by voting in our poll to the right! The winner will have an interview posted to the bolg, or select the next challenge theme and timeline!<br />
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From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/leighswiccanboutique" target="_blank">LeighsWiccanBotique</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/99774110/beltane-floral-photo-locket-scented" target="_blank">Beltane Floral Photo Locket Scented Wreath</a><br />
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What a wonderful Wreath to Celebrate the Season with. This is also an Etsy Pagan Team Beltane Challenge Piece!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVDD34G8ZjKUj1Eugzh5XyAyZCGm2pmFkGiZk7jlnn51TFrPYQxyEc4w458E-vLuBifYQSn1gyZzolTmwh2x-fkP-7szclEZlw-x_7q-KlIwxXRLffHFL3UJQmkXN9OTl4aFu0bKswFlY/s1600/Mandi+Leighs+Beltane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVDD34G8ZjKUj1Eugzh5XyAyZCGm2pmFkGiZk7jlnn51TFrPYQxyEc4w458E-vLuBifYQSn1gyZzolTmwh2x-fkP-7szclEZlw-x_7q-KlIwxXRLffHFL3UJQmkXN9OTl4aFu0bKswFlY/s320/Mandi+Leighs+Beltane.jpg" height="320" width="282" /></a>This Beautiful wreath I created is truly one of a kind. I love to do these pieces for several reasons.<br />
1. They are always bright and cheerful no matter what the season is.<br />
2. They smell great!<br />
3. I get to use up a lot of my old stock beads on them hehehe.<br />
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This large wreath is very special though because it is a keepsake piece. The center features a beautiful vintage golden locket to display pictures of your family, kids, grand kids, or that special someone in.<br />
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The out side of this wreath contains an assortment of artificial flowers like Lily's, Carnations, Pink Roses, and Beautiful glittery green leaves. Amongst the flowers I have done bead work, containing gemstones as well on the outside, and down the center.<br />
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Gemstones in this piece are cherry quartz, red coral, jasper, shell, and sea glass, accessorized with Glass, and Acrylic beads.<br />
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The center is adorn with a vintage photo locket that opens, and closes that has a red feather behind it. On the side of the locket is a pewter red blazing sun, which is easily adjusted so it sits the way you want it without blocking any of the photo's you place within the locket. I showed this in one of the pictures above to.<br />
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The scent is one of my own unique creations, and it is so refreshing. It will just lighten up your room! It is scented with Minty Lavender, which is just totally amazing!<br />
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This wreath is approx. 11" wide, and when hanging it is approx. 14" long.<br />
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From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HowlingCaterpillars" target="_blank">HowlingCaterpillars</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/99707191/beltane-altar-in-a-box-ooak" target="_blank">Beltane Altar In a Box OOAK</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oK2RuHNEt6YfutkTjacvZHtMdPyTRwaYtAT_ktctmy8BbE0HAk7rQ4ih6-n1kqttIe_bkgDNwr0NVVi0Nwm1xh_gttGF1Zw0m73ayDJ07ybr5BONKq9VbSjR4tmswE5I6GPD6OrOZki3/s1600/Brenda+Beltane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oK2RuHNEt6YfutkTjacvZHtMdPyTRwaYtAT_ktctmy8BbE0HAk7rQ4ih6-n1kqttIe_bkgDNwr0NVVi0Nwm1xh_gttGF1Zw0m73ayDJ07ybr5BONKq9VbSjR4tmswE5I6GPD6OrOZki3/s320/Brenda+Beltane.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>This is a brand new item. It is part of my PaganTeam's Beltane Challenge.<br />
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It started out as a plain brown papier mache box which I covered with Scrapbooking Paper in Green Grass and Wood patterns. The top I painted with Navy Blue, White, Colonial Blue and Off White so that it looks like the Earth from Space.<br />
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Inside you will find the startings of a personal altar for this holiday.<br />
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There is a Sandalwood jar candle, a Hawthorn branch and 5 feathers.<br />
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On the top is alway 3 wooden Stags, a Pair of Ivies, a Small Sun with a Spiral all surrounding a Large Sun with a Spiral.<br />
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From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWitchOfWitchcraft" target="_blank">TheWitchOfWitchcraft</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/97960117/myrtle-wood-wand-beltanes-fire" target="_blank">Myrtle Wood Wand Beltane's Fire Powerhouse Fertility Wand </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7Xo9LkbGof6ZVOAgscOHEQgXbIvIgra9rXq_aeadz6zOrOah5vNQwa4EB2SXa-ipdp_hUjL2-Kk7JpOfgEgjTg5EJYx89FLITulG-UmnCzzpNJmy5a3CIAm4UzaxH_b1CLrhjXtUVqlz/s1600/Wendy+Beltane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7Xo9LkbGof6ZVOAgscOHEQgXbIvIgra9rXq_aeadz6zOrOah5vNQwa4EB2SXa-ipdp_hUjL2-Kk7JpOfgEgjTg5EJYx89FLITulG-UmnCzzpNJmy5a3CIAm4UzaxH_b1CLrhjXtUVqlz/s320/Wendy+Beltane.jpg" height="136" width="320" /></a><br />
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Beltane's Fire is a powerhouse of Magick for fertility spells and rituals. All parts of this enchanting beauty corresponds to fertility and the physical, mental and spiritual healing that is always necessary when infertility is at hand.<br />
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Myrtle wood, copper wire securing the stones and spiraling it's way around the wand and forming nests around the stones, connecting the egg shaped geode to the quartz point, carressing the Ruby in Zoistite trigger/focus stone in the proccess. Green cotton threads with the correct number of knots, strands and wraps. 9 Olive shells are held in a woven copper bundle with 4 tibetan silver rabbits circling round.<br />
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There is a mother holding a child charm, a mother and baby elephant, turtle, alligator charms as well. A queen bee charm dangles happily with the others. I hand formed a copper and glass piece that symbolizes a pregnant woman that sways gently, suspended from the geode receptive end. There are strands of green cotton floss amongst the copper like bits in a bird's nest... Four emerald green goose feathers complete the receptive end.<br />
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Many, many hours were spent researching and crafting this potent tool for you. You can rest assured that everything is correct. After your purchase, I will explain how to properly use the trigger/ focus stone on this wand which is my original concept. There will be some slight movement of the stones since I strive not to use adhesives on the tools I create. Rest assured that they are quite securely attached to the wand via the copper wire that runs through the wand for energy conduction.<br />
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Approximately 21 inches long.<br />
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From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AStitchingWitch" target="_blank">AStitchingWitch</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/98761896/appliqued-quilted-beltane-altar-cloth" target="_blank">Appliqued Quilted Beltane Altar Cloth, Wall Hanging , Table Runner Star Burst Reversable</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFS84QW3gvJ3B9-Yp2l63YaVW4NuxaDCOZ_g2cvAqPb0cS7bgMEdHOINnt7pPqcZKvoVFXdVOUsQLSjCGOCjbL-fafYvK7eHaBTiFJORdWWUup5IKv15n5WnvW0plHqmYcl-vmMSj3lFiX/s1600/Wanda+Beasley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFS84QW3gvJ3B9-Yp2l63YaVW4NuxaDCOZ_g2cvAqPb0cS7bgMEdHOINnt7pPqcZKvoVFXdVOUsQLSjCGOCjbL-fafYvK7eHaBTiFJORdWWUup5IKv15n5WnvW0plHqmYcl-vmMSj3lFiX/s320/Wanda+Beasley.jpg" height="313" width="320" /></a>What beautiful bright colors in this striking star burst quilt. I love the unique edge to this quilt a look all its own. The Batik fabric is just gorgeous with colors of fuchsia, orange, yellow, purple, green in a floral design.<br />
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I have appliquéd the star-burst center in a Batik with purples and pink design for the small points and the larger points with a solid purple.<br />
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The center is quilted in a continuous circle and the larger purple points are quilted with curly Q's and stars and the outer are is stipple quilted.<br />
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This quilt is done in a flip and turn method so the back is black with yellow and the quilting shows the star burst. Which is really nice since it makes it reversible.<br />
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Perfect Altar Cloth for celebrating the beginning of Ostara / Beltane Spring with the growth of flowers and the abundance of mother earth Litha , Lammas / Summer<br />
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Really nice size of : 22 inches x 21 inches<br />
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From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MoonHunterJewelry" target="_blank">Moon HunterJewelry</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/98221502/fire-ruby-red-swarovski-crystal-dangle" target="_blank">Fire ruby red swarovski crystal dangle burst earrings with sterling hooks</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnSkbo2GFQMi9_og6Hpb3c6s51PccUsR4XIsjVNqZWbBJ6PNhi45GQjILggjN5d1Jn7lUBCXfYdo-ULTsd5F3Ox4aw-Ul6UbKTPp9Y4pn9jYWf1GqwErYxPUoB1JFBTMwgBiH-RDnHdb5/s1600/cynthis+Beltane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnSkbo2GFQMi9_og6Hpb3c6s51PccUsR4XIsjVNqZWbBJ6PNhi45GQjILggjN5d1Jn7lUBCXfYdo-ULTsd5F3Ox4aw-Ul6UbKTPp9Y4pn9jYWf1GqwErYxPUoB1JFBTMwgBiH-RDnHdb5/s320/cynthis+Beltane.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
Different shades of red swarovski crystal rondelles and bicones accented with silver plated beads create an attractive crystal burst with lots of movement. They sparkle and shine like fire, very dynamic. Sterling silver hooks won't aggravate allergies.<br />
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Measures about 3 inches or 8 cm from top of the hook to the tip of the bottom bead.<br />
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These are versatile, will look great with just about anything! Put the fire on!!!<br />
These earrings seem to burn with an inner light, they'll burn, sparkle and shine and grab eyes. They seem to be fire elemental, can go with a t shirt or an evening gown and look super hot!!<br />
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Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-77178518500379111362012-02-13T08:26:00.000-08:002012-02-13T09:04:46.593-08:00A New Beginning Challenge! Please vote on the right!The Team was challenged to create an item that reflects the theme 'A New Beginning.'<br /><br />"The year draws to a close and a new dawn of increasing light approaches.The Winter Solstice/Yule brings the beginning of a new solar cycle. The veil, thin from All Hallow's Eve/Samhain, regains substance. We are moving into the year 2012, a year that holds much that has yet to be seen.<br /><br />What will you create to represent the turning of the wheel, the beginning of 2012?"<br /><br />Check out these great entries! and vote! Poll ends Sunday, February 19th!<br />**********************************************************<br />From:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Cynimue">Cynimue Green Nymph Apothecary and Wyrdcraft</a><br /><br />IMBOLC Spell Kit - Candlemas, Brigid's Feast, Light Ritual, Groundhog Day - Simple, yet POWERFUL - Celebrate the Approach of SPRING<br /><br />IMBOLC RITUAL<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BFyVEGJGIvWrDf_Yj61aeZtvd6Bvxd4T57bXsRozhtmdqEClbuTxIQtU77Cc1COMU9k0JONFd2VZKhjS9kOsn6gZ4i22ppkvlj204zHShnngKFg3T9irbvJVk-ugyJBjMfg-ojapSc-B/s1600/imbolc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BFyVEGJGIvWrDf_Yj61aeZtvd6Bvxd4T57bXsRozhtmdqEClbuTxIQtU77Cc1COMU9k0JONFd2VZKhjS9kOsn6gZ4i22ppkvlj204zHShnngKFg3T9irbvJVk-ugyJBjMfg-ojapSc-B/s320/imbolc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708662240337181490" border="0" /></a>Imbolc is celebrated on February 1 or 2 (or February 12, according to the Old Calendar) in the northern hemisphere and August 1 in the southern hemisphere. These dates fall approximately halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.<br /><br />Imbolc derives from the Old Irish "i'mbolg," meaning "in the belly." This refers to the pregnancy of ewes. A medieval glossary etymologizes the term as "oimelc," meaning "ewe's milk."<br /><br />Imbolc is one of the cross-quarter days observed in Celtic mythology. It is a FIRE festival. The sun is becoming stronger, and the days are growing longer.<br /><br />It celebrates the promise of fertility and the preparation of the earth for planting. Imbolc is filled with the anticipation of life about to burst forth.<br /><br />Imbolc is also known as Brigid’s Day, Candlemas, or Groundhog Day, and it marks the end of t he dark of winter and celebrates the growing light and the first tremblings of spring’s approach. It is a time to move away from the old and prepare for the new, to “spring clean” the hearth and home as well as the soul.<br /><br />*This spell kit includes everything you need to spring clean your mind, body, spirit, and home. It's a great way to welcome the New Year. Whether you celebrate in wild revelry or quiet solitude, this spell kit will add a fitting facet to your magical evening!<br /><br />Great for any ritual that inspires a strong, blessed, new beginning.<br /><br />Everything is fittingly blessed, charged, and anointed.<br /><br />I make these kits to order, so if you want me to add any special elements or use any specifics when creating and blessing, please convo me.<br /><br />Included in this kit:<br />-Cleansing, Strength, and Renewal-influencing herbs and spices potpourri<br />-a rune-inscribed candle<br />-Instruction/Information Spell Scroll<br />-stick incense<br />-velvet pouch<br />-blank parchment paper<br /><br />Everything is enclosed in a reusable craft box and tied with satin ribbon. It makes a lovely gift for yourself or someone else!<br />**********************************************************************************<br />From:<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RekonsWorkshop"><br />RekonsWorkshop</a><br /><br />Spring rings<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVPuU_qQSM0IQ0xG-6-pZ6fXlqnPFp1J0_vdqicEA3z7DYuFwkBD-CeO9L6XljIYGM1sLoSXUBPCNnnDU613AvemFYYwM6BoWE0CXejr84UA1phZ1x1f3XjiVt3Ab0H3nKJLOfGLn4ESC/s1600/rekon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVPuU_qQSM0IQ0xG-6-pZ6fXlqnPFp1J0_vdqicEA3z7DYuFwkBD-CeO9L6XljIYGM1sLoSXUBPCNnnDU613AvemFYYwM6BoWE0CXejr84UA1phZ1x1f3XjiVt3Ab0H3nKJLOfGLn4ESC/s320/rekon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708662096011372322" border="0" /></a>This ring was made for the Paganteam Challenge "A New Beginning". You can vote for it here: http://www.paganteam.blogspot.com/ starting January 30th.<br /><br />Handcast of pewter in a hand-carved soapstone mold, the way pewtercasting has been done for centuries, this ring features images of Spring: young spring plants, flowers, and animals, and an egg in a nest, with clouds, the sun, and a rainbow in the sky. Spring is not only a time of year when new life flourishes; it is symbolic of new beginnings and hope. The ring is open-backed and adjustable, and cast in lead-free pewter. One of the rings is shown at the base of the photo unbent, so you can see the full design.<br /><br />This item's price includes FREE SHIPPING to any United States or Canadian address in a padded mailer.<br />**********************************************************************************<br />From:<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FaerieNotions">FaerieNotions</a><br />Petrified Wood Turquiose Picture Jasper Gemstone Pendant Necklace - 18 Inches - Spiral Red<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLJ0txKcq6eqyTXWTPFeQThrDAzuCbxqCVRpYkMIOwY3E_rTT6W5RleCgOKCrBH15v-hb_aNlPail-NvD3d-dDO-17WRL0JbsE-2uNQPXZq_eg2tGLBMOdQhkRalvD1SAaKAjhWC48ywP/s1600/FN.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLJ0txKcq6eqyTXWTPFeQThrDAzuCbxqCVRpYkMIOwY3E_rTT6W5RleCgOKCrBH15v-hb_aNlPail-NvD3d-dDO-17WRL0JbsE-2uNQPXZq_eg2tGLBMOdQhkRalvD1SAaKAjhWC48ywP/s320/FN.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708662093956019170" border="0" /></a>This necklace was made for the Paganteam Challenge "A New Beginning". You can vote for it here: http://www.paganteam.blogspot.com/<br /><br />A new beginning is what everyone needs. A way to start fresh, wipe the slate clean. What better way to do so than with the energy this necklace provides? With the protective energies of Petrified Wood and Turquoise, and the balancing energy of Picture Jasper, a new beginning surely waits just beyond the horizon.<br /><br />A bold spiral pendant lays at the center of this gorgeous necklace. Vivid red petrified wood beads, turquoise and picture jasper beads are a stunning color combination. It measures 18" and is finished off with a lobster clasp. It is believed by many that stones have metaphysical properties. Petrified wood is thought to protect against negative energy, while picture jasper encourages balance and stability. Turquoise is also thought to be a protective stone.<br />I take pride in offering stones that are natural. There are no dyed or synthetic beads used in my items. That gives each piece a genuine energy that will lift and heal your spirits. I use professional coated beading wire, silver plated findings and crimps, unless otherwise stated. I check all clasps and strength test all crimped ends to make sure every finished product is<br />secure.<br />********************************************************************************<br />From:<br /><a href="www.etsy.com/shop/DragonsMoon">DragonsMoon </a><br />Phoenix Kimono watercolor painting print in frame<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijq5M7YjyrUcEHk8QcpJqafRFQ8pxgzJ2ZvT4ebJjFD5H1801x7rgG1qv0jGFP65WA861iEemwBU-9upLAKnNXzhUAG1iUrA3Hge92TaZsQRX5GiFEXTXQjIs7WQD3dQB6I4l3UpU0d4-W/s1600/DM.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijq5M7YjyrUcEHk8QcpJqafRFQ8pxgzJ2ZvT4ebJjFD5H1801x7rgG1qv0jGFP65WA861iEemwBU-9upLAKnNXzhUAG1iUrA3Hge92TaZsQRX5GiFEXTXQjIs7WQD3dQB6I4l3UpU0d4-W/s320/DM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708662088827421586" border="0" /></a>This listing is for a scanned photo copy of the original painting, 'Japanese Phoenix' by Suzanne Maxwell. It is also the entry into PaganTeam's seasonal challenge, 'New Beginning'.<br />The mythological creature the Phoenix represents new beginnings by its nature to rise from the ashes. The Phoenix is found across the globe and represents wisdom, immortality and compassion.<br /><br />The Ho-Oo is the Japanese version of the Phoenix.<br />Ho is the male and Oo is female.<br />The arrival of this fire bird signals a new era when it descends from sky and blesses people with good deeds. When finished, the Ho-Oo returns to the heavens and waits for the next new era.<br />It is also said that the Ho-Oo comes only in times of peace and prosperity.<br /><br />I gave the kimono a background of bamboo. Bamboo also has symbolic meaning. Strength and endurance. A storm can take down many trees, but the flexible nature of the bamboo allows it to weather the storm and retain it's beauty.<br /><br />The bamboo seed even ties to the phoenix, Myth says that the phoenix eats only bamboo seeds.<br /><br />The coming of 2012 has been significant for decades. Much question and wondering is focused on the end date of the Mayan calendar. Some say doomsday is coming others say it is an awakening.<br />Those two opposing ideas are reflected in the nature of the Phoenix.<br />With every end there is a beginning.<br /><br />For me 2012 represents a new beginning as I turn to my art more and more. This painting is also #2 of a series of kimono paintings I am doing.<br /><br />This listing is for an 8x10 inch scanned copy of the original painting (also 8x10). The copy is a photo print on photo paper. The image is framed. I have sanded and finished the frame with a cherry wood stain and lightly clear coated the frame.<br /><br />'Japanese Phoenix' is copyright protected. The watermark will not appear on the item in the listing.<br />********************************************************************************<br />From:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HowlingCaterpillars">HowlingCaterpillers</a><br /><br />Break On Through Necklace Sea Green Creamy White Cameo OOAK<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPaW8gxap0ouFF57200dyswYCh4DbImGZbe_yD8fPqG3b9lg43unVkD9PMt2jdRy_u3Zj6ngWuETsLOGXiFb_fT03cqDrUnoSRuOwVvQzh3YKu7yWBESqn4edrC1ZIreNl85NpvkC2s5B/s1600/brenda.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPaW8gxap0ouFF57200dyswYCh4DbImGZbe_yD8fPqG3b9lg43unVkD9PMt2jdRy_u3Zj6ngWuETsLOGXiFb_fT03cqDrUnoSRuOwVvQzh3YKu7yWBESqn4edrC1ZIreNl85NpvkC2s5B/s320/brenda.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708662085142779650" border="0" /></a>This Brand New One Of A Kind Item is my contribution for the PaganTeam Challenge with the theme of "A New Beginning."<br /><br />Cobalt Quilter asked us: "The Year draws to a Close and a New Dawn of Increasing Light approaches.The Winter Solstice/Yule brings the Beginning of a new Solar Cycle. The veil, thin from All Hallow's Eve/Samhain, regains substance. We are moving into the Year 2012, a Year that holds much that has yet to be seen."<br /><br />"What will you create to represent the turning of the wheel, the beginning of 2012?"<br /><br />According to Numerologists, and Archaeologists and other -Gists, the World will come to an end on 21 Dec12.<br />The Hopi say:<br />"There was the cycle of the mineral, the rock. There was the cycle of the plant. And now we are in the cycle of the animals coming to the end of that and beginning the cycle of the human being."<br /><br />Bible Codes describe a Holocaust caused by a comet striking the earth.<br /><br />Some Chicken Littles say that Planet X or Niburu will approach us and cause enormous upheavals in our Little Blue Marble, everything from Earthquakes, Polar Shifts or “3 Days of Ddarkness” caused by Niburu’s gravity stopping the earth from spinning.<br /><br />There have been prophecies like this since Biblical Times. Remember Y2K?<br /><br />*I* happen to believe that the End Times are not the exact Stop! Step on the Brakes! End of Everything. *I* believe that it’s a New Start. The folks that live in Balance and Harmony with their Environment, not chasing after the All Mighty Dollar, will be the ones that see the rest of them through. 2012 WILL be a time of Change, but you can make it worse by holding up a sign saying "The End Is Near!!" or you can roll with it and be part of the Change for the Better.<br /><br />My version of this rather serious topic is based on the Lighter Side of your Home Planet being bulldozed for an Interstellar Highway…"The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams.<br /><br />"So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish" is the Fourth Book of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy "trilogy". Its Title is the Message left by the Dolphins when they depart ed Planet Earth just before it was demolished.<br /><br />Inside his still-standing home, Arthur finds a gift-wrapped bowl inscribed with the words "So Long and Thanks..." which he then uses for his Babel Fish, a Universal Language Translator Doohickey.<br />John Watson, a scientist who knows why the Dolphins disappeared, shows Arthur and his girlfriend Fenchurch, a bowl with the words "So long and thanks for all the fish" inscribed on it that they all own and encourages them to listen to it. They learn from the bow l's audio message that the Dolphins, aware of the Vogons (a sluglike bureaucratic race who's idea it was to destroy the Earth) left Earth for an alternate dimension, but NOT before replacing the destroyed Earth with a new version and transporting everything to it as a way of saving humans.<br /><br />The Necklace is about 19 Inches long including the Flower Toggle Clasp. The Cameo Look Focal shows a Dolphin jumping out of the Water and through a Hoop that could be a Star Gate or a Worm Hole or a Portal to their New Dimension where Human Beings haven’t completely bulloxed things up yet. Or a Place where Everyone lives together in Harmony and Balance only taking what is needed, nothing more and helping those who need it without questi on.<br /><br />I found some beautiful Square Beads that I hadn’t seen before that resemble the ripples of an Ocean far out to Sea.<br /><br />The Creamy White Carved Sea Shell Round Beads compliment the Pendant.<br />The Square Beads were labelled "Sea Weed Stone". It seems as if it's a type of Agate or Quartz that has beautiful layers of different shades of green, clear, and tan.<br />Green Quartz is used for Prosperity and Luck. It can help strengthen your bond to the Earth and brings one's Energies into Harmony for Healing.<br />*******************************************************************************<br />From:<br /><a href="www.etsy.com/shop/TreegoldandBeegold">TreegoldandBeegold</a><br />Wheel of the Year Seasonal Embroidered Patch<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL06lLcpVCIr0VZp3Jy9NIMHeTaJ7KFvQo2n70FIBqHfkOr_2UOQtKHu17Y-1FXCBjh0qH7VFTCkKYe0x5PmYt4_Mn-U8onS2u79Y2t8GNcTVEdXprn3K4Vt3lzsx9tvs2aLUgFqIyQ3P2/s1600/tgb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 307px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL06lLcpVCIr0VZp3Jy9NIMHeTaJ7KFvQo2n70FIBqHfkOr_2UOQtKHu17Y-1FXCBjh0qH7VFTCkKYe0x5PmYt4_Mn-U8onS2u79Y2t8GNcTVEdXprn3K4Vt3lzsx9tvs2aLUgFqIyQ3P2/s320/tgb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708662103939222098" border="0" /></a>This item is participating in the PaganTeam Challenge "New Beginnings" Please vote for it at: http://www.paganteam.blogspot.com/<br /><br />Love the changing to the seasons? This patch represents just that.<br /><br />It is a 3 1/2 inch round machine embroidery patch. This detailed patch contains 25 different colors to bring out each of the seasons.<br /><br />Note the border that changes as you progress through the seasons. There are buds in the spring, green leaves in summer, orange leaves in the fall and only the branches in winter.<br /><br />This is NOT an iron on patch. It must be sewn or glued on to the item you wish to put it on.<br /><br />Patch is washable and will hold up to repeated wear like any commercially bought patch.Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-36533511255651732292011-12-11T22:53:00.000-08:002011-12-11T23:10:35.581-08:00People and Planet FirstThe <a href="http://www.etsy.com/teams/6458/pagan-team">Pagan Team</a> on Etsy is participating in the People and Planet First Campaign being hosted by <a href="http://artisansgalleryteam.blogspot.com/search/label/people%20and%20planet%20first">Artisans Gallery Team</a> on Etsy.<br /><br />Through a series of blog posts Etsy Teams are taking the opportunity to share their opinions on supporting sustainable communities, indi businesses, as well as the role Etsy has played in fostering that independence.<br /><br />The Pagan Team is an active group of individuals who come together to support each other. The team has an off Etsy site, <a href="http://paganteam.wall.fm/index">The Tree House</a>, where the 'community' that is our 'Etsy Team' gathers to further discuss and support one another as we develop our on line presence and local ventures we may undertake. We also share on the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/teams/6458/pagan-team/discuss/">discussion area</a> provided by Etsy, where we have ongoing discussions as well.<br /><br />The opportunity to connect and communicate facilitates, team activities such as challenges, sales or giveaways. Finding ways to encourage Etsy shoppers to visit our Pagan Team shops in the open market that is Etsy, is part of what our team emphasizes. And then there is the inspiration of team members like Theresa Taylor.<br /><br />Theresa, is a full time artist with Etsy sites and a brick and mortar Gallery/Boutique the Keyhole Gallery in Lakewood, OH. She describes herself as a DIY Momma who needs to create, and work with her hands. A jeweler first, she loves to work with metal in any application. Art Dolls are her next love, so putting metal and dolls together was just natural, as you can see from her shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/darklingdoll">DarklingDoll </a><br /><br />Theresa i a bit eclectic. As she says, "I followed my imagination thru the keyhole and it led me to open a gallery, yay! It takes all my time, but it is bliss!" To learn more about the Keyhole check out the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/http//:www.keyholegallery.blogspot.com">blog</a>, or find items in the Gallery's Etsy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KeyholeGallery">Shop</a>.<br /><br />There are many active indi business people involved with Etsy teams! The following treasuries are a small sample of Pagan team Artisans work, Check out the great work!<br /><br /><br /><script src="http://www.craftcult.com/js/trwi.js?s=2&l=NTQxODE2OXwxNDkxMjcwNjY1&r=40014&t=s&m=0&u=5418169&"></script>Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-57067373894138776882011-12-01T08:02:00.000-08:002011-12-01T08:13:58.959-08:00End of Summer Challenge Winner!!The winner is Michelle Simkins of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Greenfingers">Greenfingers</a>!!<br /><br />I asked her to share a bit about herself!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A little biographical info</span>: I grew up with a crafty mom, in a public school that had good electives and offered art and music as part of the regular curriculum. That combination gave me lots of room and resources to make things from a young age. One of my grandma's taught me to embroider. The other one taught me to crochet, though I never really got past making ridiculously long crochet chains. I also started composing stories as soon as I learned how to write. I've always been happiest when I was either reading a novel or making something, whether it was an object or a story. No surprise that I grew up to choose creative pursuits as my work.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Where do you get your inspiration?</span> My creative inspiration comes from everywhere. Usually it starts as a picture in my head that won't go away, and often I'm not sure where that picture came from. Other times it comes from wanting a finished object--a knitted pouch for my tarot cards, for example--and not finding a pattern anywhere that makes me happy. Once the concept is fully realized, my color and embellishment choices are kind of intuitive. I work by what feels right. Which sometimes means groping around and trying different things until I get that "a-HA!" feeling.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How long have you been creating original knitting patterns?</span> I created my first pattern in 2007. It was the knitted goddess pattern, and I woke up one morning with the idea almost fully formed in my head. It only took two prototypes to have the pattern the way I wanted it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">When & where do you create?</span> I create whenever I can. Ideas seem to come at me pretty regularly, though sometimes it takes a long time to get around to exploring them. I have a spreadsheet on my computer for ideas, so I don't lose track of them. I mostly create in my bedroom or living room, when I'm working on knitted items or writing. If it's something with herbs or flowers I work outside in an old fifth wheel trailer that's heated with a wood stove.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> How does it fit in your life?</span> Creativity kind of IS my life. Right now I'm spending all of my time creating, doing energy work and readings, or volunteering. I quit my day job a few years ago and now I work for myself and love it. But my creative priorities are constantly shifting, and certain processes and methods come and go for me. I always love knitting, for example, but how much time I spend on it varies drastically from one month to another.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What advantages to see in being a part of a team and participating in events, like this challenge?</span> For me, being part of a team is about finding other creative people to connect with. It's been difficult to participate lately, with life and family keeping me busy, but I've really enjoyed seeing what other people are creating, sharing ideas with them, and troubleshooting/problem solving with them. And challenges are wonderful because they give me a little creative kick in the pants. With a deadline and some parameters the creative process gets narrowed down a little, which makes it easier in some ways. Other times, the possibilities are so limitless it can be difficult to know where to begin. A design challenge gives my wheels a direction to spin in. Also . . . it's fun to meet a challenge AND to see how other people meet the same challenge.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing Michelle!Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-33309369962707185222011-10-03T07:30:00.000-07:002011-10-03T08:47:59.616-07:00End of Summer Challenge Entries!The team was challenged to create an item that reflects the Summer's End. The beginning of Autumn, serious harvest preparations as we see the fruition of our efforts, not only in the garden but in our lives. What have we been putting our energies into? What results do we anticipate?<br /><br />Here are the entries! Be sure to vote for your favorite!<br /><h1><span style="font-size:100%;">1. Red Agate Pentacle Hematite Aragonite Moonstone Gemstone Necklace 22 Inches - Summers End By <a href="http://http://www.etsy.com/shop/FaerieNotions">FaerieNotions</a>!</span></h1><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYiepiEdLFWgFFbAa7-lIbq5EvuFhmj5oR-oeMns_ZkpztaStICj06YufGVOrF8BQeOvVb8zosXzRDR_tkeUu97WAaSjE5v3Ing69DE-yEMX-v_8VYMt-0vvM5-NNVnkz6KclPrM88_Pw/s1600/FaerieNotions.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYiepiEdLFWgFFbAa7-lIbq5EvuFhmj5oR-oeMns_ZkpztaStICj06YufGVOrF8BQeOvVb8zosXzRDR_tkeUu97WAaSjE5v3Ing69DE-yEMX-v_8VYMt-0vvM5-NNVnkz6KclPrM88_Pw/s400/FaerieNotions.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659284746741349682" border="0" /></a><br />A beautiful sun, setting in the sky, is what this pendant reminds me of. Orange and red bring warmth to the eye, accented by a small pentacle. Hematite, aragonite, moonstone and silver plated spacers make up the rest of this great necklace. The necklace measures at 22" and is finished off with a S clasp. It is believed by many that stones have metaphysical properties. Hematite is a healing stone, excellent also for it's grounding abilities. Moonstone has a gentle protective energy, also well known for attracting love. Aragonite brings an urge to find truth in reality, as well as increasing energy in your self-worth as you seek to find the truth in yourself, and red agate is known for its healing ability and for bringing calmness and peace to the wearer. All of these stones work together to bring you to a more complete and fruitful place, a place where you can harvest your best abilities and reap the benefits of good physical and mental health.<br /><h1><span style="font-size:100%;">2. Summer's End Knitted Drawstring Pouch by <a href="http://http://www.etsy.com/shop/Greenfingers"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Green Fingers</span></a></span></h1> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ASugygPmsHoZFGef7kcH-c9q1PAmVYEqqr8X3K8ICPOPaxLDeKrKUG3G70xs3VESmVvIyPdHkX4ohW3ECGMHw1qCeWamf-00sfHiB7UVvW07KmFIdWG_VDx2qoRylo2xGsT7B-IdJPVV/s1600/Greenfingers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ASugygPmsHoZFGef7kcH-c9q1PAmVYEqqr8X3K8ICPOPaxLDeKrKUG3G70xs3VESmVvIyPdHkX4ohW3ECGMHw1qCeWamf-00sfHiB7UVvW07KmFIdWG_VDx2qoRylo2xGsT7B-IdJPVV/s400/Greenfingers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659290157445988386" border="0" /></a><br />I designed this pouch for the PaganTeam's "Summer's End" design challenge. It reflects the colors of trees and changing leaves.<br /><br />It's the perfect size to hold a crystal sphere, or to protect small items like jewelry when traveling. The leaf motif is knitted from superwash wool, and the body of the pouch is a cotton bamboo blend. The entire pouch is machine washable in cold water, but should be dried flat. <br /><h1><span style="font-size:100%;">3. ACEO Quilted, Embellished Textile Art by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Cobaltquilter">Cobaltquilter</a></span><br /></h1><h1><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NLC7O8ch3HQCjInACUpUOUQPAnFxmr4aTJ6k12I9rglTCMwEAvPlk0rMqbKDyaZXshUBrtrJKUBLvrtV31IIeX3jUs4ycYtB0V9iM8gK96kp7KKR1URsR7cbwr3CcdbsLSf1f9SqxDeh/s1600/In+the+light+of+the+new+.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NLC7O8ch3HQCjInACUpUOUQPAnFxmr4aTJ6k12I9rglTCMwEAvPlk0rMqbKDyaZXshUBrtrJKUBLvrtV31IIeX3jUs4ycYtB0V9iM8gK96kp7KKR1URsR7cbwr3CcdbsLSf1f9SqxDeh/s400/In+the+light+of+the+new+.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659290964097782962" border="0" /></a></span></span></h1> This ACEO is one in a series of quilted and embellished trading card sized textile art.<br /><br />This listing is for the one seen in the first photo titled 'In the light of the new moon.'<br /><br />This is my entry in the Paganteam Summer's end challenge, winter is a dark time of the year for me, much like a new moon I must maintain my awareness of the coming light!<br /><br />There are 9 ACEOs in this Gray and Black series.<br /><br />I have doodled with my sewing machine in black on a gray fabric, this was a practice/warm up piece. I then cut the piece into 2.5 X 3.5 inch trading card sized pieces of art. I have embellished with beads and charms. The edges are a knotted selection of yarns I picked up at the local thrift store!<br /><br />Each small quilt is then glued to a piece of heavy weight watercolor paper. Each one is titled, signed and dated with the year.Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-35599623062291992312011-07-13T07:00:00.000-07:002011-07-13T08:04:23.460-07:00Healing Intent Challenge winner BluuLotus Designs shares about herself and her creative process!Hi, My name is Michelle Molesch (BluuLotusDesigns on Etsy) and this is my story :<br /><br /> I knew I was an artist the moment I could use my hands to create, draw, paint, mold and touch. So from the very first drawing I made I knew this is what I wanted to do as a profession when I would grow up to an adult. Although the process of following my dream from childhood to young adult would prove itself difficult, I had to fight for my dream and become stubborn and unwilling to mold myself into something I was not. My parents have well intentions but knew going into the Art field would be hard to make a living off of so they tried to nudge me towards doing something I did not love 100% with my heart. So, with that all said I nonetheless kept pursuing my prefer'd dream in attempt to show them that not giving up something can prove to pay off in the end.<br /><br /> After a year's hiatus after High School was over It was time for me to go to college. I have always wanted to attend an Art School to improve my skills and become a master of the Art. Unfortunately the University's in this country are very expensive and would end up spending most of your life to pay off tuition. So, upon my father's suggestion I went into a community college in North East Ohio (also my birth place) because there I had relatives and family that I could reside with until I found roommates, a part time job and a place to stay. I did so and attended Lakeland Community College for about 4 years taking every available Art Class they had. From this I learned Pottery for the first time taking to the wheel was natural, refreshing and calming to the soul; I learned metal smiting and jewelry design, finding this art form to be one of the most intensive and endearing. I was disappointed with the painting classes and teachers, I REALLY wanted to go into oils and learn the like masters, but alas they were not up to par. I also took photography classes and learned how to use the dark room and the process of creating your pictures yourself was very fun and rewarding.<br /><br /> I also met some of my most important friends and spiritual teacher's that would open me up and show me my path as not only an artist but as a shaman, pagan, medium and green witch. Through these friends I learned deep within my soul I had more gifts than I realized and I am still finding out the extent of where my gifts can take me into this world. I am really grateful for them and what they have taught me about my mind, body and spirit. Given this I changed my outlook on the universe with whole new meaning, it was like a breath of fresh air...a breeze taking me and stretching my imagination as far as I could reach it. But also I needed to keep myself grounded and make sure I do not stray off my given path which indeed I would do so once I had returned to Florida. I did not have a real stable spiritual group in Florida like I did in Ohio so staying on my life path was proving to be more and more difficult with every twist and turn.<br /><br /> Actually I did not get a chance to finish Lakeland and I had to leave not out of my own free will and I was very sad and devastated to leave behind such wonderful friends and community. It hit me so hard I became depressed and sunk into a dark period of my life using the internet, games and of course my art to escape from a reality I did not want to acknowledge. Feel like a bird trapped in it's cage I yearned for escape to spread these wings to fly into the world. I would meet new friend's and people who would encourage me not to give up what I had started. This in turn slowly made me stronger, but I still felt something was missing in my life ..and that was LOVE. I did go through some important life changing relationships that really taught me more about myself and my body.<br /><br /> One fateful day I was bored so I decided to go on a old RPG game online just to make the time go by faster. So, upon playing I found my old guild I was part of and they instantly took me under their wings again. I know this sounds nerdy and corny but I needed to level up my wizard so I was being helped out by a Monk.. and this character was being played by my future boyfriend! Who knew that I'd find love on a silly little game online! We instantly became friends for about a year and kept in touch through MSN messenger and then SKYPE. Talking very frequently to each other and steady gaming partners. Turns out he is only 1 year and 1 day older than me. He is from Vienna, Austria and a pieces to boot like me!<br /><br /> After a year went by I became somehow busy and disconnected from the internet for almost a month in 2009. Once back online, I was afraid my long distance friend would of abandoned me by now...but, this was not the case! Once I got back online he was there waiting for me! Asking me he was worried something happened to me and had missed me dearly. So, from there on out we decided to make the move and meet each other in person. Of course I could not afford to go visit him but instead he would come and see me. After about 8-9 month's waiting we met for the first time in person and I was full of butterflies and anticipation that made me seem like I was floating on Cloud 9!! Everything had worked out great and we immediately made plans to move in with him in Austria! But once again this would prove to be a little more difficult than I thought!<br /><br /> Now this was only because my family's history of unorganized and last minute planning. But other wise we were also bombarded with help for money from both of my younger and older brother's. So the adventure of getting myself from point A in Florida to point B in Vienna, Austria would be a interesting one. I managed to go twice for 3 month periods in 2010. Finally when I had to return back to the states I was could not fathom being apart from my boyfriend. But, was determined not to return until I had completed all the unnecessary paper work to go back into the country. It took almost a whole year but we finally have completed all the steps in order for me to get my student residency permit. The task of moving to Austria was a very tough one! But now with the paper work out of the way I could finally once again spread my wings to the world!<br /><br /> in less than 2 weeks I will be finally flying over to Vienna, Austria and will start (with the luck from the goddess) attending @ the university of the arts in October 2011!!!!! This process has taken over 10 years in the making for me to make my dreams into a reality! Not only will I get to go to a Art School like I've always wanted, but I will be doing it with the man I love in a country I love in Europe! I feel great to finally be able to safely transition into the world. I proved to my family and relatives that not giving up sure does pay off in the end!!!! Now the final task at hand is to choose ONE thing to master in. Which I am still contemplating. It's between Fashion Design, Painting, Jewelry Design, Pottery and Photography!!<br /><br /> So.. now let me tell you a little bit about my creative process.. for me it really depends on what medium of art I am doing at the moment. But in general I find inspiration everywhere I look! If it be in a book, online or someone walking by on the street.. but my main inspiration comes from Nature. I love the earth and all of the wonderful things she has to offer us..and I find that the most inspirational. Once I have chosen my points of inspiration I write or draw them out in my sketch books and go from there!!! I try to make myself sketch more often, that's one of the things I flunked in college..was not being able to sketch out my idea's before executing them! I was sort of the last minute artist.. I hated the idea of sketching them out because I found the image in my head to be already more detailed than what I could fit or have time to do on paper. So in the end I was afraid if I sketched it out it would ruin the concept I had in my head all along! If that makes sense! <br /><br /> Recently I have been creating what I could either afford or could find readily available supplies or materials for! But I sort of go back and forth between painting with acrylics making paintings inspired by Monet in the impressionistic style, or doing my current infatuation with Buddha faces! I also love to paint with watercolors making illustrations first in ink with heavy thick lines reminiscent of the Art Nouveau period inspired by Alphonse Mucha and his curvy women he painted. I also enjoy spending hours knitting away and sewing at the sewing machine. I am working on my own line of knit wear designs but it's a long and slow process! If I am not doing art I am working out, doing yoga, talking to friend's online, blogging, art watching or just chilling with my kitty on the couch (while knitting)! <br /><br />I hope that my story inspires others not to give up their dreams! because in the end only you can make it manifest for yourself! -namaste!!Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-49499246905487342752011-07-04T07:58:00.000-07:002011-07-10T13:09:22.052-07:00Healing Intent Challenge EntriesThe Team was challenged to create a work that reflects intent, how we connect and heal each other and our planet, as an aware family. I encouraged members of the Pagan Team to create with focused intent for those in need beyond our immediate reach. Reflect our ability to heal each other through creative expression. Events in the Universe affect us all, who we stand with to find and give solace defines who we are.<br /><br />The results are fantastic! Below you will find each entry with a description and a link to the item on Etsy. Please vote for your favorite, the poll will close Sunday July 10, come back to see the winner! There will be a follow up post featuring details about the winning artist!<br /><br />#1<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/73157399/fire-lotus-candle-skirt-pagan-team"> ArmoredHearts </a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEzgna1xPGgpU0hsPwDf7rPeRdvI9SwZ0Pp1ZwFxZmhpmFbC-yk_DJCvLyfAY3bpO5oRBl0TwVH3ZwvAzdshW5aofmBbLlbpTXlfe8Oh8cD8ULdZBJ4FhX1_OZvCaNODFiPhQeR1WdHJp/s1600/Armoredhearts.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEzgna1xPGgpU0hsPwDf7rPeRdvI9SwZ0Pp1ZwFxZmhpmFbC-yk_DJCvLyfAY3bpO5oRBl0TwVH3ZwvAzdshW5aofmBbLlbpTXlfe8Oh8cD8ULdZBJ4FhX1_OZvCaNODFiPhQeR1WdHJp/s320/Armoredhearts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625516359792670242" border="0" /></a><br />Fire Lotus Candle Skirt<br /><br />Spring is the season of fire; this Lotus flower shaped Candle skirt is like a ring of metallic fire around a single flame or consciousness. 3 colors of fire; red, orange and gold create this open blossom. Relaxed and calming; yet empowering.<br /><br />Decorate your home, altar or any personal space with serene style. This tea light candle skirt sets the tone of healing power and focus for the season and for all seasons to come.<br /><br />Hand woven stainless steel rings with red, orange and gold anodized aluminum scales in an open lotus flower. Measures approx. 3 1/2 inch in diameter.<br /><br />3 white, vanilla scented soy tea lights are included. Fits standard PLASTIC tea lights.<br /><br />Disclaimer: always set a candle on a heat proof dish or plate. This item will retain heat so have a care when blowing out the candle or changing the tea light. I am not responsible for accidental injury while using this product; in two words: BE CAREFUL!<br /><br />This Pattern was created by Mike Stevenson from Borealis Metalwork and distributed by my scale supplier The Ring Lord.<br /><br />I love working with scales and have great ideas for this design as well as working to find a similar pattering using large scales and pillar candles, stay turned!<br /><br /><br />************************************************************************************<br /><br />#2 <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69393109/mother-earth-beaded-turtle-necklace">NativeWorks</a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii48lSM2BpHBfh2ePvf5NOohxOZq77PhZwALTU3ZZ9jV3f6ZdhsQt-MyEkIVfwi8RvRnuNT-PcwE13aWM8u7UDKEfFn2ZxiH0Cgh7wBLxaQ9ecgTQEapbBOLpCTYM86h-pYme8S2GaqB9l/s1600/nativeworks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii48lSM2BpHBfh2ePvf5NOohxOZq77PhZwALTU3ZZ9jV3f6ZdhsQt-MyEkIVfwi8RvRnuNT-PcwE13aWM8u7UDKEfFn2ZxiH0Cgh7wBLxaQ9ecgTQEapbBOLpCTYM86h-pYme8S2GaqB9l/s320/nativeworks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625515856506475394" border="0" /></a>Mother Earth Beaded Turtle Necklace<br /><br />Why Turtles? 'intent and healing.'<br /><br />Native American lore teaches that Turtle is the first symbol for our great Mother Earth. It teaches that She belongs to both the Water and the Earth. It is Turtle that brought up mud from the bottom of the oceans to create the first land. Turtle represents the true essence of creativity. All life is created of the Earth and all life shall return. We must remember to respect and honor the gifts that Turtle gives to us everyday. Be mindful of the cycles of give and take. The Earth Mother gives us everything we need to sustain our lives and we must remember to give back to her. Do not abuse her.<br /><br />Turtle carries her home upon her back, it is her place of comfort and her place of protection. It is her shield against the outside world when she is feeling threatened. It allows her to return to the protective womb of the Earth until she feels it is safe to return to the outside world.<br /><br />Turtle is a fine teacher in the art of grounding. If you find your self feeling the negative energies of others, whether it be in the form of jealousy, envy, or hate then you need to connect to Turtle and the Earth Mother . Hear the rhythm of the earth and align yourself with Turtle Medicine. Learn to walk a balanced road and you will create a peaceful and abundant life. By doing so you will show others that their negative thoughts and actions do not affect you.<br /><br />I have been working on this new design over the last few weeks and happy to now have it available on my store. I created this little guy using No.11 seed beads in translucent Dark Jade, inside color Jade and Cream yellow, and light Green.<br /><br />All beads are hand stitched using a special technique I created to resemble loom beading. I designed the necklace part using the same beads as the turtle so that there is a perfect match. This is truly a unique and one of a kind piece.<br /><br />The necklace is 81/2" long and fits up to a 17" neck. It was designed to be worn as a choker style necklace.<br /><br /><br />*************************************************************************************<br />#3 <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71359722/serpentina-ophicius-yellow-turquoise">TheVillageShaman </a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38ISAOsqTU35ah193LiNDr3eEi_z1l9VoMzhwav9A4L5a5_wZLD1SS7KFWpkFRp5OLJhsoVO-dMMYpuQq5IoUjKGg4EtGTsxshLeblpKYvcLg8EM4UklWX907XqTnEQy0M-Pl9tC8mF8z/s1600/VillageShaman.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 193px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38ISAOsqTU35ah193LiNDr3eEi_z1l9VoMzhwav9A4L5a5_wZLD1SS7KFWpkFRp5OLJhsoVO-dMMYpuQq5IoUjKGg4EtGTsxshLeblpKYvcLg8EM4UklWX907XqTnEQy0M-Pl9tC8mF8z/s320/VillageShaman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625515323502373042" border="0" /></a>Serpentina Ophicius Yellow Turquoise Necklace<br /><br />This item is an interesting expression of mystery! I have had this anchor piece for a year, and couldn't quite think of the right thing to put it on, or in... or with! Today, I acquire some beautiful and unique yellow turquoise and 5 minutes later, I am compelled to dig up my brass "Serpentina"!<br /><br />Also recognized as the Minoan Snake Goddess, she's just over 19inches from knot to knot. This is a naturally multi-colored strand of hemp carrying a total of 100 rounds of yellow turquoise (4mm). The brass toggles accent the color of Serpentina perfectly and bring the whole piece together beautifully!<br /><br />There is a lot of mystery about Serpentina. I have heard that she is referred to and worshiped as the "White Goddess" and is the secret basis for the constellation of Ophicius (recently popularized in Western Zodiac debates and also attributed to the great Egyptian priest and healer, Imhotep). With two snakes, she is/was definitely a sign of healing/medicine, magic, sensual energy and wisdom.<br /><br />My focus on this peace was of the power of intent to heal. Turquoise is a stone long used as a healing agent and snake symbolism has its most ancient roots in medicine and magic. It is my intent that this very special piece bring positive energy to all who see, hear about, touch and wear it. She has been waiting for a long time and I look forward to finding her rightful place!<br /><br />For the best in health and peace,<br /><br />*********************************************************************************<br /><br />#4 <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/74987652/in-trance-series-the-sacred-spiral-dance">BluuLotusDesigns</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYonwvAkxnYMYx4_wfWrVej4sygwSxYQWbU7_aRgc6odLBON1DalqrE8AvrY37LFg-CWCxRBiLwJQ8UJTcjdIuyyMxht6aYBJQNxEqQtl8rJCCvKqJwG9O90ai-fZ8Pg3bHVIxtmM_zwy7/s1600/BluuLotusDesigns.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYonwvAkxnYMYx4_wfWrVej4sygwSxYQWbU7_aRgc6odLBON1DalqrE8AvrY37LFg-CWCxRBiLwJQ8UJTcjdIuyyMxht6aYBJQNxEqQtl8rJCCvKqJwG9O90ai-fZ8Pg3bHVIxtmM_zwy7/s320/BluuLotusDesigns.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625512738985231554" border="0" /></a><br />IN-Trance Series: The Sacred Spiral Dance 16 X 20 Canvas<br /><br />I tend to channel energy from the divine to induce a trance like state as I paint.<br /><br />I create the painting for free flow of energy and to eliminate the need to be constrictive thus allowing myself free-form of movement while being playful and joyous in nature. This is new to my usual way of painting which is controlling or trying to do something that is not me!<br /><br />I came to the realization while making my 2nd painting of that the energy emitted off the painting can be very healing.. now each painting I do I shower my love and joy into the painting so I share that energy with other people..as a healer and a shaman I find it necessary to radiate the vibrancy of a deeper subconscious level of attunement with the over soul in order to fully understand the meaning of love for oneself and others. Once the connection with the over soul is complete one may find the need to pass on this unconditional love to those around them.. even strangers. This is my idea for an ideal world where no boundaries exist and we all may live in peace and harmony with each other.<br />So each step we take to share our love with the higher self may as well be the key to unlocking the tragic state that the earth is in at this moment...lets all remember to be open and share the love and magic that we hold within our hearts and heal one another until no darkness may be left on this planet! -namaste<br /><br />************************************************************************************<br /><br />#5 <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71503759/blessing-salt-healing-blend">EJCreationsIntented</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsDMbSMNhZhusoaHW4J8Q7egude_4gd9bZTf2EiDri-t2-moomURbw5BkYQQJdmrqcn72Bvab12hIZKuRQ3CBFeUUc53ChnBB1E2_tchYL6TolmmoDjbfksUbB97irv5yCYhLcq4WSPQn/s1600/EJCreationsIntented.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsDMbSMNhZhusoaHW4J8Q7egude_4gd9bZTf2EiDri-t2-moomURbw5BkYQQJdmrqcn72Bvab12hIZKuRQ3CBFeUUc53ChnBB1E2_tchYL6TolmmoDjbfksUbB97irv5yCYhLcq4WSPQn/s320/EJCreationsIntented.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625513429154009970" border="0" /></a><br />Blessing Salt Healing Blend<br /><br />Blessing Salt Healing Blend Blessing Salt Healing Blend Blessing Salt Healing Blend<br />This listing is for one 3"x5" bag of Healing Blessing Salt.<br /><br />Our Blessing Salts are made for a variety of specific intentions. Healing Blend should be used whenever you are feeling ill. It can be placed in the corners of a room or sprinkle a little in your pillowcase for a little extra healing energy while you sleep. It can even be used in the bath, just be sure to place it in a tea bag or cover the drain so that the herbs do not clog it. It also makes a wonderful casting salt for healing rituals.<br /><br />Each batch of Blessing Salt is cleansed and charged with selenite before it is packaged. This is done to assure that it is energized and ready to be used when you need it.<br /><br />These salts are handmade just for you in the heart of Houston, TX!<br /><br />************************************************************************************<br /><br />#6 <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/13031947/goddess-spiral-and-glass-series-bracelet">Eldwenne</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowqCvXlZTCXc9tJaSmKFeU4UjCl-uRZnx4-vsvJ2J6yZOZvCC_OIBV_71zJWfVHDGLxx-LdNyJt_-uhYQGI-6SS1PS0IgwBvqK_n4L-iDIVG3kuFeK36gfJZ2jxUOWlCbtMGVkzX_2pWM/s1600/Eldwenne.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowqCvXlZTCXc9tJaSmKFeU4UjCl-uRZnx4-vsvJ2J6yZOZvCC_OIBV_71zJWfVHDGLxx-LdNyJt_-uhYQGI-6SS1PS0IgwBvqK_n4L-iDIVG3kuFeK36gfJZ2jxUOWlCbtMGVkzX_2pWM/s320/Eldwenne.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625513922745662674" border="0" /></a><br />Goddess Spiral and Glass Series Bracelet 1<br /><br />The Goddess Spiral has inspired me so. In lieu of leaning to the cliche and including the goddess figure, I've taken the symbol of the spiral and captured through the glass beads what the Goddess personifies.<br /><br />This bracelet contains the Goddess spiral and combines it with beautiful orbs of glass beads with gold painted accents, embellished with copper colored seed beads. Beautiful wine colored glass beads dangle from either end.<br /><br />Goddess jewelry is empowerment. Serenity. Peaceful strength, surrounded by nurturing warmth.<br /><br />This bracelet was designed with the goddess' spiral symbol, to invoke strength and enlightenment.<br /><br />All of Eldwenne's Fantasy's jewelry is cleansed with sage during the creative process, as well as immediately prior to shipping.<br /><br />*************************************************************************************<br /><br />#7 <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71420718/mitakuye-oyasin-everything-is-connected">HowlingCaterpillars </a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJ3ktJz2vb1yY-4Dpg2sKRJLq7mWqTwwF6_d67grHkmukqyT_zqu1-OL9crlFXZqd_mUm8xg_k6eWGDlSqFS4uN_XOfBA6FeKlyp2yEFGi8LwYXPnnBBV2B0UrvWdrTi-YsNCjXr2yhJY/s1600/Brenda+1+of+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJ3ktJz2vb1yY-4Dpg2sKRJLq7mWqTwwF6_d67grHkmukqyT_zqu1-OL9crlFXZqd_mUm8xg_k6eWGDlSqFS4uN_XOfBA6FeKlyp2yEFGi8LwYXPnnBBV2B0UrvWdrTi-YsNCjXr2yhJY/s320/Brenda+1+of+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625514688512049154" border="0" /></a><br />Mitakuye Oyasin (Everything is Connected) All Natural Bracelet<br /><br />This Brand New Item is a Bracelet that was inspired by the Pagan Team Spring Challenge put forward by CobaltQuilter.<br /><br />It contains all of the Metaphysical Elements in Combination: Earth, Air, Fire and Water, with the fifth Element of Spirit, my creativity, also going into it.<br /><br />It is 8 and a Half Inches Long from Lobster Claw Clasp to Jump Ring. The bracelet is strung on 7 Strand, .022 Diameter Nylon Coated Miniature Wire Cable. The clasp components are gold plated.<br /><br />The all Natural Beads are Buri Nuts, Cowry Shells, Lava Rock, and elongated Bicone Wood Beads.<br /><br />The very prettily splotched Cream and Brown Round Beads are Buri Seeds. Buri gives one a Connection to Higher Understanding. They give Clarity, and a sense of Calm, allowing one to think and feel clearly, and to be in touch with one's Spirit.<br />The Buri Tree is the most common Palm tree in the Philippines, and has a variety of uses, from the Buds as Vegetables to the Stalk used for creating a common Alcoholic Beverage imbibed by locals called Tuba. The Fibre from the Tree is also used in the creating of Hats and Fans and Rope too! The Leaves are turned into Raffia. The Buds are used in Salads. The Seeds are used for Rosary Beads and Buttons. Immature Leaves can be used for Sails and Baskets.<br />The Seeds are actually Nuts that are hand shaped. They’re Lightweight, and have a Smooth Finish. They take dye easily making them very versatile to work with.<br />Buri Nuts' Elements are Earth, and Air. Earth, because the Tree's roots are deep in the Earth. Air, because it gives us back oxygen for us to breathe.<br /><br />Lava Rock is the Physical Embodiment of Fire. Lava Rock can be used to develop a relationship with the Fire Elementals, bringing about quick action towards long-sought after goals. The Energy of Fire is Direct, Powerful, Passionate, and Headstrong. It can be very useful for those who are Indecisive, or Timid. Lava Rock can also help one develop stronger ties with the Earth, because it was once of one Elemental form, and has been transformed to another. It can also be beneficial for Fire Signs who feel they are too quick to jump into action or fly off the handle, by balancing them with the blending of Earth's Grounding Energies.<br />The Correct Name for Lava Rock is Scoria. Scoria is a Dark-Coloured, Vesicular(Like a Blister or with Bubbles), Extrusive(Flowing Out, not being thrown out) Igneous Rock. The Blisters are a result of trapped gas within the Lava at the time of cooling. It often forms as a frothy crust on the top of a Pyroclastic Flow.<br />Scoria's Elements are Fire and Earth. It starts are molten rock which is Fire, then changes into Rock which is Earth.<br /><br />The Cowry Shell is a Symbol of Good Luck and Material Wealth. It is a Gift from a Goddess, so it always bears her Blessings. If you look closely, the Bottom Side of a Cowry Shell resembles the Female Sexual Parts. The Top Side is shaped like the Abdomen of a very Pregnant Woman. The natural design of the Cowry is one main reason why this Shell has maintained so much popularity throughout the years. Spiritually, according to African legend, if you are attracted to Cowry Shells, you could be kin to an Ocean Spirit of Wealth. It also represents Goddess Protection, which is very Powerful and connected with the Strength of the Ocean. Throughout Africa, and the Americas, the Cowry symbolized the power of Destiny and Prosperity. Cowry was also thought of as the "Money of Ifa", who was a Scribe and allowed messages between Heaven and Earth in the Yoruba culture of Western Africa. Shades of Tekhuti!<br />Cowry's Element is Water, naturally.<br /><br />The Carved Wood Beads are from a sustainable source from Korea, or the Philippines. They are an Elongated Bicone shape with Tribal looking Carvings of Lines and Dots.<br />Trees have the Elements of Earth, where their roots hold them, and Air, which they produce to help us live.<br /><br />This bracelet is not only Tribal looking but it's a good choice for the eco minded. After doing all my research, I discovered that all of the things I used to make the necklace were sustainable and eco friendly Yay me!<br /><br />Please check out this listing for the matching necklace:<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71413695/mitakuye-oyasin-all-are-related-all">http://www.etsy.com/listing/71413695/mitakuye-oyasin-all-are-related-all</a>Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-64679529182131682172011-04-01T23:08:00.000-07:002011-04-01T23:16:28.183-07:00Spring Challenge — Healing IntentI challenge you to create a work that reflects intent, how we connect and heal each other and our planet, as an aware family. I encourage you to create with focused intent for those in need beyond our immediate reach. Reflect our ability to heal each other through creative expression.<br /><br />I am searching for my role in the relief effort currently focused on the recent devastation of Japan. How do I become an active participant in the well being of those around me that exists under my radar in my own backyard, living in hunger and desolation.<br /><br />Events in the Universe affect us all, who we stand with to find and give solace defines who we are. I am grateful to be a member of this grand Circle we call a Team.<br /><br />Details:<br />Please post a link to your entry once listed on Etsy for us all to see. Don't worry if your item sells you can still be in the challenge, win the poll and have a blog post just about you. If your challenge entry has another destination than Etsy, please post a link where we can see your work, your blog, flicker, etc. I know sometimes when we are creating the piece may tell us who it belongs to before it is finished.<br /><br />Include a statement in your description connecting your creation to the challenge theme, 'intent and healing.'<br /><br />Looking forward to seeing peoples creations.<br /><br />Ideas to run though your head...<br /><br />The ring of fire, and other natural expressions of our earth's power<br /><br />Survival strategies — physical, — emotional, -communal<br /><br />Equinox- balance between the light and dark<br /><br />Spring is the season of Fire, starting when the Sun (fire) enters into the sign Aries- which is a fire sign and the first sign of the zodiac.<br /><br />The season of spring encompasses Aries, Taurus (earth) and Gemini (air)<br />Aries is ruled by Mars, Taurus by Venus and Gemini by Mercury.<br /><br />Mars is ambitious and inventive, Venus is joy and love, and Mercury communication and intellect.<br /><br />Due July 1st for Blog poll listing.<br /><br />Any other ideas? Questions? Feel free to discuss your creative process through this challenge here, on <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://paganteam.wall.fm/forum/topic/301">this leaf</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >(must be logged in to view and post)</span>Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-19362037665105865872011-01-23T07:59:00.000-08:002011-01-23T08:04:37.105-08:00"Here We Are" Challenge Winner is FaerieNotions!Congratulations! Tell us a bit about yourself FaerieNotions:<br /><br />I have been making jewelry for about six years. Beading and working with gemstones brings me a joy I can't describe. I have a huge need to create and share those creations with others. I am a mom of three, two of which are on the autism spectrum. Beading gives me that sense of escape, that break I need, just for me, to help me to get on with my day. There's something peaceful and comforting about stones. They speak to me in a way I cannot convey. I hope that I pass on that sense of peace in everything I create. I aim to make jewelry that is not only pleasing to look at, but also full of positive energy.<br /><br />Please visit my blog, where I tend to ramble on about thoughtful things:<br /><a href="http://tryingonmymasks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">tryingonmymasks.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js"></script><script type="text/javascript">new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(11103946, 'shop','thumbnail',4,4).renderIframe();</script>Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-1663741469652606812011-01-02T07:26:00.000-08:002011-04-01T23:06:33.104-07:00"Here We Are" Challenge!The Pagan Teams newest Challenge!<br /><br />As our team worked through the growing pains of settling into our forum at The Tree House and Etsy's new 'team' section we were challenged to create a piece that will show the world that "We are here!"<br /><br />What will let the world see who we are in relation to our chosen path and craft/art?<br /><br />The following artist offer these amazing entries! Be sure to vote for your favorite in the poll! Voting open until January 10th!<br /><br />Click on images to open a full picture in another window! Enjoy!<br /><br />****************************************************************************<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /># 1 - Wolf Spirit Necklace - Copper Turquoise Chrysocolla</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShadowsandSpirits?ref=top_trail">Shadow and Spirits</a></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.195869387.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 631px; height: 559px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.195869387.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The Wolf Spirit necklace was inspired by this awesome wolf tooth. I added turquoise nuggets and chrysocolla heishi beads to a 24" antiqued copper chain. The wolf tooth is 1 1/2" long and 3/8" wide. I can shorten the chain if you wish. Convo me if you want it shortened.<br />No wolves were harmed aquiring this tooth. They are taken from the wild from wolves who have died naturally. This tooth has been bleached to whiten it.<br /><br />Wolves are highly misunderstood animals, who have gained the reputation of being cold blooded. In reality wolves are friendly and social creatures. Aggression is something they avoid, preferring rather to growl or create a posture to show dominance. Living in close knit packs provide wolves with a strong sense of family, but they are still able to maintain their individuality. Wolves represent the spirit of freedom, but they realize that having individual freedom requires having responsibilities. Wolf is a teacher and pathfinder, and can show you how to balance the responsibility of family needs and not to lose one's personal identity. Wolf teaches us to develop strength and confidence in our decisions. He shows we will learn to trust our insights once we learn how to value our inner voice.<br /><br />*******************************************************************************<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />#2- Gemstone Necklace 21 inches - Moonstone Aventurine - Ways of Old</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">from</span> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FaerieNotions?ref=top_trail"><span style="font-weight: bold;">FaerieNotions</span></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.197766263.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 632px; height: 632px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.197766263.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />A sterling silver pentacle hangs from soothing aventurine, calming the soul in deep dark hues of green. It is believed by many that stones have metaphysical properties. Iridescent moonstone attracts the eye, offering up protection. This necklace makes a bold statement, measuring at 21", a great length for higher necked shirts. The pentacle is a star, 5 points symbolizing earth, water, fire, air and spirit, joined in a circle. It measures an eye-catching 1" in diameter.<br /><br />I take pride in offering stones that are natural. There are no dyed or synthetic beads used in my items. That gives each piece a genuine energy that will lift and heal your spirits.<br /><br />*********************************************************************************************<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />#3- Tree of Life Pouch</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Greenfingers?ref=top_trail">GreenFingers</a></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.203161046.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 550px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.203161046.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Whenever I ponder the earth around me, and my place in it, I find myself drawn to the symbolism of trees. Trees are simultaneously rooted and expansive, a condition that I strive for in my life. So I designed a cable pattern that captures the energy of trees, the combination of what we draw in to ourselves and what we release in to the world, and how that exchange of energy is what makes us who we are. But as so often happens,what I got from the design process was more than I expected. My symbolic tree is reminiscent of an hour glass, indicating the passage of time, and the way we flow through it. And the final surprise for me was the way the linear ribs enclose the swirling cables. How fitting for someone who sees life as a spiral, but must operate in a world that often sees life as a straight line.<br /><br />Pouch is knitted in Plymouth Yarns 100% Superwash Wool. Wash in the machine on gentle, and lay flat to dry. The color is a delicious celery green, much richer than in the photo. The pouch would be perfect to hold most of the oversized tarot on the market. Buttons are vintage wood toggle buttons I found at a local antique store.<br /><br />***********************************************************************************************<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#4- Antler Runes from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/inkleing?ref=top_trail">inkleing</a></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.203644996.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 578px; height: 621px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.203644996.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I love Runes and hand woven things! Runes are my favorite divination tool due to the ancient and rustic feel. These Runes are the Elder Futhark hand burned into shed antler. Shed antlers are the ones I find while hiking in Northern New Mexico that the deer or elk drop every year. Meaning the deer and elk were not harmed to obtain the antler that I use. These were hand cut, burned and polished by me. The bag was hand woven on my little inkle loom then hand stitched together in shades of Gules (red) Or (yellow) Sable (black) Argent (white) and Azure (blue) The dimensions of the bag are 7 1/2” X 6” This listing is for the 24 runes and the bag. I also include a blank rune (wyrd) for those that use it and a little chart with the names for each rune. I alway ship priority mail for fast delivery.<br /><br />Ásatrú, means " belief in the gods " in Old Norse, the language of ancient Scandanavia.<br />Ásatrú is thousands of years old. It's beginnings are lost in prehistory, but as an organized system, it is older by far than Christianity. Strictly speaking, since Ásatrú is the religion which springs from the specific spiritual beliefs of the Northern Europeans, it is as old as this branch of the human race, which came into being 40,000 years ago.<br /><br /><br />********************************************************************************<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#5- Spell Bottle of Household Full Year Fortune Oil from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CauldronCraftMinis?ref=top_trail">CauladronCraft</a></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CauldronCraftMinis?ref=top_trail"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Minis</span></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.204755249.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 537px; height: 475px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.204755249.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />This is my Spell Bottle of Household Full Year Fortune Oil. Meant to bring prosperity, health, and loving relations to your family through herbal and symbolic energies, the oil is sealed within a heart shaped glass bottle. This contains approximately 10 fluid oz and is 5 ½” tall. The oil is an olive base with cold diffused botanicals. These include 3 Bay leaves for victory and protection, 2 cinnamon sticks for warmth, vanilla essential oil for wisdom, chamomile for calm, rose leaves for love and healing, apple oil for bounty and wealth, and yellow carnation for friendship and trust. Symbolic elements include gold and copper flecks and a penny for prosperity, rose quartz nugget for love, 13 moonstone spheres for the yearly moons, and a broom for cleansing. There are no synthetic ingredients in this oil, which can be used in washes, candle anointing, and many other ways. This oil was crafted on Dec. 20, 2010 to harness the combined energies of Winter Solstice, a Full Moon, and the Lunar Eclipse.Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-10387981661366485502010-08-21T12:24:00.000-07:002010-08-21T16:00:18.496-07:00~~Lions in Mythology~~WackWall Chat~~No matter what culture or country a lion god or goddess was found in they were certainly a force to be reckoned with…<br /><br />Lions have appeared in the Bible: Daniel in the Lion’s Den, Ezekiel saw a bunch of creatures with 4 faces, one of which was a lion, Samson killed a lion,John of Patmos saw a man with a face like a lion in Revelations…a couple of others involved thorns and pulling said thorns out of said lions paws…<br /><br />In the Bible Lions were power,strength,and boldness.<br /><br />The human race has had a long history with lions. Since prehistory,lion gods have been revered in history and mythology. They have been feared as monsters and or as hybrid creatures symbolizing the best and worst in animal and human kind.<br /><br />Lions can also be found in Alchemical texts. A green lion eating the sun means the beginning stages of the alchemical process. A red lion means you’ve done it! You’ve found the Philosopher’s stone.<br /><br />Leo the Lion in the Zodiac:<br /><br />The Lion has almost ALWAYS been associated with the sun since the beginnings of time. Five Millenia go the Sun’s passage through the sky at midday coincided with the midsummer solstice. He was therefore the constellation of High Summer,which is definitely the realm of the sun.<br /><br />Leo is an easy constellation to recognize. He looks like a laying down lion. He used to have a tail but some genius in 240 BC lopped it off to make a new constellation called Berenice’s hair…pfft. Leo is the 5th sign of the zodiac and he can be seen facing to the west with his sickle shaped mane of stars. His brightest star is Regulus. He’s best seen around midnight the last days of February and the first days of March.<br /><br />The Romans thought of Leo as the Nemean Lion slain by Herakles as one of his Labours.<br /><br />Here's a few Lion God/desses:<br /><br />From Bali is BARONG, a protective spirit. His dance is an important and sacred dance.<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Barong.jpg"></a><br /><br />From Egypt there's SAKHMET. Goddess of War and Vengeance. She was married to Ptah,the creator.Her name means "Powerful", and you didn't want to get on her bad side; because she forgot herself and started slaughtering both sides in a war with mankind.<br /><a href="http://www.thaliatook.com/AMGG/sekhmet.html"></a><br /><br />AKHER is one of the Oldest of the Egyptian Lion Gods. He guarded the Gates of Dawn through which the Bark of the Sun emerged each morning. He also opened the doors of the Underworld for the newly dead and was able to cure snakebites. He certainly had a lot of opening to do.<br /><a href="http://www.egyptianmyths.net/images/aker.jpg"></a><br /><br />ARENSNUPHIS: He’s from the Greco-Roman age of Egypt. He was portrayed as either a lion or a feather headed guy. He had a temple built for him in Philae during the reign of Ptolemy IV.<br /><a href="http://www.viajesasudan.com/images/arensnuphis001.jpg"></a><br /><br />DEDUN: He was Nubian and a god of Incense and Wealth. He was either a lion or a guy too.<br /><a href="http://www.touregypt.net/images/touregypt/dedwen3.jpg"></a><br /><br />MAHER:He was worshiped in the Nile Delta.He was fierce and aggressive like most of your other lion gods, but he was also a protector of the Innocent and a god of Healing. He had a temple in Bubastis.<br /><a href="http://www.thekeep.org/~kunoichi/kunoichi/themestream/maahes.jpg"></a><br /><br />MENHIT: Another chick lion Goddess. She was the wife of Khnum. Her name means “She who Slaughters”, so she must’ve been the life of a dull party. She rode at the head of the army killing off the enemy.<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SFEC_EGYPT_ESNA_2006-013.JPG"></a><br /><br />SHU and TEFNUT: a Sister and Brother duo pictured as being full lions or people with lion heads. She was Rain and he was the Sky.<br /><a href="http://www.egyptancient.net/images/shu.gif"></a><br /><a href="http://www.openerofways.com/images/essays/tefnut.jpg"></a><br /><br />PAKHET: the tearer. Another lovely young lady with a lion‘s head. She was worshiped in Middle Egypt and is rather unknown.<br /><a href="http://www.allegyptiangods.com/wp-content/uploads/Pakhet.jpg"></a><br /><br />BES: an Old Friend. I love this little guy. A dwarfish fellow sometimes depicted wearing a lionskin. He watched over infants, birth and the home. He was a god of Luck and Fortune.<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:IAM_3317T_-_Statue_of_Bes.jpg"></a><br /><br />From India:<br /><br />NARASINGHA: the man-lion, the Fourth incarnation of Vishnu.<br /><a href="http://www.sanatansociety.com/indian_art_galleries/harish_johari/hj_go_vishnu_narasingha01_painting.htm"></a><br /><br />YALI: this interesting creature had the body of a lion and the head of an elephant. Hmm.<br /><a href="http://www.indiamike.com/india/attachments/2368d1117443661-hampi-everything-you-want-to-know-yali-inside-vittala-temple.jpg"></a><br /><br />From Persia:<br /><br />IMDUGUD: He is the Sumerian version of the Native American Thunderbird, not the car. He brings the south wind, carrying the rains on on his back and his roar is the thunder. He’s depicted as a bird with a lion’s head.<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/2778973410_6db0e4ab03_o.jpg"></a><br /><br />MANTICORE: This lovely gent had the body of a lion, and the head of a man with many rows of sharp teeth, a scorpion’s tail and the voice of a flute…betcha he didn’t get out much.<br />Like the Sphinx, he’d give his prey riddles to solve before he ate them…<br /><a href="http://www.hp-lexicon.org/images/rs/manticore-rs.jpg"></a><br /><br />NINGURSU: A god of Fertility, Rain, and Irrigation. His hang out was Girsu and he was an Eagle with a lion’s head.<br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/12/Relief_Dudu_Louvre_AO2394.jpg/250px-Relief_Dudu_Louvre_AO2394.jpg"></a><br /><br />PAZUZU: A real baddie. King of the Evil Demon Winds…doesn’t sound like HE was much fun either, but he was inscribed on birthing amulets. He had the wings of an eagle, the tail of a scorpion and the claws of a lion.<br /><a href="http://www.archaeowiki.org/Pazuzu"></a><br /><br />Greco/Roman:<br /><br />CHNUBIS: this little known guy was a lion headed snake.<br /><a href="http://i82.servimg.com/u/f82/13/72/65/13/chnoub10.jpg"></a><br /><br />CHIMERA: A classic. The lovely beastie had the body of goat, a snake for a tail and the head of a lion. He was a fierce fire breathing creature…maybe he needed a breath mint?<br /><a href="http://a.parsons.edu/~liy462/core6blog/chimera.jpg"></a><br /><br />GRIFFIN: Another classic. He was a combination of Eagle and Lion parts. His claws were supposed to change in the presence of poison. He guarded treasure, the Tree of Life, knowledge and the path to Salvation.<br /><a href="http://www.eaudrey.com/myth/images/Griffin.gif"></a><br /><br />SPHINX: One of the best known of the lion/whatever Bunch. He had the body of a lion and the head of a man. Sometimes like in Greek Mythology it was a SHE sphinx and had the torso and head of a woman and the rest of the body of a lion. They guarded tombs, and symbolized power, riddles and wisdom.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHLcnisIZFE-7lHKumoGp-5qzaHr-WLI8Ow6lMeJz0oEGvRKB5xAGI2jgpBbXc_d8YGa5AYMFz-auVrllUieTGKCBtQIFARyCcei5BUnU8tkXCnp-hbN4i3botAQ_k70WlDJmX4FL9P26/s400/Sphinx-Boston.jpg"></a><br /><br />Some people think that DRAGONS have Lion’s claws, so let’s include one of those also…<br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c8/Ljubljana_dragon.JPG"></a><br /><br />In Indonesia,the Singa is a Dragon that appears as a lion to the mountain people of Sumatra.<br /><br />Some of my favourite lions are the Chinese Temple “Foo Dogs“. They are believed to have mythic powers that protect one's home or place of business. You can find them outside of Chinese restaurants most commonly. I have a set on my front steps. They’re usually pairs. The female has a puppy under her front paw while the male has a ball.<br /><br />In Chinese Mythology, the Lion came from Heaven where he was mischievous and created trouble. Jade Emperor got pissed, cut off his head and tossed both pieces to earth. Kwan Yin, Goddess of Mercy, felt sorry for Lion and tried to help. She sent an enchanted red ribbon to tie his head back on. Then she offered to send him back to heaven. She sent him off to a Buddha for some special grass: the only type of grass that would restore lion’s strength. The only catch was the Buddha didn’t wanna share any of his special grass with lion. But Lion was stubborn and determined to have some. He waited until the Buddha fell asleep,then ate his fill. But first,Lion performed a ritual.<br /><br />He bowed 3 times: once for the Earth, once for heaven and once for Mankind.<br /><br />Lion does that to get their blessings. When Lion was done eating, he laid down because that was strong grass and he too falls asleep. When lion wakes up, he had returned to his full strength, and his dream is fulfilled. Again he performs his ritual, and with his new found power he can return to heaven once again.<br /><br />So concludes tonight's sermon on Lions in mythology...thanks and good night.Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-27768074056251772582010-07-25T14:54:00.000-07:002010-07-25T15:32:26.422-07:00Cherokee CalendarA little background first:<br />The Cherokee Tribe was basically an southeastern group, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Georgia.<br />In the 19th century, white settlers in the United States called the Cherokees one of the "Five Civilized Tribes", because they had assimilated numerous cultural and technological practices of European-American settlers.<br /><br />According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the Cherokee Nation has more than 300,000 members, the largest of the 563 federally recognized Native American tribes in the United States.<br />On the Native American thread on Etsy, we're learning to speak Cherokee or at least write the words phonetically.<br />*that was just a side comment*<br />I've always loved Native American culture<br /><br />The Cherokee Moons Ceremonies were the ancient seasonal round of ceremonies practiced <br />during ancient times by the Ah-ni-yv-wi-ya or Cherokee People. <br />Although a modern calendar year comprises 12 months, there are actually 13 cycles or phases of the moon each year.<br /><br />The seasonal round of ceremonies was based on 13 moons, and was considered a necessary spiritual element for growth and encouraged social gatherings among the Cherokee Clans.<br />They believed the number 13 was significant. Not only did this number correspond to the lunar cycles of the year, but by a startling coincidence, all species of turtles living in the ancient homeland (in fact, all species turtles in the world) always <br />had 13 scales on the back of their shells. As a result, Cherokee culture associated the spaces on the back of the turtle with the 13 yearly phases of the moon. <br /><br />These phases have shifted over time and do not fall within the 12 month year calendar year, precisely every year...<br /> <br />Here's a quick overview of the months:<br /><br />JANUARY: Cold Moon Unolvtani<br />A mid-Winter or "Cold Moon Dance" is usually held in the community as well, marking the <br />passing or ending of one cycle of seasons and welcoming the beginning of the new cycle. <br />Hearth fires are put out and new ones made.<br /> <br />FEBRUARY: Bony Moon Kagali <br />Traditional time of personal-family feast for the ones who had departed this world.A family meal is prepared with place(s) set for the departed. This is also a time of <br />fasting and ritual observance.<br /> <br />MARCH: Windy Moon Anuyi <br />Traditional start of the new cycle of planting seasons or Moons.New town council fires are made. <br /><br />APRIL: Flower Moon Kawoni <br />First plants of the season come out at this time. New births are customary within this <br />time frame. The first new medicine and herb plants that taught mankind how to defend against sickness and conjury come out now. <br />A dance customary at this season was the "Knee Deep Dance" of the Spring or Water Frog. <br /><br />MAY: Planting Moon Anisguti <br />Families traditionally prepare the fields and sow them with the stored seeds from last <br />season. <br /><br />JUNE: Green Corn Moon Tihaluhiyi <br />First signs of the "corn in tassel", and the emerging of the various plants of the fields. People traditionally begin preparations for the upcoming festivals of the ensuing growing season. <br /><br />JULY: Ripe Corn Moon Guyegwoni <br />First foods or the new planting and the roasting ears of corn are ready. Towns begin the cycle festivals. A common reference of this moon is the "first roasting of ears" (of corn)...sweet corn-moon. <br /><br />AUGUST: Fruit Moon Galoni <br />Foods of the trees and bushes are gathered at this time. <br /><br />SEPTEMBER: Nut Moon Duliidsdi <br />All the fruits and nuts of the bushes and trees of the forest were gathered as this time. Hunting traditionally began in earnest at this time. <br /><br />OCTOBER: Harvest Moon Duninudi<br />The time of traditional "Harvest Festival" <br /><br />NOVEMBER: Trading Moon Nudadaequa <br />Traditionally a time of trading and barter among different towns and tribes for <br />manufactured goods, produce and goods from hunting. This was a time also when the needy among the towns were given whatever they needed to help them through the impending lean winter season. <br /><br />DECEMBER: Snow Moon Usgiyi <br />Families traditionally were busy putting up and storing goods for the next cycle of season.<br />Elders enjoyed teaching and retelling ancient stories of the people to the young. <br /><br />This next part is from my Llewellyn's date book...<br /><br />First Sweet Corn, then dent corn ripen for the harvest. As a staple food and sacred<br />material, corn attracts much attention throughout it's life cycle. <br />To the Choctaw, this is the Crane Moon, recognizing the big wading birds. The Sioux call <br />it the Moon of the Middle Summer. <br /><br />July brings a bunch of new foods, corn and tomatoes are ripening, along with squash and<br />cucumbers. Visit your local farmers' markets to enjoy the fresh seasonal produce.<br />Watch birds and other animals raising their young. But be careful and respect the sun's <br />power.<br />Rituals in July celebrate the staple crops. Rituals to honour the Sun, light, fire, and so forth are also appropriate. Magically tap into the power of the Sun to full spells for success and prosperity.<br />The Cherokee call corn Selu and it's one of their Goddesses...<br /><br />This represent the Corn Goddess and the Trail of Tears and not forgetting<br />http://www.etsy.com/listing/50183222/selu-ayatlidi-corn-necklace<br />So ends tonight's lecture....<br /><br />Kicking Bear is the one who's graciously teaching us Tsalagi (Cherokee)<br />Wado KB!Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-55795693025160486312010-07-25T14:29:00.000-07:002010-07-25T14:52:17.231-07:00Celtic Tree Month Chat-WackWallTo the Celts and many other people of the Old World, certain trees held special significance - as a fuel for heat, cooking, building materials and weaponry. In addition to this however, many woods also provided a powerful spiritual presence. <br />The specific trees varied between different cultures and geographic locations, but those believed to be "sacred" shared certain traits.<br />The Celts beleived that many trees where inhabited by spirits or had spirits of their own. <br />This idea most notably applied to any tree with a strong aura around it.<br />They also believed that certain trees had a healing influence on humans. <br />From this ancient respect for the power of trees came the expressions 'touch wood' and 'knock on wood'.<br /><br />Oak, ash, and thorn were called the faery triad of trees. Where they grow together,it is still said that faeries live.<br />The ancient Celts had a kinship with trees which is shown in the magical Ogham alphabet and in their tree calendar.<br />Further proof of their respect for trees is in the old Celtic word for oak (Duir); the word Derwydd or Duirwydd (oak-seer)was probably the origin of the word Druid.<br /><br />Some may feel that the moon names, Birch, Rowan, Ash, Alder, etc., are just alternative names for the secular months of our modern-day Gregorian calendar. <br />The Lunar Tree Calendar, as practiced by the Faerie Faith, is more than simply a system of alternative names for the 12-13 cycles of the moon that occur in a solar year of 364 days. <br /><br />Each of the 13 moons in the calendar is named after a tree. <br /><br />The calendar begins within a few days after the Winter Solstice,and always ends on the Winter Solstice, never going past that date.<br /><br />After this day, usually on December 21 or 22, the days will begin getting longer, and we enter a new solar cycle. <br />December 23 is not ruled by any tree for it is the traditional day of the proverbial "Year and a Day" in the earliest courts of law.<br />That's a bit of background...<br />Now onto the Month of Holly.<br />July 8 - August 4: Although the Oak ruled in the previous month, its counterpart, the Holly, takes over in July. <br />This evergreen plant reminds us all year long about the immortality of nature. <br /><br />The Holly moon was called Tinne, pronounced chihnn-uh, by the Celts, who knew the potent Holly was a symbol of masculine energy <br />The ancients used the wood of the Holly in the construction of weapons, but also in protective magic. <br />A beautiful white wood with an almost invisible grain, it looks very much like ivory. <br />Holly is associated with the death and rebirth symbolism of winter in both Pagan and Christian lore and is important to the Winter Solstice.<br /><br />Holly may be used in spells having to do with sleep or rest, and to ease the passage of death. <br /><br />A bag of leaves and berries carried by a man is said to increase his ability to attract women. <br />As a symbol of good luck and good fortune, the Holly was the evergreen twin of the Oak in Celtic mythology and was often referred to by the name "Kerm-Oak." <br /><br />As the Oak ruled the light part of the year, thus did the Holly rule the dark. <br />The Holly was particularly sacred to the Druids who instructed folk to take it into their homes during Winter in order to provide shelter for the Elves and Faeries during cold weather.<br /><br />By tradition, a Holly branch should never be cut from the tree but instead, must be pulled off.<br /> <br />It is considered unlucky to cut or burn Holly, but it is thought to be lucky to hang a small branch remaining from the Yule celebrations outside the house. This is said to protect against lightning and ensure good fortune. <br /><br />To the Druids, the Holly was regarded as a strong and protective herb, guarding against evil spirits, short-tempered Elementals, poisons, thunder and lightning.<br /> <br />According to lore, if a young girl gathered nine leaves from the "she-holly" at midnight on a Friday and then tied them into a a three-cornered handkerchief using nine knots, she might dream of her future husband by placing the handkerchief beneath her pillow.<br /><br />A variation of this spell dictated that the leaves had to be collected in silence and bound in a white cloth...again using nine knots. This, when placed under the pillow, was said to make dreams come true. <br /><br />It was once thought that if the smooth leaves of the "she-holly" were brought into the house first during Yule, then the wife would rule the house. If it was He-Holly, the opposite held true.<br /><br />Only the female tree produces berries which, although lovely to look at, are poisonous. <br />Its white, star-shaped flowers bloom in the Spring and it bears shiny red berries in Autumn which last throughout the Winter. <br />The Holly represented immortality and was one of the Nine Sacred Woods used in Need-Fires (the others being Oak, Pine, Hazel, Juniper, Cedar, Poplar, Apple and Ash).<br /><br />In ancient Irish lore, it was also listed as one of the Noble Trees of the Grove (along with Birch, Alder, Willow, Oak, Hazel and Apple).<br /><br />Hang a sprig of Holly in your house to ensure good luck and safety to your family. <br /><br />Wear as a charm, or make Holly Water by soaking leaves overnight in spring water under a full moon -- then use the water as a blessing to sprinkle on people or around the house for protection and cleansing. <br /><br />This last bit is from my Llewellyn's Witches' Date Book for 2010.<br />"You have built up strength during the Oak Month, and now you may test your steel and valour. <br />Holly corresponds with the Ogham letter "tinne" speaking of the strength gained by a challenge.<br />Holly was hardened in flames and used as spears-it was said that when heated, Holly would become as strong as iron.<br />If you wish to grow stronger from everyday challenges and overcome them, enlist the help of the Holly spirit.<br />As you gaze into the candle's flame, feel it filling you. It blesses you with the ability to face any challenge in your path with insight and strength.<br />You can overcome anything, and you'll come away stronger than before.<br />Gather a few Holly leaves (or another symbol of holly) and a green candle. Carve the "tinne"/holly Ogham symbol on the candle and light it, saying,<br />"I salute the blessed holly tree, In justice's name I do decree,<br />As every challenge comes my way, The flame will temper my swordplay."<br /><br />This was written by Mickie Mueller, who's an artist and has also illustrated a couple of decks.Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-44799832122918384642010-07-25T14:26:00.000-07:002010-07-25T14:29:03.001-07:00Celtic Chat from NingMost of what we know about Celtic life comes from Ireland—the largest and most extensive of the Celtic populations, the Gauls in central and western Europe, we only know about through Roman sources—and these sources are decidedly unfriendly to the Gauls.<br /><br />We know that the early Celtic societies were organized around warfare—this structure would commonly characterize cultures in the process of migration: the Celts, the Huns, and later the Germans. Although classical Greek and Roman writers considered the Celts to be violently insane, warfare was not an organized process of territorial conquest. Among the Celts, warfare seems to have mainly been a sport, focusing on raids and hunting. The stealing of another group's cattle was often the proving point of a group of young warriors; the greatest surviving Irish myth, the Táin Bó Cualingne, or "The Cattle Raid of Cooley," centers around one such mythically-enhanced cattle-raid.<br /><br />The Celtic method of warfare was to stand in front of the opposing army and scream and beat their spears and swords against their shields. They would then run headlong into the opposing army and screamed the entire way—this often had the effect of scaring the opposing soldiers who then broke into a run; fighting a fleeing army is relatively easy work. If the opposing army did not break ranks, the Celts would stop short of the army, return to their original position, and start the process over again.<br /><br />Celtic society was hierarchical and class-based. Tribes were led by kings but political organizations were remarkably plastic. According to both Roman and Irish sources, Celtic society was divided into three groups: a warrior aristocracy, an intellectual class that included druids, poets, and jurists, and everyone else. <br /><br />One's ethnic identity was largely derived from the larger tribal group, called the tuath ("too-awth") in Irish (meaning "people") but ultimately based on the smallest kinship organizational unit, the clan, called the cenedl (ke-na-dl), or "kindred," in Irish. The clan provided identity and protection—disputes between individuals were always disputes between clans. Since it was the duty of the clan to protect individuals, crimes against an individual would be prosecuted against an entire clan. One of the prominent institutions among the Celts was the blood-feud in which murder or insults against an individual would require the entire clan to violently exact retribution. <br /><br />The position of women was fairly high in Celtic society. In the earliest periods, women participated both in warfare and in kingship. While the later Celts would adopt a strict patriarchal model, they still have a memory of women leaders and warriors.<br /><br />Celtic economy was probably based on the economic principle of most tribal economies: reciprocity. In a reciprocal economy, goods and other services are not exchanged for other goods, but they are given by individuals to individuals based on mutual kinship relationships and obligations. (A family economy is typical of a reciprocal economy—parents and children give each other material goods and services not in trade but because they are part of a family). <br /><br />Celtic ritual life centered on a special class, called the druides or "druids" by the Romans, presumably from a Gaulish word. Although much has been written about druids and Celtic ritual practice, we know next to nothing about either. Here's what we can gather. As a special group, the druids performed many of the functions that we would consider "priestly" functions, including ritual and sacrifice, but they also included functions that we would place under "education" and "law." These rituals and practices were probably kept secret—a tradition common among early Indo-European peoples—which helps to explain why the classical world knows nothing about them. The only thing that the classical sources attest is that the druids performed "barbaric" or "horrid" rituals at lakes and groves; there was a fair amount of consensus among the Greeks and Romans that these rituals involved human sacrifice. This may or may not be true; there is some evidence of human sacrifice among the Celts, but it does not seem to have been a prevalent practice. <br /><br />According to Julius Caesar, who gives the longest account of druids, the center of Celtic belief was the passing of souls from one body to another. From an archaeological perspective, it is clear that the Celts believed in an after-life, for material goods are buried with the dead. <br /><br />There were two major migrations of peoples from the Indo-Aryan region who were the original Celts. <br />The first group left their mark during the Hallstatt period( 8-6 century BC) of the Early Bronze Age. They were found from Ardennes in the West, to Vienna in the East, and Bohemia in the North. <br />Trade was spread into Iberia and the British Isles, most likely in the Celtic language.<br />Southern European people of Indo-Aryan origin who traveled West in search of the home of the sun. <br />Lowland Kelts-Danube River area -àSwitzerland, Ireland, Danube Valley Metals: gold, tin and bronze. Agricultural, herdsmen, tillers, burned dead rather than buried. Peacefully blended with the megalithic people and contributed to their religion, art and customs. Matriarchal<br /><br />The second group of the La Tene period, 450 BC- the 1st century AD) is what everyone thinks are the TRUE celts. <br />They started out in the Carpathians and the Balkans, trading with the Greeks for tin, amber, furs, and wool. Their elaborate burials show how widespread their trading actually was. They spread out into Iberia, Southern Germany, The Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, Italy and Asia Minor.<br />They made hill forts and towns and had elaborate rituals some of which included decapitation. They were also responsible for the lake dwellings at Glastonbury Tor (hill fort) and other places in Ireland.<br />They were a Military Aristocracy and loved fighting for the sake of it and hired out as mercenaries to the great armies of the day. Responsible for sack of Rome.-àconquered much of Europe and British Isles. <br /><br />They were Chivalrous, and brave, and courageous, but also greatly sensitive to music, poetry and philosophy. Buried their dead and held elaborate rites to the Sun god Lugh.<br /><br />They were described as tall, powerfully built with blue eyes, reddish-blonde hair; light skin and oval faces. Their colouring was more of a “reddish” kind than the ashy blonde of the Germanic/Anglo Saxon tribes and they had freckles. <br /><br />These Celts had a distinctive Class System as described above.<br /><br />The British did not appear in history until Julius Caesar crosses the English Channel from northern Gaul and began his failed conquest of Britain. The Romans returned in 43 AD and began a systematic conquest of the island until they reached the Pictish tribes in the Scottish highlands. Rome would abandon northern England, however, in 117 AD <br /><br />In the process of emigrating to the England, the Celts pushed the native populations north—these refugee tribal groups would become the cultural ancestors of the Picts, a mysterious culture that dominated Scotland until the Irish invasions. <br /><br />The Romans were beset by rebellions by some Celtic tribes and depredations by the northern Picts—throughout the fourth century, as the Roman empire was strained in every quarter, the Romans slowly lost control of Britain. The official break came in 446 when the Romans in response to a British plea for help against the Picts and the Scots, declared Britain independent. The Celts in the north and in Wales fiercely resisted Roman culture, and the Romans never even set foot in Ireland. On the whole, the Romans more greatly respected and tolerated Celtic institutions and religions in Britain, so there was considerably less assimilation than in Gaul(France). <br /><br />Britain fell prey to the same Germanic emigrations and invasions that spread across Gaul, Spain, and Italy. The Saxon emigration began in eastern England until they spread entirely across lowland England. The mountainous areas to the west (Wales) and the north (Scotland), however, remained Celtic, as did Ireland. By the end of the fifth century AD, only Wales, Scotland, and Ireland remained of the great Celtic tribal kingdoms that had dominated the face of Europe. <br /><br />The Irish also represent the last great migration of Celtic peoples. In the fourth and fifth centuries, the Irish crossed over into Scotland and systematically invaded that territory until they politically dominated the Picts who lived there. The settling of Scotland in the fifth century was the very last wave of Celtic migration. <br /><br />Much of what we call modern "paganism" which points to Celtic sources actually originates in eastern, mystery religions that had been imported into Celtic culture.<br />The ancient Celts revered nature and the elements, and worshipped the sun, moon, the stars and the Earth Mother, with a wide range of goddesses and gods. They celebrated their deities, ancestors, life, the natural world and its creatures, and the changing of the seasons through their music, poetry, story telling and art. Their poets and musicians, the Bards, and their wise holy men, the Druids, were very high up in the social hierarchy of the tribe, training for many years in their orally learnt crafts, as nothing was written down.<br /><br />Celtic culture had become restricted to the British Isles (Insular Celtic), and the Continental Celtic languages ceased to be widely used by the sixth century. "Celtic Europe" today refers to the lands surrounding the Irish Sea, as well as Cornwall and Brittany on either side of the English Channel. Galicia (NW Spain), Northern and Central Portugal (together with Galicia, part of ancient Gallacea) and Asturias (Northern Spain) are also clearly seen as Celtic lands, but without a surviving Celtic language. Some see the Basques as one of the original Celtic settlers.<br /><br />The Celts had an polytheistic religion and culture. Celtic shrines were situated in remote areas such as hilltops, groves, and lakes.<br />Celtic religious patterns were regionally variable; however, some patterns of deity forms, and ways of worshiping these deities, appear over a wide geographical and temporal range. The Celts worshipped both gods and goddesses. In general, the gods were deities of particular skills, such as the many-skilled Lugh and Dagda, and the goddesses were associated with natural features, particularly rivers (such as Boann, goddess of the River Boyne). This was not universal, however, as goddesses such as Brighid and The Morrígan were associated with both natural features (holy wells and the River Unius) and skills such as blacksmithing(Goivnhiu) and healing(Diancecht).<br /><br />A number of Celtic deities were seen as threefold. The Three Mothers was a group of goddesses worshiped by many Celtic tribes (with regional variations) that exhibited this trait, such as Ana, Babh and Macha who became the Morrigan.<br />The Celts had literally hundreds of deities, some unknown outside of a single family or tribe, while others were popular enough to have a following that crossed boundaries of language and culture. For instance, the Irish god Lugh, associated with storms, lightning, and culture, is seen in similar forms as Lugos in Gaul and Lleu in Wales. Similar patterns are also seen with the continental Celtic horse goddess Epona, and what may well be her Irish and Welsh counterparts, Macha and Rhiannon, respectively.<br /><br />Roman reports of the druids mention ceremonies being held in sacred groves. La Tène Celts built temples of varying size and shape, though they also maintained shrines at sacred trees and votive pools.<br /><br />This next part is part shows how the Celtic mythology absorbed the other cultures they came in contact with. <br />The coming of Partholan:<br />They supposedly came from the West, where the Irish fairyland was said to be. It was also called The Land of the Happy Dead. <br />The island was already inhabited by the Formorians, an evil, and misshapen race. Partholan fought the Formorians for the land and drove them out towards the northern seas. The Partholanians were wiped out by a plague.<br /><br />The Fomorians were said to have come from Africa or Asia because they were described as having dark skin and hair. They were also reputed to have great magical powers and lived underwater. Fomor in Gaelic is faoi-mhuir meaning “Beneath the Sea”.<br />According to the ancient accounts in the Lebor Gabala Erenn the tribes of the Nemedians, Fir-Bolg, and Tuatha Dé Danaan all spoke the same tongue and were supposed to be descended from the same family, the Fomorians were a completely separate race, with separate language and customs. Now we can see where they were going with this…the newcomers shoved the indigenous folks off to the side and considering them chattel or below themselves…<br /><br />Partholan and his bunch is said to have come from Greece by way of Sicily. Dealgnat, their 3 sons and 1000 followers sailed into Donegal bay on the north-west coast of <br />His wife cheated on him with one of her attendants and he killed her dog in revenge…AND allegedly he had killed his parents to inherit the kingdom, good reason to have left Sicily and he was sent a plague which took out him and his descendants in Eastern Ireland.9,000 of them in a week!<br /><br />Next up is the Nemedians:<br />Their fleet of ships sailed from Scythia on the shores of the Black sea, through the Bosporus and up the western coasts of Europe. Not all of Nemeds fleet survived the harsh journey with only one ship with 30 people on it actually reaching Ireland. Nemed fought the Fomorians again and the Fomorians were finally victorious, leaving only 30 Nemedians who fled the country. Some went to Scotland, some went to Greece and became slaves…200 years later, they came back and were called:<br /><br />Firbolgs( bag people):<br />They were named that because of the leather bags that they carried when they arrived back on their previous homeland. <br />Five sons got together at Tara and divvied the island up into 5 pieces. And things were going swimmingly until the Tuatha de Danaan showed up. The Firbolgs were defeated after a 4 day battle in which Nuada lost his hand. Because the Firbolgs put up such a great fight that they gave them one quarter of their island back. They got stuck with the Aran Island chain.<br /><br /> Tuatha de Danaan arrived finally.<br />These are the people that everyone thinks of when they think of Ireland and the Fae. Sometimes referred to as Gods, but weren’t immortals in the Irish legends. Druids thought they were deities of science. The common folk thought they were fertility spirits. <br />“Tuatha de Danaan” means Children(or People) of Danu, the Goddess of Wisdom and Fertility. <br />The Fomorians came back again and gave them trouble too! The Tuatha won the whole island finally. <br />Under their two greatest heroes, Lugh of the Long Arm and Nuada of the Silver Hand, they had a great period of prosperity until the Milesians came by.<br /> As they were a “magical” people they decided to go underground into another dimension of space and time the entrances to which are at many sites around Ireland; one of the most famous being Brugh na Boinne (Newgrange).<br />It was reputed that only iron weapons could injure them. They became like gods to the later Celtic people and were worshipped as such. They became known as the people of the Sidhe (mounds) and there are many Faery Mounds in existence in Ireland today.<br />It is said that the Tuatha came from the Danube River area of Europe. And that they were descendents of the Nemedians who came before them…<br /><br />They were said to have arrived on Ireland on May 1st which is STILL a Celtic holiday.<br />Another holiday named after a Tuatha is Lughnasadh for Lugh<br /><br />The Tuatha also brought 4 Treasures with them from their founding cities:<br /> LiaFail. the Stone of Destiny where the Kings of Ireland were crowned kept in Tara.<br />Sword of Lugh of the Long Arm No one ever escaped from it once it was drawn from its sheath, and no one could resist it.<br />Magic Spear of Nuada No battle was ever sustained against it, or against the man who held it.<br />Cauldron of the Dagda No company ever went away from it unsatisfied.<br /><br />Do THESE things sound familiar?<br /><br />The last invaders of Ireland were the Milesians who were said to have come from Spain, Scythia or the Mediterranean…<br />These are the people who still live there today. Milesian is a word meaning Son of Spain and that’s one of the place there were said to have come from. <br />These guys finally sent the Tuatha de Danaan to their hidey-holes forever. It was probably safer that way anyways…<br />They left it up to Manannan Mac Lir (son of the Sea God)who knew all sorts of enchantments to find them a place where they could be undisturbed. So he chose out the most beautiful of the hills and valleys of Ireland for them to settle in; and he put hidden walls about them, that no man could see through, but they themselves could see through them and pass through them.<br />And he made the Feast of Age for them, and what they drank at it was the ale of Goibniu the Smith, that kept whoever tasted it from age and from sickness and from death. And for food at the feast he gave them his own swine, that though they were killed and eaten one day, would be alive and fit for eating again the next day, and that would go on in that way for ever.Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-26564692399805076012010-06-10T08:00:00.000-07:002010-06-11T06:09:14.956-07:00We have a winner! Re-Challenge Winner is Artworksstudio!Thank you to all those who voted for their favorite!<br /><br />The challenge winner is<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Bach%20Cello%20Suite%20No.%201%20The%20Fairies%20of%20the%20Evening%20OOAK">Bach Cello Suite No. 1 The Fairies of the Evening OOAK <span style="font-weight: bold;">by Artworksstudio.</span></a></span><!-- these should be used for columns --> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCvZuxF9FiQrRtv1_rU4jOnwrmTmwkmU6QV3cLP0bMtjjWQZKANSztiOqTa3DwXMOCnreVEljYh9K1EOoHn86hXY1bb7nZT206VQYO0ujkxcQUT5K0zl1RCtmU1AOl9dwNXy9LI_s1nEk/s1600/artworksstudio+REChallenge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCvZuxF9FiQrRtv1_rU4jOnwrmTmwkmU6QV3cLP0bMtjjWQZKANSztiOqTa3DwXMOCnreVEljYh9K1EOoHn86hXY1bb7nZT206VQYO0ujkxcQUT5K0zl1RCtmU1AOl9dwNXy9LI_s1nEk/s400/artworksstudio+REChallenge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476715425898378626" border="0" /></a><br />I love the Bach Cello Suite No. 1. When I listen to it I can see this secret pool of water where the night fairies come out to bathe and play and relax among the water lilies.<br /><br />When I came across this 3/4 cello I knew this painting had to come to life. I have replaced the strings of the cello with gold colored beadalon and there are vintage Swarkovski crystals like drops of water gently gliding down the strings.</span><br />******************************************************************<br />artworksstudio- a one woman art studio where coloring outside the lines is encouraged is located in the "wilds" of Western Iowa. I've always been different- from as far back as I can remember. I tried to conform- really I did -but it didn't work. Then I tried going crazy and that was not at all what it is cracked up to be. So now I am an artist. Having been raised a middle child of a very large family I learned that hand-me-downs were just a way of life. Now we call it re-cycling. I discovered the thrift store in my teens and I've been a regular ever since. I love taking something old and remaking it into something new. I majored in fibers in college with an emphasis on weaving. I love to work with wool, mohair and angora. Right now I am really into felted wool and spend most evenings with my sewing machine.I also create beaded jewelry,collages with paper and other stuff and I sell vintage jewelry.Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-45189723552932235052010-05-29T08:00:00.000-07:002010-05-29T08:53:22.957-07:00ReChallenge Etries! Vote for your favorite!<span style="font-size:100%;">The following are the Pagan Team entries for our RE-Challenge! Be sure to visit our team ETSY shops to see more fantastic work by these and other team members! Vote for your favorite entry in our poll!<br /><br />1- <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/45349500/earth-day-journal">Earth day Journal by artworksstudio. </a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhi4vBlGqUgf_XntXaIUm8gLHk6AgRL1zkVAMKSggTZkcoFKUW4HW9BB1s4TcN8I_NYv2Ja4qMxOvMj2T210wlTuvmEQMClksJmL9UdCW1lnmCpwxyfMKWOc-xPBCPHUp-Fbt0HmX0tMv/s1600/artworksstudio+REChallenge1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 385px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhi4vBlGqUgf_XntXaIUm8gLHk6AgRL1zkVAMKSggTZkcoFKUW4HW9BB1s4TcN8I_NYv2Ja4qMxOvMj2T210wlTuvmEQMClksJmL9UdCW1lnmCpwxyfMKWOc-xPBCPHUp-Fbt0HmX0tMv/s400/artworksstudio+REChallenge1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476716493756336162" border="0" /></a><br />Today in honor of Earth I made this journal. Everything you see here was found in my studio as i was making it. I took a photo album I had purchased at the thrift store and took it apart. Then I went through my stash of papers and hand cut paper to fit the book. Some pages are half a wide as the regular pages so they can unfold. I was going to just throw away the photo pages but then thought- NO! i will incorporate them into the book. The cover was white fabric that was very dirty. I painted it black and then collaged some joss papers on the cover and images of spring and the Goddess. The entire book is hel d together by left over hemp from my son's obsessive hemp jewelry making phase. As I was looking through my stuff while making this journal I came across this quote - which is now in the bottom left hand corner of the front of the journal.<br /><br />"All thinking worthy of the name now must be ecological" Lewis Mumford. Happy Earth Day!<br /><br />2- <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Bach%20Cello%20Suite%20No.%201%20The%20Fairies%20of%20the%20Evening%20OOAK">Bach Cello Suite No. 1 The Fairies of the Evening OOAK <span style="font-weight: bold;">by Artworksstudio.</span></a></span><!-- these should be used for columns --> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCvZuxF9FiQrRtv1_rU4jOnwrmTmwkmU6QV3cLP0bMtjjWQZKANSztiOqTa3DwXMOCnreVEljYh9K1EOoHn86hXY1bb7nZT206VQYO0ujkxcQUT5K0zl1RCtmU1AOl9dwNXy9LI_s1nEk/s1600/artworksstudio+REChallenge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCvZuxF9FiQrRtv1_rU4jOnwrmTmwkmU6QV3cLP0bMtjjWQZKANSztiOqTa3DwXMOCnreVEljYh9K1EOoHn86hXY1bb7nZT206VQYO0ujkxcQUT5K0zl1RCtmU1AOl9dwNXy9LI_s1nEk/s400/artworksstudio+REChallenge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476715425898378626" border="0" /></a><br />I love the Bach Cello Suite No. 1. When I listen to it I can see this secret pool of water where the night faries come out to bathe and play and relax among the water lilies.<br /><br />When I came across this 3/4 cello I knew this painting had to come to life. I have replaced the strings of the cello with gold colored beadalon and there are vintage Swarkovski crystals like drops of water gently gliding down the strings.<br /><br />3- <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/47195703/picture-patch?ref=sr_list_3&ga_search_query=paganrechallenge&ga_search_type=&ga_page=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title">Picture Patch by PixiePod.</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8khYPpq0ftNCfwmpvnXbV9QyeE7OrwGbTlRYZKAOKPULij446GdzvGPBgtEfRv2Sc7F5dtK_1vzYSuQn2Ib4a2r5dkBra5K7hai6STMllYuDyDoi53qj6NhxST0QRt7-l7EPfMwr0ymqj/s1600/PixiePods+REChallenge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8khYPpq0ftNCfwmpvnXbV9QyeE7OrwGbTlRYZKAOKPULij446GdzvGPBgtEfRv2Sc7F5dtK_1vzYSuQn2Ib4a2r5dkBra5K7hai6STMllYuDyDoi53qj6NhxST0QRt7-l7EPfMwr0ymqj/s400/PixiePods+REChallenge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476714035678415218" border="0" /></a>This is an item I made for a challenge. I used up all the scrap bits of thread I had left over from various needlework projects, bits of ribbons etc, into an item that could be sold on Etsy.<br /><br />It is a great environmental statement to REuse, REcycle etc<br /><br />4- <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48061774/vintage-84-upcycled-butterfly-t-shirt?ref=sr_list_2&ga_search_query=paganrechallenge&ga_search_type=&ga_page=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title">Vintage 84 Upcycled Butterfly T shirt/Wallhanging by AKiwiSilkie.</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Hx_mno8y10Q6XZ3evBdXjxYEopwh1qIobgxOhS1UcwrIx2U6tOZBLuPCMEgBI36cZ0DVeOhH2S6ZHe6iwojf3oc2PHY4jK19SNljjEPEx8N9hzE-i7-M9Kzs_TGSaamf_5UWgseBAaSo/s1600/AKiwiSilkie's+REChallenge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Hx_mno8y10Q6XZ3evBdXjxYEopwh1qIobgxOhS1UcwrIx2U6tOZBLuPCMEgBI36cZ0DVeOhH2S6ZHe6iwojf3oc2PHY4jK19SNljjEPEx8N9hzE-i7-M9Kzs_TGSaamf_5UWgseBAaSo/s400/AKiwiSilkie's+REChallenge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476712849965248354" border="0" /></a>I was actually able to wear this shirt way back then...I'd wear it with a Lee Denim short skirt, a gold chain belt, some leather wrist bands, fairy boots with matching chains and I was SMOKIN' HOT!!!<br /><br />I haven't been able to part with it because it was always pretty and comfortable.<br /><br />It's a size Medium, v neck front and back, and is has a Turquoise background screen printed with a butterfly in antique gold, royal blue and magenta.<br /><br />To upcycle it, I got out the old seam ripper and took it apart up to the shoulders. After that I added antique gold fringe along the bottom and put it back together.<br /><br />I'm pretty sure if you're handy you could make it into a t shirt again, but if not it's a wonderful wall hanging.<br /><br />5- <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48307344/fusible-decorative-applique-patch-made?ref=sr_list_1&ga_search_query=paganrechallenge&ga_search_type=&ga_page=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title"> Fusible decorative applique patch made from re-purposed/recycled materials <span style="font-weight: bold;">by Cobaltquilter.</span></a></span><!-- these should be used for columns --> <span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjqXB-86UNFk0o-tIstkhPT9C0GuHdO_E17BHS4dsK8Yu0t9fS1veFELyoQdmsDkCTz0lDnkx76ID_oTEuOTGZXITYy85Gu4A8QtPmgHmOCnlfFAasaDK0LBit8ShdOJJDoMknPgzvsMv/s1600/cobaltquilter+REchallenge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 394px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjqXB-86UNFk0o-tIstkhPT9C0GuHdO_E17BHS4dsK8Yu0t9fS1veFELyoQdmsDkCTz0lDnkx76ID_oTEuOTGZXITYy85Gu4A8QtPmgHmOCnlfFAasaDK0LBit8ShdOJJDoMknPgzvsMv/s400/cobaltquilter+REchallenge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476711439538103442" border="0" /></a>In the spirit of Earth Day celebrating the ways our arts and crafts can inspire our patrons to honor the Earth. Find ways to Reduce your foot print, recycle whenever possible, and reuse/repurpose all we can because we can.<br /><br />This iron on patch is made of re-purposed blue denim, revisited fused fabric scraps thread painted for security through multiple washings. The edges are finished with a narrow zigzag stitch and frayed to the edge. The fusible web attached to the back goes from edge to edge but doesn't catch all the fringe. You can attach with fringe showing, stitch close to the inside of the edge stitching. Or turn the edge under just past the zigzagged edge and secure with stitching.<br /><br />6- <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48091003/adorably-endangered-original-painting">Adorably Endangered Original Painting by paradog.</a><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPdsubFSns5Vl1WWlirJhXi_jQ2oFloqiTC781rWRzqsoYH4MY_OoqEOvyL2q9kaEc6Vh4fLScCweOWjdWblAs2l5QbbdSs2ro22wAOpDdp9GtaNlMfSNwEQCjiZhogTVywo4ycqwre-O/s400/paradog+REchallenge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476708867547049394" border="0" />~ I'm an animal lover and an environmentalist. The painting is done over top of an existing painting that I had done several years ago and did not want anymore. So the canvas is re-used.<br /><br />The theme of the painting is an adorable collage of extremely endangered animals. I tried to include a good portion of the animals that may not see another 100 years on our planet.<br /><br />To me, the extinction of animals, bugs, fish, birds and other forms of wildlife is completely preventable, if we work hard at it!<br /><br />On Earth day I always reflect on this planet and the life on it. It saddens me to think that my great grandchildren may never see an elephant - or at least, not in the wild.<br /><br />I wanted to make a painting that was fun and cute to look at so that it would be gazed at often and remind the person just what's at stake.<br /></span>Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-37558903321277374252010-04-07T11:19:00.000-07:002010-04-07T14:33:32.598-07:00Pagan Team's New Challenge<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKo8OLL5sKF5kk3EjIo8m_C30VBhPCLGkgE_zZ19es_8_uAtGHfkgJtfYz-eh7vmNhBujxqMFeoOOGYWgKQ8Z-T8kLWLq90eeGNhbxrCnBunAu2zbjmBrF5j-KK64v-I8-Z82f0QGNhGI/s1600/earth_day.jpg"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:130%;" >In Honor of Earth Day</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;"><pre style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Pagan Team challenge this round is<br />in honor of our Planet Earth.<br />The challenge is to create something<br />that reflects what humanity can<br />do to tread lightly upon our Great Mother.</span></pre></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKo8OLL5sKF5kk3EjIo8m_C30VBhPCLGkgE_zZ19es_8_uAtGHfkgJtfYz-eh7vmNhBujxqMFeoOOGYWgKQ8Z-T8kLWLq90eeGNhbxrCnBunAu2zbjmBrF5j-KK64v-I8-Z82f0QGNhGI/s1600/earth_day.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKo8OLL5sKF5kk3EjIo8m_C30VBhPCLGkgE_zZ19es_8_uAtGHfkgJtfYz-eh7vmNhBujxqMFeoOOGYWgKQ8Z-T8kLWLq90eeGNhbxrCnBunAu2zbjmBrF5j-KK64v-I8-Z82f0QGNhGI/s320/earth_day.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457465954490414258" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >By creating something with reclaimed, recycled, and reusing materials,</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" > we can reduce the amount of refuse that goes into landfills.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Items can also be anything that encourages green living.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Several members of the team are busy working on their challenge pieces.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >It sound like it will be a fantastic variety of items</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" > all made with Pagan Love for the Earth.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);font-family:georgia;" >~ THE GALLERY OF ENTRIES WILL BE POSTED HERE ON MAY 10th</span> ~<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);font-family:georgia;" >~ COME BACK THEN AND VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE</span> ~<br /></div><pre><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />Pagan Team Members-<br />visit our <a href="http://paganhandmadeteam.ning.com/forum/topics/challenge-reduce-reuse-recycle">'Challenge Discussion'</a><br />to get the full details<br /></span></pre><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Every Day is Earth Day</span></span><br /></div><pre></pre>Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-3678647354052365822010-02-06T05:58:00.000-08:002010-02-13T07:09:52.868-08:00Turning of the Wheel Challenge!Congratulations! lilylunagardener of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lilylunagardener">LilyKat Studio</a> is the winner of the Turning of the Wheel Challenge!<br /><h1><span style="font-size:50%;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40127642&ref=sr_list_1&&ga_search_query=turningchallenge&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title">Wheel of the Sky Colorwheel Necklace</a>, by lilylunagardener</span></h1><h1><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZKRtwduL9GEOMrXAMp1JvUQtVg9hhN62O_Xbvh51T6-cPEiZHCPSFKly2s8tk5fQGrfYjNwyLEgt7Tj1crfZVrastb5PVkKSu6fenNzFiBL2b8VCGn_wpKKGshflZ2Hydj8o8CWAyrCv/s1600-h/lilylunagardener.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 321px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZKRtwduL9GEOMrXAMp1JvUQtVg9hhN62O_Xbvh51T6-cPEiZHCPSFKly2s8tk5fQGrfYjNwyLEgt7Tj1crfZVrastb5PVkKSu6fenNzFiBL2b8VCGn_wpKKGshflZ2Hydj8o8CWAyrCv/s400/lilylunagardener.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435147203448730626" border="0" /></a></h1><br />Be sure to visit all the member's Etsy shops and read more about how their entry reflects the theme! Fantastic work everyone!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39393169">Always Time for Love on the Wheel of the Year</a>, by BlessedBeadJewelry<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUh7Bt7X1d0ODebOmV3d0-L4SoG3Ylmes13Vi3hHmj6VMFYyZJZnWe5phTnWHSltsejOBzmCcQX2g0zo_0vJGwBkml2SQ_yH_JYQygczB0waYmsNgS4PDhIG4TSLHpjJNgqhlXMeXXwOq/s1600-h/BlessedBeadJewelry.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUh7Bt7X1d0ODebOmV3d0-L4SoG3Ylmes13Vi3hHmj6VMFYyZJZnWe5phTnWHSltsejOBzmCcQX2g0zo_0vJGwBkml2SQ_yH_JYQygczB0waYmsNgS4PDhIG4TSLHpjJNgqhlXMeXXwOq/s400/BlessedBeadJewelry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435136558959749842" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39531493">Four Seasons Memory Wire Bracelet in Glass</a>, Silver, and Gold, by deesadornments<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7SLj33C9Db9WNllZ5MDygWSCtw2STBRCmHMHcc5xNKVSkL1z_wkwUSJj3BdnVq5MXHYUxP3LOjHhowsKEddXYM-ZvrRMiTaN5Z0upLkh1G0uDYEhKnDXnC58_lSxxFl0aHmjsJp2eqRV/s1600-h/deesadornments.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7SLj33C9Db9WNllZ5MDygWSCtw2STBRCmHMHcc5xNKVSkL1z_wkwUSJj3BdnVq5MXHYUxP3LOjHhowsKEddXYM-ZvrRMiTaN5Z0upLkh1G0uDYEhKnDXnC58_lSxxFl0aHmjsJp2eqRV/s400/deesadornments.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435137961932859746" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39954456">Astrological- Turning of the Wheel- Box...Glows in the dark</a>, by dragonsmoon<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxP-A0YIMCAl8GdtAB5Oy_dnuXC4s1kbEsjg9jeolK3eHI87aWyzV407hx9OawZ8Q9wzP-s7zd1Ib2OdxivHcxTcX8hFWitPcq1ZTQjhXlgikk7_dNZwEpLBIF7ArZnj7So9-J0uS___99/s1600-h/dragonmoon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 361px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxP-A0YIMCAl8GdtAB5Oy_dnuXC4s1kbEsjg9jeolK3eHI87aWyzV407hx9OawZ8Q9wzP-s7zd1Ib2OdxivHcxTcX8hFWitPcq1ZTQjhXlgikk7_dNZwEpLBIF7ArZnj7So9-J0uS___99/s400/dragonmoon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435139075503637954" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39966870">A Platter for All Seasons</a>, by DzyMsLizzy<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4V7fnGdl0GxA0uUpU3CfkUL7yzu6yysfpd3VuWSeE-XhzZYcXchuZ6PrCFLFywi4QRBCKra7G7EU4N_i70VU7FQ9-gLc5seBaBdOajHJajQtgJ7009PGsgomPcpuPhhj5wHHNJ8ANvdR/s1600-h/DzyMsLizzy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 380px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4V7fnGdl0GxA0uUpU3CfkUL7yzu6yysfpd3VuWSeE-XhzZYcXchuZ6PrCFLFywi4QRBCKra7G7EU4N_i70VU7FQ9-gLc5seBaBdOajHJajQtgJ7009PGsgomPcpuPhhj5wHHNJ8ANvdR/s400/DzyMsLizzy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435140295681831714" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40036155">Seasons of the Forest- Elder Futhark Runestones</a>, by merigreenleaf<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2AEgTkLhJy0srrIa_npXo_vdoe7dfHDkN0oc2SBNIHqJ7lqBgiTAJUTxxeQQGwFDWFmvOrA546xa6ztvQtah6oPeu6qz0S1ZIim8tY6Phelbiq_UU6K96HohxVgXLLDjRKSMfghK1Tw6/s1600-h/merigreenleaf.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2AEgTkLhJy0srrIa_npXo_vdoe7dfHDkN0oc2SBNIHqJ7lqBgiTAJUTxxeQQGwFDWFmvOrA546xa6ztvQtah6oPeu6qz0S1ZIim8tY6Phelbiq_UU6K96HohxVgXLLDjRKSMfghK1Tw6/s400/merigreenleaf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435141618670225602" border="0" /></a><!-- these should be used for columns --> <!-- these should be used for columns --> <!-- these should be used for columns --> <div id="item-title"> <h1><span style="font-size:50%;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39444527&ref=sr_list_6&&ga_search_query=turningchallenge&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title"> Medicine Wheel OOAK</a>, by HowlingCaterpillars</span><br /></h1><h1><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudb4EgcGx1CBINamaKTrLavjOnDtXXthRAHX803t_M8_rjb5lACo-KuzuIPp2xgAEXtfhaMfYSsfIW0ZlTa7-fGQ_LLFKykurtShbrNCFIDC_Md-XIWWf78rKyco88DHRLHlj2ZxCQFFn/s1600-h/HowlingCaterpillars.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudb4EgcGx1CBINamaKTrLavjOnDtXXthRAHX803t_M8_rjb5lACo-KuzuIPp2xgAEXtfhaMfYSsfIW0ZlTa7-fGQ_LLFKykurtShbrNCFIDC_Md-XIWWf78rKyco88DHRLHlj2ZxCQFFn/s400/HowlingCaterpillars.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435149324909756242" border="0" /></a></h1> </div>Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-53048165163788212762009-11-01T10:00:00.000-08:002009-11-01T10:02:40.933-08:00<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">here are my directions for preparation & application of powdered henna.<br />there are many others out there, but this is how i do it: </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1. Add lemon juice to henna powder & stir in little by little until mix is the consistency of creamy mashed potatoes. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2. Let henna/lemon mixture sit in covered container in a warm place for about 8 to 12 hours. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">3. Bring to a boil 1.5c filtered water,1 tbs coffee grounds, loose black tea and sugar. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">4. Cover & simmer for .5 hr. . </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">5. Strain & let rest while the henna and lemon juice is developing. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">6. Re warm tea brew to bath water temperature. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">7. Slowly add strained tea to the henna and lemon , stirring very well to blend. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">8. Add tea tree, eucalyptus or clove essential oil (.25 tsp) to the henna paste and stir. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">9. Add more lemon juice if the mixture is too thin. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">10. Cover paste and let sit for 6-12hrs allowing the henna dye to release. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">11. Can be kept for one week in airtight container in fridge, six months in the freezer. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Fixative </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1. 1.5c sugar, .5c lemon juice & some cloves </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2. Heat on stove top </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">3. Stores indefinitely in refrigerator. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Application </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1. Put paste into a baggy & cut a hole in corner tip and squeeze gently. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2. Paint desired henna pattern onto clean (free of oils or lotions) dry, healthy skin. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">3. Let henna design dry until paste line has changed from shiny to dull or matte. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">4. Dab a bit of lemon sugar syrup on dried henna areas using cotton balls. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">5. Let the sugar coating dry. It will form a protective crust so that it can dye the skin. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">6. Leave on for 4-12 hours. For the darkest stain try to sleep over night with it on. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Finishing </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1. Scrape (do NOT wash) the henna paste and sugar off the skin. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2. Rub olive oil on before exposure to water for the next few days. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">3. To prolong design avoid chlorinated pools, hot tubs & anything with mineral oils.</span></span>Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-18478913927286578982009-10-17T21:00:00.000-07:002009-10-25T18:51:35.865-07:00September Balance Challenge<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >CONGRATULATIONS TO:<br /> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6545025">EARTH STAR STUDIO</a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-size:130%;" >Winner of the BALANCE Challenge</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 51);font-size:130%;" ><strong>The Wheel of the Year - Mabon</strong></span><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29784609"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 415px; display: block; height: 894px;" alt="" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.86604716.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here are the rest of the amazing entries for the October Harvest Challenge!<br />How about a round of applause for all these great artists.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=handmade&search_query=paganchallengesep&order=date_desc&ship_to=">VIEW ALL ENTRIES AS LISTED ON ETSY</a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Read delightful descriptions of how pieces where inspired</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">and they reflect the nature of balance.</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32737819"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 438px; display: block; height: 360px;" alt="" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.96517953.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Hu Nab Ku the Celestial Butterfly Mola Style, by Howling Caterpillars</strong><br /></span>***<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32592969"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 435px; display: block; height: 305px;" alt="" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.96031707.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>Yin Yang Tie Tack People, by Karhum Moon<br /></strong>***<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32607600"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 437px; display: block; height: 275px;" alt="" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.96080788.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>Romance in the Balance a Steampunk Necklace, by Magical Alchemy</strong><br />***<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32498384"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 413px; display: block; height: 606px;" alt="" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.95716998.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>Balance, Original ATC by Magickshop</strong><br />***<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31817850"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 433px; display: block; height: 475px;" alt="" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.93430237.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>Yin Yang Altar Tile by Breath of the Dragon</strong><br />***<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31694916"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 433px; display: block; height: 331px;" alt="" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.93018625.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong></strong><strong>Balance, Handmade Prayer Mandala, by Motivated Motion</strong><br />***<br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 436px; display: block; height: 399px;" alt="" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.92090685.jpg" border="0" /> <strong></strong><strong>Balance, Rhodonite and Pearl by KaMeli Designs</strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31418106"><br /></a>***<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.90928839.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 448px; height: 336px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.90928839.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Prismatic Dragons in Balance, Pair of Paintings by Dragonsmoon</strong><br />***<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31131066"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 434px; display: block; height: 379px;" alt="" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.91123340.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong></strong><strong>Four Quarters Bracelet by BhenRudha</strong><strong><br /></strong>***<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31270578"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 434px; display: block; height: 380px;" alt="" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.91600986.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>L</strong><strong>iv, Spirit of Balance by Norsemagic</strong><strong><br /></strong>***<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31362652"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 436px; display: block; height: 377px;" alt="" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.91907306.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>Balance Bracelet by Wiccan Magick Shack</strong><strong><br /></strong>*** </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-33060899856794542572009-10-16T23:31:00.000-07:002009-10-16T23:44:20.007-07:00rainadelmagick shares a Samhain Ritual of Gratitude<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0KwcTUWk_LUg7aA0UcCNkki5-4QoN_BOF3G9fo-ItXJ-GZ9XKsuq2gmTwbreIFN8gUJ0G6f3A5C9rY7Jm7MVeYeNK1OMZyNtoQTDu2K40R6mDg3jZ8zIj79vEEHVHzNh9YpPI9tXdFPb/s1600-h/fall_harvest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0KwcTUWk_LUg7aA0UcCNkki5-4QoN_BOF3G9fo-ItXJ-GZ9XKsuq2gmTwbreIFN8gUJ0G6f3A5C9rY7Jm7MVeYeNK1OMZyNtoQTDu2K40R6mDg3jZ8zIj79vEEHVHzNh9YpPI9tXdFPb/s320/fall_harvest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393454976989765122" border="0" /></a><br />Greetings Friends. I hope this simple ritual brings you pleasure and intimacy with your friends and loved ones.<br /><br />If we had lived a few hundreds of years ago, we would not only have brought our cows and sheep in from the pastures.<br /><br />Most likely we'd slaughter a few of them, as well as some pigs and goats, smoking the meat so it would last through the cold months. Our grain that we picked back at Lughnasadh has been baked into bread, and all of our herbs have been gathered, and hang from the rafters in the kitchen. The harvest is over, and now it's time to settle in for winter with the coziness of a warm fireplace, heavy blankets, and big pots of comfort food on the stove-top.<br /><br />If you want to celebrate Samhain as the time of harvest's end, you can do so as a single ritual, or as the first of three days of ceremony. If you don't have a permanent altar in place, set up a table to leave in place for the three days prior to Samhain. This will act as a your family's temporary altar for the Sabbat. Decorate the altar with symbols of late fall, such as:<br /><br />Skulls, skeletons, grave rubbings, ghosts<br />Harvest food such as pumpkins, squash, root vegetables<br />Nuts and berries, dark breads<br />Dried leaves and acorns<br />A cornucopia filled with an abundance of fruit and veggies<br />Mulled cider, wine, or mead<br />To begin your ceremony, prepare a meal for the family -- and this is something that everyone can get involved in. Put emphasis on fruits and vegetables, and wild game meat if available. Also make sure you have a loaf of a dark bread like rye or pumpernickel and a cup of apple cider or wine. Set the dinner table with candles and a fall centerpiece, and put all the food on the table at once. Consider the dinner table a sacred space.<br /><br />Gather everyone around the table, and say:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;">Tonight is the first of three nights,</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;">on which we celebrate Samhain.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;">It is the end of the harvest, the last days of summer,</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;">and the cold nights wait on the other side for us.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;">The bounty of our labor, the abundance of the harvest,</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;">the success of the hunt, all lies before us.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;">We thank the earth for all it has given us this season,</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;">and yet we look forward to winter,</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;">a time of sacred darkness.</span><br /><br />Take the cup of cider or wine, and lead everyone outside. Make this a ceremonial and formal occasion. If you have a vegetable garden, great! Go there now -- otherwise, just find a nice grassy spot in your yard. Each person in the family takes the cup in turn and sprinkles a little bit of cider onto the earth, saying:<br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">Summer is gone, winter is coming.</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">We have planted and</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">we have watched the garden grow,</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">we have weeded,</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">and we have gathered the harvest.</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">Now it is at its end.</span><br /><br /><br />If you have any late-fall plants still waiting to be picked, gather them up now. Collect a bundle of dead plants and use them to make a straw man or woman. If you follow a more masculine path, he may be your King of Winter, and rule your home until spring returns. If you follow the Goddess in her many forms, make a female figure to represent the Goddess as hag or crone in winter.<br /><br />Once that is done, go back inside and bring your King of Winter into your home with much pomp and circumstance. Place him on your table and prop him up with a plate of his own, and when you sit down to eat, serve him first.<br /><br />Begin your meal with the breaking of the dark bread, and make sure you toss a few crumbs outside for the birds afterwards. Keep the King of Winter in a place of honor all season long -- you can put him back outside in your garden on a pole to watch over next spring's seedlings, and eventually burn him at your Beltane celebration.<br /><br />When you are finished with your meal, put the leftovers out in the garden. Wrap up the evening by playing games, such as bobbing for apples or telling spooky stories before a bonfire.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">What You Need:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">A table to use as your Samhain altar</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">Decorations that represent the late autumn season</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">A meal with lots of veggies, fruit, and bread</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">A cup of wine or cider</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxojpWiJwmfOK1yeEkM_eTdToDKRlieRq4z46cuLh57H56PoyZK2BPUsYMRdy5TbXOGH85-2iihU7IarwBP0Oy8itJT00xl-7KutrB7jfQs4wNJOH3UtiwJgs5X2fTE_DiplwCvcTeZCb0/s1600-h/divider8.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 528px; height: 56px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxojpWiJwmfOK1yeEkM_eTdToDKRlieRq4z46cuLh57H56PoyZK2BPUsYMRdy5TbXOGH85-2iihU7IarwBP0Oy8itJT00xl-7KutrB7jfQs4wNJOH3UtiwJgs5X2fTE_DiplwCvcTeZCb0/s320/divider8.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393454348425839442" border="0" /></a>Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-62065015988674347772009-10-13T10:06:00.001-07:002009-10-13T10:11:55.082-07:00Herbs of Samhain, a Brief ListAs Samhain is the last of our harvest festivals herbs play an important role.<o:p></o:p></p> <p><span style=";font-famil";font-size:100%;" >Here is a brief look at just a few of the sacred herbs of Halloween.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >Acorns and the Oak Tree</span></b></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >Acorns often adorn the sacred altar and are worn by the pagan males. They represent fertility in potential, a sleeping promise of fulfillment. The acorn is the male version of the female egg.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >The oak tree itself has long been associated with the Druids; they held the oak sacred and held their meetings in blessed oak groves. Oak is the symbol of sacred kingship and the cycle of the Oak King and Holly King in Wiccan rituals represents the death and rebirth of the sacred king. Magic and ritual honoring the divine masculine is especially powerful when aided by the oak.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >Apples</span></b></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >Apples represent healing, love and, most importantly at Samhain, immortality. This fruit also has a strong association with the underworld which one again brings us back to the cycle of the Oak King and Holly King. The name "Avalon" is believed to be derived from the old Irish word meaning "the place of apples."<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Apple, as a fruit of the underworld, sustain one when questing into the dark, secret places, including the realms of death.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >Dittany of <st1:place st="on">Crete</st1:place></span></b></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >Dittany is used during Samhain to invoke those that have gone before to seek their comfort and wisdom. It is also used to connect with loved ones living a distance away. When tossed into a sacred fire dittany of crete will manifest these special people into our hearts to celebrate as if they were by our side.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >Rosemary<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >Rosemary is worn in remembrance of those that have already passed through the Veil, letting the spirits know they live on inside our hearts. Rosemary also protected the wearer from malevolent spirits. The smoke from burning rosemary as incense will purify the sacred feast area. Old customs also tell of maidens sleeping with rosemary and a sixpence under their pillow to dream of their future husband on Samhain when the magical world is closest to our own. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >Rue</span></b></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >The ancient Celtic peoples used rue as a defense against evil magic and negative spirits. This was especially important as the veil between the spirit and living world is so fine on Samhain. Bathing in the herb removes any hexes sent toward the bather. Burning rue opens up blocked energy and exorcises negative influences.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >Mullien<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >Mullein leaves are often carried for protection from angry spirits and to aid courage in the face of adversity. Small bunches of mullein can be placed in small sacks and hung over entryways of the home for the same purposes. Powdered mullein can be used as a substitute for graveyard dust. Sleeping with mullein under the pillow will help stave off nightmares. For Samhain, the use of mullein is often as spiritual candles. As the leaf of the mullein plant resembles a candle flame and the plant itself is fuzzy like cotton wick these make wonderful lights on such a feast day. One stalk of mullein is burned for each soul the caster wishes to remember and honor. They may be soaked in melted wax first or burned dried.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Samhain has a long a rich tradition in many areas of the <st1:country-region st="on">Uk</st1:country-region> and <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Ireland</st1:country-region></st1:place>. There are many more herbs and their lore to explore. I hope this short piece can inspire you to do just that</span><span style="color:navy;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Pagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-40746827633439145772009-08-31T16:28:00.000-07:002009-10-11T00:35:12.749-07:00GEMSTONES E-I:<br /><br />EMERALD:<br />Promotes Sales and increase Awareness of the Business<br />Grants Knowledge of Past, Present and Future<br />Enhances Memory<br />Clear and Quick thinking<br />Links with Spiritual Forces<br />Sacred Stone of the Goddess, Venus<br />Stone of Prophecy and Hope<br /><br />FLUORITE:<br />Fights Mental Disorder<br />Helps Spiritual Awakening<br />Focus Will<br />Absorb and Neutralize Negative energy<br />Helps to find hidden Truth<br /><br />GARNET:<br />Protection<br />Repels Negative Energies<br />Balancing<br />Increases Confidence and Security<br />Inspires Love and Devotion<br />Aids in remembering Dreams<br />Successful Business<br />Helps Self-Esteem<br /><br />GOLDSTONE:<br />Uplifts<br />Reduces Tension and Stress<br />Energy Stone<br />Activates root and sacral Chakras<br />Blue-<br />Learning and Communication<br />Red-<br />Vitality and Energy<br /><br />HEMATITE:<br />Draws Illness from the body<br />Grounding and Stabilizing<br />Can be used for Scrying<br />Helps bolster Self-Esteem<br />Astral Projection<br />Reduces Stress and Blood Pressure<br />Deflects Negativity<br /><br />HOWLITE:<br />Reduces Stress and Anxiety<br />Sooths and calms to bring Gentleness and Patience<br />Enhances Emotional Expression<br />Eliminates Stress and Anger<br />Helps with attaining Goals<br />Can help gain insight from Past Lives<br /><br />IOLITE:<br />Compass Stone<br />Unlocks Creativity in Artists<br />Shamanic Journeys<br />Assist in recovering information from Past Lives<br />Clears Third Eye Chakra<br />Stimulates Memory<br />Refuses ConformityPagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637967462809781452.post-18440058811642045522009-08-31T05:37:00.000-07:002009-08-31T05:41:02.591-07:00Gemstones DGEMSTONES D<br /><br />DANBURITE:<br />Emotional and Spiritual Healer<br />Heart Chakra<br />Relieves emotional Pain <br />Increases Acceptance of one’s self and of others<br />Heals old deep wounds and can clear Past Karma<br /><br />DENDRITES:<br />Fern-like growth<br />Use to get in touch with Nature<br />Eases frayed Nerves<br />Assist with introspection and self discovery<br /><br />DIAMOND:<br />Magnifies Power of other Gemstones worn with it<br />Clears Blockages in Chakras. <br />Gets rid of Negative Thoughts<br />Purity of Intent<br />Bonds relationships<br />Encourages Self-Confidence<br />Counteracts Jealousy<br /><br />DESERT ROSE:<br />Opens and Aligns Chakras<br />Access Past and Future Lives<br />Strengthens Decision Making<br />Clarify innermost thoughts and expand mental powers<br /><br />DIOPSIDE:<br />Charity<br />Empathy<br />Brings Creativity<br />Helpful for Healing Trauma<br />Help Heal Aggression and Stubbornness<br />Calms Pets<br /><br />DREAM CRYSTALS:<br />Quartz with Chlorite Clouds showing the Growth Pattern of the Crystal<br />Induces Visions and Healing<br />Access the Akashic Records<br />Help Astral and Guided Journeys<br />Protection<br /><br />DUMORTIERITE:<br />Helps Organizational Skills<br />Self Discipline and Orderliness<br />Patience<br />In a 12th Step Dumortierite is the 4th Step<br />Helps intelligence and learning<br />Third Eye Chakra<br />Inspires one to see and accept reality<br /><br />DOLOMITE:<br />Encourages Charitable Actions, Generosity, and giving of all kinds, as well as receiving<br />Stops energy leaks from Chakras<br />Balance and Align Chakras<br />Relieves Sorrow<br />Soothes Hurts, Loneliness and Anxiety<br />Helps InsomniaPagans of Etsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591591621834527554noreply@blogger.com0