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Colors- bright or dark, deep or light, regardless of whether it's a royal blue or a brilliant yellow, color affects us.

It's a proven fact that colors have an affect on our intellect, and they invoke different emotional responses. Colors used in magick are similar in that they evoke a response, but keep in mind, response to color in an individual matter, so go with your instincts. The colors must have meaning to you.

The magick of colors can be used in many different ways, and the use of colors in magick is only limited to what you want to use the color for.



White
Always burn at least one white candle to symbolize and reinforce the contact with pure spirit. Elemental spirits, Angels, Gods of wisdom, divination and prophecy. Purification and cleaning on all levels, contact with higher self and spiritual helpers, aura-healing, truth seeking, consecration, spiritual enlightenment, protection against negativity, breaking curses, exorcism, meditation, divination, inpiration, and clairvoyance. White can be a replacement for any other color.


Yellow
Elemental air. Deities for trade, travel, knowledge and magick. Vitality, change, progress, contact, communication, and trade. Confidence, joy, cheerfulness, learning, knowledge, mental clarity, concentration, speaking and writing and visualization.


Gold
Sun-deities, solar energies, and masculine energy. Abundant self confidence, creativity, perfection, financial richess, success in investments, luxury, worldly power, magickal power, overcoming bad habits and addictions.


Orange
Deities of good luck and good fortune. Charm, kindness, encouragement, stimulation, optimism, success, abundance, prosperity, feast and celebration, achieving business goals, investments, success in legal matters.

Copper or Bronze
Love-goddesses, love and passion, positive relationships in love, friendship in business, career promotions, successful negotiations.


Red
Elemental fire, deities of love, passion, sexuality and war. Courage, will-power, determination, speed, assertivity, aggression, masculinity, independence, physical strength, sports, competition, conflicts, health, sexual attraction and potency, love and passion, fertility.


Magenta
Magnetism, the ability to attract or speed up results. Life purpose, life path.


Pink
Love-goddesses, softness and tenderness, romance, caring, nurturing, youth, peace, friendship, femininity, emotional love, emotional healing.


Green
Elemental earth and elemental water. Nature and fertility deities, Mother goddesses. Nature, fertility, growth, rejuvenation, recovery, healing, harvest and abundance, prosperity, harmony, balance, peace, hope, home, plants and animals.


Turquoise
Changes, intellectual and intuitive insights, inventions and originality, renewal, brotherhood, humananity.


Blue
Elemental water and elemental air. Deities of the sea and sky, truth and wisdom. Peace and tranquility, calmness, truth, wisdom, justice, counsel, guidance, understanding and patience, loyalty and honor, sincerity, devotion, healing, femininity, prophetic dreams, protection during sleep, astral projection.


Violet
Elemental spirits, angels, and Gods of divination and prophecy. Psychic abilities, divination, counter-acting negativity and black magick, reversing curses, psychic healing, psychic power, inspiration, meditation, spirituality, spiritual power, astral projection, third eye.


Brown
Elemental earth, stability, grounding, conservation, protection of household, family and pets, healing animals, finding lost objects, buildings, material increase, to make relationships solid, to increase decisiveness and concentration, to attract help in financial crisis.


Gray
Neutralizing negative influences, putting a halt to action.


Silver
Moon-goddesses, female energy, cycles, rebirth, reincarnation, healing of hormonal imbalances, emotional stability, remove or neutralize negativity, intuition, dreams, psychic abilities and psychic workings.


Black
Elemental earth, deities of the Underworld. Repel and banish evil and negativity, protection, breaking free from bad habits and addictions, deep meditation, opens up deep unconscious levels.

http://www.wejees.net/colormagick.html

What magic does fragrance possess? It can move our souls, bring back memories, calm our minds, and set the stage for romance. Perhaps the secret lies deep in the most ancient core of our brain- the limbic system. It processes our sense of smell, and also controls our "autonomic" nervous system- our breath, our heartbeat. Scent can affect the autonomic nervous system, causing the breath to deepen and slow, which in turn, calms the heart.

Many illnesses begin in the mind, and the benefit of aromatherapy is that it helps ease the unconscious causes of distress. Aromatherapy utilizes essential oils to stimulate both psychological and physical benefits. Essential oils are not perfume or frangrance oils- they are literally the pure "essence" of a plant, and are unadulterated by any artificial or chemical ingredients. Not all ready made aromatherapy products labeled with the word "aromatherapy" are pure and natural. Avoid products which use "fragrances" or chemical ingredients. True aromatherapy products will contain only essential oils, and other natural ingredients.

Essential oils have a rich, natural aroma, which can offer either relaxing or stimulating psychological benefits by triggering the brain (perhaps in the same way phermones do, by stimulating the release of subtle hormones.) The components of the oils also enter the lungs, and oils applied to the skin absorb into the bloodstream, providing actual physical benefits. But essential oils must be used with care- they are very concentrated, and in pure form, can irritate the skin. They are commonly diluted with "carrier" oils such as sweet almond, apricot kernal, grapeseed, or jojoba, and stored in brown or blue glass bottles to protect potency.

Essential oils are often blended together to form "synergies". Properly blended in the right proportions, synergies can be of greater benefit than the individual oils used seperately. That is the art of an aromatherapist, and their special blends are often closely guarded professional secrets.

Experimenting with aromatherapy can be a fun way to add a rich, calming sense of beauty to your life
List of 35 Essential Oils

ANGELICA
Skin irritation, congested skin, psoriasis, flatulance, anemia, detoxifying rheumatism, gout, fatigue and stress relief, insight, mediation and Angels.


ANISE
Aids digestion, antiseptic, eases headaches and respiratory problems, muscle relaxant. Stimulating and uplifitng, balancing, clears the mind.


BERGAMOT
Clears oily skin and acne, dermatitis, antiseptic, soothes cold sores, aids digestion, cold, flu, antiseptic, immune system booster. An uplifiting fragrance, anti-depressant.


CARROT SEED
Excellent for wrinkle smoothing, revitalizing mature skin, healing eczema, psoriasis. Contains Vitamins A, C, B1, B2. Mood stabilizing and vitalizing, uplifting.


CEDARWOOD
Balances combination and oily skin, heals acne, rashes, excellent hair and scalp tonic. Eases coughs and bronchitis. Good for grounding, sedating, relaxing, and balancing.


CHAMOMILE
Soothing acne, sensitive and delicate skin, eczema, heals wounds and burns, eases muscle pain, anti-inflammatory. The fragrance is calming and sleep inducing.


CINNAMON
Strong antiseptic, aids poor circulation, muscle aches, colds, flu, etc. A male aphrodisiac. Stimulating and warming, psychic powers and protection.


CLOVE
Antiseptic, treats colds and flus and anusea. Use to relieve tooth and gum pain. Useful with acne and bruises. Wear to attract the opposite sex, or to repel negativity.


CORIANDER
beneficial for acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis, digestion and circulation. Calming, soothing, and warm.


CYPRESS
Astringent and antiseptic for oily, skin, tonic. Helps break up cellulite, aids circulation. Excellent for relaxing, tension and anger reduction, assists life transitions.


EUCALYPTUS
Treats fungal infections, cleans wounds, antiseptic, anti-viral, bactericidal, colds, flu, fever. Strengthening, invigorating and uplifting.


FENNEL
Treats bruises, cellulite, cellulitis, asthma. Detoxifying and antiseptic. Courage, strength, and energy, uplifting and cheerful.


FRANKINCENSE
Heals dry and mature skin tonic, scars, antiseptic, very rejuvinating. Aids digestive, diuretic, tonic, astringent. Meditative and calming, sedative, aids inner guidance.


GRAPEFRUIT
Tissue toning, treats congested skin, cellulitis, diuretic, digestive, antiseptic, liver tonic. Relieves nervous exhaustion and stress, joyful and energizing.


HYSSOP
Very emollient, softens scars. Antirheumatic, hypotension, diuretic. Stimulates lymphatic system, helps relieve emotional grief.


JASMINE
Antiseptic,very hydrating t dry and sensitive skin, softens scars. Aphrodisiac, emotionally warming and balancing.


JUNIPER
Skin toning, antispetic, clears oily complexion. Detoxifying, diuretic, arthritis, flatulence, strengthens immune system. Relieves nervous tension, strengthening and expansive.


LAVENDER
Antispetic, bactericidal, heals burns, scars and wounds, cold sores. Analgesic, antibiotic, eases headaches, decongestant, PMS. Balancing, purifying, uplifting, aids intuition.


LEMON
Blood purifier, antispetic, immune system stimulant. Brings solar vitality and energy, purifying mental clarity.


LIME
Astringent, tonic, restorative, emollient, anti-viral, detoxifies, eases rheumatism. Stimulating, cheefrful anti-depressant fragrance>


LINDEN BLOSSOM
Mild astringent, emollient, tonic, antispasmodic, diuretic. Sweetly sedative and calming, nerve regulator.


ORANGE
Heals stretch marks, digestive aid, gentle tonic, detoxifying to stomach and liver. Hypnotic, Connects to the inner child, lightening to the heart and mind.


MYRRH
Antiseptic, astringent, disinfectant, revitalizes the skin. Bronchitis, candida, digestive, wounds, flatulence. Energizes the crown chakra, sacred connections.


NEROLI
revitalizes mature skin, rejuvinating. Antispasmodic, antiseptic, digestive aid. Sedative, anti-depressant, creativity and love.


PATCHOULI
Chapped skin, wrinkes, oily hair and skin. Diahrea, vomiting, stomach pain, headaches and flu. Frees the spirit and creativity, grounding, aphrodisiac.


PINE
Stimulating and refreshing, muscle relaxant, antispetic, circulation, eases aches. Sedative, comforting and calming.


PEPPERMINT
Indegestion and nausea, colds and sore throat, tooth aches, colic and mental fatigue. Promotes visionary dreams.


ROSE
Antiseptic, tonic, good for wrinkles and dry skin, cell regenerator. Aphrodisiac, connects to the heart chakra, draws romantic love.


ROSEMARY
Acne, oily skin, scalp, thinning hair, wounds, antiseptic, rheumatism, sore muscles, bronchitis, colds and headache. Stimulating for body and mind, strengthening mental clarity and awareness, strengthens nervous system.


ROSEWOOD
Tissue regenerator, sensitive skin, tonic, antiseptic, analgesic, calming. Balancing and anti-depressant.


SANDALWOOD
Astringent, dry skin, dry eczema, irritation, antispasmodic, antiseptic, antiinflammatory, diuretic. Sedative, meditative, aphrodisiac, elevating and spiritual.


TEA TREE
Acne, cold sores, antibiotic, insect bites, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial. Revitalizes mind, after shock.


TUBEROSE
Sensuality, fragrant, softening, relaxing, and euphoric, centers emotions.


VERBENA
Antiseptic, emollient, reduces skin swelling, antispasmodic, detoxifying. Sedating and spirit lifting.


YLANG YLANG
Sedative, relieves PMS, aphrodisiac, exotic, sensual. Positively mood altering, reduces stress.

http://www.wejees.net/essentialoil.html

Crystals carry energy vibrations, and can subtly help to bring the energy vibrations within your body and aura into a healthy and vibrant balance. Quartz, in particular, is uniquely potent and useful- have you ever wondered why quartz crystals wind up in everything from inexpensive wristwatches, to the most advanced technology we possess? The electronics industry is based on the properties of silicon and quartz crytals; these amazing natural minerals organize and regulate electrical energy. Metaphysically, the quartz crystal can be "programmed" to help clear away negative energy from the aura and re-align the chakra energy centers of the body.

Scroll down this page to browse the healing and metaphysical properties of more than 50 crystals and gemstones!
Clearing and Programming Crystals

Crystals are a tool and can be like a storage battery for thought energy. "Clearing" has to do with the energy of the stone or crystal. Crystals can be "programmed" with our thought energy and then act on our subtle energy fields. They also to help to create situations in our lives that will lead us in directions that allow positive growth and healing.

Clearing a crystal or gem stone is a simple task, and it is a way to insure that there are no left over negative energies from the person who owned it before you. It is a way to personalize your crystal, and create a new energy bond between you and your new gem stone partner. There are many ways to do this, but this is a simple and effective way - make sure you will not be disturbed. Hold your new crystal under running water, and as the water pours over it, close your eyes and imagine all the negative energies are washed away down the drain and out to the vast ocean to be purified by the cycles of life. You can also leave them in the warm sun, and allow the power of it's light purify to the crystal with "fire".

To program your new crystal, simply hold it in your hand, close your eyes, then in your imagination, create an image of what you want your crystal or gem stone to help you create. Keep your crystal close to your skin, and when you can not wear it, store it in a special box or bag, which has also been purified and blessed

Each chakra has a color, and different gem stones and crystals can be associated with these.

The ROOT CHAKRA'S color is red, other colors associated with the Root Chakra are black brown, and gray.Gemstones like garnet onyx, and red jasper are beneficial.

The NAVEL CHAKRA'S color is orange.Gemstones like carnelian and orange zincite help to bring the system into balance.

The SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA'S color is yellow. Gemstones like citrine and yellow sapphire are used.

The HEART CHAKRA'S color is green and the secondary color is pink. Gemstones like rose quartz or green tourmaline are useful.

The THROAT CHAKRA'S color is blue like aqua or turquoise, secondary colors are various shades of lighter blues. Gemstones like turquoise or blue lace agate balance this chakra.

The BROW CHAKRA'S color is indigo or shades of dark blue. Gemstones like lapis lazuli or sodalite compliment this area.

The CROWN CHAKRA'S color is purple, the secondary color is clear or white.Gemstones like amethyst or clear quartz are perfect.


Crystals and the Zodiac
Aquarius hematite, amethyst, amber

Pisces amethyst, opal, bloodstone, coral, aquamarine, fire opal

Aries fire agate, aquamarine, bloodstone, citrine, diamond, emerald, jade

Taurus carnelian, diamond, blue tourmaline, chrysocolla, rose quartz

Gemini rutilated quartz, aquamarine, blue sapphire, emerald, jade, pearl

Cancer moonstone, ruby, carnelian, opal, fire opal

Leo citrine, amber, garnet, jasper, carnelian, diamond

Virgo smoky quartz, watermelon tourmaline, amethyst, moss agate, geodes

Libra rose quartz, tourmaline, bloodstone, citrine, jade, moonstone, opal

Scorpio turquoise, moldavite, malachite, moonstone, opal, peridot, ruby

Sagitarius lapis, obsidian, topaz, azurite, chalcedony, smoky quartz, turquoise

Capricorn tigereye, jade, black tourmaline, green tourmaline, garnet, smoky quartz

Metaphysical Properties of Crystals
Agate Balances ying-yang energy, stabilizes the aura. Imparts strength and courage. Opens one to innate creative talents.

Amber Purifies body, mind, and spirit. Balances electromagnetics of the body and allows even flow of energies. Provides a positive, soothing energy. Spiritualizes the intellect.

Amethyst Calming energy. Encourages spirituality and contentment. Stone of stability, strength, and peace. Excellent for meditation. Enhances psychic ability.

Aventurine Independence, leadership, creativity. Balances male and female energies. Aligns intellectual, physical, emotional, and etheric bodies.

Aquamarine Courage, intellect, protection. Assists spiritual awareness and actualization.

Azurite Awakens psychic ability, insight, and intuition. opens the third eye. Excellent for clearing the mind for meditation.

Amazonite Balancing energy, harmony, Fosters Universal love.

Bloodstone Bloodstone imparts strength, courage, and the self confidence needed to succeed in business and legal affairs. Attracts wealth, sexual potency, insures victory.

Calcite Energy amplifier, excellent for clearing and cleansing.

Carnelian Carnelian is ahealing stone that counteracts feelings of apathy, fear and rage. Fosters peace within and without, imparts self confidence, and inspired verbal and written communication.

Celestite Excellent stone for dream recall and astral travel.

Chrysocolla Strength and balance. Promotes harmony and attunement to the Earth. Purifies one's environment.

Citrine Dissipates negative energy. Warmth, joy, and optimism.

Diamond Purity, perfection, abundance, and inspiration.

Emerald Loyalty, sensitivity, harmony, and tranquility. Assists in memory retention and mental clarity.

Fluorite Stability, order, discernment, and concentration. Helps one to understand and maintain ideals.

Fucite Fosters loyalty, emotional sensitivity, harmony, and tranquility. Assists in memory retention and mental clarity. Attracts balance, abundance and prosperity.

Garnet Commitment, devotion, love, stability and order. Even flow of energy.

Hematite Excellent for the mind, and grounding.

Jade Harmony, peace, fidelity, confidence. A great dream stone.

Jasper Protection, awareness, insight, and grounding.

Kunzite Communication, love and peace. Protects and dissolves negativity. Excellent for meditation.

Kyanite Never needs cleaning or clearing, aligns all chakras. Tranquility, communication, and psychic awareness. Excellent for meditation and dream recall.

Labradorite Represents the light of the Universe, extra-terrestrial energy. Intuition and illumination.

Lapis Lazuli Knowledge, wisdom, perfection, protection, and creative expression.

Lepidolite Honesty, stability, hope, acceptance. Assists in change and transition. Facilitates astral travel.

Lodestone Lodestones are natural magnets, and for many centuries, have been used to charge spell items, primarily to attract things to the one using them- good luck, healing, money, love.

Malachite Transformation and spiritual development. Clears the way to attain goals.

Moldavite Clarity and eternity. Extra-terrestrial and interdimensional access.

Moonstone Lunar female energy. Emotional and intuitive. Rhythms, cycles, and destiny.

Obsidian Dispels negativity. Grounding, healing, protective. Helps one to clearly see one's flaws and the changes that are necessary.

Onyx Centering, self-control, and intuitive guidance. Assists in the grieving process.

Opal Creativity, inspiration, and imagination.

Peridot Healing and protective. Allows one to understand changes in one's life, regulates life cycles.

Petrified Wood Grounding, provides strength. Stone of transformation.

Pyrite Shields from negative energy, good stone of protection. Enhances intellect and memory. Symbol of the sun.

Clear Quartz crystal Universal crystal, clarity of consciousness....The quartz crystal can be programmed to help clear away negative energy from the aura and re-align the chakra energy centers of the body.

Rhodochrosite Love energy. Excellent stone for balance in all areas.

Rose Quartz Empowers and attracts the energies of love, happiness and peace. Encourages healing on all levels.

Ruby Love, nurturing, spirituality, wealth, and protection.

Ruby Zoisite Facilitates trance states and a connection to the divine. Good for facilitating communication with angels and Divine Beings. Deepens an understanding of the esoteric and unseen.

Rutilated Quartz Intensifies energy. Stimulates the brain. Inspiration and clairvoyance.

Sapphire Beauty and prosperity.

Shiva Lingam "Crypto Crystalline Quartz", said to contain the loftiest vibration of all stones on Earth. They emanate a vibration that will purify your temple or home. The stone represents both the male energy of knowledge & the female energy of wisdom.

Smoky Quartz Dissolves negativity, grounding, and balancing. Excellent for meditation.

Sodalite Logic, efficiency, and truthfulness. Enhances group communication.

Sugilite Spiritual love, perfection, inspiration, confidence. Alleviates negative/destructive emotions.

Tigereye Earthy, grounding. Represents sun and earth. Optimism, insight, personal power.

Topaz Success, true love, individuality, creativity, and joy.

Tourmaline Inspiration, understanding, self-confidence, balancing.

Tourmalinated Quartz Strength and balancing. Combines attributes of tourmaline and quartz.

Turquoise Spiritual attunement, strength, and grounding. Excellent for astral travel.

Zircon Virtue, unification, continuity, and purity.


http://www.wejees.net/crystals.html

What Color Ritual Candle Should I Choose?

Enchanted Works and other vendors offer so many different kinds of ritual candles, different sizes, different types, and different colors, that sometimes it gets really confusing about which kind of ritual candle is right for you. Does it really matter? Do the Gods fail to listen to you if you use the wrong color or shape of Wiccan ritual candle?


As with all other ritual tools and altar supplies, they are used in order to help you focus your energies and your intent. So what is YOUR best way of focusing? For some people, it is researching what colors of ritual candles have historically been used for what types of Wiccan rituals. Many people, especially beginners to Wicca, feel most comfortable by using the same "tried and true" colors and types of ritual candles. This comfort can often translate into better focus.

Now, of course, if a specific color means something special to you, and it is not the "standard" color that you read about here, or in a Candle Magick book, that's ok. Strong personal feelings are definitely one way to help you channel and focus. You may even have strong feelings about not using any colored candles at all, and sticking to black or white. That's ok too. Your focus is not the same as my focus, and what works for you may not work for me. If you want strict rules for rituals, try Ceremonial Magick. Wicca is a lot more relaxed :-)

So, anyway, what are our color correspondances for our ritual candles? I'm glad you asked.

White: White ritual candles are your typical "all purpose" candles that you can use in place of just about any other candle. White candles are also often used to signify the Virgin Goddess, so if you wish to use Her energies, white ritual candles are always a good choice. White is for purity, for cleansing, and for good clean fun :-)

Black: Black ritual candles can be used to signify the Crone Goddess. All energies associated with the Crone are appropriate for use with a black candle. When dealing with banishing, repelling, or otherwise pushing something away from you, black ritual candles are also appropriate.

Red: Red ritual candles signify the Mother Goddess. Kestra generally always burns three candles for each ritual, PLUS another color if applicable. White for the Maiden, Red for the Mother, and Black for the Crone. Red is used by some to signify love, will, strength, and sex.

Silver: Silver ritual candles are sometimes used in place of the white, red and black Triple Goddess candles. They can be used to signify "the Goddess" as a generic Deity, or if you wish to involve one particular Goddess with your working. Silver is said to help develop psychic abilities, and mediation of disputes.

Gold: Gold ritual candles are sometimes used to signify "the God." Gold is said to aid with anything that utilizes solar energy, or understanding.

Purple: Kestra loves purple. Purple ritual candles can be used to win legal battles (yeah, how do you think Kestra wins all those cases? :-)). Purple is good for wisdom, for power, and for general success. Purple ritual candles signify royalty, which is perfect for Kestra, since she's a Princess.

Lavender: lavender is not just another pretty color. Lavender ritual candles are used in cases where you desire intuition, to spiritually shield, or to provide yourself or another with dignity.

Blue: Blue ritual candles are often used to promote general inner calm and tranquility. Blue can used anytime you wish to send someone gentle calm energies, or it can be used in conjunction with any other type of candle.

Light Blue: Communication, inspiration and peace are all associated with light blue ritual candles.

Brown: Brown ritual candles signify the earth, help with concentration, and help you to make decisions. Brown ritual candles can also be used in conjunction with any other ritual candle colors. It is also said that using a brown ritual candle will help you to find objects that have been lost.

Green: In general, green ritual candles are associated with healing, prosperity, money, and success.

Dark Green: Dark green ritual candles are used to counteract "too much green." In other words, greed, jealousy and too much ambition. Useful to draw these things away from you.

Yellow: Yellow ritual candles stand for creativity, concentration and imagination. They can also be used to attract solar energies. Some use them for clairvoyance and communication.

Orange: Most people associate orange ritual candles with Samhain. However, they can also be used at other times of the year. They generally signify success, strength, and joy.

Grey: Neutral grey makes a great ritual candle for pondering important complicated issues during meditation. It can also be used to help neutralize negative influences in your life.

You may have noticed that many "aspects" listed by each color of ritual candle are duplicates. For example, you can use brown or yellow for concentration. This is by design. Wiccan rituals have always been built around what people have had around their houses, or could easily make. And, as stated before, your milage may vary. Use what YOU think is right. These suggestions are just that, suggestions.

http://www.enchantedworks.com/db/view_article.php?story_id=20050314181328

Magickal Woods

There are many different types of woods that are said to have magickal properties. As with all things, there are differences of opinion when it comes to which wood is right for which applications (or witch applications :-)). Below I will list my own experiences with different woods, and why I like each one.


Ebony - Ebony is by far my favorite wood. I absolutely love the blackness of the wood, its heaviness, and its energy. Ebony has been an amplifier for me. It is sad that the wood is SO expensive, and SO hard to find. I feel blessed that we purchased a beautiful ebony hand carved totem from the artist who created it in the Solomon Islands. It is carved into shapes from the sea that are beautifully created. It's one of the most magickal pieces I have.

Yew - Yew is a very interesting and paradoxical wood. It is absolutely beautiful, being smooth and gold colored, with great grain. It's been associated with death, rebirth, magick and runes. This beautiful tree and its wood are sacred to Hecate, and is a very appropriate wood to use in any workings regarding Her.

Willow - What can one say about Willow? It is a wood for moon magick, promotes psychic energy, and sacred to the Crone. This tree loves water, and tools made from it can help make wishes come true.

Bloodwood - Bloodwood is a really cool wood, being dark and lovely. Bloodwood represents life, and is said to aid in healing. Some believe that bloodwood can reveal secrets of ancient worlds, as well as help you to accept the understanding of this knowledge. Bloodwood is a very powerful wood.

Purpleheart - Kestra has always loved purple, and purpleheart is an utterly marvelous wood that has interesting energies and magickal properties that seem to be a bit different for each person who touches it. Unlike some who believe that you shouldn't allow others to touch their ritual materials, Kestra feels that if you can't cleanse your own tools of anyone else's energies, perhaps you should learn how before you try to do workings with them. Everyone who has touched Kestra's purpleheart wand reports feeling a different type of energy, so you will just have to buy one of your very own :-)

Cherry - The office furniture at Enchanted Works is made of cherry. Cherry encompasses energy of desire and true will. It can amplify your intent to create magick, and aids with spells of renewal and attraction. It is also very good for finding spells. Kestra sometimes uses it to attempt to find where she lost her mind. Thusfar, she has not been successful :-)

Alder - Alder helps you create oracular energies. It is the tree of fire, and the wood of the witches. Alder also indicates protection.

Oak - Sacred to the druids, Oak is a masculine wood, ideal for use in tools that are to be used to invoke the God. Oak stands for wisdom, authority, endurance, strength and protection. Oak's power is often used to amplify power, intent, and endurance of all spells it is used with.

Ash - Ash is a wood of balance, including both the Elements of Earth and of Water. Tools made of Ash are well suited to water or sea spells, divination, prophecy, or oracular functions. Ash is said to be the father of trees, and is said to contain special guardian spirits that can absorb sickness.

http://www.enchantedworks.com/db/view_article.php?story_id=20050314180822

Do I Really Need to Buy Ritual Tools?

Since this article is written by a shop owner who earns her living (at least in part) selling you ritual tools, you might expect the answer to be "of course! And you should buy the most expensive ritual tools that you can possibly afford. They will make your magick more powerful." But guess what? Kestra tries very hard to give you the honest truth about her views about Wicca, Wiccan practices and ritual tools.

So, do you really need to buy ritual tools? "Need" is a very strong word. Of course you don't "need" to buy ritual tools. You can make just about anything you would ever need. For that which you can't make, you can compromise, for example using your finger as a wand or athame. Now if only we could use our finger to light candles like in Charmed :-).


So why DO people purchase ritual tools and ritual supplies? A ritual tool is used to help you to focus your energies. It is used as an extension of your body, to channel your energy into a specific task, or to "save" energies for use later. Examples are using your energy projected down a wand for consecrating an object, storing energies into a crystal, or drawing down energy from Deity into a statue.

Do you need to buy a wand? Not especially. You can find a stick in the woods and use it. However, if you want to "tune" your energies for a specific purpose, or use that extra "boost" of using a specific type of wood that corresponds to a particular Deity or a particular intention, either search for that wood on your walks through the forest, or purchase a wand of the appropriate type.

But what about an athame? Don't you HAVE to have that special Klingon dagger athame with the spines on the side as your ritual tool in order to make the most powerful circle? Well, uh..... NO. If you feel better with that kind of a tool, and it helps you project your energies best, then by all means, buy one, or even two. That way you'll have one for each hand. Can you use your wand in place of an athame? Sure you can. Can you use a dinner knife as a ritual tool? Of course. But there's something about beautiful athames that evokes something in the brain. Holding it gives you a special feeling of power that comes only with that particular tool. If that is the case with you as well, that is the athame you must have. You can always make your own, or use what you can, but there is just something special about the power you can channel through a really nice knife. Call me materialistic, but there it is.

What about those cool offering bowls? Yeah, they are nice ritual tools aren't they? Do you HAVE to use them? Course not. You can use paper cups, household bowls, anything else you desire to hold your salt and water (sea salt is best, but table salt will do if you have to). Do you need a bell? Well, you can try a water glass and a fork. That makes a nice "ding" if you can't afford a bell. Candles? You can always make your own. If you aren't that handy, however, votives are inexpensive. So are "chime candles." However, a really beautiful pentacle pillar or a Triple Goddess pillar can certainly set the mood, and bring your head into the appropriate ritual space. And, of course, there are the color correspondences that help your mind focus on the working ahead.

Now...do you really need to buy a cauldron as a ritual tool? If you're going to be burning incense on charcoal, you most definitely need an appropriate vessel for that. It would also be a very good idea if that vessel were FIREPROOF. Things that ignite, or ooze plastic goo all over your altar are not good choices, and I would imagine that your focus would be rather scattered as evil smells permeated your ritual area. Might be useful for a ritual celebrating the wonders of swamp gas, but likely not anywhere else. So if you decide to use a substitute for the good ole stoneware or cast iron cauldron, please ensure it will do the job.

So, if you don't want to buy your ritual tools and supplies, you CAN, with a bit of creativity and thought, make/find/use substitutes. Will your focus be as strong? That varies from individual to individual, as well as with the situation. If you find that a ritual tool makes a big difference, perhaps you should use it. Just please be certain that you choose the RIGHT kind of substitute to avoid unintended consequences, and uninvited ritual guests who arrive in a large red truck and wear strange robes with funny black helmets. Their favorite ritual tool is often called a firehose.

http://www.enchantedworks.com/db/view_article.php?story_id=20050426160944

This thread has been moved to General Info from Magic Items.

Excellent information ginseng!

Herbal Substitutions

When you can't find the right ingredient, you can substitute the following herbs. As a basic guide use Rosemary for any other herb, Rose for any flower, either Frankincense or Copal for any gum resin and Tobacco for any poisonous herb.

Acacia /Acacia Gum = Gum Arabic
Aconite = Tobacco
Arabic Gum = Frankincense, Gum Mastic, Gum Tragacanth (For Binding Wet Ingredients, Not For Incense)
Ammoniac Gum = Asafetida
Asafetida = Tobacco, Valerian
Balm Of Gilead = Rose Buds, Gum Mastic
Bdellium , Gum = Copal, Pine Resin, Dragons Blood
Belladonna = Tobacco
Benzoin = Gum Arabic, Gum Mastic
Cachana = Angelica Root
Carnation = Rose Petals Anointed With A Few Drops Of Clove Oil
Cassia = Cinnamon
Castor Bean = A Few Drops Of Castor Oil
Cedar = Sandalwood
Cinquefoil = Clover, Trefoil
Citron = Equal Parts Of Orange Peel & Lemon Peel
Clove = Mace, Nutmeg
Clover = Cinquefoil
Copal = Frankincense, Cedar
Cowbane = Tobacco
Cypress = Juniper, Pine Needles
Deerstongue = Tonka Bean (Not For Internal Use), Woodruff, Vanilla
Dittany Of Crete = Gum Mastic
Dragons Blood = Equal Parts Of Red Sandalwood And Frankincense
Eucalyptus Oil = Camphor Oil, Lavender Oil
Euphorbium = Tobacco
Frankincense = Copal, Pine Resin
Galangal = Ginger Root
Grains Of Paradise = Black Pepper
Gum Ammoniac = Asafetida
Gum Bdellium = Copal, Pine Resin, Dragons Blood
Hellebore = Tobacco, Nettle
Hemlock = Tobacco
Hemp = Nutmeg; Damiana, Star Anise, Bay
Henbane = Tobacco
Hyssop = Lavender
Ivy = Cinquefoil
Jasmine = Rose
Juniper = Pine
Lavender = Rose
Lemongrass = Lemon Peel
Lemon Peel = Lemongrass
Lemon Verbena = Lemongrass, Lemon Peel
Mace = Nutmeg
Mandrake = Tobacco
Mastic Gum = Gum Arabic, Frankincense
Mint (Any Sort) = Sage
Mistletoe = Mint, Sage
Mugwort = Wormwood
Neroli Oil = Orange Oil
Nightshade = Tobacco
Nutmeg = Mace, Cinnamon
Oakmoss = Patchouli
Orange = Tangerine Peel
Orange Flowers = Orange Peel
Patchouli = Oakmoss
Peppermint = Spearmint
Pepperwort = Rue, Grains Of Paradise, Black Pepper
Pine = Juniper
Pine Resin = Frankincense, Copal
Red Sandalwood = Sandalwood Mixed With A Pinch Of Dragons Blood
Rose = Yarrow
Rose Geranium = Rose
Rue = Rosemary Mixed With A Pinch Of Black Pepper
Saffron = Orange Peel
Sandalwood = Cedar
Sarsaparilla = Sassafras
Sassafras = Sarsaparilla
Spearmint = Peppermint
Sulfur = Tobacco, Club Moss, Asafetida
Thyme = Rosemary
Tobacco = Bay
Tonka Bean = Vanilla
Trefoil = Cinquefoil
Valerian = Asafetida
Vanilla = Woodruff, Deerstongue, Tonka Bean
Vetivert = Calamus
Wolfsbane = Tobacco
Wood Aloe = Sandalwood Sprinkled With Ambergris Oil
Woodruff = Deerstongue, Vanilla
Wormwood = Mugwort
Yew = Tobacco

http://www.labyrinth.net.au/~obsidian/bos-herb list.html

Don't forget to remove any spaces ect. in the links:)

Thank-you very much!!