tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27294568730594181542024-02-02T00:06:51.057-05:00AnathemumA.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-68529538449393509422013-07-24T17:56:00.000-04:002013-07-24T23:14:05.885-04:00Full moon Follies
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<p dir=ltr>In the late afternoon approaching the evening if the Full Moon I set out to the graveyard. I keep a pack full of gathering and harvesting supplies always at the ready; pocket knife, small hedge clippers, a very large spoon for digging (much less invasive then a trowel), paper, plastic, and cloth bags of all sorts, a small yet powerful flashlight for nighttime harvesting, and a few rigid containers for more fragile items. To these basics I add my offerings, libations, and whatever charms are appropriate for the occasion. Today, as most, I wore my antique iron key, to protect myself but open closed doors by way of Hekate, and my fox mother necklace, a personal spirit entity. </p>
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<p dir=ltr>Upon entering the graveyard and making our way in our path was immediately crossed by a bright and bounding rabbit, a sign of blessing as rabbits are my messengers. Elated, I followed him past graves I hadn't yet explored and discovered many I'd never seen before, children, Greeks, and different soldiers, all dating from the mid 1850's. A painful pang struck my heart being a mother of one with another on the way so I said a few blessings, especially for the children, and walked on. </p>
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I visited several other graves I'd been to before, a doctor, a former mayor, and soldiers of all ranks. By then the rabbit had bounded off beneath the large boughs of a Yew tree so I made my way to where I typically gather soil. I chose a spot beneath an old tree as I prefer to gather the dirt from the hallowed ground of the graveyard itself rather than specific graves. Gathering soil from specific graves is wonderful if you have a specific use in mind but I find gathering the sacred soil guarded by all the spirits is great for all purposes. I lay my offerings down; three pennies, bright red strawberries, and libations. I always bring something natural for both the material and immaterial spirits and try to keep any edible offerings relevant and seasonal. Bright red food for the dead symbolizing blood and a seasonal summer fruit, perfect. I spoke my intent aloud, gave blessings, and began gathering. I always hum when doing work like this. It helps keep my focus on my intent barring my brain from wandering similar to Shamans drumming or Monks chanting.
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After finishing and gathering my tools we headed a few blocks down to a playground among tall pine trees where my son gathered pine cones and sticks and intently watched the big kids play. We then hoofed it up a steep hill to a single family plot surrounded by an old brick wall where I harvested Yew, proper offerings and blessings left, and gathered stray pieces of old 19th century red bricks to be pummeled into dust. Needless to say my pack was almost too heavy to carry by this point and darkness was falling so we headed home to escape the swarms of hungry mosquitoes.
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The evening ended with a little work at the altar and delicious burritos to re-energize us from the draining southern summer heat. It was a perfect day and any day I get to walk my path with my little family by my side is wonderful.A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-12049426254923093552013-07-21T23:33:00.000-04:002013-07-21T23:33:11.032-04:00Reawakening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbZpK0w026PeC4qhf1yTdOMxeIRLw87D3FNajnhAElbCUNsMqVA25XbATCdbZDckcq_djdGteXsQ6ZqWco5YpSlpS0uGAwWpbGPWVO8Ao87MS_d0u2Jp-dHnk6phznSWDjezMKCaQfkw/s1600/tumblr_mq1l3iglVJ1qbhc94o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbZpK0w026PeC4qhf1yTdOMxeIRLw87D3FNajnhAElbCUNsMqVA25XbATCdbZDckcq_djdGteXsQ6ZqWco5YpSlpS0uGAwWpbGPWVO8Ao87MS_d0u2Jp-dHnk6phznSWDjezMKCaQfkw/s400/tumblr_mq1l3iglVJ1qbhc94o1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<p dir=ltr>I'd like to say thank you to all of you who left words of encouragement and blessings in comments and messages. I continue to read your words frequently and they are humbling, inspiring, and so full of warmth and kindness, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. </p>
<p dir=ltr>My absence was spiritually emptying, though necessary for growth. I never realized how much of my practice actually involved the creation and sanctification of products for others though I suppose it should have been obvious. I occasionally struggle with the obvious. When the constant spiritual work stopped I had to take pause at the near silence that followed. To go from near daily work to no work was odd. My craft had shaped my path and I felt a little stumbly without it, like walking with only one shoe. During this time I felt as though my spirits sanctioned a hibernation, gave their blessing to cocoon myself up and dig really deep to reshape myself into a healthier creature. I took full advantage. </p>
<p dir=ltr>I think a lot of practitioners who aren't sellers and workers by trade go through dormant periods, most often between festivals and sabbats, though maybe not for so long. I believe it's allowed me to really take stock and realize the immense value my practice holds for me.</p>
<p dir=ltr>But I've felt the knocking again, a tapping indicating they'd like me to come out now. So I've reemerged, dripping in whatever spiritual placenta I fed on in my dormancy, ready to dust off the working altar and get to crafting. It's felt so good to reconnect again and the shop will be open by August 1st. Please pardon my dust as I make changes here, and for those interested I usually post daily bits and photos on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anathemums-Handmade-Artwork-Charms-and-Ritual-Supplies/331432860671">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://anathemum.tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a>.</p>
A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-32639319912003896442012-12-17T15:36:00.000-05:002012-12-17T15:36:09.278-05:00Transitioning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been struggling with how to write this article because it's very personal and very difficult.
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It is tough at times being a spiritual shop owner and creator. You give a lot of yourself to the craft, not that you don't get it back, but you do give a lot of your time and your energy to it. It is enjoyable work to know that you're helping someone. Small business owners never take the time off that they need. Every day is an office day in one way or another; supply runs, networking, product photography, listings, packaging, post office runs, etc. I don't know what a vacation is. Even when I'm away from home I'm still wild harvesting, relisting, answering emails. The hard work is absolutely worth it because you reap what you sow. The harvest is always bountiful when you work your fingers to the bone. Even though I've had a recent bout of very nasty customers I still work hard. But I feel I need to change direction.
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I am sick. My family is sick. My mother was very recently diagnosed with cancer, lymphoma specifically, and is currently undergoing aggressive chemotherapy. My father in law has end stage liver failure. I have postpartum depression, which pales in comparison but affects me still. I saw it coming but could do nothing to stop the deluge and have no avenue for the treatment I need.
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My family needs my energy, my time, my soul, my heart. I do not have enough energy or time to give to everyone and everything, though I wish I did. My son needs me, and I give him nearly everything I have everyday, and so does my husband. I need myself. I need my own time, time to do things for me. Time to take true action. This is the change of direction I'm taking.
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It is at this time, this darkening of the sky and sleeping of the world that I have decided to close my shop for an undetermined amount of time, perhaps permanently. At some point soon I might reopen to work through the supplies and perishables I have but there's no guarantee that I'll do that. I feel as though I don't have enough positive energy with which to imbue my products with so I'd rather create nothing at all then create a poor item. You cannot be a spiritual worker and not feel that a part of you doesn't go into every product you touch. Perhaps my situation will change, perhaps it won't. This is not to say I will never create again. I will always create for me, for my craft, for my family and friends. It's saying I'm currently unable to create under a mass scale. For now.
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With this change in focus comes a new wave. I am focused now more than ever on finishing my degree and working on my <a href="http://saltmoths.blogspot.com">children's books</a>. It's what I've always wanted, yet strayed from so many times. Ask my preschool teacher, she'll tell you. I've always wanted to be an illustrator. My ultimate goal is to earn my MFA in Illustration and write some damn books. So I hope I can do it. Progress is slow, with little money for school and only a little time away from my baby. But I'll get there.
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I'd like to thank those who've been supportive of my shop, the blessings you've bestowed upon me, and the praises you've sung. Thank you thank you thank you. I'll be seeing you soon.
<p>A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-15134288141753798622012-10-20T12:51:00.001-04:002012-10-20T13:12:14.539-04:00Mountain Dream Tarot for Sale on EbayJust a quick hello to everyone (hi!) and I wanted to point you in the direction of my <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/261115364103?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649">Ebay auction for the Mountain Dream Tarot Deck</a>. I don't really use it and I think it would better serve someone else. It's the 2001 reprint of the deck and has been digitally remastered from the original 1975 printing. There are only 1000 printed and is currently out of print everywhere I've looked! Would make a great Yule gift.
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If you're the winning bidder and a follower/customer of mine let me know and I'll throw in some goodies. Happy bidding!A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-42945893329568291162012-09-11T02:00:00.001-04:002012-09-11T02:00:28.386-04:00The Mountains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So my annual mountain trip has come and gone. I yearn for those cresting blue giants again. Such beauty only two hours away. I keep begging my husband to move there, I'd never tire of that view. The Earth, Sea, and Sky older than time and bestowing their breathtaking grandness upon my eyes each and every day.
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This year's trip was different, marked by the addition of my little boy in all his perfectness. He adores being outside, the movement of trees and all the sounds of nature. He hates to be sticky though and I completely agree. Most of our trip was plagued with warm rainfall and muggy grey skies. The sun came out only when we were leaving and I was able to take these great photos.
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One of the most enjoyable moments for me was the long walk I took with my husband and boy. The cabin we stay at is on the river in the town of Elkton, VA. It's such a small little blip on the map, mostly local business, residences, and many many farms. We walked from our cabin by the river up to the main road, passing lots of farms and plenty of things for me to forage and collect. It rained most of our trip, my husband and boy staying dry under the safety of a large golf umbrella, myself dripping and damp from standing in the rain with my Audubon wildflower identification guide.
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I managed to find Chicory and Datura, another poison for Hekate. There was a Mullein but there was only one and I didn't want to take all it was so I left it.
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Here are the giant Datura plants within the rusty fencing of a field of beans, they were as tall as I. As always, proper petitions and offerings were left to the spirit of the plant. The thorn apples taken from these were the size of walnuts! I plan on offering a limited amount to my customers since this another one of those "hard to come by unless you grow or wild harvest this yourself" plants but in a very limited quantity.
<p>A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-86387074344378407682012-08-18T01:35:00.001-04:002012-08-18T01:35:38.532-04:00The Domesticated Witch, or how to not scare off your husband's work friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently our little lives here have made many changes. My husband was transferred to a store which is a mile from our home and we had a baby. He rides his motorcycle every day to and from work and we spend nearly zero money on gas and it's great. He's been at this new store since May and has made friend with lots of people and they've been inviting us to all kinds of parties and things. The best part? They've all got kids, something we really lack in our social circle.
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I think it's important to hang out with other couples with kids, it makes you feel a little more normal. I'm not saying having single friends isn't important, because it is. It's just your single friends don't want to hear about all the stuff your kid does because there's a big chance they don't find it nearly as interesting or amazing as you do. At least people with kids get it and it gives them a chance to talk about their kids, which I've found is something that people with kids like to do. Everywhere you go it's "Oh lemme show you pictures of my kids!" Random people at the pediatrician's office say "Oh your son is soooo cute wanna see pictures of my granddaughter?" I was wandering in the hospital with my son and my mom (she's a nurse, I was visiting her at work) and I saw my OB GYN in the hallway who delivered my son and even she was like "OMG your son is so precious I remember him when he was purple and covered in cheese and had just fell out of you and here's 200 pictures of my kids on my iPhone the grow like weeds time flies enjoy it yadda yadda."
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All this being said, now that we're hanging out with these new people they will inevitably ask what I do. Well I'm a stay at home mom and artist. Oh, what do I make? Well I'm writing a children's book and I'm a professional witch.... hey, where are you going?
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I'm really ambivalent about telling people I'm a witch. Usually it goes two way; one, they are turned off and don't ask anything else and that's fine as long as they don't start treating me like a leper. I've gotten used to that, it comes with the territory, it doesn't bother me anymore. Two, they ask if I can make someone fall in love with them. Like that's all I do is match two unwilling partners in eternal bondage with glitter and bad perfume (I don't do that btw. Doing spell work for others just isn't my thing. I just make the tools with the intent, I leave you to light the candles.) When I was a bartender all the little hostess girls found out I was a witch and they clamored at the bar begging me to make this boy or that boy fall in love with them. You seem so fake when you tell them no, like the witch thing is just a front. But honestly, this professional witch gig tends to make you wise to things and it's just better that way, the way of no glitter and no bad perfume. Or they get grossed out when you tell them that they've got to collect toe or fingernails and the glamor fades and they soon forget about it. I go back to being just weird and I have my solace again.
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I do <i>other</i> stuff ya know, and this is the part where I begin to tell them all about what I do and how I do it. I don't bother educating those who don't seem interested because no matter how I talk about it they don't seem to care anyway so I do my best to educate those who seem open. You can't teach the unwilling, trust me I've tried. I try not to get into *deep* detail because I usually lose them when I start going on about how the rabbits help me read cards and sometimes I am the fox mother and sometimes I make things for a Hellenic psychopomp goddess because I like giving her gifts. I just tell them about the domestic folk magic stuff, like how I clean and protect my house and the food I make is filled with good magic. They usually like that part, the domestic witchcraft part, and it doesn't always end awkwardly when I show them a business card.
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So to tell, or not tell? I'm not in the "broom closet" by any means. Everyone I call friend or family knows I'm a witch and if they don't approve then they keep it to themselves and I'm just fine with that. But now it's not just my husband and I to think about, it's my son too. Like wtf would the PTA think about me <i>actually celebrating Halloween because it's a holiday and a sabbat</i> instead of my kid not dressing up for school and just taking my kid to church at 3pm to get some candy. AND WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO HALLOWEEN, GUYS? Like all of a sudden the world got too scary for our kids so they go "trick-o-treating" at church or during daylight where they're given toothbrushes and raisins because at night is when the apples with razor blades and pedophiles come out? Ugh. Gimme a damn break.
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I'll continue to chronicle this for those interested and I hope I won't have to go all Bengal tiger on anyone's ass for judging my baby. Ultimately I have to hope that the people I tell will continue to treat us the same, or as my husband and I agree, they aren't worth knowing anyway.
A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-74431974212501503172012-08-16T17:07:00.000-04:002012-08-16T17:07:33.335-04:00Giveaway!In honor of acheiving 200 "likes" of my Facebook page, and because I really like giveaways, I'm hosting another one! Here's the prize:
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlzSqlah1RW_HWYS8_elut9aQVr7_TpiOgkfugo8wjLYCeYotDk0dUGa2lSp3sy9BrFJCWUc2dVFApSaBuo-M36ZQJxEwmo5hyphenhyphenuCOt0_vRt8jNmnrb7oUlULY_oCCvd1gI0byQTlMjwk/s1600/DSC_0051augustgiveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="364" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlzSqlah1RW_HWYS8_elut9aQVr7_TpiOgkfugo8wjLYCeYotDk0dUGa2lSp3sy9BrFJCWUc2dVFApSaBuo-M36ZQJxEwmo5hyphenhyphenuCOt0_vRt8jNmnrb7oUlULY_oCCvd1gI0byQTlMjwk/s400/DSC_0051augustgiveaway.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>One 1/2 oz bottle of a new oil, my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/107042505/ancestor-oil-to-honor-and-envoke">Ancestor Oil</a>, an <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106300586/iron-nail-protection-charm-repel-the">Iron Nail Protection Charm</a> in autumn colors, and a Spirit Key Necklace. In addition to these wonderful items you will also receive a coupon code for 30% off in my shop! </b>
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Since Samhain is nearly upon us I decided to give items connected to the spirit season. The charm and oil are items I carry in my shop but the Spirit Key necklace is something I've done many renditions of in the past. This time it's a rusted vintage key beneath a datewood skull and tied with red wool and vintage glass beads. Red is the color of blood, our lifeforce, and is used to invigorate and enliven the souls of our ancestors and faithful departed.
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To participate, please go comment on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anathemums-Handmade-Artwork-Charms-and-Ritual-Supplies/331432860671?ref=hl">Facebook post</a>! If you share the post you'll get entered twice! Good luck, I'll pick a winner on Friday August 24th! Blessings!A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-12346054574942141792012-08-13T01:20:00.001-04:002013-07-23T23:23:51.186-04:00Charming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0zKHhQLGdcFvsRWT1m8U8SJQRE6bT4kDbcLMn1ORaF6bL4W_H3TmX9D1JhapcOK0z_okCvOgW5hkhbajVnwGVazl5xmuLAo0dc5fH8kdTD-BqNOPc5OF0kJAFbtB-qN9Y0mWNZDQo3Q/s1600/DSC_0336gatorpawcharm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="343" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0zKHhQLGdcFvsRWT1m8U8SJQRE6bT4kDbcLMn1ORaF6bL4W_H3TmX9D1JhapcOK0z_okCvOgW5hkhbajVnwGVazl5xmuLAo0dc5fH8kdTD-BqNOPc5OF0kJAFbtB-qN9Y0mWNZDQo3Q/s400/DSC_0336gatorpawcharm.jpg" /></a></div><center> <i>A personal charm, yellow deerskin leather stuffed with corresponding herbs and oils and tied closed with wool and adorned with bells and a protective green glass eye bead. Alligator paw from <a href="http://conjuredcardea.etsy.com">Conjured Cardea</a>.</i></center>
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I've been a busy bee in my hive, churning away at new things. One of my favorite folk magic tasks is charm making. Such potent magic in a little package. It will always be one of my favorites, calculating corresponding numbers, shapes, colors, ingredients, textures, materials, it's wonderful. I've got several new charms in the shop and more on the way.
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Something new I've decided to do for the shop is create all my oils to order. This means that when you purchase an oil I'll make it fresh just for you. It allows me to create more blends of oils without worrying where to store them all and it provides you with a fresher product. It is certainly more time consuming but I believe it is worth it. This will also carry over to my Waters as well. Powders and incenses are still made in batches.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWM7e3S3sqnWN7bWKGj2mSI14SuPmWvE74sy1h5PoMSJe5UtmsO7T634rxYc6E5IgVKfhTJgrfAbyCb4WUfLtbnv8x964FUX-OijWVKPZFJKrdYXFQ5BYX7hd3DBoXKVjnqaKqpGyPrc/s1600/DSC_0312ironcross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="294" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWM7e3S3sqnWN7bWKGj2mSI14SuPmWvE74sy1h5PoMSJe5UtmsO7T634rxYc6E5IgVKfhTJgrfAbyCb4WUfLtbnv8x964FUX-OijWVKPZFJKrdYXFQ5BYX7hd3DBoXKVjnqaKqpGyPrc/s400/DSC_0312ironcross.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106300586/iron-nail-protection-charm-repel-the">Iron Nail Protection Charm</a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEW7ONM1pturmLohzHZYAN_FGpFM8KeTK-Koh43zew3EQGgs1yhnixuF_HMebMz5lvuKzfKD1TSZeZG_pUs8yeLdXiqEbop8x3Wy6jsL2m376vTvUpS9fza812Ysg3ZNB3ZPh_GnP88o/s1600/DSC_0331rabbitcharm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEW7ONM1pturmLohzHZYAN_FGpFM8KeTK-Koh43zew3EQGgs1yhnixuF_HMebMz5lvuKzfKD1TSZeZG_pUs8yeLdXiqEbop8x3Wy6jsL2m376vTvUpS9fza812Ysg3ZNB3ZPh_GnP88o/s400/DSC_0331rabbitcharm.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106303611/rabbit-luck-charm-luck-success-love">Rabbit Luck Charm</a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TQa9tahzRlCzKl5G9AfOIPNEfMo0_p-QuuwKiesnmJHT8l_KOuWOXj-4sLRqFOcnqU_dF7VOkdoSWu2Tgr5jM3kwVu1ooILou1EHIZl7jq0zIdVmx8JE67bpAFTzNDcspIJIKEaBLRE/s1600/DSC_0030childcharm3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="319" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TQa9tahzRlCzKl5G9AfOIPNEfMo0_p-QuuwKiesnmJHT8l_KOuWOXj-4sLRqFOcnqU_dF7VOkdoSWu2Tgr5jM3kwVu1ooILou1EHIZl7jq0zIdVmx8JE67bpAFTzNDcspIJIKEaBLRE/s400/DSC_0030childcharm3.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106394237/safe-children-charm-to-keep-children">Safe Children Charm</a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2SrDpJKA3wSWMxkeMEA7Ry234W0PMhmnOQwz-OQM7rD9XgK-sYGxYcqc-msuguUqe_Hq5PiMf5z5yeczRMdhEker7QsBw9gMfSAfEj4AVR7ZmzIVcNf952fKjPOWjWUaL1X1a2SO8js/s1600/DSC_0015benevolentpowder1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2SrDpJKA3wSWMxkeMEA7Ry234W0PMhmnOQwz-OQM7rD9XgK-sYGxYcqc-msuguUqe_Hq5PiMf5z5yeczRMdhEker7QsBw9gMfSAfEj4AVR7ZmzIVcNf952fKjPOWjWUaL1X1a2SO8js/s400/DSC_0015benevolentpowder1.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106390869/benevolent-banishment-powder-gently">Benevolent Banishment Powder</a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1CQq51kQRBIdPM9O6KTfYrvaK4A99UmnuigHPUFd5_oF3S47V8zT-IoVeFY9cPUbAiESC_VM3-8Ufkg7CXpTe-qhCR14a9Vo3HiHH6_hxZyu_nAoJhwT4_c2Tgsxs_zlP9eRK8C45qI/s1600/DSC_0038artemisoil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1CQq51kQRBIdPM9O6KTfYrvaK4A99UmnuigHPUFd5_oF3S47V8zT-IoVeFY9cPUbAiESC_VM3-8Ufkg7CXpTe-qhCR14a9Vo3HiHH6_hxZyu_nAoJhwT4_c2Tgsxs_zlP9eRK8C45qI/s400/DSC_0038artemisoil.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106650873/artemis-sacred-deity-oil-goddess-of-the">Artemis Sacred Deity Oil</a>
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So the shop has reopened and I've got lots of new items plus many new ones on the horizon. I'm always looking for suggestions for new products so let me know if you have any ideas! Check the <a href="http://anathemum.etsy.com">shop</a> for the rest! Remember, the coupon code "August2012" gets you 15% off! If you want to keep up with my day to day muttering, "like" my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anathemums-Handmade-Artwork-Charms-and-Ritual-Supplies/331432860671">Facebook</a> page. In the next few days I'll be hosting a giveaway through my Facebook page, check it out!
A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-52068990264417740452012-08-05T00:59:00.001-04:002013-07-23T23:26:50.745-04:00Returning!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2fxqUoGd0BWtOuTjaLd-fd0lA_ExjLGLuUkcki6a6DLJbSpPHoCLQas_wX2YaDeiD-EueyWkbxNrdT_jUDh1xDhMzo_iEH4hqJipftk8et04VHKiYhaHjdPOf7wZwCuGhnLSF_g3U8w/s1600/DSC_0181+feet+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="237" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2fxqUoGd0BWtOuTjaLd-fd0lA_ExjLGLuUkcki6a6DLJbSpPHoCLQas_wX2YaDeiD-EueyWkbxNrdT_jUDh1xDhMzo_iEH4hqJipftk8et04VHKiYhaHjdPOf7wZwCuGhnLSF_g3U8w/s400/DSC_0181+feet+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
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It's taken longer than expected but I think I'm finally ready to come back. It's been a rough three months since the birth of my son, as any new parent can tell you, but he is amazing. I've scaled back my craft considerably, as there hasn't been much time left, and kept it simple such as walks with my boy and little bits of making here and there. A little candle lighting, a few offerings of flowers, but nothing big. This has been such a grand adjustment for our wee family so we are taking it slow. Now that I've got more time, I've got my fingers in lots of little projects.
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I'd like to note that my path is further evolving, becoming simpler and more focused. Becoming a mother has made me take inventory on my life and remove the extra needless bits to make room for the most important things. I've come to realize that my path is truly folk magic with a side of deity/animal worship and animism. Lately I've had the urge to tear down and resurrect new altars and form stronger bonds with the entities I work beside.
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Important things that have been brewing was my first wholesale order given to a local shop, <a href="http://www.greenmangrove.com/">The Greenman Grove</a>, here in downtown Fredericksburg VA. It's run by a lovely woman named Heather so please stop by and see her!
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The <a href="http://anathemum.etsy.com">shop</a> will reopen August 6th with a few new products. I can also accept Credit cards through the shop now (as of August 15)! Keep a lookout!
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As always, subscribe to my <A href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anathemums-Spiritual-Goods-Witchcraft-Supplies/331432860671?ref=hl">Facebook page</a> for updates and coupons! In honor of my return you can use the coupon code "August2012" for 15% off!A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-7875520637383021272012-02-02T12:39:00.012-05:002012-02-02T13:11:12.030-05:00Again on changes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjFvgm5nCJJiB0HlLAIk371W_6r9FYmLYXj01KH6qHncrDlWy8LAIJVqMHGyK78hT5E4e8Qq3ejxRVbLWUmFAVVu6zoa9HRRPNSgYVHDjIfDzKky82-W0lG-b1obYFBSOU6r-_88khRY/s1600/20120101_170453_tarot+spread.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 359px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjFvgm5nCJJiB0HlLAIk371W_6r9FYmLYXj01KH6qHncrDlWy8LAIJVqMHGyK78hT5E4e8Qq3ejxRVbLWUmFAVVu6zoa9HRRPNSgYVHDjIfDzKky82-W0lG-b1obYFBSOU6r-_88khRY/s400/20120101_170453_tarot+spread.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704596946332956290" /></a><br /><br />As the frost melts on this Imbolc (even though there was no frost since it's been in the high 50's and 60's in Virginia which I'm really really into) it gives me time to pause and reflect. This year has really marked a bevy of changes for me. I reopened my shop after being gone for a while and I lost my job while 5 months pregnant. I drew a very ominous tarot spread at the New Year which spelled disaster and it has certainly come true in many many aspects. At least I saw it coming? So I've been hunkered down in my hut crafting prosperity charms and rubbing oil all over my money like a mad woman and so far the Gods have thrown a few bones my way.<br /><br />Shop updates? More products. I know I said I'd start straying from the herbal products but I just can't bring myself to do it; I love the ritual of it just too much. I love your custom orders too. I feel spiritually renewed lately. Maybe it's the nice weather? Either way I want it to continue.<br /><br />On an up personal note I've been healthy through my pregnancy and I've had much more time to work on the shop and personal projects. I've only got about 2 months left and I'm so excited. I can't wait to raise my nature loving wild boy and show him the wonder that is this stunning world we have. Will I raise him to understand and follow Animism like me? Yes. Will I hold him to it when he's older? Not necessarily. I want him to have choices and while my heart will tug a little if he doesn't want to pull tarot with me I'll feel good knowing that he will be brought up with an open mind and open heart.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGJ7JLUBVWCt9RW1sHAJqvg15Nfc2KaAW2E3XR7jaR0uWcUhdSPZBOjX5Vwa76lw_ta1Aqy2ddN4_l4A3-0s2Cai035LuGERrvhzL79gebYVzPFQNKa4EytDnDs6hb_TCSZxhzPCt_zs/s1600/SDC13948foxtv02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGJ7JLUBVWCt9RW1sHAJqvg15Nfc2KaAW2E3XR7jaR0uWcUhdSPZBOjX5Vwa76lw_ta1Aqy2ddN4_l4A3-0s2Cai035LuGERrvhzL79gebYVzPFQNKa4EytDnDs6hb_TCSZxhzPCt_zs/s400/SDC13948foxtv02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704599638949635026" /></a>I've also forced myself to devote more time to writing my children's book and you can see the progress over at <a href="http://saltmoths.blogspot.com">Salt Moths</a>. Instead of illustrating the book I'm building all the set pieces and characters in miniature and photographing them. While my story is not overtly witchy they are about animals and the things they do. The main story involves rabbits and salt and the moon. Go look.<br /><br />I'm excited to see what all these changes bring. What changes have you made this year?A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-46996475633839599022012-02-02T12:33:00.003-05:002013-07-23T23:27:10.876-04:00Chalks!I can't tell you how fun it was finding new molds for my chalks. This new mold system is reusable (my others were use once and done) and allows me to create many new and different chalks for you. They're good to carry with you as well, these chalks are super sturdy. Blessed Imbolc to everyone! I'm itching to start my seeds already considering it's so nice outside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxM6c8qKVDCQLGgCP4s5oWF949tv3fRum8n_oAZdag1hA3Kqjqx1eXbMcS3j2CGCBNkvVj8PUIkahT7QJVdyTNt4uiv11UPk3O_Kgi7LPxXFBkDkASDU4QgkV2Ka8N3crrjVvIdnc0Tis/s1600/SDC13961alkanetrootchalk01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxM6c8qKVDCQLGgCP4s5oWF949tv3fRum8n_oAZdag1hA3Kqjqx1eXbMcS3j2CGCBNkvVj8PUIkahT7QJVdyTNt4uiv11UPk3O_Kgi7LPxXFBkDkASDU4QgkV2Ka8N3crrjVvIdnc0Tis/s400/SDC13961alkanetrootchalk01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704593046270692402" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/91670870/alkanet-root-sigil-chalk">Alkanet Root Sigil Chalk</a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3s38VgrOV7Hoa6b08FwYNkl0nFOQQdxayh0LN33-wB2tyqfdXeFx07bomMnDJNeBP3O5FrdEFTFz3cZYvYWgh-9fXy_7SMUygOhXLppq9FQiGi7TiHVsbpCM4rdLUvHrNMm0h4mVq4aw/s1600/SDC13997moneydrawingchalk01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 341px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3s38VgrOV7Hoa6b08FwYNkl0nFOQQdxayh0LN33-wB2tyqfdXeFx07bomMnDJNeBP3O5FrdEFTFz3cZYvYWgh-9fXy_7SMUygOhXLppq9FQiGi7TiHVsbpCM4rdLUvHrNMm0h4mVq4aw/s400/SDC13997moneydrawingchalk01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704593035064549890" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/91982318/money-drawing-sigil-chalk">Money Drawing Sigil Chalk</a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWf0qAd7Hz5vqPQhJUYZXegLtM4WfriQ5Hr_ZuY7Pi6Oh-fK3yHsAy0WWbg5kAzihKaBCRcQwtsSQ3krbLLtTFRc3rmMvVJ7LrMNEZn_A7_gFISRX98H045TX4myFM18_yY0pF7N1vrvQ/s1600/SDC13991uncrossingchalk01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 324px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWf0qAd7Hz5vqPQhJUYZXegLtM4WfriQ5Hr_ZuY7Pi6Oh-fK3yHsAy0WWbg5kAzihKaBCRcQwtsSQ3krbLLtTFRc3rmMvVJ7LrMNEZn_A7_gFISRX98H045TX4myFM18_yY0pF7N1vrvQ/s400/SDC13991uncrossingchalk01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704593029493753922" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/91981275/uncrossing-sigil-chalk?ref=v1_other_2">Uncrossing Sigil Chalk</a></center>A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-81646018027983774772012-01-21T10:03:00.006-05:002013-07-23T23:27:42.152-04:00A few new things, a few old thingsJust a reminder that my shop is open and running! All orders will receive free charcoal tablets with orders over $15 (before shipping). Here's a few new things and a few old things.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMShULqRv4jrr0rK03ztiTTCXpciDBNj7fSQSu2HPeilK5lGoVFzX0GaPVCJUjJhIRUKFfEOaa1hEAnTp-nQhufy1f9kIs_RWwm1RplX0FvtTU-lNlc_IqfImgsVDErgF6QopES_gPsI/s1600/SDC13885+blueeyemoleskin01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 355px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMShULqRv4jrr0rK03ztiTTCXpciDBNj7fSQSu2HPeilK5lGoVFzX0GaPVCJUjJhIRUKFfEOaa1hEAnTp-nQhufy1f9kIs_RWwm1RplX0FvtTU-lNlc_IqfImgsVDErgF6QopES_gPsI/s400/SDC13885+blueeyemoleskin01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700101291814632594" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89590141/blue-eye-notebook-for-scribing-all">Blue Eye Notebook</a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzmN2qkXk6p72DFCxgGV6DB_0gIg7Qkr3QOvpFyt7gh6RLFoEEZnZo7GYN4ZKrzZzj96UPo-MXl9VxeOPSTs7iI6Y6OjA1duo7FxOzSZwQt0nTt1tGV-oxn_D_5vPN_vXeazs-a2jI5E/s1600/SDC13892loveamuletpouch.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/AVvXsEgpzmN2qkXk6p72DFCxgGV6DB_0gIg7Qkr3QOvpFyt7gh6RLFoEEZnZo7GYN4ZKrzZzj96UPo-MXl9VxeOPSTs7iI6Y6OjA1duo7FxOzSZwQt0nTt1tGV-oxn_D_5vPN_vXeazs-a2jI5E/s400/SDC13892loveamuletpouch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700101292673251090" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67747388/custom-amulet-pouches-a-small-ward-with">Custom Amulet Pouches</a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdnV4V1HGb4k7hJ3adQiEbYGyBOhYYMdNO1sEPOqQRn9Ji62mixdS2DDLUteRMVJRxOD4O95lYNCv-24LRmSvzrcXX6epNKzdnrB5jqd6USoZWNgtrAmBPFtqIHQZ6gHJWfJTljCXv0Q/s1600/SDC13910harenotebook.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 371px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdnV4V1HGb4k7hJ3adQiEbYGyBOhYYMdNO1sEPOqQRn9Ji62mixdS2DDLUteRMVJRxOD4O95lYNCv-24LRmSvzrcXX6epNKzdnrB5jqd6USoZWNgtrAmBPFtqIHQZ6gHJWfJTljCXv0Q/s400/SDC13910harenotebook.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700101303562989058" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69774489/the-hare-notebook-for-transcribing-all">The Hare Notebook</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3ZP7zrxxkHUL7EA6oJn4FHeTglv4sjNtCzBfyzw30Rr7S9EfiA5zHdhaoc8TGTu3HaftfpAzeuF4UONs1fn83r1iksP9nnCugYTgkE3fJalSA1T_hpEj63wXAo9YbbYrPW-cIJZOEg0/s1600/SDC13508altarwash1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3ZP7zrxxkHUL7EA6oJn4FHeTglv4sjNtCzBfyzw30Rr7S9EfiA5zHdhaoc8TGTu3HaftfpAzeuF4UONs1fn83r1iksP9nnCugYTgkE3fJalSA1T_hpEj63wXAo9YbbYrPW-cIJZOEg0/s400/SDC13508altarwash1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700102178970670162" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67287169/altar-wash-an-all-purpose-soap-to">Altar Wash</a></center>A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-79024579830907281912012-01-01T16:55:00.004-05:002013-07-23T23:29:03.221-04:00Ch-ch-ch-ch changes.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6rUCFAwZ4OFT85FxLQa9aIPh-fHal5x8WuVxybHhltG_sd9WG4_NxZhHlbr-22w4s-1CUwEIv60VeN5h2G0Zj3jrUtfFgZGsdDYRZ4kfc31QDsZ1cAGVCsLZaR9wa62iopT2XFJRhpU/s1600/newyearsaltar+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6rUCFAwZ4OFT85FxLQa9aIPh-fHal5x8WuVxybHhltG_sd9WG4_NxZhHlbr-22w4s-1CUwEIv60VeN5h2G0Zj3jrUtfFgZGsdDYRZ4kfc31QDsZ1cAGVCsLZaR9wa62iopT2XFJRhpU/s400/newyearsaltar+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692802910631591986" /></a><br />To say that I've gone through some changes in the last 6 months is a slight understatement. I'm pregnant and will be bringing a little witch into this world in May and Joey and I are over the moon about this. This change has not yet allowed me to return to my previous shop duties but will eventually. I have been steadily working on my book/miniature/doll projects which can be viewed at <a href="http://saltmoths.blogspot.com/">Salt Moths</a> for those interested. Currently the shop is open with limited stock but I have many ideas to fill it with.<br /><br />For those of you who've sent little messages of love I have read them all. Thank you for your kindness.<br /><br />In reflection on the the goals attained this year I did create more and attend and vend at the festivals I wanted to. My path is still evolving and I better understand it now more than ever. I hope this new year, other than bringing change, will also continue to bring some wonderful personal growth.<br /><br />Many blessings to all of you.A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-62569432102729977202011-07-03T11:21:00.002-04:002013-07-23T23:29:39.198-04:00Direction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFJXM1JPa57I7Xp0OEX3FUrXr_-XbQsrPKN0KcKp2EH_DZfwUne5rTEP3E8A3_Sr_zlvOxl1vyi-0DlhVNfdZobtOpaL9pZYzh6u9gHYgIDZbSDbIkurnBSG20nKetzPcH73iDSeaG50/s1600/SDC13822.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/AVvXsEitFJXM1JPa57I7Xp0OEX3FUrXr_-XbQsrPKN0KcKp2EH_DZfwUne5rTEP3E8A3_Sr_zlvOxl1vyi-0DlhVNfdZobtOpaL9pZYzh6u9gHYgIDZbSDbIkurnBSG20nKetzPcH73iDSeaG50/s400/SDC13822.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625146759652701586" /></a><i><center>Some of the door charms and necklaces that didn't find homes at the festival. Maybe you could take them home?</i></center><br /><br />So while my computer is on the fritz I've had the time to work on some personal and one of a kind projects of mine as well as contemplate the direction of the shop. While I do enjoy crafting supply for the discerning witch I enjoy doing the one of a kind items more so this leaves me with a dilemma. <br /><br />My current sales venue (Etsy) is flooded with Pagan suppliers so much so that none of us really stand out anymore, with the exception of a few Witches who do things differently and better (You know who I'm talking about). I've decided to no longer expand my botanica and I won't be creating new incenses or oils for the time being in an effort to focus on a more specialized set of products. I will keep my favorite of the botanica products such as my inks, a few incenses and powders but most of my current stock will be discontinued (more than likely this means a sale so keep an eye out!).<br /><br />With this change I will bring about more of a focused idea with my art and ritual supplies. More charms and ritual jewelry, more block prints and artwork, more embroidered tarot bags, more leather and woodwork, more one of a kind pieces crafted by me. Once my shop reopens, which I hope will be soon, these changes will begin.A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-74620696433301238462011-06-28T20:43:00.003-04:002011-06-28T21:14:03.968-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tymLA3deeItw61uV6d9gP3i6MQAuYOwGsGqepdRxG4hZmD0uumz0hG8gO10YqZu3uZ9gCt5pS4CUgUx6aI3BmoHuT022MHOXaYY_5MmCOkd8osyh1J0Fs69YV5-tRlG0X5DjpLQ7YGs/s1600/SDC13782.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/AVvXsEi2tymLA3deeItw61uV6d9gP3i6MQAuYOwGsGqepdRxG4hZmD0uumz0hG8gO10YqZu3uZ9gCt5pS4CUgUx6aI3BmoHuT022MHOXaYY_5MmCOkd8osyh1J0Fs69YV5-tRlG0X5DjpLQ7YGs/s400/SDC13782.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623437571444704306" /></a><br /><br />After the Virginia Renaissance Faire my computer crashed and I haven't fixed it yet. This leaves me unable to edit and process photos so the shop will remained closed until said computer is back on it's feet. I'm tryin' to make it work, I promise.<br /><br />I'd like to thank all the great people who came out and saw me at the fair, you were all kind and funny and amazing! We got rain and sweltering heat but it was fantastic. I truthfully have very few photos from the faire because of the modern camera anachronism issue but I snagged a few. <br /><br />Recently several odd occurrences and creatures have crossed my path. I've been having sleepless nights and scattered dreams, many involving those witches I know. So I've taken this time to work on some personal projects to calm the buzzing.<br /><br />On the way I have some new products and one of a kind items plus all of the one of a kind pieces that didn't find homes at the faire. I look forward to coming back!A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-36064087989648071472011-05-07T20:29:00.003-04:002011-05-07T20:35:32.878-04:00Secrets and works<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBO20Op2EnSpaMDgxx85GGJthcP3QR7f3mEt8Bh44iSYCfcYLJ5exYsKfWYzyBYo9v8ny_e1sf4_TQx62cNTk4eZn7K0pq1EV4krZTIoGyFIKfmf3Tm97DfHO6aOpUCFmLhUIp_MRzTLc/s1600/SDC13780necklacepreview.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/AVvXsEiBO20Op2EnSpaMDgxx85GGJthcP3QR7f3mEt8Bh44iSYCfcYLJ5exYsKfWYzyBYo9v8ny_e1sf4_TQx62cNTk4eZn7K0pq1EV4krZTIoGyFIKfmf3Tm97DfHO6aOpUCFmLhUIp_MRzTLc/s400/SDC13780necklacepreview.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604136056928140818" /></a><br />Some of the jewelry you'll be seeing at my booth at the <a href="http://varf.org">Virginia Renaissance Faire</a>. Handcarved Yew pendants, talismans, charms, spirit and divination bags, and many one of a kind items will be sold in addition to some of my most classic incenses, oils, and artwork. Any goodies not sold will be put in the shop. Remember, I'll be there the weekend of May 14-15 and closing weekend June 4-5. I hope to see you there.A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-47128113566907012352011-03-27T11:00:00.001-04:002011-03-27T12:54:31.601-04:00Snow in spring.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2IqSBnJuZ6AzpPv8AP4pDzUgVtSX4yN-2dywGpwn13go-eO1p7KIhGyIFuvNdl_iDV6U-z1CxK1fqT-k5PVa7S6jSgAbVSWlmioWg-YG6ooKYCZnTnOSm8xz5jtoLKw9QZwJls3Ttn0/s1600/IMG_20110327_092938end+of+march+snow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2IqSBnJuZ6AzpPv8AP4pDzUgVtSX4yN-2dywGpwn13go-eO1p7KIhGyIFuvNdl_iDV6U-z1CxK1fqT-k5PVa7S6jSgAbVSWlmioWg-YG6ooKYCZnTnOSm8xz5jtoLKw9QZwJls3Ttn0/s400/IMG_20110327_092938end+of+march+snow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588803134320965618" /></a><br />It snowed this morning. There are blooms and blossoms and pollen and snowflakes. The Old Woman has one last laugh.<br /><br />I've been going through some really uninteresting and unspiritual real life job changes so things have been quiet. I went from a flexible schedule to a fixed one and have had to spiritually change some things. Before I worked a job that allowed me to freely speak about who I am and what I do and it was the first job I was able to do that. It was liberating but alienating but I had time for crafting. Now I feel as though I've taken a step backwards in my progress by changing my job to one where I feel as though to expose myself might leave my employment in jeopardy. So I will stay quiet for now.<br /><br />I've also been having trouble composing words and sentences and my spelling has worsened. My productivity has slowed. It will pick back up as I'm gearing up for the festival.<br /><br />The winner of my little contest, which I am sorely late in posting, is Unknown Binaries! Please email me at anathemum(at)gmail.com to collect your prize. A big thanks to those that participated, I loved reading all your words.A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-80157072232000947592011-03-10T14:47:00.010-05:002011-03-10T18:00:10.114-05:00Ink and Paper<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwsWs5axIeeJSm5wnPyfE-9REemA766J5-GGcBZdkEQbFG1ctpnihBwgBVHK24bO72baPgI9K-X6c7tKDcTZEevLlgYoVbs1f_lRDOOfZhSzEF3nnzAGW6nf9VKyAz4lCJ5dFSRwZwZ4/s1600/SDC13747rabbitjournal1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 345px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwsWs5axIeeJSm5wnPyfE-9REemA766J5-GGcBZdkEQbFG1ctpnihBwgBVHK24bO72baPgI9K-X6c7tKDcTZEevLlgYoVbs1f_lRDOOfZhSzEF3nnzAGW6nf9VKyAz4lCJ5dFSRwZwZ4/s400/SDC13747rabbitjournal1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582576178368481490" /></a><center><i><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69774489/the-hare-notebook-for-transcribing-all">The Hare Notebook</a></i></center><br /><br />I often worry that being witches of a digital age has stifled our written word within ourselves. <br /><br />For myself I can't really get behind the idea of a typed grimoire that's bound in a plastic binder. Plastic is unreceptive. It makes something that should be so personal so very sterile and clinical. It's not as though writing it by hand within a nicer book is harder, it's perhaps more intensive but this implies that the shortcut is the way to go and my mindset couldn't be farther from the truth. For those who find the binder and typed method suitable I encourage you to try a bound book and written words. The claim is that "if I want to change something it's easy to and I don't have to start a whole new book." Part of our learning as witches involves changes that we should embrace, not hide as though they're shameful. Even the most elite of witches started somewhere small and meager. <br /><br />I'm a purist when it comes to things like this. Perhaps it's the artist in me. I want to use ink and pen and paper within a bound medium. I want to mix my blood with the ink. Or spit. Or whatever. I want my hand to ache after I've transcribed an incantation. I want that ink to accidentally or otherwise be smudged. I want to <i>feel</i> my words as they appear on the page. To add color with paint and mud and blood. This is why I've created all these <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/anathemum?section_id=7328643">inks and little notebooks</a> for you witches. To encourage the recording of our paths in a traditional and tactile manner. I personally use one of my little notebooks for recording my results of tarot sessions.<br /><br />To help encourage all my witches to put down the keyboard and pick up the pen I've got a little giveaway. I want to see pictures of your grimoires, those of you who are willing to show it. A link to a flickr post or photo host will do. Doesn't necessarily have to be of the whole thing, maybe your favorite page. Got a sketch of a deity? Beautiful, let's see it. Don't have a camera? Post the favorite piece of text from your grimoire instead. Please give credit if the posted text or photo is not your own.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhE50p3XSJLg8I-Iclz8_gN5Leba_IQJ6uC-RbFdMFMpmdN7wZBN-gkWox5ZrdslBIQVIi3Wi7YTZos73lCYC2WeOCaMG-_Xlyi7FVrRaVEbp_H6xwcHIoBpXlS6ndYpCIgMSEDYGMMA/s1600/SDC13156sticksandstonesgiveaway.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/AVvXsEhzhE50p3XSJLg8I-Iclz8_gN5Leba_IQJ6uC-RbFdMFMpmdN7wZBN-gkWox5ZrdslBIQVIi3Wi7YTZos73lCYC2WeOCaMG-_Xlyi7FVrRaVEbp_H6xwcHIoBpXlS6ndYpCIgMSEDYGMMA/s400/SDC13156sticksandstonesgiveaway.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582574753227857490" /></a><br />The winner will receive this block printed lined notebook. A <a href="http://piccadillyinc.com/">Piccadilly</a> by brand, measuring 3½ x 5½ in, 100 lined acid free pages with a stitched binding. A silver cardboard notebook printed with my Sticks and Skulls print in high quality black ink. Fits perfectly within a tarot pouch or pocket and is perfect for all sorts of scribbles and sigils.<br /><br />I will accept entries through the Vernal Equinox, March 20th. Thanks and happy commenting!A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-60931963906924835282011-03-04T10:48:00.000-05:002011-03-04T12:23:41.732-05:00Alllmost spring<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwC9r0Pjf9bdD7pk-CW9NR-jELmhACVhl4Pc-pC3CDg5Rm86bg81TTJ36hdoF9kyRsDsyoP6J1lqK_pDcF0JhK4s3oORf90QztRTAVr9rPeYftu_-u4pzK_ta32b-bWnEIC88xNZ56Wm8/s1600/SDC13554+copy.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/AVvXsEjwC9r0Pjf9bdD7pk-CW9NR-jELmhACVhl4Pc-pC3CDg5Rm86bg81TTJ36hdoF9kyRsDsyoP6J1lqK_pDcF0JhK4s3oORf90QztRTAVr9rPeYftu_-u4pzK_ta32b-bWnEIC88xNZ56Wm8/s400/SDC13554+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580276102801245730" /></a>While things may have been a little quiet in my internet world, I've been a busy bumbling bee around my little thicket. I've been cold stratifying and starting seeds for the witch's garden this year (soooo many plants!!!!), working on dolls and furnishings (as seen at the <a href="http://anathemums-spirit-house.blogspot.com">Spirit House</a>, go look!) and enjoying the first few warm days we've had in Virginia since last fall.<br /><br />It seems as though every witch I know has fallen ill these past few weeks, myself included. Bouts of coughing and feverish night and dreams have sequestered me to the least labor intensive of my crafts. It has also given me ample time to reflect on past and future projects. Things have slowed in the shop a little since I'm taking some time to work on some personal projects of mine that until now were on a very far back burner. It feels so good to every day be able to do what I love. Don't worry, I have many beautiful things planned for the shop these next few months.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jxRaZ_f22DvlXkgsb6jgEMNqRnz_pA0-RRfDKP5DJoZkj1yifJXnyxt-prrpp_Mr7pFg4dMnq_DsBM95AKLAx_Y2KyPcurc0oPwXSmC0rh0Q46Zoul41nxaEkyk_J60UAwAJ5wdTy6o/s1600/SDC11112justice.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jxRaZ_f22DvlXkgsb6jgEMNqRnz_pA0-RRfDKP5DJoZkj1yifJXnyxt-prrpp_Mr7pFg4dMnq_DsBM95AKLAx_Y2KyPcurc0oPwXSmC0rh0Q46Zoul41nxaEkyk_J60UAwAJ5wdTy6o/s400/SDC11112justice.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579170820319505106" /></a>Last March I was putting coolant into my car in the parking lot of my man's job (a disadvantage of driving a 15 year old car). Stuck underneath my tire was a piece of paper and as I bent down to pick it up I discovered it was a tarot card. The Justice card. A return to balance. Adjustment. I quit smoking that month and haven't had a cigarette since. <br /><br />I've made it a ritual now to pull a spread at the yawnings of spring, preferably the first New Moon. My spread this year was ehhhhh but at least I have a heads up. I've always thought of spring to be the beginning of my year. You know, start the seeds, watch them grow, harvest, death. It seems more reasonable to me.A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-71545388458304784302011-02-04T11:15:00.015-05:002011-02-04T14:59:29.535-05:00Dye and Fiber<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtOJ7VRjj_Ia5ww4TiLwd__LbhZOwYYE79RsxnKqGfK_5ZTD0aJHdwUqH8ttrF08OiPc79azz1RodKEM2r02ciBzviWC3PVVBEid6D8pJ4Y66PbrLnPaMvkNJzUcxrrmnNHrqsN-gZzs/s1600/SDC13012solardying.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/AVvXsEijtOJ7VRjj_Ia5ww4TiLwd__LbhZOwYYE79RsxnKqGfK_5ZTD0aJHdwUqH8ttrF08OiPc79azz1RodKEM2r02ciBzviWC3PVVBEid6D8pJ4Y66PbrLnPaMvkNJzUcxrrmnNHrqsN-gZzs/s400/SDC13012solardying.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569878860487912498" /></a><center><i>Solar dyeing, Hibiscus flowers on the left, Onion skins on the right.</i></center><br /><br />The more effort you put into an item, the better it is at performing whatever task you've assigned it. It's about intent. This applies for all aspects of magic and life; amulets, charms, workings, crafts, gifts, whatever. I try to impart everything I make with immense intent, not only just my incense and oils, but other items too. I've always been one to break crafts down, find the roots of them. Sure it's easy to buy dyed fabric but why not do it yourself? If there is so much more intent imparted upon the materials then the finished product will be pulsing with energy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8W66IQ8bKNcluYvi4SbaBCxWd7pzK8RiHI-lgU_u5GlKIq_Q8ISF3uIXuQeeYEg04oQJKQiGp1sYxYU7dUkTZ2i7ms6V0-N47ItNB3LRJMhM_h4-6shwx23SLOk8yzecbMA05ufzq4D4/s1600/a-dyers-garden-from-plant-to-pot-growing-dyes-for-natural-fibers.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8W66IQ8bKNcluYvi4SbaBCxWd7pzK8RiHI-lgU_u5GlKIq_Q8ISF3uIXuQeeYEg04oQJKQiGp1sYxYU7dUkTZ2i7ms6V0-N47ItNB3LRJMhM_h4-6shwx23SLOk8yzecbMA05ufzq4D4/s400/a-dyers-garden-from-plant-to-pot-growing-dyes-for-natural-fibers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569885505688580882" /></a>Natural fibers are a love of mine. I love knitting, felting, and sewing with them; wools and cottons are my absolute favorite. I do a little amateur weaving now and then with scraps of yarn. You've seen many of the pouches and dolls I've created here using them. Something I've been working on recently is Natural Dyeing. Among several books I got for Christmas (Bookbinding and Doll making, I'll eventually get to those) I received a book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dyers-Garden-Growing-Natural-Fibers/dp/1883010071/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1296839660&sr=1-1">A Dyer's Garden: From Plant to Pot, Growing Dyes for Natural Fibers</a>. This book is beautiful and has wonderful pictures and information. In an effort to cut down on things I buy I want to focus on things I can grow or make within my house, hence the book. This year I will add Woad to my garden since I've been <i>dyeing</i> to achieve a beautiful blue without the hassle of an indigo dye pot (chemistry is not a strong suit of mine).<br /><br />I've already experimented with natural dyes including Alkanet Root (red), Hibiscus Flower (berry red), Safflower (bright yellow), Onion Skin (bright yellow) and some of the results can be seen in the inks and chalks within my shop.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeh_nSKaqnbrr5l8EHCt43O5p6Zhx4Do2yz37BAcv4uTUQ2gxwGdu1vWDwG703axNAmxKIgoX2kBQkjwD5x9LnQwuE47U01NjxaJuu8Qa6ON9FlzR58r9hA7F4wJG8icpRkAyH-Os78Do/s1600/SDC13011potdye.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeh_nSKaqnbrr5l8EHCt43O5p6Zhx4Do2yz37BAcv4uTUQ2gxwGdu1vWDwG703axNAmxKIgoX2kBQkjwD5x9LnQwuE47U01NjxaJuu8Qa6ON9FlzR58r9hA7F4wJG8icpRkAyH-Os78Do/s400/SDC13011potdye.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569878860177052386" /></a><center><i>Pot dyeing, all sorts of fallen leaves and berries with muslin.</i></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIz8yStNGGcp0bz51JBFj7XhTK4fk0RBx2r4AxQxPB0EDIC473WCHg__UP5HcTN5yIZRgHN5W8Q8cir-jzbjprOofx2zhZGfMI1QaXqcU6JcTtx7ugy665oM4uRzS5RvpEGveL-bbHzSM/s1600/SDC13119dyedmuslin.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/AVvXsEjIz8yStNGGcp0bz51JBFj7XhTK4fk0RBx2r4AxQxPB0EDIC473WCHg__UP5HcTN5yIZRgHN5W8Q8cir-jzbjprOofx2zhZGfMI1QaXqcU6JcTtx7ugy665oM4uRzS5RvpEGveL-bbHzSM/s400/SDC13119dyedmuslin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569878855720094834" /></a><center><i>A few results, Hibiscus on the left, the fallen leaf dye pot in the center, and onion skin on the right.</i></center><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmrNtpYFNadbXN14yGOnFbq_vRzlcCS60qEx_sAofS7FQiiGReyDGe4gYqeed7odNETzdAt1lKP1hwKgkaOMOSEe6Yxls4Soeb-q-QlDxYEVtRJUm2YgSDRGaAH7Go2hX_n9YiDvVRtg/s1600/SDC13526hibiscusdyebowl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmrNtpYFNadbXN14yGOnFbq_vRzlcCS60qEx_sAofS7FQiiGReyDGe4gYqeed7odNETzdAt1lKP1hwKgkaOMOSEe6Yxls4Soeb-q-QlDxYEVtRJUm2YgSDRGaAH7Go2hX_n9YiDvVRtg/s400/SDC13526hibiscusdyebowl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569887810566406146" /></a><center><i>A bowl of Safflower and Hibiscus. This yielded a lovely berry pink.</i></center><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VjxZjlKKWWwxQnSQL67I1VuwA5jDElE7gTue2T2TRHqyYnBjdeL7HQFIn-CokcilSYlsGnDww3noVuXFPsPbkqP-xFULrofcNwzIRHR6lKRtTcG-ZAWkmmx_HhFMgs3J7H5UnEFDHNA/s1600/SDC13521yarnballs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VjxZjlKKWWwxQnSQL67I1VuwA5jDElE7gTue2T2TRHqyYnBjdeL7HQFIn-CokcilSYlsGnDww3noVuXFPsPbkqP-xFULrofcNwzIRHR6lKRtTcG-ZAWkmmx_HhFMgs3J7H5UnEFDHNA/s400/SDC13521yarnballs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569892065990602738" /></a><center><i>Wool yarn, a moth's dream. So many beautiful colors.</i></center><br /><br />Several years ago I visited the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival and came home with armloads of natural yarns, mostly wools, wool blends, and cotton. I bought so much I'm still working through it! One of my favorite commercial yarns (and a total guilty pleasure) is <a href="http://www.noroyarns.com/v2/en/html/home.html">Noro</a>, a Japanese yarn company that manufactures beautiful wool yarn. It stripes stunningly and the colors are vibrant. The company does as much of their spinning by hand as possible and creates these delicious color combinations. Another favorite commercial yarn brand is <a href="http://www.brownsheep.com/lp.htm">Lambs Pride</a> by the Brown Sheep Company, a beautiful blend of soft wool and mohair and a dream to knit with. I've been knitting up a storm creating all kinds of pouches bags and purses to store your tarot cards, runes, or gemstones and bones in. Most of them will go to the festivals but some will be left over for the shop. I'm in love with all the colors my house is filled with right now.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHGuiHQxDMKkmpiDJfuE1dyljnhbpHuwi7LfFkwJhzeaLYtZKzaayH9MguK1oGUutNCHAFIPSKCrciRVMKzMORIQXbBX1UotGj6BeVWTlnajdtkxhKiOKe8b-PmsTdnZtz5MVuPN3Jv4/s1600/SDC13524gypsy+yarn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHGuiHQxDMKkmpiDJfuE1dyljnhbpHuwi7LfFkwJhzeaLYtZKzaayH9MguK1oGUutNCHAFIPSKCrciRVMKzMORIQXbBX1UotGj6BeVWTlnajdtkxhKiOKe8b-PmsTdnZtz5MVuPN3Jv4/s400/SDC13524gypsy+yarn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569895381356841330" /></a>And so is Gypsy :). Or maybe it's the squishy yarn bed she's lying on....A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-88264539037716270952011-01-23T19:21:00.008-05:002011-02-04T13:49:24.681-05:00Journey Charm<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfWGgpIM47ZLTjnUvB-ii6oaTVbGN-7I69rge-5QbwOBvWFNTL8PvTjyC-6hrfZ7ehCZkHE1ngXjZ8xklOX_Dsw9XZOwoxpq8wPmDQlW-BbPQtE7RFBaANIymnidckS0r9DY0eQs_m1M/s1600/SDC10702gypsytravel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 327px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfWGgpIM47ZLTjnUvB-ii6oaTVbGN-7I69rge-5QbwOBvWFNTL8PvTjyC-6hrfZ7ehCZkHE1ngXjZ8xklOX_Dsw9XZOwoxpq8wPmDQlW-BbPQtE7RFBaANIymnidckS0r9DY0eQs_m1M/s400/SDC10702gypsytravel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565544359550711554" /></a><center><i>A Gypsy ready for travel...</i></center><br /><br />I hardly ever use prewritten incantations found in books, I prefer to write my own, sometimes just shooting from the hip in situations, or use ancient ones such as the Orphic Hymns. However I wanted to share one I found within a chapter from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Trance-portation-Learning-Navigate-Inner-World/dp/1578634059/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294949753&sr=8-1">Trance-Portation: Learning to Navigate the Inner World</a>. What I really love about this book is it a book for all faiths, it doesn't cater to one specific Trance bound spirituality, it caters to all. The beginning of the exercise speaks of preparation for travel and creating personal warding, something I can't advocate enough. Without warding it's as though you left the front door open to your house while you go grocery shopping. In addition to verbal incantations you can wear jewelry, masks, or ritual garb to give added protection.<br /><br />Among other useful exercises, this incantation known as the "Sith Galdor", as quoted from <i>Anglo Saxon Magic</i> by Godfrid Storms, is taken from an eleventh-century manuscript and used to protect travelers at the beginning of a journey, astral or physical. Sig, the old English word for Victory, is associated with the word Sigil. You can also substitute the word "Gods" for a deity of choice, Hermes is a good one as is Hekate. May you use it for your own journeys, within covens or solitary.<br /><br />With this sphere I gird me round (turn clockwise tracing circle around self with finger, wand, etc)<br />By the Gods grace grace may I be bound,<br />Against sore stitch, against sore bite,<br />Against all horrors that haunt the night;<br />'Gainst dread that folk fear everywhere,<br />And loathly things that here would fare,<br />Sig-galdor I chant, a sig-rod is my stay,<br />Word-sig and work-sig ward today.<br />No nightmare do my spirit harm,<br />No foe oppress, no fear alarm.<br />Nor wight nor weather threaten me,<br />From danger defended I will be.<br />I bid the good Gods victory give,<br />Guarded so, safe shall I live.A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-9605966361176442472011-01-18T14:18:00.009-05:002013-07-23T23:42:55.445-04:00CustomsHere's a small collection of customer orders I've created this past year. I've made a TON of custom spell candles but I didn't photograph all of them. I love making special one of a kind items for people, I hope to do more this year!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqi8If3ZMVG2lstDlI8yGhrt9xJmPF47mLHsTVXx5VgKnufqKbI1ver7Hoq9O4WzZpFwPjYkAhXonyM45ql3YYJTzK9s-aGzrij3Ho7hyTBUkoNnypwJqBNsjdMRxz9_tTO9mx8YPnGdE/s1600/SDC11297.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/AVvXsEgqi8If3ZMVG2lstDlI8yGhrt9xJmPF47mLHsTVXx5VgKnufqKbI1ver7Hoq9O4WzZpFwPjYkAhXonyM45ql3YYJTzK9s-aGzrij3Ho7hyTBUkoNnypwJqBNsjdMRxz9_tTO9mx8YPnGdE/s400/SDC11297.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563610017408525874" /></a><center>Luck Magic</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI81spiHrnjdXCjy9XyXTKwoPNhx_aBF8wqZn_3ReKXDOXqCz0nfjN3ktOZpg1EO0OweiyNgkQfT2H61mKmc75neWTCMl71hdJynumxxTlyTiRY_NJ9Mg7WChZgNGGbys-mqYdwy99LEY/s1600/SDC11574.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/AVvXsEhI81spiHrnjdXCjy9XyXTKwoPNhx_aBF8wqZn_3ReKXDOXqCz0nfjN3ktOZpg1EO0OweiyNgkQfT2H61mKmc75neWTCMl71hdJynumxxTlyTiRY_NJ9Mg7WChZgNGGbys-mqYdwy99LEY/s400/SDC11574.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563610011340770162" /></a><center>A page trade I did with Danni over at <a href="http://thewhimsicalcottage.blogspot.com/">The Whimsical Cottage</a>. These are the ones I sent her, Ganesha and Cernunnos.</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwg7wqtXtQLtmZHZ3_bUqsqTMaWIm_vXEVu0tNwKCBGYTGQak-2eJ-6OqU5W-cwy9S_Ci2YnP0MBeg1zGpSZIqGKZ18jk-5kUvSBH7YvioujYCcfQsfDuKThvWLW-1iNabeF3RvQ78TWw/s1600/SDC12256customorder.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/AVvXsEiwg7wqtXtQLtmZHZ3_bUqsqTMaWIm_vXEVu0tNwKCBGYTGQak-2eJ-6OqU5W-cwy9S_Ci2YnP0MBeg1zGpSZIqGKZ18jk-5kUvSBH7YvioujYCcfQsfDuKThvWLW-1iNabeF3RvQ78TWw/s400/SDC12256customorder.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563610005793220754" /></a><center>A spirit necklace.</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX24VNXcThrpIW5XKf2VzIf6syBCStDksjoDWfn7a_4kknU_30u0AThAdd_zgSFO1BuUp4Tqs0UwmnFrh9ya3soDCFh4CPSc5xTxBZa_b_S-sFdMsWBvM7fEiPacBgofMhxuwwVnyq1m8/s1600/SDC12185aegishjalmur.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/AVvXsEiX24VNXcThrpIW5XKf2VzIf6syBCStDksjoDWfn7a_4kknU_30u0AThAdd_zgSFO1BuUp4Tqs0UwmnFrh9ya3soDCFh4CPSc5xTxBZa_b_S-sFdMsWBvM7fEiPacBgofMhxuwwVnyq1m8/s400/SDC12185aegishjalmur.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563609999979813522" /></a><center>Leather Aegishjalmur.</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1k0LjA4xN-iQy-oqoZ2EcJs2I8azW4ez8I29N9zDYSR1Wnie03ghZQ67OzXJXBHI6956Ken6nln4SseLTnPjauq0ZL5heOfCwKMwzwG4xFbWD3u8AJLOIZGy0fFxBkJWx3ct2z7Sfepw/s1600/SDC13113custom+order_candles.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 361px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1k0LjA4xN-iQy-oqoZ2EcJs2I8azW4ez8I29N9zDYSR1Wnie03ghZQ67OzXJXBHI6956Ken6nln4SseLTnPjauq0ZL5heOfCwKMwzwG4xFbWD3u8AJLOIZGy0fFxBkJWx3ct2z7Sfepw/s400/SDC13113custom+order_candles.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563609997742816914" /></a><center>Some custom candles.</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBZnAB8jVaEhZSckXtdQ90KkIlIxzsCvo87T3cYqZVXnOZnfNWx_5527W-vYZnFSqYSESrRndTDdQEVKMS67jTJCfWOvj1uucJ_IWm7TGFWIKqor_o2zJP9SIbIdXR5QHrQA8RdcJHdU/s1600/SDC13376critter01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 362px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBZnAB8jVaEhZSckXtdQ90KkIlIxzsCvo87T3cYqZVXnOZnfNWx_5527W-vYZnFSqYSESrRndTDdQEVKMS67jTJCfWOvj1uucJ_IWm7TGFWIKqor_o2zJP9SIbIdXR5QHrQA8RdcJHdU/s400/SDC13376critter01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563608479511670002" /></a><center>An owl doll.</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-FRMFgoQrUIc3uLXHRtvmX0Jy3wMFzTfsIjdU-8wlMe3lUaCOiCcg7VdfLEOIp8ACp_6XvFkuIgBaefmQhOK-2k5IxTnlK-HXwlQbk3VQfxBpu2ICrOR_XXEiYYPOllw15j5FubhY_U/s1600/SDC13338luckamulet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-FRMFgoQrUIc3uLXHRtvmX0Jy3wMFzTfsIjdU-8wlMe3lUaCOiCcg7VdfLEOIp8ACp_6XvFkuIgBaefmQhOK-2k5IxTnlK-HXwlQbk3VQfxBpu2ICrOR_XXEiYYPOllw15j5FubhY_U/s400/SDC13338luckamulet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563608477855184930" /></a><center>Luck Amulet and some Red Hot Luck Oil for a customer.</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHytJ6UCYVcLFd4Ddtmclvc8NV7d3i-psOP5IFcmjQp-QlBXIeOwREBb4abJQ_AfWEuuRSQlAFPxc-NgGMivUBGAcjGqsHD50OFXd3t1y2ouUa7WvMwXSOaDUB6ncz4VpdXp1Z4Vhn47Q/s1600/SDC13306rabbitmoontarotbag.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 378px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHytJ6UCYVcLFd4Ddtmclvc8NV7d3i-psOP5IFcmjQp-QlBXIeOwREBb4abJQ_AfWEuuRSQlAFPxc-NgGMivUBGAcjGqsHD50OFXd3t1y2ouUa7WvMwXSOaDUB6ncz4VpdXp1Z4Vhn47Q/s400/SDC13306rabbitmoontarotbag.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563608470011468434" /></a><center>The Rabbit Moon Tarot Bag. Tawny colored rabbit fur, pale pink muslin hand dyed with hibiscus flowers, and lined in gray felt. Accent in brass, quartz crystal, and vintage shell and vintage brass stamped leaves, as well as an eye milagros. To keep my Art Nouveau Tarot Deck in.</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4f0YB76Q5_LoaWTsdWh3DAWeqvd5o7DUpaP1vL2XZ8bqlBWxR44DVesPgHu3VtC3RqVuf5B_naeJvKotvY6vlU-I_A65LHd-zwkggmF1fvjvHLG0bovuOSXiOJ2qrViPK3AG2-UW1sc/s1600/SDC13234tarotbagbecca.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 370px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4f0YB76Q5_LoaWTsdWh3DAWeqvd5o7DUpaP1vL2XZ8bqlBWxR44DVesPgHu3VtC3RqVuf5B_naeJvKotvY6vlU-I_A65LHd-zwkggmF1fvjvHLG0bovuOSXiOJ2qrViPK3AG2-UW1sc/s400/SDC13234tarotbagbecca.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563608465079328658" /></a><center>Another custom Tarot Bag for a friend.</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoSkAK3V16LU3x2rxMOWm1k4BKgEGrefaZsAT8FcikYUqqvlD25l5lsGJgknxHZpgfy-aYWwWx93rBgYP6ab4gDCA8a66Tq4Nz6RllOyxTv4Qt1ndGd9_vgfHaQ039iI5MHWNV04eaHY/s1600/SDC13391candlesandneedlecase3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 315px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoSkAK3V16LU3x2rxMOWm1k4BKgEGrefaZsAT8FcikYUqqvlD25l5lsGJgknxHZpgfy-aYWwWx93rBgYP6ab4gDCA8a66Tq4Nz6RllOyxTv4Qt1ndGd9_vgfHaQ039iI5MHWNV04eaHY/s400/SDC13391candlesandneedlecase3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563607830692473426" /></a><center>Some more beautiful candles and a custom Atropa Belladonna wooden needle case.</center>A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-72361926236992165562011-01-14T09:29:00.001-05:002011-02-04T13:49:34.045-05:00Quiet Notes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1WelJjNwa9UHpIZu56pjmIpgzbuT_x3qphUt6fi_P7bhkz_65W4044_ISH2U5VAT0Gq8bgCEw1XnzIILLHVzkIPpVfHOpRUEm-CAqoLxPsPssh0GKdiqRdc7GMTWV09re9CiMCYvZhs/s1600/SDC13400underworldaltar.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/AVvXsEiQ1WelJjNwa9UHpIZu56pjmIpgzbuT_x3qphUt6fi_P7bhkz_65W4044_ISH2U5VAT0Gq8bgCEw1XnzIILLHVzkIPpVfHOpRUEm-CAqoLxPsPssh0GKdiqRdc7GMTWV09re9CiMCYvZhs/s400/SDC13400underworldaltar.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562085662006952338" /></a><center><i>Fresh Yew, the Mountain Dream Tarot, frogs, bees, bird bones, coyote skull, and many other things</i></center><br /><br />Today I'm rolling smudge sticks for the shop, listing a few new items, and enjoying the quiet around here. The days are getting longer and I've been thinking lately more about my own personal trance work and otherworld travel.<br /><br />I was given <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Trance-portation-Learning-Navigate-Inner-World/dp/1578634059/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294949753&sr=8-1">Trance-Portation: Learning to Navigate the Inner World</a> for Christmas from my family. I've found it concise and extraordinarily helpful. I've always been a dream walker; I see things or travel to see other witches while attempting to sleep. I also rely more on the signs I see from day to day; creatures that cross my path, interesting articles that seem to coincide with other signs, black dogs, found objects, weather patterns, etc. But lately, in an effort to submerge myself deeper within my practice, I've wanted to see what I don't see in my normal waking consciousness, the juicy innards beneath the crumbly crust.<br /><br />I will document as much as I'm able to here. In the end this mode of communication might not be for me. But we shall see.A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-50608564832131528162010-12-31T12:06:00.006-05:002011-02-04T13:49:41.369-05:00Reflection<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2mSVkKb6hZdnMV_N3DW_3edKSQp1qgVwXyWh7IvMcf9pV0pQzBQjduAE9_lKRXXZx1Q9VgD0_fP7fBNA-6h-avVuHRv2rQBpJ5roaR94WZhuHbkyHBbxdqKHZ3I11NgJkjILOcq7ZI0/s1600/SDC12874.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/AVvXsEgo2mSVkKb6hZdnMV_N3DW_3edKSQp1qgVwXyWh7IvMcf9pV0pQzBQjduAE9_lKRXXZx1Q9VgD0_fP7fBNA-6h-avVuHRv2rQBpJ5roaR94WZhuHbkyHBbxdqKHZ3I11NgJkjILOcq7ZI0/s400/SDC12874.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556918409194171426" /></a><br /><br />2010 was a year of growth for me, both personally and spiritually. While I'd been practicing for many years this was the year I took my path by the reigns and put the pedal to the metal. There has been more communication between me and the spirits around me, or perhaps I just learned to listen better. I no longer feel the need to shelter those around me from who I really am. I'm open and I've found more acceptance than I ever thought I would.<br /><br />This was the year I opened my shop and the first year I would truly identify as a professional artist. I reached and exceeded every professional goal I set for myself and I have all of you to thank for it. My customers and the people I've found through my creations are some of the most amazing people I've ever met. You are all kind, forgiving, and exceptional. Never forget that!<br /><br />In my personal life I've tested my working limits. I've taken on more than I thought I could handle and came out victorious. I shook off demons that have followed me for years and I feel so free now. I've spent more time with my family this year than I have in so long and it's amazing. I have the best family anyone could ask for. They are loving and supportive and hilarious and they make me feel good when I'm around them.<br /><br />Today my plans are to clean my house from top to bottom and fumigate my entire space. We should all get rid of all the magical and physical crud that adorns our spaces and start fresh for the new year.<br /><br />My goals for 2011? I'm ringing it in big. I will go back to school and work towards a degree in art with the eventual goal of becoming a teacher. I'm planning to attend a few festivals this year and be a more active part of my Pagan community. I want to explore my path in a deeper way and form more connections with my familiar spirits. I want to <i>create</i> more than I did last year; I want the energy to flow from me like water, like blood, like a life force, because it is. And I want to document it all better than I did this year.<br /><br />So to you I say my friends, Happy New Year! Love, Alyssa.A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729456873059418154.post-72437342512499483472010-12-20T17:37:00.005-05:002013-07-23T23:49:12.452-04:00Moon Days<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtdMuLSGQD6S1wGwdO9g6axlglwVVH9zLIzAT0nDbhrazAgYEYmqxqdKEYA4-bdEYtl13IYqjBQzYEfcdWNDukSnenXA-PFrFK03lYMTe6E7AFDCmBigt-_aXlltwgfClXyX_4sR8gnE/s1600/SDC13320solstice.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtdMuLSGQD6S1wGwdO9g6axlglwVVH9zLIzAT0nDbhrazAgYEYmqxqdKEYA4-bdEYtl13IYqjBQzYEfcdWNDukSnenXA-PFrFK03lYMTe6E7AFDCmBigt-_aXlltwgfClXyX_4sR8gnE/s400/SDC13320solstice.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552897490196635650" /></a><br />Snow still coats the grass here. It's cold and the Winter Hag is welcomed. Tracks of rabbit, squirrel, and perhaps fox scour the Thicket. I shouldn't need to remind you, but our Solstice and Lunar Eclipse happens tomorrow, so powerful and so rare. Perfect for some spell work and moon magic.<br /><br />Have a Blessed Solstice, my wonderful friends.A.R.Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701429410568824247noreply@blogger.com3