Birth Blessing Cord Spell & Folk Magick Beliefs To Ensure A Healthy Birth

Did you know that we are in the middle of the largest baby boom in modern history? This one even tops the baby boom after WWII! With all of the pregnant women around right now, I figure that most of us know at least one woman who may be able to utilize this information.

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~Yellow & red each very powerfull fertility colors in many cultures and traditions.

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~It is said that eating yellow foods or having them in the delivery room insures happiness and health for both mother and child.

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~Yellow is the color of Oshun, the Yoruban fertility Goddess.

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~Yellow is also the color of egg yolks and therefore symbolizes the unborn child.

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~Witches burn yellow candles called solar blasts on their birthdays to bring them health and happiness in the coming year.

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~In astrological terms, a birthday is called a solar return because it marks the sun’s return to the exact degree of the Zodiac constellation under which you were born.

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~In Mexico, it is good luck to wear yellow at the New Year or when you begin something.

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~In the Jewish tradition the color red is used to protect the mother and the child.

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~It symbolizes the lifeblood of creation.

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~It is traditional to tie a red string around the wrists of both the mother and the child; or to tie a red ribbon onto the crib.
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Birth Blessing Cord Spell

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~One of my favorite birth blessing spells - that I have actually used myself; is to tie 9 knots into the ribbon or cord, at equal intervals while chanting. Throughout the pregnancy you repeat the process, (leaving the knots tied in), always visualizing a healthy, happy, and pain free birth. Take the cord with you when you go to deliver the baby. At regular intervals, begin to unknot the cord, while chanting a rhyme similar to the other, but modified for the birth which is taking place.

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This is supposed to facilitate a safe, easy, healthy birth. (I’m not sure how well it worked, as I had quite a difficult birth! But that was due more to my 10 lb. 11 oz., broad shouldered turkey that I delivered, rather than my magic cord not working so well!)

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~This spell & corespondences are reprinted from the book “Supermarket Sorceress”

by: Lexa Rosean

~The birth story is my own.

A Little Humor To Start Your Week Off Right!!! vol.3

A letter from a 3rd grade teacher sent home to Pagan parents:

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Dear Mr. and Mrs. Thomas,

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I write this letter in concern of your daughter, Aradia Moon. Please don't take this the wrong way, however, although she is a straight A student and a very bright child, she has some strange habits that I feel we should address.

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Every morning before class, she insists on walking around the classroom with her pencil held in the air. She says she is "drawing down the moon." I told her Art Class is in an hour and to please refrain from then to do any drawing.

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And speaking of Art Class, whenever she draws a night sky, she insists on drawling little circles around all the stars and people dancing on the ground. And that brings up dancing, I had to stop her twice for taking off her clothes during a game of Ring Around the Rosey! By the way, what does the term "skyclad" mean?

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Aradia has no problem with making friends. I always find her sitting outside during recess with her friends sitting around her in a circle. She likes to share her juice and cookies. It is nice how she wants no one to ever thirst or hunger.

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However, when I walked over to see what they were doing, she jumped up and told me to stop, pulled out a little plastic knife and started waving it in front of me. I thought this was a bit dangerous, so I took her to the Principal's Office.

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She explained to the Principal that she was "opening the Circle" to let me in. She also said that her Mommy and Daddy always told her not to play or run with an "athame" in her hand, that she could put someone's eye out. I don't know what an "athame" is, but I am glad that she keeps it at home.

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As for stories, your daughter tends to make up some whoppers. Just yesterday while I was talking sternly to Tommy Johnson and shaking my finger at him, he started screaming and ran from the room. When I finally caught him, he told me that Aradia told him and the rest of the class that the last time I shook my finger at someone, they caught the chicken pox. I explained to him that the Sally Jones incident was just a coincidence, and that things like that don't really happen.

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One of the strangest things that happened was when I asked the children to bring in Halloween decorations for the classroom. Aradia brought in salt, incense and her family album. I see she has quite a sense of humor.

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One of Aradia's worst habits is that she is very argumentative. We were discussing what the Golden Rule was (Do Unto others as you would have them Do Unto You), she firmly disagreed with me and stated it was "Do As you Will, but Harm None" and she will not stop saying "So Mote It Be" after she reads aloud in class. I try correct her on these matters and she got very angry. She pointed her finger at me and mumbled something under her breath.

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In closing, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, I would like to set up a parent/teacher conference with you sometime next week to discuss these matters. I would like to see you sooner, but I have developed an irritating rash that I am quite worried about.

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With Deep Concerns,
Mrs. Livingston

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AAAAAAH-HA-HA-HA-HA!!!!!

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(this humorous (fictional) story is a reprint from a flyer passed out)

Second Installment Of The Crafty Witch Files: Lessons From The Hearth Of The Cottage Witch

I think that most of us have that secret fantasy of the Cottage Witch. You know, the one where she lives in a thatched cottage at the edge of the forest. A tiny bubbling brook meanders past the house, creating a background for the songbirds chirping in the tree outside her window. She has a wild garden with every healing herb known to modern and ancient man. She knows the secrets of the ages.

She lives alone with her many cats, and the large beasts that give her milk and help her work the land. The herbs from her garden hang upside down to dry, high in the rafters of her large open kitchen. A cast iron cauldron simmers over a roasting fire, in the brick hearth. The open shelves are lined with jars of all sizes and shapes, each holding their delicately labeled treasures. As she works, spinning wool into yarn to make a new cloak for the Sabbat; she hums an ancient tune, long forgotten to all except toe initiated into th Myteries. The same one that her mother’s mother hummed to her. A tune holding the secrets of their Craft, hidden amongst the lines of an old nursery rhyme.

Though she lives alone, she is never lacking company. If it isn’t another Witchy friend come to call; it is one of the town's folk, searching for a cure for their babie's colic, or a charm to keep their husband’s from straying. Some ask to have their cards or palm read. Others, too shy to come forth themselves, send a note along with one of their children, knowing that they will return with the exact remedy for whatever ails them.

She spends her days working her land, and her nights working her magic. She studies tomes from around the world, and she speaks and writes in many secret languages. She weaves the finest tapestries, imbuing them with blessings and prayers for their recipients. She is revered and yet feared for her knowledge. She knows not only the ways of people, but the ways of animals, the earth, and the heavens. She works with the elements, honors the seasons, and lives her Craft in a way that we only dream of. Yes, most of us fantasize about her! I know I do.

And while that life may seem very far away from the one that most of us now live…there is a way that we can take the lessons of our fantasy friend, and incorporate them into our own modern lives. We may be cooking on a gas burner instead of a crackling hearth fire, and riding a bus or train to work instead of a horse; the means may be different but our purpose is still the same. We all seek to better ourselves through growth and learning; to attain at-one-ment, we seek to commune with the natural elements of the Earth and Heavens, and our Dieties or life source, and we seek to manifest a comfortable and pleasant reality in which to share with our loved ones. The big difference is that in order to truly live our Craft and bring it into the 21st century; we must re -examine what we are doing, and why we are doing it. Just as a Witch in the Southern Hemisphere must adapt our rituals to work for her; we too must take the older, archaic rituals, and rework them into practices that work for us in today’s day, and for the modern lifestyle that we live. (Just as you are reading this infrmation from a glowing computer screen, instead of a book by glowing candlelight).

Although it is a lot of fun for me to dream about living that Witch’s life; I know that I live a much different one. And I know that for me to truly live my spirituality-everyday…that I must mold it to fit into my life. Kind of like a diet, that is so strict or strange, that you can only keep to it for a couple of days…using outdated modes of worship and magic, that were written and lived by people of another place and time, are about just as effective.

So rather than ditch the quaint image of the Cottage or Kitchen Witch, let us examine the elements of the fantasy that we enjoy and seek to emulate. Let us find ways to work those magical qualities into our mundane lives, and at the same time, make the mundane magickal again. We do not need to live fragmented lives in the broom closet. We can find ways to synthesize our dreams and faith with our actual reality. That is when you truly realize just how magical our spirituality really is…when you find that you have not only been walking on some hidden path long forgotten by most; but instead you have actually wandered off of that one, and forged ahead a new one of your own, that will lead many other’s to find their own unique roads. That is a living spirituality. One I think that would make our Cottage Witch crack a smile, and cackle with delight

The Full Version Of The Wiccan Rede

Bide the Wiccan laws ye must, in perfect love and perfect trust.
Live and let live, fairly take and fairly give.

Cast the Circle thrice about to keep all evil spirits out.
To bind the spell every time, let the spell be spake in rhyme.

Soft of eye and light of touch speak ye little, listen much.
Deosil go by the waxing Moon, sing and dance the Wiccan Rune.

Widdershins go when the Moon doth wane, and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.
When the Lady's Moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two.

When the Moon rides at Her peak, then your heart's desire seek.
Heed the North wind's mighty gale, lock the door and drop the sail.

When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss thee on the mouth.
When the wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.

When the West wind blows o'er thee, departed spirits restless be.
Nine woods 'neath the Cauldron go, burn them quick and burn them slow.

Elder be ye Lady's tree burn it not or cursed ye'll be.
When the Wheel begins to turn, let the Beltane fires burn.

When the Wheel has turned a Yule, light the Log and let Pan rule.
Heed ye flower, bush and tree, by the Lady blessed be.

Where the rippling waters go, cast a stone and truth ye'll know.
When ye are in dire need, hearken not to others' greed.

With the fool no season spend, or be counted as his friend.
Merry meet and merry part bright the cheeks and warm the heart.

When misfortune is enow, wear the blue star on thy brow.
True in love ever be, unless thy lover's false to thee.

Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill, an ye harm none, do what ye will.

This lovely expanded version of the Rede was written by: Lady Gwen Thompson

TGIF! A Crafty Chick Update...And A Video To Check Out

Happy Friday Everyone!!! A big Hello and an even bigger THANK YOU! to all of my faithful readers and to the several new readers who have joined Crafty's Cup this week! Welcome and Merry Meet! It is so encouraging to see that people are liking what I have to write. I have written my whole life, but it is a whole different ballpark to have my words exposed to anyone who wants to read them; and the feedback that I am getting is a whole lot better than the silence I get from writing in my journals, or the book manuscripts that no one ever sees. I have a feeling that my books will come together much quicker now; and who knows, maybe even published. Wouldn't that be a hoot!

I want everyone to know that once again, I am having some technical difficulties. I have been trying to join and leave comments on some of your blogs, and I am unable to. I also have been having problems posting photos to my blog. (It is a good thing that I already wrote 3 weeks of posts that already have photos, scheduled to go out!) Anyways, I would love to be able to reach you by e-mail. I can understand that you may not want to post it here; so mine is craftychick1221@YAHOO.com; if anyone would like to reach me there and leave me your e-mail, that would make it easier for me to correspond with you. Specifically I have been trying to reach my new readers, and a few of my older ones, Spotted Wolf, Greek Witch (I lost your e-mail), and Dolly. I'm sorry for all of these technical difficulties, and I thank all of you for your loyalty and patience while I work it all out.

Also, as a side note. About my post last nite regarding the success of my little charm. I really hope I was not rude or disparaging when I mentioned that my ex husband rarely ever pays us the child support that was ordered. I try never to talk down about him to anyone, (and NEVER EVER to the children!). But I was so excited that I may have inadvertently sounded like an ex wife man basher...which is sooo not my intent. I think men are great, and hubands and daddies are oh so important! No one has said anything but good stuff about it, but i caught it, and wanted to make it clear. I try to focus on the good stuff, in life and in my blog, so I just wanted to make a bit of an apology to all of you, in case I came off the wrong way. I do wish he would help us out, because then I would be able to provide more for the Kidlets, but regardless of that, and our lack of a relationship; he is a great Dad, and a good man. (He just wasn't a very good husband, and I am sure he feels that I wasn't a very good wife either!) I truly wish things could have been different between us, because I have never loved anyone else more, or since; and my biggest hope was/is to provide a happy intact home for our kids.

Now that that is said...Let's get on to something more interesting! I wanted to leave you guys with something nice to enjoy your Friday afternoon. First; there is a wonderful You Tube series that I would like to share. (I won't even bother to try to link it, after my miserable attempt last time!) It is a documentary talking about the energy/paradigm shift taking place at this time. It chronicles and incorporates the spiritual and the scientific aspects of this changing time. There are several of my favorite spiritual leaders from this movement talking about the documentation of it in almost all of our religious texts; and also the Astronomical and AstroTheological connections. It is one of the better series that I have seen about this subject, and definitely leaves the viewer with a positive and life affirming outlook on the times that we are living in. (It also has some nice explanations of what the Alchemists of old were really trying to do by changing lead into gold. But I won't tell you anymore and ruin it!) If anyone is interested, look up "2012 The Oddessy" (SP???). Also, one of the guys who speaks in the series, Greg Brayden; is someone worth investigating on your own. He has some fabulous things to say about energy, light workers, and the critical mass taking place at this time. Definitely look him up on You Tube, as he has many good things to offer.



So, my friends, with that I will bid you adieu, and a wish for a fine weekend to you all. But before I go, I will leave you with one more little gem. I had promised some garden blessings, and I aim to please! I will be posting them below this one, in just a bit. (I have some housework and a sick child to attend to right now.) Also, if you haven't checked in to Crafty's Cup in awhile, be sure to scroll down further, because there have been quite a few interesting posts this last week; and many more to come! :) Take Care. ~Crafty

Some Blessings For Your Garden...

Here are some of my favorite Garden Blessings.
A little gift to share with you, as you go about your planting this Spring!
* Blessing For The Garden…by Ember
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Tender seeds, Take root and grow.
Take strength from Earth, And Water’s flow.
Reach for the Sky, Taste warmth of Sun.
Bear fruit and flower before you’re done.
At Harvest time, the seeds remain;
To share again the life contained.
Green Man Blessing…by James Kambos
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Father of Green Leaves, Bringer of Rain;
Bring forth the flowers, fruit and grain.
Protect the soil and plants from pests.
Great Green Forest Father,
Let this garden be blessed.
Protecting The Garden…by James Kambos
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(*substitute March, or April for May Eve*)
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On a May Eve, as the Sun forgets the light of day,
Fill an earthen vessel made of clay,
With soil from your sacred ground,
Then add a pinch of cinnamon, spicy and brown,
And a bit more clove to purify.
Let this all be witnessed by Mother Earth and Father Sky.
Stir it all with a nail aged with rust;
Blend these elements until reduced to dust.
Sprinkle this about each bed and border,
As you chant your magical order.
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“No beast nor fowl from sky or land,
Shall bring harm to this garden
Which I plant and protect by my own hand.”
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To secure your garden’s protection and fate,
Bury the rusty nail near your garden gate.

YAY! Another Succesful Notch On My Witchy Belt!!!

Woo Hoo!!! I am sooo happy right now that I don't even care that I can't post pictures to my blog right now! I don't care that I have spent the last 2 HOURS trying to get the damn thing to work!!! I don't care that my computer is acting wonky!!! Do you want to know why none of this is bothering me?

IT IS BECAUSE MY LAST PROSPERITY SPELL WORKED WAAAY FASTER THAN EXPECTED!!!

I really shouldn't be so surprised. I am not sure of the exact success rate; but I know that the majority of my spells have worked rather quickly. But this was a total long shot. Why? Because it was a quickie spell, cast for prosperity on the waning moon...and because my ex husband NEVER pays his child support!!! I knew when I was casting it that I should've been working for the removal of my bills and poverty, instead of the acquisition of prosperity. But I did it anyways, on a total fluke. And it worked! In 28 hours no less!

So, what exactly did I do? Really not much of anything. Nothing unusual anyways. I often charge and carry crystals in my pocket, or a little pouch tied to the inside of my skirts. So yesterday, when i was feeling quite desperate for some cash to get essentials and pay for my kid's classes...I just did what came natural to me.

I knew that there was really no chance of me earning any money right now. And I won't be getting paid till the 1st...a ways away. My ex has not paid any child support since the tiny drop he gave me in December, and before that it was June. (Half and half of half payments at that!). So I didn't expect anything from there, even though it was owed to me.

I have no gas in the van. My bills are overdue. I have packages to mail and no postage to mail them. I just used the VERY LAST piece of toilet paper. I have kid's who are going to competition this weekend, and I had no money to get gas to get us there or a way to pay the entrance fee once I did. Things were looking worse than usual for this Crafty Chick! All I had was the knowing that all would work out. It always does.

So, as almost as an afterthought; I grabbed my amber and my green jasper. I cleansed and reconsecrated them for the purpose of bringing me prosperity. (The amber is orange for the need for survival; and the green jasper for wealth and prosperity.) I infused them with my need for money...and fast! And then I created a super simple chant to go use with them.

"Money, money come to me; I have a need for my family." I told you it was simple! Almost infantile!

So i have kept the little stones in my pocket all afternoon yesterday, and all day today. I kept focusing on my need, and chanting my silly little heart out. AND SHEBANG!!! Tonite, my ex husband came to drop off our son; and pulled out his dusty ol' checkbook, and FINALLY broke me something off!!! I almost died from surprise! (Not to mention that the last time I saw him 2 days ago, let's just say he was less than cordial.) I am so happy, that I don't even care that it is a half check. I don't even care that I probably won't see another one for months. I am just happy that I can get through this next week! AND THAT MY SILLY LITTLE SPELL WORKED!!! (Like I said...they almost always do. But I am always happy and shocked when they come together so quickly, and with almost no effort!) Like I said earlier...magick often takes the path of least resistance. Point taken.

I hope everyone has a super evening; and that all of your undertakings might be so successful!

PS~Sorry for the lack of photos. I had some real nice ones planned too. But, oh well! I will take what I can get and be oh so happy! BB ~ Danae

New Moon Magick For A Fresh Start & Simple Money Drawing Charm

The time of the new moon is a time of new beginnings. This period also represents the youthful aspect of the Goddess. In the form of the Maiden, she represents youth, change and a fresh start. Children can also be Named and Dedications can be made. New Moons are great times to move, start new projects or cast new spells. It is also a good time to shed your past ills and to refresh yourself for coming trials.
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The New Moon can be thought of as a time of learning. Don't be hesitant to try new spells at this time. You might also like to set in motion house protections or wards. Some Wiccans celebrate the exact night of Dark Moon by honoring the Crone aspect of the Goddess (such as Hecate), focusing on lessons they have learned in the past cycle and banishing negativity from their lives.
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We are in the midst of a very special New Moon Tide at this time. There is probably no better time for a fresh start than right now! We have just began a new Zodiac Cycle, so we are at the very beginning of Aries; and as luck would have it, we have a New Moon in the sign of Aries. Not to mention that Spring is a time of fresh starts and new beginnings. That means we have several natural cycles coinciding at this time. That is a great big double whammy to add energy to any project you are starting right now.
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As Witches, we use the natural biorhythms and cycles of the Earth and Heavens to our advantage. (If I had been a bit more on the ball, I would have put out this post a couple of days ago, so we could plan a working for this morning at dawn! But no, I am the fly by the seat of her pants kinda girl.) But no matter; there are still plenty of ways to harness and utilize this energizing opportunity before the day, (or night) is over! I apologize to all of you folk who live in different timezones, as the day is over for you; but hopefully you were all smart little Pagans and didn't need me to remind you of what day it is! LOL! And, regardless of what sign the Moon is in, we are still riding high on the Sun's Aries Spring energy and the Waxing cycle of the New Moon. On top of that, there are always the planetary hours to work with...so fret not my friends, all is not lost.
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There are so many ways to take advantage of this wonderful revitalizing time. The way that I usually start such an undertaking, would be to spend some time meditating, (or just thinking), about where I am in my life at this time, and where I would like to see myself go. Then, just like goal planning; I would break it on down to the smaller steps that I need to take to get there. After I had a more concrete idea of what I need to work for in this Quarter, or at this time; I would do a divination on it. I use Tarot, but any form that one is comfortable with is fine. Once that is done, I would go about creating a spell or ritual focusing on feeding energy to my undertaking, whether it be a new beginning or a fresh burst of energy to an older goal. I also would write a list of mundane ways that I could be backing up my goal on the physical plane. [Never forget that step! Remember that magick often takes the path of least resistance; and that the Gods help those who help themselves. You cannot expect to sit back and have your needs magically met for you, with no work of your own.] After all of the preliminary work, and figuring out the best timing for my spell,(also whether it is to be done in one ritual or over several, if it is a large and important undertaking); then I would go about the actual working of the spell.

Okay, enough vague for instances! Let me get more specific with what I am going to be doing; and you can get some ideas for your own project. My goals that I am working on for this Quarter, are fairly simple and straight forward. They are also the same goals that I have been working on for Goddess knows how long! First and foremost, I work towards making and keeping my home and family a happy, loving place for those who enter it or live here. That's not a toughy. Maybe a blessed jar candle, a few herbal sachets to place around the house, some simmering potpourri to use throughout the Spring to give my home a welcoming vibe, and something to work on together as a family...a family shield, or a "Bad Vibe Catcher" (my version of a dream catcher for neutralizing bad moods!), or something along those lines to reinforce the love and union of our family.

My second goal is actually twofold. I would like to bring prosperity, (and money!) to our family through the marketing of my talents. So first I would create some prosperity oriented charms. I have a few that I fall back on often.
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Simple Money Drawing Charm
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One I created is an herbal charm, with 3 or 5 pennies, and a charged green candle. I cast the circle, perform most of the spell, then I pour the hot wax from the green candle into a puddle, where I mix in the herbs, and form it into a flat ball. Before it dries completely, I lay the pennies either in a triangle shape (for 3), or a pentagon shape (for 5), into the hot wax.
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I raise and release the energy into the Talisman, and leave it on my altar to charge. After that I keep it in my purse, (in a baggie because it can melt and leak in hot weather; I found that out the hard way! LOL!); or in a place of importance, (like wherever I am keeping my money at home.)
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I also visualize my bills being paid in full, with enough money left over for comfortable living. [One note here about money and prosperity spells; ALWAYS specify the type of money you seek. I did a fabulous prosperity spell a few years back that worked great. Only I was receiving fake money and fake checks for three months instead of real American cash!!! I kept getting those fake checks in the mail, I found one of those realistic but fake 100 dollar bills in front of my car, and I even was given a bag full of Monopoly money, (for my kids to play with). So please learn from mine, and many others' mistakes, and SPECIFY the currency that you want.]
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So my third and final quarterly Spring spell is to give extra oomph to my goal of growing my talent in Arts & Crafts into a successful business. (Notice, I specify successful!) I also leave the exact type of business open, because I have so many avenues for success in this ares. I Write, I create Art, I read Tarot cards, and do Astrology Charts, I create Spell Crafts, and Ritual Tools for people, and I also do Massage Therapy, and probably a few other things that I am thinking about right now!. So that leaves a lot of room for talent and success there. I would hate to focus only on one area and miss my opportunity in others. (Maybe that is one reason I am not successful yet!?! Mmm Hmm.) I am currently trying to get my work on ETSY, and I also want to start an Arts & Crafts Kid's Club in my town.
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So for that, I will be taking a symbolic example of each of these areas of talent, and working them into a spell for a prosperous business. I haven't exactly figured out the details yet; but I'm sure it will include kitchen herbs, some crystals & gemstones, maybe some Tarot cards for business and success, a candle, and creating a Talisman to carry with me. (Probably one for my Art Room too!) I will also create a spell powder to sprinkle on any finished pieces, and correspondences that relate to the selling of my art.
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Well, there you go. That should get the ideas percolating in your head for ways that you can use this great Spring energy in your own life. You can take this and run with it. Virtually any new undertaking or fresh start can be fortified right now. Also, new families, friends, babies and pets are to be blessed at this time. Business ventures, travel plans, wedding plans and the like are all good things to focus on , if they are happening in your life.
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(In fact, I had even planned my Wedding to coincide with the Spring Equinox of 2003. I thought that the 3-3-3 energy combined with the beginning of Spring, and the Solar year might lend power to making mine a succesful marriage. I guess we needed something a little stronger, because we are no longer married. ( But I did try for a prosperous day!)
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And don't forget to bless your garden! Seeds and sprouts love to be blessed under the New Moon. (That reminds me, I have a few garden spells waiting to go out...unless I already posted them. Sometimers!) So have fun with this fresh energy of Spring, and the New Moon. I had better get busy on my own plans for this evenings Esbat!

A Spell To Stop Smoking Or To Eliminate Unwanted Habits

This is a great spell for the Waning Moon. It was written to be performed once; however I usually find that spells like this are best done over a period of at least a week or two. Maybe a 3,5,7 or 9 day spell. When a spell is done to remove something big like this, they need the extra oomph of a repeated ritual.
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Again, this spell doesn’t call for it, but I like to use a tall jar candle, which I anoint and leave burning on my altar for several days until it goes out. It is a sustained reminder to continue to give energy to the spell. (BTW~ These candles are the cheapest if bought at the dollar or grocery stores. They run about a buck or two there, as opposed to almost ten bucks at the occult shops.)
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This spell really needs to be done in conjunction with other actions taken on the physical plane. Just gathering the ingredients, and chanting the spell is not enough to release you from such a serious addiction. But, these types of spells, in conjunction with other mundane efforts can only add to your chances for success. Some of these things could be doing a body cleanse to remove the toxins from smoking and/or smoking a coltsfoot and damiana mixture, which is an expectorant, and helps with the cravings.

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Exercise and healthy eating are very important at this time. Also, if one is so inclined, acupuncture or hypnotherapy have both been found to be extremely useful in helping people quit smoking long term. (My Dad actually quit with only two sessions of hypnosis. The visualization that he used, can be passed along here, for your use. He was told that whenever he had a craving; he should blow all of that energy into a big pink bubble, and watch it float away. Something must’ve worked because overnight he went from lifelong smoker, to being smoke free for nearly 10 years. Way to go Dad!)
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***This is my disclaimer, just so you know. I, myself, am a cigarette smoker. I have not used this spell, nor am I trying to quit at this time. I am passing these ideas to you because I recently have been asked by a few people if I knew of any good spells for cutting smoking out of one’s life. I hope that they can be of use to someone. If you have success with them, or something else, I would love to hear about it . Good Luck to anyone embarking on this mission.***
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INGREDIENTS:

1 jar candle in green for health and vitality, or white (optional)
Dental floss
Cloves
Coffee beans
Pepper

jar/bottle

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Cloves are used for luck and influence, (among many, many other things!). Coffee is used to strengthen a commitment to work. The combination of the two creates a mild compelling formula. If you add a pinch of pepper, you will have a strong commanding formula. Decide whether you need a slap on the wrist or a hammer on the head, to end your nasty habit. Take an empty jar and fill it halfway with coffee beans. Add three cloves and a pinch of pepper if desired. Shake the bottle anytime you feel the urge to smoke. You can also add a few cigarettes to the jar, (or whatever substance you are trying to rid yourself of.) Keep the jar near you and shake it whenever you feel your willpower slipping away.

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Another method is to use a binding spell. Binding is an ancient method of magic used to stop the influence or power of something. It can also be used to gain control over a person, (which is usually unethical, except in extreme cases of self protection), a substance or a situation. Witches often use cords to bind, but here we will use dental floss as a substitute because it’s very nature involves the removal of harmful bacteria from the mouth. We will imbue our dental floss with the magical power to remove cigarettes from our mouth, in the same way that it literally removes plaque from between our teeth.

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Dental floss has other components that will make the spell more potent. Choose a waxed floss with mint flavoring. Wax is a sacred tool for Witches, used to fashion candles and form magical seals. Sealing something with wax strengthens whatever spell you are working on. Mint is an herb used for purification, healing, and to influence our thoughts. These properties are all conducive to the intent of this spell. Simply take 9 feet of dental floss. The number 9 represents completion and can be used to bring an end to something. Wrap it carefully around a cigarette and tie 9 knots. As you tie each knot, repeat this chant:

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"I bind you with the circle of nine.
Now the power over you is mine.
If you should tempt me, I will attack
And mercilessly break your back!"

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On the last verse, pull the floss tightly and break the cigarette in two. Visualize yourself breaking the habit.

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This spell was reprinted from the book “The Supermarket Sorceress” By: Lexa Rosean

A Little Humor To Start Your Week Off Right!!! vol 2

Top 10 Reasons Why Athame Handles are Black

1. So they'll go with any color of robe.
2. So you can cover up nicks & scratches with shoe polish.
3. It's slimming (can't have fat athames, can we?)
4. It doesn't show dirt.
5. Because finding a dropped athame in an outdoor ritual in the dark is a test of loyalty to your faith.
6. It's so much more dignified than chartreuse.
7. Seemed like a good idea at the time.
8. Someone spilled all the paints together and that's what ended up.
9. No, no! Black is for winter rituals--use white before Labor Day!
10. So that we'd have something to argue about other than How "athame" is pronounced!

Printed with permission from the Eidan Mc Coy Website... from an unknown writer.

Hello Everyone! A Crafty Chick Update...

Hello All!

I have been wanting to get this post out for a couple of days. Then when I had time to post, I wanted to write something better than a personal letter. But now that I have a minute, I need to get on with it. So here it is,my quick update, and note to my readers. (BTW~ Hello, and Thank You to my new readers this week! It is still blowing my mind that people want to read my work. So cool!)

Aside from that, and my regular daily life happenings; I have a message for all of my readers. (And the writers of the blogs that I love to read.) I have one of those wireless internet cards, that gives me only 5 GB a month to work with. Normally that was all good. But since I started blogging, I have been using waaay too many each day. So, I kinda need to conserve a bit...actually a lot!

But I have good news. I have found a few ways to work around this restriction. I can get on in the morning. Check my e-mails, and load up all of the websites and blog pages that I like to read. Then I minimize everything, even the e-mails to answer. Once I am offline, I can read and write in leisure. I am even writing my posts offline now, and posting them when I get on once a day. (Right now I am up at my Folk's house, and using their internet connection!)

Basically I am telling you all this for two reasons. One, I may only be posting from time to time. But, when I do, you know it will be worthwhile...that is my goal with this blog.) The other reason is that while I belong to , and faithfully read quite a few wonderful blogs; I my not always get a chance to respond to them wih comments all of the time. I don't want anyone to think I am being a 'blog mooch'! ( Happy to have people read and post on my blog, but not doing the same for other's blogs.) No way! I will have you all know now. I enjoy reading the blogs as much as I do writing them!

So, other than that, it is pretty much life as usual. I have been hard at work on my swaps for Swap Bot. I have made each of the ladies a Paper Bag Album, a magnet and a few peices of stationary for them. I was sent some wonderful items too. I received a couple of black & white packages. (My favorite colors.) I got a necklace and earring set, candles, an eraser, photo frame, a mini wallet and hair clips that i gave to my daughter. It sure is fun to get something besides bills and junk mail in the mailbox! I recomend it to anyone!

Other than that...I am one step closer to putting my art work up onto ETSY! WooHoo! It looks like I may have secured the use of a Pay Pal Account; the very thing holding me back! So, let's hope that it won't be long now until I make my first ETSY sales. I am keepimg my fingers crossed...while keeping them busy working on lots of art!

On the bloggy front...I have a new addition to Crafty's Cup, that I hope to make a weekly installment. I breifly mentioned my idea for a Broke Witch, or Crafty Witch Files. Well now I can finally bring it to you. I have so many cool ideas I want to share, and now I will have one more outlet to do just that. i hope you all may find somrething usefull to your life. (Broke or not!)

So, guys, enjoy the posts. And if I don't get to make another for awhile, know that I am busy reading your new blog posts, and coming up with new ideas for, anf writing those posts to be published later. Ciao...Crafty.

The Crafty Witch Files: A Blessing Blanket Spell Craft

3-5 different fabrics, in colors appropriate to the spell/blessing, and also to the recipient’s energy Thread/s in those or complimentary colors
Incense or oil
Candle
A representative of each of the four elements

Design the blanket as simple or complex as your abilities.

It can be patchwork, knit or crochet.

It can even be done in a fleece No Sew method, and in that case you chant a blessing with each cut, and each tie. Easy Peasy.

This can also be a small embroidered patch, wall hanging, or just mending a loved ones shirt.

It is the act of blessing it, or imbuing it with special wishes, with repetition that matters.

Be mindful of your environment and mood as you work on this blanket.

You can work in circle if desired, but it isn’t necessary.

If you can finish in one sitting, so much the better; but also not entirely necessary.

Light your Incense/Sage & Candle. Ground. Center. Cast circle.

Cleanse & Consecrate each of the materials to be worked with the smoke from the Incense/Sage.

Honor the Elements and the Deity.

Then begin sewing the blanket, chanting a blessing with each stitch.

As you are coming to the end of the piece, put in the last stitch,, sealing your blessings into the piece.

Then pass the finished work through the representation of the four elements.

After that use your desired method for raising energy, and release the energy into the blanket.

Ground all of your excess energy, and blessings into the blanket.

Make sure to thank the deity and elements and take up your circle, if cast.

Then Eat.

If you need to do the work in bits, that’s okay too.

Just do the same thing each time you work on it, except for the raising energy part.

Then, at the very end of the work raise the energy to seal the blessing.

You would only make such a blanket for yourself or someone who is aware and alright with such a thing. If you knew your Grandmother would have a heart attack if she knew it was blessed by a Witch…probably not the best idea. Just saying! :)

The First Installment of the Crafty Witch Files

Times are tough, no doubt about it. There are bills to be paid, food and gas to be bought, etc., etc. Everybody is feeling the pinch. What is a broke Witch to do?

Get Crafty, that’s what.

Okay, well what does a Crafty Witch do?

What EVERY WITCH can and could be doing. What every Witch used to do. What we are taught to do. Work with OUR ENVIRONMENT.

{Well Miss Crafty Witch Smarty Pants, I got this great new thingamajigi at that cool new bookstore downtown. That was working with what is in my environment. Right?}

Well, kind of., but not quite.

A Crafty Witch gets CREATIVE and RESOURCEFUL. He or she brings spell craft out of the bookstore, and into her life. And in doing that, we also bring our spell crafting and ritual work into the 21st century. We bring it home to us.

A Crafty Witch will BREAK IT ALL DOWN, whatever it is; and FIGURE OUT THE ESSENCE of what is desired or needed. And then RECREATE IT. Be it a feeling, a spell, a ritual, a magical tool, whatever. For all of this there is an added bonus, not only are you SAVING MONEY, which is always nice…but the real benefit is the by product of ACTUALLY LIVING YOUR SPIRITUALITY.

When you practice your Craft in this way, it becomes a more holistic experience. You go from just reading a book, and purchasing nifty ingredients from a cool Witch shop, to understanding, and creating rituals and spells tailor made to MANIFEST YOUR REALITY, and using the elements of YOUR WORLD to do it. You go from feeling the buzz of a great group ritual eventually wear off; to carrying that feeling into your everyday life. That is at the heart of CREATING A LIVING SPIRITUALITY.

Okay, Crafty…sounds good, but tell me how I can do all of this…and save money doing it!

That is exactly what I hope to do here, in a new regular addition to my blog called, THE CRAFTY WITCH FILES. (I was going to call it the Broke Witch Files, but I really didn’t want to attach “broke” energy to myself!) I will explain most of it here, in this post; and then thereafter add to it with tips and practices that everyone can easily incorporate into their lives. Hopefully these will inspire you to create your own, traditions, spells and rituals that have deeper meaning in your life…(and won’t cost you your right arm to do!). Even if you do not use the ideas that I put forth, I’m sure you will come up with better ones of your own. (And then please share with me!)

So how exactly is all of this done? It’s so easy, much easier than one would think. And so beneficial to one’s spiritual training in any Mystery Tradition. Really even in anyone’s daily life.

This is how…

First, you look at the WHAT, the WHEN, the WHY, and the HOW of the spell that you are working with. Or, if it is from scratch, LOOK AT YOUR NEED, then BREAK IT DOWN INTO SYMBOLS. REMEMBER THE REASON that you are doing the spell, and what the ESSENCE OF THE MAGICK is all about. Even if you don’t have the items that are needed, FIND A SUBSTITUTE that meets the same needs. DON”T BE FOOLED by hard to find , or archaic items. WE LIVE NOW! We should be USING WHAT IS READILY AVAILABLE IN OUR ENVIRONMENT. We actually should strive to use the things like these, more than the unfamiliar ones. (After all, how much stronger is the astral connection and sympathy with an object that we are familiar with!?) USE what you KNOW. DO what you KNOW.

We Crafty Witches USE OUR HOBBIES and CRAFTS to REINFORCE OUR SPELL WORK, ENERGY WORK, and our PERSONAL LIVES. We USE THE ELEMENTS OF OUR JOBS…whatever they may be. In the old days, a woman would chant while she spun the wool; granted, maybe chanting while you scrub up the dinner dishes doesn’t sound quite as romantic…but IT WORKS. Whatever it is, WEAVE THE NEEDS and ELEMENTS of your spell into your daily tasks.

This can be done in so many FUN and USEFUL WAYS, it doesn’t have to be awkward or difficult. It is about CREATING A LIVING SPIRITUALITY; one that becomes so much A PART OF YOUR DAILY LIFE, that it is second nature. YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO very far OUT OF YOUR WAY, to perform elaborate rituals that seem foreign and strange. Or to PUT YOUR ’REAL LIFE’ ON HOLD to ATTEND TO YOUR SPIRITUALITY. It is about YOUR SPIRITUALITY BECOMING YOUR DAILY LIFE. It is about USING WHAT YOU HAVE, readily AVAILABLE in your ENVIRONMENT, and crafting spells and rituals around those, TO MEET YOUR NEEDS.

I have found, for myself, that the PRACTICES THAT HAVE BECOME A REGULAR PART OF MY SPIRITUALITY, day after day, year after year; are the ones that were EASILY UNDERSTANDABLE, and their PURPOSE COULD BE TRANSLATED into MEANINGFUL PRACTICES that could be used to BETTER MYSELF, and AFFIRM MY LIFE‘S PURPOSES. Those that were DIFFICULT TO COMPLETE , or FIND TIME FOR; slowly but surely were ABANDONED FOR SPELLS and RITUALS that FIT MY LIFE BETTER.

A big for instance; I once decided that I should greet the day each morning at the exact time of the sunrise, for my morning meditations and altar devotions. That sounds well in theory, however, at the time, I was a nursing a young baby, and had a toddler to care for. After being awake half the night before, no amount of bleary eyed greetings and petitions to the Deities were as necessary to my life purpose as a good nights sleep, and a cheerful Mommy to greet & launch my family into their day. I decided that whatever time I awoke in the morning would be a sufficient time to greet my Lord and Lady. Even today, that practice just does not fit well into my life. But I have found, that after a sun salutation outdoors, (and a cup of coffee), that I can get the kids off to school,; and then have the time and better frame of mind, for a cleansing shower meditation, (one that I will share with you), and then a proper altar devotion. That is a practice that fits, and I have used it faithfully for many years now. If I skip a day, no problem, I find another slice of time to greet the day in a different way. I know that my way is not for everyone. That is why I hope that all of us dig deeper to find the practices that fit into our own life’s rhythms.

I have found all sorts of ways to work my Craft into my daily life. Many that I would like to share with you, to stimulate even more ideas for all of us. Some may not resonate with you, or the time of life that you are in,; but most can be adapted and changed to fit your own life better. Or even used as a catalyst for your own original ideas. All are good if they serve to bring us closer to our spirituality. To live our Craft more closely. Make Craft a verb, and not just a noun!
I used to chant affirmations in my head while walking my baby in the stroller, or with each stitch of a gift blanket, as a blessing to the recipient of the gift. I have created entire rituals, with only the elements of my environment. A spring spell to reinforce the love in my marriage, (at one point; when I was married!); with spices and fruits from my kitchen, flowers from my garden, crafting items, and a couple of candles, (which I could’ve done without, if needed.) Protection spells, again done entirely from my kitchen cabinets and fridge. Spells at the beach, (with nothing bought , only with what I brought or found), for taking away unwanted things in my life; or to help me turn the tide in an unhealthy or undesirable situation.

And yes, many times it is fun to procure special and unusual spell items from a shop. But how about trying an International Market or Botanica, instead of the local health food store or metaphysical bookstore which will charge you sometimes more than triple what it’s worth. Not only that, but when you buy from a smaller store many times you are helping out a true Mom & Pop operation. Not a franchise.

Swap Meets and thrift stores are great for crystals & stones, (not to mention cool jewelry that can be worn as is, or recrafted into fabulous ritual items/elements.) I have a growing collection of forlorn Earth Goddess, and Isis earrings that I use on my altar, and also as focuses for spells. Garage Sales are nice for tablecloths and scarves to be used as altar cloths or fabric for pouches.

The point is that (most of the time), a Crafty Witch BUYS WHAT SHE NEEDS AS IT PRESENTS ITSELF IN HER WORLD; not the other way around. She doesn’t go shopping for her magical tools and ritual items; she GOES ABOUT HER LIFE and when they present themselves to her, she TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THE TIMING. After all. Isn’t that what Witches are best at…MANIPULATING THE NATURAL FORCES AROUND US, and WORKING WITH THE TIMING in order to MANIFEST OUR REALITY?

While it is nice to be able to go out to the shops for the atmosphere they provide, remember that there is no law that says you have to buy all of that stuff. Go in to browse the books, check out all of the stuff and get inspiration and ideas for your own stuff. Maybe buy something small, a used book, or tiny trinket, a crystal, or little piece of art. That way you aren’t just loitering, you are a patron. If you are nice, they seem to not care that you don’t spend $50, (or more!), every time you drop in.

When there are those times that I absolutely HAVE TO HAVE SOMETHING; I WAIT and CHILL ON IT for a few days, maybe a week. If I find that I am thinking about it a lot, and I have the money for it, and the need; then I buy it knowing that item is something that belongs with me. That has happened plenty of times. Most of the time though, I find that I am over that and on to something else. Many other times, something will present itself in my life that is a better match for me.

I have TAUGHT MYSELF how to enjoy things, without needing to purchase, or posses everything. I am STILL WORKING ON IT, and I am TRYING TO HELP MY CHILDREN learn that too. I hope that through my musings about the subject in my own life, that I can be both the student and the teacher; and POSSIBLY INSPIRE SOME GOOD IDEAS FOR OTHERS in the process.

TO BE CONTINUED IN INSTALMENTS…

Blessings to us all,

Danae, the Crafty Chick

Happy Spring Equinox Everybody!!! & Crafty's Spring Goal Planting Spell

Hello and Happy Spring to Everyone! I know we're all feeling it now! The entire Northern Hemisphere is awake & alive with growth. The grass is growing high again, flowers and trees budding and blossoming. Just about every woman I know is bursting forth with life, (even my Mama cat is pregnant!). Yep, Spring is back, and She is in full force. Even the blogs all have a fresh, bright colorful vibe to them right now. I love it!
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I have really been basking in the Spring-i-ness around me. After a truly hectic week; I did a quick clean up around the house, got ready for an afternoon play date and then leisurely cleansed and prepared our Equinox Altar.

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When the kids got home from school, we all enjoyed a fun romp in the sunshine, the kids with their buddies, and me with a Mom friend. Then my daughter got a triple whammy. She had a cooking lesson, (boiling eggs), and then a holiday art project(decorating them), along with a pagan history lesson! Poor thing just wanted something to do...and I had to get all educational on her.
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It sure is nice to take a little breather. We have had one busy week. My son, Jeremiah, passed his Karate test in order to move up to the Yellow Belt Class. Yay JD! My daughter, Makayla, is finishing up her Hip Hop Dance Class and going to competition next Saturday. My son is also playing in two T-Ball games a week with one practice in between. Between that, and school, and life...Whew! Am I glad it's Friday! (Somehow I managed to get myself a flat tire and fix it in the middle of all of that.) So, if anyone was wondering why I didn't have time to write in my blog or return my e-mails promptly...now ya know. I'm just a crazy woman!
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I hope that all of you are having a nice Friday evening, and a wonderful Sabbat. Whatever you have planned, (or not!), I know it will be special.

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I thought that this would be a pretty and fitting passage to share with you. This one does not come from me, although I wish that I could take credit for it! It comes from an old favorite called Ariadne's Thread, by Shekhinah Mountainwater.
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"The spirit of the Maiden is now embodied. This is the time when she is reborn from the dark in a physical birth, as opposed to the spiritual birth at Winter Solstice. The Mother conceived nine months earlier at Summer Solstice. and now gives birth to the Spring. For she is the Earth, birthing the appearance of new life. The animals, plants and elements birth with her, and young life flourishes everywhere. Resurrections and reunion are the underlying themes of this holy day, as the Maiden reunites with the Mother, whom she becomes.

In the Western World our most familiar holiday at this season is Easter. The dying and resurrected deity must suffer when he bleeds, and is never permitted to reincarnate physically. He must remain forever disembodied, taking up residence in Heaven or the spirit realm. And yet the basic themes of death and resurrection can be found at Easter. The games played with the female fertility symbols, such as eggs, rabbits, and baskets, all echo an earlier pagan mystery. In fact, doesn't the name Easter, sound suspiciously like Ishtar? Regardless of the metaphors used, this is a powerful time, and people of all beliefs can feel it.The day and the night are of equal length, beginning the next wave of magnetic energy that will peak at Beltane. The coming of Spring is always a magical time, as the air sweetens and grows warm, buds and flowers open and babies are born."
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I'm sure that you all have your rituals for this holiday prepared and ready, so instead I will leave you with this beautiful poem/ chant. It is not specific to this particular holiday, but speaks to the turning of the wheel in general. I think it is fitting, as the seasonal/agricultural and astrological year both begin at this time.

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(BTW~I don't know about you, but I have always wondered why all of the beginnings of the year do not correlate. Why does one begin at Samhain, one at Rosh Hashana, one at New Years in January, the Chinese one couple of weeks later, and then the zodiacal and agricultural calendar beginning now? And let's not forget the many that I didn't name.) So to celebrate another turn of the Wheel to begin these three days of Sabbat celebration, I leave you with this little gem, from the same source.
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SEASONAL MAGICK
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The year is a dancing woman
Who is born at the coming of Spring
The year is a dancing woman
Of her birth and death we sing...
In Spring She comes to power
When the red of Her moonbloods come
And She dances and spins toward Summer
To the beat of Her passions drum
'Tis then She becomes so fertile
With the Life that is to come
And She flows with the Love that feeds us
'Til the Harvest time is done
Then dances and spins toward darkness
All dressed in Autumn fire
To descend to the time of shadow
And rest from the world's desire
Now Her hair is touched with silver
Winter's wisdom claims Her soul
And She births the spirit within us
Bringing light and hope to us all
Igniting a blaze in the darkness
To kindle the coming Spring
Then dreams 'til Her resurrection
And Her story again begins...
The year is a dancing woman
Who is born at the coming of Spring
The year is a dancing woman
Of Her birth and death we sing...
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Being that this is a time of birth and resurrection from the death of Winter; there are many activities fitting for this time of year, and this Sabbat in particular. Any celebration of the Life Force is fitting at this time. As are new beginnings, fresh starts, cleansing and purification. This is the New Moon of the Solar Year, so anything befitting the New Moon, is appropriate for this holiday on a larger scale. Plantings, birth celebrations and spending time outdoors are all good ways to enjoy the energy of this time.

I have many fond memories of the Spring Equinox, my favorite being my one of my very first solitary rituals. It took place on a hilltop, after a midnight walk under the full moon. I had brought along my little pouch of crystals, sage and a tea light. I wrote and performed it spontaneously, from the heart; as I do most of my best rituals. It was a very special evening, one I will remember, and treasure for all time. I have had many great memories of Ostara celebrations; but none compare to that hesitant introduction to the Goddess that i encountered alone on that hilltop.

One of my other favorite celebrations, (again alone!), included a spell that I created, that I will share with you now. This is a garden spell to usher in new growth in specific areas of your life. I called it my Spring Goal Pot Spell...but it could probably use a better name!
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Crafty's Spring Goal Planting Spell

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I used 5 pots, and seeds coordinating with the areas in my life that I wanted to affect.

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I started by contemplating the areas that i wanted to work on that quarter, (until the Summer Solstice). Then I chose seeds that matched the goals that I had.

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I wrote a spell and ritual format to follow, gathered my ingredients, and got to it.

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I placed each of the pots in a star pattern around the inside of my circle.

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After cleansing and consecrating everything with each of the four elements, I lit a tea light in each goal pot. (I wrote the goal focus on each pot with a sharpie marker.) As I lit each one, I spent plenty of time meditating on the goals, and played my mind movie of accomplishing each of them.

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Then I raised energy with chanting and dancing, released it, and then repeated that each week of the quarter until the Solstice. (Of course it was a lot quicker and easier without having to go through the planting each week!)
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Out of that Quarter Spell, it was interesting to note that 4 of the 5 goals came to fruition that Spring. The plant that coordinated to the goal that didn't pan out, also sputtered and died...coincidence? I think not.

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That is another great lesson for us all to learn. Sometimes what we think that we want or need, is not the same as what the universe has planned for us, and that is okay. Many times we learn something valuable in the process, and then the spell may not have been a failure. It's all part of the eternal student/teacher thing.

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Regardless, I had a lot of fun with that one, and it is a great Spring Equinox spell/ritual that I highly recommend to anyone so inclined. it definitely adds a bunch of extra oomph to any big projects or personal goals you may be working on.
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Well, I must go now...I have been ignoring my kids and guests and own Friday night Spring Equinox plans long enough! Even though I won't be celebrating with other Pagans and Witches tonight, my heart is linked to all of those of us celebrating this weekend, and to all those who have come before us, and reveled in the magick of the Spring woven at this special time!
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~Blessed Be!

Danae, the Crafty Chick

A Little Humor To Start Your Week Off Right!!!

The Chocolate Ritual Copyright 1993, John Shepard, Performed at Dragonfest, August 1993

MATERIALS:
On the altar there are brown candles;

a Tootsie Roll (the great big one -as the athame;) a large glass with milk in it, (the chalice;) A small dish of Nestle's Quik and a spoon; a small dish of chocolate sprinkles; a plate of cupcakes and some Yoo-Hoo along with a goblet

CLEANSE THE SACRED SPACE:
(Take the small bowl of chocolate sprinkles)
Chocolate sprinkles where thou art cast No calories in thy presence last. Let no fat adhere to me ,And as I will So Mote It BE!
Nestle's Quik where thou art cast Turn this milk to chocolate, fast. Let all good things come to me, And make my milk all chocolatey!

CAST THE CIRCLE (using a tootsie roll):

CALL THE QUARTERS:
Mousse of the East, Fluffy one! Great prince of the palace of dessert. Be present, we pray thee ,And guard this circle from all moochers Approaching from the East.
Fondue of the South, Molten One! Great prince of the palace of decadence. Be present we pray thee, And guard this circle from all diets Approaching from the south.
Cocoa of the west, Satisfying One! Great prince of the palace of thirst. Be present we pray thee, And guard this circle from all carob Approaching from the West.
Rocky Road of the North, Cold one!Great prince of the palace of crunchy. Be present we pray thee, And guard this circle from all cheap imitations Approaching from the North.

MAIN RITUAL:
HANDMAIDEN (Henceforth known as the Swiss Miss):Listen to the words of the Mother of Chocolate; who was of old called;Godiva, Ethel M, Sara Lee, Nestle, Mrs. See, and by many other names:

HPS: Whenever you have one of those cravings, once in a while and better it be when your checkbook is full, then shall you assemble in a great public place and bring offerings of money to the spirit of Me, who is Queen of all Goodies.

In the Mall shall you assemble, you who have eaten all your chocolate andare hungry for more. To you I shall bring Good Things for your tongue.

And you shall be free from depression, and as a sign that you are truly free, you shall have chocolate smears on your cheeks, and you shall munch, nosh, snack, feast, and make yummy noises, all in my presence. For mine is the ecstasy of phenylalanine (FEEN-EL-AL-A-NEEN), and mine also is Joy on Earth, yea, even into High Orbit, for my law is "Melts in your mouth, not inyour hand."

Keep clean your fingers, carry Wet Ones always, let none stop you or turnyou aside. For mine is the secret that opens your mouth, and mine is thetaste that puts a smile on your lips and comfy, padding pounds on your hips.

I am the Gracious Goddess who gives the gift of joy unto the tummies of men and women. Upon earth, I give knowledge of all things delicious, and beyond death........well, I can't do much there. Sorry about that.
I demand only your money in sacrifice; for behold, chocolate is a business,and you have to pay for those truffles before you eat them.

SWISS MISS: Hear now the words of the Goodie Goddess, she in the dust of whose feet are the cheap imitations, whose body graces candy racks and finer stores everywhere:

HPS: I, who am the beauty of chocolate chips, and the satisfying softness of big bars, the mystery of how they get the filling inside of truffles, and fill the hearts of all but Philistines with desire, call unto thy soul to arise and come unto me. For I am the soul of candy; from me do all confections spring, and unto me all of you shall return, again.....andagain..........and

again..................and again

Before my smeared face, beloved of Women and Men, thine innermost divine self shall be enfolded in the rapture of overdose.

Let my taste be within thy mouth that rejoices. For behold, all acts of yumminess and pleasure are my rituals. Therefore let there be gooeyness and mess, crispness and crackling, big slabs and bite size pieces, peanut butterand chocolate covered cherries all within you.

And you who think to seek me, know that your seeking and yearning shall avail you not unless you know the Mystery; "We will sell no chocolate until you pay for it."

For behold; I have been with you since you were just a baby, and I am that which is attained at nearly any shop in the land.
Messed Be.

SWISS MISS: Hear now the words of the Chocolate God, who was of old called Ghirardelli, Milton Snavely Hershey, Bosco, Fudgesicle, and by many other names.

HP: I am the strength of the candy rack, and the piece that fell on the floor, but looks like it might not have gotten too dirty, and the deepest bitterness of dark chocolate. No matter how you try to resist the call of chocolate, I will hunt you out and I will become your sacred prey. I am the warmth of hot cocoa in the dead of winter, and the call of the road that leads you to that really expensive Godiva store downtown.

I give you, my creatures, the fire of love of chocolate, the power of jaw strength to bite off a piece of that frozen Milky Way bar, and the shelter of Haagen Daz when that big date didn't work out. You are dear to me, and I instill in you my power; the power of a piece of chocolate that you had forgotten you had hidden, and the power of vision and magickal sight with which you can spot a candy counter a mile away.

By the powers of the half melted bar in the glorious sun, I charge you; bythe darkest depths of the bottom of the cocoa pot and the lingering smell of bittersweet chocolate, I charge you; and by the beauty of a perfectly

Copyright 1993 John Sheppard, Performed at Dragonfest 1993

This ritual is permisable for reprint, so long is it is not altered, and this notice in attatched. :)

Just A Quick Update...

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am having some technical difficulties with my Comments & Add Readers functions. But I am here, and I will be posting! If anyone has a comment that they cannot leave on the blog...please feel free to message me at craftyscup@YAHOO.com and I will be happy to get back to you. Also, if anyone wants to join; go ahead and leave the message there. When I figure out what is wrong, and fix it...I will gladly message you back so that you can join then. Thank you all for your support and patience while this Newbie Blogger gets her act together!

And yes, I know that there were problems with Friday night's Meditation. I assure you that the Anodea Judith Videos are on You Tube, if you want to go directly there to have a look. Also, a reader was kind enough to let me know that she has found them on i tunes. (Thank You!). I am not familiar yet with the i tunes format, so I cannot tell you anything about that...but again, go have a looksy if you like! And enjoy...they are worth the effort. I promise! I will try to find some more good ones to share. I'm thinking about having it as a weekly addition. Let me know what the best day for that would be, and if I get some replies, I will try to accomodate. (What is the best night of your week for relaxing, and energy work? I enjoy Friday, I like the Venus energy...but let me know your preferences, and thoughts on this.)

Also, later this week I have a post about working with crystals coming up; and a regular feature I am going to start...The Broke Witch Files...(or something along those lines. Maybe Frugal Witch, or Crafty Witch?). I don't want to attatch 'Broke' energy to myself; but currently, that is exactly what I am!, and I have some useful tips to share with any other broke, or frugal Wiches out there.

So, I hope everone had a nice weekend, and has a good starrt to their week tomorow. I will be loking forward to reading what everyone posts in their blogs this week.

Until next time...Blessed Be.

~Crafty

What's A Broke Witch To Do?

Indeed, that's a question that many of us these days are asking? It seems that is the reality everywhere we look.

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The lights need to stay on, the mortgage paid, gas for the car...where's the money for the the extra fun & goodies? The candles to burn, the books to read, the fun little trinkets to add to your Craft stash? What does a Witch in need, do when she's broke? How does one perform her Craft when there is no money to spare? (Besides the fact that we all know that we have everything we need to live our spirituality AND perform any magick, within us always.)

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But for all of the other stuff that we want, where does the money for it come? Actually, I know how do it. I am an old pro at getting the most bang for my buck...even if I don't have a buck! I'm still working on bringing that dollar out of the ether. When I do I will let you know! Until then, I use my resources...an I use them well.

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The very first thing that a broke Witch does, (or anyone for that matter!); is name what you want. Explore what you need, and work from there. Really think about it, and follow where it goes.Most of us just focus on the thing, and not what the thing brings to you., or does. We may think that what we want is money. More money...to pay those bills, to get the stuff we want, and then some. I know that's what I want. But when we look just a bit deeper, we begin to scratch the surface.

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We want the security of knowing that our heat & lights will stay on, that we will have a space to utilize those lights, a form of transportation to and from that space to the places we need to go; and the other extras that make life fun and comftorable for us. It is different for each of us.

For me, the extra goodies are the icing on top of my days. That could be anything from enjoying a coffee in the morning, or a good beer in the evening; having the ability to get to the coast & watch the sunset over the ocean, to enjoying a day trip to the local mountain snow with my children and good friends. Oh...and glue. I always am in the need of glue. Sticks. Tape. Mod Podge, etc. (I need glue to make my art.) Also plenty of other stuff. Cell phone, internet connection, on and on.

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The point is to think about and the things that we want and need; and to realize that there are many paths to that goal. Money is usually involved in several of the steps of course! But for now what matters are the end results; what that 'thing' that we want is going to do for us.

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Once you have acknowledged and named what it is that you want (& need), and also asked for the acquisition of it in the best possible way for your development...THEN, you work on possible routes of attaining these things. The many, many possible outcomes. We always think of things in simple terms. 1) I want an something, say a wand; to use for my rituals. 2) The only way to acquire said that new wand,; is to go to work, 3) get my paycheck 4) go to Wands R Us, 5) purchase said wand for the exhorbant rate that they have deemed fit for you. Well I say BUNK!

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What ever it is that we want in life...big or little...can be ours. (Unless it's World Domination, of course.) J/K. What I mean is that we need to look at the ESSENCE of what it is that we want. For instance, the wand.What does having the wand represent to me? Having the trappings of a Witch? Beauty? Power? The ability to perform magick? What most people REALLY want; is to feel a part of something, and powerful in doing it. A group, a clan, a religion, a movement. To feel that they are an integral part of things. Even if that is expressed in private, by yourself...using your super, awesome new Craft tool. Taking part in the harnessing of Natural Energies, and feeling powerful in your role. Isn't that the essence of the wand? Besides being a pretty trinket. (And yes, I have a lot of pretty trinkets, and I love all of them!)

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So, in my role of Super Resourceful Crafty Witch, I would discover the purpose that having a wand in my life. I would check out all of the wands that I liked, I would put out the vibe to the universe, to specify that I want only the best_ for me, and bringing no harm to others in the process... I go about getting it. Either handcrafting it. Casting a spell to bring the best wand possible to me. Looking around my home to see if already own something that could be used as such. Trading a massage, or house cleaning, or Baby Sitting for it. Going to my Day Job to earn money to buy it. Asking one of the people that I may know if they can possibly make it for me, for whatever exchange...money, resources, time, etc. And the final step, is to trust that that item is on it's way to me. Through my own tangible efforts, in concert with the Gods, and all beneficent powers of the Universe.

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THAT is what a broke Witch does. That is what any kind of person,Witch or not, could be doing, broke or not. We are all just so trained in this reality to only use one route to getting the things we want. If we truly believe in the type of things that we claim to; then manifesting our own reality should be a cinch. I know it is for me.

Now please don't get me wrong. I still have, and will continue to have needs and obstacles and strife in my life. I don't have everything that I want. I won't always be able to get it. I can't escape that. What I can do, is choose my reactions and responses to these setbacks; to realize that most of the time, I have everything that I need. I am not talking about a Pollyanna attitude, or sticking my head in the sand, either. I am talking about making the day to day effort to really live my belief system. To be a Wise One, and posses the 'Wicca'. To know that I am a ripple in the water of a larger pool; and to make sure that my ripple is in harmony with the pond, and all those in it. To not use my ripple as a tsunami, to take out and overpower the other ripples in the water. Also, that my ripple is not the end all be all of ripples. Many have come before, and more are on their way. (Be the ripple) :) And ripples flow.

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So, Crafty Witch that I am, I use my resources to get the things that I want. Some for instances...I live in the city. I am a Pagan, and a nature lover. What's a girl to do? Well, for one thing, no matter where I live, I have always sought out all possible local, free nature spots to go. Right now I am fortunate enough to live in a house, and have a nice backyard with garden space. But I have lived in apartment buildings where I would go up to the roof, to enjoy the full Moon and perform my rituals. My garden was only the geraniums in a pot on my doorstep. But it was all there when I acknowledged it. I have found pockets of wildness just about everywhere. All for free.

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Another want and need of mine has always been fresh reading material...I devour it. I love my books so much, and have worked in more than one bookstore. I used to spend a lot of money on books and magazines that interest me. Now, I use the internet, Plenty of free information here. Blogs, magazines, E-Books. Even with just the library, or a book exchange club, I could probably never buy another book unless I want to!

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Another good example. I was companionship. I feeling a bit lonely, and shut in. I needed some new friends. The new breath of friendship in my life. Now, I could have spent a lot of money hitting the bar, or coffee house, or wherever to go out and meet people...who may or may not have anything in common with me. Instead, without even meaning to, I have opened the door for countless new friends, with many of the same likes as me; by beginning to write my blogs; and reading other people's. Now, instead of keeping my writing all to myself, I am finding camaraderie and the feeling of pride and success from this avenue. All for free! And there is non-stop reading material.

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Tools for my Craft. Candles, herbs and oils. Clothing. Jewelery. Art Supplies. I love pretty things as much as the next girl. I am an artist, and I really appreciate beauty. But I am not going to die if I can't get the latest and greatest whatever it is that I want. Many times if I recognize the essence of what I am yearning for...I find it easier to go about getting it, or sometimes I find that I already have it, and wasn't paying attention. Whatever it is, I know that I can manifest the solution with better clarity and ease after I have examined the underlying forces at work.

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We Witches are masters at weaving magick through our reality, and that is what is needed here. To weave an existence of prosperity and fulfilment, instead of want and lack . If we are to defeat the forces that seek to control us, and if we want to live in true freedom from tyranny, the tyranny of our self and others...we must realize out own true power to shape our world.

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A broke Witch becomes a Crafty Witch- and a Crafty Witch creates her own abundance, and gives thanks and gratitude for what she has.The quickest way to get more of something, I have found, is to live in abundance and share what you have. No matter how much or how little. And that is the essence of what a Crafty Witch does. We harness our personal power and our resources to manifest what we desire. Hopefully, with the good of all and harm to none.

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Keep your eyes open for many more 'Crafty Witch' articles to come.

Fruity But Effective...And No; It's Not A Commercial For Fruit& Fiber!

I have a fabulous Chakra Journey Meditation to share with you this evening. As the title of this post says...it is quite fruity! I say that as fair warning to those who don't like New Agey stuff, as I know some people's tastes don't run that way. But, in spite of the "Fruit Factor", this is one of the most effective Chakra Opening Meditations that I have come across in quite awhile.

My buddy turned it on last night when while my kids were still awake and my household buzzing with energy. Even through all of the distractions, it was still amazing! I should've guessed it was made by one of my favorite Chakra/Kundalini authors, Anodea Judith. I have been reading and recomending her books for years now; but never had the pleasure of veiwing any of her guided meditations. Well, this was a treat!

My plan for later tonight, is to take a long, hot, candlelit herbal bath, and get comfy; and then watch it again...as it truly should be experienced in such a manner to be most effective. My only angst, is that it is cut up into 3 parts; so I suggest keeping the computer within close enough range as to keep it playing without disturbing yourself too much. I hope that some of you take the time to check out this series, (and her other ones which you can find with this one on You Tube.) In fact, I think I will be doing that after I watch these ones again...keep the groovy vibes going! :)

What a nice way to spend a Friday evening.

~Enjoy

The Illuminated Chakras-A Visionary Journey Into Your Inner World/By:Anodea Judith

Part 1/3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ7ZxYmkOOg

Part 2/3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIRR7x7KtiMfeature=related/

Part 3/3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qe2ekcrfJg&feature=related/

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Okay guys~ I don't know what I did wrong, but these links are not taking me straight there when I click on them. I have double and triple checked the URL's to make sure they are correct, so I'm not sure just what the problem is. There are two other ways you can veiw this. 1) You can go to You Tube and type in the full name; or 2) you can type in the URL's manually. I am sorry for the inconvinience, but the videos are there...I just was there to check, and type in the exact codes. And they are totally worth searching for, I promise!

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Some Words Of Wisdom, I Need Not Elaborate!