Protection Amulet: Ward off disease, death, and destruction

TW: Not love and light. We don't do that here.

Like so many, I have worried and mourned my husband being deemed "essential" (disposable) and being forced to work without meaningful protective measures in place. He has a co-worker who insists on working in close proximity while eschewing the company-issued mask.

As I contemplated my husband's forced return, I exhausted legal avenues (mostly because there aren't any--we live in one of the most backward states). I begged my husband to quit or call in sick, to no avail. (He fears losing health insurance--but we'll lose it, and his income, anyway if he dies.)

Having done everything I could do on this plane, having deeply prayed and meditated, I began an amulet. He wears it under his uniform.

First, I settled on an ancestor--my husband's gun-toting, rough-around-the-edges grandfather--to petition. Fortunately, we live near his old home site (a story in itself) and drove there. The home no longer exists, but I breathed in the feeling of him. At Grandfather's time, racist attitudes were devastating the area where he lived because of white flight. He stood up against both the racism and any sense of being a potential victim. The racist fear-mongering was nonsensical, but, at the same time, people will slit your throat anywhere. Grandfather brought the toughness essential to survive both realities. It would be great to get some plants or objects from there, but it was not possible to do so this time.

Next, I went to the grave of our deeply loyal dog. No one got on us in life under his watch; now, he is a brave protective spirit. I once was attacked in a legal proceeding and painted a circle around my waist with his dirt and some water. I walked into court to find the judge telling the other side off in no uncertain terms. Nothing was required of me--I didn't speak the entire time--to win! You may choose an ancestor, spirit with whom you've had a connection, or even some dust or dirt from a place that is "safe" for you. (Collect a little extra of your dirt for the amulet and keep it in a jar to dress yourself.) I also gathered plants from his grave and the grave of a cat who particularly loved my husband.

Coming home, I gathered three dry lemongrass leaves (protection) from my plants outside my door. I likewise got a little rue (fighting off hexes and crossed conditions) from my yard.

After lighting candles and giving Father Blackhawk some tobacco, I divided my supplies into threes. I then cut my hair (cuttting from the underside--and I still have a couple of visible bald spots!). I tied my hair together into a long strand. I braided the plants and hair together. When they were done, I let our current very-protective dog lick the amulet. He was happy to do so--I wouldn't force (or even coerce) an animal's participation. I also kissed the amulet several times.

My husband tried the amulet. It was too short and would show at his collar. I fixed it with a cutting from some of my old pants and a bit of ribbon from my bridal bouquet.

Finally, I spoke my intentions and prayers into the amulet.

Of course, you should substitute your own supplies, judgment, etc. if you make such an amulet. You might want to attach showy charms, witch balls, or bat nut. You could substitute any of the materials. This work is about using what you have and your traditions!

I gotta get back and see what the ancestors want to do about that murderer and his kin!

Stay safe!

Full Moon Money Drawing Container Ritual

I am not much of one for prosperity spells, and I am bad (really, really bad) at following moon phases. However, I recently had a request for a full moon prosperity ritual and decided to put some of my tricks and works into writing.

For prosperity is work with herbs. The other day, I was feeling un-prosperous. I had a money worry because I hadn't been able to work toward a particular financial goal in some time. Nothing was wrong. My bills were being met. However, slow-paying clients and other conditions meant I had not worked toward retiring some debt that concerns me. As I got dressed (in the clothing sense and in the sense of appying oil for the day), I dabbed a little peppermint oil into my hands. I let a couple of drops gather in the lowest dip of each slightly cupped hand, enjoying the warmth and smell and thinking of the sensation of money coming into my hands.



Sometimes, things are a little more pressing and formal work is in order. The full moon is a good time to work on things we want to draw toward us and increase, so money is a good area of work.

I like to work with containers. One of my favorites is to put a bill or financial goal (a utility bill or a written out statement such as, "Receiving $5,000") and seed it with money.

To do such a seeding spell:

1) Green candles

2) Money (paper and coins)

3) Peppermint (basil also works) 

4) A can or jar (simple, reused can or elaborate sentimental box--heck, make a macaroni art project for added mojo)

5) A hot pepper or some yew to accelerate the spell

6) The bill you are worried about or a positive intention for your prosperity written out--green paper or ink or colors that represent prosperity to you are great

First, I clean my work area or even finish up some lingering tasks. My blocks of in-flow are almost always associated with blocking out-flow on my end. I may be fretting about getting paid, but my work area may be in disarray, a project left mostly done (I simply haven't hit "send" to finish it), or I may not even have sent out my invoices and asked for money! Clearing up these items is a big help. 

Getting comfy, inside or outside, I meditate. I work near the area where I remember my ancestors. I am not one for calling in the corners, but I like to spray a little sage-scented oil around my area and connect with spirits/ancestors.

Light five green candles, one in each directions and one in the middle. Connecting with spirit, be thankful for what you have. In bad times, this might be as simple as recognizing your pinky toe does a great job of helping you balance. Do your best to recognize what you have because you are asking the spirits to add to this.

Take a few minutes to hold your bill and money near your heart or to write out your intention. Place your bill or written-out intention in your container. With your bill, do any folding away from you. If you have written out a positive intention ("I have $5000 extra"), roll or fold that toward you if needed for it to fit. Do not place a bill near/over the flames unless you have decided you just want to symbolically burn it up! For a positive written intention, hold it just over the flame to warm it and activate it as you feel the power rising in it. Place your bill/intention in the container. Place your money in the container. First roll or fold any bill toward you (as needed to fit). Include a few coins. 

Hold your basil or peppermint. Feel the power rising up in it, and acknowledge the prosperity it represents. Place most of it in your container, holding a bit out to carry with you. Add any accelerating herbs (hot pepper or yew), knowing you are drawing in magick that works quickly and efficiently. Pick your container up. Shake it or strike it a few times, thanking spirit and your ancestors for paying the bill, drawing the money in, etc. Let your candles burn down or respectfully extinguish them after letting them burn as long as you safely can.

Throughout the week (or as long as it takes), work your container by shaking it, thanking spirit/ancestors, etc. Carry some herbs with you as you go about your day. Annoint yourself with peppermint oil each day. Bury your spent herbs and workings near your door. Consider throwing a little bit of your herbs and some change into the crossroads for added power. If feasible, consider cleansing your container to make it suitable for future work. Consider planting a plant like basil or peppermint during this time if possible. Enjoy and share the results!

Here's a chant/prayer if you like that sort of thing:

"I am part of and made from a universe of infinite stardust
"This universe is abundant
"Therefore, I am abundant
"I am thankful that I am abundant and money flows toward me
"I release this prayer, knowing _________________ ($5000 is mine, the bill is paid, etc.)"

Second (In)Sight: Soul Shine Psychic Service by Denise

Several months ago, I had a reading by Denise. I learned agreat deal from that reading and enjoyed Denise’s company. 

However, a new reading brought a new level of insight: a couple’s reading. My husband and I joined Denise on a beautiful summer morning. After making us comfortable, she read us—finding areas of compatibility and areas where we need work.

One of the best aspects of this work was each getting individual insight, and then seeing how this affected our relationship. It was my husband’s first reading, so very eye-opening for him.

We were able to discern areas that need work, as well as finding answers to why we are so compatible in some areas, even where our personalities seem to have potential friction.

As a couple, we are a little unusual. We have been together for 28 years, though separated two times over the years. The reading helped reveal some of the areas of friction that have led to these past incidents of pulling away, but also showed the strengths that always pull us back together.

A common area of concern for those contemplating this kind of reading is probably newer, contemplated relationships. Certainly, entering a new relationship is an exciting time that can lead one to introspection and seeking feedback. However, those of us in older relationships should not eschew the opportunity to learn and grow SoulShine offers.

I strongly recommend this service. No compensation was received for this review.

Review: Triskelion Botanicals (and some thoughts on dream states)

A couple of years ago, I had a client begin behaving in an erratic way. He was interfering with a settlement offer that seemed wildly in favor of a large group of people--including him. I was stymied: how could someone act so adverse to his own interests?

One afternoon, sleep came over me. In a dream or dream-like state, I saw the troublesome client collecting money in a way I had not known about before. Realizing the litigation resulted in an unexpected side hustle for him, I understood why he was resisting the settlement.

I went forward in my case with a better understanding of the interests involved. Called on his motives, my client did not deny what was happening. I was better able to assist everyone in the complex situation.

Although I did not take any elixirs to bring on the dream state above, I inadvertently bit into an herb bundle I was carrying (using my mouth as an extra hand) the previous night. Perhaps the juices I released (enough to make my mouth numb) brought on the revelation.

I am not including the ingredients of my accidental "dream elixir" here--it was random and not collected for that purpose. A few of the items are reputed to be poisonous. It is far better to concoct or buy something with a specific purpose in mind in terms of physical health and intention. I am also not declaring what happened to be a dream, remote viewing, or or astral projection--I am just glad to have experienced the phenomenon as I did.

Since that experience, I have sought it again with no success. Likely, I need to need to have the experience before it is granted again.

Although I haven't taken a second flight, a pleasant stop along the way of trial and error has been Dreamwork by Triskelion Botanicals. Triskelion is a great little herbal shop with a lot of heart--the proprietor is a friend of mine and truly cultivates magick and healing as she grows, gathers, dries, mixes, and brews in her corner of the world. Many of her herbs are wild-gathered, and all are free of chemical treatment. They are made with intention in a home setting filled with love and good vibes.

I reserved my two samples of Dreamwork for nights when my agenda was not crowded, and when I did not feel pressure about the next day. I didn't want to arrive in court "hung over" from a night flight, and I didn't want to push away experiences in favor of a good night's sleep. I also eschewed the elixir on nights when I was drinking or needed to take medication--Dreamwork shouldn't bear the blame for drunken escapades!

My first adventure began well before bedtime. I had a relaxed evening of productive journaling and introspection. Dreamwork helped me reach a state of relaxation while still being able to create and solve problems. The second adventure resulted in a very sound night's sleep, and it was much needed at the time. I did not remember a single dream. However, the next night, without more elixir, I had vivid dreams that I remembered and recorded. Both the journaling and the second-night dreams were helpful in resolving challenges I faced at the time. I credit Dreamwork with the sound night's sleep that set me up to enjoy a night of continued effects with the clear, memorable dreams.

I recommend Dreamwork. First, it is a safe alternative compared to biting into an herb bundle prepared for another purpose. Secondly, the "worst" outcome seems to be a sound night's sleep--something we all sorely need. Most importantly, it leads to restorative imagining, sound sleep, and helpful dreaming. I am going to continue experimenting with Dreamwork, varying when I take it.

Night flights, remote viewing, or just rest and clarity--all can benefit us as we go about creating, crafting, hexing, and blessing.

Review: Soul Shine by Denise

I am not usually big on psychic readings, but when my friend Denise offered me a reading, I took her up on it. Denise can be reached on Facebook at Soul Shine Psychic Services by Denise, and she is linked to the Briefs and Brooms page.

Soul Shine psychic services by Denise

We did the reading at Denise's home. In the interest of full disclosure, Denise knows me well enough to feel okay having me to her home; but we are not so intimate that she could easily "cheat" on my reading.

Denise first read my aura, which showed up as light green. Denise associated this with earthiness and water. I truly love rivers. Interestingly, Denise spoke of waterfalls, lakes, and rivers--but not the "go-to" for most people, oceans. In fact, I don't care for oceans compared to lakes. I particularly enjoy time by rivers, and one of my favorite memories is taking my dog to a waterfall in a state park. I would have picked purple or orange for my aura, but light green made sense in terms of who I am.

Denise saw some spirits around me--an older man and two young girls. The older man, my grandfather, was no surprise at all. It took some thinking for me to realize the two young girls are likely my great aunt who died very young, and her sister. While I would not have thought of the sister, who lived to a ripe old age and with whom I got to spend a lot of time, as a child, I think it makes sense for her to manifest in this way after death. I am glad to have these souls near me.

Denise saw some angels, but not ones that are coming to the fore--I'm not in a particularly precarious situation now. Angels are around, but not getting a much-deserved break from active, minute-by-minute intervention.

Finally, there was a malevolent entity nearby. It would actually be more surprising--given the day-to-day encounters with boogey men I have in the legal system--if I did not have such an entity. I will be working up a plan to ask the entity to move along, and Denise does offer banishings.

This was a terrific experience, and offered a lot of insight as well as some quality time with a warm, friendly person. I highly recommend Soul Shine by Denise.

Clearing the Way for a Successful New Year

We've had a little trouble accessing Blogger today. Probably me in retrograde, again!

It is New Year's Day, so, of course, I wanted to talk about cleaning and clearing and welcoming in new, positive changes.

This site is all about resolving problems, so, throughout the year, I am bringing in everyone's spiritual "dirt." We all collect our own problems and those of people we care about, and not clearing results in challenges building up and creating blocks, illnesses, and chaos.

It looks like my hosting platform has some cleaning and clearing to do, because it is glitchy today. I can't sign in! So, here are a few of the tips covered:

1. Clean and clear -- Sweep the floor, clean and re-arrange altar areas, dust, and go through those old boxes for things to recycle or donate. I did a load of laundry and got all my rugs. Adding some magickal ingredients is a great way to remind yourself this is more than just cleaning--I used lemon and vinegar, as wel as lavender and eucalyptus.

2. Clean your cleaning implements (some say buy new) -- Now is a good time to replace brooms and garbage cans and other cleaning implements. I've heard some say it is time to buy new, but, I like to avoid over-consumption (and it has been too cold where I live to get out to buy new items for nearly two weeks now!). If it is time to get rid of something, now is the time, but also: clean. I ran all my floor cleaning supplies and garbage can through hot water with cleanser today. Get rid of all that build-up from the year! I threw out an old sponge--if it is time for something to go, now is definitely the time to do it!

Look at all the stuff that collects your dirt as you go--dish drainer, strainers, drains. It may be time to clean those areas!

Don't forget magickal implements. If your herbs tend to be as out of sorts as mine tend to be, it's a great time to organize and sort.

3. Make new cleansing potions! I started my year fresh with a new bottle of quick cleansing wash (coffee grounds, lemon, salt) to use on my self, pets, and floors/house as needed.

4. It's time to eat traditional foods--for me, cabbage is the most important. I have some lentils going with a little spinach, quinoa, and seasonings in it. Later, I'll cook up some potatoes and cabbage. If I get lazy, I can eat the cabbage cold in a salad or slaw. It is a good time to share with your ancestors through an altar offering or scattering some of your bounty outside for critters!

5. We are living in modern times with things to clean and clear our ancestors didn't have. Take a look at getting rid of extraneous apps, websites, and unused services!

6. This isn't Oprah . . . but look at those habits! Just this past week, I was able to resolve a chronic pain problem by adding a breathing exercise. Undisciplined breathing, habitual/pain-avoiding movement patterns, and my habit of being tense and not relaxing combined for a lot of pain. I made a lot of progress using yoga, but wasn't able to get rid of the last bit of pain until I changed these habits.

Working with Blackhawk

Justice often comes wrapped in a swift kick. I often win cases only to have a judge include a snide aside about my attitude toward the other side, or I might win and then have trouble collecting. This is not unusual given the illusion of impartiality that is necessary to uphold the legitimacy of the court system.

However, I recently had a run of luck where every case turned around on me. Even in a case where I represented fifty people across three or four different courts on a pro bono basis and won them a large settlement, the case went bad--the clients wrote the judge, the press, and my opponents degrading letters about me. My sins are grievous. For example, I once declined to attend a meeting the clients set unilaterally because the time was the evening of my wedding anniversary--yes, I was expected to drive the three to four hours to their location whenever they blanneyed about it, and no, I wasn't reimbursed for gas, tolls, parking, etc. (I made 30 or more such trips--all at my expense--over the four years of free representation, but what they remember is the ONE meeting I ever declined.) Further, they alleged I harmed them by working "pro bono," which they asserted (after the fact) meant I took 1/3 of their settlement (never mind that no one actually gave me any money, I never asked for any, and I never got any).

While in New Orleans, I discovered a lot of my problems stemmed from sending out spirits and not calling them back in. I blogged about that here. I had a cleansing, and almost all of the negative conditions began clearing. However, one last problem remained: a letter so salacious that it was sealed by the court remained dangling--it was received right after my cleansing. I saw this timing as the snake's body twitching after the head is cut off.

Preparing for the hearing on how "badly" I had treated my pro bono clients, I did all the things one should do. I arranged for court support from lots of activists who know my history and had even helped with the case (as with me, the help was at no charge). I hired a lawyer, and I prepared responses.

However, I also began work with Blackhawk. I visited some of his memorial sites. I read Mama Starr Casas' book on the subject, set up my altar, and ordered supplies.I will post a review of this excellent book later, but here is an excerpt.

Her most recent book is here:


The work I did was a bit more intense that the one set forth above--I used a work set forth in the book that is a bit more directed at people when you have lost all concern about their well-being. It is not a light work to do because of a social slight, and it is not easily reversed. I also made offerings to Blackhawk and to my own ancestors, made protection packets, and even placed a paper with the target's name in my shoe so I could tread on and control him with every step.

Court was a farce. The target was so hateful and untruthful in his statements that his behavior spoke for itself. I don't think I said five words. The judge admonished him she would hold him in contempt if he said my name again, to which he replied, "But [my name] . . .". There really are people that are just too dumb to live. I feel pretty confident this guy will drown in the rain for having his nose up too high without my help or even that of Blackhawk!

Everything worked in my favor, and I think this was the end of the chaos caused when I did not call spirits I sent back in. It is a lesson learned, but I am particularly grateful for the way the work could be used.

I arrived home to find a hatchet I ordered for Blackhawk's altar had arrived. It is blessed and in place with my sincere thanks!

Making Your Ancestor Altar

Maybe you spent a quiet day of reflection, or maybe you choked down greasy food while your uncle ranted in his MAGA hat. Even when our living and known ancestors aren't people we easily love, ancestors are the best source of spiritual connection.

An ancestor altar can be large or small, in an out-of-the-way corner or in a prominent spot. Someone with roommates or privacy concerns could have something as simple as a picture of a departed loved one with a candle.

There are no rules, except not to mingle things of the living on the ancestor altar, less the ones who have passed on call to the living and bring them over too soon.

My altar recently grew, partly with the addition of some great art. Spending money and having artwork isn't needed--an altar can be simpler or even feature your own artwork. Besides the work I bought from an artist--and supporting artists and rootworkers is important to me--most items on the altar are things I already had.

This lovely shoe artwork is the center of my altar. It represents justice and diversity, and was made by the wonderful Auntie Sindy at Todomojo, who offers lots of reliquaries, artwork, and readings. The mirror with shells around it  was made by my Grandpa and is positioned to help show off the back of the shoe. All animal products were humanely gathered from naturally-deceased animals. 

The back of the shoe has vertebrae (again, humanely collected). It reminds me of my need to work on my root chakra and remain mindful of the needs of my spine, a particular challenge through my life. The scarf belonged to my grandma. 

Both sides of the shoe are gorgeous. My deceased protector/familiar dog watches over from behind.

The front of the shoe pushes forward, the dollies representing diversity. My husband's family is more highlighted on one side of the altar (mine on the other--but they are not strictly segregated), and we use battery-operated candles for a 24-hour burning without fire worries when we are gone or asleep. 

Our altar is the top of an entertainment center. The dolly to the right is made of my Grandma's old scarves. The tin cup belonged to my grandparents and sat by their sink; I use it for liquid offerings. We honor human family, but also our deceased animal companions and musicians (such as the print of John Lennon's Little Flower Princess lyrics). 

Five Tips for Honoring Ancestors on Thanksgiving Day

For many of us, Thanksgiving brings up painful memories--family hurts, alienation, and angst add to the macabre spectacle of murdering millions of sentient beings to simply have everyone pronounce their corpses "too dry." Oh, and add the misrepresentation and misplaced nostalgia around indigenous Americans, and it's enough to make you flip your construction paper feather headdress.

Working with ancestors is an opportunity to go deeper around holidays than family as we know them in this realm. (Talk about an "otherworldly religion"--nothing makes one long for another realm than a few minutes with one's family in this one!)

Ancestors got the groove . . . might as well join them!

Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or just waiting for an end to genocide and cultural appropriation, your ancestors can join you. Here are a few tips:

1.  Ancestors (blood and ideological) can share concerns of all kinds. Remember to call in known and unknown ancestors who share in your vision of Thanksgiving.

2.  Take advantage of having living ancestors gathered in one place. If you can get past Uncle Chester's MAGA hat, you may find someone who remembers your great grandparents and is a trove of stories.

3.  Make offerings. Ancestors love a little something on their altar, and now is a good time to get a piece of the beloved family pumpkin pie or other specialty. Ancestors only need a small amount (and remember to leave it outside for animals or in a compost area when done). I recently snuck a small amount of a treasured family recipe out of a gathering. The dish is so popular it is hard to feed just the living attendees, and my family is not ready to hear about my ancestor altar. So, I insisted on taking a teaspoon-full size taste home to my "dog." (There are pictures of my departed dog on my altar, and my living guy enjoyed the serving after a couple of days--no need to lie!)

4.  Celebrate alone! Small families (even of one) don't preclude celebration. Our ancestors are always with us--even when we feel alienated from family or when we don't choose to participate in the prevailing celebrations.

5.  Travel. Living relatives may remember the location of homeplaces, burial sites, and the like--and you can map your way to those places over Thanksgiving or later in the year. Don't forget ancestors who may not be related by blood--a historical site or nature area can be a great way to pass the day if you don't celebrate with a living family (or cut out early for sanity!).

There is growing recognition of the need to forge new traditions that are more inclusive, less reliant on historical inaccuracy and cultural appropriation, and celebratory of non-blood ties. Remember ancestors can be an important part of moving forward into a more just and sustainable world while honoring those who got us this far.

Calling Spirits Back In

I messed up.

I have a few good reasons. First, when it comes to magik, I'm largely self-taught. My Grandpa could heal and put life back in things--and there's nothing that is going to set someone up for trying to learn like seeing a beloved kitten brought back to life after an accident. But, we didn't discuss things openly--Grandpa walked strict lines between his church (back before Christianity got to be associated with hate and beating up gay people after service) and taking care of the people and animals that were brought to him. I learned what I could until my Grandpa died when I was 15, and then I returned as I could as I felt his call over the years. Next, I did not initially focus on conjuring or working with spirits. A lot of what I have done is spell work of the set-an-intention variety. Finally, I move instinctively--not always planning spells and rituals as carefully as I should and will try to do in the future. Although I joked, "I didn't know to do it because Piper didn't do that," referring, tongue in cheek, to Charmed, a lot of my work is a combination of what I feel called to do and cultural impressions that I absorbed from any number of sources.

When I began actively practicing a few years ago, I was on my own (in this realm) other than all the good reading materials out there. I cast my first spell, had great success, and carried on. I replicated what works, and had some great, otherwise inexplicable successes--court cases would just turn around. I would go from being told I could be a good little girl and keep my license and avoid sanctions if I dismissed the case to entertaining offers of settlement that climbed upward.

Within my success, however, was a maelstrom of confusion. Some cases dear to me fell apart inexplicably. Wins came with strings attached--winning one aspect of the case, but being chastised in another.

While in a class this past week, I heard a reference to calling spirits back in after sending them out. I listened carefully, being sure I understood what I just heard.

I had not called any spirits back in after a single spell. My approach was: "Hey, you all just go work on X. Thanks! Stay sweet!"

Ruh-roh!

I learned that spirits sent out will stick around, creating chaos and confusion. Chaos and confusion--my life for the past couple of years--the chaos made all the more confusing against the successes.

I went for a reading and cleansing. Right after, the chaos erupted big time--the body of the snake twitching after the head was cut off--in one matter. However, I finished up the classes and returned safely home, made another trip, got rested up, and woke this morning--after a week out of my office--to NO combative email messages or other bad news.

While I post samples of what has worked for me here, this blog is (fortunately) not an instruction manual, and I do not do work on a paid basis for others. Many spells would not be affected; I do not activate spirits for every spell.

However, conjuring is effective. I sent out some spirits (with great success) before learning much about it. I missed the important wrap-up: calling them back in when work is complete. In fact, instructions have to be very precise.

I will be posting more on conjuring, honoring ancestors, and experiencing the support of spirit in daily life and the legal world. However, before jumping in and calling in confusion, I suggest reading and consulting with experts--several links follow (some are affiliate links designed to make me rich).

Heading Off: Fok Magic Festival

I am heading off this weekend to New Orleans for the Folk Magic Festival.

I am not one to easily jump on my broom and fly away. I do not like spending money in advance and placing control of my experience in the the hands of hotels. I do not like paying for airline tickets that seem to carry only one guarantee: delays and substandard treatment. In fact, this time I am setting off on a 13-hour drive--any delays will be my own.

Planning this trip has brought one thing to the fore: from the time I made my reservation, I had to fight to keep the time open on my calendar. A judge set a date, for hearing on a frivolous motion, for that week--I had to work to get it moved. Countless lawyers who had let court dates. filings, and depositions slide for a year or more chose that week to suddenly notice events. I fought, fiercely, each time to save the time I had reserved. Through next week, there are lawyers on "stand-by" to help in case someone notices up some silly motion, thinking my inability to go will result in my client's case being dismissed. I carefully turned down new cases and set limits. Read: I sacrificed money to be sure I did not make a commitment I could not keep.

In contrast, I had another friend go on a three-week trip that overlaps with mine. This week, during his first week, I have gotten countless email messages about his cases. Each time, I have responded with a firm reminder about my own schedule. While my friend has only been messaging me to keep me informed, his style of vacationing is in sharp contrast to mine.

More importantly, the bad behavior exhibited by my opposing counsel has shown me something: law is not a profession for anyone with any self respect. In what world can another party throw a wrench in plans by filing a motion, necessitating an appearance at a court date about which one is not consulted in advance--on pain of one's client losing everything and incurring malpractice liability? In what world can a low-vibration person with no spiritual evolution whatsoever designate (and issue binding subpoenas for) depositions at purposefully inconvenient places and times? The list could go on, but the point is clear: law is replete with behavior that must be tolerated despite rank inappropriateness. It is hard to turn ALL one's opposing counsel into toads.

I am going to use the Festival for reflection and learning, as intended. I hope to come back with a few more tricks for my bag and a greater understanding of a broad range of modalities.

More importantly, I've already learned one thing: while the practice of law can allow one to be a voice for justice, it carries a high price. There simply are not enough people of good faith in the legal profession to make it a realistic was to earn money, serve those in need, and maintain a reasonable lifestyle. The profession is given over to juveniles in over-priced suits who cannot work a calendar and petty tyrants who, with the power to ruin lives, cases, and careers with bad-faith motions and similar litigation tactics, will exercise that power.

This is a calendar. Most lawyers think they are too good to use one!

And I'm done. 

Witch Balls: Holders of intention

Briefs and Brooms usually focuses on justice, and often that means looking at the ugliness that shows us there is a need for justice. It is easy for me to forget that magik can be . . . magical!

Witch balls allow focusing energy and intention. The round globe is continuous and a perfect container for long-term vision. Hanging in a window, the ball shows off beautiful selections of herbs or other materials and emits beautiful scents as the sun's warmth come through . . . a reminder of intentions set yesterday or months ago!

My first three witch balls were made on a whim. I had three globes from a chandelier. A little research refreshed my memory on the use of witch balls. One ended up packed down with herbs for protection, one with general prosperity herbs, and one with fun reminders of a friend who moved away (herbs associated with her ancestral path). They hang in my window today, and are a focal point--spurring discussion about my craft.

Later, I made a witch ball as part of a course. This ball incorporated a piece of money (prosperity), a charm, a written intention, and herbs. The ball was smaller and more portable, of the "Christmas" variety. Today, its lavender scent encourages me as I write and plan.

This weekend, I introduced witch balls to a new crowd--planning to take this modality on the road to a party, I realized it would be attended by children. I packed down a supply of beads, sparkles, and fun supplies for kids. The results were amazing as the kids dug in, eager to exhibit their creativity. I told them to pack the balls with things that made them feel happy--and they did!

One packed her ball to the brim--it was so heavy, I had to design a reinforced holder rather than relying on string:

Larger charms that didn't fit inside the balls were tied to the outside!

True to my heart, several chose purples for their balls--here, two bffs made nearly-matching balls:

Stickers can further embellish the exterior of the balls!

The flurry of hands as the kids worked was amazing; they thought of new ideas and reached for new colors and shapes more quickly than I could replenish supplies!:

Beads, glitter (the big kind, so the parents wouldn't kill me), ribbon, stickers . . . .

Making a witch ball is easy and can be fun and profound. 

On my own, I begin with gathering some of my favorite materials and setting an intention. I then add materials charged with my intention and, if possible, associated with the qualities I seek. Some of my favorite herbs are listed here.

Fun add-ins include essential oils like bergamot for attraction or lavender for cooling out. These can add to the scent and intention of the herbs. Written intentions (in corresponding colored ink or on corresponding papers) can add to focus. I even have one ball that includes a folded piece of money--for prosperity! 

Although making the ball can be meaningful when done alone, it is fun is groups (as the above pictures prove). If you would like to "Witch and Wine"--making witch balls or other crafty tools in a group, contact me via personal message.

For those who are more solitary, here's a partial list of supplies to get you started (wine not included!):

Balls or shapes (try fun shapes or designs!):

Don't forget fun fillers and add-ins!:





Nice scents enhance the balls (be sure to leave the top unsealed or otherwise provide ventilation):
Don't forget pretty ribbon or string to hang the ball!:

From Missing Member to Missing: Penis Spell

I recently posted a spell I used to remove someone's penis after he used sexual threat and innuendo on a repeated basis to intimidate my client.

Of all the spells and work that I do, this one tends to get the most attention. It is serious--one wouldn't use this spell because someone stole a parking space or was late for dinner. In fact, in the case where I used it, the spell was not my technique of first resort. I tried negotiating, reasoning, using the legal process, and simpler, positive-outcome and truth-focused spells first.

The spell was effective, and my client made great gains. The sexual harasser's behavior came to light, even in open court. We won the case!

However, more interesting, the harasser has closed up shop. This attorney, who was going to let me keep my license and not get sanctions only if I was a good girl and dropped the case, is going to be no more.

The power of the spells should not be underestimated. As here, words and works can be used to the greater good!

From the sublime to the delicious, there are many ways to incorporate penis magik into your life!