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.)"

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.

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. 

It's Monday -- Don't Forget to Whip Out Your Craft!

Some people just need a little witchcraft!

Witching Hours and Holy Days!

Even though the cool winds of fall aren't really here yet (with some of us having an unusually warm fall), it is time to plan ahead for next years sabbats! These are two calendars I used (and loved) in 2017! The datebook has kept me on time (and centered) in court and meetings, and the wall version has provided my family with daily magickal reminders!

If the Creek Don't Rise (Book Review)

CONTAINS SPOILERS

If the Creek Don't Rise isn't a "witchy" book, unless you consider the high level of faith it takes to keep going with absolutely nothing. The title sentiment was also expressed by my Grandma as, "If I live . . . ". (Perhaps hearing, "If I live, we'll . . . " as the condition under which we would do things as mundane as making cornmeal mush made me prone to reach for a protection amulet and some lavender salt!)

However, magik is more expressly present in the book in the voice of Birdie Rocas, the neighbor (and protector) of the protagonist, Sadie Blue. Sadie Blue is in an abusive marriage, and, as such, needs a bit of help with details like delivering the baby her husband killed in utero or whipping up some hemlock root poison for . . . those who need it. Birdie Rocas tells us that her last name means crow, and that some folks call her a witch--a good thing for hunting ginseng (apparently because her appearance scares those who would steal her valuable harvest). When Birdie scrys for a dead body and the killer turns up dead himself, one begins to suspect she uses her magik for more than hunting ginseng.

Magik is sprinkled throughout the book as charms, amulets, potions, and folk wisdom. However, Birdie does share her scrying method:

--Fetch shallow bowl the color of blood

--Put on tree stump

--Pour spring water one finger width deep

--Kiss and put on personal amulet (Birdie's is a horn-shaped amulet)

--Make repeated "X" with thumb on forehead until coated with oil from skin

--Rub oil on item belonging to person you seek (handy to have crows to retrieve these for you!)

--Drop item into water

--Watch for answer to form

Although Birdie seems to get her answers, she leaves us with some lingering questions and an observation:

"Why are young girls dumb and men surprised?

"What does evil look like to crows from up in the sky?

"They're brave to play hide-and-seek with the dead."

While by no means a craft "how-to" book, this novel includes a few pages worthy of any book of shadows. It is a respectful window into the misunderstood and sometimes-popular world of granny magik or hoodoo, and deserves to be read.

The dialect in the book is southern Appalachian. It will sound "off" to readers from Kentucky or West Virginia. It does not seem to be intended disrespectfully.

Those of us not apt to find a hag stone shaped like a horn might appreciate a commercially-produced amulet like Birdie's:




(Note: links are designed to make me richer than a moonshiner with a revenuer cousin!)