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qiip spend some time in the home, teaching stories, songs and rituals to members of the people of the woods. These stories, songs and rituals occur only among those she considers equal and part of her family. And share with them songs and songs from the Druids, to bless the earth through which all pass, seeking balance and protection for all.
// Posting information related to qiip and her background, her knowledge and rituals here. Some of the material available on our group's private discord server
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Earth Mother Chant
Earth Mother, we sing to your body,
Earth Mother, we sing to your bones,
Earth Mother, we honor your spirit,
Earth Mother, we honor your stones.
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As One
As One we join with Her, our Mother.
As One we sing to Her our song.
As One we touch Her
As One we heal Her
Her heart beats with our own as One.
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Oh Earth Mother, we praise thee
That seed springeth,
That flower openeth,
That grass waveth...
We praise thee, for winds that whisper
Through the shining grass,
Through lively pine,
Through the mighty oak...
We praise thee, for all things.
Oh Earth Mother, you who givest life.
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Blossom Lifter
Earth mother, blossom lifter
Bless what we eat,
Bless what we drink,
Bless what we harrow,
and bless what we sow.
Earth mother, blossom lifter
Bloom with the wheat,
Bloom with the rye,
Bloom with barley,
And bloom with all grains.
Earth mother, blossom lifter
With all these things,
Let us rejoice...
You give to us,
And we give to you.
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Blessed Is She
Blessed is She who brings the life to the land
Blessed is She
Flow out from your sources, sacred river
Blessed is She.
Offering Song
Let our voices arise on the Fire
Let our voices resound in the Deep
May the spirits accept what we offer,
As we honor the old ways we keep.
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Blessings, Honor and Worship to the Holy Ones
The waters support and surround us
The land extends about us
The sky stretches out above us:
At the center burns a living flame.
May all the Kindreds bless us.
May our worship be true
May our actions be just
May our love be pure.
Blessings, and honor, and worship to the holy ones.
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Earth, Sky and Sea
Earth, Sky and Sea
Blessed are these three
Day bright and darkest night
Two sides of the light
And one in mind
We will find
Our praises here resound
Yes one in mind
We will find
From our lips to the sacred ground.
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Unity in the Three Realms
Beside you I stand, hand in hand, on this sacred Land
With one breath we cry, you and I, to the sacred Sky
And together we, one day will be, across the endless Sea
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Fire, Bright Fire
Fire, bright fire
Gate to the Shining Ones
Fire, bright Fire
Our passage to the Sky
Fire, bright Fire
Warmth of our Community
Spark of Life
We honor you now
Well, deep Well
Gate to the Underworld
Well, deep Well
Our passage to the Sea
Well, deep Well
Wisdom of the Ancestors
Waters of Life
We honor you now
Tree, great Tree
Gate that reaches everywhere
Tree, great Tree
With you we share the Land
Tree, great Tree
Our passage to the Otherworld
Source of Life
We honor you now
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Portal Song
By Fire and by Water, between the Earth and Sky
We stand like the World-Tree rooted deep, crowned high.
Come we now to the Well, the eye and the mouth of Earth,
Come we now to the Well, and silver we bring,
Come we now to the Well, the waters of rebirth,
Come we now to the Well, together we sing:
We will kindle a Fire, Bless all, and with harm to none,
We will kindle a Fire, and offering pour,
We will kindle a Fire, A light 'neath the Moon & Sun,
We will kindle a fire, our spirits will soar.
Gather we at the Tree, the root & the crown of all,
Gather we at the Tree, Below & above,
Gather we at the Tree, Together we make our call,
Gather we at the Tree, In wisdom & love.
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People of the wood commandments
Give thou thine heart to the wild magic,
To the tree and the Lady of Nature,
Beyond any consideration of this world.
Do not covet large or small,
Do not despise weakling or poor,
Semblance of evil allow not near thee,
Never give nor earn thou shame.
The Ancient Harmonies are given thee,
Understand them early and prove,
Be one with the power of the elements,
Put behind thee dishonour and lies.
Be loyal to the Lord of the Wild Wood,
Be true to the Lady of the Stars,
Be true to thine own self besides,
True to the magic of Nature above all else.
Do not thou curse anyone,
Lest thou threefold cursed shouldst be,
And shouldst thou travel ocean and earth,
Follow the very step of the ancient trackways.
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Deep Peace - Healing Blessing
Deep peace I breathe into you,
O weariness, here:
O ache, here!
Deep peace, a soft white dove to you;
Deep peace, a quiet rain to you;
Deep peace, an ebbing wave to you!
Deep peace, red wind of the east from you;
Deep peace, grey wind of the west to you;
Deep peace, dark wind of the north from you;
Deep peace, blue wind of the south to you!
Deep peace, pure red of the flame to you;
Deep peace, pure white of the moon to you;
Deep peace, pure green of the grass to you;
Deep peace, pure brown of the earth to you;
Deep peace, pure grey of the dew to you,
Deep peace, pure blue of the sky to you!
Deep peace of the running wave to you,
Deep peace of the flowing air to you,
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you,
Deep peace of the sleeping stones to you!
Deep peace of the Yellow Shepherd to you,
Deep peace of the Wandering Shepherdess to you,
Deep peace of the Flock of Stars to you,
Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you,
Deep peace of the heart of Love to you
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Prayers for druids
On the gold Sun Bead say:
Blessed (Father, Mother,) come to me,
and cast your lovely, golden light.
Give light to earth that I may see
your glory shining ever bright.
Triple Kindred, Blessed Be,
and true well met, my soul’s delight!
On the space say:
I bind unto my self today the
Memory of the Ancestors.
Meditate on the Memory of the Ancestors . . .
On each Ancestor Bead say:
Ancestors, Ancient Ones,
Remember me as I remember you
Old Ones, hear my prayer,
And accept my offering of love.
On the space say:
I bind unto myself today the
Comradeship of all Earth Spirits
Meditate on the Aid of the Earth Spirits . . .
On each Earth Spirit Bead say:
Fur and feather, leaf and stone,
Aid me as I aid you.
Earth Spirits hear my prayer,
And accept my offering of love.
On the space say:
I bind unto myself today the
Power of the Gods and Goddesses.
Meditate on the Honor of the Shining Ones . . .
On each God and Goddess Bead say:
Gods and Goddesses, Shining Ones,
Honor me as I honor you.
First-Born of Earth, hear my prayer,
And accept my offering of love.
On the space say:
I bind unto myself today
The Presence of the Three Kindreds.
On the gold Sun Bead conclude:
I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the starlit Heavens,
The glorious Sun’s life-giving ray,
The whiteness of the Moon at even;
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling Wind’s tempestuous shocks;
The stable Earth, the deep salt Sea,
Around the old eternal Rocks.
So may it be.
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The rune alphabet used by us, the people of the woods consists of two types. The first, to register ideas, elements and concepts in runes, concentrating power ... And runes of communication. Each nomadic group ends up creating their own unique runes, where only members of their tribe and family know. This is important because the union of people from different tribes means having alphabets from different tribes being shared, including secrets, rituals and information carefully marked by the forest and fields. A simple symbol can say a lot about the area, if it has dangers, if it has poisonous fruits, if it is the territory of some other tribe of races different from the human ones.
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(https://s8.postimg.cc/i99h3vdqt/magic_rune_aphabet_by_mer_kay_zim_gel.jpg)
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Often, runes when inscribed invertedly, as if looked through a mirror, have the opposite meaning. And if it is inscribed head-first or other direction, it has an additional meaning. If they are inscribed in vertical, horizontal lines or around a circle, it also has other meanings, both for communication and for rituals.
Runes are also used as oracles. There are many ways to read past, present, and future. The simplest way is to randomly play a group of 5 runes randomly in a bag of wolf skin, played in a circle made of rope. The runes fall elatoriously, and the closest to the center are the most important, read clockwise.
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(https://s8.postimg.cc/vrgdg0czp/circle_of_healing_runes.jpg)
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Another way is to read the emotions of an individual by throwing a rune with his name inside a circle, or leave the rune with his name resting in the center of the circle and play others around to interpret the reading of the results of the runes.
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(https://s8.postimg.cc/830vkuj1x/stone_circle_by_jonhodgson.jpg)
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To protect sacred sites, to purify or even seal something, druids carve their runes in rock, so that all day light and shadows pass over the place, and all day long different types of runes act on the spot. These circles are also considered small sanctuaries where wild animals and evil spirits keep away, and travelers who know our tribes and customs come to respect our teachings, using the circles responsibly to rest safely even during the chaos and danger occurring outside of it .
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(https://s8.postimg.cc/r2mlfrz51/war_paint_by_xzazu2002-dcdzz3d.png)
War Paints
The people of the woods had a highly complex culture, especially those who lived on the nomad life. Their religion was dominated by rituals and belief in a spiritual connection with nature. In their religion they blended rituals by promoting and preserving their hunting and the survival of it's people with showing respect to the spirit. Their beliefs were handed down from one generation to another. Experienced warriors were held in the highest esteem. The achievements of warriors were often reflected in the symbolic images of their war paint. The clothes, tepees and all of his belongings was decorated with the symbolism of his achievements and acts of heroism or his various spirit guides. Every mark on the face and body of an the wood people had meaning.
Reasons for War Paint, Body Paint or Face Painting
People of the woods made use of Face Painting or Body Paint for various reasons:
War paint - war paint to intimidate their enemies when going into battle or during warfare - this where the term "War Paint" was originally derived
Marks of Distinction and Honor: War Paint, Face and Body paint for certain tribes would indicate achievements and success
Camouflage - Paint was used as camouflage for both hunting and warfare enabling the wearer to blend into the environment and exercise the element of surprise
Ceremonies, Dances and Rituals: Specific colors and patterns were applied
Visual Messages: Victory, Mourning etc were indicated by the application of face and body paint
Mental Preparation: Medicine Men often chose certain markings for warriors and that powerful magic was passed on during the application of the war paint helping the warrior to believe himself invincible. Paint was used as an element in Spiritual Healing
Power and Magic: It was believed that the application of certain symbols and colors afforded the wearer with 'Magic' for power and protection by drawing on natural powers and combining these with the power of the warrior. Symbols included stripes, circles and triangles
Protection: Paint was commonly used to protected the skin from insects, the sun, the wind and the cold. Red ochre was in plentiful supply so this was the most common application, hence the term 'Redskins'
Decoration: War paint, Face paint and Body paint was applied as decoration, just as we use make-up today. Women of certain tribes also used face and body paints for decoration.
War Paint - Making War Paints
The people of the woods made war paint from the natural resources that were available to them to make different colored dyes and pigments. Paint in its simplest form, consists of ground up pigment suspended in some sort of liquid, or binder such as urine, spit, egg yolks, animal fat and blood.
Red - Red clays containing oxides of iron, roots, berries, barks and beets. The Lachnanthes plant commonly known as redroot native to eastern florest. Redroot and also used as red war paint. When the root is crushed it "bleeds" a reddish dye. Bloodroot plants are also used to produce red war paint. Red was predominately used for painting because of its availability.
White - White kaolin clays, limestone, ground gypsum, eggshells or sea shells.
Black - To create black paint coal or charcoal, mixed with spit or animal fat, was commonly used as well as wild grapes and the bark and ashes from various trees and shrubs including Devil’s Club.
Yellow: A yellow pigment which was made from flowers, berries, barks, plants or moss. A yellow substance found in some internal organs of the buffalo or cows was also used to produce the yellow paint.
Blue - Blue paint was obtained from oxides, powdered azurite and lapis, sun flower seeds, duck manure, clays, berries and flowers.
Green - Green paint was made from flowers, berries, moss or algae.
Pink - Pink war paint was made from the juice of the blueberries and Twisted Creeper, a swamp vine, native of the swamps.
Orange/Yellow - The bixa, also known as annatto is a bushy shrub or small tree. People of the woods made a paste from annatto for a bright orangey-yellow war paint.
Purple - Purple coneflowers, Blueberries and hibiscus all produced a purple pigment used as paint.
War Paint - Application of War Paint, Body Paint or Face Painting
The people of the woods first smeared their bodies with buffalo or deer fat and then rubbed on the paint. To add additional power the paint might be applied by the Medicine Man (Shaman, witch, mother or priest of the nomad tribe). War paint was applied with the fingers, animal bones, sticks or grasses. Plains Indians used a spongy bone from the knee joint of the cow which held paint just as the modern fountain pen holds ink. Fathers, Mothers and elders often worn different colors to their inferiors.
animal War Paint - Making Animal War Paints
The people of the woods made animal War Paint from the natural resources that were available to them to make different colored dyes and pigments including red clays, barks and berries, white clays and eggshells, black charcoal, yellow from flowers, plants and moss, blue from clays and duck manure and green from moss and algae. Paint in it's simplest form, consists of ground up pigment suspended in some sort of liquid, or binder such as urine, spit, egg yolks, animal fat and blood.
Meaning of animal War Paint Colors
There were so many nomads tribes of the people of the woods it is only possible to generalise the most common meanings of the colors and patterns of animal War Paint, Body Paint or Face Paint.
Red Color Symbolised war, blood, strength, energy and power
Black was used to symbolize victory and might be applied to the horse before returning home to the camp
White Color Symbolised mourning but might also mean peace
Blue Color Symbolised wisdom and confidence
Yellow Color Symbolised the color of death. Yellow indicated that the wearer and animal were brave and were willing to fight to the death
Green Color Symbolised endurance, and is seen as a great healing power and believed to improve vision - green circles might be painted around the eyes of a horse
Purple color symbolised power, mystery and magic
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For today, let's talk about animal spirits, which protect each member of our tribe, and although there are many others, I'll start by explaining these to you... - Mother of the Butterflies
Stag/Deer
The stag animal spirit has high ideals and aspirations. If you want to start a new project, get a Stag sign to help you. They will not be deterred from their vision. They are thorough, patient and their persistence insures their triumphs. When others have long given up, Stags buck their way past boundaries. They are proud, and rightfully so – they hold themselves in a regal way. They are naturally noble, like they came from royalty. This is not to say Stags feel entitled. Far from it. They believe in righteous hard work, and their integrity is their trademark.
The symbolism behind paintings and tattoos
The stag is a symbol of strength in countless cultures, legends and myth throughout history and across the globe. In the wilderness these beasts are stunning to behold. Most notably, their antlers are symbolic of their dominance within the ranks of Nature.
The bigger the rack (antlers) – the more virile they are considered (by both doe and in human archetypal understanding). In their environment – antlers are tools and weapons. In a battle of territory and sexual conquest, size does matter and a massive antler-arrangement goes a long way to insure proper respect. Same holds true with a stag tattoo sporting an awesome fan of antlers. They’re symbolic of age (wisdom), elitism and superiority. Antlers are also considered a solar feature by many Native perspectives. It’s because antlers resemble expanding rays of the sun. If we add solar symbolism to stag antlers, we get a symbolic mix of: Vitality, Energy, Radiance and Right-Action.
Stag tattoo ideas can also include the recycling nature of all life. Here again, it’s their antlers that point to this aspect. Stags grow antlers in the Spring (symbolic of birth, renewal, the return of life), and fall off in the Fall (symbolic of death, introspection and hibernation). Are you keen about your own personal cycles of being? Do you profoundly feel the rise and fall of Nature and Time? The Stag might help you express these stirrings in a bold way.
Of course, if you’re a hunter, a Stag tattoo might be common sense. Let’s hope you’re in touch with the ancient history behind hunting, and the fact of interconnectivity of all life. Maybe a Stag tattoo can galvanize the concept of becoming one with Nature…as in, the hunter and the hunted sharing an infinite bond – a shamanistic sharing of souls.
In both ancient myths and modern urban stories, the stag is featured as a symbol of magical power. You might even recall the famous stag patronus charm conjured by druids! Much of this deals with the majesty and awe-inspiring presence the stag commands. As a tattoo, the stag might be a perfect symbol of intense power and magic. In druid symbolism, the Stag is held in high regard. A symbol of masculine fortitude and an icon of virile power. In their myths, a white Stag was considered a message of divine importance of the nature. Tons of heroes of ancient legend were lead to (enlightenment?) victory by a white stag.
Cat
Quick minded, and even quicker wit, the cat of the year packs a pounce in the realm of intellect. This animal spirit sign has impeccable reasoning abilities, but moreover they have a knack for seeing the underside of things, a “sixth mental sense” if you will. They have unorthodox vision, and should be called upon when fresh new perspectives are needed in a project. They also have a kind, humanitarian quality that makes them lovable. Although sometimes they can appear aloof because they like to be on the fringe, always observing. Nevertheless, they have the best intentions at heart. Cats are also very creative, and need an artistic outlet to express themselves.
The symbolism behind paintings and tattoos
Cats. Whether you love ’em, or hate ’em…there is no denying cats are cram-packed with symbolic meanings. Almost every culture has some kind of myth or story to tell that features the feline. The myths are just as rigid in good vs. evil as people’s opinions about cats. Some cultures villainize them, other cultures worship them. No matter personal opinion, or stance in myth – the cat is a worldwide icon in the nature, in the urban life, arcane symbolism or in other fields of knowledge. Cats have influenced humankind’s imaginations and made themselves an anchor in legend and lore told over campfires for centuries. As an ancient symbolic animal spirit, the cat represents the guardian of the Otherworld (or Underworld, depending which texts you read from various regions). Stoic, silent and mysterious, cats fit the bill of Otherworld guardians quite well. They keep the secrets of the Otherworld eternally to themselves, as they gaze with guile upon a world that does not see or understand the depth of their knowledge. However, black cats in ancient lore were profund feared, and were sacrificed.
In some traditions, black cats have been associated with witchcraft. This is due to black being associated with supposed perils of the night, and the cat is associated with transformation just as the veil of night shifts our perception of reality. Witches and cats go together like traffic and weather. Much of this connection may be due to the unpredictable and cagey nature of the cat (in general). In old the lore of some groups, the cat was an unsettling sight to some. And as with all symbolism, once an understanding of something is accepted, word spreads, and a whole people or tribe will adopt the meaning. Same with cats. A segment of the population established the cat as nefarious, a bunch of other people bought the bad rap, and superstition about cats went viral. Witches got a bad rap too. Their beliefs were not easily explained, just as cat behavior can be baffling. So the two made great bedfellows.
But there are plenty of segments in human population that adore and even worship the cat. Ancient stories a cat was sacred to Selune, the moon goddess. Here the cat was also considered a guardian of homes and a symbol of domestic goodness. In other cultures lore, the cat is honored for saving a king from an attack by a fierce snake. Here it is believed the “M” marking on the forehead of many tabby cats is the mark of the mastery, protecting the king.
In some nomads, the legend of the cat is depicted drawing the chariot of their fertility symbol, and therefore the cat is thought of as a blessing upon newborns and a good omen for those increasing their family ranks. In ancient nomads of the desert, cats were sacred and were even depicted on the head of their ancient lunar spirits, which was worshipped by the ancient druids. In the honor of these spirits , cats were even mummified along with mice for them to eat.
Lastly, the cat animal symbolism is about mystery. Unfortunately, its unpredictability has given the cat a bad name in some areas of folk lore, specifically witchcraft as mentioned. In actuality, this is an asset that can be harnessed by us humans. Sometimes displaying very strange behavior and antics, you can never really pin a cat down. Simply put, the cat animal symbolism is synonymous with magic and psychic power because of its sometimes unorthodox and surreptitious behavior. In essence, the cat teaches us a lesson about being the value of being unique. Often it’s the bold, unpredictable and a little crazy among us that reap the broadest benefits in life. The good news is, this mystery is a message to us that we have the power over illusion.
Cat animal symbolism reminds us to not fall prey to false beliefs, to not be a fool out of ignorance and derive understanding from our own internal wisdom. The cat beckons us to realize that when we turn within to our own hearts, minds and souls, and trust in ourselves we will always be shown the truth of matters.
Some key traits of a cat, as animal spirit and symbolism :
- Astute
- Clever
- Selective
- Secretive
- Mysterious
- Intuitive
- Intelligent
- Independent
- Supernatural
- Watchfulness
Snake/Adder
The animal spirit of the snake has a cool exterior but are infinitely lively. They are curious and are always full of questions about how the world works, and how the people around them work (even if they aren’t openly asking, you can bet they’re figuring out the answers in their own mind). Snakes are natural communicators, and they can be hugely persuasive. If they are passionate about a cause they can round up the whole neighborhood with their zeal and enthusiasm for their purpose. Snakes can be spontaneous and unpredictable too. And although they’re pretty flexible, they like things to go their way (who doesn’t?), and will prove to be uncooperative if pushed in a corner.
The symbolism behind paintings and tattoos
As tribal symbol, the snake can be a masculine symbol, associated with the phallus of lightning which is considered a medicine staff of tremendous assertive power. Other tribes lean in the direction of feminine attribution for the snake and pair it with mothering (creation), and lunar (moon) symbolism. Whether raising itself in masculine authority, or encircling the Earth in a motherly fashion the snake symbol of the tribal was highly regarded; utilized in ritual to invoke an element of pointed focus and weighty influence.
The ancient druids were extremely nature-wise too, and approached snake symbolism from the behavior and life cycle of this magnificent creature. From the druid perspective, the snake was a symbol of secret knowledge, cunning and transformation. Furthermore, the snake druidic symbol comes from observations of the viper (also known as the adder) which is the only (along with the common grass snake) species able to tolerate the colder climate of the ancient woods and plains. In the keen druidic mind, snake symbolic meaning of transformation came from the shedding of its skin. Physical evidence of leaving its form behind (casting off the old self), and emerging a sleeker, newer version made the snake a powerful symbol of rebirth and renewal.
As far as the occult (hidden) symbolic meaning in duidic and other cultures, this can be connected to the sleuth-like ways of the snake. The saying ‘slippery as a snake’ is a small nod to its symbolic secretive nature. It’s nothing to do with slippery, but rather how snakes can dart quickly into hiding places high and low. Their effective camouflage is also symbolic of hiding, shadow realms, secrets. In this light, the snake as an animal spirit offers the gift of manuevering under the radar. Snake is a friend among people who are good at laying in wait and then strike when the opportunity appears.
Snake symbolic meaning, overwhelmingly and in various cultures, deals with primordial life force and usually turns our attention to gender supremacy (both male and female). Consequently, snakes span the symbolic bridgebetween lunar and solar associations as well as aspects between water and fire. Coiled within this polarity, we clearly see symbolism of duality and the search for balance. Other snake symbolic meaning includes:
- Cycles
- Rebirth
- Patience
- Fertility
- Eternity
- Balance
- Cunning
- Intuition
- Awareness
- Healing
- Intellect
- Protection
- Solemnity
- Rejuvenation
- Transformation
- Occult (hidden) Knowledge
- Male/Female, Duality
Fox
The fox animal spirit is amazingly cunning and knows how to work a room with sly, sexy humor. Full of guile, vigor and bright intelligence the fox is an untamable force. This animal spirit is the one to take with you on exotic vacations, they will wind your ways into amazing adventures. They have a knack for story telling, and every experience is fodder for their tales. They are tender-hearted, although they don’t show that soft side too often because they’re too busy playing and cracking jokes. However, they aren’t shy about showing their loyalty; if you are the friend of the fox, you have a friend for life. Highly energetic and courageous, the fox has an indomitable spirit.
The symbolism behind paintings and tattoos
There is a good reason for the old adage: “clever as a fox”. In truth, these creatures are extremely clever, and remarkably resourceful. From hunting strategies to camouflage – the fox gets about the business of living life with sass and class. What’s more, the fox is a jaunty critter. Observe them in the wild, and you can’t help but think everything is a big joke for the fox, and their whole world a playground.
Many myths designate the fox as a jester or trickster, as you will read further in this article. Whatever has brought you to this page of fox animal symbolism – I hope you come away from this explanation with new insight into this uncommon, lively beastie. In Kara-tur fox animal symbolism revolved around the afterlife. Lore has it that a fox sighting was thought to be a signal from the spirits of the deceased. Fox animal symbolism takes a turn of intelligence in the druidic realm, as the nomads believed the fox to be a guide, and was honored for its wisdom. The shamans, witchs and druids understood the fox knows the woods intimately, and they would rely upon the fox as their guide in the spirit world.
For followers of Jannath, the fox was considered one of the rain spirits, and a messenger of the rice and crops. Here the fox also symbolizes longevity and protection from evil. In the barbarian or nomad lore, fox animal symbolism deals with two interpretations. One perspective (for nomad tribes) observes the fox as a wise and noble messenger. The other (Plains tribes) views the fox as a trickster playing pranks, or worse – luring one to demise.
he fox may have a reputation as a trickster in many myths, but this critter doesn’t joke around when it comes to executing clever strategies for survival. The fox encourages us to think outside of the box and use our intelligence in different, creative ways. The fox also brings us a message to try to approach our circumstances differently that we normally would. Be aware of some of our habits, and try a different angle of action. The fox also a reminder that we must utilize all of our resources (seen and unseen) in order to accomplish our goals.
Overwhelmingly, cultural consensus on fox animal spirt symbolism deals with themes like…
- Wisdom
- Cunning
- Strategy
- Cleverness
- Adaptability
- Quick-thinking
Bull, Cow of Buffalo
Strong, loving, stable and sure are the watchwords for the bulls of the ancient lunar year. Cows/bulls are the ones you turn to when you need a shoulder to cry on, honest opinions and solid advice (particularly in relationships). These animal spirits have bullseye intuition and can spot a liar from a mile away. Because they’re highly intuitive, they can be misunderstood as moody or over emotional. They also come by stubborness honestly. They have excellent taste, and have a flair for classy elegance in fashion and home décor. These signs are as trustworthy as the day is long, and know how to keep a secret.
The symbolism behind paintings and tattoos
The purpose of this page is to identify a few bull symbols for more soulful applications, or even for tattooing purposes. Because of its virility, power and regal presence, the bull has been an icon for worship in many ancient cultures. The bull was considered a sacred animal animal spirit. It is common to see the bull offered as a blood sacrifice in these cultures.
In druid or barbarian culture, many bull symbols can be found, as it was a very prominent animal in the clan. Bulls presented physical strength and power. To the nomads way of thought, the bull was also extremely virile, and so symbolized fertility and the power to procreate – to extend the life of the clans. Druids associated the bull with solar energy and the female cow with earth energy. The bull was also symbolic of great luxury, wealth and provision by later tribes. Indeed, cattle were a source of income and supply in many forms – a way of life for the barbarians and druids for centuries.
The druidic bull symbol stands for strong will, an uncompromising nature, and even belligerence. Due to its unbending, stubborn personality traits, we get the term “bull-headed.” from the bull. The bull is also a virile sign for men, and a sign of fertility for women. Donning the bull symbol in the tribal bed chamber (depicted on sheets, robes, pillows, etc) is said to enhance the mental state leading to sexual strength and endurance. A third representation of the bull sign is that of riches and wealth. Likely due to the fact that this creature was a great source of food the tribes, it can easily be associated with easier, fairer, and abundant times in the barbarian or nomads villages.
In a more civilited, urban sense of the people who live in towns or village, the bull symbol identifies an upward trend in the stock market. Here we see the bull as a symbol of confidence and strength. Although the source is unknown, common knowledge tells us that the bull became a symbol of strong investment trends because of its style of attack. A bull swings its horns upwards in a mighty push, hence the comparison to a intense upward movement in the stock market. Conversely, the bear is identified with a downard market trend, presumably because of its downward strike when attacking.
Some Things Bull Symbols Represent:
- Stability
- Virility
- Strength
- Stamina
- Provision
- Confidence
- Fertility
- Helpfulness
- Determination
Seahorse
The animal spirit of seahorse is vastly flexible and resourceful. The seahorse is the person you want managing your finances or handling your legal matters because these people are infinitely clever (if there’s a loophole, they’ve either found it or invented it). They also have amazing memory retention. They are sometimes hard to follow because they’re minds are so sharp. They can also be changeable, but they always come back around to a level of high charisma. These people are astoundingly versatile and adapt remarkably well in any environment. Seahorses are so loveable too. Even better, they love being adored, and easily reciprocate affection.
The symbolism behind paintings and tattoos
The symbolic meaning of seahorse is quite intricate and diverse as this little creature itself is full of surprises. The seahorse is quite a unique creature, and thought to have mystical significance among the people who live close of the sea. The Ancient druids believed the seahorse was an attribute of the spirits of the sea and as such, the seahorse was considered a symbol of strength and power. Furthermore, the ancient tribes believed that the seahorse carried the souls of deceased sailors to the underworld – giving them safe passage and protection until they met their soul’s destination. In Kara-tur believed that the seahorse was a type of sea dragon, and as such they were revered for their power and thought to be symbols of good luck. Sailors have long viewed the seahorse as a good luck charm too.
A relatively calm, and mild-mannered creature, the seahorse is seemingly content to roam the seas. Their bodies are geared for ambling-type motion – not for speed. Thus, they are symbolic of patience and contentment – they are happy with being where they are, and are in no hurry for advancement. Further testimony to these attributes is the lack of evolution of the seahorse’s body style. They have remained with this body style without change since their inception. Content to be who they are, and not feeling the need to change – these are a few profound lessons the seahorse provides us. However, along with a resistence to change, and a carefree approach to progress, the seahorse can be a symbol of inflexibilty or stubborness. To wit, the seahorse wraps its tail around the nearest object in order to anchor itself in turbulent waters. This is a lesson to be persistent in our goals, but be mindful that we are not too inflexible or stubborn in our achieving them.
Symbolic meaning of Seahorses carry the following significances…
- Patience
- Protection
- Perspective
- Inflexibility
- Persistence
- Friendliness
- Contentment
- High-Perception
- Generosity/Sharing
Wren
The wren animal spirit is associated with freshness, and opening to new insights, and sunnier dispositions. They are natural care givers and will sign sweet melodies to cheer their friends and family. They remain calm in the midst of stormy weather. You want to have these people with you if you find yourself in a crisis; they are resourceful and stay cool under pressure. Wrens are self-motivated (they know how to get what they want) and work best in solo situations. They are also have a high sense of responsibility and moral integrity. They seek balance in their lives by being leaders at work on in the community, but secretly they would rather be traveling abroad living a life of a gypsy (this however, is often against their better judgment).
The symbolism behind paintings and tattoos
To understand druidic meanings of any kind, it’s important to know how the ancient folk approached daily life. We know from old studies that the druids, rangers and barbarians had a deep reverence for nature. This kind of awe and appreciation of nature comes from intense submersion and observation. In other words, the druids and the followers of the nature keenly observed their surroundings and its animal inhabitants to the point where every nuance of a tree, blade of grass, a bird or animal was notated and attributed to some aspect of life. Druids translated animal behaviors as highly significant and symbolic as animal spirit.
In so doing, in spiritual meanings of this little bird begin with observations in raising their young. Both male and female wrens take part in caring for their young. This is symbolic of sharing tasks within the home. It’s also a reminder to not getting stuck in gender roles, and approach the “traditional” from a fresh, innovative angle. The wren is an active little bird, and so its symbolic meanings include activity, vibrancy, alertness and efficiency. The wren is rarely seen resting on her laurels. The druids honored that fastidiousness, and took the lesson of making progress each day to heart in their own lives.
- Friendliness
- Sharing
- Determined
- Quick-Witted
- Active
- Agile
- Creativity
- Light-Hearted
- Free-Spirited
Horse
Exuberant, expansive and powerful, the animal spirit of the horse will give you a run for your money. Naturally competitive, and rightfully so. The horse has loads of talent, and enough confidence to go ‘round, particularly in business matters. They have a sixth sense when it comes to strategy and navigation (these signs have an uncanny internal compass). They are gregarious, and openly charming (even flirty). They make grand appearances, and know how to carry themselves with style and authority. They do well in leadership positions, but they are just as happy to be the helpers of the clan (as long as they are given adequate recognition for their talents and contributions). Potentially headstrong, they are also valiant in times of adversity.
The symbolism behind paintings and tattoos
Horse symbol meanings date back to prehistory, and the first civilized, written acknowledgement of the horse as reference this noble, wild beast. Due to its natural companionship with man in both work and art, the horse easily wins a special seat in history, ranking high marks of honor, reverence and symbolism. Serving man in war, mobility, productivity, agriculture, development of all kinds, the horse is by far one of the largest contributor to the enhancement of civilization. With such recognition and accomplishments, a vast and diverse trail of symbol meanings is sure to follow the horse’s rich history with humankind.
As a tribal symbol,the horse was associated with war. With war, comes attributes of victory, conquer, longevity as well as procurement of territory and other spoils that come with triumph in battle. All of these heady aspects of valor were associated with the horse in druidic animal symbolism. In fact, so much so, the druids hailed the horse as the beast belonging to the spirits of earth, wind and the light of the sun. As inner meaning as tribal symbol, the horse symbol meanings combine the grounded power of the earth with the whispers of wisdom found in the spirit winds. The horse has long been honored has helper, messenger, and harbinger of spirit knowledge to the nomad or barbarian tribes. Considered wild and an emblem of freedom, the nomads sees many potentialities in the symbolic nature of this noble creature.
Different colors of the horses reveal different meanings too.
- Black horse: Mystery, death, night, secret, messenger of esoteric knowledge
- White horse: Light, sun, day, vitality, illumination, resurrection, messenger of birth
- Brown, grey, other earth colored horses: Grounding, stability, house and home, family, friendship, patience
- Spotted, dappled, many-colored horses: Imagination, creativity, travel, diversity, independence, opportunity
Another aspect of spiritual symbol meanings of the horse comes with the understanding that the wild freedom of the horse can be harnessed and used to the benefit of the tribe. This understanding comes only when man and beast enter a silent contract – acknowledging mutual respect and awareness of responsibility to each other.
- Power
- Grace
- Beauty
- Freedom
- Nobility
- Strength
Salmon or Fish
Salmon animal spirit dive deep in their inner waters for inspiration, bright visions and dreamy perspective. They are naturally intuitive but they don’t make a big deal out of it. These people have a unique view of the world which makes them some of the community’s best artists, poets and visionaries. Some times they dive way too deep for the rest of us, and some just can’t follow where they swim. But that’s okay, the fish sign needs that kind of depth, isolation and introspection because when they come back up for air, the world is awed by their brilliance and insight.
The symbolism behind paintings and tattoos
To fully appreciate the symbolic meanings of fish, we must first consider their watery domain. Water holds ancient symbolic meanings dealing with the subconscious and depth of knowledge. Water contains all the mysteriousness of the unknown. Consider the murky depths of the ocean – we never know quite what to expect there, or rivers. Even seasoned oceanic explorers are still awed by their findings from the deep. Water holds endless mystery for us – it represents that which is certainly there, but cannot always be seen…especially the activity that goes on beneath the surface. Water has also been known to be a womb symbol and as such, an emblem of birth, fertility and woman-ness. This association comes from many ancient flood myths, and the “from water springs life” concept. Given the wonder that its domain holds, the fish too has similar symbolic meaning.
Ancient traditions recognized the fish as a feminine symbol of fertility and an attribute of the Jannath godness. Water is a natural emblem of the flow of the Divine Mother principal, and as such, all creatures of the water (including fish) are aspects of the fertility and power of the female spirits of the nature. As an ancient druidic symbol, the symbolic meaning of fish (salmon, specifically) dealt with knowledge, wisdom, inspiration and prophecy. Ancient tribes believed the salmon derived its wisdom from consuming the sacred hazel nuts from the well of knowledge. Further, they believed to eat the salmon would mean gaining the wisdom of the well too.
There are numerous species of fish, but the creature in general holds some prime symbolic meanings:
- Fertility
- Eternity
- Creativity
- Femininity
- Good luck
- Happiness
- Knowledge
- Transformation
Swan
Spiritually evolved, and eloquent in expressing themselves, the swan swims in a class of their own. They have high standards, infinitely discriminating tastes and they have a keen eye for beauty (even when others cannot see it). Very refined and noble, sometimes the swan is mistaken as detached. This however, is not the case. The swan is a lover, and can prove to be quite passionate in relationships. That “coolness” comes from the swan’s understanding of composure. They’re natural aristocrats. They can be exacting in details, and have specific ideas about how things should be done. If you want someone who is perceptive, organized and extremely tasteful, get a swan’s perspective.
The symbolism behind paintings and tattoos
Did you know the swan is a symbolism of motherhood? Yep. They are also symbolic of love, devotion and partnership. This is likely because swans mate for many years, sometimes for life. Our first symbolic clues from the swan can be taken from observing them in nature. They are waterfowl, closely connected with water, even nesting near the water. Water is symbolic of: Fluidity, Intuition, Dreaming, Emotions, Creativity.
In this respect, we can intuit the swan’s appearance in our lives as an arrow pointing to our dreamier depths and feelings. Furthermore, we get the sense of balance from swan meaning as it lives harmoniously amongst three of the four nature elements, showing a great balance. Grounding herself on earth, lofting to great heights in the air, and winding through waters with magnificent elegance. In the tribal mind, swans and geese were observed in the context of movement. Specifically, the keenly observant druids noted their transitory nature and the swan pattern of migration. Consequently, the sign of the swan urged druidic intuition to consider changes of mood (water) and heart (love).
Druidic myths also indicates when inhabitants of the Otherworld required passage to the physical land of life you and I experience every day, they would take the shape of the swan. Furthermore lore states they would travel out of the Otherworld in pairs, thus reinforcing the theme of union, bonds and partnership.
In tribal art, gold and silver chains are often depicted around the swan’s neck. I’ve read where this is symbolic of supernatural appearance of divine energy or the descent of gods to earth. I like to think the chains are symbolic of a harmony between cosmic forces; gold representing the sun, and silver symbolic of the moon. Perhaps the druids and the tribs recognized the essence of spirits of nature within the guise of the swan, and honored that power in the bird.
White swans in dreams and in general, are symbolic of cleansing and purifying ourselves and our lives. They are a sign of hope and promise. White swans are also a symbol of new beginnings – getting a fresh start. The white swan is a sign of pure potential – it represents that clean slate upon which anything can be created.
Black swans indicate deep mysteries within us that are longing to be set free to express themselves creatively. Black swans indicate the action of diving into dark spaces of our emotions and our psyche. Remember, swans stand for intuition and dreams. Combined with the color black, this swan might be a sign it’s time to shine some light on our shadow selves. Or, they may indicate a message to embrace our dark side.
Swan meaning is also linked to nature spirits with solar associations. As solar animals, the swan represents the rising glory of a new day as well as the farewell of an old day with the setting sun.
- Love
- Grace
- Union
- Purity
- Beauty
- Dreams
- Balance
- Elegance
- Partnership
- Transformation
Butterfly
This animal spirit sign lives up to the adage “social butterfly.” Flitting from friend to friend in parties, and always in contact with loved ones. They can’t help it. Butterflies are gentle souls who can’t be tied down for very long. They love to dream, express new ideas and talk about high- falutin plans with all their friends. These are the people who brighten up any dark day with their cheer and magnetically bright personalities. They are naturally empathetic, and would never intentionally harm anyone. Rather, they make easy friends, and like to see others uplifted. Butterflies bring a sense of wonder and youth to our world. Keep these people around you to remind you of how truly good life can be.
The symbolism behind paintings and tattoos
Interpreting animal symbolism is a powerful way to connect with nature, and learn lessons from her creatures – lessons that we can apply to our own lives. Observing the butterfly and learning her symbolic meanings offers us an opportunity to apply her movements to our own lives. For example, we can relate the butterfly’s stages of life to our own life-phases…growing pains, times of ravenous hunger, times of vulnerability, moments of miraculous expansion. The more we seek symbolism in nature, the more we realize we have a lot in common with animals, insects and life in the wild realms. Indeed, we are intimately connected with the animal queen/kingdom – inseparable from nature and her movements.
Overwhelmingly, cultural myth and lore honor the butterfly as a symbol of transformation because of its impressive process of metamorphosis. From egg, to larvae (caterpillar), to pupa (the chrysalis or cocoon) and from the cocoon the butterfly emerges in her unfurling glory. What a massive amount of transition this tiny creature undergoes. Consider for a moment the kind of energy this expends. I daresay if a human were to go through this kind of change we’d freak out! Imagine the whole of your life changing to such an extreme you are unrecognizable at the end of the transformation. Mind you, this change takes place in a short span of about a month too (that’s how long the butterfly life cycle is).
Herein lies the deepest symbolic lesson of the butterfly. She asks us to accept the changes in our lives as casually as she does. The butterfly unquestioningly embraces the chances of her environment and her body. This unwavering acceptance of her metamorphosis is also symbolic of faith. Here the butterfly beckons us to keep our faith as we undergo transitions in our lives. She understands that our toiling, fretting and anger are useless against the turning tides of nature – she asks us to recognize the same.
Animal symbolism is a big deal in cultural identity. And the butterfly makes important appearances on the stage of human beliefs and understanding. Interestingly, in many cultures the butterfly is associated with the soul – further linking our meaning of faith with the butterfly.
As mentioned, tapping into animal symbolism is akin to tapping into our own souls, because we are inseparable from nature and her creatures.
- Time
- Soul
- Grace
- Growth
- Elegance
- Expansion
- Lightness
- Surrender
- Transition
- Expression
- Celebration
- Resurrection
- Vulnerability
Wolf
Wolves have a strong sense of purpose, and will go to great lengths to see their point is made, and fully understood. This animal spirit is fearless, brave and they rarely compromise. These are the hero’s you want by your side in the heat of battle. They will not back down, and they will take no quarter. Others marvel at their inner fortitude. Where do they find the energy and wherewithal to keep going? They thrive on challenge, that’s what gives them their stamina. They have impeccable character, and “honor” is their middle name. They are strong willed, and sometimes live up to the “lone wolf” label. Nevertheless, you always know where you stand with them, and they will unite with you as long as you share their cause.
The symbolism behind paintings and tattoos
To understand totem wolf symbols, one must first understand the heart of the wolf. This takes time because the wolf has had to endure many false stereotypes, misconceptions and misunderstandings. Not at all the picture of ferocity or terror, the wolf is a creature with a high sense of loyalty and strength. Another misconception is that of the “lone wolf.” To the contrary, the wolf is actually a social creature, friendly, and gregarious with its counterparts.
The wolf is an incredible communicator. By using touch, body movements, eye contact as well as many complex vocal expressions – the wolf makes his point understood. Those with totem wolf symbols are of the same inclination – they are expressive both vocally and physically. Those who have the wolf as their totem animal are naturally eloquent in speech, and also have knack for creative writing.
As a natural symbol, the Wolf was a source of lunar power. This means it has knowledge that is not clearly seen by most other creatures. Druidic lore states that the wolf loved having this advantage of uncommon knowing and uncanny intuition. So much so, it is said the wolf would hunt down the sun and gobble it up so that the moon’s power would come forth. This, in legend, made the wolf consummate hunters. With these remarkable senses, the wolf was seen as a guardian and ally to the druids. Indeed, the rangers and barbarians became friendly with them, and relied on them for both protection of threat (the wolf being able to sense danger) and aid in hunting.
In Kara-tur, the wolf guards the doors that allow entrance to heavenly, celestial realms. The wolf is also said to be among the ancestry of the emperor. This legend grew to the point where all ancient wariors believed they were descended from wolves. In other lands the wolf is considered very lucky. Offerings of rice are placed in small shrines of Jannath, devoted to protect all wildlifes. These offerings were intended to appease the wolf, and incourage them to hunt down pests that distrubed crops.
- Loyalty
- Cunning
- Intuition
- Intelligence
- Independence
- Compassionate
- Communication
Hawk or Falcon
Seldom do we see more focus in the animal spirit than that of the hawk. When these signs see something they want, they go after it with a force that is remarkable. If, however, they aren’t interested in a project, they will fly off to other more interesting prospects. They care deeply for wisdom, and often focus on sharing that knowledge with others. They can be very philanthropic and generous. Hawks have a keen sense of balance, and they navigate through life with an internal “true north” that creates an uncanny integrity within them. They are open minded and philosophical. Although they entertain all manner of hypotheses, they are strongly opinionated (that inner “true north” thing). That is not to say they cannot be persuaded. You might also want to read my page on Falcon Meaning here.
The symbolism behind paintings and tattoos
The falcon as animal spirt comes to us when we require higher vision, or higher knowledge in solving current dilemmas in our lives. The falcon is a solar emblem for success, victory and rising above a situation. Further evidence of its solar influence, the falcon was symbolic of the rising sun in the nomads of the desert. It is also the king of all birds where many nature spirits were shown with the head or body of the Falcon. In barbarian or nomad tradition, the falcon represents the huntsman and is associated with the nature sky-spirits. In most tribes the Falcon is considered a warlike symbol. At its core, the falcon or hawk animal spirit represents visionary power, wisdom, and guardianship. This powerful bird awakens visionary power, and leads you to your life purpose. The falcon carries with it a message of transition and change – perhaps in your vocation, work, career, etc.
The Peregrine is most often used in falconry due to its keen intellect and incredible ability to calculate or judge its prey. Falcon animal spirit encourage us to calculate and strategize. If we have a goal, falcons beckon us to make plans and strategies to obtain these goals. Falcons are all about focus – strong, one-pointed focus. When they show themselves to us, we are being called to focus on our desires and our goals, and do what is necessary to bring our desires into our reality. The fact that the falcon is a solar creature could mean there is something in your life that you are highly passionate about, and the Falcon is asking you to take action on this passion. But be smart about it – don’t jump into something without doing research and planning. Make your passion a reality by persuing it methodically and as stratigically as the Falcon would persue his hunt
- Spirit
- Light
- Power
- Focus
- Prophecy
- Freedom
- Aspiration
- Intensity
- Superiority
- Determination
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Children, this time let's talk about rituals. I will not go into specific details of them, but explain in a generalized way, to understand better.
Purpose of the ritual
Very obvious, but it's something that is undeniably very important. What is the purpose of the ritual? Are you appeasing a spirit of nature? Are you making an offering in trade for occult knowledge? Are you performing a ritual of healing to prevent your lover from dying?
Think about who you're doing the ritual for. Depending on your goals and values, there can be a lot of different entities, or even other people, that you can involve in the ritual and it's worth it to exploring these possibilities beforehand. Also think of what the goal of the ritual is. The goal is often tied with who you're doing the ritual for, especially in rituals to keep the balance of nature or asking help to gods, because the religious entities will have properties and distinct blessings.
These two factors will have a big impact on the symbolism and items you can use for the ritual and having these factors concrete when starting will prevent confusion once you're actually doing the ritual. It may seem stupid, but I've done rituals myself without really knowing associated.
People involved in the ritual
This is very important, since the performace is based on the interaction with other people.
Think about how private the ritual is and how many people you need to perform it. Consider that the more people you invite, the more chance there is that people will be unable to be there and that this can cause a serious kink in your plans, especially when you're working with symbolical numbers. If there are people who are the focus of the ritual prepare them for what is to come. Suspense is a powerful tool in focus our powers, but being prepared for what's to come can also offer the chance to think about what words you can write up as a ritual leader.
Symbolism
Symbolism. The possibilities are endless, but I'm going to try and give some extra ideas so you may expand the symbolism and spiritual content of your ritual. Symbols are very culturally determined and differ, but I will try to give some general ideas to get started.
- Numbers
Numbers, though not very commonly thought of as having a ritualistic aspect, -do- have spiritual meanings. Here's a short list of 0 to 9, along with meanings.
1, the number of unity and independance.
2, the number of dualism, associated with the unity of sky and earth and thus with fertility of the land.
3, associated with fertility, creation and balance.
4, associated with the physical world and stability.
5, the number of essence and the unity of the four elements, also associated with pentagrams.
6, the number of love, perfection, integration, but also associated with contradiction.
7, the number of perfection and eternal life.
8, number of cause and consequence, associated with prosperity, authority and justice.
9, the number of inauguration
- Runes
Runes are very important as concrete symbols of magic with meaning. I imagine runes would be an important part of many different types of rituals. They could be applied to a vessel, into the air, on your body, on the floor. The power of the runes, and where they are placed are an important point, or even essential, to do the rituals properly
- Reagents
Reagents are perhaps the most important aspect once the ritual has actually started. Reagents are incredibly diverse, but I will give some examples to show some of the possibilities. Reagents can be used as offerings, like when you offer the bounty of a harvest or personal items to godness Jannath, but also as items you channel magic through or as items you store magical energy in, to empower your magic.
- Crystals, stones, ores
- Fruits, vegetables
- Flesh
- Herbs
- Fabrics
- Pearls
- Tears, blood, saliva
- Bones, claws, fangs
- Spiritual essence of a creature, or soul
- Pelts
- Tomes
- Candles
The list is simply endless.
- Colours
Colours are very obvious and easily thought it when it comes to symbolism. Colours can set mood and have powerful associations and meanings in all cultures. Take the culture of your race or region into account here too. Green may be a symbol of nature and prosperity.
White, the colour of divinity, lifeforce and energy. Often associated with the sun.
Black, not only the colour of death, but also the colour of rebirth and acceptance of future.
Red, a colour associated with blood and thus the essence of life. It is also generally tied with physical power, determination, courage and battle.
Orange, fertility, happiness and health.
Yellow, the colour that has both a positive and a negative association. Positively it is often associated with communication, negatively with lies and betrayal.
Green, associated with the heart, love, emotions and nature.
Blue, the colour of healing, wisdom and justice.
Purple, often associated with nobility, magic and spiritual power.
Brown, associated with the earth and instinctive wisdom.
Pink, the colour of friendliness, harmony and family.
Gray, both a colour associated with flexibility, but also mystery and protection.
Gold, associated with wealth and ambition.
Silver, a colour commonly associated with the moon and dreams.
- Elements
A very logical aspect in shamanistic, druidic and tribal, and to a certain extend also in more cultured rituals. Elements have various, complex associations and are very culturally defined, so like with the colours I'll just give a general list with common associations.
Earth
The element of the stoic. Solid and unmoved. On one hand it's associated with rugged, physical strength and defensive power, on the other hand it is associated with nurture, healing and life. Earth within a ritual can be symbolised with soil, crystals and ores.
Water
While often associated with healing and life, water also has the properties of erosion and treachery. You often can't see how deep water is untill you get in and if you're unlucky it will suck you in and drown you. Characteristic attributes are calmth and patience. Water within a ritual can be symbolised with a vessel of water, fishscales or pearls.
Air
The element of air is fickle and everchanging. Air can be seen as a soothing breeze, but it also endangers the inhabitants of the world in the form of tornados. Air within a ritual can be symbolised with incense or feathers.
Fire
Fire is an interesting element. It gives warmth and safety, but when you get too close it burns you. When fire will destroy something it will give room for new beings to grow from the ashes. Fire is the element of rebirth and anger. Fire within a ritual can be symbolised with an actual fire, ashes, candles or reagents that come from dragons.
The elements combined
The elements combined can have different manifestations, depending on culture. Some will call it Aether, some will call it life, and others may say that the elements combined produce Storm (as having all the attributes of the four elements).
Keep in mind, when dealing with the elements is that they are always twosided. They all have constructive attributes and destructive attributes and they all allow for continuety of life.
- Location
The location is probably the second thing you think of and is very important, or very unimportant, depending on the purpose of the ritual. The location has to be accesable for the people you invite. There is an aspect of symbolism in location too. Your character may want to hold its ritual in a place that he or she values or associates with certain ideals or attributes.
Try to find a location with a clear focal point. This can be the center of a room, a small hill, an altar, etcetera. Focal points will often be picked naturally by people, even when there's not a clear, concrete focal point, but if you plan the focal point ahead of the event you will have power and control over it.
- Time
Planning the time of the ritual can be important to assure that there will be a lot of people. Since the performace is often done in the evening you can plan your ritual event accordingly. Keep in mind that time also has symbolical values. Morning, noon, evening, night, they all have properties and associations that can affect the setting of the ritual in a very positive way. Seasons also have these symbolical values you may want to incorporate into your ritual as the phases of life.
- Sacrifice
An undeniably powerful tool in tribal rituals would be sacrifice. Giving your own blood or the blood of an offering to a higher entity is the epitome of trust. Giving blood, life or a part of your soul (in the case of shamans) will establish a spiritual debt and will be a proof of commitment to the one you gift it to. There's also the possibility to sacrifice a part of your being in the form of an oath. By designing a pact with an entity it would be possible to create a situation where both sides lose something, but also gain something. Or maybe just both gain something.
Lastly an individual may choose to offer a favour to the entity or power he or she is sacrificing to. For example, a gnoll who would design a ritual to appease his master could choose to vow to symbolically kill three panthers to show his worthyness to receive the entity blessings or help.
Here you should also remember that sacrifice doesn't always have to stand for a sacrifice of flesh and blood. Other things of value could be sacrificed, and they could be just as welcome. It's common enough to sacrifice food, wine and personally crafted items if they have an excelent quality. The people of the Woods sacrifice bows to call a better hunting. In terms, sacrificing precious gems and gold might also please some deities (such as spirits of the earth). Sacrificing favors, taking upon an spell-binding oath to fulfill some quest or to serve a certain spirit could also be viable, as would a sacrifice of soul (think demonic acts). Be creative with this. When people hear the word "sacrifice", they instantly start to think about a circle of hooded men and a ritual dagger. Get over that image, and you see that this part of ritual has plenty of options to offer.
Incantations and prayers
Uttering words can be very important in a ritual, especially when you're instructing people or need to communicate with an entity. Your personality is the most important when it comes to these, because it will have a lot of effect on how the words will be uttered. Dominant people might speak louder and more confidently, while a less dominant character may speak softer and more respectful. The personality will set the mood for the speech and influence it from there.
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In rituals, there are several different tools for performing a ritual. Each of them has a meaning, a specific use. Therefore, the right tool, combined with words and the right procedure, causes a more intense and concentrated effect, than using only words.
Altar
The altar is often the focus of religious ceremony, and is usually found at the center of a druidic ritual. It’s essentially a table used for holding all of the ritual tools, and can also be used as a workspace in spell casting. You can have permanent altars that stay up year round, or seasonal ones that you change as the Wheel of the Year turns.
It’s not uncommon to meet someone who has more than one altar in their home. A popular theme is the ancestor altar, which includes sculptures, ashes or heirlooms from deceased family members. Some people enjoy having a nature altar, on which they place interesting items they find while out and about – an unusual rock, a pretty seashell, a chunk of wood that looks appealing. Your altar is as personal as your spiritual path, so use it to hold the things you value.
Athame
The athame is used in many druids rituals as a tool for directing energy. It is often used in the process of casting a circle, and can be used in place of a wand. Typically, the athame is a double-edged dagger, and can be purchased or hand-made. The athame is not typically used for actual, physical cutting. If you'd like to make your own, there are a number of different ways to do it. Depending on how skilled you are with metalworking, this can be either a simple project or a complex one.
Bell
Hundreds of years ago, rural folks knew that loud noise drove away evil spirits, and the bell is a prime example of a good noisemaker. The ringing of a bell causes vibrations which are the source of great power. Variations on the bell include the shaking of a sistrum, a ritual rattle, or the use of a “singing bowl”. All of these can help bring harmony to a magical circle. In some forms of druids, the bell is rung to begin or end a rite, or to evoke the godness Jannath. A common ritual is to ring the bell 40 times, to honor the dead and calm their spirits.
Besom
The besom, or broom, is used for sweeping a ceremonial area out before ritual. A light sweeping not only cleans the physical space, it also clears out negative energies that may have accumulated in the area since the last cleaning. The broom is a purifier, so it is connected to the element of Water. It is not uncommon to meet druids who have broom collections, and it is fairly easy to make your own besom if you don't wish to buy one. The traditional magical formula includes a bundle of birch twigs, a staff of ash or oak, and a binding made from willow wands. In many belief systems, household items have their own set of magical properties. Quite possibly, few things are as magical as the basic broom. Long known as one of the most popular tools in a druidess magical arsenal, the broom has a lengthy and complex history of folklore, legend, and mystery behind it.
Book of the Shadows (BOS)
A book of shadows, or BOS, is a druid notebook of information. It usually contains spells, rituals, correspondence charts, information about the rules of magic, invocations, myths and legends of various spirits, etc. Sometimes information in a BOS is passed along from one druid to another, but you can create your own with a little bit of effort. A BOS is a very personal thing, and should contain the information you find most important.
Unlike an arcane grimorie, a BOS contains no power, and its secrets are written in ancient language, which only another druid can read. By being a personal object, it is common for words, symbols and runes to be personalized in such depth that their secrets are passed from a mentor to their apprentice. And when you have more than one apprentice, the druid passes his Bos to the elder, and this, teaches the younger ones to create their own BOS.
Candles
The candle is a commonly used tool in druid rituals. In addition to being used as symbols of the god and goddess of any faith, and the element of fire, candles are often used in spell workings. The theory is that candles can absorb your personal energy and then release that energy as they burn. In some traditions of Hoodoo and rootwork, candles are burned for a specific amount of days as part of the working. Some people believe that a candle you make yourself is far more powerful than one that is purchased. Others believe that it is the intent you put into the working that makes a difference, and not the source of the candle. Regardless, most traditions or specific rituals recognize certain colors as important to candle magic.
Cauldron
The cauldron, like the chalice, is found in many goddess-oriented traditions of druids. It is feminine and womblike, the vessel in which life begins. Typically, it represents the element of Water on the altar. In ancient mythology, the cauldron is associated with powers of prophecy. The keeper of the cauldron of knowledge and inspiration in the Underworld.
There a number of magical ways you can use your cauldron:
- Burn incense, candles, or offerings in it
- Use it to represent the goddess of your tradition
- Blend herbs in it for magical workings
- Fill it with water and use it for moonlight scrying
Keep in mind that many magical uses will make your cauldron unsuitable for food preparation, so if you're going to use one, keep a separate cauldron designated as your magical one. Also, be sure to season your cauldron properly if it's made from cast iron.
Chalice
The chalice, or cup, is found in many goddess-oriented traditions of druids. Like the cauldron, the chalice is feminine and womblike, the vessel in which life begins. Typically, it represents the element of Water on the altar. In some covens, the chalice is used in tandem with the athame to represent the female aspect of the Divine during a symbolic re-enactment of the Great Rite.
Chalices may be of any material. Many use silver or pewter (be careful with untreated metals when serving wine), but ceramic ones are now quite popular and readily obtainable. Some druids have many different kinds for different types of rituals. Many a practitioner will avoid real "lead" crystal because of the energy influence. The chalice is sometimes passed around the circle so each participant may take a sip from the cup. This is a bonding experience and often the words "May you never thirst!" are passed throughout the circle with the chalice.
Crystals
There are literally hundreds of stones out there to choose from, but which ones you opt to use will depend on your intent. Select crystals and gemstones for use based upon their correspondences, or attributes, and you won’t go wrong. You can also use birthstones in magical workings. Each month of the year has its own birthstone - and each stone has its own magical properties. Keep in mind that when you get a new crystal or gemstone, it's not a bad idea to cleanse it before your first use.
Divination Tools
There are many different methods of divination that you may choose to use in your magical practice. Some people opt to try many different types, but you may find that you’re more gifted in one method than others. Take a look at some of the different types of divination methods, and see which one - or more! - works best for you and your abilities. And remember, just like with any other skill set, practice makes perfect! You don't need all of these different divination tools cluttering up your workspace - figure out which one or two you're more interested in, and work from there.
You may find you're fairly adept at reading Tarot cards, but can't figure out the Ogham staves. Perhaps you're really good with the pendulum, but the druidic runes make more sense to you. Brush up a little bit each day, and you'll find yourself getting more and more comfortable.
Pentacle
Nearly every tradition of druids uses the pentacle. Not to be confused with the pentagram (a five-pointed star), the pentacle is a flat piece of wood, metal, clay, or wax inscribed with magical symbols. The most commonly seen symbol, however, is the pentagram itself, which is why the two terms are often confused.
In ceremonial magic, the pentacle is used as a protective talisman. However, in most druids traditions it is seen as representative of the element of Earth, and can be used on the altar as a place to hold items that are going to be ritually consecrated. You can make your own.
Robes
Many druids prefer to perform ceremonies and rituals in special robes. If you're part of a circle or group, your robe might have to be a certain color or style. In some traditions, the color of the robe indicates the level of training a practitioner has. For many people, donning the ritual robe is a way of separating themselves from the mundane business of everyday life -- it's a way of stepping into the ritual mindset, of walking from the mundane world into the magical world. Most people prefer to wear nothing at all under their ritual robe, but do what is comfortable for you.
Staff
Many druids use a magical staff in rituals and ceremonies. While it's not a required magical tool, it can come in handy. The staff is typically associated with power and authority, and in some traditions only the High Priestess of Jannath or a mother of a nomad tribe carries one. In other traditions, anyone may have one. Much like the wand, the staff is considered symbolic of male energy, and usually is used to represent the element of Air (although in some traditions, it symbolizes Fire). Like other magical tools, the staff is something you can make yourself.
Wand
Clichéd as it may sound, the wand is one of the most popular magical tools in druidism, as well as in some ceremonial magic traditions. It has a number of magical purposes. A wand is used for the directing of energy during a ritual. Because it’s a phallic symbol it is used to represent male energy, power, and virility. Representative of the element of Air (although in a few traditions it symbolizes Fire), the wand can be used to consecrate a sacred space, or invoke deity.
There are wands of glass, copper, silver and other metals, but the "classic" material is still wood. Various woods have different magickal associations and uses. It is very common for a "Wand of the lightning" to have many wands of various types in his/her magickal closet. Druids who do not use athames often use a wand instead."
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Many things have changed recently. Since I began to follow my ways as a "witch," I became the "mother" of a new nomad tribe. It all started with me alone and Silver, my loyal friend ... Then came Lushen to support me, helping against diversities and dealing with his past and sadness with the civilited townfolk... Later came Briland and her faith in Jannath and love of the nature, renewing our inspirations... And Callum, a hunter who He walks the world, always present with us, even physically only sometimes. Later, Arrow and Eclipse come to our tribe and family, together with our new home, safe and sacred to us.
(https://s22.postimg.cc/wbghdwrxt/hic01.jpg)
A short time later we had new faces. Leritous, someone who sought knowledge and continuity of the steps that his former mentor can not give him after leaving this world, ending his cycle. Aurora and Jath. are two others lost, who have left their lives behind, after tragedies and problems, seeking a safe place to continue life, in peace with nature and away from the chaos of civilization.
We are now 7 people, the number of perfection and eternal life. I could not be more pleased in this new cycle in our tribe.
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chant of the wind and sky
Waiting for
Waiting for the sunrise
I'll never stare at walls alone
Shooting star
From the sky straight to our heart
Dancing like our are in the air
Chasing shadows, I'm just a stargazer
All I know, all we need is the sunrise
Close our eyes and fly away
We can own the sky with the wind
Waiting for
Waiting for the sunrise
We never stare at walls alone
Waiting for
Waiting for the rain to stop
Step outside before the dawn
Waiting for
Waiting for the sunrise
We never stare at walls alone
Waking up
Waving our arms in the air
And we are calling out the breeze
Light a fire so deep inside of our soul
So we can live the best we can so far
Walking on our broken dreams
Feel it all around us
Waiting for
Waiting for the sunrise
We never stare at walls alone
Waiting for
Waiting for the rain to stop
Step outside before the dawn
Looking for
Looking for light in the dark
Feeling like a fool for us
All right now
No one left to scream and shout
We wanna see our stars again
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Healing chant of the balance
Lay your hands on us
While we bleeding dry
Break on through blue skies
We take our spirits higher
All wrapped in circles
All dreams end in bright lights
Well, we here always
Brighter than sunshine
Lay your hands on me
Stay close by oue side
Guide us to balance
Moonlight and sunshine
Fading into the setting sun
We see you again and we carry on
Feeling our kind of frozen lands
We the fleeting sky,
We can sing that song
Let it go really far
Let it stop where we are
Spirit sounds in our land
Lay your hands on us
Stay close to our eyes
Guide us to the balance
Wake up in your world
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(https://s15.postimg.cc/t4rkx0i8b/wood_travels_0001.jpg)
Our tribe has done a long exploration and training on sacred places for rituals, to aid in the balance and harmony of nature. And also about important places, with spirits of nature, besides others related.
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(https://s15.postimg.cc/7ickg1otn/druid_stuff.jpg)
Briland and I spent several moments caring for wounded animals in the name of the balance of nature, seeking to be in harmony ... And also receiving the graces of the goddess Jannath to protect the wildlife, suffering from the corruption caused by the cilivized man.
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(https://s15.postimg.cc/7wdwf5o7f/grovy.jpg)
Our tribe and family, ever closer to nature and its balance, meditating and feeling in every way possible, the harmony.
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(https://s15.postimg.cc/s51a0tamz/druid_stuff_001.jpg)
For a beautiful long morning, my husband and I, Lushen, talked about nature and the peace of its elements as we fished, planning to take the whole family and tribe to enjoy the beauty of the rivers of the region....
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(https://s15.postimg.cc/9cpexabor/bench.jpg)
After many problems, our family and tribe have grown a lot, having a safe place to rest, as well as having new seats, where we can all meet and talk together, as a united group that respects and loves each other.
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(https://s15.postimg.cc/vwaunnbm3/altar.jpg)
As a druidess, witch, mother who leads the tribe and who protects the family, my altar, with my tools to bless and protect the balance, not only of nature, but also of our souls, emotions and internal conflicts... To be able to have serenity and harmony to deal with challenges of the external world, and to seek the balance and peace of all that we meet by the way...
Spoiler//thanks for everything!
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(https://s33.postimg.cc/mqfpdcz3j/druid_stuff_003.jpg)
To be in harmony with nature, trying to understand it, in all its forms, be it people, plants or animals. Tiger, one of the most powerful hunters of nature, in his majestic presence, honoring with his wisdom in just one look.
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(https://s33.postimg.cc/4nmmm8ipb/druid_stuff_002.jpg)
Visiting the tribe of Rengarth, paying our respects to the protective spirit of their tribe, bear.
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Druid Wedding
Some important oocly notes!
Spoiler
- This is just Druid lore and the tribe of the people of the woods lore related as group of roleplayers. It's deeply unofficial in any RPG book. And probably not recognized as a true rite as priests or clerics icly of various icly gods. As players, we know this.
- Here's a lore version of the wedding. It can be altered, having parts added, removed, changed or re-written later, for better game development and the characters involved, as well as an icly wedding event between player characters. Nothing is written in stone (oocly)
- Circle means circle of people to the place. For druids perform their rituals in circles of participants, whether they are Druids or not.
- When gods are mentioned, it can refer to any god with some function of nature. In the case of this marriage ritual, it was done thinking of the goddess Jannath. Because Jannath have a strong importance with the People of the Woods.
- Although druids have divine powers directly from nature, and to know that several druids love and respect certain gods with a nature-related portfolio, even though they have no cleric powers but druids (game system, not roleplay), we have been told about druids can not perform marriages icly because they have no gods like clerics as character class. We get this information oocly, And we respect the vision and guidance of dms about this matter and they vision about the lore of the server.
- The ritual below is made by the mother or father figure of the tribe of the people of woods, as a leading figure, and having a strong druid influence of the lore of the tribe and character development, all the wedding ritual (I mean "ritual" as rite, not an cleric or druidc ritual, just a symbolic way to unite two characters!), when done icly will not have blessing of any god officially speaking, being that the ceremony will be symbolic only, by roleplay, character development and fun of all involved.
- These notes oocly explain in detail how the entire ceremony will be viewed, without conflicting with the server's lore and the dms's view of how everything will be done as official wedding done by clerics, as character class, and about the importance of the druid class about wedding rites. If necessary, any part of the ritual may be changed or we withdrawn everything if we are notified that a tribe leader can not perform the marriage procedure because she is Druid class, respecting server lore and class vision, passed to all in a respectable and responsible manner.
- The whole idea of a druid making a wedding was structured for character development, roleplay and fun for the parties involved. No evil intention against anyone here. If we do not receive any approving or disapproving notifications, we will use the ritual described below, without any harm to the server lore, understanding and interpreting the culture of the people of the wood.
- If necessary, any alteration or annulment of the druid wedding as rite / ritual / player event as a whole shall be made so as not to prejudice the lore of the server, the fun of any other player, if this affects him.
Thank you.
Druid marriage rites have variations among residents of every part of the world, differences between druid circles and even different origins and traditions. "Marriage Druid" means that it is a celebration made in the name of peace, seeking balance and harmony.
Another reason is that seeking beyond peace and harmony, is sought also have fertility, health and hope. Often, people seek out celebrations with druids because of tradition and why local deities do not have a personal representation to the individual or community. Being loved by the companion and having it recognized by the forces of nature and its representative (even if it is purely symbolic and has no clerical value) is very striking and personal to the couple.
Some tribes have leaders with druidic traditions, and even though they are not priests or clerics, they may love and respect gods as a fervent cleric, but their talents and abilities as druids are not called into question whether to perform the ceremony or not. After all, as tribe leaders and in the cultural point of view of your own community, a druid who deals with your community and friends, can symbolically celebrate weddings.
Perhaps the gods and the faithful who follow them do not recognize a druid as the right person to make a wedding. But for the druid, the nature of love is stronger. And to help the couples who live happily all their lives is a pride and honor that, even without divine powers coming from gods, druids have the same divine power, coming through nature.
Parakeet, beaver, swan, gray wolf, owl, albatrosses and eagle are examples of animals that, when forming couples, never separate again. There are several types of breeds birds, insects, reptiles, monkeys, deer, aquatic beings and different mammals that in forming couples, they remain faithful to each other until death. Cisnei is the most well-known and beautiful natural creature for being monogamous. The idea of marriage recognized in the swan cycle is intensely more important for the newlyweds to marry.
The ceremony
Druids encourage the Guests to gather around the edge of the Circle. The Groom and Best Man stand just outside the Circle by the gateway, door or passage. The druids bids everyone welcome giving an outline of the ceremony. The druid calls to the Spirits of Place that the rite maybe performed with their guidance and inspiration. She or he makes the Call for Peace, turning to the four directions.
Let there be peace in the East, so let it be.
Let there be peace in the South, so let it be.
Let there be peace in the West, so let it be.
Let there be peace in the North, so let it be.
Let there be peace through all the Worlds.
So let it be.
The purpose of the rite is then declared. Note that many in the Druid and some traditions related with gods of nature and spirits marry the same person a number of times, reconsecrating their bond and updating their vows in accordance with changes that move through their lives, like havind children or other important event in they lives. Where it says below ‘(number)’, this refers to the number of times the couple have wed each other before.
We gather here in peace for this sacred occasion that is the (number) Rite of Marriage between (Bride) and (Groom). As our Circle is woven and consecrated, this moment in time and this place become blessed. Let each soul truly be here that the spirits of those gathered may be blended in one sacred space, with one purpose and one voice.
The Circle is woven loosely or cast magically, depending on what is appropriate for the venue and desired by the couple. It may be consecrated and blessed with incense and water.
The spirits of the Four Directions are honoured in words such as these.
Let us call to the spirits of the four quarters of our world, that this rite be blessed by the powers of all Creation.
Spirits of the North, powers of winter, guardians of earth and stone, strength of badger, (or some specific lore of couple, like other type of animal or even plants, like flowers or trees), who you teach us of love and loyalty, great bear of the starry skies, my Lady of the sacred womb, the rich soil of creation, I ask that you honour this our Circle as we honour thee. Witness and bless this rite. Hail and welcome!
Spirits of the East, powers of spring, of conception, regeneration, vision of falcon and blackbird’s song, swallows’ freedom flight, (or something specific lore of couple), sylphs of the wind, breath of life, my Lord of the rising sun and all new life, I ask that you honour this our Circle as we honour thee. Witness and bless this rite. Hail and welcome!
Spirits of the South, powers of summer, pride of stag and fire wit of fox, dragons of the land, sprites of the dancing flame, (specific lore of couple), you who teach us of courage and the power of truth, my Lord of the wild Greenwood, I ask that you honour this our Circle as we honour thee. Witness and bless this rite. Hail and welcome!
Spirits of the West, powers of autumn, cat who stretches to hunt at dusk, wisdom of salmon and otter’s play, (specific lore of couple), undines of chuckling brook, devas that dance our love and emotion, my Lady of the Seas, tides of being, I ask that you honour this our Circle as we honour thee. Witness and bless this rite. Hail and welcome!
The Three Worlds of earth, sea and sky are honoured, that their blessings might inspire the rite. Words such as these might be used.
Hail spirits, you of beauty, power and inspiration, of the high skies that guide us to stretch and grow.
You of the dark earth that holds and feeds us
You of the open seas that wash the shores of our sacred lands
You who offer us freedom, nourishment and rebirth.
As our ancestors knew and honoured your power, so do we now.
THE BRIDE’S ENTRANCE
Some brides still love the idea of making a grand entrance and being given away by their father or father-figure. If this is the case, the following can be used in the rite. If not, she can begin the rite beside her Groom.
The Bride, with her father, her Bridesmaids and Bards, approaches the Circle with as much theatre as she would wish.
Who is it brings this fair maid to be wed this day?
The Bride’s Father: I do
Then let it be done.
He guides her to her place at the Circle’s edge beside the Groom. The druid then welcomes the Couple into the Circle.
We gather together on this the (date), the (number) day of (name of the) Moon, in the year (date), in the eye of the Sun and upon this hallowed Earth, to witness this sacred Rite of Marriage between (Bride) and (Groom), a rite that is both a Blessing and Renewal of their precious union. To know where we have come to, let us honour what and whom have brought us to this place.
THE ANCESTORS ARE HONOURED
The rite then acknowledges those who have given us live and brought us to this place.
This is also the recognition of the presence of other gods, who peacefully desire to be in harmony with the divine forces along with nature, to bring peace, love and prosperity to the couple. Druids may or may not pray directly to the gods, but their focus is nature, and their divine gifts come from nature. And it is the nature of ancestral beings to respect nature, and their representations as animal spirits, and then gods. Not by order of power, but by learning and faith, understanding that harmony and peace goes far beyond strange names and empty prayers to meet the envious or the fanatical.
In the name of our gods and the gods of our ancestors, we give thanks for all those who have shared with us their lives, their wisdom and their love. On this sacred day of their wedding, we give thanks especially for the blessings bequeathed to (Bride) and (Groom) by their ancestors of blood and spirit, both those newly departed and those of old. (Specific names if appropriate)
We honour in particular (Couple’s Parents), ancestors present in this rite in body and in spirit. Acknowledging all that has been given, the sacred gift of life, the hardest lessons taught through love and tears, the bond you share and the individuals that you are, let these ancestors too be honoured at this time.
The Couple give gifts to their parents in thanks, honouring their bloodlines.
We call too to the spirits of the lands of their birth. (To the Couple:) You have brought with you this day offerings of the earth, herbs and fruits, from the landscapes of your childhood. Would you now place them upon the altar, with any other symbols and gifts you have brought, as a mark of your respect for your blood ancestors and for the spirits of those lands that nourished you and still nourish your families.
The Couple place the items on the altar.
Ancestors, know what is done. With thanks we bid you, Hail and welcome!
THE RITE OF MARRIAGE
Let each person gathered here now call into this sacred rite, in this consecrated place, the powers that we know to be sources of love and inspiration.
Let us take a moment to attune to this Presence that we may bring ourselves fully to the importance of this time and place.
(Bride) and (Groom), do you come to this place of your own free will?
COUPLE: I do/I do.
Let us honour the four directions of our world, that their blessings may be brought to this couple.
The Couple are then taken around the Circle to each of the quarters.
(East) Spirits of the east, spirits of air, let us feel your breath!
Through times of uncertainty, through winds of change, will you still love and honour each other?
COUPLE: I will/I will.
Then may you be blessed by the powers of the east? May together you find the freedom of flight in the clear mountain air, may your marriage be reborn with each new dawn.
(South) Spirits of the south, spirits of fire, let us feel your power!
Through the flames of passion, and when the fires burn low, will you still love and honour each other?
COUPLE: I will/I will.
Then may you be blessed by the powers of the south. May together you dance the road of courage and vitality. May your home be filled with warmth.
(West) Spirits of the west, spirits of water, let us feel your flowing energy!
Through the white water currents and deep still pools of emotion, will you still love and honour each other?
COUPLE: I will/I will.
Then may you be blessed by the powers of the west. May together you weave and blend your desires, flowing with the beauty of the ocean tides. May your life together be filled with love.
(North) Spirits of the north, spirits of earth, let us feel your certainty!
Through times of cold restriction, when problems seem immovable, will you still love and honour each other?
COUPLE: I will/I will.
Then may you be blessed by the powers of the earth. May together you root in sweet fertile soil, that your union may grow strong. May your lives together be rich with that fertility and its perfect fruitfulness.
At the altar, their hands are tied with the length of cloth. To represent the union of the two as a couple
At sacred times and places, our ancestors clasped hands when they would wed, and such handfastings witnessed by the gods and the community were lawful, true and binding, as love binds one heart to another.
(Bride) and (Groom), are you ready to declare your (renewed?) vows to each other, vows that will bind you together, soul to soul, heart to heart, joining the bloodlines of your ancestors and those of your descendants, witnessed by those who have gathered here this day, in spirit and in body, in this sacred Circle?
COUPLE: I am/I am.
All things in nature are circular. Night becomes day, day leads into night which again gives way to day. Moon waxes and wanes, and waxes again. There is Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, then Spring returns again. These are the flowing rhythms of the Cycle of Existence. Yet in the Centre of the Circle is the stillness of the Source, eternal and brilliant.
(Bride) and (Groom), do you bring with you this day your symbols of these mysteries of life?
COUPLE: We do.
The Best Man gives the rings to the Priest.
Then be they blessed in the name of the old gods of our land, for they are an outward sign and a sacred reminder of your commitment witnessed here this day.
The rings are blessed, consecrated and placed upon the altar.
As the sun and moon bring light to the Earth, do you, (Bride) and (Groom), vow to bring the light of love and joy to this your union?
COUPLE: I do/I do.
The druid takes the Wedding Candle, blessing and consecrating it. The candle can be lit at this stage if appropriate.
Do you vow to honour each other as you honour that which you hold most sacred?
COUPLE: I do/I do.
The Couple’s hands are untied, the length of cloth placed on the altar.
Taking the rings, the druid gives one to the Groom who puts it on the bride’s finger and makes his personal vows to her.
The druid gives the other ring to the Bride who puts it on the groom’s finger and makes her personal vows to him.
The Priest takes Wedding Stone and it is blessed and consecrated.
This sacred Earth is our home. It offers us the power of life, nourishing us, body and soul, holding us from birth until we let go once more into the worlds of spirit. Each rock and stone, each pebble and gem contains within it the stories of all time.
You have chosen this stone together as a foundation stone of your marriage from this point on. Do you now swear upon it, as a symbol of this sacred land and our holy Mother Earth, to keep your vows?
The Couple place their hands on the stone held by the druid.
COUPLE: We swear.
Then let the Earth bear witness that (Bride) and (Groom) are joined in love and joy and freedom. So let it be!
COUPLE: So let it be!
Would you now take the gifts of your birthlands and, mixing them together, offer them to the spirits of the land upon which you make your vows, this land that is now your home.
The Couple mix the gifts and pour onto the ground beneath their feet.
Let your vows be sealed with a kiss.
The Couple kiss. The Bridesmaids and friends shower them with the confetti petals and grains of love and fertility.
Let all bear witness that (Groom) and (Bride) are joined in love as Husband and Wife. Through this renewal of their marriage, witnessed and blessed, may their love partake of the beauty, majesty and power of this sacred Earth mother.
My own blessing, and the blessings of all those assembled here be with you. The blessings of your gods and the gods of your ancestors be with you. The blessings of the ancestors be with you. With you and with all that comes of your union. So let it be!
THE FEAST
The traditional feast within Druidry is bread and mead. However, these may be substituted for cake and wine or cider, or whatever is preferred. The Bride is given the bread and the Groom the mead/wine to hold, as the Priest makes the blessings. The words here are general, but specific deities may be invoked.
Mother Earth, in the name of our gods, the gods of our land and of our ancestors, we give you thanks. You nourish us body and soul with your gifts of beauty and abundance. As you honour us with precious life, so may we honour you.
Father Sky, in the name of our gods, the gods of our land and of our ancestors, we give you thanks. Light of the sun and blessings of rain fall upon the body of our Mother, bring forth her gifts. As you honour us with your blessings, so may we honour you.
The Couple offer the first back to the earth, breaking bread and pouring mead, the second to the ancestors, then to each other. Sharing it with all present, they take the loaves and horn around the Circle.
The rite of Marriage is complete.
The Couple join the Circle.
THE PRAYER FOR PEACE
Before our ceremony ends and we return to the worlds beyond, let us form the Circle of all Existences, that we might share in the joy that we have witnessed. Let us lift our thoughts to the powers that offer us life and inspiration, knowing that the gifts of beauty and love received in this rite are ours to share, as blessings of healing, protection and abundance, for this sacred planet and all creatures that live upon her.
The druid joins the Circle for a moment’s quiet.
May the world be filled with love, beauty and harmony.
ALL: So may it be.
THE CLOSING OF THE RITE
The rite is complete. May our memories be rich with it. Let us thank the powers of nature for their presence.
The spirits of the Four Directions, the Three Worlds, the ancestors and any others who have been invoked into the rite are all thanked as the Circle is closed.
Spirits of the north, great bear, mighty badger, loyal dog, spirits of earth, we give you thanks for the gifts of strength and endurance that you have brought to our Circle. My Lady of the womb, may your gifts remain with this couple from this day forward. Hail and farewell!
Spirits of the west, hunting cat, wise salmon, laughing otter and wise frog, spirits of water, we give you thanks for the gifts of deep wisdom and free flowing that you have brought to our Circle. My Lady of the Seas, may your gifts remain with this couple from this day forward. Hail and farewell!
Spirits of the south, proud stag, running fox, spirits of fire, we give you thanks for the gifts of passion and energy that you have brought to our Circle. My Lord of the Greenwood, may your gifts remain with this couple from this day forward. Hail and farewell!
Spirits of the east, falcon, blackbird, eagle high, spirits of air, we give you thanks for the gifts of clarity and far sight that you have brought to our Circle. My Lord of the rising sun, may your gifts remain with this couple from this day forward. Hail and farewell!
I give thanks to all those, both seen and unseen, who have gathered here today. May all be blessed, returning to their realms in peace.
O Spirit of this Place, we give you thanks for your blessings. Hail, O ancestors, O great Gods of old, we give you thanks for your presence, your guidance and your inspiration. May these gifts remain with us as we bid you hail and farewell!
Let the Circle be opened that these blessings be shared, and the feasting may begin. Blessed be, as blessed is.
The Circle is uncast or unwoven.
This celebration ends in peace as in peace it began. May the spirit of this rite and the blessings we have received go with us all as we depart this place, to nourish, strengthen and sustain us until we meet again. May the blessings of this rite nourish, strengthen and sustain (Bride) and (Groom) throughout their lives together.
So let it be!
The Couple lead the way from the Circle, followed by the Best Man and Bridesmaids, parents and other participants, the guests following on. The druid is the last to leave the Circle, making the final prayers of closing.
Here ends this rite.
Blessed be as blessed is!
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(https://s15.postimg.cc/6rczuzu8r/druid_stuff_004.jpg)
Exploring new places... And discovering new prices...
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(https://s15.postimg.cc/x3hy0f1rf/druid_stuff_005.jpg)
Briland giving her blessing, while I pray with her...
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(https://s15.postimg.cc/pnioeq18b/druid_stuff_006.jpg)
A wonderful view, with my tribe daughter, Briland.
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(https://s15.postimg.cc/wkcurjv1n/druid_stuff_007.jpg)
Enjoying the beauty of the stars as we chatted in the beautiful moonlight, near a bonfire among other tribes
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(https://s15.postimg.cc/n2hp4olq3/druid_stuff_008.jpg)
Relaxing in the moonlight while the children dream of touching it.
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(https://s15.postimg.cc/smz8cmtjf/druid_stuff_011a.jpg)
Sometimes nature and the spirits come in many forms.
Sometimes threatening or not.
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(https://s15.postimg.cc/5x03jm7qz/druid_stuff_009b.jpg)
...And in the cries of the spirits in anger, the memories are like paints in a perverse frame, asking the impossible.
Paitings in a lost world. And only my memories really matter.
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(https://s33.postimg.cc/9psio6i5r/druid_stuff_010a.jpg)
In prayers and rituals to contain the worst, striving to maintain balance
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(https://s33.postimg.cc/lo7v7rfwv/druid_stuff_0012a.jpg)
In a moment of deep meditation, praying for the protection of farms, fishing, hunting and wildlife
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Children, I will speak today more about our tribe...
Many think that in Netheril, there are only the tribe of the Rengarth... They are deceived. There are several tribes in the world, many of them with unique traditions and behaviors.
Several nomadic tribes were made up of one to five families, no more than 20 individuals per tribe. These tribes, individually speaking, lived hunting and collecting fruits, moving from time to time to new lands, avoiding the "town" people, monsters and the Empire Netheril. These tribes met each other, through arranged marriages with the young, culturally exchanged information, formed alliances, and strengthened the bonds of blood and friendship between different tribes, which were seldom encountered over the years.
The Rengarth as tribe were the most numerous, before the Empire War and house Dukarrus against the tribes. From this conflict, by the ignorance of the empire Netheril, the thirst for new slaves by the House Reschotti, and the desire to gain glories from the House Dukarrus, many bad things happened. Several smaller tribes were attacked cowardly by the empire, who thought that these were part of the Rengarth, or were allied of them. To the people of the empire, any tribe nomad was a Rengarth, and for this the whole should die or become a slave. In the meantime groups such as arcane guild, which is the backbone of the empire Netheril, hunted and tortured various shamans, druids and all that they would find interesting, as subject of study and research to achieve more power...
Well, this happened several years ago, and the war ended 10 years ago, with the defeat of the Rengarth tribe. And all other tribes too. During the period of war, nomadic tribes united to defend themselves against the different types of attacks of Dukarrus and the Empire, being decimated weeks later, or had its members enslaved by Roschetti, as it was said before. The survivors spread through the empire and into the world. The older ones, living as beggars in cities or hidden in the midst of nature. The orphans, living in the cities as indigent, surviving from petty thefts, or finding some temporary peace working in farms or hunting with other groups.
Gradually, over the months after the war, children who survived and still maintained traditions grew, and slowly formed new nomadic tribes. Using their own tribal language, only those who survived the massacre by Dukarrus and the empire shared this traditional language. These survivors slowly found, one by one, the lost, the hopeless, the futureless, the tragic past. And one seeking strength in others, they joined in small families, small individual tribes, forming new bonds among themselves, among all its members.
Some, even if they have found a home, still travel aimlessly for days or weeks, looking for other survivors, to give shelter and a destination. There are those who wander the lands of the empire, looking for lost relatives and friends during the war period.
There is no concept of "race" for us. There is, yes, the concept of "family", where everyone loves and protects each other. There is the concept of "Tribe", where all under the same leadership, seek to survive against all adversities.
We're careful, even paranoid sometimes. Being the losing side of a war is always cruel. Being the survivor of attacks, who killed all your tribe, relatives and friends is something that hardens the heart and makes the job of winning our respect and trust even more difficult. Being expelled from your home lands by an empire that wants to expand and consume everything that lies ahead is something we all remember. Even with their supreme power, they may never be able to feel the pleasure of fishing, the thrill of hunting, the joy of sharing family stories around a campfire, teaching traditions to the younger, and listening to the lessons of the elders.
We continue with the traditions. We have a spiritual side, intimately connected with animals. We respect nature, we come into harmony with the elements. We live on the land for when we die, to be part of it to feed our descendants and to renew life in a new cycle.
We know that enclaves flying in the sky are temporary. For everything has a cycle. Ours renews itself with each generation, becoming stronger and more resistant, to keep moving on. The empire, however, even expanding, will one day fall, for it never renews itself, it never develops through adversity.
We, of the nomadic tribes, yes. We just have to keep living and protecting the new generations, and one day we can live in a new world, in which the cycle of the empire has already closed and ended a long time. And so, we will have survived a new world, in a wonderful new cycle for all of us.
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(https://s15.postimg.cc/j4xn7dmh7/druid_stuff_014.jpg)
Making company for Briland, after Hadrian came to harass our tribe and family, because of the words of the house Roschetti and Snacks.
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(https://s15.postimg.cc/r0crzg8hn/druid_stuff_0015a.jpg)
A visit to an inn in the hilltop area. Nice area, hospitable people. One of the halflings loved Silver, our wolf.
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Burial Rites
The burial shall be accompanied by well chosen objects associated with the life of the deceased. A favorite torque, a mantle, golden jewelry, drinking horns, magical wands and staffs, boughs of oak and sprays of mistletoe and any other precious object the deceased might have chosen or that is chosen lovingly by others.
A hole shall be dug and stones brought from near or far and placed near the grave. The body shall be placed on a stretcher or a bier and carried to the location of the earthen hole. It shall be dressed in fine clothing or covered in fine cloths and sacred herbs and flowers. In other cases, the body is cremated and the ashes deposited in a place of choice of the deceased, or favorite place, or the choice of the widow or the closest relatives
The people shall visit the body for a day, praying, singing, telling stories and praises of the deceased until nightfall. At night the Druids and those of the kin group who wish to remain in vigil shall sit with the body until dawn. During the night the Druids shall listen and watch for messages from the deceased for it is known that the spirit often remains with the body, even after death.
At dawn, at the time of the rising of the birds, the Druids and kin shall lovingly place the body in the grave. A Bard or a poet shall sing these words or any song or poem from ancient tradition;
"Come spirits across the ocean
join with your brother/sister who waits here
Take him/her across to the bright land
Take her/him across moor and meadow
Take her/him across a calm sea
Take her/him across a blissful ocean
Peace and joy on the day of her/his death
As He/she finds her/his way to the white sun".
And then shall every person present begin to cover the body with soil or deposit the ashes, a handful or a shovelful at a time. And then shall a cairn be lifted from the collected stones, over the body of the deceased. And let every stone be placed with a prayer for the well being of the deceased, for their family and kin and for their spiritual family. Or in place of the cairn or beside it let there be planted a tree in memory of the deceased. And all care shall be taken to ensure the tree's survival. Afterwards let a great feast be prepared with music andcelebration and stories of the deceased and praise of their accomplishments.
Pray the legends and stories, which if the spirit wishes, can return in the form of an animal or plant, to protect those he loves for some time, or for life in this new way. Your memories will have been lost in this new life, but loyalty and love with relatives, friends and loved ones continues eternal.
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Some notes written in the book of shadows...
Recently there have been two Aaasimars, to support the swords. Honestly, this raises a lot of questions for me.
First, if they were sent by Selune, why did not she help Snacks and Rod herself?
Second, why did they send two Aasimars, instead of ordinary people, with mortal qualities and defects, to better understand humanity and thus make the best examples of morals and courage for everyone, the way Rod and Snacks were? Both were full of defects, but they were loved by all.
What is the wisdom of Selune, in sending two celestials, who understand nothing of humanity? Why did she prefer to send two men with wings, instead of reviving, or at least finding, the bodies of Hadrian's heroes?
Another question, is how Alun behaved the first time I met him. I found him arrogant, standing on a pedestal, making it clear that he was superior to Snacks and Rod because they were sent by Selune.
That is an endless arrogance. Snacks may have had all kinds of defects in life, but he fought for others and cared. He lived with constant moral, philosophical, and personal questions that crushed him from within, but he found the strength to move on. Rod was in love with Keelie, he was everyone's friend. he was brave in battle, heroic. He could not read letters, but he could read hearts. He was someone with a nobility and unique courage.
Why did not the goddess Selune who protected the marriage don't gived a chance to revive Rod? Why does she allow Keelie to continue to suffer without giving a way to retrive Rod's body? And in the place, he sent two winged men, who understand nothing of human society, or have any respect or sensitivity to the dead?
Why did she send two winged men, instead of reviving or finding the snack body, which was essential to regaining The Tree of the Moon along with Keelie?
Honestly, I'm disappointed with Selune as a goddess. She sent two men to help the Swords, but she is totally insensitive to the sufferings of those who have survived without access to the bodies.
Sincerely, seeing two winged celestial pseudo-angels coming through her tears (according to Alun) makes me wonder how a goddess is annoyingly insensitive to everyone's pain.
I wonder every day more and more, whether it really is the swords I helped or the people involved in them. The two aasimars have no affinity with human society. They do not seem to be mortal, they stand on their pedestals, saying they came from selune to help the swords, but I do not feel any love for humanity coming through them. No kind of confidence, familiarity, friendship, or sharing with human society.
They can be honored, but ... Honor can appease the pain of many? Can it inspire the gigantic lack that Snacks and Rod have left? Can they represent the elves as Rassali tried to do?
I doubt it.
Day after day, people will resent the two Aasimars. Because they have no trace of humanity. For coming from a goddess, everyone will look and wonder, among them:
"Why did Selune bring these two idiots, and did not bring back our heroes?"
"Why did Selune allow Rod to die? Why did Selune allow Snack to die?"
"Where are the gods? Why did not they bring back our heroes?"
"Why did we get two birdmans, not a human and a half-orc?"
"Where are Snacks? Where is Rod? Why do we have to trust these two winged men, who are nothing like us?"
Everyone who has some love and respect for Snacks or Rod will hardly accept them both. Because the two were sent by Selune to replace Snacks and Rod, not to save them.
Everyone who has love and respect for Snacks or Rod will stop believing in Selune, because she did not help them directly, and sent two people to take their place, instead of sending them off early to hunt and kill Pheroth and fight against Sullivan.
Everyone who has love and respect for snacks or Rod will look at the two Aasimar, and will feel displeasure against Selune, because she sent them to try to replace two heroes, and of nothing they have to be as big and heroic as them. They lack humanity. They lack dignity. They lack compassion. They lack affinity and complicity.
Rod drank, but he was the most positive person I've ever met. He tried to overcome every problem with a smile and a sip. But he was a sincere, humane person who could understand and be understood. Snacks were friendly, playful. He loved to talk and have fun with others. He drank, played games, helped and guided everyone. And he always walked with a stick called stik-stik...
I miss it in these two winged dicks. They have no visible flaws. They are perfect gods. It has no visible fails, no bad traits or behavioral errors to feel like the same of us. It comes from a heavenly plane or another place that ordinary people never came. And this opens a gigantic abyss. No one can undestand and trust fully in someone of other place, with wings. They need to become more humans, instead acting like angels.
Snacks is a half orc. Overcome racism, overcome problems. He beat everyone he could for valid reasons. He was stressed, he was furious for the right reasons. He was a time bomb when he saw injustice, wanting to do the right thing for the right reasons. And this is something the two do not seem to do.
Rod drank, but he was the most positive person I've ever met. He tried to overcome every problem with a smile and a sip. But he was a sincere, humane person who could understand and be understood.
I miss a lot of thing in these two winged dicks.
They came from Selune and for Selune. They did not come from the people, for the people to be with the people. They are on a pedestal too high for any mortal feel safely and trust as equal. And every moment people see them, they're going to make everyone who knew Snacks and Rod wonder, why did Selune send these two, and did not save our friends?
Sincerely, goddess Selune? I do not understand your plans. I do not understand your feelings. But when Rod and Snacks came out of our lives, you did not have to put the two in to replace them. You are terribly cruel, unfair and ugly, torturing everyone who loved Snacks and Rod, sending two winged dicks in place of our beloved friends.
Probably because of this, that even with all the pain of my life, I still love Jannath.
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Some notes written in the book of shadows...
Something I need to record is about Chester, the current mayor of Hadrian.
The election at Hadrian occurred in a confusing, complex way, with candid candidates, or who died, or who were a joke, or who were cadidataram for personal gain or for excuse reasons.
However, even with a confused past (he even called himself a pimp, selling potions in hadrian), I'll admit, I learned to respect Chester.
First, he was placed in a position of mayor, replacing an incompetent. And having to deal with 3 noble houses with their own laws that command and disguise in hadrian, with an Arcane guild that is the voice of the empire, that ignores the desires of all ... And with daily problems of attacks of creatures and monsters, Chestes turned out to be serious, when it's to protect Hadrian.
First, he was placed in a position of mayor, replacing an incompetent. And having to deal with 3 noble houses with their own laws that command and disguise in hadrian, with an Arcane guild that is the voice of the empire, that ignores the desires of all... And with daily problems of attacks of creatures and monsters, Chestes turned out to be serious, when it's to protect Hadrian.
I was already looking closely at Chester's behavior as mayor. During the trial of the assassination case, he was tough and rigid, not giving up pressure and avoiding killing someone, giving everyone involved in the investigation time to search for more clues later, choosing to exile someone who was probably to blame but had no evidence enough to confirm the guilt.
When the swords died, he tried to press for answers, making a trade embargo against Sullivan. And he explained to me the reasons for keeping the embargo, and which to remove it later.
During the meeting with me, Lushen, Raul, the two aasimars recruits, Keelie and later, Chester, the two Aasimars were more interested in dealing with the constant attacks of creatures around hadrian and inclined to obtain glories in battle and war, a subject that already was being accompanied before with Raul Kuronegro, making everyone losing the focus of the meeting regarding the rescues Rod bodies and Snacks with Chester present in the moment. Something that had already been discussed without Chester, but ended up wasting unnecessary time, which was lost...
Because of the emergencies that had in the farms of the east of Hadrian and the tribes to the north, we were never able to finish the meeting satisfactorily. This bothers me deeply, because we waste essential time to do something we already done with the swords present. And in the end, we missed a great chance to deal with something openly with the Swords and Chester present.
Next time, I'll have to restrict myself to Keelie and Raul to talk abour something more important. So, as fewer people present, it is possible to speak directly with the higher rank of swords, summarizing the problems quickly, without losing focus with something without proofs or clear leads to deal in the most immediate moment. Do not we lose focus on meetings or talk about something really important.
When everything else become more calmer, and I had my conversation with Stoneheart, a warrior of the tribes of the north, I called Keelie and Lushen to talk privately with Chester in his office. I did not think it was right to call the two Aasimars to talk about something more serious or important, since they still gave me no reason to trust them yet, mainly because their achievements were only in battlefield, never in personal fields or with other people. They may be the "avenging angels" of battle and sent by selune. But I do not find them appropriate to deal with certain types of subject yet.
Chester was talking in the office with everyone, and he made clear how he devoted himself to the good of the population of Hadrian, who still did not understand all the effort he did to protect everyone. And Chester was clear in demonstrating his deep sorrow and pain in dealing with so many difficulties, without Rod, Snacks and Rassali to support him, advise and talk to him.
Chester is certainly a rare species in extinction in the political field: Someone who cares about his citizens and good people. At least, this is what his actions have shown me to date. I have made clear to him my sincere support in trying to help him if it is possible within my reach.
His concern about the loss of food on the farms, because of the goblins' attacks, about the wounded in the attacks in the region of farms. And various details and traits are difficult to fake. I hope Chester continues to make the right choices for the right reasons. And even though he knows he has more to lose than to win, he remains the mayor.
I just hope someday the citizens of the empire will understand this, for all he tries to do.
About myself, I'm dealing with different problems. Giving support to members of my tribe, seeking rare flowers for someone, seeking to locate the lost relatives of another member of my tribe, or trying to find ways to see the jannath acting in the future.
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Some notes written in the book of shadows...
This is another rare specimen in Hadrian. Raul Kuronegro is a cleric of The Lady of Mysteries, Mystral.
To begin with, his presence in Hadrian is an affront to the arcane guild. His presence reminds all the arcades of the noble houses to use the knowledge and mystical gifts with responsibility. This is cruelly difficult for Raul, living in an empire where archmage cares nothing, only with power. And with noble houses, crazy individuals, and all sorts of crazy with arcane powers, creatures transmuted by magic, wizards who go crazy and hide legally behind the laws of noble houses and empire.
At great cost, he discreetly managed to conquer a small and humble chapel in Hadrian. In a city commanded by a mage mayor, with an arcane guild and noble houses with mages, this is a great sign of how the mages and arcanes in hadrian little value Mystral, little value the responsibility and little love the knowledge. This is shamefully humiliating, to all the wizards, sorceres, and arcanes of Hadrian. For them to give so little value to the goddess Mystral who give them day after day powers and resources, is the same as slapping their own mother after listening her saying "I love you".
Raul is a balanced man. He is not extremely careless or impulsive, and possesses the correct amount of common sense. And he is not arrogant as most Hadrian people are. And also know when to listen, and how to deal with problems. Too bad he took the active lead of the swords after the death of Snacks and Rod. I would actually prefer that he be valued as long as the two were alive. But only Selune and the dame in command in swords can justify this shemeful delay.
Something that Raul has and nobody values is patience. I wonder where he takes so much patience sometimes. I've rarely seen him angry or upset. And also has a cool head enough to deal with several different problems. Several times I have seen him dealing with people and situations where he stopped to breathe, to analyze and to move forward at the current moment, while others still jumped without thinking about dangerous situations.
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(https://s33.postimg.cc/77eejd8jj/tree.jpg)
Yesterday was a busy day, but important. After a long adventure together with a group of adventurers, I helped protect nature and the region, in the name of nature and the goddess Jannath, invoking fire, lightning, blessings of protection and healing for various different adventurers. In the end, everything went well. And I was able to reaffirm my love for nature and the earth mother Jannath before all and publicly thank her and her help.
After a while, my tribe decided to make an offering ritual to Jannath, thanking her for everything done before and after. Briland, who laboriously collected land from several different points, thanked the earth mother for a prayer and with this, Jannath sent us a messenger, who sincerely gladly accepted our offerings with great happiness and pride.
Earth Mother responded in a glamorous way to our love, allowing a small but imposing mountain to appear temporarily for a few hours on hunting grounds, disappearing hours later. This would indicate the presence and protection of our beloved Earth Mother in the region. A positive reflection on our efforts to deal with everything.
After we celebrated in front of the place of our probabily future shrine of Jannath, it was a pleasant surprise that in our home there grow up a special glistening tree inside our cave, filling with a magnificent fragrance of flowers and a beautiful feeling of life all over the place, making our dwelling blessed and protected.
We now have 3 cats. Wonderful, loving cats. It protects us from rats and insects, as well as bringing positive forces to our dwelling and lives. Zora and Aurora melted with passion before the three cats. As a druid, the presence of these 3 cats represents a lot to us.
I am still dealing with duties to protect our own tribe and family, but I am also striving to protect other tribes, for they do not trust people of the empire for obvious reasons. And I also continue with my hard work of protecting nature, as well as looking for lost people, without tribe, to help return to normal life, after the consequences of 10 years ago.
And above all this, trying to give help to Chester, Raul, Fjord and Keelie to protect Hadrian as much as possible in different moments, even with the difficulties present in the region, with dangerous and unscrupulous people. Or with people who live on pedestals too high to see people's daily lives and respect as equals, or humble enough to understand that everything does not flow from heavens to earth, and that life depends on deserving its bonds of trust and friendship.
Best of all, I am doing this quietly, stepping in and out without asking for favors or rewards. And without using it as a political or religious platform. Just asking to respect and love nature and understand the values of the earth mother Jannath.
Something reasonable, to be expected of a druid.
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Some notes written in the book of shadows...
I recently had the displeasure of finding out that the two winged dicks are spreading lies about me, my faith and my stance as a druid.
When I heard it, I was in profund disgust. They questioned the lack of communication, but how to deal with two fanatics birdman for selune, who live on goldly pedestals, acting arrogantly with others. And when they have a battlefield situation, like the one that happened today in the old battlefield, they hide, going to a safe tower, while wizards, hunters, warriors and all kinds of people deal with the various orcs of orcs trying to invade southbank , attacking people, animals and plants, destroyed everything by walking?
How to respect and have faith in winged idiots, who hide behind knighthood titles? How do they respect themselves if at the time of battle, they hide from the rest of the group, avoiding hand-to-hand combat?
I learned to fight and hunt as a child. I dealt with tribes fleeing the fury of the empire, which killed anyone with tribal blood, or enslaved them for profit. How to respect two pigeons that fall from the sky and act as if they were better than all? Who spread lies, manipulate people with falsehood?
And when someone reacts, hide cowardly behind knighthood titles, in an orde that is losing its brilliance and honor more and more?
Gradually, after several battles with them, they stopped asking for thanks to Selune. They came to be seen as idiots. People complain about them more and more. People see them with suspicion, for they do not feel any kind of affinity or love coming from them. They can be beautiful embellishments for the swords. After all, having a pair of "knight angels" can be a good way to attract new naive recruits. But lacking content, lacking quality. They are to be seen, but do not have the elements needed to be heroic. Or even knights.
I work for hours, doing rituals, raising resources, producing means to do dozens of wands that take hours and days ... to be used in minutes, to protect nature and hadrian. And I only say "Every healing, protection or lightning, respect nature and earth mother jannath". Without asking for rewards. Just go, go quiet, do my work and duty, and leave the place. Nothing else.
Sincerely? I think they're jealous, with envy. They have no means to gain the respect of others. They feel frustrated, because they can not get new believers for Selune. They feel pressured, unable to achieve everything that Snacks and Rod have been for all in life and now, after death.
They stopped showing sincere love for Selune, and they became parrots, talking about Selune without put your heart into it., but unable to attract the hearts and respect of others. And they began to question my posture as a faithful follower of Earth Mother Jannath, questioning my dogmas, the way I work in the battlefield, or my work as druid. No way to way I talk to them, complete strangers, who have done nothing to have my respect.
When I discovered that they were poisoning the swords with their questions, their lies, I felt revolted. What is the reaction to questioning the faith of others? Are you so insecure that you have no faith in yourself? Are they so fragile and incapable of affinity with other people?
I revolted and publicly made my complaint.
In the end, I had a meeting hours later with a high rank of the swords. I explained the problems about them.
But I doubt anything will change.
The person I spoke to said that it is to abandon the hope of recovering rod bodies and Snacks. Honestly, any order of knights that permits this is terribly and dishonorably cowardly. No knight leaves a brother in arms behind. Be him or heralive or dead. This is really a shame to the whole order of the swords of the lady.
In the end, though she had heard it all, it was clear that the two were hiding behind knighthoods. They could never be the same as other people, and we need to treat them as kids, because they can't understand and deal with mortal thing...
They could never apologize in public.
For the swords, the honor of the knighthood seems to come before compassion and humility.
People hide behind their titles, unable to be equal with others.
How did the swords get so arrogant and twisted?? How did they cease to be people's ray of hope, to become such a sad parody with two chickens, unable to be as beloved as Rod and Snacks?
I was warned that they could not apologize in public for all the wrong they did, for all the discomfort, injury as druid and faithful follower of Jannath, for they were knights. And the law and the code of knights obliged me to apologize in public, or I would be arrested and paid for something that I was a victim.
To protect my friends, my family and tribe, I apologized. For the ranks of the swords, for that alone matters to them.
No more humility
There is no love anymore
You have no respect as equals, for equals.
What matters is the appearances, the titles. Not the people.
I feel sorry for Keelie and Raul, having to deal with the two winded dick day after day. Having to deal with them, coming from selune, but unable to be as great as our beloved fallen friends. And in the end, they weave a web of lies and problems, for they are incapable of being great by themselves for own efforts.
And the only way to grow is to reduce the people around them.
Honestly, they are wolves in lamp skin. Sweet words that hide poison. And postures and actions that indicate how much is false and disturbingly dangerous.
I can not trust swords anymore. You can not wait any longer with them. Only Keelie and Raul. Maybe Pariah. But a whole group, being reduced to 2 or 3 people to carry size-load is to make you cry.
I'm sorry Snacks and Rod. The swords became a sad parody, bitterly ridiculous of the greatness it was before. I hope Raul and Keelie can reverse this.
But it is difficult to have faith in the swords now, after seeing which titles and appearances are more important than people.
I'm sorry, my friends.
//This is an icly reaction about the last events. Pleae be mature and understand that this is just icly. Ok? Everything in character, in her journal. And please, no meta game.
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Some notes written in the book of shadows...
Amazing.
The aasimars are acting a lot, and again and again. To make life of everyone a hell.
It came to my knowledge, that they have made reports, probably slanderous, poisoning the swords with more lies about people, various people. They have made criticisms, pointed defects, acting as spies, rats of wings. Disturbing, poisoning everything and everyone they go through.
I imagine they are devil fanatics in the skin of Aasimars. They seek to find ways, ways and ways to provoke discord with everyone, using any way they find. They are unable to love and respect others. They must at all times have the attention of all. Even if they do not offend people, try to humiliate them, or do anything to get attention.
Surely the nickname "Winged dicks" is well-suited. It came from a heavenly plane of bullshit to torment everything and everyone with their perverse ways of acting and manipulating others, fucking with everything in they way.
This was made clear at the town meeting. They constantly pestered the mayor, constantly taking the focus of the meeting, to talk about something publicly, which would generate fear and panic. They are so arrogant, that instead of having gone earlier to talk to the mayor in particular, they went about it openly. And in the end, after impressing everyone in fear, claim that selune will save them.
Pure hypocrisy.
When a citizen began to cry in the meeting, they were almost theatrical, seeming to feel compassion, but it was Keelie who went to the woman, hugged her and comforted her. The two did not even move, they looked like rare, fragile ceramic statues that any physical contact will break them. Or they would have disgust or fear of physical contact with people who suffer pain...
During the fighting of the shadows in the swamps, I and several people clearly talked abotu how both useless, directly. They are brave in words, but act like runaways in battlefield. Probably the only way to feel better is to talk, because in combat, in the face of dangers, several others do more and better. After the battle in the old battlefield, where several orcs fought and Alun hiding in the tower, their quality became more and more clear as "heroes".
The temporary banishment that took place in Hadrian is just another reflection of the poisoning of relationships that the two aasimars make. They have poisoned so many different people with their web of lies that it is impossible to trust the swords of the lady again anyway. I do not know how much the swords are protecting them. But it is impossible to have confidence in a group that should defend and protect people and good values, ending in such a ... Shameful way. They are constantly defending both after several shameful moments. After causing pains, conflicts, humiliations, lies...
Probably Raul or Keelie will quit soon. In fact, I found her in the square, really sad, almost crying, such is her pain in dealing with swords these days. The Aasimars have made the swords become so filthy, so poisoned that no one in Hadrian trusts them again. Not even other members of swords. I only saw her so sad when Rod died. Now seeing the swords become so bad, that made her cry is in fact humiliating. I feel angry for her, and her pain, at seeing two idiots spotting and destroying all the hard work that Rod, Snacks, Keelie, Pariah and Raul have done.
In a few days, the two Aasimars transformed the Swords, which was a respectable institution, loved by the people, in synonymous with corruption, lies and fanaticism.
Swords of the Lady, as a military group, I was forced to apologize, because the swords totally protect the aasimars. And today, it does not even have how to feel security in its representatives, after all that the aasimars have done publicly. They would probably use my complaint as an excuse to harm me and hunt me, perhaps by sending soldiers to kill me. With the two Aasimars, anything is possible. No one knows how far their network of lies has disturbed and deepened within the swords.
I would very much like to speak to Warden Kyra de'Pont, of the Order of Red Roses regarding this. Of all this.
But I gave up.
Any problem with swords, they come with everything, threaten with crimes, and nothing changes. They force the force. To the point of breaking people. To the point of humiliating his own possible allies, his old friends. Your own faithful knights.
I saw Keelie sad, as dejected as she knew of Rod's death.
Beloved Earth Mother Jannath. Forgive me, but how was Selune so cruel sending two monsters to cause all humiliation and pain in the swords? How did they become so insanely cruel, insensitive, and immorally arrogant?
I wish I was wrong. But being forced to apologize in public maybe sealed any future attempt to communicate with any superior representative of the swords. I do not know if they are really sincere, and have empathy with people. They come in droves, lobbying, perhaps making Hadrian hostage if nothing is done the way they want. Or threaten others for honor, but they do little to honor the honor of others.
Swords have become all that they should not be. This is shameful.
And extremely painful, seeing Keelie suffer in the midst of it all.
Really, the swords made my friend suffer. And this is shameful.
//This is an icly reaction about the last events. Please be mature and understand that this is just icly. Ok? Everything in character, in her journal. And please, no meta game.
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Some notes written in the book of shadows...
I have fear.
Lushen asked for my hand in marriage. The best moment of my life, in the middle of a tribe, near patrician plains.
Hours later, he gave me a protective cloack, predicting they would try to kill me. He only said "To protect you from them, my love"
Of all the options, what comes to mind are the Aasimars. everything directs to this.
I just do not know if they'll stab me in the back, like cowards they are...
Or they'll send soldiers of the swords of the lady to kill me... Or my tribe.
Honestly... No one else trusts the swords. And they can kill anyone who does not agree with them, or challenge and hunt them. People are more and more afraid of them and they bullshit, they are avoiding them. They are thinking that they will kill or pressure people until they break them.
This is horrible.
//This is an icly reaction about the last events. Please be mature and understand that this is just icly. Ok? Everything in character, in her journal. And please, no meta game.
//Note: qiip is paranoid in some level. Survived the massacre of 3 different tribes in the empire wars against the tribes 10 years ago. She has been taught not to trust arcanes, why they hunt Druids. She does not trust dukarrus, thinking they are killers and hunt tribes. And neither in Roschestii, because of slavery. She does not trust groups or people normally or easily. But she is peaceful and avoids problems, and help if she can. But she stands in everlasting yellow alertness most part of her time. Some game situations that are happening may have an enlarged, exaggerated view of everything. however much of the aasimars has solid foundation icly.
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Some notes written in the book of shadows...
Recently, on an exploration of the Patrician Peaks, I and Lushen encountered a spectral spirit of a warrior from a tribe, pointing east. He led us to a painting on a rock, where he displayed a tribal painting of several warriors with different weapons, according to a portal that opened under the moonlight.
Carefully foreseeing any kind of problem, I called Mayor Chester (representing Hadrian and our friend), Keelie (representing swords and our friend), Fjord (friend of our tribe), Nica (friend and representing arcane guild) to help us to investigate the place and take care of any possible problem.
Reschotti and Dukarrus are not reliable. Reschotti only seeks profits and slaves, and it would be immoral to trust anything to them. Laura and Petrov talk about protecting Hadrian, but in fact they just want a stable source of profits. Dukarrus is extremely rude and racist against the tribes. Skettus is another problem. Its members are devoted exclusively to obtaining artifacts, and I doubt they have any good relations with the tribes or respect individual postures, yielding any space. Because this, I leaved this 3 noble houses out of this.
I also do not trust swords of the lady as an institution or military group, because of past problems. I avoided having the two Aasimars as much as their network of lies and manipulations may have poisoned the swords deeply against me and my tribe... And anyone besides Raul and Keelie are unreliable. At least none of the high-ranking members have given me any solid reason to trust them and have my respect, as druid or leader of tribe. For the safety of my tribe, I am keeping as much distance as possible from swords and aasimars. They and the swords are not sincere or show honorable enough as an institution or individuals to put my good faith and trust.
During the exploration of Patrician Peaks, we visited an ancient, dilapidated, traced portal unrelated to our original purpose. After this, we turn our attentions back to our original goal. At dusk a portal opened into a cave.
During the exploration, we find several horrors hooks and umber hulks along the way, strongly protecting the way. Then we left in a forest, dealing with a large tribe of orcs, where we saved a halfling that had been captured by them. After a long journey, we entered a shadowy part of the forest, where hundreds of undead are walking around, warriors of the empire, maybe fallew warriors of Dukarrus.
After a long period of fighting against waves and more waves of undead army of people of the empire, we find a druid circle in ruins. The remains of the Bun'kar tribe. The place was a sacred place for the tribe and the shamans and druids, who was corrupted by the blood spilled by Empire Netheril and the noble houses, killing innocent people, probably dozens of women and children, besides the warriors and others people of the Bun'kar.
As a result, the spirits of the tribe and those who attacked them were trapped in that forest, in a constant circle of endless warfare and agony. The shaman was slain in this holy ground, and with this his curse would last all eternity, punishing the souls of the vicious monsters of noble houses that serve the empire, in addition to holding the whole tribe in an insatiable desire for revenge for all eternity.
Our group managed to punish the monsters of the empire, exterminating all of them in the form of the undead, to finally, after all this, effect the purification of the place. I, as a druid and leader of a tribe, honored the spirits of all that Bun'kar tribe, freeing them from their cycle of vengeance and pain, making them free to return to earth and reborn as best as their beliefs allow.
After all trouble, I get the Stormstar, a gift of The Storm Lord, well know as Kozah. This object has a lot of history, and is a memento of the Bun'kar tribe, of those who have faith in the forces of nature and must pass their legacy forward to help others. As protector of the legacy and history of the tribes, I have kept this sacred object of tribal faith in safety, and have returned it safely to the tribes, so through it they may have peace and safety again.
//This is an icly reaction about the last events. Please be mature and understand that this is just icly. Ok? Everything in character, in her journal. And please, no meta game.
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Bow and arrow
When people think of weapons of tribes, the bow and arrow is usually the first thing that springs to mind-- and for good reason. Nearly every tribe used some form of bow and arrow as a weapon for hunting, war, or both. Some tribes even used bows and arrows for fishing. Bows and arrows have been used in the tribes since the Stone Age, so different tribes had plenty of time to perfect this weapon technology. Scholars have learned that the oldest arrowheads discovered in North of the empire are more than 5,000 years old! Some arrowheads made by ancestors were even found together with the bones of extinct animals like giant bison.
Most native bows were made of wood. The most powerful wooden bows were backed with sinew (animal tendons) to make them springier. Some tribes in the Mountain area used composite bows made from animal horn and layers of sinew. These were the most powerful native bows of all, able to shoot an arrow completely through the body of a buffalo. Some tribes originally preferred longbows, while others preferred short bows. Once horses were introduced to the tribes, most native began to favor short bows, since they could be fired from horseback. Most Native bowstrings were made from sinew, although some tribes wove bowstrings from yucca or other plant fibers. Most Native arrows were wooden with arrowheads made of flint or another hard stone, although some tribes used copper or bone arrowheads, and hunting arrows intended for small game like birds often had no arrowhead at all and were simply sharpened shafts of wood. Native arrows were nearly always fletched with feathers to make them fly straighter, whereas the arrows of the north and other snow cultures did not use feather fletching.
Spears
Spears are another kind of tribal weapon that dates back to ancient times. Like bows and arrows, spears were used for both hunting and warfare. Tribal spears were particularly powerful weapons due to the special atlatls (also known as spear-throwers, throwing-sticks, or throwing boards) the barbarians used to launch their spears. An atlatl is a thin wooden shaft with a hollowed-out cup at the end. By balancing the butt of the spear in the cup and then swinging the atlatl, hunters and warriors could increase their leverage to hurl spears much faster and further than they could using their arms alone. Explorers and other early adventurers who fought with tribes reported that spears propelled from atlatls were capable of penetrating chain mail armor. The word "atlatl" comes from the ancient language, but this tool was used by most tribes throughout all over the world.
Most tribal spears were intended as missile weapons. They were made of lightweight wood and stone or bone spearheads, often fletched with feathers as arrows were. But in some tribes, particularly Plains tribes, some warriors used a type of melee spear, frequently referred to as a lance. Originally used as a thrusting weapon in hand-to-hand combat, after the introduction of horses, war lances became a prestigious weapon of mounted warriors, and took on symbolic and ceremonial importance in some tribes as well. In some cultures used harpoons to hunt whales, walruses, and other large marine animals. Harpoons were heavy wooden spears attached to cords made of a strong material like sealskin, so that a successfully speared animal could be reeled in.
War Clubs
Clubs are the simplest form of tribal weapon. Clubs have been used in every human society known to history and can be as simple as a heavy stick of wood. When people talk about "Native tribal clubs," however, they are usually referring specifically to war clubs, a stylized type of wooden or stone club with a heavy rounded head (sometimes also with a single spike.) These mace-like weapons were not used for hunting; they were used for warfare, duels, and executions, or for ceremonial purposes.
The Ball-Headed War Clubs, used by the north and wood tribes of the eastern woodlands, were assymetrical, often curved wooden clubs with the handle and heavy round head both carved from a single piece of wood. Plains War Clubs tended to have wooden shafts with symmetrical stone heads bound to them with rawhide. Northwest Coast War Clubs were wooden clubs shaped like baseball bats, but like arcane scepters, they often held great ceremonial and societal importance, so they were often so ornately carved and inlaid that they were functionally unusable in combat.
Axes, tomahawks and other types
Although stone axes had been used as tools and ritual objects by tribes for millenia, the axe did not become popular as a weapon until after the empire had introduced iron and steel to native tribes. In fact, the word "tomahawk"-- which is now synonymous with tribal-style fighting hatchets-- originally referred to a war club in the tribal language. Once steel became available, however, axes with metal heads eclipsed the more old-fashioned war clubs as the natives melee weapon of choice, and the word "tomahawk" began to be widely used to refer to this style of weapon.
Tomahawks were prized by tribal warriors for their versatility. They could be used in hand-to-hand combat, thrown short distances, or used as a tool. The length of the shaft varied from as short as one foot for the throwing tomahawks of some tribes, to nearly three feet for the two-handed war axes of others. Pipe tomahawks were more ceremonial in nature (using the same shaft of wood as both the handle of a tomahawk, symbolic of war, and the body of a pipe, symbolic of peace.) Many were very ornate, made with unwieldy carved stone heads, and never actually used in battle. Others were more simply built and were completely functional as both a military weapon and a pipe. Spiked tomahawks retained the single spike found on the war clubs of some tribes, so that the tomahawk could still be used as a piercing weapon as well as a hatchet. Tribal war axes had the unusual trait of having hearts, crescents, and geometric patterns cut out of the axe blade (weakening, though lightening, the blade.)
Knifes and daggers
Most early Native American knives were made of sharpened stone, particularly flint, chert, and obsidian. Copper knives were also popular as tribal weapons, particularly in the Northwest tribes. After iron was introduced to all tribes, the tribal metalworkers became adept at producing ornate iron and steel knives, similar in design to their traditional copper knives but harder and stronger. Some tribes made distinctively shaped knives called ulu from ivory, bone, or copper, but an ulu was used as a weapon only as a last resort, more often serving as a versatile tool for preparing food and hides, making crafts, and building homes using wood, rock or even ice.
Swords
Swords were not traditional weapons in most tribes, and never became very popular after empire contact either. More because tribes associate the cruelty and malice of the empire with the weapons used by dukarrus.
Coup Sticks (quarterstaff and wands)
In many tribes, it is considered the traditional pinnacle of bravery to touch or strike an enemy in face-to-face combat without killing him (a tradition which the empire gave the name counting coups. "Coup" means "a blow" in old language.) This belief is still an important one in many tribal cultures. Some Plains tribes had ritualized this tradition so much that they developed special non-lethal weapons known as coup sticks. Coup sticks were generally either a wooden rod with a curved end-- often decorated with quillwork, beads, and feathers-- or a flexible whip-like branch. Because of the cultural significance of counting coup, tribal coup sticks took on a more ceremonial role as a symbol of leadership and honor. Eagle feather staffs, which are still carried by some chiefs, elders, and veterans as a sort of standard or flag, are considered by some tribes to be a form of coup stick.
Blowguns and Darts
Blowguns (also known as blow tubes or blowpipes) are primarily a small-game weapon used by tribal hunters. Some Southeastern tribes, also used blowguns for bird hunting. An blowgun were almost never used as weapons of war-- the only exceptions were tribes who involved against the empire in the war 10 years ago, they used poisoned darts to weaken or kill opponents (see Poison, below.) Most tribal blowguns are either made from a stiff reed such as rivercane or a thick stick of wood hollowed out to form a tube, and the hunter blows into the tube to propel a dart or clay pellet out the other side.
Unusual tribal weapons
Other, less common weapons have been used occasionally by tribes. The pellet bow (also called sling bow or stone bow) was used as a native weapon for bird hunting by a few tribes. These unusual bows had two strings and were asymmetrical. Clay pellets were placed between the two strings to be fired, and the lopsided design kept a pellet from hitting the frame of the bow.
Special fishing spears were used by the Inuit and some tribes of eastern. These spears were equipped with back-angled side prongs intended to catch and hold a fish speared in deep water, as from a boat in the open ocean or through a hole in the ice. Poisons, especially curare and dart-frog poison, were used extensively by some tribes for both hunting and warfare. Most often the poison was used to coat native weapons such as arrowheads or blowdarts, but there are also many stories of poison being used as a secret murder weapon among these tribes.
Tribal shield and armors
Hide shields were commonly carried by warriors in many tribes. Their size and construction varied from tribe to tribe, but most shields were round in shape, about three feet in diameter, and made of wood covered in layers of hardened rawhide. These shields were primarily designed to deflect arrows and other missile weapons, and were not commonly used in hand-to-hand combat. Warriors in most tribes fought lightly armored, wearing only a leather overshirt and perhaps a breastplate, to improve their agility and showcase their individual bravery. Plains tribal breastplates were usually made of bone or wooden tubes laced together to protect the chest without restricting movement. Some tribes, particularly in the North, used heavier rod armor made of interlocking wooden plates and rods, and in same cases even two-piece carved wooden helmets consisting of a top helm and a lower visor.
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Long ago, the only dwelling that broke the endless horizon of the Great Plains was the tipi. Comfortable, roomy, well-ventilated, and easy to move, it was ideal for the roving life of the Plains dwellers as they followed the buffalo herds up and down the vast grasslands.
The Rengarth tipi, with its beauty of line and practical design, is a shining example of the structure that was home to the buffalo hunters of the Great Plains.
The Rengarth lived in a large area of the Great Plains stretching from what is now patrician peaks to the swamps.
In the summer, they camped on the open plains, choosing campsites with lots of firewood, water, and grass nearby.
In winter, when the weather was cold and harsh, the Rengarth camped in sheltered places and pitched their tipis where it was convenient, rather than in a particular pattern as they did in the summer.
Some of their favorite campsites were among the tall trees of the Patrician Peaks. Here a camp might extend for miles along a sheltered stream. During long winters in the Patrician Peaks, the tipi proved to be just as ideal for a warm, permanent shelter as it was for a portable summer shelter.
RAISING THE TIPI
Although the Rengarth spent eight months or more of the year on the flat, dry plains where few trees grew, the structure of their tipi required the resources of a different environment — the forest.
They made tipi poles from the finest straight young trees they could find in the Patrician region. They usually gathered these poles in the early spring as they prepared to leave their winter home in the Patrician region and return to the prairies.
(https://s22.postimg.cc/ph0mpz3tt/6116_1314738004.jpg)
The Rengarth peeled the bark from the new poles, then dried and seasoned them in the sun so they would stay straight and strong. Depending on the size of the tipi, they needed anywhere from eight to 20 poles.
The three heaviest poles were used to make a tripod, which was the basis of the distinctive three-pole design of the Rengarth tipi. The tripod design provided a much stronger and rigid foundation than did the four-pole design of many other Plains societies.
(https://s22.postimg.cc/9vjb60zld/6116_1314738542.jpg)
The other lighter poles were placed in the forks of the tripod, creating a frame over which the cover could be tautly stretched. A rope was wrapped around the poles where they met at the top, and the end of this rope was usually tied to an anchor peg in the ground directly below.
The cover of the tipi was made of buffalo hides or of other animals. An average cover, to make a tipi 14 to 16 feet in diameter, required 14 to 16 hides. Making the cover was an intricate process involving careful planning and measuring. The Rengarth then neatly sewed together the hides with sinew thread to make one large cover, which included smoke flaps and a door hole and would fit snugly around the framework of the poles.
(https://s22.postimg.cc/xmioo57i9/6116_1314740068.jpg)
They placed the cover around the frame by means of a lifting pole.
First they spread the cover, which resembled a large half circle, on the ground. Then they attached the lifting pole to the middle of the cover.
They folded in the sides of the cover to meet the pole.
(https://s22.postimg.cc/k5lq5a4wh/6116_1314740588.jpg)
Then they hoisted up the lifting pole with the cover attached and placed it in position at the back of the tipi frame.
Next they unfolded the cover from the lifting pole and wrapped it around the frame until the two sides met at the front. Here they pinned the two sides together where they met with lacing pins. When they were using a newly-made cover, they built a smoky fire inside and closed the tipi tightly. Smoking the cover this way waterproofed it and made the hides retain their softness despite their exposure to all kinds of weather. This waterproof buffalo hide cover, stretched tautly and neatly over a strong framework of poles, offered no pockets or folds to catch water, wind, or rain.
The sleek, conical shape of the tipi shed wind and water alike, providing a strong, dependable shelter.
The cover was pegged to the ground all the way around the bottom.
A streamer at the peak of the smoke flaps showed which way the wind was blowing.
The true tipi is distinguished from similar conical shelters by the fact that it is not a symmetrical cone. If the tipi were a symmetrical cone, the smoke hole would center around the crossing of the poles at the apex. A smoke hole so placed, in order to effectively allow smoke from the central fire to escape, would have had to be so large that it could not be closed properly in rainy weather.
The Rengarth and other tribes living on the Great Plains solved this problem by "tilting" the cone. The true tipi is always steeper at the back with the smoke hole at the top extending down the long sloping front of the cone.
(https://s22.postimg.cc/jsubz2rrl/776_1338595106.jpg)
The crossing of the poles is therefore at the top end of the smoke hole instead of in the middle, so it is possible to close the hole entirely by means of two flaps.
These smoke flaps are supported by moveable outside poles. Together the poles and the smoke flaps are effective in regulating the draft, ventilating the tipi, and carrying off smoke.
Because of the conical shape of the tipi, the small amount of air space at the top meant that less heat was required to warm the lower living space. A tiny fire was enough to keep the average tipi warm and cozy even in very cold weather.
THE INSIDE LINING
If poles and a cover were all that constituted a tipi, it scarcely would have been fit to live in. No matter how tightly the cover was pegged down, the wind would have blown in at the bottom. During a heavy rain the water would have run down the poles and dripped inside. The tipi would have been drafty, wet, cold in winter, and hot in summer.
(https://s22.postimg.cc/vupptfbch/6116_1314745335.jpg)
With one ingenious addition — the interior lining — the Rengarth solved all these problems.
The inside lining, also made from hides, was not tied directly to the poles. Instead, the Rengarth first strung a rope around all poles, taking a turn around each pole, over and under, in such a way that the rope was next to the inside of the tipi instead of next to the cover.
(https://s22.postimg.cc/o1z21gd35/6116_1314747309.jpg)
They then hung the lining on this rope, tying it between each pair of poles instead of to the poles, so that water was free to run down the poles behind the lining without hitting it.
(https://s22.postimg.cc/rycdxg5sh/6116_1314748724.jpg)
They tied the bottom of the lining to the butts of the poles as close to the ground as possible, leaving the lower edge of the lining turned under toward the cover, sealing the interior completely from drafts.
During rainy weather the smoke flaps were tightly closed and most of the rain rolled off the conical shape of the tipi. Any rain hitting the top of the smooth poles simply rolled down behind the lining to the bottom where it ran under the cover to the outside.
(https://s22.postimg.cc/ma636k95t/6116_1314761653.jpg)
The Rengarth people were careful to make their tipi poles very smooth by sanding them carefully with sandstone rocks. Smooth poles ensured that any rain that came into the tipi would run straight down the poles to the bottom. If there were any bumps on the poles, the rain might hit them and drip into the tipi. Smooth poles prevented this from happening.
As the water ran to the bottom of the poles, the interior lining helped keep it from going inside the tipi. When the water reached the bottom of the poles, it drained into a gutter around the tipi. The gutter channeled the water to a runoff trench at lower ground.
The lining was very helpful in clearing the tipi of smoke. Despite the absence of a real chimney, the interior lining created a chimney effect. The warm air rising inside the tipi created an air current and drew cold air from the outside. This cold air came in under the cover and went up behind the lining, creating a perfect draft for the fire and guiding the smoke out the smoke holes.
When the weather was extremely hot, the Rengarth moved the cooking fire outside, raised both the cover and lining three to four feet and propped them up on forked sticks.
Here the chimney effect again came into play as air flowed continually through the tipi — in at the bottom and out the smoke hole at the top.
The interior lining worked in conjunction with the poles, cover, and smoke flaps to create extremely effective ventilation, insulation, and drainage systems.
In extremely cold weather, the Rengarth added yet another layer of insulation, building a structure of wood and poles around the outside of the tipi. Together with the inside lining, this outside wall prevented most of the heat from escaping.
In extremely hot weather, when strong winds made it impractical to raise the cover and lining, the Rengarth employed an outside wall of wood and poles, made from whatever trees were available. The purpose was to block the wind and the sun's rays to increase insulation, thereby helping to keep out the heat.
This is how the tipi looked from the outside at night with a fire glowing inside.
Notice how the lining stops the firelight from glowing through the lower part of the cover and provides privacy for those inside in a manner similar to your closing the blinds or drawing the curtains to make your home private at night.
The lining also made it difficult for enemies on the outside who might be planning an attack to detect how many occupants lived in the tipi or where they were positioned inside.
THE TIPI DOOR
Some doors covering the entrance to the tipi were decorated. This one has fancy beading and feathers.
The Rengarth either stretched a door on sticks or put it on a frame and hung it over the doorway.
INSIDE THE TIPI
The floor was a symbol of the earth, the walls a symbol of the sky, and the poles were the links between the earth and man and the spirit world in the sky.
The altar behind the central fire represented Mother Earth. Before a meal, the host gave thanks and made an offering of a choice piece of meat by either placing it in the fire or burying it in the earth on the altar. On special occasions, the Rengarth burned sweet grass, sage, or cedar on the altar as a tribute to the spirits.
Inside, the tipi was furnished with beds made of hides and pillows made of fox skins that were stuffed with grasses. Back rests made of willow poles served a function similar to chairs.
(https://s22.postimg.cc/qxc57x441/791_1338580256.jpg)
Some of the Rengarth household effects are shown above. Note in particular the storage box (far right, standing up) that the Netheril explorers later called a parfleche. Parfleches are large rawhide cases that the Rengarth used for storing clothing and meat. They were made in pairs, two from each hide with the same design on both of them.
Below the parfleche is a gathering bag.
To the left of the parfleche is another Sioux storage box, and above that on the wall of the tipi hangs a warrior's shield. To the left of the warrior's shield, at the top and in the middle, hangs a fur bag and below that a pouch.
Everything had its own particular place, so the tipi was neat and orderly. This was essential for the Rengarth because it made moving easy if they had to break camp and move in a hurry.
The lining was decorative and enhanced the interior of the tipi in addition to being practical. Although the Rengarth used the lining to make the inside of the tipi attractive, they often painted war records and personal experiences on it to keep records of the family history as well.
SYMBOLISM IN Rengarth CULTURE
Symbolism was an important aspect of the Rengarth culture, and the tipi was symbolic, as well as being functional and beautiful.
The Rengarth always pitched their tipis in a circle with the opening, or entrance, on the east side. Each tipi in the circle also faced east, drawing light and warmth from the strength of the morning sun. Each family occupied a specific location in the circle. This location remained constant; once a family was assigned a position in the circle, it was theirs forever.
Once a year, at the time of the Sun Dance, which was usually held in early summer, the seven tribes, or divisions, of the Rengarth Nation made a special effort to unite in one place. Then the camp circle was arranged differently.
The tipis were pitched in a huge circle facing inward toward the ceremonial dance lodge, rather than east, so that the families could draw power from this sacred structure.
The beautiful designs that some men painted on the outside of their tipis were often symbolic too. Border designs at the base usually represented the earth and earthly things. The middle area was painted with the symbols of things seen in dreams and visions and with pictures of the exploits of the family's men in battles and hunts. The pictures on the top referred to the sky and the spirit world.
These tipis were called Medicine Tipis, and they belonged to families who had proven themselves worthy in some way. They often took designs from dreams of ancestors. The designs belonged exclusively to the dreamer's family and were passed on from generation to generation along with customs and rituals that were associated with them. The Rengarth believed that proper observance of these customs and rituals protected the owners and brought them good fortune.
The Rengarth were very proud of their tipis and for good reason. The tipi was warm in winter, cool in summer, and could withstand all kinds of weather. It was easy to pitch and easy to take down when it was necessary to move. The tipi had beautiful lines, an excellent design, and was superbly crafted.
With its well-tanned hides and its smooth straight poles, its artistically decorated covers and linings, and its skillfully made household goods, it was the ideal dwelling for the Rengarth as they moved about the plains in search of new places for hunting.
The Rengarth word "tipi" is formed from "ti," meaning to dwell or live, and "pi," meaning "used for." Thus the word means "for living in," and it describes the Sioux tipi perfectly.
-
Some notes written in the book of shadows...
Xurrios?
This name I always wonder. In the beginning, he was a leader, a warrior from a distant tribe. Then, in time, Dukarrus soldiers, adventurers and mercenaries began to ask for him.
And to kill to find him.
Tribes live by the earth, with the earth. In families, with families. We do not need much. If you are hungry, hunt or fish. If it feels cold, get fur. If you have enemies, take your weapons. Follow the leader of the tribe, respect the shaman or druid. Listen to the elders, do your chores. Train your bow, train your spear.
There was no complication. Act, react, live, follow. If someone died, they buried after a proper funeral. If a monster showed up, we would trap or hunt it. If another tribe appeared, a meeting was held. Friends? Weddings, parties, alliances. Enemies? Battles, duels, disputes.
There were always the people of the empire Netheril. They invaded our lands, took our houses, destroyed our crops. They made us live far from the rivers, for all water and fish were always theirs. All the time. Her ridiculously weak men and women visibly used magic all the time. His soldiers, richly adorned with plates and metal plates, weapons of highly-skilled metal quality hunted us.
Xurrios?
Maybe he did not even exist. Maybe he was just a legend. Just something to motivate the warriors to fight against the human monsters of the empire. They were talking about someone fantastic, who was fighting to the end against Dukarrus's jackals. Or the devilish monsters of Reschotti. From the filthy thieves of skettus, who stole anything that shine mystically, like hungry rats wanting cheese.
Xurrios?
I never saw him. I only heard of him as a child, where other warriors exalted their prowess in combat. Or how the children played for him, killing Reschotti's slavers, where they said they sacrificed children for arch-mage pacts or enslaved people against their will, torturing mystically. How they ridiculed the intelligence of the warriors of Dukarrus, who acted like idiots, but killed everything by the way, without any mercy. And they mentioned arcane guild, which got people to their experiments. "People" to us, "wild tribesman" to them.
Xurrios?
The first time his name began to matter, it was when my nomadic tribe was invaded. They lived far away in the forests, harvested fruits. They hunted small animals. He had half a dozen warriors. Most were women, children, and old people. We live the part, almost on the edge of the empire lands ... And in two hours, they killed almost everybody, with soldiers killing and looting everything by the way.
Xurrios?
Age does not matter. All the children died. They saw friends, relatives, brothers and sisters die. And who still breathed, lost all desire to live, not knowing what to do. Our guardian, an old Druid took us. It was eight o'clock. Six girls, two boys, and an old man. Some of us wanted to learn how to fight to join Xurrios. And these were left and a warrior tribe. That was wiped out weeks later.
Xurrios?
We were just 3. Me, my mentor and another boy. I learned to fight to hunt and survive. The other boy was too weak, running away with us for weeks on end. When we finally found another tribe, much more numerous, we decided to join.
I learned to hunt and with my old mentor, to recite simple spells. I listened to animals, but kept it a secret. I remember that at the time, the only thing left of my original tribe was a beautiful amber necklace with an insect inside. My mother won from my father, who won it. It was a beautiful butterfly trapped in a natural stone. Illiterate, no one knew how to write a butterfly. So "qiip" was butterfly to them. I always had the necklace hidden. It was the last thing I had left.
Days later, the boy died. He did not survive the empire. After so many days without counting, I had grown old enough to get married. My mentor, with no choice, was forced to allow marriage. On a party night without happiness for me, confused, the moon appeared. This time the spirit of the wolves took me, killing whatever I had on the way. And many nights later, I came back among the wolves, thinking and living with them, being guided back by my mentor. And again, the wolves came to that tribe to take their share, denied by the old traditions of the tribes.
finally aware of who I was, and no longer just a reflection of the spirits around me, I had become apprentice to my mentor. We traveled in the woods, heard the wind, talked to the trees. He was blessed by the wolves, guided by the tigers, protected by the bears. The plants always dropped more juicy fruits when we looked at their branches. The earth comforted us. The water guided us. The wind was entertaining us. The fire warmed us. We would spend weeks without a word, but mutual understanding of my mentor and myself was incredible. He was old, older than the tallest oak I've ever seen. He wore rags, but it was always so convincing and persuasive that it made the soldiers of the empire give us food, drink, and coins that we passed with only his smile and some clever words.
Xurrios?
Finally, we find our last and third tribe that we would live together. He had agreed to become the spiritual guide of the tribe, explaining about the values of the earth mother jannath, how we should live in harmony with plants and animals. And so we would all get the best hunting, the best fruit, while protecting nature from the evils of the empire. A few moons later, the empire struck again. Balls of fire burning tents, killing children and old men inside, no chance to escape. Soldiers advancing, trampling on people who dared to stand in the way, smashing in their metal boots or bursting their faces with their broad iron shields. The soldiers of Dukarrus destroyed everything, they stole everything like wild animals.
I remember my mentor invoking a swarm of insects. A cloud so black and so thick it made the day turn night. Dukarrus's soldiers and noble houses were covered by insects, which devoured their skin and flesh, so that only the metal of the armor was left. Lichens sprang from the ground, with thorns, injuring the legs of all, falling as they died devoured by the insects. Pillars of fire ascended into the heavens, turning horses and soldiers and all that was in the way into ashes.
It was the last thing I remember from my mentor. I fled, losing my mother's amulet, carrying the old staff of my mentor in the midst of the confusion. He allowed me to survive, fishing and defending myself for a long time. Weeks later, returning to the place I found the bodies of our last tribe, dead. People who were beheaded, their hearts plucked, their limbs carefully cut. My mentor, I could only find the head, hidden in a hole in the middle of the remains of the battle. Only the ashes of all rest in tree roots, which slowly try to reach the clouds, in a safe place, far from the empire.
Xurrios?
Rumors said he died. I do not know. I can only remember how the empire killed the people, how the noble houses bore the dead. I remember how they captured and enslaved people. I followed my life in nature years later... Sometimes visiting some farm, to help someone in exchange for some information and meals.
During the ten years that passed after the defeat of Xurrios, all the survivors live in fear, traveling without stopping. Or with hatred, killing and robbing the empire without forgiveness. During these years traveling with nature, I found souls lost in living bodies, without destiny, goal or hope. I, trying to protect them, got a lot of cost to form my own tribe. My own family.
The empire speaks of the tribes of barbarians and savages, but maintains monsters like Reschotti, who use innocents in arenas, or like slaves. They say that we are uneducated, but we see Arcane guild day after day making the life of pessaos a hell for pure petty power. We hear how weak we are, but we always hear how skettus would break tombs and tombs to steal objects that should be forgotten. We have always heard of the courage of dukarrus, but as animals, they display trophies of their victories before all, making no effort to hide all the death, cruelty, and filth they have done during the war. They have always said that the Sword of the Lady is an honorable group. But I wonder how? They defend an empire of corrupt and cruel arcana. They serve as a defense to noble houses, which enslave and do all manner of cruelty openly. How do they have honor?
For this, even trying to live in peace, I avoid them. There is no honor in serving an empire that destroys nature by power. There is no pride in having slaves as fun and workforce. There is no guts, if your soldiers act like demons, plundering everything to expose later. There is no wisdom, to have thieves of the grave as nobles.
Unfortunately, this is the Netheril empire. A world where death comes to all. A world where evil reigns. A world where devils dance with nobles as lovers tonight to betray again tomorrow. A world where tomb thieves are respected like "nobles". A world where those who should serve the gods with honor, are the enforcer of petty, filthy and corrupt noble people. So corrupt that they protect you all the time. And for this, all "Goodness, freedom and prosperity" is conquered by the sword, under the blood of innocents.
Therefore, although there are good people, the empire is dirty like shit. The nobles, the leaders, the protectors, too. And it is not possible to rely on cowards and murderous monsters.
Just survive. And live. No one wants peace, or knows that he wants peace. For the death of today guarantees the prestige of tomorrow, in your filthy noble house, or filthy group of which it prides itself. Good night, Netheril. You are the nightmare that will only wake up with the cry of your own death.
And no one and nobody wants to turn the nightmare into a dream. Why do not anyone among you, men of the empire, believe it, or strive for it.
Good night, Netheril.
-
Magical Herbs
Over the centuries the healing properties of plants and herbs has not changed. What was a healing plant or herb five thousand years ago is still a healing plant or herb. Because great confidence was placed in them, druids and physicians of the ancient world were expected to know their herbs. Plants gave healing powers to those who studied them, worked with them, and respected them. In many lands and in many times, healers spent a good part of their lives in the field and forest gathering green medicines. They remembered and scribed what they learned passing it on.
Today we have the opportunity to benefit from the accumulated herbal wisdom of the ages. This advantage allows us to peer back through history, harvesting for our own benefit only those herbs that have stood the test of time. But even the herbal uses that didn't pan out are fascinating. While the story of healing herbs has it's comic episodes, it is also a dramatic story of human sacrifice, complete with medical hero's, men and women whose work deserves to be recognized. Much of this credit in my opinion should go the the druids and witchs of the past because they are the ones who essentially began the work of learning and understanding herbs and their benefits. However when the male physician arrived on the scene, they essentially benefited from the inquisitions and burnings claiming the right to and credit for this knowledge. The topic of how modern drug companies have distorted this knowledge for profit is an area I probably shouldn't delve into, but what the heck, the truth generally only hurts if it ought to...
A final word before you continue into the following text. Many of the herbs and plants listed here offer a proven track record of alleviating symptoms and helping with different conditions, but there are risks involved in using many of them without adequate knowledge. Without a sound understanding of their properties and potential effects, one would be foolish to blindly use them. Therefore it is recommended that you carefully research those of interest, seek the guidance of a health care professional who is competent in herbal knowledge and use common sense as you proceed.
Herb Propagation
GROWING FROM SEED:
First, start herb seeds 6-8 weeks before they are to go in the garden.
Choose clean, small, 2-4 in. deep containers with drainage holes in the bottom. .. Here's a chance to use up all those old mugs or small jars you've been saving... just poke some holes in them, but you'll have to transplant sooner if the roots get too crowded. Use a sterilized potting soil, or sterilize your own soil by sifting and placing a layer of dirt on a shallow baking pan. Heat your oven to about 350 degrees, then remove.. Place the dirt filled tray in the oven... and let it "steep" until the oven is cool...
Next, fill your containers about 3/4 full of soil and poke a shallow hole in the dirt. you can use a small beverage straw, then put a couple seeds in each hole. Cover lightly with additional soil and water thoroughly. Now, cover your container with some cloth.. Again poking a few small holes to allow air circulation. Make sure the cloth does not touch the soil. Place the container in a warm sunny window or other place... At this point, it is the heat that matters most, not the sunlight. Watch for the moisture beads on the container... and make sure that the soil is kept moist.
When the seeds have sprouted, remove the plastic and place the containers in a spot with full sun. Be sure to water the seedlings frequently. At this point, if your containers are small, the plants should be transplanted to a four inch pot so that their roots can spread. After all threat of frost has passed, you can harden off the plants by placing them outside in a sunny, but protected area during the sunlight hours, bringing them back in at night for about a week... Then you can safely transplant them to the garden, or a larger container which can be left out overnight.
The most common mistake when starting seeds, is controlling the moisture of the soil. An easy, and economical way of dealing with this is to take two containers. A large and small ceramic jar works nicely. Cut a whole in the lid of the larger container, big enough to hold the smaller container suspended within the larger container about an inch and a half. .. Poke a hole, the size of a large drinking straw in the bottom of the smaller container Cut an 8 in length of wick materia, placing it inside and around the bottom of the small conainer with one end pushed thru the hole so that at least 2 inches extend into the larger container. Put about an inch of water in the large container, then insert the smaller container into the opening. Make sure the wick is in the water... then plant your seeds as instructed above.
Herbs that are most likely to be successfully started from seed are:
Annuals:
Anise, Basil, Borage, Calendula, Chamomile, Chervil, Coriander, Cumin, Dill, Garlic, Mustard, Nasturtium, Summer Savory, Sweet Marjoram
Biennials:
Angelica, Caraway, Parsley, Wild Celery
Perennials:
Catnip, Chamomile, Chives, Fennel, Feverfew, Hyssop, Lovage, Marjoram, Marshmallow, Onion, Oregano, Rue, Sage, Salad Burnet, Sorrel, Thyme, Winter Savory, Wormwood.
Herbal First Aid Kit
These are great items to stock up a first aid kit. Please remember that when dealing with potentially serious injuries, first aid is a stop gap measure until adequate medical attention can be found! Follow up on any serious injuries with a qualified care!
Aloe
Break off an aloe leaf and scrape the gel to soothe minor burns, scalds, and sunburns. Aloe has tissue regenerative properties and will help heal all wounds.
Arnica
Arnica cream or oil can be used on bruises or sprains where the skin is not broken. Caution should be used with Arnica however since it can become toxic in high doses.
Calendula Cream
Homemade or storebought, this is antiseptic and antifungal. If you make it, try adding comfrey to the cream; it will help speed the healing process.
Clove Oil
Clove oil is an excellent antiseptic for cuts and is also useful for treating toothaches. It should be cut with a carrier oil when used on the skin since severe irritation can occur.
Compresses
Keep squares of gauze or cheesecloth on hand to make compresses. Use comfrey, witch hazel, or arnica for sprains; St. John's Wort for deep cuts; comfrey or witch hazel for burns.
Crystallized Ginger
Chew for motion sickness or morning sickness.
Eucalyptus Oil
This is a good inhalant for colds, coughs, and respiratory infections.
Rescue Remedy
This combination of 5 of the Bach Flower Remedies is effective for shocks and emotional upsets, especially in children.
St. John's Wort Infused Oil
Excellent for minor burns and sunburn.
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm powder is used to make poultices for drawing out splinters and bringing boils to a head.
Tea Tree Oil
Antiseptic and antifungal. Useful for cleansing wounds.
Witch Hazel Extract
Use it to treat minor burns, sunburn, and insect bites. Apply to nasal passages to stop nosebleeds. Wash cuts with it to help cleanse them.
Glossary of Medical Terms
Knowing these terms will be helpful if you are working with the healing properties of plants in herbal medicne or herbal magic. Wiccans and Witches often use herbs in their healing remedies, tinctures and ointments.
adaptogen
Increases the body's ability to adapt to internal or external stress.
alterative
Gradually alters or changes a condition
analgesic
Relieves pain and discomfort
anodyne
A medicine that relieves pain.
antihelminic
Expels worms. Also called vermifuge.
antibiotic
Kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.
antidote
Counteracts the action af another substance; usually refers to poisons.
antipyretic
Reduces or prevents a fever
antiseptic
Destroys bacteria; usually applied externally
antispasmodic
Relieves or prevents muscle spasms or cramps
astringent
Causes dehydration and the tightening and shrinking of tissues. Used to stop bleeding and close pores.
bitter tonic
Has a bitter taste that stimulates the flow of gastric juices
calmative
Has a calming effect; usually not as strong as a sedative
carminative
Dispels or prevents gas
catarrh
Inflammation of the mucous membranes; especially those of the respiratory system. May be accompanied by gastric upsets or diarrhea.
cathartic
Causes evacuation of the bowels
cholagogue
Promotes the flow of bile
demulcent
Oily or mucilaginous substance that soothes and moistens irritated tissues
diaphoretic
Promotes sweating
diuretic
Also called "water pills;" promotes the flow of urine
emetic
induces vomiting
emmenagogue
Promotes menstruation
emolient
Softens and soothes the skin
expectorant
Expels phlegm by inducing coughing, sneezing, or spitting
febrifuge
Dissipates fever
flatulence
Gas in the stomach or bowels
hemostatic
Stops internal bleeding
hepatic
Affecting the liver
laxative
A gentle cathartic. A laxative may act by stimulating the motion of the bowel, moistening the colon, increasing bile secretion, or relieving cramps.
nervine
calms nervousness, tension, and excitement
pectoral
Relieves ailments of the chest and lungs
physic
A medicinal preparation
purgative
A strong cathartic
rheumatism
Stiffness of joints and muscles
rubefacient
Increases blood circulation to the area to which it is applied
sedative
Reduces nervous tension; stronger than a calmative
sialogogue
Increases the flow of saliva
simple
A herb used solo in treatment of a medical condition
soporific
Induces sleep
stimulant
Increases or quickens actions of the body
styptic
Stops external bleeding; usually an astringent
sudorific
Promotes sweating
tonic
Strengthens or invigorates the systems
vermifuge
Destroys or expels worms
vesicant
Causes blisters
vulnerary
Used to treat wounds
Definitions Used in Making Herbal Preparations
Below is a list of helpful definations commonly used when making herbal prebarations.
Compress
Soak a soft cloth in a hot infusion, decoction, or 5-20 ml tincture in 500 ml hot water. Squeeze out excess water and hold pad against affected area.
Cream
A mixture of fats and water that blends with the skin to strengthen and smooth it. Use 30 g lanolin, 15 oz beeswax, 100 g. vegetable or fruit oil, and 30 ml herb water. Melt the lanolin and beeswax in a double boiler, gently stirring in the oil. Remove from heat and whisk in the herb water. Keep stirring as it cools. Store in wide mouth jars.
Decoction
Made by simmering larger pieces of the herb, such as bark, roots, or twigs. Use 30 g. dried or 60 g. fresh herb to 750 ml water; simmer until the water is reduced to 500 ml. Drink 1/2 cup three times a day.
Infused oils
--Hot infusion: 250 g. dried or 500 g. fresh herb to 750 ml Olive or Vegetable Oil. Heat gently in a double boiler for 3 hours. Strain through cheesecloth into dark bottles.
--Cold infusion: Pack a large jar with the herb. Cover it with cold-pressed oil and put the lid on. Let stand in a sunny window sill for 2-3 weeks. Squeeze the oil through a jelly bag and repeat the process. Store in dark glass bottles.
Infusion
A tea made by pouring boiled (not actively boiling) water over fresh or dried herbs. Use approximately 30 g. dried or 75 g. fresh herbs to 500 ml water. Drink 1/2 cup three times a day.
Macerate
To make, pour 500ml of cold water over 25g of herb and leave to stand overnight. Then strain and use as you would a decoction.
Massage Oils
Use 5 drops essential oil to 20 ml carrier oil. Sweet almond, jojoba, avocado or grapeseed make good carrier oils. You can also used infused oils.
Ointment
A mixture of oils and fats that forms a protective layer over the skin. Melt 500 g. petroleum jelly or soft paraffin wax in a double boiler. Add 60 g. dried herb and simmer gently for 2 hours. Strain through a jelly bag and pour into jars while still hot.
Plaster
Wrap the chopped or boiled herbs, or a paste made from them, in cheesecloth or muslin before applying to the affected area. This is good for herbs that might irritate the skin, such as mustard.
Poultice
Boil herbs in a little water for a hot poultice, or bruise or chop slightly for a cold one. Smooth a little oil on the skin to keep the herbs from sticking, apply the herb, and wrap with muslin or gauze strips.
Steam Inhalants
Place a few tablespoons of the dried herb in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Drape a towel over your head and breathe in the steam.
Syrup
An infusion or decoction preserved by adding sugar or honey. Use 500 ml infusion to 500 g sugar or honey; heat gently until the sweetener has dissolved. Store in dark glass bottles with cork tops; screw top bottles may explode if the mixture ferments.
Tincture
Steep the fresh or dried herb in a 25% mixture of alcohol and water. Do not use methyl, grain, or rubbing alcohol as they are toxic. Vodka is ideal; rum has the added benefit of covering unpleasant flavors. Use 200 g. dried or 600 g. fresh herb to 1 liter alcohol and water. Place in a sealed jar in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth and store in a dark glass bottle. Take 5 ml three times a day, diluted in a little fruit juice or water.
Tonic Wine
Pour 2 liters good quality wine, preferably red, over 500 g. dried herb, making sure all the herb is covered by the wine. Cover and leave for 2 weeks. Strain and take in 1/3 cup doses.
Wash
A tea or infusion meant only for external use. A mild form of a wash would be 1/4 ounce of herb to one pint of boiling water, steeped until lukewarm, then applied.
Herbal Vinegars
Specialty vinegars are becoming ever more popular throughout the world. They are sought after for their culinary uses and as medicinal aids. For those lucky enough to have their own herbs available, here is a simple recipe and method for making your own herb vinegars.
1 gallon jug of white vinegar
assorted fresh herbs
2 Glass Jugs .. 1 gallon size
Plastic wrap
Sunshine
Patience
A good assortment of herbs for vinegar, are Oregano, Chives, Garlic, Rosemary, Thyme, Tarragon, and Basil.
Harvest your fresh herbs early in the morning before the sun warms them too much. Wash the herbs thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Do not remove the leaves from the stalks, but do use tender, not woody, stalks.
While the herbs are drying .. Wash and sterilize the glass jugs Fill the jugs with the fresh herbs of your choice .. you might try combining Oregano, garlic and chives ... or Tarragon, with a few slices of lemon, ... Rosemary & Thyme make a nice vinegar, and Basil, all by itself is a treat.
Fill the jug to the top with the white vinegar, and cover the jug opening with a piece of plastic wrap, before putting the lid on tightly.
Invert the Jug and place it outside where it will get full sun ... then forget about it for the next 4 to 6 weeks ... you can leave the jugs out longer if you don't have time to decant them.
When you are ready to decant the herbal vinegar .. wash and sterilize smaller containers... some people use canning jars, some use recycled liquor bottles, and some use attractive bottles found at flea markets or yard sales.
Strain the herbal vinegar twice through cheesecloth .. if it still seems a bit cloudy, strain again .. it couldn't hurt (smile). Then simply pour the herbal vinegar into the prepared containers, cap and label them. That's all there is to it. They are ready to use, or give as gifts. Have fun experimenting with different flavors. I like this "Sun Tea" type of brewing the vinegars because the herbal oils slowly leech into the vinegar and do not separate. For those watching their diets, these vinegars can be used on salads with no need to add oil.
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List of herbs A-G
ALOE
(https://s22.postimg.cc/dsxfrek41/aloe.jpg)
Magical attributes: Beauty, protection, success, peace.
Uses: Aloe has always been known for its healing qualities. Great for treating wounds and maintaining healthy skin. It may be applied right from the plant or in gel form for burns, sunburns, and can relieve poison ivy rash and helps to combat a variety of bacteria that commonly cause infections in skin wounds. It is also an excellent additive for soaps and creams as a conditioner.
After using gel from a leaf the opened leaf will seal itself so you can store it in a sealed in a bag bag in the refrigerator for future uses.
ANGELICA
(https://s22.postimg.cc/fkqembqm9/angelica.jpg)
Magical attributes: Protection, Exorcism.
Uses: Grow in the garden as a protection. Carry the root with you as an amulet. Burn the dried leaves in exorcism rituals.
ANISE
(https://s22.postimg.cc/p5a197no1/anise.jpg)
Magical attributes: Protection, purification, awareness, joy.
Uses: For treating coughs, bronchitis and a stuffy nose, it loosens bronchial congestion, making it easier to cough it up and expel it. A good breath freshener in the morning, and if kept by the bed it will prevent bad dreams. Also a digestive aid and can relieve an upset stomach and flatulence when taken as a tea, and a treatment for colic. Also suggested that anise may be beneficial to women because certain chemicals in the plant are chemical cousins to the female hormone estrogen. Though it is mild, anise may help to relieve the discomfort of menopause. In traditional folk medicine it has been used to promote milk production in nursing mothers. Its recommended dosage would be 1 teaspoonful of seeds for every cup of boiling water, steep 10-20 minutes and strain, drink 3 cups a day for maximum effect. A good general cleansing bath is made with a handful of anise seeds and a few bay leaves. A pillow of anise keeps away nightmares. Also a good sedative.
APPLE
Magical attributes: Love spells, good luck.
ASH
Magical attributes: A tree with protective qualities, it is used to make brooms for purification and wands for healing. The leaves placed beneath a pillow induce psychic dreams. The leaves bring luck and good fortune when carried in a pocket of bag worn around the neck.
BALM of GILEAD
Magical attributes: The buds are carried to ease a broken heart and can be added to love and protection charms and spells.
BASIL
(https://s22.postimg.cc/ev7m9zd81/bay.jpg)
Magical attributes: Protection, love, wealth (if carried in your wallet), healing relationships, ensuring faithfulness in a mate, courage, fertility, exorcism.
Uses: It is good as a tea for calming the nerves, settling the stomach, and easing cramps and good for the bladder. In tincture form, also makes a good hair rinse for brunettes. An ingredient of the Purification bath sachet. Add to love sachets and incenses.
BAY LAUREL
(https://s22.postimg.cc/vvqiinijl/bay-laurel.jpg)
Magical attributes: wisdom, protection, psychic powers, banishes negative energy.
Uses: DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY-use as a poultice on chest for bronchitis and chest colds.
BAY LEAVES
Magical attributes: Psychic visions and dreams, repels negativity and evil.
BENZOIN
Magical attributes: Used widely in purification incenses. Tincture of benzoin preserves oils and preparations.
BETONY
(https://s22.postimg.cc/osin327z5/betony.jpg)
Magical attributes: Add to incenses of protection and purification. Sleep on a pillow stuffed with betony to prevent nightmares.
CARAWAY
(https://s22.postimg.cc/3vmeyduip/caraway.jpg)
Magical attributes: Protection, Passion
Uses: Add to love sachets and charms to attract a lover in the more physical aspect. Also a mild stimulant for digestion.
CARNATION
(https://s22.postimg.cc/qx30451w1/carnation.jpg)
Magical attributes: Worn by witches for protection during the "Burning Times", adds energy and power when used during a ritual as an incense.
CATNIP
(https://s22.postimg.cc/osin32fox/catnip.jpg)
Magical attributes: Cat magic, familiars, joy, friendship, love.
Uses: Its flowers and leaves have often been used to treat colds and insomnia. It lowers fevers, dries up post nasal drip, gets rid of bad headaches and relieves sore aching bones due to colds and flus, when taken in tea form, 2-3 times daily. As incense it may be used to consecrate magical tools.
CAMOMILE
(https://s22.postimg.cc/ietjztiip/chamomile.jpg)
Magical attributes: Good as a meditation incense, for centering, peace, sprinkle in your home for protection, healing, money.
Uses: Is an excellent herb both internally and externally for calming. Great for digestion, fevers, burns, is anti-inflammatory for wounds, acts as a sedative for nervous disorders, and relieves stomachaches and diarrhea in infants and small children (always using in diluted form). In tea form, made of 2 teaspoons of the herb steeped for 5 minutes in a cup of boiling water is a gentle sleep inducer. Chamomile also makes an excellent insect repellent, simply splash some tea on face arms and feet. It is also a good hair rinse for blondes. Plant chamomile in your garden to be the guardian of the land, and you will have certain success.
CARAWAY
Magical attributes: Used in love charms to attract a lover.
Uses: Culinary herb.
CELANDINE
Magical attributes: Helps the wearer escape unfair imprisonment and entrapment, cures depression.
CINNAMON
(https://s22.postimg.cc/zfcg8i39t/cinnamon.jpg)
Magical attributes: Spiritual quests, augmenting power, love, success, psychic work, healing, cleansing. Used in incenses for healing, clairvoyance, high spiritual vibrations. Reputed to be a male aphrodisiac. Use in prosperity charms.
Uses: It is recommended as a skin astringent and digestive aid in tea form. Ground, or taken with milk, good balance after a heavy meal or dessert. Also used for diarrhea, dysentery or general indigestion. It is an excellent aromatic and makes a good anointing oil for any magical working.
CLOVER
Magical attributes: Associated with the Triple Goddess. Use in rituals for beauty, youth, healing injuries, curing madness. A Four-leaved clover enables one to see fairies, and as a general good-luck charm.
CLOVE
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Magical attributes: Wear in an amulet or charm to dispel negativity and bind those who speak ill of you. Cloves strung on a red thread can be worn as a protective charm. Money matters, visions, cleansing and purification.
Uses: It has a mild antiseptic quality for toothaches (chew), or in tea form it is an expectorant for colds, also good foe nausea or vomiting. It is an antibacterial, antiseptic, and analgesic, which means it helps prevent disease and infection.
COMFREY
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Magical attributes: Safe travel spells, money, healing, honoring the Crone aspect of the Goddess.
Uses: Has been known to slow bleeding, aid colds, ease burns. As a poultice or a tea, comfrey may be applied to bites, sores, rashes, broken bones, and cuts. Also a good ingredient for lotions to soothe sunburn.
CORIANDER
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Magical attributes: Protection of home and serenity, peace, good in ritual drinks, incenses for longevity and love spells.
Uses: If added to wine, it makes a good love potion for 2 consenting parties. To use in this fashion, grind 7 grains of coriander and mix into a wine and drink. Also used in love sachets and charms.
COWSLIP
Magical uses: Luck in love, a woman who washes her face with milk infused with cowslip will draw her beloved closer to her. Induces contact with departed loved ones during dreams.
CYPRESS
Magical uses: Connected to death in all of its aspects. The smoke of Cypress can be used to consecrate ritual objects.
DAISY
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Magical uses: Decorate the house with daisies at Midsummer's Eve to bring happiness to the home and to obtain the blessings of faeries. Daisies are also worn at Midsummer for luck and blessings. In the old times, young maidens would weave and wear daisy chains in their hair to attract their beloved.
DANDELION
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Magical attributes: Divination, welcoming, messages.
Uses: The ground root can act as a coffee substitute, and the flowers make a lovely wine. A superb cleansing tonic and the milky juice is a diuretic, a tonic and a relief for common stomach problems. Use a handful of flower tops to 1 pint of boiling water, steep 10 minutes and strain. Drink this several times a day. Use the milky latex from the stem, rub on a wart several times daily and soon it’s gone. Also good for night blindness.
DILL
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Magical attributes: Useful in love charms. May also be hung in children’s rooms to protect them from bad dreams.
Uses: A culinary herb.
DRAGONS BLOOD
Magical uses: Widely used in love, protection and purification spells. Keep a piece under the bed to cure impotency. Carried for good luck. May be dissolved in the bath for strong purification.
ELECAMPANE
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Magical uses: Useful in raising spirits and to aid in meditation.
ELDER
Magical uses: Branches are widely used for wands. One must always be cautious to ask permission from the Elder Dryad before cutting or harvesting Elder limbs or leaves and berries to avoid very bad luck. It is also considered very bad luck to burn Elder wood. The leaves hung around the doors and windows will ward off evil.
EUCALYPTUS
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Magical uses: Used in healing rituals, charms and amulets. Place the leaves around a blue candle and burn for healing energies. Green pods worn around the neck ease the discomfort of colds, sore throats and congestion.
EYEBRIGHT
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Magical uses: Anoint eyelids with the infusion daily to induce clairvoyant visions and psychic dreams.
FENNEL
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Magical attributes: Purification, protection, healing, money.
Uses: Sometimes employed as an appetite suppressant and digestive aid. Used in tea form to expel mucus. Chew the seeds slowly for really bad breath, or use the fluid extract to rub on gums.
FERN
Magical uses: The Fern is an extremely powerful protective plant. Grow them in and around the house for protection from evil and negativity.
FRANKINCENSE
Magical uses: A very powerful aid to meditation. Use to purify ritual spaces and invoke a spiritual frame of mind.
GARDENIA
Magical uses: Used to attract true love.
GARLIC
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Magical attributes: Protection, healing, good weather, courage, exorcism.
Uses: Lowers tension, eases colds, and improves circulation. Garlic vinegar can be used to disinfect wounds and soothe rheumatic pain and any common pain (made from one liter of vinegar and ten cloves of crushed garlic steeped for at least 10 days). Shrinks warts, relieves pain from teeth and earaches. Good for high and low blood pressure and removing parasites and infections. To ease the pain of aching joints, a toothache or an earache, place a crushed raw bulb of garlic on a piece of gauze and place over the area of pain. For joints, try using garlic paste.
GINGER
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Magical attributes: Power, success, love, money matters.
Uses: Acts as an aid to ingestion or colds (tea form). Also in tea form, good for cramps, to stimulate the digestive organs, migraines and nausea, external stiffness. Can be added to the bath as a way to ease pain and increase circulation, but only use a few sprinkles, not too much, like cayenne, ginger quickly brings the blood to the surface of the skin. For pain you can also soak cloths in ginger tea and apply them directly to the painful areas. Add in cooking to detoxify meat, especially chicken. A good healing tea is made from a pinch of peppermint, a pinch of ginger and either a pinch of clove powder or 2 bruised cloves, add 1 cup of hot water and steep.
GINSENG
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Magical attributes: Love, wishes, beauty, desire.
Uses: Stimulant, tonic, and agent for prolonged life. Also a mild pain killer, and improves blood circulation. Reported to successfully treat asthma, bronchitis, cancer, flatulence, diabetes, weakness, fever, coughs and heartburn, and a mild stimulant. In tea form it helps to relieve stress and moderate heart disease.
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List of herbs H-Y
*G/P/E: Gender/Planet/Element
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HAWTHORN
Magical uses: Used in protective sachets and amulets against evil influences. Promotes happiness in marriage or a relationship. It is bad luck to cut down a hawthorn. Burn the berries as incense when you need energy and change in life.
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HAZEL
Magical uses: Hazel wood is excellent for an all-purpose wand. Forked branches can be used for divining. Sprigs of Hazel can be carried for good luck; they are especially powerful if bound together by red and gold thread.
HENBANE
Magical uses: Carried to attract the love of a woman. Was once used as an ingredient in a Witches flying ointment. Henbane is extremely poisonous and the upmost caution is urged.
HIGH JOHN the CONQUEROR ROOT
Magical uses: Use this as an additive to candle anointing oils, and charms to increase their strength.
HOLLY
Magical uses: Planted around the home for protection against evil. The leaves and berries can be carried by a man to heighten his masculinity, virility and to attract a lover.
HONEYSUCKLE
Magical uses: Used widely in prosperity spells and love charms.
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HOPS
Magical uses: Used in healing incenses and charms. A mild sedative. Hops placed in a pillow will help with sleep.
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HYSSOP
Magical uses: Use in purification baths, protective and banishing spells. Hyssop was widely used during all time for purification, cleansing and consecration rituals. If burnt as incense or thrown into a fire it is said one may draw upon magical dragon energy.
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IVY
Magical uses: Protects the houses it grows around and over from evil and harm. In the old traditions, Ivy and Holly were given to newlyweds as good-luck charms.
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JASMINE
Magical uses: Used in love spells, charms and sachets. Women have used Jasmine from the earliest recorded history because of its seductive effects on men.
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JUNIPER
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical uses: Protection against accidents, harm and theft. The berries are used to attract lovers once dried and worn as a charm.
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LAVENDER
Magical attributes: Sleep, long life, peace, wishes, protection, love, purification, visions, attracting men, clarity of thought.
Uses: Has strong antiseptic qualities. Mild infusions (3 tablespoons to 6 cups of water) make a good sedative, headache treatment, and digestive aid. Used in oil or tincture form to heal cuts, burns or scalds, bites. This also acts as a tonic and may be used for colds, chills, and the flu. Lavender is an excellent aromatic, usually mixing well with other floral scents. An ingredient in the Purification bath sachet, also used in purification incenses. It is thrown onto the Midsummer fires by Witches as a sacrifice to the ancient gods. Lavender is a frequent addition to healing sachets, especially bath mixtures, and is added to incense to cause sleep. Lavender is a great antibiotic, antidepressant, sedative and detoxify. Stimulates the immune system.
LEMON
Magical attributes: Purification, love, blessings.
Uses: Sweetens breath. Antiseptic, antibacterial and hypotensive. For chills and sore throat, the juice of a lemon mixed in a glass of honey and warm water, taken 3 times daily should help. For nose bleeds, apply a small piece of cotton, soaked in lemon juice. In oil form it is used for treating warts, insect bites, tension headaches, eliminates cellulite, and is an anti-wrinkle tonic. Stimulates the digestive system. Also makes a good skin cleanser, hair rinse for blondes, and cleaning agent for brass and silver.
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LEMON BALM
Magical uses: Love potions, aphrodisiacs, fertility anti-depressant. Drink as an infusion to soothe emotional pains after a relationship ends.
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LEMON VERBENA
Magical uses: Love charms, youth, beauty and attractiveness to the opposite sex. Wear around your neck or place under a pillow to prevent dreams.
LILAC
Magical attributes: Protection, warding off evil or banishing rituals, beauty, love, harmony and balance.
LINDEN
Magical uses: Associated with conjugal love or attraction and longevity.
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LOVAGE
Magical uses: Add the dried and powdered root to cleansing and purification baths to release negativity. Carry to attract love and the attention of the opposite sex.
MANDRAKE
Magical uses: A protective charm for the home. The root was believed to increase fertility in women and impotency in men when carried. To charge a mandrake root with your personal energy, sleep with it for three nights prior to the full moon. The root can be carried to increase courage.
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MARIGOLD
Magical attributes: Prophesy, legal matters, the psychic, seeing magical creatures, love, clairvoyance, dreams, business or legal affairs and renewing personal energy.
Uses: For internal use the flowers are prepared by infusion and recommended for the flu, fever, rheumatism, jaundice, and painful menstruation. Externally, buds are made into compresses for the treatment of burns. Marigold petal ointment can help chapped hands and varicose veins, also works wonders with eczema and inflammation. To ease inflammation, dip a compress into a strong marigold tea combined with an equal part of apple cider vinegar. Sprains can also be helped with marigold petals steeped in vinegar, or make a lotion with milk. Simmer 12 heads in 2 cups milk, steep, strain and apply. Also use as an antiseptic in first aid. Place the flower beneath the head at night to induce clairvoyant dreams. Sometimes added to love sachets. It should be gathered at noon.
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MARJORAM
Magical attributes: protection, love, healing.
Uses: Add to all love charms or place a piece in rooms for protection. Give to a grieving person to bring them happiness.
MEADOWSWEET
Magical uses: Protection against evil influences, promotes love, balance and harmony. A sacred herb of the Druids. Place meadowsweet on the altar when making love charms and conducting love spells to increase their potency. Wear at Lammas to join with the Goddess.
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MINT (SPEARMINT & PEPPERMINT)
Magical attributes: Money, healing, strength, augment power, luck, travel.
Uses: Mint in tea form aids upset stomachs, flu, and can be used to ease hiccups. Inhalations of the leaves in boiling water are recommended for head colds and asthma. Mint tea used instead of aspirin is great for headaches, particularly premenstrual headaches. Nervous headaches can be relieved if you lie in a dark room with fresh peppermint leaves on the forehead. Aids the respiratory and circulatory systems. An anti-inflammatory and an antiseptic. Ideal for treating indigestion, flatulence, varicose veins, headaches, migraines, skin irritations, rheumatism, toothache, and general fatigue.
MISTLETOE
Magical uses: Worn for protection and to attract love, or to help conceive.
MUGWORT
Magical uses: Clairvoyance, psychic dreams, astral projection, protection. Place in the shoes for protection and to prevent fatigue on long journeys. The fresh leaves rubbed on a magick mirror or crystal ball will strengthen divinatory abilities. Mugwort is perhaps the most widely used Witches herb of all time.
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MULLEIN
Magical uses: Courage, protection from wild animals, protection from evil spirits, cleansing of ritual and psychic places before and after working there. Also used for cleansing and purifying ritual tools and altars.
MYRRH
Magical uses: Purifying and protective incense for ritual areas. Can be used to consecrate tools.
Uses: Excellent insect repellent and as a tincture it is good for bad breath and gum problems.
MYRTLE
Magical uses: Myrtle was sacred to the Selune and Jannath and has been used in love charms and spells throughout history. Grow indoors for good luck. Carry or wear Myrtle leaves to attract love; charms made of the wood have special magickal properties. Wear fresh Myrtle leaves while making love charms, potions or during rituals for love.
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NETTLE
Magical attributes: To advert danger, protection, healing, courage, antidote for many poisons.
Uses: Use gloves to handle so as to avoid getting pricked. High in vitamin C and iron and when in tea form can ease asthma and increase your energy levels.
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NUTMEG
Magical uses: Clairvoyance and psychic power of visions.
OAK
Magical uses: The Oak is a sacred tree in many cultures. A Witch, shaman or druid will often seek out a grove of Oak to perform rites. It has always been considered unlucky to cut down an oak. After getting permission from the tree's Dryad, burn oak leaves for purification of ritual spaces. Oak is often used for all-purpose wands and they imbue great power. The acorns have been carried to increase fertility in women and to increase sexual appeal by men, preserve youth and to banish illness. Hang Oak over windows and doors to protect your house from evil spirits.
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ONION
Magical uses: Protection and healing. Place cut onions in a sick person’s room to absorb the illness. Leave them overnight and throw away in the morning.
ORANGE
Magical uses: The dried and powdered peel is added to love and fertility charms.
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ORRIS ROOT
Magical uses: Love, sexual appeal. Use in charms, amulets, sachets, incenses and baths.
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PARSLEY
Magical attributes: Fresh parsley leaves in tea form are a treatment for cramps, while dried root decoctions eases urinary infections and arthritis. Externally, crushed leaves relieve insect bites, and may be applied in poultice form to sprains.
Uses: Widely used as a culinary herb
PATCHOULI
Magical uses: Aphrodisiac and attractant of lovers for either sex
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PENNYROYAL
Magical uses: Protection, weariness, deters insects. Avoid Pennyroyal while pregnant.
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PEPPER - BLACK
Magical uses: Use in protective charms.
PERIWINKLE
Magical uses: Protection against evil influences. Hang around doors and windows.
PIMPERNEL
Magical uses: Wear to detect falsehood to prevent or know when others are lying to you.
PINE
Magical attributes: Attunement to nature, centering, cleansing, healing, productivity, purification against illness, a good winter incense, fertility charms.
Uses: Pine buds prepared by decoction act as an expectorant and antiseptic. This same mixture can be used for inhalation for head colds, although it is easier to toss some needles in hot water. Green cones and needles can be added to bath water to ease muscle pains and swelling. For magic, pine is best suited for its aromatic qualities of bringing one back into balance, and enhancing connection with the natural world.
POPPY
Magical uses: Eat poppy seeds as a fertility charm, just don't take a urine test at work for a few days afterward. Carry the seeds or dried seed-pod as a prosperity charm.
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ROSE
Magical attributes: Love, friendship, luck, protection, psychic power and divination.
Uses: Conserves of roses or rose petals in honey are often recommended for nausea and sore throats. Roses are high in vitamin C.
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ROSEMARY
Magical attributes: Improve memory, sleep, purification, youth, love, power, healing, protection, intellectual.
Uses: Promotes healing of wounds, acts as an antiseptic, and can be a mild stimulant. Good in teas for treating flu, stress, and headaches or body aches. Mental and physical booster. Used for treating (oil form) muscular sprains, arthritis, rheumatism, depression, fatigue, memory loss, migraine headaches, coughs, flu and diabetes. Excellent remedy for acne or cellulite. When the leaves are soaked in wine for two weeks, small glasses may be taken as a digestive aid. Oil of rosemary is excellent in hair conditioners, and the flowers of this herb may be added to lotion recipes to improve the complexion. Add to all purification bath sachets, love incenses, and protection incenses. Make a simple of rosemary and use it to cleanse the hands before working magic, if you have no time for a regular ritual bath. Burn rosemary and juniper as a healing and recuperation incense.
ROWAN
Magical uses: Protection, good luck, healing.
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RUE
Magical uses: Protection, preventing illness, clearness of mind, purification of ritual spaces and tools, clearing the mind of emotional clutter.
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SAFFRON
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical uses: Prosperity, healing and sexual prowess in men
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SAGE
G/P/E:Masculine, Jupiter or Venus, Air.
Magical attributes:Fertility, longevity, wishes, wisdom, protection, healing, health.
Uses:Can be used in an infusion to aid digestion, or as part of a honey wine to fight colds and fever. When applied in compresses it can ease many skin discomforts, including dandruff. If made into cream it is good for muscularpain, and if dried and smoked sometimes gives relief to asthma.
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ST JOHN'S WORT
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical uses:Protective charms, ward off fever and illness, a banishing or exorcism incense, the tea increases courage and will power. Gather on Midsummer's Eve, pass through the smoke of bonfires to purify, and hang in the house as protection and to prevent nightmares.
SANDALWOOD
G/P/E: Feminine, Moon, Air.
Magical uses:Purification, protection and healing.
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SUNFLOWER
G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.
Magical uses:Welcomes and invites the blessings of the Sun into the garden. The seeds are eaten by women to increase fertility.
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THYME
Magical attributes: Sleep, psychic energy, courage, healing, purification incense, magickal cleansing baths, a renewing of one's personal energy, warding off of negative energy.
Uses: Powerful antibacterial, antibiotic, and diuretic properties. It helps eliminate wastes from the body. It is used in treating whooping coughs, warts, rheumatism and acne. A strong antiseptic which when prepared by infusion is useful for poor digestion, exhaustion, colds, and infections, and with honey is an effective treatment for sore throats. Also used in tea form as a fever breaker, headache reducer and to be rid of intestinal worms, and can be used as a mouthwash. Also, a great insect repellent. Use both the leaves and flowers. This tea works best for headaches when taken cold. Take a magical cleansing bath in the spring of thyme and marjoram (used in tea form or whole herbs). A pillow stuffed with it cures nightmares.
TUMERIC
Uses: added to warm milk it regulates menstrual cycle.
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VALERIAN
Magical attributes: Love, calming, sleep, purification or relaxing baths.
Uses: Use the dried, powdered root. Promotes relaxation while counteracting the effects of insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, headaches, premenstrual syndrome and menstrual cramping. For sleep, before bed take 1 teaspoon of herb to 1 pint of water and simmer. Also acts as a good substitute for catnip. Use the fresh herb in spells of love, also to get fighting couples together. Used in the Purification bath sachet.
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VANILLA
Magical uses: The bean is used in a love charms, the oil is worn as an aphrodisiac.
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VERVAIN
Magical uses: Ritual cleansing or sacred space, magical cleansing baths, purification incenses. Hang over the bed to prevent nightmares. Love and protection charms, Vervain is also an excellent for use in prosperity charms and spells as it brings good luck and inspiration.
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VIOLET
Magical uses: Mix with lavender for a powerful love charm. A Violet and Lavender compress will aid in eliminating headaches. The flowers are carried as a good-luck charm. The scent will soothe, clear the mind and relax the wearer.
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WALNUT
Magical uses: Carry the nut as a charm to promote fertility and strengthen the heart.
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WILLOW
Magical uses: Willow wands can be used for healing. The Willow will bring the blessings of the Moon upon those who plant it or have it on their property. Willows can be used to bind together witch's brooms and a forked willow branch is widely used in water witching and dowsing.
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WITCH HAZEL
Magical attributes: Protection, chastity, healing the heart.
Uses: In tincture form it is good as a mouth rinse and to ease hemorrhoids. As a compress, witch hazel can be applied to insect bites and other skin irritations.
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WORMWOOD
Magical uses: Wormwood is burned to gain protection from wandering spirits. Used in divinatory and clairvoyance incenses, initiation rites and tests of courage. Enables the dead to be released from this plane so they may find peace.
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YARROW
Magical uses: Courage, love, marriage charms, dispelling negativity, psychic abilities, divination.
Uses: A very potent healer, it intensifies the medicinal action of other herbs taken with it. Helps eliminate toxins (good for colds). Most useful in its abilities to staunch blood flow. In poultice form, it is useful against infections and swelling. In magic there is evidence that yarrow was often used as a component in incantations. The tea drunk prior to divination will enhance one's powers of perception (a touch of peppermint brightens this brew up and always works better). Also drink the tea to stop arthritis symptoms such as swelling and inflammation associated with weather divination and generally end all aching, sore muscles, or stiff joints or back pain. A powerful incense additive for divination and love spells.
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Candles and magic
Candle Magic has been around for many, many years, being traced as far back as the ancient era. It is a very powerful form of sympathetic magic.
There are many factors that play into the art of candle magic. As we know any type of magic that is performed will return to you three fold, whether it be positive or negative. Always keep aware “An harm to none do what thou wilt” in mind when considering your work. Always keep in mind that magic effect’s the entire world around you. Be very careful what you ask for, for it may well come true. The wording in any type of magic must not be taken lightly, be very careful, concise , and precise, make sure you have covered all possible bases. Candle magic is part of a ritual, giving support or enhancing some factors of the ritual. In some points, can be used to define the time of the effect of the ritual, or the time the target have before starting to feel the effects
Keep in mind that some candle magic has to be repeated over a period of days. Therefore, you will want to place them in an area that will not be disturbed. Do not choose a place where there is noise or disturbances of any kind. Keep in mind to not put candles near curtains and such, as you would not want to burn your house down. Candle magic should always be performed in a calm, isolated area.
Candle Magic Preparation
Your Altar:
You may use anything that has a flat top. People use an old trunk or a shield on it. Be creative. As for a cover I use white because of it’s kind of a multipurpose color. Although some magic specifies a color then what ever color is specified should be used. Again, be creative... Keep in mind that candle magic is usually done in condensed areas so keep things as simplistic as you can, especially your candlesticks and censors.
Incense:
There are some who believe that incense is unimportant in candle magic. I cannot imagine performing candle magic without the incense. The type that you use may be specified in a specific ritual, if that is the case by all means use that.
Incense symbolizes Air... as the smoke rises our thoughts are carried up into the universe.
Preparing of the Practitioner:
Prior to your spell working prepare yourself a nice relaxing bath. Add a hand full of sea salt to get your charges set where they need to be. Light a few candles, turn off the light and relax. Clear your mind of the junk you have picked up through out the day. Visualize the water washing all the negativity away from you. It is very important that your mind be at ease and clear prior to any spell working.
Types of candles:
Any type of candle can be used for candle magic as long as it has been cleansed and consecrated prior to use. Although beeswax candles are higher in price than store bought candles or take some time to produce by yourself, they are more powerful because they are produced from nature. As with any other tool, the candle made by the practitioner for a specific purpose captures the energy of the practitioner. Many experienced druids will use only candles they have crafted themselves because of this.
Cleansing & Consecrating:
This is a very important step and should not be omitted. Cleansing removes all the negative energies that the candle has picked up along the way. As with all supplies you want your candles to to be as free of psychic debris as possible. Submerge the candle in sea salt and the ask The Lord and lady to bless it. I could give you the phrasing but I think it is better when it comes from your own heart.
Dressing Candles:
Dressing the candle with oil is as important as any other step. Use whatever oil you prefer or what a specific spell asks you to use. Personally, I use lotus a lot. but again that is my preference. what is important is the direction you dress the candle. To bring something to you, rub oil on the candle in a downward motion from the top to the middle and then from the bottom to the middle.
To send something away from you...you rub the oil from the middle of the candle out to the ends. Never make a back and forth motion as this defeats the purpose. Dab the remaining oil from your fingers onto your third eye and on your breast bone. Then say the following:
“I cleanse and consecrate this candle in the name of the Earth <other. May it burn with strength in the service of the nature.”
Then state your intent or the purpose of the candle.
Inscribing:
If you inscribe a candle you should use your Athame. The same principle as dressing the candle is used.
To draw something to you, write from the top to the middle, and then from the bottom to the middle. Use druidic runes or inscriptions, propely for your ritual.
Candle Color Meanings
Candles of different colors are used in magic. They can be one of the most effective tools used for spells, meditation, rituals and other ceremonies. Below is a list of individual candle colors and the meanings and uses traditionally associated with that color.
White
The Goddess (Earth Mother Jannath)
Higher Self
Purity
Peace
Virginity
(substitutes any other color)
Black
Binding
Shapeshifting
Protection
Repels Negativity
Brown
Special Favors
To Influence Friendships
Silver
The Goddess (Selune in this case, or the moon)
Astral energy
Female energy
Telepathy
Clairvoyance
Intuition
Dreams
Purple
Third Eye
Psychic Ability
Hidden Knowledge
To Influence People in High Places
Spiritual Power
Blue
Element of Water
Wisdom
Protection
Calm
Good Fortune
Opening Blocked Communication
Spiritual Inspiration
Green
The Element of Earth
Physical Healing
Monetary success
Mother Earth
Tree and Plant Magic
Growth
Personal Goals
Pink
Affection
Romance
Affection
Caring
Nurturing
Planetary Good Will
Red
Element of Fire
Passion
Strength
Fast action
Career Goals
Lust
Driving Force
Survival
Blood of the Moon
Orange
General Success
Property Deals
Legal matters
Justice
Selling
Copper
Professional Growth
Business Fertility
Career Maneuvers
Passion
Money Goals
Gold
The God (Sun, or in some cases AMAUNATOR)
Promote Winning
Power of the Male
Happiness
Yellow
The Element of Air
Intelligence
The Sun
Memory
Logical Imagination
To Accelerate Learning
To Break Mental Blocks or recovery memory after a trauma.