working with the eleements

The best place to work with the element is outdoors where you can feel and see them around you. However, if you are unable to make it outdoors you can still bring the elements to you. Use representations of those elements on your alter. Bellow are some examples of what you can use.

Air:  Direction- East            Colour-yellow
feathers, fans, dream catchers, wind chimes, incest

Fire-  Direction-south          Colour-red
candle, lighter, burnt charcoal

 Water- Direction-west         Colour-blue
cups, sea shells, sea weed, water plants

Earth- Direction-North         Colour-Green
rocks, pebbles, sticks, soil, root vegetables

Finding personal deities

So may tell you there needs to be a complex process to find your personal deities. This is not true. There are many ways to find deities. There is also no real time frame for this process. Here is some ways to help you get close to your gods.

1. Meditate: Even if you just do deep breathing, relax and focus you can get a connection to the gods. You may hear their voice or dream of them.
2. Walk in nature: Just going for a walk and exploring the world will help you discover the gods. Many times I have conversations with the gods going for a walk.
3. Research: Do research on particular deities. It will help you understand who they are. You will find your self drawn to a deity or two. Also you will typically feel their presence calling you. If you need some help check out my Web resources .
4. Ritual: Use some of the already written rituals out there. Use the gods they recommend and you will find those that come to you.

If there are any other ideas that work for you, use them!

Easy Beeded Jewelery

You want some pagan jewelry but can not afford anything too expensive? You want something that is more customized to your needs? Here is an easy and creative option for jewelry!

Need

Beading wire or thread

needle
beads
cutters

1. Gather all material. 
2.  Take the wire and hold in one hand while you place beads on the wire. 
3.  Once you have the desired amount and effect take the wire and tie the end securely. 
4.  Cut the excess off.

Timing of rituals

I decided to take a break from "work" during Christmas holidays so I can focus on my family. I also needed to recharge my writing batteries. While on vacation I had the opportunity to do my personal Yule ritual. I like being part of a community but every Yule I do my own ritual. Primarily as Yule is also my son's birthday and I usually spend the day of Yule with him. I typically don't get to do ritual to the 22nd. I find in my own practices because my life is very busy I may not get the opportunity to do ritual of the Sabbaths on their "usual" day. Most times it is the following day. Though I do regret many times not being able to take part in some group rituals. As I do enjoy the community atmosphere and ability to be part of a group. However life does not always give me the chance.
When do you do ritual? Do you always try for the day of the Sabbath or does it vary?

Simple spell

As we head into yule some of you will be considering doing a spell. Here is my easy way to create your own spell.

1. Create sacred space-do a full opening of a ritual. Gather all the energies to help you. If you need an ide for ritual check out creating ritual.
2. Anoint a candle-have oil and herbs and rub it on a candle. A simple anointment would be to use pure olive oil and sage. Once anointed light the candle.
3. Do your wish-have the end result in mind and what you want to say written down. Be specific in what you want. Be realistic and make it a goal you are willing to work towards. The spell is to give you extra energy not to just give you what you want. The spell is there to have the gods help you get what you desire.
4. Close the circle-thank your energies. Blow out the candle.

Getting Divination tools

Cheapest: Playing cards is the oldest form of tarot. A nice deck can be purchased at your local thrift store.

For information on playing card tarot meanings check out:

Cafe Astrology: http://www.cafeastrology.com/fortunetellingcards.html

Serena's Guide to Divination: http://www.serenapowers.com/playingcards2.html

Cortez, Ana The Playing Card Oracles: A Source Book for Divination; United States Gaming Systems; 2005

Second-hand: Many second-hand stores will have tarot cards and other forms of divination tools.

Crafty: For the crafty person the options are endless. From painting your own deck to carving runes.

Getting Incense

Cheapest: Dollar stores will probably be your best option for the cheapest price. You may not get the best quality or variety.

Quality: New age storefronts, head shops, and some department storefronts will have good quality incense for various prices. Many will have various types and some may be made locally.

Garden: A herb garden can be a low maintenance way of keeping herbs. Many can even be done inside, on terraces or balconies.

Useful herbs: Rosemary, thyme, dill, basil, sage, comfrey, camomile, ginger, hyssop, marjoram, saffron, turmeric, vanilla, frankincense, myrrh

In a pinch: potpourri and dried flowers can always be used instead of incense.