Gay Witchcraft's topics - tribe.net

Can we really tap into modern day icons of power?

2008-05-12T15:08:51Z

Can we really tap into modern day icons of power? I read some where that man creates the magic that he taps into. Even though ancient Egypt disappeared into the past ages ago, Egyptian gods are still accessible so long as we know how to respect them and invoke them. The same can be said for many other gods too. It is believed that our beliefs create thoughtforms that literally grow in power as we think of them. It is believed that as they grow in power, they become the gods of our religious beliefs. If this be true, could modern day objects function as a source of magical power?

If a modern day object was to grow powerful enough to become a source of magical energy, a lot of people would have to see it and believe in it. The next question would be to find such an object that has become empowered by the sight and belief of people seeing it. Are there such objects? I think there may be.

I’m sure a few of you may totally laugh at this line of thinking, but humor me if you will. The modern day cinema allows millions of people to see the same thing, suspend their sense of reality, and believe for the length of a movie, that certain objects have incredible power. I was wondering, for those of you who are also fans of the Lord of the Rings, and have purchased a copy of the gold ring of power, have you noticed it to affect you life in ways consistent with that of characters of the movie? Has your physical aging seemed to have stopped?

Azazeal

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 2 replies

How To Draw In Cernunnos Into Your Male Body As A Gay Man For Strength and Healing

2008-05-09T09:45:10Z

Hi folks,

Im Julian, based in the Celtic land of Wales across the pond. My website may be of interest to you all, ( www.sorchartarot.com/homomoot) as I run a Coven and also workshops in Gay Witchcraft and how to use sex in ritual as a way of interacting with the Lord and Lady-The God and Goddess.

Light and blessings.

Julian
www.sorchartarot.com/homomoot

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 8 replies

Greetings

2008-05-09T09:44:27Z

36 gay Witch looking for friendship and connection with the community.
B*B*
Taran

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 5 replies

Psychically Stepping Into Photographs

2008-05-06T05:47:45Z

Has anyone ever tried meditating on a photos and stepped into it psychically to read the information there and to pick up on what actually transpired at the moment the photo was taken?

Azazeal

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 4 replies

Datura

2008-05-05T20:28:26Z

What do you know about this plant? I'm not at home with the "Library" and aside from seeing it all over my world from Guatemala cloud forests where I would pick and take it home to here in Los Angeles, blooming in yards around... I have been highly attracted to this plant.

Correspondences? Magickal uses? Folklore?

Google pulls up any number of random things.

Thanks!

Scott

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 4 replies

Happy Beltane folks, new photos from Wales of our Celebrations

2008-05-01T10:03:08Z

Hi folks,

Happy Beltane, thought we would share with you some new pics taken last night, May Eve (April 30th 08) of our rites here in the Celtic land of Wales.

Happy Beltane ! www.sorchartarot.com/homomoot

Julian.

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

"To Be Chosen" by Michael Travis Jasper

2008-04-14T15:59:32Z

Have you checked out my novel yet?....Let me know what you think...

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

young gay witch

2008-04-06T00:12:01Z

Ok so heres something I wanted to talk to the masses about. So Ive have foresight ever sence I was little and it hasn't always bin helpful =). There a felling I've have gotten for the past week the I'm realy for love and I should start looking well I don't want to use any spells I want to get a guy the "NORMAL" way for once.

The only answer that I could come up with was to ask other witches and leave it up to fate.
So plz help.

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 1 reply

Invoking the Four Elements

2008-04-05T21:28:48Z

Greetings from Fairyland, aka San Francisco. Has anyone really worked at invoking the four elements to the degree where they're able to perform pyrokinesis or cryokinesis? If so, did you develp your own elemental meditation/ invoacation, or did you follow a ritual from a book?

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

Ostara Blessings -Sister Witches...

2008-03-19T21:03:19Z

May the new Spring season bring you all Abundant Blessings ...
enjoy this Ostara egg i "made" for you...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k54cn1gbIyI

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

love attraction

2008-02-17T20:27:03Z

most powerful attraction ritual you know, hopefully one that can be directed towards an intended partner? I can't seem to find a good one that has all the elements to it listed, found some great ones but with holes in them, usually I practice more intuitively but this time I want something with some history, some good solid background, I want it to work and want to have some faith in it, and sometimes my own intuition just isn't what it should be, Please help, my heart breaks

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 8 replies

Gay Rags--Writing an Article!

2008-01-04T09:13:38Z

Hey guys, I'm presently writing an article about homophobia within contemporary Witchcraft; anyway, I'm looking to get is published in a Gay magazine, so...I was wondering if y'all could list as many magazines that you can think of (other than porn!) that I might be missing, or have forgotten about. My list already includes:

* Instinct
* Genre
* Out
* The Advocate (hey, it MAY be a news rag, but they COULD publish my prose!)
* Journal of Homosexuality
* White Crane Journal (if I got the name right)

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 1 reply

Statuary: An Informal Study

2008-01-04T09:11:45Z

Hello, guys, I'm performing an informal study re: the contemporary Pagan conception of one's statuary (if any) upon their Altar. You may feel free to e-mail me your responces privately at: Wade(AT)MacMorrighan(DOT)Net

Do you: a.) regard statuary as just something pretty or superficial (purely analogous to secular art, for art's sake) with which to adorn your Altar and to off-handedly remind you of the gods; or, b.) do you regard statuary as a truly religious icon and as a potent ritual tool?

Any other responces are also applicable.

I am writing an article re: the concept of statuary within contemporary Paganism, and am seeking to generalize about your/our views so far as this informal study allows me to do so.

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 2 replies

T-Shirt Design Software?!

2008-01-04T05:56:37Z

Hey guys, for the longest time (since the popularity of CafePress) I've really been wanting to design my own Pagan-related apparel! So...I was wondering if anyone could recommend any design software that A.) wouldn't break the bank, or B.) if it's free, won't devistate my computer (I only have a dial-up connection and my PC's sluggish enough as it is!)--I, ugh...attempted to download the free version of Photoshop one day, and that would have taken 1 week! LOL! Now, I don't want to make anything with the detail of, say, a World of Warcraft character! But, as an example of my own asthetics, the following are really, really, cute!

* Ah...this'd make a great cap to wear!!! http://tinyurl.com/25cgpy
* Now, I'd love to find this font somewhere on-line, just because it's SO interesting: http://tinyurl.com/yrqob4
* This is a style that I would LOVE to learn how to replicate--it's identical to those campy GLBT college-style t-shirts that often bear a double-entendre, such as, "Morning Wood Academy": http://www.cafepress.com/the_depository/2047772
* I would LOVE to fashion my own asthetic rendition of this, because it's simply too cute!: http://tinyurl.com/ypwzd4
* I have a friend devoted to hermes, and I'd love to make him some stuff: http://tinyurl.com/29e2v3
* This is an awesome little design for Pan (I thove my goat-foot gods!): http://tinyurl.com/yr7jep

Now, I do have two different photo editing software programs, but they don't give one even the freedom to make text-based art! Heck, the only allow one to choose from a very limited range of fonts, rather than anything like the font in the first example, above (which I was able to find years back when I first heard about it). Heck, I just wanna' make myself a great cap that says "Pagan" across it--what a fabulous affirmation, 'eh!!! Although, I just wish it had a greater selection oif colors to choose from in their hats and hoodies at CafePress, because I adore blues, and greens, mullberries, and other colours; I love my hoodies to match my caps when I go out (yup, I adore my hoodies and caps)!!! ;o)

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 1 reply

Hunting in Hawaii

2007-12-27T04:05:33Z

Searching for brotherhood in Hawaii. Anyone out there to offer a haven along the journey?

- Brett

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

Superficial Gay Rags?!?!

2007-12-18T12:40:59Z

Hmmm...I was seriously considering submitting an article I'm writing about homophobia in contemporary Witchcraft to a "mainstream" Gay men's magazine. However, I'm having second thoughts, because even a cursory thumb-through shows that they are blantantly superficial, covering nothing in depth, I fear! Why, the only publication that I have found that publishes anything of substence is our own local GLBT newspaper, "ACCESSLine"--hell, even the GLBT rags from oither states that I've seen for free at, say, Borders are just as damned superficial! It all makes you wonder why they bother? (Although, the new Ed. in Chief for "Out" is really hot; as is the CEO for BRAVO!)

Anyone got any thoughts about this? I'd be shocked if the folks behind "Instinct" mag. didn't displace their current Editors the moment they turned 30! LOL...

Personally, I'd love to see every GLBT rag devote a collumn to Gay Spirituality in its many forms, at the very lears! But, have you guys heard that in the Oct. issue of Genre, they printed a cover story allegedly following around a sexy "Gay" couple who were, for all intents and purposes, "married", with skags of documentary photos? Well, apparently the two men were models that were hired to pose for staged photo--moreover, they were STRAIGHT! They couldn't even hire gay models? Though, I'm mostly offended by the fact that they actually inventd a non-existent cover story! Sadly, my main resource for GLBT News didn't cover this, so far as I know (I found out, recently, from a little-known site that I can't remember rght now; though I bookmarked it): http://365Gay.Com

So-called "mainstream" Gay men's magazines are actually like a 100-page commercial for clothes, cologne, jewelry and skin-care Product! I can remember about 5 years back reading a moving article in Genre, I believe it was, about kids who were in hiding for the authorities, their families, and osychiatric institutions--apparently, their families had forced them into Psychiatric Hospitals when they had found out that they were gay, and were putting them through all manner of proceedures to try and change them; so, now they are in safe houses! (I always wanted to know more about this issue, and am surprised that no one'swritten a book about it! Heck, I always wanted to read a follow-up.) But, Genre doesn't publish stories like this anymore--they haven't for a long time; just look at how superficial their site's even become!

Take Care,
Wade
http://MacMorrighan.CovenSpace.Com

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 3 replies

"Hyakinthos"...?

2007-12-12T18:40:06Z

Hey guys, sorry to bombard y'all with, yet, another question. But, this morning--just as I was waking up!) I was inspired to write an article dealing with the conception of Gays within contemporary Witchcraft; and the pagan antecedants of the homo-erotically inclined--I may even have to define "homosexual", because many heterosexual Pagans impose onto everyone, in their zeal, that Gays *have* no History, because it is essentially a "modern" phenomenon! (How offensive!) Though, in writing this article I was reminded of one woman who posted a responce to a news article over at The Witches' Voice dealing with the rash of Gay marriage legislation throughout the Summer of 2005, because she believed that if Gays and Lesbians wanted marriage that they *should* be forced to go to another state to have them performed--not hers'; and she justified her biggotry because, "the god gave men the credit card, and the goddess gave women the credit card slot!"

Anyway, one aspect I want to research is the cult of Hyakinthos! Does anyone know of any sources that go into depth in the cult of this (functionally?) Dying-and-Rising God? I ran a google-search and found the name of a fascinating book, but the only references to be seen are two 1-page reviews via JSTOR (which, because they are single-page works are not displayed, so I can't even see the publisher, or date; though it has to be from the late 1940s!). The book in question is called "Hyakinthos", by one Matchteld J. Mellink. Does anyone know anything about this book, or if it's possibly on-line somewhere? I'd love to see what information and data he has at his disposal!

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

Queer Magic workshop

2007-12-11T21:06:14Z

Hey guys and gals,

I taking part in a discussion panel about Queer Magic, and how it is alike and different from breeder magic. I'm taking upon myself to discuss various queer deities (you know, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender).

Ganymede, an early Greek god of the falling rain-morphed into a mortal youth of such beauty it stirred Zeus' passion, is at the top of the list.

As well as Amaterasu, Japanese Sun goddess who hid in a cave and was only lured out by another goddess dancing seductively at the mouth of the cave.

Anybody hear have any stories of gods and goddesses that show some kind of queerness? I'd like to have five to be able to discuss. Plus it would be fun to see what stories are out there. I'm a BIG fan of myth, legend, and story.

Blessings, brethren and sistren, ~Coyote

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 25 replies

Heliotrope & Homosexual Mystery-Cults?

2007-12-11T19:37:47Z

Hey guys, I have a question I'm hoping someone, somewhere, could help me sort out. I was recently flipping through Lexa Rosean's lovely book, The Encyclopedia of Magickal Ingredients, when I made note of the following in reference to heliotrope [Heliotropium spp.]: "This flower is...associated with homosexual mystery cults. It makes an excellent gay love formula. Add the flowers to the bathwater before you go out clubbing" [pp. 126-7]. Curious about this statement--because I am a researcher, being analytically-minded, and quite interested in any applicable source-material--I e-mailed Lexa, who responded with brilliant speed!

In her letter she stated that this information was derived second-hand from Lord Hermes [Eddie B.]--her High Priest, mentor, and founder of the Minoan Brotherhood--sometime before he died in the 1990s. She has no reason to doubt him at his word, and neither do I.

However, knowing that Eddie recieved a scholastic education in Classical Studies, I have to wonder he found some little-known mythic, ethnographic or archaeological information codifying the herb heliotrope with the (allegedly) antiquated Minoan homosexual Priesthood; or, is this merely personal MB gnosis on his behalf? (As I understand it, the MB is essentially a codification of Gardnerian "Wicca" and "Minoan" Reconstructionism; as a result, he;s aparently found evidence in Minoan Crete for an essentially Homosexual Priesthood!) So, I was wondering if you might know--or have heard--about any information, from any saources (even scholastic secondary sources!) where the heliotrope might be associated with the Queer Mysteries in this way? Perhaps you know someone in the MB who might know (or at least confirm if it's personal gnoisis, or resulting from some other substantive source that I might potentially gain access to. After all, I'm the sort that, rather than take someone's word for it, I'd much rather seek out the sources in black and white, and be able to point, as I exclaim, "Oh, so that's where so-and-so got this info. from!" So far, the only information I can find about this herb, obviously, is that it was a transmutated nymph [Klytie] who fell in love with Helios--the Sun.

But, I guess you're curious about why I'm looking for this information at all, aren't ya'?! Well...there've been a rash of Gay-bashings in our state this year, so I thought I'd construct a Gay Pride formula! (Honestly, I'm surprised that such a Ritual Oil hasn't been, to my knowledge, drafted, published or sold in witch-shops to date!) As a result, I'm looking for an herb that encapsulates the "Queer Mysteries", "Pink" Magick, and Gay love or sex! Personally, I don't feel right about simply using Hyacinth EO merely due to the fact that it's not really the same species described in that famous tale of the love between Apollon and Hyakintos (the latter had an annual feast-date in Sparta!). But, I'm the sort who needs more than just personal gnosis--I need to find a Tradition behind it!

This ingredient notwithstanding, I was considering using the following in the formula I am presently working on:

* Narcissus EO: esteem; personal self-worth; attraction towards men
* Lavender EO: community; communication; love; sex; a hustler's calling card
* Oak Moss EO: strength

Hmmm....I was also thinking of something for "fiercness" and "courage"! ;o) Any ideas, while it's fresh on my mind?

Take Care (and Happy Yule!),
Wade

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

Homophobia Witch-Gottle & Gay Pride Formula?

2007-12-10T18:07:14Z

Hey guys, according to a recent issue of ACCESSLine (our local GLBT rag) there have been a rash of state-wide gay-bashings, and even one horrific murder of a very kind, and very attractive man I had the fortune of lobbying with for Gay Rights on one past Imbolc at the Capitol Building.

So, the thought entered into my head that I should make a communal Witch-Bottle for protection against homophobia. Anyone got any advice or ideas for constructing such a spell? It'll be my first Spell-Bottle, so ideas are always welcome!

I know it'll employ some frankincense and myrh, as well as some course sea salt (or maybe some pink salt, which contains natural iron oxide!). But, I'm also thinking of adding two pink phallic candles to represent that special love and the Mysteries shared and known between two men (so, I'll have to find a container large enough, I'm sure!). Perhaps, also, a declarative spell written on parchment and added. Hmmm....I might like to add appropriate oils or other ingredients, such as rose (for simple love); oakmoss, which is a scent I adore (for strength); and maybe some narcissus, etc...

Perhaps I could "activate" it by lighting a different-coloured candle on the lid each day intimating the Rainbow Flag; but, only after each respective candle has been anointed, first. I've read that some Bottle-Spells (I believe Hoodoo Honey Jar-Spells, in particular) were coated with so much wax (from the drippings) that you could not see the bottle beneath it!

As a result, I'm seriously considering formulating a Gay Pride Ritual Oil!!! Anyone got any ideas? Already I'm thinking of Oakmoss EO, which is a scent I adore[!] (for strength and solidarity); rose EO (for friendship and benign love); and maybe some lavender EO (for communication and more love/sensuality); narcissus EO (for self-love, esteem and personal "pride"; though, I've heard that this herb is "ruled" by Dionysos--can anyone tell me more about this?); and some other fragrences to be determined later... Anyone got any ideas? I'll probably have to spend some time writing out what "Gay Pride" and "Queer Solidarity" means to me in order to aid my creation of such a fragrent potion! I wonder what I could include for "fierceness"? Heh heh heh... Despite my jovial personality, and my sense of humor, I'm still very serious when it comes to Magick!

Hey, I'm not so "proud" that I cannot enjoy brain storming, or putting out any feelers, for any ideas that might also be quite lovely!

And, speaking of which, here's a lovely article about Witch-Bottles: http://www.luckymojo.com/bottlespells.html

Incidentally, contrary to the view of the Witch, Pagan or Occultist and colours; the colours on the Rainbow Flag contain far different meanings than most realize:

* HOT PINK (or sometimes FUCHSIA?): Sexuality
* RED: Life
* ORANGE: Healing
* YELLOW: Sunlight
* GREEN: Nature
* TURQUOISE (or sometimes TEAL?): Magic (or sometimes "Art")
* BLUE: Serenity
* INDIGO is sometimes employed: Harmony
* VIOLET (or sometimes LILAC?): Spirit

(Sadly, for "Production" reasons, the colours hot pink and teal were removed.)

Hmmm...I should contact Gilbert Baker (the original designer, should he still be around) and ask him what some of these more esoteric meanings, well...MEAN, and how he associated these colours with those meanings; and Gay men and Lesbians in particular! ;o) What was his impetus?

* http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs/user/scotts/ftp/bulgarians/rainbow-flag.html
* http://andrejkoymasky.com/liv/fam/biob1/bake06.html
* http://letemtalk.blogspot.com/2006/08/gilbert-baker-gay-betsy-ross-rainbow.html (Sadly, due to my connection-speed, I cannot view this video-interview)
* http://www.gayprideneworleans.com/articles/002.htm (Contains a pic. of the world-record holding mile-long Gay Pride Flag!)
* http://www.gaylifeinamerica.com/rainbow.html

You know, it's such a shame that few Gay men these days actually seem to know what the Freedom Flag means; they merely take it for granted! What a shame...

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

Gay History (Not) ON The History Channel?!?!?!

2007-11-30T21:38:42Z

Hey guys, just yesterday I was flipping through the channels on TV when I came to rest on The History Channel (though I wish they'd scrap a lot of their crap, to be honest, and produce more TV dealing with ancient history and ethnography, etc.!), but I came to realize something during the broadcast of a montage-like commercial dealing with the late 60s--Gay culture was not a part of it? Were their not marches for Gay Rightes and Solidarity during the 60s? Fuck yeah! But, what was more, I cannot recall a single program on The History Channel dealing with Gay History (even Gay medieval, ancient, and tribal history would be fascinating and inspiring, don't ya' think?). Hell, the perfect time for such programming would be during Gay Pride Month (perhaps four different documentaries played one week each throughout the month?), or during National COming Out Month (October)! But, this station has sadly been silent about it, it seems... *sigh* Has anyone else noticed this?! Hmmm....I wonder what one could do about this? Contact the station somehow? I wonder if GLAAD or some other porganization has noticed this? Heck, with so much technology and software easily at out disposal, it is more easy than ever before to make home-grown documentaries (when I up-grade my system, and can afford an appropriate digital camera, I have several ideas for future documentaries!). *sigh* Neither does PBS offer any special programming or documentaries during Gay Pride! Well, okay, so they offered ONE duocumentary ONCE during their "Independant Lense" program, but *still*; and I was always deeply touched by one ridiculously good-looking 30-something who was interviewed at the end, from San Francisco, about what he thought of the film, and he kept speaking about his "Gay and Lesbian brothers and sisiters!"--that gave me SUCH warm fizzies; I'd love to see such warmth and solidarity more often, lemme' tell ya'! I even got a little tear in my eye, it was so moving! Hmmm...I wonder *why* more Gay men, in particular, it seems do not openly speak like this? Hell, The History Channel *could* broadcast the documentary, Paragraph 175! It was so moving, I was going to tape it when it first aired on HBO, but...it aired only *once* (which was really strange), so I've never been able to record it! Incidentally, if anyone's not read the first-hand account in "The Men With the Pink Triangle", please do so! I was surprised when I first bought it, though--I had expected it to be a historiograpjic account put together from research by some historian somewhere. Sadly, some politicians have been claiming that Gays were never targeter for termination during the Nazi regime, and have refused to see the traveling museum exhibit dealing with this subject (which is also recounted in the great play and movie, "Bent"!), which also has an analogue at a Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem of all places!

Take Care, my brothers!
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 1 reply

Powerful Magick

2007-11-27T23:40:28Z

I have summoned hundreds of spirits and have boiled it all down to very simple and powerful easy to follow Magick Ritual books. Please go to http://www.Kuriakos.biz

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 3 replies

Formulating Clay-Based Face Masks & Other Cosmetics?

2007-11-25T05:10:31Z

Hey guys, clay-based facial masks are becoming more and more popular with men (particularly the metrosexual variety! *G*), so........I was wondering if anyone might be aware of any books that I could turn to in order to research how various facial masks are made, and what all of the various ingredients, as well as various clays, do or impart onto one's face. ;o)

I'd also like to learn how to make soft soaps, shampoo, hair condityioner and hand/body lotions (my mom was given a wonderful rose-scented lotion that made my skin feel amazing, from Victoria's Secret, but...because she has such a hightened sense of smell she couldn't stand having it around the house, so she threw it away!). Anyone know of any references that I could consult in my quest?

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

Sexy Tribal-Motif Aparrel for Men?

2007-11-19T06:06:15Z

Hey guys, this evening while flipping throughthe channels, I paused on M TV during an ep. of "A Shot At Love" (I think is the title?). Anyway--albeit I'm not Christian (obviously!)--one character (Stephen) was wearing a really great shirt with a cross rendered in a tribal pattern with lots of filigree extending up one shouldar and down across the chest on that same side. Anyway, because so many clothes for sale in mens' depts. seem to suck (they're simply ugly with little to choose from--I've often wondered who the hell designed them and thought people would actually wear them!), I would LOVE to see massive varieties of shirts akin unto these (even jeans with meandering tribal motifs!). So...I was wondering if anyone has seen anything like that about, perhaps on-line, or at their local stores. I'm always lookin' for stores selling awesome clothes for we men to update my wardrobe. Hmmmm...is there any specific name for a shirt or other article of clothing of this style? I Googled "tribal" + (whatever article of clothing), and haven't found any clothes with similarly meandering tribal motifs that seem to replicate a really sexy tribal-style tattoo! Am I desribing this very well? Gee, I just wish I had a caption of Stephen's shirt to post so you could see it as an example. ;o)

Heck, why should women have all the cute clothes to choose from, 'eh? It's been YEARS since I've bought new clothes that I actually adore, once I found t-shirts rendered in similar styles! Basically, ZI felt like my clothing-needs have been ignored by the industrial society and fashion districts, darn it! *G*

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

In Need of a System's Up-Grade! :o)

2007-11-15T23:37:20Z

Hey guys! I just thought that I'd desperately pick your brain this evening, because as more time elapses, I find that I am simply in need of a new computer! I guess that I was simply unprepared for the fact that technology would move so fast when I bought my first PC back in 2000--I guess I thought it would maintain relatively stagnant to some degree; or that it would last me a few decades! But, it's sooooo slow on-line--and it didn't start out this way, though I've always had dial-up, which I don't entirely understand; nor is much software compatible with it, such as Encyclopedia Britannica (which I need for research purposes), Second Life, or Google Earth, etc.!

Sadly, however, I didn't know much of anything when I first bought my computer...and as far as that's concerned I was quite unprepared! Even as much as I know, now, there is still a great deal that I am unfamiliar with--like, what's a mobile broadband connection, etc., because it's so relatyively new to me? It's simply overwhelming! And, do computer's still come with diskette drives? I want to transfer all of my current corpus of saved data onto CDs, but wonder how that might be possible if diskette drives are now tendered obsolete? Now, I might be able to find a used--and hopefully compatible--CD-writer drive, but, still... We folks of meager means ain't made'a money, y'know! ;o) After all, this'll be something I'll have to save up for, and want it to last for well more than a mere decade [speaking about my future PC, here!]! (The last system I bought using an inheritance.)

So, I guess I'm looking for a little expertise in what to ask for (based on what's potentially available that I am absolutely unfamiliar with--it's generally easier for m if someone explains something to me so that I can visualize what it looks like and how it works, otherwise, I'm apt to get confused in a big way!). So, bearing that in mind, here's a list of some'a the things I'll definately need (that I know of) in my next PC:

* A firewire port--so that I can up-load and edit videos; I want to eventually make a number of documentaries, and perhaps even a movie!
* DEFINITELY the LATEST version of Windows with Excell, etc.
* The FASTEST processor on the market--I'm still steamed because I bought and received my current PC in the space of 1 week, only to find that 30 days after this date a NEW processor was released that was more than twice as fast as my current one!
* Probably a bit more memory than my current PC, so that I can effectively run such software as photoshop and various video-editing programs without it causing my system to crash! LOL!
* A DVD & CD-burner. Now, are theses the same things as a CD-writing drive or not? I ask, 'cause, I want to start using CDs to store and edit Word documents as I'm writing my books, etc. Irregardless...
* ...I need a CD-writer drive, I think, in my move from diskettes to CDs!

These were all I could think of at the moment. (Can anyone else think of anything else I could enquire about as an addition?) But, when I can afford it, I also dearly want to "up-grade" to a broadband connection (which I don't believe should be as expensive as it is, because it is on its way to becoming obsolete from new technology I saw that downloads [literally] more than 100-times faster than broadband--Qwest, I think was charging more than $90/month a short while ago!). Of course, I'm also on the look-out for a business with whom I can get a great deal for what I require, knowing full-well that a lot of businesses jack-up their prices to milk ya' for every penny your worth, which is a shame in this age considering that having a computer and the 'Net is rather mandatory! Y'know (being a Socialist) you'd think that as long as digital technology has been available the prices would have drastically come down so that one could afford them without having to take out a loan or sell a kidney! But, no--I've actually seen prices go up, such as with digital cameras and camcorders! Hell, when (and how!) did Best Buy turn from the one business that sold the cheapest (and best) merchandise to the business that now sells the most expensive gadgets? Seriously... WTF? It's as if they feel that as long as people will buy this merchandise for the prices that have set, then they can charge whatever they like! How disgusting! Best Buy is no longer best buy, but worst buy!

BTW, not to diverge off topic, but...did you hear what John Edwards said?! Ah...it touched my Socialist Heart! He said that, as President, if legislators do not pass a bill for Universal Healthcare (without conditions) by June (or was it January?) of 2009, he would take away their health care, so we can see how THEY like it! (BRAVO!) MUWAHAHAHA!!! Hmmm...I wonder how the President could do something like that, anyway?!

Well, I must be off...

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

Through the Eyes of the Alchemists'?

2007-11-12T05:50:29Z

Hey guys, for anyone who's studied the occult srts and sciences, they will be intimately familiar with a very similar "Table" of Correspondences:

* The Moon = Monday = Silver = White
* Mars = Teusday = Iron = Red
* Mercury = Wednesday = Mercury = Purple or mixed colours
* Jupiter = Thursday = Tin = Blue
* Venus = Friday = Copper = Green
* Saturn = Saturday = Lead = Black
* The Sun = Sunday = Gold = Yellow

Albeit, they are found within The [Greater] Key of Solomon, where do these attributations come from? While some of them are very common-sense; others are not! For example, copper oxide is green and when copper is exposed to fire that flame will burn green; Aphrodite even had a famous Temple on Cypress (from a Greek term for copper) which was famous for its copper mines. But, what about some other associations in this list: Jupiter, Thursday, Tin and the colour Blue? How did an attributation such as this come about in the minds of Alchemists? From whence did it evolve? Though, one wonders if there's something *more* to the attributations between Red, Tuesday, Mars and Iron; and Green, Friday, Venus and Copper?

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

ISO "Ornate" Bottle Suppliers...

2007-11-10T03:17:20Z

Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone, here, knows of any fabulous glass boittle suppliers? I am a brewer of religious oils, balms, potions and salves as well as ointments, etc. So........I am searching for lovely bottles for my formulas, between 8 to 12 ounces. Now, because of my tastes, I am looking for something elegent, or "fancy"--without being cheesy or simple (such as beaker-shaped bottled, of stupid-looking yellow sun-motif bottles!)--in coloured glass that comes in each color of the spectrum. Presently, I am searching for a lovely ruby-red glass bottle to hold a formula I've developed for protection. Anyone know of any that'd be up to my darned picky standards?! ;o) Ypu'll see an example of one bottle I own that's similar to what I desire (save that it's a cruet and far too small, as it only holds about 3-5 ounces) on my slide show over at my Blog's Profile Page: http:MacMorrighan.CovenSpace.Com A friend of mine once recommended those Egyptian glass perfume bottles, but they seem so small and damned fragile--I'd be afraid of breaking them or spilling their contents; while, another friend of mine pointed me towards this site with some fabulous "pill boxes" that I simply wish were available in LARGE containers so that I could use them to contain my ointments: http://www.gaelsong.com/product/365/Accessories_Other (click on "Enameled Pill Box")!

Take Care,
Wade@MacMorrighan.Net

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

Potion-Crafting & Teaching Fees?!

2007-11-04T05:28:46Z

Hmmm... Hey, does anyone here ever craft their own potion formulas anymore (either water-based or oil-vased)? Something I've noticed, which gives me cause for concern, is that I rarely--if ever!--read literature by contemporary Witches emphesizing the brewing of potions; nor are there many original potions on the 'Net (what there is, however, has merely been cribbed from other books!). This is why I am presently culling together various strands of research to teach a class on the subject of potion-crafting, as well as writing an exhaustive book on the topic! My only concern, of course, is deciding upon what to charge for the service of a class. Many Pagan classes by Witches I see advertised on-line command more than a few hundred dollars per/hour; even a local Reclaiming HPs that owns and opperates our local occult store charges such relatively extravagent fees. Yet, there's the fact that I'd feel both "weird" and a bit "bad" taking such sums of money from people even though it'd be a quality education (stuff they wouldn't necessarily be able to learn from most books available!). After all, I'm just a big ol' sawfty (not to mention I'm a Socialist at heart!). Moreover, I wouldn't want to make it prohibitively expensive--and unless I am mistaken, classes that command more than $100 would tend to do that, I think (unless I am mistaken).

Though, just put of curousity, if you do: Do you actually blend yourr own Potions? And, should you not (which is fine!): Would a class and/or in-depth book on the subject interest you?

Moreover, for such a course, what would be your expectations, just out of curiousity? Anything particular you would love to have touched upon in such a class if such a class were offered to you at your local Pagan venues (bearing in mind that this class will be offered, unless I am invited to teach elsewhere during a visit, to my own local Pagan peers).

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

Hutton on Proto-Indo-Europeanism?!

2007-11-03T22:19:18Z

Hey guys, recently I have been deeply investigfating proto-Indo-Europeanism (culture, religion and mythology). Anyway, I was delightfully shocked by my initial findings! Yet, at the same time (as always), deeply dismayed that one historian in particular, when discussing the extent lit. and evidence for these European occurences refuses to admit to any Indo-European connection, let alone PROTO-INDO-EUROPEAN originating stem! Many of these PIE stems is the World Tree (occuring throughout India, Ireland, and Norse, etc.) which Hutton allegedly rejects as Christian; deities that personify the Underworld and possess a dog (Greek, Hindu, Norse, Celtic, etc.) which is staunch in that same culture he deems Oddin to be almost entirely Christian, rather than Pagan!; and the Fates (British, Greek, Roman, Lithuanian, and Norse), though it is the Norse Wyrdd sisters whom Hutton aims his guns at and renderes as ultimately non-xistent (that is, that no pagan cults ever worshipped or acknowledged them) because he deemed them to be nothing more than Greek or ROman inventions by Norse clerics (period!). How exactly did he (or can anyone in this day) get away with this? It's blatantly misleading one's readership when to ignore this overwhelming evidence as being "inconsequential".

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 2 replies

Syncretic Shamanism?!

2007-11-02T03:33:49Z

Hello, all. I am in the process of performing some preliminary research for an article I'd like to write about the Familiar (or Power Animal, or "Totem"*) in general, and my own Familiar (Snake) in particular! So...I was wondering if, by describing my initial visionary encounter with Snake, anyone here might know of any ethnographic studies that I could use to support or substantiate my own personal experiences with parallel examples! It would also be fascinating to surmise how wide-spread (or not) my own experience may very well be.

It occurred earlier this year while I settled down to sleep; I was having trouble so I began to perform some relaxation and meditative techniques as I began entering deeper and deeper levels of consciousness. Suddenly, I was seemingly thrown into a hypnogogic trance or visionary encounter/experience wherin I suddenly became aware of large chevron motifs that became more and more detailed as they appeared to undulate before my eyes--one chevron motif was slightly darker than the other. As I stared at this pattern before me, I became distinctly aware that I was moving in the same undulating patters, until I came to the realization (all the while, "falling" deeper and deper) that I was riding a gigantic snake--it was my Familiar!

Anyway, we were headed towards a cavernous subterranean tunnel just a head, but--and this is where I would appreciate some "validation"--the entrance of the came seemed to have a crystaline structure covering the entrance--it seemed to have a soft, eerie, glow! Suddenly we were through the tunnel and shuttling downward with great speed--though I don't remember actually passing through this fasceted crystal-like structure!

Once inside, it was here hat I began to look around at my surroundings, only to see--above me--near to the entrance of the cave was a partially exposed skeletal figure hanging from about the upper half of the rib cage with one arm dangling; the figure also coiled by the roots of a tree along the surface.

It was at this point that I was jolted back into waking consciousness. (Damned late-night traffic making a raucous outside my window!) Regardless, my own experience generally fits well with Dr. David Pearce's and Dr. David Lewis-Williams' three-sage neurological typology.

Take Care,
Wade

* Witches initially employed the term "Familiar" to denote a "Power Animal", not unlike the Aztecan nagual--it represented not a singular animal, but the species as a whole; for example, bot A bear, but Bear! It was only until general works of Anthropology became commonplace amoingst Pagans that the term "Totem" came to displace that of "Familiar". However, a "Totem" is, in actuality, a Clan Animal, rather than an individual "Power Animal".

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

The Goddess, "Samhain"?!

2007-11-01T18:43:34Z

Hey guys, for MANY years we Pagans have been castigating our newby kindred-souls by stating (and deflating the popular notion) that there was no such Deity as "Samhain", after whom the Sabbat was named. But, is this so? Well, I had always heard that there was never any God (in the masculine) named "Samhain". But, it turns out, that there is certain a Goddess that bears this name--The Morrighan! I ordered an academic article from a Celtic Studies publication (I forget the title of the Journal and article off the top of my head, as I've filed them away for the moment) wherein The Morrighan, during the Da Derga's Hostel tale--when asked who She is--utters off a string of names and epithets, including Macha, Bodb, Nemain, as well as even "Samhain"--"Summer's End"!!! So....there ya' go! ;o)

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 1 reply

ISO Tattoo Ideogram Resources!

2007-10-24T06:16:08Z

Hey guys, I am in the process of designing (more-or-less by culling visual expressions of an ideal) a personal tattoo for Gay Pride of next year, so...bare with me a min.! First off, I was wondering if anyone could recommend a selection of books with which one can research symbology and ideograms?

Now...what I have planned is a butterfly rendered in a tribal motif! But, because it bugs me to see other cultures getting leached off of or folks calling "tribal tattoos" "tribal" when they bare no meaning and is merely art, I want it to be repleat with meaning, containing shapes and symbols through the intersecting lines denoting such things as courage, or Pride, etc. (Of course, I will need to meditate on what "Gay Pride" means to me, make a list, and then look for symbols that both historically express that idea through a symbol, etc.) Sadly, none of my own book or extent resources have availed themselves to my necessity at the moment.

Although, the butterfly itself does bear significance: it represents beauty; was believed to be the soul in many cultures; while red butterflies were thought to be witches that have shape-shifted; and it's transformation represents liminality and transformation (it's the only creature known to be able to completely alter its DNA); and during the 1970s (though I have foud no surviving images and references to this) lavender butterflies were symbols of Gay Liberation; even in Spain a derrogative word for a gay man in *mariposa*, which means "butterfly"; I also think the butterfly may have been a symbol for Eros who was the especial Patron of same-sex desire in Greece. I was also thinking of having two black dots diametrically opposed incorporated into the motif to represent the balance of the posative and the negative; the light and dark; as well as the masculine and the feminine, etc. Often one will note relatively "meaningless" free-standing dots in neo-tribal tattoos, so I thought I would borrow from this and impune it with some *real* meaning!

So...I was wondering if anyone might have any ideas for source-references for symbols and ideograms, etc.? Sadly, I haven't been able to find much on-line, such as through Symbols.Com (my usualy "go to" source).

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

Tattoo Symbology & Ideograms...

2007-10-21T05:16:08Z

Hey guys, as I may have mentioned before I am in the process of culling various ideas for a butterfly tattoo on the left-side of my chest rendered in the neo-tribal style (though, it's gotta' have the sexy lines this particular style's so well known for--I was watching a programme on TV last night dealig with a tribal tattoo competition, and one tribal piece simply took my breath away!). However, I want it to have some very real meaning, besides just being the modern, meaningless, tribal motifs that are so popular. So...I'd like to have the lines that constitute the piece to hold various significant associations. Ya' know what I mean? For example, an ideogram incorporated that means "pride", "esteem" or "protection", "courage" and "strength", etc... Sadly, my usual "go to" site is fairly useless, proving to be pretty narrow: http://symbols.com But.........because I am astute (at least I think so, anyway!), I'm also interested in why a symbol means what it means, or from where it may have evolved. So, I was wondering if anyone might have know of any good resource-type books that are pretty thorough examinations of symbols, their traditional meanings and their evolutions, etc. Anyone know of any that'd be worth my while? As for my tatoo-idea in question, I'd like to keep any incorporated symbols within a Northern, European, etc. stream or "cultural" environment. Of course, one of these days I shall have to set down with pen and paper and write a list of "Key Words" detailing what Gay Pride means to me. (The reason I desire a butterfly is becayse it represents not only witches [who were thought to shape-shift into red butterflies], but the soul and liminality or transformation; however, in the 70s lavender butterflies were ideograms of Gay Liveration, and in Spain a derrogatory term for Gay men [mariposa] translates as "butterfly"--I know it's supposed to be derrogatory, but I still think it's pretty!) Of course, before I get this tattoo I really want to hit my local gymn--hard! Hey, it's cheaper than pec. implants! LOL...

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

TRIBAL TATTOOS: CULTURAL FAD & CULTURAL TRAVESTY!

2007-10-19T06:40:03Z

TRIBAL TATTOOS: CULTURAL FAD & CULTURAL TRAVESTY!
(C) Wade MacMorrighan, 2007

Okay, we've all seen 'em...the ripped guys with a tribal armband tattood around their bicep! So far as tattoo as an expression of art nd consciousness goes (or lack there of, as I shall later go into) this one's been WAY over done!

Now, I'll be the first one to admit that if a sexy man with pecs of steel and arms with muscles ontop of his muscles walks into a room witha tribal tattoo there'd be something about it that would simply make him, shall we say, "more *appealing*"! But, that's one of the facets of tribal tattoos as an art--it's supposed to look goo on the body, and take into context the shape and natural lines of one's body; even accentuating them.

But, far too many men and women are thoughtlessly getting tattoos without understanding the significance of the ink they bear-- this very well may have the potential to bastardize a respective culture! I wouldn't be opposed of requiring tattoo artists to mandate that their prospective customers know what their are getting--if it's tribal, or froim some other culture-- and what it means, or each respective shape or line consciously reflect in the culture from which is stems.

This is why more folks ought to spend hours of time studying what they want, and how best to express it as a form of "sacred geomotry", if you will. Look to one's own culture, first, if there are any extent pagan/tribval motifs that have survived, and apply specific images and ifeograms in the make-up oif your tattoo, to best express what it is that the tribal tattoo is meant to signify! After all, tattoos often marked a rite de passage; it was a journey because it originally took many days, rather than hours, for ancient tattoos to be applied. But, I digress...

Lets say that, for the sake of argument, you are a Gay man (this is an original idea of my own) that you want a tribal tattoo as a symbol demarcating Gay Pride. What choices are there? Well, there's an inverted piunk triangle that our Nazi pursecutors demanded we wear. But, I would like a butterfly for a variety or reasons constructed out of a tribal motif. Now, the reasons for this is that the butterfly often represents liminality and transformation or fluidity from one state to another. It is also an obsolete sign for Gay Liberation: during the 1970s lavender butterflies were used as such symbols, but I have never seen any, or found this reference on-line. Red butterflies were also thought to be witches in early-modern Britain, as well as a symbol for the soul. Even in Spain a derogatory term for a Gay man [mariposa] translates as "butterfly".

However, the lines and motifs that yield the eventual tribal tattoo ought to reflect a deeper meaning and belief that incorporate various shapes and lines of significance. What should such a tattoo imply by way of the incorporated motif? Well, Pride and Courage, as well as Love, or incorporating symbols associated with Protection and Defense, for instance. But, instead of just leaching off of other disparate cultures with no connection [such as Native American meets Greek and pseudo-Celtic] choose some motifs from a culture that has significance to you--personally!

This, however, is my own personal philosophy. YMMV! Though, I pine for the days when a tribal tattoo actually MEANT something--we need more tribal customs within our own social networks or communities. Moreover, get an inspired tattoo to mark a relationship one might hav with a respective deity--I am ALL in favour of religious contemporary Pagan tattoos! Still...one fascet I desperately want to thoroughly investigate is the evidence for ancient tattoos from various cultures, particularly through Europe, and what they maight have looked like.

Here are some links you might find useful:

* http://www.tattooideasandmore.com/Site_Map.html [Some good, basic, guidelines.]
* Troubleshooting Tribal Tattoos: http://www.inkedblog.com/archives/2005/07/troubleshooting_tribal_tattoos.html [I love this highly informative Blog! I was surprised that Houston police were recently forced to cover up their ink when, according to a recent aticle, more than 40% of Americans are tattood, which is making employers severely revise their respective dress codes! So...what gives?]
* "Getting A Native American Tattoo: The Trouble with tribal Designs": http://www.native-languages.org/tattoo.htm
* Skin as Art and Anthropology: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/11/1113_021113_Skin.html
* Tribal Tattoos: http://www.tattooideasandmore.com/Tribal-Tattoos.php
* History of Tattoos: http://www.designboom.com/history/tattoo_history.html
* Tribal Tattoos Through History--A Visual Timeline: http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tattoos.htm
* Art VS. Fad: http://modifiedstateofmind.blogspot.com/2006/02/tattoos-art-vs-fad.html
* "Tattooing Now A Fad": http://modblog.bmezine.com/2006/09/22/tattooing-now-a-fad/
* "Body Modification: Ancient & Modern": http://hubpages.com/hub/tattoos_piercing
* http://www.tattoosymbol.com/
* "Tattoo you? Think before you ink": http://blogs.news.com.au/couriermail/stylemistress/index.php/couriermail/comments/tattoo

If anyone else has any relavent links of interest to post in reply, please feel free to do so!

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

PanGaia "Canceled"...

2007-10-16T05:21:40Z

Well, the eds. for PanGaia called and told me they JUST realized that the Winter issue would be published too late to use a Yule article, darn it! Oh well... There's always next year. ;o)

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

PanGaia Called!

2007-10-15T15:53:34Z

Hey guys, about a month ago I e-mailed an article I had written to the eds. of newWitch magazine for inclusion-- called "The Traditions of Christmas"--when their ed. sent me a thoughtful message stating they'd love to run it, but...they wouldn't be able to publish it until Winter 2008; so...because the eds. of PanGaia also loved it, they thought to ask me if they could publish it in PanGaia magazine, Winter 2007. They still need to get in touch so we can hammer out all the details. Looks like I'll be making a lovely Yule bonus this year, being that newWitch and PanGaia are we Pagans few "for pay" magazines! *G*

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

Eastern European Mythology & Paganism?

2007-10-12T07:16:41Z

Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone here might have, sitting on their personal Library shelves, any academic texts they could recommend to me dealing with the mythology and ancient paganism that was rampant throughout eastern Europe [eg. Croetia, Slovekia, Hungary]? I tell ya', researching Greek, Roman, Celtic and Egyptian deities is *so* much more simple! After all, I could rattle off a variety of contemporary scholars for each discipline. As an example, for Celtic (which is my specialty) I would most likely recommend James Mackillop, Miranda Green, and (my favorite) Prof. Daithi O hOgain. But, presently, I am researching Horned Gods and their respective, or generative, cults within their endemic culture. I hear that one Slavic Horned God is named Velos or Volos, but I can learn nothing about Him hrough any of *my* books, or Slavic mythology for that matter. Hmmm...I wonder if there is a Lithuanian Horned God? Or any Hearth-Goddesses and Cults throughout eastern Europe (I already known of Gabija/Gabieta, however)?

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

Gay Pride Documentary?

2007-10-06T05:01:10Z

You know, a thought just occured to me...I'm surprised that I've never seen a feature length documentary centered upon Gay Pride--it's history and evolution, as well as Pride Parades, festivities, and perhaps even dove-tailing with hate crimes legislation and civil marriage rights, etc. Dan Savage was on The Corbert Report on Comedy Central yesterday and reported that Gays & Lesbians as a protected class under hate crimes legislation is important not because it's already illegal to off and wail on someone violently; but because Gay bashing is a form of terrorism (I'm paraphrasing here, though an exact quote would be nice because he was so succinct!) meant to keep Gay men and Lesbians hidden, concealed, in "the closet" and from openly expressing their relationship or love for another of the same gender. Sadly, when this subject of Gay/Lesbian hate crime legislation was being debated on Reel Time with Bill Maher he basically took the President's stance (if I remember correctly) which is, basically, "Why bothers? It's already a crim to kick someone's ass?!"

Anyway, given digital camcorders and the editing software, etc. that's easily available, you'd think that making documentaries would become increasingly popular and practically flood the market!

Take Care,
Wade

PS--I am increasingly surprised by how many Gay male Witches I see in photographs, by way of their pentacle tattoos on their right shouldar or bicep-- the vast MAJORITY of them have actually been PORN STARS! I was just over at Flickr.Com, brousing, and set ANOTHER Gay men--during NYC's 2007 Gay Pride parade-- sporting *another* pentacle tattoo.

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

Phallic Cakes at Samhain!

2007-10-02T03:05:41Z

Hey guys, I just had a bit of delicious inspiration I thought I'd pass along this evening. Well, all week long I've had a massive craving for pumpkin [pie, bread, bars, whatever...]-- when by a striking coincidence my mum brought me over half a loaf of pumpkin bread! (SKORE!) But, I digress... I thought that a lovely way to honour the Horned God at Samhain-- in His aspect as "Dread Lord of Death" (albeit rather "esoteric" in symbolism) might be to bake phallic-shaped loaves of pumpkin bread! (There are penis-shaped cupcake tins, though they are a bit abstract for my taste; I wish I could find one shaped slightly more like the curved phallic cake tin I have!) After they're baked (perhaps with walnuts or raisins in the batter?) pipe them full with a cream cheese filling, and pour melted chocolate over them as a coating (if you're feeling decadent), or carrob (as a healthy substitute). Mmmmm... My mouths watering already-- I can't wait to give these a try! Of course *I* would have to chill them, regardless, cause I like filled treats (such as Ho Hos) cold!

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 2 replies

"Religion & The Decline of Magick"

2007-09-06T19:20:05Z

Hey guys, well...I was at the Half Price Bookstore this Teusday (and, *my* how things can change in just over one week!), and I walked away with a haul of gems that I've been keeping an eye out for future research (books and articles). Hmmm...I *always* seem to find the academic books that are on my mental list! Isn't that funny? Anyway, I found "The Book of Lilith" by Barbara Black Koltuv; [ancient] "Greek Religion", by Walter Burkert, which is a primary text that one Archewr sites in her anti-Dying-and-Rising God polemic for "Pan Gaia" magazine, which I find strange given this author's clear adoption of Robert Grave's "The White Goddess"; the irony is that Archer, like most Pagans, attempts to diustance themselves from Graves as much as possible...I was even once mocked for "defending" Graves by merely mentioning that, through no fault of his own, He *had* asked many scholars to review ands check his work, but that they could not be bothered to reply[!]; "The Grail--From Celtic Myth to Christian Symbol", by R. S. Loomis [Princeton University Press]; and Kieth Thomas's "Religion & The Decline of Magick" [Oxford University Press] at *nearly a 75% discount!

Anyhoo...something SHOCKING struck me (a familiarity for all you history buffs out there!) as I was giving it only a cursory glance and thumb-through! Kindly remember that this text was allegedly one of [Prof. of History at Bristoll Univ. Ronald] Hutton's allegedlt primary consenting sources. But, is it, really? Given my mere CURSORY examination, I was shocked by what I was reading! Thomas brought up example-after-example of paganism throughout the Middle Ages, such as the worship of Holy Wells, or even active worship and prayer to the varied gods of the planets! But, not ONCE in any of Hutton's material was *any* of this information brought into the light of day for the reader to examine! One wonders why? Could it be that he had no way of dismissing it at this time, so he merely thought to ignore it (thereby giving his readershiop the mistaken impression that such evidence is either inconsequential or non-existant)? This seems to be, to me, blatant history revisionism of the worst kind! However, I have heard from oher researchers that have been checking up on Hutton's sources, citations, and "facts" (which is often his mere opinion couched as though it *were* fact!), that this is not new to him. Apparently, Hutton often misrepresents the scholars he is citing--they either to not come to the extremist positions that Hutton does, or they actually present evidence quite to the contrary of his thesis...many of them have actuallyt reached the conclusion that thgere WERE pagan survivals and deities being actively worshipped during the Middle Ages, but Hutton seems to ignore this and cite them as though they are in agreement with him (which is not true!). Indeed, one must wonder HOW by all that is Holy has Hutton *not* beenh publically censured by his peers for this behavior? After all, were it me, I would be TERRIFIED of being exposed and forever damaging my reputation? Surely Hutton is (clearly!) not the only one to have read these books, so...how has he remained like teflon? According to one example cited by my New Zealand informant [an Alexandrian HP], among others:

"Hutton downplays so many aspects of the works he cites that it's not funny. He downplays the age and size of the cunning-folk tradition, by avoiding any mention of cunning-craft prior to the 18th century, so that it seems like a recent and quite minor phenomenon, which is anything but the case, according to Macfarlane and Thomas. He creates a sharp and artificial distinction between witchcraft and cunning-craft that none of his sources seem to make, even castigating Charles Leland for translating stregheria as 'witchcraft' rather than cunning-craft; his intention seems to be to reinforce the division from witchcraft, while Cohn, Thomas, Monter and Macfarlane all explicitly say that this distinction can't be clearly made. Macfarlane gives many examples of contemporary sources using the terms interchangeably. Hutton downplays the continuity of pagan practices into the witch-trials, and later into the 20th century, by giving many examples of 'lack of proof' for earlier continuity, which flies in the face of Monter, Thomas and Midelfort; he downplays any possibility that folk-magical techniques could have derived from early practices, again through depicting cunning-craft as a recent phenomenon in which most practitioners either made up their charms according to individual whim or received them by mail-order from London. Thomas and Cohn discuss the old provenance of several cunning-folk techniques at length.

"So in fact early modern witchcraft quite clearly displays a number of pagan survivals, as many of these authors have explicitly said. This is further confirmed and traced in detail by Carlo Ginzburg. The only remaining question is, can these survivals be considered "religious"? Were they merely unconscious folkloric survivals without any religious weight to them, or did they still carry some strength of faith?

"Sure, all deny that Murray's thesis is realistic. So do I. Her evidence for witchcraft as an organised religion is not convincing. The evidence she provides doesn't even convincingly support an unorganised religion. However others such as Ginzburg and Eva Pocs have fleshed out the 'pagan' elements that Cohn and Thomas identify, and given many examples of people who held these beliefs very dearly, with a strong intensity of faith. Sure these people were operating within the context of Christianity, but these ecstatic beliefs and practices were central to their faith. Religion is a funny thing, and one person's view of a religion can be very different to another's. We may have difficulty now seeing the faith of these old accused witches through their eyes, but it seems clear that their 'Christianity' was as much built around their ecstatic experiences — part of an ancient pagan continuum according to Ginzburg — as it was built on the teachings of the church.
So now is there 'any basis for characterising early modern witchcraft as paganism'?

"All in all, if you read Hutton's sources you're in for a surprise. His views don't reflect theirs.

"I have found him [Hutton] to be often quite inaccurate, particularly in making vast over-generalisations which make him sound like he has an exhaustive knowledge of a particular area, but which are (presumably) based on a poor knowledge, since they simply aren't true. While I could write a long essay on this (and I am), a couple of concrete examples will have to suffice for the moment.

"[1.] Hutton paints Leland as a crank and a forger, claiming that Aradia (Herodias) is clearly a figure from Christian not pagan theology and that no other Italian folklorist has found evidence for the Vangel. At this critical point in assassinating Leland's character, he neglects to mention that the eminent Italian historian Carlo Ginzburg famously identified the Benandanti, a cult with more than passing resemblance to the beliefs Leland recorded. Ginzburg also clearly demonstrated the non-Christian origin of the name Herodias ('Hera-Diana', which was normalised by the Church to 'Herodias'). Despite Hutton purporting to critique Ginzburg's work elsewhere in TotM, he is either unaware of the main contents of Ginzburg's work, or he purposely ignores it. Other, more detailed scholarly analyses of Aradia, or the Gospel of the Witches since have arrived at much more balanced conclusions (see the article at Wikipedia). (Note that I'm not claiming there is a link between the Benandanti and Leland's strega, just that Hutton has misrepresented the facts.)

"[2.] One of Hutton's most pivotal claims in TotM is that modern pagan witchcraft cannot be historically-based, because there was no witchcraft, or even any form of pagan religion on which witchcraft could be based, still existing by the early modern era. Apparently not a single person persecuted was a practitioner of a pagan religion. His main support of this is simply citing seven of his creme-de-la-creme of modern scholars, with very little supporting discussion. Some of these are in foreign language, but of those in English, at least two directly contradict Hutton, freely talking about the influences of old pagan religious practices. A particularly juicy chapter is in the cited book by Monter (I think it was Monter, not Midelfort, I don't have any of this in front of me), about white witchcraft, which evaluates the beliefs of witches in France and England, and describes how the "green devils" in the woods were probably old pagan gods and the saints' shrines to which ill people were sent were probably actually dedicated to old pagan gods with a Christian veneer. Of the other books he cites (that are in a language I can read) none make the claim that Hutton does. They demonstrate that most accused "witches" were normal Christians, but they certainly don't go as far as saying "not a single person accused...". A moderate familiarity with the current academic work on the witch-trial period actually reveals Hutton's position as extreme and atypical. (Note that this is not support for a widespread organised witch-cult in Europe, such as Margaret Murray proposed, just another instance of extreme oversimplification and misrepresentation of other authors.)

"These are two examples of extreme over-generalisation and oversimplification, a lack of balance, a bias or a POV if you will. I can't comment on Hutton's motives, but I've found similar fallacies and misrepresentations scattered through his work.

"I'm more interested in truth than in any invented history. And to find the truth I think we have to put labels and preconceptions aside, and evaluate these works on their factual accuracy."

WELL SAID! However, having digressed someone from the initial topic of this thread that I have begun, I wonder what others' thoughts are concerning Kieth's book, "Religion and the Decline of Magic? Pros? Cons?

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 1 reply

Help w/ a .BIN Font file!

2007-09-03T17:08:33Z

Hey guys, I'm in search of a computer Geek to help me load a fabulous font that was gifted to me by someone over at The Witches' Voice (it was pressumibly designed by them, and it is not something that I can find elsewhere). It arrived as a .BIN file, but my computer (I have Windows ME) doesn't seem to be able to open it or read it. So...I was wondering if someone might know how one could unleash a font in such a File format in order to make practical use of it. All of my Fonts (even those freely downloaded) seem to be either "True Type Font" files or they may be opened with "Windows Font Viewer". Any Computer Geeks here? ;o)

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

Trumpet Vine [Campsis radicans] Lore?

2007-09-03T02:46:06Z

Hey guys, I've just Wild Crafted some trumpet vine [Campsis radicans] that was growing wild alongside the road this afternoon. It is presently in my basement drying to be bottled in about a week or two (I found some lovely wide mouth, Reagent, Apothecary Jars, recently). Anyway, as a native flower of North America (so far as I am aware), I was wondering if anyone might know of any folk-lore or mythology (probably Amer-Indian) surrounding this particular herb. I am also curious whether or not there happens to be American-influenced Santeria or Voodoo/Hoodoo herb-lore surrounding this plant as well. Extra browny points for anyone that sites their sources (the more reputible the better!). :o) Thanks!

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

Gays Can Marry in Iowa!!!!

2007-09-01T03:48:07Z

Hey guys, this news was simply too good to keep to myself:

I just found out yesterday, though a friend (I was surprised that I saw nothing about it on the local or national news stations!) that a district court has JUST ruled that it's against Iowa's constitution to prevent loving Gay couples from LEGALLY tying da' knot!

Here are two articles:

* http://www.365gay.com/Newscon07/08/083007iowa.htm [My favourite site for the latest GLBT-related news!]
*http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/08/30/iowa.samesexmarriage/

I am soooo thankful that the District Court of Iowa had the good sense to over-turn DOMA which our terrible Terry Bradstadt [ex. Gov.] signed into law way back when, during the Clinton Admin. Sadly, it's expected to be repealed by the Polk County DA (potentially with the the help of Iowa's Attorney General) in front of Iowa's Supreme Court! *sigh* So, our fate is now in THEIR hands... (I'm scared!) Still, one wonders why the DA is compelled to challenge this ruling when it doesn't effect them? *groan* Anyone fee like joining me in cursing the Polk County DA? MUWAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Just kidding...maybe... ;o)

Regardless, I am so stokd about this pre-mature good news that I feel like dancing (and partying!).

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 2 replies

Hidy-Ho

2007-08-18T06:38:41Z

Hello everyone... i'm new here and im happy to join a place where there are other gay pagans/witches in the world. heh.

i hope to make new friends and share my knowledge of wicca and learn from others aswell : )

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

BTW 2007?

2007-08-17T11:13:36Z

I was just wondering if anyone else here will be attending Between the Worlds in Ohio this September? This will be my first time there and I will (hopefully) be offering a workshop there, if it gets approved.

For those of you who have been before... what is it like? What can I expect?

Thanks in advance...

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 8 replies

Theban, and Other Fonts

2007-08-11T21:35:17Z

Hiya'! I had recently started a very light-hearted thread (read: "because I was board!" *G*) on another local Pagan YahooGroup about Fonts used for ritual scripts or one's BOS (exempting, obviously, those Trads. that choose to write it by hand); this is a brilliant option for those Pagans who want a Grimoire (for that is what I call my personal book of formulas, rites and spells, etc.) with a certain "feel" or asthetic appeal-- especially if their "hand of write" looks like chicken scratches (LOL...my own brother has the most unfortunate hand writing that I've *ever* had to decipher)! Heck, I also like to use beautiful fonts for lessons, lectures, and hand outs in any of the local classes I teach, where they might be appropriate. For example, a candle spell of mine is a fusion of talismanic seals that calls upon the Hebrew letter "Beth" which encloses the astrological symbol for Vesta's flame (as in the asteroid). (Although one friend of mine made me a wee bit jealous when she responded that a group she belongs to uses a Font from Windows XP, called "Papyrus"...DAMN my own crappy Windows ME! LOL! Now I'm curious, so I have to see what this Font looks like.)

Hey, can ya' tell I'm still a bit bored?!

Anywaaaaayyyy...I got to thinking about Theban Fonts. The only one I am aware of-- which I have downloaded-- comes from (I think!) a Canadian BTW Church of Wicca. Sadly, I always found it to be a bear intimation (and is wildly inaccurate to the point of being *practically useless*!) of any of the published Theban alphabets that I have *seen*. Yet...BECAUSE I see it published (such as a poster of "The Witches' Alphbet" from AzureGreen, or as an Appendice in the back of some books from Llewellyn, such as Agrippa) shouldn't a "complete" or "workible" Theban Font (with evenly "written" lines within each character) be available?! However, the only qualification I would add is that it *must*-- despite it being grammatically incorrect-- double-up the Theban characters for "U" or "V" when transcribing the "W"; it's obviously a letter that I use frequently. ;o)

But, before I leave here (my shouldar's starting to kill me!)-- because I'm always looking for beautiful, mystical, ritualesque, occult-related or even ancient characters and fonts-- are there any Fonts that anyone here has come across, or downloaded, that they might recommend? (Hey, I just recently found an Ogham font! Although, I don't know *why* it seemed to download itself twice into my drop down script-box.) Indeed, I *am* looking for a font to use when labling my potion bottle, and jars or herbs and resins, particularly something that seems to be redolent of thin, yet elligent, Victorian penmanship (ya' know what I mean?)!

Hmmm...I wonder if there are any Goetian-inspired fonts?!

Take care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

FUMIN' MAD!!!

2007-07-29T17:10:53Z

[Warning: DO not meddle in the affairs of fumin'-mad red heads. as you are tasty and good with ketchup! *G*]

Arggghhh... By the gods!!! I was just thoroughly offended by some real piece'a work on a message board! (Nice way to come back on-line, while I'm still healing and took a trip to Des Moines where I bought a couple cute new shirts [well, that is to say, 'cause I couldn't afford them, mom paid fr them]-- and, I *never* see cute new shirts to buy, because no place that we can affoprd to shop actually sells cute new clothes that I would care to buy, or would even make me look like I have *anything* but "good taste"!) But, I digress...

So, I was on-line, minding my own business, and Introducing myself with my beliefs-- you know, the evidence I have (and am still finding amongst academics) telling me that The Morrighan was not-- and should not be defined as-- a War-Goddess. Well, I cited many of my sources, and made the brunt of my argument, but...one particularly vocal member blasted me as...get this: "QUIXOTIC"!!! HOW FRELLING OFFENSIVE!!! But, this person went further and called me everything but outright stating that I was a lier.

Unfortunately, she took great offence to my views, and seemed to see it as her "duty" to completely thrash my views for the "Fluffy Bunny bullshit" that she claimed it to be. First of all, she began by targetting my sources, and attempting to catch me in some sort of spurious polemic! Now, bear in mind that one of the larger pieces of my argument is that She was an Earth-Goddess. Well...in claiming that I am "clearly in error", she based one of her "arguments" soley on the TITLE of an academic article I had cited; as a result she speciously claimed that none of the scholars I cited agree with me, because all they say is that "she shares certain 'ASPECTS' with earth goddesses!!!" Well, actually, the title she is speaking of, here, she obviously hadn't read-- Patricia Lysaght's "Aspects of the Earth-Goddess in the Traditions of the Irish Banshee"-- firmly supports my thesis. But, *even* if she didn't, I cited numerous other scholars that *do*! Later she even implied that the texts I cited was irrelivent, and probably didn't say what I was stating, either, when she concluded, "Wade, by the way: I thought you were a fool on other lists, and you are still a fool to come here, acting like someone else, and starting fights. The women and men here have already forgotten more about the Spirit of the Morrigan than you will ever know, you and your tiny book list of books you probably haven't even read all the way through, which you think entitles you to come here and lecture us about Gods and Goddesses. Go back to being wiccan." Sadly, she was only getting started (and greatly exagerating what she views as "starting fights"!)... Though, of those sources I cited that they *had* read, I was somehow automatically in error because some of these authors [eg. Angelique Epstein] still principally hold Her to be a pramary War-Goddess! So...apparently I can't make use of someone's dissertation without having to buy into every one of her views? Sadly, this shows me that she doesn't understand the nature of scholarship-- I can appreciate some of her definitions and make use of them, and support them; but, at the same time I can find that the brunt of her thesis is wrong! Why on earth should I have to accept every word or thought that an authoir has, PhD or not? Not unless they somehow believe (though, I'd like to know WHY) that because I don't have a doctorate or some other advanced degree I am not allowed such liberties!

However, I maintain that I have felt the "love" of the Old Gods (though, today, I might use a more erudite denotation, such as "ecstacy"), when I was ruthlessly lambasted, as if the gods cannot love (even if they choose one to serve Them); nor, apparently, are we supposed to "love the gods", because our ancient forebears allegedly did not "love" them, either! Indeed, what she said (with obvious sarcasm) was:

"Oh, you are just breaking my heart with your 'True unconditional love' nonsense. The Great Queen does not 'love' in the pseudo-christian, hack-tear romantic, sugar-shock sort of way that you are dripping here. It's not a Goddess whose love you have felt, but your own need to see the universe and Nature as a loving being.

"The Love of the Great Queen is not a human love; it is beyond our understanding, but NOT beyond our experience. Her love is not ANYTHING like what christians have been peddling to the masses...It as a love that includes death- the darkest reaches of our fears, for the Power of Nature extends into both places. Her love does not exclude you from the bloody or painful death that you may have to experience one day- a death that will be FROM her, according to her will, Fate.

"The Great Queen's Love would turn your hair white if you ever really felt it; it is an all-encompassing power, a ruthless yet beautiful power. Take your 'true unconditional love' crap and stuff it elsewhere. The pagans of the past feared their Gods as much as they depended on them, and that is because they lived next to red, bloody nature, where death was their constant companion. And they knew a lot more about the Nature of Love and the Gods than your pampered bee-hind will ever know." Nice, huh, that she would seek to impose upon ME as well as THE MORRIGHAN what She is REALLY like?! Ugh...can't She speak for Herself? Indeed, the last sentence from her second paragraph could very well be taken as a threat on her part! This woman even attempted to threaten me with The Morrighan; claiming that she would curse me in Her name if I didn't cease with what I am doing (research and writing about Her), and that she could hear Morrighan "cackling in the distance", signifying that She would find it most "humorous"!

Sadly, she went on, debating my personal experiences as irrelivent when compared to hers: "I have felt the presence of my Goddess many times, and have seen others literally step back as She enters into the ritual space with us. I have been spoken to and dealt dearly with her." But, with her final breath (becaus I was banned for "starting" this "flame war" when I was in no way directly responcible!) she concluded, "My dear Lady's direct gaze is not something I hope to behold any time soon. I will love her and respect and fear her; honor her and tread lightly in her halls...but I will not crawl to her on bended knee with tears in my eyes and a painful beating in my chest as my heart wells up and beg to feel her true 'unconditional love'." Ya'know, based upon this final statement, I wonder if such individuals *really* serve the gods as a Priest/ess, or whether their views serve an Ego-driven need for "show" of somekind? Ya' know what I mean?

What's wrong with Pagans that they can't allow others to have their own personal relationships with the gods without being labled a "Fluff Bunny" because of their own unacknowledged insecurities, as though one were attempting to "white wash" the so-called "Dark Goddess" who are supposed to be "terrifyinbg and frightening"?! Regardless of my statements, and views, she empirically claimed, facetiously, that I was making Her, by default, "a loving, protector, mommy goddess!" By Hel's Holy Nightstick I even *told* them that this is where my research lead me, and that the Goddess chose *me* to serve *Her*, but they were openly hostile and skeptical (well, that is, cynical) about my statements to those facts. (Jeeze, this reminds me to write an article on religious intollerance, with especial examples of religious intolerance from antiquity!)

Hell, what I would really like to start a discussion about is: When I finish my thesis on this topic, how might I write an Introduction-- and what might I touch upon-- to be spared such cyniccism, as if I ought not to be allowed my own views based upon the research I have performed (because she made it clear that she believes I am-- an allegation I *FIRMLY* deny!-- "twisting the words of scholars to suit my OWN AGENDA" and that she "woudn't have it!")? Ya' know what I mean?

And on top of this, on cable tonight I just happened upon the three saddest movies of all-time and s[ent this evening bawling my eyes out: "Watership Down", "The Education of Lttle Tree", and most of all, "A. I."!

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

The Morrighan Speaks...!

2007-07-24T17:53:11Z

For a long time I have wanted to make some alternating amber-and-jet jewelry; particularly a choker for myself! Anyway, because the colour red is so sacred to Her, I was recently inspired to search out a supplier of red-- or "cherry"-- amber beads! But, it also came to my attention that the folks who made my gorgious idol of the Goddess--Dryad Design [http://www.dryaddesign.com]-- also have a selection of pendants and jewelry based upon their statuary, including a raven pentagram based upon The Morrighan! Ah...can you imagine it?! A red amber-and-jet choker with a raven pentagram hanging from it!

Then, another inspirational thought came to me... I have occassionally seen a variety of Native American feather smudging fans. Well...would it not be a brilliant idea to craft a feather fan out of crow feathers to honour The Morrighan and use it to waft Her incense when needed? Hmmm...now the only problem is finding a source for large crow feathers, and learning how to make such a "fan" to egin with!

Take Care,
Wade, the Inspired One!

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

Herbs Dedicated to Mercury?

2007-07-23T20:03:08Z

Hey guys, an idea came to me, yesterday (being of limited funds) that another key ingredient to my (tentatively titled) "Employment Potion" would be an herb-- that produces an EO-- which was dedicated to Mercuty, by the Romans (being that He is the God of commerce, trade and flowing money, etc.!). So........I was wondering if anyone might know of such an herb, and what evidence we have for it being dedicated to Mercury by the Romans (the Romans are not my personal strong point). *G* It was while thumbing through my Oxford "Dictionary of Roman Religion", checking on a hunch, that I found this info. re: Mercury.

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 1 reply

Crowley's Malkuth Attributations?

2007-07-22T23:38:45Z

Hey guys, I am hoping to formulate an anointing oil dealing with manifestation upon the physical plain, as represented by the Sephiroth, Malkuth, on the Qabalah. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone here-- perhaps more knowledgible on all things Crowley than myself-- could aid me in locating Uncle Al's herbal-, E.O.-, and perfume-attributations to this respective sphere in the Qabalah [Malkuth]. Some that I have found so far are:

* GALANGAL: According to the Wikipedia entry for Abramelin Oil, "This oil is compounded of four substances. The basis of all is the oil of the olive. The olive is, traditionally, the gift of Minerva, the Wisdom of God, the Logos. In this are dissolved three other oils; oil of myrrh, oil of cinnamon, oil of galangal. The Myrrh is attributed to Binah, the Great Mother, who is both the understanding of the Magician and that sorrow and compassion which results from the contemplation of the Universe. The Cinnamon represents Tiphereth, the Sun -- the Son, in whom Glory and Suffering are identical. The Galangal represents both Kether and Malkuth, the First and the Last, the One and the Many, since in this Oil they are One. [...] These oils taken together represent therefore the whole Tree of Life. The ten Sephiroth are blended into the perfect gold." However, upon checking my copy of Crowley's "Magick, Book Four, Liber ABA, I could not locate this citation.
* POMEGRANATE: from his 777. Recently I have found a supplier for Pomegranate Absolute (or was it an oleo resin?)!
* DITTANY OF CRETE: Malkuth's attributed "perfume" in 777.
* LILY: 777's attributed "plant" to Malkuth; probably because Lilith is associated with this Sphere, according to Crowley. Hmmm...I wonder if I could find a Lily Tincture somewhere, as I do not have access to enough fresh flowers to presently yield my own.
* STORAX: Now, I don't know if Crowley spoecificaly attributes Malkuth with STORAX, but, he attributes it to "Earth of Earth" in his 777; after all, Malkuth is associated with the Earth.

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 0 replies

Super Cheap Potion Supplies?

2007-07-20T21:11:55Z

Hey guys, one of the key-ingredients for a Potion I want to blend-- an Employment Potion-- is Sandalwood Oil. Anywya, I only have about $15 (I'm reserving $5 for s/h) to spend on Essential Oils, plus a carrier (something happened to my bottle of sweet almost, 'cause it's no longer in my apothacarey!)-- this budget also includes the shipping fee. So, I was wondering if anyone knows of REALLY CHEAP essential oils suppliers I could do business with? The folks I usually buy oils from-- Isis Books & Gifts [http://www.isisbooks.Com]-- are asking for $12/dram of Sandalwood oil! So, I thought to myself, "Surely this is a drastic mark up per dram! After all, the Dryad Design idol of my beloved Morrighan that I bought from Ancient Ways for $45 is being sold at Isis for $90!!!!!!"

Anyway, I also need some Bay (Laurel) Oil, for "winning" and "victory"...though, I've got some ground cinnamon for success, some sea salt for "money" (our word, "salary", comes from a Roman expression for salt). Though, I'd like to add at least two other fragrances, if I can: Now, I immediately thought of baybarry ('cause, "a baybery candle burned down to the socket, always puts money in the pocket!"), but...I don't want a potion that smells *too* piney and herbally, as well as woodsy! So, I may be looking for two other possible ingredients! Anyone else care to recommend anything they can think of-- particularly with some herb-lore attached-- centered around money and actual "work" or "employment" to some extent? ;o)

Heck, on top of that I need to buy two candles (I only buy my ritual candles from SomaLuna.Com!), and at least one sheet of parchment. I just hope I can afford all this for the spell I have planned-- jeeze, it sucks not having the supplies on hand when you REQUIRE them for use!

I tried scoring a job once before without any sort of a Magickal aid, and I made a promice to myself that I'd never do it again without one!

Take Care,
Wade

PS: You know, as commonly used as Sandalwood Essential Oil is-- particularly in aromatherapy-- you'd think it's be skags cheaper than what I've seen it!

PPS: Please, *no one* recommend AzureGreen as a source. I *refuse* to purchase oils from them, because, despite their claims to being "Essential Oils" (at their quantity and prices), they clearly only sale fragrence oils!

PPPS: Also, if anyone's gonna' say, "Well, you might have to just bite the bullet!", don't bother responding. ;o) That's defeatist! Besides, there's ALWAYS a choice, or an option! You just have to find it, first.

posted in Gay Witchcraft - 1 reply