Victorian Seance

Victorian Seance
Photo by Deitmar Kohl

Friday, July 20, 2018

Witch 101: Cleansing Your Home/Warding

FLOOR WASHES AND OTHER TECHNIQUES

The same herbs you use in your white bath (instructions here: http://musiccitymetaphysics.blogspot.com/2018/07/witch-101-cleansing-bath-witches-bath.html)
can be used in a floor wash as well. Add the mixture to the water you use to clean the floor along with 1/2 c sal, cascarilla (eggshell powder) t and 1/3 bottle florida water. (Resin’s aren’t recommended for this).

For rugs/carpet, sprinkle herbs, cascarilla and salt on them, leave for at least 3 hours, ideally over night and vacuum.

You can also sprinkle the same on floors, leaving for the same period of time, then sweep (towards the door).

Throw everything away outside of the house if it’s not possible to toss in water running away from you, on a railroad track or to bury at a crossroads.

CASCARILLA

This is one of the strongest cleansing materials. To make your own, rinse white eggshells and put in the oven for a few minutes to dry. Crush with a mortar and pestle or put in a coffee grinder, (this works marvelously). Use in baths, floor washes and to protect yourself by making a cross with the powder on your forehead, back of neck and in a circle around your naval, (this is recommended before dark and some grey magic or when dealing with spirits).

You an also put a thin line of cascarilla in front of doorways to prevent people who intend to harm you from entering. The same can be done to doors and windows to prevent spirits with ill will from entering. The same can be done with brick dust, salt or a combination of all 3. (Protection)

An extremely effective cleansing technique is to cover a coconut in cascarilla then roll it through your house from back to front.

FLORIDA WATER/BAY RUM

Can be used routinely to eliminate negative energy’s well as before and after magical workings and spirit communication by putting some on your head and back of your neck.

Also good to add to water used to clean cabinets/furniture or put in a spray bottle for multi-purpose home or office cleansing.

INCENSE

Sage, Copal, Frankencinse, Benzoin, Palo Santo, Dragon’s Blood, Bay Leaves (burn on charcoal as an incense, also has a mild mood elevating effect/heightens focus)

CRYSTALS/OTHER

Clear Quartz, Selanite, Amber (stone or resin)

White, St. Michael or Guardian Angel candles, (you can also use a patron Saint or members of the Holy Family - but it’s ideal that the candle be white)

Ringing a bell, singing bowls (you can clear a space by playing singing bowls or other meditations as well)

Make a cross of cedar oil on doorways to protect and attract positive spirits, (protection)

Place railroad spikes in each corner of the apartment or outside at each corner of a home, (protection/luck)

Place a horse-shoe over doorways or between your mattress and box-springs, (pointing upwards), (protection/luck)

CLEANSING CRYSTALS

Leave outside or on a windowsill in salt water from morning till just before sunset. I put bread crumbs around them to attract birds so the negative energies fly away with them.

Witch 101: Cleansing Bath: White Bath

It’s a good idea to clear out negative energies routinely, (the strongest time is at the New Moon) in addition to doing so after encountering negative experiences/people/spirits and before and after undertaking magic, rituals or spirit communication.

Altars should be kept clean, (ideally clean them once a week) and can be re-arranged/decorated for magical workings and holidays, (Pagan holidays related to the altar, Saints day’s for Saints altars etc).

Clear crystals after magical workings and once a month (in the day) at the new Moon in addition to charging them in solar or lunar energy for various purposes. You can do the same with tarot decks and other divination tools.

Here is my favorite cleansing bath:

WHITE BATH

One of the most powerful cleansings around. Helps everything from clearing negative energy to ridding yourself of spirits and black magic.

1/2 c salt
1/4 c cascarilla (or one cup pressed cascarilla)
3 c milk (can substitute coconut but whole milk is best)
1 can coconut milk + 1/2 the oil (if your can has oil at the top)
1 box or bottle coconut water
Fresh white flowers or petals
1/3 bottle florida water

3 of the following:

Frankencense resin
White copal resin
Chamomile (calming)
Mullien (calming)
Queen Anne’s Lace (love)
Jasmine (love)

Or other white herbs/flowers as available and as suits the energy you’re trying to cleanse. Placing clear quartz crystals around the bathtub amplifies the effect of the bath.

INCENSE

Burn a cleansing incense in the bathroom, (Sage, Copal, Palo Santo, Benzoin, Frankencinse).

PSALMS/PRAYERS

For maximum effect, ring a bell or play a singing bowl to clear energies, (if you don’t have a bell and don’t want to use your phone around water you can also clap loudly 3x),  then read Psalm 68 over bath water.

In the bath, recite the Lord’s Prayer, Hail Mary and one of the Psalms listed here that apply to your situation while in the bath:   http://readersandrootworkers.org/wiki/Category:The_Book_of_Psalms.

Make sure you fully immerse in the water or pour it over your head at least 3x.

Stay in the water until it cools and as it goes down the drain, visualizing the situation or things you want to clear going down the drain with the water.

CANDLES

Place 2 white candles, (or St. Michael or Guardian Angel candles) alongside the bathtub, making a gateway to step through getting in and out. You can also add oils to amplify cleansing (Frankincense, Fiery Wall of Protection, Jinx Remover, Uncrossing) or to attract positive spirits, (Gardenia) to the candles.

AFTER BATH

Ideally toss the petals/herbs from the bath in water running away from you, bury them at a crossroads or throw them on a railroad track. If doing this isn’t possible, throw them away outside of your house.

EGG CLEANSING

You can follow the white bath with a simple egg cleansing by rolling the egg (always downward) from head to toe, scrubbing yourself as though it were a bar of soap. Crack the egg into a bowl of water, let sit about 5 min then flush.





Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Dream Enhancing Herbs and Stones


Here are some herbs and stones to facilitate lucid dreaming and to increase the vividness of dreams:

Herbs/Roots

Mugwort - enhances dreams, helps with remembering dreams, increases vividness - burn as an incense or smudge or drink in tea/smoke, (do not use daily or in large amounts).

Chamomile - helps eliminate nightmares, drink in a tea or use in a bath, can also be kept in a pillow.

Dream Herb (Calea Zacatechichi) Shamanistic herb to promote lucid dreaming, heighten vividness of dreams. Smoke or drink in a tea for maximum effect.

Valerian Can help create more vivid/intense dreams.

Ginko Biloba Can help remember dreams, increase vividness, (capsules)

Peppermint Can increase lucid dreams and dream vividness. Some people experience premonitions more easily. Drink for maximum effect but can also be used in a bath or pillow.

Passion Flower Relaxing, sedative. Drink for maximum effect.

Datura (do not consume) use under pillow for lucid/vivid dreams.

Blue Lotus Lucid dreams.

Also: Jasmine, Rose, Mullien, Lemongrass, Lavendar

Stones/Crystals

Holey Stones  Tapping into other dimensions, spirit communication.

Quartz (clear)  Intensifies dreaming.

Azurite 3rd eye, contacting spirit guides, general dream intensification.

Moldavite Lucid dreaming, dream recall

Chyrsocolla Increases premonitions in dreams

Ruby Protection from nightmares.

Opal Increases vividness.

Malachite Increases vividness.

Amethyst 3rd eye, dream interpretation.

Agate Banded agate has been used under pillows to promote varied dreams since ancient times.

Celestite Elevates awareness.


Sunday, July 17, 2016

Stones, Herbs, Roots and More to Attract or Remove Ghosts


There are many things, both natural and manufactured, that have been used over centuries to attract or repel ghosts and other entities.  Here are some I have found to be effective for both purposes:

To Increase and Facilitate Spirit Communication

Roots/Herbs:
Mugwort,  Dream Herb- smoke or drink before going to sleep; induces lucid dreams. Can also be burned or kept under pillow.
Wormwood
Cedar
Dittany of Crete
Mandrake
Bay Leaves
Marigold/Calendula

Incense
Myrrh
Copal
Lavendar

Crystals/Stones
Amethyst
Angelite
Celestite
Clear Quartz
Selanite

Other
Holey Stones
Pomegranate

To Protect From and Repel Spirits

Roots/Herbs

Agrimony
Angelica
Asafoetida 
Betony
Marigold/Calendula
Cinquefoil/Five Finger Grass
Cloves
Dandilion
Dill, (fresh bunches above doors and windows)
Galangal/Low John
Hawthorn
High John
Horehound
Hyssop
Mandrake
Mugwort, (under your doormat)
Rosemary
Rue

Incense

Myrrh
Copal
Sage
Palo Santo

Crystals/Stones to Repel Spirits

Black Tourmaline
Agate 
Bloodstone 
Emerald 
Labradorite 
Black Onyx  
Hematite 
Eye Agate 
Carnelian 
Malachite 
Topaz


General Protection

Agate, (all kinds)
Amber 
Apache Tears
Aventurine 
Black Kyanite
Black Obsidian
Calcite 
Chalcedony 
Fluorite  
Jasper 
Jet 
Lapis 
Lava 
Lodestone 
Moonstone 
Petrified Wood  
Ruby 
Serpentine 
Snowflake Obsidian 
Sunstone 
Tigers Eye  

Other

Florida Water
Cascarilla
Lemon, (with cloves)
Garlic
Onion, (cut in half)
Vinegar
Camphor
Blueing
Blue Glass
Brick Dust
Salt
Sulpher
Hamsa



Mediumship Series at The Green Man Store


Featured in the best-selling ‘Everything Ghost Hunting Book’, Liz is an experienced medium, Hoodoo practitioner and reader. The series, at The Green Man Store in North Hollywood, is $23 per class, $3 discount for cash. Save $40 with our $100 discounted rate if paid in full by first class. Call 818-985-2010 to register!

Explore communication with the Spirit World with Liz in this 6 week introduction to Mediumship. In the first class we will be learning techniques for lucid dreaming and their application in mediumship. Students will start a dream journal, which we will explore throughout the series. (Bring a journal or notebook.)

From ancient times to the Spiritualist movement to the present day, we will look at the craft’s fascinating history, leading personalities, as well as the many forms it can take throughout the series. Students will learn the primary principles of Automatic Writing and Drawing, Lucid Dreaming, Trance Mediumship, Channeling and Psychometry. Protection and cleansing will also be covered, along with a look at different types of Spirits and how these have been defined, conjured, (or exorcised), through the centuries.

In a special event class on Friday, August 12, students will make their own pendulum boards and we will practice spirit communication by cauldron firelight. (Bring wine or the beverage of your choice and a light dish or desert.) Class will be held outside on the patio, 8-10 p.m.

Friday, June 12, 2015

Gypsy Magic



Ki shan i Romani - 
Adoi san' i chov'hani.

Wherever gypsies go,
there witches are we know -Leland

Some Gypsy Spells and Lore
(source: Leland)

Eggs

Crush up the shells of your eggs after eating them lest the witches sail out to sea using them for boats! Contrastingly, if you wish to accomplish a particular end with the person you've made eggs for, (be the end good or bad), prick their name on the inside of the shell while focusing your intent. 

Love

To keep a love by your side or bring them to you, take a blade of grass in your mouth and turning to the East then the West say:

Kay o kam avriavel,
kiya mange lele beshel!
Kay o kam tel' avel,
kiya lelakri me beshav.

Where the sun goes up
shall my love be by me. 
Where the sun goes down
there by him/her I'll be.

Cut the blade in pieces and mix it with something the person will eat. Even if they just swallow one bite, they will be gewogen und treugesinnt moved to true love.

Another spell to keep a lover with you is to gather herbs or branches from plants/trees related to love and, on a morning when there are clouds in the east, throw them Eastward saying:

Predzsia, csirik leja,
te na trada m're piranes.

Fly my bird. Fly I say!
Do not chase my love away!

Another is to approach your lover while he/she is sleeping, (naked) and cut a lock of their hair. Carry it with you in a bag, ring, or otherwise on your person. If the person wakes up while you're doing it, however/if you are caught - the spell will work the opposite way and send them away from you so careful!

To punish a faithless lover, light a candle at midnight and prick it several times with a needle saying: 

Pchagerav momely
Pchaegra tre vodyi!

Thrice the candles broke by me.
Thrice thy heart shall broken be.

Divination

A gypsy version of pendulum reading - take a strand of your hair and tie a ring to the end. Drop it into a cup or container of some sort. Ask questions that have numeric answers and count the times it hits the sides. The hair pendulum is wound around the ring finger and is also used over a bowl on which letters of the alphabet and/or numbers are drawn.

Another method of divination is to scry the bubbles in boiling water. This is particularly thought to reveal words/letters.

Some Superstitions

Don't use a needle, scissors or bake bread on Wednesday or Friday.
Do not conduct bargins on Friday's because on Friday Paraschiva, to whom the day is sacred, punishes all infractions of law.
Do not wash your hands or comb your hair on a Tuesday.
It is unlucky to wash anything on Saturday.
Working on Saints days and other Holy days is bad luck.


Thursday, June 11, 2015

How to Read Playing Cards


HEARTS

Ace: A loving family, a new romance, a love letter on it's way.
Two: Successful engagements and partnerships.
Three: Be careful... especially with your words.
Four: A change in residence or business. Marriage late in life.
Five: Don't make hasty decisions. You could be surrounded by jealous people.
Six: Unexpected good luck, generally from another person.
Seven: An unfaithful or unreliable person. Promises will be broken.
Eight: Visits. Invitations.
Nine: Wishes and dreams come true.
Ten: Good luck and happiness, particularly in love.
Jack: A close friend. Used to represent a pleasant, dark blonde or light brown haired, younger man or woman.
Queen: A kind dark blonde/light brown haired woman.
King: A kind dark blonde/light brown haired man. Someone will give you good advice.

DIAMONDS

Ace: A ring or other present of jewelry. News about money is on it's way.
Two: A love affair or business deal others don't approve of.
Three: Legal issues and domestic arguments.
Four: Inheritance and other financial improvements.
Five: Success in business and family life.
Six: Marriage and relationship problems, particularly in later life.
Seven: Surprise news, (and it might not be good). Business problems.
Eight: Marriage and travel late in live. Rags to riches to rags and back again.
Nine: New opportunities in business and other good news related to money.
Ten: Changes for the better. Particularly in business or travel.
Jack: A relative. Used to indicate a blonde or very light red haired young woman or man. Could be a dishonest person.
Queen: A woman who loves to party, gossip and flirt. Used to indicate a blonde or very light red haired woman.
King: A stubborn and influential man. Used to indicate a blonde or very light red haired man.

CLUBS

Ace: Money, health, love and happiness.
Two: Difficult changes and separations coming from gossip and lies.
Three: A wealthy marriage.
Four: Like two, changes resulting from lies but also from betrayal.
Five: Help from new friends. A happy marriage.
Six: Success in business due to financial assistance.
Seven: Prosperity.
Nine: Accomplishments. New love. Avoid stubbornness/be open to others.
Ten: Good luck, especially with money and travel. Unexpected funds may arrive.
Jack: A friend you can count on. Used to represent a dark haired young man or woman.
Queen: An attractive, confident woman. Used to represent a dark haired woman.
King: An honest, generous, affectionate man. Used to represent a dark haired man.

SWORDS

Ace: Emotional conflict, obsession, death. Things coming to a head.
Two: Separation through gossip and deceit. Difficult changes.
Three: Unfaithfulness. Breakups.
Four: Illness. Broken promises, especially in business and other partnerships.
Five: People interfering with a happy home.
Six: Small changes for the better.
Seven: Unexpected loss of friends.
Eight: Trouble, disappointment, things going wrong, friends letting you down.
Nine: Bad luck. Depression. Destructive behavior.
Ten: Trouble, worries. Imprisonment. News you don't want to hear.
Jack: An immature and unreliable young person who means well but can't follow through. Young men and women of Asian or African American descent.
Queen: Used to represent old women. A woman who disregards others.
King: Used to represent old men. An ambitious, authoritative man.

Joker: New developments, fresh starts, taking risks.

Monday, March 30, 2015

Intuitive Archaeology


Learn more in my upcoming Psychometry Class April 4 at the Green Man Store!

Just $20! ($23 for credit/debit). Call 818-985-2010 to register!

Learn to develop Psychometry, the ability to read the history of objects or to communicate with spirits attached to them by touch. For example, a hat could tell you about the people who wore it and their experiences and also of the places it has been. The emotions and personalities of people who possessed the object often come through very strongly as well. Psychometry can also be used to tap into and communicate with spirit guides and loved ones who have passed.

During this class we will also explore various methods to develop students individual mediumistic abilities. By the end of the two hour session you’ll be ready to continue practicing on your own!

If you have unusual objects that seem to have spirits attached to them, or if there is a loved one you would like to communicate with and you have an object that belonged to them, please bring them with you!

Previous experience with spirits and/or psychic ability is helpful but not necessary.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

A Bel Air Fairy Party

I agreed to assume my Fairy form for a very special little girl's birthday and brought magic wands, wishing balls, Fairy quill pens and other delights from Fairy Land, (including my special Fairy calling incense).





Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Curious Candles

I've been giving  people instructions for candle magic to do on their own in addition to their bath and mojo.

People have been sending photos ever since. Check out these unusual results. (The first photo isn't the flame burning, the flame left the imprint on the glass/it wasn't lit at the time of the photo:


Candle Magic Kits are available in store or by mail. The kit is $15 + $5 shipping, (for mail orders Kit only, as candles may melt when shipped.) In-store, you may purchase our candles, (hand-made by one of the witches on staff), for $22.

Call 818-985-2010 and ask for Liz
or come by The Green Man Store, 5712 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA.






Saturday, August 23, 2014

Fairy Magic Kit (Use With Caution!)


Especially Created for Mothers and Children but Unquestionably Useful to All

Just $30 + $5 shipping via The Green Man Store, North Hollywood, CA
Call 1-818985-2010 to order from Elizabeth

contains...

1. Hawthorn Leaves and Berries
2. Magic Wishing Balls, (One wish will generally do. If you would like the traditional three, please specify when ordering.)
3. Heather
4. Lavendar
5. Calendula Flowers, (Fairy Hats)
6. Pixie Dust Powder
7. Fairy Drawing Incense. (to be used with Pixie Dust, for extra effect)
8. Mandrake Root, (for Mommy only, because it's actually a Fairy)

9. and possibly, though not always, a Black Thorn, (definitely for Mommy only, it's the Fairy's actual magic wand - these are $5 additional and are not always available)


Things You Can Also Use to Attract Fairies 
(That You Just Might Already Have)

1. Thyme
2. Peppermint
3. Rose
4. Bee Pollen
5. Dandilion

About the Contents Herein:


Hawthorn
Sacred to Fairies. The berries keep away evil. The leaves open your heart to love, (and to Fairies) and can heal your heart when it hurts. It is advisable to place your Black Thorn, (should you have one), in a bag of Hawthorn.

Blackthorn
Instructions available at time of order only, for safety purposes.



Mandrake
Instructions available at time of order only, for safety purposes.



Heather
Brings love, beauty, peace, luck, rain and friendly Fairies.


Lavender
Love, youth, beauty, wishes and visions of Fairies.


Calendula
Leave these flowers out so that your Fairy friends can wear them as hats when they come visit.

Positive energy, calming peace, listening, the ability to hear Fairies, seeing the future, ancestors, (including and perhaps especially Fairy ancestors), understanding the language of the birds, (if you brush them across your feet and you are very small), also, place them near you when making music, art or any other creative pursuit. An infusion of these dipped in pads placed over the eyes guarantees visions of Fairies.

Magic Wishing Balls
(Job's Tears)

Hold the 7 balls, (7 per wish) in your hand, make a wish and put the balls in your pocket. (You must think VERY hard about your wish when you hold them). Keep them in your pocket for 7 days, then, go to running water, (your sink will do), hold them in your hand, say the 23rd Psalm and throw the balls over your left shoulder in the water to get your wish.

Pixie Dust

Add to Fairy, (or any other incense), and when it sparks, Fairies are surely present. Add sugar for EXTRA magic sparks and Fairy drawing.




Fairy Drawing Incense
Self-explanatory.

Disclaimer:

Not all Fairies are nice and friendly. Many are EXTREMELY mischevious and a few are downright nasty, (like the mean one in 'Sleeping Beauty'). SO use this kit with caution.

ALSO, remember, wishes often backfire. Be VERY specific when wishing. (See 'The Fisherman and His Wife' or 'The Man Who Turned His Wife's Nose Into a Sausage' for examples.)

P.S. Fairy Godmother's are separate issues and require entirely different bags of magic as a general rule. This kit MIGHT bring yours but I offer no guarantees.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

What is a Mojo?


Perhaps the best known item in Hoodoo or Southern folk magic, is a mojo. It's a magic charm carried to bring luck, money, love, protection... just about anything you'd like! The origin of the practice is definitely African but the origin of the term is disputed. Possible sources include the Gulluh word 'moco', ('witchcraft'), the Fluca 'moc'o', ('medicine man') or West African 'mojuba', ('I salute you'). Put together by a root doctor or conjurer, the charm is also known as a 'mojo hand', 'conjure bag' or 'gris-gris' bag.

What makes a mojo so powerful that it has become the stuff of legend? What differentiates it from other talismans? A mojo is 'alive' with spirit. The spirit of the contents, of the maker and of the carrier all combine in it and the bag is representative of an ongoing, reciprocal relationship between the three. It is animated when created, (for example, when including a John the Conqueror root the spirit of John, a historically based figure in African American folklore, is 'awakened' by holding the root and calling 'High John, John the Conqueror', three times). After it's s made, it 's periodically re-animated by the possessor with oils or other substances.

What a mojo consists of depends on the desired result but there are some common denominators. Traditionally it contains an odd number of items, (at least three, usually one animal, one mineral, one herbal). Roots, herbs, stones, flowers, bones, feathers, talismans and prayers are all common ingredients. Petitions and prayers are spoken over it and often added to it, (pieces of paper with words, names, psalms etc). The recipient adds his or her personal items to it as well.

The mojo is then 'fixed' by passing it through incense smoke, over flame or sprinkled with salt water. Next, the intent of the charm is petitioned for by reciting psalms, scripture and by breathing onto it. It is then 'dressed', usually with conjure oil but sometimes with whiskey or other alcohol or even perfume. This 'feeds' the roots and is the final step in bringing the mojo to life. This action, along with petitions and prayers, is repeated periodically throughout the time the owner possesses the it.

Mojos are most often worn on the person or in a purse, though house mojos are sometimes made, however. In either case, it is traditionally kept out of sight. This is because it is believed that if someone sees or definitely if someone touches your mojo it loses all or some of it's power.

Examples of basic mojo ingredients:

Marie Laveau's Money Charm: Pyrite, Rabbits Foot, Magnet

Love: Rose, Lavender, Magnets, 2 Sea Shells, Name Paper

Luck: Southern John Root, Five Finger Grass, Rabbit's Foot


Protection: John the Conqueror Root, Hyssop, Hematite, Feathers, Psalm Paper

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Altars as Art Forms, June 6-20 at Catland, Brooklyn, NY

I'm excited to be part of Katelan Foisy's amazing exhibit at Catland in Brooklyn, Ny.  Photos of my pieces for the show coming soon! Meanwhile, you will find some of my artwork here: Lonesome Liz Fine Art
More about the exhibit at Katelans' webpage
Links to some of the other participating artists:

Billy Corrigan (Smashing Pumpkins)
With music by Jill Tracy
 

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Fortune Telling and Ghosts - An Online Course

An online workshop beginning March 31  and continuing to May 1. Learn to communicate with spirits and to use the skill to enhance fortune telling with tarot, pendulum, tea leaves and more.

Private weekly lessons by phone/video chat and additional weekly group session via conference call. Students will receive weekl...y written materials and participate in a private online forum for further class discussion and Q & A.

Cost is $135 for the 4 week session, (about 2 hours a week per person). As the workshop is virtual it is open to students everywhere but lessons can be held in person for those of you in the Nashville, Tn area.
 
 
 
Course Outline:
Each week students will meet for one hour via conference call and individually by phone with instructor for private lessons. (Or in person in the Nashville area). An online discussion forum where questions, readings and ghost stories can be posted will also be opened. Instructor will check message boards routinely.
 
Students will also complete a project each week to aid in spirit communication and/or fortune telling. Written materials providing an overview of each unit will be sent each Monday via email and quizzes to ensure mastery of material will be sent each Friday.
 
Week One: An Introduction to Ghosts
What are ghosts? A History of Ghost Hunting.  Ghost stories, fact and fiction. 
Project: Compile your own collection of 5-10 ghost stories via interviews with friends and family.
Written Materials: An overview of ghosts throughout history. Excerpts from the instructor's collection of real-life ghost stories, photos and recordings.
 
Week Two: Communicating with Spirits
Pendulums. Ouija Boards. Automatic Writing.
Project: Make your own Ouija board and pendulum.
Written Materials: Mediums throughout history. How to use a pendulum and Ouija board. How to do automatic writing.
 
Week Three: Ghosts and Fortune-Telling
An introduction to Tarot. Tea Leaf Reading. African divination. Tapping into spirits to enhance fortune-telling.
Project: Make your own African Divination kit.
Written Materials: Quick Tarot reading guide. Tea Leaf symbol guide. African divination guide.
 
Week Four: Students Choice
Week four will explore the topics of the student's choice in more depth, both in private lessons and in the group session.
 

Friday, July 12, 2013

Blues & Workshops at the Hoodoo Rootworker Heritage Festival






I will be both playing music and leading workshops at the Western Kentucky Hoodoo Rootworker Heritage Festival September 18-21.  Come not only hear music from 'The Female Robert Johnson' (Southern Fried Magazine) but learn about the Crossroads and how to communicate with spirits through Automatic Writing.

More details soon. Meanwhile, check out the Festival website: http://www.spiritoftheearth.org/HoodooRootworkerHeritageFestival.html

Sunday, June 30, 2013

The Book of African Divination



This book is awesome. It is, in fact, one of the coolest things I've seen in ages.  More than just a deck that's an unique divination tool, it's a book filled with a host of new ways to apply your intuition to the future.  In addition to five different types of African fortune telling, the book includes chapters on divination itself, Africa and it's cultures and African divination specifically. It's wonderful as both an introduction and guide.

Written by Raymond Buckland, (who has specialized in and written about  Romani (Gypsy) divination) and Kathleen Binger, who a has similar background in African traditions. Her research has included correspondence with diviners in various parts of Africa.

The cards included with the book are her own, based on a system used by the Tikar tribe. The backs of this beautiful and innovative deck feature a spider. This is an attention getting nod at the traditional Tikar method, which uses marked plum leaves and a real spider.


Nearly every chapter introduces you to a new set of tools you can create for yourself. Paint a bowl to emulate one method of the Venda and cast 'bones', (dice can be used), in it. Create 'tablets' with wood, (you can even use popsicle sticks) or stones to try another of their ancient practices. Make a set of Zulu 'bones' with shells, bone and stone to toss onto a mat marked with a pattern reminiscent, in ways, of the I Ching. Create a Yorbua divination board... Last, but not least, the book includes a guide to the wonderful deck.


If you already read tarot, you'll love discovering a new, card-based method of reading. It can, in fact, be used to enhance tarot. One of the fantastic things about this system, however, is you don't need to already know tarot to use it. Highly recommended for everyone with interest in the past, present or future.

Buy The Book of African Divination

Tarot and Fortune Telling, Online Course

Deck Review: The Light and Shadow Tarot



I love reading with both over-sized and black and white decks, (I've found my readings are more accurate when I switch back and forth from a vividly colored deck to these). So, I was excited to discover this striking Tarot.  The deck's illustrator, Michael Goepferd, describes himself as, "An artist who has found in the iconography of the Tarot all the great themes of life and art." His block prints engagingly reflect the deck's concept, contrasting light and shadow to form images that are perfect for meditation and otherwise increasing focus.

In the deck's book, by Brian Williams, we discover this is not a deck of good vs. evil. The approach to light/dark we find here is a more blended, Eastern one. The contrast and inter-relation of the two extremes takes center stage here. This provides an interesting angle to read through. It can add a layer of comparative focus to readings; giving the up/down side of situations and people, for example.

"The Light and Shadow Tarot" is great for both beginning and advanced diviners. The cards and their meanings are traditionally focused and won't give you a whole new set of meanings to learn. They'll be easily recognizable to readers used to the Rider Waite deck. I think it absolutely helps readers at all levels to try with a black and white deck; you almost always pick up slightly different elements of situations.

There are some unique differences in the symbolism chosen for the cards. For example, the Fool has a crystal ball, the Wheel of Fortune is a Tibetan mandala and Death is "The Endless Dance of Death". Others, like The Moon, Judgment and many of the Court cards, are nearly identical to the Rider Waite.

This is a fun, eye catching and positive deck that I think everyone can enjoy.

More about/buy "The Light and Shadow Tarot"

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Reading the 'Light and Shadow Tarot'
photo by Sydney Tyler Lofton






Friday, April 12, 2013

A Conjureman's Tale - The Ballad of Frankie Silver

Frankie Silver killed her husband with an axe one winter's night. Seems he was in all likelihood extremely abusive and she did it in self defense but it got pretty gruesome. She either hacked him to pieces or had her mom and brother help her do that - no one's sure which. They then hid him in various parts in various places, from the fireplace to beneath the floor. What I found most intriguing about the story is the history says they called a conjure man in to find the body. In fact, he found it and was the cause of her hanging. So, I wrote a new ballad based on him:

Sheriff Joe called Conjure Jim. 
"Bring your witchin' ball", he told him.
"Bring your hoodoo roots
and your juju juice.
No one's sure what Frankie Silver did.
Come conjure out whatever it is she hid."

Old Counjure Jim said, "Sheriff man,
I'm not really sure I can.
Snows blowin' high.
There's a darkenin' sky.
I don't care what Frankie Silver's done.
Just 'cause you call don't mean Old Jim runs."

There's chickens in the storm.
There's coyotes in the barn.
There's a murder of crows clawin at the trees.
Frakiie's cryin' alone on snowy knees.

Conjure Jim said, "Sheriff Joe,
how much will you pay me?
Let me make sure 
I won't get more
from that cryin' lady.
How much will you pay me?"

"Name your price, just show us what she hid.
No one's sure what Frankie Silver did."

There's chickens in the storm. etc.

He came and spit some whiskey on the floor.
He scratched weird patterns on the door.
He tossed his witchin' ball all too and fro.
Soon Frankie Silver's hangin on the gallows.
'Cause before too long they knew what Frankie did.
Old Conjure Jim won't let nothin' stay hid.

Blood rose up from the dirt below.
Bone shards crackled in the ember glow.
When he rolls his witchin ball across the hearth
you ain't keepin' nothin' in the dark.
Her innocence became real hard to swallow.
So, Frankie Silver's hangin' on the gallows.

There's chickens, etc.

More about Frankie Silver and a link to the original ballad: http://www.murderbygaslight.com/2010/04/ballad-of-frankie-silver.html