Are you Wiccan? I need a few minutes of your time...

Do you identify as Wiccan? If so, I need your help.

In preparation for a video that I'm going to be recording in the next couple of weeks, I'm asking for people to take part in a ten question survey. The identities of anyone taking the survey is confidential and it will cost you nothing to participate.

I am asking questions about specific terms and the requirements of being and identifying as Wiccan. Please consider sharing it on your own blogs and Facebooks as well. The more answers I receive translates to a clearer picture of how people feel.

Participate!

7 Day Oracle Challenge - Review

I feel so thankful to have been able to participate in this challenge. I have taken each card and applied it to myself and my current situation which is a profound way to bring about understanding and personal growth. I have met some amazing people on this journey and I am thankful for the inspiration and energy they brought into my life.

Below you will find the final video, as well as the discussion of Labradorite which I selected for the final card in the challenge. Take a look! Also, please forgive my mispronunciation of "Citrine," I didn't even notice that I had done it until reviewing the video. Such is life, my friend. ;)

Day 7 - "God of Air"

I couldn't have been more pleased with the final card in our series, mostly because it alludes to both spirituality and communication. This card is urging us to embrace our true selves and go forward in our expression of spirituality. Now that a balance between the physical and spiritual has been reclaimed, we are actually receiving permission and acknowledgement to embrace all that our spirituality has to offer us. Talk about a profound message!

Tomorrow I will be posting one final video for this series. It is going to be a follow up and I will suggest which crystal or gem I suggest working with for this card. Additionally I will lead us on an overall look at all seven cards and how they fit together. It is important to not only look at the individual message but also what the general consensus of the cards has been. As always, leave questions or comments below and I will respond as quickly as possible.

Day 6 - Clear Quartz

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It seemed only fitting to select Clear Quartz as the crystal for the "Sorcerer" card, especially since it was featured in the illustration. Clear Quartz is a powerful amplifier of energy and is a great healer.

Whenever you require the effects of any stone but don't have it, use Clear Quartz. It is a great to hold during meditation. There is no better crystal to utilize for spiritual power because this one attuned to our specific energetic frequency. 

Day 6 - "Sorcerer"

Day 6 has arrived, ladies and gents. I had a lot of fun with today's video and now that I have learned the art of using YouTube and Blogger with my iPad, I have even embedded the video for you at the end of this post. I'm all about saving clicks or, in my case, taps. Today's card is "Sorcerer" which kind of brings us full circle. Don't worry, I'll explain why I feel that way after I show you the incredible artwork of the card.

Representing "The Magician" in a traditional tarot deck, this is our first glimpse into the Major Arcana during the 7 Day Oracle Challenge. Lisa Hunt's illustrations make this card seem full of life and I am positive that she was the perfect illustrator to capture the essence of what D.J. Conway and Sirona Knight imagined into creation.

This card tells us that we are "using out inherent gifts and talents of communication" which takes us back to Day 2's message of communication. We are also told that we are successfully bridging the "multidimensional nature of the human adventure and intentionally walk in both worlds - the magician's world of spiritual power and the tangible world of 'reality.' "

Does anyone else find it incredible that Day 3's card, "The Quest," was informing us of an imbalance between our spiritual and physical responsibilities only for us to receive confirmation that we have  corrected that only 3 days later? The Sorcerer is a young man embracing his power and connection with both the elements and the animal kingdom. I am blown away by how we've come full circle and while it's true that there are still a few questions in my mind, I'm intrigued to see how tomorrow's card fits.

Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment either here on on YouTube. As promised, here is the video of Day 6.

Day 5 - A Selection of Crystals and Gemstones

When contemplating which gemstones and crystals to use for yesterday's "Sorrow" card, I was confronted with the idea that its meaning could represent a variety of different things. It could suggest emotional conflict just as easily as it could represent the end of a business relationship. Therefore, I took a look at which crystals and gems are the most readily available and have the most ability to be used for multiple purposes. In fact, most crystals and gems have multiple uses which make it easy to begin collecting and using them in your daily life.

Copyright - Green Earth Stones

Amethyst - One of the most common specimens, Amethyst has been used since Ancient times as both a talisman and a sign of royalty. Amethyst has the ability to both calm and soothe while transforming murky energy into positive energy. It is usually associated with the Brow or Third Eye Chakra.

Copyright - Green Earth Stones

Rose Quartz - Typically associated with the Heart Chakra for its ability to purify. It helps us open to receiving love and heals our darker emotions that come about from anger, resentment, and hurt. Another readily available stone, you can wear it as jewelry or use it in a gem elixir.

Copyright - Green Earth Stones

Smoky Quartz - Neutralizes negative vibrations and helps to ground and center those who meditate with it. Smoky Quartz is a great addition to crystal grids because of its energetic properties. Resonates with the Base Chakra.

Copyright - Green Earth Stones

Selenite - One of my new personal favorites, Selenite carries a high vibration and powerfully disperses and stabilizes negative emotions. It is frequently purchased in wand form for cleaning the aura, though I have also seen it in pyramids and towers. It can be easily placed in a room or around the house.

Kathryn from Green Earth Stones, an online Etsy store, was kind enough to allow me to use the images above. All of the photos you see are from actual items she is selling in her store and clicking on them will take you to the listing for that item. Clicking on the banner above will take you to her main page. I will not receive any money or store credit for any sales that come about through my blog.

I have ordered from Kathryn and she sells high quality crystals at reasonable prices. I have never been disappointed with a product that I purchased from her and I recommend Green Earth Stones. Please let her know that I sent you. 

20 Random Facts

I made a quick video so that you all could get to know me a little better. I hope that you enjoy it and I'd love to see some video reviews!

Day 5 - "Sorrow"

If you watched me draw this card in my YouTube video, you likely saw my surprise at drawing it. Although the last few messages haven't been entirely butterflies and rainbows, I didn't expect to see anything with this type of message. For those that aren't aware, this card suggests a time of emotional upset is at hand. It is representative of separations and the ending of relationships.

At first I couldn't imagine what this card would have to offer us. I think, after contemplating it for a few hours, that it might have something to do with the upcoming end of the challenge itself. We'll have to take a look at tomorrow's card to see where that takes us and only then may we be able to discern exactly what this card is trying to tell us. I am honestly stumped.

Comments? Please!

Day 4 - Carnelian

After learning the meaning of the "Warrior of Fire" card, I immediately thought of Carnelian. This gemstone carries a lot of energy and is one of my favorites for helping me tap into the creative energies around me. I love writing stories and poetry and this stone is typically used in a creativity-related crystal grid.

This is one gemstone that I suggest everyone that is interested in crystal healing or Pagan practices have in their collection. It is readily available and usually affordable, though I have seen some palm stones upwards of $20 because of the coloring and size.

Day 4 - Warrior of Fire

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Day 3 - Hematite

Yesterday's card told us that we needed to stop paying so much attention to our spiritual pursuits and ignoring the physical responsibilities around us. It doesn't mean that we're ignoring bills and sleeping instead of going to work but it does suggest that an imbalance is occurring. Any of the grounding stones would work for this purpose but there's one that sticks out in my mind.

Hematite occurs in a dark red color on many natural crystal points. Only when it is tumbled does it transform (as if by alchemy) into the shiny metallic stone which you see to the left of this post. Hematite is a powerful grounding stone and using it works to stabilize your mind, body, and soul connection.

I felt this stone was a perfect fit. Crystal grids is an option but the market has been inundated with hematite rings, beads, pendants and bracelets which make wearing it as jewelry so easy. Try meditating with it to remain focused, especially during trance work.

Day 3 - "The Quest"

The days are going by fast with this challenge! I don't know about the rest of you but I've been having a blast. Be sure to visit my YouTube channel if you haven't already watched the video for today's card pull. Otherwise, let me introduce you to the 8 of Water AKA "The Quest."

According to the Shapeshifter Tarot companion book, this card indicates a time for us to stop and take a look at our motives and the state of our lives. Usually it suggests that we have slipped in the balance between spiritual and physical matters and offers us an opportunity to resolve the imbalance in our lives.

So let's take a moment to review. Day 1 gave us the message of abundance and day two was about communication. Where does this third card fit in? Be sure to check out my video for Day 4 my thoughts on the subject.

Day 2 - Blue Lace Agate

Yesterday's "Passage" speaks to us about communication. There are dozens of gemstones and crystals aligned with the Throat Chakra and are thus great for increasing our ability to communicate. My go to crystal for this Chakra is Blue Lace Agate and I knew that this stone would fit in perfectly.

Image from http://www.crystalconceptsinc.com/crystals.html

Judy Hall's "101 Power Crystals" states that "Blue Lace Agate dramatically changes your ability to communicate and to speak your truth." 

This gemstone can be used in crystal grids and mojo bags, or just by carrying a tumbled piece in your pocket. Wearing this stone as a pendant is perfect because of it's potential proximity to your Throat Chakra. With a Mohs hardness of 7 it is a perfect stone to use to create a gem elixir.

Do you have a crystal or gemstone that you use to aid in communication? Please leave a comment to let me know what it is.

Day 2 - Passage

The card we received today takes us in a little bit of a different direction than where I thought we were headed. That's the benefit of doing something like this. We learn that our expectations aren't always correct and we are shown the way to a new opportunity for enlightenment. What a gift!

The guidebook lists the keywords for this card as "evolution, travel, intuition, and communication."

I find it very interesting that there was discussion of communication and abundance in yesterday's prophecy and today we get a repeat of communication with the mention of travel and evolution. Hopefully tomorrow's card will show us a little more information so that we can see the connections. To learn more about this card visit my YouTube channel.

If you have a suggestion of a gem or crystal that you think fits with this prophecy, feel free to leave a comment either below or on YouTube. Check back tomorrow for my thoughts.

Day 1 = Citrine!

My choice for which crystal to use for abundance and prosperity work was simple given the numerous associations that are out there. Both of the books on crystals that I have mention Citrine as the abundance stone. Judy Hall's "The Crystal Bible" sums this up perfectly. "This dynamic stone teaches how to manifest and attracts wealth and prosperity, success, and all good things."

Check out more here!

Challenge - Day 1: Abundance

To those of you that have not yet seen my video for the 7-Day Oracle Challenge that I'm taking part in, click the YouTube link above and you will be taken directly to my videos.




The first card was "Wealth."

According to the Shapeshifter Tarot guide book, drawing this card "represents a time for investing in property, a house, or starting a new business. Through communication and organization, it becomes the optimum time to manifest abundance into your life. Material prosperity, lineage, and family honor, as well as good investment gain, riches, or inheritance may come to the seeker in the near future." This card typically corresponds with the Ten of Pentacles in standard tarot decks.

Based on the insight that the card brings to the seeker's life, what crystal(s) would be good for the seeker to meditate with as a way of helping the abundant energy into his or her life? I have an answer. Check out my video for day 2 for the answer and why I think it is a perfect fit!

Also, if you'd like to check out the perspective from another person doing the challenge, I suggest ValkyrieDivine's channel as a great starting off point.

7-Day Oracle Challenge - Day 1 is on YouTube!

Watch!

I have uploaded two videos to celebrate the start of my call to Hibiscus Moon's 7-Day Oracle Challenge. The first video briefly shows my method of cleansing my tarot cards. The second video is the start of my uploads for the challenge.

Enjoy!

Answering the call - YouTube and Hibiscus Moon

I have been wanting to begin posting videos on YouTube for quite some time now. Usually I would find a video on the same topic I wanted to speak about and felt like another video wasn't necessary because of the eloquent and informative videos by countless people that had already beat me to the punch. So I have been subscribing and watching videos whenever I have a free moment for the past year instead.

One of the people that I enjoy watching is Hibiscus Moon, known around YouTube as "phanie12." She is a resource on all things crystal and gem which I have an affinity for, so her videos often get me thinking. Some of you may have watched her 7 Day Crystal Oracle Reading Series. It was both interesting and informative, full of great thoughts to meditate on. Now she's passing the torch and challenging others to do the same. I'm signing up!

I don't have any crystal oracle cards so my process is going to be slightly different. Check out my channel tomorrow to see how this process is going to go and watch me get started. We're going to have 7 days of excitement and fun! I hope you'll join me!

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Click to read HM's challenge.

I'm baaaaaaack!

Wow. I feel like it's been ages since I've posted anything on here. Life threw a couple of wrenches (or an entire toolbox) into my life and caused a few disruptions but I'm all the better for it, it seems. Please accept my apologies for just vanishing.

I have a lot of great things planned and I'm excited to get to it. First things first. My Etsy shop will be back up and running in the next few days with redesigned products and a better variety for all those that are interested.

I'm also looking to get my foot into the Pagan community on YouTube which should prove to be fun and exciting. See you soon, peeps!