Happy Halloween!

Magic and Physics ~ String Theory

String Theory.

There is no easy way to explain this.  But, I'll try with this - 

Imagine there are numerous strings all side by side. These strings are stretched so that they all vibrate at different frequencies.  We are unable to see, much less interact with the other dimensions (or strings) because our own vibration or frequency is different than the others. If we can raise our own vibration then we can get a glimpse into one or more of these other dimensions. 

What if what we perceive as ghosts, is actually a glimpse into another one of these dimensions? Perhaps the two different planes of vibration are actually touching or perhaps so close that the beings in each of the dimensions can see and interact with each other. Maybe Fairies or Elementals are beings from another plane of existence. One which we only get glimpses into from time to time. Any number of imperceptible beings could be explained in this manner.

People who are able to see these ethereal beings usually have some sort of psychic ability. They are able to raise their frequency to a level which enables them to see through the veil.

Next week I'll write more about multi-dimensions and consciousness.

Read more about Dimensions here! 

And here!

 And here!

***I found it rather intriguing that the cards from my Monday Musing dealt with this very subject. And I wrote this post last week! The Universe works in mysterious ways.***

Monday Musings ~ Insistance

My prompt for the Monday Musings have been the Celtic Tree Oracle cards. I will pull a card every Sunday and then ponder its message.

I always shuffle the cards quite well.
Well...Yesterday I shuffled the cards, pulled one out, and behold, it was The Beech card. The same card I drew two weeks ago. My first thought was that maybe I hadn't shuffled real well. So I inserted the card back into the deck and reshuffled - not once but three times! Once again I drew a card. It was The Beech. So I sat quiet for a couple minutes, placed the drawn card back into the deck and reshuffled. This next time I drew The Sea - last Monday's card. Hhhhmmmm....
I know a person isn't supposed to keep pulling cards till they get the one they want. And that wasn't the purpose of me re-drawing the cards. I guess, I wanted to see if the Universe had any other message for me besides the same one I had been receiving for the last two weeks.

So one last time I reshuffled and pulled a card. This time I pulled Heather.

The Heather card also represents Mistletoe. The two combine to guide the person into closer contact with the world of spirit and the resulting healing this pathway can lead to. Mistletoe is also called 'all heal' by the ancients and many modern medicines contain its derivatives. Heather is considered a gateway between the Spirit World and the Fertile Earth.
It's interesting that all three of these cards are dealing with hidden knowledge - whether it be knowledge that is hidden deep within ourselves or knowledge that is hidden away and we must search for it in various writings or in the knowledge of others. These cards also speak of accessing this knowledge through a journey to lands which can only be reached by crossing through a veil.
A little back story - The reason I have been using the Celtic Tree Oracle deck is because it is the only oracle card deck I have. But also because it contains the Ogham runes or alphabet. I have been researching the relationship of the written Ogham language and languages of other civilizations. Because there is ancient Ogham writing in Colorado and researching it has led me down a rabbit hole so deep, I ended up in Mesopotamia.
The Universe is wanting me to take that next step and realize what is beyond that closed curtain. But how?

Monday Musings ~ The Sea

Today's Musings have to do with the Celtic Tree Oracle card, The Sea.

This card tells me there is hidden knowledge which can be accessed when the Moon and Sea are full. This is inherited knowledge. A knowing as old as my ancestors. The Sea also represents the link between the here and the places I may need to go on my spiritual journey. 

I think about the Ocean from time to time. And it has been intruding on my thoughts of late. I love the feel of the salt spray on the face and the crashing of the waves upon the shore. Water is a sacred element. It can be so influenced by its surroundings. Water can hold thought and feeling.

I need to go deep within to access the knowledge of the ancestors. Something I have known I needed to do for quite some time. 

* * *

Ocean is more ancient than the mountains, and freighted with the memories and the dreams of Time.

H. P. Lovecraft

Monday Musings ~ The Beech

Today's post is part of a blog collective put together by Aine at Bones and Sky. The participants are listed in the right sidebar of her blog. Feel free to join in! At the beginning of every week we are to post about a dream, coincidence, spiritual awakening or other ethereal occurrence. 

When I read Aine's post last Monday, I found the idea of sharing dreams, intuitive insights intriguing. More often than not I have found in reading blogs or perusing the internet, that many people have similar thoughts or experiences at very nearly the same time. Coincidence? I don't believe in coincidences. The Universe works in many strange ways and sometimes we are shown this commonality to reinforce a point. 

I didn't know where to start with this post, so as a prompt, I drew a card from the Celtic Tree Oracle card deck. I drew the Beech. 

THE CELTIC TREE ORACLE 

by Liz and Colin Murray

As the wisdom and beauty of the past and tastes and ideas change or are discarded, the thirst for knowledge of the questioning spirit will always continue. You will often need to turn to the past and its works in order to rediscover lost wisdom and to find a firm basis on which to construct further ideas and interpretations. If a writer or craftsman has felt the urge or commitment to express his feeling in a tangible way, you too have an obligation to observe this work and further it in your own time.

The Beech's elements are air and earth. She is related to meditation, ancient wisdom and the power of the written word. The Beech tells us to pay heed to the knowledge which can be found in books. The Beech is thought of as The Mother of the Woods. The Irish god Ogma, a Tuatha de Danaan, is credited with creating the Ogham language and wrote it first on a slab of Beech. And lastly, the Beech encourages the crossing of thresholds. She reminds us to confront that which is challenging us because it is only through experiencing the unknown can we expand our knowledge.

I had to ponder on this card for a bit to fully understand its meanings. Much of what it told me pertained to a writing project I have been researching - that I was on the right track. But in reading about the Beech, I realized that I was being reminded that I needed to address an issue. I have never been good at meditating and have been trying to work on becoming better. But I have found it hard to find good instruction on the subject. I know I need to fully grasp the ability to meditate in order to progress further in my studies of energy and ancient wisdom. 

My interpretations of the Beech also tell me that it is important to pass on the information and knowledge we possess. To write down the wonders and thoughts and workings and dreams of our lives for those who have yet to come.

The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder.

Ralph W. Sockman

The Physics of Magic ~ Love, Prayer & Manifesting

painting by Jenny Dixon

Last week I wrote about Subtle Energy Fields, Universal Energy, and changing our reality with our thoughts (manifesting). I wrote about how our thoughts can tap into the Universal Energy and interact with the Subtle Energy field and create or change our reality. I also wrote how everything in our world is made up of energy - and because we are made up of energy, we are always in motion or vibrating.

Thoughts and words have power. We often hear quotes and sayings about 'watch your words' or 'watch what you say' or 'don't give that thought a breathe of life'. There's truth in all of those sayings. Different words and thoughts have different vibrations. The stronger the emotion behind the word or thought, the stronger the likelihood that the word or thought will become real.
In 2002, we lived in Louisiana. Our house was about 20 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. On October 1st, a hurricane developed in the Atlantic. It was named Lili. By the time Lili entered into the Gulf of Mexico on Oct. 2nd, it had strengthened to a category 4  hurricane with wind speeds between 130mph -156mph. That kind of wind velocity can blow over a house with ease. Southern Louisiana is very religious - mainly Catholic. So when Hurricane Lili strengthened, the people of southern Louisiana prayed. They prayed that the hurricane would spare them from a vicious onslaught of destruction. By the time Hurricane Lili made its way to shore, it had weakened to a category 1. There was still extensive damage, but the majority was to power poles and trees.  What caused such rapid weakening? At the time, meteorologists were a bit baffled by the sudden decrease in strength - reports now say that cooler water, drier air and vertical wind sheers combined to sap the energy from the storm - but could that combination really 'deflate it' so rapidly as in a matter of a few hours? Maybe. But I know several thousand, if not million, people who will say otherwise. Did the combined energy of the prayers of these thousand(s) people 'take the wind out of Hurricane Lili's sails' ? I say "Yes!" 

Prayers are no more than positive affirmations, positive thoughts that are sent out into the Cosmos to connect with the Universal Energy source. Each and every religion has their own way of 'praying' - it doesn't matter if it is in a church praying to a god, or in the woods speaking with a spirit of nature, or imbuing a candle with positive affirmations and letting those thoughts out to reach a beloved deity as the candle burns - they are all performing the same act. Trying to manifest a change in reality by connecting with a higher and more powerful force.

 A young girl was depressed because her parents were unemployed. The family had been living with the grandparents. The girl's parents had been looking for work for quite some time but the economy was bad and jobs were few and far between. Her parents needed jobs so that the family could move into a place of their own. The little girl was told to say every morning and every time a dark hopeless thought came into her head, 'My parents will find good jobs which will allow us to move into our home.' The little girl said this every morning, every night and every time a dark depressing thought came into her head. And within two weeks, her father had a job and within a month they had their own place to live.
The little girl not only spoke these words but she truly believed in them. The love she felt for her parents and her sibling was evident in the way she spoke the words, the way in which she let the Universe know her need and in the trust she placed in the Universe to fulfill her need. Her Intent was clear, strong and filled with Love.

The Intent which gives the word or thought or phrase life is everything! Words which are spoken with love or thoughts which come from a place of love have more power than those which are casually cast about.  This is why it is so very important to choose your words wisely not only when speaking but also when manifesting. Love causes everything it touches to vibrate at a higher frequency thus bringing it closer to the Source or Universal Energy field. Which in turn assists in the manifestation of the thought. The vibrational energy of not only the person but the words will combine to give the plea/prayer/spell strength and reality. Witches will combine herbs, colors, words in a spell to be bring about change. They are utilizing the combined strength of the items to connect with Universal Energy. When we are able to tap into the Universal Energy, we also connect with the Subtle Energy Field and cause atoms to manifest into reality.

Next week, I'll write about Visualization and Manifesting as well as Personal Energy or Chi. And as always, I welcome comments, questions and suggestions.

The Physics of Magic ~ Quantum Physics Basics

I am no scientist. Especially a Quantum Physics Scientist! 
I am going to try and explain Quantum Physics, Quantum Mechanics, and Quantum Everything Else as simply as I can and as I understand it. 
Please feel free to add your thoughts in the comments below!

Everything is made up of atoms. From Us to water to soil to the chair you're sitting in. These atoms are made up of smaller particles called protons, electrons, neutrons [we'll call them t(r)ons]. But the atoms still have empty space in them despite the "t(r)ons". In fact atoms are 99% empty space.  (discovered by Lord Rutherford in 1913)  But, this empty space is not really empty. Scientists think that the empty space in an atom is filled with an electrical field or as I like to call it, a Subtle Energy Field. 

We also know that atoms are always moving. Always vibrating. But different things will vibrate at different rates or frequencies. Thus everything we know is made up of Energy in Motion or Vibrational Energy.

Atoms are made of neutrons, protons, electrons. But what are those 't(r)ons' made of? Smaller particles called fermions & bosons.  And fermions & bosons are made up of quarks & leptons. In Quantum Theory (I use the term loosely) fermions & bosons combine to make protons & neutrons which make up everything on our planet. What causes the fermions & bosons to become the the item or thing that it needs to be? What source or energy tells fermions & bosons to materialize in a specific shape? The 'God Particle' or Higgs Boson. This is an energy field which permeates our world, our universe. This energy field connects us all. I like to call this energy field Universal Energy. 

In 1801, Scientist Thomas Young developed an experiment that showed that subatomic particles [t(r)ons] are waves of energy except when they are observed or measured, then they are particles. A particle, simply by being observed or interacted with, can change from an energy wave to matter. AND that particle can some how know what the observer is expecting to see. Thus, by a person's sheer thought, an energy wave can manifest into being.

It is also through thoughts that a person can access the Universal Energy Field which connects everything and bring about changes. Dr. William A. Tiller has spent many years experimenting with the abilities of human intentions. He and his team have been able to change the pH of water over great distances by only the use of human thought and intentions. Dr. Tiller proposes that there are two levels of reality. The first is the world we experience with our five senses. The other occurs within the 'empty' area around atoms. This second reality is the area where our thoughts tap into Universal Energy, interact with the Subtle Energy Field and changes are made to our physical reality (manifesting).

Hopefully, I haven't lost you. We had to get some basic Quantum information out of the way before we could get into the good stuff!  Next week I'm going to write about first hand experiences of Thoughts changing reality, Love, Prayer (really?) and other manifesting. 

The Physics of Magic ~ Foreword

Magic. It can be defined as the power or ability to influence events by using a mysterious or supernatural force.

Magic has always fascinated me. My very first spell made me want to know how it worked. What made it happen? What was the unseen force which worked that which was bidden? 

I wondered why the spells worked sometimes but not all the time. Why would there be such a difference if the spell had been done exactly the same every time - same time of day, same moon phase, same spell components? What part did plants, color, candles, knots, or even the moon play in this mystical working?

I searched and read and ask questions. I ran up against brick walls, dead ends, and "Really? Magic is all rubbish!". But I continued searching. I began to explore other mysteries - Ley Lines, Ancient Monuments, Beliefs and Practices of Ancient or Indigenous People - hoping I would find a morsel somewhere that might take me down the path to further enlightenment.

My break through came one day when Hubby and I were talking about Gomez. Yes, my Gomez, the Intrepid Blogger. Gomez had an uncanny way of knowing when Hubby and I were getting frisky. How did Gomez know? It didn't matter if we were ever so quiet, behind closed doors, or even outside of the house, Gomez would find us. I knew that Cats, other animals as well, were intuitive and were able to 'tune-in' to their owners. But what was it that enabled these animals to 'tune-in' like they did?

Then I read an article about vibrations and frequency.  Something in this article resonated (*giggle* get it?) with me. At last I felt like I was on the right track.

***This series will be published every Tuesday***

Welcoming a New Year!

A new month and a new year is staring at me from the calendar on the wall. January 2015.  I have yet to pencil in the already growing number of commitments, appointments, and deadlines. I think I'll just put them in my day-timer and keep the calendar clean. It looks better that way.

This month finds me now a contributing writer for the Imramma magazine. Click here! I'm excited about this new journey. I will be writing a column from the Crone's perspective. Funny. I never really thought of myself as a Crone. I never really wanted to think of myself as a Crone. But we all reach that point sooner or later. And I have to say, it's not too bad. I now get senior discounts, though if I was carded, I probably wouldn't but graying hair does have it's advantages. And I have reached an age where I don't really care how people take something I say nor do I care what people think of me. If you know me, then you know my quirks and love me for them anyway. **wink-wink** 
So expect some "Cronish" sorts of posts here every so often.

This new month also brings about a minor make-over here at The CCC. I freshened my pages section (still a bit of a work-in-progress) along with dusting off the sidebars. I also plan on starting a new series about "The Physics of Magic" - where science meets the esoteric. I feel that understanding the 'how' might help with the actual process. Knowledge should be shared. Not kept hidden away in a dark broom closet.

So hang on folks! We should have some fun this year!

Happy Halloween!

Autumn's Altar

“I’ve often thought of the forest as a living cathedral, but this might diminish what it truly is. If I have understood Koyukon teachings, the forest is not merely an expression or representation of sacredness, nor a place to invoke the sacred; the forest is sacredness itself. Nature is not merely created by God; nature is God. Whoever moves within the forest can partake directly of sacredness, experience sacredness with his entire body, breathe sacredness and contain it within himself, drink the sacred water as a living communion, bury his feet in sacredness, touch the living branch and feel the sacredness, open his eyes and witness the burning beauty of sacredness”  Richard Nelson 1989

I recently read a post written by Aine at Bones and Sky blog on Altars. She began her post with the above quote. 

I loved the quote and had to share! And well, her post got me thinking.....

When I first began exploring the path less followed many moons ago, everything I read said I needed an altar with all my sacred tools in order to follow the path. And the altar needed to look like "XYZ". Somehow not only did the thought of formal rituals but the thought of a formal altar did not sit well with me. It was at that point that I began to realize that I could follow the path less traveled and not have the "necessary" formal items. 

But still, try as I might, I could not seem to put together this altar that I would read about - an altar that had sacred tools or pictures of the ancestors, or images or tributes to specific gods or goddesses. As I aged, I began to look at places in my house through a different eye. I then realized that I had altars. Only these altars were a bit different. They contained items from Nature. Branches from a Sweetgum Tree. Acorns gathered during a full moon. A pretty rock found on an afternoon's hike. A potted herb on a windowsill. Occasionally the altar might include an item that belonged to someone who has begun their Spirit Walk. But the items were all things which resonated with me.

Altars are a personal thing. There is no right or wrong way to put one together. They can be elaborate or simple. Large or small. The only rule one should follow when making an altar is to go with what feels right. 

Mother Nature sets forth an altar. It is in clear view in every park, every wild area, every yard and garden. And it changes with the Seasons. Autumn's altar is a colorful one. A carpet of red and gold interwoven with green. The bounty of the season's crops is laid out in every field and orchard. The large harvest moon lights up the night with its warm glow. Mother Nature is showing her appreciation to those who should only look. So as we welcome Autumn, let us look upon Mother Nature's altar and give thanks for not only the blessings we have, but also the blessings which have been shared with us.

A Healthy Dose of Macabre

The art of William Basso

Easter Witches

I just knew that a holiday as fun as Easter (Who doesn't love running around playing hide and seek with a bunch of eggs? And eating the ears off of chocolate bunnies?) had to have Witches involved some way, some how! And so they are!

In Scandinavian countries there is a tradition where young children dress up as Witches and then go door to door bringing willow sticks which have been decorated with ribbon and crepe paper to drive away evil spirits. In return, the children are given treats like small chocolate eggs or other sweets.

The Little Witches recite a rhyme at the door - I wave a twig for a fresh and healthy year ahead; a twig for you, a treat to me. 

Excuse me......I need to go find my Witchy Hat and some willow sticks.

Click here to read more!  Or Here!

Pumpkins, Ghouls and Monsters...Oh My!

There's a Little Witch

Florissant Grange

In September, I attended a class about home remedies using native plants and things found in the kitchen. The instructor was Mari  Marques, a certified herbalist. Mari is also known as The Thymekeeper .  She attended school in Boulder and practiced for many years to obtain the knowledge she has about herbs, oils, tinctures, and native plants. And her mental encyclopedia is quite vast. I am hoping she'll have more classes as time goes by. I would love to soak up some of the knowledge she is so willing to share.

She made cough syrup during the class and kept up a constant dialogue about herbs and their uses while she was cooking the concoction. I could see in my mind's eye how this very scenario may have occurred so many times throughout history - a Wise Woman teaching her pupils the ways of healing.

As I glanced around the room of the old Grange, I saw an assortment of people taking notes and absorbing the knowledge that was being given. And I was reminded of a saying from one my favorite movies (and probably one of yours as well!), 
Practical Magic. 

There's a Little Witch in All of Us.


Cough Syrup
**This is meant for information purposes only**

Hibiscus Flowers  - 1/4cp (vitamin C source)

Anise Seed - 3/10 oz (healing to lungs)

Cramp Bark - 3/10 oz (anti-spasmodic)

Ellacampane - 3/10oz. (anti-spasmodic)

Wild Cherry Bark - 3/10oz (reduces fever)

Grindelia - 1 1/2oz (helps relieve phlegm build-up)

Osha Root tincture - 1 oz (all purpose healing agent, promotes sweating & expectoration, antiviral)

Echinacea tincture - 1/2oz

Honey - same amount as water used to boil bark/root/seed mix

Marshmallow Root Powder - 1 TBLSPN (relieves sore throat, good for mouth ulcers)

Brandy - non-flavored 1/4cp (used for a preservative)

1. Steep Hibiscus flowers & 1/2oz Osha Root tincture in 1 1/2cp boiling water. Let steep while making the rest of the syrup.

2. Place Anise seed, Cramp bark, Ellacampane (root), Wild Cherry Bark, & Grindelia in pan. Cover with 2 cps water. Bring to rolling boil, reduce heat and simmer for approx. 15min - 20 min. Strain through a cofee filter or very fine wire mesh strainer. 

3. Add Osha Root tincture (1/2oz), Echinacea Tincture. Stir well. Whisk in Marshmallow Root powder until dissolved. Measure amount of liquid. Add equal part Honey.

4. Strain Hibiscus flowers through coffee filter or strainer. Add Hibiscus flower water to honey mixture. Stir well.

5. Add brandy. stir.

Store in bottles or jars in refrig. until needed.

Upcoming Events & New Venues

October is finally here. The one month out of the year that us Halloween-lovers all look forward to. The month we plan for all year long. The month where bats, and ghosts, and grinning Jacks (short for jack-o-lanterns) adorn all the houses instead of just a few. (WHAT?!?  You don't keep your bats and ghosts and grinning Jacks out all year long??)

And with October comes a flurry of activity. So many wonderful festivals and balls and other events to attend. To start the month, I will be a vendor at the Denver Pagan Pride Festival on October 12th in Denver's Civic Center Park. 

And to end the month I will be a vendor at the Denver Witches' Ball on November 2nd.

And my artistic creations can now be found at the Shops at the Silver Mine in Cripple Creek. Shops at the Silver Mine is a charming collective of Colorado artists and craftsmen. 

If you're in search of that unique something to add to your collection, stop by Clifton's Curios and Antiques Mall in Colorado Springs. I can vouch to the uniqueness of some of the items - Hubby and I are downsizing and our excess can be found for sale there. Along with some of my folk art.

With all the activity this month, I'm not sure how many road-trips we'll be going on. But I will share our trip to the mountains from last month. And there is one event we're definitely planning on attending - the Coffin Races held in Manitou Springs every October!

So until next time..... Happy Haunting!

Pendle Witches' Sculpture Trail

In 2012, on the 400th Anniversary of the Lancashire Witches' Trials, an exhibit opened to remember those who were hanged in the biggest witchcraft trial in the United Kingdom. It is the Pendle Sculpture Trail.
To Read More, CLICK HERE! Or HERE!

***No trees were harmed in the making of this sculpture trail!***

witchfinder

The Good Warlock

There's a new blog in town. The Good Warlock 

It's a fun place to visit and rest from your web weary wanderings. Many of you may know the Keeper of this new blog from his other place - The Favorite Things Guy.

So, if you are out and about, please stop by and say 'Hello'. 

Cat Tales ~ Halloween Decorations

Purz and Catnip Dreams ....... Gomez