.

Art Dolls Only Ezine

2012-01-19T10:28:00.003Z

One off online magazine by the Art Dolls Only group, showcasing the work of over 100 contemporary doll artists. Lots of interesting and informative articles and beautiful photographs explore the diverse world of the ADO members. Also we take a tour of some International doll museums and there are some projects and patterns for you to try your hand at too. A must read for all Art Doll lovers!

Click to launch the full edition in a new window

Publishing Software from YUDU

Enjoy

Love, peace

& light

Trace

oxo

Captured My Curiosity

2012-01-05T00:22:00.001Z

Captured My Curiosity by rashamaria on polyvore.com

French Wine Bottles -St. Romain, by DIGS - Digs
$775 - taigan.com

PSD Detail | Orange shine | Official PSDs
officialpsds.com

tubes fées / elfes - Blog de l'ile de kahlan
liledekahlan.eklablog.com

**fairydust**
blogspot.com

Not looking

2012-01-04T23:56:00.001Z

Not looking by sarah-db on polyvore.com

A dream....in colour

2012-01-04T23:45:00.001Z

A dream....in colour by jasmoonbutterfly on polyvore.com

Amethyst Spheres
$80 - bestcrystals.com

Amethyst Rune Stones
$29 - moonslightmagic.com

PSD Detail | Blue & Pink Stars | Official PSDs
officialpsds.com

Old papers and books backgrounds
vector-eps.com

TUBES FEMMES - *** Tube femme *** - *** Tube femme *** - *** Tube...
soleilsucre.over-blog.com

Bienvenue Dans Mon Monde Magique!
blueangel63.vefblog.net

Scrap | Shareapic.net
shareapic.net

raspberry roads design butterfly
home.comcast.net

tubes soleil et etoiles - Page 2
bienvenuecheztiram.com

Леди дождя — альбом «Райский чай» на Яндекс.Фотках
fotki.yandex.ru

Fantasy Worlds | Shareapic.net
shareapic.net

suitcase and chests | Shareapic.net
shareapic.net

gems | Shareapic.net
shareapic.net

Positive thoughts.......Happy new year...x

2012-01-04T18:55:00.001Z

Happy new year everyone x

Positive thoughts....... by jasmoonbutterfly on polyvore.com

tubes divers - Page 29
purplefolie.centerblog.net

tubes marches et escaliers
nikkograff.centerblog.net

Bienvenue Dans Mon Monde Magique!
blueangel63.vefblog.net

Косметика tianDe — «RR_RaspberryTea_Element047.png» на Яндекс.Фотках
fotki.yandex.ru

Storyboard 'Pure Gene'....inspiring imagery
pinterest.com

Fairyish ii
pinterest.com

Magic is abound....be still, listen, open your eyes...

2011-12-21T19:10:00.001Z

Magic is abound....be still, listen, open your eyes... by jasmoonbutterfly featuring black jewelry

Black jewelry
tania-lostinthought.blogspot.com

TUBES PAPILLONS - Page 11
mafoirfouille.centerblog.net

imageGx
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tube papillon - Page 15
nikkograff.centerblog.net

Oriental | Shareapic.net
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bymonChanel - Style Twist
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Embroodles :: Cute Sayings :: Butterfly Believe
embroodles.com

- Personnages Elfes -
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Fairyish
pinterest.com

Monro_Diz — «WishingonaStarr_Steampunk Victoria elements 001 (5).png»...
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ЛенКинРом — альбом «Скрап-наборы / As Time Goes by» на Яндекс.Фотках
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Fairyish
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Storyboard 'Pure Gene'....inspiring imagery
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Blog de l'ile de kahlan - tubes papillons -_百搭_YOKA时尚网
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Fantasy Worlds | Shareapic.net
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Handmade cuffs...Tutorial

2011-12-21T17:51:00.000Z

Tutorial- "Cuffs "

Jasmoon: The wrist cuff I created is HERE

I used recycled scrap materials:

Damask

Lace

100% Silk

Velvet ribbon

Muslin

Tutorials about the fun ways you can make a cuff when designing with a theme such as Steam Punk, shabby chic...

Ideas for materials you could use are below:

(For instructions steam punk - Visit blog link

here)

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

Fabric Scraps, Interfacing Scraps, Co-ordinating Threads, Embellishments, Button/hook

, ;Lace, Ribbons, Linen, Fabric flowers

Music sheet -

it is the Victoriam era, music of that romantic age.

Watch face-

Always ever present in most steampunk themes.

A token of a time traveling memory perhaps?

Gears-

Another persistent icon, other things that are popular that can be added; keys, watch hands, springs.

Letter-

It adds personalization to your piece.

Chain

- Completes the path from the watch piece to the gear, adds movement.

Curio Bottle-

Adds dimension and mystery. What lies inside this tiny vial? A secret code, Magic potions? Or maybe a love letter from the future. Held in place with copper wire.

Pleather- Fake leather. Easy to work with, affordable.

Lace- Stained with leftover tea. Adds a feminine touch.

Blogs with cuff tutorials:

sewplicity

made by lex

~*~

suzanne duda

Start with a piece of fabric that will be your base-something fairly sturdy

-I used some plain muslin that I coffee dyed. I actually tore the fabric, so the edges are frayed, but you can certainly cut, or hem for a neater look.

I tore because I like that look and it was easy! The fabric is 2 inches wide.

Measure your wrist and cut the strip 1 inch larger than your wrist.

My wrist is 7”, so I cut a 8” piece of fabric (so the fabric is 8” x 2”).

Next I fold over one end of the fabric 1/2” and stitch. (My bracelet is now 7 1/2” x 2”). I am showing you the stitches with red thread, just so you can see them.

Use straight stitch on machine but you could also sew by hand, or use fancy stitches. These are not rules, just guidelines!

This folded over piece will be where we make a button hole, or where you attach snaps/Velcro, or whatever you use to close the bracelet.

I thought initially I would tie mine with ribbon, but then I thought

A) ribbon might get in the way and be too bulky, and

B) how would I tie it if no one was around to help me?

You will want to use a thread that matches your fabric so your stitches don’t show.

I do all my stitching on a machine using a straight stitch

Before we make a button hole, I start layering my bracelet .

I like my bracelets to look like a fabric collage, so you don’t have to use big pieces that go all the way across the length of the bracelet.

You can piece things together. I start with the bottom and top, adding trims that will extend over the edge of the base fabric and hide it.

I usually use a larger lace on the bottom, because it will hang down on your wrist like a ruffle, and use a smaller piece on top, that overlaps just a little.

I sew the top and bottom pieces onto my base fabric, and then start playing with layering other trims.

I try to pick a color scheme and stick with it, this one is all neutral cream and white. I play around with positioning my trims and overlapping until I get a nice layered, overlapping look.

I use bits of crochet trim and lace, seam binding and lace bias tape, rick rack...whatever you have on hand.

I also pick a central element to use as the focal point of my bracelet…

a buckle, a piece of appliqué, or a beautiful button.

A special piece that will be the “cherry on top” of your bracelet.

I play around with all these pieces (stacking and overlapping) until it looks pleasing to me.

Then I carefully take each layer off,

and starting with the bottom layer first, stitch the layers on.

keep layering…

Once all the layers have been sewn on, I choose a button to use for the closure (you can also use snaps, hooks, or Velcro).

If you have a machine that makes button holes, then good for you :)

If you don’t, here’s what I do:

Use a pencil or a disappearing ink marker (used for sewing) to mark the size of your button on the BACK side of your bracelet, on the end that has been folded and sewn. I marked this in black ink just so you could see it.

connect the two marks with a line…

machine stitch around the line with a small stitch,

I stitch around several times.

Use an exacto knife to cut a slit to make the actual hole.

You will also be cutting through the lace on the front of the bracelet.

Add your focal piece (button/buckle/bow, etc.) to the front center, and stitch in place. For this one I used a flower appliqué and a rhinestone button.

You can sew another piece of fabric to the back of the bracelet to give it a more finished look if you want,

but I usually don’t, so you can see my stitches on the back.

That’s it! Wear it, Give it, Love it! xo

Written tutorial by : Suzanne Duda

Love & Light

Trace

OXO

Only four sleeps!

2011-12-21T15:27:00.001Z

Well its been a very busy two weeks...

Schools plays, xmas decorating & shopping,

Creative time limited but we still managed to fit some in :0)

Time to catch up with blog land today!

Lewis happy after decorating, great fun!

Especially watching daddy up the ladder

& giving him decor directions hee hee

Time to chill out now :0)

No peeping Lew...yes you! lol

School play no.2

Xmas - Scrooge

Lewis and his friend Daena

Cake making & decor

Hmmm sprinkles!

Yum!!!

We bumped into santa!!

How cool was that, of course I whispered in his ear..

This guy was great!

Yep santa's sleigh is empty, he was stopping by

to pick up some carrots and milk for his reindeers.

School class play

no.1

Romans

Oh and the highlight of these pass two weeks

possibly the arm wrestle with nana, question is who won? lol

I want to wish you all a merry christmas,

have a magical time

Big love and hugs

Tracey and family

oxo

Creating presents...By Lewis

2011-12-21T15:05:00.001Z

Lewis (my son) wanted to create a present for a friend.

So we played with Diamond glaze, glitter, paper, beads,

and jewellery pieces.

There is no better present than one you have made :0)

L=Lewis D=Daena

Pretty glitter earrings

Once the Diamond Glaze set we connected the charm to a bracelet

My favourite by Lewis

Necklace for Daena

Used beads & his own words/sketch

all sealed with Diamond Glaze ( Hard setting resin)

Below is a pendant for Lewis's sister, she will love it Lew!

A bookmark for mummy :0)

How happy am I...

Drying - In progress

Wonderful ideas' for presents :0)

Love & light

Trace

oxo

How to Make a No-Sew Ruffled Christmas Tree Skirt : Decorating : Home & Garden Television

2011-11-20T14:31:00.000Z

How to Make a No-Sew Ruffled Christmas Tree Skirt : Decorating : Home & Garden Television:

'via Blog this'

How to Make a No-Sew Ruffled Christmas Tree Skirt

Put the finishing touch on your tree with an elegant and feminine ruffled linen skirt.

This easy no-sew skirt can be made using only scissors and glue.

Materials Needed:

4-1/2' x 4-1/2' piece of canvas

measuring tape

4 yards cream linen

sharp scissors

fray-blocking glue

3 1/3 yards grosgrain ribbon

hot glue gun and hot glue sticks

Measure and Cut Canvas

Using a tape measure, mark and cut a square of canvas that is approximately 4-1/2' x 4-1/2' (Image 1). Fold the square into quarters, then over itself to form a triangle with the folded center at point.

Cut base in a quarter circle (Image 2).

Cut a small quarter circle out of the point (Image 3).

Open the skirt until it's folded in half and cut along the radius on one side of the center hole only (Image 4). This will provide a hole for the tree trunk and a slit in the fabric so the skirt can be placed under the tree. Apply no-fray glue along all raw edges and allow to dry.

Tip: A canvas painter's drop cloth/calico is an inexpensive material perfect for this project.

Measure and Cut Linen

Using sharp scissors, cut linen fabric lengthwise into 2-inch-wide strips as above.

Create Ruffles

Preheat hot glue gun. Apply a line of hot glue approximately 1 1/2 inches from outside edge of skirt.

Create ruffles by pinching linen with fingers and pushing gathers down onto hot glue (Image 1).

Work in small sections, no more than about 12 inches at a time.

Continue this process around the entire skirt edge (Image 2).

Start the next row approximately 1 1/2 inches above the previous row.

Continue adding rows until entire canvas base is covered.

Attach Ties

Cut 10 pieces of grosgrain ribbon into approximately 12-inch lengths.

Use hot glue to attach ribbon to underside of tree skirt along slit created in canvas base (Image 1).

Evenly space five on one side of slit and five directly opposite.

Place skirt under tree and tie ribbons together in bows (Image 2).

Note: Although this tree skirt is not machine washable,

keep it looking its best by spot-cleaning stains and shaking off needles and loose debris.

Enjoy....

Love, Peace & Light

Trace

oxo

Miracles can happen....

2011-11-11T18:31:00.001Z

Miracles can happen.... by jasmoonbutterfly on polyvore.com

"Miracles Happen" Wooden Sign :: Inspirational :: Signs :: For the...
$25 - elizabethsembellishments.com

PSD Detail | clouds | Official PSDs#
officialpsds.com

Robayos edited images - CSI for Poly
csi4poly.ning.com

Image11 - CSI for Poly
csi4poly.ning.com

- Christine Paysage -
tubes-passion.eklablog.com

SUN
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box
home.comcast.net

raspberry roads design butterfly
home.comcast.net

Flowers
home.comcast.net

Dreams of another world....

2011-11-11T17:22:00.001Z

Dreams of another world.... by jasmoonbutterfly on polyvore.com

Order Wax Flower Online from The Grower's Box || Premium Wholesale...
$217 - growersbox.com

tubes astres / ciels - Blog de l'ile de kahlan
liledekahlan.eklablog.com

imageGx
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forest fill 90pct
imghouse.net

bymonChanel - Style Twist
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stone ruins pewter7
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tubes lune
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Enna

2011-11-10T23:50:00.001Z

Enna by jasmoonbutterfly featuring a flower brooch

Harry's Wand | Harry Potter & Hogwarts: Prints Pictures & Posters|...
$15 - harrypotterwallart.com

pure gene...

2011-11-10T22:20:00.001Z

pure gene... by jasmoonbutterfly on polyvore.com

Yalos Murano Agadir - Purple Murano Glass Vase
$280 - forzieri.com

The Healing of the Eldar

2011-11-08T12:08:00.003Z

I Nestad in-Edhil: The Healing of the Eldar

Note: This is an "in-character" treatise on Elven healing.

For a detailed examination of ALL examples of healing found in Tolkien's writing,

please click here "Healing in Middle-earth".

Healing in Tolkien's writing.

Inspired by Nordic Lore.

What is Elven healing?

That's as hard a question to answer as, "what is Elf-magic?"

or "what are Elf spells?"

The Elves don't understand what I mean by magic, but they capture living light in gems,

or walk on snow without sinking, or see glimpses of the future or far-off places in stones and pools.

Some insist that their power doesn't come from spells, yet I know there's a charm for staunching blood that was old when Lúthien sang it.

No more does an archer's ability to shoot come from the bow itself,

but to one who lacks the skill, bow and archery alike seem magical indeed.

What follows here is an Elf-friend's imperfect understanding of the Elves' healing arts.

Part I: The Nature of Elven Healing

Body and spirit

Elves teach that living beings have two parts: the hröa, or physical body, and the fëa, or spirit. It's also said that "those who have dwelt in the Blessed Realm live at once in both worlds,
and against both the Seen and the Unseen they have great power."
(Gandalf, recorded in Red Book of Westmarch).

I have observed that some Elves-- not all from the Blessed Realm-- can sense the moods of forests and streams, or communicate with animals by touch and soft words.
I've heard that very powerful Elves like Galadriel can probe the thoughts of others.
Clearly the Eldar are able to sense and affect things in "both worlds" in ways that ordinary mortals cannot. Therefore, I believe that their capacity to heal
comes from their understanding and sense of both spirit and body.
While herb-lore and physical treatments of wounds are something that lore-minded
Elves have studied and practiced for millenia,
their most skilled healers seem to treat wounds on both the spiritual and physical fronts.

Limitation and variation in power

Equally clearly, not all Elves have this power to the same extent.
Legolas is apparently not a healer.
Gandalf emphasizes that the High-elves of Imladris are especially powerful,
yet Glorfindel lacks the "skill" to heal the cursed Morgul-knife wound of Frodo, and defers to Elrond-
- one who did not dwell in the Blessed Lands.
(Therefore one cannot say that only High-elves have healing powers, or that theirs is always greater.)
We must remember too that the dramatic healings performed by Lúthien, Elrond,
and others in the great tales are probably exceptional cases, the absolute "best" one can expect.
Finally, I am not certain whether the healing abilities demonstrated by Lúthien, Elrond, and Aragorn (descendent of Lúthien) are entirely due to Elven nature,
or whether Lúthien's half-Maia blood gave her special powers passed on to her heirs.

Power, skill, lore

Elven healing arises from an inner power that ordinary Men lack.
Aragorn, who carries the blood of Elves and Lúthien in his veins,
states that Elrond has the "greater power" in healing, as "the eldest of all our race",
a bloodline evidently renown for healing arts.
Glorfindel, although he is one of the greatest of the High-elves,
surely more powerful than Elrond, laments that that the wound caused by a Morgul-blade
are "beyond his skill to heal".
Apparently Elrond's skill was greater, since by his hand Frodo was cured.
Skill, to me, implies techniques, methods, and art learned through training and experience,
such as the method of withdrawing an arrow from a wound, or splinting a joint,
or removing a deeply-buried knife splinter.
Finally there is lore, the study of specialized knowledge,
and the Elves have been at it for thousands of years.
They taught the Dúnedain herb-lore like the virtues of athelas,
and have a deep knowledge of the body's structures and workings which help them ply their craft.
I expect that anyone who applies himself can increase in skill and lore,
although those with mortal lifespans can never hope to gain the knowledge of many centuries.
Power, however, is born with the fëa,
and it seems to me unlikely that an Elf can increase her own power or boost another's.

Learning to use one's power, studying healing lore,
and gaining skill through experience are thus the three strands
of the braid which comprises Elven healing arts.

Self-healing and endurance

Elves heal mortals:
of this we have many examples, and "healing of the world's hurts"
is said to be one of their race's two chief motives, alongside the making of fair things.

There are also many references to Elven powers of self-healing in the ancient tales.
I am not sure what to make of comments like Beleg being "swiftly healed...
after the manner of the Elven-folk of old" (Narn i Hîn Húrin),
which seem to imply they were hardier long ago than now.
Perhaps, being bound to the life-span Arda in both body and spirit,
their power is fading as the world ages, or perhaps (I hope) it is merely the effect of lingering too long in mortal lands, and by going to the Blessed Lands they will renew themselves.
I do not know whether any Elf remaining in Middle-earth, save perhaps Glorfindel, could survive being pinned to a cliff for weeks like Maedhros son of Fëanor when he was taken captive by Morgoth.
Whether or no,
even Legolas is little troubled by the terrible storm and cold of Caradhras just as the Noldor
long ago were able to cross the ice-bound wastelands of the far north on foot.
Their bodies can thus endure greater hardships than mortalkind.

The Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth makes clear that the innate power
of Elves gives them an edge in recovering from most (although not all) injuries:

"They were thus capable of far greater and longer physical exertions
(in pursuit of some dominant purpose of their minds) without weariness;
they were not subject to diseases;
they healed rapidly and completely after injuries that would have proved fatal to Men;
and they could endure great physical pain for long periods.
Their bodies could not, however, survive vital injuries,
or violent assaults upon their structure;
nor replace missing members (such as a hand hewn off)."
War and healing arts

There is one curious passage in Of the Laws and Customs Among the Eldar
which was apparently written to justify the absence of female Elves from battle,
even though they are practically the same as male Elves in ability and power.
The scholiast claims that most female Elves do not fight or kill,
because it diminishes healing power in which they have chosen to specialize,
and that those male Elves who are healers "abstained from hunting,
and went not to war until the last need."
This is in flat contradiction to almost every record we have of actual healers:
Beleg, Mablung, Elrond, Glorfindel, and Aragorn certainly do not abstain from hunting,
although they do not seek out war quite like the Sons of Fëanor.
The sons of Elrond, also, aid Aragorn in healing the wounded after the Battle of the Pelennor Fields,
and their bloodthirsty feud against the orcs of the Misty Mountains is well-known.
Aragorn's hidden power as king is shown both by his power to wield Andúril and to heal.
Moreover, in our own valley, some of our greatest warriors are women.
Therefore with respect to the unknown loremaster who wrote this passage,
I can only quote what he said a few sentences earlier:
such things are customs, not laws, which
"vary... in place and in time, and in the several races of the Eldar".

Part II: The Healing Process

Having trained as an apprentice healer, witnessed and tended many wounds on the field, and examined all the examples of healing I could find in the songs that I have learned as a bard, my lore is only elementary. Such as it is, however, I can at least provide an overview of the usual healing procedure employed by Elves and those whom they have tutored (such as Aragorn, trained by his foster-father Elrond). In outline form:

1. Determine the nature of the injury

2. Preliminary treatment:
~ For physical injuries, have those on hand prepare a fire and boil water.
~ For spiritual/magical injuries, immediately combat the malady at a spiritual level.

3a. Treat open wounds:
~ remove foreign material (dirt, poison, arrowheads) and clean thoroughly.
~ Staunch bleeding.
~ optional: treat for pain.
~ bandage/bind.

3b. Treat contusions/breaks:
~ bathe area with infusion to reduce pain, swelling.
~ pad or splint as needed. Bind.

4. Keep patient warm and rest.
~ For spiritual maladies, one may need to continue calling to the spirit and strengthening it.
~ For physical maladies, one may reapply herbs to ease pain, hasten healing.

Now let me examine these steps one by one, drawing on case studies.

1. Determine the nature of the injury

Obviously step one is to figure out what's wrong. After the Moria-battle with orcs and trolls, Aragorn visually inspects the wounds of Sam and Frodo closely, and is experienced enough to rule out poison in Sam's sword-wound on his scalp. Learning to recognize the scent or traces of various orc-poisons is an unpleasant and necessary part of healing lore. Inflamed and swollen edges of a wound, or creeping discoloration or numbness, may also indicate whether poisons or other foreign agents are present. Gentle manipulation can detect broken or damaged bones. The healer can probe skin blow the break and ask the patient whether or not he feels the touch, to make sure there is not nerve damage. Dialated eyes, breathing problems, and fever or chills may help identify a malady. And of course the words and report of the patient himself, both in what the injuries feel like and how he came by them, are extremely valuable.

On the spiritual side, some healers can sense when something is wrong. Glorfindel "searched the wound on Frodo's shoulder with his fingers, and his face grew graver, as if what he learned disquieted him". The splinter in Frodo's shoulder was not discovered until much later, but clearly Glorfindel sensed it was there. Quite possibly he was sensing the evil magic on the knife, which was turning Frodo into a wraith. His touch combatted this effect for a while; immediately afterwards Frodo's vision cleared and he felt less cold. Similarly, in treating the Black Breath, Aragorn first looks into the patients' faces and seems to sense the nature of their wounds, and then uses touch and inner will, as well as athelas, to draw them back from their spiritual maladies. Before Aragorn arrives, the healers in the House of Healing listen to what the patients say in their sleep, hoping to gain some insight into their strange sickness: lacking his power, they seek answers in dreams.

The weapon that caused the injury is also important. Aragorn knows that orc-blades are sometimes poisoned, so he checks this at once (one should also check with arrows, especially those from Southrons and Haradrim). With weapons of the enemy, some Elves are able to see things mortal eyes miss, as when Glorfindel examines the Morgul-blade: "there are evil things written on this hilt,' he said; 'though maybe your eyes cannot see them." Luckily this is rare: accursed weapons like this come from Minas Morgul or Dol Guldur, being tools of the Nazgûl and other Men trained by Sauron in dark arts. One would not expect magically accursed weapons in the hands of orcs and trolls.

2a. Preliminary treatment: fire and water

Both in the case of spiritual injuries (the Morgul blade) and in physical bumps and scratches (after the Moria battle), Aragorn has party members set a fire and boil water, to keep the patient warm, and to have hot water on hand for cleaning wounds and preparing herbal remedies. Lúthien, also, despite her vastly greater power, keeps Beren warm with a conventional fire while treating his arrow-wound.

2b. Preliminary treatment: spiritual aid

If the wound is caused by magical or accursed means, one must certainly set to work combatting this at once, assuming one has the power to do so. Aragorn sings a strange song over the hilt of the Morgul-blade and then speaks the words of a charm over Frodo. Against the Black Breath, while waiting for someone to find him athelas leaves, Aragorn sits with his hand on Faramir's brow and calls his name, showing in his face great signs of struggle. It appears that Aragorn is able to seek, make contact with, and retrieve Faramir's lost spirit, for Faramir hails him as king upon waking, having never met him before. With Éowyn, Aragorn urges her brother to call her instead: evidently a close bond of love has some power of its own. Merry, Aragorn says, has a more resilient spirit, being a Hobbit, and recovers quickly.

Spiritual aid is not only good for spiritual maladies, however. Lúthien calls to Beren's spirit in a similar manner when he is dying of an arrow-wound. Fëa and hröa are both vital for survival, so healers who can soothe and encourage spirit, as well as treat bodily hurts, have a greater chance of success.

3a. Treating open wounds

Common sense applies here: clean thoroughly, cut out or remove any foreign objects, slow the bleeding, treat the pain, and sew or bind up the wound. Aragorn cleans ordinary wounds using athelas steeped in boiling water, which also refreshes the spirit of those who breathe its scent and eases the pain of the injury. Lúthien employs a "leaf / of all the herbs of healing chief" said by one commentator to be athelas. She cleans the wound with tears; those lacking her exceptional powers would probably do better with water, which is in greater supply! Aragorn uses cloth bandages, while Lúthien stops the bleeding with a "staunching song, that Elvish wives / long years had sung in those sad lives /of war and weapons." Athelas is rare and precious, and not everyone knows or hows the power to use staunching songs, so one may use humbler herbs and materials.

3b. Treating bruises and breaks

Again, use common sense: bathe the area with an infusion to reduce pain and swelling, then cover bruises with padding to protect and cushion the area, especially if the patient must wear mail or otherwise put pressure on the affected spot. (again, Aragorn uses athelas to treat Frodo's severe bruises from the spear that nearly skewered him). I have heard that snow or cold water will reduce swelling, though it tends to tighten joints; heat tends to increase swelling but makes tense areas relax. Breaks may be stabilized by a splint to keep the bones from moving, but be very careful to set the bones correctly first.

4. Post-treatment

Even Elven healing does not make a patient well at once! Plenty of rest, food, and follow-up treatment may be necessary. Change bandages, keep the patient warm with blankets and fire, reapply herbs as needed. For spiritual maladies, one may have to continue treatment using spiritual exertions for an extended period. Aragorn worked on the victims of the Black Breath for some while, Elrond treated Frodo's Morgul-knife wound for several days, and Lúthien struggled to recall Beren's spirit all night long. Warning! Aragorn became pale and weary while trying to restore Faramir. It seems that exerting the power of one's fëa drains the healer. Not all will have the reserves for a sustained effort. This is of particular concern on the battlefield when there are multiple patients to worry about, or on journeys where new threats may strike before a healer has recovered.

For the most complete example of Elven treatment of a wound see Lúthien's healing of
Beren in the Lay of Leithian HERE

Part III: healing aids

I have already cited examples above in which songs, spoken spells, and touch aid in the healing process.

I do not think that songs and speech are magical by themselves,

or anyone would be able to use them. Rather, I believe that with training,

they help an Elven healer tap into his or her inner healing powers and apply them.

In other words, they do not work without power behind them.

This would also explain why healing herbs like kingsfoil are considered "weeds"

by Men, yet may bring "life to the dying / in the king's hand lying":

Aragorn's power, inherited through his descent from Elros the brother of Elrond,

gives him some innate qualities mimicking those of Elves.

I am not certain whether the exact wording of songs and chants matters

or whether the intent behind them is more important.

Elven lore, some of which has been preserved in Gondor among the Dúnedain,

also employs certain herbs and magical objects which may aid in healing.

Athelas

Called the "chief" of healing herbs, athelas seems to be amazingly versatile. It is particularly effective against the Black Breath, although this may be tied to Aragorn's family bloodline: whether any others could use athelas against this malady I am not sure. Aragorn also uses it in an infusion to reduce swelling and pain in bruises, and to cleanse and speed the healing of cuts. Significantly, he instructs others in the Fellowship to make and use the infusion, so athelas is effective against ordinary injuries regardless of who is using it. The scent of athelas cast in boiling water also refreshes the spirits and restores the strength of those who inhale it.

Miruvor

Miruvor, the "cordial of Imladris", is something that Elrond occasionally gives others as an emergency aid. He gave a flask to Gandalf which contained enough for three uses among all the members of the Fellowship (save perhaps Legolas, who did not need it). I do not know what miruvor is or how it is made, I know only that it is "very precious", as Gandalf stated, and that like the scent of athelas it renews hopes and strength, and rouses one from sleepiness. In other words athelas and miruvor refresh both fëa (spirit) and hröa (body). Frodo describes it as a "warm and fragrant liquor". Elves excel in the art of making wonderful things like jewels that capture and give off light; in this case, it seems, they have found a way to capture and mimic the restorative properties of athelas, and I wonder whether that may be an ingredient. At any rate, as precious as miruvor is, it is probably fairly rare, something that Elrond would give to the chief healers of the valley in a limited and carefully-rationed supply.

Lembas

Lembas, similarly, is a magical food (instead of drink, in this case) created by Elven arts. Like miruvor, its recipe is not widely-known, its power is great, and it is clearly not for casual use. It can sustain travellers on long journeys and, apparently, speeds the body's healing process. The secret of its keeping is maintained by certain Elven-women trained in the arts of Yavanna, and only the queen or highest Elven lady in a settlement has the authority to bestow it on others. It is almost never given to mortals, because eating it for too long causes them to "weary of their mortality, desiring to abide among the Elves" or to sail to the Undying Lands. (Of Lembas)

Rings

The goal of the Elven-rings is to heal and preserve: in this case, not people or animals, but places. Nenya's power has a preservative effect on Lórien, whose air is wholesome and feels like a pristine bubble of Elder Days. In Imladris, visitors observe that "time doesn't seem to pass here, it just is" (Bilbo, Red Book of Westmarch). The Rings do not stop time or decay, for the seasons still come and go, leaves still fall, and time still passes, but they mute these effects, sometimes in startling ways. The Fellowship are surprised to find a month has passed when they exit Lórien. Instead of places, Gandalf uses his ring Narya to restore spirits and rekindle hopes. From this we may gather that the Rings can effect some healing, by restoring the fëa; however, their cumulative effects are a mixed blessing, as Bilbo and Gollum discovered. (Rings do not seem to have the same life-prologing effects on all beings; the Dwarves who received them did not become wraiths).

Gems

The Phial of Galadriel, light captured in water and bottled, not only drives off Shelob and combats evil magic, but seems to react to and inspire the spirits of the humble Hobbits who use it. This light is from Eärendil's star, which in turn was one of the three greatest Elf-gems that captured the holy Light of the Trees of Valinor. In effect this light is a faint glimmer of the renewing, healing properties of the Blessed Lands.

The Elessar, the Elfstone, is even more explictly a gem with healing properties: it is said that those who looked through it "saw things that were withered or burned healed again or as they were in the grace of their youth, and that the hands of one who held it brought to all that they touched healing from hurt." Idril Celebrindal employed the original Elessar from Gondolin to heal the hurts of the survivors of Gondolin. In later years, Galadriel recovered the Elessar-- or had a new one made; there are variant tales-- and used it as she later used Nenya, to preserve and renew the trees and plants of her realm. She gave the Elessar to her daughter after acquiring Nenya, because the Elven-ring was more powerful. The Elessar is now held by Aragorn, a gift from Arwen.

The Elessar, Elven-rings, and Phial of Galadriel have been made by the greatest Noldor, and certainly no other artisans possess the power and craft of Celebrimbor, Enerdhil, and Galadriel. However, the Gwaith-i-Mirdain, the Fellowship of Jewel-smiths under Celebrimbor in Eregion, made jewels and rings as well. A remnant of those folk still survive in Imladris. Lesser gems or rings may therefore turn up from time to time.

Healing waters

Lúthien, whose mother was a Maia, is supposed to have had tears with healing properties, which she uses to soothe Beren's hurts. According to one legend her tears created a fountain with healing properties in Gondolin. In later days the waters of Nimrodel in Lórien are "healing to the weary", and Frodo finds he is no longer tired from travel after stepping into the stream.

Other herbs

Ordinary herbs don't make exciting stories, and none besides athelas are ever mentioned. However, one can of course employ more common medicinal herbs such as bistort. The Elves of Govannas in-Glirdain have invented some uses for elanor and niphredil.

Epilogue: Failure to heal

These aids may help restore body and spirit, and speed healing.

Elven healing at its most powerful can do the same,

and more conventional healing lore and techniques can be employed

to combat both physical and spiritual maladies.

Through experience and training, healers can learn how to vary treatment to suit different injuries.

Aragorn's different uses of athelas, and even the way he changes treatment for individual patients suffering from the Black Breath, show how skill and experience can play as great a role as lore and inner power.

However, when all is said and done, one cannot restore lost limbs or heal all maladies.

Aragorn feared that Éowyn would not recover because he could only heal her body, not her spirit.

And Elrond, acclaimed as a "master of healing"

whose power and skill are greater than both Aragorn's and Glorfindel's, famously failed to heal one patient: his wife. "Though healed in body by Elrond, [she] lost all delight in Middle-earth,

and the next year went to the Havens and passed over the Sea."

(Appendix A, Red Book of Westmarch).

She had suffered bodily torture at the hands of the orcs.

A heart's wound, for Elves, is the injury for which there is no healing, save in the Blessed Lands.

Bid them abide among loved ones in a haven like the Last Homely House for a season, a year,

and encourage them to take up their former vocations and habits-

- but if that fails, one has no choice but send them across the Sea.

Ref: http://www.istad.org/tolkien/healingStudy.html#song

http://www.istad.org/tolkien

The above information is via a wonderful site about Tolkien by a keen hobbyist E.B.

Thank you for sharing :0)

love, peace and light

Trace

oxo

Elf Charms in Context

2011-11-08T11:06:00.002Z

In tenth- and eleventh-century England,

Anglo-Saxon Christians retained an old folk belief in elves

as extremely dangerous creatures capable of harming unwary humans.

To ward off the afflictions caused by these invisible beings,

Christian priests modified traditional elf charms by adding liturgical chants to herbal remedies.

Religion in Late Saxon England: Elf Charms in Context (1996).

Lay of the Nine Herbs and Lay of the Nine Twigs of Woden

Be mindful, Mugwort,  what you revealed,
What you established  at the great proclamation
Una you are called,  oldest of herbs,
you are strong against three  and against thirty,
you are strong against poison  and against onfliers [flying venoms]
you are strong against the foe  who goes through the land.
 
And you, Waybroad [Plantain], mother of herbs,
open from the east,  mighty within.
Over you chariots creaked,  over you queens rode,
over you brides cried out,  over you bulls snorted.
All this you withstood,  and confounded.
So you withstand  poison and flying venom,
and the foe  who goes through the land.
 
Stune this herb is called,  she grew on a stone,
she stands against poison,  she attacks pain.
Stithe [hard] she is called,  she confounds poison,
she drives out evils,  she casts out poison.
This is the herb  that fought against the worm,
this is strong against poison,  she is strong against flying venoms,
she is strong against the foe  who goes through the land.
 
 Rout you now, Attorlathe [Venomloather],  the less the more,
the more the less  until there be a remedy for him against both.
 
Remember you, Maythe [Camomile],  what you revealed,
what you accomplished  at Alorford,
that never for flying venom  did he yield life
since for him a man prepared  Maythe for food.
 
This is the herb  that is called Wergule.
This a seal sent  over the sea ridges,
as a remedy  against the harm of another poison.
 
[Two herbs, chervil and fennel, are missing]
[Lay of the Nine Twigs of Woden]

These nine go  against nine poisons.
A worm came crawling,  he wounded nothing.
Then Woden took  nine glory-twigs [wuldor tanas]
smote then the adder  that it flew apart into nine (parts).
There apple and poison  brought it about
that she never would  dwell in the house.
 
Chervil and Fennel,  very mighty two,
these herbs he created,  the wise Lord
holy in heaven  when He hung;
He established and sent them  into the seven worlds,
to the poor and the rich,  for all a remedy.
She stands against pain,  she assaults poison,
who has power against three  and against thirty,
against enemy's hand  and against great terror
against the bewitching  of little/vile wights.
Now these nine herbs have power  against nine evil spirits 
[wuldorgeflogenum, "fugitives from glory"],
against nine poisons  and against nine flying venoms:
Against the red poison,  against the foul poison,
against the white poison,  against the purple poison,
against the yellow poison,  against the green poison,
against the dark poison,  against the blue poison,
against the brown poison,  against the crimson poison.
 
 Against worm-blister,  against water-blister,
against thorn-blister,  against thistle-blister,
against ice-blister,  against poison-blister.
If any poison  flying from the east,
or any from the north  . . . come
or any from the west  over humanity.
Christ stood over the old ones,  the malignant ones [?].
I alone know  running streams
and the nine adders  now they behold [?].
All weeds must now  give way to herbs
the seas slip apart,  all salt water,
when I this poison  blow from you.

[The Preparation]

Mugwort, waybroad open from the east, lamb's cress, attorlathe, maythe, nettle, crab-apple, chervil and fennel, old soap; work the herbs into dust, mix them with the soap and the apple juice. Work then a paste of water and of ashes; take fennel, boil it in the paste and beat with the [herbal] mixture when he applies the salve both before and after.

Sing the charm [galdor] on each of the herbs three times before he prepares them, and on the apple likewise. And let someone sing into the mouth of the man and into both his ears, and on the wound, that same charm [gealdor] before he applies the salve.

Lacnunga XXIX

This is the holy drink against elf-influence [aelfsidene] and against all the fiend's temptings.
Write on a housel dish:

"In principio erat uerbum" usque "non comprehenderunt" et plura:
"et circumibat Jesus totam Galileam docens" usque "et secuti sunt eum turbae multae."
"Deus in nomine tuo" usque in finem. "Deus misereatur nobis" usque in finem.
"Domine deus in adiutorium" usque in finem.

["In the beginning was the word" up to "they did not comprehend" and again:
"Jesus went round all Galilee teaching" up to "and a great crowd followed after him."
"God in your name" up to the end. "God have mercy on us" up to the end.
"Lord God to our aid" up to the end.]

Take cristalan and tansy and zedoary and hassock and fennel,
and take a sester [pitcher?] full of sanctified wine.

And order an immaculate [unmaelne, "spotless"] person to fetch
silently against the stream half a sester of running water.

Take then and lay all the herbs in the water,
and therein wash the writing from the housel dish very cleanly.
Pour then the hallowed wine over the other.

Bear it then to church; have Masses sung over [it],
one Omnibus, another Contra tribulationem, a third Sanctam marian.

Sing these supplicatory psalms:
Miserere mei Deus, Deus in nomine tuo, Deus misereatur nobis,
Domine deus, Inclina domine. And the Creed, and Gloria in excelsis deo,
and the litanies, Pater noster.

And bless earnestly in the Almighty Lord's name, and say
In nomine patris et filii et spiritus sancti sit benedictum.
[In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, be it blessed].

Use it then.

Field Remedy

Here is the remedy, how you may better your land, if it will not grow well or if some harmful thing has been done to it by a sorcerer [dry] or by a poisoner [lyblace].

Take then at night, before dawn, four sods from four sides of the land, and mark where they were before.

Then take oil and honey and yeast, and milk of each animal that is on the land, and a piece of each type of tree that grows on the land, except hard beams, and a piece of each herb known by name, except burdock [glappan] only, and put then holy water thereon, and drip it three times on the base of the sods, and say then these words:

Crescite, grow, et multiplicamini, and multiply, et replete, and fill, terre, the earth. In nomine patris et filii et spiritus sancti sit benedicti. [In the name of the father and the son and the holy spirit be blessed.] And the Pater noster [Our Father] as often as the other.

And then bear the sods into church, and let a masspriest sing four masses over the sods, and let someone turn the green [sides] to the altar, and after that let someone bring the sods to where they were before, before the sun sets.

And have made for them four signs of Christ [crosses] of quickbeam and write on each end: Matthew and Mark, Luke, and John. Lay that sign of Christ in the bottom of the pit [where each sod had been cut out], saying then: crux Matheus, crux Marcus, crux Lucas, crux sanctus Iohannes.

Take then the sods and set them down there on [the crosses], and say then nine times these words, Crescite [grow], and as often the Pater noster, and turn then to the east, and bow nine times humbly, and speak then these words:

Eastwards I stand, for mercies I pray,

I pray the great domine [lord], I pray the powerful lord,

I pray the holy guardian of heaven-kingdom,

earth I pray and sky

and the true sancta [holy] Mary

and heaven's might and high hall,

that I may this charm [galdor] by the gift of the lord

open with [my] teeth through firm thought,

to call forth these plants for our worldly use,

to fill this land with firm belief,

to beautify this grassy turf, as the wiseman said

that he would have riches on earth who alms

gave with justice by the grace of the lord.

Then turn thrice with the sun's course, stretch then out lengthwise and enumerate there the litanies and say then: Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus to the end. Sing then Benedicite with outstretched arms and Magnificat and Pater noster thrice, and commend it [the land] to Christ and saint Mary and the holy cross for praise and for worship and for the benefit of the one who owns that land and all those who are serving under him.4 When all that is done, then let a man take unknown seed from beggars and give them twice as much as he took from them, and let him gather all his plough tools together; then let him bore a hole in the beam [of the plough, putting in] incense and fennel and hallowed soap and hallowed salt. Take then that seed, set it on the plough's body, say then:

Erce, Erce, Erce, earth's mother,

May the all-ruler grant you, the eternal lord,

fields growing and flourishing,

propagating and strengthening,

tall shafts, bright crops,

and broad barley crops,

and white wheat crops,

and all earth's crops.

May the eternal lord grant him,

and his holy ones, who are in heaven,

that his produce be guarded against any enemies whatsoever,

and that it be safe against any harm at all,

from poisons [lyblaca] sown around the land.

Now I bid the Master, who shaped this world,

that there be no speaking-woman [cwidol wif] nor artful man

[craeftig man]

that can overturn these words thus spoken.

Then let a man drive forth the plough and the first furrow cuts, say then:

Whole may you be [Be well] earth, mother of men!

May you be growing in God's embrace,

with food filled for the needs of men.

Take then each kind of flour and have someone bake a loaf [the size of] a hand's palm and knead it with milk and with holy water and lay it under the first furrow. Say then:

Field full of food for mankind,

bright-blooming, you are blessed

in the holy name of the one who shaped heaven

and the earth on which we live;

the God, the one who made the ground, grant us the gift of growing,

that for us each grain might come to use.

Say then thrice Crescite in nomine patris, sit benedicti [Grow in the name of the father, be blessed]. Amen and Pater noster three times.

Elf charm protection lore:

Against elf disease [aelfadle].
Take bishopwort, fennel, lupin, the lower part of aelfthone,
and lichen from the holy sign of Christ [cross], and incense; a handful of each.
Bind all the herbs in a cloth, dip in sanctified font water thrice.
Let three masses be sung over it, one "Omnibus sanctis," a second "Contra tribulationem,"
a third "Pro infirmis." Put then coals in a coal pan, and lay the herbs on it.
Smoke the man with the herbs before undern [9 a.m.] and at night;
and sing a litany, the Creed, and the Pater noster; and write on him Christ's mark on each limb.
And take a little handful of the same kind of herbs, similarly sanctified,
and boil in milk; drip holy water in it thrice.
And let him sip it before his meal. It will soon be well with him.

For the same [aelfadle].
Go on Thursday evening when the sun is setting to where you know helenium [elenan] stands.
Sing then the Benedicite, the Pater noster, and a litany.
And stick your knife into the plant; leave it sticking therein and go away.
Go again, when day and night first divide [dawn];
at that same dawn, go first to church, and cross yourself and offer yourself to God.
Go then silently; and though you meet on the way some fearful thing coming or a man,
you should not speak to him any word, until you come to the plant that you marked on the evening before. Sing then the Benedicite, and the Pater noster and a litany.
Dig up the plant; leave the knife sticking in it.
Go again as quick as you can to church, and lay it under the altar with the knife.
Let it lie until the sun is up.
Wash it then; make it into a drink: with bishopwort and lichen from Christ's sign,
boil thrice in [different kinds of] milk; and pour holy water thrice on it.
And sing on it the Pater noster, and the Creed and the Gloria in excelsis deo; and sing on it a litany.
And also write a cross around it with a sword on [each of] four halves.
And then let [the patient] drink the drink. It will soon be well with him.

Again for that. Lay under the altar these herbs, let nine masses be sung over them:
incense, holy salt, three heads of cropleek, aelfthone's lower part, and helenium.
Take in the morning a cup full of milk; drip thrice some holy water in it.
Let him sip it as hot as he can. Eat with it three bits of aelfthone.
When he wants to rest, have coals there inside.
Lay incense and aelfthone on the coals, and smoke him with that until he sweats;
and smoke the house throughout; and eagerly sign the man.
And when he goes to rest, let him eat three bits of helenium, and three of cropleek, and three of salt.
And let him have a cup full of ale and drip thrice holy water in it.
Let him eat each bit; then let him rest.
Do this for nine mornings and nine nights.
It will soon be well with him.

If he has elf-heartburn [aelfsogotha, lit., "elf-juices"],
his eyes are yellow where they should be red.
If you want to cure this person, consider his bearing, and know of which sex he is.
If it is a male [waepned man], and he looks up when you first see him,
and his appearance is yellow black, then that man you may cure completely,
if he has not been therein too long.
If it is a woman [wif] and she looks down when you first see her,
and her appearance is dark red, this you might also cure.
If it is on him a day's space longer than twelve months, and his visage be such,
then you might better him for awhile, but may not however completely cure him.

If a man is in the water elf disease [waeter aelfadle],
then the nails of his hand are dark and the eyes teary, and he will look down.
Give him this as medicine [laecedome]:
everthroat, hassock, the lower part of fane, yewberry, lupin, helenium,
marshmallow head, fen mint, dill, lily, attorlathe, pulegium, marrubium,
dock, elder, fel terre, wormwood, strawberry leaves, consolde.
Soak with ale; add holy water to it. Sing this gealdor over it thrice:

I have bound on the wounds the best of war bandages,
so the wounds neither burn nor burst, nor go further, nor spread, nor jump,
nor the wounds increase [waco sian?], nor sores deepen.
But may he himself keep in a healthy way [halewaege?].
May it not ache you more than it aches earth in ear [eare?].

Sing this many times,
"May earth bear on you with all her might and main."
These galdor a man may sing over a wound.

A drink against the Devil's temptations:
the fanthorn, cropleek, lupin, ontre, bishopwort, fennel, hassock, betony.
Sanctify these herbs; put into ale holy water.
And let the drink be there in where the sick man is.
And continually before he drinks sing thrice over the drink,
"Deus! In nomine tuo saluum me fac."
[God, in your name make me whole (save me).]

The above Anglo-Saxon "charms" were translated by Karen Louise Jolly in her book, Popular Religion in Late Saxon England: Elf Charms in Context (1996).

Hope you enjoyed that interesting piece of lore :0)

Thank you for visiting,

love, peace and light

Trace

oxo

The Seelie Court

2011-11-08T10:33:00.000Z

The Faery Lineage and Irish Mythology

Some versions of Irish mythology have the Daoine Sidhe eventually divide into two groups:
the Seelie Court and the Unseelie Court.
Though this separation is more commonly seen in Scottish mythology,
Ireland also adopted this division.
The Seelie Court was considered to be the blessed or holy court.
They were often said to be the ‘good’ faeries, but Irish mythology is rarely that clear cut.

Characteristics of the Seelie Court

Sometimes called the ‘Blessed Ones,’
the Seelie were often depicted as a procession of brilliant light riding on the night air.
The Seelie Court, as a group, would often use these excursions to find those in need of help.
However, their form of help was sometimes closer to mischief.
The Seelie Court were considered the true aristocrats of the Daoine Sidhe.
They were judges, dispensing justice to the other faery when it was required,
and served as frequent arbitrators of the many faery quarrels.
The Seelie Court was very political, complete with cliques, factions, gossiping, and rivalry.
Those of the Seelie Court tended towards harmony and happiness.
It was their way to help humans, and to seek help from them in return.
They always gave full warning when someone offended them, and when a human did them a kindness,
they made every effort to return this favor.
The Seelie were more inclined to towards good than evil.
If give the choice between the two, there was never any doubt that they would choose good.
They worked together in constructive ways for the benefit of all.
None of this means that they were entirely benign.
Any of the faery, including the Seelie,
would seek vengeance for an insult, if an insult were perceived.
Though not malicious, they would defend themselves against any threat,
and even go to war if need be.
The Seelie were also prone to a great deal of mischief,
especially when bored.
However, their pranks rarely caused true harm,
for the Seelie were really very fond of humans.

The Code of the Seelie Court

Like many human courts, the Seelie Court had its own code of conduct,
a code which all of the Seelie had to abide by. This code was:
Death Before Dishonor:
A member of the Seelie Court would protect his or her honor to the death.
Honor was the single source of glory for the Seelie, the only way to attain recognition.
A true Seelie would rather have died than live with personal dishonor,
and would never bring dishonor to another of the Seelie.

Love Conquers All:
For the Seelie, love was the perfect expression of the soul.
It transcended all other things.
Though romantic love was considered to be the highest and purest form of love,
platonic love was also encouraged.

Beauty is Life:
Beauty was one of the first tenants of the Seelie Court.
To belong, a faery had to be beautiful, and all beauty was to be protected.
The Seelie were known to go to war to protect beauty,
whether it was a beautiful person, place, or thing.

Never Forget a Debt:
This tenant worked in two ways.
The Seelie were bound by their code of honor to repay any debt owed as soon as was possible.
This included both favors and insults.
The Seelie would repay a favor in a timely fashion.
At the same time, they would exact vengeance almost immediately.
The Seelie Court was said to be a beautiful and benevolent place.
It is no wonder that the people of Ireland and Scotland often appealed to the Seelie for help and advice.
In time, however, the people turned away from the Daoine Sidhe and its Courts,
seeking newer incarnations of the Faery Lineage, such as the Heroic Faery.

The Seelie and Unseelie Courts of the Daoine Sidhe

In some versions of Irish mythology, the Daoine Sidhe eventually divided themselves into the Seelie and Unseelie Courts.
The Seelie (seleighe in old Irish) Court was considered to be blessed or holy,
containing those of the Sidhe who were benevolent and generally considered harmless.
This was not to say that they would not seek vengeance,
but if given the choice between harming and helping, the Seelie would choose to help.

The members of the Seelie Court were said to be fun-loving and mischievous.
They loved their games and pranks, but would never take a joke too far.
They were known to be kind and generous,
and were seen as the champions of the people of Ireland.

The Unseelie Court was just the opposite.
They were malicious and tended to be inclined towards evil.
They were said to assault travelers at night,
often carrying them off into their own world for various purposes.
As the Seelie were not always entirely kind,
the Unseelie were not always entirely evil.
However, if faced with the choice, they would rather cause harm than offer assistance.
The Daoine Sidhe were the last of the Tuatha De Danann
to resemble the gods and goddesses of ancient Ireland.
Though they generally chose to take human form,
they could also appear as much larger or much smaller than the average person.

In time, the Daoine Sidhe would dwindle further away from their origins, eventually becoming the Heroic Faery of the Faery Lineage.

Sources:
Ellis, Peter Berresford. (2002). Celtic Myths and Legends. Running Press.
Ellis, Peter Berresford. (1992). A Dictionary of Irish Mythology (Oxford Paper Reference Series). Oxford University Press.
Gantz, Jeffrey. (1982). Early Irish Myths and Sagas. Penguin Classics
Heaney, Marie. (1995). Over Nine Waves: A Book of Irish Legends. Faber & Faber.
Lady Gregory. (1988). Treasury of Irish Myths, Legend & Folklore: Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry. Gramercy.

Ref: http://www.setop.net/history-2/the-faery-lineage-and-irish-mythology-%E2%80%94-the-daoine-sidhe.html

love, peace and light

Trace

oxo

The Faery Lineage

2011-11-08T10:10:00.001Z

The Mythology of Ancient Ireland

The Faery Lineage of Ancient Times

Up to the Middle Ages of Western Europe,
the development of the Faery was almost completely confined to the land of Ireland and its people.
There was a great focus on heroism, magick, and romance.
The Tuatha De Danann are the source of the entire Lineage.
They were the gods of the people of Ireland,
and are considered to be the most superior and pure form of the Faery.
They were at their most powerful during the Mythological Cycle.
This group eventually branched into two very distinct groups:
the Fenian Heroes and the Daoine Sidhe.
The Fenian Heroes were among the most notable heroes in all of Ireland, existing during the Fenian Cycle. Many of them were descendants of the Tuatha De Danann, and some of them were the De Danann themselves.
Many of the Fay served as a part of the fiana,
and the Fenian Heroes were not considered to be all that far removed from mortal man.
The Daoine Sidhe existed in about the same time period as the Fenian Heroes.
However, these were the Tuatha De Danann who truly did remain removed from humanity,
who preserved the purest form of Faery magick,
and who were still worshipped as the gods of the Irish pantheon.
Eventually, however, even the Daoine Sidhe had to change and adapt.

The Heroic Faery was born out of the Daoine Sidhe.
These were the ladies and knights of classic medieval romances,
the heroes of the great tales of the era, and were very much like the Fenian Heroes.
In fact, it could be said that the only difference between the Fenian Heroes
and the Heroic Faery is the time period in which they existed in mythology.
Meanwhile, the Fenian Heroes had become the Medieval Faery.
These characters were practiced in magick and sorcery.
It is here when the first outside influences begin to creep into Irish mythology.
No longer are the Faery the powerful and frightening Tuatha De Danann.
They are no longer gods. Instead, they begin to grow smaller in size,
and with the coming of Christianity, they are sometimes assumed to be evil.
The Heroic Faery makes one last appearance,
merging with the Medieval Faery and becoming the Diminutive Fairy.

Fairies in the Middle Ages and Beyond

With the birth of the Middle Ages, the traditional image of the modern fairy was born.

The Diminutive Fairy
- became connected to death and the departed.
Sometime in the 16th century, the idea of the literary fairy is introduced.
These fairies are nasty little things, demanding their privacy and pinching those who dare to invade it.

The Elizabethan Age
-brings about another change in the fairy.
Instead of a nasty little thing intent on its privacy,
the Elizabethan Fairy is mischievous and bothersome,
but not particularly evil. These fairies tend to irritate more than harm.

In the 17th century, the Jacobean Fairy makes an appearance.
They are so small that they are difficult to see with the naked eye.
These little guys have gossamer wings and,
purely due to Puritan influences, are regarded as demons or devils.

The 18th century saw a reversal of this idea.
The fairies of this era were flowery little fertility spirits.
These little Flower Fairies were said to flit and fly in the most beautiful gardens,
entertaining children and delighting anyone who chanced to see them.
This version of the fairy is still very much a part of modern folk tales.

The 19th century saw the development of the Folk Tale Fairy.
These characters were written into stories created for children,
and generally featured characters such as the classic fairy godmother.
These creatures were relentless moralists.
Like the Flower Fairy, the Folk Tale Fairy has persisted into the modern era.

With the coming of the 20th century, the Age of Faery seemed to have truly come to an end.
The gods of Ireland had become no more than fairy tales,
and most had forgotten they were ever anything more.
However, this same century brought about a renewed interest in ancient religions and beliefs,
and today, there are those who have resurrected the ancient Faery Faith in a more modern incarnation,
with the inclusion of the Elemental Faery.

Sources
Ellis, Peter Berresford, Celtic Myths and Legends. (Running Press, 2002)
Ellis, Peter Berresford, A Dictionary of Irish Mythology (Oxford Paper Reference Series) (Oxford University Press, 1992)
Gantz, Jeffrey, Early Irish Myths and Sagas. (Penguin Classics, 1982)
Heaney, Marie, Over Nine Waves: A Book of Irish Legends. (Faber & Faber, 1995)
Lady Gregory, Treasury of Irish Myths, Legend & Folklore: Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry. (Gramercy, 1988)

List

Tuatha De Danann (thanann)~ The people of the Goddess Dana, or the people of the god whose mother was Dana. The Celts call them the Sidhe, Spirit-race, or the Feadh-Ree, a modifacation of the word Peri.

Fenian Heroes~ The noble warriors of the Tuatha De Danann, who joined allegiance with the fiana (feen-a), the great fighting force of Ireland, and whowere at their greatest when Finn mac Cumaill was their last and greatest leader.

Heroic Faery~ The knights and ladies of the medieval romances, and those that occur in Celtic legendss were of human or more than human size and of "shining beauty". They spent their time in aristocratic pursuits of hunting, fighting, riding in procession, as well as dancing and music which were beloved by all the Sidhe. A glimpse of the Fenian Hero is seen in the Heroic Faery, although of a more relaxed and gluttonous stance than of battle-worn.

Medieval Fairy~ Out of Arthurian times the Medieval Fairy was born, moving away from Ireland and into England, andd with them taleswoven with magick and sorcery, wizards and witches, Morgan Le fay and Avalon. The size of the fairy became variable, and there were both tiny a rustic fairy as well as hideous and monsterous ones.Often, they were depicted as beautiful fair maidens with long, flowing red hair and white skin, such as those portrayed in paintings by J. Waterhouse.

Diminutive Fairy~ The Diminutive Fairies took part in life and became the traditional, and very first, little fairy. With it's birth, a list of euphemistic names became inevitable( Goblins, Brownies, Bogies, Trolls). These invisible and alert little things were always mentioned with a honeyed tounge. The wily, not knowing where they may be lurking, were careful to call them the Good Neighbours, the honest folk, the little folk, the Gentry, the hill folk, the forgetful people, teh people of peace, ect., to pervent the "dint of their ill attempts and bless all they fear harm of".

Elizabethan Fairy~ The romance and feirce warrior attitude of the Daoine Sidhe was gone. The fairy became mischievous and at times bothersome. And so, the poets and dramatists of the Elizabethan Age brought a different strand of fairy tradition into prominence. The yeoman class of the sixteenth centery brought a spread of literacy and new class writers. From the country, drawn up to town, such as Shakespear, these new writers came forth bringing with them their own country traditions. Nymphs became the new source of focus and two main types of fairy were introduced: hobgoblins, with which we may call Brownie; and the small flower-loving fairies such as in A Mid Summers Night's Dream.

Jacobean Fairy~ The Jacobean fairy continued to extend the fashions in the fairy lore set in Elizabethan literature, with an added emphasis on the minuteness of the small fairies, so that at one time people found it difficult to think of fairies without thinking of smallness. The hobgoblin type was exactly the same in both periods, except now the extreme Puritans regarded all fairies as devils.

Flower Fairy~ These are gental spirits of the earth. Earth, lake, and hill are peopled by these fantastic, beautiful, willful, capricious child-spirits. These fairies passionatetly love beauty and luxury and hold in contempt all mean virtues of thrift and aconomy. Above all things they hate the tight fisthand that gathers the last grain, drains the last drop in the milk-pail, and plucks the trees bare of fruit, leaveing nothing for the spirits who wander by the moonlight.

Folk-Tale Fairy~ The Golden Age of Faery has ended, and all that is left are folk fairys turned into airy, tenuous, pretty creatures without meat, or muscle, made up of froth and whims. The eighteenth centery is the first period in which books are written expressly for the edification of children. The trend persists into the nineteenth century, and it is not until a quarter of it has passed that the reasearch og the folklorists begin to have some effect on children's literature.

Elemental Fairy~ In positive doctrines of mediaveal alchemists and mystics, the ancient metaphysical ideas of Egypt, greece, and Rome found a new expression; the folk lore of the peasantry and the subject of the fairies is turned into study of beings of nature. They are quite scientific in their methods of study, and divide all invisible beings in four distinct classes:

Angels: who in character and function are paralled to the gods of the ancients, and equal to the Tuatha De Danann of the Irish, are teh highest.

Devils or Demons: who correspond to the fallen angels of Christianity.

Elementals, sub-human Nature-Spirits: who are generally regarded as having pygmy staure, like Greek daemons.
Souls: who are the shades or ghosts of the dead.

Devas~ Now we come to the final evoluted form of the fairy, that of the "shining ones," who are known to be the soul of the plant kingdom. The spirit of the plnat as it comes alive and takes new form allies itself with human beings and gives to them the secrets of the plant (i.e. medical properties, spiritual properties, nutritional properties, magickal properties, toxic properties, ect.) These are fairies without shape. They are simply a golden glowing, effervescent cloud of energy rising from the plant; a tingeling energy that pin-pricks our skin when we enter thier feild. The Deva does not move from the plant, but remains closely attached. Theya re the life-side of Nature, an expression of the Divine energy ~ the Will ~ channeled in manifested Nature.

Ref:
http://www.setop.net/history-2/the-mythology-of-ancient-ireland-%E2%80%93-the-faery-lineage.html
http://www.angelfire.com/ky/RedJellyBean/lineage.html

love, peace and light

Trace

oxo

The more unusual doll creations

2011-11-02T13:50:00.000Z

Beautiful eerie creations

by amazing artists!

Please click on picture to take you to link -
to be taken to artists blog/website/shop

Enjoy :0)

Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com via Tracey-anne on

Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via Tracey-anne on

Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest
decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest

Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: 1.bp.blogspot.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Love, peace and light
Trace
oxo

Fairytale dolls

2011-11-02T13:37:00.000Z

One of a kind dolls

by the most talented artists.

Please click on picture to take you to a link,

from there you will be taken to artists blog/website or shop.

Source: galasmaga.blogspot.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: ahurie.blogspot.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: dollplanet.ru via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: creativesouls.ning.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: paolazakimi.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: forgotten-hearts.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: lovellaranch.blogspot.com via Tina on Pinterest

Source: lovellaranch.blogspot.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: silkesminiatures.blogspot.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: enchanteddoll.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: chrisdinello.canalblog.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: baulabuela.wordpress.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Source: lescarnetsdemissclara.blogspot.com via Tracey-anne on Pinterest

Love, peace and light
Trace
oxo

Celebrate, Dia de los Muertos

2011-11-02T12:38:00.002Z

Sugar Skull Tutorials

Nov 2nd 2011

Observed on November 1st and 2nd, this holiday celebrates and honors the lives of the deceased and welcomes them to the new stage in their lives that commences upon death.

First video - easiest ingredients
Second video - more ingredients

Mexico's Day of the Dead

Love, peace & light
Trace
oxo

Day of the dead,

2011-11-02T12:05:00.001Z

Dia de los Muertos

Mexico celebrates a yearly tradition called Day of the Dead

during the last days of October and the first days of November.

Due to the duration of this festivity and the way people get involved it has been called

"The Cult of Death."

As in many Latin American countries,

Mexico commemorates the Day of the Dead or All Souls’ Day on November 2nd.

The legacy of past civilizations is graphically manifested

on this occasion through people’s beliefs that death is a transition

from one life to another in different levels where communication exists

between the living and the dead.

This communication takes place once a year throughout the country.

Day of the Dead in Mexico is not a mournful commemoration

but a happy and colorful celebration where death takes a lively, friendly expression.

Indigenous people believed that souls did not die ,

that they continued living in Mictlan, a special place to rest.

In this place, the spirits rest until the day they could return to their homes to visit their relatives.

Before the Spaniards arrived,

they celebrated the return of the souls

between the months of July and August.

Once arrived, the Spaniards changed the festivities

to November 2nd to coincide with All Souls’ Day of the Catholic Church.

Presently, two celebrations honoring the memory of loved ones who have died take place:

On November 1st, the souls of the children are honored with special designs in the altars, using color white on flowers and candles.

On November 2nd the souls of the adults are remembered with a variety of rituals,

according to the different states of the Mexican republic.

http://www.dayofthedead.com

Create a special time and space to remember and honor the loved ones by offering them an ofrenda, the fragrance of the flowers, the light of the candles,

the aroma of special foods and the solemnity of prayers.

It is also a time to joke and make fun of death through "calaveras",

poetry allusive to a particular person, generally politicians; sugar,

chocolate and amaranth skulls which are given to one another with their friend’s name

so "they can eat their own death"

and special crafts allusive to different aspects of the living,

with skeletons representing daily activities.

People start getting ready for the celebration on the third week of October

with the harvesting of the cempasuchitl flower,

also known as the flower of the twenty petals.

On the altar they will place the ofrendas of fruits,

vegetables and the special dishes prepared for the soul to enjoy the essence of the aroma of the food.

This altar will also have items that once belonged to the deceased.

On November 2nd, the souls of the adults are honored

in their homes with beautifully decorated altars.

Each state has different styles

but all of them represent a place where the ofrenda becomes a spiritual communion between life

and death.

Again, in each state the making of the altar and the rituals are different.

Day of the Dead is a time of reflection about the meaning of life

and the mission that one needs to fulfill.

During the celebration of Day of the Dead

all feelings and beliefs come together

in a season that brings to life the memory of the loved ones.

Love, peace & light

Trace

oxo

Demonstration at Hobbycraft Croydon UK

2011-10-23T15:33:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone :0)

On Friday 21st October, I was at the Hobbycraft Store in Croyden, London, UK

for my first demonstration.

The staff were wonderful & very friendly..Thank you!

It went very well & the sun was shining too, yay!

Smiling nana :0)

I displayed various mixed media creations...

I used my 'Petite' dolls to show a brief demo

of how versatile mixed media can be.

I showed vistors' the different styles of dolls that can be created.

Samples via magazines of wonderful, talented artists' !

The magazines' were enjoyed by all.

My demo set up:

Step by step 'Petite' Doll

With my pattern design to freely share..

Setting up!

Display samples

Pyrography mixed media samples

It was a wonderful day, thank you to Zoe (SW Craft)

& David (Hobbycraft) for inviting me to share

my creations & being able to present my first Demo :0)

Love, peace & light

Trace

oxo

Hobbycraft store, demonstration by Jasmoon Butterfly ....

2011-10-20T13:58:00.000+01:00

http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk

HobbyCraft Croydon

Hi everyone :0)

I will be presenting my first EVER public demonstration on mixed media at

Hobbycraft store in Croydon tomorrow at 11am.

It would be wonderful if you could pop over & say hi ...

I will be posting pictures for those of you who could not come,

So you can still share the experience with me :0)

I am so excited!! (Yes and nervous too lol)

Address

Unit 3a Drury Cresent Off Purley WayCroydon

CR0 4XU

Opening Hours
Monday:9am - 8pm
Tuesday:9am - 8pm
Wednesday:9am - 8pm
Thursday:9am - 8pm
Friday:9am - 8pm
Saturday:9am - 7pm
Sunday:11am - 5pm

Love, peace & light

Trace

oxo

Whom has caught whom?

2011-10-05T01:46:00.001+01:00

Whom has caught whom? by jasmoonbutterfly featuring a floral brooch

Monsoon Accessorize - Glass Rose Perfume Bottle
£8 - monsoon.co.uk

French Wine Bottles -St. Romain, by DIGS - Digs
$775 - taigan.com

Flowers and Fruits Prints - Solomons Seal - Polygonatun Multiflorum...
$23 - encore-editions.com

Polyvore in a suitcase!

2011-10-05T00:26:00.000+01:00

A moment in time...

Polyvore addition!!

2011-10-03T13:52:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone :0)

Just had to share my rekindled addition....Polyvore!

These three images set in suitcases are latest creations...

I love this idea for backdrop of doll collages, what do you think?

Its a site enabling you to make digital collages.

Polyvore lists & links to where the images came from

(if wanted to purchase etc) .

I think its wonderful, but beware it consumes A LOT of time :0)

Before you know it hours have passed!!!

The link is below, pop over & have some fun .....

CREATE NOW HERE

Love & Light

Trace

oxo

Peace...

2011-10-02T18:48:00.001+01:00

Peace... by jasmoonbutterfly on polyvore.com

Peace Potion
$53 - bocagenewyork.com

Large Clematis Stencil Montana Clematis Theme Pack
£50 - hennydonovanmotif.co.uk

Offer Hand Hook - Areaware Harmony Ball Co. | eConscious Market
$75 - areaware.com

france photo, monet's giverny, the rose tree, romantic floral fine art...
$25 - papernstitch.com

whimsical dreams...

2011-10-02T15:55:00.001+01:00

whimsical dreams... by jasmoonbutterfly on polyvore.com

Large Clematis Stencil Montana Clematis Theme Pack
£50 - hennydonovanmotif.co.uk

Golden Trees Cellophane Roll 30 inches x 100 feet
$9.75 - mygirlfriendshouse.com

Trading Phrases | Wall Decals | Dream It
$24 - tradingphrases.com

A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes
$24 - tradingphrases.com

miss ferriday Waterfall Top in White
$104 - revolveclothing.com

Dreams become creations...

2011-10-02T15:18:00.001+01:00

Dreams become creations... by jasmoonbutterfly featuring floral jewelry

Forever21 floral jewelry
forever21.com

Faded Blooms##
£13 - allthingsoriginal.com

Cottage Bloom Large Rubber Stamp - Paper Source
$10 - paper-source.com

Large Clematis Stencil Montana Clematis Theme Pack
£50 - hennydonovanmotif.co.uk

Trading Phrases | Wall Decals | Believe
$20 - tradingphrases.com

Trading Phrases| Wall Words | Simply Words
$20 - tradingphrases.com

Jasmoon's new website

2011-09-26T02:26:00.000+01:00

I have been playing around with the idea for some time for a website...

I am trying two very different sites - both still in progress

I forgot how much time it took on the pc to arrange links etc....there's always more to do lol

I have published them both for viewing while still in progress in the hope

that you could maybe share your thoughts with me on each one.

The one at http://jasmoonbutterfly.yolasite.com is more free in feel I think ?

It has more places for me to set information on various art.

The one at http://jasmoonbutterfly.moonfruit.com is much more simple, maybe more professional?

If you could possibly find a little time to pop over and then leave a comment here

it would be very much appreciated.

Feedback is everything :0)

love & light

Trace

oxo

The Elegant Shoe Tutorial

2011-09-25T20:02:00.001+01:00

Artful Affirmations: The Elegant Shoe Tutorial:

"The Elegant Shoe Tutorial"

'via Blog this'

Create a Marie Antoinette style shoe from paper.

Click on the template and do a "Save As" and then enlarge if needed so that the sole of the shoe is 8'' from tip to heel (it may print out the correct size as it is). When cutting out the shoe front trace an extra 1/4-1/2 inch for tabs. The tutorial gives options for different ways to expand the toe area so that there is more room to tuck in a little gift.

I hope you find it useful.

Love & light

Trace

oxo

Practical Magic blog party 2011

2011-09-23T12:37:00.003+01:00

Magic

Bright Blessings

from the modern witch....

Merry meet .....
Thank you for visiting my post for the Practical Magic blog party.
This year I have included some information about making a Book Of Shadows.
I created my own version called B.O.O.K
(Book Of Open Knowledge)

Now lovely ladies, and possibly gentlemen..
...are you ready?

)O(

To some it’s a world of magic and holds many secrets, to others it’s a way of life.

When this is practiced as a religion then it is called witch, wicca in the Old English term.

Some connect with the fairy, this type of witch is of the faery faith. Faery wicca.

I really enjoy researching this area for my book of knowledge.

Pictures of my pages are shown further down in post.

This belief is neither black nor white because it is a religion which respects nature in any forms. There are certain spells that are learned and used but must adhere to the rule or its code of conduct respected by all witches.
All spells used must also conform to the Book of Shadows, used by all as a reference guide.
Spells can either conform or adopt a person’s personality and the Wican Rede or rule is the one thing that everyone involved must respect and follow in order to have a good order in this religion.

To create a spell to harm, manipulate, dominate or control another person is very much forbidden in the world of Witchcraft.
The Book of Shadows serves not only as your guide but your references for spells, rituals, tables and correspondences, divinatory meanings and other things that you would like to know of and used for your consumption as long as you follow the order.

The spell that springs to mind from the film 'Practical magic' for me ...
has to be the Amas Veritas spell.

Amas Veritas is based on Latin,

and translates as (approximately) 'True Love'.

Young Sally: " He will hear my call a mile away. He will whistle my favorite song.

He can ride a pony backwards."

Summoning up a true love spell. called Amas Veritas.

" He can flip pancakes in the air. He'll be marvelously kind,

his favorite shape will be a star,

and he'll have one green eye and one blue."

Young Gillian: Thought you never wanted to fall in love.

Young Sally: That's the point. The guy I dreamed of doesn't exist, and if he doesn't exist,

I'll never die of a broken heart.

“I dream of a love that even time will lie down and be still for.”

Me cognoscis, ergo me amas - To know me is to love me

Vincit omnia veritas - Truth conquers all.

What is a spell ?......

A wish, an intention cast out into the Universe..

What wish would you like to share with the universe?

Your visions, your ideas, your secrets can be placed into a book of shadows..

...these pages are known as bos pages.

Remember : Harm Ye None

Making a Witchcraft Book:

Book of Shadows

Pictures below : http://cassandradesign.blogspot.com

Witch Spell Book HERE

http://cassandradesign.blogspot.com

(below - Jasmoon's blank bos pages)

Book of Shadows is a secret book that is known to be filled with mysterious spells and incantations. However, this thought only exists in television series and movies.
Back at the past, the fear of being discovered was at its peak that any secrets and wisdom handed down were performed so verbally; not to mention that the capability in reading and writing were given mostly to the wealthy.

Generally, the Book of Shadows is a witchcraft book that serves two main purposes.
The first purpose serves as a witchcraft book that serves as a reference guide of all sorts.
This could be a place where one keeps tables and correspondences, rituals and spells that one would like to try.
On the other hand, the purpose is more personal. In this aspect, one would keep track of dreams, spells, rituals, and personal readings.
Therefore, it is a more magical journal than an ordinary workbook.
This is the common purpose of Book of Shadows as a witchcraft book.

Since the purpose of the book is already known, one can now decide what s/he needs to make.
When it comes to the inside design, one prefers to keep the handmade design on the book, s/he should utilize their own handwriting on the pages.
Remember that one should utilize the witchcraft book by candle light at certain times in order for one to make sure that the lettering of the handwriting is quite large and clear enough for one to make out. On the other hand, if one prefers to use the computer, s/he can type out the pages of the witchcraft book and print them but this will decrease from the magic.....from within you best shared onto the pages via hand!

The main point to remember is that one should reflect his personality as a spiritual being and who would want one to be become when creating the book of shadows or any other witchcraft books.
When you plan to start writing a book and you are not happy with it, you can start over.
Never be discouraged when it didn’t turn out great the first time.

I use birch plywood to make the covers for my books.

I can then burn my wording / design into the wood & use mixed media ....

I finish by sealing with wax or mat varnish.

You could use papier mache, cardboard covered in strips/layers of paper/paste

- I would say at least 6 & leave to completely dry ...naturally.

Then gently sand so a smooth, even texture.

Gesso the entire cover, front & back.

Now they are ready to decorate in any way you please.

Remember to seal to keep that treasured design.

Use post screws to connect covers & pages together.

(Those used in albums/scrapbooking.)

Text

Hocus Pocus or hocus-pocus is a generic term

that may be derived from an ancient language and is presently used by magicians,

usually the magic words spoken when bringing about some sort of change.

It was once a common term for a magician, juggler, or other similar entertainer.
The origins of the term remain obscure.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary the term originates from hax pax max Deus adimax,
a pseudo-Latin phrase used as a magic formula by conjurors.

Below are some examples of writing to help inspire,

its fun to design your own :0)

Abracadabra is an incantation used as a magic word in stage magic tricks,

and historically was believed to have healing powers when inscribed on an amulet.

The word is thought to have its origin in the Aramaic language, in which abra (אברא) means "to create"

and cadabra (כדברא) which means "as I say",

providing a translation of abracadabra as "create as I say", thus its use in magic.

(Stamp by Marina)

The Theban alphabet is a writing system with unknown origins.

It was first published in Johannes Trithemius' Polygraphia (1518).

It is also known as the Honorian Alphabet or the Runes of Honorius after the legendary magus

or the Witches' Alphabet due to its use in modern Wicca and other forms of witchcraft as one of many substitution ciphers to hide magical writings such as the contents of a Book of Shadows from prying eyes.

The Theban alphabet bears little resemblance to other alphabets, and has not been found in any previous publications prior to Trithemius'.

Above image by Marina of cherrypie art stamps (Click HERE for purchasing the stamp)

below help is at hand....

Here is an online translator tool

Page inspiration for your book of shadows:

I use photocopy A4 paper

Tea bag the pages front and back - cook in oven to dry

(gives a great crispy feel to pages!)

Burn edges, that's it they are ready for you to create wonderful text/images!

I photocopied my hand written pages/ designs

(below)

then aged & distressed.

The pages above are made for a landscape A4 sized faery book.

Some links to visit:

Visit HERE for Pinterest Hallow's eve board inspiration

Magical illusions HERE

http://www.amasveritas.com/film/index.html

http://www.amasveritas.com/film/setting/book.html

http://www.awesomefilm.com/script/practicalmagic.html

http://bythebroomstick.blogspot.com/2010/09/true-love-amas-veritas.html

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73706784/amas-veritas-herbal-spell-powder

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3455376/1/Amas_Veritas

http://www.everythingunderthemoon.net/love-spells.htm

If you want to use a particular spell, but don't have certain materials that it requires,

consider substituting another material for the one the spell calls for.

Most experienced witches write their own spells.

Therefore, you can take the love spells and change them to suit your needs

and it would be the same as writing your own spell.

If you are not sure how to do that,

you may need to read a book on Wicca to get started on your magickal journey.

Remember that the magic is within you....

Non-Manipulative Love Spell

You will need:

A red candle

A pink candle

Red or pink flower petals

Some purple lilacs

A red pen

White paper

An envelope

Some perfume

A symbol of permanence/stability of your choice

With the paper and pen, write ten things you would like in a lover.

Set the paper down on a flat surface and say:

Aphrodite and Venus, bring me a lover.

Let he/she be faithful and true

Let he/she love me for who I am

And let me love him/her for who he/she is.

Light the pink candle, and say

Let the first feelings of love strike me and this unknown person Let our love be one of friendship and romance

Light the red candle, and say:

Our relationship will be strong, and we will have the courage to trust each other and to be ourselves,

and to help each other overcome whatever crises may befall us.

Spray the paper with perfume.

Put it and the flower petals and the symbol of permanence in an envelope and seal it,

imagining being happy and safe in the lover’s arms or something like that. Say:

Let this love be sweet and flourishing like these flower petals,

but let it be far more enduring, like (permanence symbol).

Then finish the spell by keeping the envelope with you,

or burying on your property, or keeping it by your bed at night.

By Micaela

Sweet magical daydreams

Love & light

Trace

oxo

Jasmoon Butterfly ...My first video!!

2011-09-17T21:05:00.001+01:00

Hi all

I found this program via youtube - one true media,

its such an easy program to use....

& wanted to share the outcome with you :0)

My first video of my creations..

Jasmoon Butterfly

Dreams become creations.....

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

love & light
Trace
oxo

Warding off fairies...folklore

2011-09-08T03:25:00.014+01:00

Anyone who has recently read a story to a young female of the species cannot fail to be aware of the immense popularity of fairies in modern children’s fiction.

The modern fairy is a minute female who is very much a creature of her times. She is fashionably dressed in well-coordinated clothes, with modishly styled hair, the whole liberally sprinkled with sparkles. Above all, the fairy of today’s fiction is intent on doing good, both in fairyland and in the land of humans.

In the Celtic tradition of Scotland and elsewhere, by no means all fairies were out to do good. Admittedly, there were some kindly fairies who did good deeds to humans and these belonged to what was called the Seelie Court. The many fairies who were malicious and wicked belonged to the Unseelie Court. These mischievous creatures were dead set on causing as much harm as possible to humans and they were a powerful force for evil.

As to clothes, some fairies were thought to wear green – but, apart from that, not much was known about their appearance. This is hardly surprising, as they were invisible for most of the time.

In modern children’s fiction, children – or at least little girls – are very anxious to meet up with fairies and they frequently do so. In former times, however, people were only too anxious to avoid the company of fairies and did their very best to ward them off.

Various things were called into play to help in this task. Horseshoes, then as now, were considered to be a symbol of good luck, but they were also regarded as a fairy deterrent. This was particularly effective if the horseshoe was made of iron, as would most likely be the case, since iron was regarded as a powerful deterrent to all malevolent supernatural creatures. The horseshoe was made even more of a threat to fairies if iron nails were used to fix it to door or the fireside.

A rowan tree planted near the threshold of the house was thought to keep at bay fairies and other forces of evil, such as witches. Other plant life was also used in the relentless struggle against fairies. Such plants included gorse, rosemary and dill, while St John’s Wort, now often used to ward off depression, was used to ward off fairies who were intent on stealing away humans while they were asleep.

It was a common part of fairy business to steal humans away. However, it appears that they mostly concentrated on the removal of human children. When they did steal away a human child, they would frequently leave a fairy child (called a changeling) in its place. The fairies’ most determined attempts at child-stealing were made between the time a child was born and the time it was baptised.

Much effort was concentrated on preventing the fairy invaders from carrying off a baby – or, indeed, the baby’s mother. Staying with the iron theme, someone in the household where there was a new-born baby might hammer a row of iron nails into the headboard of the bed where the new mother and baby were lying.

In some parts of Scotland, a pair of trousers belonging to the baby’s father was thought to frighten off fairies. The trousers were hung at the foot of the bed in which mother and baby slept. Sometimes the father’s shirt was used to wrap the new-born baby in, to stop the fairy thieves in their tracks. I do not know why fairies should be so afraid of male garments. It cannot have been that fairies were weak females who were afraid of men, because not all fairies in the Celtic tradition were female.

Human urine was another weapon used in the battle against the fairies. Presumably this could be supplied by a member of either sex. The urine was sprinkled on the doorposts of the front door or on the doorposts of the room where the baby lay. Apparently fairies found the smell of human urine extremely offensive and were likely to give it a wide berth. It cannot have been very pleasant for the humans in the house, either.

More pleasant-smelling was the practice of lighting a piece of fir-wood and carrying it three times around the bed where mother and baby lay. Alternatively, the lit wood was twirled three times round the heads of mother and baby. Poor things. They never seem to have got a moment’s peace when this fight against the fairies was being waged around them.

How would you know if the fairies had outwitted all attempts to stop them from making off with the baby and had left one of theirs in its place? Well, the fairy child was apt to be very pale, almost greenish in hue, and very frail-looking. They were said to seem to be always hungry and always crying, often with a particularly strange, pitiful cry. I know. That does sound like most babies, does it not?

Many Scottish changelings were thought to have a particular longing to play the bagpipes. They did their best to get hold of a set and if they did they could play them without receiving any tuition. Or was that skirling noise just their pitiful cry again?

If you suspected that the fairies had taken a baby and had left a changeling in its place, what action could you take? Well, you could get out the girdle. A girdle in this sense was not a female undergarment to pull the stomach in, but a flat cast-iron pan for making pancakes or scones on.

The girdle was placed on the open fire as though a baking session were about to begin. The child who was thought to have been dumped by the fairies was then held very near the girdle over the fire. If the child were indeed a changeling it would, supposedly, go straight up the chimney to be replaced by the real child who would come down the chimney.

The purpose of the girdle was to catch the baby who was returning home so that it would not land in the fire and get burnt. It presumably did not matter if the changeling suffered such a fate. There were various variations on this process and they all sound decidedly risky.

If members of a household failed to unmask a changeling at a very early stage, the outlook was not good for the changeling. When its identity was suspected, he or she might be subjected to ill-treatment, such as being left to suffer from exposure on a dung-heap, or might even be murdered. It has been suggested that the authorities might turn a blind eye to such treatment of changelings.

There was a particular kind of fairy in the Celtic tradition that people did not want to ward off. This was a Brownie. A Brownie was a kind of nocturnal fairy who spent the night carrying out the household or farm tasks while members of the household were asleep. The said household members allegedly had to be hard-working and kind-hearted in order to qualify for Brownie help.

The work of Brownies did not go unrewarded. They were paid not in money, but in food – particularly milk, honey and porridge. Brownies were very fond of their food and could be temperamental. If one night the food was not put out, the Brownie might well go into a huff and storm off to households new.

By Betty Kirkpatrick

Wearing a stone with a hole bored through it by running water (looking through the hole allows you to see through glamour).
There are also a few rules about faeries and houses. A faerie cannot enter a house unless invited (although they interpret almost anything as invitation). And faeries are unlikely to steal from or even enter a house that already has a household faerie such as a brownie attached to it. Also if you have a faerie such as a brownie, a gift of clothes or anything else will cause that faerie to leave forever.

Scattering primroses on the threshold of your home, faeries cannot cross them.

* note that water that has had feet washed in it will ward fairies off and fire is used to test for fairy magic.

Practical beliefs and protection

When considered as beings that a person might actually encounter, fairies were noted for their mischief and malice. Some pranks ascribed to them, such as tangling the hair of sleepers into "Elf-locks", stealing small items or leading a traveler astray, are generally harmless. But far more dangerous behaviors were also attributed to fairies. Any form of sudden death might stem from a fairy kidnapping, with the apparent corpse being a wooden stand-in with the appearance of the kidnapped person. Consumption (tuberculosis) was sometimes blamed on the fairies forcing young men and women to dance at revels every night, causing them to waste away from lack of rest. Fairies riding domestic animals, such as cows or pigs or ducks, could cause paralysis or mysterious illnesses.

As a consequence, practical considerations of fairies have normally been advice on averting them. In terms of protective charms, cold iron is the most familiar, but other things are regarded as detrimental to the fairies: wearing clothing inside out, running water, bells (especially church bells), St. John's wort, and four-leaf clovers, among others. Some lore is contradictory, such as rowan trees in some tales being sacred to the fairies, and in other tales being protection against them. In Newfoundland folklore, the most popular type of fairy protection is bread, varying from stale bread to hard tack or a slice of fresh home-made bread. The belief that bread has some sort of special power is an ancient one. Bread is associated with the home and the hearth, as well as with industry and the taming of nature, and as such, seems to be disliked by some types of fairies. On the other hand, in much of the Celtic folklore, baked goods are a traditional offering to the folk, as are cream and butter.

“The prototype of food, and therefore a symbol of life, bread was one of the commonest protections against fairies. Before going out into a fairy-haunted place, it was customary to put a piece of dry bread in one’s pocket.”

Bells also have an ambiguous role; while they protect against fairies, the fairies riding on horseback — such as the fairy queen — often have bells on their harness. This may be a distinguishing trait between the Seelie Court from the Unseelie Court, such that fairies use them to protect themselves from more wicked members of their race. Another ambiguous piece of folklore revolves about poultry: a cock's crow drove away fairies, but other tales recount fairies keeping poultry.

Other actions were believed to offend fairies. Brownies were known to be driven off by being given clothing, though some folktales recounted that they were offended by inferior quality of the garments given, and others merely stated it, some even recounting that the brownie was delighted with the gift and left with it.Other brownies left households or farms because they heard a complaint, or a compliment. People who saw the fairies were advised not to look closely, because they resented infringements on their privacy.

Iron

Cold iron is a poetic and archaic term for iron, referring to the fact that it feels cold to the touch.

Lady Wilde in her book Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms, and Superstitions of Ireland. says "any old iron will do, the older the better" Horseshoes are often hung above a door for Luck and to protect a home from the faeries.

The use of Iron as protection from faeries probably goes back to Neolithic times, and stems from prehistoric conflicts between neolithic cultures and more advanced groups possessing Iron tools and weapons. The Celtic tribes were one of the earliest people in Europe to develop an Iron Age Culture, when they came into contact with people such as the Picts (who would have had only stone age technology) the tools and weapons of the Celts must have seemed magical in comparison to their stone headed axes and flint arrows.

The ancient Greeks and Romans forbade iron in their temples and its use by their priests. Ancient Saxons would not put iron rune wands in cemeteries for fear that the iron would scare away the departed spirits.

Bells are used as protection against faeries (they especially dislike church bells). Fire thrown into water in which the feet have been washed takes away the power of the water to admit the Fairies into the house at night. Using bread and salt, bells, whistling, snapping the fingers, or turning your clothes inside out will also deter them. Herbs they do not like are St. Johns Wort, red verbena, and daisies. The strongest plant against them is the four-leaf clover, which protects against fairy glamour. If you are chased by a faerie and you jump across running water, they cannot follow.

The Patu-paiarehe, the Maori equivalent of the Fae, are driven away by the use of red ochre, which contains iron. A legend illustrating this can be found here
http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-CowFair-t1-body-d4.html
The Maori had not developed any metal technologies but used tools of wood and stone.

Salt was another item that was used to keep fairies at bay.

In 1911, W.Y.Evans-Wentz, mentions the 'Fairy paths', along which invisible elemental spirits are believed to travel across Ireland. In his book 'The fairy faith in Celtic countries', he referred to them as the 'arteries' through which the Earth's magnetism circulates. Ley Lines/Magnetism.

THE FAIRY DART

Fairy darts are generally aimed at the fingers, causing the joints to swell and grow red and inflamed. An eminent fairy-woman made the cure of fairy darts her speciality, and she was sent for by all the country round, and was generally successful. But she had no power unless asked to make the cure, and she took no reward at the time; not till the patient was cured, and the dart extracted. The treatment included a great many prayers and much anointing with a salve, of which she only had the secret. Then she proceeded to extract the dart with great solemnity, working with a small instrument, on the point of which she finally produced the dart. This proved to be a bit of flax artfully laid under the skin by the malicious fairies, causing all the evil, and of course on seeing the flax no one could doubt the power of the operator, and the grateful patient paid his fee.

A Claim To Have Seen Fairies

William Blake was a poet and an artist. He work was rather mystical and sometimes he painted fairies.

William Blake also claimed to have seen fairies. This conversation is recorded by Allan Cunningham in his "Lives Of Eminent British Painters".

"Did you ever see a fairy's funeral, madam?" said Blake to a lady who happened to sit next to him.
"Never, Sir!" said the lady.
"I have," said Blake, "but not before last night."
And he went on to tell how, in his garden, he had seen "a procession of creatures of the size and colour of green and grey grasshoppers, bearing a body laid out on a rose-leaf, which they buried with songs, and then disappeared".

Website link:

THE THEOSOPHIC VIEW OF FAIRIES

Books:

Ronan Coghlan Handbook of Fairies (Capall Bann, 2002)

Lizanne Henderson and Edward J. Cowan, Scottish Fairy Belief: A History (Edinburgh, 2001; 2007)

Brian Froud and Alan Lee, Faeries, (Peacock Press/Bantam, New York, 1978

D. L. Ashliman, Fairy Lore: A Handbook (Greenwood, 2006)

Harmonia Saille "Walking the Faery Pathway", (O Books, London, 2010)

Peter Narvaez, The Good People, New Fairylore Essays (Garland, New York, 1991)

Diane Purkiss, Troublesome Things: A History of Fairies and Fairy Stories (Allen Lane, 2000)

C. S. Lewis, The Discarded Image: An Introduction to Medieval and Renaissance Literature (1964)Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms, and Superstitions of Ireland By Lady Francesca Wilde 1888

Practical Magic blog party 2011

2011-08-12T20:50:00.006+01:00

Rules are super simple:

Create a post that celebrates the Practical Magic movie or book.

You can have a PM themed party, create a vignette or favorite scene,

showcase art, jewelry, fashion, recipes, spells, decor or tell an inspiring story.

Or you can simply share why you love the movie or book (or both).

Why not visit last year's party or see old post for ideas and inspiration.

To add your name to the party list please leave a comment on Practical Magic blog post

and make sure to include your email and blog address.

Grab the button on the sidebar and add it to your blog.

more details & blog here:

Practical magic

We would love to see you join us in celebration

Love & Light

Trace

oxo

Gypsy Dreams......

2011-08-12T20:18:00.005+01:00

The Gypsy Dreams Blog Party

Celia writes:

I dream of running away into the woods in my very own Gypsy Wagon

and meeting my friends to make art and magic,

swap bags and wear striped stockings....all while sitting around a bonfire under a full moon.

Blog party is a way to share our Gypsy Dreams with each other.....

You can share them in so many ways.....Set up a Gypsy Tent.....

have a Gypsy Party.......show us some Gypsy inspired jewelry, crafts or decor.......

whatever you come up with.....just have FUN!!!

You are Cordially Invited...... The Gypsy Dreams Blog Party......

I hope you will join us!

Visit GYPSY DREAMS Blog

The Rules & to leave your blog address

See you there ;0)

Love & light

Trace

oxo