Too right! I’m hoping I left a hint in my bookmarks. LOL!
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CHALLENGE ENTRY
This week, I have decided to undertake the STAR MAGICK CHALLENGE. I have gone down a slightly different route, missing out the Astrology route as I earned that badge in a different challenge and wanted to try something else.
Some of you know that I work with Egyptian deities, mainly the Abydos Triad of Osiris, Isis and Horus. from previous reading, I had heard that Isis was linked to Sirius, the brightest star in the sky and I wanted to find out about its significance. I carried out my research and wanted to share my findings with you.
The star we call Sirius was known to the Egyptians. in fact, it had a really important role within their calendar. Known as Sopdet, the emergence of this star in the pre dawn sky marked two things: the beginning of the New Year and the beginning of the annual Nile Flooding. Therefore, the star was known as The Opener of the Year and The Fair Star of Water to the Egyptians. Interestingly, although the Egyptian New Year began in August/September, Sirius can help bring in the traditional western new year too as it reaches its highest point in the night sky at around midnight on December 31st each year.
Two days before the appearance of Sopbet is also considered to be the birth date of Isis. The star is visible for most of the year but disappears for around 70days of the year. Using an online calculator, I discovered that Sirius will disappear in the sky where I live on April 21st and will return on September 5th. This period of waiting is a good time for building relationships with and honouring your mother or a mother figure as it represents the time when Isis was in the womb of her mother, Nuut. This is not something I have yet done as my spiritual journey only steered towards ancient Egypt after this time last year. It is definitely something I will undertake this year though.
The constellation to the right of the star was known to the Egyptians as Sah. We call it Orion but it had significance to the Egyptians as it represented Osiris. Orion rises before Sopdet so it became representative of Osiris’ floating in the Nile while Isis (Sopdet) appears later, chasing the constellation as she looks for her husbands body. it is also interesting to note that when Sah (Orion) appears on the horizon, it is lying sideward. It becomes more upright as it rises and after the appearance of Sopbet. It is almost representative of Isis pushing Osiris upright as she resurrects him after his murder at the hands of Set. I used my star app today to show how this pans out in my local area Osiris will be upright with Isis following after 8pm local time.
Orion (Sah) appeared after 10am this morning
Gradually rising as the day went on
Tonight both will be visible as Sah stands upright with Sopdet behind
I also previously took this photograph which shows the star and constellation together from my back garden.
While Sopdet is visible, it may be the perfect time for me to Simply go outside and send a prayer or offering to Isis as she shines back at you or simply just enjoy her presence.
Finally, I discovered the idea of wing joined with your own star using a guided meditation which envokes Isis. I haven’t tried this yet but intend to at some point during the week, this links to this idea and the meditation are below.
I have found it fascinating reading all about this and it gives me yet something else to add to my practice, as now when am working with my deity, I can see her soul shining brightly above me (if the Scottish weather behaves!)
Blessed be
Alan
Sources
Isis and Sirius Rising
It’s Time to Get Sirius about Isis
Joining with Your Star
Star Joining Ritual
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Bry!!! So funny, that made me snort-laugh! 
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All yeet’d out now, made that little virus taste the rainbow! 
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@Susurrus Ohhhh all exciting choices! 
@Amethyst Bookmarks to the rescue! 
@Cosmic_Curiosity It’s always amazing to see the importance of astrology and the stars in people’s lives in ancient times- and even more neat to see the ways the cosmos continues to affect our lives and calendars today! 
That’s an awesome constellation app- I really like the pictures it has for each of the constellations 
Wishing you all the best with any prayers or meditations you choose to do (and may the Scottish weather be kind to you!)- thank you for this lovely entry! 
@Artemisia Hahaha if it made you laugh, that’s a win in my book! 
Always happy to share chuckle 
@CelestiaMoon Ha! It’s my turn to snort-laugh- omg Celestia 
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Symbols & Sigils
Number 1 CHALLENGE ENTRY
Angels and elements
Archangel Michael element of Fire warrior
Archangel Raphael element of Air therapist
Archangel Gabriel element Water Creative
Archangel Uriel element Earth Guardian and Patron of Magic
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Thrifty Witchcraft!
Number2 CHALLENGE ENTRY
Magic with what we have at home
I bought Plants to have them whenever I need them very small plants that I put in bigger pots Now I have my own herbs
Sage for cleansing
thyme for Luck
Lavender for Love
Mint for money
Parsley for abundance
Vasiliko for prosperity
Now for my spells I have my basic Plants!
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Tools of the Witch Trade Number3 CHALLENGE ENTRY
My tools in my Craft
My sword when I want to open a big circle
My Athames when I have smaller work only on my altar
Rocks and candles
Bowl for burning incense
Bell to start and end a ceremony
Shells
chalice for offering
and cauldron essential
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Weekly Challenge Catch Up
All about Altars
I have been meaning to make a travel altar for a while and I finally got it done.
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I don’t know if this is a Noooooo or a Yes Yes Yes.
I always look forward to catch up weeks. For one it’s a quick way to hopefully spark my memory and it’s really fun.
Buuuut…
I’ve been so blah that I forgot about challenges and only just came back on. And I’ve gone from not having my 7 month old granddaughter since February to now having her all day.
Ugh
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Woo hoo! I am so excited for you. It will be a long time before I get there but I imagine it feels pretty darn good. Yay you!
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Third
Challenge Entry
NOT a challenge That can be done in a week, but I will jump down the path probably farther than I should in this short amount of time.
To start it’s always good to read up on the subject
The Crooked Path: An Introduction to Traditional Witchcraft
by Kelden
excellent source on Traditional Witchcraft
Hedge Witch: A Book of Magic for Solitary Practitioners
by Emme Tennant
general info on witchcraft
And of course Spell8
I have printed all the protection spells and smudged my altar and my house and am using the Reiki sigil Cho Ku Rei. Am in the prosses of making a spell jar and Charm Bag for Hedge-Crossing (page .236 of The Crooked Path) of mugwort, wormwood, a feather, a blue glass bead, silver cord, piece of white or black cloth and a length of cord for tying. Please refer to **Kelden’**s book for a more complete description.
I have always been a “contrary.” Questioning everything, bucking authority and not believing most of what I’m told. Most of my “premise” is built on the lies we are taught to be fact. Hard to build a good life when it is based on fears an bad perceptions. So I’m working on breaking the self forged chains and cleanse the misconceptions that ruled my life up until now. Not to erase it all, but to sort it out with the wisdom of the higher energies that dwell elsewhere. This is why I need to Jump the hedge.
We each define that fine line between reality and fantasy. Wiitchcraft is not reading the Magic 8ball, but through intention, respect and gratitude we shape that “chance” into an energy that betters us. I’m learning much here at Sells8 and look forward to continuing down this path. Much of this I have done in the past in ignorance and little guidance. Someday maybe I’ll have some idea of what I’m doing.
My path of riding the Hedge will last far longer than this week of the challenge. I hope all you fine witches will bear with me and enjoy my journey.
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Wow - there are so many entries!
CHALLENGE ENTRY 1
Of the Element Earth
Where to do I even begin? I am totally an earth baby, and born during the period where the sun trapezed the Taurus zodiac, and I have all the qualities of earth. It was interesting to read the comments about earth children and I laughed at posts citing the more obvious negative qualities.
The Earth provides us with the most incredible and natural ecological foundations, solidarity, fixed, stable and timelessness. The ability to remain patient and slow to anger, perseverance, providing strength, and staunch will power can certainly frustrate others. Me? I am happy that Mother Gaia is just this, and I am a child of hers. 
Weeks ago, while studying, I listened to an interesting podcast sharing about the aspects of astrology and plants. 
For example, I am a Taurus, so my planet is Venus - just like Earth - so it is assumed that my constitution would be similar or benefit from “Venusian” plants. I do like Self-Heal and Blue Vervain, but I am not a fan of Winter 
Anyway, I logged into watch the Earth Invocation on Spells8 smiling_face_with_three_hearts: and found Silverbear’s recipes!! For working with earth - I did not have any moon water so I went to the oil, and added a little twist, some small emeralds to the oil. While I was writing this, all I can smell is the earth oil - makes me happy so I may use it for more than spells work and meditation - LOL.
So sorry about long rant - I have two more challenges to do and there was just so much to learn, see and do! Be Blessed!
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Thank you! 
It seems to be doing the trick so far – here’s to much more success in the future!
There are so many great entries already! I’ve read through them all, but forgive me for not having the mental space to reply to everyone 
I’ll be working on my third challenge entry shortly!
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Challenge entry for the past life challenge:
So I live in this body / mind system with many others, and myself as well as a few of my dear friends here remember pieces of our past lives. In this life, I’m a blind, transgender nonbinary, BIPOC US witch. In my last life, I’m certain I was born male and identified as a man and spoke Arabic and lived in an Arabic speaking country. I keep having the experience of hearing songs I’m certain I had heard before in Arabic. My husband and I love listening to music in different languages but the ones I could’ve sworn I’d heard before, hadn’t been played before by either one of us. I feel a lot of coldness and bitterness when in these moments. It doesn’t feel like I had been a super compassionate person. One of my headmates, Xander, remembers being a woman who dropped her wedding ring down the toilet. He also remembers the end of that life, but I don’t have permission to share that here. Also, we have a new headmate that identifies as an agender fire spirit. who also gets glimpses of their past life but they’re pretty private but hope to share more after I talk with them about it.
Challenge entry for the technology witchcraft challenge:
Since I’m legally blind, I wouldn’t have a witchcraft practice hardly if I did not have my tech. I live in a super small space so use flameless candles. My spellwork playlist is on my phone as well as all my notes and spell tips and results. I also have started talking to my tech way more. My microwave was acting funky but I asked it nicely and was patient with it, but it totally ended up working. I do the same thing with our temperamental toilet.
Challenge entry for the magical names challenge:
Actually, my witchy name is / was Vermilion. Lol I liked it so much, I’m legally changing it to Vermilion.
This was so much fun! This coven is one of my happy places! 
🫶🏽
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CHALLENGE ENTRY 2
Elemental Mastery - 🔹 Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE- Elemental Mastery
I have so much to learn that I will need to go back to this challenge many times! I got so excited reading about this challenge and when it mentioned picking up a correspondences book, I realized that I had picked up Sandra Kynes’ Complete Book of Correspondences, published by Llewellyn’s!
Prior to seeing this challenge, I did the daily meditation and scrolled down to the Tarot study and clicked on it. From there, I saw the 5 card Tarot Reading using the Elements in a pentagram setting. Okay, so I found this intriguing and did it - with all my decks! Fast forward a day or so and I see the Mastery challenge and Lo - the same Tarot spread! In learning about the element earth, the Tarot sign is pentacles!! Therefore, I took this as an opportunity to do the 5 card Tarot spread utilizing the elements.
I wanted to use my Moon oracle cards for this. I lit my candle, and grounded myself - gave time to calm, clarify and focus - words just popped into my head “Mood”, “Family”, “Work” - what is the universe wanting to share with me?
Lower left - Earth (North)
Lower right - Fire (South)
Upper left - Air (East)
Upper right - Water (West)
Top - Spirit
Earth - New Moon in Aquarius
Fire - Full Moon in Taurus
Air - Full Moon in Scorpio
Water - Balsamic Moon
Spirit - Full Moon in Cancer
Definitely have high emotions in play on all levels! Aquarius suggests changes are on the way, which may mean taking action alone, and of course Taurus wants practicality, and a plan. Move forward, but be kind to others when doing it. Scorpio’s intensity over letting things go may aggravate situations or feelings that have not been dealt with, but rest assured, the Balsamic Moon (one of my favs) is offering healing and rest that’ll bring everything back in focus, and Cancer says “Everything will be okay” - I say this to my children all the time when they are stressed out, say it to the LOML too.
Please feel free to offer a different approach as I am just learning and will need to go back repeatedly. BTW for anyone who asks, the oracle cards are from the deck “Moonology” by Yasmin Boland and artistry by Nyx Rowan.
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This is my challenge entry
So I have missed a lot of challenges and glad that this was posted to pick a few of them.
Sleep and Dream Magick: A few weeks ago I had a dream about my partner and it was a warning, I decided to come on here and see how I can interpret the meaning and I used the Recieving the Message Tarot Spread and after my reading I had told him about it and he decided not to go thru with what he was planning to do. I told him it is weird for me to dream like that and usually my intuition is spot on. I also started writing in a dream journal once I get up so I can remember them and look up the meaning later on.
Calling the Quarters: So I worked with a few circles but none of them were really fitting and half of them I did not do every time I cast. I found the one on Spells 8 to be too my liking and have been using it a lot more lately.
Magickal Names: So I have been using all sorts of names since moving into the computer era. Two names I have always used some form of was anything with Mystikal and Heaven in it. One name for one of my emails has my name and Mystik in it, my IG is Mystikal with my nickname, the one that mostly stuck with me is Heaven, I have many forms of this name used. Another name I used was Justlikeheaven, I always liked this one because I would always say ( I am just like heaven, everyone wants to get into me but they can’t). I always get a chuckle when I say that. I also use Heaven when I am out and about in this community I belong too.
I am not sure on what badge I want and will take any.
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Challenge Entry #1 Palmistry
I got this palmistry set a while back and read everyone’s palms and I really enjoyed it! I’m actually better at reading palms than my tarot cards .
Never knew what the lines in our hands meant and this set really takes you through every detail and is very informative. Got permission from the people of the hand pictures that i could upload
Challenge Entry #2 Beastiary
So I did this challenge a little different than others I decided to make me an actual beastiary book! So I’m one who is gullible and believes everything exists/existed until I have concrete evidence that it never existed. And my son loves monsters so now I have a book I can show him and add if he wants to. I haven’t finished the book but I have started. I love mythical creatures and their stories.
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Me too. Even if they prove it doesn’t exist, it may in a different aspect or dimension. If it can be thought and perceived it can exist. 
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Weekly Witchy Challenge - Sleep and Dream Magick - Entry
I have always been interested in Astro Projecting. I do believe I have done this in my dreams but, just didn’t understand what was actually happening. I was having a conversation with my son about this Weekly Witchy Challenge, and wow he blow me away when he told me how much and how deep he was into Astro Projecting. He is also into Lucid Dreaming.
“A dream is a state of consciousness that occurs during sleep, involving sensory, cognitive, and emotional experiences that may reflect the person’s thoughts, emotions, events, places, symbols, purpose, and potential. A dream can also be an inspiring picture of the future that energizes the person to pursue it. Dreams can vary in vividness and control depending on the stage of sleep and the activity of the brain.”
According to otherworldlyoracle.com, one of the easiest things to do to increase your dream magic is to use crystals for astral projection and dreaming. They’re fairly cheap to purchase online or at a metaphysical store. You don’t have to buy a huge, expensive stone, a small nickel-sized crystal will do the trick. Here are our favorite crystals for astral projection, prophetic dreams and lucid dreaming: (otherworldlyoracle, April, 2019)
7 Crystals for Astral Projection & Prophetic Dreams
One of the easiest things to do to increase your dream magic is to use crystals for astral projection and dreaming. They’re fairly cheap to purchase online or at a metaphysical store. You don’t have to buy a huge, expensive stone, a small nickel-sized crystal will do the trick. Here are our favorite crystals for astral projection, prophetic dreams and lucid dreaming:
1. Amethyst
A pretty purple version of quartz, amethyst has been used for centuries to induce lucid and prophetic dreams. We refer to it as the psychic stone because it truly aids in increasing one’s abilities by opening your third eye. I’ve used amethyst for the past decade to increase my dream magic and always have results. Place it in your pillowcase, on the nightstand next to your bed, or between your mattress and boxspring to increase your dream time and prophetic dreams. Place the small piece in your pillowcase. Amethyst is a favorite crystal for astral dreams etc. Amethyst has long been a favorite crystal for dreaming, intuition, and more.
2. Lapis Lazuli
When I think of past life dream magic and prophetic dreams, I think of lapis lazuli. Lapis is one of the most effective crystals for astral projection which I believe has to do with its ties to ancient civilizations. This royal blue stone with gold flecks is not only gorgeous, it’s potent. Use it in small doses, else it will make you feel flighty and un-grounded. Lapis is connected to your third eye and throat chakras and thus may be used in meditations prior to sleep to increase your dream magic ten-fold.
3. Selenite
One of my favorite crystals for astral projection protection is selenite. Selenite is a white, cloudy crystal associated with the crown chakra – it links us to the Divine. It’s high vibrational, which means it is self-cleansing. If used while dreaming, selenite offers a white light bubble of protection around your astral body. It allows your guides and guardians to protect you from negative astral beings and from nightmares.
4. Lepidolite
Another pretty purple crystal for astral projection and dreaming is lepidolite. Linked to the third eye, lepidolite is a great crystal for prophetic dreams and astral travel. Wear it on your person throughout the day to induce dreaming at night. Again, with this crystal too, you’ll want to wear it and use it for dream magic in small doses. Using crystals and stones associated with the higher chakras too often can cause light-headedness and flightiness. I know from personal experience. In addition, this particular stone connects us to the fairy realm, so be aware you might meet otherworldly beings when sleeping with lepidolite.
5. Clear Quartz
The ancient Egyptians placed quartz inside their obelisks to generate power from the heavens. Sleep with clear quartz beside your bed and you’ll experience clear dreams from the Divine. Also connected to your crown chakra, clear quartz is a wonderful crystal for astral projection.
6. Black Obsidian for Protection and Shadow Work
Black obsidian is one of those stones I always have near me while I sleep. And truthfully, I don’t keep it around to induce dreams but rather to ground too much energy while I sleep. Sometimes I go into phases where all I do is dream at night and it gets exhausting. I might even wake up with sleep paralysis or nightmares. And when I do, I grab my black obsidian palm stone that sits on my nightstand and hold it until I fall into a restful, peaceful sleep. It’s also helpful if you’re doing shadow work and it’s spilling over into your dreams.
7. Moldavite
Moldavite gained lots of popularity in the witchcraft and metaphysical communities recently. There were people even saying that you should beware of the stone, that it might generate too much energy and cause chaos in your life. I’ll be honest with you folks, I have moldavite. True, genuine moldavite from the Czech Republic. I have had no problems with chaos in my life since acquiring said stone. In addition, it’s actually induced some pretty wild, starry dreams. I think if you have starseed blood, you’ll find yourself particularly drawn to this stone. I will also say this about it, when I hold it in my hand, the energy pulsates. It is truly unique.
(Karl Bryullov, 1830–33)
This is my favorite definition of Magick. It is from the website, Sage and Sol.com:
What is Magick
The very first thing you should understand is that YOU are the energy conductor for any magick you do. The magick is YOU. You are not the body you possess, but a powerful spiritual being within the body. When you understand this, you are able to connect to your true essence and harness the power to manifest your desires. It is important to take care of yourself. This does not mean becoming vegan, or never drinking alcohol, but it does mean being mindful of your energy. Practicing your craft requires you to be at a higher vibrational level in order to have an impact on the outside energies you are working with. (2023)
Herbs for Dreaming and Astral Projection
Many herbs have properties that aid in inducing dreams and astral projection. The aroma, the chemical constituents, magical properties and vitamins in certain herbs work to open our minds and hearts to other realms and planes of existence. Keeping in mind, that herbs affect each of us differently. Healers and witches believe this is because the herb itself has its own personality, it’s own consciousness, and therefore affects each person differently. Here’s our dream herbs list and descriptions:
1**. Mugwort: THE Dreaming Herb**
There’s no herb more recommended for dream magic than mugwort. Mugwort is in the artemisia family, which includes the absinthe herb wormwood, and is known to induce prophetic dreams and astral travel. Most blame the constituent thujone for its mild hallucinatory effects on the brain. It’s supposedly illegal to drink mugwort or wormwood as a tea. So, I won’t tell you to drink mugwort as a tea. It’s safe in smaller amounts but not in high doses and it’s not safe for pregnant or nursing mothers.
According to otherworldlyoracle.com, herbs and crystals can be used in many ways, for example: (April 24, 2019)
⦁ Teas,
⦁ elixirs,
⦁ tinctures,
⦁ sprays,
⦁ smudge bundles,
⦁ astral projection,
⦁ astral protection,
⦁ dream walking,
⦁ dream magic
I would like to show my son the research I found on Lucid Dreaming. I would also like to practice Astro Projection but before I attempt this, I would like to address my “personal issues” I might have on the otherside in Liminal Space.
Source
A Dream of a Girl Before a Sunrise c. 1830–33 by Karl Bryullov (1799–1852)
“Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep”. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 2006. Archived from the original on 11 October 2007. Retrieved 16 December 2007.
Lee Ann Obringer (2006). How Dream Works. Archived from the original on 18 April 2006. Retrieved 4 May 2006.
14 Herbs & Crystals for Astral Projection and Prophetic Dreams (April 24, 2019)
Wikipedia contributors. (2023, April 1). Astral projection. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 08:02, April 4, 2023, from Astral projection - Wikipedia
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