🕒 Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE ~ Catch-Up!

[EvaCVM]

Challenge Entry 1
Of the Element Air 1- for reward Air Elemental

I am a Gemini , Air element has always been a part of my life. As a witch I use air aspects in everyday life as well as in all my rituals.

Air is the symbol of the divination
That statement is basically my credo. I use air to call for clear vision and third eye power. Between my tarot readings I always ask air to cleanse my cards, and use incences to make the process more powerful.
When I feel the wind in my hair I always hope I can reach my hand to it and use it in my favour, and I’ve always dreamed I was Air element user, kinda (Airbender?).
Air speaks with me,it whispers truths and gives directions…
I always liked windy days, wether warm or cold. I always wanted to fly, be free, travel the world and watch everything from above the clouds.
Upcoming spring I am going to get a tattoo, and air symbol is definitely going to be a part of my sketch.

Altar:
My Altar is decorated with light grey candles, feathers, incence, a bell and my wand. I try to keep it balanced with other elements, but there are always more things of air.

Colors:
Yellow and light blue are also the colors I wear the most, especially in spring and summer. Colder seasons are darker, but there is always a bright scarf around my neck, or another little detail.

I have pictures of birds, butterflies and ladybugs on my phone, that I encounter very often.

So, my life is especially air.
Crucial for surviving, pure, sometimes warm, sometimes cold. Always expected and loved.

[EvaCVM]

Challenge Entry 2
The Art of Scrying – for reward Scryer

Mirrors - symbols of spiritual and phycological depth.

1. Pathway to other dimensions.
2. Means to check your look.
3. A tool for wisdom and knowledge.
4. Decoration that expands your world.
5. Key, to undescovered truths…

Mirrors have always had a unique place in this world… in everyday life, used by ordinary people, scientist, decorators, designers… and witches.

First of all a mirror is a tool, that reflects this world and the only tool made my humans that helps you see your own face. Other ones, having the same function would be nature created, like water, ice, crystals…

In my practice a mirror is used to guide the light to the right path… Mirrors reflect the light and can be used as illuminators, they show the true face of things and a perfectly made mirror never lies.
Though they are also tools of mischief.

History:
Mirrors have been a part of human culture for thousands of years, with their cultural significance and symbolism evolving over time.
One of the earliest uses of mirrors in human culture was in religious rituals. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and the Greeks believed that mirrors had the power to reflect the divine, and as such, were often used in ceremonies and religious practices. (As we do today as witches).
Over time, mirrors became associated with ideas of beauty, vanity, and self-reflection. In many cultures, mirrors were seen as a reflection of a person’s inner self, and as such, were considered powerful tools for self-discovery and introspection.
In Japan, for example, mirrors are often used in the practice of feng shui to create harmonious living spaces and promote positive energy.
Today, mirrors take all uses. There is no home without a mirror, and how it it used is always up to the owner…

[EvaCVM]

Challenge Entry 3
Blooming with the Moon 1- the reward Virent Anima.

My relationship with Moon is unique.
How am I blooming with the Moon? It controls all aspects of the feminine and the divine in my life.

Every new moon I wake up like a newborn, the world is so wide and I have the feeling of adventure and descovery in me. Work is hard, but always fun and I learn new things, my fiancee feels like a newly found friend I wanted in my life. My friends are all fun and all our gatherings bring me joy and satisfaction.

Half moons are always balanced. Whether it is first or last. I am balanced in everything, with everyone, live is in total peace and nothing can disturb my energies.

When the moon gets gibbous it is starting to feel like something great is coming. The feeling you have the day before your birthday, or Christmas Eve when there are presents to be opened. This feeling is great usually, but sometimes tiring.

And the boom is the full moon .
As a witch, it is amplified in all aspects. Readings are cleared, all divination is more deep, energies are more powerful.
In everyday life relationships are stronger, work is intense and the world is just beautiful .

As the moon is waning everything moves to death. Not literally, in a figurative way, people get tired, work is busy and gives no pleasure, partner becomes dull and even irritating. And it all feels like depression. And you might get your period to make everything even harder

These aspects are just a small detail that connects me to my Moon. I will leave the rest to future challenges.

*This is my phone wallpaper.

The moon’s phases repeat in a regular pattern, and its cycles are helping mark time for centuries. And my time as well.

[tracyS]

CHALLENGE ENTRY

Dealing in the Divine

I thought I’d choose this one, or more accurately Loki’s picked this one

I’ve been dealing with the divine since I was a kid, well, they’ve been dealing with me really!

Things just happen, and I’ve been contemplating this over this week whilst a divine being (mystery demon) has plonked me at a crossroads . Why? Not sure. But divine beings from all pantheons seem to get involved in my life.

Loki is most present, and been with me the longest, I’ve talked of him lots, so I’m going to use this challenge to talk of others that have dropped in.

I’ll start with The Morrigan. When I first joined Spells8, I had alot of shadow work to do, and was still, loosely following the Christian pantheon, though having left the church. There was alot to work through and I was browsing my kindle and book after book was suggested, The Morrigan though I hadn’t searched or even heard of her and her sisters. I contacted The College of Psychic Studies, and they said, these are not chances or coincidence, Magick and the divine contact us purposefully and for a reason. You don’t find them always, sometimes they find you. So I bought a couple of books, chatted to this beautiful Goddess through my pendulum (she seemed to like that) and she helped me do some of the deepest shadow work I’ve ever done. Thankyou The Morrigan

I’ve also recently learnt that a lovely archangel, a demon and a night demon (the night demon used to terrify the life out of me until I got to know him lol ) have been working with me for years!

As I have been working through The Demonolatry Club, and Sigils, my first workings hilighted a beautiful truth. You see,
my son has ASD, it’s been a difficult journey, both for him and I, but I’ve always felt divine power helping me, initially I thought it was Jesus, and maybe it was too, as I felt such peace throughout the most fearful period of my life. I know Loki manoeuvred events so help came when I needed it, and both my son and I were able to handle chaos (not easy for an autistic, especially my son who likes order), yet he was able to adapt to change so readily compared to his peers (even the school couldn’t get there head around it). But I had other help. Let me share the sigils to show you, how they showed me who they were.

I felt a kick to do these sigils, didn’t know why, but did them anyway.

First, Mr Lucifer (the archangel, I call him Mr Lucifer as I can’t get onto first name terms with him yet, give me time )

This is my redrawing of his sigils as inspired by him. You’ll notice the word Life.
Next I did Asmoday (Asmodeus, or to me Mr Charming )

Again, my redrawing of his sigil, you’ll notice the initials ASD
Then I did Alu, my night demon. He didn’t have a sigil (or at least I couldn’t find one), so his is fresh between him and I

If you can see it, he’s saying, Hi!

Finally after meditating on this strange revelation through these sigils, I drew:

This combined sigil shows the bind rune that is my sigil and blood oath to Loki at the centre, he’s my patron deity, and fulltrui. But around him, in a protective triangle, is Mr Lucifer at the top, (through your life), Asmoday to the left (and you and your son’s journey with ASD) Alu (night demon) to the right (Hi I’m not scary, I took away all your fears), they were saying:
This is your life, transformed by ASD, that caused stress and fear for you and your son, but we have been here always

The divine is here, in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and design. They talk to us through any means, the radio, WiFi, tarot/oracle/runes, through a song, a book, something someone says, a sign from nature, a sigil, a dream/daydream, meditation or memory. So many ways, but sometimes, we just don’t see them, or we decide, (due to our preconceived ideas of who we think they are), and say No to them because, well, can’t talk to Mr Lucifer, he’s bad, he’s Satan, and Loki, no way, he’s the god of lies!. And yet, despite our fears and prejudices towards them, particularly the darker ones, they still help us. Isn’t that just beautiful

So I have learnt to open my eyes, ears, and heart. To shut out preconceived ideas or past taught beliefs, and let these beautiful, fabulous, varied, ancient and oh so amazing beings talk to me, and tell me who they are.

Blessed be to all divine, everywhere and forever. We love you

[Amethyst]

Amethyst’s Entry for Magickal Traditions & Pagan Paths

I call myself an Eclectic Wiccan because that’s as close to a path that I can claim. I follow the Horned God and the Triple Goddess but I do things my own way, mostly because it’s difficult for me to cast a circle every day for my devotions.

But I have my own traditions, my own way of doing things that make me happy. I say a prayer when I light a candle, depending on the color and purpose of it. I go through the Energy list every night and say prayers for those requesting energy.

I watch the trees and shrubbery outside my window for changes in the seasons, since it’s difficult for me to get out. On holidays I always try to do something, even if it’s just a prayer and a special meal.

I’m sure some Wiccans would be aghast at how informal I am, but it’s my practice and I’m proud of it!

[Susurrus]

OH! Catch-Ups are my favorite

I’ve loved reading everyone’s entries & the different challenges that have been done!

Of course it would be the week I was away So I will have to see how many I can catch_up on… I have a running list that luckily isn’t that long… but still over 3 of them. It’s just about 6. So the next catch up I will have some to do too! At one time I was able to do the catch-ups to receive a 2nd badge… but this year… No… It’s okay, it honestly doesn’t bother me either way, but also it will help me to get back to my practice & out of the box without my brain suddenly like… “Um… what are we doing?”

So I think I am going to start from the 1st that I have on my list which is… Knot Magick & then go from there. Still kind of recuperating from travel, adjusting to being home, & the big 1… weather change & the effects that is having on my physical body. So, slow going over here… I woke up & it was 29 degrees… at 10 AM it was 31… my physical body hates me right now

I’m going to get my things together for my entry & see how this turns out

[Medea]

Alright Starborn…I have two great sites that just might be able to answer or at least help with this question. I will get back to you on this because the more I keep thinking about it, the more I keep wondering…

Blessed Be,
Medea

[Medea]

Catch-ups are my favorite, too!

When I was going through the list, I saw one of your Challenges that I have saved and use it all the time, it has a complete list of Astrology “for all occasions”.

Thank you Susurrus for that! Mote It Be
Medea

[Medea]

Weekly Witchy Challenge - Catch-up ENTRY One

Spirits & Ghosts – Spiritworker

Weekly Witchy Challenge - Ghosts and Spirits - ENTRY

Ghosts and Spirits are different. They are something I never really thought about until I was older. As a child, I always thought of Demnons and Witch’s. Below is an explanation of the difference between the two:
“Ghosts are souls that have not been able to fully transition into the afterlife and may haunt places and people they were associated with in life. In contrast, spirits are souls that have successfully crossed over to the afterlife and may choose to return to the physical world to provide comfort and guidance to loved ones.” (Gil Tillard, 2023)

(jake,paranormalschool,2022)

There are many different types of ghosts, here is a brief description of each type: (jake,paranormalschool,2022)

1. Poltergeists: These are a type of ghost that is associated with physical disturbances such as moving objects, loud noises, and even physical attacks. They are often associated with adolescent children and young adult.

2. Orbs: These are a common type of ghost that appears as a ball of light. They are often captured in photographs and videos and are believed to be the energy of a deceased person.

3. Funnel ghosts: These ghosts are associated with cold spots and are believed to be the result of a sudden drop in temperature1.

4. Interactive Personality: This is one of the most commonly spotted types of ghosts. They are believed to be the spirits of deceased individuals who have not yet moved on to the afterlife.

5. Ectoplasm or Ecto-mist: This is a strong form of ghost or energy that is often seen in photographs and videos. It is believed to be the energy of a deceased person.

6. Demons: These are malevolent spirits that are often associated with evil and darkness. They are believed to be powerful entities that can possess humans.

7. Shadow People: These are dark, shadowy figures that are often seen out of the corner of one’s eye. They are believed to be the spirits of deceased individuals who have not yet moved on to the afterlife.

8. Cultural Ghosts: These ghosts are specific to a particular culture and may have different characteristics depending on the culture they belong to.

9. Possessed Humans: These are humans who are possessed by ghosts or other malevolent entities. They may exhibit strange behavior, speak in tongues, or even levitate.

There are many different types of Spirits, here is a brief description of each type: (jake,paranormalschool,2022)

1. Guardian angels: Guardian angels have spent most of their time in the spiritual realm, and because of this, they can offer a different perspective to those who have resided in the physical world. They help guide us spiritually and support us in uplifting and activating our spiritual self. They protect us through spiritual interactions and warn if something is amiss.
2. Archangels: Archangels usually have a specific field that they watch over, helping better the physical and spiritual world.Often, archangels help larger groups of people, and if the time calls for it, they can take on human form to help guide others.
3. Spirit guides: Spirit guides are usually known as humans who are more in touch with the spiritual world than others, but they can also be in the form of spirit who helps to guide us along a spiritual journey. Spirit familiars can come in many forms, but they usually attach to one person whom they guide and watch over.
4. Ascended masters: These types of spirit are similar to archangels but have lived on earth at least once before. Having lived on earth and then in the spiritual realm, they have knowledge and experience to guide a larger group of people. Some consider religious deities to be ascended masters.
5. Loved ones: Spirits who are deceased loved ones are probably the most common spirit found among us. It could be a deceased family member or even a pet. They can even at times act as a spirit guide. Many people feel the presence of a passed loved one around them, and sometimes have contact with them in dreams. These spirits often have a loving message to pass along and can do so through dreams or different signs.
6. Elemental spirits: Among the spiritual community, these are often debated on. Elemental spirits are thought to be beings that live in the physical realm, but who have a spiritual presence. Some examples are faeries, gnomes and plant and crystal spirits. They are mainly found in nature, in forests, oceans, meadows and lakes, places where nature is wild and easy to connect to.

(jake,paranormalschool,2022)

This was one of my games my mother bought me. I use to try it but it never seemed to work when I was alone. Then the game just dissappeared. I also would get the big black leather bound book that my mother kept under her bed. Later in life I found out it was a BOS. When my mother passed away I asked my father for the book, it was the only thing I wanted of my mom’s but he told me he threw it away. Nice guy.

Anyway, there was a numberous events that happened to me that I did not understand. I do remember when it all began:
I was in my bed trying to sleep. I was 6 years old but the 2 years of nightmares kept me awake. I was always tired, but I was always full of energy and did not want to go to sleep. The dream was about a little witch that would fly around the house and catch my mother and put her in a pot of boiling water in the basement. Our basement had a bombshelter that was a hole in the basement wall with beds and can goods (it was spooky) in it. Then this witch would get my sister, then my father and do the same to them, throwing them in the pot of boiling water. I would try to wake up and scream but nothing would come out. I would be soaked in sweat. Also, I would hear someone calling my name but no one was there. Whenever my bedroom fan was on, I would hear people talking but again, no one was there.
I always learn something new everyweek here at Spells 8. In this challenge, I learned that Ghost’s and Spirits are different. I went to Sturgis with my almost new husband and when it was over, we rode with their sister club down to Florida. Went to get a motel and they told us to be careful that weird things happen there. Well, they were very correct. The lights were off but the darkest of dark shadows kept appearing, so we left. We trailered the bikes for this trip and went to a parking lot to sleep. But NO… these entities had other plans. I saw these little skinny pointed hands trying to climb up the windows of the van. I screamed and woke up the guy I was with. He looked and covered his head with the blankets. Big tough biker (lol). I told him to go outside and check it out. He told me NOOOOO. So now we are both are seeing and I thought holuosinating the same thing. After being with all these wonderful and intellegent Witches, I now know it was a Ghost.

Source
Difference Between Ghosts & Spirits | What's Different (Gil Tillard, 2023)
https://paranormalschool.com/ghosts-vs-spirits/#Different%20Types%20of%20Spirits (jake,paranormalschool,2022)
ghost and spirits difference - Search

[Nixi]

I picked 3, now I can only remember one When am I going to learn to write things down?

[starborn]

It gives you a chance to pick another two, and if they’re the same, great. But if they’re different, also great.

[Susurrus]

@Medea ooo… I remember that one! Thank you! & You’re Welcome! I’m happy that it is something you are able to reference!

I just have to write this out, so my brain is working on that right now & I will be able to post the first 1 I chose & see if I can do any others today.

[Phoenix_Fire]

Challenge entries(x3)

Challenge entry 1 - Weave master
Here is were i got creative and did (forgive me is spelt wrong) a macabre?? and as i worked on this knot work based magic craft i put in positive energy and cleansing and protection for the home as the intention and it now hangs in my home in the path of the front door but also facing all doors as well. ive taken photos of the process and the final product. i was nervous as never done before , worried id mess it up but i also felt a sense of building self confidence and as ense of healthy pride that i had given it a go, even if its not perfect. its making me cry a bit at that, but i think thats just the shadow work side of challenge and having to face my own fears and a sense of accplishment when i wasnt sure i would suceeed but i wanted to put positve energy so that it could help bring cleansing and protective postive energy and also a reminder of accomplishing something even when it was a challenge. to do and help me to face future fears and challenges reminded that i am more capable to give things a go and face things than i had come to believe. ( i also did the same with a paint by numbers i completed, spurred on by my new macabre and hence why i finally finished that at 4.45am lol by autism and adhd at it again lol)

Challenge entry 2 - Crystal collector
Ok for this one, i have been doing a crystal healing course and came accross a section about chakras and a chart about how it looks like if your chakras are balanced and when they are blocked off or unbalanced. lol ok i had to admit i printed off that chart as i felt all my chakras where at least a little out of whack…
ok i know what your thinking, this is crystal collector challenge not chakra or energy work… allow me to explain where i am going with this. … i love crystals and while i have to resist the urge to buy lots and lots of crystals and spend more time than have or that is helpful studying every single crystal that exists, lol i can be a curious Alice to be sure. i want to see whats around the corner or learn more. but that can spread me too thin, so i figured that better to look at crystal for a purpose so that its more helpful, so for this challenge i looked at what crystals can be used for helping to balance my chakras. i found my crystals and made a check to see what crystals based on the chakras that they would help
Clear quartz, Amerthyst, Sodalite, rose quartz, citrine, carnelian, blood stone ( had no red stone but this was listed by one video on chakra healing as alternative to the root chakra crystal. i also have hematite for the earth chakra

Print out chart from course on chakras and my crystals all lined up well chakra crystals anyways lol

Challenge entry 3 - Moon witch
With this challenge i decided to use the energy of the Dark/New moon and doing some shadow work. I had another challenge was going to do but while preparing the crystal collector challenge. i had considered it in a different way previously but decided that my inner journey tarot/oracle process wasnt ready to share yet so i went back to another challenge has looked at. But coming accross a video by Teal Swan ( some might be aware of her within the spiritual or alternative mental health arena and even has a few oracle decks which i have even used one of these decks before. i thought that after coming accross a video on Parts work by this presenter i became interested and she spoke about it being a form of shadow work.

Parts Work (What is Parts Work and How To Do It)

and then i started to look more at other videos on shadow work and learning more about this form of shadow work and ways to do shadow work and she has some great videos to explain this more

What Is Shadow Work? - Teal Swan-

i just love that my moon cycle app tells me the cycle stage and today is new moon which thought was such an appropriate time to look at shadow work. ive even sent the first video to my psych as it had an exercise i considered trying with parts work aspect of shadow work. sometimes i can feel a little bit like i have opposing forces at war inside like cats and dogs fighting, so this appealed to me especially with my history of severe trauma and the need to work on this before i go back from my long service leave. i feel i need to go back fixed, but ill admit nervousness trying the exercise, but learning more about it has been helping me to understand more. if its safe to try the exercise i will give it ago. otherwise, its a learning experience and can try when i am ready.

[BryWisteria]

It’s time for a friendly reminder:

This challenge will soon close

If you would like to participate and haven’t done so already, please post about your challenge experience(s) by the deadline:

→ Tuesday, November 14 at 7:00 AM EDT (Eastern US Time)

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A round of applause for everyone who has shared an entry (or two, or three!) so far!

It has been a delight seeing the diverse collection of challenge entries shared so far! Catch-Up Challenges are always so much fun because there’s such a wonderful assortment of creative magick on display. It is really something special to see A big thank you to everyone who has joined in so far!

If you haven’t already shared an entry but would like to join in, this is your friendly reminder that you still have a bit of time left to do so!

Blessed Be!

[carrie13]

Challenge Entry 2 Blessed Besoms – Broom Keeper

I bought this cute little broom from a local queer artisan witch during Pride month and this finally motivated me to hang it up!

It still smells like cinnamon and lavender. Lavender is my and my partner’s favorite scent. I want to get a bigger broom to hang above the front door but this will work for now!

[Nixi]

CHALLENGE ENTRY
Potion Making

My potion to-do list is getting shorter but I’ve been procrastinating Love oil, I can’t seem to carve out that much quite time. I’m working on a body oil but there’s an ingredient missing and I can’t figure out what it is but it’s missing something.

Then my morning coffee.
I’ve been putting cinnamon in just about everything because of the theory of it helping rebuild brain cells, I’ll try anything and everything at this point. My husband said he draws the line at pasta sauce. I’ve been putting a dash of cinnamon in my pasta sauce for years

Back on track. I changed up my morning coffee ritual to include cinnamon.

I make the coffee then stir it with a cinnamon stick while saying

Help me function
Help think
Bring me back
Now I drink

A little silly but so am I. I’ve taken to having a sip then setting the cinnamon stick on the edge of the cup while I clean up.

Coffee brings out the cinnamon smell better than anything and it just feels magical

[lisa67]

#Weekly Witchy Challenge - Catch-UP!!

I was wondering when we’d have another challenge Catch-Up but this one unfortunately caught me by surprise as I had my eye on a few challenges for education and completion, but not this time - and that’s okay! Although, I do want to share what I have with all of you -

challenge Entry #1 - Blessed Besoms -

First, I have to say that I love all the brooms here - but my favorite goes out to @Phoenix_Fire for that besome creation! Something about the materials called out to me in the crafting of yours

Here is my besom - I purchased it at a mystic event in my neighborhood from a local small vendor. Can you see the crescent moon?! I hadn’t really thought about this, but it so symbolic in how I think I am going to use my besom going forward - most likely spells to draw things or increase certain things in my life. Love it!

challenge Entry #2 - Amulets & Talismans -

I made a rowan cross which is hanging in my car and is not shown.

Back in October, I went to a local mystic shop for a class in making amulets and talismans. The person that teaches the class is awesome and is a major history buff - I never considered just using what have laying around the house. In the early ages, life was very hard for many people, hardships were extreme and harsh. Not only were people dealing with outliers stealing their livestock, et al, but there was also none of the medicines, conveniences that we have today - child birth, disease, illnesses were significant. People used whatever they had laying around to stop thieves, protect themselves, etc - hence “warding” with symbols, amulets and talismans.

The evil eye carries a universal meaning across many cultures and in short, is used to ward off variations of evil intentions - I carry this with me and it was given as a gift!

The next, I created a little prosperity spell to go with my charms - I used the key to represent unlocking good fortune and it is also a symbol of Hecate, The Bearer of Keys, green thread for balance, prosperity, renewal; Job’s tears for protection and abundance, and I put in a little evil eye to fend off negativity, and a poppy for possibilities and because it makes noise!

[Nixi]

CHALLENGE ENTRY
Chaos Magic

My entire life is chaos. Ask anyone to describe my life or house in one word and Chaos would be it

For this challenge I did a meditation https://forum.spells8.com/t/group-ritual-oct-7-chaos-magick/14745?u=nixi

I have an image flash that makes me feel like I’ve done something like this before but either way I’m doing it again. I felt so light when I was done. Absolutely incredible

I found the way they landed a little interesting I’m just not sure in what way

[Jaxblueflash]

Challenge Entry: Celestial Exploration!

I decided to learn more about my Chinese Zodiac Sign and here is what I learned!

Unveiling the Mysteries: Exploring the Chinese Zodiac Sign of the Dragon

The Dragon in Chinese Culture: A Symbol of Power and Majesty

In Chinese tradition, the Dragon is a symbol of strength, power, and good fortune. Unlike its Western counterparts, the Chinese Dragon is not associated with malevolence; instead, it is a creature of great benevolence and wisdom. Those born under the Dragon sign are believed to inherit these auspicious qualities.

Key Traits of the Dragon:

1. Charismatic Leaders: Dragons are often considered natural-born leaders. Their charisma and magnetic personality draw people toward them, making them natural influencers in both personal and professional spheres.
2. Fearless and Ambitious: Just like the mythical creature, Dragon individuals are known for their fearless pursuit of goals. They are ambitious, determined, and unafraid to tackle challenges head-on.
3. Innovative and Imaginative: Dragons are heralded for their creative minds. Their innovative thinking and imaginative approach contribute to their problem-solving abilities and a flair for the arts.
4. Loyal and Supportive: While Dragons may exude a powerful exterior, they are also deeply loyal and supportive friends. They value relationships and are often the first to stand by their loved ones in times of need.

The Dragon’s Place in the Chinese Zodiac Cycle:

The Dragon is the only mythical creature in the Chinese Zodiac, and it holds the fifth position in the twelve-year cycle. According to Chinese mythology, the Jade Emperor organized a race to determine the order of the zodiac signs, and the Dragon, despite being an excellent swimmer, finished fifth. This folklore explains its place in the cycle.

Celebrating the Year of the Dragon:

If you were born in the Year of the Dragon (which occurs every 12 years, the most recent being 2012), you might share characteristics with this mythical creature. People often celebrate their Zodiac year with customs, festivities, and traditions believed to bring luck and prosperity.

Dragon Compatibility:

In Chinese astrology, each sign is associated with certain compatibility traits. Dragons are said to be most compatible with the Monkey and Rat, while they may face challenges with the Dog.

Exploring Further:

Exploring the Chinese Zodiac has been an incredibly captivating journey for me, offering a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of ancient Chinese culture and philosophy. Whether I’m uncovering the traits of my own sign or delving into the characteristics of friends and family, the Chinese Zodiac has become a fascinating lens through which I gain deeper insights into personalities and relationships. It’s like unraveling a cultural treasure trove that not only connects me to the traditions of the past but also enhances my understanding of the people around me. Each sign tells a story, and through the Chinese Zodiac, I find myself weaving a narrative that intertwines the mystical with the personal. It’s a journey that not only adds a touch of magic to everyday life but also sparks a profound appreciation for the wisdom embedded in this ancient astrological tradition.

[Susurrus]

Challenge Entry

Knot Magic

So, I had these from a while ago, but wasn’t in the right frame of mind for how I wanted to put them together.

I put together my own meditation beads. I used blue & yellow Tiger’s Eye beads & small silver spacers.

I also used a thin wire folded in 1/2 to make an open needle to get them onto the string.

I tied a knot in 1 end of the string then thread a spacer on with 3 yellow Tiger’s Eye beads after with a knot after them. I repeated this 2 times.

I tied the knot & then did 1 blue Tiger’s Eye 1 spacer 6 times & a knot at the end of those. I then did the 3 yellow Tiger’s Eye with 3 spacers, 3 more times with a knot after each set of spacers. I tied the final knot then I put 18 silver spacers & another knot.

With the portion that is 18 silver spacers, I made a small loop with them & tied a double knot to keep it there. I used a dot of glue to kind of hold the last knot. I put another dot of glue on the first double knot.

I will use these for strength & grounding when I’m definitely in need of it: anxious, stressed, combination during meditation. Usually with my meditation beads afterward I hold them for a while looped around my finger as I get through things. Once I can’t do that I put them in my little pouch I carry with specific items for whatever it is I need to help me through my day

I remembered to take a picture as I was making them, about 1/2 done… then finished & put them away to eat but because my hamds no longer work with me all the time, they actually took me a lot longer to make than I expected or than it would take anyone else So I had to rest my hands after I put them in my room & then eating.