Oh, you never need to ask me. Of course you may. 
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Thank you hun! 
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Alright, my three challenges (thanks to a random number generator…lol) are going to be… 
Holistic Magick: A Witch’s Apothecary - Apothecarist
A Healthy Dose of Crystals – Crystal Healer
All About Altars - Reverent Witch
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Challenge Entry: Wonderful Wands --Wand Wielder
Hawthorn and Amethyst Wand
I made a wand with all natural materials: hawthorn branch, amethyst crystal point, white leather lace, copper wire, and wooden beads.
Hawthorn and amethyst both have the powers of creativity, growth, negativity, peace, protection, and purification.
The copper helps with goals, healing, and strength.
The white leather lace will warn of danger, and manifest moon magic.
The dark brown bead is for stabilty.
The red bead is for action, courage, and determination.
Down one side are the runes: Othala for ancestral lands, Fehu for abundance, Kauna for enlightenment, and Thruisaz for willpower.
On the other side I put 4 symbols from rock carvings of my Sami ancestors: the Moon, the Sun, the Bear, and the Reindeer.
The bear stands for power, and awakening potential.
The reindeer symbolizes abundance, freedom, hardiness, insight, and knowledge.
For the Sami, a white reindeer was considered very magical and would bring wealth, luck, and happiness if you could catch one.
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Challenge Entry: Spell Jars & Witch Bottles – Spell Jar Specialist
This was a spell jar for the spiritual muscle of Adaptability.
I performed the spell while the Moon was in Pisces.
The jar contained willow leaves, thyme, garnet chips, an image of the straddle fold twist yoga pose, and on the light green scroll was a sigil for ADAPTABILITY.
It was decorated with a peach ribbon rose, a light green ribbon and a tag.
On the altar were bloodstone, selenite, sodalite, coral, a Temperance tarot card, a panda bear, a spider, and a photo of a wren.
The Chant:
It’s understandable.
I’m not infallible.
My yoga’s laughable.
Poses collapsible.
Anything graspable
Becomes invaluable.
Curses are damnable.
Blue air is tangible.
But all is passable,
Because I’m adaptable.
I have not mastered the straddle fold twist pose yet, but my balance has improved three fold!
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Challenge Entry One – 
All About Altars
I get tired of my desk looking all messy but it happens way too fast. So, I took some time this morning to clean it off (well…this corner, anyway lol) and create a small altar on my desk. This is a space of intentionality and practicality. The bell is for quick cleansing and resets. The oil pictured is my sunshine oil to help with positivity and good moods. The hag stone is there as a connection to the Otherworld. The mirror and the candle are two-fold: I like the way mirrors & candles look as decoration, and a sigil or petition under the candle on top of the mirror helps amplify any spells I do sitting at my desk!
Before…
And after!
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Challenge Entry: Magick on the Go – Wandering Witch
I decided to make a few travel altars of various sizes.
The first is a pocket sized model made with a tiny pill container.
The lid has an insert of an image of a dragon (taken from an incense package) to represent the element of fire.
The shell is for the element of water.
The feather is for the element of air.
The element of earth is represented by the amethyst chip.
There is a tiny piece of paper included with the chant on it.
The second travel altar fits into a lozenge tin.
It contains: orange thread, yellow thread, a black hair elastic to keep the tin closed, 3 symbols (the goddess, the pentacle, the god), matches, altar cloth, besom, thimble for a chalice, flat stone, tea light, incense cone, cocktail stick for a sword, bell, wand, and 3 tiny plastic bags with 3 crystals, rosemary, and sea salt.
The third travel altar fits into a retrofitted necklace box lined with holographic star patterned paper.
It contains: goddess and god symbols, matches, fennel seed, 9 crystal chips, sea salt, metal medallion with pentagram drawn on it, tea light, feather, butterfly charm, gold key, dime, flat pebble, button with dragon image, dragonfly charm, shell with hole, safety pin, copper necklace with star, plastic box for charms, altar cloth, thimble, black obsidian athame, bell, wand, and 9 different colored ribbons wrapped on a card.
It was fun going through the junk drawers, sewing kit, scrapbooking supplies, and the attic looking for items, and then trying to get them all to fit in the containers.
One mishap though, the hinge on the necklace box snapped as I was packing it up, so it needs a repair or maybe I can find a nice box at one of the dollar stores and craft something witchy for the next catch-up challenge, because I have used up all three entries this time around.
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Challenge Entry one
Witchy Media
The Illusionist / Magos Eisenheim (2006)
We are at the beginning of the 20th century. Eisenheim (Edward Norton), a young wizard who, because of his magical powers, many believe is in league with the devil, falls madly in love with Princess Sophia (Jessica Biel). Although such a love seems impossible, due to their social differences, our hero does not give up. But things get complicated when the young princess announces that she has decided to marry the heir to the throne, Prince Leopold. The young wizard’s heart breaks. The only way to win his beloved is to use his magical powers. Spells, supernatural powers, sorcery, and whatever else the human mind conjures up, are employed. Along the way, the safety of an entire kingdom is compromised in order for Eisenheim to achieve his goal and for love to triumph!
*Challenge Entry two
Kitchen Witchery - Kitchen Witch
1 kilo wheat flour (hard)
1-1/2 sachets (12 grams) of dry yeast or 40 grams of fresh yeast
1 tsp sugar
2 kg. coarse salt
620 grams of warm water
Sesame
A little extra flour for shaping
Put the bread flour in a bowl.
Add the yeast and sugar and mix with a spoon. If we use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast, activate the yeast first.
Dissolve the salt in the warm water with a spoon.
Add the water little by little and knead. The dough is ready when it gathers into a ball and the sides of the bowl come clean.
We take the dough out on our counter and knead it for 10 minutes until it is pliable and does not stick to the hands. If necessary, sprinkle the hands and the workbench with a little flour.
When the dough for the basic bread recipe becomes smooth and pliable, gather the dough into a ball with the joints facing down. Put it in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it well. Leave it for 45 minutes in a warm place to rise and double in size.
After the dough has risen, take it out on the counter and knead it for a while to deflate.
Put it back in the oiled bowl, cover it and leave it for 30’ in a warm place to double in size.
After the second swelling is done, we take the dough out on our counter and press it to deflate.
We divide it into 2 equal parts. We will make 2 loaves of bread.
Shape into loaves or loaves and optionally add sesame seeds.
Spread them out on a baking sheet sprinkled with flour, or lined with non-stick paper.
Cover the loaves and let them double in volume for 30’.
When the loaves have risen, score them in 1-2 places on the surface and bake them in a well preheated oven in the air on the middle rack at 200 °C for 35 to 40’ until they are well browned.
https://iliogeniti.blogspot.com/search/label/Ψωμια
this is my blog
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Oh @AIRAM ! What a sad but beautiful story!
Your bread looks absolutely amazing! I can smell the wonderful aroma through the picture. I may have to go make a loaf of bread today.
Great entries!
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CHALLENGE ENTRY
Fairies and Fae
Since I’m just in the beginning of working with the fairies I thought I would list a few of the different types of fairies.
Solitary Fairies
These fairies live alone instead of in communities. They prefer to be left alone and can be pranksters if you disturbed them. They guard and guide the lives of plants and animals, forest and waterway, and can influence natural conditions on earth.
Trooping Fairies
These fairies travel in long elaborate processions throughout the countryside. The ride horseback or in chariots. They are sociable, fun loving, fond of parties where they play music, dance and dine like royalty. These are the royalty of the fairies.
Irelands Tuatha De Danann
These fairies are known as the children of the goddess Danu. They are beautiful, highly intelligent, and nearly immortal. They are gifted in music, art, healing, poetry and smithctaft. These fairies have been known to mate with mortals.
Scotland’s Seelie and Unseelie Courts
The Seelie Court are the “good guys”. They help people and reward humans who display generosity toward the poor. They rule during the summer months.
The Unseelie however dislike people and torment them, make them I’ll, or even strike them dead just for sport. These fairies rule in the winter.
These are just a few of the types of fairies. There are many many more. My information came from a book called Modern Witchcraft Guide to Fairies.
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Challenge Entry Two: 
A Healthy Dose of Crystals
Since I decided to work with carnelian during this week’s group ritual, I figured it would be helpful for me to learn more about this stone, its properties, and how other people work with it.
Name: Carnelian (also called Cornelian and Sard)
Scientific Forumla: SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide)
Location: mostly Peru, Sri Lanka, and Thailand
Interesting Facts
-
carnelian is a variety of the silica material chalcedony, just with impurities of iron oxide
-
color ranges from pale orange to a deep almost-black
-
the official state gem of Maryland is a form of carnelian called Patuxent River Stone
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Carnelian was used during Roman times to make engraved wax seals as hot wax does not stick to carnelian
-
it is found mentioned in the Bible in Revelation 21:20 as one of the precious stones in the foundations of the wall of the heavenly city (depending on the translation, it says sardius, carnelian, or ruby)
Potential Correspondences
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warmth, strength, courage, and creativity
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emotional balance and physical health
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enhance vitality and energy levels
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improve circulation and stimulate the metabolism
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encourages self-acceptance, boosts self-confidence, and promotes positive self-image
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enhance spiritual growth and deepen one’s connection with inner self and higher realms
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aids architects, builders, and construction workers in their creation of master buildings
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guard against falling masonry and accidents with tools
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guards the home against theft, fire, storm, or accident
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energy, stimulation, and empowerment
-
associated with blood, which made it a symbol of vitality and strength
-
amulet in homes and businesses as protection against the evil eye, envy, and negative thoughts directed towards the person carrying the amulet
Sources
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it has a beautiful ending!
he lives with his beloved at the end!
that’s why I love Magia…everything comes out a winner 
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Challenge entry- magic of movement
I am working on getting an exercise routine in place. I keep letting work and chores get in the way.
My son and I go to the gym. That has been twice a week so that is good. We joined about a month ago. He is 13 so if he gets hooked I will be happy that he has a health habit started.
I walk in the woods and focus on the air and the trees, the stillness, the sounds, the energy.
I have been bringing back yoga and try to do at least a pose a day if not more.
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challenge entry-witch fashion 1
My witch fashion is in jewelry.
I would like to get a cape and one day I will. However, I do have a cape like sweater. I love it and wear it often. I wear it to work and feel inner glee that I am wearing something witchy at work.
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Challenge entry 3-anointing candles
We have an apiary down the road from us and they sell sheets of beeswax. I have started to roll my own candles.
I anointed these candles with anointing oil I received from the Witches Roots. I have not used herbs yet, just the oils.
For these two, I anointed with the Wheel of Fortune oil.
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Challenge entry - Chaos Magic
Sometimes we’re missing something and we don’t quit know what is weather it’s spiritually or mentally everyone could always use improvement this time I did a spell alittle different I combined the things my gut told me too I put
- Mugwort
- chamomile
- Lavender
- Star anise
- Rosemary
- Mint
- My favorite yarrow
- Red berries from a dawn Buford holly tree
I combined the herbs in my mortar and pestle put some of my divination oil on top then I cleansed the area with palo santo lit a red candle and called out to the Gods to help guide me to do whatever mentally or spiritually is missing in my life. I left the herbs out for a offering
So mote it be
Side note
When I was a child me and my friends would pick the red berries from dawn Buford tree in her yard put them In a bowl with water and make believe we were making potions seeing these berries again brought back such a nostalgia
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CHALLENGE ENTRY 3 - Celestial Exploration
TW: mentions death and suicide
I decided to use the reflection questions from my astrology book (Cosmic Curiosities 
) to reflect on how the planets’ influences are apparent in my own life:
The Sun 
Reflect on a time where you felt a strong sense of personal identity and self-expression. How did you embrace your individuality and showcase your unique qualities?
I class myself as Pagan, something that I never thought I would do. It is who I am and it a huge part of my daily life. I have my deities and I pray/chat to them every day. I have my rituals that I incorporate into my life (moon rituals, spells and even simple ones like journalling and stirring my coffee). I do not hide this from anyone, infact it is on display in my home on the pictures on my walls, throws on my sofa (Egyptian deities) and my altar. I even changed my religious beliefs status on my record at work as I have accepted it as part of who I am and I don’t mind who knows. I even have family and friends now asking me about things, how to create moon intentions, what essential oils to use for things or asking to pick a tarot card for them.
The Moon 
Think about an emotional experience or situation that deeply affected you. How did you respond to your emotions? How can you create a more nurturing and supportive environment for yourself?
An obvious situation for me is the loss of my brother when he took his own life. It affected me greatly to the point where my life was practically put on hold. I didnt want to socialise, didn’t want to exercise, didn’t even want to eat. I physically couldn’t go to work. Therefore, I probably ignored my emotions at first, instead living in a sense of numbness. However, it came to a point where I knew I couldn’t continue lime that. I let my emotions flow: I cried, I shouted, I lashed out, I questioned…then I accepted. I sought help to get me back on track and began to nurture myself once again by establishing a daily routine and gradually building in exercise, hobbies and time for reflection through journalling, tarot card etc. This routine has continued and has helped me to get into my new sense of normality.
Mercury 
Consider a recent communication or period of learning that you were involved in. Were you able to express your thoughts and ideas fully? Were there any challenges? How can you improve your communication skills?
Around my area at the moment, there are countless roadworks and temporary road closures. The council tends to do this in March as a way of spending the last of their budget prior to the new financial year. Last week, I woke up to find the road leading into town from my area would be closed for 2 weeks. Immediately my complaint hat went on and I wrote a strongly worded letter to the council. I spilled for several pages, highlighting the inconveniences causes to many people and the lack of prior warning. I really didn’t hold back but had to make sure I remained tactful (this wasn’t easy 
). I was pleased when I got a response but not so much with the bog standard responses. So I replied, challenging every point that was made in the response. I am still waiting on a reply. I liked the fact that I decided to do this and stand up to something rather than just accept it. I will aim to do this more often.
Venus 
How can you cultivate more love, harmony, and meaningful connections in your life?
I dont come from an overly lovey dovey family. We of course all love each other but don’t necessarily tell each other. It’s very much a sense of stiff upper lip and all that. Since the loss of my brother though, I do make a point of speaking to my mother daily and visiting her regularly. I always give her a kiss on the cheek and a hug before leaving. I contact my sister to make sure she is OK and speak to my dad regualrly too (he lives further away so visiting him is more difficult). This has been the result loss because it made me appreciate who I do have much more.
Mars 
Think about a recent situation that required assertiveness, courage or taking action. How did you approach challenges and overcome obstacles?
Returning to work required all of these. I am a school teacher and was absent from class for around 8 months. Going back to thar environment, where so many children rely on you means being at the top of your game, or appearing to be so even when you don’t feel it. Kids naturally chance their arm with someone “new”. I wasn’t new but they were aware of my long absence and the possibility that I may be “out of touch” with my skills. I wasn’t going to let that happen. Straight away I put on my boss head and established who was in charge. This meant rhe children knew of what I was expecting from them and of the consequences for negative behaviours. ( I am not a tyrant…honest😂).
Jupiter 
Consider recent opportunities for growth. How did you seize these opportunities and embrace new experiences? How can you continue to develop a positive and expansive mindset?
I looked at my knowledge of astrology and asked what I could do with it. I decided to write a book, something that I would never have thought I would have done. I had no clue where to start so I just started writing. Over time, it grew and grew. It also changed many times - bits taken out, bits added in, bits reworded. Now it is complete, thanks to the encouragement of friends, family and of course you guys. It has made me feel good in my abilities and I am already thinking about the sequel😂. I was also asked to help create an astrology course for a certain website, which I jumped on the chance to do. Not only have these helped me to grow in terms of abilities and skills, but in confidence and beleif that I CAN do the things that others say I can but just can’t see in myself.
Saturn 
Reflect on recent responsibilities, commitments or challenges that required discipline and perseverance. How did you handle these responsibilities and stay committed to your goals?
Again, this can relate to writing my book. This was not a quick project. It has taken over a year to put together. This has required both discipline and perseverance. It almost became part of me and took up a lot of my time. It probably unbalanced my life a bit as I neglected other leisure activities and hobbies at points. It became a bit of an obsession almost, which is not necessarily beneficial. Therefore, I created a weekly schedule and allocated certain times that I would work on it. I could not work on the book outwith these times. (Schedules and boundaries - how Saturnian😂). This also helped to ensure that I didn’t experience burn out or apathy towards it, which was important for a long term project like this. I learned that little and often was just as, if not more, effective as all day every day.
Uranus 
Think about a recent time where you stepped outside of your comfort zone or embraced your individuality. How did you embrace it?
I have always had a fear of failing, especially in front of people. By this, I don’t necessarily mean big projects. It was little things too bit for me, I made them big. My cousin asked me to go clay pigeon shooting. Straight away I thought " I can’t do this" and “people will laugh at me”. This would be enough for me to say no. But I went. I have learned that life is too short to worry about things like this. When we got there, my cousin showed me how to do it and I had a go. I wasn’t great at it at first but I quickly got into it and turned out to be pretty good at it. I was too busy focusing on it that I had no time to worry about what others were thinking. When I looked around, I realised that everyone else was also too busy doing their own thing to be worried about what I was doing. This was well out of my comfort zone but I actually enjoyed it to the point I’m going back. This would have been a missed opportunity if I had just said “no” like I have done to things on previous occasions.
Neptune 
Consider recent experiences that included your imagination, spirituality, or creativity. How did you connect with your intuition and tap into your dreams? How can you continue to explore your spirituality ?
As many of you know, my grandmother is approaching the end of her life. It is extremely saddening but she is suffering and I want her to be at peace. During a meditation, I found myself in a desert on a path with pillars at either end (I’ve been here a few times). At the end stands a man in flowing white robes and with a white crown (I consider it to be Osiris). He once told me I could not see my brother because he was not ready to be seen. This time he said “they will unite on the day that they walked the aisle”. I took this to be my gran and grandpa’s wedding anniversary. During the week, I woke up on different nights after hearing a song called “happy anniversary”. It was by a duo called Foster and Allen, who my grandparents listened to. I took it that my grandpa was going to come for my gran on their wedding anniversary. I was prepared for her to pass then…but she didn’t. What did happen though was that on her wedding anniversary last week, she was lying in bed and looked around. Her eyes widened and she said “oh Tommy’s here” (my grandpa). She asked to sit up in her bed. She sat looking at the same spot, nodding her head, smiling, even laughing. She then said she wasn’t ready to go. I think my grandpa did come. They were reunited on the day they walked the aisle. Maybe my grandpa even sang that song. But he didn’t take her because she didn’t want to go. I think though that my signs were correct, I jist interested them wrong. I think though that I am certainly becoming more aware of the signs that come my way.
Pluto 
Reflect on transformative experiences or moments of personal empowerment. How did you navigate and embrace change? How can you continue to harness your inner strength to change your life?
I think one of my most transformative experiences was moving away from Christianity to my current path. I grew up in a protestant family. I attended Sunday school on a weekly basis with my gran and then continued attending church. This did stop but I still held Christian beliefs and attended on a Sunday sometimes. Too many things in my life happened though and it made me question the validity of Chrisitian beleifs and why they would permit such things to happen. Then came the deities of the past, specifically Egypt. They were always a part of me from.a historical interest perspective (or maybe it was always more than that). I didnt have the bravery to embrace it until my partner showed an interest in Wicca. I took a similar interest but adapted practices to suit me and the path I wanted to take. I then found Spells8 and have never looked back! My altar is in my living room and I don’t hide it. People ask about it when they visit and I don’t shy away from telling them. If they accept it, great! If not, that’s not my problem. It has helped to change me for the better. I am happy within myself and feel that it has made me a better, more confident and more accepting person.
Feel free to use these points to reflect on how the planets influence your life.
Blessed be
Alan
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Thank you. I feel comfortable enough on here t be able to share things with everyone.
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CHALLENGE ENTRY #1
EARTH FRIENDLY WITCHCRAFT
I recently discovered Gaia, or Mother Earth 
is one of my deities. Apparently she’s been part of my life as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realize it until very recently. When I was a kid I love to look at the clouds and stars and moon. I love to walk in the woods and try to climb the trees I was never very good at it by the way. I loved to walk barefoot in the grass. I also love to play in mud puddles and squish my toes in the mud. I also liked playing in the dirt I was a pretty messy kid and I was outside every chance I could get. Of course I still like most of these things except getting my feet dirty.
When I was a teenager, I started celebrating Earth Day and learned about recycling. I definitely could be better at making less waste and recycling more. I do like to buy used items at thrift stores and yard sales. I’ve found ways to repurpose things and create something new out of something old.
When I went to culinary school I just covered how wonderful fresh herbs could be. I started growing my own herbs. Then I started growing flowers and vegetables. I have to say I wasn’t very successful with growing vegetables. I just didn’t have the time to take care of them. When I bought my house 14 years ago I started making flower beds. I grew tons of flowers and would spend hours in my flower beds planting new stuff and rearranging the flower beds. Over the last 5 years I haven’t been able to take care of my flower beds anymore because of my knees and now because of ALS. That makes me very sad.
This year I’ve decided to grow some herbs. I’m going to start with baby plants rather than seeds because I’m terrible at starting things from seed. I’m going to put them indoors so I’m able to water them and take care of them and prune and harvest them. Thanks to @starborn we have a lovely guide for all of that.
I am strengthening my connection with Mother Earth by daily prayer and practicing gratitude for all of her gifts everyday. I also pray for her healing and all that she’s created.
I have a nice prayer that I like to say daily.
→ Wiccan Prayer for Peace & Guidance – Spells8
I will continue to put my feet in the grass, hug trees, look at the stars and say thank you to Mother Earth 
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