I dont have much this challenge due to beong so busy but i will share the feather smudge wand i made last year (i think i may have shared after making before).
When i used to own macaws i made it from their feathers.
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Just some interesting observations so far from my use of the video I linked above… 
During the first round of breathwork this morning, I got very, very cold – this makes sense from a physiological perspective, but it was very unnerving. I also got the expected tingly and lightheaded sensations. It was interesting to me that I progressed during the breath-hold period every round. By the third round, I was able to hold my breath for the full two minutes.
When I was done, it was like I was able to hear everything. There was a buzzing noise that I started hearing. I couldn’t find the source, so it was either physiological or spiritual. It did subside, but now my left eye is twitching 
I didn’t have any spiritual or psychological effects, not as far as I can tell, but it’s only been about 10 minutes.
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I reviewed it but didn’t do it. That is a serious breathing exercise! I think the stress caused by it would definitely cause after effects.
I’m not sure I could hold my breath for 2 minutes with no air in my lungs… especially twice in a row 
. Maybe that is the point in a way… I should train up to that. You would need to use your medical training on me if I tried it right now 
.
Seriously, I think that exercise would be one way to enter gnosis - though I use a form of exhaustion - but my way is just so-so at working well… other things have to be just right.
I use a combination of OTC meds (melatonin) and prescribed BP meds (clonidine) plus a much tamer breathing pattern. Both have been signed off as OK by my doctor.
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Yeah, that’s definitely the explanation for the physiological effects!
The fact that I could also hold my breath for the full 2 minutes by the end of the video makes sense because of the physiological method of breathing. Despite what the majority of people think, breathing is more about carbon dioxide than it is about oxygen. You can survive several minutes without oxygen, but you can’t survive as long without exhaling the carbon dioxide that your body holds in the lungs. So by hyperventilating, what you’re effectively doing is increasing the amount of carbon dioxide that you’re breathing out and depleting your carbon dioxide storage.
Even though carbon dioxide is a waste product of different metabolism processes in the body, it’s still necessary, and we still use it. It’s actually a very important molecule for maintaining the body’s pH. So when you hyperventilate—which is what the first stage of this breathing is, the rapid inhale and exhale—you are decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide that you have in your body. Then, when you inhale for the breath-hold, you’re going to be able to hold your breath for a longer period of time than normal because your body is holding onto the extra carbon dioxide that it needs, since you depleted your carbon dioxide stores by effectively hyperventilating on purpose.
This is also where the feeling of being tingly and lightheaded comes from—because your body is trying to adjust, essentially your blood pressure, and make sure that your pH is not going to be thrown off by depleting your carbon dioxide stores. Now, what this has to do with emotional release and vagal nerve stimulation, I don’t know yet. And I haven’t done it today just because I’ve been too busy, and honestly, I can’t be bothered. I think I much prefer vagal nerve stimulation with an ice pack, and maybe I’ll talk about that somewhere else, 'cause it doesn’t really fit with this challenge.
But this particular thing with breathwork and air magic—I am not sure if it’s for me. I’ve only done it the one time. But yeah, I think I prefer box breathing to this kind of breathwork.
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In another life, when I was young and immortal, I did free diving for an advanced scuba cert. Later, I used it when I was on vacations to explore reefs and rock formations (I didn’t like the idea of using Scuba gear from unknown sources). Hyperventilating to clear the CO2 and do a minute or two under water was common. However, that was then… I would have to build up to it again. Minor clearing - like when we follow the guided meditations on Sells8 - certainly does relax me. Extreme ventilation would need to be practiced carefully. I have some friends who would pop a cork if they tried it.
Still, I can see it as useful and a possible method for deeper understanding of a path.
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Challenge entry
I invite the strength and power of the Sun to heal my spirit and protect my heart.
Blessed Be.
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Welcome @kimberly37!
May you be healed and protected!
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Madea,
I know I am trying to be more creative! I’ll give it some more thought 
!
Thank you
Jeannie
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This is the last day to join the challenge It’s refreshing here in the forum thanks to everyone’s lovely air magick - a big well done and a thank you to everyone who joined in so far! 
This is your heads up that the challenge is approaching its end. It will close to entries tomorrow: Tuesday, May 20 at 7:00 AM ET (Eastern US Time)
If you haven’t already shared an entry with the coven but would like to join in, this is your friendly reminder that you still have time left to do so.
Blessed Be! 
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Challenge Entry - Air Magick
I knew this was going to be a tricky one in terms of timing and subject matter. I will not be posting photos until it’s completed.
Trigger warning - post acknowledges the natural death of an animal
The day the challenge opened, I found my idea. Crows are my spirit animals, and I see them daily. I was running in an area I frequent and came across the skull. It’s mostly bone but does need to be cleaned.
Disclaimer I am aware of the H5N1 risk and have the skull in two plastic bags in the garage until I have the time to disinfect it before I continue to clean the skull.
I did extensive research on the best ways to safely clean the skull and have a plan (and a respirator), but won’t have the opportunity until later this week after the challenge deadline.
Whew, I know that’s more talking around my challenge than talking about it but I know this could be a concern if I don’t address it.
I plan to disinfect, clean the skull, and preserve it.
After this, I plan to consecrate it next full moon. I plan to gather:
• Cleaned and disinfected crow skull
• A bowl of flower-infused rose moon water
• Mugwort to burn for ritual smoke
• White Candles
• Cypress Anointing oil
• Offerings (shiny objects, flower petals, berries, or a small food offering)
• A handmade bronze crow pendant as a sigil of my crow spirit allies
After casting my circle, I’ll cleanse it with blossom moon water, purify it with mugwort smoke, anoint it with cypress oil, and charge it with three purposes: conduit to crow spirit ally, a divination tool, and for use in shadow work.
I’ll then place my offering before closing the circle. I’ll leave the skull on my windowsill to charge in the moonlight.
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Hi The Muslim Witch. This is so creative. I lack in the creativity department but can draw a bad ass stick person…lol.
Again, very cool and MOTE IT BE!
Medea
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Thank you and trust me i just put things together but it was mainly thanks to my macaw that it looked so great😊
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Challenge Entry
Oh my goodness what lovely enetries you all have done!
I kep asking spirt what I should do. Since air has to do with communication, voice, sound or divination. I was waiting to hear feom spirit what they though I should work on. Well the other day I heard a whaiper to to stop by goodwill.
And i have been hoping to find musical instruments to use for sound haings since I am planning on offering those services soon in my practice.
I was walking down the aisle and this rattle maraca caught my eye!
I have worked with owl energy before vut i found this beautiful prayer to work with the owl energy of this powerful ceremonial tool.
"Owl Spirit, guide me with your wisdom,
Show me the path that I should take.
Help me see what is hidden in the shadows,
And find the truth that lies beneath.
Teach me to trust my intuition,
And listen to the whispers of my heart.
Grant me the courage to face my fears,
And the strength to overcome any obstacle.
Owl Spirit, watch over me as I journey,
And protect me with your silent flight.
May your vision guide me through the darkness,
And your wisdom lights the way ahead.
Thank you, Owl Spirit, for your guidance and grace,
And for the blessings you bestow upon my path."
I found it at this website!
Thank you @BryWisteria for this challenge it was so fun to connect with spirit this eay
And remember that spirit will always help if I listen and ask for it!
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Challenge entry
I have been finding ways to connect to the element of Air for the past week. I have felt surprisingly disconnected from it, especially considering my air sign Aquarius. We have had some windy days lately and my resistance to it is finally wearing away. There have been other signs as well - baby spiders hatching in my room (they were adorable but were gently moved outside), a craving for bubbly drinks, finding a feather on my walk.
I decided to do this spell from Flying the Hedge: Elemental Magic: Air Spells and Rituals
Afterwards I continued to meditate on my throat chakra.
“Clarity and wisdom often go hand-in-hand. This spell jar is designed to clear your mind, help you focus, and enhance your ability to communicate. This is especially useful to create prior to a presentation or even when you are attacked by someone who is threatened by your new self. Make sure to carry it with you to communicate effectively.
What You’ll Need
- Ground allspice
- Whole cloves
- Flax seeds
- Small piece of paper
- Yellow wax
- Small jar with a cork
- Pen
What to Do
Cleanse the small jar using your favorite cleansing method. Your breath is particularly potent here because this spell is all about communication and communication often encompasses the breath. Layer your herbs in the jar while saying, “Allspice, cloves, and flax, bring me my voice of wisdom. Strengthen my resolve, clear my mind, and give me the words I need to speak my truth.” Allspice is associated with wisdom and compassion, thus allowing you to speak in a manner that is respectful yet clear. Cloves improve mental clarity while flax strengthens the mind (all that omega-3, yo!). On the piece of paper draw the Ansuz rune. Ansuz is the rune of wisdom, communication, and knowledge. It opens your mind to accept new truths while allowing you to freely speak yours. Roll the paper up tightly and place it in the spell bottle. Seal the bottle and cover the lid or cork with yellow wax, which will help increase your ability to communicate. White or black wax are also acceptable here. As you seal the jar say, “With this spell sealed in wax, allow me to communicate effectively to the max.” Carry this spell jar on you when you need extra help communicating or just clearing your mind.”
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I’m so glad you are taking all the necessary precautions! May your new friend work well in your practice!
What a beautiful treasure! May it serve you well in your sound healings!
It looks like Air was trying to catch your attention all along. Good thing we had this challenge! Glad to see you grow and reconnect!
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A Props and Presents post will soon appear with shout-outs and prize details for everyone who submitted an entry. Please keep an eye on the main page of the forums.
Note : To avoid confusion, this discussion will be locked until the Props and Presents post appears. At that time, this thread will reopen for discussion for a few more days- comments are welcome during this time, but please note that no additional prizes will be given.
Thanks again for joining in the challenge 
Blessed be
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The challenge deadline has passed- badges are being sent out now
This topic is reopening for continued discussion and comments (feel free to respond to entries that were shared, chat about the challenge theme, etc!)
The Props and Presents award post for this challenge is now live in the forum and badges have been sent to all entrants! 
→ Award Post for the Air Magick Challenge
Thank you once again to all those who joined the challenge! 
I hope you enjoy your new badge 
While no additional badges will be given out now that the challenge has officially closed, this thread has been reopened for discussion- feel free to comment on the theme, ask questions or reply to entries.
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