The Dark Mirror

As promised, here's an entry about my creation of, and use of, a Dark Mirror. If you don't know, a dark mirror is (as you might guess) a mirror or glass that's been darkened and magically consecrated for use as a divination tool. Some people use an actual mirror, with smoked glass, but others simply paint the back of a glass picture frame with dark paint, and use that. I chose the latter course.

I actually made mine a couple of years ago. I went to the craft store and bought an antique-looking picture frame and some flat black paint, and took it home. After laying out some newspaper, I removed the back from the frame and slid out the glass, cleaned it, and then put it on the paper. I sprayed the back of the glass with a coat of the black paint, let it dry, and then applied another one to make sure that it was evenly coated and completely black. After it dried, I put the glass back into the frame (with the unpainted side facing OUT) and then put the back back on. After performing an empowering rite, the mirror was ready for use.

I recommend using it in a very dark room, with only one or two candles going, but be sure to place them where you don't see the reflection in the glass, because you want to have a perfectly smooth reflection. You can also burn a divination incense, consisting of Mugwort, Wormwood, or others. Place the mirror on your worktable or similar, standing on edge, and sit about 4-6 feet away. Again, be sure that nothing is actually reflected in the glass; you want a perfectly black image to gaze into.

My own experiences with the mirror have been promising, but to be honest I haven't spend a huge amount of time with it. The first time I used it, I did began to see images, but felt I might not be ready for anything else so I stopped my experiment. In my case, after staring at the glass for about 5-10 minutes, I started to see what looked like a glowing mist forming. Shortly after, I began to see indistinct images (random shapes and such) swirling about, which then began to feel three dimensional and actually looked like they were coming OUT of the mirror, flying at me. It was definitely a witchy, magical experience but not something I would recommend if you are of a nervous or unsure disposition. Out of all the "gazing" methods of divination I have tried, the Dark Mirror had the best and most rapid results, quicker and better than a crystal ball or similar.

I do hope this has been instructive. Here's an image of my Dark Mirror at work, so hopefully you can get an idea of the technique I use.

Book Review: "Traditional Witchcraft, A Cornish Book of Ways" by Gemma Gary

I actually got this book some time ago, but am just now getting around to doing a full review. I'd heard so many wonderful things about it, but it's getting harder to find State-side, so I ended up ordering it directly from the website. I was not disappointed that I did so, as it's become one of my top five Witch related books ever.

The book details the history of Cornish Witchcraft and the specific deity(ies) that go to make it unique. It also explores how the local Witch or Cunning Person would have worked, and is honest about the fact that Witches did (and do) curse and do darker magic for money, though these days one can be more selective. Included as well are the names and descriptions of the traditional Cornish festivals and holidays, as well as rituals to be performed on those occasions.

I think what I like best about the book is just how practical it is. Far from being a dry collection of sterile customs, the book is actively designed for the working Witch. Recipes and spells for potions and workings, charms, the crafting and use of magical tools: it's all here. Though I am by no means a beginner, I still found plenty of new concepts and recipes to keep me busy; I especially like her recipes for Witch Oil and some of the magical powders, which I have set about making for myself. This is not the standardized religious rituals of Wicca, but a highly magical path of both practicality, and mysticism.

As I live in the Southern United States, I don't think I'll be celebrating the festivals of rural England any time soon. However, I still took an immense amount from this book, and will definitely incorporate what I learned into my own practice. This book is highly recommended to those looking to go beyond the "how to" or "101" books currently dominating the market. This book, along with Doreen Valiente's "The Rebirth of Witchcraft," is probably the closest to the Witchcraft I hoped for, believed in, and dreamed of growing up. My only regret is that it had not been written all those years ago, when I first set my foot upon the path.

Mugwort Oil, a Movie, and Kitty in a Box

Sorry I've been away so long, but have been under the weather again and not coming online as much. I did get a chance to see the new Harry Potter movie, though, and let me say this: it was excellent, and I totally teared up more than once. I'm also pleased to report that my Mugwort infused oil is ALMOST ready to be strained (I might do it today, if I feel up to it) and bottled, and I'm quite excited as this is the first time I've made an infused oil in this traditional way. Now that I've got the hang of it, I'm going to be doing the same process with Vervain, Cinquefoil, and a few others as well as making some Four Thieves Vinegar. Keep an eye on my blog for a new article I am writing about the use of Dark Mirrors.

In other news, I had to bring a box inside to carry some dishes from one place to another, and left it on the floor for a few minutes. I turned back to find that my kitty, Marmalade, had discovered the box and decided it was the best toy ever. So, I had to find something else to use, and left her with her new prize. My black cat, Cosmic Creepers, also hopped in there later, but I unfortunately don't have a pic of that.
















More soon, including an exciting post about the use of Black Mirrors!

Foxglove and Vine....And a New Book!

Despite the horrible, horrible heat of the Summer (and it's been unseasonably hot, even for Texas) some of my plants are doing well. My vines, for example, have flourished and are perhaps doing TOO well; they've gone off the top of their trellis, and are creeping their way around my door, trying to find a way in.

















Nearby, I encountered some Foxglove, growing tall and wild, doing fine despite the oppressive heat. Now, I don't grow it myself (I had some, but decided it was too dangerous to keep around a busy apartment complex) but I wish I could. I've always found it beautiful, and of course it has many (cautious) used in magic and herbalism.

















Also, my wonderful friend Jack Copal of "Bewitching Books" has finished my custom grimoire, and it should be on its merry way to the US from Scotland, right as we speak. It's a huge, post-bound volume, with a black leather and green brocade cover....and best of all, a huge septagram made from real sterling silver! For years, I've used small journals, loose-leaf paper, or big clunky binders and it will be wonderful to have a beautiful, custom book that I can use, and treasure, for the rest of my life. Here's a picture that Jack sent me, and I will of course post more and a full review as soon as the book arrives. I can't wait!

New Garden Sign

My new garden sign came in the mail yesterday, and I thought I would share it really quick. Yes, it's kind of kitschy, but who says I have to be serious all the time? I love anything to do with Witches, and of course I love gardening and herbs, and when I saw this, I knew I had to have it.

















Sorry for the poor quality pic; I had to use my cell phone. You can see one of my owl salt and pepper shakers next to it.

In other news, my health has been pretty bad the past couple of weeks, hence no new postings. I will try and get something more in-depth up soon, though.

Twilight Images

Just thought I'd share these two pics I took whilst on one of my evening rambles. It gets quite dark on my street, due to all the trees, and it looks rather like a spooky, haunted house scene. Note the mistletoe growing on the old, raggedy tree....wish I had a scythe long enough to cut some down.

Van Van Oil!

Since I had a lot of free time today (and, well, everyday) I thought I'd mix up my first batch of Van Van Oil. If you don't know, Van Van's a traditional Hoodoo condition oil used to attract luck, money, and love and repel evil magic and ill fortune. The recipe I got came from Judika Illes and uses essential oils instead of powdered botanicals, so not sure how traditional that part is. However, I've used the time-honoured ingredients and I'm quite pleased with how it came out.

I used the following:

1oz/1tbs. Sunflower Oil
1oz/1 tbs. Jojoba Oil
2 drops Palmarosa essential oil
2 drops Citronella essential oil
2 drops Vetiver essential oil (this stuff is very thick and hard to get out of the bottle)
4 drops Lemongrass essential oil

The recipe also called for Gingergrass oil, but I couldn't find any and thought I'd try and get by without.

I mixed the base oils in a small, cobalt blue dropped bottle, and then added the essential oils drop by drop, swirling the bottle after each addition. The final result smells quite strongly of the Lemongrass, but that's what you want. I took a few pics of the process; but only two really turned out properly so I'm going to share them here.....
















Above, you can see that my work table really is a WORK table; messy, but then again it's not there to look pretty

















Above, the finished result. I like to use cobalt bottles, because they keep out the light (which can degrade essential oils)

Hope y'all like!