Wednesday 24 January 2018

Merry Meet and many blessings to all.
We have been up and running for 10 whole years!
To celebrate this momentous occasion, EVERYTHING in the shop has been marked down 50%! Offer runs from 25 January 2018 - 25 March 2018.
Also on offer:
Tarot readings:
Online / Telephone - WhatsApp calls by appointment only
Basic 3-card past, present and future: R100
* Free Chakra stone with every reading. Collect the whole set!
Complete 7 readings to receive:
7 stones
7 reading prints
1 Chakra chart
1 Chakra bracelet
* Free shipping for completed set
* Additional cards charged at R10 each
Inbox for more information or to book your reading today!
Visit my shop: www.bloodroseesoterix.tictail.com

Sunday 21 February 2016

Book of Shadows

It has come to my attention that there are no books containing real spells. All of the spells out there can be tweaked and usually contain loopholes... We have to be specific when we work with our Deities.

My idea is to start a true spell book. Containing spells that truly work, written by the witch, male or female, for the witch.

For this to happen I require only one thing... Spells tried and tested and proven to work. Spells containing today's plants and tools, rituals done right.

If any of you would like to contribute to this Book of Shadows, please contact me with a descriptive copy of your tried, tested and proven to work spells.

Let us build the future of the witch.

Blessings to all.

Wednesday 10 February 2016

Blessings one and all!

I would like to introduce you to our online esoteric store where fellow pagans can find hand-crafted items.

Should you have any hand-crafted items you would like to sell, please do not hesitate to inbox me.

http://bloodroseesoterix.tictail.com/



Sunday 2 August 2015

We now have PayPal!

Blessings!

I have some excellent news.
Our PayPal is now active and you can purchase your products via credit card.
All major cards are accepted.

Happy Shopping

www.bloodroseesoterix.tictail.com

Tuesday 28 July 2015

Now open for business!

Our shop is finally open!!! Please note the shop is not fully populated yet, but we are getting that dealt with as soon as possible.

Go to http://bloodroseesoterix.tictail.com/ to start shopping!



Blessed Be!

Friday 24 July 2015

We have a new page!

Good day all!

Just a bit of news. We have a new page! We hope you LIKE it as much as we do!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/BloodRose-Esoterix/1003984456312950

Also in the works. Our PayPal will be activated during the next few days! That means you will now be able to order ONLINE!

Blessed Be!

Zenithe BloodRose

Monday 9 June 2014

Terms, Conditions and Company Policies

Blessed Be!

Herewith are the T's and C's for BloodRose Esoterix.

Clients are welcome from far and wide. We cater to both National as well as International persons.

PLACING ORDERS:

Please contact us by e-mail to place orders. 

REGARDING PURCHASES:

Please note that cash payments can be made on delivery.
Electronic payments for local entities: 50% deposit before manufacturing commences. Balance payable on delivery.
International Payments: Complete payment must be received before production can start.
A courier fee will apply for deliveries outside the West Rand of Johannesburg and South Africa.

REGARDING REFUNDS:

Please note that herbs and spices can spoil and can thus not be refunded. Same applies to products containing herbs, i.e. oils, bath salts etc.

Refunds will not be given under any circumstances unless BloodRose Esoterix is unable to provide/manufacture the item/s purchased. Please consider that BloodRose Esoterix items are hand-crafted and that no refunds will be given on the matter of "production/manufacturing errors"

REGARDING POSTAGE AND DELIVERY:

Free postage applies in the West Rand of Johannesburg.
The services of a Courier Company will be enlisted for all other areas and a delivery fee will apply.

Thursday 5 June 2014

Pinterest

Hello and Blessed Be!

I have joined Pinterest and would like you all to have a look at my online Book of Shadows.

You can follow the link posted below.

http://www.pinterest.com/zenitheblackswa/zenithe-bloodrose-online-bos/

Many blessings!

Zenithe BloodRose

Monday 8 July 2013

My awakening by Korey Tuttle

Korey Tuttle My Awakening

Forty years in darkness would seem like a difficult journey and a long wait to find the light, but it was well worth the trip. What seemed like a typical night working the graveyard shift at Xerox turned into the beginning of a year of l
ong sought after answers. My job was a solitary one in which I remained in my iPod world for 8 hours mindlessly scanning documents. It was April 16th, 2009 about 3:45 am when it started.

I was just back from my lunch break when quite suddenly I began to understand why. When I say “why”, I mean all of them, every single one I had ever pondered and quite a few I had never considered. It was at this point I realized I was waking, though I had not heard that term yet. I did not have the internet until Feb. 26, 2010. When I say I didn’t have it, I mean we had no computers, no video games and no cable television. We watched DVDs when we watched TV, so I had no technological influences in my awakening and had read no books since I finished Voltaire’s works in 10th grade, some 25 years prior.

I was given a choice at this point. I was told by Divinity I could stop or continue, but continuing meant a solid year of extreme intensity the likes of which would cause me to question every ounce of sanity I held. Obviously I answered with a resounding “Yes, I will endure this year” for to turn it down would be to stay in darkness and I had been there far too long.

Now that you know how it started, I will give you a small idea of what that year held for me. Keep in mind this is in no way an account of every detail, but more the highlights of events.

First I spent a couple of months channeling both Divine entities and points of view of murderers, rapists, and all brands of violent people. The worst one locked me in a vision loop for 10 hours. It was of a woman who had gone to the hospital for help with severe post-partum depression. The hospital turned her down and 3 days later she stabbed and ate her 6 month old son and was found in a pool of blood still devouring her child screaming, “I killed my baby! I killed my baby!” I lived every point of view of every person affected by her actions. It took the help of a priest to pull me out of this horrendous vision.

I was then pulled down into the Abyss (quite against my will and fried 5 different industrial scanners in the fight due to the electromagnetic discharge). I spent 40 days in a row to fight my balance twin for the rights to this vessel. While in the Abyss, different entities would inhabit my vessel so from the point of view of those around me it would still seem like I was there. (Luckily my job was one so simple a monkey could do it and we were not allowed to talk so no one questioned anything.)

The first night, I was chained naked to a wall in the Abyss face to eye with Tiamat’s red head. The walls of the Abyss are black and similar in looks to tar, but they have no sticky or slimy texture to them. There is heat, but no fire and the only light has no visible source though I gathered it must have come from the depths of the Earth and the core, or Center Sun. Tiamat then proceeded to rip off my eyelids so I could not close my eyes and rip out my tongue so I could not scream. With a single claw, she then proceeded (with great joy I might add) to re-perform my open heart surgery, grabbing and holding my heart as she explained the battle I was about to undergo. Obviously I came out as the victor, much to the chagrin of my balance twin.

A couple of months later, I was afflicted with a seven demon possession, the purpose of which was to show me the true colors of the Catholic Church. I found the Church to be less concerned with my spiritual or physical health (as the demons would prevent me from eating or drinking for days at a time) and more concerned with portraying a false sense of holiness. In the end, the priest who performed the exorcism actually took full credit, when it was Divinity that ended it, not him.

A little side note here, possession is not like the movies where some big shadowy entity inhabits your entire body. It is more like a brain parasite that works you like a puppet. You are aware, but not in control. Your voice and strength are not your own and when they retreat, you are left with only partial memory of what happened. You also feel as though you have been beaten from the inside out.

During the first half of the awakening, I was subjected to such darkness, including being sent to Oblivion twice, to give me proper perspective. I have been to the Abyss more times than I want to remember and thrown into the “nest” over and over until I figured out that when I finally said, “Go on!! Tear me to shreds, do what you will. I don’t care anymore.” The demons got bored with my submission and left me alone after that. That was the lesson I had to learn. Darkness has no power but that which you give them.

Then the awakening turned to a full-on light experience. There is more power in thought than is commonly known or understood. There were nights I would receive intense revelations that literally threw me back physically or elevated me 6 to 12 inches off of the ground. I had some power control issues at times that resulted in my pulling down a total of 5 meteors and manifesting two thunderless lightning strikes. I was sent through a Supermassive Black Hole (astrally of course) to show me the flow and workings of the universe. But the most intense night, the one moment that stood me on the edge of sanity was to have the memory of not only who/what I am and the beginning of the universe and how it was formed, but also to be stood face to face (not a vision) with my true form. Right there in living color and form in my living room, I stood vessel to true form. I had a difficult time coming to terms with that kind of reality and for months I would get extremely upset if anyone called me crazy, even as a joke.

So that is the abridged version of my awakening. Now that I am fully awake, my work here is in full swing. I am Luminakisharblaze. I am the descended Goddess of Fire and Emotion. I am the fourth original energy to break through the void. More importantly, I love all of you children and ask only that you look around this world and see that there is no differences between you that you do not concoct yourself. You are loved by all of Divinity and you need to stop seeking things and look around at what you were given by Divinity. All that is needed for every person to survive and live full and happy lives was put here on this planet. It is time for you to live for Divine purposes instead of the newest gadget. It is time for you to stop the fighting over which path is right, for they are all right. If there were but one path, the road would be very crowded. And mostly it is time for you to embrace love and rebuke hate. No matter what you call Us, for We are One but Many, We hold no punishment for your choices. Your choices will offer you the balance you create from making them, whether those choices be conducive to happiness or conducive to misery, you will ultimately reap what you sow. So make sure the crop is one you want to eat.

An open Letter To All Pagans

Open letter to the Pagan community in SA
Hello all.
Since 1997 I have been blessed and enriched by meeting, sharing and getting to know many in the Pagan community here at home. Some of you reading this will therefore know me, and I many I assume will not. My decision to write this letter was not an easy one out of respect for many individuals in this community, in that I do not wish to deliberately initiate conflict, and that I for a long time tried to distance myself from the many politics in the community. In that respect I do not take sides, but take people as I find them and not on the opinion of others. In this instance I guess this is personal and yet my decision to write this letter is made also because I feel the need to raise issues bothering me with a community amongst whom I have worked, and also of which I am part.
In a few lines for those who don’t know me, I just want to share some of where I am coming from. I have a PhD in Comparative Religion that includes an undergraduate degree in Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and African Religion(s); Honours in Sociology of Religion, Philosophy of Religion, Anthropology of Religion and Rites and Rituals. My three post-graduate theses were all on Paganism in SA. Since getting the PhD in 2006, I have continued in aspects of Pagan Studies and have researched far deeper into African Religion – particularly its traditional thoughts and forms. The first point I want to make is that this does not privilege my opinions in any way. Like all of you, in different ways, this is my ‘day job’ that I am very passionate about and work hard at. Like anyone such as a lawyer, a doctor, an accountant ot whatever, it is just a long training in theory and method. Be that as it may. I am, like all, many other things as well. Being Pagan myself is one them.
For too long a time now I have let go the number of insults I have had from Damon Leff of SAPRA. I have not generally retaliated nor insulted or summarily dismissed his opinions and initiatives. On occasions when I have tried to give an opinion, his retorts are sharp and swift. In this instance i choose not to be silent as they now impact on something I feel affects us all, whether we engage with it or not, or whatever position or alliances one may have in the community. The issue that prompts this letter arose last week when a posting of Damon\s appeared on my Facebook page. In it he commented that witch-hunts and their victims numerically exceed that of muti murders in SA. I responded, I feel not rudely, asking where he got those comparative statistics from and saying that muti murders exceed witch-hunts by the thousands and thousands. (I do have all this correspondence).He immediately blocked me from his Facebook page. Just obliterate the information and then it doesn’t exist. At this point I have to say that he is fully within his rights to block whoever he wishes. It’s his page and he can exercise whatever choice he wishes as can we all. My problem is not that, and I will try to explain.
I fully understand that most reading this will not be very concerned about which phenomenon exceeds the other. What deeply bothered me was the question ‘why’? Was it because I asked it; can no one challenge his statements; can he not cope with the idea that he just might be wrong? I feel he should have asked me where I got my facts from. Had he done so this is what I would have answered: That my work over the past 3 years has been on witchcraft in African communities and took me into the dreadful world of muti murders. I would have said that I am working with commissions, with police, with social development workers and their departments, with Traditional Healers, ordinary community members, and, for the last year have spent (and still do) a great deal of my time in a shelter for disabled children who have been severely traumatised and damaged even further through mutilations. They are not even the tip of the iceberg and the scale of this has taken my breath away. I have tracked various kidnappings, and where I can do so safely, have been working in muti markets and have ascertained the scale and infrastructure of this phenomenon. I have the figures. I read as widely as possible, but use that as a base from which to walk the walk in affected communities. I have hundreds of hours of interviews and seen so much I wish I hadn’t. With no privilege in this, my day job requires that I double and even triple check my sources. If something is ‘my opinion’ I say so, rather as a doctor will sometimes give a ‘qualified opinion’ according to her/his training. When it is a fact I will say so although this doesn’t mean that new evidence couldn’t come to light to change the fact. The fact stands until the new evidence disproves it. This is the same in modern science and medicine where knowledge will stand until proved otherwise. What burns me is not being removed from Damon’s page in this instance as I have much to get on with, but the fact that information is being censored and controlled in a manner that reminds me of the censorship of the apartheid era. I asked a legitimate question as it is totally in the realms of what I do and of public interest. Maybe Damon has information that makes his statement more true or accurate? I would have listened and been quite willing to readjust my position in light of new evidence. Whatever happened to the well known maxim that “if you have 10 Pagans in a room you will get 10 different opinions?” I like that world and will support that as long as I have breath. What is insulting to the Pagan community is to be fed a singular argument by someone who is very talented and works tirelessly on many issues, and yet who has a need to have no objection or difference of opinion to his argument. He will either insult it, or obliterate it. That is unacceptable.
My second point is that for a long, long time Damon has dissed academics. I have swallowed this in silence and yet mystified that it comes from one who has no firsthand knowledge of the hard process, and yet who draws on lawyers/vets etc. with no qualm. Their training is certainly academic. Or is he only against academics that do not follow his line? Actually no academic claims ‘to be right’. We research and present our findings. They can be queried and disagreed with. In that way we grow. However, if I disagree, I need to able to replicate the other persons work and prove that a different conclusion can be found. Without doing that I cannot simply dismiss it but have to hold it as a possibility. I am mentioning this because I was approached by some academics from overseas who have supported the SAPRA Advocacy Campaign and were confused by the ‘anthropologists blow it out their arse’ and so on. Is this helpful to the community? I think not. On what basis is this insult made? This was perhaps only one other time when I actually posted Damon mentioning this. He obliterated the whole post. What saddens me is that I have attended numerous Pagan Studies conferences at the huge AAR in America. Pagan scholars—of different orientations and often of opinion—come together to share, debate and to learn. What is incredibly important is that the lay Pagan community in whatever city the conference is held join in meals, outings and long conversations. Each perspective is important; not one more than the other. Some come because they can hear from people who spend their 24/7 in the field which most people can’t do. These dialogues benefit both sides.
I briefly stepped out of my world to enter into the Pagan/Satanism debate, and happened to say that, in my opinion, this relationship could be harmful to the Pagan community. I got this in return from Damon.
Allegations and accusations that SAPRA's advocacy has and will harm Paganism and Pagans in South Africa, constitute deliberate slander and where published, libel against this Alliance. Where did you get your academic qualifications? A lucky packet?
I’ll tell you where I got that from. Things are changing very fast and the religio-political climate is no exception. I am part of certain official bodies and witnessed what I perceived to be a directly harmful turn for Pagans. The question I ask you, is should this caution be mentioned? Is it in Pagan interest? What if I am privy to information that I feel important to share with the community? I could go on and on with many examples. I never got the chance to say any of this as you can see by Damon’s response above. What is evident is that I have shared my opinion through the wrong channels. I shall not do so again and sadly this door closes for me as it is just going nowhere. To hell with the lucky packet comment that has no effect on what I do in my life, but the closing down (again) of information with a threat of legal action is aggressive, myopic and of consequence to more than just me. I will publicly state here that I am up to the challenge and will see him in court as much as that is never a route I would choose to take. What the message says is that there can be no questioning of Damon’s position on anything, even if holds important information to the contrary. What is important is that all the objections and positions taken by Damon on behalf of SAPRA have been assumed by outside organisations to speak for the whole community. The results then affect one and all, for better or worse. Damon is a tireless campaigner and I admire that in him, but is the stance taken by him always to the advantage of the greater community? I have evidence to the contrary in some instances. I say this not from a personal perspective as much as from many direct experiences I have been party to. This is an adult community and I feel that all such relevant information should be made available which then can be subjected to your own consideration. On important issues I will always support the need to hear from as many voices as possible and then maturely confront issues that affect the community as a whole. Damon often says, and I do believe he means it, that this is SAPRA’s goal, and yet his position is not inclusive. Whilst he can say that he speaks just for SAPRA (and this is 100% his right), the results can and do affect us all. It is similar to the Melville conference when I told Phepsile Maseko that she is speaking as though she speaks for all Traditional Healers. She doesn’t. There are over 200 such associations in this country, many of whom hold entirely different positions from her. In the absence of their voices, her view could carry the weight to changes that will affect thousands. That outcome, for instance might not be in Pagan best interests.
The Pagan community here at home is made up of interesting, varied, vibrant and caring individuals. Most don’t know a great deal of other religious communities and this fact is the same for people of other faiths and traditions too. Most get on with what they are doing in an increasingly busy and often difficult world. They work hard, and practice and celebrate with their own specific community or as individuals. There is no reason that it should not be that way. Many are tired of the politics and most, in my opinion, stand outside of them and concentrate on doing what they do. I understand this fully.
I am fortunate this year to have been given the support to research and publish that I was unable to do much of while teaching. This will be my way of sharing my information with this community who then can do with it what they will. I see no other means. Unlike Damon, who has accused me of ‘changing my tune’ on certain statements, I live in a world where religions are seen as dynamic, fluid and constantly changing in response to political and social changes. This goes for Paganism as much as for every other religion on the planet. A study done in 1995, for example, will yield different data from a study done in 2013. Something would be wrong if it didn’t. Nothing remains in stone and we don’t live in a static bubble where the earth is flat. As we learn, listen and observe, we grow and change in all dimensions of our lives. This is fundamental to my own Paganism in which I live in an integrated network of relationships. A web if you will. But the web is also part of a larger picture that can be blown away in bad weather. Each link is vital to support the structure when the bad weather is on its way.
I wish Damon well and, as with anyone, respect his right to his opinions. That is how it must be. But I will not accept his right to speak for me as a Pagan, and will make that clear when the need arises in the circles in which I work and move. For instance, I do not agree with his position on witchcraft in African communities. That is my right and I shall voice it. Why on earth have I not shared that with the community? The issues are too important, to our country and to our religion and whilst you are being told that the only ‘real’ witches in Africa are the Pagan Witches, I feel that this will only marginalise Pagans from being the role-players they could be. I have observed cases where this is happening and feel this is in public Pagan interest whether they agree or not. At least have the widest base of information to work from. That is my opinion based on the work I am doing. For this and other important reasons I have not supported the 30 Days of Advocacy campaign. As much as I am appalled by the human misery involved and am working hard with many stakeholders, in my opinion, the position taken is one that actually fuels the violence. I shall continue to distance myself from this position, and I will give a full discussion in a forthcoming publication. If, as Damon argues, witchcraft is a misnomer because of academics, lawyers, the media, the police etc. (in fact everyone bar him and a handful of others) then let time tell. If the community can’t hear or see a fact on muti murders or anything else then know that these inaccuracies are going to be put in the bottom drawer by most who know otherwise, and who will believe that we all think that way. If everyone who has a different opinion is silenced or told they are talking bullshit, then we relinquish our rights to access of all the information available. I choose otherwise and am deeply saddened by much of this, and will always support the freedom of speech and opinion. So should we all.
Blessings to all in changing times,
Dale Wallace
Taken from Facebook

A post by Moon Dragon

A post by Moon Dragon

Hi there, this is my first article here goes, Hi there my name is Moon Dragon, and I have been called an extremist, perhaps I am, well here goes, this is my first article I hope you enjoy it, I believe that being a Pagan is very rewarding, we worship the Gods and Goddesses, and the gifts that they give use are amazing, each gift that we are given is individual to each of us, and sometimes we do not understand why we were given it, I personally believe that the Gods and Goddesses choose us not the other way around, a lot of us wonder why we are chosen the deities and believe me I wonder that to, so perhaps it because they see something in us that we don't see in ourselves and they come into our lives to help us and show us not necessarily our complete path but the way there, I know for me it was that way, Well I have been Chosen by several, Goddesses and Gods and lately a New one and he is quite amazing, I like others don't always say which Deities have Chosen me, so I willingly go day to day thanking the deities for their help and guidance. So please Take care, drive safely and enjoy,

Saturday 27 April 2013

Well, Hello again, and blessed be!

My apologies for not being online... some technical difficulties have prevented me to go online.

An update on what we have been concocting in my NEW AND IMPROVED apothecary





This is just one tiny photo of it. BloodRose has a new range of crystals readily available, but should you need something a little extra special, you can always let me buy in for you. A new range of books and book suppliers have joined my team, so please let me know what you are looking for.

Custom and standard hand-made cloaks will now be added to the range.

Bath salts and oils also made to order!

We also have a stunning range of tinctures, and we will be building custom kits for the natural witch.

New wands and leather bound books of wisdom will grace our page as well as an array of new incenses and herbs.


If you would like to order, please e-mail me on messencia@googlemail.com 
or send me a tweet on @ZenitheBlood

You can also Join my Facebook group BloodRose Esoterix and post a message there.



Thursday 28 February 2013

Check out Rabidus Taurus on Facebook. This author makes a lot of sense. Wise words!

Tuesday 24 July 2012

Unique Silvus Focus Wands






The Red Spear - particularly suited to long distance focus, for instance, giving the user the ability to span long distances, for instance intercontinental magick. This particular coiling system amplifies the will of the user through a copper wire into a Red Phantom ( hematoid ) quartz crystal. The wands consist only of natural materials, metals and timbers. Each wand is a "blank" so that its new owner may charge it with his/her own energy

This wand is part of a set of 5 wands, each one perfectly unique. Once sold, there will never be another like it...

Thursday 22 December 2011

proudly pagan


I am Pagan and proud.


I will not knock on your door with threats of being sent to a place of fire and suffering.

I will not try and "save" you.

I will keep an open mind and respect you and your beliefs if you grant me the same kindness.

Your neighborhood cats, dogs, birds, goats and virgins will not mysteriously go missing at my hand.

I am not a "devil-worshiper" - as I do not believe in Satan. ...

I am not a "dirt-worshiping hippy" but a contributing member of society.

Before you judge me, ask me - I will gladly educate you on the misconceptions perpetuated by religious institutions and popular culture.

I promote healing and understanding, clarity and enlightenment, education and justice, realism and positivity among those around me, regardless of their religious affiliation or their sexual or lifestyle choices.






References: Facebook post

'Twas the night before Yuletide



Twas the night before Yuletide


By Tatum Lynn Soullier on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 10:58am

Twas the night before Yuletide and all through the glen
Not a creature was stirring, not a fox, not a hen.
A mantle of snow shone brightly that night
As it lay on the ground, reflecting moonlight.
The faeries were nestled all snug in their trees,
Unmindful of flurries and a chilly north breeze.
The elves and the gnomes were down in their burrows,
Sleeping like babes in their soft earthen furrows.
When low! the earth moved with a thunderous quake,
Causing chairs to fall over and dishes to break.
The Little Folk scrambled to get on their feet
Then raced to the river where they usually meet.
“What happened?” they wondered, they questioned, they probed,
As they shivered in night clothes, some bare-armed, some robed.
“What caused the earth's shudder? What caused her to shiver?”
They all spoke at once as they stood by the river.
Then what to their wondering eyes should appear
But a shining gold light in the shape of a sphere.
It blinked and it twinkled, it winked like an eye,
Then it flew straight up and was lost in the sky.
Before they could murmur, before they could bustle,
There emerged from the crowd, with a swish and a rustle,
A stately old crone with her hand on a cane,
Resplendent in green with a flowing white mane.
As she passed by them the old crone's perfume,
Smelling of meadows and flowers abloom,
Made each of the fey folk think of the spring
When the earth wakes from slumber and the birds start to sing.
“My name is Gaia,” the old crone proclaimed
in a voice that at once was both wild and tamed,
“I've come to remind you, for you seem to forget,
that Yule is the time of re-birth, and yet…”
“I see no hearth fires, hear no music, no bells,
The air isn't filled with fragrant smells
Of baking and roasting, and simmering stews,
Of cider that's mulled or other hot brews.”
“There aren't any children at play in the snow,
Or houses lit up by candles’ glow.
Have you forgotten, my children, the fun
Of celebrating the rebirth of the sun?”
She looked at the fey folk, her eyes going round,
As they shuffled their feet and stared at the ground.
Then she smiled the smile that brings light to the day,
“Come, my children,” she said, “Let's play.”
They gathered the mistletoe, gathered the holly,
Threw off the drab and drew on the jolly.
They lit a big bonfire, and they danced and they sang.
They brought out the bells and clapped when they rang.
They strung lights on the trees, and bows, oh so merry,
In colors of cranberry, bayberry, cherry.
They built giant snowmen and adorned them with hats,
Then surrounded them with snow birds, and snow cats and bats.
Then just before dawn, at the end of their fest,
Before they went homeward to seek out their rest,
The fey folk they gathered ‘round their favorite oak tree
And welcomed the sun ‘neath the tree's finery.
They were just reaching home when suddenly it came,
The gold light returned like an arrow-shot flame.
It lit on the tree top where they could see from afar
The golden-like sphere turned into a star.
The old crone just smiled at the beautiful sight,
"Happy Yuletide, my children," she whispered. "Good night."

C.C. Williford -  registered 2004 copyright - briarwoodstudio.com

Sunday 18 December 2011

Hedgewitch



People have often asked me what path I walk... and until now I could never find the right way of explaining my ways.

Hedgewitch

By Janine Donnellan

Hedgewitch is a term denoting a witch who neither belongs to a coven nor tradition but practices in a solitary fashion. The word "Hedgewitch" may come from the Saxon word for Witch, haegtessa, which translates to "hedge-rider". The Old Norse lay Havamal refers to "hedge-riders, witching aloft". Generally this person relies upon self-study, personal discernment, and intuition. Rarely does this person claim to be initiated. This person leads a life similar to the ancient village witch who was called upon for spells and healing potions by the local people. Spirituality in hedgewitches varies and depends on the individual; usually they look to their own heritage and ancestry. Most commonly hedgewitches today practice some form of neo-paganism and some people consider it an offshoot of the Pagan religion of Wicca. The daily spiritual practice of a Hedgewitch will be adapted to his or her individual abilities, interests and life style.

Hedge craft is a spiritual path and is considered a form of European witchcraft and is loosely based on the old wise women (and men), cunning folk, herbalists, healers and witches throughout history. The older and more traditional practices of hedge witchery or hedge riding are shamanic in nature. Like the Shaman the Hedgewitch is able to go into the Otherworld, and call back the souls of those who are about to die. They can, in this capacity, be very powerful healers. They are also able to speak with those who have passed beyond.

In ancient times in local villages, the hedge separated the town from the wilderness. Crossing the hedge was considered dangerous, because the forest was regarded as a place of uncanny happenings, including witchcraft. To the Hedgewitch and witches alike, the hedge was not thought to be a physical boundary, but a mental barrier to be crossed in trance work. It is the line drawn between this world and the next; between reality and the dream world. From this perspective, if the hedge is the border between a village and the wilderness, the Hedgewitch walks the border with a foot in both worlds. The act of Shamanic Journey, Astral Travel, and Soul Flight is often referred to as "Walking the Hedge, "Crossing the Hedge" or "Riding the Hedge".

The traditional Hedgewitch served her community in many ways including but not only; midwifery, healing, protection spells, house blessings, crop and livestock blessings, through the selling of magickal charms and even curses. The Hedgewitch was respected, and often feared, because of these abilities, and because they had such a close relationship with nature and the magickal world.

Hedgewitches were known for using herbs and shamanic techniques in their daily practices, such as drumming and meditation, to induce altered states of consciousness. They work with familiar spirits, their ancestral dead, plant and animal totems to assist in their Otherworld work.

In modern times, a Hedgewitch is can be found inside and outside of the city, perhaps on an acreage or farm, or in a suburban block, often practicing by herself or perhaps within the family unit. They still work much as the old wise women of old, helping neighbours, friends and family with ailments, shamanic healing and even blessing the house or the occasional odd field.

Hedgewitches today are mostly solitaries and fringe dwellers and may refer themselves as a Gardenwitch, Greenwitch or Kitchenwitch. They may draw upon ancient healing techniques or they may incorporate modern healing methodologies such as kinesiology or Reiki etc into their practice. Although some still prefer to spend their time gathering herbs and such from the wild places others may grow their herbs in their cultivated suburban back yard gardens.

Reference http://spheresoflight.com.au/index.php?page=hedgewitch