Ask Andi

Psychic and Metaphysical Advice for Everyday Life!

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Showing posts with label witchy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label witchy. Show all posts

Scrubbing the Soul!


Fluffy Vanilla Patchouli Eggnog Scrub
Day 3 of the new year and the weekend is upon us! The first day I usually take it to relax and generally just watch some movies with the kids. The second day though, I go into all out planning mode! And I love that while I'm super stoked and motivated to get things done, I also want a little bit of that calmness. So since I had planned out a good chunk of my calendar, and started on a writing project; I figured my next step was to hop on the treadmill for 30 minutes! Then while I was quick stepping along.. ok it did briefly look like THIS when my husband and son came into the room and I felt the need to bust a move; thankfully I didn't bust my ass! But it suddenly occurred to me that I needed to make a scrub! I went back to that whole feeling of wanting to keep the motivation, but definitely needing to mellow out a little! But it was sorta starting to be more than that too.. I wanted something to still remind me of the holiday season. To give me that warm fuzzy feeling! I figured while I was at it I'd add a little magick into it of course!

Thursday is ruled by Jupiter and matters of prosperity, luck, and expansion. The Moon moved into Aquarius and is good for making connections! And since we're in the waxing cycle, it's the best time in bringing things too us! Vanilla immediately came to mind, since anything vanilla reminds me of baking, but it used as a GREAT pick me up. Cinnamon can help amplify any working and is used for vitality, prosperity, protection, and psychic awareness. But you do NOT want to use cinnamon in essential oil form, as it is highly irritating to skin! Patchouli is also multi-functional and I didn't want my scrub to be too sugary sweet, so I thought the earthiness would bring a nice undertone to the scent. Plus it's been one of my go to scents since I was a teen, so I knew it was going to be added. Nutmeg is used for clairvoyance and divination so I figured with the Aquarius energy, I'd like to use it to "tap in" a little more! Plus, you can't have eggnog without a little nutmeg! And eggnog's magickal properties include fertility, new beginnings, transformation, the future, prosperity, mood boosting and about keeping traditions! So here's how it's made!


EGGNOG SCRUB
1 c. epsom salts
1/3 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
a smidge of nutmeg
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. water (optional)
2 Tbsp. egg nog
7 drops vanilla essential oil
4 drops patchouli essential oil


I started by putting my epsom salt, sugar, cinnamon, and olive oil in my Ninja Master Prep (THANKS MOM!). Using it makes it a little easier since I can just use it straight from the container and not have to find something else to put it into! After pulsing that a few times and mixing it up, I'll add a little water. I don't like my scrubs to be super dry. I like to have a little bit of moisture, but still have it be able to retain it's structure without breaking it down. I wouldn't add more than a teaspoon of water though. Then add your essential oils and mix again!

By now it should have about the scent and consistency you're looking for! But wait, where's the eggnog!? Here's where it get's interesting! Pour your eggnog into your scrub, take a fork and whip it up! You don't have to vigorously mix it, but the picture I took was the final consistency of what it should look like. Sorry it sucks, I am so not a photographer!! But lemme tell you.. this scrub feels absolutely DIVINE. Like a gritty silk pie or whipped cream! For a scrub, it works double duty and even while it's exfoliating you're getting a great lathering of moisture!

So if you happen to have a little bit of eggnog left over and you just can't bring yourself to have one more cup... switch it up into a scrub and give yourself a little bit of indulgence!

If you're looking for some good books to get started on making your own beauty products.. you know minus all the chemicals and whatnot! Here are a few I recommend checking out!

The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood
Enchantments: 200 Spells for Bath & Beauty Enhancement by Edain McCoy
Magical Aromatherapy by Scott Cunningham
Natural Beauty at Home by Janice Cox


BTW.. more good stuff will be on the way shortly!!

Have a great weekend!
Andi

Black & White: It's all about intention!



I had a great experience on Chance's radio show yesterday!! But I did want to touch on a few things real quick since we did have a limited amount of time. Chance had asked me about "white" magick vs. "black" magick, and I had focused more on how I see the difference.. when really I could of simplified it as this... There is NO black or white magick in all truth. The energy is just there and doesn't really "pick sides"! It is really in the intention of the person doing the working!! Now, here's a way to think of it as well... In art, black is the absence of all visible light, while white is filled with the complete spectrum. And if we didn't have black; we wouldn't have shadows, defining lines, etc.. And the same goes for white as it is the highlights! Black is just the absence of light, but that doesn't mean that there isn't anything there; while with white, EVERYTHING is there and very well could "overshadow" your main cause. So, we really do need both!

As I said in the show, we are souls in a physical body living a human experience. And we very well could say "I'm not going to get angry", but we would need to also see what the cost of that expression may bring us to as well. Sometimes you DO need to get angry! Anger is directly related to a PASSIONATE response. You need to have that passion in order to reach your goals or you become apathetic! Now, while I do resonate more as a Pagan, rather than a Wiccan. I do believe Wicca is a very good religion for some that are reclaiming a part of themself that they may have lost due to some oppression they may have faced. It definitely was that way for me! But as I walked the path, I also realized I WAS suppressing a very needed part of my life as well and that is why I no longer felt I would call myself Wiccan. ALL Wiccan's are Pagan, but not all Pagan's are Wiccan, and all Witches are not necessarily Pagan either.. I've met PLENTY of Christian Witches!! So now I want to go over some of the "rules".

The main difference between Paganism and Wicca is that Wiccan's have the Rede and Law of Three. The short version of the Rede is simply; "An ye harm none, do what ye will." Here is the extended version of the Wiccan Rede.

Bide ye the Wiccan laws ye must, in perfect love and perfect trust.
Ye must live and let live, fairly take and fairly give.

Cast the Circle thrice about, to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be spoken in rhyme.

Soft of eye and light of touch, speak ye little and listen much.
Deosil go by waxing moon, chanting out the Wiccan runes.
Widddershins go by waning moon, chanting out the baneful tune.

When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand of Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak, then the heart's desire seek.

Heed the North wind's mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss thee on the mouth.
When the Moor wind blows from the West, departed spirits have no rest.
When the wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.

Nine woods in the cauldron go, burn them quick and burn them slow.
Elder be the Lady's tree, burn it not or cursed ye'll be.

When the wheel begins to turn, let the Beltane fires burn.
When the wheel has turned to Yule, light the log and the Horned One rules.

Heed ye flower, bush and tree, by the Lady, Blessed be.
Where the rippling waters go, cast a stone, the truth to know.

When ye have and hold a need, hearken not to other's greed.
With a fool no seasons spend, or be counted as his friend.

Merry meet and merry part, bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Threefold Law ye should, three times bad and three times good.

When misfortune is enow, wear the blue star on your brow.
True in love ye must ever be, lest ye love be false to thee.

These words the Wiccan Rede fulfill,: An ye harm none, do what ye will.


Now the Law of Three is simply that what you send out, you get back 3 times! So send out good, get good back 3 times as good! This is one I kinda never understood.. mostly because I'm a science nerd so I never really figured there was some sort of law that would change this other than what you send out, you get back.. plain and simple. This is seen in Newton's Laws! Law 1 states, "Every object in a state of uniform motion tends to remain in that state of motion unless an external force is applied to it." So as I said, magick is magick.. it doesn't subscribe to "white" or "black" until the intent is applied! Law 3 states, "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." Nowhere does it say that the action or reaction becomes amplified! I then felt that the saying of "All that is, is." was also a very good way to look at things in this way. So now we come to some more rules or laws..

Spiritual Laws of the Craft
1. No truth is absolute.
2. The Universe consists of opposites.
3. For every action there is a reaction.
4. We are all one, we are all connected.
5. The ultimate act of spirituality is creation through love manifesting harmony.
6. What we give to spirit will return to us.
7. We must never close our mind to knowledge.
8. A circle is a holy place, negativity is not acceptable.
9. The body of the witch is used to channel and focus energy,
tools are merely focusing aids.
10. Use common sense, to not teach the mysteries to fools.
11. Witches are not to give the identities of other witches as
discrimination still haunts the earth.
12. Acknowledge the presence of the Gods in your daily life through word and deed.
13. The Earth is a living being; take care how you live on your host.

The Practical Laws of the Craft
1. Never use a system you do not understand.
2. Do not set a price on magickal work (other than supplies and time/energy used).
3. Never use your magickal skills to show off.
4. Learn to banish first, as binding may be overkill.
5. Know that what is created it thought manifests in reality.
6. Never lie to yourself.
7. Injuries, sickness often result from low self-esteem, RARELY from negative magick.
8. Power grows in relation to wisdom.
9. Take great caution in using magick for negative purposes.
10. Never do less than your best.
11. Do not give into the negative words of others about your faith or lifestyle.
12. Witches are not to give the identities of other Witches as discrimination still haunts the Earth.
13. Do not lend out your Magickal Record.
14. Property owned should be guarded mundanely and spiritually.
15. Do not seek revenge; the Gods and laws of karma will punish sufficiently.
16. Respect the science of magick, but it is not sacred.
17. Sex is not to be used for ritual unless between consenting, mature adults.
It is NEVER used in teaching.
18. Teaching is not done for money, and must be in a safe environment,
with equal rights for both student and teacher.

13 Goals of a Witch
1. Know yourself.
2. Know your Craft.
3. Learn.
4. Apply knowledge with wisdom.
5. Achieve balance.
6. Keep your words in good order.
7. Keep your thoughts in good order, thoughts are things.
8. Celebrate life.
9. Attune with the cycles of the Earth.
10. Breathe and eat correctly.
11. Exercise the body.
12. Meditate, exercise the mind.
13. Honor the Gods and the Old Ways.

As you can see, many of these rules and laws are very much COMMON SENSE! And still contains the old adage of "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!". Witches, Wiccan's and Pagan's are your neighbors, your friends, and your family! I really love the part in Practical Magic where the one aunt tells the ladies involved in their circle that "There's a little Witch in all of us!".

If you would like to explore Earth based spirituality with me, I will soon be offering a class!! Please send me a message at facebook or my email if you would like to be placed on the class list or receive more info!! I hope you all are having a fabulous weekend and stop back by soon for Tarotscopes!

Many Blessings!
Andi

Ask Andi Witchy Wednesday


I FINALLY received a question for Witchy Wednesday that I wanted to address on here.. It's one that I can relate to as well, so definitely seemed as though it was something that was coming through to me for a reason! So, on to the question!!

Hi Andi,
I wanted to ask you a quick question about meditating. I've been trying for months now to practice meditating so that I can do some astral projection. I don't think I'm any where near being able to project!!! My problem is that every time I try to start meditating, a few minutes later my nose is itching, then my leg, then my foot! It's just annoying, it breaks my concentration and then I have to start all over! :( How can I find any easier way to ease myself into the meditative state the first time??

Thanks for your help!
Donna



Ok Donna.. here goes. When those itches start happening.... SCRATCH THEM! ;) It didn't fail with me either. I remember I was in group meditation and was just really starting to get good and then all of a sudden I felt this tiny string in my sock rubbing against my toe. I tried ignoring it.. and then I started hearing everyone else kinda rustling around too. Then my eye popped open! And I immediately felt "great, I'm falling behind in the meditation!". Then all of a sudden our teacher says "STOP!! All of you are fighting things. Itch your itch, adjust your back, do what you have to do to get comfortable. The more you fight it the less you'll be focusing." Which is true.. your body is fighting that state of relaxation for whatever reason. Maybe you're just naturally someone who doesn't sit still for very long... does anyone these days?? So here's my quick advice steps..


  • Don't try to start your meditation until you've gotten past those itches. Take a couple minutes to focus on your breath and generally relax yourself. Adjust anything you need to to make sure you're comfortable.. If you're sitting upright, try laying down. Feet cold? Put on socks. Just make sure to address whatever it is that's causing the distraction.





  • Start at your toes.. curl them under and hold them tight for a moment, then let go and feel them slowly relax. Then move to your calves, flex and hold the muscles and let them go. Move to your thighs, then buttocks, and abdomen. After those muscle sets you should gently feel the next body parts relaxing on their own.. After your abdomen, you'll move to your shoulders, you should feel them drop and relax along with your arms. No need to flex the biceps! ;) Then move to your face; feel your mouth relax, cheeks, eyes, forehead and then scalp. By this time your body should be feeling GREAT!!





  • Focus again on your breath. If you want you can move into your own meditation. At this time I would go through and do a chakra cleansing and balancing before my meditation. But that is going to be another post at a later date! ;)





  • Just those few things have really been able to help out immensely in my meditations!! It's really tough once you get it in your mind you're doing it wrong. But it's just a natural reaction in your body, and once you train it to NOT feel those itches and distractions as much, you'll be able to hit a meditative state almost instantaneously at times!


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    I hope that helps you and anyone else that might be struggling with meditating!! Everyone remember to send me your questions at my email or facebook. Have a great day everyone!

    Many Blessings!
    Andi

    Ask Andi Witchy Wednesday


    I know I missed last week's post, so I have that one, PLUS this week's as well!! Sorry I missed the last one.. life got a little hectic these last few days with family in from out of town, one moving, and the water heater going out! Things just happen sometimes! So here's your double dose of Ask Andi!!


    Hello Andi,
    I have been reading a lot about Paganism and have felt this is my path for some time, but I feel a little conflicted about something. I am feeling more connected with Native American traditions, but as far as I know, I'm not Native American! I've read many things that say "don't mess with what you don't understand", but how will I be able to learn it? I don't understand WHY I feel this way, but it just feels the right path for me. I just don't want to be disrespectful to any tradition! Can you help?


    Wakan Tankan Nici Un
    (May the Great Spirit walk with you)

    Ursa


    Hello Ursa,
    I too have come across this as well when I first started studying Paganism! Though it wasn't with Native American tradition, but Egyptian! But now I can work alongside Isis, just as I can with Brighid. The first step in any learning though is going to find a mentor that can really guide you. This may be a little difficult depending on where you live, but with any spirituality, it's going to be the practice that makes the difference. You can read about it all day but until it's something you are experiencing, it won't really "sink in". You might want to take a look on The Witches' Voice to see if there are any groups that are offering teaching in the Native or American Indian traditions, otherwise Google might be able to point you in some direction too. I came across a very good article as well; Seeking Native American Spirituality: Read This First!.

    However, I think this quote definitely will sum things up the best!!

    "Native American isn't blood. It is what is in the heart. The love for the land, the respect for it, those who inhabit it, and the respect and acknowledgement of the spirits and elders. That is what it is to be Indian." -White Feather, Navajo Medicine Man

    I wish you the best of luck on your journey!!

    Many Blessings,
    Andi


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    Dear Andi,
    This is all so very new to me! I have never really thought of myself as psychic but I have had some experiences.. I guess. But I went with my friend to a New Age convention and had quite a few people tell me that I'm psychic! I'm not sure how much I should really read into it though. I kinda feel, like you have said, that we're all psychic.. in one way or another. I would like to learn more about my abilities, but I'm also a little afraid too! I mostly have precognitive dreams, but when I was at the convention I was really interested in something called "remote viewing". Can you tell me a little more about it?

    Thanks so much!!
    Brianne


    Hi there Brianne,
    Remote viewing can be a lot of fun! In some ways it can also be a way to "test" your abilities since you are focused on getting information about a "target" that is hidden from view or separated by distance. This can be something you work on with your friend you went to the convention with! A very simple way to practice remote viewing would be for the 2 of you to pick an item at your homes. You can also decide to start off a little more basic and choose a "topic" such as numbers, colors, states, etc., and write the "target" on a piece of paper and seal it in an envelope. Then you'll want to take some time to focus on the target. Take a moment to focus on your breath and ease yourself into a slight meditative state. Have a piece of paper and a pen handy, and as your focused on your target, write down any impressions that come to you. Then you and your friend can get together and compare your notes on your "targets"!

    As far as being afraid of your abilities; don't be! Well, at least try not to be! Sometimes getting the info right CAN be a little freaky! But take the small steps you're wanting to take and see where it leads you... if it's not the right path, you can always take another! :)

    Many Blessings!
    Andi