🌜UK - Altered Cover of Astro Moon Diary 2018 - Northern Hemisphere.🌛 MM/PP

First of all a quick note, I did purchase Llewellyns Witches' Datebook which is fantastic with the exception of one problem..  It's US time zone not UK.  So I went in search of a UK book that I like and finally decided upon the 'Astro Moon Diary'.  - I did do an "unboxing / review" type thing on my YouTube >> Click To Watch The Video <<

Where to buy?

🌝Their site £15.99 + £2.50 P&P (Also available in punched ring binder and other bindings) https://www.astrocal.co.uk/product/moon-diary/astro-moon-diary-2018/

🌝 Their Ebay £15.99 + £2.50 P&P http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/142512227388 (I GOT IT ON EBAY)

🌝Their Amazon £17.50 + Amazon Shipping https://www.amazon.co.uk/DIARY-Datebook-Calendar-Personal-Organiser/dp/B0716SDWVF/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1508596926&sr=8-1&keywords=astro+moon+diary+2018

However I didn't like the binding of the Moon Diary.. I did read on their website the reason for the binding change this year (from the regular spiral binding) is based upon lots of people complaining that the binding got damaged in their purses/bags (strange I carry spiral bound books a lot over the last 15 years with no issues ever!)  I did like the contents though and I felt I could possibly alter the binding myself to be how I wanted it...  That said I did mention, on my Instagram, my disliking for how their binding is and to my surprise since I had tagged them (their instagram is https://www.instagram.com/astrocalmooncalendars/) in the post they actually commented back and informing me that they will be changing the binding back to the regular spiral bound next year.  - While I'm here it might be worth mentioning they also sell this in a variety of bindings including pre punched for A5 Filofax!! Since then I've pondered about altering the binding and today I did it - Super Easy!!  But I thought I'd throw a blog together for anyone curious!

I took the original book and as you can see the binding inside is a regular spiral bound book..  So all we have to do is move all the pages to the left and once we gain access to the back of the book carefully pull the spiral binding apart. (Feel free to use pliers, my fingers hurt a bit after..) Then carefully remove the cover from the binding!

Follow the guideline of the inside back cover to cut the outside back cover down to size.  Flip this over and then cut the front cover down to size; please be sure to cut the spine off and not the front edge as cutting the front edge will destroy the pocket inside and also the writing on the front.  (we're just removing the spine of the cover.).  

I then decided to use a double sided tape mouse (glue runner) and stick the two parts of the back cover together where the holes are.  - This is optional but I think it looks better.

Using a hole punch (I have a single 7mm hole punch but you could use almost any kind of holepunch you have as long as it allows for the thickness of the cover.  Also please please please be careful to not punch holes where you don't want them!!) take the tray/catcher off and turn the punch upside down so you can see exactly where you're punching.  - I then punched over the top of the holes that were there so I punch through the back piece too.

Here's a picture from later, but I wanted to show you what I meant by
being able to see where the whole you're wanting to punch is.

I then lined up the back cover with our new front cover, making sure it's all lined up nicely.  Then holding the two covers together firmly (or clip them) I drew inside the circles as a guide for where I needed to punch my front cover..  If you have a hole punch that will allow you to insert the front and the back cover thickness and punch then you can do that.  Once I had drawn my guide I then punched over the top of those circles to create the holes in my front cover..

As you can see we now have holes all the way through the front and back covers.  So now it's time to reassemble our book.  Now this is the tricky part; it's not all that tricky but the number of times I've put them on backwards, the wrong way round, upside down...  I'm shocked I did it right the first time.  So you want to have both the outside faces of the cover placed together.  You then want to hook it onto the binding making sure the front cover is touching the first page.  Check to make sure you assembled it correctly.  Then you want to squeeze the spiral binding back together as tight as you can without damaging, distorting or breaking anything.  Then flip the back cover to the back and we're done.

Now as you can see the book acts like any other spiral bound notebook which can fold back on itself..  This is something I enjoy from these kinds of books.  - Optional to continue using that bit or elastic they provided as a book closure!

Finished.

Imogen xo
Magickal Makes / Pagan Planner

WW/MM. What are Sigils & how to write your own!

What are Sigils?  Where do I find them?

Sigils are used not just by witches and magickal practitioners but by everyone!  Yes even the mundane and in truth you've been seeing and using them your whole life without realising it.  Sort of. In the past Sigils have typically been given a bad representative, associations with demonic and none benevolent beings, or bad/dark magickal practitioners.  I know when I first saw them / heard of them I strayed away and indeed for the longest time believing they're not a good thing.  Oh how wrong I was.  Sigils are not just bad, not just used in Alchemy, Dark Occult practices or in Malpractices by other Magick wielders!  They are used literally for everything, even in the mundane world unrecognised..  In this blog I hope to clarify what they are, how to use them and in fact how easy it is to write your own!

The world Sigil comes from the word 'seal' - Think of 'wax seals' and how they were (and sometimes still are) used for sealing envelopes and often stamped with the family crest, official logo, professional title, royal emblem etc..  This sealed closure traditionally was used to not only show who the letter/goods were from but also of its/their importance and indeed that the envelope/package had not been opened by an intervening source nor had the contents been seen or tampered with and this seal was very much the security for the contents of the package.  Thus in that respect it's like the power of said seal preventing people from sneaking a look as the wax seal show if someone broke in, literally!  There for by adding this wax seal it signs our intentions and desired goals to keep the contents private and away from prying eyes.  And ensures our receiver gets the contents in tact, as sent.  

Signs and Symbols - Think of logos - the word logo comes from the Greek word logos meaning to create or the word of God (eg "let there be light"), brands, traffic symbols, even alphabets and numbers!  Whenever you think of these your brain no doubt floods with associated imagery to a known 'thing'.  Think of McDonald's - You can associate the sign, logo, what their brand / product is.  Now think of a love heart - The shape, what it means to every school girl doodling about her crush right through to the congratulations on your wedding card.  Now think of universal road signs like stop, no entry, go, danger...  Think of the Zodiac signs, Monarchy Royal Stamp, The President's..  All those physical signs/symbols are associated with mental imagery and comes with a familiar attachment.  - This is why one of the key goals for people employed to create logos is to create memorable simple imagery that sticks with us. But that's for another day.

Sometimes these Signs, Symbols and/or Sigils can come to us in our dreams - I will do a blog on this as part of my BoS / Grimoire Book Prompts Blog Series.

On the whole Sigils are often an image drawn, burned, painted, sketched, printed by what ever means of a visual creation.  But some also theorise that sound can be a Sigil could be sound as sound has associations and feelings and empowerment.  We are able to recall memories, feelings, physical associations, movies, parties, people, theme tunes..  This music could be electronic music, mantra, singing bowl, voice recording.  I know YouTuber Kelly-Ann Maddox touches on this in her about Sigils video.  She also suggests how Sigils have associations and in this way we could use scent also by use of perfume, incense, oils etc to create our own personal scent for workings - I know I like to mix my own oils and incense when I'm doing workings.  I go find out their correspondences or what herbs/oils work best for my intention (same with candle colours, stones etc..) so in theory they too can be Sigils?  Sorry I've detoured - but there's some food for thought! 

That said putting Signs and Symbols etc aside Sigils are often created for a one time use, I'll explain how to create later.  Though some are designed to be used over and over again and I'm know there's some ready for you to cookie cut and use for yourself - these can be found in books, the internet etc.  Though this can come with a stigma.  On one hand is the commonly used Sigil more powerful because of all the energies of all the people who have used it?  Or is the energy from that Sigil spent from being over used again and again?  Is a brand new Sigil more powerful because it's new (created by you hopefully) or is it weaker because it's never been used?

What can I use Sigils for?

As said Sigils can be used for Demonic practices and associations but also for Angelic correspondences too.  Also as mentioned Sigils can be used in Alchemy and the Alchemy Table and Sigils can be commonly known/used or personal and designed specifically for you as a one off use or reused; I shall explain..

Sigils can be used as words, to sum up a meanings, as an alphabet all on its own such as hieroglyphics.  It could be used in prayer, ritual, spells..  and various other workings.  Sigils can be used by themselves as empowerment, as logos and/or brands and/or symbols, As a signature (your mark associated with just you), to seal.

How do I write my own Sigils? How do I use Sigils?

There are a number of different kinds of Sigils and Sigil creations, perhaps the most common two being 1. Sigilisation/Sigilization - The Austin Osman Spare method.  2. To Witches Sigils.

Let's briefly look at the Witches Sigils first, since this is not the method I use but one worth mentioning, I guess.  The Witches Sigils is made up of a chart.  Decide on a word that sums up your desire, for me and this example I used the word "Protection".  Starting at the first letter follow the sequence of letters along drawing straight or curved lines to the next letter.  - Some say you should draw a circle at the first letter and a cross at the last letter but I have seen it most commonly done without.  As said this is not my prefered way of creating Sigils.  Perhaps you might want to draw/print out this chart and stick it in your Books (Book of Shadows, Grimoire etc etc..) then use tracing paper over the top to draw your Sigils..

- In all honesty I'm not practiced or even well studied in this area.  So a lot of the study for this you'd need to do yourself.  Though the following information may help you and is the most common way of creating Sigils.

The Austin Osman Spare - Sigilisation/Sigilisation method is the more commonly used when creating Sigils.

Austin Osman Spare was born and died in London, England 1886 - 1956.  He was an English Artist and Occultist.  Today he is known for many things as he was greatly influenced by Symbolism and Art Nouveau and is recognised for his art which usually included a great deal of lines, mosters and sexual imagery.  There are also a few Tarot decks featuring his working.  And of course he is also known for creation method of Sigils which as mentioned is known as Sigilisation/Sigilization. 

Austin Osman Spare - "It is not important whether a Sigil is the 'correct' one or not, but it IS crucial that it has been created by the magician and is therefore meaningful to him/her.  Because s/he has constructed it for personal use, the Sigil easily becomes a catalyst of his/her magical desire, and sometimes it will even awaken this desire in the first place."  - Book of Pleasures.

Austin Osman Spares method was simply to create a 'fusion and stylisation of letters to formulate a desire in a sentence'.

There are a 5 key points to this method.

1. The Intention

Note. Decide if this Sigil is going to be for 'mechanical' and thus created for one time use or if the Sigil is going to be for 'repetitive' magickal use for multiple use possibly used throughout your practice.  If it's the later you may wish to write down your recipe of the Sigil and its meaning.

Step 1.  The statement of intent is to be written in present or past tense, even if it is a want, desire, wish, future coming.  Creating that you want something will only increase a want for that thing and not the thing itself.  Creating that you have said thing will cause manifestation to occur properly - I touched on this in my 'how to make a manifestation box' blog.  

So don't write "I WILL BE POPULAR BY THIS TIME NEXT YEAR." simply write "I AM POPULAR AND I CONTINUE TO BE SO."   -  Another don't write "I WISH TO HAVE LOTS OF MONEY" but instead "I AM WEALTHY AND MY MONEY CONTINUES TO GROW"  -  Another don't write "I WANT TO PASS MY EXAMS" simply write "I HAVE PASSED MY EXAMS, I DID AND CONTINUE TO DO REMARKABLY WELL".

2. The Creation

Step 2.  Once you have your 'Power Sentiment/Statement' of intent simply write it out in all capital letters.  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY CAULDRON FAMILY AND THEY ARE BLESSED - This is then where hairs are split.  Some say remove all vowels (A, E, I, O and U) others leave them in.  I personally remove them as this is the way I originally learnt and what I feel works best for me.  This is your choice..

Step 3. Once the above is done simply cross out any letter that repeats itself leaving the original letter.  Write out the remaining letters.  Now here's the fun (and in my opinion addicting) part.  First let's take the English Alphabet.  Each letter you're left with you use to draw a Sigil.  These letters can be drawn any size and any way up and are to form more of a weird picture.  Now keep in mind some letters you don't need to be re-draw.  For example if you have a "T" you already drew the "I" and an "L".  Using a "B" which can also be a "D", "P", "I", "C". Drawing an "M" also covers you for "N", "V" and "W" I shall show you...

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY CAULDRON FAMILY AND THEY ARE BLESSED
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY CAULDRON FAMILY AND THEY ARE BLESSED
BSLTLY LV MY CLDRN FMLY ND THY R BLSSD

BSLTLY LV MY CLDRN FMLY ND THY R BLSSD
BSLTY V M CDRN F

B S L T Y V M C D R N F

Step 4.  Some people like to encase their Sigil in a circle - being that it contained, protected and gives power, plus it focuses the energy on what's inside excluding anything outside the circle.

Private video by me Imogen aka missimoinsane

Here's what we created...

Another way to do this is to match the English remaining letters from your sentence with the equivalent of another alphabet such as Elder Futhark Runes, Elvish, Witches Alphabet but to name a few which is when your creativity kicks in, it's how we have the super pretty Sigils which don't resemble English at all and that is very much the point of Sigils as you'll see in the next steps.

3. The Forgotten

Step 5.  If you opted to write this somewhere as a future reuse Sigil then that's fine.  But this point is where you put the Sigil away and let it manifest.  Perhaps even in your manifestation box!!  Maybe create a manifestation box just for your Sigils!!  Put it somewhere where you won't see it, won't think of it, but when you do see it it will add to the growth of it's power.  Allow it to do it's thing for however longer desired time.  Some people skip this step entirely, others allow a day, a day and a night, a week, one lunar cycle..  The the idea is basically 'out of sight and out of mind your subconscious takes over causing things to grow.  Plus by creating this you put your intentions out there to the universe anyway!!

4. The Charge

Step 6.  Now congratulations you've drawn a Sigil.  You may or maynot have hidden it away for a length of time.  But this is an important step as you need to 'Activate' it..   So here's a few ways we can do this..

1. Meditation: You can meditate on the created Sigil.
2. Getting to know: Sleep with it, keep it on your person, look at it, give it life.
3. Sex: You can think of the Sigil or not during sex but most importantly during climax.
4. Masturbation: You can think of the Sigil or not but most importantly during climax.
5. Heightened Emotions: Like climax high state of emotions such as:
   

   During grieving a loss, great sorrow. 

   Dring great happiness. 

   During fear / scared (watch a horror movie or those screamers on YouTube).

   During hysterical Laughter.

   During heightened anxiety.   

6. Asphyxiation: (please practice responsibly) Hang upside down; Do not strangle yourself or anyone - this especially goes against the "and harm none" at the point of Asphyxiation look at the Sigil. <--  I don't recommend No. 6 but I'm putting it out there as there's people that do!
7. Exhaustion: Go for a run, do some exercise, the part of the brain that kicks in as we strive to stay awake use that to focus on the Sigil.

Etc..

5. The Destruction

Step 7.  Use it for it's intended purpose but this should result in it being destroyed (or at least this copy if you wrote down the Sigil recipe to use again)  To destroy you can..

1. Burn (fire)
2. Flush away (water)
3. Send it out to sea (water)
4. Bury it in the woods (earth) or at the beach (water/earth) - away from your home if that's what your working requires.
5. Bury it in a planter (earth) or in your garden (earth) - at home if that's what your working required.
6. If you drew it in pencil you can simply erase the image or if you drew it on a white board.
7. You can shred the paper into pieces and put it in the bin.

Etc..

Finished!

An alternative for entire destruction, those that wish to reuse, may wish to do so in a productive way..  Some simply write it and/or the recipe in their Books (Book of Shadows, Grimoire, Spell Book, Witches Journal etc etc..) and some like to make a bigger use of it like drawing it and having it framed on a wall (especially good for protection), carve it into wood and have it as a statue in your home, write it on paper and roll it up and put it inside a witches ball and gift to a friend, have it tattooed (please tattoo responsibly) - make it such a permanent thing in your homes that it becomes part of the furniture so you don't see it any more; you know like that new figurine for your collection you keep smiling and looking at then after a few weeks you don't even really notice it any more as you're now occupied with your new wall hanging..  

BoS Prompts 2: The 3 C's, Book Blessings & About you!

Link to previous prompts: http://ppwwmm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/cauldroneers-bos-prompts.html

There's now a dedicated facebook page to support these blog posts @ https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Thank you all for the support.  I've now made a dedicated facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/ so if you go there turn on all notifications you won't miss these blog posts!! 

Cauldroneers Prompts 2. Sunday 26th November 2017 - The 2nd prompt will be... Cleanse, Consecrate and Charge as well as write a Book Blessing and/or Dedication.  &  About me.. Signs, Elements, Correspondences, Stones etc.

Ok so Prompt 2 is going to be a 3 parter (at least) some of you may have done this/these prompts already but for you and others I hope it might inspire...

P2A:  Cleansing, Consecrating & Charging - What and why:  

This is usually done all that the same time, and in different ways.  Some people like to cast a circle, hold a full blown ritual; only do this on certain days or night of the moon phases etc.  I'm going to touch on some of this here - but if you don't know what this is or how to do it you might want to research a little more in depth and then figure out what's right for you..  But here's an outline...

Tip - Please be mindful of your item, I know in this case we are talking about your book which doesn't want to get wet, you don't want to set it on fire, ruin it with damp dirty earth, oils may stain it, the sun may bleach the cover..  and this goes for other items..  Eg.  Not all crystals are good with water, sun exposure and such forth.

Cleansing.

Why: In short you would do this is to get rid of all energies your item has picked up from people who have touched it before; lets say the maker was unwell and rushing to get it made on time and thus in a distressed mood, the shop that purchased it put it out on display for many people of all kinds of moods, energies and walks of life to touch and examine before the shop owner then sold it online as part of her failing business liquidation sale, bundled up and manhandled throughout the delivery system only for it to end up in the hands of Mr delivery man who is going through a divorce and not looking forward to an afternoon in court and finally it just arrived but you and your partner just had a huge fight and now he's holding the item! (Yes this is a little extreme but I hope you understand my point, and I know not all energies are particularly bad ones!) - All those unwanted energies..  You want rid of them as this item is to be to be yours, hold your energies (or perhaps you're repurposing an item eg. a letter opener is now an athame) and for your item to all round work for you.

What: This is the act in which we clean the item (book) while this is meant as more of a metaphysical cleaning/cleansing by all means feel free to literally physically clean if the item is dirty or just magickally which is what the term cleansing actually means.  There are a number of ways in which Pagans and/or Witches like to do this:  From passing it through the smoke of a (often sage) smudge wand, burying it in earth or salt, leaving it under the full moon for a day and a night, holy water blessing etc.. The list goes on (feel free to look into this and find what works for you!) 

Consecrating.

Why: To consecrate is like the ritual part, now you have cleansed it from it's past energies it's now time bless the item.  Doing this gives your item its purpose and for it to know it's purpose and also for you to know it's purpose and this, at least for me, binds you and the item together.  You may also wish to dedicate the item to a certain god(esse), pantheon, spirit, saint, ancestor.. etc..

What: This is super easy to do but very powerful..  It can also be done in a number of way and this may include saying a prayer over it, dedicating it to a certain god(esse), anointing it, naming it, telling it what it's purpose is, what it is for, what your intentions are with that item etc.  

Charging.

Why:  Now we've taken the energies away and given it a purpose it's now time to imbue new energies into the item.  (And no not by charging we don't mean plugging it into the mains, although if you went with a digital BoS.. then yes literally! lol) - Charging actually means giving it its own power/energy and building upon that.  Charging an item with the energy you wish the item to behold such as a 'healing' crystal, 'knowledgeable' book, 'lucky' charm, 'psychic' cards etc..  

What: There's a number of ways items can be charge but most common is under a new or full moon, another option may be music or a sound like from a bell or a singing bowl,  Oils,  Meditating with the item, sleep with it under your pillow etc.

* Charging is a recurring act it can be done in one or multiple ways.  It can be done once a month, week, before and/or after every time you use it..  Maybe only on the Sabbats (Pagan Holidays).

Activity: I'm assuming you got your book, as prompted last Sunday, or at least something you can use for now like a workbook or mock book you can dedicate to these prompts.  - Or even not a book at all, try it with a thrifted item or one you feel disconnected from.  But if you did get your book then assuming you haven't already why not go ahead and do The Three C's and go Cleanse, Consecrate and Charge your book(s).  - If you already have, no harm in charging it again..  (as said *)

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P2B:  Book Blessing and/or Dedication:  

Most Books (Book of Shadows, Book of Angels, Grimoire, Witches Journal, Book of Mirrors, Book of Light, Book of Blessings, Book of...) start with a Book Blessing and/or Dedication(s).

Book Blessing:  

This may be something you want to do as part of your Consecrating of the book!  Or after as a whole separate ritual / working / act..  Book Blessing in this case is literally the written word usually on one of the first page of your book you will write this.  Now you can simply use the generic one off of the internet - nothing wrong with that.  But if you're like me and are creative and love to create your own and personalise things then absolutely go ahead and do as I did and write your own - sorry not going to share mine!!  But, writing tips, you can write it so it may or may not rhyme, be based upon the generic one (shared below), could include your intention of the book, could be addressed to the Elements, Deity, Divine, God(esse) etc...  A common found Book Blessing on the internet is..

"Elements, protect this book,

From wandering eyes and prying look,

And fill it with Thine ancient power,

In this right and ready hour"

...it doesn't have to be as short.  It can be whatever you like, and if you like you can also incorporate your dedication to state what this book is for, who it is for etc.  For example I have addressed mine to The Divine and not the Elements and I have also asked for assistance in filling the book with knowledge so as I may continue help myself and others.  - There really isn't a right or wrong way (unless you're a strictly X religion follower eg. A strict by the book Wiccan then maybe there's a set way, for me I'm Eclectic Wiccan and do what feels right to me as long as I'm harming none!) 

Dedication:

If you didn't do the dedication as part of your book blessing you may want to do this on the next page.  You may wish to have more than one dedication say a book dedication, your personal dedication to your craft, your dedication to your god(esses).  This may or may not include a prayer.

You may also wish to follow this up on the next few pages with the written word of your faith or practice.  For me while I am not stricly by the book Wiccan I did include the full version of the Wiccan Rede, printed out and stuck in my book on 2 pages (Had I wrote it by hand it would have been more like 6 pages lol) and then also the 13 Goals of The Witch.  But if you're a Christian then maybe the 10 commandments or some other religion / faith feel free to add anything like that that resonates with you or you wish to honour.

Activity:  Yes, you guessed it..  If you haven't already..  Then go research book blessings and add this to your book.  Note, it's your book it doesn't have to be the first page or the first few pages..  It can also be a tip-in, hidden/concealed or inscribed into your book s inside front cover - have fun with it..  Add art (free hand, traced, stamped as mentioned in my mini-series), add symbol or symbolism (I'll touch on that later), add a personal Sigel (again I'll be touching on that soon too) or simply do as I have and not decorate the page while you wait for inspiration to come..  No rush!

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P2C:  About Me (you):

For me my book is a reference book I want to include all the things I need to know - including some of the stuff I do know, since Fibromyalgia brain fog likes to creep in sadly.  So one of the things I wanted to start with after my Book Blessing / Dedication is an 'About Me' section.

I want this to include given traits like my star sign (zodiac and meaning, Chinese zodiac, element, Chinese element, tree, stones, number, season/sabbatical, astral chart from when I was born along side any other 'about me given things'.

Study Activity:

Studying ourself/yourself - my main tip here isn't to just go grab the first information you seen on one website and keep that as the undeniable it's written on the internet so it must be 100% accurate truth - STOP.. shop around (so to speak).  That said I do recommend this website to get you started: https://www.myspiritualprofile.com/ - for me it's accurate.  On a separate notebook/piece of paper you may wish to write down all your correspondences.  Ie, what day of the week you were born on, under what planet, birthstone, birth sign, element, season etc..  And once you've wrote all that down do your research and if it still seems pretty accurate about you then delve in and find out more about your number and what does it mean, what are the properties of your birthstone, tree, element..  What are the traits of your star sign etc etc.. - Note you don't have to just write the ones from the website but also write your own, if you've had a favourite colour all your life, a lucky number, a tree you're fond of or a stone you carry..  Write that!!  

Perhaps write about your familiar, spirit animal/guide, totem animals (I'll be covering them at a later date too) or simply leave a space for it if you don't know right now.  Maybe include your name meaning (birth, martial, other names).  Favourite season, element that corresponds best with you (I wrote a whole blog years ago based on YouTuber TipToeChick's finding your element series http://ppwwmm.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/ww-lesson-finding-my-element.html) - Just because you're a Fire sign doesn't mean it works for you!!  Maybe have a basics section for your kids, siblings and/or parents - or just yourself.

Maybe you may be into astrology or just want to add your astrological Birth Chart - https://www.astro.com/cgi/ade.cgi?ract=genchart.cgi&lang=e - again feel free to look around online.

Maybe take time to meditate and take a long look at yourself, your given traits, your adopted ones.  Your hobbies and interests..  Who are you as a person, how can you apply that to your craft..?

Artsy Activity:

1. What type of Pagan/Witch are you?  Maybe apply that somehow.  - Eg.  You're a kitchen witch, I happen to know that Aliexpress has kitchen tool stamps which may work nicely.  You're a luna witch, get yourself some moon stickers or sticky notes.  You're a hedge witch, grab yourself some green and brown pencils and draw leaves (Ivy would look nice) as page borders.  You're not a witch at all, well I'm sure you could draw symbols of your religion/faith or get stamps and embellish away.. 

2. For me in this section I wanted to include a photo of myself.  (Tip, your photo should be acid free so as not to ruin your book over time!) Options..  So I could just stick in a photo of myself but I want to take into consideration that I'll age and I want this book to be a forever book if possible so in 30, 40, 50 years..  I'll want to have updates.  For me I've decided to use photo corners so I can add and remove 6x4 photos as I deem fit.  Alternatives may be to continuously tape a new photo over the top of the old one, this could even be done in waterfall format so you can flip through from newest on top to oldest on the bottom.  Just an idea.  Doesn't have to even be you it could be your familiar, your altar, your favourite items, ancestors etc and these pictures could be added throughout your book in one of the previous mentioned ways or tip-in as a page itself, in a secret pocket, envelope, hidden..  

3. Feel free to refer back to my blog "What to add (visually) to your Book of Shadows / Grimoire etc" @ http://ppwwmm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/what-to-add-visually-to-your-book-of.html - for artistic ideas, or my Pinterest board!!

4. Scrapbook or collage style you might want to include some 3D elements like a pop-up picture, your favourite makeup, glitter, paint, a charm, small flat 3D objects, hair/fur, I recently bought a wax seal stamp of my zodiac symbol on it..  etc..  

5. Think about your presentation, it doesn't have to be masses of detail.  It doesn't all have to be cramped on 1,2 or even 3 pages..  Spread out, learn about yourself..  Leave room or create a pocket so you can add more about yourself throughout the years..  One thing for sure on this path I'm always learning and sometimes it's even new things about myself be it a name or term for something I've always done or believed, be it a hobby or trait, be it a new correspondence, totem animal, familiar, spirit animal/guide, angel, lost ancestor, the list is endless and while this whole book is about me and my practice I'd like to have a section at the front for personal to me things, things that aren't everyone else..  Well apart from those born on the 20/12/88 but even then I dare say won't have the same name, be born in the same town, like the same things, correspond with all the same things...

6.  For the very basics of us.  You could just write the information in a list format.  Or print out the wording and pictures from the internet...  Though even the goth in me is screaming for something prettier, personalised and dare I even say.. colourful?

7.There's absolutely no rush, thus why I suggested a notebook or piece of paper..  Gather your information together before deciding on your layout / format.  

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Thank you all for the support.  For anyone wishing to share, ask for help, talk about BoS / their book and relevant content (or for more information, ideas and unmissable blog posts go to new Fb group https://www.facebook.com/groups/BoSPrompts/  Also as previously mentioned you can go on the website version of this blog over on the left there’s a ‘subscribe by email’ so you don’t miss a single post from me.  If you’re on the mobile version scroll right down to the bottom and click ‘view as website’ and that should take you to the website version where you can expand, navigate to the left and subscribe by email :)  I will continue to share this on my Patreon *for free* and also on my Twitter and in various facebook groups..  & Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Imogen x

Next weeks prompts No.3 - The pentacle/pentagram and the 4 Elements..

WW/MM. Manifestation Box - About them!!

Manifestation box also known as a Creation Box, Dream Box, Wish Box, Intentions Box and probably a few other names..

The concept behind it being you have a box/container that closes (made of any material, I chose wood as it's more natural) - decorated if/as you wish.  Usually a power sentiment (see below *) inscribed in the lid (or anywhere on the box..  It's your box!) and then items you feel correspond with your desires put in this box.  That then is you dedicating a physical item to your requirement and in turn sending out your intentions, desires, wishes etc out to the universe to manifest, attract, make happen, achieve, grow, recieve, continue to have, build etc.  Shut those contents away, allow them to be forgotten and allow it to manifest (show, grow, appear, become seen) over time.  These items can be stones, charms, jewellery, materials, hair, something belonging to someone, a photo or simply write it on a piece of paper - words hold a lot of power.

Some of my first things were:

• A silver coloured coin (10p) to attract money/wealth or at least not lose it.
• NUMBER 10: Number ten carries the energies of both the number 1 and the number 0. Number 10 resonates with the vibrations and energies of leadership, optimism, confidence, independence, creative powers, success, energy, originality, adaptability, determination and individuality.
• NUMBER 1: The number one is individualistic and independent, showing leadership and drive. The 1 is masculine, focused, an originator and self-starter; it is also progressive, strong-willed, courageous, self-reliant and rebellious (in a constructive way).
• NUMBER 0: The zero is the infinite perfection of our Divine Creator, and represents a connection with God. The number 0 is symbolized by a perfect circle without beginning and end. It is both nothing and everything, the Alpha and the Omega.
• SILVER: Is healing and also represents The Moon and The Goddess.  Color Meaning: Meaning of The Color Silver is associated with meanings of industrial, sleek, high-tech, and modern, as well as ornate, glamourous, graceful, sophisticated, and elegant. Silver is a precious metal and, like gold, often symbolizes riches and wealth.
• COIN: Symbolises money, wealth, fair, token,value..
  
  
• A piece of rose quartz to attract love or keep being loved.
• Rose Quartz - Love, Self-love, Family, Platonic Love/Friendship, Romance, Heart Chakra, Balances yin and yang, restoring harmony after emotional wounding, lowers Stress and Soothes, Happiness/Joy, Healing, Love Healing. 

• A pentagram charm to keep me on my path..
• The Pentagram is a symbol of a star encased in a circle. Always with 5 points (one pointing upward), each point has its own meaning. The upward point of the star is representative of the spirit. The other four points all represent an element; earth, air, fire, and water. - Typically a Wiccan / Pagan symbol.

That is but a few things I have done!  I love symbolism and putting thought into things but it really doesn't need to be as complex as I make things..  Here's some ideas for YouTuber ' ThatRobynGirl ' of what you could put in your box https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD2ijZI27bc


Here's my box..

Supplies I used to make my box..

• A small screwdriver set (optional)
• Paint brushes / sponges
• A paintable box
• Some acrylic paint (your choice of colour / colours)
• Hardware spray paint (optional)
• Clear gloss/satin/matte sealer/lacquer (optional but recommended)
• Alphabet stickers & tweezers  (optional)
• A marker
• Drafts pieces / feet (optional)
• Hot glue gun
• Fabric such as crushed velvet (optional) 
  +cardboard/stock 
  +ruler
  +pencil 
  +scissors 
• You may want to add other decorative items.

* Inscribed sentiment..  On the box lid, write, paint, emboss, burn or otherwise place a phrase such as:

• • “Whatever is Contained in This Box.. IS"
• • “That Which is Contained Within: IS”
• • “Thoughts Become Things”
• • “Wishes Come True”

or some other present tense sentiment..

How to Make Your Own Manifestation box, what I did:

1. I go my box in a lot on ebay, but most places that sell craft supplies should stock them.  Some may need sanding!
2. I took one of the small screwdrivers and removed the hardware (optional).
3. I measured the inside rectangle length and width of the box.
4. I used a brush and painted the whole box metallic black to absorb positive energies and repel negative ones.  (2-3 coats!)
5. I spray painted the antique bronze coloured hardware and the white drafts pieces silver and let these dry. (Not the screws).  Once dried I clear satin lacquered to protect them.
6. While the box was drying I used the measurements to cut down a cereal box to size.  Hot glued my crushed velvet around it.  Then hot glued it into the box once the box was dry.
7. I then took the lid and on the inside I chose my sentiment, Alphabet stickers and placement.  Carefully, using tweezers and my nails, I stuck each character down..  (This took longer than everything else put together to do!) ..once happy I clear satin lacquered to protect them.  - Instead of alpha stickers you could use marker and just write the sentiment.
8. I glued on the feet.
9. Reassembled the box with its painted hardware.  I then used a silver sharpie to colour the heads of the screws.
10. Done. 

Imogen x