Cydira's Country Corner.

I will be back soon!

Hi Folks,

Some of my health difficulties have caught up with me again. I will be back in early November once everything settles down around here. Thank you *so* much for being so patient!

Kitchen witchery isn't just spells and cooking!

Hi Folks!

If you're a kitchen witch, then you probably sat there nodding your head in agreement with my title for this post. Kitchen witchery is frequently made out to be spells and cooking by a lot of the authors out there. It is also things as mundane as home remedies for common ailments (like a cold), techniques for keeping your home clean in a thrifty and eco-friendly fashion, and a little bit of old-fashioned elbow grease driven, furniture moving, housework. Kitchen witchery really does lack the luster and glamorous qualities of Hollywood-style magic and all the doodads and shiny items of ritual magic. It's not exactly for the fashion conscious at all.

It does, however, make it a lot easier to be what a girlfriend of mine called a 'stealth witch.' If you live in an environment that isn't friendly to people who practice magic of any sort, the techniques and methods of kitchen witchery may appeal to you. If so, you may want to consider not only ritual tools that do double duty in the home but also taking up some of the other aspects of kitchen witchery, like blending magic and housework together.

A truly powerful protection spell can be cast about your home and then reinforced with your efforts to keep your home clean and healthy. This is only one way that it can work to your benefit. But, I'm not going to ramble on about this much longer, because I wanted to pass on a tip for all you fine folks who are choosing to mark the Holloween season with lit candles.

If you're like me, you probably have had the questionable joy of spilled candle wax on your fine linens. Wax on fabric is not exactly fun and if it's colored wax it can be hard to get out. In this case, you have two options. The first is to place a sheet of newspaper under the cloth (beneath the wax stain) and over the wax stain. With a warm iron, gently heat the paper. As the wax melts and is absorbed into the paper, replace the paper. Becareful not to burn your fabric! Then launder in *HOT* water.

The second option is to pour boiling water over the wax stain into a bucket or something else that will catch the water and residue. Do this until the stain is washed out of the fabric. Then launder as usual. I'm finding that the second method is working better then the first to remove colored wax stains. You may want to just keep this in mind. :)

That said, I hope you all have a great day and I'll throw more ideas and tips out for you as I think of 'em. :) I must run now, because I'm being paged by the boss, also known as the baby! :)

Rune of the Day: Wunjo (reversed)

Hi Folks!

Today's rune is Wunjo and it falls in a reversed position.


Wunjo is also known as Wynn and is the rune for the letter W in the English language. It is the rune of Joy. Some associate this rune with the goddess Idun, for there are some who argue that she is not only a bringer of youth with her golden apples but also of Joy.

Falling in the reversed position is not a harbringer of grief, however. It speaks to us that the opposite of joy is not sorrow, just as the opposite of love is not hatred. It is indifference. Indifference is the absence of emotion, which is the opposite of emotion in the same sense that darkness is the opposite of light. With this simple fact in mind, let's all remember that we can choose to find joy even in the worst of times.

Take heart, my friends, all is not lost. The courage that has served you so well to bring you to where you are today is well exercised in deliberately choosing to be joyful.

Getting ready for the holidays?

Hi Folks!

If you do any form of handcraft, this is probably the beginning of your busy season. I've noticed that other people who do handcrafts (needlework, crochet, painting, etc.) make gifts for people on a regular basis. This is the time of year that we frequently move from idle projects to earnest efforts of production. It seems like there are more people focusing on making things for the holidays rather then buying them this year.

As I have been out and about, I bring my project bag with me and the number of comments I have received has definately been more this year then it was in the past. I still have a few projects I'm finishing up from during the summer. I'm almost finished with the sweater I started for Cuddle-Bear* (my toddler) and I am a third of the way done on the sweater for Snuggle-Bug (my baby). I also am two-thirds of the way finished with the pink shawl that I am making for myself.

The yarn is incredibly soft wool that was hand-made with a spinning wheel by some friends of my second-cousin who lives out near Portland, Washington. I had put that yarn aside when I first found out I was pregnant because I was hoping to have a little girl. As I have a little boy, I've decided to take that lovely pink yarn (it's almost magenta but not quite) and make something for myself. I'm going to try to get into the habit of making more things for myself as time proceeds. Right now, however, I'd like to let you know what I'm going to be making this fall.

My darling husband has asked for me to make him a hat with the atrociously loud yarn that I used for the multi-colored sweater as I am using it for Cuddle-Bear's sweater again. (I suspect that boy has his father's sense of humor. He loves the really obnoxiously loud color combinations that his father does and both laugh when I wince at the sight.) For my youngest brother's three daughters I am making:

• A hat and scarf set for the eldest
• A pair of mittens and a hat for the middle child
• A doll for the youngest

For my other brother's daughter (I'm the eldest of three.), I am making a pair of crochet fingerless gloves in her favorite colors.

For my husband's brother's daughters I am decorating and personalizing a pillow case for each. They're both absolutely crazy for the Disney princesses, thus they're getting the pillow cases with the princesses on them.

I still have to figure out what I'm going to surprise my husband with and what toys I am going to make for the boys. I'm not sure what I'm going to do, so ideas and suggestions would be appreciated!

*Yep, I'm using nicknames.

Whee! I get to go for a drive!

Hi Folks!

Just a quick heads up for you fine people! Tomorrow (well, technically today as it's just past midnight in my timezone) I will not be available until the evening because of a few errands that I'll be out doing. Stuff like dropping the car off at the repair shop to get the bent fender replaced and going to a postpartum checkup appointment. I suspect that something else is going to come up also.

It's never a situation where things are done quickly and easily.

Yep, it's autumn!

Hi Folks!

Sorry I wasn't around much late last week and last weekend. That nasty little cold virus that I had before revisited my happy little home here. As a result, my husband got infected this time and the boys caught it again, though not quite so bad this time. When the cold and flu starts making it's presence known, I don't think you can argue a more certain sign of the change of season. I'll try to put together a (belated) Tarot Peek for everyone a little bit latter today. Right now, I've got to run and feed a fussy baby.

On the other hand, I have to say, we're getting closer to getting a belly laugh out of him. He's managed a giggle. Though I don't know why he was giggling at my sweater.

Rune of the Day: Mannuz

Hi Folks!

Today we're revisiting the rune Mannuz in it's direct orientation. We're being reminded by this rune that we are physical beings and that we should not discredit what comes to us from our bodies. Intuition can inform us about a situation in various ways, it doesn't just have to be a vague sense of foreboding to warn us of danger. Sometimes it is a funny flutter down deep in your belly or an itch that refuses to be scratched that warns us that something is coming.

Listen to your body and respect it's wisdom. Failure to do so may just put you in the uncomfortable position I was in a few years ago. I failed to listen to my body and found myself in the hospital for an emergency appendectomy. I had been suffering for months with mild appendicitis which could have been cured with a course of antibiotics if I had only listened to what my body was telling me. And listening to your body doesn't just tell you if something's wrong, it can tell you wonderful things too! That was how I knew I was pregnant with my second child a week before the 'early' pregnancy test told me I was.

Ritual Tools: Are they *really* necessary?

Hi Folks!

Some of you out there are probably going to disagree with aspects of this post. Please, post your thoughts in the comments and where you believe I have taken the wrong approach. It's not only healthy to discuss differing viewpoints but it can lead to a better understanding of the situation. I welcome your constructive criticism.

As you folks may be aware of, I am what you would call a 'kitchen witch'. I perform my magic informally and rarely use rituals for much aside from religious observances. When I was first beginning to learn how to practice witchcraft, I was given a set of ritual tools. This set of ritual tools are now somewhat worn with years of use and many aspects of my use of them have changed. One of these is that I do not use them quite as much as I did in the past.

In the title of this post, I posed a question: are ritual tools really necessary? It is an important question that every practitioner of magic should answer at some point in their occult studies. For my part, I would contend that they are necessary to the extent that they are required. If one can align their mind with the concepts and thought-forms behind something such as a ritual knife with out the object present and work with those concepts successfully, the object is no longer required.

It is a question, in my opinion, as to how many concepts one can keep focused in their mind at a given time. It is not easy to think multiple thoughts at the same time, dividing your attention between two activities at the same time can lead to a headache. To place an equal measure of concentration upon each item is more challenging, especially when the amount of focus required is quite high. There are times where I find the need to use my ritual tools because it is easier to use passive association with the object to manipulate the thought-form behind it. At other times, I find I don't need my ritual tools because it is easy for me to manipulate the thought-forms and maintain my focus upon the goal of my spell-craft.

Do you use ritual tools in your magical efforts? If so, please tell me what your opinions are on this topic in the comments!

How does magic work?

Hi Folks!

Some of you may be looking at those of us who do magic and wonder just how it works? While I could give you a real lecture on my pet theory about the mechanics of it, I realize that this question is less a matter of what the science of the process is and more about how a person performs magic successfully. The short answer is by concentrating.

Our minds are powerful things. With a thought, we can override the neuron that is screaming in pain, accomplish feats of heroic strength, and endure unspeakable horrors. This wonderful ability to focus our thoughts and attention upon a single point is not the realm of practiced masters of magic or highly skilled mystics. It is something that we have all experienced at varying times in our lives.

When we read a good book or get drawn into a very good movie, our attention becomes highly focused. When we are "in the zone" as we are playing a game or working, we find our performance improves. This is another situation where our attention becomes highly focused. The difference between watching a movie and being "in the zone" is the way our attention is focused. Books and movies lend themselves to a passive method of becoming focused upon something. We generally have an easier time with this method of focusing our thoughts, where as playing a game or washing dishes require us to be active.

It is the state of being active and focused that we need to perform magic. A person who casts spells and performs magic is not merely an observer of the world but an active participant. Spells and various other forms of magic serve as the catalyst for the change we wish to create. In Chemistry, we find that reactions occasionally require something to jump-start the process. This is called a catalyst. Magic serves the same purpose in creating a change in our lives.

The most challenging form of magic to perform is the magic of changing our own selves. When we can set aside our self deceptions and assumptions, we find that we can take steps to accomplish amazing things. It is the practice of magic that assists us in this process. Any person can do magic. All that is truly required is the abilities to be honest with yourself, to focus upon the task at hand, and to commit to seeing it to completion. After that, the rest could be described as window-dressing and show.

Rune of the Day: Lagu (Reversed)

Hi folks!

Today's rune is Lagu. We're revisiting this rune's reversed orientation. If you recall, the last time this rune came to us in a reversed orientation, we were warned against stagnation and blocking our creative flow. Today, the rune is warning against being overwhelmed by the flow of events in addition to taking caution against blocking our creative energies. Life can come at us in a mad rush, like a raging flood, where everything seems to be out of control and jumbled up together.

As long as we don't allow ourselves to get carried away in the feelings of the moment, however, we'll be fine. Just as flood waters are as easy to peer thru as mud when they're stirred up, so is the situation when emotions are high. It doesn't just hold true for the bad feelings, but also the good. Don't jump to a quick decision on the basis of wild feelings, take a moment and seek some stability and 'dry ground' to take a clear look at the situation.

Rune of the Day: Algiz

Hi Folks!

Today we're revisiting the rune Algiz. Unlike the last time we encountered this rune, Algiz falls in a direct orientation. Here, we see the horns of the noble Elk, horns which are used by this magnificent beast in their defense. Big game, such as elk are difficult to hunt, even with modern technology. As such, their horns are quite a prize and the challenge of hunting them make hunters respect them.

Here, those of you who are in positions where you must be defended by yourself or another, or if you are defending another person, today it will be a truly heroic and admirable effort. Success is assured because your position is unshakeable. And those who are not in positions requiring defense, this rune bespeaks success with earnest effort.

Focus, people, you can do it! Just stick with it!

Rune of the Day: Dagaz

Hi Folks!

Today's Rune of the day is Dagaz.


This rune is associated with the letter 'D' in the English alphabet. This is an old rune and the only name we have for it are the two Anglo-Saxon variants: Dagaz and Dae. When the languages that used runic went thru some changes during the period approximately the same as the fall of Rome, this rune briefly dropped out of use and much of the information as to the alternate name of this rune was lost. This rune is associated with the goddess Sunna by several modern rune interpreters.

The rune can be associated with the following Tarot cards:

• The Fool
• The Sun
• The Star
• The Ace of Wand
• The Ace of Swords^*

This rune is associated by many with good things that do not change, as shown by the fact that this rune has no reversed position. Others associate this rune with change that is generally positive. Interestingly, this rune is associated with daybreak and noon. As such, it can be interpreted as the beginning of a positive change or the climax of a series of positive changes.

Today, this rune comes to us in the spirit of morning and sunrise. Hard work is beginning to pay off and the good things you have earned are beginning to arrive. Now, however, is not the time to rest because you still have much to do to sustain this change.

*Some associate swords with air and others associate them with fire. Either can br appropriate here, though air is more conevtionally associated with daytime in modern occult systems.

A Quick Question for my Blog Readers!

Hi Folks!

I posted a little work of fiction recently. Please, respond to this post if you think I should do this again in the future?

I'm a bit of an author and with National Novel Writing Month coming up, I'll be doing some more writing soon. In an effort to 'prime the pump' I will be writing some short pieces of approximately the same length as what I posted the other day. If you'd like to see it, let me know! I'll be happy to share!

By the way, I do plan on adding to those other projects that I mentioned earlier in this blog.

Thank you all SO MUCH for reading! I really appreciate it. It is part of what helps inspire in me the courage to take on NaNoWriMo. I'll update folks here on my progress with NaNoWriMo on a weekly basis. Let's see if I can write the Great American Novel next month, shall we?

:)

Is your name Leyla? This is for you!

Hi!

My guides Paul and Ethan are insisting that I do a quick 3 card reading for you, Leyla. They are telling me that you will find this really helpful and that I need to do it * now *! That said, I hope this helps and if you want to talk about it, fire off an e-mail with any questions!

---

Card 1: Past - Ace of Swords: I see here that you have made some difficult decisions to reach where you are. It has not been easy but you have kept your goals in mind. While you have acted with great discrimination and forethought, you have been concerned that you were being rash in your judgment of the situation. Don't be troubled by this! The sheer amount of thought you put into this shows that you didn't just jump to a conclusion. You looked at it all and carefully considered it before acting. And when you did act, it was rapidly and with finality. That kind of commitment to your plans is a good thing that will carry you far!

Card 2: Present - 5 of Swords: I see here that some of the ramifications of your action has been a measure of hostility towards you from others involved in the situation. Please, don't let their harsh or bitter words get to you. You have acted with good judgment and for the sake of doing what needs done. You are wisely preparing to defend yourself against their injurious words and any possible meddling that they are up to. The two principle players in this whisper campaign against you are quickly moving out of the picture because they're realizing that their deceptions can't stand against you. You have seen thru their lies. Also, truth and honor are your sword and shield, you are well defended against their mischief.

Card 3: Future - 7 of Rods: In this card, I see you still have something of a fight ahead of you. This, however, will not be half as bitter as recent events. You still hold the high ground, both morally and intellectually. Don't back down, because you ARE in the right. While it seems like there are many against you, you are not surrounded. Also, if it feels overwhelming, remember that you do have the capacity to step back from the situation and make a 'tactical retreat'. This is not retreating in defeat but rather a measure to regroup your reserves and consider your next step.

I hope this helps you out! If anything, I offer you my sympathies, because it looks like you are in as difficult of a spot as I am on a few matters of my own right now. Stick to your guns like Annie Oakley, gal! You know what's right and that's exactly what you are doing! Stay the course. Things will work out for the best, it's just going to take some work to get there.

Tarot Peek for the week of 10/11/09

Hi Folks!

Here's a peek at what this week holds for all of us here on Keen! As always, let me know your thoughts on this in the comments. For the new reader of my Tarot Peek readings, let me give you a quick run down of what this is. For each day of the week, I draw a single card and interpret it. The card usually gives an indication for how things will fare for all of us.

There are times, however, that it is focused upon a specific individual. I don't know who you are, but you will know because it will feel like this reading is speaking just to you. Trust your intuition on this one. If it feels like the message is * just * for you, it probably is! And now, on to the readings!

Monday: The Sun: This card falls in a direct orientation. It is generally a card of happy things, and for this day it clearly is. Expect for there to be a lot of good energy, smiles, and generally a joyful spirit about on Keen. For Clients, look for good news. For Readers, look for satisfied and happy Clients. All in all, it is going to be a good day! I also see a lot of happy laughter coming up Monday.

Tuesday: 2 of Cups: This card falls in a direct orientation. Often viewed as the Minor Arcana version of the Lovers, this card speaks of deep feelings and romance. If you are looking for a reading on Love, Romance, and Lust, this is going to be the day to do it. Also, you Leos out there, keep an ear out, you are going to be receiving some interesting and possibly exciting news!

Wednesday: Strength: This card falls in a direct orientation. Strength is a card that speaks of just that quality and the ability to boldly persevere in the face of difficulty. I see here some folks who have challenging news coming to them are going to need to keep in mind that us Readers are not reading a future that is fixed in stone. There is always the opportunity for things to change the outcome we see. I also see the Readers need to remember to be patient and to look within for validation. It's not the number of Clients that you have which determines how good of a Reader you are. It is the quality of your service. The rest will come.

Thursday: 8 of Pentacles: This card falls in a direct orientation. This is a card of work and I see here that we should all take pride in our work, what ever it may be. We are each working to the best of our ability and doing a fine job. Don't fault yourself if things don't look perfect. Let the simple pleasure of doing a job and doing it as well as you can be your focus.

Friday: The Fool: This card falls in a direct orientation. The Fool is a card of beginnings and endings. Here, I see a beginning. Not only the beginning of the weekend, which a lot of us are going to be looking forward to, but the beginning of a new perspective. I see here a breath of fresh air and new ideas is going to swirl thru Keen along with some new members. I also am seeing here a need to send out a special welcome to some one named Rose! Welcome to Keen, Rose! We're happy to have you here and look forward to seeing you about!

Saturday: 2 of Pentacles: This card falls in a direct orientation. I see here that some of us are focusing on our tasks at the exclusion of the chaos around us, which is helping us be successful here and elsewhere. I also see here that some of us are focusing too much on pleasure and allowing for the chaos to throw things that are put into action off course. Make sure you know which one you are!

Sunday: 7 of Cups: This card falls in a direct orientation. I see here that flights of fancy will rule the day. Make a point of enjoying it, because we all need a break from the real world at times. It's good for the soul and for the mind to indulge in a little fantasy from time to time. Daydream or read a good book! This is a great day to relax and unwind with a little imagination and fun.