The Haven

Finding inspiration can sometimes be a daunting task.  So what to do when you simply have no new ideas?  First, you have to realize and accept that these things cannot be forced.  In fact, the harder you try, the less you'll get.  Sounds counter-intuitive right?  But it's not.  The truth is, a lack of inspiration mainly stems from an overload of information.  Your mind needs time to process, and most of us are going/doing/thinking way too fast for that to happen.  You have to slow down and stop, just for a bit, and essentially "re-boot" your mind.  Haven't you noticed that some of your best ideas pop into your head while doing something routine or absolutely nothing? Consider these examples: Newton was loafing under an apple tree when he saw an apple fall and got the idea of gravity.  Galileo was sitting and watching a great swinging lamp which triggered the idea of a swinging pendulum as a means to measure time.  And Watt was ju...

I'm not one for setting resolutions.  I have nothing against them mind you, but if I really want to do something I do it no matter what time of year it is.  Also, I think by making this list of new resolutions and "wiping the slate clean", we're missing out on something.  You don't really want to erase every aspect of this year, so instead I offer you a new way to look at the New Year.  Some of you may already do this. Every New Year's Eve I burn candles with intent.  My bayberry candle gets burned on Christmas Eve as it's tradition in my family.  Instead, I burn a white 7-day candle to clear out any negativity (white for purity) and I get a few small tapers representing the things I'd like to invite into my home this year.  Usually it's blue for health, orange (or yellow) for happiness, and green for abundance.  Health, wealth, and happiness...a time honored toast for the New Year.  But use whatever you want or need.  You know the d...

I've spent some time today visiting the attendees of the Practical Magic Blog Party and I'm nowhere near done visiting everyone!  While I didn't participate in this event I adore the movie and the blogs I have visited (so far) are so creative and entertaining.  There have been some truly amazing posts and still so many to see!  I'll continue to peruse the party throughout the weekend but I just wanted to say how much I've enjoyed reading all your posts about this fabulous movie. Midnight margaritas anyone?

The Autumn Equinox also known as Mabon is the first day of Fall.  This day is considered a time of mysteries and balance. Day and night are divided equally. It's a time to stop & relax and enjoy the fruits of our own personal harvests. Customs & Activities: preparing for the quiet time ahead finishing old business walking in the woods Colors: red, orange, russet, maroon, brown, gold, violet Decorations: gourds, acorns, colored corn pine cones, grains, vines, dried seeds apples, grapes, pomegranates horn of plenty Foods:  I like to serve a stew with hearty bread and apple crisp. root vegetables; potatoes, carrots, onions breads apples nuts Spellworkings: harmony and balance self confidence security prosperity

Okay, I know it's only Friday and not "technically" the weekend.  But since I'm done with work for the week, it is officially the weekend for me.  With that said, today's post includes Friday, Saturday, and Sunday maintenance. For Friday the focus is all about love and happiness.  Al Green anyone?  Seriously now, Friday is ruled by Venus and the corresponding color is pink.  Some scents for today include vanilla, ylang-ylang, cardamom, thyme, or consider using sugar or honey as an ingredient in a simmering potpourri. Saturday is appropriately ruled by Saturn.  The focus is on the home, particularly protection, boundaries, and comfort.  If you use a color candle go with brown and any "earthy" incense works well for today. Finally Sunday which is, of course, ruled by the Sun.  Focus on inviting success and blessings into your home.  Use the colors of the Sun, yellow and gold.  Appropriate scents for this day include sandalwood, cedar...

Today, as you know, is Thursday and it's a great day for magical maintenance.  Thursday is ruled by Jupiter and the energies to invite in today are prosperity and abundance!  Let's face it, who among us couldn't use some prosperity in our lives right now? Alright, the main scents for the day are patchouli or sage but you could also use anise, clove, or nutmeg. Now the lists of scents I give you are by no means complete.  They're just a few of the more common ones that will be effective.  There are far too many incense and potpourri recipes to list here. If you use a color candle, you should definitely go with some shade of green.  Nearly everything I've ever learned about prosperity spells uses a green candle.  Makes sense right?  However, feel free to continue using a tea light if that's what you normally do.  I always use tea lights for the daily maintenance. That's it for today, more tomorrow.

Wednesday is a day to invite wisdom and communication into your home.  Ruled by Mercury and air, today's scents include lavender, lemon, caraway, dill, fennel, celery seed, or marjoram.  The herbs are included for using a simmering potpourri instead of store bought incense.  But, as always, use what seems right to you.  If you decide to use a color candle, go with yellow or orange for Wednesday. Don't forget to visualize more wisdom and stronger communication within your home when lighting your candle and incense.  It's all about intent. More on magical maintenance tomorrow!

Tuesday is ruled by Mars and the focus for today is passion and vitality.  Some scents to use for today's maintenance are allspice, basil, cumin, ginger, chili powder or any of your favorite spicy incense.  Cinnamon works great for Tuesday.  If you're using a color coordinated candle instead of a plain tea light, definitely use red, Red, RED. Remember that you can use any scent or candle that seems appropriate to you when inviting passion and vitality into your home.  If you don't like any of the suggestions above, then your invitation won't be effective!

One of the simplest ways to make your home a magical space is to invite the positive energies of each day.  This is as easy as burning a candle and some incense each day.  I call this Magical Maintenance.  You don't need a special candle for each day of the week; just use a standard tea light and any incense with an appropriate scent for that day.  Remember, if another goal needs your attention, work towards that instead.  Let's go ahead and start with today, Monday: Monday is ruled by the Moon and the energies to invite in today are peace, nurturing, and compassion.  Some appropriate scents for Monday are jasmine, coconut, lemon, and mint.  If you want to go all out and use a different candle for each day of the week, try to use a pale blue one for Monday. Now, here's the easy part.  Light your chosen candle and incense while visualizing your home filled with today's energies.  If you want you can even say something aloud while lighting ...

Here are a few ideas to make your everyday tasks work for you... Stir your morning coffee or tea in a clockwise motion to invite positive energies. When cooking, always stir clockwise. Scrub dishes counterclockwise to banish negativity and rinse clockwise for positivity. Clean your rooms working your way around counterclockwise. Use lemon (citrus) or lavender scented cleaning products for household cleaning. Lemon/citrus breaks up negativity and lavender promotes calm. When showering, visualize the water washing away all the bad vibes and problems picked up during the day down the drain. Use toiletries with a scent that is pleasing to you, no need to be expensive or overpowering. Always fold money towards you and receipts away from you. I can't take credit for these ideas, I've learned them from various sources along the way.  Feel free to adapt them to fit your life and see what else you can come up with!