The Pin Cushion As A Protection Charm

photo from: http://littlemoomoo.net/product/tomato-pin-cushion/

In the realm of the Kitchen Witch so many household items can be made into and used as charms. One such, with a history of use as a protection charm, is the tomato pin cushion. 

In the 14th and 15th centuries, pins and needles were very expensive and kept in needle or pin cases made from a variety of materials including silver, pot metals, ivory, and bone. Pin pillows, pyn pillows, or pin poppets, were the precursor of the pin cushion and came along in about the 18th century. These were made from different fabrics from plain to elaborate and included embroidery from simple to extensive. These were, in time, mounted on a variety of stands becoming decorative pieces for the home. Eventually, these pincushions became almost a status symbol and woman were sure to have at least one, but usually more. Today, antique pincushions and needle cases are highly collectible. 

Tomato pincushions came along due to a very sweet bit of folklore, in my opinion; in the Victorian age, when people moved into a new home, a tomato was placed on the mantel of the hearth. This was done to bring prosperity to the family and ward off evil spirits. Of course, tomatoes were not always available and they would rot, so people would create one of red fabric and embellish them with embroidery and other bits of fabric. Eventually they were used to hold pins and needles.

Today, many kitchen and stitching witches like to use this old folklore and create charms of protection. One can make the entire pincushion from scratch or buy one already made, available in any sewing or craft store. If making from scratch, one can stuff the cushion with a variety of items, herbs, bits of stones, ground wood from various trees, etc. When I buy one pre-made, I cleanse it very well and keep it for a full moon cycle before I begin enchanting it. Since I am not stuffing the actua cushion myself, I usually add a small bundle of protection herbs and other items including small stones and crystals, tie them up in a small square of black fabric with red yarn - or vice versa, whatever you are inspired to do. I also like to add pins arranged in symbols of protection or draw symbols and then place my pins. I also like to add various colored threads corresponding to intention and "attach" them by threading needles and placing in the pincushion, allowing the threads to float free.

Now where to place? Not everyone has a hearth. I live Toadstool Condo in South Florida, it didn't have a hearth, but... I purchased a ventless fireplace from Plow and Hearth some years ago and it is our hearth, so that's one place that the cushion rests on. If you don't have a hearth, your stove takes the place of it. I hang one over my stove too. A special narrow table set up to look like a hearth and blessed for this purpose would be another idea. I did this before I had my ventless fireplace and kept some of my collection of cauldrons around it and a variety of candles on it. A chiminea, small or large, with a candle or candles, is another option; there's nothing like a fireplace! 

Blessings nine!

   

The Lady of Shalott

Sharing a link to a post about the curse upon the Lady of Shalott and some ideas about what it means to women, for women, and the Lady herself. Very interesting.

http://preraphaelitesisterhood.com/lady-of-shalott-our-modern-version-of-the-curse/comment-page-1/#comment-286764

And... just because... Loreena McKennitt's version of the Lady of Shalott

Blessings nine!

Hallows Everyday 9

Thirteen Witches

By Connie Jasper

Thirteen Witches made a wish,

Placing candles on a dish,

Then they lit each with a flame,

Thirteen candles burned the same.

As they flickered all night long,

Thirteen Witches sang a song.

They danced around, calling out,

"Thirteen wishes come about!

To the Moon, and to the Sun,

To the Stars, and everyone.

To the mountains, to the sea,

Thirteen wishes all have we.

Thirteen candles melt away,

As we make a wish today.

Thirteen times we sing our plea,

This is our will, make it be!"

The flames burned high, then burned low.

The flames burned fast, then burned slow.

All the candles cast a glow,

Fire made the hot wax flow.

Through the night the candles blazed

With the magic that was raised,

Thirteen candles on a dish

Thirteen Witches made a wish...

Blessings nine!

Happy September!

Things have been hectic at Toadstool Condo. We are emptying a storage unit and getting rid of stuff we just don't need. It feels both good and sad. I was able to locate some missing books - the expensive two volumes about Sacred Geometry, which seems to have taken hold of me - but that will be another post. I also found some paintings I did from the late 1990s. I thought I'd share a few here.

Seed Mother

(copyright 1997 E A Kaufman)

Sheila-Na-Gig

(copyright 1997 E A Kaufman)

Serpent Lady

(copyright 1997 E A Kaufman)

Crone Crescent

(copyright 1997 E A Kaufman)

Between the needlework, the art work, and the photographs, there is very little wall space! I found this little needlework piece I had started some time ago and lost track of, Wife Into Thy Garden by The Goode Huswife. It is stitched on 36 count linen and the verse is over one thread. I have just added the bricks under the window and half of the third line of the verse. It is a wonderful little piece, I can't imagine why I put it down.

This next piece is from a freebie I found on line, it is called The Leaky Cauldron. No self-respecting witch would have a leaky cauldron so I fixed it up and changed a couple of other things. I am stitching a skeleton key under the witch. Will I go for a verse or some other little related design after that? Time will tell. 

So... now back to the kitchen. Tonight is Rosh Hashanah, and as my darling hubby is Jewish, this is a major event in our home. I made a wonderful brisket last night, brisket is much better when made a day ahead; we only need to slice and heat it. The veggies are just about ready to go, the candlesticks are polished, the challah sits majestically alongside a shiny red apple and some honey. We always have a slice of apple dipped in honey for a sweet New Year. And speaking of sweet, Manischewitz Cream White Concord wine is chilling in the fridge next to some apple cider. Oh, I love that wine.

The apple cider, if I can keep my darling hubby from drinking it all, is for the apple butter I will be making next week. Yes, it is that time again. I've not done much preserving this year, just some plum butter and some bread and butter pickles. The apple butter is the last item on my list for this year. Those preserves will make nice gifts during the winter holidays... and we have quite a few: Chanukah, the Winter Solstice, and Christmas. What can I say? It's good to celebrate everything! 

I am preparing for my Divine Feminine Discussion group next week; we will be learning to draw sacred mandalas taught by Vibrational artist and healer, Gina Orlando of Syner G Crystal Healing, www.sacredheart144.com or find her at her Facebook page, (click here). In addition, there is the Autumn Equinox, and I will be celebrating a version of the Eleusinian Mysteries with my apprentices and some of the gals from our occult studies group. September is a busy month and begins my most favorite time of year. Happy September!!!

Blessings nine!

Witchy Stitches!

I don't call myself the Witch of Stitches for nothing! Earlier today I headed over to my local needlework shop, Cross Stitch Cupboard, in Fort Lauderdale. Karen had called me to let me know that the Halloween Ornament issue of Just Cross Stitch had arrived. I had planned a trip to the grocery store anyway, so I decided to stop at the Cupboard first.

I think this issue is the best they have ever done. There are 51 really great designs, with plenty of witches. I have already chosen 10, YES, YES, 10 designs that I want to stitch. Most of them are smalls so that's not as big a deal as it sounds. So here are my favorite witchy designs from this issue to encourage you to pick up a copy and a needle, LOL!

A little stitching witch holding a sampler. How could I NOT stitch this, fond as I am of samplers! This design is by Gail Bussi and is called "Little Stitching Witch."

Three designs on this page - all smalls. Top left, "Witch" designed by Pamela Byrd Smith of The Prairie Schooler, a favorite designer. Middle right, "Family Portrait" - a silhouette of a witch, another small, quick stitch, designed by Wendy White of Wee Works. Bottom left, "Double, Double" designed by Linda Ebright of Lizzie*Kate - how could I NOT stitch this one? 

"Matilda Hornbuckle" designed by another favorite designer, Lori Brechlin of Notforgotten Farm. I love these primitive designs and this one is delightful!

"The Spells' Store" designed by Isabella Abbiati of The Primitive Hare, yet another favorite designer. This is just too wonderful not to stitch!

Another little primitive style design, "Ghoul Tidings", designed by Paulette Stewart of Plum Street Samplers. I love her designs too. This little witch is another favorite and I have to stitch her.

"Fire Burn & Cauldron Bubble" designed by Traci Horner of Ink Circles. This is not my usual style, but anything with a cauldron...

"Goody Trask 1692" designed by Tanya Marie Willis Anderson, AKA The Sampler Girl. A cute little primitive design. Tanya has wonderful Jane Austen designs too.

"Starry Witch" designed by Elizabeth Toledo of Dames of the Needle. This is actually the first one I want to stitch. I have some wonderful linen, color Cognac, that will be just perfect. Can't wait to start this!

Right in the middle of the page, another one that caught my eye, a hardanger design by Lucy Lyons Willis, The Sampler Girl's mom. I love her work as well. I don't do a lot of hardanger, rarely in fact, but this piece has inspired me so...

Well, that's nine designs, but if you look at the magazine cover, there is a little owl in the bottom right corner - that little one makes 10 designs!

Now I wonder if these designs have inspired any of you who don't stitch to take up a needle and give it a try. Those of you who do stitch, well, which are you going to stitch? We'll see how many I actually get done as I have three designs I am currently working on, one is actually a silhouette of a witch at her cauldron! I can't resist a witchy design! In addition, I now have three apprentices and two monthly classes I am teaching. I wonder if I can stitch while I lecture??? ; )

All this stitching is really part of my devotional work. Most of what I stitch is dedicated to the goddesses I am devoted to. Stitching, threads, scissors, needles, all play a part in my magickal work as well. It is art as ritual. In 1997 I had an article, "The Ritual of Stitching", published in The Beltane Papers, unfortunately no longer in print. I was going through some papers and found the article which I will post here soon. It includes a design for a home blessing sampler and I will see if I can post that too - not really sure how to do it. I will have to re-chart the design with my MacStitch program. The design was originally charted by hand. So... stay tuned!

Blessings nine!

Festival of Broken Needles

Today is the Festival of Broken Needles. At one time, this Japanese Buddhist festival was honored only by tailors, now however it is celebrated by many who enjoy the art of the needle. I have adopted this festival as one of my own because of my interest and love of embroidery and hand sewing. Embroidery is a favorite pursuit of mine, however I love sewing by hand, even repairing a seam or sewing on a button is, for me, a great pleasure.  I have found two dates for this celebration: December 18th and February 8th. I celebrate on both dates. After all, I use many needles throughout the year

I gather my broken, bent, and/or used needles, end bits of threads from my embroidery, small scraps of fabric, and an offering of seeds, fruit, or bread. I give thanks to my needles for the work they have done as well as the goddesses that inspire my creativity. I bury the needles and place the small bits of thread, AKA "orts", on my hedge, hopefully to be used by birds or other animals for nests. The food offering is left in a sacred place near my hedge. I then return to my hearth, light candles for inspiration, and bless new packets of needles. I usually work on some embroidery as well and consider what a joyous little tool my needle is, how lucky I am to find such comfort and happiness in this art. A simple, but satisfying ritual.

While this festival is based on Japanese tradition, this particular ritual is my own creation.

Blessings nine!

Moving Through Summer

Here we are, the end of August already! And... a busy month it has been; working with my apprentices, a true joy as we have become close buddies; attending to powders, potions, magickal soap, snake skin, among other items for my little business, LadySpell Artes; jam making, and the usual stitching. Time goes more quickly than ever it seems, but I am so looking toward Autumn. It is my favorite time. I really need to get out of South Florida and get to somewhere with more obvious seasonal changes.

Early last week, just before we were bombarded with a tropical storm, we were experiencing almost daily thunder storms. One particular storm was so intense, I grabbed a pitcher and set it out in one of my hedges to collect the storm water. I managed to collect a nice amount that just vibrated with that storm's energy. I added a item or two for preservation and it sits in a bottle on Hekate's altar. I still have some work to do with it, but it is coming along fine. Nothing like a little potion making to set one's soul to singing.

At the shop I have been busy with all manner of spiritual and magickal counseling; so many folks believe themselves to be cursed, haunted, and just down on their luck. I am always happy to help, but it is sometimes a little wearying. However, then, in come my gals who are just looking for love and that brightens things up. Money is the other issue, we all seem to be working those candles for that - and it seems to be working! A friend won about $5000.00 in the state lottery! She worked hard for it and I am so happy for her. Another friend, who has worked very hard to make some changes for her and her family, has come through with great blessings. She came in to thank me, saying she knows it is me, but I informed her that while I may have advised, she did the work, she made the magick happen.

Speaking of money, the apprentices and I honored Ops on Friday night, a day before Her actual festival. We asked Her blessings on candles for various works, our creative and work-related endeavors, love and health, and of course, prosperity. Due to rain, we worked indoors, but with terrace doors open letting in the storm energy. Funny, the frogs outside rose up such a chorus at certain points in the ritual. I invoked my matron goddess, Hekate and they seemed to go crazy.  The energy during the ritual was intense, bringing emotions to the surface, and sealed our connection to each other and the Goddesses.

At one point during the rite, a frog jumped onto the the glass terrace door, bright green, and just hung there throughout the rest of the night. An omen, I think. It reminded me of the Frog amulet in Nancy Blair's Amulets of the Goddess. The frog is a favorite witch's familiar, and, according to Nancy, was sacred to the Egyptian goddess, Heket, known as the midwife to the gods. Nancy also mentions in her book that the word toad, in many languages, means witch or prophetess - interesting. She is thought to possibly correspond to Hekate, as well, so the appearance of the frog while invoking Hekate is certainly telling us something. The Frog amulet, when chosen, is about speaking out, speaking your truth, expressing yourself; who you are is important; a wise woman doesn't remain silent to protect others' shortcomings - rock the boat, make waves. The Frog amulet represents a vessel of transformation and that is certainly what has been happening in all three of our lives. More and more interesting.

On a mundane level - the jam making, or more specifically, fruit butter making is progressing. I snagged some wonderful peaches and made a lovely batch of spiced peach butter, nine half pints - oh yummy. Of course, I blessed as I stirred and added my Reiki symbols for good measure. That jam will make nice gifts at the Winter Solstice, although we've already dipped into one jar. That endeavor took place on Tuesday, then I worked some extra days at the shop the rest of the week, but planned to stop and get some plums I had spied while at the grocery store earlier in the week. I had planned to make the plum butter Sunday, but we got news of a tropical storm, Isaac. Well, I had some preparations to make, but most of the hurricane readiness was done back in early June; we aways prepare for the season. I decided to wait for the storm to pass since I didn't want to get stuck half way through the process if the power went out. Well, Sunday and Monday it blinked a few times as the storm pounded the windows and the wind whipped around Toadstool Condo, the cable went out - there went internet access, but we've come through just fine. It rained a pounding rain all day and night Sunday and even early Monday. My consort hasn't been out to check the strega-mobile and his truck for any damage as he is coming down with a cold, but I don't expect any issues!!! A cold, one of those summer colds, during a tropical storm! In any event, plum butter making shall commence tomorrow, actually later today.

On the stitching front, a tribute to Hekate is being stitched, and I am finally able to work on Salem Remembered again. I had lost one of the chart pages and couldn't find a replacement anywhere. You may recall my mentioning last year that the designer, Lisa of The Primitive Needle, died when swept away in a flash flood. I was working on another of her designs at the time - I have many - and it was difficult finishing that piece. I finally tried a few months ago to replace the chart, but no luck. A very nice gal at a needlework shop I had never purchased anything from, offered me hers when I told her what had happened. I will now be able to get that done and am very grateful to the generosity of this needlework shop.

Now... the blue moon! I have another rite for that, then the Autumn Equinox and my version of the Greater Eleusinian Mysteries!!! Ah, the apprentices are in for a magickal ride! (cackling madly!!)

Blessings nine!

What I've Been Up To

So... I have been quite busy with all sorts of Goddess festivals. There have been quite a few that I have been inclined to celebrate; I was really called to keeping holy these sacred days. It has been spiritually fulfilling to be so steeped in my practice as priestess. As witch, I have been kept busy as resident witch at the shop, advising and assisting folks in need, doing some readings, brewing potions and making herb blends. I do not foresee any change with that - business is brisk and I am happy as a clam.

On February 12th I celebrated the Festival of Diana as Protectress of Wildlife. I recited hymns to Her, made offerings at the hedge and lake. I also made sure my ducks had some special little cakes, the squirrels, seeds and nuts, the birds received a special seed mix and Sterling B had some lovely tuna with just a bit of tomato sauce which he loves - he was rescued from behind a Pizza Hut at about 2 months and was terribly malnourished. However, that was 14 years ago and he is healthy and still loves tomato sauce.

February 13th was my version of the Parentalia, Honoring the Ancestors. I dusted all the photos on the Ancestor Wall, placing sprigs of rosemary and some little miniature roses. I sat and remembered many good times and stories I had been told. I made a libation of my special brew which includes Strega Liqueur as well as an offering of cake and fruit.

The Festival of Ovens was celebrated on the 17th. In preparation for this, I had cleaned my oven - thank goodness it is self-cleaning! All I had to do was wipe it out after it cooled. The stove was scrubbed from bottom to top, smudged, crystals that sit on the back, cleansed, and all was consecrated. I then baked a lovely olive oil cake, keeping some for us, some for the ducks and an offering to my Goddesses.

Ariadne was honored on the 24th. I spun a bit of thread with my drop spindle - not perfect by any means, in fact, rather bumpy and uneven, but I thought it was lovely nonetheless. This was draped on the hedge after being snipped in smallish lengths, as an offering. I worked on stitching a labyrinth design as well.

February 25th is the Time of Old Women, which I believe comes to us from Morocco. It is a time to honor our elder women for their beauty, age and wisdom. I spoke with some relatives (living) then gathered all the photos of the women in my family and DH's, and also Z Budapest, Marion Green, Patricia Crowther and a few others, to create an altar. I did some divination, calling on those who have passed, requesting a sign of some sort that they were watching over me. I was granted that favor. Libation and offerings at the hedge, as usual.

Sunday, the 26th, I honored Hygeiea, Goddess of Health. Her statue resides in my kitchen behind the sink. She was bathed, anointed with lavender and rose oils and Her "home" scrubbed and made tidy. Offerings of barley and herbs - nettles, dandelion greens, fresh oregano and rosemary were placed in a dish on Her altar.


On the 28th, I took a little ride out to the Everglades and left an offering for the Nymphs and Spirits of the Land there - the Nymphs of the Wetlands. Herbs, barley and a few flowers were the offerings I made.

March 1st was my day for purification for my oracle work. A special bath and anointing of oils was followed by my special oracle tea and then the working.

The Full Moon on the 8th is my next celebration and then a little quiet until mid-month when, once again, there will be a Goddess to honor and celebrate every few days. How lovely!

In the mundane world, my mother's second back surgery, this past Thursday, seems to have been a success. After many months of terrible pain, she woke up pain free. Two of my aunts are visiting, along with my nephew, so she is well cared for and I will see her very soon. Such a relief!

I have also begun music lessons again, am stitching and weaving like a mad woman, and creating everyday. Oh... reading too. Just finished a wonderful book by Alice Hoffman, The Dovekeepers, based on the story of Masada, with an interesting cast of magical women. The reviews by Hoffman's fans are not good - too long, too boring, too much mysticism. Ignore them! I didn't want the book to end, it captivated me. I recommend it for those who can understand and absorb the magic.

And now, into the arms of the Sleeping Lady, Mother of Dreams. May our rest be peaceful and renewing, and may we be blessed with sweet dreams as She, the Mother of All Things, watches over us.

Blessings nines!

A Web of Silk!

This is so incredible - a cape, as well as another garment, made of actual spider's silk - millions of female Golden Orb spiders and not one injured - they are released back into the wild after the silk is collected. This fabric took thousands of hours to weave and embroider, three years. Amazing and beautiful.

The spider is one of my totem animals and plays an important part in some of my magickal workings. Of course, I also weave - wouldn't I love to get my hands on some of this silk - oh the possibilities!

Enjoy!



Be sure to turn off my music player at the bottom of the page.

Blessings nine!

A Hallows Journey

Hallows Journey

The rain falls down and down,

running, rivulets racing,

spattering leaves and windows,

patter, patter, whoosh!

Sheets of droplets scatter across the hedge.

The lake moves across itself.

Something opens, somethings calls.

I am weaving, casting threads,

clack, clack, the loom calls.

The threads move on their own,

twining about my fingers, wrists and arms,

dancing through my hair.

I am of the threads, their magick embraces me.

The dried corn on my door

knocks, knocks, knocks in the tireless wind.

Like a skeletal hand, bony and white;

Like a grandmother from the grave,

Holding high a lantern light.

Knock, knock, knock.

The Hallows bones… they are here.

I've lit the candles and sang the song,

the ghost roads appear before my eyes.

I've opened the portal, time to pass through the gate.

This road before me is earthy in scent,

tickles my nose with the aroma of the old and long gone.

Roots, like threads, all around me hang, 

stones and bones lay sleeping in the earth;

I grasp those roots as they reach for me,

and pull myself along.

On to the river I glide across.

Beside me, a companion who does not speak 

yet I can hear Her.

The shore is dark, but the way is lit,

The grandmother's lantern guides me.

I follow to the knocking of those bones,

trailing threads, leaving snips and bits as I walk.

Another gate and then a door,

I pass through hoping for what awaits.

Yes… they are all there,

Ancestors of blood and ways,

pale white, glowing and iridescent.

They are chatty and welcoming, but I am not surprised.

They touch my face, they take my threads.

They offer white seeds, milk and bread.

Willingly, I partake.

Like Persephone, I am aware of what I do.

For a time I am home, this Hallows Night.

copyright E A Kaufman

Early Hallows morning, 2011

Hallows blessings to you, my friends!

Pumpkin Baby!

I see a witchlet!

So... we are all getting ready for the great day, I'm sure. I will have an interesting post toward the end of the week and a Hallows give-away - stay tuned!

In the meantime, gathering apples for my apple butter making which will commence on Monday. I also bought a loom - yay!!! Finally! She's a 25" rigid heddle loom and I can't wait to get started working on her. More about this and other interesting adventures of the Witch of Stitches later on!

Blessings nine!

An Autumn Day

An Autumn Day

Tell me when the days turn cold

And the crisp, bitter nights set in

I'll bid adieu, adieu to the sun

And embrace the northern winds

Wake me from my restless sleep

For the trees will crackle soon

And Shed their cumbersome coats and dance

Bare with me and the moon

My mouth how it waters in pure delight

Dreaming of scented dregs

Cinnamon, pumpkin, apple spice

Swirling in my head!

And on Halloween, I'll await you where

The headless one rides by

Chasing after phantom fools

And so this night shall I,

September days may shorten in length

October evenings can fright

November rains may fall and freeze

Over the Saman night

But deep within the heart

Of the dormant Earth

The little buds await the Fall

To ensure them of rebirth

And so I sit much like them

Dependent in every way

Upon the plentiful harvest,

Of an autumn day.

B. R. Jording

One Stitch At A Time

Take your needle, my child, and work at your pattern; 

it will come out a rose by and by.  

Life is like that - one stitch at a time 

taken patiently 

and the pattern will come out all right 

like the embroidery. 

-Oliver Wendell Holmes-

Framed!

I have a stack of finished needlework projects that need finishing - it never ends, or so it seems - doesn't stop the needle from flying though. Some are being stitched into little goodies and a few others were taken to my LNS, Cross Stitch Cupboard in Fort Lauderdale, for framing. They do a wonderful job and are a great shop, always helpful and so knowledgeable - if you can't figure out a stitching issue, they certainly can! I also photographed some other witchy stitches that hang around Toadstool Condo; I thought you might enjoy seeing them. Some are from a number of years back, all are dear to my heart!


Most recent framing: 


A little freebie design from an alphabet found on line, that I adapted and changed into something a little witchy!

A design by Lisa, may she be on a wonderful journey, of The Primitive Needle. She passed away a few months ago when swept away in her car by a flash flood. I have many of her designs. I was working on this when it happened and so have dedicated it to her memory.

And some old favorites including the witch wall, not a great photo, but there's no other way to photograph it as it is a hallway between the front door and dining/living room area. It is very narrow. All witchy designs - and a few pieces of Jewish art for my darling dear! We mix it up at the Toadstool!

Mike gave me another Jim Shore witch, this one called Wicked, with a flying monkey, a few years ago for my collection. I then found this little stitch to go with it - just perfect! Instead of stitching the broom, I added a silver broom charm. There's also an old, very old,  Cricket Collection design of a cute little witch next to it, to which I added a little crescent moon button - can't seem to stitch anything as designed.

And this is the work I designed for my article, The Ritual of Stitching, which was published with the chart in The Beltane Papers in 1997, I believe. Again, not a great photo due to the hallway, but you get the idea. I am planning to self-publish the chart in the very near future, so if you are interested in obtaining the chart so you can stitch this little blessing, let me know. There are a few specialty stitches as well as some leaf charms, but you could use small leaf buttons - or anything else you like!

A little stitch in a great frame from Cross Stitch Cupboard, to show I am a member of:

And a necessary caution:  

And finally, another designer's work which is changed, if not beyond recognition, then not exactly what she had in mind and too long ago to remember which one! Blackwork, cross stitch, specialty stitches and a verse from Lucius Apuleius, I believe - my contribution to the designs, which is a favorite.

So there we have it, witchy stitches! Most, except for the first three photos, have been framed for many years, but I thought I'd share them anyway. The last was an offering for Hekate, our Great Lady!


Here's hoping you have a lovely weekend. I am at the shop tomorrow with all our wonderful crystals and stones, and other magickal paraphenalia. We now have a Facebook page! If you'd like a virtual tour of our magickal shop, go to the link below and "Like" our page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Emporium/102956843131674

Gorgeous amethyst heart with baby calcite points and some smaller amethyst specimens. Wonderful pieces, great energy. After years in medicine, this job is a dream come true!


Blessings nine!

Of Stitches, Tomatoes and Eggshells

Well, it's been a busy week! I finished "Witch" a week and a half ago but just got around to photographing it. As many of you know, the designer, Lisa Roswell of The Primitive Needle, was killed in a flash flood a few weeks ago on her way to work. She was a lovely person and a favorite designer of mine. She will be greatly missed. My stitching needs pressing and then off to the framer. Next up, mermaids among other things!

Now this is interesting, isn't it? I am a tomato-aholic, just love them; sliced with a little salt and pepper, yum! My darling husband brought a mess of them home from the Redlands and picked this one out especially for me. At the farm, the sweet German Baptist lady selling them, said, "oh, it has a nose!" Of course that's not what my hubby was thinking and I'll just leave it at that!!!

At the last full moon, my magickal partner, Raven, and I made some little "boat"  offerings from eggshells. We decorated them with colored pens, swirled some candle wax inside for support, then added a few things to go along for the ride. Following this I received a request for a presentation at the local CUUPs group at the Unitarian Universalist Church. I asked everyone to bring an eggshell. I discussed some egg folklore and the importance of offerings during ritual and magickal work, as well as the difference between an offering and a sacrifice. We had a lively discussion and lots of fun. Very welcoming, warm folk. 

These are some of the creations of the group.

 All of this comes from a story I have read many times in Charles Leland's Gypsy Sorcery and Fortune Telling, originally published in 1891. My copy is a Dover reprint from 1971, well worn with lots of bits of paper to mark favorite passages and rather yellowed with age. This story just made a great impression on me and touched my heart, inspiring me to save many of my eggshells to leave as offerings for the Hidden Company. I'll share the story here.


Once there was a gypsy girl who noticed that when anyone ate eggs they broke up the shells, and asking why this was done received for answer:-

"You must break the shells to bits for fear

Lest the witches should make it a boat my dear.

For over the sea away from home,

Far by night the withes roam."

Then the girl said, "I don't see why the witches should not have boats as well as other people." And saying this she threw the shell of an egg which she had been eating as far as she could, and cried, "Witch, there is your boat!" But what was her amazement to see the shell caught up by the wind and whirled away on high till it became invisible, while a voice cried, "I thank you!"

Now it came to pass some time after that the gypsy girl was on an island, where she remained some days. And when she wished to return, behold a great flood was rising, and it had washed her boat away, she could see nothing of it. But the water kept getting higher and higher, and soon there was only a little bit of the island above the flood, and the girl thought she must drown. Just then she saw a white boat coming; there sat in it a woman with witch eyes; she was rowing with a broom, and a black cat sat on her shoulder. "Jump in!" she cried to the girl, and then rowed her to the firm land.

When she was on the shore the woman said: "Turn around three times to the right and look every time at the boat." She did so, and every time she looked she saw the boat grow smaller till it was an egg. Then the woman sang:-

"That is the shell you threw to me,

Even a witch can grateful be."

Saying this she vanished, cat, broom, shell, and all.

"Now my story is fairly done,

I beg you tell a better one."

The response to this story was many oohs and ahhs, but what would one expect from a room full of witches? A sweet story and a fine lesson. And that, my friends, is the end of this day's post!

Blessings nine!