Monday, August 14, 2017

Monday Musings

Wow!!  What a weekend!!  We set out early Saturday morning to go to the great Iowa State Fair.  Angelle performed for the Bill Riley Talent Search and I'm happy to say she advanced to the semi-final round.  She will perform again on Thursday, so wish her luck.

While we were enjoying all the wonderful things the state fair has to offer, unspeakable things were happening elsewhere in the country.  Hateful things.  I supposed I was lucky to be unplugged for a day.  I have since caught up.  I condemn white supremacy, I condemn acts of hate, I condemn violence.  I am saddened that we seem to be on the brink of a civil war.  I really don't have much else to say about it.  Just know that I detest the current climate of racism and hate in our country.  I'll be banishing negativity and praying for change.

Last week my Amorphophallus Konjac was delivered.  The other name for this plant is "Voodoo Lily" although that name is also given to other similar plants.  I have, however, named her Marie Laveau, after the famous voodoo queen.  I thought I was just going to receive a tuber, but I received a lovely, very healthy plant.  Since she won't survive an Iowa winter, she is currently in a pot outdoors and will come inside once it gets cold.  If you're not sure what this is, she is related to the "Corpse Flower" which recently bloomed in Des Moines.  Yes, she will be stinky and draw flies.  My plan for next spring is to make a grave shaped plot for her with a headstone that says "Here Lies Marie Laveau".  I also ordered a "Dracularis", aka voodoo lily or dracula plant.  It's another one of the stinky variety. That one will also be in a grave shaped flower bed with a headstone that says "Here Lies County Dracula".  With our new dog, Misty, they will have to be fenced in, so I'm thinking it will look like a little cemetery.  So fun!!

KD and I recently auditioned for "Wrinkle in Time" at the Black Hawk Children's Theatre.  I am happy to say that we were both cast.  I am going to play the part of Mrs. Whatsit, and KD is going to play the part of Mrs. Which.  We are both witches of a sort in this play, but are really inter-dimensional beings.  KD is basically my boss.  She is going to love that!

Angelle will sing again at the State Fair on Thursday.  Then on Friday she is moving into her dorm at college.  If she advances to the final round at the State Fair, she will have to come back on Sunday to perform.  I figure I will probably bring her back with me on Saturday so she's here and ready to go. Please send positive vibes her way for a great performance on Thursday.  And if you're at the state fair that day, stop by between 1:00 and 1:30.  She should be performing anytime in there.

In the wake of all the hate, violence and negativity that is going on in our country at this moment, please do what you can to help turn the energy around.  Perform a random act of kindness.  Hold the door for someone.  Pay for the person in line behind you at Starbucks.  Adopt a dog or a cat.  Donate to the Humane Society.  Do whatever you can, my friends, and never lose the faith.  Together we can make America "kind" again.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Witchy Wednesday

Happy Witchy Wednesday!!  Today my Amorphophallus Konjac plant arrived.  It's a very witchy plant to arrive on Witchy Wednesday.  If you don't know what it is, it's related to the famous "Corpse Flower" and is also known as a "Voodoo Flower".  That being said, I have named her "Marie Laveau", after the famous voodoo queen.

I found a site with some very cool gothic attire.  Heavy Red Couture has some wonderful handmade hats, cool costumes, elegant and spooky dresses, and some awesome jewelry as well.  You should really check it out!  Some of their regular priced items can be a bit high, over $100, but they have some sale categories that are more affordable!


Here is one of their handmade hats.  "Alice" themed.  I love it!















You will need a dress to go with that awesome "Alice" hat.  How about this one?














Or maybe you prefer this one?















Do you go swimming in the summer?  When my girls were young, I did quite a bit, but now, I'd just as soon not!  But if I did, I'd wear one of these great gothic swimsuits!


I especially like the one piece suit.  Very elegant and a throw back to the 40's era.













I love the drama of a cape, and with the skull on the back, this one is especially appealing.














I mentioned the sale categories.  Here are a couple lovelies that are on sale.  I love them both and either one would be perfect for the Cedar Valley Silent Supper.

There's so much more to see at Heavy Red Couture.  Be sure to go check them out later!!

Stay witchy, my darklings!!








Monday, August 7, 2017

Monday Musings

Here we are with another Monday.  Angelle only has two more Mondays (including today) at home before she spends her first Monday at college.  Wow.  I woke up with a bit of anxiety today.  State Fair, moving day for her, more State Fair, then school.  Time is flying by right now.

Also, that magical Monday which is Angelle's first Monday attending college classes is the day of the Great American Solar Eclipse.  I'm a bit excited about the event, but a bit anxious about it, too.  First of all, this is the sort of thing my family really enjoys experiencing, but unfortunately, we will all be in different places when it happens.  It's my first day of teacher preparation for school to start (aka a lot of meetings) and I'm really counting on my administration to let everyone go outside during the eclipse.  I mean, come on, it doesn't happen very often and I ordered solar eclipse viewing glasses.

I learned a couple interesting things about this eclipse.  First of all, did you know that this eclipse is a part of Saros 145?  No eclipse stands alone and this one coming up is an eclipse cycle with 77 solar eclipses repeating every 18 years, 11 days.  Okay, so if you're into numerology at all, you will see many significant numbers in there.  I mean "The Great American Eclipse" is part of number 145? And who wants to "Make America Great Again"??  Yep.  Number 45.  I doubt I have to go into the significance of the numbers 77 and 11.  I thought that was all a bit interesting.  Also, this is eclipse number 22 of the cycle of 77.  Hmmm.  Many double digit numbers in there.  Also, did you know that #45 was born during a lunar eclipse?  Astrologers say this makes him much more susceptible to the power of eclipses.

Also, why is this eclipse called the "Great American Eclipse"?  Because it is primarily just America that will experience the total solar eclipse.  That's right, fellow Americans, this one is focused on us. Just for fun, read what astrologers have to say about this.  It is speculated that this eclipse has much to do with bringing about the changes America is currently involved in, primarily a huge division. Some astrologers say that this eclipse will bring destruction for #45.  Others say it will seal the division which is quickly approaching in America.

Okay, so hang in there with me for awhile here while I explore that some more.  This particular eclipse is a bit meaningful for me because it occurs two days before my 53rd birthday.  I was born on the cusp between Leo and Virgo, but feel as though I identify with Leo more.  This eclipse is occurring in Leo, which is rising in Trump's chart (it's not his sun sign, but rising).  I am no astrologist, so I can't speak to all of these astrological things I am sharing with you or what they mean exactly.  The lion is the symbol for Leo, and so the sign represents rulers and kings (and queens).  At the moment that he was born, astrologically speaking, certain degrees were activated.  This eclipse is activating those same degrees. When astrologers consider this and other aspects of the eclipse, they expect some kind of downfall for #45.

So, what do you think?  Does the Great American Eclipse have any particular meaning or is it simply a very cool scientific phenomenon?  Will you be watching the eclipse with special eclipse glasses? Will you have anything special planned to mark the event?  Let me know in the comments.

Also, before I go for today, remember that tonight is the full moon for August.  This particular full moon is supposed to be a good one for "letting things go".  So, if you do any sort of full moon ritual, make it an opportunity to let those things go that are no longer working for you.

 

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Witchy Wednesday

It's Witchy Wednesday and I get to have tea with three of my favorite witches at the "Tea Cellar" today.  Of course, I plan to wear black.

On Saturday, KD and I attended the Cedar Rapids Psychic and Paranormal Expo.  We had a blast looking at all the great stuff and checking out the different types of readings.  I got a couple of very unique items.


This is a dead fairy.  She currently has a home in my car.  Do not leave your fairies in your car on a hot day or this is what can happen.














We probably spent the most time and had the most fun at "Zhanna's Jewels" booth.  Here is the incredibly cool thing I purchased at her booth:

It's one of those old tea reading cups, which she perched on a velvet pillow in a really cool antique box.  The box is decorated with old Lenormand cards.  So perfect for me.  I absolutely love it and it is currently one of my favorite magickal items.

Zhanna has a facebook page.  She is located right here in the Cedar Valley, in Waterloo.  I strongly recomend liking her page and checking out all the cool stuff she has made.  I have also heard that she will be at the "Pear Fair" this year, too, on September 16th.  As I said before, this year's "Pear Fair" is going to be a very magickal one.  You won't want to miss it! On Facebook find "Zhanna's Jewels" and give her page a like. Then have fun browsing.

I decided to give you a little preview of some of my favorite items she has made.  Some of these I saw in person at the expo on Saturday.  Some of these are new or different.  Most of her stuff is one of a kind.  '

First of all, here is Zhanna herself.  I believe this is what she wore to the "Witch's Walk" in Cedar Falls last October.  She's wearing one of her crowns that she makes.  Looking good, Zhanna.









This rabbit in a dome thing is neat.












And it lights up!!










In fact, many of her very interesting decorative items light up.  I really want a creepy doll head lamp.  I actually had to choose between this light and the tea cup.  The tea cup seemed like it was designed with me in mind, so that's what I went with.  If one of these is available at the Pear Fair, though, I might have to get one.







Speaking of dolls, I love this Steampunk cutie.










Zhanna is kind of famous for her copper crowns.  I have one I bought a few years ago that I usually wear in the Gypsy Wagon.  I loved this one at the Expo.  She said she had to "de-horn" five unicorns to make it.







Here are a few other items that Zhanna has created.  I especially love the cell phone/remote holder.  The stone circles created for healing are also very nice.  I once had a black feather pen she had
made.  I used it at school until a student was admiring it and ended
up snapping it in two.   It might be time for me to get another one.


Why are you still here?  Go check out Zhanna's facebook page. Mark September 16th on your calendar. You won't want to miss this year's very magickal Pear Fair on College Hill.

Stay witchy and go have tea with some witches.  See you on Friday for Freaky Friday.





Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Tarot Tuesday, 8/1/17

Today's card drawn is the Ace of Cups.

In this card, the chalice is being held out to you and you are being invited to reach out and drink from it.  This is symbolic of emotional and spiritual fulfillment.  You are coming to a stage where fulfillment is possible.  Accepting that fulfillment is up to you, however.  Will you drink from the chalice or will you pass it up?

This is a card of love, but also a card of creative expression, which is where I am going to focus my interpretation.  You may find yourself being very open to expressing your emotions. Now is a good time to let them shine through in an artistic endeavor.  What better expression of your emotions than through a work of art, some music, poetry, or a dramatic production.

This is a generous card.  You are coming into a time of giving, not taking.  Look for an opportunity to help others and take advantage of that opportunity.  You will find yourself in a position to help bring happiness to others.  You have an abundance of positive energy.  Share it with others.  Karma will bring it right back to you.

The Ace of Cups indicates new life.  This can be taken literally (such as a pregnancy or birth) or metaphorically, as in a new creative project or artistic endeavor.  So, get busy and act on your new inspiration.  Create, create, then create some more.  Now is the time.