Incense Holders

I have never really liked the dark wood appearance of most incense holders, as I prefer lighter colours and, to be honest, the designs didn't appeal either.  I prefer the idea of keeping anything lit under protection, but given most incense boxes caused my incense sticks to burn out forcing me to relight them every so often, I tended not to use boxes at all.   I did buy one tower, but it was of dark wood and I just couldn't find a place to put it where it wouldn't stand out.

In Wicca Moon on Saturday, I stumbled across this tower incense burner.  Given I have a fascination with the heart shape and it was washed in a light green, I had to have it.   The bonus was when I got it home and started to use it: because the holes in the cut-out heart shapes are so large air easily circulates, so the sticks never burn out and the smoke escapes in lovely plumes filling the room with the aromas of the incense in no time at all.  It can burn four sticks at once and/or a single cone which allows for a greater intensity.

I am so happy with the stylish little purchase.  I realise it will not be to everyone's taste, but it suits me and my accommdations.  If green doesn't appeal, it also comes in white and blue.  I think I may purchase another one and have my own version of The Two Towers.

Danu Arrives

So, back in the Summer I decided there was something I particularly wanted for my birthday and I put aside money for it. I placed an order with Wicca Moon and Shirlee placed the order with the suppliers in the United States, who said it would not be available until the fall. Well, it finally arrived and, on Saturday, I went into Wicca Moon to collect her: Danu.

Danu, as crafted by Maxine Miller © 2007

It was worth the wait. If only Lugh had arrived with her, but I'm assured he is on his way.

I must admit to having a bit of penchant for the statues of Baphomet that has also arrived, but both were sold, so perhaps its for the best, as I can ill afford to purchase him at the moment.

The Night of the Bard

I wrote a piece last year entitled "The Night of the Bard" about a night of storytelling by Steve Patterson, as a guest of Wicca Moon. Well, Steve returned to Wicca Moon last night and I was lucky enough to attend. Sadly, he left his lyre behind, but this did not detract from his storytelling.

This time the talk was centred on charms and Steve brought with him a lovely collection of items for us to view whilst he discussed various aspect of folk magic through the ages in Cornwall. There were only two tales this evening and, unfortunately, less attendees. I made the mistake of believing you had to book, and I passed this erroneous information to others, who obviously decided it was too much trouble. Alas, it was open to all.

Steve also had some items he had made himself available for purchase. One item of particular interest was made from the nails of a church floor and blackthorn. He had a lovely collection of bull-roarers, athames (one made from 40,000 year old bones retrieved from the North Sea), wands, labyrinth boxes, obsidian mirrors, hag stones, and various other charms for sale, too. I have not seen anything to match his work anywhere in the UK and its worth tracking him down if you can.

And, if you happen to hear he is in the area offering his bardic delights, make sure you go, as you are sure to be entertained.

Skull

So, someone posted about finding a wonderful brass skull in a shop in Cornwall recently and a linke was posted to a picture. I wandered over to the link and then fiddled with the url until I managed to view the site and found the skull pictured here.

I liked it a lot and put in on my wish list for consideration at a much later date, say 2010. On Saturday, I went to visit my friends at Wicca Moon and, to my surprise the exact same skull has been delivered during the week. It was almost the first thing that caught my eye in the shop. Of course, I can't really spare the money this month, but I just had to have it once I held it in my hands. I immediately put it aside and purchased it just before I left. Sychronisity or what?

Summer Solstice

I have to admit to not making the most of the Summer Solstice this year. I was up at before dawn and wanted to take some pictures, but by the time I charged the battery, sorted out the tripod, etc. the sky was covered in cloud and I had missed the wonderful solstice moon picture I had planned. I did take a few pictures of the sunrise, but I am not that happy with any of them. So, instead I am putting in my favourite flower picture, taken the day before, which is of a peach coloured rose in the garden bed by the pool.



Most of the day I spent gossiping with my friends at Wicca Moon and people watching, except for that part of the morning when I had an appointment with my dentist, who informed me I needed to return in two week's time for yet another filling. Not the best of news with which to celebrate the solstice.

I did manage to return home in plenty of time for sunset and was able to spend some time in contemplation, at my favourite spot, as planned. So, it ended well at least.

Songs of Witchcraft & Magic

Well, what can I say about this particular CD? I love it. I truly do. I play it over and over and I've just had to replace my original copy (purchased at the Beltane Bash in London 2007) because it was worn. The added advantage of replacing the disc is that the replacement can also be used in my car CD player; the previous copy could not.

Various artists have contributed to this album, compiled by the Museum of Witchcraft and produced by Wild Goose Records, and each track is unique though all could be termed "folk music". Please don't let this put you off. Every song is fascinating and is accompanied by two pages of text giving the lyrics, details of the origin of the song, and reasons for inclusion on the album. In fact, the little booklet is fascinating on its own.

I do have my favourites, of course. Young Orphy gets me singing along in the car, or out in the woods, which has afford me a few odd looks from fellow walkers. The song that currently holds my fascination is The Brown Girl. There is something about the vibrato in the voice of the songstress that is like listening to a stringed instrument. The song itself is almost a lament and the emotion of the vibrato, a cappella, lends itself beautifully to the tale. The Two Magicians is a bit bawdy, but lots of fun and I imagine a group of people singing the chorus whilst waving their beers in the air.

I imagine I will need to replace the CD, and booklet (the original was ruined accidentally in my handbag when a water bottle imploded) again, but it doesn't matter. One day, my iPod will work and this album will be the first to be uploaded. In the meantime, I am hoping a second CD of "Songs of Witchcraft and Magic" will be forthcoming.

The CD is available from Wild Goose Records, The Occult Art Company online, and various shops, including Wicca Moon in London.