In our upcoming esbat, we will be discussing what is on the altar and why.  We will explore the construction, use, and maintenance of magical tools, and we will discuss what makes a tool a tool.  We will be outlining the differences between tools and other magical implements, such as talismans, amulets and fetishes.

The primary focus of our magical exercise this week is crafting and consecrating a tool.  If you have a magical tool that you would like to bring for consecration, please bring it wrapped in a black piece of cloth and set it under the altar.

We will also be meeting a bit earlier than normal, as part of our work this month will be making an incense blend which will be used as a tool for spellwork.

Each of you should come to the circle with a goal or working in mind for the incense blend you wish to make.  It can be as simple as, "An incense to help me unwind after a rough day at work," or as complex as your biggest goals in life.

http://www.earthwitchery.com/herbsa-g.html has a lot of great information about herbs and their magical uses.  I cannot guarantee that I have all of these in my stash, but I do have a good number of herbs to choose from.  If there is something specific that you wish to use for your incense, contact me (Naya) and ask if I have it, and if not, Maggies Pharm, right off Madison at 13 S Florence St. and Ebbo Spiritual Supply at 1331 Madison (how's that for a lot of 13's?) both carry numerous herbs and can help you find exactly what you're looking for.  (If you go to Maggies' Pharm's web site - maggiespharm.com - they have a listing of everything they have any their prices.  

This month, please come by at 6pm on Sunday, August 22 rather than the usual 7pm so we have time to research and build our incense formulas.

Also, don't forget - please bring items to put in our treasure box which will represent that which is below us - our roots.  (We decided to go with a treasure box rather than a scrapbook - that way, we can bring things other than photos if we wish.)  Please bring your icon to represent yourself for the altar - our presence in the present.  Please bring a name or word to call out when we acknowledge that which is above us - our dreams and goals.{jcomments on}