Vendredi: Chthonian Histories

But first, on earth as vampire sent,
Thy corpse shall from its tomb be rent:
Then ghastly haunt thy native place,
And suck the blood of all thy race;
There from thy daughter, sister, wife
At midnight drain the stream of life...
Wet with thine own best blood shall drip
Thy gnashing tooth and haggard lip;
Then stalking to thy sullen grave
Go - and with the ghouls and afreets rave,
Till these in horror shrink away
From spectre more accursed than they!

~ from "The Giaour" by George Gordon Lord Byron, first published in The Unbeliever, London, 1813

Header: A ring with a quote from this poem from Mostly Making Memories on Etsy

Mardi: Herbal-Wise

When I was young, very young in fact, I remember my grandmother always had a small, potted fern in her bedroom.  This was not one of those big, masculine fiddle head ferns that lots of people kept in their bathrooms back in the '70s and '80s, but a dainty, lace-like plant that Gran called a maidenhair fern.  The plant was carefully tended, always in beautiful shape and, except when taken out to the porch to be watered, it sat in a place of prominence on her art deco dressing table.  I remember it distinctly and wish now, all these years later, that I had gotten that plant when Gran went on to her reward.

Of course I talked to Gran about it when I was older and she told me the secret of that very special plant, curiously not long before she died.  I've mentioned before that Gran, after being excommunicated from the Catholic Church, studied and practiced Druidism.  She never imposed her religion on anyone - both my aunt and my mother were raised strictly Catholic - but, as I got older she opened up to me about it.  A little bit anyway; and one of her secrets had to do with that maidenhair fern.

The plant, which was kept exclusively in a clay pot, had been dug out of the soil of Washington State with Gran's own hands.  Ever year, at the summer solstice, she soaked it in purified water.  The entire plant, pot and all, was dunked into a bucket and then left in the sunshine to dry.  Gran swore that this ritual brought peace to her home and grace and beauty to her being.  As long as the fern thrived, and the ritual was performed each year with intent, Gran would remain the elegant, graceful person, surrounded by calm and love, that I always remember her being.

Later in life, when I began to study alternative religions in college and on my own, I found that Scott Cunningham recommended the same ritual for the same result.  His Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs even advises that the fern should be kept in one's bedroom, just like Gran's.

Sometimes you have to go a long way to realize that the wisdom you were looking for was always right there in your own DNA.  Thanks, Gran; I know that even in Ginen you are still full of elegance, grace, and peace.  Bonne chance ~

Header: An elegant couple dancing in Havana, Cuba c 1954 via Mid-Century

Mercredi: The Art of Beauty

Casting around for something nice to give to Mom this Sunday that won’t break the bank and has a handmade feel?  Or are you just looking to relax after a long, hard day?  Either way, allow me to offer the following suggestions, which are among my favorite at-home spa treatments.

I am a sucker for the relaxing scent of lavender combined with the brain-stimulating properties of rosemary.  There’s something about that combination that, for me at least, gets the head right where it needs to be to start the creative juices flowing.  A bath steeped with these herbs is the perfect way to unwind and clear the mind.

For this bath, all you really need is a muslin square large enough to hold your herbs.  You can then tie it up with string and use it like a big teabag in your tub.  If you’re planning on giving this herbal bath as a gift, consider something prettier like those fancy organza gift bags they sell at craft stores.  Alternatively, you could decorate your muslin square with embroidery or other waterproof decorations, and/or tie it up with a fancy ribbon.

Dried herbs for these bags can be as simple as lavender and rosemary alone, or you might add other fragrant herbs such as bay leaves, dried orange or lemon peel or whole cloves.  If you’d like to soften the water a little as well, add a handful of rolled oats.  They won’t add much scent, so you don’t have to worry about them overpowering the herbs you’ve chosen.  Remember to use dried herbs, about a tablespoon or so of the scents you most want to accentuate, as they tend to be more fragrant when steeped than fresh leaves.

The completed herbal bath bags can be stored in an airtight container for up to six months.  To use, just tie the bag to your faucet so that the hot water runs over them as you fill the bath.  Then untie them and let them float in the water while you relax and soak all that tension away.  You can get a nice burst of scent by squeezing the bag and then dropping it back into the water to soak again.

If you only have access to a shower, you can still enjoy the benefits of rosemary and lavender (or any other skin-friendly) aromatherapy.  I’ll first refer you to the post on dry brushing a while back; sprinkle your long-handled brush’s bristles with about two drops each of lavender and rosemary essential oil.  Complete your dry brushing ritual as you normally would and then step into a hot shower.  The aroma is fantastic and you’ll enjoy the benefits of dry brushing, too (just remember to thoroughly clean your brush afterward).  A votre santé ~

Header: Ad for Cannon towels via Mid-Century

Mercredi: The Art of Beauty

The weather here in the frozen North is now so cold that all the humidity has quite literally vanished.  This time of year I always long for a bayou plantation, where my skin would bloom like lilacs without having to pile on enough grease to fill a restaurant sized tub of Crisco.

Especially affected in such crunchy climes are face and hands; but hands tend to take the worst of it.  If you’re washing them as frequently as you really should, it seems that constant re-application of hand cream isn’t even enough.  Cuticles in particular take a beating; ripped and torn they are not only sore but open to any infection lurking on that public transportation or supermarket aisle.

Fortunately for your fingers, making effective cuticle oil at home is easy and quick and much less expensive than buying the kind with petroleum and preservatives in them.  As an added bonus, this one includes the antiseptic properties of rosemary and tea tree oils to keep infections at bay.  Here’s what you’ll need:

1 tbsp jojoba oil

1 tbsp almond oil

5 drops lavender essential oil

5 drops tea tree oil

10 drops rosemary essential oil

Pour the jojoba and almond oils into a small glass bottle, preferably of a dark color such as blue or brown.  This will help preserve the oils without having to hide the bottle in a cupboard.

Add the essential oils, cap tightly and shake gently to combine.

To use, message a few drops into your cuticles and nails before bedtime.  Be sure to give the bottle a gentle shake before each use.  This oil also does wonders for chapped or splitting heels.

If you wish to make a truly elegant cuticle oil as a gift – or as a special treat for yourself – substitute the expensive but worth it essential oil known as rose otto or rose absolute for the lavender oil in this recipe.  In that case, one or two drops should be plenty.  A votre santé ~

Header: LIFE photograph of Marlene Dietrich c 1954

Mercredi: The Art of Giving

With Ramadan behind us, Hanukkah now in full swing, Yule only a day away and Christmas and Kwanza not far behind, most of you have probably wrapped up your shopping for the Holiday season.  I know I have, and I’m thankful for it.

Now is the time when I usually start to think about rewarding myself for a job well done – especially after the big family dinner we’ll be putting together on Sunday.  What I like to do, if I have time to think about it, is get a little something festive to warm my home in the New Year.  Since I’m addicted to deliciously scented candles, I usually turn here.

Dark Candles is a Dallas, Texas based business that opened in 2003.  I have been a patron for seven years and I cannot say enough good things about proprietor and head candle maker Helena and her wonderful products.  Not only does she offer candles in a variety of gothic themed scents, there are also wax melts, scented oil, body care and related products available.  They do ship internationally, so don’t be shy if you aren’t a U.S. resident.

My personal favorite scents are Lilith, Graveyard and – most of all – the minty delight called Winter Solstice.  Click over and poke around if you have a minute; the offerings are extensive and fun. 

Finally, a thank you to Undine and the folks at Poe Head for intelligent discussions in 140 characters that planted the seed for this post.  Following them is worth your while.  A votre santé ~

Header: Winter Solstice logo via darkcandles.com

Mercredi: The Art of Giving

By this junction in the Holiday Season, most of us are pretty much saturated as far as available time.  Gifts, particularly last minute gifts, just aren’t going to be handmade niceties that we’ve loving crafted in our “spare time”.  That often means picking something random that doesn’t have that little extra that we’re longing for.  Sometimes, though, we can find just the right thing and, if it has any value at all, the Internet is certainly valuable in that regard.

Today, in the spirit of encouraging handmade rather than mass produced, I’d like to introduce you to two of my very favorite purveyors of the interesting and the esoteric.  All things that I’m fairly certain anyone who reads HQ occasionally has an interest in.

First up, the delightful offerings over at Pixie Hill.  Run by the dear Knickertwist (whose blog I highly recommend), the Hill offers a number of fanciful, beautiful and just plain endearing items that only the most heartless of Scrooges could resist.  You can find many of the offerings at Pixie Hill online here.  Pop over and check out her designs at your leisure; I’m certain you won’t be disappointed.

In the mood for something a little Voudon meets Pyrate meets “hey, those are kinda cute”?  Then you must peruse Missus Mooney’s Penny Dreadful Poppets.  Mrs. Mooney’s offerings include poppets, spirit dolls (in the tradition of what many people know as “voodoo dolls”) and the seriously cute Pocket Mojo Babies.  These all have a ton of potential, from being christened for serious spiritual use to sure-to-be-a-conversation-starter art piece.  I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the Missus is the better half to my particular friend and fellow corsair, Captain Swallow.

I’m no expert, but I know what I like, and both of these ladies are making quality items with heart.  Whether as gifts or as a little something for yourself, I think you’ll like what they’re dreaming up, too.

Header:  One of Pixie Hill's incredible "tiny houses" via Knickertwist's 

Mercredi: The Art of Giving

I've talked a lot about oils at HQ over the last year.  There are myriad magickal oils used in all disciplines but hoodoo is especially fond of oils for dressing things like mojo bags, talismans and so on.  Oils are a lot easier to make than most people might think but the process is time consuming.  Making magickal oil as a gift for the upcoming season would most likely be right out, but planning ahead for occasions in the coming year is certainly possible.  Then too, at least for me, the cold, dark months are the most conducive to the kind of concentration required for an ongoing magickal working.

First, you need to decide on what herb or herbs you’d like to use.  Dried herbs are really the only choice for making magickal oils and, although purists will tell you that any herb used in magick should be grown, plucked and dried with your own hand, I use the stuff right off the grocery store shelf.  For me, it is not just a matter of convenience but the reality of where I live.  Many herbs grow nicely here in the sub-Arctic but many more will not even sprout without greenhouse conditions.  My black thumb makes that impossible so it’s off to the market I go.  If I can find fresh herbs, I will dry them myself but I won’t stress over it.  Intention counts for a whole lot more than what time of day and with what silver athame you plucked those stalks or leaves.

Next, it’s time to pick an oil.  The very best medium for magickal oils, to my mind, is almond oil.  If you are making oils for food preparation, corn oil works best.  Olive oil is also nice but it is really not good for use in magickal oils as it can go rancid within a year or so. 

You’ll also need some good apple cider vinegar, glass jars with tight lids to hold your oil and herbs, a fine strainer or cheesecloth for removing the herbs from your oil, and a warm, dry place for your oil to steep.

Place about two ounces of dried herbs in a mortal and pestle and really grind them down, as close to a powder as you can.  A cup or bowl and the back of a spoon will serve the same purpose.  Put the crushed herbs in a glass jar and then pour about eight ounces of oil and a very generous tablespoon of vinegar over them.  Seal the lid of your jar and shake gently before putting the whole thing up in a pantry or other warm, dark spot to set up.  Some people set their jar in sunlight but I find that this tends to degrade the oil too quickly.

Two weeks later, strain the oil into a new jar to which another two ounces of herbs have been added.  You can top this off with a bit more oil if you like and then start the whole process again.  Continue in this endeavor every two weeks until the smell of the herbs you are using is pleasingly clear to your nose.  The longer the oil sits, the more the herbal mixture will develop and the more intention and concentration you will be able to infuse it with.

After the oil is strained for the last time (three to four rounds of the process is usually enough), decant it into a nice bottle with a tight sealing lid.  You can mark it for use with a tag or sticker if you like, after which it is ready to give as a gift or go into your magickal cabinet for your own use.  A votre santé ~

Header: Madonna del Vittoria by Andrea Montegna c 1496

Mercredi: The Art of Giving

It happens to be that time of year again.  The one where pretty much all of us, regardless of background, creed or faith, start to think about the giving of gifts.  The problem is that we in the Western world are bombarded by the media blitz of “only the biggest is best”.  If you don’t buy her a diamond, you don’t love her.  Only the largest, most plugged in, most HD-iest TV will do for him.  And as for the kids? iPod, XboX, new phone, laptop…  what is your problem Mom and Dad?

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: no.  You have to put a stop to it at some point and yet – despite the withering of our economy here in the U.S. and elsewhere – we still insist on buying, buying, buying.

But that’s not the point of this post.  Everyone needs to do what’s best for them.  I maintain, however, that something handmade tucked into a stocking or waiting on a breakfast plate is one of the kindest things anyone can do for someone they love.  So I’ll kick off the season with a dream mojo.  Easy to make, easy to use, and full of sweet dreams.  Here’s what you’ll need for four bundles:

5 tbsp dried lavender

25 whole cloves

5 tbsp dried rosemary

1 amethyst bead for each mojo

Four fabric squares about 5” x 5”; your choice of color

Ribbon or thread to tie up your bundles in either matching or coordinating color

Take some time away from your worries to concentrate on putting these dream mojos together for family and/or friends.  Light a candle, put some music on, immerse yourself in a dreamy atmosphere so that you can infuse your work with wishes for pleasant, prophetic dreams.

When you’re ready, combine the herbs in a bowl or cup.  If possible, use your fingers for this and concentrate on the magick of sound sleep.

Next, lay out your fabric squares.  I like to use a soft fabric like silk, satin or velvet in dreamy, night time colors like dark blue or violet but white muslin will work perfectly well.  Distribute the herb mixture evenly into the four fabric squares.  Place a little amethyst bead on each of the piles of herbs; this is to keep away nightmares and restlessness.  No semi-precious stones to hand?  No worries; use a pinch of salt or a large seed such as a pumpkin or sunflower seed to do the same job.

Now you are ready to tie up the bundles with your ribbon or thread.  Remember to use three knots for each before finishing with a bow if you like.  Don’t forget to continue to focus throughout the process.

Give these right away or tuck them into a safe, quiet place for presentation at your holiday celebration with instructions for them to be placed under the receiver’s pillow at bedtime.  And please don’t forget to make one for yourself; you deserve beautiful dreams, too.  A votre santé ~

Header: Dante’s Dream by Dante Gabriel Rossetti c 1871

Mercredi: The Art of Giving

Now that I live in the snowy north I often hark back to the days when seeing snow meant either a several hours long drive up the mountain or slapping a Currier and Ives lithograph on the refrigerator. It occurs to me at that moment that most people live in that kind of situation. Though the descendants of European ancestors tend to think of Christmas, Yule and cetera as cold weather, snowy holidays, they may very well not be. As I write it is 84 and overcast in Caracas, Venezuela and 68 and clear in Sydney, Australia.

I think the lack of the white stuff is particularly hard on kids who see pictures of Santa and the “North Pole” and stockings hanging over a crackling fire. I remember So Cal vividly; a crackling fire is the last thing you want to think about when Christmas dawns at 80 degrees. With this is mind, I thought I would share a couple of simple projects that I learned before we moved to Alaska which can bring a bit of Holiday snow to your home where ever that may be. These projects are a great way to decorate, keep the kids occupied now that school is on hiatus, and teach a little science and magick if you are so inclined.

First up, ice flakes. These are relatively simple but they can be messy and are not a project for young children alone. You will have to help them as these ingredients can cause trouble without supervision. Here’s your list:

White chenille stems
A tall, wide glass jars that can hold more than
2 cups of boiling water (for each jar)
5 tbsps borax (or each jar)
A dowels, pencils or rods of some kind
White string or fishing line and scissors

Cut any number of chenille stems (those foot-long wires covered with fuzzy fabric that used to be called pipe cleaners) into equal thirds. Twist them together to form a six-spoke wheel that looks like an asterisk. Tie some string (or fishing line) to the middle of your pencil and the other end to a spoke of your asterisk.

Set your future flake aside and pour boiling water into the jar followed by the borax, one tablespoon at a time. Stir well; the borax may not totally dissolve, which is fine. Dip your asterisk in the jar, letting the pencil rest on the lips of the jar so that the flake is suspended in the water and borax mixture. Repeat with as many jars and asterisks as you have time for, and then leave your creations on the counter overnight.

The next morning, remove the new ice flake. It will be covered with clear crystals formed by the borax which look very much like ice. Chemistry at work! Help the kids hang these near windows where they will catch the sunlight. Have your children make a wish for the New Year with each flake you hang; there’s the magick. If you’re giving ice flakes as a gift, have the kids make a wish for the recipient instead.

Another, and admittedly less messy, way to make snowflakes is to again use chenille stems but this time string them with silver, clear or white beads until each arm is covered with glittering “gems”. Leave room at the end of each arm to wrap it back around and through the last bead to secure them. Make a loop at the end of one arm to hang the snowflake – either with string or fishing line – from windows, doors or even the tree. This is another great “wishing” project that will keep until the next year when kids can recount whether or not their magickal intention worked. Re-evaluating and even keeping a journal on magickal workings is a wonderful habit to start early; that way you know what might need tweaking next time. Ayez l'amusement ~

Header: Children with lanterns Victorian clipart via The Graphics Fairy

Jeudi: Curios

We've all heard of “Fool’s Gold”, particularly those of use who live in the western United States where innumerable Gold Rushes made fools of more than one man (and just as many women). The technical term for Fool’s Gold is iron disulphide but its common name is pyrite. It is a mineral that looks deceptively like the gold one “pans” for in a river or lake. Because of the principle of like-makes-like, which is very popular in hoodoo and other “folk” practices, pyrite is said to bring success, money and luck.

Pyrite is cleansed, either with holy water or by being left out in the sun (never with salt, which is thought to take away its power), and carried with a person’s cash to draw more. Places of business will keep a hunk of pyrite in the cash register to ensure good sales. Gamblers carry mojo bags that include pyrite to increase their winnings and keep up a streak of luck.

A money drawing mojo bag is made of green flannel and includes a chunk of pyrite and a lodestone to which is added a money drawing herb such as nutmeg, cinnamon, rice or bayberry. The items in the mojo bag should total three and this should be carried daily, if possible close to the skin, and anointed weekly with a money drawing oil like Lodestone, Cinnamon or John the Conqueror oil.

I like to cleanse a few little pieces of pyrite and place one in the toe of each of my family’s stockings (currently hung by the fire with care), with a wish for great success and good luck in the coming year. They can then carry it with them until next Yuletide, when I can start the whole process afresh. Succès à vous et au vôtre ~

Header: Anonymous painting of Elizabeth Woodville wearing cloth of gold c 1495

Mercredi: The Art of Giving

This time of year is about all family members, not just the opposable thumbs variety. At least it is around my house. Since I’m allergic to cats, have a phobia about rodents (with the noted exception of Walter Jr., the bilge rat) and don’t currently share my space with any fish, reptiles or arachnids (despite my ongoing campaign for a tarantula), that means I need to make something giftable for the canine in my life. Maybe you do, too.

This is my favorite dog biscuit recipe. It’s easy, very healthy and really popular with every dog I have ever known, even the ones that turn their snouts up at the store bought variety. It was given to me by my only celebrity friend, the actress Christi Sweeney, on the occasion of my husband and me bringing home our first dogs; two Shar Pei named Magick and Tucker who are now in the land of Good Dogs.

3 cups whole wheat flour
½ cup powdered milk
1 egg
1 cube of beef bouillon
¾ cup boiling water
½ cup cream cheese, soften
¼ tsp salt

Preheat oven to 325.

Dissolve bouillon cube in boiling water and let stand to cool. Meanwhile, mix cream cheese, powdered milk, egg and salt together. Add cooled bouillon and mix well. The batter will be runny. Now add flour one cup at a time and mix thoroughly before moving on to the next cup. The batter will become very stiff; keep after it. While you work, think of your animal companion being healthy and happy, strong and safe throughout the coming year and impart that into your dough.

Roll out on a floured surface to approximately ½ inch thick and cut shapes with cookie or biscuit cutters. Place on a greased or Silpat lined cookie sheet and bake for 40 minutes. Then turn your oven off and leave the biscuits in it for an hour.

Hints: If your dog is allergic to wheat you can use rice flour. The biscuits won’t be as firm but dogs still eat them up. If you really want to go all out for Spot, use chicken fat or lard instead of cream cheese. Finally, look for bone shaped cookie cutters around Halloween; I’ve found two now, both at the market.

Keep the biscuits in a tin or zip top bag for treating your best friend all through the Holidays. Bon appetite mes chiens amis ~

Header: Thor, God of Thunder and official Saint Bernard of chez Pauline, out for a walk last summer

Mercredi: The Art of Giving

Today's is another gift of condiment and this one comes from by own culture. Or one of them anyway. When speaking of Creoles in Louisiana, the reference is pretty specific. Creoles are the descendants of French people who came to Louisiana – usually New Orleans – directly from France. Though often confused with Cajuns (Acadians who were expelled from modern Canada by the British in the late 17th century and migrated to Louisiana), we are not the same thing. In fact, one will generally bristle at being called the other.

One thing Cajuns and Creoles tend to agree on, with only minor tweaks here and there, is food. Oh sure, Creoles like their tomatoes a little better and dark roux is more of a Cajun thing but very few of us are picky as long as it tastes good. I know for a fact that we all enjoy Creole mustard. Whether we’re adding it to salad dressing, slathering it on a po-boy or using it as a spicy dip, it’s all good. Here is a recipe that I got from my father’s Aunt. I like to give it as a gift as a way to introduce my friends to the flavors of my ancestry. And they usually end up asking for more!

½ cup champagne vinegar
2 tbsps water
2 tbsps olive oil
1/8 tsp celery seed
Pepper to taste
1 clove garlic, sliced
½ tsp salt
½ tsp sugar
¼ cup whole mustard seed
2 tbsps dry mustard

Combine the vinegar (if you don’t have champagne vinegar, white wine vinegar works fine) and the next seven ingredients in a small saucepan. Cover tightly and bring to a rapid boil. When the mixture boils, immediately remove the pan from the heat and allow it to sit, with the lid on, for 40 minutes.

Strain the liquid through cheesecloth. Put the mustard seed and dry mustard into a blender (or a food processor if you have one) and blend for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the liquid and blend until the mixture thickens. Personally, I like to blend the mustard seed and dry mustard and then use a whisk to mix in the liquid. It’s a little more traditional and it’s good for the arm muscles. As you mix, concentrate on the mustard bringing good fortune and protection from harm to anyone who tries your spicy condiment.

Put the mixture into a glass jar (one of those canning jars for jam works well) with a tight lid. The mustard will keep almost indefinitely in the refrigerator and has a million uses. Donner joyeux ~

Header: The house at 628 Dumaine St. in New Orleans, known as Madame John’s Legacy, where my ancestor Renato Beluche was born on Dec 15, 1780

Mercdredi: The Art of Giving

For these next few Wednesdays, HQ’s “Art of Beauty” posts will morph into the “Art of Giving”. I’ll post some of my favorite easy to make gifts that you can throw together in a couple of hours (usually) and have ready for the hostess, fellow volunteer or overnight guest. Who doesn’t appreciate a thoughtful, handcrafted gift over something hastily pulled from a store shelf, after all?

Today, herbed oils. Really all you need it good olive oil, a nice cruet or glass bottle (with or without one of those fancy metal tops that pour “just the right amount” Martha Stewart style) and access to herbs. Here are two recipes I’m fond of:

Basil Oil

3 to 5 tbsps basil leaves (depending on the taste of your recipient)
1 cup boiling water
2 cups olive oil

Put the leaves in a glass bowl and cover with boiling water. Let stand for two minutes and drain. Dry the leaves slightly between two sheets of paper towel. Chop the leaves very fine and then add them to two tablespoons of oil. Mash this mixture with a fork until it achieves the consistency akin to baby food. Alternatively, mix oil and basil in a food processor if you have access to one.

Place the basil mixture along with the remaining olive oil in a jar with a tight fitting lid and store for at least two days or up to a week. Strain the mixture through muslin and then decant your oil into the bottle of your choice.

This oil is insanely good on a tomato and mozzarella salad or in a vinaigrette. Handle your basil with intent to infuse wishes for friendship, prosperity and protection into this gift.

Rosemary and Garlic Oil
4 sprigs of rosemary
3 garlic cloves, peeled
2 cups olive oil

Hit the rosemary and garlic a time or two with the flat of a knife to open them up a little. Put both herbs directly into the bottle you will be using for the gift and pour in the oil

Again, set this a side for a day or two before giving. The longer it sits the more flavorful it becomes.

This is a great blend to brown meats in and is wonderful for dipping bread because it holds its own with balsamic vinegar. Use intent when bruising your rosemary and garlic to impart love and a youthful attitude (rosemary) and protection and health (garlic). Les meilleurs voeux ~

Header: Girl with a Wineglass by Vermeer