RE: Just a few thoughts

[Belladonnarose]

I would like to know a few things from those who are a part of the board:

1. What are your areas of expertise?


2. What would you like to learn more about?


3. If you were to take a metaphysical class (either online or in person), what classes are you most likely to take?


4. Are there any classes you would like to teach, if given the opportunity?


Thanks

[stevie]

1. What are your areas of expertise? - Second sight


2. What would you like to learn more about? - Scrying


3. If you were to take a metaphysical class (either online or in person), what classes are you most likely to take? - yes yes board:)


4. Are there any classes you would like to teach, if given the opportunity? - Palmistry

[Belladonnarose]

Palmistry is one thing I must confess I do not know much about. Very cool!

[Belladonnarose]

And for me:

1. Areas of expertise are: Divination (especially runes, pendulum, and tarot), Energy Work, Herbology, Healing (especially Reiki), Hermeticism, Ritual Work

2. I am rusty on scrying. I know how to do it, but I have to be able to shut my conscious mind off lol. Same with meditation, and spirit work.

3. Class-wise, I am currently preparing for my Reiki Master classes, which is my main focus. My second focus is alchemy. I would really like to study anything though!!!

4. I am currently in charge of clergy training for the coven, so it involves a lot of class preparation. I have taught classes on: The History of Witchcraft (Pagan Pride Day 2005), Runes (Summer 2008), Psychic Vampires (April 2011), Introduction to Hermeticism/Hermetic Principles (June 2011), and Energy Work (June-July 2011). I am also preparing classes on Healing and Divination (Including Runes, Tarot, Pendulum, as well as other forms such as cowrie shells and tea leaves). Eventually I would love to do an Herbology session, but it will take awhile to prepare for it, as I would like to include a compendium of herbs, which is taking forever to create! I would also like to teach about ancient Greek cults (including ancient divination) and how to adapt ancient practices for the modern pagan. Finally, I am working on a complete 101 series (which I have been told to send to the publisher when complete. We'll see on that one).

I wish I didn't have grad school at times lol. I would have time to work on all this stuff then!!!!!

I would eventually like for the members of this board to be able to share their areas of expertise with others. I think it would be really cool to see how other people interpret different things (ie with Runes, some people lay them out like tarot cards, while I prefer to cast them and interpret the patterns in which they fall. In all my research, I have not seen many people elaborate on how to do this!)

[Emi]

1. Animals, definitely.


2. I want to learn more about healing and meditation. Or... I guess it's not so much learning about meditation as just doing it more.


3. I would take just about any class. Probably not so much history, but I'm curious about all different types of magic, and want to learn as much as I can.


4. Animal magic, obviously. It's a big thing with me. I'm very connected to them.

[stevie]

its nice to see you take your education serious!
herbs fascinating me i hope to learn more about them someday...

[Belladonnarose]

Herbs are amazing. It is very funny how I got into studying them. Many years ago, I was at Barnes and Nobles (when their metaphysical section was still amazing), and was wanting to buy a book, but didn't know what to buy. So I just asked to make the right book known to me. Well, two seconds later, Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs LITERALLY flew off the shelf and hit me in the head! How's that for a hint??? lol.

Since then I've started growing my own plants, and Emi calls me the coven herbologist lol. Even if you live in an apartment, you should try growing something (I currently do, and my balcony is covered in greenery!!!) It is so rewarding, especially when you start to attract things, from fey to butterflies.

Cunningham's book is great for beginners, as is A. J. Drew's A Wiccan Formulary and Herbal. I started with trying to do oil mixtures (aromatherapy is still one of my very strong points) and teas. There is so much you can do with plants!!!!

If you ever have any questions, please ask away!!!!! And when I get to the point where I am able to teach an herbology class, I will let you know, and send you my notes

[Emi]

You are our herbologist! lol

[Emi]

Actually, come to think of it, I'm kind of interested in shapeshifting. Actually becoming the animal.

[stevie]

is there a good combination of oils to mix like to make a masculine sent?
just wondering looking for something other than aftershave that wont offend the ladies.lol

[Belladonnarose]

Try starting with patchouli as your base. it is earthy and a common scent in male colognes. From there, you can add small amounts of other scents, such as sandalwood (another earthy scent), citrusey scents like lemongrass, bergamot, or orange, or even lavender and vanilla. Other masculine scents are ginger, black pepper, vetiver, or musk. It takes a bit of experimentation to find the right combination for you. Once you find it though, keep in mind that certain scents can sour once applied, based on the skin's ph level. I, for instance, cannot wear anything with citrus, as the perfume changes and sours once I apply it. It's a shame, because I love lemongrass and bergamot. I do best with the florals: jasmine, rose, lilac and violet.

Once you find a scent you like, I would do a trial run to make sure it doesn't sour on you, then if it is a go, you can make a larger amount. There is a way to make it into a cologne, but the method escapes me right now. I have to go through my notes. It involves perfumer's alcohol (you can also use high-proof vodka!).
Try about 3-4 ounces of the alcohol, and add about 60 total drops of the oil. You will need to shake it before every application.

Good luck!!!

[stevie]

thank you!
thats very helpful.
your a real sweetheart:)