I'm new with a few ritual questions

[taki yume]

Merry meet, everyone.

I don't really know where to begin so I guess I'll just ramble away:

My name is Taki Yume. I'm Wiccan rather than Pagan, but from what I've seen here everyone is pretty tolerant of each other. I just discovered the real beliefs of Paganism and Witchcraft and Wicca a few months ago, and it just all goes completely hand in hand with everything that I've ever believed. Well, maybe not the Gods and Goddesses bit...but after I thought about it for a while, it made more sense to me than just one "All Powerful Male Deity" (please don't take offence, I fully respect those who believe in the Christain/Catholic/Jewish/Muslim/whatever-els-I-forgot God). My family is Jewish (except for my mom, she's Christain) and dispite what they say, I know that if they found out my interest, belief, and practice in Witchcraft and Wicca, they'd flip out and hire a priest/rabbi to preform an exosism or something...(sadness). Unfortunately, I'm stuck living with my intolerant family for another year...

So yes. That's a bit about my background (though its not nearly all of it..lol)...I mentioned that I have a few ritual questions, I hope people read this far and respond because I'm extremely confused. (And I hope that people don't think that I'm just playing around with magic and don't take it seriously: I do. I've been studying Wicca and Witchcraft in general for over 6 months. I fully believe in the God and Goddess. I adore this religion, I really do.)

I found a ritual/spell in a book of mine that I'd like to preform, but part of the setup says to "sage the room". I don't understand what that means. Am I supposed to bless, empower and then sprinkle the sage around the room I'm in, or do I burn the sage, or something else?
The spell also call's for Dragon's Blood Ink. I can't find and Metaphysical Shops in my area, and I can't buy it from an online one because of my current living condition. I tried searching the internet for what Dragon's Blood really is (the real name of the herb since (I believe) "Dragon's Blood" is a folk name). I found a web site that said it was Palm Tree Resin. Is that correct? If so, does anyone know where I can buy that? (I also need Gum Resin and don't know where to find that. Plus, the recipe for the ink calls for alcohol in it, but do I use drinking alcohol (like vodka or rum or something) or rubbing alcohol?)

I'm sure there's another place that I should post this, but I don't have a lot of time and I don't want my dad to catch me on this site...(he almost did a mintue ago too...T.T)

Thanks everyone, I hope I don't seem too much like a newbie (or a fake >.<)!

[nag champa]

I'll assume the phrase "sage the room" here refers to the native american practice of smudging, which uses the smoke produced by smoldering bundles of sage to cleanse, purify, and consecrate an area or object for ritual or cermonial use.

Dragon's Blood usually refers to the resin collected from the immature fruits of the Daemonorops draco plant, which is, as you have read, a member of the Palmacea. You may have luck finding the resin for sale at an indian grocery, although I'm not sure what name they might trade under. Any herbal shop or health store should be able to special order it for you.

The alcohol used for inks should be the highest percentage "rubbing" alcohol you can find; 70% or higher. It's used to dissolve the resin and hold it in solution; a more aqueous alcohol will cause your ink to dry slowly and smudge.

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[Brenda]

Merry meet and welcome to MW :)

[Teresa]

:welcome: I would have to agree that they are talking about cleansing the room with a sage smudging stick.

[Strega Del Vento]

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[Karma Chameleon]

:wave: Hello and Welcome! :wave:

[taki yume]

Thank you to everyone who's welcomed me to Mystic Wicks, and a very, VERY big thank you to Nag Champa. You really helped me out, and I understand a lot more on how to make the ink. The sage smudging stick still has me a bit bewildered, but it does make a lot more sense to me now.

Thank you again! <3

[Flar's Freyja]

Thank you to everyone who's welcomed me to Mystic Wicks, and a very, VERY big thank you to Nag Champa. You really helped me out, and I understand a lot more on how to make the ink. The sage smudging stick still has me a bit bewildered, but it does make a lot more sense to me now.

Thank you again! <3

You can also use dried sage leaves on a piece of charcoal like incense, it doesn't have to be a stick. You can find fresh sage in the produce depts of many grocery stores.

If you don't have sage, you can smudge with any incense for cleansing.

There's a lot of helpful basic info here:

The MW Book of Shadows (http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=21667)

:welcome:

Pull up a chair and cast a sit spell on it :heartthro Flar7 :lilangel:

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[Sun Sprite]

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[DixieWitch]

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[taki yume]

You can also use dried sage leaves on a piece of charcoal like incense, it doesn't have to be a stick. You can find fresh sage in the produce depts of many grocery stores.

If you don't have sage, you can smudge with any incense for cleansing.

There's a lot of helpful basic info here:

The MW Book of Shadows (http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=21667)

Thank you <3
I'm definately going to check out the MW BOS. I didn't even know it was there! (I haven't had much time to explore yet.)

Thanks again everyone!
~Taki Yume

[AlAskendir]

Welcome Taki!


You can find fresh sage in the produce depts of many grocery stores.

You can, but be aware that this isn't the same herb - - - the aroma and flavor (and thus I assume the metaphysical properties) are entirely different from the collections of sage brush that I have seen used for smudging; but as with any tool, intent is far more important that anything else....

[taki yume]

Welcome Taki!



You can, but be aware that this isn't the same herb - - - the aroma and flavor (and thus I assume the metaphysical properties) are entirely different from the collections of sage brush that I have seen used for smudging; but as with any tool, intent is far more important that anything else....

Thanks for the warning about the differences between types of sage, Al. I'll be sure to keep that in mind in the future (I knew there were different kinds, but I didn't really think about the differences. What a novice I really am! ^_^;)

[tru]

:wave:Welcome to MW!!:wave:

[Mickie Mueller]

Hi Taki Yume,

If you have never smudged with sage, here's how, it's pretty easy.

First you'll have to find a sage bundle, most new age/pagan shops carry them, it's a bundle of sage wrapped up with string, if you're not sure, just ask someone for a sage bundle, and they'll lead you in the right direction. You light the tip of it the way you would an incense stick, until it starts to smoulder, then blow it out. The you can simply use your hand to sort of push or fan the smoke around the area. You can also smudge yourself in a similar fashion. Sage has a very purifying vibration and is great for cleansing an area of negative energy.

Here is another option if you can't find a sage bundle, Pick up some dried sage leaf from the grocery store. Yep, it's pretty much the same thing. place a small pile of it in a fire proof container and light it with a lighter until it starts to glow. It will burn ok on it's own, but if you have those little charcoal disks for burning resin incense it's a lot easier. Do not try to use BBQ charcoal, it released toxins and can make you very sick. Anyway, you simply light the charcoal disk (follow the instructions on the pack) and once it is hot, put some sage on it and fan it the same way as you would with a sage bundle.

Anyway, I hope that helps!

Good luck!

Mickie

[spirit wind]

:smile:Welcome to Mystic Wicks:smile:

[Flar's Freyja]

Welcome Taki!



You can, but be aware that this isn't the same herb - - - the aroma and flavor (and thus I assume the metaphysical properties) are entirely different from the collections of sage brush that I have seen used for smudging; but as with any tool, intent is far more important that anything else....

Here in Oklahoma, it is the very same sage you can buy in an herb shop but it's fresh and needs to be dried before burning. It is kept in the produce department, with the fruits and vegetables.

The sage in spice jars is also the same sage, dried and chopped up. It's just green instead of the white sage that most pagan shops sell for smudging.

The most wonderful thing about our path is that you can improvise and substitute when necessary. The intent is what matters.

Taki, if you can't find any, I grew some this year and can send you some. This is the first year I've grown it so I don't have a lot. I should have 3-4x as much next year.

[daughtersleep]

:ringaroun
Welcome! I give thee a cookie... _cookie_

[taki yume]

Taki, if you can't find any, I grew some this year and can send you some. This is the first year I've grown it so I don't have a lot. I should have 3-4x as much next year.


Thank's for the offer Flar, but I'm sure the local Ukrop's or Kroger will have some.

-^..^- I completely adore everyone here!

~Taki Yume

[taki yume]

Hi Taki Yume,

If you have never smudged with sage, here's how, it's pretty easy.

First you'll have to find a sage bundle, most new age/pagan shops carry them, it's a bundle of sage wrapped up with string, if you're not sure, just ask someone for a sage bundle, and they'll lead you in the right direction. You light the tip of it the way you would an incense stick, until it starts to smoulder, then blow it out. The you can simply use your hand to sort of push or fan the smoke around the area. You can also smudge yourself in a similar fashion. Sage has a very purifying vibration and is great for cleansing an area of negative energy.

Here is another option if you can't find a sage bundle, Pick up some dried sage leaf from the grocery store. Yep, it's pretty much the same thing. place a small pile of it in a fire proof container and light it with a lighter until it starts to glow. It will burn ok on it's own, but if you have those little charcoal disks for burning resin incense it's a lot easier. Do not try to use BBQ charcoal, it released toxins and can make you very sick. Anyway, you simply light the charcoal disk (follow the instructions on the pack) and once it is hot, put some sage on it and fan it the same way as you would with a sage bundle.
Mickie



Thanks for the walk through Mickie! <3
I wish that there was a new age/pagan/metaphysical shop around here, but there are none in the state of Virginia...or if there are any, they're not listed in the phone book :p

Do you have to buy the charcoal disk at new age type shops too, or do regular places (hobby/craft stores or something) sell them? Just wondering...it'd be nice to have some, or know an alternate place to buy them, if i need some in the future.

Thanks so much! <33

~Taki Yume

[BlackMagicalCat]

Welcome friendhttp://www.mysticwicks.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=49057&stc=1

[nag champa]

Do you have to buy the charcoal disk at new age type shops too, or do regular places (hobby/craft stores or something) sell them? Just wondering...it'd be nice to have some, or know an alternate place to buy them, if i need some in the future.

One of the most reliable sources for incense charcoal is your local catholic supply shop. You'll find they offer a variey of charcoals, as well as censors, resins and candles. Best of all, they're less pricey than new age shops.

[taki yume]

cool, thanks! I *think* there's one that's not too far from where I live...^_^

[Flar's Freyja]

Hi Taki Yume,

If you have never smudged with sage, here's how, it's pretty easy.

First you'll have to find a sage bundle, most new age/pagan shops carry them, it's a bundle of sage wrapped up with string, if you're not sure, just ask someone for a sage bundle, and they'll lead you in the right direction. You light the tip of it the way you would an incense stick, until it starts to smoulder, then blow it out. The you can simply use your hand to sort of push or fan the smoke around the area. You can also smudge yourself in a similar fashion. Sage has a very purifying vibration and is great for cleansing an area of negative energy.

Here is another option if you can't find a sage bundle, Pick up some dried sage leaf from the grocery store. Yep, it's pretty much the same thing. place a small pile of it in a fire proof container and light it with a lighter until it starts to glow. It will burn ok on it's own, but if you have those little charcoal disks for burning resin incense it's a lot easier. Do not try to use BBQ charcoal, it released toxins and can make you very sick. Anyway, you simply light the charcoal disk (follow the instructions on the pack) and once it is hot, put some sage on it and fan it the same way as you would with a sage bundle.

Anyway, I hope that helps!

Good luck!

Mickie

:muwaha: I have yet to find a sage bundle that stayed lit, especially if it was an overpriced one from a new age shop. I much prefer loose leaves.

Abalone shells and cast iron cauldrons are great for fireproof containers. You can find the shells at crafts stores like Michael's. I found my cauldron at a flea market/antique mall for a fraction of what new age and pagan shops charge, and it's a antique.

[taki yume]

:muwaha: I have yet to find a sage bundle that stayed lit, especially if it was an overpriced one from a new age shop. I much prefer loose leaves.

Abalone shells and cast iron cauldrons are great for fireproof containers. You can find the shells at crafts stores like Michael's. I found my cauldron at a flea market/antique mall for a fraction of what new age and pagan shops charge, and it's a antique.


Awsome! Thanks for the information (and the warning about how much more expensive new age shops are. I never knew...>.>; )

[Mouse]

Heya and welcome... This is just a humble place we call home, and hopefully you will too.

Don't worry so much about people who think your just "playing" at being wiccan. The problem is a lot of young people (and i'm assumeing you're about my age because of the way you speak and the fact your living at home but if im wrong correct me) are because they think it's cool. Just stick with it, ask your question regardless of how stupid you might feel. You don't have to justify yourself to anyone. Don't forget, we were all newbies once. :)

The other thing is, (if i didnt read it wrong) you say you are wiccan but not pagan. I'm not trying to pick on you but wicca is a branch of the pagan tree, so technically you are both. you can be pagan without being wiccan, but it doesn't make a lot of scence to be wiccan and not pagan. I hope that made scence!!

Also with things like dragon's blood which are hard to find just find something else with the desired qualities to substitute. Intent is very important, (as is the ability to chanel and release your will) but things (herbs, rocks, scents) have their own inherent power which we work with, so it does matter what you use, at least to some extent. If it feels right.. do it!

Gee, i must be feeling talkative today lol. I was just gonna welcome you and then be gone. oh well *waves* nice to meet you. PM me if your bored and want to chat or something.
~miriam

[fangedeshana]

Welcome! I hope you enjoy your stay!

And, technically Wiccans are Pagans (though, not all Pagans are Wiccan). Pagan is a unbrella term that Wiccans fall under. But you could just be saying you prefer to call youself Wiccan, over the term Pagan, in which case, you possibly already know that. :P

[Lunacie]

Hello, taki yume, welcome to MW (MysticWicks). http://mysticwicks.com/images/smilies/hello.gif


Sage is used for cleansing a space or an aura of negative icky-sticky stuff. You can burn it, or simply crumble the dried leaves around the space you’re using. Sage actually has the effect of cleansing that gunk from a space the same way using citronella keeps mosquitos away from your outdoor party. The effect is inherent in the sage, you don’t have to bless it before using it, but you can if you want the practice or feel it works better that way.


You can also use a besom (blessed broom) or a feather wand to cleanse the space or cleanse your aura. Or you can simply focus your will and your intent and visualize white light (universal light, divine light) pouring down over you and washing away the muck that is stuck to your aura or clouding your sacred space.


Here is what one of our favorite authors (and beloved poster here on MW), Yasmine Galenorn, has to say about substituting one thing for another one (such as Dragon’s Blood ink) that’s called for in a ritual written by someone else. [The best rituals of course are written specifically for your purpose by you.] http://www.twpt.com/improvisation.htm (http://www.twpt.com/improvisation.htm) Some rituals will call for special paper to write spells on as well as special inks, and even quill pens. They help some people to feel the power in a spell more strongly, but I use plain old paper and a ballpoint ink pen – although I do prefer red or purple ink. http://mysticwicks.com/images/smilies/cackle.gif


A great place to look for new age or metaphysical shops in your area is WitchVox. http://www.witchvox.com/vn/sh/usva_sh.html (http://www.witchvox.com/vn/sh/usva_sh.html). However, as someone else said, many of the best things for our altars and rituals come to us through flea markets and thrift stores and yard sales. A simple cleansing (or smudging) and blessing and they are ready to use.

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[WICCANWAY37]

"Welcome"

[MAR]

:welcome: to the community! Nice to meet you!

[taki yume]

Thanks everyone for welcoming me and helping me out with the questions I had! <33

Blessed Be, everyone!
~Taki Yume

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