24th Spell - The Venus, Sara

I got a pet! Er, sort of.

One day, my friend Kieran took me to Lowe's and purchased me a very cute pet. What kind of pet do they sell at a home improvement store, huh?

A pet plant, that's what!

This is a picture of Sara, my Venus Flytrap. Isn't she cute? After reading the care instructions and putting her in the window, my curiosity got the better of me. I decided to look up some of the magical properties for the plant. Of course, you learn a lot when you research.

The scientific name for the plant is Dionaea muscipula. While the common name is of course a direct allusion to Venus, the Roman goddess of Love, its scientific name has its own meaning itself.

The etymology behind the genus name Dionaea is in reference to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of Love. It literally means "daughter of Dione", whom was noted down as Aphrodite's primary mother in Homer's Iliad. The word muscipula is Latin for "mouse trap". With that in mind, it would make sense that the magical properties of the Venus flytrap, especially if it so reputable as a houseplant, would be good for the protection of the hearth and home.

And the name Sara? Well, the name is Hebrew, the meaning being 'Princess'. So while the name is fitting (she's the Princess of Hearth Protection!), I was thinking about another Sara entirely.

Have any houseplants yourself? Feel free to take a gander in your house! You might be surprised what you find, and what it means! And when you're done, you can leave a comment here and tell me all about it!

23rd Spell - Goldstone

Finding a job is hard.

For people who have wondered where I've been the past couple of months, here is your answer. Job hunting. Still. Oh, and of course wallowing about in my own depression.

"Why does no one want meeeeee."

Which feels true. There are days when I sit and seriously wonder who did I piss off? Well, you know, other than the hex that my girlfriend's grandmother put on me. A part of me wonders if this is some kind of frutation of this event. But, like a good University Witch, I decided to attempt to remedy my rut in various ways.

1. Cleaning. We started cleaning up the apartment with Lore in an attempt to stir up any built up negative energy. It certainly felt good, at least, but its not going to get the bills paid.

2. Keep searching. Though blind ads or online applications (I have no idea how many I've filled out or how many resumes I've turned in), I merely kept putting it in (and looking through my email, I was on average sending out 3 applications a day! 

3. Wallowing in self-pity and misery. WHHYYYYYYY MEEEEEEEEE.

4. When all else fails--

...Magick.

One of my recent endeavors was going to a pleasant little shoppe in Dallas called The Labyrinth, a metaphysical shoppe that my friend Kieran and I will visit from time-to-time on Saturdays. A couple of weekends ago, we gazed at the candles and I spotted one that looked like could do the trick for my dilemma. The color and label caught my eye:

[Prosperity OOH LA LA SHINY CANDLE]

...No that... wasn't the actual label but, its an accurate representation of my thought process as I reached with entranced, child-like eyes for the yellow-and-green candle. Since I was unfortunately broke, Kieran was kind enough to buy it for me in an attempt to boost my good fortune.

Now, I have nothing against their candles. In fact, I purchased one about two week prior to that one--a beautiful white one with the label [Visions] across it that worked wonders for the dreams I was attempting to decode. However, this particular candle didn't seem to do anything for me, as pretty and good-smelling as it was.

Those two weeks passed and still no job.

I was coming up close to my third solid month of being unemployed. That's when we started really cleaning up the apartment in an attempt to cause some havoc... or rather, disperse it.

While I was cleaning out the bedroom, I pulled out a strange handful of stuff. A quarter, a dime, a nickle.... and a small plastic bag with a stone inside. I stared at it blankly before I realized what it was--a Goldstone, which is known for "creating prosperity from nothing", in a tribute to alchemists from times past.

I held the stone in my hand quietly, staring at it. 

There are times when you feel like all hope is lost. But then there are small moments that make you feel... maybe things will be all right.

...If I was the type, I would have perhaps started crying.

Out of relief, of course.

22nd Spell - The Curse

When I answered the phone groggily from my bed, Lore's grandmother was on the other line, and she was casting a voodoo hex on me.

I stayed on the line as she chanted my name, basically told me to die and get hit by a car or something, and said that the “devil was going to take my soul” before hanging up on me. I stared blankly at the phone for a moment, before setting it down on the bedside table, and laying back in bed with the confused look still on my face. Lore was in the bathroom at the time.

My body was shaking.

But it wasn't in fear, oh no.

It was almost as if a surge of magickal energy had rushed through me, practically begging me to put it to use. It was consisted entirely of a strange mixture that included rage, justice, and just plain will-power. I couldn't believe what had happened.

Lore has had problems with her family but I had thought her grandmother and her were all right. I could only imagine what Lore's mother must have said to her to get her riled up like that. She just threatened my life over the phone. Wasn't that grounds for some minor legal action? Why did it always come down to suing each other with Lore's family?

I was still tired, but I was sincerely thinking about calling the cops. Sure, she used references to cursing me and casting voodoo on me and all of that, but in the end, she was still hoping that I'd be killed. In the end, I decided doing anything wasn't worth it in the long run, at least not for what seemed like some foolish family feud.

During the conversation, all I had managed to say were a few things. Most notably, at the end, when I stated, “...Your words will do nothing to me. You're asking for my evil to come back to me... and I have done nothing, and so, nothing shall happened.” I know the Threefold Rule. I also know basic multiplication. Times it by three, ten, one-hundred, how every many numbers you want: when you multiply by zero, you still get zero.

Why, one must wonder, do people cast curses? While this is a long, drawn out explanation with plenty of history behind it (perhaps I shall go over it at a later date), there is one thing that always comes to my mind when I think of curses.

Before Lore left for work, I had done a protection spell on her. I took sage and burned it in the house, around every door and window, and in every room. We both shook the Witch Bottle. She looked to me with that usually smiling face of hers, but her usual, slightly-cocky look was gone and filled with worry as she gazed at me. Lore told me she was anxious.

“I'm not,” I stated faintly as I held the steadily burning sage incense stick in my hand. “...Because no harm will come to me.” But curses don't just vanish into thin air. They will always go somewhere. “...But your grandmother is foolish. She's trying to curse me... and we all know the best way to hurt someone...

“Is to hurt the people you care for,” We both said in unison.

When she left the house, I stood in the dining room, moving the stick on incense in front of me, around me, meditating, zoning out, and allowing myself to become completely focused on the scent of sage and the calming air around me as I enveloped myself into an attuned state.

Cast whatever curse you wish on me

It will only come back to thee.

Harm not I, nor yourself, or she.

But if pain comes with the retribution

Then I hope you learn your lesson.

Only one can rain down hatred and hurt

Your God, my God, our God.

Heed these words:

I bear you no ill-will

Just the inevitable.

If you ever find yourself in a bad position in life, and someone curses you, always be wary. No, not all people believe in magick, but there is magick in every person. You curse someone by wishing them misfortune and hurt fueled by your own hatred... so think about everything that you say.

...Because it will come back to you.

21st Spell - Techno-Witchcraft

Lore always cracks jokes at how technologically-challenged she is, but that's truly not the case. Entirely, at least. But, I'm a gadget and tech-nerd, so automatically my tech-savvy trumps hers. I love the newest shiny things, even if I can't afford them. An important part of magick to me is to find it in everything... even in science and technology. Though, any other form of media will tell you that science and magick don't mix together (anyone ever read Saiyuki)?

A couple of days ago, I got one of my Yule gifts from Lore in the mail. It was a little belated, but I didn't mind at all. So what was this gift?

A Kindle Touch.

"Heavenly Lights" only included with the addition of imagination.

When I initially received it, I thought it was a strange gift. I wasn't a big fiction reader, and had no idea as to what I would use it for. Though, it would be a great gateway to start reading more, but it was missing the feel of holding a real, hard book in your hands.

So what could I use it for?

I thought about it for awhile, but when I looked more into its features (it even had its own email address, how cool was that?!), an idea struck me.

I had always been tech-savvy, on the go... the idea of a portable library suddenly became extremely intriguing. While no, it could never truly replicate the feel of an actual library, the thought was certainly powerful in its own right: so much knowledge at your fingertips. And, with the ability to import documents onto the Kindle, I immediately fell in love with the idea:

An electronic Book of Shadows.

I immediately downloaded a few starter books and things of interest for the beginnings of a BOS. What did I want to put in here? I decided to start with basic things such as a book on amulets and stones, as well as one on herbs for magickal as well as practical uses. I was never very big on spellbooks, but I thought that if there were any that did catch my interest... I could keep them on here! Also, with the document uploader, I could easy write notes and put them on the Kindle, or email the Kindle itself!

I gave it a name: BOSS, which is short for... well, you wouldn't get it.

I had written a book over a year ago, which was what prompted me to start up this blog. Since all it does is sit on my computer collecting dust, perhaps I'll publish it so it can be downloaded as an eBook. Wouldn't that be swell? I had often thought of tech ways to have a BOS... and really, this is a lot smaller and cheaper than a netbook, or keeping it all on an easily losable USB drive that you still have to plug into a computer.

So what does Lore have to think about all of this so called “techno-witchcraft”?

Lore has her own idea for the Kindle... a Kitchen Witch's compilation of recipe books.

20th Spell - Behold! The Magickal Housewife!

The New Year was fast approaching, and I knew that I needed to work on some major changes in my life, and everything surrounding it. For instance...

Lets pretend I can draw for a moment and assume this is garbage.

...Oh, wait.

I really needed to clean.

I was waiting for the right opportunity, and it came to me on Tuesday, the 27^th of December. What luck! It was close to the end of the year, so this was the perfect time to begin my venture. Lore was going to be out for the day with her friends, so I rolled up my theoretical sleeves and started doing what I've probably been meaning to do since we moved into this place.

Really, really clean.

I didn't know where to start—that was how overwhelming the mess was. Since Lore's younger brother was going to be staying for a bit at our apartment come this week, I decided to start on the living room, since that was where he was going to be sleeping at. It only made sense that was where I planned on starting my Feng Shui journey.

As soon as I started cleaning... it felt awesome.

I could literally feel all of the built up negativity that had been lingering in the apartment vanishing. I ruffled up messy counter tops, deciding to start simple and just get rid of any trash. Now, when you think trash, you think, well... what goes into the bin everyday. No, we didn't just have garbage laying around everywhere. But at the same time, we did.

Old receipts, junk mail, the coupon circulars, old magazines, paycheck stubs, old sketches, directions to people's houses, business cards we would never look at, wrapping paper and tissue paper from Christmas... nothing escaped my purifying gaze as I plowed through the living room, dining room, and bar area. I was slowly becoming shocked about just how much crap was lying around!

After almost two hours, I finally eliminated all of the trash in the living and dining room.

I was the goddamn goddess of this condominium!

I sat down, taking a breather from all the work I had been doing. Just by eliminating trash, this place looked so much better! It seemed that the mess was really just clutter that had taken over everything. Now, it was a matter of starting in one place, and slowly filtering everything into the appropriate rooms. If I was able to get that done, I could target each room of the apartment individually, without worrying that books that needed to be on the shelves in the closet were strewn about the living room, or hairbrushes and the straightening iron was sitting in the living room when they needed to be in the bathroom.

I decided to start in the dining room, since there were things merely sitting on the dining room table... when that was supposed to be the table for eating or, sometimes working as we didn't have an office room or anything of the sort. I kept on stealing glances at the Christmas tree that sat innocently in its corner in the living room. I would have to figure out what to do with it later.

For now, I began in the dining room. I started sorting out things, before I realized the carpet was really catching my attention. The next thing I knew, I was on my hands and knees, showing no fear as I reached underneath couches and collect trash and tokens of livelihood. Sure enough, rubbish, rubbish, and more rubbish. I tossed them into another trash bag, now on my third. I even somewhere along the way took off the ornaments from the Christmas tree, moved chairs and vacuumed. I realized we needed a better vacuum than the one we had.

As I cleaned, and the space became, well, actually that, I felt... cleaner. Energized. The more I cleaned, the more invigorated I became. I was dispelling all the negativity that had latched onto my house... and it was glorious!

Glorious.

For some reason, as I kept on cleaning, its purifying abilities soared me to higher spirits. I couldn't wait for Lore to get home... maybe she would feel it too. Suddenly, the ability to succeed in everything I tried or did seemed to come soaring at me. Every moment I cleaned, I felt great.

Thinking of cleaning from a magickal perspective made it easier for me, as well. Imaging myself as some kind of scholarly mage utilizing my awesome techniques to purge the demons that dwelled in my abode certainly made it all the more interesting.

There's still a lot more to do, but, at least now, the living room and dining room are clean!

19th Spell - What Santa Stands For

This is a poem I wrote about what happened to me at work. I hope this can inspire you to make sure you have a happy Yule, Christmas, Hanukkah... whatever you celebrate, and to make kind choices this holiday season.

What Santa Stands For

Twas the night before Sunday

And all through the mall

All the people were shopping

Guest Services standing tall.

When the phone suddenly rang

And I answered it true:

“You've reached Guest Services

How may I help you?”

The woman on the line

Her voice cold, she would relay:

“I'd like to file a complaint.”

Much to my dismay.

I pulled out the paper and pen

To get started

And this was the story

She greatly departed:

On the mall's second floor

Where Santa Claus was

Where the children were lined up

For their pictures, all abuzz.

After a two hour wait

They finally got through.

The pictures were taken

But oh, what to do?!

She had left her purse carside,

No money to pay

So she whipped out her cell phone

For one right away

But one of the helpers

They laughed in her face!

And stepped in her way

Right in front of her place.

And humiliated, she left

With her child so sad

But there was still one last thing

That he wished to be had.

The five-year-old boy

With his smile so bright

Said: “May I have one of Santa's

Cookies tonight?”

So the mother, though miffed

Paused to let him take the treat

But this was the kicker

What truly rang defeat!

The girl with the plate

Smiled back and then said:

“Did you pay for a picture?”

And the mom shook her head.

And as the boy was reaching

For that glimmering tray

The girl did what I feared:

She pulled it away!

“Unless you pay for a picture

You can't have a sweet.”

And the mother with stunned eyes

Was glued to the feet.

I could hear the mother seething

Though she said nothing at all

And with these final words

She ended the call:

“Thank you for helping

I hope something can be done

To placate my still crying child

My son.

“I had said Santa stands for giving

And charity too

And his day with him was ruined

Don't you think so too?”

And she hung up the phone

What could I say? She was right!

Merry Christmas to all

And no cookies tonight.

Have a Happy Yule and Happy Holidays.

Love,

Soull Soothslayer, the University Witch

18th Spell - The Power of Magick

There are times as a witch, in which magick is so close, and yet so far.

Yesterday, I was in pain.

Like this only fifty-billion-trillion times worse.

I was having... you know. Those kinds of pains. Cramps. And thus, I awoke a little before 6am, to the pounding of my stomach... and the next door neighbor playing obnoxiously loud music.

Lore was asleep beside me. I lay in bed for a little, hoping to get back to sleep, before the irresistible urge of having to go and use the bathroom hit me, and I was forced to get up. I heard Lore move beside me, waking up. Honestly, the next hour or so was a blur of me using the bathroom, me groaning in pain, and Lore bringing me a heat pad she conjured up out of heated dry rice and a washcloth.

Rice never felt so good.

Its like, once I feel better I also have the means to make breakfast.

After Lore called the police on the neighbors playing their music (this has happened a few times before), and I watched her move around and swear all over the kitchen, she finally managed to head back to bed to get some sleep. During that time, I took an Excedrin in efforts to fight off the pain.

Normally, I can take half the dosage, because I just don't take any kind of medication that often. But, as I went to sit in the living room so I didn't disturb Lore by tossing around, the hours passed.

Eight rolled around.

Then nine.

The Excedrin didn't work.

I was still in agony. So I just took another, now up to the normal dosage. That was around 9:30am. I made coffee for Lore, since she was getting up to head off to work.

But the pain didn't cease.

Lore made a cup of lavender tea for me, holding it under my nose for me to sniff it as I hunched over one of the chairs in the living room.

"Lavender tea relaxes the muscles," Said the Kitchen Witch, giving me a pitying look. "...I'm sorry I can't do anything else for you."

And off to work she went.

It was as I was laying on the couch, waiting for my friend Kieran to come over with a stronger pain medication, that a thought struck me:

Why didn't I use magick to help me?

Wow, yeah. Duh, self.

But it was as those thoughts came to me, that I realized a flaw in my logic. I wanted to count on magick to heal me, but I was in so much pain, I didn't really believe it could help me. Normally, I relied on magick first, then turned to drugs (kind of like most rappers before they appear in court), but this time, I had done it the other way around and relied on painkillers first.

If I didn't believe in my own magick, surely... it wouldn't work. Admittedly, I also couldn't muster up the strength to even get off the couch to get my wand.

...And I had also started shouting out expletives and taking the patron's name in vain. Magick probably wasn't going to do much for me today.

"WHY HAS GOD FORSAKEN ME?!" <-- Actual quote

17th Spell - For Sale, Vampire Blood, Cheap

Lore and I were headed out to Sprouts for some groceries, but it was on our way that we walked passed the Dollar Tree, and within its clear glass walls stood a magnificent display of Halloween-themed decorations. Its cheap plastic Shangri-La was the most glorious I had seen since the Sabbat came to mind.

“Lore!” I exclaimed, grasping her arm with a bright smile. “Can we go inside before we go to Sprouts? Please? Pretty please?”

Lore glanced down at me, and, in a tone that said she would humor me, replied, “Yeah, sure. Lets go then. We got time.”

It was within the store that we purchased a goblet that read “Vampire Blood” on it. It matched the ones I had gotten that said “Witches Brew” and “Spider Venom” last time. Also, since our ice cube trays were starting to crack, we spotted a silicone one that made ice cubes in the shape of pumpkins.

“Oh, this is cute!” I exclaimed as Lore picked it up. “Lets get it!”

We wandered around the store for a bit more (mainly because its always interesting to see what's lurking in a dollar store). I asked Lore if we needed anything from here before we went to Sprouts. As we headed down an aisle, we paused by all the leg razors, and I snagged a pack before heading to the line.

The cashier scanned all of our items, and looked down at them for a brief moment with a perplexed look on his face. Lore looked down as well, before she burst out laughing.

“What?” I asked, confused, before the cashier picked the items up as he placed them in the back, going, “Huh, Vampire's Blood goblet—I wonder who's blood that's gonna be—oh, and some ice cubes to keep it all chilled and some razors...looks like someone's gonna be cuttin' tonight.”

The other people in the line looked as us as all three of us started laughing. The collection of items reminded me of a 3am Wal-Mart purchase... but it was only 7 in the evening at this point. But strange things like this happen once in awhile. Lore and I snickered about it with one another as we made our way into Sprouts.

Monday is the big day! ♥ May all your Samhain's be merry!

Love, Soull~

Looking for something to do for Samhain? Check out my guest post on the Pagan blog A Witchy Life to brew up some ideas to make your Halloween fun!

16th Spell - The Horrors of the Cauldron Starter

There's a monster in my kitchen.

Its been there since Saturday night, sitting there innocently on the countertop, as if it just belongs there. As I tend to stay out of the kitchen (as it is the Kitchen Witch, Lore's domain), normally, I am left undisturbed by the beast, as long as I keep close to the entrance and dare not wander towards the oven or microwave area. Not that I would want to.

I would be breathing the same air.

My own morbid curiosity keeps me going into the kitchen to spare a glance towards it. Lore is the only one who can tame the creature. She has to feed it everyday, or else... it will die.

"Let it die," I grumble as Lore leaves her place close to me in order to feed it. I was crestfallen that I had mentioned the time last night ("Wow, its almost eleven!"), and my red-headed companion rose, quickly, to feed it.

"It needed to eat at 10:30," Lore stated, and moved into the kitchen.

"It needed to die at 10:30," I muttered under my breath, pouting towards the screen of my computer. Lore luckily didn't hear me. I tapped the side of my Toshiba laptop in thought. I could heard her rummaging around, pulling out its food. Gods. Was it truly necessary to keep it alive?!

"Wanna watch me feed it?" She asked from the kitchen. I could almost hear the grin in her voice. She knew. She had to have known; it disgusted me.

"No," I called back in a pointed tone. I may have even stuck my tongue out in her direction. I don't remember. "No, I don't. It stinks."

And it did. The beast reeked. Every time I wandered past the kitchen area, just a smidgen into its domain, it would fight back, assault my senses with its overwhelming stench. While Lore had been napping, I walked just shy of it, and when I caught its stench, my body reacted: I swung at it, mercilessly, beating the ever living pungent out of its invisible stick-army.

[ Insert gratuitous flowing combat hair ]

However, my curiosity had gotten the better of me once again. At Lore's offer to watch her feed the beast, I ended up pulling myself away from the couch tentatively. I padded to the kitchen, peeking over her shoulder just as she paused by the counter, grasping a hold of its cage, and unleashed it.  

It...

It was...!

"It's breathing!" I let out, and instantly shrank back as the monster unleashed a bubbling pop from the bowels of its chunky, porous flesh. Lore let a smile pull on her face as she started scooping the monster out from its cage, and I watched with wide eyes as it stretched out, long and just, ugh. Gross. "You have to feed that thing?"

"Yeah, or it'll die," Lore stated, slopping parts of the monster into a plastic bag. I watched her with morbid fascination as she explained. "...If you let it sit without food for too long, it'll die. It eats flour. So, I hafta scoop some out," She did so whilst explaining, "And toss it in here, and then, refill the rest of the bowl with fresh flour so it can feed on it."

"That..." I let out, backing out of the kitchen. "...Is gross."

"The best part," Lore told me later, "...Is that its used to make really awesome pancakes and cinnamon rolls. Gives it flavor. But hey, think about it this way. You feed it, and in turn, it feeds you."

"Oh yes," I stated from over the ice cream I had been eating. "...That sounds lovely." Gods, I hate yeast.

Despite my best intentions to keep the beast Lore affectionately named "Len" out of my head, I had dreams of the monster gumming at my feet.

EDIT: (10/7/11)
I walked into the kitchen today in order to start putting away the dishes. The container the beast was in, as I walked innocently by, f**king exploded. EXPLODED out of its container. I screamed (kind of? It was more like a squeal-yelp-howl... thingy) and ran out.

It was reaching out to grab me with its arms, dammit!

---

 Happy Samhain/Halloween!

15th Spell - The True Origin of the Princess

This is the story of what it means to be a Princess.

It was last night, under the full moon, that I fell while trying to hurriedly cross the street, and I hurt my foot. Badly. I even broke my shoe. This is why people think crazies are out on the full moon. Because crazy stuff will happen. We should all be cautious, especially us magick-folk.

Lore, juggling our Chinese takeout in one hand, managed to help me up and to the median of the road. Cars drove past us as I sat in the tiny little space, separating me from being alive and a crushed explosion of red roadkill. A man saw me in peril and helped Lore get me across the rest of the street before leaving, and there I sat.

“...This hurts,” I blandly stated. My usual eloquence, and a large chunk of my pride, was shot.

“Do you need help?” Lore asked again, looking me over.

“I can walk,” I stated in an assured tone, but it was then that two other women, a mother and her daughter, walked over. Lo behold! The mother was one of Lore's classmates at Le Cordon Bleu. She had recognized Lore's reddish hair from the street side. Perhaps easy to see in the full moon's light, I suspected.

I managed to struggle to my feet. Our nights plans were ruined: get the takeout, grab a movie and some drinks, and recline and rest easy in our cozy little apartment. Now, I would have to put on a brave face if I wanted to make it across the street to the shimmering golden beacon that was 7-11 in order to obtain my cans of Arizona Fruit Punch.

“I can walk,” I let out again, but the three didn't listen to me. Instead, they ushered me into the van, and off we drove. I did my best to keep a scowl off my face, instead deciding on a pleasant smile and idle chit-chat while Lore walked into the store, grabbing our drinks. She didn't see a movie for us to watch.

When her friend dropped us off at our apartment, oh dear. I shot a look up at the carpeted stairway that led to our second-floor condominium as Lore disappeared to put everything down, and then head back to me to retrieve me.

“Don't put too much stress on it,” She chided me. I wanted to snap at her to stop treating me like some child, but I knew it wouldn't do any good for either of us. She was worried, and I was hurt, and while her advice was the correct advice, I didn't want her to be telling me stuff I already knew! I had been having such a good week. And now this? I broke my freaking shoe.

This, my friends, is a good lesson in humility. My night was all right—I snuggled helplessly against Lore and watched some early South Park episodes on Netflix. I had wanted dessert, but in order to go get it I would have to walk to the store—and I didn't want Lore to go and do it. She was already doing enough in her efforts to help me.

And now I sit here on our beautiful, floral, Victorian-inspired couch, with a hurt leg, a pitiful expression, and thoughts.

A lot of media today tells you what it means to be a Princess. It means that you get what you want. However, when you think about it, no matter how rich, or privileged, or well-off someone is, it can't be theoretically possible to always get what you want.

I always considered Lore to be my knight in slightly rusted armor, but always charging towards me with a smile, always being there for me. Many times during our time together has she done the charming knightly duty of sweeping meoff my feet. However, this time it was quite literally, as I couldn't really walk. And while I was annoyed, put-off, and being tended to despite my increasing aggravation, I realized what being a Princess really meant.

Being a Princess is getting what you need, whether you like it or not.

Because no Princess should have to go without.

Admittedly, however, I feel a bit like Cinderella. I could really use a fairy god mother right now.

...What am I going to do about my shoe?

2nd Glamour - Fall 2011 Fashion

Hey there, Witches and Mundanes! I hope so far, everyone has been having a great summer, but enough about that!

This past week, my work held a huge fashion show, and I loved seeing it all come together. They introduced the upcoming fall fashion for this year, and I saw a lot of great things. So! In efforts to keep up with the world around us, but still keep our witchy flair, I felt it was time for another glamour post!

Part of someone's day-to-day lifestyle are the clothes they wear. But what does it mean to dress like a witch?

The path of magick is being who you are, whether you dress up in prestige, luxury brands, or a simple jeans and t-shirt. There is no way to “dress like a witch”--at least, not for the modern day witch.

But every witch wants something a little magickal to wear once in a while. So lets channel some of our inner magick to create styles just for the little witch in you. I don't stick to a price range, but I attempt to make the outfit look classy, but still be affordable. I do put in luxury brands from time-to-time; however, the good thing about those is that there is always something at a more affordable budget that would work just as well. So lets get on with it!

University Witch Guide to Fall Fashion 2011

Fall is here! Which is a busy season for all fashionistas. There's a lot on the runway, people are buying clothes left and right for anything up to school, work, or merely even pleasure. So, lets check out and see everything this fall has to offer! It looks like dressing smart (and I mean literally smart) and sleek are what's in, along with the lovely trench coat! Provided you know how to wear it, that is.

+ The Green Child

When people say “green child”, it doesn't have to mean trapped in an era of love and peace. In fact, this motif can be made very modern with the right accessories and pieces. Show off your relaxed, down-to-earth nature (get it?) with an ensemble like the following!

The tones are neutral, but the green is what really makes it stand out. The skirt and grey tights give it a cute flair, while the lace-up boots shout out to your attune nature with, well, nature! With a touch of peacock feathers and the little hummingbird in the hair, it shows off an appreciation for animals. The trench and solid green tote really round it all off and pulls everything together.

+ The Mundane Impersonator

For those whom want to blend in with our non-magick brethren, this outfit is a perfect blend of neutrality and spark!

Jeans are the staple for any mundane, and these slightly distressed ones show a life of wear and tear (you know, because those mundanes don't have magick to aid them!). The cape with is diagonal lines are slimming, especially with the heels boots, but the glitz and glam every witch needs are hidden! The silver sequin tank is buried underneath the cape, only giving out a hint of shine. The plain gray cap dulls it down a bit, but the silver earrings and faux-scale clutch back it up. All the magick is hidden in the most unsuspecting of places!

+ The Wicked Witch

While your mundane-impersonating sister witch above attempts to hide what's inside, this approach is a little more... out there.

Nothing says wicked witch like the colors green and black. The dull green is in due to the more subdued fall colors, and so the screen print tee does the trick. Add on the punk with the distressed shorts and studded belt, along with some tights to combat the fall chill. The belted boots also match the studded look. Of course, you'll need a good scarf; another splash of green so the color isn't all hidden under the darkness (in your heart?). Finally, a stylish black trench to redefine all trench coats from the basement dweller look back in the early 2000s, and your chain and stud purse to top it all off.

+ The Wizard Apprentice

Fall means back to school, and for the more studious, serious witch, there's no need to not go back in style and keep your pristine, tailored look!

The main clothing articles are fitting for the modest and prim look of the scholarly type: the slacks are a token work staple, the red turtleneck is eye-popping and modest, and of course, the navy blazer with its white trim denotes studiousness, upscale, and provides a polished and tailored look. Oxford pumps are what give away the sense of style: mainly because while they are based of normal oxfords, the pump is an impractical aspect that most fashionable people incorporate into their wardrobe. With the silver watch (to check the time for class or work!), the leather satchel (for all the books and notes on magick we have to cart around), and the black hat to hide under as they bustle down the street, it all ties together. Add on the silver “Tree of Life” necklace for a good luck charm for concentration and academic flourishing.

+ The Little Goddess

There is a beautiful, heavenly little goddess inside of every witch. This outfit is sure to make you feel like you could walk across fluffy clouds, talk to animal familiars, and do just about anything from your heavenly, sweet little perch.

The pale, light colors are what really make this whole outfit stand out. Light, pearly colors are glamorous and whimsical. The lacy white dress is a great starting point, giving the base of feminine frill. The Burberry, tan cape and hidden pattern will only show with wide movements and at the tips—the pattern with automatically give away the upscale value to the attire (though with this look, you already look as if you're worth infinite amounts!). The white, ribbon boots are classy and sweet. The accompanying accessories: the pale purse that matches the dress and cape, and all the gold jewelry pieces make you gleam like a deity. Its that final splash of color, that pale lavender on the ring, that adds a touch of volume to the whole ensemble.

That does it for the fall segment of University Witch! If you're interested in the items, find out where to buy them on our University Witch Polyvore account! Also, make sure to check us out on Tumblr, and join in on the zany antics there!

Want some University Witch fashion? Make sure to check out our brand new shop for all kinds of magickal items!

14th Spell - Shopping for Lammas

Happy Lughnasadh, everyone! Ready to stuff yourself?

Well, that's what I plan on doing! Lughnasadh (or Lammas, they're both fun names), is known at the first harvest festival, and one of the Pagan Sabbats! The other two harvest Sabbats are Mabon and Samhain (also known to mundanes as Halloween). You can celebrate by honoring gods of the harvest, or even by cooking a hearty meal!

Lore and I decided to go shopping.

Pushing the cart is all I am good for.

We hit the Tom Thumb across the street, and Lore, the resident Kitchen Witch, made a killing in savings. She saved $50 (currency USD) in groceries, bringing down our total into the $130s. After bagging it all up to take home... well. It was rather obvious that we wouldn't be able to carry this all home. We had walked, and since we're bus people, we didn't have a car to load it all in.

Another tally in the “Should I buy a car” debate.

So, we started back home with the cart, like we usually do. When we're done taking in the groceries, we take the cart back, like good, honest little witches. We started on our way down the parking lot, around the store to head to our apartment that was literally across the street.

It was then that we saw the moon. It was a thin crescent, and a deep crimson red that hung in the sky.

Lore and I are perfectly capable of describing the moon in a more romantic manner, such as what I had done above. Instead, this is the gold we come up with:

"WOOOOOW!"

This comment would do nothing to help someone's view on witchcraft.

We started laughing about our amazing skills in language manipulation, but that's when an old man started calling after us. Parked right in between us, were what Lore so eloquently called--

--watching the whole conversation unfold.

“You can't take the cart,” The old man stated.

“...We've taken it before,” I stated, trying to sound cordial.

“Well, you can't take it now.” And he wrapped his hand on the other end of the cart. I felt a strange spike of uncomfortable... something... welling up within me. He had his hand on my stuff! And he wouldn't let go! Admitted it wasn't my cart, but!

“We don't have a car, and we can't carry all this stuff.” I started trying to negotiate with him.

“Sorry,” He replied. And yet, he wasn't offering a solution?

“Can we just leave our ID at the customer service desk or something?” I finally gritted out, staring him down.

“That's what I was saying--” Boy, no you were not! “--to do. Go ask someone if you can take it. I mean, I don't care, but...”

If you didn't care you wouldn't of stopped us, I thought, but I figured that he more meant, “I could care less if you take this cart but someone higher up on the chain might.” Except that we've already done this before! And no one saw us but him!

And those old ladies were still watching us!

We headed back to the store, and Lore headed off to go see if she and I could take the cart while the man waited with me outside.

Awkward silence ensued.

“...You know,” he finally began as we waited, “Maybe next time you should do this before you decide to take the cart.”

...Was he lecturing me?

“Sod off,” I uttered, tapping my nails impatiently against the plastic handle of the cart. With my manicure taken off, there was no satisfying tap to accompany them. The old man looked at me.

“What?”

I know you heard me. I opened my mouth again to repeat myself, but by that time Lore came out, and the man's attention turned to her. He started walking away as Lore stated that we were able to take the cart, and I sat and fumed, hoping I could find it in myself to laugh it off before I drop-kicked the old fart. My patience was thin this week after some quarreling with my mother, so I was really, really, not in the mood.

But we made it back to our house safely... and with food! And Lore took the cart back.

Of course.

The moral of the story is:

“In today's foolish world, patience is no longer a virtue, but a necessity.”

--Soull Soothslayer

13th Spell - The Nightmares

Ironic, this entry would be the 13th Spell.

A few nights ago, I was plagued with very awful dreams.

It first part was rather gruesome, but unrelated to the part that truly horrified me. In the dream, I had been feeling unwell, so I went upstairs into Lore and I's bedroom to go to sleep. Normally when I fall asleep in my dream, I wake up in real life.

Lore was in the bed in my dream, and told me to come to bed. I lay down beside her, but before I could drift off...

I was ripped off the bed.

Thrown against the wall.

Ans dragged up to the ceiling, where I proceeded to catch on fire...and burn to death. In my dream, I started screaming an screaming, feeling the intense pain of my flesh burning off--

And then I woke up.

I immediately turned to Lore for comfort, who was laying down sleeping beside me. However, as I touched her arm, I was ripped off the bed, thrown up against the wall, and then dragged to the ceiling by the same force as before, and caught on fire.

And then I woke up. Or, so I thought.

When I turned to Lore this time, she threw me against the bed and proceeded to choke me to death. When I “woke again”, I realized I was dreaming, and still caught in the dream. I started shouting at myself to wake up, and that I needed to really wake up this time.

I died numerous other times, in many different ways, before I did, in fact, wake up.

The colors in the waking world were far more clear when my eyes opened. However, I was already filled with so much terror that I was still dreaming, and Lore woke up and tried to comfort me several times.I felt horrible after the ordeal, mainly because I had jolted Lore awake when she had important things to do that day and needed to be at her full capacity, even though the whole time I was crying, “Please, tell me this is not a dream,”.

Above: My (Sleepy) Hero. ♥

However, despite that, Lore very gently told me to calm down, that everything was alright, and this was, in fact, the real world. Throughout the rest of the time we slept. I woke up about two or three more times in a few increments of time, for every time I closed my eyes, I would die again.

Two nights following, I couldn't seem to sleep. And when I did sleep, it was only for about three to four hours, before I woke up again. My dreams were not terrifying, but they were strange enough to have me wake up, feeling tired, wired, and stressed. I had many theories on my dreams—maybe I was nervous because Lore and I were moving to a new place, I was starting a new job, and a whole lot of other things. Everything was suddenly new. Surely, that was the reason for my lack of sleep.

Earlier on when I started this blog, I wrote a short segment on Lucid Dreaming when Lore and I went to see the movie Sucker Punch. The nightmare I had prompted me to elaborate a bit on it.

If you have ever seen the movie Inception, the main characters have an object called a totem, which by looking at the properties of the object, they would be able to determine if they were still in the dream world. As they alone knew the physical, conditional, or other properties of the totem, if there was anything off about it, they would know they were still in a dream.

The concept is not something the movie created; in fact, it is used by many lucid dreamers today. Many will place an object or something familiar in their everyday life to memorize in their waking world. Something inconspicuous is most common, such as dotting the back of your wrists with a red sharpie.

After following many steps, such as writing about the dreams, and thinking about what you would like to dream about before going to bed, the ability to navigate your own dreams becomes very possible. The stages of sleep a person can go through also effect the dreams, and what the user dreams about. The surroundings of a person's dream are also something interesting to note. Many times, I'm in a place my mind has created myself. Very rarely do I dream about a place that's in my day-to-day life. Most often, in my dream I will be “in my house”, but the house portrayed in my dreams looks nothing like where I live in real life.

For others, they can only picture places they have been. Who knows why that is?

You can do the same; in fact, one of my close friends suggested I have a “totem” as they called it in Inception. I am usually plagued by very realistic dreams (quoted as “extreme”, which is a nice way to say “nightmares that would make Chuck Norris sh*t himself”), so really, its not a bad idea.

There are plenty of books on dreams and dream interpretations, as well as internet resources easily found by using search engines. So, when you dream tonight, or any night, make sure you have good ones.

1st Glamour - The Spellmans

Part of someone's day-to-day lifestyle are the clothes they wear. But what does it mean to dress like a witch?

The path of magick is being who you are, whether you dress up in prestige, luxury brands, or a simple jeans and t-shirt. There is no way to “dress like a witch”--at least, not for the modern day witch.

But every witch wants something a little magickal to wear once in a while. So lets channel some of our inner magick to create styles just for the little witch in you. I don't stick to a price range, but I attempt to make the outfit look classy, but still be affordable. I do stick in luxury brands; however, the good thing about those is that there is always something at a more affordable budget that would work just as well. Lets get to the fun, and begin the first fashion segment at University Witch!

Today's Witchy Look:

The Spellmans

I wonder how zany that show would have been if it looked like this?

If you've ever watched Sabrina the Teenage Witch, then you'll remember the 90s fashion that they wore on the show. Okay, so at the time some if it was awesome (and a couple of gets ups still are), but what about channeling that style with a bit more of a modern flair?

Lets tackle four witchy characters: Sabrina, Aunt Zelda, Aunt Hilda, and yes, even Salem!

+ Your Everyday Plucky Witchling

Sabrina was the everyday girl turned magickal. On her 16^th she was bestowed some supernatural powers that threw her world for a loop. Sabrina's style was characterized by her laid back, earthy feel. Super natural (get it?), if you will. The key is to look good... but as if you didn't try.

Blazer: Caramel Cotton Blazer [$50] www.dorothyperkins.com

Shirt: Ruffled Scoopneck Top [$18] www.oldnavy.gap.com

Jeans: Women's Straight Jeans [$30] www.ae.com

Boots: Brown Buckle Sweater Boot [$37] www.hottopic.com

Purse: Suede 10s Crossbody [$30] www.warehouse.co.uk

Necklace: Ben-Amun Coral Teardrop Necklace [$170] www.maxandchloe.com

+ The Sagely (but Sexy) Scholar

Zelda was definitely the brains of the family, characterized by her obsession with chemistry-based potions and concoctions, and refined look. For a younger witch who doesn't want to look like a Crone, just sophisticated, here is a mix-up that will leave you feeling super classy. The key to this style is chic, clean colors, but topped with accessories for a fresh look.

Overshirt: BKE Lace Top [$26] www.buckle.com

Undershirt: Full Tilt Womens Seamless Cami [$10] www.tillys.com

Skirt: T by Alexander Wang High Waisted Pencil Skirt: [$140] www.barneys.com

Shoes: Cynthia Peep Toe Pumps [$27] www.forever21.com

Purse: Burberry Check Tote [$795] www.saksfifthavenue.com

Necklace: Kate Middleton Inspired Montana Blue Crystal Necklace [$22] www.1928.com

Bracelet: Magnetic Closure Bracelet [$40] www.ninewest.com

+ The Wacky Witch

Hilda was not only funny and original, but so was her fashion. She loved bright colors and bold prints—nothing was too flamboyant or striking to not wear! For those who love bold and bright but don't want to get stares on the street (minus good ones), take a bit of Hilda's fashion sense and walk with pride! The key here is confidence!

Shirt: Gypsy 05 Lava Angali Top [$80] www.itsthenewblack.com.au

Undershirt: Chesca Printed Piped Trim Mesh Camisole [$65] www.johnlewis.com

Pants: East Jersey Trousers [$30] www.johnlewis.com

Hat: Jessica Simpson 'Large Bow' Floppy Sun Hat [$38] www.nordstrom.com

Shoes: Satin Platform Sandal [$50] www.zara.com

Sunglasses: Cream Shell Cats Eye Shape Sunglasses [$32] www.topshop.com

Purse: Ted Baker Eden Tote Handbag in Tan [$250] www.johnlewis.com

+ A Wonderfully Wicked Warlock

Okay so technically male witches are still called that, but warlock just had a ring to it for this title. Salem the cat was once and man who wished to achieve global domination. He had a suave charm, and he almost had it! Work that same mystique into your attire and you're ready to charm your way into even the toughest interview.

Jacket: L.K. Bennett Tuxedo Jacket [$300] www.johnlewis.com

Blouse: Knife Pleat and Ruffle Top [$60] www.oasis-stores.com

Pants: Tall Bootut Tousers [$20] www.dorothyperkins.com

Shoes: Madame Herringbone Heel [$38] www.modcloth.com

Hat: Black Classic Wool Fedora [$23] www.amazon.com

Purse: Black Patent Bow Clutch [$20 ] www.debenhams.com

Ring: Silver Legends Women's White Faux Opal Ring [$50] www.sheplers.com

Earrings: Silver look tear drop earrings [$30] www.riverisland.com

That does it for the first Fashion segment here at University Witch! Check up for more Glamours here in the future! ♥ Make sure to check us out on our Facebook, and if you're ever so inclined, you can always follow out zany antics and random posts on Tumblr!


Want some University Witch fashion? Make sure to check out our brand new shop for all kinds of magickal items!