Articles — 2015

What to bring to a Pagan festival: Your other packing list

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

What to bring to a Pagan festival: Your other packing list

From late Spring to Fall, Pagan camping season is in full swing. It's a time to meet up with old friends, share music and ritual, and enjoy some time with Nature. If you're like us, annual campouts with kindred souls may just be the highlight of the year! Any gathering is better when you're well-prepared. Once you've made your list of basic camping gear (bedding, sunscreen, etc.), here's a few more ideas to make your trip a memorable one: Food or drink to share.  Nothing breaks the ice like breaking bread! The ancient ritual of sharing with strangers is dear...

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The Faery Star: Magick and meaning

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

The Faery Star: Magick and meaning

The seven-pointed Faery Star is an emerging symbol in contemporary magick.  Also known as a Fairy Star or Elven Star, it is most often used to represent the world(s) of Faery.  It can be displayed as a protective shield, a focal point for meditation, or a symbol of the Shining Realms.  Learn more about the star's meanings and use in this short article. The Septagram The seven-pointed star is called a heptagram, septagram, or septegram. (In a Fae-worthy fluke of language, all three versions are correct.) This glyph has had mystical associations for centuries--probably longer, since the number seven is...

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Magickal timing: Choosing the right day of the week for your spell

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

Magickal timing: Choosing the right day of the week for your spell

Planetary magick is a complex system which blends astrology, ancient cosmology, and celestial intelligences in an attempt to bring the most effective results. In this article, we'll discuss the planetary rulers of the seven days of the week, and the best day to perform different types of magick. Planetary magic can seem cumbersome, especially to Witches more accustomed to elemental (Earth) magic.  But you don't have to spend hours drafting talismans or poring over charts to add some planetary flavor to your spellwork. Using a very simple overview of magickal timing, you can make sure your working is aligned with...

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About our Wands: Info and FAQ

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

About our Wands: Info and FAQ

I'm excited to present a new line of handcrafted wands for Grove and Grotto.  Our wands are made from solid hardwood for durability and continuity of energy.  The wands are turned on a lathe and lovingly finished by hand.  I use a simple natural finish to bring out the unique beauty of the wood.  Lengths vary from 9.5 inches up to about 14.5 inches.  Each wand is an individual creation, and will never be exactly replicated.  My wands are made with beautiful woods, loving energy and exceptional care. Want to know more?  Here's some frequently asked questions: Are these "real"...

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Gemstone Facts and Folklore: Green Aventurine

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

Gemstone Facts and Folklore: Green Aventurine

Shimmery green Aventurine is a marvelous addition to your crystal collection.  Aventurine is a form of microcrystalline Quartz.  It doesn't grow into points and clusters like some other types of Quartz, but forms chunks and slabs of opaque crystal.  Green Aventurine gets its color and shimmer from small amounts of the mineral Mica. It varies from frosty pale green to a deep, vibrant emerald. (Peach- and orange-colored Aventurine also exist, and are colored by iron oxide.)  Most Green Aventurine comes from India. Because of its beauty, low cost, and moderate hardness, Green Aventurine is a popular stone for carving.  Tibetan...

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