Magical Cauldron BOS

The Futhark runes are a set of runes based on an alphabetic script that was used by the Norse (Vikings) and Germanic peoples of Northern Europe and are about 2000 years old.

As well as being used as a written alphabet, the rune symbols were used for magic and divination. Runes have long been held to have magical and pagan religious significance as well and they have been used throughout the centuries for divinatory readings and to create magical spells.

The runes remained in common use until well into the 17th. century. They could be found everywhere on everyday items. Most people knew simple runic spells. And of course, the runes were frequently consulted on matters of interest i.e. divination. Although actually sanctioned by the church in some areas they were officially banned in 1639. The rune masters were persecuted and either executed or driven underground. Whether the original knowledge of the runes died with them or was passed on in secret is almost impossible to say. The ancient traditions and the more modern philosophies relating to runes cannot be separated.

Not until the mid-eighties with the advent of the “New Age” did the runes regain their popularity as a tool for divination and for self-awareness. 

Some gourds are poisonous, eat only those sold for food.  Gourds are a feminine herb ruled by the moon.  It has an elemental association with Water and has the power of protection.   Gourds hung at the front door are a protection against fascination.  Pieces of gourds carried in the pocket or purse ward off evil.  gourds are used to made rattles (place dried beans inside) which scare evil spirits. A dried gourd with it’s top cut off, is filled with water and used as a scrying bowl.

Bread is offered to the household guardians as a libation, and the salt is kept in the heart of the home to ground any evil that might enter. After you do this, burn a purifying or protecting incense such as frankincense, cinnamon, or pepper moving it from room to room while you visualize any negativity fleeing from your home. As you go, chant over and over your words of power: 



Smoke of air and fire and earth 

Cleanse and bless this home and hearth 

Drive away all harm and fear 

Only good may dwell in here 

A quill pen is a writing implement made from a flight feather (preferably a primary wing-feather) of a large bird. Quills were used for writing with ink before the invention of the dip pen, metal-nibbed pens, the fountain pen, and, eventually, the ballpoint pen.  In a Wiccan/Pagan sense they are used to record rituals and magickal spells into their Book of Shadows in the traditional witch ways of old.  These feathers are also useful for fanning the cleansing smoke of a smudge stick.