Medicine Card : Bear (introspection, within, protector)

Day 4 Medicine Card : Bear (Introspection, Within, Protector) As leader of the animal kingdom you must think things through clearly in order to make wise decisions. Be willing to go into the darkness to face your fears with the calm, gentle strength of Bear to emerge again into life. Show feelings through action, not empty words. Discrimination and Justice. Pull within for a vision.

Medicine Card: Bear

OTHER NEWS

If I had a place to put this to live in  it while it was being fixed up. I would so have called Dibs on this :
Alas, I don't currently have a place to park it. IT WAS FREE !!!

MORE OTHER NEWS

Working on more container planting. planted some sugar peas today. Working on setting up Composting. and other such gardening things.

Peace and Bright Blessings ~ Skooky Tramp

Medicine Card : Lizard , Recipes, Indoor Container Gardening, Recipes . . . and stuff

Day 3: Medicine Card : Lizard ( Dreaming, Intuition, Psychic, Perceptive) - here's a link to a pdf of the original Medicine card ~ click here - LIZARD

Other News: started some indoor plants from seeds. I have been looking up container gardens, and gardening in general. I planted some Chives, Dill, Peppers, Leaf Lettuce, Pole Beans. and some kind of unkown fruit/veggie thing. I don't even know what the last one is, I have never seen them before and I'm not even sure if it is edible. It was definetly interesting, it is a green (kind of green tomato green) aboutthe size of a Roma tomato and had a kind of apply citrusy smell. I have no idea what it is, or, if it will even grow but I'm giving it a go. Once things start sprouting and doing something I will start taking pictures of them to help record the process. I'm no stranger to gardening so it should go well.

Today I also looked up some more  easy peazy bread recipes to bake, Tomatillo salsa recipes and Veggie Dip recipes. I am going for the herbal, healthy kind of recipes that uses basic, no frills ingredients that I can make or have little to no artificial-ness to them. Remember to just say no to GMO's --- Down with Monsanto !!

Be Safe, Peace, Bright Blessings- Jeff

Medicine Card : Duck, and other things !

DAY 2 : Medicine card - DUCK: (Emotional Calmness, Protection, Family.) Water: Feminine. Duck teaches getting in touch with your deepest emotions in order to reach a calmer state. Duck is family oriented and enjoys companionship. When Duck appears it is time to return to your roots and spend time with your clan, tribe, family. They serve to you how to maneuver through various waters of life calmly and serenely.

OTHER THINGS:

I traded in some old gaming books (D&D and such) at the local Book Store, which is one of my favorite places to go. As I continue culling my collection and continue to work on building a well rounded library for research purposes and information that will be handy on starting a homestead and other esoteric information. I picked up:

The Complete Book Of Herbs by Lesley Bremness

Readers Digesr Family Guide to Natural Medicine

A Witches Book of Divination by Callia Underhill

A Cherokee Feast of Days - Daily Meditations by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Kids Places to Play - actually a book on building play houses and such for kids but has nice plans for small buildings to be used for bunk house, coops, sheds, etc. some pretty creative ideas that may be useful.

I made one of the recipes out of the Herb Book, Sweet Rosemary Bread: delicious !!!!!

 Simple, easy, readily available ingredients, nothing fancy but is definitely a recipe to make again, and again, and again. yum!!

Rosemary Sweet Bread !

Peace, Be Safe, Bright Blessings ~ Jeff

Animal Totems. Guides.Medicine Cards.Shaman-ism

Ism = Love of
Osophy = Belief or Doctrine, Study of

At least that is what I learned in college. I majored in Fine Arts (painting) but actually was more like a degree of Isms and Osophies, aka The Humanities. I pretty much took every Humanities class I could, and even tried some Independent Studies that weren't offered. Knowledge is Power!

So, lately I have been working on some new projects and research on all kinds of things. My latest project is once again more research and learning of Animal Totems, Guides, Spirits, etc. I have been reading CIRCLE OF SHAMAN by Karen Berggmen. Which has led me to an understanding of sorts of the way and why things have happened to me (in the past) that at the time I truly didn't understand. The signs and signals that were there that I totally failed to see or didn't realize what they were or why they were and what they were trying to teach me. It allowed me an opportunity to re examine my Self, these events and my actions, reactions to life at those points in time. Hopefully allowing me to learn from those experiences.

So I have been looking, researching all sorts of things related to animal totems and such. I have had a copy of ANIMAL SPEAK by Ted Andrews for a number of years now, it's top notch and anyone remotely interested in animal totems, guides etc. should definitely check it out.

In addition, he has written several other books, NATURE SPEAK, ANIMAL WISE, etc. do a search and you can find pretty much everything he has written about. TED ANDREWS

So reading this book I again came across the mention of MEDICINE CARDS, sort of a tarot deck but dealing with animal totems and guides. It comes with a book explaining all such things that might need to be known, the meanings of the cards, different types of reading spreads, medicine wheel information etc. etc. 

It is definetly worth looking into if you have a more serious interest in Animal Totems and Guides. I believe the newer edition comes with a set of 52 animal totem cards, where as the original came with 44 and 8 blank cards. Correct me if I am wrong on this. I am going on the information I found on the internet and we all know how reliable that can be. - not.

So, all this leads to a new project, I have decided to make my own set of medicine cards. Its a combination of information from the books mentioned. Handmade is always best, least for me anyways. They are basically playing card sized. So far I have a list of 60 some made up and as usual, there will always be room for more. Being where I am in North America, I'm not so sure I'll have a Koala Bear totem show up, or a dolphin or whale, but then again stranger things have happened. So starting today I have the artwork done for the first card I have drawn. Every day before sleep I plan on drawing a card to meditate on so that I can better learn the meanings of the animals and what they represent and how how I can apply this lesson to my life. The one key thing to remember:

"Important messages are often revealed over time"

 - Circle Of Shaman

So daily I will be drawing a single card to contemplate. I will also be drawing a weekly card to see how this affects my week. So most of my cards are blank, having only the name and brief meaning on the front and a detailed description written on the reverse side. I have them in card sleeves (the kind made for gaming cards) so they can be slid out and the back side read. 

Day 1: Vulture (Air) (Turkey Buzzard, Buzzard) - Elimination, Release. "Vulture teaches us to eliminate the things in our lives that are no longer productive or that do not promote our Highest good, or potential. (people, possessions, old hurts, out dated values, unproductive behavior). Vulture represents Purification, Death and Rebirth, New Vision. Vulture soars above the mundane(profane) into the spiritual (sacred)."

I don't have access to a scanner, so here is a picture I have taken of the first card, I will try to take pictures of the Totem Cards as I make them, draw them, use them, etc. I also have a pretty cool idea for making a medicine wheel board to do card readings on. More on this as it develops.

Peace, Be Safe, and Bright Blessings.

Blessed Yule

For Inquiring Minds : YULE (around DECEMBER 22nd)
also known as: Yuletide, Alban Arthan.

Yule is the time of greatest darkness and the longest night of the year. The Winter Solstice had been associated with the birth of a "Divine King" long before the rise of Christianity. Since the Sun is considered to represent the Male Divinity in many Pagan Traditions, this time is celebrated as the "return of the Sun God" where He is reborn of the Goddess.

 

Wishing everyone a blessed and Joyful Yule as we celebrate the return of the Sun King.

~Peace

Mithra Lord Of Ages

raised garden beds: hugelkultur

Phenomenal article and ideas on raised bed gardening. I definitely will be planning on doing this sort of gardening as well as doing more research on the subject.


Hugelkultur

Raising Chickens

Raising a flock of chickens will be one of the first projects (besides gardening) at Pagan Acres. Chickens are relatively easy to raise and to take care of. I have raised chickens in the past and my two favorite breeds are Orpingtons and Australorps. They are a heavier breed chicken suitable for cold weather and lay nice brown eggs year round.  Buff Orpingtons are my all favorite, they are a beautiful dunnish.yellowish orange color. There is also a Black Orpington and a few other colors as well.

Black Australorp

Black Orpington

Buff Orpington

Orpingtons

The Orpingtons were created in 1886 by William Cook in Kent.

It is a heavy breed bird with a short wingspan so it can be contained with low fencing.  They do need space to keep fit as they are greedy birds.
Our Orpingtons are either black or blue or 'splash' which is a black/blue cross.
They are great mothers, and tend to go broody.  They lay cream coloured eggs.   They weigh in at a heavy 7-8 lbs and take a longer time to mature than other breeds.
They are also very docile in nature and become lovely pets.




 Raising Chickens for Meat

Raising chickens specifically for the table is different than topping off some old laying hens that are past their use by date.

It is a bit like aging wine - it's all about timing - too young and you're not getting the full potential of the bird - too old and it is past it's best.   Birds that are hatched in the spring are usually good for the table or freezer by late summer through Autumn.   You don't want to feed them all winter.
A lot of the chicken meat on the market today comes from birds that have been grown quickly and killed very young.  These birds have often had limited or no access to outside free ranging.
Birds that have grown more slowly and wandered around scratching and foraging on a varied diet of grass and grubs as well as chicken feed have an altogether different flavour. In my opinion it is tastier, richer meat.
But as with anything, what you put in is what you get out.   To produce great birds for your table you need to feed them well and regularly.   



 The Chicken Center
 Murry McMurry Hatchery

Deer Toe (bone) Necklaces

2 new necklaces I made that are up for sale :

24" beaded Necklace with Deer Toe (bone) $15 + S&H

 

 Close up

18" Hemp 5 strand weave Deer Toe (bone) Necklace

close up of 18" 5 strand Hemp Weave Deer Toe (Bone) Necklace ~~$10 + S&H

All proceeds from the sale of Items goes towards Sacred Acres Fund. ~ peace

Good Morning World

If the world were merely seductive, that would be easy. It it were merely challenging, that would be no problem. But I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day. 

Elwyn Brooks White



p.s. Peace

Struggling Thoughts, Native Prayers and Poems

Struggling thoughts:

surrounded by such poisoning levels and degree(s) of negativism, self centeredness, greed, Apathy. It's never ending , barriers are weak or non existent, I've no stamina or strength to reinforce them. wanting to create psychic icepicks to stab into peoples brains, is bad for my karma. I walk amongst the Warm sunshine gleaming through the soft pines, treading silently among them in and out of dappled shadows. The scent of fallen pine needles blankets the earth creating a cushion of a silent barrier, sitting silently amongst the trees, bare feet feeling the energy of the earth. Not to far away down the path is a stream of clean of water. Waste deep I am submerged seven times, washing away the worries of each day of the seven days. Standing in the glow of the sun, feeling he heat evaporate the moisture off my skin, taking the negativity with it. warming me, healing rays of light and envelope me. Turning first North, then East, then South, finally West , I offer the sacred smoke of sage and cedar to my brothers. I ask for guidance of the my spirit brothers, to make me stronger, wiser more compassionate, calm. To defeat my greatest enemy, myself. I ask for the strength of courage to make it through one more day.

 

 

At the time of death,
When I found there was to be death,
I was very much surprised.
All was failing.
My home, I was sad to leave it.

I have been looking far,
Sending my spirit north, south, east, and west.
Trying to escape death,
But could find nothing,
No way of escape.
~ Luiseno Song

 

New Rune Sets, Projects and Updates

Some new bone Rune Sets coming soon. Deer Toe Necklaces, Hemp Bracelets, and Dream Catchers also in the works. Messing around with the idea of creating a Rune Set based on Sun Bears Medicine Wheel. Using the Animal Totems instead of the typical Futhark Runes. I believe it has potential.

   Still on the search for potential land sites. I have found a couple that have a lot of potential and are (relatively) affordable. Donations are now up to $20+. One day at a time. Slow and steady. All the money I make from the sale of artwork, paintings, things I make are going towards this project.

Peace

Holiday Cheer

How to makea Small Shrine or Home Altar

Having a small shrine or altar in your home allows you to focus your spiritual energy, meditate or pray, and communicate with the higher forces. A personal shrine is useful for people of all religions, and serves as a reminder and reassurance to the devout. Shrines are also constructed for holidays, like the Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos, to honor deceased family members. A wooden shrine is a classy and conversation-starting element to a home, and you can construct one with some basic materials.


Things You'll Need
    Small table
    Plywood
    4 butterfly hinges
    Screws
    Screwdriver
    Paint or stain (matching the table)
    Shadow box (optional)
    Sacred objects of your choice




Instructions      

1. Cut a sheet of plywood into three equal-sized panels; these will form the backdrop of your shrine. Paint or stain the plywood so that it matches a small table of your choice. Let dry completely according to the instructions on the paint. 
2. Screw four butterfly hinges onto the plywood panels to allow them to open outward; you're aiming for a finished shape like a child's science fair backdrop. Two hinges on each side of the center panel will add stability to the piece. Set the finished backdrop on the back of your shrine.
3. Decorate your shrine with sacred objects. Flowers, candles and incense are common to many religions, as are offerings to the gods. If your shrine is meant to honor a specific person or deity, center an image of them in the shrine to focus your spiritual energy.

For more info:
http://www.ehow.com/how_8673870_make-wood-shrines.html
http://www.keen.com/documents/works/articles/spiritual/creating-a-home-altar.asp

Land _ Out of curiousity I keep Looking

   Because ONE day this will be reality. I Occasionally do searches of various loacations for lands/acreage that is undeveloped and relatively affordable as far as land goes. I found this place and it really intriques me, it is in South Central Pennsylvania.



It is described as such :"Secluded hunting camp in Southern Bedford County just north of the Mason Dixon Line. Consisting of a private 8.76 acres and a 16X16 primitive hunting cabin and 2 shed. Great place for rugged weekend getaways."

New Dream Catcher

Newest Drean Catcher for sake $10

Approximately 5" Cedar diameter  Yellow and black glass beads, Yellow Feathers, cedar, Rosemary and Mint bundle. Total Length about 10".

Pagan Acres Sacred Grove & Labyrinth

Sacred Acres Pagan Grove and Labyrinth is not yet a reality. 

    It someday will be reality. A place where friends can come for reflection, prayer, healing, sacredness, a place to reconnect not only to ones self, but to nature and the sacredness of life no matter what path you follow in life. A place for and of Art and The Process of Creation and artistic endeavors. A place where dreams manifest and reveal themselves. A place like no other. Many ideas are in the works to make this dream a reality. 

   First off is finding the correct location and the funding to purchase land. Donations are being accepted, and any amount you would be willing to donate would be immensely appreciated. Connect with me on Facebook if you like, A Paypal account or some sort of account will be set up for donations. In the meanwhile I can also be reached at Skookyartist@yahoo.com. 

   Many of the ideas are as such time preliminary, there will be a sacred grove, a labyrinth/maze for meditation, memorial trees, workshops and seminars. Camping, Weddings, Handfasting Ceremonies, Pagan Festivals and ceremonies. Gardens, horticulture, the preservation of nature are and is of great importance, self sustainability with as little impact on nature and the environment as possible by using solar, wind and other forms of energy. Reclaiming, Reusing, Recycling, Reducing. Less is More.

Woodland dreams of intuition come with the graceful deer.
I greet you, brothers of the forest.
Your gift of magic will brighten my life.
Transformation will come to me.
Like you, I stand listening to the drum beat of life,
Poised to follow my guiding spirits.

Rune Sets

This is a set of Runes I made from some deer bone ribs that I found while out on a walk at a local nature park. I've never been very good at reading or casting stones but it is something I have always wanted to learn. Even if I am not very proficient at interpreting a casting, I am learning the meanings of the Runes and learning to apply a Rune a Day drawing to my daily life.

 

I ask myself everyday.. "What can I do today to make my Life Magickal ?"

Peace

New Direction

Some Updates:
I'm Lost

Trying to decide to change the direction of the way things are going, Or rather not going. cause well, things are not going at all. There's and idea I have, my belief in this idea is strong, but... there's not many (if any)people I know that truly think such a thing is possible. Yea yea yea, I hear all the time. "I would if I could". So it's pretty much an idea all my own and despite the fact that I hear that these people are interested in joining this idea. Once it is complete, with no help to make it a reality. Lost my train of thought on this other than I get very frustrated at times contemplating and trying to figure out how to make this idea a reality. Enough about that rant.

Direction I am considering taking this blog. My philosophy of Less is more, make what you need or make do. Posting the ideas that I have, beliefs, philosophies, observations, and a lot of the "primitive", "simple" ways of living. self sufficiency web links, files, e-books and other interesting alternative ways of living life.

peace and stuff - Jeff

Rain, Rain, and More Rain

My feet and toes are slowly getting better. Probably going to end up losing a toenail or two. oh well. Hopefully, I can get out to resupply very soon, new shoes are definitely in order as well as possibly a new tent. The weather has been very uncooperative here lately in Ohio(and most of the midwest). I think it has rained pretty much every day but one or two since I came back. Feels like it at least. The rain, gloominess and cold has been fairly depressing overall. Been doing some more searching, thinking how cool it'd be to find someone to go along with me on this craziness. No luck yet on that and not looking likely. Being complacent and idle leaves me feeling unproductive. Not a good thing.

Perhaps I am over idealistic and not enough realistic in my endeavors. I keep thinking typical is redundant. A few crazy dreams lately.

peace
be safe
-Jeff

Lifeline

Ugh, So, I had to use a lifeline, I'm back in Ohio letting my bloody infected toes heal up. Not so proud of this, rather disappointed in myself at the moment.

A total of about 150 miles traveled (according to google maps), Pretty sure I walked more actual miles than that cause of route changes and back tracking.

It was a wondeful, learning expedition, a few modifications are in order and I'll hopefully be back on the road in no time at all. It was incredible, was a very difficult decision to NOT keep on going and I have no regrets.



Peace
Be Safe
-Jeff