Thursday, January 31, 2008
Natural Curiosities
I've searched high and low for old Medicine labels. I'm altering them on PhotoShop, however I have limited skills. I really need to take a class or something. I'm really happy about the way one shown below turned out though. I've collected a variety of roots, bones, and herbs that are used in Folk Magick. I'm bottling them up in cool corked glass vials and jars. Perfect for Natural History enthusiasts, Witchy Women, or for your own Cabinet of Curiosities. Each specimen will include a complete description and instructions for use. They will be offered in my Etsy shop soon! I just couldn't wait to show you the label though...it turned out so cute!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Dream a little dream with me...
Someday I will have my very own painted Gypsy Caravan! Look at this lovely purple caravan. It's nestled in an English garden in London... It belongs to an artist who uses it as her atelier. I would create such a magickal sacred space! If I ever buy a house it must have a backyard big enough for a garden and my caravan!
There are two types of caravans. The one pictured on top and below is a "Dunton of Reading" Romany Gypsy Ledge Vardo, my favorite!
The other is a Bow Top caravan!! Maybe you have room for your own caravan...I found this seller on ebay who sells complete building plans for both models, including painting, color, details, and carving!
There are two types of caravans. The one pictured on top and below is a "Dunton of Reading" Romany Gypsy Ledge Vardo, my favorite!
The other is a Bow Top caravan!! Maybe you have room for your own caravan...I found this seller on ebay who sells complete building plans for both models, including painting, color, details, and carving!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Mandrake Root: Medicine and Magick
Mandrake was much used by the Ancients, they used it for procuring rest and sleep in continued pain, inducing what is called the "Twilight Sleep of the Mandrake Root". Also used to treat melancholy, convulsions, rheumatic pains and scrofulous tumours. They mostly employed the bark of the root, either expressing the juice or infusing it in wine or water.
The roots of Mandrake were supposed to bear a resemblance to the human form, on account of their habit of forking into two and shooting on each side. In the old Herbals we find them frequently figured as a male with a long beard, and a female with a very bushy head of hair. Many weird superstitions collected round the Mandrake root. As an amulet, it was once placed on mantelpieces to avert misfortune and to bring prosperity and happiness to the house. Bryony roots were often cut into fancy shapes and passed off as Mandrake, being even trained to grow in moulds till they assumed the desired forms. In Henry VIII's time quaint little images made from Bryony roots, cut into the figure of a man, with grains of millet inserted into the face as eyes, fetched high prices. They were known as puppettes or mammettes, and were accredited with magical powers. Italian ladies were known to pay as much as thirty golden ducats for similar artificial Mandrakes.
These roots are sought after till this day by Modern Witches. Mandrake is most commonly used in Love/Sex Magick! The Mandrake has even been mentioned in the Bible, in Genesis 30, as an aphrodisiac that helped to get Leah pregnant. A Mandrake root, placed on the mantel in the home, will give the house protection, fertility, and prosperity. Mandrake is also hung on the headboard for protection during sleep, and worn to prevent contraction of illnesses. Where there is mandrake, demons cannot reside, and so the root is used in exorcism.
Now you can have your very own faux Mandrake Root! This adorable little thing was handmade by artist Caroline Gaedechens, and is available in her Etsy shop NuitBlanche.
The roots of Mandrake were supposed to bear a resemblance to the human form, on account of their habit of forking into two and shooting on each side. In the old Herbals we find them frequently figured as a male with a long beard, and a female with a very bushy head of hair. Many weird superstitions collected round the Mandrake root. As an amulet, it was once placed on mantelpieces to avert misfortune and to bring prosperity and happiness to the house. Bryony roots were often cut into fancy shapes and passed off as Mandrake, being even trained to grow in moulds till they assumed the desired forms. In Henry VIII's time quaint little images made from Bryony roots, cut into the figure of a man, with grains of millet inserted into the face as eyes, fetched high prices. They were known as puppettes or mammettes, and were accredited with magical powers. Italian ladies were known to pay as much as thirty golden ducats for similar artificial Mandrakes.
These roots are sought after till this day by Modern Witches. Mandrake is most commonly used in Love/Sex Magick! The Mandrake has even been mentioned in the Bible, in Genesis 30, as an aphrodisiac that helped to get Leah pregnant. A Mandrake root, placed on the mantel in the home, will give the house protection, fertility, and prosperity. Mandrake is also hung on the headboard for protection during sleep, and worn to prevent contraction of illnesses. Where there is mandrake, demons cannot reside, and so the root is used in exorcism.
Now you can have your very own faux Mandrake Root! This adorable little thing was handmade by artist Caroline Gaedechens, and is available in her Etsy shop NuitBlanche.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Phrenology
Phrenology is the Occult science which studies the relationships between a person's character and the morphology of the skull. It is a very ancient object of study. The first philosopher to locate mental faculties in the head was in fact Aristoteles.
Several typologies have been defined, linking physionomy with character. The study of the face, physiognomony, has been particularly studied by the 18th century.
In the early 19th century, Phrenology gained a rapidly growing interest. The Victorian period saw the emergence of Phrenological parlours which were closer to astrology, chiromancy, and the like, than to real scientific characterology.
You can always find porcelain Phrenology busts on ebay like the one pictured below...
But look what I found, I love it! http://www.thehomeport.com/
Several typologies have been defined, linking physionomy with character. The study of the face, physiognomony, has been particularly studied by the 18th century.
In the early 19th century, Phrenology gained a rapidly growing interest. The Victorian period saw the emergence of Phrenological parlours which were closer to astrology, chiromancy, and the like, than to real scientific characterology.
You can always find porcelain Phrenology busts on ebay like the one pictured below...
But look what I found, I love it! http://www.thehomeport.com/
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Bird Foot Fetish!
I recently aquired the coolest letter opener in the world...well, to me anyway. It appears to be a chicken/rooster foot, and I love it. It's made of brass and should polish up nicely!
I bought my Mom this darling little vanity mirror a while back. I'm not sure if she really liked it though. Everytime I go to her house I want to smuggle it back home with me! I got it at my friend Amy's boutique, Willow. I'm thinking maybe I need one for myself too! Cute huh?
And my bird foot obssession continues. I love this porclien candle holder by D.L. & Company! Actually I love everything from Douglas Little...the man has fine taste. I'll take one of everything pretty please!
I bought my Mom this darling little vanity mirror a while back. I'm not sure if she really liked it though. Everytime I go to her house I want to smuggle it back home with me! I got it at my friend Amy's boutique, Willow. I'm thinking maybe I need one for myself too! Cute huh?
And my bird foot obssession continues. I love this porclien candle holder by D.L. & Company! Actually I love everything from Douglas Little...the man has fine taste. I'll take one of everything pretty please!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Typewriter Love!
Have you ever seen the Sundance Catalog? Robert Redford has something to do with it which is totally besides the point...But they feature a Vintage/Antique section that I love to look at. Recently, they started offering Antique Typewriters (never used mint condition) for a hefty sum of $695.00! I fell in love with this one. Isn't it charming? Sundance reports: "The legendary Ernest Hemingway kept a 1930s Royal Quiet Den Luxe—just like this one—on his desk in Key West."
So I thought I'd check out ebay. And guess who's the winning bidder on this same exact typewriter? Meeee! It's gently used, needs new ribbon...but I paid $31.00 plus shipping is $27.00! And this my friends, is why I am an ebay junkie.
So I thought I'd check out ebay. And guess who's the winning bidder on this same exact typewriter? Meeee! It's gently used, needs new ribbon...but I paid $31.00 plus shipping is $27.00! And this my friends, is why I am an ebay junkie.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Grotesque Beauties
The art form known as taxidermy has a little place in my heart. A morbid curiosity, I know! But before you shake your animal loving head in disgust, let me explain. The taxidermy revival has brought a new breed of artisians with it called rogue taxidermists. They restore vintage taxidermy, and use found animals...eh hem, roadkill! Some also take on commissions to do pet memorials. Yes, you too can immortalize your pet when he/she dies!
I'm particularly interested in a certain genres of taxidermy. First, Crypto-taxidermy is the creation of imagined species, like winged cats, jackalopes, and unicorns, ect... This sort of thing was popular with the Victorians who would display these creations in their Curiosity Cabinets (Wunderkammer) You would also find these kind of creations in traveling circus sideshows. Popular sideshow attractions such as two headed animals, or mumified bodies of mermaid creatures, half monkey, half fish... Second, Anthropomorphic taxidermy is where stuffed animals are dressed as people, engaged in human activities, a Tea Party perhaps! Check out these "Grotesque Beauties".
This one is my favorite, it's Esmeralda, the Fortune Telling Chicken!
I'm particularly interested in a certain genres of taxidermy. First, Crypto-taxidermy is the creation of imagined species, like winged cats, jackalopes, and unicorns, ect... This sort of thing was popular with the Victorians who would display these creations in their Curiosity Cabinets (Wunderkammer) You would also find these kind of creations in traveling circus sideshows. Popular sideshow attractions such as two headed animals, or mumified bodies of mermaid creatures, half monkey, half fish... Second, Anthropomorphic taxidermy is where stuffed animals are dressed as people, engaged in human activities, a Tea Party perhaps! Check out these "Grotesque Beauties".
This one is my favorite, it's Esmeralda, the Fortune Telling Chicken!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
What Time Is It Mr. Fox?
I have a love/hate relationship with Time. This is due mostly to the fact that I have a very different perception of it "Time" as most people do. I believe the Soul has the ability to transend the confines of linear time frames. So I generally feel restricted by 3-Dimentional time structures: The origins of the current measurement system go back to the Sumerian civilization of approximately 2000 BC. This is known as the sexagesimal system based on the number 60. 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour – and possibly a calendar with 360 (60x6) days in a year (with a few more days added on). Twelve also features prominently, with roughly 12 hours of day and 12 of night, and 12 months in a year (with 12 being 1/5 of 60).
I have a Tattoo (half sleeve) of the Goddess Kali on my right arm. She wields a sword, that represents cutting the strings of bondage to 3-Dimentional reality. On the interior part of my arm I have an hourglass that is shattered, the sands of time flowing out into space. This represents my tireless pursuit of Enlightenment via Transcendental Meditation.
I love this pocket watch by the White Rabbit Watch Company ! It runs backwards with backward numbers and keeps perfect time in reverse! Madness...I love it!
However, I realize the nessesity of operating within these human time frames, so I've decided to invest in a new alarm clock. I was terribly disenchanted by all the digital products on the market. Ugly!!! I have an Ikea gift card from my Mom that I've been meaning to use, so I thought I'd check out their website. I found the perfect clock, and it's only $6.99! I love antique reproductions! It's currently unavailabe online..but the website gives you an option to search stores near you...
If I had an abundance of petty cash I'd invest in a timepiece by Roger Wood. But I don't, so I will keep him bookmarked and dream. His creations are part art assemblage part functional clock. I love this exploding alarm clock!
I have a Tattoo (half sleeve) of the Goddess Kali on my right arm. She wields a sword, that represents cutting the strings of bondage to 3-Dimentional reality. On the interior part of my arm I have an hourglass that is shattered, the sands of time flowing out into space. This represents my tireless pursuit of Enlightenment via Transcendental Meditation.
I love this pocket watch by the White Rabbit Watch Company ! It runs backwards with backward numbers and keeps perfect time in reverse! Madness...I love it!
However, I realize the nessesity of operating within these human time frames, so I've decided to invest in a new alarm clock. I was terribly disenchanted by all the digital products on the market. Ugly!!! I have an Ikea gift card from my Mom that I've been meaning to use, so I thought I'd check out their website. I found the perfect clock, and it's only $6.99! I love antique reproductions! It's currently unavailabe online..but the website gives you an option to search stores near you...
If I had an abundance of petty cash I'd invest in a timepiece by Roger Wood. But I don't, so I will keep him bookmarked and dream. His creations are part art assemblage part functional clock. I love this exploding alarm clock!
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