We are so excited to announce that we have recently become official retailers for Ferris Wheel Press and their absolutely stunning collections of fountain pens and sparkling inks!
I have a few of their fountain pens and love using them to write in my journals as well as petitions for spells.
Each of their collections are delightfully themed, generally around fairytales "ferritales" and they are absolutely gorgeous.
The pens themselves are quite easy to fill with the inks, but we thought we'd add some information guides here for those who may be new to using these magical pens.
Filling your Fountain Pen 1. Unwind the grip from the barrel of the pen to reveal the converter 2. Pull the converter off of the grip assembly 3. Clean your nib and converter by rinsing it in cold water until water runs clear 4. If the pen has not been in use for a few weeks, you may need to submerge the nib for up to an hour to loosen up the ink 5. Air dry the nib and converter and reassemble when fully dry 6. Twist the end knob until the piston is fully depressed 7. Submerge the entire nib into the ink, and SLOWLY twist the piston to draw the ink until the converter is fully extended 8. It is normal to have some small air pockets at the top of the converter.
The Ferris Wheel Fountain Pens have been designed to provide a beautifully balanced writing experience. We strongly suggest not posting the cap (placing it on the body while writing). This also minimizes the likelihood of scratching the pen body.
YES - It is totally normal to make a mess especially on your first try! Have some paper towel or wet wipes handy until you've got it all figured out (unless like me, you're a total cluster-f$#k and bound to make a mess forever haha!)
There's a video on Youtube as well, though it's a little out of focus in parts - happy to help if you need it, get in touch ;)
~ Lyllith Video link: https://youtu.be/sle7oilgzF8?si=jNzlzem0niVDOodc
Some general information about the Elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water - there are other elements of course including Spirit/Ether, however this is a general beginner-type blog post for those new to the Craft and working with the elements :)
(Scroll Down to the end for a downloadable print-friendly version of each page - including correspondences for each of the elements)
EARTH:
The element of Earth represents grounding and keeping our feet on the ground. It is the element closest to the physical world as it is linked to our own physical planet. Earth governs responsibility, money, security, loyalty, business, stability and growth. Earth is considered by many to be the foundation for each of the other elements as without it they would not exist.
Earth is represented in the North (or South for those in the Southern Hemisphere), it rules the season of Winter and is represented by forests, gardens, caves, valleys and fields.
Within magick, Earth is represented by the Pentacle, earth (dirt) or salt. It is generally associated with Thursdays and the Winter Solstice. The element of Earth is called upon for spells and rituals involving money and finances, growth, gardening, business, horticulture, male fertility, career and work, happiness and family stability.
AIR:
The element of Air represents our intellect, thought, mentality and memory. Air is the most ethereal of the four main elements as it helps create balance between them.
Air is represented by the East and the season of Spring (like all elements, those practicing in the Southern hemisphere may be drawn to reverse the direction and/or season). Air is associated with change, travel, thoughts and ideas, creativity and study.
In magick, Air is represented by the wand, feathers, censer and incense (some paths also include Athame or Sword). It is associated with the time of Dawn and any spells or rituals involving study, memory, practical and creative endeavors along with psychic work and manifestations. Air is also connected to communication.
FIRE:
The Element of Fire is associated with the Sun and rules passion, desire, imagination and creativity. Fire not only cleanses and purifies, but it also causes destruction and is often seen to represent death and rebirth. In Wiccan traditions, Fire rules the South, however many in the Southern Hemisphere reverse this when casting a circle to be called in the North quarter - toward the equator where the Earth is at its’ hottest.
Fire is the only element which can not naturally exist without another, it needs to consume another element in order to physically exist. This does not make it “scary” or dark, it simply means it needs a spark to ignite it’s fiery passion. We too need that spark or an idea or feeling in order to use our own fire within to create and give birth to our ideas and aspirations.
In witchcraft, fire is commonly used in spells to increase energy, passion, love and lust, courage, new beginnings, strength and protection, power, purification, transformation and destruction or releasing (generally by writing on parchment what you wish to release before burning it to ash). It is also used in kitchen magick, infusing ingredient as cooked.
Athames, swords and candles are placed on altars to represent the element of fire and it relates to Summer, Sundays, the waxing moon and 12 noon.
WATER:
The Element of water is associated with Venus and the Moon and rules our emotions, both conscious and subconscious, along with our dreams. Water as an element heals, cleanses and purifies, revitalizes and offers emotional release.
In Tarot, Water is represented by the suit of Cups – an easy way to remember this is that water is often drunk from a cup, to connect with emotions think of tears.
Typically, Water is represented in the West and by the season of Autumn – however in the Southern Hemisphere, some prefer to align Water to the East and with the Season of Spring. There is no real right or wrong way, just remember that your magick is as unique as you are and trust your intuition.
Within Magick, Water is represented by the Chalice, Cauldron and often mirrors. It is ruled by Mondays, the Twilight hour and the Moon Cycles. Water is often used in spells of love, forgiveness, clarity, healing and compassion as well as seeking visions or in meditation.
Click on the sample images above to download the PDF files to save and/or print - pages include correspondences for each of the elements as well.
There are sooooo many different Botanical, Ritual & Anointing Oils that can be made and used in your practice no matter what your path.
As such, we have added some of the more popular/most requested custom-made oils to the online store to make them easier for you to purchase. (Custom-made oils are also still available on request, don't worry!)
There's a list of these along with their intended purpose at the bottom of this article :)
We often get asked how to use Botanical Oils and thought the best/easiest way to answer would be to write a little article about them to direct people here to learn more.
What are Botanical Oils?
Botanical Oils are oils blended for specific intent and purpose, they contain botanicals (flowers, herbs, resins, bark etc.) that infuses into the base oil - most also contain essential oils as well. While used in many different traditions and paths, our botanical oils are predominantly hoodoo based. Our oils are all charged for purpose, though if practicing Vodou you will need to recite the appropriate Psalms over them yourself.
How to Use Botanical Oils?
There are a few ways to use these oils, depending on the oil itself, the intention and the type of work you are doing etc.
Botanical Oils as a whole are not designed to wear on your skin (some are ok), so this isn't recommended.
Anointing - mojo bags, candles, your wallet/documents, talismans, poppets etc.
Drawing Sigils
Dressing Candles
When anointing items, please keep in mind that oils can/do stain as well as cause ink to run or vanish from paper. You don't need to empty an entire bottle onto your items to anoint them, a drop or two is generally fine or you could put a drop on your fingers and rub them together before touching the item to gently apply a little oil. (Just remember to wash your hands afterwards as some oils contain ingredients that are considered toxic)
When using oils to draw sigils, if you are unsure if the oil is skin-safe, use a soft paintbrush to draw your sigils. We also have sigil powder available that some people like to make a paste/paint from with oils and/or waters.
As for candles, we have more information on dressing a candle here. Essentially you apply an oil then sprinkle or blow ground herbs onto the candle to prepare it for your workings.
~ Lyllith
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Specific Intention for our Made-To-Order Botanical Oils:
Abramelin/Oil of Abramelin - "Holy anointing oil" positive magic & anointing your Altar, statues and candles. Used to consecrate items & tools.
Attraction Oils (Male to Female & Female to Male) - love & lust workings to attract the opposite sex.
Break Up Oil - to break up a couple, leave a toxic situation/relationship
While organic herbs and botanicals are the best to buy and use particularly for those of us who like our herbal teas pesticide free! - they do come with additional storage needs and issues like those pesky little brown bugs....
For this particular Spell, I used a Coffin Candle, but you can use any black candle with a sigil or words carved into it, or simply throw the herbs and parchment into your cauldron. Adjust to suit your own personal needs as with all spells....
Poppets and Voodoo Dolls have a long history in witchcraft and Vodou cultures and practices but have unfortunately fallen under scrutiny and become another of Hollywoods’ evil cliché magic tools.
Most people think of sticking pins into a doll and cursing their enemies...
Herbal Teas have been around for thousands of years and are believed to have originated in Ancient China and/or Ancient Egypt, where they were consumed for medicinal purposes.
The technical name, or term, for herbal tea is “Tisane” and some believe the more commonly known “Herbal Tea” is misleading as not all herbal teas contain Tea leaves...
One of my favourite forms of protection is the use of Amulets, which I generally bless or charge for protection.
An amulet can be anything that is important to you, or holds meaning, is symbolic or relevant to your intention. It can be something as simple as a pebble found, or as a special as your Great-Grandmothers' jewellery........
