Shelle Wrote:

Blessings,
SeeShelle

Markus Replied:

I'VE BEEN READING ON THE GOLDEN DAWN PAGE AGAIN.

Well?? Are you going to keep me in suspens or give me the URL sometime soon? :)

Sooooo much stuff I'm beginning to get a head-ache from all of it. Seems we are still having a problem with mail errors, so I hope you get this one.

*grin* Aye, I'm getting them now, just limited in time due to exam season, which has just ended so I am playing ketchup on all my mail. Having my face in a chem book lost its appeal real fast.

Ok, here goes all those questions! Herbs, where do you find them, and how do you know what they look like and is there a good book about them and how to use them?

:) I'm going to warn you now I am a virtual herbal inept... but I think I can answer most of these questions. Ok, where to find them: Most herbs can be found in a local supermarket like mint, rosemary, cinnamon, etc. The more elaborate herbs can be gotten from almost any Craft/Wiccan store or ordered through catalogs. There are books and stuff, but my suggestion is go to Ashlynn's Grove (http://www.oocities.org/~ashlynnsgrove) and view her Herbal Guides and stuff... talk about detailed! She also includes info for shipping companies and the hazards that come with combining some types of herbs together. You won't find a better herbal resource on the web. Period. As for what they look like, that's a bit difficult. There are numerous books out there, but most won't have any of the magickal applications for them and only a limited amount of info on how to use them (maybe it will have pictures as well). My best suggestion for this part is to reserve a copy of Ashlynn's up coming herbal cd. (which will actually be 2 if I hear right!) While you're at the Grove, just drop her an email and ask for ordering info and price (normal computer cd price I believe). It's a computer cd, kinda like an herbal encyclopedia with uses, pictures, magickal apps, where to find them, how to havest them, how to dry them and store them and I believe dyes and oils will be on the cd as well. She's a wonder, so take advantage of it. :)

Next, when working with the candle, how do I know if I did something to the candle or it just being the wind?

If it moves in the same direction more than once, chances are it's not the wind. Especially if you've made sure to close the windows :)

There was something also about shape shifting, I have cats, but what exactly would I do with them?

Check out the lessons on Principles of Shape Shifting and try some of the applications. Gan does an excellent job of explaining some practice techniques. When you've gone through it and tried, let me know how it goes. or in you have any immediate questions before you try as well.

Also, there is an artical by Rebecca Namaste, I found it extremely interesting. Does she have an e-mail address?

Yes, she does... I emailed her when I asked to use her article. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I still have it. I'll take a look for you, but no promises :) If I don't let you know, assume I don't have it any more. However, if I come past her name in the newsgroups again, I will definitely pass on your interest and ask to provide you with her email address.

Too, much going on at once, can't remember all the questions I wanted to ask. Write me, your letters are always so inspiring. Do you ever think I'll understand all this?

I think you'll understand a large part of it as you go along, yes. As for all... I'll never understand ALL of it, and I'd be extremely afraid of the person that does (which will never happen so I'm safe) ;) Besides, you've got the HOW to understand it down! Ask questions... it's the only way to understand, and so few understand that.

Oh yes, one more thing, can you explain the balance thing to me?

The Balance... hmm... Balance is the driving priciple of Witchcraft. The entire universe is in balance, and we attempt to mirror that balance within ourselves. This includes more than being comfortable with yourself and your surroundings. It goes all the way into your thoughts and soul, to finding out who you are and what's inside. It's a constant effort to live in "harmony" with yourself and your surroundings. I put harmony in quotes because sometimes this harmony means you have to act aggressively and at times perhaps harmfully. As I said in my last letter, I'm not going to flood you with foolish examples, you know there are times when it is just not possilbe to escape a nasty situation and you have to react accordingly. This is the major problem with the Rede (an ye harm none, do as ye will) because it teaches that you should be all Light Light Light. Well, human nature has a very dark side that balances that light. If you try to ignore it, it is very likely to blow up in your face at an unwelcome time and cause you more distress than if you just accepted this "darker" side and worked on knowing when it is appropriate and when it isn't.

Hmmmmmm... I'm not sure how clearly I put that, so I'll end it there and just let you ask questions from there. It's been a long day :)

Guess that about wraps it up for this one. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Peace and Luck,
Markus