Third Infinity

  Samhain (October 31st)   HISTORY   Samhain to the Celts was their New Year's Eve.   That mysterious moment belonging to neither past nor present, or this world nor the other.   It was a time when the herds were slaughtered and the meat salted, which also led to the use of salts in magic ritual as a disinfectant against psychic or spiritual evil.   On this night also, the spirits of dead friends sought the warmth of the Samhain fire and communication with the living.   The divinatory aspect of Halloween is understandable for two reasons.   First, the psychic climates of the season favored it, and second, the anxiety about the coming winter demanded it.   The fertility ritual aspect was reflected in legends of gods and heroes.   As such, it was a time of deliberate (and tribally purposeful) sexual freedom.   That is primarily a Celtic tradition, as many other superstitions say to refrain from sex for fear that your forme...

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Subject: Cake in a Cup   Here is the recipe for you to send out to 'The Troops'…   In a large ziploc bag (or other suitable container) mix and store:   ·        1 package Angel Food cake mix ·        1 package regular cake mix (any flavor)   When the "sweet tooth" craving hits, mix in a coffee cup, ramekin (or other suitable container):   ·        1/3 cup cake mix ·        3 tablespoons water   Stir well, microwave for 90 seconds and enjoy!   3 PointsPlus   Add to recipe as desired – but don't forget to factor in those extra points.   Suggestions: ·        Add pineapple ring, diced apple or other item(s) prior to adding the mix ·        Add a caramel Hershey's Kiss for a 'molten lava' center < 2 more points > ·        ...

S'mores Apples Rated: Submitted By: Allrecipes.com Staff Photo By: Allrecipes Prep Time: 25 Minutes Cook Time: 10 Minutes Ready In: 35 Minutes Servings: 6 "Caramel apples are studded with graham crackers and marshmallows and drizzled with chocolate for a treat you can't get enough of." Ingredients: 6 Granny Smith apples 6 wooden sticks 1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped 2 tablespoons water 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Directions: 1. Insert wooden sticks 3/4 of the way into the stem end of each apple. Place apples on a cookie sheet covered with lightly greased aluminum foil. 2. ...

Have you ever wondered what sort of BOS I own? First, let's clarify. I own six. Yes, six. 1. The Sabbats 2. Herbs 3. Magick and Lore 4. The Garden 5. Home and Practical Magick 6. The Mirror You may agree with me or not, but I firmly believe in a ring binder as the basis for a BOS. I've discovered over the years a tendency to add to each category and sub-category. I'm very organized, and when I find a new way to use an herb, I want to put it in the Herb book with the rest of the information on that particular herb. I do embellish each of my ring binders. They are not blindingly white with a discreet label. Most show a care and joy in making them uniquely mine.

I think I finally found my niche in the quilting/sewing world-- Free Motion Embroidery. If you've never seen it, or tried it, and you love needlework, you might like this. http://usaapp.husqvarnaviking.com/education/pdf/2912.pdf   I feel like I've come home. I can't embroider or cross stitch anymore. My hands won't take it. However, with my sewing machine doing most of the work, I'm churning out stuff like crazy, and playing like a kid again. My present work is a modern take on Broiderie Perse ( http://www.womenfolk.com/quilting_history/broderieperse.htm ) I've taken a lovely rose chintz pattern and cut the rose bouquet carefully away from its original background. Now I'm stitching it to an emerald green tee shirt. To open up the tee shirt so you can get at the front easily, you remove the side seams and underarm seams on the sleeves. I've basted the rose bouquet down, and now I'm using free motion to enhance the design and highlight what I ...

For those of you who don't know what washing soda is, it is the BEST stuff for cleaning sterling silver. Put a tablespoon in a bowl lined with aluminum foil then add hot water. Just drop in your sterling silver pieces and it starts to fizz away. Leave on for about 5-10 minutes then take out and rinse in cold water. Where to buy Washing Soda? Here: http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3549579&cagpspn=pla

SUMMER SOLSTICE (C. JUN 21) A. HISTORY At Midsummer, the Sun-god is at apogee (closest to the Earth), and therefore the longest day of the year. The pagans worshipped and celebrated the abundance of life, even as they recognized that this Solstice also marked the time when the Sun began to wane once more toward Winter's darkness. The legends are full of the Sun God dying by whatever method, be it burning alive, blinded with mistletoe, or crucified on a T-shaped cross. In ancient times, this often demanded a human enactor actually dying, followed by a seven-day wake. Some pagan cultures have an Oak King, (symbolizing the light half of the year) being killed by his brother the Holly King (symbolizing the darkening half of the year). "The Goddess, as we have pointed out, is unlike the God in that she never undergoes death and rebirth. In fact, she never changes- she merely presents different faces. At the Winter Solstice she shows her Life-in-Death aspect; though her...

I love this idea! Take plastic grocery bags, cut them up, and make plarn (plastic yarn). It's easy and cool! Even I can make plarn and knit or crochet a sturdier plastic grocery bag out of those flimsy ones they give you at the store. Here's the link to learn to make plarn: http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2010/how-tuesday-how-to-make-plarn-crochet-an-eco-friendly-tote-b/   *´¨) ¸.· ´¸.·*´¨) (¸.·*  Lena Austin http://www.LenaAustin.com http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

I learned a new technique at Quiltfest this weekend that I love. It's called "Fun and Done" Quilting, and uses a product called "Batting Buddy." Everyone who knows me is aware of how little time and money I have for quilting, so every little bit helps. This technique, when combined with what I already know using the Cotton Theory Quilting, makes the perfect quilting. By themselves they're both great techniques, but when added together, it's magic for me. The Batting Buddy (see picture above) is a two-part template that means no measuring! Take the inner square and cut your batting to fit. If you're using a foundation fabric, this is also the tool to make it fit as well. (When using the Cotton Theory, see the next paragraph. The frame is your template for the backing. Note that each backing piece could be a different fabric, so this is a great way to get rid of those 10" blocks or fat quarters. It also can be your basic cutting size for ...

Apple-Pecan Crisp Looking for a fruit dessert using Betty Crocker® oatmeal cookie mix? Then check out this great apple-pecan crisp recipe. Prep Time 25 Minutes Total Time 1:20 Hr:Mins Makes 12 servings 2/3 cup maple-flavored syrup 1/4 cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour ...

WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO TURN ON THE TV AND HEAR ANY U.S. PRESIDENT, DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN, GIVE THE FOLLOWING SPEECH? 'My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of the Iraq regime has been completed. Since Congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraq is complete. This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq . This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now time to begin the reckoning. Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short. The United Kingdom , Spain , Bulgaria , Australia , and Poland are some of the countries listed there. The other list contains every one not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening. Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid ...

Knitting and crocheting are the most obvious forms of yarn work, and in the depths of winter they’re a handy craft to know! (No pun intended.) I’ve spent many a winter day snuggled under a crocheted or knitted project, and was almost sorry to give it away! While both will always have their proponents, even those who are intimidated by the needles and hooks can do the plastic knitting looms currently available in many craft stores. Do I expect you to knit a sweater or sock your first time? Heck no! The joy is in the learning, and sometimes even a simple knitted square is a triumph with a use. My dear friend makes the most wonderful hand-knitted and crocheted face cloths that beat plain old terry cloth face cloths hands down! Even I can manage face cloths, and I freely admit yarn crafting isn’t my favorite fiber art. However, my lack of enthusiasm hasn’t stopped me from making the occasional stocking hat, beret, washcloth, or even a bag or two. So, be a kid again. Pick up a simp...

The Witches’ Belt Spun craft can take a very useful and fashionable turn if you make yourself a cingulum. Depending on your tradition, the cord worn by a witch can have many different uses and meanings. 1. Cingulums are 4-1/2 feet in length so they may be used as a compass to draw the nine-foot circle of some traditions. Some other traditions demand that the cord itself be nine feet in length and wrapped around the body a minimum of three times when worn as a belt. 2. Postulants are bound with a cord for their initiation. In some traditions, this cord becomes their first cingulum. In some traditions, this cord is white to signify the novice. This is not true in all traditions. 3. Practitioners of ceremonial magick may have several knots in their cingulum to measure inner and outer Circles. 4. Some traditions may weave and join cingulums as a witch achieves rank, so her novice’s belt may be twisted and woven with her new level’s belt as a reminder to never forget what she has...

These are so gorgeous, I had to share. I wish you could see the pictures here, but you'll have to go to the site. It's worth the clicks. Hello Corlleen: We're knee-deep in January, and here in Minnesota, we've got the blues. The midwinter blues. Crafty that we are, we've cooked up crisp, cool new designs known as Delft Blue. Delft Blue pottery is nearly 500 years old, and those gorgeous shades of blue remain a timeless and classic design trend. Scenes depicted on plates, vases, platters, cups, and saucers, reflect peaceful and serene Dutch scenes of years gone by. New designs this week celebrate the beautiful art form known as Delft Blue. Fruit and flower arrangements are framed with graceful vines and lush blossoms. The result is designs that are sure to be a cozy addition to towels, table linens, quilts, cozies, and wall hangings. As a special introductory offer, these new Delft Blue designs are on sale now - only $1 each! Click here to find them, an...

I'm glad to hear decoupage is on its way back as a craft! It's a quick and easy way to make something unique.   If you have problems reading this email Click Here for an online HTML version . The beginning of a new year is a great time to restore and restyle! Learn about making the old anew in this article . See restore and restyle projects here . Stay warm and keep busy indoors with craft products we offer in the BIG Winter Crafts Sale ! Learn more on our Web site: www.plaidonline.com Did you know that plaidonline.com can help you answer your questions 24 hours a day? You can locate a retailer using our Store Locator, search for inspiring projects, discover crafting tips and techniques in our Frequently Asked Questions section, and more! If you need more information, our Consumer Advisory Team is here to help. Just give them a call toll free at 1-800-842-4197. They're available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET. Plaid Enterpri...