Beware of the Curse Curses have been a source of fascination and fear throughout human history. From ancient civilizations to fairy tales, curses have been depicted as powerful, supernatural forces that bring about great misfortune and tragedy to those who dare to cross their path. While curses may be dismissed by some as mere superstition, there are those who believe in their potency and take precautions to avoid falling victim to their effects. One common belief surrounding curses is that they can be brought upon by harmful actions or transgressions against others. For instance, stealing a cursed artifact from a sacred site or disrespecting the customs and traditions of a certain group of people are said to invite a curse. In these cases, being cautious and respectful of cultural sensitivities and customs can help prevent the occurrence of a curse.
When I was growing up, spiced pears, pumpkin rolls, and cheesecake were the staple foods of every girls’ night. Four generations of women read books, looked at magazines, and drank copious amounts of coffee in my nana’s little yellow kitchen in Eastern Kentucky. The strength at that small kitchen table stays with me even now. In honor of the women who raised me, I’m also sharing this Spiced Pumpkin and Pear Cheesecake—a lovely ode to autumns gone by.
Some scholars believe that the Dead convert the energy into some other form that isn t yet known, or that they act as some sort of singularity or rift, from which living energy cannot escape. Rather than drawing energy from them to make the Call, the battery crystal is used, which typically attracts the most powerful Conjure that a person can be reasonably expected to call at that particular time.
In these cases, being cautious and respectful of cultural sensitivities and customs can help prevent the occurrence of a curse. Other times, curses are said to be the result of ill intentions or negative energy directed towards an individual. This can happen when someone harbors jealousy, resentment, or anger towards another person and decides to curse them.
How to Conjure Bewitching Living Spaces
W hether they called her a wise woman, a woman of Wyrrd, a cunning woman, a medicine woman, a witch, a witch doctor, or a shaman, most ancient cultures had a woman of the old ways in their village. She held the knowledge of the natural world and ancient healing traditions and functioned as doctor, counselor, doula, and wise elder. She was the one you went to for mind, body, and spiritual health. Traditions differed from culture to culture, but the wise women in each worked hand in hand with nature. From herbs and plant medicine to rituals and prayers, the wisdom of generations were held in these elders’ bones.
If you’d like to channel a bit of your own wise woman into your surroundings, consider the list below:
If you have any old journals, recipe books, letters, family bibles, or other collections from your ancestors, bring them out and give them a place of honor. Pour through the writings and look for the knowledge of your grannies. Those old wives’ tales often held great wisdom.
Completing a course on herbal medicine might be more of commitment than you’re able to give, but it’s easy to plant cooking-herb garden to use for your homemade stews and soups. If you don’t have a garden, simple terracotta pots filled with green goodness look fabulous in a kitchen. Hang your herbs up to dry and store some in old apothecary jars with hand-lettered labels. Consider taking a few simple herbs and learning about their properties. Keep them in the same type of vintage jars for an old-world look.
If you wanted to convert your kitchen into one that would make the aunts from Practical Magic proud, consider investing in several small air-tight vintage-style jars and then transferring all your cooking spices into them. Put them on display and enjoy the mystical effect they bring to your conjuring place. More affordably, use canning jars with hand-lettered labels. Disguise the lids by covering them with burlap and twine. You can glue the tie and burlap to the lids so you don’t have to undo them every time you want to open a jar. Simply unscrew the lid.
Hang your copper and cast-iron pots above your stove or center island instead of hiding them in the cupboard. This feels much more old world.
Start a beautiful journal or scrapbook of memories you might have of your mother’s and grandmothers’ remedies, recipes, and stories. Make this your family’s grimoire to pass down through the generations. Fill it with memories and rituals, like traditional holiday celebrations your family enjoys. Put in favorite recipes, tonics, and advice for sick children; favorite prayers; quotes and sayings from your ancestors—anything that links you to past generations and carries your ancestral wisdom forward.
A fun medicine-woman touch is to have an herb-drying rack hanging in your kitchen, craft studio, or porch area. It can be as simple as a mini ladder or long branch, or a dowel suspended from the ceiling. You can also use an old fashioned indoor clothes-drying rack. Tie herbs and flowers from the garden (or from the grocery store or farmers’ market) onto it. This can be just for looks or your entry point into working with herbs.
Create infused cooking oils and display them in glass bottles for a lovely look. Simply add a sprig of rosemary to a clear bottle of olive oil for a pretty and tasty treat. You can also use chili peppers, peppercorns, sprigs of thyme, or cloves of garlic. Start by washing your herbs and letting them dry thoroughly so there is no water left on them at all. Bacteria can grow in the water so this is important. Gently bruise the herbs so they’ll release their flavor easily. Place them in a tightly sealed bottle and completely cover with a goodquality olive oil. Let it stand for two to three weeks in a dark cool place. Once the flavor is where you want it, drain out the herbs and residue and put it back in the bottle.
However you choose to create an old-world feeling, know that your own personal wise woman lives inside of you. The more you allow her to emerge, the easier it will become. Trust your instincts and inner voice and, above all, have fun!
Divinurgy - A rather rare Conjury, Divinurgy is the art of conjuring entities called Celestials. Celestials are considered the envoys of the gods themselves, and are often described as bright and overwhelmingly beautiful in presence, but their physical forms are highly variable. Some appear as no more than a soft glow in the air, others as a ball of nuclear fire. The awe from viewing one is sometimes called euphoric. Celestials are paragons of order and reason and are commonly associated with the temples and universities of the land. Priests typically specialize in Divinurgy, and many act as scholars alongside their Celestial conjures.
To protect oneself from such curses, it is believed that maintaining positive, harmonious relationships with others and practicing forgiveness can play a crucial role. In some cultures, rituals and talismans are used as protective measures against curses. These rituals often involve the burning of certain herbs or incense, reciting prayers or mantras, and creating protective amulets or charms. While the effectiveness of these practices may be subjective, they provide a sense of security and peace of mind for those who believe in their power. It is important to note that the fear and belief in curses can have psychological effects on individuals. When someone believes they have been cursed, their anxiety and stress levels may increase, leading to a negative impact on their well-being. In such cases, seeking professional help, such as therapy or counseling, can be beneficial in managing these fears and finding ways to regain a sense of empowerment and control. In conclusion, while curses may be shrouded in mystery and folklore, it is essential to approach the topic with a rational and open mind. Belief in curses can vary greatly among individuals and cultures, and what one person may consider a curse, another may see as mere coincidence. However, it is always wise to be mindful of our actions, treat others with respect, and nurture positive relationships to avoid unnecessary conflicts and negative energy that could potentially manifest as a curse..
Reviews for "The Curse of the Werewolf: Myth or Reality?"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
"Beafere of the curse" was a major disappointment for me. The plot was convoluted and confusing, with too many unnecessary twists and turns that just left me feeling frustrated. The characters were also incredibly one-dimensional, lacking depth and development. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it just fell flat for me. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written thriller.
2. John - 1 star
I couldn't even finish "Beafere of the curse". The writing was so choppy and disjointed, it felt like the author was trying too hard to be clever and mysterious. The dialogue between the characters was unnatural and forced, making it difficult to connect with any of them. The whole premise of the curse was also incredibly far-fetched and unbelievable. This book was a waste of my time and I would caution others to steer clear.
3. Emily - 2 stars
"Beafere of the curse" just didn't live up to the hype for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, and it took far too long for anything of substance to happen. The author seemed more focused on describing mundane details instead of driving the story forward. The ending was also lackluster and left many unanswered questions. Overall, I found this book to be a tedious and unfulfilling read.