Shutter Therapy: My Minolta Returns

"Film forces you to be deliberate. There's no spray and pray - just patience and presence." ~ Nina Patel, film photographer

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namasté. 🧘🏽‍♀️ Before I attended this career fair at HRA Business Link in Lower Manhattan today and I decided to dust off my Minolta X-370 since I hadn't used my camera in a long time. Last time I used my Minolta X-370 was in 2021, the shutter had stopped working on me while I was on my photography walk in 2021, and I was more concerned about the cost to repair the shutter since I'm on a budget. If you're a film photographer with a full-time position, it helps being able to fund your film photography hobby or career. Part-time employment is alright but not the best but not the worse and it would sure as hell help having a full-time job after you're caught up with your expenses (bills), splurge on film. I was very giddy when the camera began working again and I gathered my camera, zoom lens, and Kodak Portra 400. You don't know how I've missed going on my photography walks and I'm very much looking forward to going on future photography walks over the summer. I still have film left over since my cousin's wedding and I'm still feeling giddy in a childlike way! I still need to stop by at B&H for the Japan Camera Hunter 35mm Film Hard Case, the one that holds ten rolls of film at a time or I may order Evergreen 35mm Film Storage Case | Holds 18 Rolls | Preserve and Protect Your Film | Waterproof, Crushproof, & Freezer-Safe from Amazon. Although it may make sense to purchase the case from Amazon, just saying and I highly doubt I will shoot all eighteen rolls of film within a single day but at the same time, it may make sense to purchase film that holds ten rolls of film. If I do order the one from Amazon, that case will just remain at home for any film that I've used during my photography walks. Next roll of Black and White film I'm looking to shoot is CineStill BwXX Double-X Black and White Negative Film | 35mm, ISO 250, 36 Exp. If I were still with the Parks Department since it is a full-time position with a guaranteed forty hours per week in comparison to working eight hours per week at my retail job which will remain nameless and I'd be able to drop the film off at B&H to develop the 29 or so rolls of film when it's more in my budget. I'm ready to rock and roll hitting the ground running with the intention of going on my photography walks! However, I'm aware that my wallet doesn't agree with dropping film off at B&H and I'm not sure when I'm able to drop off the film off at B&H. For the moment, the rolls of film will have to sit in the refrigerator until I'm ready to head to B&H. I hope it's soon!

"There's no instant gratification in film photography - only lasting joy." ~ Tina Rayburn

There is one roll of film I purchased at B&H just before Halloween (the day before) of 2023 that I haven't used yet, and it's been sitting in the fridge for nearly three years. I knew I had a roll of Kentmere Pan 400 Black and White Negative Film in the fridge but then at the same time, I kinda forgot about it since I still had the sales receipt wrapped around the film. I do need to go out by day while my son is in school and shoot (film). It'll be a challenge as the MTA had retired the MetroCards on New Year's Eve of 2025 (I still disagree with the MTA's poor decision to unfortunately retire the MetroCards when at a time MetroCards worked out in certain people's favor such as mine because it gave a handful of us the ability to do more and get more done without having to be a slave to the idea of refilling our OMNY cards weekly instead of giving us the freedom to do more if we still had the monthly pass without talking out of my ass as a direct way of doing things but that's just my opinion at the end of the day). I'm still exploring different types of 35mm film and in a world of digital photography, nothing compares to film. Everyone may have an opinion of photography, and which is better. Yes, it is cheaper (cost effective) to shoot digital versus using film where it drains your wallet per film and where you drop your film off, but it is cost effective if you have your own darkroom at home. My only knowledge of developing film is black and white film. I do miss being in the darkroom developing my own film or working on prints with my Ilford paper. I miss being in the dark room and how therapeutic it truly is. If I could turn my bedroom into a dark room, I definitely would in a heartbeat without a second thought! As long as I have my Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts drink on hand but hold the ice. I need my therapeutic fix of going on photography walks solo and spending time in the dark room, you may never see me, ever.

"I never know if I've got the shot until days later. That's what makes it thrilling." ~ Sam Yu

For those who are old enough to know about film photography and yes, film still exist in the world. Yes, there are places that still develop and sell film. Just do your own research and heck, even Amazon sells film, so you're not limited to your local photography store near you. Here in New York City, I will recommend three photography stores, whether if you're from out of town or visiting the New York City area or whatever your situation is, there's B&H Photo, Video Digital Cameras, Photography, Computers which is my main go to store by the way, Adorama, and K&M Camera. Nonetheless, be mindful for when B&H and Adorama are closed for Jewish holidays and early store closing. I'm very much looking forward to going on future photography walks in the unforeseeable future for as long as my camera cooperates! At the end of the day, I am very much looking forward to seeing how the pictures came out once when I drop off the film to be developed at B&H and I'll be sure to find a way to scan, save and upload to Flicker (not sure exactly when). I currently do not own a scanner and I'm not sure when I'm able to find time to use the scanner at LaGuardia Community College in the photography lab. I'm still planning on going back to college to earn an associate's degree in Commercial Photography or I may end up doing Commercial Photography Certificate.

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." ~ B.B. King

Since I haven't completed my studies at LaGuardia Community College, I still have positive intentions of going back to college and earn my associate's degree in photography. I have my own personal goals before going back to school and I'm looking to pay off an existing student loan from when I was a student at TCI: College of Technology before they had closed down on September 01, 2017. Feel free to jump down the rabbit hole on why the college closed down. In time, I will make it into a reality of graduating from LaGuardia Community College with an associate's degree and not sure as of now whether if I'm looking to earn my bachelor's degree, we shall see when the time comes! I don't want to rush into anything, and I personally would feel it would be a waste of money if I'm not going to follow through (not throw or threw since a majority of you confuse the two words when you're using them in a text message, yes, they sound similar but they have different spellings and different definitions of each word, a little grammar knowledge for the ones who weren't paying any attention in English class during your formative years in school when it comes to proper grammar usage and I am trying to save you from pure embarrassment and humiliation for your lack of proper grammar) on going for a bachelorette degree but it is something I am taking into light consideration since I'm not anywhere near completing my studies at LaGuardia Community College. My time will soon arrive to officially decide what my next move will be. As the saying goes, reading is fundamental and it does help you become a better writer! Let that sink in because the more books you read, the better of a writer you will become and even if you're one of those people that hate reading books. I'm a prolific reader since elementary school with those free Pizza Hut rewards when I was younger. For the time being, I need to focus more on my health during this time and knock out these upcoming medical appointments, specifically dental! I'm not certain if it's a suspected root canal or a possible infection on my right side of my jaw which feels very uncomfortable yet swollen and especially when I'm looking forward to my beauty sleep at night.

I've had my Minolta X-370 since the spring semester of 2013, and this is my baby! Be well, stay hydrated, and be safe out there.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

The Photography Life

"It's about reacting to what you see, hopefully without preconception. You can find pictures anywhere. It's simply a matter of noticing things and organizing them. You just have to care about what's around you and have a concern with humanity and the human comedy." ~ Elliott Erwitt

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namaste. It's been a year, three months and twenty-four hours since I've been on a photography walk. I miss going on photography walks because it's so very therapeutic and relaxing! Last time I've gone on a photography walk was in Long Island City here in Queens (October 2021) and a long story short, I got to see Blue Bloods being filmed not far from the Pepsi Cola sign. Several years ago, I had a dream I met Donnie Wahlberg but it was on a school bus. In this particular scene, Donnie Wahlberg was in a scene with Steve Schirripa (he played Bobby Baccalieri on The Sopranos). Michael Imperioli (he played Christopher Moltisanti on The Sopranos) was also from The Sopranos, and I believe he's had three episodes on Blue Bloods as Robert Lewis. Anyway, it was a pretty cool experience, and it was my second time seeing a scene being filmed. In 2009, I got to see Nicolas Cage film a scene with Alfred Molina in The Sorcerer's Apprentice and Nicolas Cage looks the same in person as he does on television and movies. At the time I seen The Sorcerer's Apprentice being filmed around Worth Street near the birth certificate office. My camera is currently out of commission and if I'm unable to have my trusty sidekick, Minolta X-370 repaired, then I may as well invest in another Minolta [35mm] camera so the 50mm and Minolta 70-210/4 MD zoom lens won't go to waste. I had purchased the Minolta 70-210/4 MD zoom lens at Adorama in 2014 for $49 bucks instead of $59 dollars and it's a pretty cool lens. I'm looking to find a prime lens for film photography. When I've finally paid off any [and all] debt, I'd have to take a trip to K&M Camera on Orchard Street and browse around for a bit and I'm that kind of shopper who will take my time who will take my time because I don't want to go home then realize I forgot something! Going on photography walks can be very therapeutic if gone alone and I'm not afraid to do things alone such as going on photography walks, however, I don't mind the company but would prefer to go alone to clear my mind. Again, I'm not afraid to go alone on photography walks and a great way for me to recharge my mind. Yet, I don't mind extending the invitation but on the other hand, I enjoy my own company a majority of the time. Expect random snapshots of you and I will ask you if you're cool with the idea of me adding you to my project, no one will know who you are if you make the cut. The invitation is only extended to those who are interested in going with me.

"If you photograph for a long time, you get to understand such things such as body language. I often do not look at people I photograph, especially afterwards. Also when I want a photo, I become somewhat fearless, and this helps a lot. There will always be someone who objects to being photographed, and when this happens you move on." ~ Martin Parr

I would love to get back into photography as soon as possible because other than photography; writing is my escape from this reality. Away from my own mother because of how she is and it's impossible for me to have an active social life. I feel like it's one of those: "If I can't have you around than no one can!" so, she tells me: "Who's going to watch your son?" or she'll say "You find a babysitter" when I recently told her that a colleague, Camille and I are planning to go to Atlantic City, New Jersey for several days. I told her I can save up from now until April when she asked me where I was going to get the money and it's a challenge being a single mom with a single income (no support system from anyone), no encouragement from my mother and no financial help from my son's father. I can't do much in a social setting such as having a girl's weekend at Atlantic City for several days. For sanity's sake, if I have to, I'll give my mother some bullshit excuses that I'm going to do live in home health attendant so I can spend several (three to four) days at the casinos. This is a blog for another time.

"If a day goes by without my doing something related to photography, it's as though I've neglected something essential to my existence, as though I had forgotten to wake up." ~ Robert Mapplethorpe

When time permits itself, I'll search for a Minolta camera so the 50mm and 70-210/4 MD zoom lens wouldn't go to waste. I know it's not the right timing to go shopping for a camera and for the moment I'd research which locations to check out. My main intention is to finally finish my project I began spring semester 2013 and I can't wait to finally finish my project. At least (in hopes) that this will give me the head start on where I'd want to go, and this is providing if the vaccine mandate is ever lifted. I've found this article from B&H, by all means, this article is from 2016 titled: Five Great Photography Location In New York City. Another article is 29 Best Photography Locations in NYC; 60+ Best Photography Locations in NYC: Tourist Classics & Hidden Spots. I'm open to checking out Calvary and Green Wood Cemeteries since I have this morbid fascination with cemeteries for the longest. I do want to hold down a photo shoot in a cemetery and hopefully in time I can stop by at Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn so I can visit my grandparents' graves. Speaking of my grandparents, there's something I need to do and light some tea light candles in order for spiritual work to manifest into reality. Maybe the universe is saying "Be patient, your time will come..." and hopefully with time I get to shop around for a Minolta camera so I can resume with photography walks. I'm very much looking forward in going on photography walks for therapeutic reasons and I honestly enjoy spending time alone. I've found a website for a group street photography workshop on Shoot New York City and for those residing outside of New York City and would like to come to New York City for a day or a week to go work on your photography, best to Google search where to go. My favorite place is Manhattan because there's so many places to check out if you're curious and adventurous enough to check out various different places, second is Queens than Brooklyn and the Bronx.

"There is a creative fraction of a second when you are taking a picture. Your eyes must see a composition or an expression that life itself offers you, and you must know with intuition when to click the camera. That is the moment the photographer is creative. Oop! The Moment! Once you miss it, it is gone forever." ~ Henri Cartier-Bresson

Hopefully by the time I've paid off any of my existing debt, I'll be able to buy a blender so I can make my green smoothies, as well as dropping off the film I've already used at B&H. I also want to focus on other photography projects as well and being able to self-publish on Blurb Books. I have several projects lined up and one of them is music themed book of where I go to several different music venues in the Lower East Side. As I always do, before I check out these places and before I invest my time and energy into going to these music venues, I check these bands on YouTube to see if they're worth my time [and amount of money spent on buying film]. I like the vibe at Rockwood Music Hall on Allen Street and there is another music venue of interest, Arlene's Grocery on Stanton Street. For this particular photography project, it'll be five different music with five different live performances, and it'll be similar but different than my first two projects. It'll be two projects each, meaning two street photography books and two live performances each, two books will be in black and white and two will be in color. Another place I haven't been to in a very long time is Madame Tussauds New York and I've been there once in 2003 (by the way, it was pretty fun).

"The golden rule is work fast. As for framing, composition, focus - this is no time to start asking yourself questions: you just have to trust your intuition and the sharpness of your reflexes." ~ Jacques-Henri Lartigue

With my project I've started during my spring semester of 2013 at LaGuardia Community College and it's going on ten years in March, something I'd want to finish my project. My current issue is that I need a scanner of interest is very expensive but will take several months to roughly set money on the side for and at the time of this blog, the Epson Perfection V850 Pro Scanner costs $1,299 before tax and before manufacturer warranty. If I were to get the Allstate protection plan for three years, it would be an extra $129.99 for three years and not sure about the protection plan. Since I don't have the appropriate space in my bedroom, it'll have to wait until I have a place of my own and for the time being, I can live without the scanner because it's not a national emergency. For now, I'd have to learn Photoshop and best way is to go on YouTube and learn! Until I feel confident enough to take it to the next level which would be booking for photo shoots [as well as looking for employment opportunities in the photography field] and at this point, I'm ready but then at the same time I'm not ready. For now, I'd have to go to Bushwick Community Darkroom to use their scanner and they've relocated from Troutman Street and their new home is on Melrose Street.

 

Blessed be,

Jennifer

Navigating Life Through the Lens: My Story, My Peace

"There was the life you lived, which consisted of the choices you made. And then, there was the other life, the one that was the things you hadn't chosen." ~ Gabriell Zevin

Welcome to my corner of the internet. If you are new here, grab a coffee (or a tea), get comfortable, and let me properly introduce myself.

My Roots and My Heart

I am a child of a Panamanian Air Force father and a Chinese mother, born in Arizona but brought back to Queens as a baby. I grew up in Queens with my mother and grandparents, who immigrated to the U.S. shortly after WWII. That heritage has always been a quiet, grounding force in my life - even if I mostly just understand Cantonese rather than speak it!

I am a Scorpio/Sagittarius cusp, a proud aunt/sibling, and an introvert through and through. I am also proudly asexual, bisexual, and navigate life without strict pronouns, as that is what feels most authentic to my experiences and who I am.

I'm an introvert at heart. If you are trying to date me, know this: I require a lot of time and patience to warm up. I may seem completely uninterested at first, but it is just my way of protecting my energy while I figure out who is safe.

Today, my time is focused on healing and self-improvement. I'm prioritizing my health, spirituality, and fitness. I've been journaling since junior high, and I love getting lost in a good novel or listening to music. But my truest therapy is writing and photography.

Life as Therapy: Photography and Writing

I have been journaling since junior high school. Writing, much like photography, is my ultimate therapy. It allows me to channel my artistic way of looking at the world. My camera of choice is my trusty Minolta X-370. I love shooting on Ilford, Kodak Portra, and the occasional CineStill film. When I need supplies, B&H Photo Video is my go-to, though I always hit up K&M Camera when B&H and Adorama are closed for Jewish holidays.

Navigating Life's Chapters

My journey hasn't been easy. I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual assault. From those dark moments came my beautiful son, who is on the autism spectrum. I want to be open about something important: I never had a natural maternal desire for motherhood. Not everyone does, and that is a valid, okay truth to embrace.

Today, my time is dedicated to healing and self-discovery. I am heavily prioritizing my health, my spirituality, working out, reading novels, and listening to music. I also happen to be a firm believer in the paranormal! Because my older sister and I didn't grow up in the same home, our relationship has been estranged and awkward, but I am taking life one day at a time.

If You're Looking to Connect...

I am a firm non-believer in the institution of marriage, and when it comes to dating, I move at my own pace. If we ever cross paths, please know that it takes a lot of time and patience for me to warm up to you. I may not seem interested in the beginning, and that is okay. I require genuine patience.

I'm also gearing up to eventually return to LaGuardia Community College to finish my associate's degree when the timing feels right.

And if sports ever come up? While I'm not a huge sports fan, I will always represent the Yankees and the Diamondbacks.

Thank you for reading and for holding space for my story. I'm excited to share more of my photography, writing, and life journey with you all.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

The Gift Of Bliss

"Enlightened leadership is spiritual if we understand spirituality not as some kind of religious dogma or ideology but as the domain of awareness where we experience values like truth, goodness, beauty, love and compassion, and also intuition, creativity, insight and focused attention." ~ Deepak Chopra

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namaste. I know I've mentioned I've wanted to create a spiritual blog and write a lot of my own personal experiences. There's several things I want to disclose in this particular blog and how I respond to every little thing. I was outside saging one of my pink quartz crystals (have two pink quartz crystals) and have to redo my intentions that I wanted to "program" into the pink quartz because there was something I wanted to do on my own at home for a change. Since it's my birth month, I want it to be about promoting self-love since I'm going to be hitting 40 this year and it'll be my own personal theme this year. Well, my theme for this year will be promoting self-love; health; wealth; prosperity; and abundance. As I've mentioned somewhere in a past blog that if you don't love yourself, along with the good, the bad and the ugly than how can you possibly have anyone else love you? I hope in some way shape or form it makes sense for those reading this blog. You don't necessarily need to be a psychologist to figure this one out after all and in the end it's not other people for you to blame but self-love has to come from within and if you can't love yourself then I don't know what to say. I'm not a fan of blaming others because you have to hold yourself accountable for your own actions at the end of the day. If you don't hold yourself accountable for your own actions and thoughts then who in the world will? 🤔 If you're able to love yourself in a positive way then you'll attract people who love you for you, nothing else and I haven't had that positive experience in my own life because I've always had people take advantage of my unconditional love. After I came back in, my mother thought sage "smelled" like weed and how in the world do you get sage from weed? Go figure! Nonetheless, maybe she needs to smoke weed to loosen up so she's not so uptight. So this is a start with saging my crystals and I have other crystals to sage, ones specifically for employment and finances. At the end of the day, I just need to sage a lot of the things I have and hopefully my mom goes to Atlantic City, New Jersey overnight so I can spiritually cleanse the entire apartment. I'm sure she's going to say sage smells like weed, go figure and no point of explaining it to her whatsoever because she wouldn't understand! There are things that I've been thinking about when it comes to spirituality as of late and it's been an interesting journey for the past year or so. Although I've always been into witchcraft since high school but never did anything with it until the last two years. Just know that I'm spirituality sensitive, meaning if you attempt to do something sinister to me, I will know and will do whatever I have to do to protect myself. Since I'm not getting paid for my own spiritual work and not sure how many people believe in this line of spirituality without thinking I've lost my mind. I'll hold off on the wishful thinking.

"Like success, failure is many things to many people. With positive mental attitude, failure is a learning experience, a rung on the ladder, and a plateau at which to get your thoughts in order to prepare to try again." ~ W. Clement Stone

Another thing is I had a dream over the summer that an ex-friend had came back to New York from Atlanta, Georgia and I believe it was my son, Stephan who told me that this chick, Nargiss and her son, Amen had came back to New York because life in Atlanta was too much for her to "handle." I doubt my mother would have made mention of it for whatever reason she has and I'm contemplating whether if it's worth it to do spiritual things to Nargiss to keep her and her son, Amen in Atlanta, Georgia for good! I don't need her or her son anywhere near myself; my son and family. If need be, I'll head to Original Botanica in the Bronx for a Saint Alejo candle in the upcoming weeks. I had that dream on September 5. 2022 and it's not going to be my first time and nor will it be my last time I'll have these types of dreams. This chick who was once my "friend," I know she's still butt hurt over the email I've sent her two years ago just because I spoke the truth and she didn't like it (boo-hoo). Hey, it's facts of life and technically I didn't "throw it in" their faces and they can continue to live in denial all their lives but let's see how long this silent treatment will last. As mentioned before, if I could have done things differently, I would have waited until New Year's Eve to send the email by adding just enough that it'll be good enough for me. Anyway, let's see what happens whether if this dream I had will manifest into reality and I hope it stays as a dream because I don't need Nargiss coming around while I am at work as she's done in the past and I have to hear it from my son, Stephan.

"We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own." ~ Cesar Chavez

I've been looking on YouTube regarding prosperity bowls and there is an item of interest at Original Botanica in the Bronx. I already have the crystals needed and will have to head to Namaste Bookshop for crystals as I'm figuring out exactly where to place my prosperity bowl and it's going to be very interesting putting together a prosperity bowl until I'm able to purchase a 35mm film camera than eventually upgrade to a digital camera. For now, I just want to focus on getting a film camera and improving my photography. Yeah, I understand that digital photography would be way more economical than going down that nostalgic route of film photography where you'd be spending more money on buying film and dropping film off at places such as B&H for film processing. All in all, I feel that film have that look that digital photography lacks. I'm well aware of how expensive film photography really is in contrast to digital photography.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

Spiritual Crafts

“The essential lesson I’ve learned in life is to be yourself. Treasure the magnificent being that you are and recognize first and foremost you’re not here as a human being only. You’re a spiritual being having a human experience.” ~ Wayne Dyer

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namaste. I honestly was not planning on a fourth spiritual blog but here I am writing a fourth blog on spirituality and as I'm reflecting back on my previous blog titled: Spiritual Practice, I realize I haven't fully touched up on which psalms I would have used if I could do things much (much) differently and who knows what that particular outcome would have been or will be! I've decided to completely completely redo this blog over because I thought the first time around was good but this time I wanted to do better this time around on what I'd do. I had my Powers of the Psalms by Anna Riva on hand when I had taken my son, Stephan to the pool in Fort Totten on Independence Day so he can have fun while I chilled on the lounge chairs getting some tan and being a freaking meal to flies. 😒 While I was on the lounge chair looking over some psalms before placing them certain ones in its own category (love; work; finances; enemies). I did eventually go in the pool and had a good time, so the day wasn't a complete waste! 😁 Hopefully I'd have some space on scrap paper to break each category down so you'd know which is which and unfortunately in the Powers of the Psalms does not have any psalms to keep those who are constantly harassing you around the clock by blowing up your phone with constant unnecessary phone calls and threatening text messages to harm you and your family. Your best bet is to use these psalms: Suppress Evil Doers which involves a Reversible Multi-color 7 Day Prayer Candle; Punish Liars and Violent Men; Bring an Enemy to Justice; Destroy Any Enemies Power; Destroy One's  Enemy; and the last four psalms you use a 7 Day Pull Out Candle Black. As for as Bring an Enemy to Justice, if you have John Doe or Jane Doe's picture and date of birth, place the picture, name and date of birth on parchment paper on one side and intentions on the other side under the candle, repeat ritual for nine days. Don't forget to use Receive Answer to Prayer psalm prior to beginning each ritual during the Waxing and/or Waning Moon. Don't wait until things get worse before beginning your ritual and be sure to stock up on candles because for certain rituals require a black; purple; yellow; and several Reversible Multi-color 7 Day candles. I suggest purchasing a Double Reversible 14 Day Prepared Candle; Destroy Everything 14 Day Prepared Candle; Black List D.U.M.E. 14 Day Prepared Candle; and Against Harm/Contra Danos 14 Day Prepared Candle for the fifth month but for the first four months get three black candles so you can carve either John Doe or Jane Doe's full name and date of birth onto the candle and if you have a picture of either John Doe or Jane Doe, that's even better but still include their name; date of birth; and your intentions. Also recite Suppress Evil Doers for as long as possible for nine days if possible and I personally haven't tried this method for nine days but I am curious to hear from your personal experiences. You can spend anywhere from half hour to an hour each day and as many times as you want, it could be once a day or twice a day. It's totally up to you on what you want to accomplish but make it your own experience!!! I suggest Protection and Reversal Magick: A Witch's Defense Manual by Jason Miller and another book is Advanced Candle Magic by Ray Buckland for your spiritual practice. I suggest going to Namaste Bookshop; Aum Shanti Bookshop & Crystal Gallery; and Stick Stone & Bone for crystals but most of all, I encourage you to purchase a Selenite Crystal so you can charge up your candles and crystals first before working on anything spiritual.

-Positive Vibes-

"Spirituality does two things for you. One, you are forced to become more selfless, two, you trust to providence. The opposite of a spiritual man is a materialist. If I was a materialist I would be making lots of money doing endorsements, doing cricket commentary. I have no interest in that." ~ Imran Khan

If you're looking to attract the positive things into your life such as love; prosperity; employment opportunities. I will list several psalms throughout this paragraph that maybe useful to your current situation and I wish you luck on your spiritual journey. Especially if you're looking to start a business of your own and I will mention that in a moment. If you wish to attract love or friends; use Receive Answer to prayer; Receive Divine Prayer; Receive God's Blessings before beginning your rituals for Attract Love; Attract Friends; Assist In Finding Work; Find Fulfillment in Work; Find Love Each and Every Day; For A Happy Marriage; Help in Finding a New Dwelling; Improve Financial Conditions; Prosper in Business; Strengthen Friendships. To Attract Friends, all you need are parchment paper and Attraction Oil and carry the parchment paper with you everyday when you go out. You don't need anything fancy for Strengthen Friendships other than pray sincerely the short psalm of David. Best advice is to do no harm onto others and as the Wiccan Rede goes: "An ye harm none, do what ye will." Be mindful of any and all consequences done during your spiritual rituals, whether it's positive or negative because it will either bite you in the derrière if you put out negative energy and if you do positive then the universe will reward you with something positive. For added benefits prior to doing any spiritual work is done where as I often use them as personal reference to see how other witches perform their spells, check out Magical Witch or any other YouTube channel that features performing spells. If you're going to be performing any spiritual work for your dream job: a green candle is needed; Cat Candle Green; Catnip Herb; Fix Boss Oil; Boss Fix Sachet Powder; Hire Me Perfume (this link may take you to the 3rd I Product but you'd have to type in Hire Me); Job Oil; Steady Work Oil; Steady Work Sachet Powder; and a Steady Work 7 Day 1 Color Prayer Candle Green along with the psalms needed. You'll also need to recite this affirmation daily in order for everything to become reality: Affirmations For Dream Job Success | 21 Days Attract Job | Positive Affirmation Meditation | Manifest. If you're someone who is single and looking to enter a relationship, be careful in what you wish for and make sure you have a 7 Day Pull Out Candle White; a 7 Day Pull Out Candle Pink; and a 7 Day Pull Out Candle Red, as well as Attraction Oil; Love Drawing Candle 7 Day; Come to Me Oil; Desire Me Oil; Glow of Attraction Oil; Love Oil; Love Sachet Powder; and Love Soap. If you're totally serious about attracting a soulmate, be sure that this is what you want and be careful what you wish for! Be sure you find these qualities such as honesty; loyalty; trust; communication; and there's one other I've unintentionally left out but they will come to me! Keep this in mind, if you're one of those people that have that self-loathing mindset, there's an old saying, "If you can't love yourself, how in the world can you love someone else?" Or rather "If you can't love  yourself, how can you expect anyone to love you the way you deserve?" I hope that makes sense on many levels. If you have time throughout your day, here are two affirmations you can view at your own leisure that I personally like: Positive Affirmations for Self Love, Self Esteem, Confidence and 75+ Affirmations For Self-Love | Affirm Your Self-Worth, Self Confidence | A Brand New You | Manifest. There's a book I had borrowed from the Queens Public Library titled: The Practical Witch's Love Spell Book for Passion, Romance, and Desire by Cerridwen Greenleaf and illustrated by Mara Penny. It's a pretty cool book to read if you're looking for love or helping someone out with finding love. Best time to attract positive things into your life, please follow the moon phases for the best possible outcome and best time to perform positive spiritual work is during the Waxing Moon [refer to Moon Giant Calendar and Candle Spell How-To Guide]. In witchcraft, a "waxing" moon signifies a growing, increasing energy, ideal for manifestation energy; and attracting such things. Best of luck and I'm not looking to get too carried away with this. Carry on children!

• Assist in Finding Work: Attraction Oil; Attraction Sachet Powder; Come to Me Oil; Come to Me Sachet Powder; Desire Me; Deliverance Oil; Fix Boss Oil; Fix Boss Sachet Powder; Hire Me Oil/Perfume (this link may take you to the 3rd I Product but you'd have to type in Hire Me); Job Oil; Job Sachet Powder; Job Hunting Soap; Open Roads Oil; Open Road Sachet Powder; Steady Work Oil; Steady Work Sachet Powder; Steady Work 7 1 Color Prayer Candle Green; Find a Job Kit; and Affirmation For Dream Job Success | 21 days Attract Job | Positive Affirmation Meditation | Manifest.
  
• Assure Justice in Legal Proceedings: Court Case Oil; Court Case Sachet Powder; Court Case 7 Day 1 Color Prayer Candle; Court Case Incense Powder; Court Case Custom Big Al Candle; Court Case 14 Day Prepared Candle; and Win in Court Kit.
  
• Attract Friends: Attraction Oil: Attraction Sachet Powder; Open Roads; Open Roads Sachet Powder; and a 7 Day Pull Out Candle White or a 7 Day Pull Out Candle Pink will do.
  
• Attract Good Fortune: Cat Candle Green; Catnip Herb; Open Roads Oil; Open Roads Sachet Powder.
  
• Attract Love: 7 Day Pull Out Candle White; 7 Day Pull Out Candle Pink; 7 Day Pull Out Candle Red; Love Drawing Candle 7 Day; Attraction Oil; Attraction Sachet Powder; Come to Me Oil; Come to Me Sachet Powder; Desire Me Oil; Glow of Attraction Oil; Love Oil; Love Soap; Open Road Oil; Open Road Sachet Powder; Powerful Love Affirmation For Singles To Attract Soulmate Love, Romance, Marriage | Manifest; and this affirmation are for the ladies, Attract True Love For Women | Affirmation For Single Women | Manifest Series | Attract Your Dream Man.
  
• Attract Money: Cat Candle Green; Catnip Herb; Mr. Money Incense Stick 10 1/2; Open Road Oil; Open Road Sachet Powder; Gutner's Pure Clover Honey 100% Natural (Bear); Badia Cinnamon Sticks.
  
• Brighten One's View of the Future: Open Roads Oil; Open Roads Sachet Powder; 7 Day Pull Out Candle White.
  
• Bring Customers to One's Business: Better Business Bracelet; Pick Up Business 14 Day Prepared Candle; Better Business Candle; Saint Peter 7 Day Saint Candle; Magnetic Grains for Business; Business & Finance Incense Powder; Better Business Oil; Goldenseal Root; Pyrite Money Tree; Crystal Gemstone Prosperity Tree; Feng Shui Money Tree with Peony Seeds; M-8 Schemhamphoras #1 Seal; and Luck & Money Kit.
  
• Cause Business to Flourish: Better Business Custom Big Al Candle; Pick Up Business 14 Day Prepared Candle; Better Business 7 Day 1 Color Prayer Candle; Saint Peter 7 Day Saint Candle; Better Business Oil; Mucha Gente Perfume; Business & Finance Incense Powder; Magnetic Grains for Business; Call Clients Soap; Marjoram Leaves; Goldenseal Root; Pyrite Money Tree; Crystal Gemstone Prosperity Tree; Feng Shui Money Tree with Peony Seeds; and Luck & Money Kit.
  
• Clarity of Mind
• Cleanse the Heart and Mind:
  
• Cleanse the Heart of Malice: Heart Chakra Affirmations - Love Yourself Deeply; Affirmations To Heal Broken Hearts | Healing Heartbreak | Release Suffering and Move On | Manifest;
  
• Expand One's Psychic Abilities: Anise Oil; Awaken Your Intuition & Psychic Abilities, Guided Meditation;
  
• Find Fulfillment in Work: Find a Job Kit
  
• Find Love Each and Every Day: Powerful Love Affirmations For Singles To Attract Soulmate Love, Romance, Marriage | Manifest; Positive Affirmations To Attract Love | Soulmate Love Affirmations | Law of Attraction | Manifest.
  
• For A Happy Marriage: Positive Affirmations For A Happy Married Life | Healthy Relationship With Our Life Partner.
  
• For Health: Health Custom Big Al Candle; Healing Candle; Healing Oil; Dr. Gregorio Hernandez 7 Day Saint Candle (and/or) Saint Lazarus 7 Day Saint Candle Yellow; Saint Lazarus Oil; Radiant Health Sachet Powder.
• Help in Finding A New Dwelling: 7 Day Pull Out Candle Brown; 14 Day Plain Brown Candle; New Home" Affirmations! (Manifest your dream home!) ~ 432 Hz;
  
• Improve Financial Conditions: Cat Green Candle; Catnip Herb: Prosperity Incense Stick 10 1/2"; Gunter's Pure Clover Honey 100% Natural (Bear); Badia Cinnamon Sticks; Caridad del Cobre 7 Day Saint Candle; Caridad del Cobre 14 Day Prayer Candle Caridad del Cobre Oil; Saint Jude 7 Day Saint Candle; Saint Jude 14 Day Prayer Candle; Saint Jude Oil; Saint Jude Sachet Powder.
  
• Increase One's Speaking Abilities
• Intensify Psychic Talents: Anise Oil; and Intensify Psychic Talents Candle.
  
• Justice in Court Cases: Just Judge Oil; Just Judge Sachet Powder; Justice Oil; 7 Day Just Judge Candle Red; and Win In Court Kit. If it's for child support, you'll need: Caridad Del Cobre 14 Day Prayer Candle; Caridad Del Cobre 7 Day Saint Candle Yellow; Caridad del Cobre Oil. You'll need to burn the Caridad del Cobre halfway before lighting Saint Jude. Make sure you have a picture of the other parent and child in the picture along with a petition written on parchment paper to be placed under the Caridad del Cobre candle.
  
• Keep a Happy Heart and Joyful Attitude:
• Keep the Home Happy: Peace in the Home Oil; Peace In The Home Sachet Powder; Peace in the Home Bath & Floor Wash; Peace In The Home 7 Day 1 Color Prayer Candle; and Peace in the Home Incense Powder.
  
• Peace of Mind: Peace Oil; Peace Sachet Powder; and Peace 7 Day 1 Color Prayer Candle.
  
• Prosper in Business:
  
• Receive Healing Rays
• Restore Child's Health
• Serenity and Peace of Mind
• Soothe and Quiet the Nerves
• Success in Business:

I hope you've seen what I've done in the previous section with examples of what to purchase. Keep in mind, if you do positive, the universe will reward you with positive vibrations into your lives and don't feel intimidated by doing candle work. Be sure to find the best positive frequency music to listen to either on Spotify or YouTube! Key point about Waxing Moon: it represents growth, expansion, and new beginnings. Good for spells related to attracting abundance, love, creativity, and personal power. Think of it like "waxing" car.

-Banishing Vibes-

"But no matter how much evil I see, I think it's important for everyone to understand that there is much more light than darkness." ~ Robert Uttaro

In regards of performing banishing rituals, be mindful as to what you're doing because depending your intentions of the outcome and keep in mind that whatever energy you put out there can come back to you times three, please keep that in mind always! If it involves sending someone packing, just have a clear mind on where you'd want the said individual to relocate to another country and remain there permanently and never come back. It's best not to make this into a habit because as they say, karma is a bitch and it's not going to be pretty but at least allow the universe take care of these people for you. I'd also suggest do each ritual a minimum of five times during the Waxing Moon or Waning Moon over the course of five months and for the final time, purchase a 14 Day Plain Brown Candle. For the first four months, purchase three 7 Day Pull Out Candle Brown (with the glass) and one brown candle without the glass. If you choose to purchase a fourteen day candle for the fourth month and fifth month to give it a boost, be my guest in buying an extra fourteen day brown candle to give it a boost. Always practice good judgement before you get involved with spiritual work, both positive and negative; the good, the bad and the ugly! Have faith that this will work! Don't lose faith. In witchcraft, essentially, "waxing" is associated with growth and building, while "waning" is connected with decline and release. Waning Moon represents decline, letting go, and releasing negativity. Used for spells related to banishing unwanted things, breaking bad habits, and cleansing rituals. Think of the moon "waning" away, shrinking and losing its light.

• Against Evil Tongues
  
• Break a Hex: Uncrossing Custom Big Al Candle; Uncrossing Custom Big Al Candle; 7 Day Spell Breaker Candle; Jinx Removing Oil; Spell Breaker Oil;
  
• Break Unhealthy or Harmful Habits
• Compel Enemies to Become Meek
• Create Havoc Among Evil Doers
  
• Destroy Any Enemy's Power: Destroy Your Enemy Candle; San Alejo 7 Day Saint Candle; Saint Alejo Oil; Saint Alejo Sachet Powder; 7 Day San Deshacedor Pull Out Candle; San Deshacedor Oil; Forget Oil; Forget Sachet Powder; Go Away Evil Soap; Go Away Evil Incense Stick 10 1/2"
  
• Destroy Envy
• Destroy One's Enemies
• Destroy Satanic Forces
• Eliminate Opponents: Destroy Everything 14 Day Prepared Candle; Destroy Your Enemy Candle; 7 Day San Deshacedor Pull Out Candle (Side note: there's a Saint Deshacedor prayer in 'Helping Yourself With Selected Prayer Volume 2', page 111); San Deshacedor Oil; Forget Oil; Forget Sachet Powder;
  
• Exorcise Demons
• Exorcise An Evil Spirit
  
• Help Against Enemies: San Alejo 7 Day Saint Candle; San Alejo Oil; Saint Alejo Saint Powder;
  
• Overcome Crossed Conditions
• Overcome Jealousy
  
• Overcome Malicious Gossip
  
• Quiet the Tongues of Those Who Gossip
• Punish Liars and Violent Men
• Still the Voices of Rumor Mongers
• Suppress Evil Doers: 7 Day Pull Out Candle Black; Reversible Triple Action Big Al Candle; Reversible Oil; Double Reversible 14 Day Prepared Candle; Reversible Sachet Powder; Reversible Incense Powder; and Reversible Soap. 
  
• Suppress Liars
• When Deserted by Friends
• When Friends Have Betrayed You

Results may vary when performing or attempting each spiritual ritual and best to plan what you intend on doing beforehand (in advance) but best to perform either positive or banishing ritual a minimum of five months per month cycle and ending the final ritual with a fourteen day candle as the fifth month. No need to over do each ritual no more than once per moon phase (over the course of five months) and allow the universe to take care of the rest for you while you sit back and enjoy some popcorn so to speak. For example if you intend on using Suppress Evil Doers, do this a minimum of once during the Waning Moon Phase for five months and even if you have to purchase a fourteen day Double Reversible 14 Day Prepared Candle; Reversible Oil; and a Reversible Sachet Powder. Here's what I would do, I'd purchase a 7 Day Black Pull Out Candle (so you can carve John Doe or Jane Doe's full name and date of birth onto the candle before using oil) to last me four months and purchase a fourteen day reversible candle for the fifth month. Or I can purchase three seven day black candles and two fourteen day reversible candles so the first three months will consist of using seven day candles for the first three months and final two months will be the fourteen day candles. Nah, I think it's best to keep it to a minimum of four months instead of five because now that I think about it, it's over doing it if you were to keep on for five months straight then you may be pushing your luck. However, if you're using a Reversible Candle, feel free to use a Shut Up Multicolored 7 Day Prayer Candle; Shut Up Oil; and there is a Shut Up Sachet Powder (it's not shown on Original Botanica website) for Against Evil Tongues; Quiet the Tongues of Those Who Gossip; Still the Voices of Rumor Mongers; and Suppress Liars. Same concept with carving John Doe or Jane Doe's name and date of birth onto the candle and as well as parchment paper so you can place the parchment paper under the candle and as well as a picture of the said individual. Put all your effort (intentions) into the candle and find an appropriate affirmation to go with each of these rituals you perform in order for them to work. Find what works best for you and go with it until you personally feel it's time to find a new way of doing things that works best for you. No one method works the same for everyone and you'd have to find a method that works for you! Don't be afraid of the process because you're still learning and it's a process in itself if you're patient enough for your manifestation to become a reality. Believe me, it'll take some time depending on the universe. Again, I have not tried or thought of using any affirmations from the times I've done spiritual work either for myself or on anyone else and I now know what to do down the road when the time permits.

-Previous Blogs on Spirituality-

"Religion is meant to teach us true spiritual human character. It is meant for self-transformation. It is meant to transform anxiety into peace, arrogance into humility, envy into compassion, to awaken the pure soul in man and his love for the Source, which is God." ~ Radhanath Swami

Always practice good judgment before you get involved with any or all spiritual work, both positive and negative; the good, the bad and the ugly. Have faith that this will work. It's going to take a while and it's not going to happen right this second. Give your spiritual work time for the universe to fully grasp your wishes and be careful in what you wish for! If you're looking to do candle Magick just because you personally don't like an individual(s), don't do it for that particular reason or it'll come back to bite you in the arse sooner or later and it'll work best if you feel that your life is in danger of an ex or whomever. If an ex is violent, do what you can spiritually while working with the police. Although, I can imagine the police saying: "There's nothing we can do or unless if you've been attacked." Ain't that something? They'll wait until you're dead before they do anything for you. I'm skeptical regarding an Order of Protection because I've heard horror stories on how the ex-husband/estranged husband goes after his estranged wife and murders her to avoid paying child and or spousal support, stories like this you can watch on Dateline or 20/20. Do what you have to do to protect yourself and your children from harm and even if this means taking up Mixed Martial Arts classes near you (depending on your current budget). In the process, use safety and precaution when using candles, never leave them unattended for safety reasons (that is if you want to have a place to come home to at the end of the day). I would suggest reading Powers of the Orishas for additional information because there are prayers in both Helping Yourself with Selected Prayers books and be sure to use these books in good faith. All I know is once when you're initiated into the Santeria faith you'd have to wear all white for one year and it's not going to be as fun if you're a young woman who is still experiencing her monthly friend (depending on how heavy your menstrual cycles are because I know mine is heavy due to the birth control I'm using, which is an IUD). I realize Santeria have nothing to do with witchcraft and for a better understanding, watch this video: Santeria - Fusion of the Gods. Interview with a Santero. Documentary. So far it's an interesting history of Santeria. I still have a lot to learn when it comes down to such spiritual faiths and a lot of devotion as well. I hope I'm going to drive myself crazy with the new found information and knowledge of Santeria. This will be a very interesting journey learning more about the Orishas as I go along in life and where I stand with learning more about the Orishas, I currently find this to be very intimidating because I don't know a whole lot about it until I feel comfortable knowing more and more about them! All in all, I will recommend four books depending on where you're currently at the moment. Helping Yourself with Selected Prayers; Helping Yourself with Selected Prayers Volume #2; Powers of the Orishas: Santeria & the Worship of Saints by Migene Gonzalez - Wippler; and Powers of the Psalms.

• The Strange Reality of Religion
  
• What Everyone Ought To Know About Spiritual Experience 
• Spiritual Practice

I will end this with this message and I know I had set this blog up with the intentions of writing about photography, not a variety of different topics. I may end up doing a separate blog dedicated to spirituality and that's not going to be now but down the road once when I have a name picked out, I will be sure to share it with you all. ♥️ I will keep any spiritual blogs on here and I'm not in the mood to be rewriting any past blogs onto the new blog site, nope, I'm not going through the headache of copying and pasting anything non photography related onto new spiritual blog! Sorry, not sorry. 🤷🏾‍♀️ Side note: whenever you're doing candle work and there's specific prayers or psalms, pray genuinely as possible in order for your intentions to become reality. If it's certain Saints, be sure to leave an offering and be sure to do research on these saints prior to doing candle work. Again, pray as genuinely as possible while holding the candle and if you have a white tea light candle, light that first in Yahuah's Name and let Him know what you're doing at the moment, to guide you down the right path. There are three YouTube videos I feel you should check out at your earliest convenience: Yahuah/Yahusha Power Prayer; What is the real name of the Creator?... YAHUAH; and The True Name of the Creator. These are very interesting videos to watch and will check out YouTube channels with the history of Yahuah. I realize this is contradicting everything I've ever posted in this blog along with several other blogs relating to brujeria and yet believing in Yahuah but found this video, Witchcraft Breaker Deliverance Prayers | Pray in the Name of Yahuah - Yahusha and I'm going to eventually write a separate blog in regards of Yahuah, hopefully it'll be my last spiritual blog. I may revisit several videos and post them in the new blog once when I do my research, both video and articles. I still have books on witchcraft I haven't gotten around to read yet. If you want to get into astrology, I've skimmed through, The Complete Guide to Astrology: Understanding Yourself, Your Signs, and Your Birth Chart and want to create my birth chart but have to figure out how. Astrology have a hand in spirituality but can't fully explain because I haven't gone that far down the rabbit hole like the way I have with this level of spirituality that involves candles and divination (such as tarot cards but not yet with Runes or palmistry).

Blessed be,

Jennifer

*Caution: Be aware. Results may vary! Please be patient because your spells will take a hot minute for the universe to absorb your intentions. Don't lose faith and always, always keep the faith in yourself and in your spiritual work. When doing candle work, always keep a glass of water next to the candle. When doing candle work, never leave candles unattended. Best of luck!* 💗 😇 🤗 🕊 🕯️

Spiritual Practice

"Enlightened leadership is spiritual if we understand spirituality not as some kind of religious dogma or ideology but as the domain of awareness where we experience values like truth, goodness, beauty, love and compassion, and also intuition, creativity, insight and focused attention." ~ Deepak Chopra

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans. Namaste. I've been interested in witchcraft since high school but never did anything with witchcraft until recently and I've felt intimidated by it back then. Nowadays, I hold zero intimidation towards Wicca and I'm more open to the experience these days. I realize there are dire consequences, whether if your intentions are positive or negative and always keep that in mind at all times when performing any specific spiritual work of any kind. Keep in mind that whatever energy you put out there in the universe, whether if it's something positive or negative, that same energy will come back to you threefold. For example, if you do good such as being honest and giving back to the universe then that same energy will bless you times three. If you do negative harm to others then that same negative energy will return to you times three. For example, if you rob someone at gun/knife point then that same negative energy will return to you threefold. Same goes if you rape someone and that same energy will return to you in some type of way, whether if you're a father of a daughter or if it were to happen to your mother; aunt; [female] cousin whom you may be close with or even your grandmother! That wouldn't feel very good, would it [if the shoe was on the other foot]? Throughout this blog, I may include certain personal experiences, suggestions or even hypothetical scenarios on what do and what not to do before, during and after each spiritual ritual you choose to perform. There are four YouTube channels I watch whenever time permits: Witch of Wonderust; Magical Witch; Magical Crafting; and Spells8. These I will suggest watching first, depending on your current situation at the moment and my suggestion is to nip it in the butt right away! More about that situation later in the blog and I will admit it is very satisfying as a result but it took a while to manifest into reality. Take your time and have patience while doing candle magic. I will suggest Original Botanica on Webster Avenue in the Bronx [New York] for what you need: Candle and oil purposes, depending what your main intentions are at the moment. If Original Botanica is out of the question due to your [work] schedule, Enchantments in the East Village but be sure to contact them for their store hours either on Facebook or Instagram. Crystal wise: Namaste Bookshop and Aum Shanti Bookshop & Psychic Tarot Card Readings. When dealing with the moon phases for a specific spiritual outcome, check out Moon Giant Calendar and plan accordingly to your candle magic. Check out Parlour of Wonders blog ['Candle Spells How-To Guide'] since the person explains candle colors, when to light your candle; working with moon phases; working with astrological phenomena; working with days of the week; and just to name a few. Another spiritual suggestion, always sage everything, candles, oils, sachet powders and crystals or whatever you're working on at the moment.

-Spiritual Divination-

"...But we also believe that part of our mission is to find our bliss and follow it. Life is a precious and delicate gift. How much of that gift do we squander out of fear?" ~ Dianne Sylvan, The Body Scared.

When it comes to spiritual divination such as tarot cards, I have several tarot card decks and two oracle cards. The three tarot cards decks I have are Amazon and the two oracle cards are from Namaste Bookshop. If you're looking for a tarot card table cloth, I have this awesome table cloth for tarot card reading from Amazon if you're looking to read for other people or for yourself (either way is fine). I've bought a Tarot Card Holder Moon Tray Crystal Holder for Stones, Crystal Necklace Holder, Crystal Storage for Rune Stones, Crystal Organizer, Tarot Card Case to Hold All Your Alter Supplies; Witchy Cauldron Tarot Divination, Table Cloth for Reading and Alter Cloth Moon Alter, Cloth Witchy Emridery Velvet Silk Touch Satin Celtic Cross. If you're looking to get carving tools for candles, I have an 8 Pieces Wax Carving Tool Stainless Steel Wax Carvers Tools Spatula Chisel Wax Clay Sculpting Tool Spoon Carving Tool for Wax Oil Candle Statuary Clay Tools (Silver). If you have a tarot card deck but looking for a case for your tarot card deck, I have Luck Lab Leather Tarot Card Case/Holder) Grey - for Most Standard Size Tarot Cards - Moon Design and I also have a black tarot card case but this time with the sun design. Luck Lab Leather Tarot Card Case/Holder - Black - for Most Standard Size Tarot Cards - Sun Design as a spare case to have on hand. When I do tarot card readings for other people, I use Dionysus Classic Design Tarot Cards Deck with Guidebook I had purchased from Amazon in 2020 and when I do personal tarot card readings, I use The Modern Witch Tarot Deck for personal readings and I personally love this deck. I also have Keepers of the Light Oracle Cards and Archangel Oracle Cards: A 44-Card Deck and Guidebook. From the times I've done a personal [tarot] reading, they've came back accurate and I also done a [tarot] reading for a neighbor a year ago, he has mentioned the reading is accurate with what was going on in his life. My Best advice is to feel out every tarot and/or oracle card deck of your choosing. Every card selection is a very unique experience per person. I know this all sounds very weird to those who lack understanding of tarot cards. This is another suggested reading, I have How to Read Tarot: A Practical Guide and it's a hard cover book I purchased at Barnes & Noble in Union Square for $8 bucks before tax. I believe using tarot cards for the greater good. There are people who may not be aware that they are a witch or a warlock and roughly ten months ago I found two videos (both are part one and the second is of course a part two) on YouTube and both are to be viewed at your leisure. 7 Reasons Why You Might Be a Witch and Not Even Know It... and 7 Reasons Why You Might Be a Witch and Not Even Know It - Part 2 both are interesting videos to watch. I'm the kind of person who enjoys being outdoors more so than feeling like a prisoner within the four walls of home! Since I'm a New York residence, the winter months are different but I'm not crazy about being stuck at home.

• The Complete Book of Black Magic and Witchcraft: Including the rituals of Ceremonial Magic, Exorcism, True Sorcery and Infernal Necromancy by Shadow Books
  
• The Complete Guide to Astrology: Understanding Yourself, Your Signs, and Your Birth Chart by Louise Eddington
• Psychic Empath: Secrets of Psychic and Empaths and a Guide to Developing Abilities Such as Intuition, Clairvoyance, Telepathy, Aura Reading, Healing Mediumship, and Connecting to Your Spirit Guides by Spiritual Awakening Academy
  

-Spiritual Practice-

 "We are not evil. We don't harm or seduce people. We are not dangerous. We are ordinary people like you. We have families, jobs, hopes, and dreams. We are not a cult. This religion is not a joke. We are not what you think we are from looking at T.V. We are real. We laugh, we cry. We are serious. We have a sense of humor. You don't have to be afraid of us. We don't want to convert you. And don't try to convert us. Just give us the same right we give you -- to live in peace. We are much more similar to you than you think." ~ Margot Adler

Last but not least, as mentioned before when it comes down to certain situations such as friendships and in a particular blog titled, With Friends Like You, Who Needs Enemies! If you are aware of a shift in your friendship, I suggest either speaking to the other people you have a close association with but if you notice a shift in their behavior, I suggest nip it in the butt right away and use the Waning Moon phase to get rid of any negativity. Another book suggestion is Power of the Psalms by Anna Riva you can purchase at Original Botanica in the Bronx or even Amazon and they have almost every psalm you can think of in the book! However, if you want the said individual to relocate elsewhere, purchase a 7 Day Pull Out Candle Brown that you can pull out; carve the individual's name and date of birth onto the candle, use Open Road Oil; Open Road Sachet Powder; Attraction Oil; Attraction Sachet Powder; Chasing Oil; Get Out Oil; Get Out Sachet Powder; other oils you feel are completely necessary to use for that moment in time; and psalms picked out from Power of the Psalms book for the said individual to find a new dwelling, however, results may vary (meaning, certain spells may happen sooner than others and others may take several weeks, months or so, depending on how strong of an intent you have from within). Set your intentions for the said individual to relocate, whether if it's somewhere in Europe so you wouldn't have to ever see the said individual ever again! The further, the better for the both of you since it'll be a change of scenery for the both of you if the other person moved to Europe. I had performed this spell on an ex friend, Nargiss and she and her son, Amen and as I've learned several months ago that they're relocating to Atlanta, Georgia at the end of June! 😁 I'm very proud of myself for putting my energy into my ex friend to relocate. I may as well forgive this chick, Pamela and I'm pretty sure by now she's brainwashed into believing that I'm a horrible person for sending that email in November of 2020. [They can be angry all they want that I spoke the truth about themselves and if I could do it all over again, I would've taken my time with what I wanted to say so everything would be all in one email on what I want to say.] If I could have done things very differently, I would have done so and would have been less nervous about Nargiss coming by when I'm not home had I nipped it right in the butt so she wouldn't chit chat with my mother. I will say this once but this chick think she's slick by coming around when I'm not home (specifically when I'm at work and I have to hear it from my son when I get home). Maybe my mind is overreacting as always. Well, the damage is already done and over with but if I ever found myself in a similar situation where there's a shift in my friendship, I would nip it in the butt right away instead of waiting until after sending the email saying what I have to say in hopes the individual would relocate to Europe for life then send the email. I'm just speaking on hypothetical terms if I ever saw myself in a similar situation where there's a shift in the friendship.

"The practice of magic is not evil or destructive -- Witches and folk magicians, through timeless rituals, are only drawing upon natural energies found within the earth and our bodies to create positive, life-affirming change." ~ Scott Cunningham, The Truth About Witchcraft Today

I've watched 'Protection Magick' by The Witch of Wonderlust and there's items I'd have to eventually purchase either from Amazon or from a spiritual shop to make protection magick with the ingredients listed in the video. I'm very curious on how this will turn out once when I have everything, I need to make the protection magick. You can check out this video, How to Make Black Salt - Protection Magic - Witches Black Salt Recipe, Magical Crafting - Witchcraft by Magical Crafting.

• Black Lava Hawaiian Sea Salt - 2lb. Bag Fine Grain by San Francisco Salt Company;
• Activated Charcoal Capsules - 1,200 mg Highly Absorbent Helps Alleviate Gas & Bloating Promotes Natural Detoxification Derived from Coconut Shells - per Serving - 100 Vegan Capsules;
• Cast Iron Cauldron w/handle, ideal for smudging, incense burning, ritual purpose, decoration, candle holder, etc. (4" Diameter Handle to Handle, 2.5" Inside Diameter);
• Instant Light Hookah Shisha Charcoal, Charcoal Tablets for Incense - 1 Box, 4 Rolls, 40 Tablets;
• Pure and Organic Biokoma Rue Dried Herb - Natural Tea in Resealable Pack Moisture Proof Pouch - 50g;
• Anthony's Organic Dried Rosemary Leaves, 1 lb., Whole Leaf, Destemmed, Non GMO, Non-Irradiated, Gluten Free 
•  Ripple Stream Mugwort herb Pure Leaves Fine Picked Bulk Nil Stem, Stalk, Organic Artemisia vulgaris Chemical Free 4 ounce (Organic) 
• Premium California White Sage 4 Inch Smudge Sticks - Torch Wands Home Cleansing, Fragrance, Meditation, Yoga, Blessing, Smudging Rituals, New Home (6 Pack)
• Govinda Frankincene Natural Resin Pea Size 1 lb. 
• Stone Mortar and Pestle Natural by Divine
  

I had purchased this clear skull jar (not sure how to describe it in writing but will eventually take a picture of it and post it on here when time permits) from Enchantments in the East Village sometime last year at their old location before they had relocated early February 2022. My main intention with this particular item is to use it for Black Salt. There's a video titled: 'How to Make Black Salt - Protection Magic - Witches Black Salt Recipe, Magical Crafting - Witchcraft' by Magical Crafting. If you're currently searching for employment opportunities at the moment, I've found a spell for '"New Job" Prosperity Bowl' by HerbWicc on Tumbler. Crystals you'll need are Tigers Eye; Aventurine; Pyrite; Citrine; and Clear Quartz. Best of luck to those who are on their job search for something better and something to assist in paying your bills and putting food on the table for you and your family! Side note: If you want the candle magick to work wonderfully, best to use a Selenite Crystal to charge up your candles and/or crystals you may have on hand. For further reading, here is an article on 'How To Use Selenite For Deep Energetic Cleansing, From Crystal Experts' and best to Google search whatever crystals may catch your attention whenever you're looking to get crystals from spiritual shops in your area!

-Miscellaneous Finds-

• Banishing Return to Sender Spell / Breaking the Curse Part 2
• 'Powers of the Orishas: Santeria & the Worship of Saints' by Migene Gonzalez Wippler
• 'The Witch's Alter: The Craft, Lore & Magicka of Sacred Space' by Jason Mankey and Laura Tempest Zakroff
• What Everyone Ought To Knows About Spiritual Experience
• The Strange Reality of Religion
  

 Treat others as how you want to be treated.

Blessed be,

Jennifer