The Second Annual Winter Wonderland EAST Event!

EAST's 2nd Annual Winter Wonderland Event is happening now! Running from Nov.28 thru Dec.15, EAST member shops are celebrating the season with special sales promotions, and crafting unique new items! Search Etsy.com using the WWEE tag to find participating items.

Mandalas: circles of the soul

Mandalas are symbols that often feature in East team members' work, as in Cobaltquilter's design above, called 'Yoni the Sacred Feminine'. The word mandala comes from Sanskrit (an ancient Indian language) and loosely means 'circle'. It can be seen as a representation of 'one-ness' or wholeness. The intricate and colourful Tibetan sand mandalas are representations of the whole cosmos and the act of creating one is undertaken by monks as a meditative process. The mandalas are full of symbolic meaning and once complete they are destroyed as a demonstration of the impermanence of all things. Mandalas can be complex and intricate, like Indigoluna's 'Autumn Earth Mandala Quilt, or simple as in Spiritmama's 'Om T-shirt', below.

Mandalas have long been used as a meditative tool. Some of the earliest are the Yantras - precise geometrical patterns that have their origins in Indian Vedic traditions. The meditator sits and gazes upon the Yantra, studying its pattern, which forms a bridge to higher realms of consciousness. This idea is expressed in one of Ideasign's many beautiful mandala's, 'Somewhere Between Body and Soul', shown below.

But as well as helping us to reach higher levels of consciousness, mandalas can also help us to go inwards. By drawing our own mandalas, we can begin a healing dialogue with our inner selves.
Perhaps the first to fully explore this idea was psychoanalyst Carl Jung, who used mandalas in his analysis. Jung was always interested in symbolism within various cultures and he saw mandalas as the "path to the centre, to individuation" (which was the core of his work). He began drawing his own mandalas daily, reflecting on the insights they gave. And he used them with his patients, allowing the patients to discuss the images they created and what they represented.

It really is very simple to reap the benefits of mandalas. Give yourself an hour or so of undisturbed time. Play some contemplative music, and let your mind relax. First draw a large circle on a piece of paper. This will be the basis of your mandala. Now think upon a theme, or go on a guided visualisation (such as to meet your Wise Being, inner sanctuary, inspirational place) where you will allow your inner eye to visualise your own mandala. Holding this image, now create it on your page. Don't worry - this is not a competition - you don't have to be able to 'draw' like an artist, just have fun and create. Your mandala may be intricate and geometrical - so get out the ruler and protractor; it may be figurative or perhaps it is a mass of colours. There are no rules! Anything goes - just get it down. Pastels or chalks are great as they help you to sketch out the image quickly.

When you have finished your mandala, have a good look at it. Is it trying to tell you something? If drawing a mandala is really not your thing – just keep your eyes open. Mother Nature loves to create mandalas and if you look, you'll see that they are all around us:

Shown above are celticgoddessjewellery's Black Nautilus Earrings and Greenfinger's Pentacle Wreath.

This article was compiled by Healingstones and was extracted from an article on her blog. For more articles about crystals and such, visit Stoneweaver.

Symbolism of the Sacred - The Pentagram Star

Exploring the sacred meaning of symbols and imagery with beautiful and inspiring examples from members of the EarthPath Artisans Street Team.

The Pentagram Star:
The pentagram or pentacle is a five pointed star which fits perfectly into a pentagon and often appears within a circle. It is associated with the number five and all expressions of fiveness including five fingers, five senses, five Platonic volumes and five elements: earth, air, fire, water and spirit. This fifth element of spirit is also known as quintessence, the source of the word quintessential which speaks to us of heart and soul. Slice open an apple or a pear and see the five pointed star in the arrangement of the seeds. The flower of almost every edible fruit has five petals.
Over a period of 8 years the planet Venus traces a pentacle in the sky. This was known by many early civilizations including the Mayans, Egyptians and Greeks. It is no wonder that this five pointed star is associated with the Goddess, mystery and magic.
Through it's mathematical connection to the Fibonacci spiral and the Golden ratio it has qualities of regeneration, harmony and beauty. From ancient times this star has been used to ward off evil and can be used in the home, in rituals or worn as protection.

This beautiful print by magickmermaid titled 'Goddess Heart in Circle" perfectly expresses the relationship between the five pointed star, the Goddess, the circle of life and the essence of the heart. The yellow trefoil knot is a symbol of unity and harmony. This would be perfect as a meditation or altar piece, or simply as a decoration in your home.

I love the subtle quality of this knotted pentacle pendant by knottysheep. Based on a Chinese knot called wufu, which literally means "five fortunes, this pendant is a beautiful and profound weaving of East and West. It could be worn as protection or for good luck and prosperity.


For more beautiful pentagram inspired creations search using the words' east team' and then 'star', 'pentacle' or' pentagram' on Etsy.com.

This feature has been prepared for you by Morgen of Inkyspider Textile Designs and Kootsac re-usable bulk food bags.

October Giveaway - Divapixie of Fools and Jewels (an EASTIE!)

Show your support for your fellow Eastie! Divapixie of Fools and Jewels has donated THREE yes 3, Halloween pendants! There will be THREE winners! Two bottle cap pendants with a Halloween theme and also a resin Halloween pendant! Each one comes ready to wear with a chain!

October Giveaway! Divapixie has generously donated THREE, yes THREE items to giveaway! We will have a first place, second place and third place winners, randomly generated by random.org.

Contest Rules:
Please post your comments on my blog at http://www.buyindie.blogspot.com, each post counts as one entry, then leave me a bit of information about one of her products from her etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5052896, don't forget to leave your email address in the comment so I can notify you if you are the winner! (or leave me some way to contact you)

Earn some extra entries for this contest! Blog about this contest on your own blog or website and post a link in your comment! Be sure to enter and tell all your friends! If you refer a friend and post their screen name in your post, you win another entry!

***This contest ends October 22nd!***

What Diva Pixie says about herself:

"Hello, my name is Cindy. I'm a native Minnesotan who now resides in Dodge City Kansas. I saw a set of jewelry pliers in a clearance bin at Ben Franklin's one Christmas and thought they looked interesting... the results are here in my etsy shop. I am currently taking a Metalsmithing class at the local college as well to hone in my skills. I do take custom orders with 50% upfront for cost of materials and 50% upon completion. Any questions, comments or even if you just want to chat convo me. Have a sparkly day!!!"

What her customers are saying about her:

"Thank you so much for making this custom piece for me, it is fantastic! This was such a smooth transaction and you took the time to figure out exactly what I was looking for. I highly recommend this etsian!"

"Wonderful Etsy User! Divapixie makes the most beautiful jewelry! This shop is a must to check out for original, gorgeous and reasonably priced handcrafted jewelry!!"

"I LOVE this necklace! It feels mine, like I have owned it all my life and worn it almost every day. It feels a part of me like my wedding ring. What can I say? Divapixie has outdone herself creating this peice for me. It is perfect. Thank you so much!"

Symbolism of the Sacred - The Spiral

Exploring the sacred meaning of symbols and imagery with beautiful and inspiring examples from members of the EarthPath Artisans Street Team.

The Spiral:
The spiral is one of the most widespread shapes and energetic movements in nature. Spirals can be found in the design of galaxies, the unfurling of embryos, the cochlea of the ear and in the tiny curling tendrils of some plants. It is no wonder that it is such a powerful symbol all over the world for regeneration, transformation and birth.
The spiral is symbolic of the Great Mother. As it ascends upward it transforms matter into spirit and as it descends downward spirit is materialized into matter. The Latin word for mother is mater and gave rise to the word matter. The spiral represents the Great Mother's generative powers to bring life into being through transformation.

This Spiral Healing Hand pendant comes from the shop of Spiritmama. The design on this bamboo pendant has been lazer carved by Lisa Coltman of SunFusion.biz. This native American glyph represents the healing hand or the power of regeneration.


This Wild Heart of Earth amulet pouch has been made by Greenfingers out of the wool of local Oregon sheep and alpaca. A soft and gentle spiral rests within this small magical pouch. Perfect for holding a crystal or other sacred object.

For more beautiful spiral inspired creations search using the words' east team spiral' on Etsy.com.

This feature has been prepared for you by Morgen of Inkyspider Textile Designs and Kootsac re-usable bulk food bags.

It's Time for the Spirited Autumn Event!

It's time for The Spirited Autumn Event! From Monday, September 22nd (the Fall Equinox) until Monday, October 6, Members of Etsy's Earthpath Artisans Street Team are offering special promotions on selected items in their shops. The event focuses on Fall Themed and Magical items, just in time for Halloween! Search Etsy using the TSAE tag to find participating items.

Here are just a few of the items that are participating:

Hedgewitch Sale

I hope everyone has had a great summer (and anyone in the other hemisphere is enjoying the first signs of spring!)..

.. this is just to let you know that Hedgewitch is having an 'end-of-summer' sale, so its a good time to visit and grab a bargain!

Welcome in Fall!

Etsy Buy Handmade krummenacker

To celebrate, I'm offering 25% off everything in the Clothing and Costumery and Hairsticks sections of my Etsy store. http://krummenacker.etsy.com -- I'd like to help people who are designing their own Halloween costumes to dress them up. Just hit the "contact" button on the store site and it will let you send me a message. Tell me what you want and I will edit it for the discount and reserve it for you to purchase.

Sun Catchers

I've been making sun catchers with sterling silver and swarovski crystals. I've made three different ones so far - a faerie, a moon goddess and a crescent moon and star. You can even request different colors of crystals on them to match your decor, I have purple, blue, orange, clear, red, green and black available. Please see my shop for more pictures.

www.SoulyStones.Etsy.com

Featured giveway on buyindie.com ! - East member Lizstaley

Liz of "the Realm of Nerdiness", fabulous artist and kafma maker extraordinaire, (also an EAST member!) has generously offered to donate the above wallet (see more pictures at http://lizstaley.deviantart.com/gallery/#Isis-and-Osiris-Wallet) for my very first indie giveaway! I can give a personal testimonial of her products. I own the original Athleenia the Cow-Octo-Pirate Kafma OF DOOM and also I own the original ACEO entitled "Seeking Solace".

Please post your comments on http://buyindie.blogspot.com and leave me a bit of information about one of her products from her etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5082757, don't forget to leave your email address in the comment so I can notify you if you are the winner!

Be sure to read my entire post about Liz on buyindie.com and follow the directions and maybe YOU could be the owner of this extraordinary wallet!

***All entries must be received by 09-26-08***

Now a part of the Etsy Teams Blog Ring!

Hi Everyone! Our blog is now a part of the Etsy Teams Blog Ring! This is an opt-in Blog Ring for the Street Teams of Etsy to be a part of. If you look on the right-hand side of our blog, you'll see the Blog Ring code- feel free to navigate through the blogs using the arrows. These will take you to other blogs where you can learn about other awesome Etsy teams! Have fun!

New pendulums on the horizen from Celtic Goddess Jewelry

Celtic Goddess Jewelry is expanding her pendulum line! Be on the lookout in the near future for pendulums made of wood, metal and unique stone choices! Pendulums are good for divination, but also are good for healing work and spell work!

The two newest in the collection are a pendulum honoring the goddess Pele and a pendulum honoring the Native American traditions and lore of the turtle and the earth.

Be sure to check out a wide variety of new pendulums coming soon to my shop!

Http://celticgoddessjewelry.etsy.com
http://celticgoddessjewelry.com

Isaura the Spell Casting Witch Concocts Her Best Brew

We all love witches around here, and I'm bubbling over to share my crazy art doll witch Isaura in her studio concocting her latest brew.

Who's ready for Halloween?

More pics here:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13894619

Happy Spellcasting!

Waxela Sananda

SpiritMama

Giveaway on Fehu Stoneware's Blog!

Want the chance to win your very own stash/PPF Bait jar? Our very own Fehu Stoneware is having a giveaway on her blog, so check it out and enter!

http://fehustoneware.blogspot.com/2008/07/contest-woohoo-tada-its-about-time.html

W is for Witch ~ New item in my shop!

Most of you know me more from my herb shop, but I do have a more creative side that likes to play with glitter, and silks and paint and glue.
I thought you might like to see my newest creation in my Avalon Adornments shop. It's a mixed media assemblage. You can see more about it here.

I rarely post items here

... but I had to share this.

It will end up only showing in my Sold items on Etsy, because it was a custom order, for a Wiccan business card holder. You'll notice I put Lucky's business card on one side.
I did a little write up on my blog about this. Most of this is fairly common knowledge to the readers of this blog, but some of it may be of interest.

...I was pleased to have a roaring success with this Wiccan business card holder.

For those of you not familiar with these symbols, the pentacle represents 5 elements: spirit, air, fire, water, and earth, with spirit being the top point. Although some Christians in modern times are suspicious of the pentacle, in medieval times it was also thought to represent Five Virtues and was referred to as being embroidered on the equipage of great Christian knights in epic poems. In the Tarot, the Pentacles are the suit of Air, Intellect, and Wealth: not bad symbols for a business card holder.
The Triple Moon symbol represents the Goddess as maiden, mother and crone. The waning and waxing of the moon has always been seen as a metaphor for the cycle of life, and the Fates found in many myths are likely a version of the triple goddess. I consider the Triple Moon an excellent reminder in today's youth culture that there are other times of life which are just as important. Those with life experience become more confident and more powerful.

Winners of EAST's Gypsy Design Challenge!........

The Gypsy Design challenge voting has ended and we have winners!
Thank you to everyone who voted!

Figgy, of FromtheFigTree won with her beautiful Gypsy skirt

Congratulations!!!



Liz, of LizStaley, came in second place with her adorable Anime plushie


And Dismissie came in third with her Gypsy wagon


Everyone who participated was so creative, I'm just blown away! Thank you so much!

Tonka Beans for Magick and Money!

I now have Tonka Beans for sale in my shop!

Also known as Coumaria Nut and Lucky Bean, Tonka has a long history of use in both the perfume industry, and for it's associations with Luck, Money, and Love.
Tonka beans have a vanilla-like scent when tinctured, and are sometimes used as an ingredient in fragrances.

To use for magickal purposes, they are carried in your pocket, placed in a sachet, or used in spells for to draw money to you. If I'm doing a prosperity spell designed specifically for money, and not just general abundance, I'll always have a few tonka beans on my altar.
It is not recommended to burn tonka beans, which is why I don't include them in my incense formulas.

Sale at Summer Sea Herbs!

**************I'm having a sale thru July 18th!*************
Take 25% off all items in my herb shop, Summer Sea Herbs!
Just place your order and wait for an adjusted invoice. It's that easy!

Don't forget to vote!

There's only a week left to vote for our Gypsy Challenge! It's really easy, just vote on the poll to the right of this entry!

Here's our official write-up about the challenge:

The EarthPath Artisans Street Team (EAST) is having a Gypsy Design Challenge! Team members have taken their interpretation of what the word "Gypsy" conjures up for them, and created new pieces in a variety of media.

The purpose of this challenge is not to win prizes or compete with each other; rather, it's a way to build team camaraderie and inspire us to explore new themes and stretch our creative muscles. And for the winner, it means a little extra attention from an adoring public! Winners will be posted on the blog and on Etsy.

So stop by the EAST Challenge page on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/groups/earthpathchallenge
to see pictures of the entries, and then go vote at the EAST blog
http://earthpathartisans.blogspot.com
You can also see many of the entries in the members' shops by visiting the team shop's favorite items page.
http://earthpathartisans.etsy.com

Sign up for My Newsletter and Win

I have decided to start up an e-mail newsletter for my shop. The newsletter will come out some time near each of the neo-pagan holidays, and will feature herbal magic tidbits for the holiday, shop news, special offers, and occasional free prizes for subscribers only.

Subscribers will also get first dibs on special seasonal items.

AND, if you sign up by this Friday, July 11, I will put your name in the hat to win a free hanging copper goddess like the one to the left. Only you get to choose the bead color!

Interested? Contact me on Etsy with your e-mail address by midnight Etsy Standard Time (Eastern Time) on Friday, July 11, and you'll be added to the list and entered in the drawing!

Name the Kitty to Win!

I have this kitty I rescued and I'm having some trouble naming her, so I'm having a contest!

Whoever submits the name I choose, wins his/her choice of this lovely hand crafted copper, Swarovski crystal, aventurine, malachite and class necklace

OR

This wonderful healing magnet


You can see more pictures of the prizes in my shop, Luminosities

Here are some pictures of the little kitty. She's about a year old and still quite playful.







You can see more pictures of her here and here

Go HERE to submit names and may the best name win!!

EAST's Gypsy Challenge Begins! Come Vote!

The EarthPath Artisans Street Team (EAST) is having a Gypsy Design Challenge! Team members have taken their interpretation of what the word "Gypsy" conjures up for them, and created new pieces in a variety of media.

The purpose of this challenge is not to win prizes or compete with each other; rather, it's a way to build team camaraderie and inspire us to explore new themes and stretch our creative muscles. And for the winner, it means a little extra attention from an adoring public! Winners will be posted on the blog and on Etsy.

So stop by the EAST Challenge page on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/groups/earthpathchallenge
To see pictures of the entries, and then go vote at the EAST blog
http://earthpathartisans.blogspot.com
You can also see many of the entries on Etsy by visiting the team shop's favorite items page.
http://earthpathartisans.etsy.com

Voting ends July 21st.
We'll see you there!

Today is my two year Etsy-versary! Yay!
To celebrate, I'm going to offer 20% off everything in Summer Sea Herbs. If there's anything you want, just wait for an adjusted invoice after you make your purchases, before you pay.

It's been a great two years here, I'm so happy to have found Etsy, and of course, especially happy about our EarthPath Artisans family! You all rock my world!

Have a wonderful day!
Blessed be,
tracyw

Sunflowers

Well, its summer! To celebrate the season, I've put together a Sunflower Treasury full of handmade desirables, a real blast of sunshine.. hope you enjoy it.

There are sunflowers blooming in the Hedgewitch herb garden and the online shop is full of happy sunflower cards in warm sunny shades.













Don't forget FATHERS' DAY...
Does your Dad like gardening? Why not choose a sunflower card this Fathers' Day? Your money will go towards supporting the important work of The Woodland Trust (Hedgewitch donates 10% of all card proceeds) plus if you mention Fathers' Day I'll include a sunflower mini-photocard FREE to use as a gift tag on a Father's Day gift.

Dangle Diva Club!

Hey all you Earring Addicts!

I have JUST the solution for you! Come on over to my shop and pickup YOUR subscription to the Dangle Diva Club!

Every month, all Members of the DDC will receive an email newsletter from me, with exclusive earring selections. Simply reply to me with the pair you like, and they will be gift wrapped and sent to you! It’s like getting a little gift just for you, every month, with no fuss, muss or having to spend hours searching for the perfect pair! Let ME bring the awesomeness to YOU!

This also makes the perfect gift for a loved one! Send them a little something every month, without lifting a finger!

You can read more of the details, rules and disclaimers if you click on the above picture! Come on, you KNOW you want to! Join the DDC fun today!

BreathoftheDragon on Etsy

I've been working on my Etsy store today. I've added shop policies and updated some information like team tag info on my profile.

I am working a lot lately, so I doubt I will be listing any new items any time soon. I hope to make some new ones in the coming month, however.

Check it out and let me know what you think!
Thanks!
Sunfire


P.S. -- Also, would you please list me on the side of this blog? I don't see my shop listed. Thanks.

Elder

I've recently had the enormous pleasure of welcoming a wonderful addition to the Hedgewitch herb garden .. a beautiful young elder tree, which had obligingly seeded it itself into a tub behind our house.

It is small enough that I think it has a good few years before it becomes too large for the roof garden, and it is covered with little flowerbuds. Many of the local elder trees are already in bloom, so I'm looking forward to seeing the first blossom on the Hedgewitch tree sometime soon.

This tree is steeped in folk-lore and is a fount of mystery and medicine. I have been collecting elderflowers for years, and am so delighted to be able to have my very own elder growing amongst the herbs in my garden. Further information on the Elder can be found on the Earth and Tree blog where I have posted an information sheet and directions for making elderflower tea.

Needless to say, I wasted no time in trying a leaf to take impressions and was pleased to see that it works very well - a more subtle impression than some of the herbs with more ribbed leaf construction, but perhaps the more beautiful for this?

Cosy Custom Tanks in Earthy Colours

Following a request for a custom order, I've been making new versions of the Hedgewitch handknitted tank top. The original was a cropped version (length 19") but it now comes in a longer length (24"), too, which reaches to the hip.















The yarn I use for the tanks is a really soft cosy wool mix which is ever so slightly fluffy and gives a really snuggly feel .. at the moment, the colours available are Cappucino (a creamy blend), Chestnut (flecked beige) and Moss (olive/rust combination). I'm currently trawling the net for more supplies of the popular Copper colour, now discontinued.















These tanks are perfect to keep you warm in that tricky transition from Brrrrr! to Spring when a sweater is too much but you need a little extra draught exclusion!

The ones you see in the shop are generally knitted up to fit a ladies size medium (UK 12-14) .. but I can make you one in whatever adult size you specify (including plus size). The joy of a custom order is that you can specify the measurements precisely .. the length, width, how deep you'd like the neckline, etc. Just lay out a garment that fits you well on the bed to take the measurements (much easier than when you're in it).


They make a lovely gift, too... if you're not sure of the recipient's size, I can send you a beautiful gift card with photos of the tank top for you to give them, then they can contact me with their measurements and have one made to measure.

Click here for more photos of the Chestnut cropped tank and Copper tank (both now sold) and the Moss tank top which is currently on sale in the Hedgewitch shop.