Friday Finds - Runes

I've always been enchanted by the magical, mystical runes and found way too many amazing pieces to only list my typical three. I hope you don't mind. But first, here's a little background on the runes from The Runic Journey: An Online Exploration of the Norse Runes

Runes are an alphabetic script used by the peoples of Northern Europe from the first century c.e. until well into the Middle Ages. In addition to their use as a written alphabet, the runes also served as a system of symbols used for magic and divination. Runes fell into disuse as the Roman alphabets became the preferred script of most of Europe, but their forms and meanings were preserved in inscriptions and manuscripts.

The primary characteristic which distinguishes a runic alphabet from other alphabets is that each letter, or rune, has a meaning. For example, whereas "ay", "bee", and "cee" are meaningless sounds denoting the first three letters in our alphabet, the names of the first three runes, "fehu", "uruz", and "þurisaz" are actual words in the Germanic language, meaning "cattle", "aurochs", and "giant", respectively. Runes also have magical and religious significance as well, thus transforming the simple process of writing into a magical act. They are also used for divinatory readings and to create magical spells.

Today, runes have been rediscovered as a symbolic system and have gained immense popularity as a means of divination. They are, however, much more than a curious alternative to Tarot cards for telling fortunes. They provide a key to understanding the lives and beliefs of the ancient people who created them, and have much to teach us about a way of life that was perhaps more inimately connected to the natural world, and to the realm of spirit, than our own.

Odin Elder Futhark Runes and Box by Alaska Laser Maid

Sterling Silver Rune Cuff by Cindy Pack

Mosaic Stepping Stone by Your Healing Garden

Rune Goddess Personalized Portrait Picture by My Magic Me

Prosperity/Good Fortune/Money Moon Soap by Moon Goddess Designs

Rustic Runes - Fine Silver & Sterling Stud Post Earrings - Elder Futhark Runes by Canadian Rockies Art

Fantasy Artists of Etsy Street Team Midsummer Revelry Exhibition

I am way behind on sharing this, but... The Fantasy Artists of Etsy Street Team's Midsummer Revelry Exhibition is absolutely gorgeous. There's such a wide variety of items including plushies, stained glass, jewelry, art, bags, masks, ritual supplies, hair accessories... Athena's Armoury has three pieces of chain maille jewelry included as well! You can see some of the amazing items included in the Etsy Mini on the very bottom of this blog page. Be sure to check it out. You won't be disappointed. But do it soon, because our next exhibition isn't long off!

Black Thumb Slowly Turning Green Again?

I love herbs. I do not claim to be an herbalist, but herbs in general and particularly the medicinal use of them fascinates me. I fully admit that I'm no chef, but the use of fresh herbs over dried can make all the difference in the world. When we were living in our apartment, I had a nice little collection of potted herbs growing on our little screened in porch (I don't call it a lanai because it was soooo tiny!). For some reason, however, despite my efforts I haven't had the same luck growing since we moved into our house two years ago.

Despite my apparent black thumb, I did not give up. I wasn't having much luck until my mom got this pot of plants for me when she came to visit in May. There's a few flowers in there with lovely purple buds that's not showing it's face right now in addition to the lovely purple ferns and that very cool spiky plant (have no idea the appropriate names for any of these). Anyway, I managed to keep it alive long enough to feel encouraged to start growing herbs again. After a period of having a black thumb, this was encouraging indeed.

Recently, I bought a couple of basil plants as well as a rosemary, parsley, and oregano (the oregano didn't make it). This time, I tried something new: instead of keeping them on our south west facing lanai where they got tons of sun all day, I kept the pots near our easterly facing front door (basically morning full sun). I don't know what did it (not baking in the sun all day, changing the watering schedule, or sheer luck) but they started doing really well. Encouraged by this turn of events, I picked up another rosemary & parsley; some thyme, oregano, & lemon balm; and an aloe plant. Everything has been re-potted, fed, and seems to be doing well. I even had iced tea with some lovely fresh lemon balm already.


I got no fewer than five mosquito bites while I was tending to my herbs last night, though. No fear, I have apple cider vinegar in the kitchen and that took the itch away pretty much immediately. Today, the bites are practically gone. The vinegar smell dissipates shortly after application, but if you'd rather smell pretty you can also mix one teaspoon each of lavender oil and vegetable oil. Apply the mixture to your bite. The lavender will reduce swelling and take away the itching. I haven't tried this one, but it sounds like it would work. I love home remedies!

Simple Joy Sunday

~Eating sushi.

~A root beer float.

~A day at the beach.

~Summer fruit like watermelon, cherries, nectarines...

~A fresh, hot cup of coffee.

~My best friend being home from her family vacation (I missed chatting with her!).

~My cat gently waking me up with my alarm (and not 2 hours earlier).

~The kindness of the crafting community (and one particular fair organizer: Stacey at Elle Belle).

~The realization that my warrior spirit is coming back. And it feels damn good.

As always, check out more Simple Joy Sundays over at Cool Zebras.