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Starbucks Reinvented
Nancy Koehn's new case on the rebirth of Starbucks under Howard Schultz "distills 20 years of my thinking about the most important lessons of strategy, leadership, and managing in turbulence."
Harvard Business School Professor and historian Nancy Koehn has studied Starbucks and its leader, Howard Schultz, for close to 20 years. For her, the company represents much more than a phenomenal success story.
In a recently published case, "Starbucks Coffee Company: Transformation and Renewal," (available soon) Koehn and coauthors Kelly McNamara, Nora Khan, and Elizabeth Legris trace the dramatic arc of the company's past seven-plus years—a period that saw Starbucks teeter on the brink of insolvency, dig deep to renew its sense of purpose and direction, and launch itself in new, untested arenas that define the company as it exists today.
"This case distills 20 years of my thinking about the most important lessons of strategy, leadership, and managing in turbulence in the frame of a very relevant company," says Koehn, the James E. Robison Professor of Business Administration. "As a brand, leadership, and entrepreneurship scholar, I've been dogging Starbucks for a long time."
On a 1995 trip to Seattle, Koehn visited a Starbucks store for the first time and was struck by what she saw and felt. The notion of a "third place" between home and work to relax and enjoy the small, affordable luxury of a special coffee beverage seemed to resonate with the social and economic moment, she recalls. Six months later she met Howard Schultz, an entrepreneur who acquired the company in 1987, and was struck by his seriousness of purpose and the breadth of what he wanted to accomplish.
The case, Koehn's fourth to focus on Starbucks, opens in February 2007. Schultz, no longer Starbucks' CEO but still its chairman, is worried the company is losing its ability to be true to its values while providing a store experience that conveys a sense of comfort, connection, and respect for its product and the communities Starbucks serves.
So Schultz composed a heartfelt, searching memo to senior leadership. In it, he bemoaned decisions (for which he accepted responsibility) that improved efficiency and increased economies of scale but robbed stores of some of their essential magic, such as the smell of roasting coffee and the sights and sounds of traditional Italian espresso machines and baristas at work.
He also cited the company's rapid expansion and the potential "commoditization" of the Starbucks brand. "[W]e desperately need to look into the mirror and realize it's time to get back to the core and make the changes necessary to evoke the heritage, the tradition, and the passion that we all have for the true Starbucks Experience," Schultz wrote.
The scope and richness of Koehn's case gives it the feel of a page-turning novel; in that sense, Schultz's memo is the inciting action for all that follows.
The challenge that had confronted Starbucks in the early- and mid-2000s was one common to many organizations: Could the company continue to grow while preserving its culture and values? In some areas, the drive to expand, egged on by Wall Street, was compromising the company's ability to invest in its partners (Starbucks' term for its employees), deliver personalized customer service, and maintain a close connection to the local community.
In addition, McDonald's and Dunkin' Donuts had emerged as serious competitors, offering their own lines of specialty coffee beverages. Even so, Starbucks' financials for 2007, the year Schultz composed his memo, didn't look so bad. But the entrepreneur became concerned as he dug more deeply into the numbers. Sure, revenues were up almost 21 percent over the previous year, but had slowed by over a third; transactions per store were up 1 percent, versus 5 percent the year before. Same-store sales rose only 5 percent, the smallest increase in five years.
In January 2008, Schultz returned as Starbucks CEO, replacing Jim Donald, the man he and other senior colleagues had chosen to lead the company.
Starbucks Sails Again
The case chronicles the blizzard of decisions and initiatives that follow what could have been the company's death knell as the financial crisis hit home and consumers cinched their belts.
"Schultz understood that you can't lift your foot off the gas pedal when you're attempting to transform a company," Koehn says. "Severe as its financial needs may be, you also have to figure out what you will invest in. Schultz knew that if he waited until the company was out of the woods to invest in new products, communication channels, and ways of doing business it would be too late—Starbucks would no longer be relevant."
From the start, Schultz sent the clear, unwavering message that Starbucks' transformation would represent a return to its roots and an uncompromising commitment to core values, such as health care benefits for any partners working at least 20 hours a week.
At a March 2008 gathering of 200 senior-level company leaders, Schultz unveiled a Transformation Agenda that included seven "Big Moves":
- Be the undisputed coffee authority;
- Engage and inspire our partners;
- Ignite the emotional attachment with our customers;
- Expand our global presence—while making each store the heart of a local neighborhood;
- Be a leader in ethical sourcing and environmental impact;
- Creative innovation growth platforms worthy of our coffee;
- Deliver a sustainable economic model.
The case provides a behind-the-scenes look at how the coffee company moved forward on these goals, including the introduction of the milder Pike Place Roast; the story of its VIA Ready Brew line; the launch of a loyalty program; investment in and engagement with social media; focus on a global expansion strategy; and the extension of social programs. The company closed stores, restructured its manufacturing and supply operations, and, perhaps most significantly, took steps to reengage its partners and store managers. In February 2008, Starbucks closed more than 7,000 of its stores across the country for "Espresso Excellence Training," taking the time to work with approximately 135,000 baristas to ensure they could pour a perfect espresso shot and steam milk properly.
For Schultz, however, that wasn't enough—he wanted to reach the company's store managers, recognizing them as essential to the transformation process.
"I needed an unfiltered venue for expressing my empathy about all that we were asking our partners to do and telling them plainly what was at stake," he wrote in Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul. The answer, in Schultz's mind, was a three-day conference in New Orleans in October 2008, a moment when the global economy happened to be tanking. Starbucks' fourth quarter profits were down 97 percent from the same time a year earlier; for the fiscal year, net earnings were down 53 percent to $316 million. The Starbucks board was reluctant to send 10,000 partners to New Orleans at a cost of $30 million, but Schultz stuck to his guns.
In addition to rolling up their sleeves and taking part in community service projects to aid areas of the city still recovering from Hurricane Katrina, partners participated in team-building events that reviewed the company's guiding principles and reminded them of their central role in the customer experience. Schultz also brought in Bono, lead singer of U2, to announce a partnership to channel proceeds from holiday beverage sales to the Global Fund in support of AIDS relief programs in Africa.
The New Orleans conference was a turning point for Starbucks; in the "novel" of Koehn's case, it's the climax.
"Investing in a conference of that size is such an unusual thing to do when faced with a cash crunch," Koehn says. "Schultz understood that what saves and breaks businesses is much more than cash. In the midst of so much turbulence, it's all too easy to pull levers on the low-hanging fruit of cash and logistics. But you don't save a business and turn it around without speaking to, focusing, and calling on the spirit of your people."
Schultz's experience qualifies him for closer study in Koehn's HBS course Power and Glory in Turbulent Times: The History of Leadership from Henry V to Steve Jobs. Not all managers are confronted in their careers with the sort of transformation challenge faced by Starbucks, but Schultz's reflections and actions are instructive for anyone charged with finding sources of strength, innovation, and renewal in today's turbulent business environment, Koehn says.
- Marty Forman Sr
- President/CEO, CMI Global Inc..
I'm happy to advise..that I've been envolved and a supporter of Starbuck's concept..sense it inception and ownership under Howard Schultz's stewartship....I've been an International Business consultant for over 40 years... Having traveled to all 50 states and over 90 countries numerous times...It became instantly apparent to me that the friendly environment..the excellent coffee and services...Was my calling card.. in meeting with clients.. and taking the stiffness of an office visit out of the equation...was with out doubt an inherent factor in my business and still is today....Thanks Howard... Regards Marty
- Chris Gallup
- Solutions Architect, Savvy Network Logic
I like your article, it's a fresh take on a house hold name. It does not matter which vertical or industry, we can all learn from a company that continues to be Innovative and engage their customers in a positive manner.
Chris Gallup Savvy Network Logic LLC
- Mary Setterholm
- Barista and Harvard Graduate
Well, I do believe Schultz has admirably modeled connection with workers but this does not mean the model is taken to heart by a store manager or shift manager hungry to climb up a chain of hierarchy, eschewing authentic care for fellows, as is the predominant socialized model. I am a Harvard graduate and a barista as a social experiment and there are two competing realities in need of reconciliation - Schultz theory and lived experience at the bottom of the chain, of which I speak of. Enjoy your lattes! (really)
- Paul Donham
- Web manager, Sailing Ship Adventures (.com)
Over time I had become quite friendly with staff at my local Starbucks yet I've noticed significant turnover of staff during the past year which negated the familiar and friendly atmosphere. Also, product pricing has become increasingly more expensive so I've resorted to Whole Foods coffee which is about 20% less expensive and generally an equally good product. I still frequent Star Bucks but not nearly as often.
- steve glazer
- ceo, stevens world
The only thing that saved them was the economy rebounding, they were sucking wind for quite a few years. I think they will go back into the dumpster once the economy falters again. Who needs a 5.00 coffee, so although I respect howard and his concepts, I think he really lucked out, as nobody is stupid enough to compete with him. I think his concept is going to fail in the next recession, it is a high priced concept. Everything in the place is overpriced.
- Pat McGillycuddy
- Regional CEO, IDI Gazeley - Brookfield Logistics Properties.
There are excellent lessons for any business in the Starbuck's case study. Well done NK.
- Doug
- SVP, Children's Hospital
For me this is all great stuff but it's about the coffee! In order to get me back in the store they will need to actually have hot brewed coffee ready when I get there. It seems every "partner" thinks a pour over is coffee so it is "good enough." Frankly I stopped trying to get coffee from Starbucks which still strikes me as enigmatic.
- Gretchen
I though Starbucks was passe until my 13 year old son became obsessed with going to Starbucks and filling his rewards card about a year ago...he loves the Lime Cooler and he thinks Starbucks is "cool" - how did that happen? Second, I was traveling throughout England and Wales with a few days in Berlin this summer and Starbucks was in many of the small towns as well as prominent in London and Berlin. What was very surprising to me, is that EVERY Starbucks I saw was packed - all day - with people waiting in line to buy something...wow! There were local cafes nearby but still, Starbucks was crowded. That was a big surprise!
- Merle Boniface
- Director of Business and Planning, Diocesan School for Girls
Nancy continues to engage readers and students with her ability to draw on experiences in history to highlight relevance and meaning within today's turbulent environment. Nice to see her attention turned to a household name and to share their success by way of a case study. No doubt this case will be used to inspire and challenge many future students!
- Archie Mutyambizi
- Entrepreneur, Gratestroke Investments
I am not a coffee fanatic but can see how Starbucks' success depends on acceptance in alternative global markets. "Partner" oriented approaches are even more important linking localised coffee preferences or gaps to Starbucks offerings.
- Jane Egerton-Idehen
- Key Account Manager, Ericsson Ghana
I love the fact that Nancy uses stories to teach great leadership insights. In reality that is how we learn, via experiences and through a deep understanding and awareness of ourselves. The leadership story for Starbucks shows that it is a journey, no company or Leader can claim to know it all or " Have arrived", we continuously should accept our shortfalls and keep learning / growing. That in itself is a strength.
- Eric PIETRAC
- HR VP, Subsea7
What is really interesting in this article is that, in an "experience" economy, remaining true to the core values is absolutely key.
Gut wrenching story Juila. Any other leader would have called it a day when faced with the situation in which Schultz was placed. I propose to talk about this valuable lesson to my aspiring Chartered Accountant friends who need a tip or two from this. Thanks for such a wonderful piece.
- John T Hays MBA '64
- Founder and first CEO, Coffees of Hawaii Inc.
I enjoyed reading about Starbucks. I have known the company since founder Jerry Baldwin handed management over to Howard Schultz and ownership to the Seattle investor group, part of which invested in Coffees of Hawaii as well. Dr. Ron Margolis, from Starbucks' board, served on our board as well. We were the first mechanized coffee plantation in the USA, and later, I was the first US delegate to the ICO from the Producing Sector. For many years I was happy to exchange information with Howard and his chief green coffee buyer, EVP Dave Olson. I have a few relevant photographs, which I can send you if you are interested in posting them.
- Hugh Quick
- home, none
I am not at all confident about commenting as I do not have relevant expertise but HBS has always tried to be realistic and most people have no expertise. It seems to me that Starbuck's identified a potential market, for a place to relax with friends and enjoy coffee, and devised a practical plan to meet it. It was a real need and I think Professor Koehn is right to emphasize that aspect. I think many enterprises fail because they seek to meet a need that is not widely felt.
- Ankur Rai
- Solution Sales Manager, Ericsson
A great article..Another example as to its about cash but still not about cash. With his smart goals he actually put acros a hit formula. in general the goals touch on Customer Experienc, Employ engagement & skill, innovation & Branding.
Most of all people mater.
- Dr. R. Krishna
- Director, Strategic Solutions
So much learning. Transferable lessons. We are always on a turnaround strategic mode. Will use this as a great case study. Great job Julia. Thanks.
- Emmanuel Alfieris
- Executive Director, Commonwealth Bank of Australia
They are truly a great case study or an organisation consistently reforming itself.
Julia, are there any insights on how the community backlash in Europe on Starbuck's tax structures has been internalised by the Company?
Will we see more voluntary tax payments in jurisdictions where little corporate tax is paid as was done in the UK?
I should note for those unaware that all reporting on the topic confirms Starbucks has completely legal organsational and tax structures in Europe.
- Kapil Kumar Sopory
- Company Secretary, SMEC(India) Private Limited
There is lot to learn from the growth-oriented approach of this Company which is employing strategies which are relevant and practical. These can be applied in companies engaged in manufacture of a variety of other products as well. Valuing staff and adopting unique marketing techniques to attract customers is in particular noticeable.
- Victor Martinez
- Director, Kawasaki
I thoroughly enjoyed your article as it concisely brought out the early response, fortitude and risk that a business leader must take to reignite the creation of their passion. I do agree that Starbucks is a bit costly, yet I find myself and my teenage children still taking time to settle in at one of their stores to just enjoy the atmosphere while drinking our favorite drinks. I guess that our enjoyment is beyond the cost. Thanks for the read.
- Bernard Rosauer
- President, www.ThreeBellCurves.com
I enjoyed reading this article. Howard definitely knows how to engage employees and customer communities. Between the two important things take place - provision and consumption. Schultz has also maximized the Starbucks penetration in that space (though I would argue there's room for innovation delivery-wise).
As a business person for thirty years (not a consultant, not an academic), I have had the luxury of watching competitors come and go, some on short order, some after years. Then there are those companies who have survived and thrived 100's of years.
It has been my view that culture emerges out of the combination of people, the work and the customer. What Schultz is really doing is taking this model to an even higher level. He's managing/leading people, continuously improving process/work, and maximizing customer value. This reminds us that when we're in the lead, there's no room for relaxing the effort. Schultz is the master of that. All creat CEO's are the master of that!
There's a free white paper at www.ThreeBellCurves.com that explains the nature of business culture. When you read it, think of Howard and lesser leaders and think about where they excel and where they miss the mark. If YOU are a CEO think of yourself and where you excel and need room for improvement. Good luck!


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Los Alamos National Laboratory scientist Michael Graesser will describe the Higgs boson particle during a Frontiers in Science series talk at 7 p.m. Monday in the Duane Smith Auditorium at Los Alamos High School.
"A new particle was discovered last summer at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Switzerland. The Higgs boson gives mass to quarks and the electron but we don't know yet if this new particle is the Higgs boson," said Graesser, of the Laboratory's Theoretical Division. "I will describe what we know about this new particle and speculate about discoveries that might now be on the horizon."
Graesser will do similar discussions at the following locations:
• Nov. 2 in the James A. Little Theater of the New Mexico School for the Deaf, 1060 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe
• Nov. 8 in the Nick Salazar Center for the Arts, Northern New Mexico College, 921 Paseo de Oñate, Española
• Nov. 9 at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, 1801 Mountain Road N.W., Albuquerque.
All the talks begin at 7 p.m. and are free and open to the public.
Los Alamos National Laboratory conducted its fourth annual Laboratory Directed Research and Development day at Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino Tuesday.
Part of the activities involved attendees voting on best posters that are designed to explain LDRD work being done at the lab. By popular vote this year, the Best Poster Award went to Jennifer Hollingsworth and her team for "The Path to Nanoparticle Cancer Drugs."
"In contrast with small-particle chemotherapy drugs, nanoparticle-based therapies promise fewer side effects and improved performance. Traditional therapies attack both cancerous and healthy cells indiscriminately, which can lead to drug resistance and often force physicians to back off doses. Nanoparticles promise direct delivery of therapeutic agents to the cancer tumor. However, accurate targeting demands alternate, multifunctional nanoparticles. We aim to develop and test novel "inverted" nanoshell particles to provide the required combination of functionalities: imaging, so they can be tracked to the tumor, and selective therapy," the LDRD program stated.
Steven Brumby's project, "Human-Like Computer Vision Using Deep, Sparse Models," received the Poster of Exceptional Excellence award.
Los Alamos National Laboratory director Charlie McMillan kept coming back to one word when describing the year that was to a group of community leaders at Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino Tuesday.
McMillan said the lab finished 2012 with $383 million less in funding than 2011. The 2011 reductions include $183 million for operations and maintenance and $200 million for construction.
In addition, McMillan said the lab finished 2012 with 1,295 fewer employees than in the previous year.
"We are now at our lowest numbers since 2001," McMillan said in reference to headcount at the lab.
Of the 1,295 employees that left the lab, 557 departed under the voluntary separation program in the spring. McMillan said other the other numbers could be attributed to contactor cuts, normal attrition and slightly fewer students.
In total, there are 10,400 employees at the lab with 7,000 of them classified as regular LANS employees.
McMillan said procurements are down by close to $200 million from FY 11. In September of last year, the lab racked up $894 million in procurements compared to $696 million this year.
"2012 was very challenging for us financially," McMillan said.
But he said the efforts to control costs have been successful.
Los Alamos National Laboratory director Charlie McMillan addresses a group of community business leaders at the Buffalo Thunder Casino and Resort Tuesday morning. McMillan talked about the state of LANL and more details will be available in Wednesday's Los Alamos Monitor.
According to high school student and PRObE Center volunteer Samuel Wang, this is kind of what a "supercomputer" is.
"Imagine a supercomputer as a bunch of personal computers hooked up with several miles of cable to a massive server that's fueled by a large power source," he said.
In other words, good luck in beating it at chess. Just like how the average computer used to take up several large rooms in the 1950s, those rooms are now reserved for the supercomputers, devices with so much memory and processing power behind them they are reserved for only the really big tasks, such as figuring out how to stop global warming, predicting the outcome of a world war and whatever else programmers may ask them to do.
However, these machines do have a couple of weaknesses.
Because of the way supercomputers are engineered, (miles of cable, made up of a lot of smaller computers, special cooling systems, etc.) they are sometimes very temperamental and can't easily be made to switch tasks quickly like your personal computer can. Plus, once they are incorporated into a certain environment, these computers are usually relegated to doing whatever job it's originally tasked with for rest of its working life.
The deferred Chemistry Metallurgy Research Replacement project at LANL still has some fans in Washington.
And most of them are on the House Armed Services Committee in addition to the Senate Armed Services Committee.
According to the trade publication Nuclear Materials Monitor, the HASC is not ready to approve the National Nuclear Security Administration's request to reprogram $120 million for an alternate plutonium strategy.
In fact, the HASC is insistent that there should be widespread changes in management across the weapons complex.
The trade publication and the Los Alamos Study Group obtained a letter from HASC Chairman Buck McKeon (R-Calif.) to DOE Deputy Chief Financial Officer Joanne Choi, which took offense with the decision to defer construction of the CMRR-NF. That decision prompted DOE to ask the government to reprogram funds to pursue an alternative plutonium strategy.
In his letter, McKeon called the deferral "hasty" with "poorly understood" impacts that are based on "only the most rudimentary and preliminary analysis," McKeon urged the Administration — "at the highest levels "— to reassess the decision to defer the CMRR-NF and consider broader management reforms.
Gary Grider, LANL HPC Division, talks about the new PRObE (Parallel Reconfigurable Observational Environment) Center, which is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and is a unique collaboration between LANL, the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Technical Institute, the University of Utah and Carnegie Mellon University. Look for a story on the project in Sunday's Los Alamos Monitor.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Nuclear Security Administration announced that it has awarded $4 million in grants to 22 Historically Black Colleges and Universities and six Department of Energy sites in key science, technology, engineering and mathematics areas.
The funding launches NNSA's new Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program, a consortium program organized to build a sustainable STEM pipeline between DOE plants and laboratories and HBCUs
The MSIPP is designed to enrich the STEM capabilities of HBCUs in a sustainable manner that aligns with the broad interests of DOE sites and emphasizes the entire career pipeline.
The partnership also provides STEM students with the cutting edge resources and technology housed at DOE facilities, ultimately increasing STEM student retention.
"Hands-on participation in research is imperative for students in the STEM field," said Dimitri Kusnezov, NNSA's chief scientist. "The MSIPP will provide an opportunity for students to be exposed to state-of-the-art facilities and research, creating an opportunity to expand their knowledge and further prepare them for a career in STEM fields."
To achieve MSIPP's goal, teams consisting of participants from select HBCUs and DOE plants and laboratories were developed.
A team from Los Alamos National Laboratory has received the Secretary of Energy's Achievement Award for their contributions on the thermoelectric generator that provides electrical power and heat to the Mars Science Laboratory's Curiosity rover.
The award was presented by Secretary of Energy Steven Chu to Craig Van Pelt, Alejandro Enriquez, Diane Spengler, John Matonic and David Armstrong Oct. 4, in Washington D.C. The Secretary of Energy's Achievement Award is typically given to recognize a group or team of employees who together accomplished significant achievements on behalf of DOE.
Powering a rover as sophisticated as Curiosity is made possible through the Plutonium-238 fueled Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator, which was successful in part due to the Los Alamos National Laboratory employees who worked on this project.
The MMRTG keeps the rover's battery charged night and day, giving Curiosity the potential of being the longest-operating, farthest-traveling, most-productive Mars surface mission in history.
A team from Los Alamos National Laboratory has received the Secretary of Energy's Achievement Award for their contributions on the thermoelectric generator that provides electrical power and heat to the Mars Science Laboratory's Curiosity rover.
The award was presented by Secretary of Energy Steven Chu to Craig Van Pelt, Alejandro Enriquez, Diane Spengler, John Matonic, and David Armstrong Oct. 4, in Washington D.C. The Secretary of Energy's Achievement Award is typically given to recognize a group or team of employees who together accomplished significant achievements on behalf of DOE.
Powering a rover as sophisticated as Curiosity is made possible through the Plutonium-238 fueled Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG), which was successful in part due to the Los Alamos National Laboratory employees who worked on this project.
The MMRTG keeps the rover's battery charged night and day, giving Curiosity the potential of being the longest-operating, farthest-traveling, most-productive Mars surface mission in history.
Copyright © 2015
The Los Alamos Monitor is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Los Alamos County and Los Alamos, NM, and the surrounding area.

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Sam Houston State's motto this season is "Finish." That's what North Dakota State did last year when it defeated Sam Houston State in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Game. Both programs could return to Frisco, Texas,
Appalachian State women's soccer closed out its 2012 preseason with a 1-1 draw against East Tennessee State Sunday evening at Summers-Taylor Stadium. ETSU got on the scoreboard first in the seventh minute as Samantha Kron scored on a free kick from 20 yards out. The lead did not last long as in the 11th minute, junior Amy Werdine headed a
Two more former Appalachian State Mountaineers were in the spotlight Sunday afternoon. D.J. Smith, an All-America linebacker during his playing days at Appalachian State University, has been named a starter by head coach Mike McCarthy of the Green Bay Packers. Smith cracked the starting lineup when incumbent starter Desmond Bishop
The Hickory Crawdads wrapped up their series win against the Asheville Tourists with a 3-0 shutout win at L.P. Frans Stadium on Saturday night. Nick Martinez and Arlett Mavare combined on a three-hit shutout as the Crawdads picked up their second shutout win in the last three games. The win also leaves Hickory in a first-place tie with West Virginia in
OVERVIEWOn the final day of the first full week of fall camp, Appalachian State University conducted a lengthy 162-play intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday afternoon at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Combined with stretching, individual drills and extensive special-teams drills, the 11th practice of the year covered nearly three hours on a picture-perfect afternoon in the High Country.
After one half of play, the Panthers and Texans were tied at 13. In the second half, the two teams were far from even. Houston outscored Carolina 13-0 after halftime, outgaining the Panthers 213-13 in total yards to claim a 26-13 victory
OVERVIEWAppalachian State University football held its ninth and 10th practices of 2012 on Friday with its second two-a-day session of the year. The Mountaineers practiced for nearly two-and-a-half hours on Friday morning at Kidd Brewer Stadium and held an hour-long workout dedicated almost entirely to special teams on Friday afternoon in the Sofield Family
Adam Wainwright (10-10), coming off a complete game against Milwaukee, held the San Francisco Giants to one run on five hits and struck out seven in seven innings Thursday afternoon handing the St. Louis Cardinals a 3-1 win at Busch Stadium. Wainright is 3-1 in his last five starts with a 1.75 earned run average and has lowered his ERA below four for
The Hickory Crawdads and Asheville Tourists split Friday night's doubleheader, with Hickory taking the first game 2-0 before the Tourists responded with a 4-1 win in game two at L.P. Frans Stadium. But despite the split, the 'Dads remain in a first-place tie with West Virginia in the North Division of the South Atlantic League. In the opener, the Crawdads (26-21, 62-54)
Michael Jordan once said, "Work hard at something and the results will eventually begin to show." A true statement from the greatest player basketball has ever seen. Which in a nutshell also describes Brian Hampton, the new football coach at Ashe County High. Hampton, an Ashe County native and a Beaver Creek High grad, has an impressive resume in such
At the end of the Panthers' final practice before Saturday's preseason opener, cornerback Captain Munnerlyn experienced a little bit of game pressure – training camp style. With all of his teammates gathered around and a night off from meetings hanging in the balance, Munnerlyn had to make one of three field goal attempts – from 12 yards out.
Watauga High Athletics Director and football coach Tom Wright as announced that Friday's scheduled scrimmage game between the Pioneers and Mount Airy has been canceled because of inclement weather. The scrimmage has
Appalachian State's Dante Blackmon (knee) will be out for the season due to an injury sustained during a non-contact drill last Sunday (August 5). Blackmon, a true freshman from Covington, Ga. (Eastside High), will redshirt in 2012
Five former Appalachian State University players suited up for their respective National Football League teams, and played in exhibition games Thursday night. It was an ASU reunion in San Diego, CA., as D.J. Smith of the Green
Avery High is adding to its list of new head coaches for the upcoming school year. Last week, Scott Polsgrove was named the new men's basketball coach, this week, the Vikings have named Bruce Daniels the new men's soccer
OVERVIEWLess than 24 hours after capping a two-practice day with a grueling intrasquad scrimmage, Appalachian State University football held a relatively short two-hour practice on Thursday afternoon. Due to storms moving into the
Thursday's scheduled game between the Hickory Crawdads and Asheville Tourists at L.P. Frans Stadium has been postponed due to lightning. The teams will play a doubleheader this Friday with back-to-back seven-inning games starting at 5 p.m. Gates will open at 4 p.m. and one ticket is good for both games. The Friday Night Fireworks show,
Appalachian State women's soccer opened its preseason schedule with a 2-0 victory over Campbell Thursday evening, after a series of lightning delays forcing the match to end two minutes early. The Mountaineers struck first in the 50th as senior midfield Taylor Dunlap snuck a shot past Campbell's Ryann Torrero to put App State ahead. Minutes later, ASU


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Bath fire crews in rising River Avon boat rescue drama
Posted: November 22, 2012|
Fire crews have worked to rescue a boat which has become trapped on the River Avon after water levels rose dramatically overnight.
Owner Edward Martin, 30, had left the cruiser moored near Green Park Road while he travelled to visit his girlfriend Jennie Price in Wales.
He knew that the weather conditions were likely to lead to the river rising, so he left around 2ft of slack on the ropes, which he believed would be enough.
However, by this morning the boat was listing and was in danger of being pulled over as the water rose above the railings.
Specialist fire fighters and staff from the Environment Agency have worked to loosen the ropes once again, but have said there is nothing more they can do until the water levels return to normal.
Mr Martin now faces a waiting game and cannot leave Bath because the boat is now over the lip of the bank and will need to be pushed back into the water when the time is right.
Miss Price, 34, said the couple usually travelled around together in the boat but she had gone to Wales to stay with her mother, who was ill.
This weekend her brother is holding an engagement party, so Mr Martin went to visit her and thought he had left the boat in a safe position.
She said: "It has just been really abnormal weather.
"He gave it what he thought was enough slack on the three ropes and last night a lady we know sent us some photographs and it was fine.
"But then last night the water rose even more and what has happened is the ropes have worked their way to the top of the railings and have started pulling the boat onto its side."
She added: "He has to hang around in Bath now and keep checking, because once the water goes down he will need to push it back into the water."


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text:
Jakarta Globe
Vice President Boediono has praised 71 young volunteers who are embarking on a journey to some of the most underdeveloped regions in the country to teach at local schools for the next year.
Boediono said the drive and commitment of the fresh university graduates taking part in the "Indonesia Teaches" program proved there were still many young people who cared about improving the state of education in the country.
"Many people say the spirit of today's youth has waned, but I'm optimistic, especially after seeing these young teachers and other similar movements," he said in a statement released by program organizers on Thursday.
The vice president met with the volunteers at his office on Wednesday. The 71 participants, 38 of them women, are part of the fourth batch of volunteers sent out under the "Indonesia Teaches" program to some of the most remote and isolated parts of the country.
They were selected from a batch of 8,501 candidates and underwent intensive training starting in April to prepare them for the rigors of their new posts.
The program was initiated in 2010 by Anies Baswedan, the rector of Jakarta's Paramadina University. In that time, it has sent out 241 young teachers who have taught some 20,0000 children in 136 villages in 16 districts nationwide.
The third batch of volunteers is expected to finish its teaching tenure at the end of this month.
The 71 new volunteers will teach at schools in 10 districts spread across nine provinces: Musi Banyuasin and Muara Enim in South Sumatra; Lebak in Banten; Bawean in East Java; Kapuas Hulu in West Kalimantan; Sangihe Islands in North Sulawesi; Bima in West Nusa Tenggara; Rote Ndao in East Nusa Tenggara; Western Southeast Maluku in Maluku; and Fakfak in West Papua.
"The more people are involved, the more people we can help," Boediono said.
"This will strengthen the push for change. The measure of nobleness here is not in the size of the role played, but in how we carry out those roles."
Anis, who also met with Boediono, praised the volunteers' "selflessness and spirit of service."
"They have encouraged similar initiatives in other regions," he said.
"This republic has no shortage of people with optimism and the spirit to contribute to the nation."


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Candle Magick
By: Ginsie
Mar 10, 2011
Post # 1
Thought I would post this here as I am leaving here soon, you may also find this in a few covens I have belonged to under different user names before
candle Magick History
The flickering flame of the candle provides us with a link to the sacred flames that have been kindled over thousands of years. Candles were used in Egypt and Crete as early as 3000 BC and were a feature of worship in many pre-Christian societies. Mostly made of beeswax, because bees were regarded as messengers of the Gods and Goddesses, they are still used in Christian churches today. Beeswax candles are currently popular with many people for magical and spiritual development. However, you can perform candle magick with white utility candles and it will be as pure and true as if you had followed the lists of color correspondences, fragrances and herbs that are most often used. These can add ceremony and atmosphere and create a mood of harmony in which conscious barriers dissolve.
There is something mystical about candles. It is said that we have always practiced primitive candle magick from the time that we were children and blew out our first candles on our birthday cake and made a wish.
Some of the earliest candles were actually oil lamps made of pottery, with a reed or a piece of twine used as a wick. The oil was usually animal oil of some sort.
Later they used hardened fat. Still later, in the 1700's and 1800's, the poor mixed fat with a small amount of wax to create foul-smelling candles. The wealthy, who could afford beeswax or bayberry candles, had candles that were smokeless and pleasant to smell. Just as we give our workers benefits if we wish to keep them, the better households also offered benefits to their servants. For instance, all servants got one day out a week. Many also were allowed to take any left-over candle stubs for their own use.
Candle magick has been observed for thousands of years, as noted above. The most significant time was when the Catholic church initially began the tradition of burning candles for the dead, or for favors, because many of their parishioners came from pagan backgrounds and used candles for the same reasons. The Catholic church was notorious from compromise in order to strengthen their numbers.
Practioners of Hoodoo, Voodoo, Wicca, Satanism, New Age, and other faiths also use candles ritualistically. The Jews also use candles in traditional ceremonies but they don't use them in a magickal context. Instead, they use them for symbolism.
In the 1800's, many slaves brought certain traditions and beliefs to America with them. This involved the belief that certain colors were effective when asking the spirits or Gods for certain favors. Black was used either for evil or to repel evil, white for purity or as a substitute for any other color, orange for money or strength of purpose, green for success or healing, brown to win court cases or improve a pet's health, red was used for evil or to create passion or to work healing, pink for romance, blue for fidelity and health, yellow for happiness or attraction, and purple for domination. Figural candles also enhanced the spell. Some figural candles used were and are of cats, people, genitalia, celestial signs, and more. Each one serves a symbolic purpose and not always in the way someone would guess.
Candles can add warmth and atmosphere to a special meal or gently soothe us to sleep. They can invoke moments of quiet reflection, or help us to access the deep wisdom that lies beyond conscious thought. They can be used in ritual as a focus for our most powerful dreams, hopes and desires. Candles are not only light, but living fire. When a candle is spent or snuffed out, the light may be gone from our external vision, but that light is not lost; rather it is transformed into radiant beams that fuel the positive energies of the universe and fall as love and healing on those who gaze into a candle flame in sorrow, pain or fear.
Turn off the lights and spend a few silent minutes by candlelight, connecting with the older, slower and wiser rhythms that are not divided into months, years or even millennia, but flow in cycles and release us from the treadmill of time. As you light your candle, you automatically interact with people around the world who light candles or torches. Each candle is part of an interconnected cosmic web of millions of tiny beams, and as you look through the candle flame you may see on the other side someone smiling back at you through their light--a familiar face, someone you have yet to meet, or a stranger--across time and space, an hour, a day, or perhaps thousands of years away.
Candles and the Moon: Candle ceremonies fall mainly under the auspices of the moon, whose different phases offer us specific energies. Many times you may want to be aware of the zodiac and planetary placement.
Waxing Moon: The moon is in its waxing cycle as it moves from the new moon to the full moon. As the moon grows or increases, it can give power to all rituals for growth and increase--whether in health, love, knowledge or prosperity. The waxing moon is traditionally the ''planting'' period, whether for herbs and vegetables or for conceiving a baby. Usually white or pale-colored candles are best for waxing moon rituals, with silver on the day of the full moon. The day of the full moon is very effective for all rituals concerning power, ambition and success, and for climax of endeavors. Full moon energies span from 3 days before to 3 days after the full moon day.
Waning Moon: The moon wanes as it moves from full moon to new moon again. As the visible moon decreases in size, it is reflected in weakening power in human endeavor. As the traditional time for harvesting herbs, etc. or pruning trees, this period is potent for removing negative influences, shedding redundant guilt or resentment, ending destructive relationships, reducing pain or weight and for giving up addictions and compulsions. The waning moon is also good for Scrying. The dark of the moon--the 3 days when the old moon is invisible and the crescent not yet discernible to the human eye--is said to be best for rituals of protection and for any undertaking that involves secrecy. Use darker candles for this cycle.
Superstitions and Beliefs
Always light a candle with your right hand for good fortune. If the candle should go immediately out, however, bad luck will follow. This belief could easily be adapted to a candle spell for luck!
Never singe the base of a candle to make it fit firmly. This brings misfortune. So, for ritual and spellcraft it might be a better idea to melt wax into the container and then place the candle within so it's secure.
Allow Yule candles to burn out naturally for blessings and luck. Add this idea to your holiday celebrations.
Never light three candles with one match, or have three candles burning together. This brings mishaps. This is one area where magick differs, as three is a sacred number to the Goddess and represents the triune nature of humankind.
Only a woman named Mary should snuff the candles on Christmas day so the blessing isn't lost. This one isn't overly practical, but interesting!
Give the gift of a bayberry candle on New Year's Eve to friends to whom you wish luck, prosperity, and health. Note that this should be burned completely on New Years Eve for the greatest effect.
Money: If you wish to grow rich, never light a candle from a burning fire. Use this as a guideline when working prosperity and money magick.
Protection: If it's storming outside, light a blessed candle for safety. most magickal practitioners would likely use a white candle for this purpose, as white is the color of protection.
Lighting a candle at a child's birth, after a death, and on one's birthday affords extra protection from evil. This is a great idea all the way around. At a birth ceremony, the light honors the spirit of the child coming into this world. At death, it shows the spirit the way out into the next incarnation. And on your birthday, a candle reminds you of your own light, which should always be honored.
Signs and Omens:
A candle that goes out during a ritual indicates the presence of a restless ghost. Actually, I've often found this to be very true. If a spirit shows up at a ritual it will not, however, be ale to enter the sacred circle without permission. Use your own discretion here, being aware that not all spirits are nice, nor do all of them have good intentions.
In ancient Greece if a girl could blow on a candle flame and the re-spark it, she was marked as a vestal virgin and given the task of tending Vesta's sacred fires. Vesta is a fantastic goddess for a candle crafter to call upon for blessings in his or her art.
Candles that burn blue or have wax that forms a winding sheet around the base reveal the presence of spirits. Alternatively some people consider this a death omen. In magick, watching the wax or flame of a candle is a common form of divination, and there are tons of meanings associated with a flame's movements.
If a candle will not light, a storm is coming. This is actually true because of the dampness in the air.
A candle sparking bright portends a letter for the person sitting across from it.
Accidentally knocking a candle over and having it go out indicates a forthcoming marriage in the family.
If a person can revive a sputtering candle it indicates he or she is virtuous and pure of heart.
Seeing a ring in the candle flame indicates and engagement or marriage.
A lump of soot on the wick of a candle reveals that a stranger will soon visit.
The ritual of blowing out birthday candles may have originated with rites for Artemis. The key is blowing out all the candles at once. The smoke that follows carries your wishes to the heavens. This is a great bit of wishcraft that works wonderfully just as it is. Remember, however, that silence is power in this magick. Telling the wish dissipates the energy behind it.
Candle Lore and Superstitions
Using a single taper candle to light 2 other candles will draw bad luck.
Lighting a candle from the hearth destines one to poverty. Thin of it as stealing power from the fire that maintains the home.
3 candles burning in a group signify a wedding or are considered unlucky in theater, especially. This superstition comes from the Christian in which a group of 3 candles were only burnt on the altar.
Difficulty lighting candles means rain is on the way, Once lit, if the flame sputters despite there being no detectable draft in the room, wind is on the way.
A candle that gutters and creates a trail of wax foretells death.
A sparking wick signifies the arrival of a stranger or a letter.
A candle left burning until the very end invite misfortune, except on Christmas Eve when it is traditional to let the candle burning to light the way for the coming infant. In the case of Christmas Eve, the fully burnt candle is said to bring prosperity to the household over the following year.
An extinguished candle that continues to glow is an omen of hardships to come.
Extinguishing a candle by accident foretells a coming marriage.
If a girl walks backward down the steps with a burning candle she will come face to face with her future love.
In America, a candle left to burn in an empty room will cause the death of a relative.
A candle that burns blue, signals the presence of a ghost or of death in some versions.
Always light a candle with the right hand for luck, however, should the candle go out immediately, bad luck will follow.
Bayberry candles given as gifts on New Year?s Eve bring good luck, prosperity and health to the recipient.
Smoke from birthday candles send your wishes up to the Gods.
Candles are lit at births, weddings and funerals to chase away evil spirits.
If a person can revive a sputtering candle they are considered virtuous and pure of heart but the French and the German are more specific, believing a sputtering candle can only be revived by a virgin girl.
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Re: Candle Magick
By: Ginsie
Mar 10, 2011
Post # 2
Marking a Candle is the first Procedure you should perform in candle magic.
The first step in preparing a candle is marking it. Marking involves inscribing the candle with real or symbolic instructions of its spiritual intention. You might carve the candle with the name of the target you are working on, or inscribe sacred symbols of Spirits, Planetaries or Elementals to boost its power.
Ideally, you will begin working on your candle at your altar. I recommend you have altar candles lit and a spiritual incense burning. Remember, the energy you put into preparing the candle is just as important, if not more so, than when you are burning it. If you are going to do the job- just do it!
A candle can be carved with something as simple as a toothpick, ice pick or knife. However be creative in your work. I know many who carve love or sex candles with a rose thorn. Many use a rusty nail or broken glass to carve candles for crossing or revenge.
It's my belief that in cases where you are working on a specific person, you should carve the name of that person into the candle. Just as in the application of spiritual oils to a candle (see dressing a candle), there are a variety of methods you might choose from. Remember to begin with clean and dried candles.
The rule of thumb we use is to carve the name in the same manner in which we apply our oils.
So, if we are trying to draw someone, we carve the name from the bottom of the candle to the top.
If we are trying to get rid of someone, we carve their name from the top to the bottom.
If we need to control, compel or otherwise manipulate a person, the name is carved in a twisting manner - much like the lines on a barber pole or candy cane. For this type work, the target's name should be carved a number of times which is appropriate .
Male and female image candles, skull candles, pullout candles, jumbo candles, offertory candles, the mummy or witch candle, and praying hands candle are designed for work on an individual. So, one person's name should be on each candle.
If you are working multiple persons, each one should have their own candle. The Lovers and Marriage candles are designed to work on a pair of folks. The man's name should be carved into the male image of the candle and the woman on the woman's image. If you are working the number nine, each name is carved nine times - not nine times all together.
The target's name should be called out loud each time the name is carved and a command should be issued to them - to resonate through the universe.
Many books tell you to carve your own name into a candle when working for yourself - say to draw more money or a new love. This is okay but I really think the Spirits and Energies realize you are working in your own behalf. If you write a petition as the last step of candle preparation, it is sufficient reinforcement of who the work is being done for.
Use sigils or symbols on the candles when you are burning them for yourself. For instance, in a work designed to draw money, you might carve seven (7) dollar signs into the wax. Or, you could carve the amount of money you need seven (7) times. Another option would be to carve the planetary symbol of Jupiter into the candle. Jupiter is the planet of expansion and wealth so its energy would be appropriate for the type work you are doing. If you were performing a job to draw a new love into your life you could use hearts instead of dollar signs - or the symbol for Venus instead of Jupiter.
If you have trouble finding symbols to carve into your candle for a desired purpose, you can carve your name. Just use the same format described above.
Anointing Oils and dressing the candle
To a base of 2 ozs of almond oil add 5 drops Sandalwood Essential Oil, 3 drops Frankincense Essential Oil, and 1 drop of Orange Oil.
~Candle Anointing Oil~
To a base of 2 ozs of almond or apricot kernal oil add 1 teaspoon of powdered Frankincense Resin, and 1 teaspoon of powdered Myrrh Resin. Shake thoroughly and allow to steep for one week prior to use.
Cinnamon Anointing Oil
To a base of 2 ozs of almond oil add 5 drops Cinnamon Essential Oil, and 3 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil.
When you begin to anoint the candle you can chant or rhyme.
As you are anointing the candle meditate upon the purpose for which it will be used. Visualize the outcome you seek happening and how it will be. You are infusing the candle with the proper energies to manifest your intent by doing this.
~How Do I Dress a Candle~
Herbal materials strengthen your work. Learn how to apply oils, minerals, and powders.
After you have properly carved and marked your candle, it is time to apply the herbal materials you are using to strengthen the work. This may consist of one, or multiple oils, powders, minerals and / or dried herbs.
If you are going to use multiple oils on one candle, wash your hands in between applications with a strong alcohol based perfume like Florida Water. Then layer the second oil over the first one you applied to the candle.
By now you should understand what your intentions are for the candle you are using. If you are drawing or removing something, I suggest applying oils using the Up or Down Technique.. Some disagree with this, so I have offered the two most common alternate methods - The Middle and Out and Witches' Triangle techniques.
If you are manipulating a person or institution i.e. - bend over, break up, controlling, come to me, commanding, compelling, court case, marriage, money release you will want to employ the twisting method for applying any oils to the candle.
The Up OR Down Technique
The UP technique is used to DRAW something to you. Taking the oil or perfume on your index finger, you move from the base of the candle to the wick, rotating the candle until it is completely covered in oil.
Logically then, dress the candle DOWNWARD when you want to remove something.
~The Middle and Out Technique~
A lot of Spiritualists believe you should begin dressing a candle in the middle, working UPWARD at first, until the entire top half of the candle is anointed and then go from the middle again DOWNWARD to the base of the light.? In this way your prayer is sent from the ?heart? of the candle into the Universe.
~Witches Triangle Method~
This is one of the old methods we often hear about. You begin by dressing the ?front? of the candle at the base - moving from left to right. Then move up the candle to the top on the right side?visualizing one side of a triangle. This should be done in one stroke. Go back down to the bottom and ?pick up? your line at the base on the left side and move Upwards again? completing the triangle. Now turn the candle over and repeat on the ?back? side.
~Twisting Method~
Twisting Method Apply a fair amount of oil to the palms of your hands and then rub your hands together visualizing the target of the candle. Pick up the candle and begin twisting the oil into it using a motion like that used to wring water out of a towel. Move from the middle outward until the entire candle is covered in oil. You may need to add more oil to your hands to get good solid coverage. During this process, talk to your target and command them to do as you desire.
After you have oiled your candle, you might apply herbs to it. It is good to do so at this point if you decide to. Simply pour your herbs into a plate and then roll the candle in them.
Blowing Powder APPLYING POWDERS
Powders are the last material that should be added to the candle. The traditional African means for distributing powders is to blow them. There are a couple of very good reasons to blow the powder onto the candle.
First, blowing provides a very even coverage and limits wasting expensive material. Secondly, breath has strong spiritual symbolism to it. Blowing on the candle makes it come alive. This is a particularly effective method for candles representing people.
When blowing powder, hold the candle by the end in one hand . Put a pinch of the powder in a spoon. Slowly rotate the candle while blowing the powder onto it until evenly covered.
Once your candle has been dressed in herbal materials, it is time to divide the candle up into sections so that it can be burned over the required number of days.
~Measuring a Candle~
Learn how to divide your candle into sections for burning over a period of days.
Not so long ago, if a Spiritualist was trying to encourage marriage between a couple he/she might burn one marriage figural candle a night for nine nights. But, if the client did not have much money and the work really needed to be done, the Spiritualist would divide the candle up into nine sections for nine days of burning.
Figural candles have always been expensive. Any molded candle is difficult to produce. With today's rising petroleum prices, wax is more expensive, as is the transportation to ship the candles from points around the world. In the above example, a modern-day Spiritualist would pay over seventy dollars ($70) for nine marriage candles. Most cannot afford this. So, the technique of measuring a candle is still relevant to most practitioners.
Measuring a candle is the? traditional term for dividing a candle into a predetermined number of sections by inserting needles or pins into the wax. This is the actual practice that became the legend of ''voodoo dolls'' in New Orleans. Reporters, not comprehending what they were seeing, made the assumption that the needles inserted in a wax figure were for doing harm. In actuality, the figures were being measured for work.
Measured Candle HOW TO MEASURE THE CANDLE
Dividing the candle up into sections is easy. You might measure the length of the candle with a ruler and divide it up by the number of sections you need. But, you are setting yourself up to deal with fractions of inches. It's just too tough of a job. The sections don't have to be exactly even to the centimeter. If they look evenly spaced to the eye when you have finished, it's a fine enough job.
One needle or pin should be inserted right at the point where the wick sprouts out of the wax. If you are doing drawing work, this is the last needle inserted because you insert them from the bottom to the top of the candle. If you are removing, the ''wick needle'' is the first one placed. It's an easy process.
Remember, that it takes an even number of needles / pins to make an odd number of sections. However, we always want to work with an odd number. This is why the needle is inserted at the wick.
Breaking the eye of a needle NEEDLES OR PINS, DOES IT MATTER WHICH I USE?
It doesn't matter if you use needles or sewing pins. Many sewing pins have plastic balls on the tip, so they are easier to push into the wax. When inserting needles, I end up using needle nosed pliers. Needles are rough on the fingertips - something akin to sticking a hundred cloves in a ham!.
For love work I like to pick out all of the red capped pins from a package of multicolored ones. You might use all green for money work or all yellow for success, etc.
Ideally, use needles for works designed to remove bad luck, crossed conditions, hexes, jinxes and witchcraft. They are also used in protection work.
Many folks from the South and Caribbean break the eye on the needle when they are working on or against another spiritual person. The belief being the worker and their actions are spiritually obscured from the enemy. A broken eye makes it more difficult for the target to find out who is causing their problems via a reading or spiritual consultation.
Needles with broken eyes are used for break up, confusion, crossing, revenge and reversing spells. They might also be used for uncrossing or protection when a Spiritualist feels it's better for the client's enemies not to know they have sought out help for their condition.
~Seven Needles~
A Double Cross Pattern is used to dispose of seven candle needles.
When burning a measured candle, allow the first needle at the wick to fall out, and then let the candle burn to a point right above the second needle. It is important that you pray or meditate for the entire time the candle is lit. Each day, burn through one needle - allowing the needle to fall and up to the next needle. Remember, NEVER BLOW OUT A CANDLE you are doing work with. You can pinch the candle out or use a proper candle snuffer.
The needles or pins should be reserved for use at the end of the candle burning ritual - so keep them in a safe place. I like to cover them with herbs or powders and leave them on my altar until I am ready to work with them.
Nine Needles
A Triple Double Cross Pattern is used to dispose of nine candle needles.
In most cases, the needles should be inserted into the name paper or petition that was sitting underneath the candle. For a ''seven needle'' work make two ''X's'' on each side and a ''double cross'' in the center of the paper. The double cross consists of one vertical needle and two horizontal needles (see above illus.). Since this pattern is used for drawing work, you will want to place it with your other ritual remains - the incense ash, bath water, candle wax, etc. Many drawing or love spells instruct you to keep the ritual remains. Some may call for remains to be buried at the front door of your home or even in the backyard. I have been told that in love drawing work, this paper should be placed between the mattress and box springs of the bed. If your spell does not offer instructions on how to dispose of the needles and or name paper - do what feels right to you.
To finish a nine needle candle work, use three needles to form three double crosses. Once again this paper is disposed of with the rest of the ritual remains. One exception I am aware of is when using war water in a spell. If your intention is to cause havoc in a home, and you plan on breaking or leaving ritual remains on an enemy doorstep - add the needles independently to the contents.
Now that you have the basics of working with needles and pins you know how to properly measure a candle
Candle Naming
How Do I ''Name'' a Candle ?
Once you have marked, dressed and measured your candle, it is time to baptize or name your candle. The act of baptizing a figural candle, used to represent a person, brings the candle alive.
If you have not written a petition or name paper, you should do it at this point in the ritual. Some people have their paperwork completed ahead of time, but I prefer to do it within the ritual process. Hopefully, you have altar candles lit and incense burning. Stopping to write your request or reaffirm the name of your target, helps to build a strong connection between the candle and the person it is designed to represent.
It is also at this point, that I insert personal concerns into the bottom of the candle. While it would be easier to do this when carving the candle, doing it now makes it part of a three step naming ritual.
1) Write a name paper or petition and place it under the candle
2) Make a hole in the bottom of the candle and insert any personal concerns
3) Baptize the candle
~Baptizing the Candle~
How you baptize the candle depends on your spiritual beliefs. It is a short and simple process.
If you are Christian / Spiritual, you can state.
I baptize you as [target's name] in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Make three signs of the cross over the candle in Holy Water while stating the words.
If you are Pagan, you can state:
Blessed be, thou creature made by art. By art made, by art changed. Thou art not wax but flesh and blood, I name thee [target's name] . Thou art this person, between the worlds, in all the worlds. Blessed be.
Some people further consecrate the candle with the four elements: Earth, Water, Fire and Air. Here is a simple method for doing this
Sprinkle some dirt or sand on the candle and say, ''By Earth I baptize you as (target's name).
Sprinkle some water on the candle and say, ''By Water I baptize you as (target's name).
Quickly pass the candle through the flame of your altar candle and say, ''By Fire I baptize you as (target's name).
Pass the dressed candle through the incense smoke and say , By Air I baptize you as (target's name).
Remember, this is an optional practice and there are many, more involved ways to perform it. Now you are ready to light your fully marked, dressed, measured and named candle! Remember to state your prayers and or affirmations over the candle and then visualize the effects of your work on the target until the candle burns to the second pin or needle.
Good Luck with candle burning rituals. With faith and patience, you will see the results you desire.
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Re: Candle Magick
By: Ginsie
Mar 10, 2011
Post # 3
~Colors/Herbs for Healing Candles~
Light blue or green are both used for general healing or health. Remember that these are simply suggestions. If you do not have the color candle indicated use a light blue or green candle, or even a white candle. If you would like to add the additional power of healing herbs to your healing ritual you may want to make some of these healing candles to use. They are quite easy to make and require only the minimum in materials and no previous candle making experience. They should be made on Sunday or on another day in the hour of the sun. They may be colored orange, the sun's color, or blue, the color of healing, or you may wish to choose a color correspondence specifically for the disease you wish to heal. There is a chart below which gives these correspondences. These candles have herbs added to the wax. Choose the herb to put into your candles based upon the nature of the illness or injury you wish to heal in the chart below. Please note, the plants
indicated are not to be taken internally for the disease in question, they are to be put in the candles. They are not necessarily effective as medication only as a correspondence. Also, a healing ritual adds to rather than replaces seeking medical attention for illnesses and injuries. You still need to see a Doctor.
Type of Problem Color of Candle Herb(s)
Sexual Function Red Saw Palmetto for men, Black Cohosh for women
Fertility Problems Green Dock, Hazel, Mustard, Raspberry
Psychological Violet St. Johns Wort, Kava Kava, Hops
Respiratory Tract Yellow Ephedra, Echinacea, Coltsfoot, Mullien
Digestive System Pink Peppermint, Wintergreen, Fennel, Anise
Nervous System Orange Ginko, Hops, Lavendar, Valerian (doesn't smell good)
Bones or Teeth White Boneset, Comfrey, Arnica, Clove
Urinary Tract Blue Saw Palmetto, Uva Ursi, Cubeb
Muscles Purple Comfrey, Lavender, Marjoram, Marshmallow
General Healing and Health Issues Light Blue Lavender, Galangal, Juniper, Nutmeg
More Colors for Healing Candles
Red Anemia, leukemia, liver infections, neuralgia and paralysis
Orange Arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, constipation, coughs, depression, epilepsy and exhaustion
Yellow Diabetes, heartburn, indigestion, menstrual cramps, constipation and skin conditions
Green Boils, cancer, colds, headaches, high blood pressure, kidney ailments, nervousness, and ulcers
Aqua Burns, eye ailments, high blood pressure, hypersensitivity, infections, inflammations, nutritional disorders and skin conditions
Blue Burns, diarrhea, fever, headaches, high blood pressure, insomnia, menstrual pain, rheumatism, skin rashes, sore throat, sunburn, ulcers and minor wounds
Indigo Asthma, deafness, dementia, depression, epilepsy, eye ailments, infections, mental and nervous disorders, parkinson's disease, pneumonia, tuberculosis and upset stomach
Violet Allergies, asthma, baldness, bloodclots, colds, gout, mental disorders, sinus problems, sleep disorders, stress related diseases and tumors
Rose Heart conditions, anxiety, constipation, depression, hearing loss, kidney problems
White Stroke, insufficient breast milk, broken bones, calcium defficiency, ostioporosis, toothache
~Herbs for Healing Candles~
Adders Tongue Stomach ulcers and tumors
Agrimony Jaundice and diseases of the liver
Alder Diarrhea, inflammations and sore throat
All Heal External wounds
Alow Vera Burns and external wounds
Angelica Alcohol and drug abuse, delayed menstrual period, toothache
Anise Asthma and bronchitis
Blessed Thistle Colds
Bloodroot Ringworm
Catnip Anxiety, fever, menstrual cramps
Chamomile Colic, fever, inflammations, menstrual cramps, and nervous conditions
Chickweed Inflammations
Cinnamon Flu
Coltsfoot Asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis, emphasema, chest complaints and coughs
Comfrey Dysentery, external wounds and stomach ulcers
Coriander Fever
Costmary Infections
Crimson Clover Cancer
Daisy Asthma
Dandelion Constipation, gall stones and ailments of the liver, pancreas, spleen or female organs.
Dogwood Fevers and infections
Elderflowers Colds, constipation, fever, hemorrhoids, and impotency
Elecampane Coughs and irregular menstruation
Eyebright Eye ailments
Fennel Anxiety, constipation, and irregular menstruation
Garlic Arthritis, asthma, infections and rheumatism
Ginger Fever, impotency and menstrual cramps
Ginseng Impotency and all sexually related ailments
Goldenrod Bladder infections, inflammation and insomnia
Goldenseal Eczema, eye ailments, internal infections, poison ivy, rectal ulcers and ringworm
Hawthorn Arteriosclerosis, edema, heart ailments and weak muscles
Horehound Coughs, colds and constipation
Horseheal Fever
Horseradish Bronchitis, colds, kidney conditions and rheumatism
Irish Moss Burns and coughs
Jacob's Ladder Fever
Jasmine Impotency
Jimsonweed Poison ivy
Juniper Neuralgia, rheumatism and swellings
Lady's Mantle Fever, headaches, inflammation, insomnia, menopause, menstrual cramps, and toothache
Lavender Depression, fatigue, headache, impotency, neuralgia, rheumatism and sprains
Mallow Tonsilitis
Mandrake Impotency and infertility
Milkweed Warts
Motherwort All female problems
Mugwort Fever and poison ivy
Mullien Asthma
Myrrh Gum irritations, infections and pain
Nettle Asthma, muscle aches, stomach ulcers, diseases of the lungs and intestines
Passionflower Insomnia
Pennyroyal Fever and menstrual cramps
Peppermint Headaches and muscle cramps
Rose Kidney stones
Rosemary Colds, colic, congestion of the liver, depression, fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure, nervous heart conditions, paralysis, rheumatism, stress, weakness of the limbs and vertigo
Saffron Depression and fever
Sage Colds and coughs, depression, fever, flue, insomnia, pleurisy, sprains and varicose veins
Snakeroot Impotency and snakebite
Shepherd's Purse Bruises, skin irritations and rheumatism
Solomon's Seal Bruises, skin irritations and wounds
Strawberry Leaves Gout
Thyme Fever, headaches and whooping cough
Valerian Anxiety, insomnia, rheumatism, stress and swollen joints
Vervain Fever
Violet Infections
Willow Bark Headaches
Witch Hazel Anxiety, eczema, inflammations, swellings and tumors
Wormwood Colds and fever
Yarrow Canker sores, colds, fever, liver diseases and muscle aches
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Re: Candle Magick
By: Ginsie
Mar 10, 2011
Post # 4
~General Instructions for Candle Rituals~
You need to use new candles for each ritual, they cannot be reused. The candle is charged for a particular magical intent for the ritual and retains this charge which can only be removed by burning the candle completely. It hardly need be said these days since you will not find any candles made from animal fat, but they cannot be used in candle magic. No tallow candles, they should be paraffin or beeswax. The candles should also not be broken, a broken candle will not store and release the energy you place into it correctly. If there are any broken candles in the box save them for candlelit dinners.
In addition to the candles, you will need a number of individual candle holders which can be inexpensive glass or metal holders that each hold a single taper. They need to be able to be moved individually on the altar. Some spells require that the candles touch so try to find small holders that will allow this. The number you will need depends upon the number of candles used for the spell you choose. I recommend getting the smallest, plainest holders you can find inexpensively. If you have a 99 cent store in your area they usually have something appropriate.
There is some small controversy as to whether you should light your candles with a match. Some say that the sulfur in the match is associated with ''negativity'' and will contaminate the candle. This is not true, sulfur is used in protective magic both by ceremonial magicians and by witches. It is used to drive away negativity. A chunk of sulfur may be placed on the altar during protective rituals and some add a small amount to exorcism or protection incenses. It is associated with the sun, and the element fire. If you feel strongly about it despite this, you may use a taper or a punk to light your candles instead, lighting the taper or punk from the altar candles. In case you don't know, a punk stick is a blank incense stick with no scent added. They are used by insulation contractors to look for air leaks in homes and by those who test smoke detectors. If you can't find them in your area you may use a lightly scented incense stick.
After you have chosen a spell from those below or one you have personally chosen, you will need to gather the required number of candles in the appropriate color(s) with holders to go along with them. The spell will state on which day it should be performed. For the strongest planetary influences the spell should be performed at one of the following times on that day: 12 midnight, 7 AM, 2 PM, or 9 PM. These are the hours ruled by the ruler of the day. If one of these times is not convenient simply do the spell on the day noted, regardless of the hour.
After you anoint the candles place them on the altar in their holders in the arrangement indicated in the spell. Place a copy of the words of the spell on the altar so you can read them. You may want to have a photo or other item to represent the person the spell is for if you are performing it for another, or it involves another person.
Try to assure that you will not be interrupted during the time it takes to do the spell, allow about half an hour, let the machine get the phone for example. Once begun it is best to complete the spell in one block if it is a one day spell, don't stop in the middle. Some spells require that they be performed over a series of days, it is generally best to use the same time for the successive days that you used for the first. If necessary to more clearly state your desire the words accompanying the spell may be altered and personalized. Try to fully state what you want as clearly and simply as possible.
As the spell is being performed there may be occasions where one of the candles goes out on it's own, without the wind. If this happens, do not re-light it. One of two things may be assumed to have happened, either the required amount of energy had already been released and the spell is complete for now, or there was something wrong with the way the spell was going and it will need to be redone. Simply complete the ritual for that night and continue it on the next day in the series. If it happens on the last day, simply allow the other candles to burn down as usual and complete the spell at the point where the candle went out.
It is also possible that the candle flame may jump or crackle during a spell. If you are summoning entities, the flame may grow to as much as six inches in height when they manifest, or make a crackling, popping sound. In regular candle spells a crackling, jumping flame generally implies that alot of energy is being generated due to high emotions or the effects of the spell. It is generally a good sign that the magic is working. Note which candle in the altar setup is crackling and go on with the ritual.
A particularly strong flame means that power is being generated toward manifesting your intent. If a candle used to represent a person is particularly strong it can imply their dominance in the situation, their higher energy level, they are winning the situation, or anger and strong emotions on their part. A particularly weak flame shows that there is strong opposition to the manifestation of your intent and the spell may need to be repeated. If a persons candle is weak it may mean that they are in a submissive position in the situation, that they are losing, they have a lower energy level, or that they are in a weaker emotional position.
After the spell is complete, if the spell is to be continued, leave everything in place for the next day. Pinch out or snuff the candles rather than blowing them out. Some feel that blowing out the candle is dismissive of the fire elemental in the flame. If it is a one day spell, or the last day of a multi-day spell you should allow the candles to burn out by themselves. Candles cannot be reused for another spell, and burning them completely releases all of the magical energies stored in them to the cosmos so that it can set the vibrations in motion to accomplish your goal.
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Re: Candle Magick
By: Ginsie
Mar 10, 2011
Post # 5
~Candle Scrying~
Ceroscopy is form of scrying using wax. The wax was melted into a brass vessel till it became a liquid of uniform consistence. The liquid wax was then poured very slowly into another vessel filled with cold water. The pouring was done in a way that the wax congealed in tiny discs upon the surface of the water. The divinator then interpreted the figures of wax.
Scrying by reading wax images also goes to candle scrying where you read the dripping of a candle that has developed over the side of the candle on the candle stick holder.
From personal experience, I have noted that drippings are influenced by the color of the candle and the energies of the person scrying. I have seen interesting patterns formed, everything from angels to faces and more. They can be regarded messages either from spirit or from the subconscious mind of the scryer.
Fire and Candle Gazing. This type of Scrying is actually fun and does not need the sanctity of your Temple. You can use these methods wherever there is a fire or candle about. I find it enjoyable to Scry when a friend lights a candle; they oftentimes don't realize that I am scrying at all, good fun that. For fire gazing, it is the embers near the end of a fire that you want to focus on. The colors of the embers oftentimes swirl with meaning if you are open to them. Clear and focus your Mind on nothing in particular, just keep it open to the symbols as they pass through the coals. Empty all thoughts and gaze upon the flames and be open to psychic messages that transpire. If you so desire, choose an appropriate color to go along with the subject of the reading as found in tables of Magickal corospondence. The procedure is the same as with all reflecting objects, clear your Mind of all thoughts, listen and see with your innerself. Awaken the receptive power and open this world to the next. Visions will come when you are receptive to them. Let them speak. I also suggest that you get a reputable book on Dreaming. The symbols described therein can be used as a basic guide for the symbols that you see within the flame or embers. This naturally leads us to
Smoke scrying is a technique that can be quite useful and can be added to your Samhain celebrations. Before I discuss this technique, I feel it necessary to describe a scrying mirror or black mirror. This object is a mirror that has had the glass removed and painted black and replaced back into the holder. Often a silver backing is added to the mirror and a round or oval mirror is used; however, I have found that an inexpensive compact mirror with the glass painted black can work just as well. Black mirrors can be traced back over the centuries and were often made of obsidian. You do not want to look directly into the mirror for your scrying, lay it on a table and look from an angle. Spirits can show scenes, images, speak and even touch the scryer with this method. Now, back to smoke scrying. Lower the lights in the room, or better yet light two pillar candles on either side of you. Taking your favorite candle, light and then snuff out allow it to smoke for a few moments. Position the black mirror so that the smoke dances over the surface easily while the mirror lies on a table. Once the candle has smoked for a few moments, close your eyes to relax. When you feel centered, grounded and relaxed look into the black mirror lying on your table from various angles. Watch and interpret the images you see, hear, smell and feel.
As I said, you can use this technique on Samhain to help summon the ancient spirits or ancestors. I use red candles for this purpose. Once Im feeling centered I hold my arms into the air and say something like, O Great Spirit, Great Maiden, Mother, Wise One, you who created all. Bring to us the old ones, the ancient spirits, and the ancestors to celebrate with us, to teach us, to allow us to understand where we came from so we can understand where we are yet to lead the future.
Do fire scrying (staring into the fire or a candle fire) when the moon is either in Aries, Sagittarius or Leo
~How to take care of candles?
Not many people know how to properly burn a candle, and I have seen many, many people thow away mostly unburned pillar candles due to ignorance... but no more!
I compiled this from the labels on candles around my house.
~Tea Lights~
In aluminum cups - recommended for ''closed-type'' holders (eg. Tealight house potpourri burners).
In transparent cups - recommended for glass holders.
~Votive Candles~
Always keep wicks trimmed to 1/4''.
The metal clip is designed to extinguish the flame when the wick has burned out.
Always remove the metal clip from a previous votive before placing a new votive in the holder.
While burning votives, be sure the wick is centered.
Wicks too close to the side of a votive holder may cause breakage.
~Dinner Candles~
Always keep wick trimmed to 1/4''
Do not place near drafts, fans or air conditioners.
If dripping occurs, wait for wax to harden and remove excess.
Burning time: approximately 45 minutes per inch.
~Pillar Candles~
Keep wick centered and trimmed to 1/4''
First lighting: burn for 5 - 10 minutes.
For the next 4 - 5 lightings gradually increase burning times until the belltop is gone.
Once the candle has a flat surface, burn a minimum of 1 hour per inch for each inch of the candle's diameter.
Pillars should always have a flat surface, not a deep well.
Gently hug the soft wax around the well to maintain a flat surface.
~3 Wick Candles~
NEVER trim the wicks.
Burn a minimum of 6 hours at each lighting.
Keep wicks pointed towards centre.
Gently hug the soft wax around the well to maintain a flat surface
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