The Mystical Link

Skull reading

2012-01-13T17:40:00.000+10:00

It took a while, but as promised... I delivered! :)

Skull oracle

2011-12-13T06:50:00.000+10:00

Well... Here it is. Amidst coughing up my lungs, I managed to finish my skull oracle and the little bag to keep them in. Honestly... I'm not 100% finished with it as I still need to write up the meanings of the colour-combos, but I thought it best to put a dear friend of mine out of her misery... She's been dying to see my project! ;)

The keywords are as follows...

Silver skull – Emotions,Introspection, Cycles

White skull – Wholeness, Clarity,Beginnings

Pink skull – Love, Harmony,Compassion

Purple skull – Inspiration,Imagination, Originality

Indigo skull – Perception, Awareness,Wisdom

Blue skull – Trust, Beliefs,Communication

Green skull – Nurture, Growth,Relationships

Yellow skull – Logic, Understanding,Knowledge

Orange skull – Creativity, Pleasure,Enthusiasm

Red skull – Action, Courage, Vitality

Brown skull – Security, Practicality,Wealth

Black skull – Challenge, Mystery,Endings

Gold skull – Glory, Recognition, Ego

Skull design is sepia China ink, bag is chamois leather.

OMG! Are these floating orbs!? Nah! Just a dirty lens! ;)

Oracle of the Shapeshifters

2011-09-25T18:40:00.001+10:00

Hubby spoiled me today... He bought me the latest oracle deck by Lucy Cavendish, the Oracle of the Shapeshifters. The deck centres around the different kind of changes and transformation we can encounter during our lifetime, and offers advice on how to deal with them. How very appropriate, as I find myself currently going through some sort of midlife crisis. It comes in a sturdy little box and is comprised of 45 gorgeous cards and a 164 pages booklets.

The artwork is amazing, as it is to be expected, since it's by Jasmine Becket-Griffith. I absolutely adore her style; a mixture of huge-eyed character filled with innocence, but with a distinct aura of mystery, darkness and perhaps even danger. Anything remotely "fairy" or "Goth" is right up my alley, and this deck falls perfectly into both these categories. From the fragile pink of the Albino Alligator to the mysterious black of the Deep Dark Sea Maiden, the mixture of colours and style convey clearly the meaning of each cards. This, along with a description included at the bottom of the card, makes them very easy to read and interpret. The book is concise and each card is presented very clearly. All in all, I give this deck two thumbs up! Best of all... Mia (aka Boofy) approves of it too! ;)

Voice of the Trees

2011-09-02T20:15:00.000+10:00

Here's my take on Mickie Mueller's new deck, The Voice of the Trees. It's a bit tongue-in-cheek humour as I've been in a strange mood for a while.

Tree Oracle reading

2011-07-07T20:29:00.001+10:00

Disaster!!!

2011-07-05T11:08:00.000+10:00

Well... I'm thoroughly miffed today! One of the bones from my oracle is broken (the thin, Hunter Bone). Try as I might, I can't fix it... It's just too thin. I am so seriously pissed! My muse can just take a hike, I'm the one packing it in this time. Bugger that! >:(

Bone oracle

2011-07-04T18:29:00.003+10:00

I made myself an oracle using leftover bones from a roast chicken. Talk about recycling! ;D

Kumalak

2011-06-23T11:47:00.001+10:00

What is Kumalak?

Kumalak is an ancient divinatory oracle originating in Kazakhstan. The shaman, or "bhalcha," would predict the potential outcome of the future by using a system of 41 pebbles, beans or more commonly, dried sheep dropping called "kumalak" (hence the origin of the name.) The 41 pebbles would be neatly separated in three piles and carefully placed on
the top first row of a grid drawn in the dirt, or a cloth designed for the purpose. Then, groups of four pebbles were removed from the first pile until there were four, three, two, or one pebble left. The second and third piles were processed in the same fashion. The removed beads or pebbles were reassembled in one big pile and the whole process was repeated for the central second row, and finally for the bottom third row. The sequence and number of pebbles found in each square and each row would create a figure that determined the outcome of the reading.

1 pebble represents fire and symbolises action, clarity and combat. 
2 pebbles represents water, the two faces of good and evil, and therefore tension and imbalance. 
3 pebbles represents air and wind, the 3 realms of nature (animal, vegetal and mineral) and symbolises journeys, encounters and joining of forces. 
4 pebbles represents the earth and sand and symbolises wealth and possessions, but it can also mean sorrow and darkness.

The kumalak grid represents a traditional Kazakh horseman of the steppes, with each square corresponding to a part of the body. The first row describes the past, the second row describes the present and the third row describes the future. The figures that are formed are named after the combination of the element and body part involved in the figure (i.e. Water in the Eye, Fire in the Head.) Certain combination are particularly good omens such as "The Three Stars" (three beans in each boxes of the top row,) which represent incredible inner strength, enthusiasm, mastery and luck, or "Mother Earth" (four beans in each boxes of the bottom row,) which means absolute happiness and contentment... It is the best figure to obtain! There are also special figures which add even more depth to the reading, such as:

Satisfaction
Odd numbers of pebbles in each of the right hand boxes.

Inspiration
One pebble in each of the right hand boxes.

Good Fortune
Three pebbles in each of the right hand boxes.

Chance (good luck if you persevere)
The total number of pebbles in the right hand boxes adds up to either 7, 9 or (the best) 12.

Harmony
Odd numbers of pebbles in each of the centre boxes.

The Way Forward (progress or journey)
One pebble in each of the centre boxes.

Joy
Three pebbles in each of the centre boxes.

News are coming
Odd pebbles in each box of either diagonal.

Balance (in partnerships)
Sums equal in both diagonals.

Including the nine special figures mentioned above, there are 57 different possible combinations that make for a rich and detailed reading! Like the tough and rugged land it originated from, Kumalak is a no nonsense divinatory system that goes straight to the heart of the matter and clearly outlines the strengths and foibles of the "querent" (the person consulting the oracle,) as well as potential pitfalls and obstacles that may lie ahead.

More correspondence

2011-04-25T10:52:00.006+10:00

This morning, I sat down to meditate with my tree oracle beads and as it is so often the case, I had a revelation into more insight about each tree’s lesson. I have a collection of 22 beads, the same number of cards of the traditional tarot’s Major Arcana. Then it dawned on me... Could each of the trees found in my oracle correspond with a Major Arcana card? After letting my intuition flow, this is the list I have compiled.

0. The Fool – Lemon-Scented Gum
The Lemon-Scented Gum’s energy is that of the unknown and unexplained. It fits in well with the naive, innocent and trusting nature of the Fool who venture out on the unknown, unfazed by the unexpected.

1. The Magician – Hoop Pine
Hoop Pine is all about using what materials are available to you and creating, and so is the Magician.

2. The High Priestess – Coastal She-Oak
Just like the High Priestess is the guide that helps us journey through our intuition, so is the Coastal She-Oak.

3. The Empress – Jacaranda
Both the card and the tree represent
the energies of sexuality, abundance and fertility.

4. The Emperor – Blueberry Ash
Solid foundation and sound structure are the lessons of the Emperor and Blueberry Ash.

5. The Hierophant – Brazilian Purpleheart
The Hierophant and Brazilian Purpleheart teach us about traditions, faith and doctrine.

6. The Lovers – Queensland Walnut
The choice to take a chance on vulnerability and to open up our hearts to love and relationships are the lessons of the Lovers card as well as Queensland Walnut.

7. The Chariot – Spotted Gum
It’s all about being in control, being independent, and making choices on our personal journey.

8. Strength – Huon Pine
Just like the Huon Pine has a strong pungent resin that protects it from wood-borring insects, the Strength card teaches us to wisely use our instinct to keeps ourselves safe and protected.

9. The Hermit – European Beech
Both the Beech and the Hermit are wise keepers of deeper knowledge.

10. The Wheel of Fortune – Queensland Maple
The Wheel of Fortune and the Queensland Maple are all about harvesting what you sow and having prosperity.

11. Justice – American White Oak
Law, judgement and fairness are the hallmarks of the Oak and the Justice card.

12. The Hanged Man – African Blackwood
The African Blackwood’s lessons are about learning and growing, and just like the Hanged Man, this requires us to stop whatever we’re doing, go within, and assimilate our experiences, no matter how difficult or painful it is.

13. Death – Ebony
Both Death and Ebony represent difficult and unavoidable transitions we must all face.

14. Temperance – Messmate
Learning to be assertive without being aggressive, learning to bite our tongues and compromise with others are all lessons of the Temperance card as well as the Messmate.

15. The Devil – Cooktown Ironwood
Being chained down by past issues, hurts and hang-ups can cause addictions, illnesses and all sorts of health problems. The Devil and Cooktown Ironwood teach us how to heal old wounds so we may free ourselves from bondage.

16. The Tower – Camphor Laurel
The Tower and the Camphor Laurel represent upheaval and chaotic challenges that throw the balance out of kilter.

17. The Star – Australian Red Cedar
Having high hopes, farsightedness, big dreams and optimistic views are all energies related to the Star as well as the Australian Red Cedar.

18. The Moon – Sydney Blue Gum
Feelings, emotions and imagination are lessons linked to the Moon and the Sydney Blue Gum. They teach us how to flow with them and to not let them taint our mind, least we become delusional and irrational.

19. The Sun – New Guinea Rosewood
Happiness, joy, fun and good health are all energies associated with the Sun and the New Guinea Rosewood.

20. Judgement – Cotoneaster
The Judgement card and the Cotoneaster teach us about consciousness and awareness; knowing what is true and what is false. We choose to believe what we wish; we can accept the truth or remain in denial.

21. The World – Jarrah
The World card is about unity, cooperation, success and understanding that we are part of a greater whole, just like the Jarrah who teaches us about community, family and being part of a group.

Animal communication

2011-04-19T16:20:00.005+10:00

I have recently rekindled an old interest of mine in animal communication, better known as "telepathy". Initially, I would simply like to be able to understand my two cats better and to develop a stronger, more mutually satisfying bond between all of us, but also, I would like to be able to help others with their own pets. What should I focus on in order to accomplish this?

I decided to enlist my two cats help by getting them involved in the reading (cats ARE by nature, incredibly intuitive.) As young as they are, you wouldn't believe the intense interest they manifested when picking out two beads for themselves (after playing with them and tossing them about for a while, of course!) I also blind-picked two beads afterwards. The results nearly floored me!

Angel's two beads: African Blackwood and Jacaranda - "Difficult friend, beauty of bees."
The blackwood's lesson is about learning and growing beyond our limits. Real friends help each other along on the journey, and don't gloss over the ugly truths we sometimes hide from ourselves. We mirror each others strength and weaknesses and if we are willing to go beyond the reflection we perceive, we become more attuned to our authetic selves. The Jacaranda's lesson is about attracting what we desire in life. Angel is letting me know that if I truly desire to communicate with animals, I need to be open to learning and growing
from our budding friendship. Let THEM teach ME! It may mean dropping my skeptic and doubting ways concerning telepathy, to learn to be more calm, peaceful and patient with animals, and to simply be open to receiving their messages.

Mia's two beads: African Blackwood and Queensland Walnut- "Difficult friend, in hard shells."
Yes... The African blackwood turned up in Mia's choice as well. I guess she seconds her younger sister's opinion. Her second bead was the Queensland walnut, and this tree's lesson is about love and relationships. No surprise there! In order to connect with animals and be able to "talk" to them, you need to do so on a heart-level. Animals use images, sensations, feelings and body language to convey their messages. I need to open my heart in order to be able to receive their messages. Hiding insides a "hard shell" isn't going to help me achieve this.

My two beads: African Blackwood (???) and Queensland Walnut (????)
As communication is a two way street, in order to establish any link, two individuals need to be on the same wavelength. Err... Okay... It seems we're all on the same page about growing and learning from each other. Angel is reinforcing the aspect of "attracting" what is desired (she should know, she's the Master Manipulator in our household. What Angel wants, Angel gets!) Mia is teaching me about softening up, opening my heart and becoming more receptive (she also needs to do so herself... She comes across as so tough and yet, she's so sensitive to reprimands and chastising.) If I can drop my pretense, assumptions and facade, then perhaps I will achieve my goal to connect and communicate with animals on a deeper level.

Mia's cat flu

2011-02-13T15:32:00.003+10:00

I am so concerned about Mia's health, and I feel so helpless that I simply had to do a reading to try and get some comfort and perspective. What can we do to help Mia on the road to recovery.

First two-beads: Queensland Walnut and American Oak - "In hard shells, mightiest of servants"
The root of the issue stems from my relationship with Mia and how protective I've become of her. I've opened up my heart once more to love, and I am extremely worried, saddened and discouraged by this turn of event. The pain of loosing one beloved pet is still too recent and fresh in my mind and I believe I am compensating by being overly structured and acting authoritative. In all honesty, I am at a lost... I don't know how to help her out and I feel very useless.

Second two-beads: Sydney Blue Gum and American Oak - "Veil of sky, mightiest of servants"
Sydney Blue Gum points to my emotions and how they might be clouding my judgement. The presence of American Oak in the trunk position as well as the
root position may indicate that the solution might be found in the problem itself. If I am too emotional and powerless to act, then perhaps I should turn to someone who can... Either my husband, our kind knowledgeable vets, or even the highest of authority.

Third two-beads: Brazilian Purpleheart and Messmate - "Noble heart, sharp teeth"
Faith and beliefs play a big part here; in the vets, in ourselves, in Mia's own will to live, and in fate. Assertive communication and firm convictions will ensure that proper care is carried out and that the best will come of it. Verbal assaults and biting back is of no help. One expression comes to mind; "Let go, let God."

New Project

2010-07-19T19:25:00.002+10:00

My muse has recently come back and I have been mulling over a new woodworking project; a Celtic harp. I am wondering if this is all too soon as I don't have much money to spend on materials, my health isn't the best, and I have no plans to go about it (I would have to design it from the ground up and it may not work at all.) This project is becoming obsessive and I am feeling quite restless about it.

First two-beads: Coastal She-Oak and Jacaranda - "Beacon of shore, beauty of bees"
What brought me to where I'm at the moment was obviously a deep, unconscious desire to attract a new "beautiful obsession." As the saying goes, "be careful what you wish for... You may very well get it!" Boy! Did I ever!

Second two-beads: African Blackwood and European Beech - "Difficult friend, treasure of time"
Blackwood teaches us through trial and errors. Beech's lesson is about gleaning knowledge and wisdom through experience. Taken together, these too represent the current problem that I am facing in regards to this new project; I am lacking the wisdom and blueprints needed to achieve it! (Beech is also linked with written knowledge, such a books and the ilk.) I'm stumped. I don't know how I can go about building something this complex without
either the experience nor "recipe book" to do so. The first attempt may turn out to be a total disaster and waste! I don't mind putting in the time and effort as learning is never a waste, but I do object to spending so much money on expensive woods, only to see it implode in my face when I start stringing it up!

Third two-beads: Jarrah and Australian Red Cedar - "Strength of homes, lofty crown"
I may find support and answers to my questions by joining a group of like-minded people (harpers, harpists, luthiers, woodworkers with prior experience building such instruments, etc) and to also motivate me and see this new idea of mine through to completion. Either that or it means "use the leftover jarrah wood we have downstairs and go for broke!” LOL!

The Willow

2010-07-17T18:42:00.003+10:00

When my husband and I go on holidays, I always make a point of checking out the local tree population; the different varieties that can be found, if there are any "popular" ones in the vicinity, etc... On our last Canadian trip in 2008, I had the opportunity to revisit some familiar places that played an important role in my life. Straight across from the first high-school I attended, there's a churchyard which harbours an enormous weeping willow. These trees are notorious for destroying foundations and pipelines because of their huge roots. This particular tree was never a threat to anything since it was far enough from any sewage drains, water mains or building structures. To my joyous relief, this big fella was still standing when I dropped in for a visit! :)

Countless precious moments were spent in its company, enjoying lunches, chatting with friends and basically relaxing and enjoying a moment of respite before tackling some more studies. There's a soothing, calming and nurturing energy emanating from this tree; like a kind grandmother, cuddling you in her warm embrace. In many cultures, willows are linked with the emotions and feminine energies and this tree definitely carries that signature. It has a very nurturing feel to it. To me, the willow is
a tree that offers love, support, and also helps kindle the imagination (this particular tree stoked my artistic fire more than once!) If you ever feel heavy and laden with an emotional burden and you need some gentle comfort to support you, find a willow tree and rest your back against it. Close your eyes and ask it kindly to help you take away the stress that is weighing you down. Watch your woes slip away slowly... You'll be surprised at how powerful yet gentle this tree is.

Reading exemple

2010-07-15T01:21:00.002+10:00

Here is how I go about performing a reading with the Tree Oracle.

I center myself through some focused breathing.
I gently shake the bag while clearly formulating the question in my mind.
I then select 2 beads from the bag without looking. The first two beads represent The Roots (what may have caused the issue.) The beads are then return to the bag.
While still focusing on the question, the bag is shaken once more, and 2 more beads are pulled out. These second two beads represent The Tree (the current problem at hand.) The beads are once more returned to the bag.
Still focused on the question, the bag is shaken once more, and the last 2 beads are pulled out. These last beads represent The Branches (a possible solution to the problem.)

EXEMPLE READING I have been feeling quite down lately, and I would like the Tree Oracle to shed some light on my feeling of uneasiness.

First two-beads: Queensland Walnut and New Guinea Rosewood - "In hard shells, lovely sound" A loving relationship was cause for great joy and happiness. I use the term in the past tense as this is "the root" of the issue, therefore it stems from the past.

Second two-beads: New Guinea Rosewood and Australian Red Cedar - "Lovely sound, lofty crown" The oracle seems to suggest that currently, happiness and inspiration are at play. Perhaps one is open to suggestion and ideas to try and reclaim joy, or it may mean that expressing ones thoughts and views (perhaps through arts and music) can help tremendously in finding happiness. One must also remember that happiness is a state of mind... One can "choose" to be happy or miserable.

Third two-beads: Coastal She-Oak and Brazilian Purpleheart - "Beacon of shores, noble heart" The answers to "finding joy once more" will ultimately be found within, not without. Listen to your intuition! Strong inner-beliefs and convictions will be the guiding light that will offer solace and a return to happiness. Faith in ones own spiritual path (whether religious or not) can play a big part in finding joy once more.

Okay... This reading gave me goosebumps! I've recently lost my beloved cat of 11 years and I have been feeling down in the dumpsters ever since. I feel as if all the joy has been sucked out of my life. The oracle seems to be telling me that this recent loss is the cause of my current demise and state of mind. I have been feeling very uninspired and my artwork has fallen by the wayside. What might help is to fall back on my spirituality. Meditation has been helping me massively in coping with the loss. This tragedy also seems to have permanently kicked open my ESP door. This can be quite overwhelming and distressing. I need to learn how to open and close my intuitive channel at will and not let it remain open.

Kennings

2010-07-12T14:34:00.001+10:00

I finally got around to writing down the kennings and keywords for the timbers of my bead collection. The way I went about it is that I wrote the kennings first and then extrapolated the lessons (keywords) from it.

"Beauty of bees" is the JACARANDA Its gorgeous purple flowers attract bees. Keywords: Attraction and Seduction
Roots of harvest" is the BLUEBERRY ASH This flanged-trunk tree feeds many species of birds. Keywords: Foundations and Groundwork
"Friend of carpenters" is the HOOP PINE Its lumber is commonly used in the building industry. Keywords : Building and Creating
"Strong oil" is the HUON PINE The strong smelling oil from the timber is a natural insect repellant. Keywords: Defence and Protection.
"Smell of fear" is the CAMPHOR LAUREL This pungent tree is a threat to other native ones. Keywords: Danger and Challenge
"Shelter of a fool" is the LEMON SCENTED GUM These gums drop large limbs without warning. Keywords: The Unknown and Unexpected
"Beacon of shores" is the COASTAL SHE-OAK These trees only grow near the ocean and the sea is linked with the psyche. Keywords: Intuition and Inner-Wisdom
"Mightiest of servants" is the AMERICAN WHITE OAK This slow growing giant benefits many creatures of the forest. Keywords: Law and Order.
"Sharp teeth" is the MESSMATE Its feathery timber tends to splinter a lot. Keywords: Frictions and Misunderstandings
"Treasure of time" is the EUROPEAN BEECH Its grain contains many little stripes. Keywords: Knowledge and Education
"Spirals of life" is the SPOTTED GUM The heavily patterned timber is used for parquetry. Keywords: Choices and Directions
"In hard shells" is the QUEENSLAND WALNUT Aboriginals would eat the nuts or use them to catch scrub turkeys. Keywords: Love and Relationships.
"Wooden Anchor" is the COOKTOWN IRONWOOD This dense and toxic wood will sink if put in water. Keywords: Hurt and Disease
"Lofty crown" is the AUSTRALIAN RED CEDAR This tall tree has an open crown foliage. Keywords: Views and Ideas
"Strength of homes" is the JARRAH This hardwood timber was commonly used to build homes. Keywords: Family and Community
"Veil of sky" is the SYDNEY BLUE GUM This tree casts a hazy bluish mist about it. Keywords: Feelings and Emotions
"Lovely sound" is the NEW GUINEA ROSEWOOD This wood makes some of the best musical instruments. Keywords: Joy and Happiness
"Noble heart" is the BRAZILIAN PURPLEHEART This wood oxidizes to a deep purple as it ages. Keywords: Faith and Beliefs
"Difficult friend" is the AFRICAN BLACKWOOD This beautiful waxy wood polishes to gorgeous finish. Keywords: Growth and Learning
"Hardest of lessons" is the AFRICAN EBONY This is an incredibly hard wood to work with. Keywords: Death and New Beginnings

Wooden beads

2010-07-03T18:01:00.000+10:00

I've managed to finish my wooden beads this afternoon. I ended up with a swatch of 20 different types of wood. Some are typical Australian timbers, others are foreign imports, and all of these I've had the pleasure (and pain) to work with.

Here's a short breakdown of the different timber and their qualities.

Jacaranda - Resembles birch with its very white and clean grain. Incredibly easy to carve, turn and sand, but is still surprisingly quite strong and dent resistant.
Blueberry Ash – Soft light grain with lovely swirls, easy to turn and carve, smells fantastic when cut!
Hoop Pine - The bread an butter of lumber yards and building materials. Very plain looking pine timber, but it's softness makes for lovely warm sounding flutes.
Huon Pine - Soft as butter... Too soft, actually. Dents just looking at it! Nice smell to the resin, though. Insects hate it.
Camphor Laurel - Even though this is an introduced pest to Australia, it's still an amazing timber. Gorgeous molted patterns with golden hues, and smells like a jar of Vicks Vaporub!
Lemon Scented Gum - Difficult to work with as the wood has many veins of gummy sap. Still makes fantastic sounding flutes with a deep resonance.
Coastal She-Oak - If you can manage to work with this splintering wood and avoid having it shatter on you, you'll end up with some very impressive pieces of work. Zebra patterns abound in it!
American White Oak - Very hard wood with highly open grain that takes nicely to staining. A perennial favourite in furniture and cabinet making.
Messmate - This is a type of Aussie eucalyptus. Another heavy "shedder" of splinters.
European Beech - This wood surprised me by it's sheer density and strength. In my opinion, it is harder than oak. It has a strange sour smell when cut.
Spotted Gum - Hard to carve and turn, but has lovely swirly and marbled patterns in it.
Queensland Walnut - Lovely grain with hues of black and gold, but the dust is bloody irritating to the lungs and eyes.
Cooktown Ironwood - It's not called ironwood for no reason, it cuts and carves like steel! This wood even sinks! Can you say "hard 'n' heavy?"
Australian Red Cedar - No... It's not cedar! Not even close! It's another Aussie gum, and unlike it's American counterpart, it's friggen hard!
Jarrah - Very hard, very sturdy, lovely red colour that deepens to maroon as it ages. Used extensively in the past as a building materials this hardwood isn't termites favourite!
Sydney Blue Gum - Hard as steel and splinters like anything. Very plain reddish grain.
New Guinea Rosewood - One splinter after another! If you can put up with the pain, this wood has absolutely fantastic grain patterns and makes THE best sounding flutes!
Brazilian Purpleheart - Hard, hard, hard... And bloody feathery too! Very open grain. Splinters anyone? But the natural eggplant colour of this wood is soooo worth it!
African Blackwood - Ebony's little cousin... It's friggen hard and smells sickly sweet when cut. It has a shinier, waxier look and feel than ebony.
African Ebony - One of the few woods you can whittle down to a few millimeters and still retain quite a lot of strength. It is THE hardest wood I've worked with.

Reading exemple

2009-11-09T15:22:00.001+10:00

Here is how I go about performing a reading with the Tree Oracle.

I center myself through some focused breathing.
I gently shake the bag while clearly formulating the question in my mind.
I then select 2 beads from the bag without looking. The first two beads represent The Roots (what may have caused the issue.) The beads are then return to the bag.
While still focusing on the question, the bag is shaken once more, and 2 more beads are pulled out. These second two beads represent The Tree (the current problem at hand.) The beads are once more returned to the bag.
Still focused on the question, the bag is shaken once more, and the last 2 beads are pulled out. These last beads represent The Branches (a possible solution to the problem.)

EXEMPLE READING
I have been feeling quite odd lately, and I would like the Tree Oracle to shed some light on my feeling of uneasiness.

First two-beads: Hoop pine & Cooktown ironwood. Work and Vitality are at play here. The two beads are always in a symbiotic relationship; either work has burdened the body and physical health or the lack of morale and interest has affected work. As the actual question focuses on the ill-feeling and being at odds with oneself, it is more likely that in this scenario, it is work that has affected the individual's sense of vitality and health.

Second two-beads: Huon pine & camphor laurel. Protection and Challenge. The oracle seems to be suggesting that the individual's defences are currently being eroded by too many challenges and stresses. From the previous beads, we can see that this is now starting to take its toll on the body. Competition within the workforce may be a big contributing factor here. If nothing is done, illness or a burnout may very well be imminent!

Third two-beads: Ebony and Messmate. Change and communication. There needs to be a change in defining healthier boundaries and to do so, communication is the key. Limits will only be respected if they are clearly voiced. The need for self-preservation will open up dialogues. If you're body is telling you it's had enough and you feel discombobulated, you should take heed right away and voice it out loud. The point needs to be put across! If you need a break, ask for it... If you need a holiday, ask for it... If you need help and assistance, ask for it. Keeping the stress bottled in, not addressing it and ignoring the body's warning signals will only result in low self-esteem, a burnout or worst.

Some thoughts

2009-10-14T21:09:00.000+10:00

About the wooden beads and the kennings. Tonight, I sat down with the beads and started going through them slowly, one by one. In all honesty, I adore each and every one of them because I'm a sucker for trees. Each timber bead is special in look, feel and personality, so they all have a soft spot in my heart. But because a friend returned a question to me, I had to make a choice! ;) I have to say the Brazilian purpleheart is my all-time favourite, but there are a few close second such as the blackwood and ebony.

I then started looking at which wood I liked the least, and that also speaked volumes about my personality! I'm not extremely fond of the Messmate (very aptly named, I might add!) I find the grain very plain and boring, and it splinters like mad. Just as an example... I had to redo this particular bead three times because the sanding process ripped out chunks of splinters from them! I've also "stabbed" myself more than once with the durn things and cursed them to high heaven (maybe that's where the inspiration for the "verbose" energy of the Messmate oak came from!!!) Yup! Spoken communication isn't my forte! (I can say some stupid, and at times quite mean, things.) Another one that closely follows the Messmate is the Sydney blue gum. Now, there's another wood that I always have problems with... And what's its meanings!? Emotions and memories! Ha! Is it no surprise that my least favourite beads are representatives of my own Achille's Heel?!? Funny that!!

This little woodworking project is fast becoming an interesting adventure in self-discovery. Creating them taught me a lot about physical endurance and pain threshold (cynical joke!) But sitting quietly and meditating with them I find is absolutely captivating and fascinating. Initially, I was going to drill holes in them and turn them into prayer beads, but I've completely ditched that option now. Why would I want to risk the newly-forged relationship with these little wooden friends by "stringing them along?" Okay... Another really lame joke. Maybe I should go to bed! LMAO! ;)

Kennings

2009-10-14T14:34:00.000+10:00

"Delight of bees" is the JACARANDA
Its gorgeous purple flowers attract bees.
Keywords: Love
Roots of harvest" is the BLUEBERRY ASH 
This flanged-trunk tree feeds many species of birds. 
Keywords: Wealth
"Friend of carpenters" is the HOOP PINE
Its lumber is commonly used in the building industry.
Keywords : Work
"Wooden shield" is the HUON PINE
The strong smelling oil from the timber is a natural insect repellant.
Keywords: Protection.
"Smell of fear" is the CAMPHOR LAUREL
This pungent tree is a threat to other native ones.
Keywords: Challenge
"Shelter of a fool" is the LEMON SCENTED GUM
These gums drop large limbs without warning.
Keywords: Luck
"Beacon of shores" is the COASTAL SHEOAK
These trees only grow near the ocean and the sea is linked with the psyche.
Keywords: Intuition
"Mightiest of servants" is the AMERICAN WHITE OAK
This slow growing giant benefits many creatures of the forest.
Keywords: Authority.
"Sharp teeth" is the MESSMATE
Its feathery timber tends to splinter a lot.
Keywords: Communication
"Marks of time" is the EUROPEAN BEECH
Its grain contains many little stripes.
Keywords: Education
"Swirling path" is the SPOTTED GUM
The heavily patterned timber is used for parquetry.
Keywords: Choices.
"Many colours" is the QUEENSLAND WALNUT
A deep warm brown with golden hues and black streaks.
Keywords: Community.
"Firmness of steel" is the COOKTOWN IRONWOOD
This incredibly hard wood will blunt carving tools.
Keywords: Vitality
"Open crown" is the AUSTRALIAN RED CEDAR
This tree has an open crown foliage.
Keywords: Inspiration.
"Strong dwellings" is the JARRAH
This hardwood timber was commonly used to build homes.
Keywords: Home
"Veil of sky" is the SYDNEY BLUE GUM
This tree casts a hazy bluish mist about it.
Keywords: Emotions
"Glorious sound" is the NARRA
This wood makes some of the best musical instruments.
Keywords: Success
"Noble heart" is the BRAZILIAN PURPLEHEART
This wood oxidizes to a deep purple as it ages.
Keywords: Beliefs
"Gloss of life" is the AFRICAN BLACKWOOD
This beautiful waxy wood polishes to gorgeous finish.
Keywords: Wisdom
"Hardest lesson" is the AFRICAN EBONY
This is an incredibly hard wood.
Keywords: Change

Wooden beads

2009-10-13T16:01:00.000+10:00

I've managed to finish my wooden beads project this afternoon. I started out making round ones with my Dremel, but after catapulting the first one in my face and nearly taking an eye out, having the second one split in half just as I was finishing it, and the third one requesting a blood sacrifice from my finger as an offering, I decided to opt for "rectangular-ish" beads (easier to cut and sand!) I ended up with a swatch of 20 different types of wood. Some are typical Australian timbers, others are foreign imports, and all of these I've had the pleasure (and pain) to work with.

Here's a short breakdown of the different timber and their qualities.

Jacaranda - Resembles birch with its very white and clean grain. Incredibly easy to carve, turn and sand, but is still surprisingly quite strong and dent resistant.
Blueberry Ash – Soft light grain with lovely swirls, easy to turn and carve, smells fantastic when cut!
Hoop Pine - The bread an butter of lumber yards and building materials. Very plain looking pine timber, but it's softness makes for lovely warm sounding flutes.
Huon Pine - Soft as butter... Too soft, actually. Dents just looking at it! Nice smell to the resin, though. Insects hate it.
Camphor Laurel - Even though this is an introduced pest to Australia, it's still an amazing timber. Gorgeous molted patterns with golden hues, and smells like a jar of Vicks Vaporub!
Lemon Scented Gum - Difficult to work with as the wood has many veins of gummy sap. Still makes fantastic sounding flutes with a deep resonance.
Coastal Sheoak - If you can manage to work with this splintering wood and avoid having it shatter on you, you'll end up with some very impressive pieces of work. Zebra patterns abound in it!
American White Oak - Very hard wood with highly open grain that takes nicely to staining. A perennial favourite in furniture and cabinet making.
Messmate - This is a type of Aussie eucalyptus. Another heavy "shedder" of splinters.
European Beech - This wood surprised me by it's sheer density and strength. In my opinion, it is harder than oak. It has a strange sour smell when cut.
Spotted Gum - Hard to carve and turn, but has lovely swirly and marbled patterns in it.
Queensland Walnut - Lovely grain with hues of black and gold, but the dust is bloody irritating to the lungs and eyes.
Cooktown Ironwood - It's not called ironwood for no reason, it cuts and carves like steel! This wood even sinks! Can you say "hard 'n' heavy?"
Australian Red Cedar - No... It's not cedar! Not even close! It's another Aussie gum, and unlike it's American counterpart, it's friggen hard!
Jarrah - Very hard, very sturdy, lovely red colour that deepens to maroon as it ages. Used extensively in the past as a building materials this hardwood isn't termites favourite!
Sydney Blue Gum - Hard as steel and splinters like anything. Very plain reddish grain.
Narra - One splinter after another! If you can put up with the pain, this wood has absolutely fantastic grain patterns and makes THE best sounding flutes!
Brazilian Purpleheart - Hard, hard, hard... And bloody feathery too! Very open grain. Splinters anyone? But the natural eggplant colour of this wood is soooo worth it!
African Blackwood - Ebony's little cousin... It's friggen hard and smells sickly sweet when cut. It has a shinier, waxier look and feel than ebony.
African Ebony - One of the few woods you can whittle down to a few millimeters and still retain quite a lot of strength. It is THE hardest wood I've worked with.