The Magic of Flags, Blowing Intentions in the Wind

Flags have been used to represent all kinds of ideas through the ages, they have represented who we are, our claims on property, unity of a group of people, sending messages, and even prayers on the wind.  The first flags were used for military purposes to help troops coordinate and later on ships used them to send messages about the ships alliances and other information.  National flags provide a symbol for people to rally behind and a point of pride for the people.  Many flags were created to represent religions.  Flags provide inspiration as the element of air blows over them making them dance with their message in the wind.

Tibetan Prayer Flags at Red Rocks Auditorium in Colorado when I was there in 2009.

Tibetan Prayer Flags are colorful flags strung together or hung as long banners, with Indian Sutras printed on them.  The colors represent the elements because the achievement of health and harmony are the result of finding balance between the elements.  Symbols for transforming bad fortune into good fortune, Buddhist teachings and Mantras of the great Buddhist Bodhisattvas are among the symbolism included on these prayer flags. Mantras and prayers for the good fortune, health and longevity of the person who hangs the flags are often included as well.  These colorful flags can be seen all over India, it is believed that the prayers and mantras are blown on the wind to fill the area with uplifting positive energy.

Flags from both of my Etsy shops flying in the breeze under my oak tree!

In home and garden centers everywhere we see garden flags meant to be hung outdoors as decor and often convey positive messages in addition to beautiful images.  Dan and I actually make a line of garden flags with my magical art on them.  Some are shown here, click here to see more! 

Bring an abundant harvest using flag magic!  Celtic Oak Fairy Flag is available in our Etsy shop. 

 When hung with blessing intentions, these flags can also be used to bring positive energy into your area and positive vibes to your home, garden, and family.  The idea is that flags are very sensitive to the slightest movement of wind (just try taking a good photo of one LOL) as wind passes over the images and messages on the flags the air becomes blessed and empowered by the images and words and those blessings fill the immediate area and ripple out into the world. 

How Can I Make My Own Flag Magic?

The first step is to browse through flags and find one that speaks to you.  It should be an image and/or message that strikes a cord with the kinds of intentions that you would like to manifest.  You can usually find decorative flags at home and garden centers, Tibetan Prayer Flags and other flags with positive spiritual messages can be found at many New Age/Metaphysical shops or on the Internet and of course be sure to check both of my Etsy shops Mickie Mueller Studio and Voice of the Trees, every piece of art available there can be ordered on a garden flag.  Here's a link to special order garden flags.

Send messages of love on the wind, Mother and Child of the Fae Garden Flag available in our Etsy Shop.

A flag to be used for magical intentions should be hung on an auspicious day, choose a full moon, Sabbat or magical day of the week corresponding to your intention.  A day when the wind is blowing is always good, also a day when the sun is out will help bless your new flag.  Choose a spot where it's not in direct sunlight all day if you want your flag to last longer, and be sure to also choose a spot where the wind will blow across it freely.  If you would like to add a blessing as you hang it you can use the following or make up your own blessing:

"Flag of fabric blowing free,
Sending blessings I decree
Colors bless with love and mirth
Ripple out across the earth."

Our flags resist fading pretty well, I display mine where the sunlight isn't hitting it all day long to help them last.  I've been hanging mine changing with the seasons for a couple of years now and they're holding up quite well. 

Bring magic and the blessings of the Willow Tree, Witch of the Willow flag available in our Etsy shop.

Should your flag ever fade, don't despair; that just means that the elements of sun, wind and rain have brought the blessed images and messages on the flag into an existence as a permanent part of the universe.  It can also mean that the elements have given you an opportunity to seek out a new message that you need blowing through your life!

Blessings!

Balance the Elements With Magical Yard Decorations That Don't Wilt

Crystals in my little herb garden by the front door.

Man, has it been a HOT one this year in the Midwest, we've had record highs in all 50 states in the month of July!  All of my plans for a gorgeous garden went asunder, many of my plants even when watered can't make it in this heat.  But that's ok, it's to darned hot to go outside to enjoy them even if they hadn't croaked.

But you know, I try to be a glass half full kind of gal, so in that spirit, I began to think about the pretties outside that still looked good in my magical garden.  Sure the garden does still have some life in it yet, but there are the accessories, the baubles and bangles that can make a garden fun.  It's kind of like jewelry for your yard, and me?  I love jewelry!  They all represent the elements and can become the magical jewelry of your garden space whether you have a big yard or a small balcony, it's easy to work the elements into your outdoor space.

Garden Flags (element of air)
It seems a little cooler when you have proof that the air is actually moving when you gaze out your window.  A bright garden flag is the perfect way to brighten up your yard, and they look good no matter the weather.  I even hang one out in the winter, I love to change my flag with the seasons.  I keep mine under the oak tree, keeping them out of direct sunlight helps to make them last longer.

This is the flag that's gracing my front yard right now, we make these ourselves right in my studio!  Many designs are available in our Etsy shop.

Solar Lights (element of fire)
It's an easy way to make your yard look pretty in day or night.  Many of them come in bright colors so they look great all the time.  Solar lights are very magical because they aren't just a candle lit with a lighter or a match, they harness the power of the sun himself!  Plus, they are so much easier than the old lights with wires, all you have to do is stick these in the ground or even in a pot, as long as it gets sunlight all day, you'll have a pretty glow in the evening.  Getting enough sun this year?  Not a problem!

Bird Bath (element of water)
If you want to keep birds in your yard to munch up the pests, this is a must.  They have concrete, plastic, even glass birdbaths, some just use a pretty bowl or dish.  It's an inexpensive way to add a healing element of water to your yard and it's loads of fun to watch the birds splash around in appreciation.  They really need it this time of year, puddles are hard to come by.  Have you ever seen them pant, with their little beaks open, looking all pathetic?  It's just wrong, so keep plenty of fresh water in your bird bath.

This Celtic knot birdbath was a gift from my kids one year, I love it, and so do the birds!

Statuary (element of earth)
It can be a graceful fairy, a tenacious toad, clever garden gnome, or a protective gargoyle, these denizens of the garden never wilt, run off or dig through your trash.  Well, the gnomes run off occasionally, but at least they send pictures!   Statuary is a really fun way to express your personality in your gardening, and you can enchant them to watch over things for you.  I love the Goddess statue I found years ago, she watches over my house and garden.  Many people have contacted me to tell me that they use my Triple Goddess statue (from Sacred Source) in their gardens in the summertime, very nice peeking out amongst the leaves and flowers.  I would keep her out of direct sunlight and bring her in in the winter, or better yet, use the bronze.

I don't keep this one outside, but I do bring it out on special occasions.  I designed this statue and they are made by the good folks at Sacred Source, click here to see more.

Party Lights (element of fire)
Light up the night as these summertime lights twinkle and shine long after the fireflies have gone.  They used to be glorified holiday lights, in fact, before they became all the rage, that's what we used for summer parties.  Now there are a variety of fancy lights, we got some cool paper lantern covered ones for Dans Roman themed birthday party a couple of years ago, but that's another story! Strung from the deck or draped in a tree, they make summer evenings seem a little more enchanted, don't they?

Light up the night!

Natural Stones (element of earth)
I keep several crystal clusters near the front door, they halt negativity in it's tracks and they are naturally cleansed every time it rains or storms.  I have many interesting stones throughout the yard, and the nice thing is, you don't have to put them away for the winter.  I even have a stone with a natural cup I use for leaving an offering of wine or mead for my fairy friends.  One of the best Mothers Day presents I ever got was a box of rocks, man, I'm easy!

My offering stone, it sits under my oak tree.

Bird Feeders (element of air)
Another great way to keep birds in your yard of course is the handy bird feeder.  Some are decorative, some more utilitarian, seed feeders or hummingbird or oriole feeders, whatever you choose, they bring life into your garden when the summer heat takes the life out of it.  I love to keep a finch feeder, we have lots of gold finches in our neighborhood.  We place ours within view of the window so that we can watch them from air conditioned comfort.  It's also in view of our cats, they are indoor kitties, but the love to watch the birds, and we love to watch them watch the birds!

I haven't gotten one good hummingbird picture at my house this year, our window is great for watching them, but my cats are always in the way of my pics.  These are hummingbirds at my moms country house.

A Quiet Place to Sit (element of spirit)
While it's been way too hot during the day, it's nice to sit outside in the evening when it's a cool 90 degrees and sip a mojito or margarita with someone special or conjure up some night time magic on your own.  This simple little wire set has served us well and weathers the storms great.  It's been to hazy not much star gazing to do, but that's ok, fall will come, I promise!

A pleasant Lammas evening just before sunset on my front porch.

A toast to you my friends, join me and sit for a spell.

So there are some ideas for adding the magic of the elements to your garden, and only the birdbath needs to be watered.  Soon things will cool off and I'm really looking forward to spending some time enjoying the garden other than the mad evening dash to water everything as quickly as possible and get back in where it's cool!  Happy summer!

Blessings,