The Pautorium

Legendary Powers of Herbs, Roots and Stones

Posted on July 4th, 2008 by admin

The origin of many legends is unknown, but the ancient Romans, Greeks, Celts, Arabs and Egyptians all knew, and believed, in the magic power of herbs. Roots were carried for protection from evil, as a symbol of healing, to cast spells with, or to wish upon. Herbs of legend, like roots, have no medical significance, and are derives solely from centuries of superstition and their associated folklore.

The more commonly known Herbs and Roots are as follows:

Acacia - assists in one’s psychic growth.

Aloe - reduced to powder and scattered - believed to attract a love interest.

Anise Seed - enhancement of psychic powers.

Bayberry - wards against bad luck.

Basil - a charm thought responsible for luck and success.

Clover - keeps a watchful eye on evil.

Cumin Seed - insures faithfulness from a lover.

Dandelion - thought to make wishes come true.

Dill - repels sorcerer’s spells.

Eucalyptus - protection of soul while sleeping.

Flax Seed - instills peace in the home and family.

Juniper - used in rituals promoting good health.

Lavender - sprinkling under the bed will attract a love interest.

Marigold - adding to bath water gains respect from peers.

Marshmallow - protection for little children.

Mint - offer of success in court.

Mistletoe - restores one’s strength by keeping evil at bay.

Mustard Seed - place around the bed to insure fidelity.

Myrrh - ointments and oils are sacred while burning, a house blessing.

Nutmeg - luck in gambling.

Passion Flower - repels anger.

Patchouli - best know for success in prosperity and fertility spells.

Periwinkle - a love attraction.

Peony - an offering of good luck among friends.

Poppy Seed - keeps evil from crossing your threshold.

Rosebuds - success in Bingo.

Rosemary - protection from evil.

Sandalwood - incense for good luck when burned.

St. John’s Wort - hang over bed for romantic dreams.

Thyme - keeps the home healthy.

Valerian - used to calm; an aid in sleeping.

Wild Cherry - guarantees harmony in the home.

Magical qualities associated with gemstones are universally accepted, all over the world. Each stone of legendary fame, is not only known for it’s exceptional beauty, but also for the intriguing folklore that follows. Some of our personal favorites are:

Amber - rids depression; symbol of strength.

Amethyst - courage, peace, concentration.

Beryl - offer of eternal friendship.

Bloodstone - inspires courage and creativity, especially for Pisces.

Carnelian - wishes for a long life, good fortune.

Chalcedony - protection from evil.

Citrine - warmth, hope.

Crystal - pleasant dreams, peace in sleep.

Emerald - prosperity, memory enhancement.

Garnet - insures consistency in life. Hematite - personal magnetism.

Jade - gambler’s beacon; wisdom.

Jasper - prevents nightmares; pain relief.

Lapis Lazuli - fertility and fidelity.

Malachite - magic stone for travelers.

Marble - protection from witchcraft.

Moonstone - success in new love and life.

Moss Agate - good fortune, especially powerful for Gemini.

Mother of Pearl - balance for peace and tranquility.

Obsidian - centering stone, used for inner balance.

Onyx - repels negativity.

Opal - inspires hope and confidence; especially lucky for Libra and Scorpio.

Peridot - overcomes anger and jealousy.

Petrified Wood - symbol of virility.

Rhodonite - compassion and generosity.

Rose Quartz - wishing of success.

Ruby - enhances passion; imagination.

Sunstone - energy, health.

Tiger Eye - wealth and prosperity.

Turquoise - wards off enemies; enhances friendship.

We, at The Pautorium, have an assortment of uniquely ornate medieval vehicles to house you signature scent, whether it be herbal or floral. See our diffusers and decorated potion vials, listed on the website under aromatherapy, for your favorite potion…any witches brew will do!!

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Aromatherapy

Posted on June 25th, 2008 by admin

Aromatherapy falls under the herbal heading, as it’s scent relies heavily the herbal oils. These oils are not to be ingested, as they are much safer used in massage, bath water, diffusers, or heated in special ceramic vaporizers, as used to scent a room. A little oil can go a very long way, so it’s important to buy only those oils specifically marked for use in aromatherapy. It is recommended to start by testing a small amount of oil on the skin first. People with fair hair or light skin may be sensitive to certain oils. Starting with more gentle oils such as chamomile, lavender, or rose is advised.

Oils such as basil, clay sage, cypress, fennel, hyssop, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, peppermint and rosemary have been known to stimulate menstruation, therefore best to avoid during pregnancy. Diluted varieties of chamomile, lavender, and mandarin are document safest for children.

Herbal oil remedies can be concocted with varying mixtures of the ingredients below.

Abscesses - lavender, tea free oil.

Arthritis - lavender, rosemary, tea free oil.

Bronchitis - tea free oil, sandalwood.

Calming aid - lavender.

Chicken Pox - bergamot oil, eucalyptus oil.

Colds & Flu - eucalyptus, lavender, tea free oil, rosemary, thyme, almond oil, peppermint.

Disinfectant - tea free oil.

Earache - lavender.

Headache - eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary.

Insect Bites - lavender.

Menstrual Cramps - geranium oil, jasmine oil, clay sage.

Pain - lavender, St. John’s Wort.

Tension - geranium and lavender oils.

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Big Bear City Renaissance Faire

Posted on June 4th, 2008 by admin

August 9, 10 and 16, 17, 2008

Fawnskin, CA

http://www.bigbearcityrenaissancefaire.com

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Care and Feeding of the Carbon Steel Weapon

Posted on June 4th, 2008 by admin

If you are the proud owner of a carbon steel weapon, you will want to properly care for this highly prized possession by keeping it in the best possible condition. Whether your weapon of choice is a sword, a dagger, a war hammer, a mace, a morning star, an axe or any of the other countless styles of carbon steel weapons a little basic care is essential. Choosing to spend a little time on upkeep will help insure that you will not one day become the unfortunate owner of a pile of rust.

Problem Prevention Care

1) Always, always, always make sure to keep a thin layer of oil on your weapon. The oil acts as a safety barrier against moisture, which is the ultimate cause of rust and the primary danger to the life expectancy of carbon steel. “What kind of oil.”, you ask. Many people use gun oil, 3-in-one oil, or a similar product. Since several of my weapons are also used as eating utensils, I use Olive oil. I have found that the taste is preferable to those other product, it is readily available, and it does a great job.

2) Do not store the weapon, long term, in the sheath. Sheaths can sweat, adding moisture, thus causing (you guessed it) rust, and staining of the blade. When the weapon must remain sheathed, check it often, especially in wetter climates, making sure it has an ample coating of oil.

3) If your weapon has a wooden handle, it is wise to treat the wood with a good quality protecting agent such as linseed oil or tongue oil. Wood is wood is wood and will probably, eventually crack, but if cared for properly, can last a long time. If cracking does occur, do not despair, as you now own a weapon with far more character that is unique unto itself.

4) If your weapon has leather on the handle or sheath, this also needs protection. I use (and recommend) Mink Oil, because it will help keep the leather supple, and is water resistant (great on leather boots too). Do not use this on suede or similar products.

5) If you weapon contains a metal other than carbon steel either on the weapon itself or on the sheath, I recommend using a product called Nevr-dull (http://www.nevrdull.com/). This product can be found in most automotive supply stores. Nevr-dull is a treated cotton wadding product that only cleans where used, does not run, and offers more control over only the areas you are cleaning.

Oops, Found a Rust Spot

If you do happen to find rust on the carbon steel, the world is not ending just yet. You can remove the rust by starting with (depending on the amount of rust. It may be necessary to start with a heavier grit paper) a 600 grit sand paper and and sanding it off. On a bladed weapon, such as a sword or dagger, sand along the length of the blade, not across the blade. You will want to add a penetrating oil as the rust starts to come off, to aid in the rust removal process. When the rust is gone, you will need to blend the sanded area into the the rest of the blade to maintain the same appearance. Change to a finer sandpaper such as 1200 grit and re-sand the area, then change to 2000 grit (if available) and sand again. You can finish up with 00 then 000 steel wool. Note: When the area sanded looks like the rest of the blade, STOP, you are finished.

Now go back to item one above and follow the care instruction again. This time try to follow a little closer and you can save yourself all of the time you just spent removing that rust.

Some people recommend using wax (like Turtle Wax) on carbon steel. If you want to wax your weapon that is your choice, however, I want to warn you, that if you have the beginnings of rust anywhere on the carbon steel, it will rust right under the wax coating you just applied, the same as carbon steel will rust underneath a nice paint job - So use caution. If you decide to wax your weapon, remember that the wax will not stick to the oil. Surf’s up!

Enjoy.

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