Lo Scarabeo published their new catalogue for 2024, and it’s the time to see what I want to add to my “collection”! As I probably already mentioned in this blog, I don’t buy modern looking decks anymore, as I’m more interested by historical reproductions. Here is what I’ll certainly buy this year:
Anima Antiqua #15 – Minchiate Fiorentine, Firenze, 1860 ca. (April 2024)
Anima Antiqua #16 – Tarot de Marseille, Paris, 1890 ca. (November 2024)
And… that’s it?! Yep, only two decks! I’m surprised that there is no “Old Cartomancy” release this year, maybe they decided to end the line after only 6 releases? It’s such a shame tho, I love these historical oracle decks.
Last year, my spiritual journey was on the quiet side. I did read some personal development and self-help books, like The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz and The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle, but I I feel like it’s not enough! I wish I could return to my era of re-discovery, which was in 2013-2014, but these things cannot be forced. I do hope, however, that I’ll take more time this year to focus more on my spiritual evolution.
It’s been a while since I wrote here, but more is coming soon! Here is a little update on my Anima Antiqua collection, which is up-to-date, while we wait for the 2024 releases announcement. The following list is all the decks in release order, with the Limited Edition number that I got. Note that they increased the limited editions from 2,999 to 3,999 in 2023.
#01 – Tarocchi Sola Busca – Ferrara, XV Century, 1491 – Lo Scarabeo, 2017 #2249/2999
Few days ago, I finally decided to build myself a set of wooden storage racks for the OBOD Gwersi. I almost finished the Bardic Course, and I wanted to store them properly, and also be ready to receive the other course material. I hesitated between that or binding them into a book, but opted for the Magazine Holder, so that I can preserve the original condition. I plan to build an outer box, probably in Oak or Pine, to insert the four racks inside, but that will be for another weekend! That explain why the OBOD logo on top are sur-elevated — they’ll act as pulls/handles.
The main material is MDF (cheaper), but in the front, there is pine panels that I woodburned with the grades of the OBOD course: Bard, Ovate, Druid, and the last one is “Supplement”, to keep the other material as the Book of Rituals, the introduction CD, the 8 festival booklets, the The Sacred Grove booklet, posters, and my notebook. The other side of the rack shows the symbols of the grades, as if it was “hidden”, and only revealed when retrieving the course material!
Anyway, that’s something I wanted to share. I love seeing how others store theirs Gwersi, and it could gives inspirations to others to make something similar. I can make a pattern or give you the measurements if you want to built a set for yourself!
Tarot, runes and ogham have something special in common. Nobody really knows where they came from. They are all traditional, with long histories, but they remain mysterious in origin and meaning. Nowadays, Pagans use ogham for divination, much the same as runes and similar to tarot cards and astrology. The most significant difference is that ogham and runes are very simple and can have a much broader answer or meaning than a tarot card, where the reader can rely on images or pictures. With ogham and runes, it’s all about your intuition and what message you feel is being conveyed. Although ogham and runes predate the tarot by at least a thousand years, there are some similarities. One example is the runic symbol of Eihwaz, the Death card in Tarot, and the number 13. The Death card is the 13th in the Major Arcana, and the 13th runic symbol is Eihwaz. Similarly, they also symbolize transformation, endings, new beginnings, and that “death” is just the end of an era or cycle, but never the end of the story. The Elder Futhark Rune symbols have no direct relation connection to Oghams, but there are some similarities between the gods that created them (Ogma and Odin). Interestingly, the Irish word rùn also means ‘secret’ or ‘mystery’, just like the Norse word runa.
But just like the happy diversity we find in the tarot, the runes and the ogham provide a wealth of potential interpretations. So it is that any perceived correspondence between tarot, runes and ogham is subjective and personal. Many practitioners tempted to make an association or a link by means of correspondence between these similar but very distinct systems of divination, and most of these associations are very different from each other. I could have listed many of them in these book, but instead, I decided to make my own associations based on my own research and practices. Here now, for your consideration, are some associations for the 22 Major Arcana of the Tarot with the 24 Elder Futhark Runes and the 26 Ogham Fews (which include the 20 main staves, in addition to the 5 most recognized forfeda, and the new symbol for Peith). To explain the choices that I have made for the associations, I added the main keywords that I personally associate with the Tarot cards, the runes, and the ogham, acting as an idea connector.
Once I looked inside the darkness of a shell folded like a pastry and there was a fancy face—
or almost a face— it turned away and frisked up its brawny forearms so quickly
against the light and my looking in I scarcely had time to see it, gleaming
under the pure white roof of old calcium When I set it down, it hurried along the tideline
of the sea, which was slashing along as usual, shouting and hissing toward the future,
turning its back with every tide on the past, leaving the shore littered every morning
with more ornaments of death— what a pearly rubble from which to choose a house like a white flower—
and what a rebellion to leap into it and hold on, connecting everything,
the past to the future— which is of course the miracle— which is the only argument there is against the sea.
———————-
Originally published in: House of Light (1990) Photo taken from: Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver (2017) Tarot Card Print from: Finnikee (etsy)
Finally found it. Usually they publish the new catalog around December/January on https://issuu.com/, but it wasn’t posted this year. I randomly found the 2022 catalog here:
First, I need to mention that I’m not sponsored by Lo Scarabeo (but hey, I don’t think I would refuse!), but I really like their reprints of historical decks, and I like to collect them!
This year, Lo Scarabeo released two cartomancy decks in their new line named Antica Cartomanzia (‘Old Cartomancy’). I just ordered these and I’m eagerly awaiting their arrival in the next days/weeks. This new series looks very similar to their Anima Antiqua line (‘Antique Soul’), which are reprints of historical tarot decks, usually released twice a year since 2017 (we got the 9th and 10th decks this year). The tarot line (Anima Antiqua) are limited to 2999 for each edition, but I don’t think the oracle line (Antica Cartomanzia) are limited editions. But, limited or not, any decks became out-of-production sooner than later, so that’s why when I saw the upcoming deck for 2022, I decided to finally order the two first sets. Here the decks in the collection so far, and I’ll keep you updated as soon as I learn about the 2nd historical oracle deck for 2022. UPDATE: The 4th deck has been revealed! I added it below.
Antica Cartomanzia #1 – Folk Cards of Destiny Release date: October 8, 2021 Link at Lo Scarabeo Page
Antica Cartomanzia #2 – Medieval Fortune Telling Cards Release date: November 8, 2021 Link at Lo Scarabeo Page
Antica Cartomanzia #3 – Traditional Italian Fortune Cards Release date: May 8, 2022 Link at Llewellyn Publications Page
Antica Cartomanzia #4 – Oracular Cards of Change Release date: August 8, 2022 Link at Barnes & Noble
Samhain is slightly behind us, and we are firmly into the dark half of the year! This season always awake my interest in the paranormal and the occult, and this was the same during my youth. Currently, I’m in full ‘Ghost Hunting’ mode!
My Pagan Journey made me discover that my favorite practices are anything dealing with divination (Tarot, Ogham, Runes) and communication with the Ancestors (Spirit Boards, Pendulum, Dowsing Rods). 2022 will be the year I’ll start doing small paranormal investigations, probably joined by a friend of mine. His approach is more on the curious side, and he likes to get scared, but I’m not easily frightened (I’m frequently inviting spirits of the Ancestors in my Sabbats and Esbats rites) and I personally wants to collects evidences in a hope to study any ghostly phenomena that might occurs during my investigations. I’ll follow the same pattern as the early years of TAPS, and debunk any occurrence first, then, sees if that any of them could be labelled as unexplained/haunted.
I already own an EMF meter since 2007, the good old Cell Sensor (the same model used in the second season of Ghost Hunters), and I also own my trusty DSLR, my Nikon D7100 that can shoot in 1080p, with many features like Night Vision.
However, I’m known as someone who always do things very thoroughly, and these few items aren’t enough! I started collecting new gear to add to my own paranormal investigator kit, and by Spring 2022, these will be ready and up for my investigations. Even if I’m interested by the occult and the paranormal since 1993, I consider myself a beginner for ghost hunting, which mean that I’ll start with the basic gear. I already own 1/3 of the items, but I’ll buy the remaining during winter. I’ll be using an aluminum multi-purpose carrying case (MegaDisc TX-01B; Inside dimensions: Length 19 3/4″, Width 12 3/4″, Depth 5″) with pre-cut foam:
Here is the layout I chose to make sure everything is going to fit nicely:
Obviously I could have saved more space by putting most of the items on their sides, but I wanted a cool look!
The case don’t include the practical items that I’ll bring, like my cellphone, walkie talkies, a belt bag, my camera strap, etc. Here is the list of what I’ll carry to investigate the paranormal:
KII EMF Meter
Cell Sensor EMF Meter
P-SB7T Spirit Box
MEL Meter REM-ATDD
Sony ICD-UX570 Digital Audio Recorder
Sovarcate HS980E Infrared Thermometer
Nikon D7100 DSLR Camera + Lens
FLIR One Gen 3 Thermal Imaging Camera
Vansky UV Blacklight Flashlight
Garrity Flashlight
Motion Light Up Balls (X2)
ORDRO LN-3 Studio Infrared Torch
Leadsound Portable Speaker
EverBrite LED Headlamp
Green Laser Grid Pointer
Ercrysto Bag for cords
Hanvel Flash Drives Holder
USB Flash Drives
JJC SD Card Case
JJC Battery Case (AAA + 9V)
Moleskine Reporter Notebook (3.5″ x 5.5″)
Pen
Nikon Battery Charger MH-25
Here are the recommended tools for an advanced/professional level:
Tri-Field Natural EMF Detector
EDI+ Data Logger
REM Pod with Temp
SB11-ANC Spirit Box
FLIR E6 Thermal Camera
4K Infrared Cameras
Electron Multiplying Camera (EMCCD)
Full Spectrum POV Camera
Binaural Microphones
Zoom 360° Audio Recorder, or
Tascam DR-40X Four-Track Digital Audio Recorder
Tesla Speaker
360° Puck Laser Grid
And for the traditionalists (Low Tech):
Dowsing L-Rods
Pendulum
Compass
Talcum Powder
Crepe Paper
Half-Inflated Helium Balloon
Writing planchette
Ouija board
Stay tuned, I’ll post the building of the inside of the case in few weeks!
Yule (“YUL”) is celebrated on December 21-22, during the Winter Solstice. “Yule” is derived from jól, an Old Norse word meaning “wheel”. The Irish Reconstructionist name of this festival is Meán Geimhreadh (“Middle of Winter”, “Midwinter”). This Minor Sabbat marks the middle of the Celtic Winter, but is actually the astronomical beginning of winter manifested by the longest night and shortest day of the year. This is a time for acknowledging the return of the waxing sun. Light and life can be seen to be returning and conquering death. Yule is a turning point, a point of change, where the tides of the year turn and begin to flow in the opposite direction. It is the darkest time of the year, the time of the longest night, but there is the promise of the return of light. We encourage the sun to rise and to grow in power, and we remember the seasons of plenty. Magickally we bring back the season of plenty, and we feast on rich foods and drinks. The evergreen fir tree represents life amidst death, representing everlasting life, and lasting friendship and is manifestations of deity because they do not “die” during winter. Holly and Mistletoe bear berries at this time, symbolizing fertility. In the Lord and the Lady Narrative, the Goddess gives birth to a son, the God. Since the God is also the sun, this marks the point of the year when the sun is reborn as well. In the Oak King and the Holly King Narrative, the Holly King is at the height of his strength, while the Oak King is at his weakest. However, the Oak King in turn vanquishes the Holly King.
The return of the sun is the strongest theme of Jul (Yule). The Norsemen had a twelve-night-long feasting celebration named Zwölften (“The Twelve”) to honor the sun goddess Sunna, starting on December 20. The Twelve Days of Yule included the burning of a Yule log and Oath-taking of importance. The Yule log, also known as Yeel Carline (the Christmas Old Wife) in Scotland and Bloc na Nollaig (the Christmas Block) in Ireland, is a specially selected log burnt on a hearth. The practice calls for burning a portion of the log each evening until Twelfth Night (January 6). The log is subsequently placed beneath the bed for luck, and particularly for protection from the household threats of lighting and, with some irony, fire. Many have beliefs based on the yule log as it burns, and by counting the sparks and such, they seek to discern their fortunes for the new year and beyond. The Celts believed the continual fire would protect the home and ward off evil spirits. There is places in Ireland where the yule log was replaced with a single large candle.
Death, rebirth and immortality are associated with this Solstice as Yule is the longest night of the year, and a time for honoring the Ancestors. The Norsemen celebrated Baldur at Yule, the end of Ragnarok, who returned from the dead after being killed during Midsummer. The figure of Santa Claus is inspired by the Norse god Odin who led the Wilde Jagd, a ghostly Wild Hunt procession through the sky, astride his eight-legged horse named Sleipnir. The Celts gathered together to feast over the bounty of the harvest of the year and honored the Irish god Lugh, a god of light. The Gaulish midwinter feast of Devoriuros was a celebration about the renewal promised by the returning of light dedicated to the goddess Dea Matrona.
Modern Celebration of Yule
In modern Germanic language-speaking areas and some other Northern European countries, historical cognates to English yule denote the Christmas holiday season. Examples include jul in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, jól in Iceland and the Faroe Islands, joulu in Finland, Joelfest in Friesland, Joelfeest in the Netherlands and jõulud in Estonia. Midwinter, known commonly as Yule or within modern Druid traditions as Alban Arthan, has been recognized as a significant turning point in the yearly cycle since the late Stone Age. The ancient megalithic sites of Newgrange and Stonehenge, carefully aligned with the solstice sunrise and sunset, exemplify this. The reversal of the Sun’s ebbing presence in the sky symbolizes the rebirth of the solar god and presages the return of fertile seasons. From Germanic to Roman tradition, this is the most important time of celebration. Practices vary, but sacrifice offerings, feasting, and gift giving are common elements of Midwinter festivities. Bringing sprigs and wreaths of evergreenery (such as holly, ivy, mistletoe, yew, and pine) into the home and tree decorating are also common during this time. In Roman traditions additional festivities take place during the six days leading up to Midwinter.
Today the event is celebrated in Heathenry and some other forms of Modern Paganism. forms of Neopaganism can be quite different and have very different origins, these representations can vary considerably despite the shared name. Some celebrate in a way as close as possible to how they believe Ancient Germanic pagans observed the tradition, while others observe the holiday with rituals “assembled from different sources”. In Germanic Neopagan traditions, Yule is celebrated with gatherings that often involve a meal and gift giving. The mistletoe representing female figure is used for Yule fertility celebrations, and the Christmas tree is often called the Yule tree (though its origin doesn’t exactly stem from the old Yule). Neopagans honor the spirit of the tree, and what it represents. A Yule custom is to dress an evergreen tree, and make offerings. Many thinks that it is far better to honor a living tree outdoors instead of cutting a tree down, causing environmental damage, or to decorating a plastic tree inside. The Yule goat is also popular in Christmas depictions and decorations. Modern Druid traditions also acknowledge Yule as a major celebration, and in some Germanic Neopagan traditions, Yule is celebrated with gatherings with friends and family, involving meals and gifts giving. In most forms of Wicca, this holiday is celebrated at the winter solstice as the rebirth of the Great horned hunter god, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun. The method of gathering for this sabbat varies by practitioner. Some have private ceremonies at home, while others do so with their covens. Groups such as the Asatru Folk Assembly in the US, through influence from the neo-Druid and Wiccan Wheel of the Year, celebrate Yule from the date of the winter solstice and lasting 12 days.
The Yule log is another interesting tradition and perhaps the most iconic of Yule traditions. The yule log played a large part in solstice celebrations all across Europe. It is still carried out in many places: a big log is taken into the hearth and burned, sometimes for days on end. The idea behind is to use it as an emblem of the Sun, or alternatively, to help lend strength to the Sun so that it may re-emerge after the short and cold winter days. To practice this as a more modern tradition, choose a log section of your choice of wood. Drill a few holes on the top of the log to serve as candle holders. Adorn with greenery such as holly or evergreens and set as a centerpiece on the dining room table. On the winter solstice, burn the log and its adornments in a fireplace or wood stove while setting intentions for the year to come.
Wassail or Mulled Wine is another Yuletide tradition. The word ‘wassail’ or mulled wine, is from the Anglo-Saxon phrase ‘waes hael’, meaning ‘good health’. It spread throughout Europe in many different forms. It was common during the Yuletide season to go “a-wassailing”, or strolling from house to house singing in exchange for wassail. This custom is the basis of our caroling. Christmas is probably the most successful holiday in mankind’s history, being celebrated by billions worldwide — Christian or not. But Christmas itself is a mosaic of other holidays, drawing from many ancient beliefs. Perhaps that makes it even better.
Yule Reference Guide
Pronunciation
“YUL”
Origin
Norse
Event
Marks the middle of the Celtic Winter; Astronomical beginning of Winter
Time
During the winter Solstice, the longest night and shortest day of the year
Traditional Date
December 21-22 (Northern Hemisphere) | June 20-21 (Southern Hemisphere)
Astrological Timing
Sun at 0o of Capricorn (Northern) | Sun at 0o of Cancer (Southern)
Connection
Christmas (Dec. 25)
Alternate Names
Midwinter, Midvinterblot/Yuleblot (Ásatrú)
Cultural Names
Old Norse (Icelandic): jól (“wheel”), ýlir (“Month of December”) Old English (Pagan): Ærra Geola / Æfterra Geola (“Before Yule”/”After Yule”) Old English (Anglo-Saxon): ġéol, ġéohol, ġéola, ġéoli (“Month of December”) Proto-Germanic (Common Germanic): * jehwlan, *jeulō(r) (“December”) Welsh (Cymraeg): Alban Arthan / Alban Arthuan (“Light or Arthur”) Irish Reconstructionist: Meán Geimhreadh (“Middle of Winter”)
Communal celebration, contemplation and looking inward, deep ritual, evaluation, healing work, hibernation (falling into sync with darkness), meditation, reflection, “taking stock”, personal retreat
Suggested Workings
Divination and scrying, feasting, journaling, study, tool crafting, vigil
Female Archetypes
Crone and Maiden aspects of the Goddess, The Holy Mother
Male Archetypes
The Holly King and the Oak King, Father Time, The Green Knight as the spirit of winter incarnate, The King as a mature male and oft-solar deity, The Green Man
Celtic Goddesses
Grian (Irish), The Cailleach (Gaelic), Carravogue (Christian Irish and Britain)
Bear, Cow and Oxen, Flying Reindeer, Horse, Pig, Raven, Reindeer and Stag
Tarot Keys
The Hermit, The Magician, Pentacles, The World
Symbols & Tools
Cauldron, Darkness, Evergreens, Light, Mother and Child, Wreaths, Yule Log
Food
Bûche de Noël (Roast of Meat and Poultry), Citrus Fruits, Fruitcake, Homemade Baked Goods, Potatoes, Rutabagas, Turnips, Parsnips, Sweet Potatoes
Drinks
Drinking Vinegars, Eggnog, Glug, Hot Buttered Rum, Hot Coffee Drinks, Hot Chocolate, Hot Toddy (Lemon, Honey, Alcohol, Boiling Water, Cinnamon Stick), Mulled Wine, Tea, Tom and Jerry Cocktail, Wassail
Activities
Decorating the homestead, making and giving gifts, baking soul cakes, attending live performances and concerts, watching the Gemini meteor showers, game playing, caroling, bonfires and fire circles, storytelling, ringing of bells
Acts of Service
Giving to those less fortunate, feeding birds and wildlife, furnishing warm clothing for those in need, sending packages to military personnel overseas, working in food banks and soup kitchens
Rite of Yule
This rite can be included in your usual seasonal ritual order. You’ll need these additional items:
4 Candles (White, Red, Black and Green)
Declare the Statement of Purpose:
I am doing a rite today to celebrate Yule All is cold, and I await the coming of Dawn As the Sun rises, the Triple Goddess Once more gives birth to the Divine Child In silence and wonder I stand before The sacred Cauldron of Rebirth Knowing that one day I too must pass Through the Cauldron to be reborn For this I now give honor to the Triple Goddess This is the Winter Solstice The longest night of the year Darkness reigns triumphant Yet gives way and changes to Light The Sun King has gone into the realms of Death Yet, within the sacred Cauldron of Rebirth He is once again transformed Into the Newborn Divine Child of Light Blessed be the Triple Goddess Who gives to her people tonight a Newborn God Blessed be the Newborn Sun King
Light the white, the red and the black candles near the cauldron, saying:
Blessed be the Maiden, innocent and fresh May you plant your seeds of joy in my life Blessed be the Mother, fertile and loving May you grant me gifts of creative ideas Blessed be the Crone, powerful and wise May you give me your knowledge and wisdom
Light the green candle inside the cauldron, saying:
Blessed be the Newborn Lord of the Forests Who comes once more into the world I welcome you, Divine Sun Child And consort of the Triple Goddess Farewell to the Waning Sun Farewell to the Holly King Welcome to the Waxing Sun Welcome to the Oak King
Witch Recipe: Celtic Yule Cakes
Until late in the 19th century, Yule Cakes were made in Shetland, Orkney and many other parts of Scotland. The tradition came of ancient pagan origin, from a time and a life we can barely now imagine, but have carried with us all the same in remnant customs. Yule Cakes were made very early on Yule morning. Baked on a griddle like oatcakes, they were round with pinched edges and in Orkney and Shetland they had a hole in the middle. The cakes represented the return of the “Shining Wheel”, the sun coming round again. They were a response to one of our oldest human needs, that of hope, which Yule and later Christmas helped to meet, carrying the folk of the north through the dark days. A Yule Cake was made for each member of the household, and ranged in size according to age. The cakes when ready were given to their recipients who each had the responsibility of keeping theirs unbroken until later in the day. A cake preserved whole to the Yule table signified good luck for its owner in the year ahead. Along with most of the old Yule rituals, the customs around the making and eating of Yule cakes fell out of favor. However there remained in mind the sun-shaped cake for the turning of the year. Shortbread, with its rounds marked like the rays of the sun, became traditional fare at the Scottish festive table, a fragment of a custom from the ancient times that we’ve carried all this way.
Yield: 8 servings
Total Time: 40 min. (Preparation: 15 min. | Cooking Time: 20-25 min).
Ingredients:
2-3 Tablespoons Boiling Water
½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
¾ Teaspoon Baking Powder
2 Cups Powdered Sugar
⅔ Cup White Sugar
Grated Orange Zest
1 ⅓ Cup Sultanas
1 Tablespoon Milk
1 ¼ Cup Flour
½ Cup Butter
2 Eggs (Beaten)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375o F.
Beat eggs, butter, vanilla, orange zest and sugar together.
Add flour and baking powder.
When well mixed add the tablespoon of milk and sultanas.
Pour into a well-floured/greased cupcake tin.
Bake in an oven preheated to 375o F for 20 to 25 minutes.
In a small bowl blend boiling water and powdered sugar to make the icing.
Lace over Celtic cakes in the form of a five-pointed star before serving.
Witch Craft: Making a Yule Wreath
Yule comes from Old Norse traditions and modern Heathens uses a Yule wreath at the Mothers’ Night symbel (December 21) as an oath ring. This wreath is oathed upon as well as wished upon, and then burned at the Twelfth Night blót. The Pagan Wheel of the Year is often symbolized by the wreath. Its circle has no beginning and no end, thus illustrating that the Wheel of the Year is also like this, with everything in its time coming back to its point of origin and traveling onward, over and over again. Though they can be bought ready-made, enjoy some Yule fun by making your own unique Yule wreath out of wire, evergreen twigs, pinecones, and artificial fruit.
Supplies:
Unbroken pinecones
Evergreen twigs with foliage
Wire wreath frame
Wire twist ties or florist’s wire
Artificial fruits
Scissor or cutter
Ribbons, bows and other decorations you want to add
Instructions:
To make this wreath you will need to gather as many unbroken pinecones as you can find. You may even want to begin gathering them at Midsummer when they are plentiful in most of North America. Estimate how big a wreath you can construct with what you have gathered. Four dozen average-sized cones will make a wreath about eighteen inches in diameter. Then go to a craft store and purchase a sturdy wire wreath frame in the size you need, and also some wire twist ties or florist’s wire, and the artificial fruit. A single-wire frame is best for a thin, delicate wreath; for a lush-looking wreath, start with a double-wire frame. You may also want to get velvet ribbons and bows to add an extra splash of color to your wreath. Give yourself a large workspace, such as a kitchen table, and set all your materials in front of you.
Place a small twig on the ring and then wrap a little bit of green florist’s wire to keep it in place. Add another bundle, overlapping the previous one by half; wrap wire around stems. Continue adding bundles until you reach the starting point. Continue adding branches rotating around the ring in the same direction. Continue adding bundles until you reach the starting point. Tuck wire under form, secure with a knot, and cut. When the entire form is covered, tie off the wire, leaving a few extra inches before cutting the end. To make a hanger, form the end of the wire into a loop and twist it around itself. Add other foliage. I had some eucalyptus branches left over from a bouquet a neighbor gave me which I recycled into the wreath. All sorts of evergreen needles and full branches in your neighborhood can work, or anything that dries nicely. Beginning with the largest of your pinecones, tie them onto the wire frame by using the twist ties or florist’s wire. You can attach the wire to either the center of the pinecone or wrap it tightly around one individual prong. Keep adding the largest cones until you have filled in most of the wreath, then go back and fill in any gaps and thin spots with the smaller cones. The natural look of the wreath is attractive, but because pinecones are organic, they will not last forever unless some effort is made to preserve them. When you are satisfied with the way the pinecones are tied onto your wreath, you can either paint or spray on shellac or varnish to preserve your wreath and give it a smooth finish. When it has dried, you can add your artificial fruit, ribbons, or any other seasonal decorations.
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Morsoth's Druidcraft 