The Amazing Marigold - From Love Charms to Chicken Feed

Marigolds are a fascinating flower with a wide variety of uses and symbolic meanings in different cultures. Marigolds are commonly known as the "Herb of the Sun" and are generally symbolic of passion and creativity. The various meanings and uses of marigolds make an intriguing botanical study.

The Welsh believed that if marigolds were not open early in the morning, then a storm was on the way. Marigolds have also been used as love charms and incorporated into wedding garlands. Water made from marigolds was once thought to induce psychic visions of fairies if rubbed on the eyelids. In some cultures, marigold flowers have been added to pillows to encourage prophetic or psychic dreams.

The marigold is also associated with the lion and the astrological sign Leo. In addition, early Christians named the flower "Mary's Gold" and offered the blossoms in place of money at the foot of statues of Mother Mary. The Portuguese introduced marigolds into India. Eventually the flower was offered to the Hindu gods Vishnu and Lakshmi. The marigold was also considered to be sacred among the Aztec Indians, who decorated their temples with the flower.

The marigold was once thought to protect against the plague and to be effective in stopping gossip. Interestingly, the marigold can also symbolize cruelty and jealousy. When used in combination with spells, however, the marigold is an anti-dote for the sharp-tongued and promotes cheery conversations.

Marigolds can be found in Europe, Africa and the Americas. Marigolds can adapt to a wide range of conditions, but prefer full sun and rich soils. The marigold is a hardy plant, usually with yellow, orange or rusty red blooms. Marigolds have what many people consider to be a disagreeable odor. Some varieties have been bred to be odor-free, but this negates their use as a plant that wards off insects in gardens. Marigolds are grown from seeds and range in height from 6 to 36 inches. The blossoms can be from 1/2 inch to 5 inches across.

The uses of marigolds vary widely in the different locales where marigolds grow. For example, in some places the leaves of marigolds have been used to remove warts. Marigolds are also grown and harvested in Mexico to be added to chicken feed. Chickens eating marigold-enriched feed produce eggs with a deep yellow color. The flesh of chickens fed marigolds also take on a rich color to make them more appealing for human consumption. The marigold blossoms are quite edible for humans, too, and are often used in egg and cheese dishes. The blossoms also make a yellow dye for fabric.

This amazing flower comes in such a wide variety of sizes and colors that there is sure to be a marigold to suit any garden. Marigolds also do well as cut flowers. In addition to their use in summer bouquets, the common orange, red and rust colors are perfect for autumn arrangements. Make sure to enjoy marigolds this year both outdoors and indoors!

Kathleen Karlsen, MA is an artist, writer and design consultant residing in Bozeman, Montana. Kathleen is best known for her contemporary impressionism style and her colorful forest, landscape and flower paintings. Kathleen's original art and fine art gifts can be seen at http://www.livingartsoriginals.com For an extensive article about flower symbolism see http://www.livingartsoriginals.com/infoflowersymbolism.htm To see a selection of Kathleen's flower paintings, please visit http://www.livingartsoriginals.com/originalfloralart.htm

Astrological Magic Squares as Charms and Talismans

Numerologist use Magic Squares to create talismans and charms for protection,
and to enhance their abilities in certain areas. There are seven of these magic
squares, each with its own prosperities and uses. Will carrying one of them help
you?

Astrological Magic Squares

Cronelius Agrippa studied and named a series of Magic Squares for the various
Planets, and ascribed various proprieties to these squares based on their Astrological
influences. Later in Elizabethan times, John Dee and Sir Edward Kelly worked with
these squares, and included them in the Enochian system of magic.

These same squares were used in the Hebrew tradition of the Kabbalah, and are
associated with particular aspects of the Tree of Life.

The seven Astrological magic squares and their properties are listed below.

Square of Saturn

A talisman made using this square increases the chances for success in business,
and draws money to the wearer; It also tends to cure depression. This is a (3 x
3) magic square built using the whole numbers 1 through 9. Its essence (row total)
is (15) which reduces to a (6) by fadic addition. Its complete sum total of all
squares is (45).

Square of Jupiter

A talisman made using this square gives power and prestige to the bearer. It
enhances the persons authority and leadership. This is a (4 x 4) magic square built
using the whole numbers 1 through 16. Its essence (row total) is (34) which reduces
to a (7) by fadic addition. Its complete sum total is (136).

Square of Mars

A talisman made using this square protects the wearer from accidents and injuries.
This is a (5 x 5) magic square built using whole numbers 1 through 25. Its essence
(row total) is (65) which reduces to (11) by fadic addition. Its complete sum total
is (325).

Square of the Sun

A talisman made using this square brings peace of mind to the bearer. This is
a (6 x 6) Magic Square built using whole numbers 1 through 36. Its essence (row
total) is (111) which reduces to a (3). Its complete sum total is (666).

Square of Venus

A talisman made using this square brings love and affection from the opposite
sex. It also improves your peace of mind. This is a (7 x 7) Magic Square built using
the whole numbers 1 through 49. Its essence (row total) is (175) which reduces to
a (4). The complete sum total of all squares is (1225).

Square of Mercury

A talisman made using this square protects you from enemies, increases your memory,
and enhances divination skills. It's an (8 x 8) magic square built using the whole
numbers 1 through 64. Its essence (row total) is (260) which reduces to (8) by fadic
addition. The complete sum total of all squares is (2080).

Square of the Moon

This square is used to bring friendship, and increased respect in the community.
It's a (9 x 9) magic square built using the whole numbers 1 through 81. Its essence
(row total) is (369) which reduces to (9) by fadic addition. The complete sum total
of all squares is (3321).

Keith Abbott is the developer and owner of 'Numerology 4 You' where you can order
your own Numerology
reading, including your
Yantra Magic
Square chart. Visit him on the web today at
http://www.numerology4you.com

Bewitching Jewelry -- Amulets, Talismans and Charms

Throughout the ages, men and women have used gemstones and crystals in personal ornaments and body decorations as bewitching jewelry. Wearing them as charms, talismans or amulets, they were believed to possess the power to ward off evil spirits (or attract benevolent ones), keep one safe from harm, or to find love. To this day, many people of all ages and from all walks of life believe in the magical power of certain gems and make bewitching jewelry part of their everyday attire.

Take pearls, for instance. In the olden days, if a maiden wanted a man to fall in love with her, she would put pearls ground into a fine powder into a glass of wine and somehow get him to drink it. A pretty costly way to catch a man, that method. Nowadays, wearing pearls is believed to enhance one’s inner character and bring about peace and serenity. Gold is another example of bewitching jewelry. Since time immemorial, it has captured the fascination of all people, and is one of the cornerstones of the science of alchemy. Gold is used to enhance the power of other gemstones, hence its popular use as a setting. It is also believed to attract wealth and influence, because the wearer is perceived to be strong and powerful.

Bewitching jewelry is not confined to fashionable purposes. The Indian warriors of old used to have swords that were adorned with garnets, secure in the belief that this would bring them luck in battle. Today, garnet jewelry presented as a gift signifies the giver’s feelings of eternal love and commitment. It can also be worn as a charm to increase sensuality and sexuality. Similarly, diamonds are said to aid in the release of sexual tension and to help the wearer enjoy a fantastic sex life. I wonder what that says about girls who treat diamonds as their best friend?

Sapphires are benevolent examples of bewitching jewelry. Aside from preserving friendships and promoting loyalty, they are also believed to protect the wearer from capture. Turquoise is likewise popular as a talisman because of its alleged property of changing colors when the wearer is in peril. Plus, it is used in amulets in many cultures because it is believed to be a bringer of luck.

There are many, many other beliefs regarding the use of gemstones as bewitching jewelry. They may be worn as talismans, charms, amulets or simply as fashion accessories. But for many people today, as in the ancient times, jewels are chosen not only for their beauty, but for the perceived benefits that they will bring to the wearer as well.

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com

Purse Charms: A Delightful Jewelry Trend

Often, when you see a new trend hit the marketplace, you have to wonder how long it will be before it's shuttled off to the clearance rack! However, every once in a while, you see something bound to become a fashion staple because it fits the criteria for long term popularity. My hot pick for 2007 is: Purse Charms.

What is a purse charm? It's a cross between a key chain and a cell phone charm. Clip them on your handbag straps or purse rings, they are as simple to change as a necklace, bracelet or any other piece of jewelry. There are three major categories that determine how well a trend will do in the marketplace:

• Versatility: You can literally clip these anywhere, purses, belt loops, etc. Get creative with your clipping!
• Customer Appeal: Unlimited styles, virtually any standard materials, etc.
• Wide Range of Prices: From a few dollars to tens of thousands

Evidently, some top designers feel the same. Dooney & Burke, Marc Jacobs are just two of the top designers specifically designing purse charms to sell as accessories to their handbags. So watch for more styles and colors as this jewelry trend takes off and hits the stores.

Want a quirky moment, a momento of a special occasion or a reminder of a goal? Keep it on a purse charm. It's the adult version of clipping all those keychains on your backpack as we see kids do nowadays. Purse charms can be any length and made out of any material including crystals, gold, sterling silver and wood beads. Chunky or chic, there is a style to match your mood.

It's fun, it's fabulous and it's bound to be around for a long time! This is certainly a trend that will earn it's rightful place in the fashion accessory world. And, I'm excited over this jewelry accessory, it's my choice for the 2007 Hot Jewelry Pick!

JoAnna Gilford is the Office Manager for Junky Jewelry?: Create your own style with vintage and fashion jewelry at http://www.junkyjewelry.com

Wear Your Gold Pendant And Flaunt It

A gold pendant is an ornament or charm (worn for protective or magical power) made of gold that hangs from a cord or chain worn around the neck. Even Necklaces have pendants.

Practical tips to purchase Gold Pendants

?Most gold jewelry manufactured in the U.S. is marked ''14K'' which means that the actual gold content in it is 58.3 percent. As pure gold is designated as 24-karat; hence, a 14-karat item consists of 14 parts gold and 10 parts of another metal known as an alloy which works out to 58.3 percent pure, unalloyed gold. The added alloy serves two purposes - They make the jewellery durable and reduce the prices greatly thereby making it affordable too.

?Sometimes gold pendants also come with the marking ''14KP''. Here ''P'' stands for plumb, meaning the pendant is exactly 14 parts pure gold.

?On the other hand if a gold pendant is engraved ''999'' it means it is a pure gold pendant which equivalent to 24-karat gold. ''999'' is the European designation for pure gold. Also sometimes more plentifully available in the market are European-manufactured pendants marked ''750'' which is equivalent to 18-karat or 75 percent pure gold. Actually, it is the 14K gold that is much popular in the US.

?The heft or weightiness of a gold item is measured in terms of Pennyweight. One troy ounce equals 20 pennyweights which equals 31.1 grams. Ounces and grams are the most common weights used in the U.S. and when you see prices quoted on pendants, such as $20 per gram it should be kept in mind that finished items, such as jewelry, have an artistic value that may be actually greater than the actual value of gold in it.

?Interestingly there are a few who would like to buy Gold in colors other than its natural yellow color which also has become quite a fashion. The most popular is the green gold. When gold is alloyed with metal combos like silver, zinc and copper, these metals contribute a subtle greenish tint. Only Copper is used to make pink gold and nickel is often used in white gold.

?Gold-plated items contain very thin topcoats of gold of about seven-millionths of an inch in thickness. Some better quality gold-plated items may also have more than the minimal 0.000007inch coating.

?Rules prescribe that the gold filling of an item should be at least 1/20 or 5 percent of the total weight of the item. Gold content must be stamped on items -- for example: 1/20 14K GF means the gold content is 14-karat and makes up one-twentieth of the total weight of the item.

NamSing Then is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his websites Gold Bracelet, Gold Jewelry Bracelet

Pendant Lighting

 

Pendant lighting fixtures are suspended from the ceiling and get their name from the jewelry accessory of the same name. Pendant lighting has a distinctive appeal and is considered perfect for places like kitchen islands, desks, breakfast nooks and the like. Pendant lighting can be either a single pendant lighting fixture or two or three different ones teamed up to provide a dramatic effect. Generally when two or three pendant lighting fixtures are teamed up, mini pendant lighting fixtures are used. The area of pendant lighting provides a lot of scope for the use of creative designs and ideas.

It is advisable to mount pendant lighting fixtures at least 24" to 30" above the area to be lit. When mini pendants are used, the ideal height would be 18" to 24" above the surface area to be lighted. When two or three pendants are used, an adjustable pendant bar can be used to fix them at different heights. This makes it possible to adjust heights from time to time, varying the overall lighting effect in the process.

Pendant lighting fixtures are available in various styles. Some of the commonly seen styles are sleek clean designs, reflective stained glass and crinkle glass designs. Pendant lighting fixtures are task oriented and provide necessary lighting for specific areas. The intensity of light needed can be dictated by the choice of bulb used inside the pendant lighting fixture.

Most pendant lighting fixtures are available with chains and rods that enable adaptation for different heights. Multiple pendant lights in a single fixture at staggered heights create a dramatic effect and are ideal for use little corners of large rooms. This kind of lighting creates an interesting area in an otherwise ordinary room.

Pendant lighting fixtures made of hand blown glass are available starting around $30, with some costing $500 and above.

Differing budgets and lighting needs can be catered to efficiently by the imaginative use of pendant lighting.

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