I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately.

Part of the difference than Pagan religions and Abrahamic religions is that the Abrahamic folks (Jewish, Christian, Muslim) base their faith on words in a book. To follow their faith, they have to read it and learn what it says. Reading sounds a lot like school, don’t you think?

Think back: how did you really learn about your faith?  If you say “reading a book”…..ok, you read it, but then what? Did you do a ritual? Create an altar? Go outside and talk to the trees or the moon? You did more than just read a book, I’d hope….

Our faiths are about experiencing the divine. That’s part of the mystery – I can tell you all day about the great ritual I went to, about an experience with a Goddess, but until you experience it for yourself, you won’t actually know what it’s like.

I did some reading – it turns out Christian Sunday schools were largely a reaction to public schools – they were not teaching religion, so families needed another way to do it.

Here’s the thing, though. We have everything within us to know what to teach – we know how ritual works, we know the cycles of the moon, we know our gods and goddesses and their stories. We have incense to smell and fire to watch and crystals to feel and so many parts of our rites are active, not just standing around….so many experiences.

And what if they’re not understanding us and we have to keep trying to explain? Then we’re talking too much – go and DO – show, don’t tell. Light the candles. Burn the incense. Have FUN.

At some point before I had kids, I went through a phase where I used nail polish constantly.  And then I got a job as an engineer, and mostly stopped, for a combination of practical and perception reasons.

But…one thing that I did after I stopped wearing polish all the time, was that I occasionally used it for magic.  And with it being summer, a time when it’s common to wear sandals and show off our toes, I thought it might be a good time to share this idea, because it’s something you can easily do with your kids too.

First, you’ll need a variety of nail polish colors.  At the time, I went for the tiny cheap bottles that come in a multi-pack, frequently available in typical big-box discount stores. Having lots of different colors to choose from means you can choose your result, and then pick the color you need, without having to plan to go to the store each time you think of something new.

Next, go find a list of color correspondences. Candle magic books frequently have them, or you can use your trusty internet connection and google. Decide what you’re planning to do with your spell work, and pick the appropriate color of nail polish.

Now, using your preferred ritual format, charge the bottle of nail polish for your desire, and then paint your toe nails. You can use different colors if that suits your purposes. Each step you take continues to charge the spell.

Let your nail polish wear off – paint over it with another color if you like, but don’t strip it off until you’ve either achieved your purpose or it has grown out completely (this is why I like toes nails for this – they grow fairly quickly and can always be covered by a pair of socks).

So, enjoy your summer and have fun with all the colors available to you!