I'm A Bleepin' Bloggin' Failure

I learned something today - I'm a blogging failure. I didn't follow the rules - again.

I read that to gain an audience - readership - for your blog, you have to blog daily! You have to let your readers know they can count on you to show up and tell all, complain, blame, shame, opinionate! and please, do bare your deepest darkest secrets and greatest dreams and wishes. This way you connect with your readers or some might hate you and comment how much they do.

Just do it consistently - each day - okay, take a weekend off - go on vacation - MAYBE.

Sh&&! There's that consistent thing again! It haunts me, more than my worst vampire entity does. Up until last week I used to point my Gemini fingers and plead "two minds" many thoughts, which way they go - and my standard "here today, gone today, round n' round I go. " Why take my readers down that rambling path of my inconsistent thoughts?

And now with the changes in sign learning that I'm a Taurus - - s-l-o-w and c-o-n-s-i-s-t-e-n-t - there's no reason for not blogging everyday, or even once a week.

Maybe I just don't think all my life and daily thoughts - which are numerous - need to be read about each and every day. I do have a life, as scattered as it might be. I do daily stuff - the obvious but not necessarily in the same order. I know my readers have a life outside the blogging world of "here's my pain, here's my insight, here's my gripe".

So here's my blog for this month or week or whatever.

p.s. keep your personal sh&(* to yourself or at least only your three closets FB, MS, Twitter, etc etc friends - the rest - remain a bit of a mystery. Maybe a friend will call to hear all about your day.

Off to cast a spell.

SPELLS, PRAYERS, CREATIVE VISUALIZATION, AND AFFIRMATIONS

Spells, prayers and affirmations are similar. 

They are all forms of communication and telepathic messages. 

In what way, you might ask.
Spoken and unspoken words.
Physical and mental creations

When we speak aloud and at times silently a spell, prayer, or  affirmation we are making a statement or a request to someone or something outside ourselves or to the inner self. For instance one might say, "I pray I have enough strength to continue with ___________."

In that statement of intention there is no called upon deity, it is more to self. See?

All three have common components: a desire or need, a focus outside themselves to attain the desire or need and faith in the power and that the plea, creation and intention is heard and in the progress of manifesting. Of course they all use the power of words.

As a writer (four books later) I understand the power of words, how to present to paint a picture, to engage another to hear (read) for further interaction, or catch that though and/or emotion of another.




Words are powerful. Learn to chose positive, powerful, and descriptive words that convey and paint a true picture of what you are thinking and hoping to manifest in your might, be it words that are poetic, magical, straight forward, but be careful of how you pose those words.

(Please note: these archives can be available upon request: To hear more about the topic listen to my May 6, 2014 radio show)

A spell is direct in wording and intention - this is what I'm creating through the power of myself, the clarity of my mind,  the help of the universe (planets, Divine sources as in goddess and gods) and the energy from above, below and all around.)

Those who cast depend upon their own ability and self-power along with the energy/vibrations surrounding them as in the universe, to manifest their dreams, visions, wants, needs etc.

They cal in the power of energies from the four directions, east (air -mental clarity); south (fire- action, energy, passion); west (water - dreams, visions, spiritual connections) and north (earth - results, products, practicality)  to support and enlighten them to create. They will also call in the energies from above (heavens) and below (the earth).

Before casting a spell it is advised do everything humanly possible to attain whatever one wants. Actions: have your actions followed your thought? You want a a good paying job? What prep work have you done before the job?

Just don't go cast a spell without first thinking what will it mean to your life and the life of those of others? Is it really what you want? Beware of what you ask for idea.

Once you have completed your spell don't look back. Give it time to work. Don't cast it again for at least thirty days or longer. That's unless you're doing a three, seven or nine day spell consecutively or have decided to do it once a week twice or thrice.

Prayers are asking for many things. I pray each and everyday. I'll often say the Hail Mary.

Some people pray by asking for little things, as in let me pass this test, let my team win the game (really? Like God or whichever deity is thinking yeah, beat someone else and let them feel badly); show me a sign he or she loves me or like me I pray too often for St. Anthony to find lost items (I'm cutting back on that.) Of course, sometimes we pray for big things like for a miracle in a dire medical situation or world peace.

Prayers can have too many words. Rambling thoughts. Desperate, pleading words for God, Allah, whomever, to fix whatever. Certainly in those worst moments of life, in dire times, we are desperate for a relief of our situation, our pain. Often we use words from prayers learned rather than prayers from your heart. People often go on and on, talking to their Divine Connection, pouring out emotions, making deals, reminding God etc how they are good people, worthy people or unworthy and now they see the error of their ways.

Most people learn to pray by being dependent upon an entity greater than and outside of themselves to provide a hopeful successful outcome to a need, want and/or dream. They ask permission from this source. They give their power to this entity to receive if the entity deems them worthy. There are those who bargain, if you give me this then I will do this_______.

If you are praying for an outcome of a rather serious need, remember to stop praying/talking and listen for your Divine Being. Then you can hear or realize the response, the message.  Praying is talking, meditating is listening.  Have faith. Believe

Their faith can often be focused outside of themselves whereas one who uses spells, depends upon her or his inner faith.

Creative Visualization - Goal setting and practical applications followed by an affirmation: Creative Visualize is powerful for it is the images, symbols and all created in the mind. To be most successful at creative visualization take time to be clear.  Check what you are thinking (what mental wording is floating through your). Have a talk with yourself to clear up any negative and/or fearful thoughts about what it is you wish to create in life, different from what you have now. I suggest you write what you are planning on creating. Once you've done that go through what you wrote and rewrite it in simple sentences, no more than three. Does it sound reasonable? Are the words in line with the picture in your mind?

When you do this you are in a  better place to start creating. A bit of both inside and outside yourself is taking place - direct focus and placing faith in another occurs. For instance you understand that you will take action to fulfill your goal while realizing you are pulling in the assistance of a source outside your present conciseness.  I.e. " I'm also dependent upon the support of another or others to fulfill this goal."

Of course a goal setter can also cast a spell as well as pray. See Ask the Coaches (sfcoaching.com ask) for some goal setting and achieving advice.

Affirmations: I like affirmations no matter how I'm manifesting and/or praying for. An affirmation is a simple, one sentence thought to create a feeling, a power, and/or a situation. Positive (and negative) wording mentally, written and spoken aloud create an energy. "I create loving people in my life to support my goals." - Nice and simple, no? Simple wording you can remember, your brain can absorb and following your thoughts, your actions will support.

Write an affirmation at least three times a day 3 or 9 times (you decide) for twenty-one days then put down your pen and let it all happen. Chances are, it's already occurring before the twenty-one days are over. Pay attention to the often subtle signs, the steps leading you forward. Trust me on this one. Sometimes it seems, like in prayers and spells as though you're not getting what you want. If done properly, it is in the process.

I do all to fulfill my valuable goals and live authentically my purpose and mission in life. Blessed be you and your dreams and goals this year.

Which do you prefer and what is the outcome? Which have you not used and are willing to do now?

My books, The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide to A Successful Reading, How to Talk with Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts  and novels, The Skye in June and City of Redemption see june ahern do com or Amazon.

SCONES AND AULD LANG SYNE

Home baked scones are an important part of the Scottish New Year as is whiskey and coal brought in by the first-footer.

Hogmanay (pronounced hugmene) is the Scots word for the last day of the year and is synonymous with the celebration of the New Year's Eve and Day in the Scottish manner. It is, however, normally only the start of a celebration which lasts through the night until the morning of New Year's Eve and Day.

The ritual of linking arms at New Year's parties at my parent's were both celebrating the new year while saying good-bye to the old one and those who weren't going another year with us. The Hogmanay custom of singing "Auld Lang Syne" " has become common in many countries. "Auld Lang Syne" is a traditional poem reinterpreted by Robert Burns , which was later set to music. It is now common for this to be sung in a circle of linked arms that are crossed over one another as the clock strikes midnight for New Year's Day. Typically it is only in Scotland this practice is carried out correctly.

People travel to Scotland from all over the world to participate in the country's special holiday.

As a Scottish immigrant living in San Francisco my family celebrated Hogmanay – Scottish New Year with many rituals and special foods. I had to include it in my book, ‘THE SKYE IN JUNE” and here is an excerpt of that chapter: (not present cover of book, but original photo idea. Photo by Jerry Briesach)

 Hogmanay in San Francisco

Cathy dunked her cloth into the bucket and stopped washing the bay windows as she meditated over the soapy bubbles and remembered past New Year’s Eves in Scotland. The days before the event were always very busy with giving the house a thorough cleaning, as was the tradition. It was thought that starting the New Year with a tidy and neat house would bring good luck. Besides hauling the carpets downstairs to the backyard for a hard beating to clean them, all bedding and curtains were taken to the steamie, as Laundromats are called in Scotland. On the family’s last Hogmanay in Glasgow, it was decided that Annie was old enough to help out while Granny B watched the young bairns. Cathy and Annie pushed the baby pram[1] crammed full of curtains and linens along the streets, meeting other mothers and daughters on the same journey.

After waiting in line in the December chill they bought a ticket to enter the huge steamy room, smelling of wet clothes and soap. The steamie was full of women and girls, laughing and gossiping as they scrubbed their laundry on the washing board. Piece by piece they scrubbed up and down in big sinks filled with hot water, and then wrung it all out by hand. They hung the laundry on wall racks for drying, and placed larger items in big, hot cupboards that were pulled out of the wall. The gossiping and joking never stopped. The work was hard, but the excitement of the upcoming holiday created a festive atmosphere.

In reflection, Cathy realized how much she missed those times, especially the companionship of her mother and sisters-in-law at the holidays. Still, she as was excited as the girls were about the party. With every wipe of the window, she assured herself that her family would be blessed anew.

Jimmy and Cathy painted the living room and hallway a fresh coat of white paint with deep green on the wainscot and molding.

As the day grew closer to Hogmanay, Cathy along with her friends, Mrs. G and Mrs. G's daughter, Tesia shopped up and down Castro Street for the essential ingredients for the special Hogmanay foods that they would make.

Laughter and gossip erupted anytime the kitchen door opened as the women prepared the feast. When Cathy related funny tales of the steamie, the other women laughed heartily. The girls listened with merry curiosity as the adults reminisced about “home,” each telling her own story about life in Poland or Scotland.

With the cooking underway, Mrs. G and Tesia agreed with Cathy when she said it was good that the girls would learn the proper preparation of the Scottish foods.

“We must not forget our customs,” Mrs. G said adamantly. The other women nodded their heads affirmatively at her wisdom.

When it was time to bake the sweets June helped Annie roll out the dough for the cookies with a large rolling pin that Granny B had gifted Annie, before leaving Scotland.

The girls happily tested the freshly baked buttery shortbread, sugar cookies and the Dundee cake—a Hogmanay special. Mrs. G showed them how to decorate the cookies with sugar frosting by dipping a butter knife into hot water and carefully running it over the top of the frosting to give it a shinny glaze.

The women sipped glasses of sherry that would later be used for making the trifle pudding, which was a favorite holiday dessert made with cake, peaches soaked in wine and boiled custard poured all over it.

The baked goods were stored away and attention was turned to the main courses. Stewed meat with thick brown gravy was placed into deep pans. Annie used Granny B’s rolling pin to make a thin crust for the top of the pans. She then brushed a raw egg across the top so it would bake to a perfect golden brown, just the way Granny would have wanted it.

By the day of the party, steak pies, a large ham, the delicate trifle pudding and other delicious holiday foods lined the shelves in the Frigidaire, ready to be heated up when needed.

With the kitchen work finished, the girls hung colorful streamers throughout the flat, and dangled fun paper party hats from them. Jimmy held Maggie up to hang a piece of mistletoe at the front door. This custom was not for kissing, like at Christmas, but to prevent illness in the household.

It was a fun time in the MacDonald house. Since many of the guests also had young children, the party would start in the early afternoon of New Year’s Day. The girls were so excited they stayed up until midnight, giggling and talking before falling asleep. The next morning they hurried home from the special New Year’s Day Mass to change into their party clothes, readying themselves for the guests arriving at noon.

With the chime of the doorbell, everyone ran off to greet the first guest. They hurried into position, eager to view the first footer waiting downstairs at the door to the building. They were ready for a dark-haired man to walk through the door, signaling good luck in the New Year. What they saw was Sandy’s thinning blonde hair as he stepped over the threshold and into the lobby of the building.

“Sandy! For God’s sake, get out, man!” Jimmy yelled down to him.

The mistake was Mark’s fault.

It had been pre-arranged by Jimmy that the first foot would be Ian, a Scottish friend who was a tall man with black hair. But before Ian could step into the building, Mark had pushed ahead of him. As Sandy reached past Ian to pull his son back, he had stumbled through the door when it opened. As fate would have it, light haired, balding Sandy was the first person with a foot in the MacDonald’s building on Hogmanay.

The girls hung over the banister booing boisterously at Mark as his father backed out, dragging his son by the scruff of the neck. Ian bounded up the stairs. Hoping to smooth over the error, he adamantly protested that he did indeed have the first foot in the flat. He handed Jimmy the traditional Hogmanay gifts.

“Fattie brattie Marky,” said Maggie mockingly when Mark dashed by.

Huffing and puffing, Nancy arrived at the top of the landing and, in her loud American voice, scolded the Scots on how silly they were to be so superstitious.

A stout Scottish woman coming up behind her said, “Wheesht, silly woman.”

At first, guests were a bit sober from the unexpected event but it didn’t last for long. The adults soon had a few glasses of cheer and the party began.

More guests arrived, singing out the traditional Hogmanay greeting, “A good year to you!” They brought gifts of food and spirits—whiskey, malt beer and gin. As the day went on, the story about the blonde first foot made its rounds and the celebrators kidded about what kind of bad luck might befall the MacDonalds in the coming year.

The mood lightened and the singing of Scottish songs became the main activity. Each person had a turn to entertain by singing a favorite tune. Before the party ended, and in keeping with another Hogmanay tradition, the adults and children stood in a circle crisscrossing hands, right over left, and sang the famous Scottish song, “Auld Lang Syne.” June was bewildered as the adults’ laughing voices changed to sad tones. Some of the women cried openly as they sang together, “Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and the days of auld lang syne!”

•••••••

To learn about my books and me at  www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June - City of Redemption, The Timeless Counselor, How to Talk With Spirits

I LIKE GHOSTS. DO YOU?

I like ghosts. They're quite easy to see and hear, if one puts their fears aside. Really. Come take a ghostly walk with me through San Francisco's infamous Barbary Coast.

Even the scary ones are quite harmless, mostly.

They are most curious about us too. That's why they hang around. I know that they should go into the Light, but until they do, let's have a hi-ho time with them.

It's so much fun when a ghost or two show up in the most

unexpected places, like the other day when I was shopping for my Christmas cookies in the baking section at the supermarket. I was between the flour and sugar with a woman. She was talking aloud as she looked for the right size vanilla - too much or too little. At first I thought she was like me, an age where one talks to self aloud but oh no! Then I saw who she was talking to. An answer came from her left, I was on her right. It was her father. Or, so he said. He said, 'Now honey, you know that the bigger size is a better investment." I said to her, "Oh, look the bigger one is on sale! My father always loved a good bargain."

She looked at me, smiling non too sweetly, and grabbed the smaller bottle. Was I off? Did I not channel the correct information? The spirit evaporated before I could ask what the problem was.

I sensed that he and daughter had "issues." Merrily I departed that aisle to see what canned fruits would produce.

Take out the old photo albums and remember all the laughs you shared with a loved one who passed and no doubt, he or she will be visiting you soon. Merry meet, merry part and merry meet again.

Please read a chapter of my book at juneahern.com Join me for my once-a-month radio show streams live 9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m. PST (previous shows available) - next talk 8/19/14 Talking to the Animals, Live and in Spirit. http://www.kows107-3.org 

HALLOWEEN RITUAL TO INVITE THE SPIRITS IN

                           How to talk With Spirits:

Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts

by 

June Ahern

THE VEIL DROPS

Hark! Hark to the wind! 'Tis the night, they say,When all souls come back from the far away

The dead, forgotten this many a day!

– Virna Sheard, Poet –

Chapter 10 Excerpt - 


Halloween – dress up to the stars  - dress down to the bone, it’s all for amusement, right? 

This time of year was a sacred time for many such as the Celts to honor their elderly, ancestors, and the dead with special rituals and celebrations. Festivities and rituals of these  can be found in Celtic paganism history and later Catholic holy days were a combination of pagan beliefs with a day to honor the saints.

In the Celtic pagan tradition it was thought that the veils between the two worlds - the living and dead - thinned so spirits of the dead could walk the earth to visit their living relatives. Then they crossed back over to the “underworld”.

What if you could spend time with your loved ones who passed - even for a brief moment? 

During the spirits’ visit spooky things happened, as you can imagine. The living would dress-up in hopes that some spirits wouldn’t recognize and haunt them. But if they wanted the spirits to visit they would invite them with a similar ritual below. 

To connect with the spirits of your loved ones to say hello and/or ask a question sit quietly indoor or out in nature (under the night sky is lovely) and do this beautiful sacred ritual. Reconnect during the most psychic energic time of All Hallows Eve (10/31), All Saint's Day (11/1) to Dead of the Dead (11/2).

A nice short ritual is below. A most beautiful longer ritual can be found in my book, "How to Talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts" 
(read more at www dot june ahern dot com)

Begin with clearing a space near a window such as a  table top or another level place to place a white candle. Near it put one or a few more photo(s) of your loved one(s) that you are wishing to visit. Also, include a treat such as a glass of wine, cup of tea or coffee, with a wee sweet for your spirit visitor.

Quiet yourself for a few minutes or longer, and then image you are sitting in a circle of warm light and say, ‘Only good can enter herein.’

Sit quietly. Open your heart, mind and inner ears. Do not judge any words or images that come to you. You have time afterward to review what happens.

Stay as long as you like, thinking of your loved ones, talking to her or him. To the best of your ability, endeavor to be calm, upbeat and peaceful. Spirits often can’t get through to their loved ones because the grief is so strong. 

Focus. Keep your words calm, loving and pleasing. The shorter the message the better. You are telepathically talking and too many words can certainly be confusing for the spirit to hear what you're saying. My many years of communicating with spirits has taught me, they are quite to the point It takes much energy for them to communicate especially to those with jumbled thoughts.

In return: If you hear, think or sense a message was given, take note it for later examination.

If nothing is forthcoming later that night or a few after you might dream about the spirits. It's easier for for them to communicate through dreams 

If you think or feel nothing has happened don't despair. A dream that night or within a few days very well can reveal your loved one is contacting you.

You might get a message meant for another (relative or friend); if you do, share it.

Spirit communication is often stronger when conducted with others so perhaps another might want to do this ritual with you.

After your ritual remember to snuff the candle.

Wishing you a merry frolicking good time and a cauldron full of blessings.

How to Talk With Spirits -  to receive a personally autographed with a personal message from a spirit order by November 30th of any year through www.juneahern.com. Or, if you wish ebooks available on Amazon or Smashwords.com   Amazon.com  Also Amazon has paperbacks. 

Invite me to talk to your group about this book or another one of mine. 

Learn more about my ghosts haunts videos, novels, The Skye in June, City of Redemption and consumer's guide, The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide to a Successful Psychic Reading.  

EUREKA VALLEY AKA THE CASTRO: HISTORY

 

Memories of Most Holy Redeemer school and life with the BVM nuns made for a much lively conversation. 

From 6/09 Last Saturday at Eureka Valley Recreation Park I was along with Susan Maher & Marie Callaghan sat on a panel of old residents to discuss life in this famous neighborhood before it became known as "The Castro." 

Although the other two panelists' memories where of the difficult and often cruel times with the nuns and Catholic church, I remember some positive ones also. 

 The days at EV park was a huge positive memory for all especially for Marie who fondly reminisced about two of the directors, Dody and Clair’s, encouraging influence on her life. 

We all talked about how the Castro theater filled every Saturday with kids and Susan laughingly referred to Saturday picture day as the “babysitter.” 

 Memories of the neighborhood stores like Cliff's who put on the annual Halloween parade, costume and ice cream eating contests and the mechanical dinosaur were spoken about as were Mueller’s Swiss deli, Rossi’s meat market, ice cream shop (softies w/birdseed) and mentioned were the nine bars in two block radius. Eureka Valley was mostly Irish, Swiss, Swedes, some Italians and a then us, the Scottish immigrants. 

 I mentioned that my family's first home in the US was on Market Street, (featured in my novel The Skye in June) is now a center for psychic classes (ESP/Tarot) and readings, a coincidence since one character in my story experiences psychic phenomena lived at that very address. Then I read an excerpt from my novel. 

 There were many questions and sharing from the audience. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence with their headdresses, white faces and colorful dresses and who generously contributed and sponsored the event - Friends of the Library, had questions about life with the nuns and the first signs of the changing of the neighborhood into the gay mecca it was to become. 

Others in the audience shared historical facts and stories. One saying that Eureka Valley was the heart (center) of San Francisco. It holds a huge part in my heart. Former owner of Thomas’ Cleaners spoke and had a table with antique irons including one heated by a Coleman gas contraption as well as some cast iron ones and early electric ones. Author Jim Strange (Strange de Jim) presented a slide show and his book, San Francisco’s Castro.

UPDATING: more books since this post: 2020 - read about my books, oof events and more june ahern website. 

MARRIED TO A WITCH

Not once but twice the man committed to the witch. 

Bound to her through a handfasting ceremony he later signed a legal form pulling the knot tighter.


Was it because of his love or the Love Potion Spell the witch cast?

Perhaps bit of both. But, I think he likes being married to a witch. 

I know hubby has taken quite a bit of ribbing being married to a witch.

He likes being married to a witch. He can handle it. That’s what he tells the guys.

Standing around the barbecue pit with his buddies flipping burgers, I heard him asked, “So, like, does she put spells on you?” followed by a bucket full of manly ho, ho ho’s. 

Husband just smiled. He knows that indeed I did put a spell on him shortly after we met – with his permission of course. In fact, he supplied me with a snippet of his hair. “Go ahead, put a spell on me,” brave-hearted potential lover said, and then dubiously eyeing the anthame (witch ceremonial knife) added, “A good one.”

I didn’t use all his hair at once. First, using a few strands, I cast a spell that he’d be happy, healthy and play good golf. Then after a while I coveted him (yum yum), so I wrapped the remaining strands of hair around my finger making a ring before carefully slipping it off.  Soaked it overnight in Cleopatra oil.

 When the moon was lustfully plump and bright one Venus night I knelt before my altar and chanted (actually cooed) words of love to him. 

 When I mentioned the love spell he laughed saying , “Cool” whereas a sister witch declared “Oh my goddess alive! You'll never get rid of him." And, to this day, I never do want to get rid of him.

Before marrying legally (muggle way) we had had a handfasting ritual, and although my wedding day was superb, the handfasting was magically beautiful with lots of laughter during the holy affair.

 It took place in the early crisp winter morning of New Years Day 2001 in a wooded countryside with the wedding party and guests in their sleep attire covered by down jackets and complete with woolen gloves. The bridesmaids were several Barbie dolls dressed up in glittery costumes like Fairy Princesses, which I'm sure they really were.

The deep green winter clothing and earthy scents created a lively energy to the ceremony. The rapid running of the overflowing river was our music. A circle was drawn around the area where our personally written vows would be exchanged. The officiating priestess-witch donned in flannel nightgown and woolen leggings read the vows aloud before binding our hands with a red ribbon signifying we were as one. It was a fun, loving, enchanting event.

Handfasting is an ancient ritual for a couple to agree to live together for a year and a day. During the ceremony the couple's hands or wrists are bound together with a ribbon or cord wrapped snugly in a figure eight hence giving the ceremony its name. Today “tying the knot” comes from the tying of the cord or ribbon. 

The vows were similar to modern day marriage. If all went well the agreement was renewed. If not, I guess they divided up the furniture, goats and chickens.

 It was a common practice amongst the ancient Celts for many centuries and remained a legal union in Scotland until 1939. Although there are a few ideas of the purpose of handfasting - an engagement or actual marriage contract - it was a time to decide if they’d make a good life together. 

There are other handfasting rituals, such as drawing a circle around the ground where the wedding party stands symbolizing a power place where only good can enter there in. And with a marriage that’s all we still hope for.

June is the author of four books, two non-fictions on paranormal and parapsychology subjects and two lovely novels. She's a paranormal investigator for The Haunted Bay seen on YouTube and Amazon Prime. check her out: juneahern.com

Handfasting and spells mentioned in my novel, “The Skye in June.” June took up the comb untangling a couple of strands of hair. She tossed them into the ashtray and set them on fire with the red candle. Smoke smoldered up and the smell of burnt hair mingled with the incense.