What is good: Divination

I have managed to find a book on divination called 'The book of fat and fortune'. This book is amazing and goes into detail about the different types of divination. Not only does it describe what each craft is, but it also describes how to do them and includes a brief history.

NUMEROLOGY Numbers govern all things in the universe from the greatest to the smallest.


Numerology is any study of the purported mystical relationship between a count or measurement and life. It has many systems and traditions and beliefs. Numerology and numerological divination by systems such as isopsephy were popular among early mathematicians, such as Pythagoras, but are no longer considered part of mathematics and are regarded as pseudomathematics by modern scientists.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numerology

PALMISTRY

Palmistry or chiromancy (also spelled cheiromancy, Greek kheir (χεῖρ, ός), “hand”; manteia (μαντεία, ας), “divination”), is the art of characterization and foretelling the future through the study of the palm, also known aspalm reading, or chirology. The practice is found all over the world, with numerous cultural variations. Those who practice chiromancy are generally called palmists, palm readers, hand readers, hand analysts, or chirologists.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_reading

RUNES

The runic alphabets are a set of related alphabets using letters known as runes to write various Germanic languages before the adoption of the Latin alphabet and for specialized purposes thereafter. The Scandinavian variants are also known asfuthark (or fuþark, derived from their first six letters of the alphabet: F, U, Þ, A, R, and K); the Anglo-Saxon variant is futhorc(due to sound changes undergone in Old English by the same six letters). Runology is the study of the runic alphabets, runic inscriptions, runestones, and their history. Runology forms a specialized branch of Germanic linguistics.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runes

THE CRYSTAL

A crystal ball is a crystal or glass ball believed by some people to aid in the performance of clairvoyance. It is sometimes known as a shew stone. A body of water, either in a container or on the ground, used for this purpose, is called a scrying pool.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_ball

TAROT CARDS

Tarot reading revolves around the belief that the cards can be used to gain insight into the past, current and possible future situations of the subject (or querent), i.e.cartomancy. Some believe they are guided by a spiritual force, while others believe the cards help them tap into a collective unconscious or their own creative,brainstorming subconscious. The divinatory meanings of the cards commonly used today are derived mostly from cartomancer Jean-Baptiste Alliette who was also known as Etteilla.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarot_reading

TEA LEAVES

Tasseography (also known as tasseomancy or tassology) is a divination or fortune-telling method that interprets patterns in tealeaves, coffee grounds, or wine sediments.

The terms derive from the French word tasse (cup), which in turn derives from the cognate Arabic word tassa, and the Greeksuffixes -graph (writing), -logy (study of), and -mancy (divination).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tasseography

DOWSING

Radiesthesia is the claimed paranormal or parapsychological ability to detect "radiation" within the human body. According to the theory, all human bodies give off unique or characteristic "radiations" as do all other physical bodies or objects. Such radiations are often termed an "aura".

A practitioner of radiesthesia claims to detect the interplay of these radiations. Thus radiesthesia is cited as the explanation of such phenomena as dowsing by rods andpendulums in order to locate buried substances, diagnose illnesses, and the like. Some radiesthesia practitioners like Israeli mentalist Uri Geller or German astrologer Alexander Rostamí claim that they can help oil companies to find crude petroleum reserves and other natural resources by using paranormal abilities, but this claim has not yet been proven.

Dowsing is a type of divination employed in attempts to locate ground water, buried metals or ores, gemstones,oil, gravesites, and many other objects and materials, as well as so-called currents of earth radiation (Ley lines), without the use of scientific apparatus. Dowsing is also known as divining (especially in reference to interpretation of results), doodlebugging (in the US), or (when searching specifically for water) water finding,water witching or water dowsing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiesthesia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dowsing

ASTROLOGY

Astrology is the study of celestial bodies interpreted as affecting personality, human affairs, and natural events. The primary astrological bodies are the Sun, Moon, and planets, which are analyzed by their aspects (relative positions to one another), by their placement in 'houses' (spatial divisions of the sky), and their movement through signs of the zodiac.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrology

What is good: Ear Stretchers

I have found some great information about tribal jewellery and its roots. I had been starting to doubt this subject matter for my main stream of research as it is so broad and I find myself veering away from just ear stretchers but all tribal jewellery in general. I think I am going to look at the concept of jewellery and body modification within certain tribes, I find this extremely interesting and think its great how its currently being used in todays trends. Tribal jewellery is growing in popularity rapidly and I think it is good because it takes influence from different cultures, broadening peoples knowledge of the world. Also everything has a meaning behind it, it is not just worn to 'look good' and to 'follow fashion' it all has a deeper story behind it and I intend to delve further into this subject and find out more about the history behind tribal jewellery and body modification.


Tribal jewelry is representative of a history of cultures with deep spiritual and social significance. Such significance can be seen throughout all tribal jewelry regardless of which part of the world it hails from. It is as old as the ancient civilizations of Africa and as modern as the newest fashion trends of Europe.

Tribal jewelry comes, literally, from all over the world. Although the most notable and most reproduced come from Africa and Native American tribes, tribal jewelry also hails from parts of the Middle East, South America, Russia, and the British Isles. While each region and each tribe had its own particular uses for bracelets and other jewelry, they all had some uses in common like spirituality, social status, and beauty.

While many regions still hold to their roots where the use of jewelry is concerned, many more today wear tribal bangles for beauty and fashion. Ancient designs are made into modern works of art to be used and displayed fashionably in many parts of the world. Whether it is worn to accentuate an outfit or to highlight the beauty of the wrist and arm, tribal bangles are a popular fashion accessory today.

In every ancient civilization where jewelry was part of the culture, bracelets were used in spiritual dances to represent and honor gods and to heighten movement. Socially, bracelets were uses, along with other jewelry, to reveal social status at a glance. Today, tribal bracelets are commonly used by the fashion industry to heighten the beauty of a woman's arms and wrists and to accessorize an outfit.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Tribal-Jewelry:-Its-Roots&id=6060248

What is good: Ear Stretchers

I have joined the Tribu Facebook page so that I have access to the discussion boards and can follow any new trends to do with ear stretchers and tribal jewellery. The page is also swarming with peoples opinions and love for tribal jewellery and body modification. This will be a good source of research, although quite biased as the only opinions on here are positive.

This page also featured some amazing pictures which are clearly influenced by tribal body adornment.

What is good: Knitting

Definition

Knitting is a method by which thread or yarn may be turned into cloth or other fine crafts. Knitted fabric consists of consecutive rows of loops, called stitches. As each row progresses, a new loop is pulled through an existing loop. The active stitches are held on a needle until another loop can be passed through them. This process eventually results in a final product, often a garment.

Knitting may be done by hand or by machine. There exist numerous styles and methods of hand knitting.

Different yarns and knitting needles may be used to achieve different end products by giving the final piece a different colour, texture, weight, and/or integrity. Using needles of varying sharpness and thickness as well as different varieties of yarn can also change the effect.

Origin

The word is derived from knot, thought to originate from the Dutch verb knutten, which is similar to the Old English cnyttan, to knot.
One of the earliest known examples of knitting was cotton socks with stranded knit color patterns, found in Egypt from the end of the first millennium AD.^[14] Originally a male-only occupation, the first knitting trade guild was started in Paris in 1527.^[15] With the invention of the knitting machine, however, knitting "by hand" became a useful but non-essential craft. Similar to quilting, spinning, and needlepoint, knitting became a leisure activity.




Blogs and more information


many contemporary knitters have an interest in blogging about their knitting, patterns, and techniques, or joining a virtual community focused on knitting,^[19] such as Ravelry, affectionately known as Rav to fiber-lovers around the world. There are also a number of popular knitting podcasts, such as the Manic Purl Podcast and the Savvy Girls Podcast. Contemporary knitting groups may be referred to in the U.S. as a "Stitch 'N Bitch" where a group of knitters get together to work on projects, discuss patterns, troubleshoot their work and just socialise. In the UK, the term has been "knitting circle" since the early 20th century.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knitting

What is good: Knitting

I have started to knit using the basic method, it is really easy but leaves quite a bumpy stitch.

What is good: Knitting

I have decided to learn how to knit the purl stitch... this has a similar effect to the basic knit, but comes out flatter and with less bumps. It is ideal for jumpers or scarves and generally has a nicer finish. This is created by knitting every other row backwards.




Here is my first attempt at a purl stitch, I prefer this to the basic knit I used before. I also used smaller needles and thinner wool which made the whole process a bit more difficult, but worthwhile for the end result I feel .

What is good: Ear stretchers

History of Body Piercing

Expanded ear piercings or more generally referred to as stretched earlobes is a tradition that has lived for centuries - particularly those of the earlobes and lower lip. For many of the world's tribes, it is even an essential body modification. Having emerged independently in such diverse locations as North America, The Amazon, Asia, Africa, Polynesia and New Zealand; the practice has recently provoked growing interest in the West.

The ear-lobe was probably man's first attempt at piercing, due to the ease at which it is pierced. The oldest mummified body to be found with pierced ears and expanded earlobes (7-11mm in diameter) was found frozen in an Austrian Glacier, and tests show it to be over 5,000 years old!

The first ear piercings arose amongst primitive tribes for magical purposes. Believing that demons and spirits were repelled by metal, the tribe's wore metallic ear piercings to prevent the penetration of bad spirits. Sailors would have their ears pierced to improve their eyesight and if sailor's bodies would wash up against some shore, the ear jewellery would pay for a Christian burial. In many societies, ear piercing is done as a ritual indicating puberty, of which each of the parents would pierce an ear, symbolising the child's dependence upon them.

The Ancient Egyptians are of the oldest bodies found with stretched ear lobes. They also loved to adorn themselves elaborately and even restricted certain types of body piercings to the royal family. An interesting fact is that only the pharaoh was allowed to have his navel pierced and anyone else who did so would be executed. Egyptians wore earrings to display their wealth and portray their beauty.

The Ancient Romans were very practical and piercings for them always served a purpose. They would pierce their nipples to signify strength and virility. It was in fact a badge of honour that demonstrated their dedication to the Roman Empire. It symbolised unity and bond amongst the Roman army. Julius Caesar himself pierced his nipples to show his strength and signify his unity with his men.

At around the same time, the Aztecs, Mayans and various American Indians pierced their tongues as part of their religious rituals. They believed it bought them closer to their Gods as a type of ritual blood-letting. These were warrior tribes, thus practised septum piercing to appear fiercer to their enemies. Similarly, some tribes in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands would pierce their tongue. Common materials used were bone, tusks and feathers.

In Central and South America, women with lip labrets were considered more beautiful. Holes were often stretched to incredible sizes as progressively large wooden plates were inserted to emphasize the lips. Aztecs and Mayans would also wear lip labrets made out of Jade and Gold, elaborately carved into mythical or religious figures which was viewed as highly attractive and was believed to enhance sexuality.

During the Renaissance and Elizabethan eras, almost every male member of the nobility would have at least one earring, if not more. Large pearl drops and enormous diamond studs were a great way to advertise one's wealth. Then in the last hundred years or so, nose piercing became very popular when young hippies from the U.S began travelling to India extensively looking for enlightenment. They started to imitate the Indian's traditional nose ring, often linked to an earring by a chain. After bringing back nose rings to the U.S, an interest in body piercing arose! Nose piercing has been practised by the Bedouin tribes of the Middle East, the Beja people of Africa and the Australian Aborigines for a very long time.

Why do we pierce? Well, the reasons for piercing vary greatly. Some people do so for religious or spiritual reasons, while others do so for self-expression. Others for aesthetic value, for sexual pleasure, to conform one's culture or even to rebel against it. The practice has developed many variations of style and techniques across the world. A piece of jewellery, string or a stick is inserted into the earlobe. In some places, the combination of weights is gradually added so that the earlobes stretch many times the original length. In some traditions it is the long earlobes and not the jewellery that are considered attractive. Many times the ear piercing and stretching forms part of rites to step into adulthood. In some parts of Africa women start to stretch their lips six months before marriage. The size of the lip plate indicates the number of cattle the husband will have to pay for her dowry.

http://www.tribu.co.uk/history-of-piercing.html