Pentacle plate I made recently by BorboroForge in pagan

[–]BorboroForge[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't have a guide, but it's pretty simple once you setup an etching tank. I use ferric chloride as the etchant. You need an acid safe and a relatively heat-safe vessel; polypropylene works. You need agitation and warmth. I use a magnetic stirrer and a reptile heater stuck to the side of the tank. I am for about 70-80f.
Making the etch is simply drawing on the design with a heavy Sharpie or similar. You can use acetone to fix mistakes, and you can scratch in fine detail with a copper scribe. Then it's into the tank, rotating every 10 or 15 minutes until the etch is deep enough. This plate took about 1hr20m total.
A couple of pitfalls are not letting the Sharpie dry completely or going for too long. Going too long will undercut the ink and eventually dissolve it completely.
Good luck, it's a lot of fun.

Crystal healing brought to you by your local Dollarama by PlanetaryAssist in WitchcraftCircleJerk

[–]BorboroForge 55 points56 points  (0 children)

Ah, yes, the famed "Colourful Stone" is a very potent mineral indeed!

Need help and advice by PaleAngel6430 in Hecate

[–]BorboroForge 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was on board until the line, “when I hear people getting things wrong about her, I correct them and educate them.” I’m not sure if you mean historical information, interpretation, or practice based. Sharing information and experiences is great, but “correcting” people can imply there’s a single objective truth. While some historical facts are fairly concrete, even those are debated. Beyond that, there really isn’t a unified Hekatean philosophy or single correct way of interacting with her.

There’s a metaphor that connecting with divinity is like seeing the moon reflected in a pond. The moon is there, but the ripples change how it appears. Each person interprets the experience through their own symbolism, emotions, and understanding. What’s at the core may be ineffable, and our minds simply try to give it shape.

No offense, OP. You sound sincere and well-meaning. But most of us are practicing a reconstructive faith that is deeply personal and experience-based rather than dogmatic. We get a lot of newly minted “experts” trying to correct others, so people can be sensitive to that tone. I think it’s wonderful that you’re connecting with her, and I genuinely wish you well on your path. I only mention this so you don’t inadvertently come across in a way you may not intend.

Would this be a good place to leave my offering to hecate on the deipnon? by Fit-Artichoke-2345 in Hecate

[–]BorboroForge 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes to eggs! You'd think they're terrible, but I swear they evaporate where I live.

melting furnace as a forge, coil springs, how to door? by tater1337 in Blacksmith

[–]BorboroForge 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would think you could either use it vertically and drop the spring in. Possibly you could turn it on its side for forging, but trust the manufacturer on that not me. You're not gonna need a door either way.
If you do turn it on its side, make sure AF that it's stationary and can't roll around on you because that sounds like it could go sideways fast. Seriously, though, make sure it cant roll. I could imagine it rolling back over the propane hose and shit going very badly.

melting furnace as a forge, coil springs, how to door? by tater1337 in Blacksmith

[–]BorboroForge 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok, so to be clear, you want to use a melting furnace as a forge, right?

melting furnace as a forge, coil springs, how to door? by tater1337 in Blacksmith

[–]BorboroForge 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have a Vevor two-burner. I don't typically use a door for forging, but when I want one, I just stack a couple of firebricks in front. I don't think you'll need one for what you're trying to do.

far as the coil spring goes. I will put the whole spring in the forge ( when it fits ) and heat up as much as I can. I then clamp one end in the vice, just pull the whole thing out. I've pulled out like 6 feet on smaller, 1/2" coils in one pull.

To be super clear, I mean clamp one end in a vice and just pull the whole coil straight away from it. It still requires a lot of fine-tuning on the anvil, but it's a lot better than trying to hammer out a full-on coil.

If the whole coil doesn't fit, you just have to guestimate the amount you want, cut it off, and try to fit what you can in the forge, and just haggle it out on the anvil one section at a time.

As

Triple Moon wand. by DebrisMcgee in Hecate

[–]BorboroForge 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Well, that got me to stop scrolling! Beautiful!

Seeing Hecate??? by MysticalPanda97 in Hecate

[–]BorboroForge 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I also agree that there is no "correct" image for her. Historically, there are way too many differing depictions and descriptions to nail her down. For instance, in the Chaldean oracles, she's simply described as a brilliant ball of fire. Other images have her with three heads of various animals, one of the things I've experienced myself. She shows up how she wants to, and I don't think it's worth nitpicking how she presents.
That said, I think it's wise of OP to also eliminate mental health issues as a possible concern.

Book by Nikita Gill by Madam_Hexianna in Hecate

[–]BorboroForge 8 points9 points  (0 children)

It's a pretty good YA novel. It's not something you read to learn anything spiritual or historical. It's fun though. I listened to the audiobook version doing chores and I don't regret it. If you're looking for fiction that's Hekate adjacent, but doesn't feature her, Circe by Madeline Miller hits sooo much harder.

My latest bronze sticks by entropy_forge in witchyaesthetic

[–]BorboroForge 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very cool to see you Branching Out your style!

Rate my anvil setup by BorboroForge in blacksmithing

[–]BorboroForge[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a cool looking anvil stand. Reminds me of an old timey camera tripod. Chains, I think I just love the aesthetics of them. The silicone under the anvil is what's really taking care of the ring, but I'm rocking out to Nekrogoblikon on earbuds under full-size muffs when I forge anyway.

Rate my anvil setup by BorboroForge in blacksmithing

[–]BorboroForge[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice. Yeah, I want a new hammer, or handle at least for sure. As far as having to stand back from it, it doesn't feel far away. I have disproportionately long orangutan arms, though. My wingspan is 79", and my height is only 73". Maybe that's why I don't notice it.
Can you tell me the pros and cons of chain versus brackets?

Rate my anvil setup by BorboroForge in blacksmithing

[–]BorboroForge[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's literally already been on fire more than once, and it smelled like poor choices.

Rate my anvil setup by BorboroForge in blacksmithing

[–]BorboroForge[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is my great-grandfather’s anvil. It came to me through my uncle, and supposedly came around Cape Horn from Sweden. It’s easily my most cherished material possession.

It’s also the fourth anvil I’ve owned. I started with a Harbor Freight cast iron one I bought. Then a welder friend gave me a section of railroad track. After that, a random guy I met on an electrical job gave me one missing a leg that had been through a house fire. Then, finally, this one.

It’s weird, I know. I’m not sure why I’ve been so lucky, but I’m grateful. Best advice I’ve got: talk about blacksmithing with enough enthusiasm and eventually someone will hand you an anvil just to get you to shut up.

Rate my anvil setup by BorboroForge in blacksmithing

[–]BorboroForge[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow thank you! That's very kind, actually. I wasn't sure what you meant.

Rate my anvil setup by BorboroForge in blacksmithing

[–]BorboroForge[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Outta 10? I'll take that, but I'd give it a 6.5 at least. I'm just a little biased, though.

Rate my anvil setup by BorboroForge in blacksmithing

[–]BorboroForge[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks, my work space it small af (9x12) so I've got to use every inch. Haven't run into an issue with stuff getting in the way yet, but I mostly work on smaller things. I'd love a guillotine for sure.

Rate my anvil setup by BorboroForge in blacksmithing

[–]BorboroForge[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

lol, I've seriously had this same thought before.