Earth Element Ritual: Getting Grounded

I bet you love the beauty of trees and might even have a favorite tree. 

What is your favorite tree? I love willows for their dreamy beautfy. In Celtic lore, they were called wishing trees.  Taoists refer to them as money trees.  My spiritual circle  thinks of them as manifesting trees.  Either way, they are trees that give to you and root in the earth, growing, giving stability, and cleaning the air.  Plant one in your yard or in a pot for your home or office.  If you have to rely on indoor gardening, the biggest ficus you can find will do nicely in a jade-green ceramic pot.  Choose from among the following magical trees (or trust your intuition in arboreal matters):

Willow: healing broken hearts

Apple: divination, spell work

Oak: strength, lust

Peach: love magic

Olive: peace

Aspen: sensitivity

Eucalyptus: purification

Cherry: romance

If prosperity is your real concern, write your wishes on little paper scrolls and bury them in the soil near the tree.  Every time you water the tree, you will be bringing your wishes closer to fruition.  If you are looking for luck, happiness, or general good, verbalize your wish as you hang charms on the branches of your tree – colored ribbons, crystals, coins, and keys, anything that strikes your fancy.  This should also be a custom with friends and guests.  Every time you add an ornament, you must take one down.  Only when your charm has been removed will your wish come true.

Feng Shui of Love

Here is pagan feng shui for the bedroom that will prevent problems before they even happen!  

Fill your home with the energy of love and happiness with some of the simplest and most effective magic of all by creating sacred and safe space for yourself and your loved ones. It will also greatly enhance your sleep and even make dreams more pleasant. 

Feng Shui of Love Tips:

Never bring old pillows into a new home!  Old pillows can cause poor sleep and bad dreams, and they can kill a relationship.  Old pillows can carry sexual energy, too.

Never place your bed in the center of a room, as it will cause anxiety and get in the way of a healthy sex life.

Never have the foot of the bed facing the door, as it brings very bad luck.

Always make the bed, and change the linens often to keep your love-making fresh.

Place these objects in your bedroom to attract loving energy:

Two crystals of rose quartz of equivalent size

Pink, orange, or red fabric

Two red candles

Images of two butterflies (but never two dead butterflies)

Jasper: Stone of Protection

The authors of the Bible write their great city of heaven is reputed to have jasper walls. 

This opaque type of chalcedony is found on every continent on this planet, often with striated bands in exquisite shades of brown, yellow, green, and red.  Ground up into powder and added to potions, jasper has been an ingredient in healing elixirs for thousands of years.  It has gradual encouraging effects that can work over a long period of time.  Jasper is a patient rock, but it does good work.  It is an energy crystal as well as a stone of sensuality that engenders immense ardor.

Jasper was also favored by the ancients as a cure for snakebite and for controlling the weather as a bringer of rain.  In Lithica, a fourth-century epic poem, this stone is praised:

The gods propitious hearde to his prayers,

who’ever the polished glad-green Jasper wears;

His parsed glebe they’ll saturate with rain,

and send for shower to soak the thirsty plain.

Jasper was also believed to be able to repel evil spirits.

Lavender Chamomile Tranquility Tincture

No doubt hedgewitches were making a varation on this recipe centuries ago:

Herbal tinctures, which are concentrated reductions of the herbs, are more expensive but last longer and provide a higher dose of the herb.  We keep a tincture of echinacea and goldenseal in the house year round.  At the first sign of a cold or cough, a few drops go into herbal teas and hot lemon and honey toddies.  A hot toddy is traditionally made with hot water, lemon, sugar or honey, and liquor such as brandy, but it doesn’t have to be alcoholic to be medicinal.  Fresh ginger and garlic are great for adding to home remedies, particularly for colds; just chop finely or grate and add to teas and toddies.

This powerful healing curative should be kept on hand at all times for soothing the skin, the stomach and anything in need of comfort. I have even seen it be used to stanch bleeding in small cuts.

 You need the following:

Dried lavender1 1.2 cups

Dried chamomile 1 ½ cups

Clear quart jar with lid

Cheesecloth

Dark glass for storage

2 cups distilled water

1 cup clear alcohol such as vodka

Fill your clear quart jar to the halfway point with the dried lavender and chamomile. Pour in the alcohol also to the halfway point, Add in the water and seal with the lid securely and shake for a few minutes until it seems well mixed. Store in a dark cupboard for one month, shaking once a day.  After 30 days, strain with cheesecloth into the dark glass storage jar and screw the lid on tightly. The lavender and chamomile leavings will make lovely compost and the liquid tincture will soon prove itself indispensible in your household.

Winter Is Coming Roastie Ritual

Nuts are some of the best food we humans can eat,  tasty, packed with positive proteins and oil. y.

This nearly effortless nut roastie is a great snack for movie night at home, party time and makes a savory appetizer for special meals. Here is what you need:

10 ounces mixed nuts

8 ounces day-old bread

1 medium-sized white onion, chopped

1 ½ cups veggie stock

Soy or tamari sauce

2 ounces unsalted butter

1 teaspoon dried sage

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and start sautéing the onion in the butter until they soften. Mix the nuts together with the bread in a food processor or stir vigorously until blended well, transfer to a large bowl.  Heat the stock to boil and pour into the mixture in the bowl. Stir in the onions. Season as you see fit with salt, pepper and sage. Pour in a tablespoon of the soy or tamari sauces to add zing to your roast and give one last stir. Spoon the roastie mix into a greased baking dish and bake for a half hour. Notice as your kitchen fills with a fantastic aroma. Heating the nuts brings out more of their natural oils and intensifies the flavor. Like herbs and flowers, nuts have magical properties which are mainly to increase love and also feelings of conviviality and peace, thus the name of this dish. When you serve this roastie, you are quite literally “sharing the love.”

 Graceful Connection

Before you enjoy this friendly repast together, hold hands and recite this grace:

Sister, brother, tribe of the soul, ones who care.

Merry may we meet again to share.

Breaking bread and quaffing mead

We draw closer in word and deed.

Blessing of love to all!

WeMoon Sweet Potato Cakes

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love potato cakes;  this recipe adds extra pizzazz to this favorite. 

Hearty and oh-so-healthy, these pancakes make for a marvelous meal for any special occasion would be fantastic to bring to a brunch or a Friendsgiving and might be a fantastic use of leftovers Sweet potatoes are truly beneficial to women’s health and contain estrogen; these tubers are good for you inside and outside as they also give your skin a nice boost. But, their main magic for everyone is that they a vehicle for grounding. Anytime you feel spacey or out-of-sorts or distracted, this food will serve you well, even if you just bake and eat a sweet potato.  For this savory sweet, you will need:

2 large semi-baked sweet potatoes, peeled and grated

1 small onion chopped finely

1 large carrot, grated

2 large semi-baked russet potatoes, peeled and grated

3 eggs

½ cup olive oil

Cup of yogurt

Chives, sage and rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix the potatoes and carrot in a large bowl. Beat the eggs and add to the veggie mixture and mix thoroughly. Grind the rosemary and sage to a very fine powder in your mortar and pestle and add in a tablespoon of the herbs; Salt and pepper to taste. Shape into round balls, enough for 8 mooncakes. Warm the oil slowly until it is nice and hot. Place the balls in the oil and flatten into rounds with a spatula. Cook through until they are golden and beginning to crisp on both sides. Plate up and top with organic yogurt and chives. If you feeling decadent, dollop on grated cheddar and sour cream and enjoy with a circle of friends under the sheen of a bright and holy moon. Blessings to you and your soul tribe!

Calling in Your Guardians and Angels in Times of Trouble

This has been a year of tragedies, loss and a great deal of anxiety. You can ask for help:

 

Calling guides and helpers is easy. Simply say, “Guardians from the light, please come to me and assist me on my healing journey.” You may choose to know them and can say, “Show yourselves to me; let me know your presence.” Sometimes a friend or loved one who has passed away will come, sometimes an old pet will appear, sometimes you may feel a touch on your shoulder or a loving presence. Trust these moments. You can always ask, “Who is with me from the light?” If you feel a strange presence that makes you uncomfortable, ask who it is or simply ask the energy to go to the light and leave your space now. If you are unaware of guides or elders that work with you, there are some exercises later to introduce you to your helpers. Your higher self and other higher beings, such as angels, must be called. They are always present, but to actively work with you they must be invited. I call them like this: “Angels, Archangels, please come and be with me now. I would like your presence with me for this healing. Higher Self, please work with me now.” I also call all my guides and animal allies whenever I create my sacred space. After you have performed your ritual, make sure to express your deep gratitude alng with your goodbyes. I recommend doing this every so often so you know which guardians work best with you.

Blessings to you and yours during these hard times. 

Creating a Crystal Shrine

A stone shrine is your power center in your home.

You can create a place for daily conjuring, rituals, and thinking. This will set the stage for you to focus your ideas and make them grow. Having a shrine in your home allows you to rid yourself of personal obstacles and invite friendly spirits. Your shrine will spark your inner flame and bring daily renewal. The more use an altar gets, the more energy it builds, making your spells even more effective.

Create your shrine on a low table covered in a white scarf. Set rainbow candles in an arc and then add black and white candles. Place a heatproof bowl containing amber incense (good for creativity and healing), and place it in the center of the rainbow, surrounded by quartz. You should also keep a stick of sage or a seashell on your altar for cleansing the space every day.

Prosperity stones should be to the far left on the altar, in the money corner. Romance crystals should sit to the far right on the altar.

The rest of your altar should consist of meaningful, personal symbols. They should reflect your spiritual aspirations. I keep fresh wildflowers in a vase, a statue of a goddess, abalone shells, a magnetite obelisk, and a rock-crystal ball on my altar. An obelisk or pyramid on your altar can be used for writing out desires and wishes. You can use just about anything—photos of loved ones, religious images, and so forth.

With your altar, you can create a bridge between your outer and inner worlds. It can even be a place where you commune with the deepest and most hidden parts of yourself. An altar is where you can honor the rhythms of the season and the rhythms of your own life. An altar is a touchstone, a place to see the sacred and incorporate it into your life each and every day. It can be your special corner of the world where you can rest and connect with your spiritual center. Creating and augmenting your altar every day is one of the most soul-nourishing acts you can do.

Following it a table of different crystals and what their presence on your altar will mean:

Altar Crystal: amazonite, aventurine, carnelian, chrysolite, chrysoprase, citrine, green tourmaline, malachite, yellow fluorite

What They Mean: Creativity

Altar Crystal: amethyst, azurite, celestite, lapis lazuli, moonstone, selenite, smoky quartz, sodalite, star sapphire, yellow calcite

What They Mean: Intuition

Altar Crystal: amethyst, magnetite, rhodochrosite, rose quartz, twinned rock crystals

What They Mean: Love

Altar Crystal: bloodstone, carnelian, citrine, dendritic agate, diamond, garnet, hawk’s-eye, moss agate, peridot, ruby, tiger’s-eye, topaz, yellow sapphire

What They Mean: Prosperity

Altar Crystal: amber, apache tear, chalcedony, citrine, green calcite, jade, jet, smoky quartz

What They Mean: Protection

Altar Crystal: azurite, chalcedony, chrysocolla, green tourmaline, hematite, rutilated quartz, tiger’s-eye

What They Mean: Self-Assurance

Altar Crystal: amber, aventurine, blue jade, dioptase, Herkimer diamond, jasper, kunzite, moonstone, onyx, peridot, quartz, rhodonite

What They Mean: Serenity

Altar Crystal: carnelian, obsidian, quartz, selenite, sodalite, topaz

What They Mean: Success

Altar Crystal: agate, aventurine, bloodstone, calcite, chalcedony, citrine, dioptase, emerald, garnet, orange calcite, ruby, topaz

What They Mean: Vigor

Altar Crystal: emerald, fluorite, Herkimer diamond, moldavite, serpentine, yellow calcite

What They Mean: Wisdom

Diwali: The Cluster of Lights Festival

Diwali, one of the most beloved holidays in all of India, is another delightful moveable feast.

It takes place around mid-November. People will circumnavigate the globe to return home to be with their family during this special time. The Hindus treasure this late-autumn festival week and dress up their homes and themselves. All the streets and windows are brightly lit with special diwali lamps, small ceramic affairs filled with oil and cotton wicks that twinkle like stars, in every home and even on fences, garden walks, and porches.

Diwali is like a New Year, when everyone can start again, forgiving quarrels, wearing new clothes, and starting life anew with a fresh attitude and bright hopes. In the village and mountainous regions of India, bonfires are going strong, warming up the landscape along with fireworks that light up the night skies.

Diwali honors the victory of Rama, an avatar aspect of Vishnu who battled a ten-headed demon that stole Rama’s wife, Sita, with devotional music, lamp-lighting rituals, feasting, games, gambling, gift giving, and special foods, such as sweets, fruits, candies, and pastries that are constructed into temple-like towers.

Diwali Ritual

Diwali offers us the opportunity to vanquish our own demons and start anew. The symbols of light and sweetness are used here to represent the intention to replace resentment and bitterness with hope and balm. Essential elements of this ritual are plenty of candles, a new piece of clothing (such as a scarf) or a new item of jewelry, and a plate of sweet cakes, confections, or candy.

Light as many candles as you can in the room where you are performing this ritual. Create a circle of candles, and create sacred space by having a symbol of each element in your circle: a dish of salt or earth, a cup of water, incense, and a candle. Sit lotus-style in the center of your circle and relax in the flickering candlelight. Feel the center of your circle and relax in the flickering candlelight. Feel the presence of the four elements and the balance thy create. Notice how warm and alive the room feels. Notice how the gentle, flickering candlelight makes you feel safe. Now think back to all the difficult situations you have experienced over the past year and think of the people who have angered or hurt you. Imagine them surrounded by the warm, loving candlelight, and say to each of them, one by one:

I release you. May the lights of Diwali bless you.

As you release each person or situation, visualize their image melting into the candlelight. While the image fades from your mind’s eye, place a bite of the cake or confection in tour mouth. Allow the treat to dissolve, spreading its sweetness across your tongue. Visualize and feel that sweetness spreading through you, counteracting any of the traces of pain or bitterness that might remain. This is the sweetness that your new life holds, untainted by these bitter demons that have held you back.

When you have finished releasing your demons to the light, purify the new piece of clothing or item of jewelry by passing it through the smoke of the incense. Put on your new piece of jewelry of clothing, saying:

With this act, I declare the past gone, and see the future bright with hope.

Stay within your circle of light as long as you desire. Leave some of the cake or sweets as an offering to the gods in thanks for your new life.

Presentation Pendulums and Career Crystals

We all need a boost now and again at work; especially with big moments when you need to shine. 

If you are a creative person getting ready to present your work to the world, you can wear a talisman of your own making to ensure a positive outcome. Many performers, artists, musicians, and other inspired folks have lucky pieces of clothing or some other token that gives them courage to put themselves forth in the best possible manner.\Crystal and gem magic is perfect for creating your own success in this sort of endeavor. Put a talismanic power stone in your pocket or purse and you will have an aura of achievement all around you. When choosing your talisman, keep these pointers in mind:

Red stones, such as garnet, ruby, carnelian, red jasper, and jade, are excellent for attracting positive attention, such as publicity for your recital or poetry reading. For a speech, a performance, a presentation, or a show or your art, wear red jewelry.

Green stones, such as emerald and peridot, are wonderful for realizing your potential for wealth and successful new projects. If you are preparing for a possibly lucrative deal of your creative output—pitching a book or an art opening—you must wear green jewelry.

Blue stones, such as turquoise, topaz, lapis lazuli, and sapphire, help you to see clearly and without obstruction. If you are trying to empower someone to see and share your creative vision, blue gems are right for you.

Heart & Soul Stones for Scorpios

 Scorpio, Second Half: November 7-November 21 

Rhodochrosite is the precious soul stone for later Scorpios. Once called rosinca, or Inca rose, this pink beauty takes its color from iron, magnesium, and calcium. Rhodochrosite corresponds to the planets Mars, Pluto, and the Moon. The gem is formed over a very long period of time under relatively gentle geological circumstances and therefore has a gentle energy that calms the volcanic passions and anger that commonly erupts in Scorpios. As mentioned previously, Scorpios carry so much under the surface in silence. This gem can enable you to express your feelings healthily.

Everybody thinks of amethyst as the February crystal for Aquarians and Pisceans, but it is also the power stone for second-half Scorpios. The purple color related to the purple planet, Pluto. Amethyst can open the love vibration for individuals ruled by this most misunderstood and enormously powerful water sign. Wearing amethyst jewelry and keeping chunks of amethyst crystal in the home and workplace can reveal the sweet, funny, smart, approachable, and lovable side of Scorpios, offering them a much greater chance for happiness.

Scorpios have their heart stone in the very available quartz crystal. Quartz is a tremendous healer, and so are Scorpios, though they rarely receive credit for this latent talent. When a Scorpio puts her mind to something, nothing can stand in the way! By acknowledging and utilizing the healing power of quartz crystal, Scorpios can use their personal power for the good of others and greatly benefit. Surround yourself with this inexpensive heat crystal and feel the love.

Old Thyme Tincture; DIY Herbal Healing

Every kitchen  garden should be strewn with thyme, growing amongst the stones in the path. 

You will need to keep a plentitude growing and several bunches drying in a dark corner of your panty at all times as this plant makes a mighty fine tincture with many medicinal uses. I also suggest you start keeping clean muslin or cheesecloth, big jars and several colored glass bottles and canning jars with lids for storing your handiwork. For this tincture, take one of the larger jars and the following:

1 ¼ cup dried thyme leaves

2 cups apple cider vinegar

Put the dried thyme in the jar and carefully pour the vinegar inside. Stir well and seal. Place on a dark shelf and shake it every day. At the end of the one month, strain through muslin. Compost the thyme residue in your garden and store the tincture in a pretty glass jar.

Having this herbal helper around will come in handy for mouthwashes, hair rinses, ritual baths can even rubs on achy joints and sore muscles. For a cup of thyme tea, add one teaspoon of the tincture into a cup of hot water, add a teaspoon of honey, stir and enjoy.

Magical properties of thyme: use in ritual work to increase strength and courage.

When working hard to achieve a major goal, thyme can be used in spells to help you keep a positive attitude. Place thyme beneath your pillow for a restful sleep and happy dreams and to prevent bad dreams and disruptions. You will attract fairies with thyme in your garden with the heavenly scent!

This Crystal Can Help Deal With the Patriarchy

Cuprite does more than just look pretty; it can help fight the patriarchy!

 

Here is a mineral crystal formed from copper ore. Cuprite can have needle-like crystals of a brilliant red, a true red, inside a nearly black crystal. Cuprite has a spectacular sparkle. It is found most frequently in France, Russia, North America, Germany, Britain, and Australia. In the same way that copper has wonderful health benefits, so does cuprite, helping with concerns in the heart, blood, skin, muscles, and bones. Cuprite stimulates the lower chakra. It is a handy stone to take along on air flights, as it can treat altitude sickness. It also furthers the functions of the bladder and kidneys.

Cuprite has another feature not found in other stones—it can help one deal with male authority figures. This may come, in part, from cuprite’s revelatory power to connect with your past lives. If you have father issues you need to overcome, I strongly suggest this stone. The unusual magic it offers is also good for dealing with male coworkers and bosses. Or even elected officials that seem to do all they can to keep power in their own hands and way from women and minorities. Curprite is a power stone for everyone except the patriarchy!

Hygge Herbal Brews: Healing Teas

We are here in the heart of fall and that is the time our Scandinavian friends suggest we “get hygge,” which means to get as cozy as humanly possible. 

This lovely lifestyle tradition from the frozen north is not just for lazing about, though we greatly appreciate that aspect; it is also a very healthy way of living with sauna sessions, lots of herbal food and drink but also community, which is an immunity booster on its own.  Tea is a mainstay if you want to be healthy and we feel sure wise women and hedge witches in Northern Europe were the first on the hygge bandwagon, So much of our knowledge about herbal teas and tinctures comes from them.  Herbal tea conjures a very powerful alchemy because when you drink it, you take the magic inside. For an ambrosial brew with the power to calm any storm, add a sliver of ginger root and a pinch each of echinacea and mint to a cup of hot black tea. Before you drink, pray:

This day I pray for calm, for health, for clarity

For me and all others.

I pray for the wisdom to see the beauty of each waking moment.

Blessing be. Blessings for all.

Herbal teas can also nourish the soul and heal the body:

Chamomile:

Some call this “sleepytime tea” and they have it right as it a wonderful bedtime blend.

Raspberry Leaf Tea

Reduces mood swings, evens glucose levels, and helps varicose veins.

Nettle

Raises the energy level, boosts the immune system, and is packed with iron and vitamins.

Dandelion root

Grounds and centers, provides many minerals and nutrients, and cleanses the liver of toxins.

Fennel

Awakens and uplifts, freshens the breath, and aids colon health.

Peppermint

This stomach soother also refreshes mental energy, raises spirits and serenity.

Echinacea

Lens an increased and consistent sense of well-being, and prevents colds and flu.

Ginger Root

Calms and cheers while aiding digestion, nausea, and circulation.

Chakra Crystals: Awaken Your Heart and Soul

The concept of chakras originated many thousands of years ago in Asia. 

The ancient philosophers and metaphysicians identified seven main energy centers in the body, with each chakra identified with a color of the rainbow emanating energy affecting the mental, physical, and spiritual balance of every person.  Chakra theory is at the foundation of many Eastern healing practices.  One of the simplest ways to achieve well-being is to place a crystal on the part of the body where a particular chakra is located.  Many people I know credit their clarity and health to chakra therapy.  One sure way to relieve stress and enhance the emotional body is the chakric applilcation of crystals.  A goddessy girlfriend  of mine placed an amber stone in her navel when she was starting a business, and her personal power and drive soared.  These things do work!  Perhaps you might choose a ring for your left left hand with a lovely pink or red stone to open your heart and bring both love and serenity.  Now, it does not get better than that, does it?

Chakra                    Color             Energies                            Corresponding Crystals

7th Chakra,              Violet             Holy bliss; all is one                Diamond, amethyst

Crown

6th Chakra,              Indigo            Perception, intuition                    Lapis lazuli, fluorite

Third eye

5th Chakra,              Blue              Creativity, originality                 Blue quartz, tiger’s eye

Throat

4th Chakra,              Green            Love, abundance,                     Peridot, rose quartz

Heart                                             serenity

3rd Chakra,              Yellow           Personal power, drive   Topaz, citrine, amber

Solar plexus

2nd Chakra,             Orange          Pleasure center                     Carnelian, amber

Sacral

1st Chakra,              Red               Survival, security                     Smoky quartz

Root                                                                                        garnet