Our wise elders from hundreds of years ago knew this very well: herbs, flowers, and many plants, trees, and vegetables bring abundance into your life. They utilized this knowledge to the benefit of their communities and were forward-thinking; many a garden, grove of trees, vineyard, and orchard were planted by our forebears who wanted to provide for their children’s children and future generations. Not only were they ensuring their communities would enjoy the bounty of plentiful fruit, nuts, grapes, and berries, but they were also leaving behind a legacy of beauty and prosperity.
Nature is the ultimate creator. Get an array of seed packets, and plant newness in your life. If your thumb is not the greenest, I suggest nasturtiums, which will grow in any soil and seem to thrive on neglect.
On a new-moon day, draw a square in your yard or planter with a natural wand—a willow branch or an oak stick, for example—and mark each corner with a candle and a stone:
-orange candle and stone for higher intelligence (onyx or jasper),
-green candle and stone for creativity and growth (jade, peridot, or malachite),
-blue candle and stone for serenity and goodness (lapis lazuli, turquoise, or celestite),
-white candle and stone for purification (Herkimer diamond, quartz, or limestone).
Repeat this chant as you light each candle:
“Great Gaia, I turn to you to help me renew,
Under this new moon and in this old earth. Blessed be.”
Poke the seeds under the soil with your fingers and tramp them down with your wand. Gently water your new-moon garden, and affirmative change will begin that very day.
Thomas Edison carried quartz crystals with him at all times and called the stones his dream crystals. He believed they inspired his ideas and inventions. Literary legends George Sand and William Butler Yeats also relied on crystals to help spark their considerable creativity.
Data has also been gathered to show the effectiveness of quartz in certain healing techniques, such as chakra therapy, acupressure, and light-ray therapy, as we will discuss in depth later. But the simplest way to promote healing with crystal is to wear a stone.
Quartz can take the form of great hexagonal stones or of crystals so small that only a microscope can see them. Quartz can appear in clusters or singly. It can also appear in every hue of the rainbow. The gorgeous and varied hues of quartz come from electrostatic energy, which now can be altered through technology. I, however, prefer the simple beauty provided by Mother Nature herself.
Quartz is the largest of the crystal families, and we can be grateful for that since it is such a powerful healer. Moreover, it is an energy regulator for the human body, affecting the vibrations of the aura, or energy field that surrounds all living beings.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Gently simmer one tablespoon of dried and minced ashwagandha root in one cup of water for eight to ten minutes. Strain and sip once or twice a day as a rejuvenating pick-me-up, anti-inflammatory, anxiety reducer, and immunity tonic.
Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
Make a tincture or use the flower essence method in this book and take twenty to forty drops three times a day to relieve menstrual cramps and arthritic pain. Black cohosh can also help perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Boil one cup of water and pour over two teaspoons of calendula petals. Steep this for eight to ten minutes and strain. Once it has cooled enough, you can drink it as a tea, use it as a mouthwash, or gargle with it to reduce any swelling of the mouth or throat. If you make an ointment with calendula, apply it to your skin three times during the day and it will calm irritation.
This commonly used herbal aid is popular for relief of gastrointestinal issues including oral and throat inflammation. It can also be made into a salve to heal the skin and soothe rashes, itching, irritation, and wounds. Remember that any herb can be made into a salve following the Calming Balm: Bay Leaf recipe in Chapter Four. Your family will probably request the comfort of the calendula salve often, so keep it handy.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Dry a palmful of catnip leaves and allow them to steep in a cup of boiling water for five minutes, then strain as you would any loose tea. Honey helps even more, and a cup or two of catnip tea per day will have you in fine fettle, relaxed, and ready. This herb is not just for kitties! We humans can also benefit from it as a remedy for upset tummies as well as a way to diminish worry, anxiety, and nervous tension.
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
How many times did your mom tell you to drink your (usually unsweetened) cranberry juice? Turns out she was right on both counts as straight cranberry juice is very good for bladder health and benefits men’s prostates; two half cups a day, mom’s orders!
Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)
Every herb store or organic grocer will have dried echinacea root for fighting colds and negating respiratory infections. Just mince by the teaspoon and simmer low covered in two cups of boiling water. Sweeten to taste and drink at least a couple of cups a day, echinacea also makes an excellent tincture you can make by following the how-tos herein. It is an amazing immune booster, too!
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra, S. canadensis)
This time-tested medicinal has long been used for guarding against colds and flu. Elderberry flowers have been valued as a tonic for fever for centuries; such fruit extracts have been proven to be noteworthy antivirals, especially to support immunity. Two teaspoons of dried flowers and a cup of boiling water three times a day does the trick. Sweeten with local honey to taste. Or consider cultivating elderberry and making a syrup.
On woodland walks, my Aunt Edie pointed out nettles, wild mint, Queen Anne’s Lace, and other herbs which grew by creek beds near my home. We picked, steeped, and sipped concoctions we made together as she imparted her homely wisdom. Little did I know at the time I was being gently schooled as an apprentice kitchen witch. Lately, I have been called upon to craft spells for peace of mind; so many of us are overwhelmed due to the fragmented lifestyles requiring long hours at work, zillions of emails, texts, tweets, and all the demands that don’t stop coming.
How often do you see a panicky pagan or stressed out herbalist? Rarely, I assure you.
We all have to keep pace with the modern world, but our connection to the earth and the cycles of nature help maintain balance and harmony, despite the hurly-burly of these tech-driven times. This chapter is aimed at conjuring wellness so you can stay centered, grounded, and healthy. When our grandmothers and elders who came before us “tended cuts, bruises, colds, flus, fevers, and other illnesses their family suffered, they didn’t have a corner drugstore. Instead, these wise women relied on simple wisdom, common sense, and pantries well-stocked with herbal remedies. These preparations were made from plants that grew in the kitchen garden or wild weeds gathered in the fields and woods surrounding their homes. This stash of kitchen cupboard cures combines the wisdom of our elders with a modern sensibility. Yes, you will save money, but more importantly, you will begin to learn what works for you and master the art of self-care as you bring much comfort to your loved ones.
Your entryway is where things cross the threshold into your realm. Energy management starts right at the front door. One way to keep a constant vigil on this is by having a Himalayan salt lamp in your front room. Salt is one of Mother Nature’s greatest protectors as it cleanses your environment of ill-omens and bad spirits. These lovely blocks of rosy-hued salt produce negative ions when warm; these ions are the very thing that makes a beach day by the ocean so cheering. A simple DIY way to have your negative ions and enjoy them too is to buy a batch of rock salt chunks at your nearby new age store or even a gourmet shop. Take a metal or wire bowl and center a small light bulb in the bottom of the bowl. Then stack the rock salt over it. You’ll immediately enjoy the soft pink glow of light, and, as the rocks warm up, your mood will begin to lift. As a double benefit, the salt will constantly cleanse the energy in your home and keep it light and bright.
Stones, crystals, and gems are regarded as the purest forms of the earth’s generosity. Whenever you get a new crystal, receive a piece of jewelry with a stone or gem, or decorate your home or garden with rocks and pebbles, show gratitude for these gifts from nature. Simply say, “Thank you, Mother Nature, for this gift.” Your gratitude will be rewarded tenfold, and you will enjoy a shower of crystals and gems in your life from our benefactress Mother Earth, who enjoys getting credit for her good works!
Nature is the ultimate creator. At a nearby gardening store or hardware store, get an assortment of seed packets to plant newness into your life. If your thumb is not the greenest, try a wildflower mix or poppies, which are extremely hardy and will grow quickly and spread, beautifying any area. They reseed themselves, which is a lovely bonus.
On a new moon morning, draw a square in your yard with a “found in nature” wand, a fallen branch. Apartment dwellers can use a planter on a deck or a big pot for this ritual. Each corner of the square needs a candle and a special stone. I get my stones at new age bookstores, which often have the shiny tumbled versions for as little as one dollar. Mark the corners as follows:
Repeat this chant as you light each candle:
Greatest Selene, I turn to you to help me renew,
under this new moon and in this old earth.
Blessings to you; blessings to me.
Blessed be.
Put the seeds under the soil with your fingers and tamp them down gently with your wand, the branch, which you should also stick in the ground at this time. Water your new moon garden and affirmative change will begin in your life that very day.
Is something getting in your way? Do you feel stalled out and overcome with procrastination? To overcome any blocks obstructing your creativity and productivity, you can dispel the negative energy by going for a walk in the nearest park. Find a round, flat rock, six to ten inches wide. This will become an altar supplied directly to you by Mother Nature, and it will have the purest energy. Begin by charging this stone on the full moon at your home altar. Light a white candle for purification, and then place your hand on the stone and chant three times:
Obstacles, take flight!
Goddess of Night, shine bright.
Moon of tonight, you give us delight.
Fill this stone with your light,
imbue it with all your magic and might,
surround it with your protective sight.
So mote it be.
Ideally, you’ll want to perform this spell three times on three consecutive full moons before you begin drawing upon its energy. Like your altar, your stone will be a reservoir you can turn to any time you feel stuck or uninspired. This rock will emanate a quiet power you can draw from whenever you need.
April 2, International Children’s Book Day
April 3, Birthday of the Buddha
April 4, Megalesia in Rome (from 204 BCE), celebrating the mother goddess, Cybele
April 5, Tomb-Sweeping Day in Taiwan, or Quin Ming Jie
April 6, First recorded solar eclipse in history, 684 BCE
April 7, World Health Day
April 8, Hana Matsurei, Flower Festival (Japan)
April 9, Feast of Glory for Baha’i faith
April 10, Anniversary of the first Arbor Day, 1872. Plant a tree!
April 11, Anniversary of when Haley’s Comet was closest to Earth
April 12, Roman festival of Cerealia begins, honoring the grain goddess, Ceres
April 13, International Librarian’s Day
April 14, Songkran Day, Thai New Year
April 15, Fordicia in honor of the Roman goddess Tellus
April 16, Anniversary of Gandhi’s “Prayer and Fasting Day,” 1919
April 17, Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia, deposing Communism
April 18, Friendship day in Brazil
April 19, Saint Dunstan’s Day, Joan of Arc is declared a saint in 1909
April 20, Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, circa 571 BCE
April 21, International Creativity Day
April 22, Earth Day
April 23, World Book Day
April 24, Astronomy Day
April 25, Festival of Robigalia, for the Roman goddess Robigus who protected crops from mildew
April 26, Birthday of Leonardo de Vinci (1452), painter
April 27, Freedom Day in South Africa
April 28, Floralia, the festival celebrating Flora, the Roman flower goddess
April 29, Greenery Day in Japan
April 30, Walpurgisnacht in Germany, May Eve
In April, many cultures honor the continuing growth seen in nature with such festivals as the Christian Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of the crucified Christ. This theme of resurrection is found in the mythology of many cultures, including Celtic mythology. In the spring, the Green Man, an avatar of the forests and fields, rises from his autumnal grave to stand tall once more.
Goddess of Night, moon of tonight,
Fill this stone with your light,
Imbue it with all your magic and might,
Surround it with your protective sight.
So mote it be.
Ideally, you’ll want to perform this spell three times on three consecutive full moons before you begin drawing upon its energy. Like your altar, your stone will be a reservoir you can turn to any time you feel stuck or uninspired. Make a pilgrimage to it when you require creative rejuvenation.
The following list of herbs can be used in ritual work whose intention is prosperity. Try these alone of in mixtures, tinctures, or incense. You can also plant a prosperity garden and refresh your abundance altar with herbs and flowers grown by your own hand.
Prosperity herbs include: allspice, almond, basil, bergamot mint, cedar, cinnamon, cinquefoil, clove, clover, dill, ginger, heliotrope, honeysuckle, hyssop, jasmine, myrtle, nutmeg, oak moss, orange, peppermint, pine sage, sassafras, vervain, and woodruff.
There are many reasons to create personal altars, and four of those reasons are the seasons of the year. You altar helps you to maintain balance in your life and deepens your spiritual connection to the world around you. A seasonal altar is your tool for ceremonies to honor Mother Nature and connect with the deeper wisdom of the earth. A seasonal altar enshrines the natural world and blends the energies of flowers, stones, shells, leaves, and any and all gifts of the season. I think of my seasonal altar as the middle ground between earth and sky, the meeting point of the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. Creating a seasonal altar is a life-affirming act. It is my way of honoring our ecology and our planet.
Spring
You can create a wonderful outdoor altar for spring by planning two seasons ahead and planting tulip or hyacinth bulbs in a circle. When the flowers begin to bud, place an image or statue in the center. It could be a bust of the Greek youth, Hyacinth, immortalized in myth and in the gorgeous flower itself. Throughout the spring, you can stand inside your circle and pray or chant for the rebirth of the world all around you.
Summer
During this season of sun and heat, th fullness of life and growth can be celebrated with colors of yellow, green, and red. As you travel on vacation, bring back shells and stones and create an altar devoted to this season of joy.
Fall
The leaves are now falling and the harvest is here, calling for a gratitude altar that reflects the bounty and continuance of live. An arrangement of pumpkins, acorns, multicolored branches, and a handsome bouquet of leaves will honor the natural changes that characterize autumn.
Winter
White and blue represent snow and sky. Star-shaped candles and a bare branch on your altar symbolize this time to go within, explore the inner reaches of self, and draw forth the deepest wisdom for the coming spring. In The Blessed Bee, a Pagan family magazine, Selene Silverwind writes on the subject of setting up a candle-free children’s altar. She emphasizes the importance of changing the altar for every season and holy day, specifically for Samhain, our modern- day Halloween, and Yule, the precursor to our Christmas. In so doing, Silverwind points out that you are “teaching children to connect with faith at a deep level,” helping them participate in their religion in a physical way instead of trying to stand quietly at a ritual. You are also teaching them the meaning of the seasons and how they affect us.
Outdoor altars are usually of a temporary nature—the beach is a wonderful place to set up a one-day altar on driftwood with seaweed and shells. There, unless the beach is too crowded, you can commune with the water deities and seek your deepest reaches of spirit. Forest, farm, and meadow offer earth and sky and the sanctity of nature in which to build your altar.
In Athens during the classical period, the lane leading to the temple dedicated to the god Dionysus was called the Avenue of Tripods because it was lined with small tripod altars; this was a holy road indeed. Tripod originates in the Greek word meaning “three footed,” and these altars functioned as the sites of offerings. A three-footed altar is more practical for outdoor use than a regular four-legged table because it is stable on uneven ground. For your outdoor rituals, therefore, it’s best to acquire a tripod that will provide a steady surface for your ritual work performed out in the holy realm of Nature.
At Delphi, the revered oracular center, the Pythoness and her sisters prophesied from the sacred seat of power, a tripod.
Want to get away from the chemicals, foaming agents, and synthetic fragrances found in most laundry detergents? Using a box grater to grate a bar of pure natural soap into a powder. Freeze the soap for super-fast grating, and then mix the grated powder with one cup of Borax, one cup of washing soda, and a few drops of lemon juice (optional) for cold and warm water loads. Use one to two tablespoons per load.
Thyme in the garden attracts bees, and honey made by these “thymely bees” is highly sought after. If you can come by this rarity, get as much as you can as it is redolent with Mother Nature’s love and enchantment. The ancient Greeks prized thyme honey very highly not only as a delicacy at the table but as a miracle salve to heal everything: the stomach, aches and pains, and even wounds. Hippocrates swore by it!
Massage bars should look, smell, and feel luxurious. Cocoa butter is beloved for its delicious chocolate scent. I also recommend shea butter or mango butter as other options, for they are also sumptuous. You will need:
Slowly heat the beeswax, almond oil, and cocoa butter in a double boiler over low heat until just melted, then remove from heat. Add essential oil when mixture has cooled slightly and stir it in well. Pour into soap molds and cool until hardened, approximately two hours. Place in freezer for a few minutes before popping the bars out of the molds. To use, rub massage bar on the skin—the warmth of the skin immediately melts the bar. Package your handmade massage bar in a pretty lined basket and give it as a thoughtful gift.
The goddess of orchards is Pomona, who is a protector of nature associated with love and beauty. You will be protecting your lovely locks by creating this simple yet effective DIY conditioner.
Mix both ingredients in a bowl and pour over freshly shampooed hair. Gently massage into your hair and scalp and leave for a few moments before rinsing. It’s remarkable how well these two components work to clean and condition your hair. You save a mind-boggling amount of money, and your hair and your home will be healthier. After a couple of months of DIY hair love, your hair will be shockingly shiny. Place an apple on your altar, and offer your thanks to the goddess Pomona for her generosity and guardianship of fruit orchards around the world.
