G is for Good Health: Garlic, Ginseng and Ginger Are GREAT For You!

Keep these healing herbs handy at all times! Not only are the tasty but they add to savory dishes and are powerful natural medicine. Garlic, ginger and ginseng are the gggreat for you and your family:

Garlic (Allium sativum)

 We have all heard that the Chinese praise garlic for the health benefits. It is a powerful antimicrobial; often employed to combat colds, ease sinus congestion, and stave off digest problems that accompany traveling. It has even been shown that regular use can help gently lower blood pressure. 1 to 2 fresh cloves are the dose. It is, of

Ginger  (Zingiber officinale)

From tummy troubles to colds and flus ginger is beloved for its curative powers. Any green grocer or herbal apothecary will have plenty or ginger root in stock which you should always have around. When anyone in your family feel nauseous or a cold or fever coming, slice and mince a tablespoon of the root in a cup of hot water for tea. Steep to taste and drink twice a day for a surprisingly swift end to your suffering.

Ginseng  (Panax quinquefolius; P. ginseng)

Many people rely upon ginseng to relieve and avert mental and physical fatigue. This herb has been shown to reduce the occurrence and acuteness of colds.  Some even claim it can help with issues of male virility. Either dried or fresh will do 3 times a day simmered in a cup of freshly boiled water for 8 to 10 minute.

Witch Crafts: Light My Fire DIY Massage Candles

Making massage candles is very similar to making any other type of potted candle  I recommend using soy wax as it is soooo gentle on the skin . Soy wax is also nice and soft; it melts easily and stays together in a puddle after melting and can be reused for us thrifty crafters. If you have an allergy to soy (and it won't irritate your skin unless you have a soy allergy,) you can use beeswax instead which is very widely used. (For example, it is in nearly every single Burt’s Bees product.)  It is the addition of the oils that prevents it from hardening again and also enables your skin to absorb it. Essential oils or cosmetic-grade fragrance oils are also added to create a soothing atmosphere. All soap-making fragrances that are also soy candle safe are perfect choices for scenting your massage candles. Try the basic directions below to make your first candle. For every three ounces of wax, you'll add one ounce of liquid oil, and one-quarter ounce of fragrance. I suggest making two candles in 4-ounce metal tins while you master this craft.

You will need these elements:

·        2 ounces sweet almond oil or vitamin E oil

·        6 ounces high quality soy wax

·        Half an ounce scentful essential oil

·        2 4 ounce metal tins

·        2  6-inch candle wicks

Directions

1.     Melt the soy wax and oil in a double boiler over simmering water.

2.     Add the essential oils and stir gently to avoid bubbling or spilling

3.     Once the wax has cooled somewhat but is still melted enough to pour, place the wicks in your containers and pour the wax.

4.     Allow several hours for the candles to set and harden

5.     Trim the wicks to one quarter of an inch above the top of the candle, and they're ready to use.

Sensual Scents for Massage Candles:

These essential oils are beloved for their aphrodisiac properties and simply smell wonderful on your skin and in your home. Just burning the candles will be magical! Once you are a pro with making massage candles, try combining oils. Vanilla and amber, "Vamber" is divine. 

Amber            Cedarwood

Clary sage      Jasmine

Neroli             Patchouli

Rose                Sandalwood

Vanilla            Vetiver

Ylang ylang    Cinnamon

Connecting With Your Spirit Animal: Midsummer Ritual

Oftentimes, messages come with animals, either live or in spirit vision. If this happens to you, you should study the meaning of this animal, as it may well become your personal totem or power animal. Bear in mind, too, that your animal totem might be a real surprise. You may be a 300-pound linebacker, and your totem might be a mouse. Remember, the totem picks you; you don’t pick the totem.

 

I was surprised when my spirit animal totem first came to me. For whatever reason, I thought I was not a nature girl. I did a personal vision quest, and while a trip to an exotic place such as the Amazon jungle was not in my immediate plans, I felt I could definitely journey to the shore and make it a spiritual trek. Between Santa Cruz and San Francisco, there is a wonderful national park by the Pacific Ocean called Big Basin. Big Basin features a waterfall with a very large creek that flows down a mountain directly into the ocean. For sheer physical beauty and drama, Big Basin is nearly unmatched. The waterfall is a “word of mouth” phenomenon that only occurs after the rainy season. If you go at any other time, the waterfall is dry and, for all intents and purposes, simply does not exist. I decided that, for my purposes, I could experience a little of the magic Terrence wrote about.

So I set off on the seven-mile journey up the mountain to find Berry Creek Falls. Because I was hit by a drunk driver some years back and suffered physical trauma, I am not a hiker. But I was extremely motivated to try, and the beauty of the spring day I had selected for my vision quest was sheer joy to behold. Through flowering spring trees, the singing brook, and a lush green landscape, I felt like I had rediscovered Eden all by myself. After about five miles, my ankle, which had been smashed in the accident, was begging me for a respite. I moved down the bank of the big creek and dipped my throbbing leg into the cool water. It felt so good, and I was so hot and hungry, that it seemed absolutely essential that I plunge into the creek. I think I lay in the water for at least two hours, and I felt an enormous sense of release there. I wept, letting go of deep emotions as the water flowed around me. Lichen, moss, leaves, and some small sticks caught in my hair, but these only added to my sense that I was getting closer to nature. I was in my element and very glad of it.

Eventually, I became aware of the world outside my mossy mermaid creek bed. It was getting late and, lacking flashlight or fire, I could either wash out to sea or return to the world and my life. Refreshed, a little more lucid, and a lot hungrier, but with no distinct vision, it seemed that it was going to take another trip for me to get any real enlightenment.

I started the journey of several miles down the incline, deep in thought. After a few minutes I noticed that I was not the only one walking in the woods. I stopped, and the other footsteps stopped, too. I started and the other footsteps started again. The steps were very close. It seemed that someone or something was walking just off to my left, practically beside me. I started to get frightened; being followed was not in my vision quest plans!

Carefully and quietly, I turned to look in the dimming light. To my utter amazement, there was a young female deer walking beside me. We looked at each other, and I am not sure who was more frightened. We walked together and soon grew fairly comfortable with each other’s presence. I touched her and she didn’t flinch or run away. This was miraculous. I marveled that she remained at my side. I grew up in West Virginia, where deer simply don’t “hang out” with humans. I came to realize that this doe was my animal totem. She picked me, and definitely let me know that she was there for me, escorting me down the mountain from my vision quest. At the end of the grassy hill, before it became sand and beach, she turned, and with a long gaze gave me her goodbye. I was practically shaking with excitement and an indescribable bursting feeling inside.

All those Native American teachings I had heard were completely real and true. Never again did I doubt the veracity of vision and spirit from the elders.

The realm of the spirit is there. It’s just waiting for you to walk in.

Stone in Love: Crystal Magic for Romantic Bliss

As is well known, the ring finger on the left hand symbolizes a direct connection to your heart and serves as the love center. The ring finger also symbolizes creativity, and wearing an emerald will inspire ingenuity. Wearing tiger’s-eye or cat’s-eye will also help you meet creative goals. Wearing turquoise on this finger helps with practicality in your work and art. Traditionally, diamonds are worn on the left ring finger for deep and loyal love ties. A moonstone will also express your love. An opal shows service to your community and to the world. A ruby helps with serenity—both within and without.

Crystals and Gems for Love:

Chrysocolla increases the capacity for love, one of the sweetest and most beneficial qualities any stone can offer. But my favorite feature of chrysocolla is that it tells you when to be silent and when to speak. It doesn’t get better than that!

Emerald is also a heart stone, offering benefits on physical and emotional planes. I prefer emeralds above all other stones for engagement rings. This is your ultimate gem for happiness in a relationship. In fact, emerald has been called the stone of successful love and can engender utter felicity, total loyalty, and domestic bliss in a willing couple. The emerald is at its most powerful if worn as a pinkie—or ring—finger ornament or in a bracelet on the right wrist. But wearers, be warned! Do not wear emerald at all times or its super-positive force starts to reverse. A little emerald luck goes a long way.

Red garnets are love stones. These sexy stones can help those with a lethargic libido tune into their passion.

Herkimer diamonds are power tones, bringing great vitality and exuberance into your life. They can redirect stress away from you with their absorptive abilities. Placing these rocks in your bedroom will cause the stress to melt away and help you relax and feel safe.

Kunzite is indeed a spirit-lifting, soothing stone and helps neutralize stress and prevent worry and fear. This pink stone can help you control your thoughts and have the ability to detach yourself from what burdens you. Kunzite is a heart opener and creates the condition for love. It is also beneficial to the blood and circulatory system. Kunzite can help anyone with problems. Kunzite is another of the environmental stones that can absorb back harmful radio waves. It will also help you feel and express your love for your significant other without feeling possessive and jealous.

The Herbalist’s Astrological Almanac: The Healing Wisdom of Plants

The Herbalist’s Astrological Almanac – Plant Healing  Wisdom

Plants carry potent energy you can use to amplify your magical workings. Use the signs of the sun, moon and stars to your advantage and, over time, you will come to know which ones are most effective for you. Make sure to use your own astrological chart in working with these herbs.  Here is a guide to the astrological associations of plants you may grow in your kitchen garden or keep dried in your pantry:

Aries, ruled by Mars: carnation, cedar, clove, cumin, fennel, juniper, peppermint and pine.

Taurus, ruled by Venus: apple, daisy, lilac, magnolia, oak moss, orchid, plumeria, rose, thyme, tonka bean, vanilla and violet.

Gemini, ruled by Mercury: almond, bergamot, mint, clover, dill, lavender, lemongrass, lily and parsley

Cancer, ruled by the Moon: eucalyptus, gardenia, jasmine, lemon, lotus, rose, myrrh and sandalwood

Leo, ruled by the Sun: acacia, cinnamon, heliotrope, nutmeg, orange and rosemary

Virgo, ruled by Mercury: almond, cypress, bergamot, mint, mace, moss, thyme and patchouli

Libra, ruled by Venus: catnip, marjoram, mugwort, spearmint, sweet pea, thyme and vanilla

Scorpio, ruled by Pluto: allspice, basil, cumin, galangal and ginger

Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter: anise, cedar wood, sassafras, star anise and honeysuckle

Capricorn, ruled by Saturn: lemon thyme, mimosa, vervain and vetiver

Aquarius, ruled by Uranus: gum, citron, cypress, lavender, spearmint and pine

Pisces, ruled by Neptune: clover, orris, neroli, sarsaparilla and sweet pea

Seasoned gardeners knows that the best ingredients can be found in your kitchen or your own backyard. Many plants now thought of as weeds have great healing powers and magical properties. Most of the herbs and essential oils in this book have become quite commonplace. With the plethora of aromatherapy products now available, most oil essences and scented candles can be bought commercially. For the more unusual ingredients, try your local health food market, herbalist, or metaphysical store.

Garden Your Way to Happiness: Planting Positive Energy

The moon is now in Scorpio, a perfect time to head to the nursery and get these witchy wonders:

For dispelling negative energy, plant heather, hawthorn, holly, hyacinth, hyssop, ivy, juniper, periwinkle and nasturtiums.

For healing, plant sage word sorrel, carnation, onion, garlic, peppermint and rosemary.

Farming and working with plants is guided by the moon and should take place during the waxing moon in the signs of Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces, Capricorn and Taurus.

Steeped in Wisdom: Teas Calm the Mind and Heal the Body

Different kinds of tea can combine to make a powerful concoction. A pot of your favorite grocer’s black tea can become a magical potion with the addition of a thin slice of ginger root, a pinch of dried chamomile and the same amount of peppermint tea. This ambrosial brew can calm any storm at home or at work.

Herbal tea nourishes the soul, heals the body and calms the mind. Try these:

Blackberry leaf tea reduces mood swings, evens glucose levels aiding in weight management. This miraculous herbal even helps circulation and such issues as inflammation and varicose veins. It is helpful to cancer patients and is believed to be a preventative.

Cardamom is a favorite of expectant mothers everywhere as it calms nausea and morning sickness; this East India fragrant is excellent for digestion, clears and cleans your mouth and throat. Anyone who likes cinnamon will love cardamom.

Nettle raises your energy level, boosts the immune systems and is packed with iron and vitamins.

Fennel is excellent for awakening and uplifting and is excellent for digestion and cleansing. Fennel also is a natural breath freshener.

Catnip is one of the witchiest of teas and is not only grown as fun for your feline familiar. At the first inkling of a sore throat or impending cold, drink a warm cup of catnip tea, and head off to bed and you will awaken feeling much better. Catnip soothes the nervous system and can safely help get a restless child off to sleep. Catnip is a gentle but potent sleep-inducer

Echinacea lends an increased and consistent sense of well-being and prevents colds and flu. It is a very powerful immune booster.

Ginger Root calms and cheers while aiding digestion, nausea and can also fend off coughs and sore throats.

Dandelion root grounds and centers, provides many minerals and nutrients. This wonderful weed is also a cleanser and a wholly natural detoxifier.

Psychic Protection Herbs: Guarding Your Personal Energy

We have all encountered them, those people who drain your energy. They are usually quote unaware they are doing it but you still need to counteract. Above all, it is important to make sure your home is a safe haven where you can live in harmony, rest, enjoy yourself with your loved ones and, above all, recharge and refresh so you can go out and conquer the world at work. 

This herabl recipe will safeguard you and your family from psychic vampires and from outside influences that could be negative or disruptive.

Timing:

Simmer this mixture whenever you feel the need to infuse your home and heart with the energies of protection.

Supplies:

¼ cup rosemary

4 bay laurel leaves

1 tablespoon basil

1/8 cup sage

1 teaspoon dill weed

1/8 cup cedar

1 drop garlic oil

1 teaspoon juniper berries

Directions:

1.     Mix the herbs, oil, and berries together by hand. While you are doing this, close your eyes and visualize yourself and your space protected by a boundary of glowing white light. Imagine that the light runs through you to the herbs in your hand and charges them with the energy of safety, sanctity, and protection.

2.     Add the mixture to a pan filled with simmering water. When the aromatic mist and steam start to rise, intone aloud:

By my own hand, I have made this balm;

This divine essence contains my calm.

By my own will, I make this charm;

This precious potpourri potion protects all from harm.

With harm to none and health to all, blessed be!

Rose Hips: Mother Nature’s Multivitamin

A rose is a rose is a rose hip!

Once a rose has bloomed and all petals have fallen away, the hip is ready to be picked.   Ground rose hips are the best source of immune-boosting vitamin C; they contain 50% more vitamin C than oranges. One tablespoon provides more than the recommended daily adult allowance of 60 mg. The pulp from rose hips may be used in sauces or made into jelly. What a delicious way to ward off colds and ailments!

Very Vanilla Sugar Scrub: The Perfect Gift

Sugar scrubs exfoliate the skin while helping it stay nourished with moisture. This recipe could not be simpler yet is a delightfully decadent DIY scrub in the tub.

All you need are four simple ingredients:

¼ cup brown sugar

¼ cup white sugar

¼ cup organic olive oil

6 to 8 drops Vanilla essential oil

Grab a small bowl and measure out equal parts white sugar and brown sugar. Start with 1/4 cup of each type of sugar. Mix sugars together thoroughly using a wooden spoon. Now, add in the olive oil — the amount used depends on your taste. Do use enough oil, though, to coat the sugar well and create a pliable texture. Lastly, add in a few drops of vanilla; I go with at least 6 drops. You can also try variations on the recipe with all brown sugar and other essential oils. My absolute favorite is equal parts vanilla oil and amber oil which I call “vamber.” It is great to get ready for a date night out on the town.  You will look and feel like the goddess of love herself.

This also makes a spectacular gift in a pretty lidded jar. Your mother would love it!

Make Your Own Body Healing Bath Salts

Since the time of the ancients in the Mediterranean and Mesopotamia, salts of the sea combined with soothing oils have been used to purify the body by way of gentle ritualized rubs. From Bathsheba to Cleopatra, these natural salts have been used to smooth the skin and enhance circulation, which is vital to overall body health since skin is the single largest organ in the human body.  Dead Sea salts have long been a popular export and are readily available at most health food shops and spas. You can make your own salts, however, and not only control the quality and customized the scent, but save money, too. The definitive benefit that is far and above the cost savings is that you can imbue your concoction with your intention, which is absolutely imperative when you are self-healing.

 Garden of Eden Bath Salts

This simple recipe recalls the scents and primal memories of that Edenic paradise.

3 cups Epsom salts

½ cup sweet almond oil

1 tablespoon glycerin

4 drops ylang-ylang essential oil

2 drops jasmine essential oil

Mix well and store in a colored and well-capped glass bottle. Prepare for the ritual rub by lighting citrus and rose-scented candles. Step out of your clothes and hold the salts in the palms of your hand. 

Gifts from Mother Earth to Give Your Mother: DIY Crystal Charm Choker

This “floating” crystal choker seems magical because the gems appear to hover around the lovely neck all by themselves. And maybe sometimes they do! The secret, aside from the magical gems, is the invisible thread, easily obtained at any craft store. The purpose of the Crystal Charm Choker is to make you the wearer simply irresistible to whomever you wish to attract. You may well want to craft one for yourself while you are at it, Wake your boyfriend up with this enchanted choker, or hit the town with your friend and notice how a crowd develops around YOU!

You’ll need these ingredients: twenty-one crystal beads, 22 inches of invisible thread, a lobster-claw clasp, and glue.

First, tie one end of the invisible thread to the loop in the lobster-claw clasp, also readily available at any craft store and most jewelry stores. Knot the thread twice, add a drop of glue, and allow the thread to dry. Clip off the extra thread after the glue has dried. Then, string three beads onto the thread about three-quarters of an inch from the clasp and tie a knot in the thread beside the beads. Repeat until you have used all the beads. There will be seven groups of three, and each group of crystals should be evenly separated. At the last bead, tie the end of the thread to the clasp ring.

Here are a few irresistible crystals to consider using in your choker:

-Amazonite makes you hopeful.

-Amber boosts your spirits—you will feel good!

-Aventurine creates good opportunities.

-Banded agate attracts a lover of strength and courage.

-Brown jasper makes you confident and emotionally secure.

-Opal enhances beauty and makes you more psychic.

-Pearl augments femininity.

Announcing Middle Earth Magic!

I am thrilled to let you know that I wrote my first blog post for PaganSquare so plesae check it out!

http://witchesandpagans.com/pagan-culture-blogs/middle-earth-magic/rings-of-power.html

Anxiety Reduction Spell: Ocean of Calm Essential Oil Blend

No doubt about it, we live in anxious times. Here's something you can do about it. Pour 4 ounces of  almond, sesame ir any unscented base oil into a blue bottle. Now add two drops each of neroli, chamomile, and rose, preferably Turkish rose. Shake together. Take an orange and place it beside a lit lavender candle you have anointed with the potion. Chant aloud:

By my own hand, I made this balm.

This divine essence contains my calm.

By my own will, I made tis charm;

This precious potion protects from all harm.

With harm to none and health to all.

Blessed be.

Anoint your pulse points –your wrists, throat, and heart, behind the ear lobes and behind the knees – with the unguent and bask in a sea of calm.

For reducing anxiety, or if you need a quick pick-me-up, these essential oils are excellent:

Frankincense-marjoram-hyssop

Neroli (Orange Blosson) – Jasmine- nutmeg

Lemon-rose-lime—valerian

Mandarin-ylang-ylang

Chamomile Calm

I hope you have a patch of chamomile growing in your witch’s garden. This lovely, aromatic herb will reward you many times over by “volunteering” to grow in every crack and crevice once you’ve given it a start. The delicious tea from this plant will inspire sweet dreams, calm your nerves, soothe and tone your skin, and ease a tummy ache. A symbol of energy and patience, sacred to the Saxons, and treasured by both Egyptians and Romans, this most loyal of garden herbs is “The flower of equilibrium.”

While brewing this mildest of teas, chant this medieval charm:

With bounteous hand and the healthful balm,

Oh scentful chamomile, most verdrous herb,

Bring me health and heart.

Drink in the scented steam and look for increased insight the rest of the day.