More about the Mercury Retrograde

Good Morning again. Let's talk a bit more about Mercury Retrogrades. Mirriam-Webster's on-line dictionary says:
Main Entry: 1ret·ro·grade Pronunciation: 're-tr&-"grAdFunction: adjectiveEtymology: Middle English, from Latin retrogradus, from retrogradi1 a (1) : having or being motion in a direction contrary to that of the general motion of similar bodies and especially east to west among the stars (2) : having or being a direction of rotation or revolution that is clockwise as viewed from the north pole of the sky or a planet > b (1) : moving, occurring, or performed in a backward direction (2) : occurring or performed in a direction opposite to the normal or forward direction of conduction or flow


Now, I'm sure that there are real Astronomers out there who could give you a much more technical, well-defined explanation of what the Retrogrades are, but I am just going to tell you about the effects of Mercury Retrogrades as they apply to us as a Magical People. Before you can understand what the effect of Mercury in Retrograde has on you, you really should know what the general aspects of the planet Mercury when it is Direct.
One of the areas of our lives that Mercury affects is communications - with others, ourselves, and Spirit. The speed and accuracy of mundane communications - how well-understood and how swiftly received are our messages to one another is really important on both Mundane and Magical levels. It's important that we are able to communicate effectively with one another in our day-to-day lives. It's also important that we understand the constant, often subliminal messages that we send to ourselves. That's just if you are a 'regular Joe'. Then, of course, the ability to communicate on a Spiritual level is critical. So you can see how vastly important, as Magical People, it is to know how to use the aspects of the planet Mercury to our advantage.
Mercury in Retrograde, quite simply, puts a RE-verse spin on all those things. That does not mean that you will be totally incapable of communication. But it does mean that you must be more careful in the way that you word things, careful as to the timing of your messages, etc. Now, there are people I know who just let Mercury in Retrograde screw up everything. But it doesn't have to be that way at all. You just have to be more aware of how, when, what, and to whom, you communicate. No, it's not very wise to start any sort of contractual, legal, or official communications during a Mercury Retrograde. But if you have no choice in the timing of the transaction, you should, at least, be able to affect the method and manner of that communication. For me, an important benefit of being a Magical person is the ability to distinguish whether or not I can (or should) affect a Mundane situation. And whether or not Mercury is Retrograde is really important on that level. After all, if I am ineffectual on the Mundane level - how can I possibly expect to be effective on the Magical level of my life?
Another area of life affected by the planet Mercury is travel. Journeys of all kinds are affected by Mercury. So, whether it is a trip to Disney World with the kids or Astral Projection, exercise more caution than usual when Mercury is in Retrograde!
When Mercury is Retrograde, the "RE" words are very useful. While you won't want to start something new, you might want to RE-start something that is old or out-of-date. Some situation that, for whatever reason, you have put on a back burner. Mercury Retrogrades are a good time to RE-evaluate existing situations, and even to RE-verse a negative situation! After all, if Retrograde is about RE-versing the actual spin of the planet - then why not use that RE-versal of energy to take what has been, up to now, a negative energy to turn it into a positive energy? Well, that's it about Mercury Retrogrades for now. So on to the herbs and their Magical properties!


Cumin:
Fidelity, protection, and exorcism. The seed is said to prevent the theft of any object which contains it. Burn with frankincense for protection. Scatter on the floor alone or with salt to drive out evil. Use in love spells to promote fidelity. Steep in wine to make love potions.

Cypress:
Associated with death and mourning; stimulates healing and helps overcome the pain of loss. Calmness and tranquility. Hang in the home for protection. Burn crushed cypress wood for aid in understanding grief and death or to aid in divination. Wear or carry at funerals to ease the mind and minimize grief. Useful at any time of crisis. Also Called: Tree of Death I have found it useful in "crossing over" or "transitioning" Workings


Daisy:
Love, luck, and innocence. Associated with babies and newborn infants. Incorporate into baby blessings & Wiccanings or to bring protective Magic into a baby's sleeping area. Wear or carry to draw love.
Also Called: Bairnwort, Bruisewort, Eyes, Field Daisy, Maudlinwort, Moon Daisy

Damiana:
Lust, sex magic and attracting love. Useful for any love or sex spells. Used by solitary practitioners to open the chakras and increase psychic abilities. It is said that this herb should be stored in a container with a quartz crystal. Highly useful in tantra magic, astral travel, deep meditation, and spirit quests. Note: Internal use of this herb can be toxic to the liver.
Also Called: Love Leaf, Mexican Damiana A personal favorite of mine when used in Gris-Gris Bags to make the wearer more love-able (to self as well as others)


Okay, I think I'm done for now. Don't forget to help me make this Blog more useful and interesting to you by entering the comment area and leaving your suggestions and opinions or questions. I will answer privately if you leave your email.
May your day be Blessed!

See, I told you I'd be back later.
And now, the herbs and their Magical properties:


Devil's Shoestring:
Protection, luck, attracting a new raise or job, giving control over opposite sex, and invisibility. Carry in the pocket while seeking employment, if you are having problems at work, or if you are asking for a raise.
Also Called: Black Haw, Stagbush, American Sloe


Dragon's Blood:
Protection, energy, and purification. Burn as an incense to increase the potency of a spell. Has strong banishing powers against negative influences and bad habits. A pinch under the mattress is believed to prevent impotency. Used as a form of magical ink. Carry or sprinkle around the home or place of business to drive away negativity. Carry or wear for good luck.
Also Called: Blood, Blume, Calamus Draco, Dragon's Blood Palm. I have always found it to be a great 'booster' to any spell! Smoked in large amounts, is reported to have hallucinogenic propertied, but smoking that much Dragon's Blood would be extremely toxic!



Elder:
Sleep, releasing enchantments, protection against negativity, wisdom, house blessing and business blessing. Elder flowers are useful in dream pillows. Wear to provide protection against evil, negativity, attackers, and the temptation to commit adultery. Used in rites of death & dying to protect the loved one during transport to the Otherworld. **CAUTION: Elder leaves, bark, roots, and raw berries are poisonous. DO NOT INGEST!!! do not burn as incense -inhalation toxic as well!!!**


Well, that's all on the herbs for today.
It's the New Moon today, but don't forget - today is also the day Mercury goes Retrograde! Don't fight it - work with the energy! Great time to Re-new (not start new) efforts in you're own behalf, or to Re-arrange things - in your house, your heart or your mind!
Blessings of the Universe to you and yours!

Early Morning Thoughts

I think it's a wonderful thing that more and more people are becoming aware of the law of Karma and other enlightened ideas. However, I also see the old truth "a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing", becoming more and more evident at the same time. Many people have not gone far enough in the study of Karma and what it truly means. They don't know that as soon as you do something good only because you will get something good back, you have defeated yourself. It is the deed done with a joyful heart that is rewarded by Karma. If you do a thing because you are going to be paid, (no matter what method of payment), it is no longer a good deed. You have turned it into a job.That which is done with no expectation of reward or payment of any kind is what is multiplied and sent back to you. And that which is done with a grudging heart looses some of its' value. Random acts of kindness, done for no other reason than it needs doing are what is multiplied and returned.
Just a few 'Early Morning Thoughts'. I'll be back later to post the herbs and their magical uses.
Blessings to all of you!

Your Mind is a Magical Tool

The strongest, most powerful tool we have as a magical people, is the Spirit working through us. The Spirit works through our hearts and our minds all the time, whether we realise it at the time or not. And that is why it is important to hone our visualization skills. If you can build it in your mind, then -with the Spirit's help of course - you can build it in the mundane world. So, how we dream and visualize our lives is very important. I've always said that the Universe will give you what you ask for - just be careful that what you ask for is what you truly want, because the Universe can be quite literal. So, when asking the Universe for your desire, word it carefully. Don't ask that you never have any bills to pay - you may find yourself evicted from your apartment and unable to find another - because rent, after all, is a bill that needs paying! And , please, whatever you do, don't ever ask for patience. You may just find that the Universe sends you more reasons to be patient! Instead, ask for the ability to understand and deal with (in a timely fashion), the situation in question.
In your visualizations, concentrate more on the outcome, rather than the manner in which it is to be attained.Sometimes, without realizing it, we limit the Universe in the way it gives us what we ask for. For example, if you need $500 to pay the rent, visualize yourself talking pleasantly wit your landlord as you pay the rent on time. Don't do a spell to win the money or find it in the street. Otherwise, while you're out looking in the gutter for the money, you may miss the phone call that would give you the job that will allow you to earn the money! Well, more on that later, right now, let's move on to the herbs.


Cramp Bark:
Often used for protection and female energy.
Also Called: Guelder Rose Parts***PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD NOT USE OR HANDLE THIS HERB!!!


Used for protection. Burn curry powder to keep evil forces away. I have used this as an infusion and sprinkled it in the four corners of the affected property, or added to a cleansing bath for the person needing protection. Do not use on young children as their skin is too sensitive for many herbs and essential oils.

Well, that is it for now, have a Blessed day!

Well, it's been awhile since I have been able to post, but life just keeps getting in the way! Let's start off with the herb lore today, there will be quite a bit - just to make up for lost time!


Cascara Sagrada:
Especially good for legal matters, money spells and protection against hexes. Sprinkle an infusion of the herb around the home the night before court proceedings to help in winning a court case. Wear as an amulet for protection against evil and hexes. Keep in a bowl on your altar or near where you meditate to help you concentrate. I find this to be good for just about any instance where a battle is to be waged and won
Also Called: Cascara Sagada, Sacred Bark, Purshiana Bark, Persian Bark, Chittem Bark, Bearberry


Celandine:
Cures depression, brings victory and joy, assists in legal matters. Serves as a protective ward when worn. Carry to increase self-confidence when facing adversaries. Use in ritual work when you feel trapped in undue negativity. Note: Deadly poison, use with caution.
Also Called: Devil's Milk


Celery:
Mental and psychic powers, concentration. Burn with orris root to increase psychic powers. Use in sleep pillow to induce sleep. Chew celery seed to aid in concentration.


Chamomille:
Love, healing, and reducing stress. Add to a sachet or spell to increase the chances of its success. Sprinkle an infusion of chamomile around the house to remove hexes, curses and spells. Burn or add to prosperity bags to increase money. Burn as incense for de-stressing, meditation, and restful sleep. Wash hands in an infusion of chamomile for luck before gambling or playing cards. Use in bath magic to attract love. Keep a packet of the herb with lottery tickets for luck. For all the other things this is good for, I find it's calming and de-stressing qualities (when served as a tea), the most valuable!


Chickweed:
Fertility and love. Carry or use to attract a lover or maintain your current relationship. Useful for lunar and animal magic, especially the healing of birds.
Also Called: Starweed, Satin Flower, Starwort, Winterweed, Stitchwort, Tongue Grass, Adder's Mouth, Indian Chickweed, Passerina


Chicory:
Frigidity, favors, removing obstacles, and invisibility. Promotes a positive outlook and improves sense of humor. Place fresh flowers on the altar or burn as an incense. Anoint your body with chicory juice or an infusion of chicory to obtain favors from others. But my absolute favorite use for this root is in my coffee every morning! Just add about a tablespoon ground root to your coffee pot for a strong, but smooth and rich flavor!
Also Called: Blue-Sailors, Coffeeweed, Succory


Chrysanthemum:
Protection. Grow in the garden to ward off evil spirits.
Also Called: Mum


Well, That's all right now, I have things to prepare for this morning. I will try to post more later.Be Blessed throughout this, and all others, day.