the Magical to the Mundane

New Moon Now

2007-09-11T09:04:00.000-04:00

Good Morning, afternoon AND Good Evening! It's a new moon, so it's a good time to start new things. Or refresh old ones! So go around the house and get the old charms and power bags, and add some energy to re-new their energies. Or just start new ones at the same time you are doing new Workings tonight.

Remember, this is the time to turn the mundane into the Magical!
Take mundane issues (like that 10 lbs of baby fat you never really lost) and turn a diet into a Magical Working! Take a red stick candle and cut the wick off completely, then, turn it upside-down. Next cut off an inch or so around the wick (make sure you leave the wick!). Engrave the number of pounds you want to loose into the length of the candle. Now be certain that you keep the new 'top' of the candle upright when you dress the candle. When you burn the candle, concentrate on reversing your health as far as your weight is concerned. That way as you start your new diet the weight is lost in a healthy manner, instead of through starvation (that rarely works anyway!) In this manner you have combined a few Magical associations to help strengthen your resolve to loose weight: when you chose a red candle you associated with the healing power of that color. When you cut the wick off the candle and created a new 'top' by turning the candle upside-down and cutting away the wax around the wick at the old 'bottom' of the candle you were making a 'Reversal" candle so you could reverse the weight concern. And lastly, you used the fresh energy of the new Moon by starting the candle during this time. My, aren't you just the most multi-talented Witch <:>)
And if you combine this Working with a sensible diet -you'll be a skinny Witch too!
That's it for now, I've got a lot of New Moon stuff to work on. Besides my own personal Workings, I am offering New Moon Pendants for sale. If you would like one made especially for you, email me today or just call me at 1-574-773-5373 before 9 p.m. tonight.
May the Spirits of the Universe Bless you and yours!

Crone Returns - with Info on the Magical Month of September 2007!

2007-09-04T09:11:00.000-04:00

Well, my Not So Gentle Readers, I have returned! :) I am truly sorry that it has taken so long to get adjusted to my pain medications, but that is behind me now - at least for awhile, anyway. I decided to time this posting to match the beginning of September so that I could give you a reference place for all the Lunar and Magical information about this month. I am going to try to do this at the beginning of each month, but I've learned my lesson about making promises on this Blog. So no promises - just hopefully, this will become a regular monthly feature here on The Magical to the Mundane.

To begin with, let me state that any times are in the Eastern Daylight Time zone.

The New Moon is on the 11th at 8:44 am, which means that the Dark of the Moon is on the 10th of September. For those Wiccans amongst us, that means a time to rest and rejuvenate Magically. No Spell work, just meditation, relaxation, perhaps some study. This is also a good time to cleanse your crystals and other Magical tools. I know that you usually can count the day on either side of the moon dates to have the similar energy of almost the same strength as whatever moon quarter it is, but that doesn't work with the New Moon because of the position of the Dark of the Moon. If you don't heed this, you may find yourself doing Dark Moon Workings without realizing (and therefore not taking the necessary precautions). For others of a more adventurous bent - time to do that Working that requires you move with anonymity in the Magical community and the on the Magical Plane. If you have a Working that, out of necessity requires you to put out negative energy or accomplish something of a negative nature - then the Dark of the Moon was made for you!

So, from the morning of the 11th up to the morning of the 26th, is the time to build and/or draw positive energy. Start a prosperity spell during this time and have it culminate on the Full Moon which is at 8:31 am on the 26th of September. This is a good time to charge any stones, crystals, ju ju bags, or power bags. Full Moon, of course is the time to bring those Workings to fulfilment. For those that use the traditional names of the Moons, this Moon is known as the Full Harvest Moon.

The next period of time is for anything that needs decreasing or dismantling, etc. Such as: good time to start a new diet (pushing away those calories!) and disbursing the obstacles in your path. Time to take apart those speed bumps along the road to your success! And you can certainly send things away from you or hold certain things at bay. That energy continues throughout the rest of the month on until the next New Moon, which is in October on the 11th at 1:01 am.
Well that's the Lunar Energies for this month in general, but don't forget that Mabon (Fall or Autumnal Equinox) is on September 23!

That's it for now,
Blessings of the Universe to you and yours,
Crone

2007-07-16T16:51:00.000-04:00

I apologize for my extended absence and total lack of posting here. Between my back pain (which was much better until I overdid it and put myself back in the back brace), and the loss of a friend, I really hadn't felt much like communicating much of anything. I have since realized that even into Magical Lives a bit of rain can be expected - and I can't allow emotional storms to control me and my activities. So, here I am ready willing and able! I believe I have already posted the full week of Planetary Aspects so I will move on to the Magical Herb Uses right after I share something I found on my Mennonite chiropractor's wall. There was no sign of who wrote this and I asked the good doctor if he knew who wrote it and he did not. so, if it is a copyrighted piece, please let me know.

FILL MY CUP, LORD...

I offer You my cup of stress that you may fill it with quietness.

I offer You my cup of criticism that You may fill it with encouragement.

I offer You my cup of resentment that You may fill it with forgiveness

.
I offer You my cup of fear, worry and control that You may fill it with trust

I offer You my cup of loneliness and selfishness that You may fill it with communion.

I offer You my cracked and crumbling cup that You may remold me and make me strong.

I offer You my cup of pain - the cup You know too well.
Fill my cup with thanksgiving and hope that someday my cup of tears will be filled with joy.

I surrender my cup to You, that You may fill it with service and the sweetness of Your presence.
I offer my cup of me, that it may be filled to overflowing with YOU.

I know it's a little too Christian for many of my readers, but that doesn't keep it from being worthy of sharing!

And now for those herbs:

Honey: (I know- technically not an herb!)

For attraction and solar magic. Can be used to sweeten a cup of tea or a business deal!

Honeysuckle:

Draws money, success, and quick abundance; Aids persuasiveness and confidence, sharpens intuition. Ring green candles with honeysuckle flowers or use honeysuckle in charms & sachets to attract money. Crush the flowers and rub into the forehead to enhance psychic powers.
Also Called: Woodbine, Jin Yin Hua, Dutch Honeysuckle, Goat's Leaf

Hops:

Relaxing and sleep producing; a fantastic herb for dream pillows. Believed to increase the restfulness & serenity of sleep. Also used for healing rituals, sachets, and incense.
Also Called: Beer Flower, Hop Flower

Hyacinth:

Promotes peace of mind and peaceful sleep. Attracts love, luck, and good fortune. Named for Hiakinthos, Greek God of homosexual love, this is the patron herb for gay men. Guards against nightmares when used as an oil, burned as incense, or included in dream pillows. Carry in amulet or sachet to ease grief or the pain of childbirth.

Hydrangea:

Hex-breaking, love drawing, bringing back a lover, fidelity, and binding.

Iris:

Attracts wisdom, courage, and faith. Use fresh iris flower to purify an area. Represents a belief in happy reincarnation. Symbolizes faith, wisdom, and valor. Useful for consecrating ritual wands. Used in rituals designed for baby blessings.

I think that's about all for the Herbs today.

I want to share a link with you all that, I think, will be eye-opening for many, I know it was for me. This link is to a film by Michael Moore and he has stated that he will not prosecute anyone showing it for free on the Internet. On the whole, the health care system in the U.S. has been pretty good to me, but I know that certainly hasn't been the case for many others. This film, though long-ish is powerful and has a strong message that applies if not to everyone, then to someone they love. Also, while you're there check out the HubPages thing, it may very well be something you want to join (free)

http://hubpages.com/hub/Watch_Sicko_Movie_Free_Online

And that, my friends, I think I will take my leave of you, remaining as always,

With you in the Spirit

2007-07-13T00:19:00.000-04:00

For my friend, Sister of my heart, with whom I have walked the Earth through many lives

I ask the Spirits of the Universe:

Light her way,
let her know this is the better day
they always said would be
So light her way
And set her Spirit free.

Light her way,
let her walk without fear
away from all who were dear
to her in this life
So light her way
And set her Spirit free.

Light her way,
Let her know that we learned
from all she did and all she was,
And let her know the candles were burned
To light her way
And set her Spirit free.

We met late in this life dear sister, I wished we'd had more time.

An Apology

2007-07-11T07:31:00.000-04:00

My apologies, Gentle Readers (and the not-so-gentle ones too). I hurt my back while mopping the kitchen (see if I do housework again!). I'll be fine in a few more days, but in the meantime, due to the pain, I have not been able to express a single coherent thought - not in writing anyway. And so, rather than post gibberish everyday, I have elected not to post. But fear not - I shall return, Blogging my a** off -whoops!, I meant Blogging my heart out! So please have patience with me for just a few more days, and the Planetary Aspects as well as the Magical Herb usage (among other new stuff), will return. Thank You.
May the Spirits of the Universe watch over you and yours,
Crone

2007-07-07T07:33:00.000-04:00

The Day: Saturday
The Color: Black/Brown
The Planet: Saturn
The Aspects: Saturn is about Karmic Justice, Balance, Wisdom, Balancing situations out, Knowledge, Ritual Magic. Use the color black to affect Karmic Justice and Balancing issues, as well as Ritual Magic. Use this side of Saturn's vibrations with extreme caution. Keep in mind that when you call for Karmic Justice or to have a situation brought into balance, you won't necessarily get what you'd like, but rather, that which is JUST. Also, if you call for someone's Karma to be brought into balance or to 'get what they deserve', make certain that your own house is in order - because your Karma will be balanced as well! When you want to key into the knowledge and wisdom aspects of Saturn use the color brown. If you are just starting to use this system of Vibrational Magic, I suggest you stick with the brown vibrations til you are sure you have the hang of it - you don't get into trouble with wisdom and knowledge! About the color black: many people are of the opinion that burning black candles, etc. is always a negative or even an evil thing. But in fact, black is the presence of ALL Color. Therefore, it is truly the most vibrationally powerful and magical color you can use. You must use caution with it not because it is evil in nature, but because it encompasses all aspects of a situation and the effect can be more far-reaching than intended, (or realized), at the time! Today is a great day for learning and meditation. So study up for that test, ponder your higher Path, take a class in a new subject, and recognize the difference between wisdom and knowledge. (Wisdom is the right use of knowledge!) Now for the herbs - three times as many as usual today(to make up for the lack yesterday and tomorrow)!

Eucalyptus:
Attracts healing vibrations, great for protection and healing sachets. Use to purify any space. Use dried leaves to stuff healing poppets, pillows, or sachets. Arrange a ring of dried leaves around a blue candle and burn the candle for healing vibrations. Carry in a sachet or amulet to help reconcile difficulties in a relationship, for protection, and/or to maintain health.
Also Called: Blue Gum, Curly Mallee, River Red Gum, Mottlecah, Maiden's Gum, Fever Tree, Stringy Bark Tree

Evening Primrose:
Magical uses include love and attracting faeries. Use in ritual baths to increase inner beauty & desirability.
Also Called: Fever Plant, Field Primrose, King's Cureall, Night Willow-herb, Scabish, Scurvish, Tree Primrose, Primrose

Eyebright:
Carry this herb to increase psychic ability, improve memory, encourage rationality and increase positive outlook. Carry to bring a humorous and bright outlook when life seems dark and negative. I sometime use a very weak tea as a soothing bath for my physical and Third eyes before giving a reading.

Fig:
Divination, fertility, and love. Place a branch in front of the door before traveling to ensure a safe return. Write a question on a fig leaf -- if the leaf dries slowly, the answer is yes, otherwise the answer is no.
Also Called: Common Fig

Frangipani:
Promoting openness in those around you; attracting love, trust, and admiration.

Garlic:
Magical uses include healing, protection, exorcism, repulsion of vampires, and purification of spaces and objects. Used to invoke Hecate. Guards against negative magic, spirits, and the envy of others. Hang in the home to bring togetherness to the family or keep your willpower strong. Said to ward off bad weather when worn or carried during outside activities. Believed to absorb diseases -- rub fresh, peeled garlic against ailing body parts then throw the garlic into running water.
Also Called: Stinkweed

Hawthorn:
Magical uses include chastity, fertility, fairy magic, fishing magic, and rebirth. Also used for success in matters related to career, work, and employment. Place around the bedroom or carry to enforce or maintain chastity or celibacy. Sacred to the fairy. Used to decorate maypoles. Used in weddings and handfastings to increase fertility. Wear while fishing to ensure a good catch. Wear or carry to promote happiness and protect against lightning. Keep in a house to repel ghosts and evil spirits. An infusion of the herb used to wash floors will remove negative vibrations.

Hibiscus:
Attracting love and lust, divination, and dreams. Carry in a sachet or burn as incense to attract love. Makes a great cold tea in the summer, but make it only with the dried flower, NOT with the fresh to avoid allergic reactions.
Also Called: Kharkady
Also Called: Eye Bright, Euphrasia, Casse-lunette

Hollyhock:
Increase success in the material world, increase flow of money, or acquire new possessions. Grown near the home to help the success of the family flourish.

Okay, that's all for now, it's timef or me to make another pot of coffee and meditate on who I can talk into going to yard sales with me this morning :>)
With you in the Spirit!

2007-07-06T03:52:00.000-04:00

The Day: Friday
The Color: Blue
The Planet: Venus
The Aspects: Today is all about Love - that's capital L-O-V-E, LOVE! Venus is attuned to love of Family, love of friends, love of self. It is not to be confused with lust. While lust can be a part of Love, it is not it's entirety. Familial Love, Loyalty, Romantic Love, Platonic Love - these are all areas that can be affected best on Fridays under the helpful eye of Venus. So add a little blue to your clothing today to help attract the harmonious vibrations of Love. Burn a Blue candle to honor the Love of your mate. Meditate on your self-worth today. Spend a little time with that old friend you've been too busy to see lately. Have a Family Gathering - no outsiders, just your family.
I leave you, for now, with that to ponder. I'll post the days herbs a little later this afternoon.
Have a Blessed Day.

2007-07-05T06:34:00.000-04:00

The Day: Thursday
The Color: Green
The Planet: Jupiter
The Aspects: Among other things, Jupiter is the planet of missing people and things. It is where the other sock went. So you can use the vibrations of this day, planet and color to bring back or find that which is gone. Whether it is a person or a thing, Jupiter can help bring it back, if back is where it should be! Another aspect of this day, planet and color, is growth and fertility, whether it be physical, mental, or Spiritual. Thursday is a good day to dig out that Prosperity spell you've had tucked away in the back of your Magical closet, dust it off and fire it up! Use these vibrations for gambler's luck, found money, or finding a new job. Women who want to become pregnant should focus on Jupiter (as well as making a move or two, LOL).

And now let's look in the Magical Herb Closet and see what's up:

Gravel Root:
Used to increase the chances of getting a job. Aids one during times of distress. Useful as an altar offering, especially during love magic. Burn or strew about the house to relieve disharmony in the home or remove tensions. An infusion of the herb rubbed on an erect member is said to improve male potency. Men: be careful if you try this, as that area can be more sensitive than others when it comes to rubbing it with unfamiliar infusions!
Also Called: Meadow Sweet, Bride of the Meadow, Bridewort, Little Queen, Gravelweed, Joe-Pye Weed, Purple Boneset, Kidney Root, Trumpet Weed, Trumpet Vine, Meadowsweet

Hay: Pregnancy and fertility. Perhaps this one (but not the only), reason rolling in newly cut Hay is so popular around Beltaine! (LOL)

Heather:
Protection, luck, and immortality. Dip in water and sprinkle it around in a circle to bring rain. Carry in sachets or charms to protect against rape and other violent crimes. Hang or use in home decorations to promote peace. Burn with fern to bring rain. This is a powerful protection herb for women, whether it is physical or psychic attack, that I use in any and every spell, potion, or power bag intended for a woman or young girl.

Well, I hope all this information is useful to you. I will not be around a computer tomorrow, so later this morning I will post the Planetary Aspects and the Magical Herb Uses for tomorrow.
Then, I'm off to be the Wizard :)
With you all in the Spirit!

2007-07-04T05:08:00.000-04:00

The Day: Wednesday
The Planet: Mercury
The Color: Purple
The Aspects: Mercury is all about Communications and Speed. Whether it's making yourself clear to your friends or communing with your Higher Power, this is the day to do it! Wednesday is a great day to bring up new ideas or put a different slant on old ideas. Try calling that particularly stubborn relative you argued with last Christmas and mend the fences, or ask that new hunky guy at the Library to go for coffeeand conversation! If you do Spellwork, try adding something purple (like a candle) to your Working - your results should come quicker and it should take less effort on your part to attain your goal. Try writing a letter with purple ink the next time you have to give someone uncomfortable news. This is a great day for Meditation or Astral Projection. And if Mercury is in Retrograde (as it is now), you will find that things ease up a bit on Thursdays. All in all, if you have something important or difficult to explain - or something that needs doing right away - pull up your purple socks and give it a go!

Well, happy 4th of July everyone! Just a few quick Magical Herbs and then I'm off to celebrate!

Goldenseal:
Healing rituals, money spells, success. Beneficial in business dealings and matters of finance. Work into any charm or spell to increase its power.
Also Called: Yellow Root, Orange Root, Yellow Puccoon, Ground Raspberry, Eye Balm, Eye Root, Indian Paint, Yellow Paint, Golden Root, Wild Turmeric, Indian Turmeric, Jaundice Root, Yellow Eye, Wamera

Gotu Kola:
Burn prior to (but not during) meditation.

Grape:
Fertility, money, mental powers, and garden magic. Trying to get pregnant or attract all types of growth and Fertility? Make a wreath out of Grape Vines, weaving in other prosperity and fertility herbs, then hang it in your home.

That's it for now, maybe more later, but for right now - go enjoy a parade or a cook-out!

2007-07-03T05:48:00.000-04:00

The Day: Tuesday

Color: Red

Planet: Mars

Aspects: Mars is fiery passion, and has a strong vein of aggression running through it. This is the planet that brings fierce competitiveness, winning in battle and a big helping of lust thrown in for good measure! But it also will bring healing. It may take aggressive measures to bring about that healing, for it's power is the searing red hot knife that cauterizes the battle wound. The lusty passion of Mars has little to do with true sustaining love, but rather is the quick, intense coupling of strangers that pass in the night! Mars passion can be a part of true love, but it is not, in and of itself, a lasting thing. So take advantage of this planet's aspects, but remember the flame that heals can also burn! Make certain that the battles you engage in are worth winning. Guard against the impatience that this aggressive planet brings.

And now, for the Magical Herb Lore:

Galangal Root:
Magical uses include winning in court, doubling money, hex breaking and sex magic. Burn as incense to remove evil spells and break curses. Carry for protection, to improve psychic abilities and to bring good health. Carry to court to make the judge or jury feel favorably inclined toward you. Wrap money around the root and it will multiply threefold. Burn vigilantly for 14 days before a court case, saving the ashes and bringing them to court in a green flannel bag for luck.
Also Called: Lo John, Low John, Lo John the Conqueror, Lesser Galangal, Galanga, Colic Root, Gargaut, Catarrh Root, India Root, China Root A very useful Root, but not to be confused with HIGH John or John the Conqueror Root!

Ginger:

Draws adventure and new experiences. Promotes sensuality, sexuality, personal confidence, prosperity, and success. Adds to the strength and speed of any mixture of which it is a part. Place in amulet, mojo, or medicine bag to promote good health & protection. Use in herbal mixtures for the consecration of athames to strengthen and energize the ritual blade. A ginger root in the form of a human is a very powerful magical token. Burn a bit of ground Ginger in your next Money incense and watch how much faster the cash comes!

That's it for now - life's little necessities interrupt!

Remember that sometimes, it's how you win the battle that brings Victory!
Joy to all!

The Waning Moon

2007-07-02T04:38:00.000-04:00

(I am going to try something for a while and see if you find it useful, so I will need some feedback through the comment link, please. I will, at the beginning of the daily (hopefully) post, give the day of the week's color, Planet and a few Aspects of that energy. Just so you can use that information to go with the flow. So here we go for today:)

The day: Monday
Color: White or Silver
Planet: Moon
Aspects: Peace and Balance, Celebrate Lunar Deities

The Full Moon is past and now we are in the waning phase of the Moon. And what that means to those of us who use the Moon's energy in our daily lives is that we should work towards diminishing things or pushing things away. Whether it be whittling away on the mental stumps in our field of dreams, or pushing away the negativity that is coming towards us from an outside source (or sometimes from within), now is the time to work with that Waning Moon energy. If you are involved with people or a situation that is negative by nature or design - push away! Diminish the affect those people or things have on your life by distancing them. Just because the Moon is not gathering power, you don't have to stop working towards your goals, it just means you have to change the energy you use. If it's money or prosperity you have in the Works when the moon wanes, instead of trying to draw it to you - start getting rid of the obstacles between you and that prosperity! Remember: just because the Moon is not full, you don't have to stop or interrupt your Workings to wait for it to wax again! On the Mundane level, you can use this phase of the moon to start that new diet, or to push away those bad habits that are getting in the way of your daily happiness and prosperity (stop gambling away your money, put down that extra piece of cake, try not to squabble with your partner, etc.)Just remember that even though the Moon isn't full, it has still a very powerful and awesome energy - use it to your advantage!Having said that, here are the herbs and their uses:

Fern:
Mental clarity, cleansing, purification, and dispelling negativity. Keep in room where studying is done to help concentration. Burn a sprig of fern before an exam. Use in sachets and amulets for powerful auric protection. I find using the live plant rather than bits of dried fern is much more productive (also helps oxidize the air in your home)

Feverfew:
Protection against accidents and cold/flu. Use in charms or sachets for love magic or spiritual healing. Keep flowers in suitcase or car when traveling.
Also Called: Featherfew, Rainfarn, Wild Quinine, Featherfoil, Prairie Dock, Missouri Snakeroot, Flirtwort, Parthenium, Febrifuge Good to add to a basic tea, sweeten with honey and drink hot when you have a cold

Flax Seed:
Used for money spells and healing rituals. Mix seeds with red pepper and keep in a box in the home to protect it. Put in a sachet to protect against hostile magic. Place some in shoe or in pocket, wallet, purse, or altar jar with a few coins to ward off poverty. Sprinkle an infusion made with flax seed around the area before divination to get a more accurate reading of someone's future. Burn for divinatory powers.

Gardenia:
Promoting peace/repelling strife, protection from outside influences. Carry or wear to attract love or friendship. Burn with other healing herbs to bring peace and comfort to one who is ailing. Use dried flowers in healing incenses and mixtures. Scatter around a room to bring peaceful vibrations.

Here' a recipe for today:
Garlic and Mint Chicken Breasts
Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 12 mins Rest Time: 4 h Total Time: 27 mins
Ingredients
4 chicken, breast
mint, fresh
1/2 cup(s) mint, fresh
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon oil, olive
1 tablespoon soy sauce, reduced-sodium
4 clove(s) garlic
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper, black ground
couscous
scallion(s) (green onions)

Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag set in a shallow dish.2. In a blender, combine the 1/2 cup mint leaves, the lemon juice, oil, soy sauce, garlic, chili powder, and pepper. Cover and blend until smooth; pour over chicken. Seal bag; turn to coat chicken. Marinate chicken in refrigerator for 4 to 24 hours.3. Drain chicken, discarding marinade. Place chicken on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals. Grill for 12 to 15 minutes or until tender and no longer pink (170°F), turning once. If desired, serve over hot cooked couscous. If desired, serve with grilled green onions and garnish with additional mint leaves.
Nutritional Info (per serving):Calories: 202, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 229mg, Dietary Fiber: 0g, Total Fat: 6g, Carbs: 2g, Cholesterol: 82mg, Protein: 34g Exchanges: Lean Meat: 4.5 , Fat: 1

Well, that's all I have for now,
may the Universe Bless you and yours!

P.S.

2007-06-29T13:56:00.000-04:00

Well, as you saw if you read the previous post from just a few minutes ago, the Full Moon Name Table that I posted was totally blank! I can't seem to fix the problem, so I give you the link to the Old Farmer's Almanac, where the table appears in it's original form. (My apologies to those of you who scrolled to the bottom of the previous post for naught). Here's the link
http://www.almanac.com/astronomy/moonnames.php

Thanks for reading, and may the Universe shower you with Blessings

There's a Full Moon Risin'

2007-06-29T13:17:00.000-04:00

Having received little or no response (other than one delightfully humorous comment on the witchy vocabulary test), I get tempted to not post informative or thought-provoking stuff। But then my ever-optimistic, Pollyanna-ish alter-ego emerges and takes over! And so, keeping in mind that tomorrow (Saturday) is the Full Moon, I am going to post this table which gives the names of the Full Moons, because we are in a Mercury Retrograde, there is some difficulty with the code for the table, so there will be a huge blank space first, so just keep scrolling! This table is from what I consider to be one of the most informative resources for a city witch - the Old Farmer's Almanac. The table will be at the very end of this posting. Before that, let's have some Magical Herbs' usage:

Cowslip:
Treasure finding, youth, concentration, focus, and house & business blessing. Use in ritual work involving Goddesses associated with love. Carry to increase attractiveness and increase romantic appeal, providing the energy to attract a partner.
Also Called: False Primrose, Keyflower, Fairy Cup, Paigle, Key of Heaven

Daffodil:
Love, luck, and fertility. Used to keep negative energy away from the home or altar. Place fresh daffodils in the home to increase fertility. Wear near the heart to bring good luck.
Also Called: Nacissus, Lent Lily, Jonquil, Goose Leek, Lentlilly

Deer's Tongue:
Wear, carry, or sprinkle on your bed to attract men and aid in increasing psychic powers.

Dill:
Money, protection, luck and lust. Used in love & protection charms. Effective at keeping away dark forces, useful for house blessing. Keeps the mind cognizant of the line between superstition and the realities of magick. Place seeds in muslin and hang in the shower to attract women. Use dill seeds in money spells. The scent of dill is said to stimulate lust. Add grains of dill seed to a bath before going on a date to make yourself irresistible.
Also Called: Aneto, Aneton, Dill Weed, Dill Seed, Dilly, Garden Dill

That's all the Herb Lore for today, so have a great Full Moon tomorrow, whether you celebrate the Lady with a full-blown ceremony, complete with ritual garb or even sky-clad - or just take a few minutes to light a candle and meditate! And don't forget to scroll down until you see the Full Moon Table!

Names	Month	Other Names Used
Full Wolf Moon	January	Full Old Moon
Full Snow Moon	February	Full Hunger Moon
Full Worm Moon	March	Full Crow Moon, Full Crust Moon, Full Sugar Moon, Full Sap Moon
Full Pink Moon	April	Full Sprouting Grass Moon, Full Egg Moon, Full Fish Moon
Full Flower Moon	May	Full Corn Planting Moon, Full Milk Moon
Full Strawberry Moon	June	Full Rose Moon, Full Hot Moon
Full Buck Moon	July	Full Thunder Moon, Full Hay Moon
Full Sturgeon Moon	August	Full Red Moon, Full Green Corn Moon
Full Harvest Moon*	September	Full Corn Moon, Full Barley Moon
Full Hunter's Moon	October	Full Travel Moon, Full Dying Grass Moon
Full Beaver Moon	November	Full Frost Moon
Full Cold Moon	December	Full Long Nights Moon

2007-06-27T07:39:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm thinking that it's past time to post something to test our basic knowledge of the Old Ways. And so, to start with, let's have a little vocabulary test! Below are some general words/and or phrases that should be part of our working vocabulary. See how many of them you know. I present them in a list so that you can copy/paste them and then put in the definitions next to each one and submit the finished piece in the comment section, if you like. I would be very pleased to see actual response to this, if you don't mind.

Pentacle
Athame
Boline
Pentagram
Wheel of the Year
Sabbath (Sabbot, etc.)
Chalice
Holy May Water
Equinox
Astral Projection
Alchemy
Talisman
Evoke
Invoke
Quarter Call
Threefold Law
Cast a Circle
Deocil
Skyclad
Widdershins

To some of you, I'm sure this seems like baby-Pagan stuff, but do it anyway. You may find out that you have to think harder than expected!

And now for some over-due Magical Herb Uses:

Dulse:

Lust, harmony in the home, sea rituals and pacifying sea winds. Throw into ocean or lake to have the sea spirits send peace your way. Likewise, throw from a high place to have the wind spirits send peace. Leave in the home to induce harmony.

Echinacea:

Adds powerful strength to charms, sachets, and herb mixes. Useful for money drawing magick. Dried flowers can be burned as incense. Use on the altar as a offering to the spirits.
Also Called: Purple Coneflower, Coneflower, Black Sampson, Rudbeckia I also use it medicinally, as a tea, for colds.

Elecampane:

Magically used for banishing and to dispel angry or violent vibrations. Associated with elves. Use in a sachet to attract love or in incense to purify initiates. Strong association with the Elven world and Tarot. Useful for baby blessings. Hide a sachet of elecampane or sprinkle it around doorways to keep out bad vibrations. Ground together with vervain and mistletoe for a powerful love powder.
Also Called: Yellow Starwort, Elfdock, Elfwort, Horse-elder, Horseheal, Scabwort, Elecampagne, Velvet Dock

Elm:

Love, protection from lightning. Strong correspondence with the Elven world. To stop slander, bury elm bark in a box with a piece of paper containing the name of the person who is speaking adversely about you.
Also Called: Elven, European Elm, English Elm

Eucalyptus:

Attracts healing vibrations, great for protection and healing sachets. Use to purify any space. Use dried leaves to stuff healing poppets, pillows, or sachets. Arrange a ring of dried leaves around a blue candle and burn the candle for healing vibrations. Carry in a sachet or amulet to help reconcile difficulties in a relationship, for protection, and/or to maintain health.
Also Called: Blue Gum, Curly Mallee, River Red Gum, Mottlecah, Maiden's Gum, Fever Tree, Stringy Bark Tree

Well, I believe that's about it for now, so have a Peaceful and Blessed day!

Midsummer Day tomorrow!

2007-06-21T06:42:00.000-04:00

Good Morning! I am sorry I haven't posted as regularly as I had hoped, but then, I often seem to expect to do or give more than is realistic. But I will try to make up for it a bit with a recipe or two and a few herbs, and a How-To!
First, the How-To...
How to dress an Herb candle for Prosperity and Fast Cash:

The materials required are:
1 Jupiter (green) stick candle
a few drops of charged Altar Oil or charged Extra Virgin Olive Oil
crushed or powdered: Five Finger Grass, Patchouli, and Cinnamon herbs
Wax Paper

Preparations:
First, make sure you will not be disturbed for 15 or 20 minutes
Next, assemble all materials
Then set up a small Sacred Space (cast a circle, call Higher Power, etc.)
Raise Power

The How-To part:
Gently crush the herbs, all the while saying:
"Precious Herbs, I ask that you attract Prosperity of all manner to me and mine"(or similar chant of your choosing)
Scribe into the candle,(length wise is easiest), one or two words that summarize the desire or situation, along with the letters: 'TWNMW' (Thy Will Not My Will)
Next, dress candle with the Charged Oil
(you know, "from the middle of the candle toward you,"As Above" - flip candle so dry end is pointing toward you,"So Below") do this, rotating candle until all of it is damp with oil, including wick.
Roll candle gently, (but with a slight pressure), in the crushed herb blend then, speaking the words with Authority:
"Candle that is Ruled by Jupiter and Herbs that speak of Attraction and Prosperity,
Bring to me and mine all that I have asked for and more, if it be for the Higher Good of All"

Roll candle up in the wax paper for safe storage until the hour and day of Jupiter (look it up - figure it out,-I won't do EVERYTHING!)

And now, a refreshing drink recipe that I found online that sounds (and tastes, I hope) great for a treat!

Summerberry Cooler
Total Time: 15 mins
Ingredients
2 cup(s) strawberries
1/2 cup(s) raspberries
3 tablespoon apple juice concentrate
1 can(s) lemon-lime soda, diet
ice cubes

(Nutritional Info (per serving):Calories: 49, Saturated Fat: 0g, Sodium: 17mg, Dietary Fiber: 3g, Total Fat: 0g, Carbs: 12g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Protein: 1g Exchanges: Fruit: 1 , carb choices: 1 )

Preparation
1. In a blender, combine strawberries, raspberries, and apple juice concentrate. Cover and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve; discard pulp. (or maybe not-I like pulp)
2. Pour strained mixture into a small pitcher; slowly stir in carbonated beverage. Serve over ice cubes in chilled glasses.

And next we will go to the Magical Herbs portion of today's program, < :>) -

Barley:
Love, healing, and protection. Harvests. Scatter on the ground to keep evil at bay. Tie barley straw around a rock and throw into a river or lake while visualizing any pain you have to make the pain go away.

Bergamot:
Money, prosperity, protection from evil and illness, improving memory, stopping interference, and promoting restful sleep. Carry in a sachet while gambling to draw luck and money. Very powerful for attracting success. Burn at any ritual to increase its power. I like to make an attraction oil with this and mint of any kind

Okay, my sweet friends, that's it for now!
Don't forget, if you dance with the Faeries at midnight on Midsummer Day, then you'll have reason to dance the rest of the year!
Blessings to you all!

More about the Mercury Retrograde

2007-06-16T07:04:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-06-15T07:10:00.000-04:00

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

2007-06-15T03:05:00.000-04:00

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

2007-06-14T03:42:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-06-10T02:58:00.000-04:00

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.

2 for 1 Special! (LOL)

2007-06-04T18:41:00.000-04:00

My apologies for the lack of posts - my ISP was down. But I did write for the blog, just couldn't post it! So here are the posts for Friday and Saturday:

Fri. 6/1
Wow!!! What a perfectly marvelous Blue Moon last night, even though it was overcast here, I still could feel the power of it's vibrations. I hope all of you got as much accomplished as I did (magically speaking). After I finished with all my Ritual and completed my Workings, I started thinking about different times in my past and how I came to be on my Spiritual Path.
My Grandmother was not an old-school "witch". She did not dance under the Moon or perform Pagan rites under the cover of darkness. She exemplified the true meaning of 'Christian'. She lived her Spirituality, giving to and nurturing others all her life. She tithed and sang and clapped her hands and prayed to the Christian God in a Baptist Church three times a week. She did not judge others or try to push her beliefs on others. If I could have been the kind of Christian woman that she was, perhaps I would not know the Gods and Goddesses I now revere.
So, you can imagine how surprised I was to realize one day, while I was looking back on my younger life, that my Grandmother gave me my very first Enchantment! She would have been mortified to know that I consider it such.
Late one afternoon when I was seven or eight years old, we stood in her kitchen at the old stove, in front of an empty cast iron skillet. She looked at me and said 'One day, you will have a husband. And you will, at some point in time be running late with supper. It'll be ten or fifteen minutes before your husband comes through the door, expecting supper on the table and your stove will look just like this - nothing in the skillet! So throw a big slab of fresh butter in the skillet and turn it on low to melt the butter.' She did this as she spoke, showing me exactly what she meant. 'Next slice up an onion or two - make sure they're sweet onions, now. Then smash three cloves of garlic like this' ( again, showing me along the way) 'Put it all in the melted butter - oh, put a nice big Bay leaf in while you're at it. Now cover it with the lid and let it simmer. Don't take that lid off til you hear your man coming up the walk. Just as he opens the door, you pull the lid off the skillet and sweetly spiced clouds will billow up in the air and tickle his nose. It will smell so good to him he won't care how long he has to wait! Then take your time and cook supper. Even if it is late, it will taste so grand to him he won't think to grumble!'
Now I don't know about you, but that's pretty darn Magical in my book! And so, Grammy, I thank you for setting my young feet on this Path I now walk, although neither of us realized it way back then.

But now, on to the Herbal Lore of the day:
Bayberry:
Good fortune, luck, healing, and stress relief. Burn a white candle sprinkled with bayberry bark for good fortune and money. Even better-make a candle of Bayberry wax! This is not wax spiced with Bayberry herb, but a wax made from the Bayberry plant itself. Though not so easy to find a source for it, it is so-o-o-o powerful!
Also Called: American Vegetable Tallow Tree, Myrtle, Wax Myrtle, Candleberry, Candleberry Myrtle, Tallow Shrub, American Vegetable Wax, Vegetable Tallow, Waxberry, Pepperidge Bush, Berbery
Cayenne:
Dealing with separations or divorce; Cleansing & purification; Repels negativity; Speeds up the effect of any mixture to which it is added. I use this in a 3-Thieves' Wash to protect the home or business from theft.
Well, that's the herbs for today. Later today, I will try to load some of the pictures I took of different Blue Moon Candles and other things I have made lately.
May the Universe bring you lasting love.
Sat 06/02/07

Today's post is short, (basically just about the herbal lore).

Coriander:
Love, health, immortality, and protection. Tie fresh coriander with a ribbon and hang in the home to bring peace & protection. Add to love charms and spells to bring romance or use in ritual work to ease the pain of a broken love affair. Promotes peace among those who are unable to get along. Throw the seeds in lieu of rice during Handfastings and other rituals of union. Use the seeds in love sachets and spells. Add powdered seeds to wine for an effective lust potion. Wear or carry the seeds to ward off disease and migraines.
Also Called: Cilantro, Chinese Parsley, Yee Sai

Corn:
Used for Protection and Good Fortune Litha is a good time for a Corn Roast, the protection of the rest of the harvests of the year and Good Fortune throughout the upcoming wintertime.

Corn Flour:
Much used in Hoo-Doo to draw the equivalent of the Wiccan Sacred Circle, this has a strong protective aspect.

Cotton:
Fishing magic, rain, protection, luck, and healing. Burn to attract rain. Cloth made of cotton is the best for magical use. Place cotton in a sugar bowl to draw luck.

That's all for today. May the Spirits of the Universe watch over you and yours, and guide you along your Path.

Blue Moon Tonight!

2007-05-31T06:59:00.000-04:00

Today is the day of the Blue Moon! I'm so excited! There is a lot of magic that can be done when the moon is full, and if it's Blue - so much more can be done! Blue Moons, because they come around so seldom, are much stronger than usual. The time is accelerated, what you would normally have to spread out over a full cycle, can be accomplished in 1 night! The night of the Blue Moon can be used for all the usual reasons you would use for a full moon, but increased in strength and speed. So Workings that you normally would start on the full moon and plan to continue throughout the cycle to the next full moon, can be started and completed on the Blue Moon! And furthermore, this Blue Moon is happening on a Thursday, so all the aspects of Jupiter are increased as well. Prosperity workings, growth, nurturing, finding lost articles (or people), etc. - all these workings are magnified in their results! So if you don't already have a Working planned for tonight - get busy and gather all your tools and resources, and plan carefully, so that you can avail yourself of the special powers of the Blue Moon!
Now, having said all that, I know that I had planned on giving you information on the upcoming Sabot yesterday, but I had a particularly exhaustive visit with the chiropractor in the morning and the rest of the day vanished in a haze in the recliner ! Sorry about that, but I am ready to make good on the promise today.

Litha is the longest day of the year, when the Sun is at the peak of power! Litha festivals are fire festivals and have more to do with the Lord than the Lady. This is a time when the balance of power shifts. Up til now, power has been on the Feminine side, all about new beginnings, growth, nurturing, and Fertility. But from Litha on, the energy is on the Masculine side. It is about more about accomplishment, harvest of things already begun. The feminine power is still around (the Lady never disappears completely), but her power is more supportive than the main influence. Now the King is ascendant, and the Queen watches and helps in the background.
Litha is a time when, much like Samhain, the veil between the Worlds is thin. Mortals may have strange experiences. It is a time when the Fae play more openly in this plane. It is said that if you step on St. John's Wort on Litha, you will dance with the Faeries all night and possibly never leave them!
Litha is a great time to harvest your magical herbs. Take care to ask permission and then leave a tribute to the plant from whom you harvested. Dry some St. John's Wort to hang in your home for protection.
Mead is the traditional drink for Litha. It takes a long time to make and is not something I have made successfully so I leave that to more experienced hands than mine. However, I came across a quick substitute that doesn't take much time and I enjoy the taste. Honey Apple Tea is non-alcoholic, so it's also suitable for the younger celebrants among the group. Here's a quick recipe:

4 black tea bags
1/3 cup honey
3 cups unsweetened apple juice
3 cups boiling water
several slices of lemon
Makes 6 to 8 servings In a 2 quart pot, brew tea bags in boiling water. Remove bags, add honey and apple juice. Stir well. Pour over ice.

Appropriate Litha herbs: Lavender, Chamomile, Roses, Daisy, Lily
Incense: Frankincense, Lemon,
Colors: Blue, Green, Yellow
Litha offerings: Flowers, nuts, St. John's Wort

So this should get you started on your Litha research for now. Perhaps you would like to add some of your favorite recipes for this time of the year. Just put them in the comment section of this blog and I will gather them all and post them in one place (giving credit for each one, of course, to the submitter)
That's it for now, I have preparations to make for tonight's Blue Moon Magic!

Have a Blessed and productive day!

2007-05-29T08:25:00.000-04:00

Hello, it's been a few days since I've posted, so I want to catch us up with the days and their associations that I missed posting.

Since Friday was the last day posted, let's go on to Saturday, which is ruled by the planet Saturn. The color associated with Saturn is black, which is the combining of all colors and therefor very powerful and diverse in it's attributes. In general, Saturn (and the color black), is usually associated with Justice, Karmic Balance,High Magic,Dark Rituals and Wisdom. This is a day when, if you have a situation involving an injustice to you or yours, you may call the Karma of all involved into balance. Just remember, this can be a double-edged sword, because not only is the Karma called into balance of the one who has done the dis-service - but also the one who was wronged shall have their Karma balanced. So, be careful of this aspect - if you call for Justice and Karmic Balance, make sure that you are ready to have yours balanced as well!

On to Sunday, ruled by the Sun and resonating with the color yellow or gold. This is a day of material wealth (long term prosperity involving things more than actual cash), and physical strength. It is also a day to dispel dis-harmony, to bring about peaceful co-existence between long time enemies. Also a day dedicated to the Gods.

Monday is ruled by the Moon and resonates to white or silver. A day to honor Goddesses. The aspects associated to this day are: Emotional Balance, feminine beauty, and peace.

And now we come to today: Tuesday is governed by the planet Mars. Its color is red and the aspects are more aggressive - not necessarily hostile, but it could be that the energies around you will be much more assertive than usual. Mars energy is also healing by nature. Lust is another strong vibration for Mars.

Now, let's move on to the Herb Lore.

Calendula Flowers:
Protection, legal matters, and psychic/spiritual powers. Pick at noon for comfort and strength. Place garlands of calendula at doors to prevent evil from entering. Scatter under the bed for protection and to make dreams come true. Carry to help justice favor you in court. Touch the flowers with bare feet to better understand birds.
Also Called: Marigold, Summer's Bride, Bride of the Sun, Sun's Gold, Ruddes, Ruddles I like to put these, along with other herbs and flowers, into a sachet to hang in my Reading Room, to help strengthen my Intuitive and Psychic abilities.

Catnip:
Sacred to Bast; should be used in any ritual involving cats or cat deities. Use with rose petals in love sachets. Use in sachets and spells designed to enhance beauty or happiness. Provides protection while sleeping. Mix with Dragon's Blood to rid oneself of a behavioral problem or bad habit. Burn dried leaves for love magick. Grow near the home or hang over the door to attract good spirits and luck.
Also Called: Cat's Play, Catmint, Nip, Nepeta, Field Balm, Catswort, Catnep . Make sure you keep your extra Catnip stored in a tightly sealed, absolutely air-tight container if your familiar is of the feline persuasion or you'll come home one day to herb scattered everywhere and a cat that's drunk as a lord!

Tomorrow I plan to start adding a section in the Blog that will deal with the vibrations leading up to, and the traditions of the Sabbats. I'll start with the next one, which is Litha (also known as the Autumnal Solstice or Midsummer). Well, I have other catching up to do, and more preparation for the upcoming Blue Moon on Thursday, so I'll leave you for now, passing on the Blessings of the Universe to you and yours.

Love is in the Air!

2007-05-25T03:15:00.000-04:00

It's Friday, which is ruled by Venus, the planet of love. The color that resonates with Venus is blue. This is a day to be used for the matters of the heart: familial love, true friendship, loyalty etc. It is not to be confused with lust ( that is the color red ), unless that lust is part of the deeper emotion. It is also a good day to appreciate yourself. Love of self comes before any other love can. I don't mean that you put your own desires before those of your loved one's. Just that before you can expect to be loved, you must learn to love you. Unless you can value and love yourself, how can you expect anyone else to?Isn't it much easier to believe a lover when he (or she) says they love you, if you know that you are indeed lovable? Love spells, such as 'make Johnny love me forever' are in my opinion, worthless and not to be indulged in. However, a spell to bring the love that the Universe has planned for you into your life is very valid. As are any efforts to make yourself more lovable.
And now, on to our Herbs for the day:

Brazil Nuts:
Used for fortunate love affairs. Carry one of these wrapped in cloth of blue - it will help True Love find you!

Butterbur:
Used for love divination and to raise one's spirits by increasing sense of hope and faith. Also Called: Bog Rhubarb, Butterdock, Umbrella Plant, Lagwort, Sweet Coltsfoot. Mix a small amount of this with lavender and put in a pouch of blue. Place it in your pillow so dreams of love will find you!

Well, that's it for now, and for those of you who are looking for love, ( and even those who are not):
Know that you are deserving of a healthy, happy love in your life - but you must begin with a healthy relationship with yourself.

Magic on Thursdays

2007-05-24T11:27:00.000-04:00

It's Thursday, which is controlled by the planet Jupiter and resonates to the vibrations of the color green. The aspects of the planet are: fast money, finding lost items or people, gambler's luck, etc... So today is a great day for money spells, finding that library book you've misplaced, buying lottery scratch-offs, hearing from a long lost friend, relative or old flame, etc. Any kind of contests or competitions that fall on a Thursday will, with effort from you, go your way. I like to wrap the largest denomination of bill that I have in a nice big Bay leaf and carry it in my wallet. It seems that if I am open to it, money will just seem to find its way to me. It may not be huge money, but it's money I didn't have before!
Well, on to our Herbs for the day:

Basil:
known for it's use in love, exorcism, wealth, sympathy, and protection. Dispels confusion, fears & weakness. Drives off hostile spirits. Associated with Candlemas. Sprinkle an infusion of basil outside of the building where you hope to be employed for luck in a job interview (be careful not to be seen!) or in your business to attract money and success. Wear or carry to aid in attracting money and prosperity. I often put a dab of Basil oil on my money before I go out shopping. When I spend it, I always seem to make more to replace what I spent, or find an outrageously good, unadvertized sale, sometimes just a great rummage sale that has exactly what I didn't know I was looking for, but really needed :)
Also Called: Common Basil, Sweet Basil, St. Josephwort, St. Joseph's Wort, Tulsi, Tulasi, Krishnamul, Kala Tulasi, Witches' Herb, Alabahaca, American Dittany

Bladderwrack:
Known for use for protection, sea spells, wind spells, money, psychic powers, and attracting customers. Wear in a charm for protection during travel, especially when traveling by water. I have never used this herb, but have been told by others who have used it that it works very well as part of a travel charm.
Also Called: Kelp, Seawrack, Kelpware, Black-tang, Cutweed, Sea Oak, Sea Spirit

Well, I think that's all for now - I'm getting an urge to go play with my clay :)
Have a Blessed Day!

Count Your Blessings

2007-05-23T05:23:00.000-04:00

Good Morning. It's Wednesday, which is ruled by the planet Mercury, who's color is purple. It's a good day to count your Joys and Blessings by dressing a purple stick candle or votive with anointing oil, burning some incense (I like either Frankincense or Copal, if I have the resins, but any good meditative incense will do), and writing down the things I have to be grateful for (big and little things). Then I meditate on them for a few minutes, then I burn the paper, which releases those joyful energies into the Universe. You can get all formal and Ceremonial with it if you like, but this is kind of a bare bones way to make sure that you are paying attention to the positive, wonderful things going on in your life -and therefor putting out the vibrations that will attract even more positive, wonderful things to you.
And now, your Herbs for the day:

Bay Laurel:
Used for purification, house and business blessing, and clearing confusion. Attracts romance. Place in a dream pillow for sound sleep and to induce prophetic dreams.
Also Called: Bay, Sweet Laurel, Sweet Bay, True Laurel, Lorbeer, Noble Laurel, Baie, Daphne
I like to take a nice whole leaf of dried Bay and, using a felt tip or roller-ball type pen, write the amount of money required for your bills or something you want to buy on it. Then add the phrase (or just the initials) Thy Will not My Will, or 'Be it for the Higher good', or some other 'escape clause'. Then visualize yourself having the thing or paying the bill. Then burn the Bay Leaf to release and draw that energy to you. Just remember the bigger or more important thing visualized, sometimes the longer it takes to manifest and during that time you must continue to behave as though it were a done deal!

Beet:
Love. Beet juice can be used as ink for love magic or as a substitute for blood in spells and rituals. As an ink for love spells I have found this to work rather well, but nothing, in my opinion, is as strong as your own blood for empowering a spell or ritual (unless you are using sex magic - and I'll leave it up to your imagination as to what works best for that!~).

Belladonna:
Healing & forgetting past loves. Provides protection when placed in a secret place in the home. Place on a ritual altar to honor the deities and add energy to rituals. **Note: Deadly poison, do not ingest or use on skin!!!* This is serious, guys. If you handle this herb(fresh or dried) wash hands thoroughly and wipe down with alcohol or discard any utensil used just to be safe!!
Also Called: Banewort, Deadly Nightshade, Sorcerer's Berry, Witch's Berry, Death's Herb, Devil's Cherries, Divale, Dwale, Dwaleberry, Dwayberry, Fair Lady, Great Morel, Naughty Man's Cherries

Please remember to post in the comment section of this Blog about Authors, Books/Movies you have found to be inspirational.

That's it for now. Remember:

If you change the way you look at things,
The things you look at change!

Herbs and More

2007-05-22T06:51:00.000-04:00

Here are the Herbs for the day:

Allspice:
Money, luck, healing, obtaining treasure. Provides added determination and energy to any spells and charms. Burn crushed allspice to attract luck and money. Use in herbal baths for healing.
Also Called: Jamaica Pepper I like to keep a small pan of water with a tablespoon or two of this on the stove - it's especially great when 3 Bay Leaves are added. In the winter time it's a great smell first thing in from the cold outside as well! Use with Eucalyptus leaves and/or Menthol for stuffy heads. Put on a larger pan of boiling water and grab a towel and make a steam tent.

Azalea:
Happiness, light heartedness, gaiety, first love. Note: Poisonous, do not consume. ** This is serious! No teas, tisanes or even balms made of this stuff!**

Banana:
Fertility, potency, and prosperity - I get it-phallic shape = male potency (look out little blue pill!)

And that's all for the Herbs today. Let's move on to other things.
If you were paying attention a few days ago, (and judging by the response, not many of you were), I had posted a topic for discussion. The topic was Ouija Boards. That is still open for comments, but I'd also like to begin a new topic. The new topic is :
Inspirational Authors and Books
Just go to the comment area and list 1 or 2 authors or books that you have found to be inspirational (not just informative, although that's good too), and a little blurb about what you found to be valuable about the book or author in general. For starters - not only because it was excellent but also because it's so recently on most of our minds, let's just assume that the book and movie THE SECRET is already on the list. Let's build a Must Read list that is filled with titles and authors that are Spiritually Uplifting and Inspirational. Movies can be included as well.
I'd like to start the list with a movie I saw with Fred and Sandy a couple of years ago (Jeez - has it been that long?) It is called Where the Bleep Are We? I don't remember the author/producer. But it was a captivating movie about the vibrational aspects in the Universe and how to tap into them for success, love, etc. in our lives.
If you find that someone else has listed your book/author, go ahead and mention it again, with your own take/opinion of it. This could end up being a lively, spirited discussion that has the potential to help all of us along our Paths, so please get involved by going to the comment link and posting your book/movie, etc. Read what others have posted at the same time, you might find something you haven't come across before.Later on, after we get several books up, I will add some links to purchase these books at a good price.

Well, that's all for this morning. have a Blessed day and remember:

When the vibrations you put out say "I need Money, I need Love, I need...(fill in the blank), What the Universe responds to is NEED - and that's what is attracted to you - the NEED and nothing else!!!

For LOEC Members (and all of Mel's friends)

2007-05-21T06:13:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was declared Mel's Day by LOEC and we met at the Wolf Street property to celebrate Mel's Day. These are the pictures I took - now don't forget, I have previously admitted to being a lousy photographer~!

2007-05-19T06:39:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful morning it is! I have been up most of the night working on the Blue Moon candles (among may other things), and am all charged up! It's a funny thing about working on things like that - although it does take a lot of focus and energy, I find it also generates a lot of the same. Because I am attuning the candles to the specific Planetary vibrations for each candle, I am also attuning myself to those vibrations as well, so while it uses my energies it also replenishes them as well! Isn't that marvelous? Well, on to today's Herbs...

Balm of Gilead Buds:
Use this for love, manifestations, protection, healing, de-stressing, and assisting in healing from the loss of a loved one. Use in love sachets; carry for healing, protection, and mending a broken heart. Use the essential oil to dress candles for any form of magical healing. Burn to attract spirits. I have found these buds to be extremely potent as well as versatile. I usually only need 1-3 buds for my Workings
A.K.A.: Poplar Buds, Balsam Poplar, Balm of Gilead, Mecca, Mecca Balsam, Balessan, Bechan

Bamboo:
Good for protection, hex breaking, wishes, luck. Carve a wish into bamboo and bury it in a secluded area to make your wish come true. Carry a piece of bamboo for good luck. A dear friend introduced me to the Feng Shui concept of the "Lucky Bamboo" a few years ago, where the live Shoots are arranged in glass or bowl with water in order to balance the energies of a room or home. I much prefer this to working with the 'dead' bamboo pieces.

Well, that's all for now. Perhaps there will be another post today, I'm not sure yet. I hope the Universe sends you the energies to accomplish your desires.

My Solution to Being a Rotten Photographer!

2007-05-18T14:40:00.001-04:00

Well, I was having absolutely no luck photographing my medallions so I could share them with you! They just looked horrible in actual picture mode! :( So I had a brainstorm! I tried scanning the actual medallions into my 'puter with my all-in-one printer and lo and behold - here they are! Below are my zodiac medallions.

These are approximately 1 inch across, and each one has a hole to put a ribbon or chain through. Use as a necklace or wall hanger - or just carry it in you pocket. I am offering these for $3.00 each, or all twelve signs for $25.00 (nice to keep on hand for those unexpected birthdays).

The medallions below are slightly larger because of the braided rims. They are for( left to right):
Strength, The Horned God, Yin Yang (top row)
Fertility, Harmony or Union, and Joy (bottom row)

These can be anointed with oil and used as talismans, added to a charm bag to strengthen it or just worn around the neck as an amulet. I offer each one for $5.00 - or buy 5 and get the sixth one free!

So thanks for looking and let me know through the comment link if you are interested in any of them!

2007-05-18T13:14:00.000-04:00

Today's Herbs:

Anise:
Helps to ward off the evil eye, find happiness, stimulate psychic abilities. Sew a pouch into a pillow case and fill with anise seed to prevent disturbing dreams. Use to invoke Mercury and Apollo. Great for aromatherapy. Add to bay leaves for a purifying bath. Use in protection and meditation incenses.
Also Called: Aniseed, Anneys, Anise Seed

Asofoetida:
Protection and banishing negativity. Be forewarned that this herb is powerful, but has an awful smell when burned.
Also Called: Devil's Dung, Food of the Gods (Make sure the smoke detector is disabled before burning -just a pinch of this and you get billowing smoke as well as the nasty smell!)

Barberry:
Cleansing, sorcery, atonement, freeing oneself from the power or control of another.
Also Called: Witches Sweets This is especially good after an unpleasant break-up!

Well, that's all for now. I am busy trying to take some professional-looking pictures of some of my medallions and amulets to help sell them. If I have any luck with the camera at all today, I should be able to load some pix for all to see :)

Blessings of the Universe to you and yours.

2007-05-17T03:47:00.000-04:00

Hello again. I am sorry I missed posting yesterday, but I got so busy with the New Moon that time just slipped away!
For those of you that are working on a full cycle Working, (Full Moon to Full Moon), it's time to change the energy you are putting into it from dissolving the blockages between you and your Intent, to charging and drawing the vibrations of that Intent.
I am going to post more than one herb today (to make up for yesterday gone missing).

Alder:
Used with divination, music, poetry, wind magic, weather magic, teaching, and decision making. Also used in rituals of death & dying to provide protection for the deceased.

Agrimony:
Use this to overcome fear & inner blockages; dispelling negative emotions. Also can be used for reversing spells. Sew into a dream pillow with Mugwort for best results. Use as a wash or oil to increase the effectiveness of all forms of healing rituals. Wards off evil entities . I also use this herb for impromptu Candle Workings by crushing it into a fine powder and then rolling oiled stick candles of appropriate colors. I then wrap them in wax paper and keep them stored in the refrigerator for quick use.

That's all I have time for right now, may the Universe bless you and yours.

2007-05-15T03:58:00.000-04:00

There are many ways and reasons to make ritual a part of our daily lives. I'm not talking about put on your Ceremonial Robes and polish the Altar brass and gather with Magical friends at stroke of twelve... I mean the little rituals that you do by yourself, for yourself, every day. They vary from person to person, and change throughout our lives to fit where we are at that particular time in our lives. Every one has them, whether they recognize them as Ritual or not. They can be Spiritual or Mundane in nature. In my lifetime, my rituals have gone from full ritual, greeting the Goddess at Dawn with bell ringing, candle burning and incense billowing -to sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee and thanking the setting Sun for all the good things that have happened that day. There was also a time when my Ritual was to open my eyes in the morning, rise from my bed thinking "Crap! I'm late! I don't feel good, work sucks, and if I didn't need the money so bad I'd just say screw it and go back to bed!" Usually, by the end of those days, all I could think of at night was "Dammit! I'm gonna have to go through this crap again tomorrow!" That was a particularly bad period in my life. Not because Karma was making me pay for past misdeeds or anything like that. Because I got what I looked for! Not because the Gods are so petty and small-minded that if you don't pay homage to them each and every day, they send nasty things to torment you. But because Like is attracted to Like. Because the Universe gives you what you ask for! Because, if you build a big enough barrier of negativity between you and all that the Universe has to offer, you'll never see the great opportunities for Joy in your life. Now , I'm not saying that if you Pollyanna your way through life bad things will never happen. Sometimes bad things happen through no fault of our own, for no discernible reason. But the way we react to those things can determine how crippling the situation becomes. About two years ago, I had a medical crisis in my life. I was hospitalized for almost a week and ended up spending several months in a nursing home. This whole episode was a result of years of self-indulgence and neglecting my physical health. It was a life altering situation. I had to make a choice during that time about how I was going to live the rest of my life. Because I re-acted in a positive fashion to a negative situation, my life now is much better and improving even more all the time. Things are getting better in most every area of my life because of the way I used that medical crisis as a catalyst. I was able to avail myself of resources that would never have been available to me under my previous situation. And I am using those resources as a springboard to a level of physical, mental and spiritual well-being that I might never have otherwise attained. Of course, it could have gone the other way. I could have allowed myself to be overcome by the seriousness of the situation and just swamped myself with the negative aspects of that crisis. And I would probably be dead right now - or wish that I were. My daily ritual of thankfulness and my improved awareness of the blessings in my life have attracted even more blessings to me. Because I am learning to focus more on the positive side of life than on the negative aspects of it, I find more and more opportunities for joy in my life. And so I ask that you look at the daily rituals in your life. Examine them. Are they based in need? (Do you 'need more money-'need' love in your life?) Because all you will find is more need coming to you as a result of the vibrations you are putting out there with your thoughts and actions. Learn to see the abundance in your life, rather than the lack, and soon you will find that you are living a truly abundant, joyous life!

And now the Herb for today is

Angelica
Protects against negative energy and attracts positive energy; creates a barrier against negative energy. Use in healing & exorcism incenses; scatter for purification, protection, and uncrossing. Add to incense to promote healing or to the bath to remove curses, hexes, or spells. Also thought to promote temperance. Sprinkle ground herb in the shoes to prevent tiredness and weakness. Sprinkle around the outside perimeter of the home for protection and exorcism. Burn to bring a lost love back to you.
Also Called: Masterwort, Archangel, Garden Angel, Angelica Root I like to use the dried root rather than the leaf - it seems to bring more power and strength

Well, that's about all for now.
May the Universe give you the ability to recognize all the joys in your life.

2007-05-14T13:01:00.000-04:00

So, what do you think about my new look for the Blog? I find myself in a re-decorating mood lately. Comments are welcome. Also, a reminder of the newest addition to this Blog: refer to yesterday's Topic of Discussion - Ouija Boards - leave you're comments or stories about them.

Don't forget, you are more than welcome to save the herb uses for yourself each day. If you're faithful with it, you will find yourself in possession of an extensive Magical Herb Catalog eventually!

Arrow Root:
Purification and healing; can be used as a substitute for graveyard dust. I have found this to be a very powerful ingredient in almost any HOO DOO Spell !

Asparagus:
Male Sex Magic. I get the visual, but haven't found anything on a practical method of use!

Well, that's it for now,
Remember: It will only be as bad a day as you allow it to be!

2007-05-13T05:39:00.000-04:00

I've been trying to find a way for you, my Not-So-Gentle Readers, to become more interactive with me on this Blog. I thought maybe I would start a topic by giving my opinion or experience and then giving you a few days to respond (via the comment area). If this proves to be a popular feature, I will actually install a discussion or Message Board here. Today I would like to start a discussion about the Ouija Board. I know that there are people on both sides of the fence - one side being that it is a wonderful tool of medium-ship and the other side that it is a tool of the "Devil". Although it is not a tool I personally use, I do recognize it as a tool (when used properly). I also feel, though, that when used by someone with a big Gift and little Knowledge, it can be dangerous. First and foremost I think it's important to remember that it is a mundane thing that was made as a game. As such, in mundane or un-Awakened hands it is just that - a game. However, if someone who has just started Seeking or who has a previously un-awakened Gift starts playing around with it, I believe it can cause harm. There are those who can "play" with it for years with no bad result. And then there are those who, having used it the first time, will find that they opened a doorway to, at the very least, mischievous Spirits. There is an 'etiquette' to using the Board, and if it is not followed, chaos of an unhappy sort may be the result. Remember, the Board is a way to open a gate to the Spirit Realm. And the Spirit Realm can be a dangerous place for those who don't know (or won't follow) the rules! And that is my opinion - what's yours?

Today's Herb:

Amber:
Protection from harm, outside influences, and psychic attacks. Mental clarity & focus. Transforming negative energy to positive energy.
Though technically not an herb, in the resin form it is soft, rather sticky feeling and has a marvelous aroma. Best carried in one of the cute little boxes with decorative holes in the top that nothing else seems to fit in :)

That's all for now - have a Blessed Day!

2007-05-12T04:18:00.000-04:00

Well, my week has been busy with preparation-type tasks (rather appropriate for this cycle of the moon). I have been working on medallions to sell at festivals, herbal charms and blessing balls, etc. Also some clearing energies towards the Blue Moon candles I am making to be used on the Blue Moon (May 31). Still have a lot of work to go, busy, busy, busy - so I'll just put up the herbal lore for the day and sign off.

Acacia:
Protection, psychic and spiritual enhancement, money, platonic love, and friendship. Can be used to anoint candles & censers and to consecrate chests or boxes that hold ritual tools. Use in incense to promote a meditative state.
I like to use it with Frankincense and Myrrh resins for a general enhancement incense before having guests - especially if it's a mixed interest group.

Adder's Tongue:
Stops gossip and slander, promotes healing. Sacred to serpent goddesses. Used in divination, healing magic, lunar magic, and dream magic.
Also Called: Dogtooth Violet
Especially good for healing a friendship gone awry!

That's it for now. May the Spirits of the Universe bless you and yours!

A New Daily Post on Herbs and their Magical Uses

2007-05-11T05:14:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, there's just not a lot to post about in my personal life every day. Such has been the case lately. Not that there isn't anything going on - just not time to blog about ! :)
So I have decided to list at least 1 herb and it's magical data per day. Hopefully, when there's something new to learn everyday, you folks out there will start coming every day or so.

We will begin with the mighty Acorn:

"Wear this for good luck, protection, wisdom, and personal power. A dried acorn is also an excellent natural amulet for keeping a youthful appearance" is what the books say.
I also use it for a gambling amulet when filled with a secret ingredient and wrapped in red flannel.

Let's throw in one more herb for today -

Aloe:

Use for protection and luck. Placing it on the grave of a loved one will promote peaceful energy. Thought to relieve loneliness and assist with success. Hang in the home to attract luck and protection for those who live there. Grow in the home to provide protection from household accidents. Burn on the night of a full moon to bring a new lover by the new moon.
Also Called: Burn Plant, Medicine Plant
Personally, I have always tried to have at least one aloe plant in my home, especially in the summer to use with sunburn

Well, that's it for now, see you tomorrow with more herbal lore!

2007-05-03T07:29:00.000-04:00

I know it's been longer than usual since I've posted, but my life has been busy with both Magical and Mundane things lately. On the Mundane side of things, all the bills are paid for this month ( YAY!), Dr.'s appointments set, correspondance returned, etc. On the Magical (and definitely more fun side), I had a great May Day, leapt the Balefire and wound the Maypole, I've started several Candles to work for the Blue Moon, and am currently making some,(I think), really nice, inexpensive medallions and some very powerful amulets. I will load pictures of some of them later today, I hope. It's been a really great beginning of the month, and I can't wait to see what the rest of the May has in store for me!
Something to remember:

When you change the way you look at things,
The things you look at change!

May your day be as Blessed as mine is!

More Random Thoughts

2007-04-24T07:46:00.000-04:00

I haven't seen the movie The Secret yet. I intend to soon. But the more I hear my friends rave about it, the more certain I become that perhaps the 'secret' behind the Secret is something a teacher of mine once told me way back in my beginning sessions learning Ceremonial Magic. I had complained that since I started word-for-word memorizing a highly technical Ritual, I wasn't feeling the joy and closeness with the Spirit that I had been accustomed to in my more informal, spontaneous Rituals. He told me to "Fake it til you feel it"! And he was right! As I learned more and more of the Ritual, I became comfortable with it and was able once again to feel the joy. By 'pretending' that I have what I want, the vibrations I put out for that will be so strong that they attract the very thing I am pretending I have. I think this works whether the desired thing is an emotion or feeling or if it actually is a mundane thing. I have long believed that if I can create a thing in my mind, then I can cause it to be in life outside my mind.
I think the problem is, most people are not completely convinced of the power of their mind. They think this is something only particularly gifted people can do. The truth of it is that we are all gifted, some of us are just more finely attuned to the ability to tap into that gift. We are all given this gift as a birthright. But after early childhood, we begin to feel the need to 'fit in'. And so, along with our ability to see our 'invisible friend', we slowly lose our ability to believe that all is possible. Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy aren't 'real' - so maybe nothing else that our minds create is real. And so, we put away our childish things. Sadly, that often includes our ability to tap into our the Higher Realms. Only later in life, (and in some cases never), do we become aware that we need some of those 'childish things' back! Then we have to re-learn the very things that came naturally to us. In order to make Magic happen in our lives, we must truly believe that we are each very special. We must regain confidence in our intuitive selves.What we accepted without pause in early childhood, now is a lesson to be learned.
Just another early morning random thought.

Early Morning Thooughts

2007-04-22T06:32:00.000-04:00

As we grow in our Spiritual lives, it is sometimes easy to get bogged down in the mundane. Sure, you intend to greet the day with a smile on your face and love and gratitude in your heart, but the baby was sick all night, your alarm didn't go off, the older kids wouldn't get themselves ready for school on time and now you're late for work! Oh well, you figure you'll do your Meditations at lunch and that'll make up for the morning's disarray (and take away the little frown line that has appeared on your forehead). But lunch break comes and you need to read one more report or do an errand for your boss, or call the Dr. because the babysitter says one of the kids came home sick and before you know it - lunch break is over and you still haven't been able to meditate and right now you really can't take the time to count your Blessings. Oh, well, you tell yourself, it won't hurt too much if you wait til you get home to do your Meditations and ponder the Joys in your life, (is that frown line just a little bigger?) But when you get home, the dog got out of the back yard and the kids are upset because, even though you drove around the neighborhood for an hour, you still haven't found the darn dog - and now dinner is running late and - oh crap! Tonight is the PTA meeting (can't miss another one). so, okay, you say to yourself, at bedtime, when the house is quiet really is the best time to meditate anyway, (how did the line that was just a hint of a frown become this huge slash across your forehead?) But by bedtime, the kids have been acting up, the baby's still sick and there's laundry yet to do...so you fall asleep in total exhaustion after having a fleeting thought: what's to be grateful for anyway?
And that my friends, is how we let ourselves wander off the Magical Pathway and become mired in the mundane world.
How do we avoid it? Because just about every day will have an opportunity to fail, if we will just take it.
The trick is to prioritize your crises. If your alarm didn't go off and the kids are already late to school, so what if they are five extra minutes late, because you went ahead and did a quick meditation? Take a deep breath and try to re-capture the joy you felt when you saw your first-born. And wasn't it a happy surprise when you found you were pregnant with the baby? And gosh, since you're already running behind, take a minute to be thankful you've got a good job to be late for! It's not hard to stay on the Path, but it does take effort. Sometimes you really have to search for the Blessings to count, but look hard and you'll find them. Because if you don't - if you let that frown line grow, you will soon be finding more and more to frown about, since like is attracted to like.
Just an early morning thought for you.

Crone

2007-04-21T12:02:00.000-04:00

Crone-the Misunderstood Aspect
The Maiden is youthful jot and innocent passion, untold promise. Her beauty is a wonder.She is Springtime and budding flowers. She is the field that is being tilled, the seeds that will help her blossom into the Mother are being planted. The Maiden is all Potential. The Mother is slightly more matured, giving birth, nurturing her children, fertile Taking the raw inspiration of the Maiden and turning it into reality. Her beauty is the Maiden's Promise fulfilled. These two aspects of the Triple Goddess, we celebrate and honor joyously.
But the third Aspect of the Triple Goddess is one which we seem to gloss over - if not totally ignore. Her color is black, which absorbs all light. Unlike the Mother , her womb is empty. Fertility has passed. Life has carved canyons of care into her face. The passage of time which turned the dancing steps of the Maiden into the firm stride of the Mother, has left her with a slower, more measured gait. She is not Beautiful. She is not lively. She does not hold the promise of birth. Her eyes seem mysterious, possibly even fearsome. SHE IS CRONE.
To many people, She represents Death. And most people try to avoid Death. And so, over time, the Crone Aspect of the Triple Goddess has come to be held in fear and dread. Hers is the Magic of the Darkened Moon. And all good little Wiccans are taught not to make Magic during the Dark Moon, (there may be Karmic repercussions, only bad things are brought about in the dark, etc,) But you should know instead that the Crone doesn't bring Death -she makes sure that we are ready to make the transition between this world and the next with an easy heart. She has danced the Maiden's dance, and strode firmly down the path of the Mather. She has learned the lessons of this life, and can now share the wisdom of her years with us, so our paths may be smoother.She is not to be feared, but rather She should be revered, for She is the Culmination of all that this life holds. And the promise of the next cycle is held in the mysterious depths of her eyes

"Actions Speak Louder Than Words..."

2007-04-21T05:28:00.000-04:00

For those who live a Magical Life, that phrase is quite often more true than we realize at the time. Because we have set our feet on a higher Path than most, we have a great deal of Power that we can tap into without even realizing it at times.
Stop and think about the things you do every day. Are you performing Rituals and making Magical statements to the Universe without really intending to? Sometimes the smallest act sets the biggest things into motion. So be careful, in your day to day acts. In those small everyday acts, we set things in stone. Whether it is the intentional act of participating in a Ceremony, or the impulsive, angry act of ripping up of a picture of one who has caused you pain, our actions speak louder than our words. And because we are a Magical People and we believe that words have Power, how much more Power do we set into motion with our actions?

Dark Moon Magic

2007-04-15T07:57:00.000-04:00

The Dark of the Moon is upon us once again, Children. This is typically, for Wiccans anyway, a time of rest, reflection and re-charging. Most Wiccans believe they should do no Magic during this time. And that's perfectly all right. However, there are those of us for whom this is the time to accomplish things behind the scenes, undetected, protected by the denseness of the Night of No Light. The things done during the Dark of the Moon are not necessarily of an evil nature, they are just things that are best done silently and unseen. And certainly unspoken. Many of us realize that "Magic shared is Magic lost" was a wisdom in days gone by that had more to do with not being burned at the stake than with somehow weakening the power of what you do. However, we also must remember that sometimes even the must trite of old wive's wisdoms can be true. Such is it with Magic performed during the Dark of the Moon.
This is the time to make things happen with your Magical Powers and Knowledge that many would like to see happen , but most are too faint-hearted to actually bring about. Remember that the Karmic Law tells you that there is a price for everything we do. But I believe that while there are no loop holes with Karma, the price you pay is not always frozen in place. And some things really are worth the price! And I think even the meekest Wiccans will agree that "and Harm None..." doesn't really apply if you are defending yourself or someone who cannot defend themselves. And so, when you are certain that there is no malice in your intent, when you know in your Inner Being that this time, Karma is calling upon you to be It's Instrument, the Dark of the Moon is the time to Work.
And so, Children, I tell you once again, the Dark of the Moon is upon us. Is there something you need to do?

A Ritual to Release Your Fears

2007-04-10T06:02:00.001-04:00

Since we are in the waning of the Moon, I thought you might make use of a simple Ritual I created many years ago. Sometimes we hold on to our fears and, in fact, inadvertently strengthen them. The best way to get past a fear (whether or not it is realistic), is to release it. Now this is not appropriate for all fear. Some fear is useful. If it makes you more cautious in a dangerous situation that is a real probability in your life, then you certainly wouldn't want to release it. But when the fear is one that actually cripples you or robs you of your ability to live a full life, then by all means, let it go. This can be Ritual can be done by yourself or in a circle of well-trusted friends.

Tools Needed:

knife or razor blade (single edged for safety)
Bee's Wax (enough to make a small to medium sized ball in the palm of your hand)
melting bowl and heat source (I prefer an open fire outdoors, however, a tea light and holder set-up that has a place to rest your melting bowl will work just as well. A good one to use is the oil warmers that are currently on the market).

First, as with all Spell or Ritual Work, you must create a Sacred Space. Pick an area and time when you will not be interrupted for at least half an hour.Cleanse the area both physically and Spiritually. There should be a level table top, shelf or altar space to use. Assemble the tools for this Ritual. Before actually starting the Ritual, think about the fears you have in your life and make sure they serve no real purpose. If there is nothing that your fear helps you do (avoid a dangerous situation or negative outcome in the situation) then that is a fear you would want to release. You may find that you have more useless fears in your subconscious than you expected. In that case, you may want to single out the bigger, more specific ones and use this Ritual more than once.
Next Call upon your Higher Power to witness and guide you in this Ritual Working.
Now , concentrate on visualizing the fear(s) in you as one large entity that is gathering just beneath the skin in your upper arms. It is dirty and nasty. Push it down the length of your arms to your fingers and palms. Pick up the Bee's Wax and start kneading it in your hands while repeating aloud "Creature of Wax accept my Fear" As you gain rhythm and momentum, focus on the fear and release it from your fingers and hands. "See" it that dirty, nasty stuff travel from your fingers and hands into the ball of wax. When you feel that you have placed all of your fear into that ball of wax, meditate a little while longer, while continuing to work the wax in your hands, in order to heighten your focus. Now get the knife and bowl. Using the knife, shave small pieces of the fear-laden wax into the bowl. Visualize how you are literally"cutting your fears down to size". Place the bowl with all your fear(now whittled down to size) over the heat source all the while visualizing the fear melting away, out of your life - just as the fear-heavy wax is in fact, melting away. When the wax is completely melted down, continue to meditate on how much lighter you feel without all that fear weighing you down. When you are through, you should then thank your Higher Power for assisting you in this Working. Then take the melted wax to running water far away from where you normally go and and release it into the water. This allows the fear that was trapped in that wax and then cut down to size and melted away, to flow out of your life. Give thanks as you watch it leave your life. Immediately go and thoroughly wash your hands (literally "washing your hands of it").
Sometime in the following week, a random act of kindness would be appropriate.

I hope this Ritual helps all of you who are allowing fear to dictate your actions and decisions in life. And for those who think this doesn't apply to you, sit down and meditate for a few minutes - you may find more fear than you knew!

2007-04-06T05:05:00.000-04:00

On the advice of several people who's judgement I have come to trust, I am not (as I first intended) going to give Candle Magic classes here free of charge. What you have seen in earlier postings on my Blog is a taste of what will soon, I hope, become an e-book that I will make available for a small fee. And so, I will not continue any further here with Candle Magic. The wheres and whens, the whys and why nots of using Candle Magic are many. There are those who maintain that the simplest basics of using candles and colors to influence general vibrations are Spellwork, and so may only be performed with permission from all those involved with the particular situation, and only after the situation proves to be too much for you to deal with in any mundane fashion. I, however, believe that the simple use of basic knowledge of what candles and how to use them to have a more favorable situation, is only common sense and doesn't qualify as full-blown Spellwork. Altering or manipulating the vibrations around you is just one way you can help yourself work out a favorable solution to a situation. It's like being locked in a pitch black room, knowing that the key to the door is hidden somewhere in that room. Would you rather stumble around in the dark, feeling around the furniture for the key - or flip on the light switch so you can see the key in plain view? Recognizing and manipulating the vibrations gives you an edge, just like turning on the lights in that darkened room gives you a better chance of finding the key to the lock on the door. It's not wizardry, it's plain common sense! Granted, you can go beyond the simple basics and use this information along with other aspects and progress into actual Spellwork. But, the key is to know when that is needed and when it isn't. In my Candle Magic e-book, I will take you further along that path. For now, I have given you some of what you need to start turning things around in your life. Keep an eye out for the soon to come e-book on Candle Magic. In the meantime, Use the color associations I have previously given you to help make things go better in your life in general. Get into the habit of knowing what planet is associated with the current day of the week and what that planets' general aspects are. Take the time to light a candle of the color associated with the day of the week, and meditate on that energy flow for the day. Or just pick something from your closet that is that color and wear it for the day - it will help you tune in to the vibrations of the day. It may not make everything run smoothly, but it will help you act and re-act to any problems in a more productive fashion.

Back to some Basics of Vibrational Magic

2007-03-29T08:53:00.000-04:00

Several days ago, I started sharing a little of my knowledge of Vibrational Magic. I began by giving a little info (more like a teaser) and asked for comments letting me know if there was anyone else reading this blog that was interested in what I had to share. Well, I didn't get ANY response in the comment area of the blog, but I did get limited response via my email. Well, based on that response and the hope that, somewhere along the way, there would be some to happen upon this blog who would be interested, I am going to continue in that vein.
As I explained in the earlier blog, everything and every being in the Universe has a vibration. And, like vibrations are attracted to one another. In order to utilize this for the benefit of ourselves and (in certain circumstances) the benefit of others, we must know what vibrations are similar and will resonate on the same levels. This is beyond the simple positives and negatives attracting like energy. There are certain planets that resonate with certain colors, days of the week and patterns for specific purpose. I will begin by sharing what I call Planetary Associations, starting with purpose and colors.

Moon...Monday...White...Purity/purification, peace, Goddess Energy
Mars...Tuesday...Red...Passion, healing, fire, winning in battle, aggressive energy
Mercury...Wed...Purple...speed & clarity of communication, Spiritual Communication
Jupiter...Thurs...Green...Prosperity, fast cash, growth, abundance, fertility, finding that which has been lost
Venus...Friday...Blue...Family ties, Relationships(love rather than lust)
Saturn...Saturday...Black/Brown...Justice, Karma,Knowledge,Wisdom
Sun...Sunday...Yellow/Gold...God Energy, Material Wealth, Possessions, Dispelling Quarrels

This is a very a very simplistic list of only a few of the associations. As with everything, there are varying degrees of the energies spoken of here. There are also several ways to use these associations. And the how and when and why(and yes, even the why not) to use these vibrations and associations in your life, will be addressed in my next posting.

Magical Ethics

2007-03-26T10:24:00.000-04:00

There are many types of Magic in the world. And many people who will tell you they can teach it to you. Whatever path you chose to walk, remember that the greatest, most powerful Magic is made by the Spirit working through you. Without the Higher Power (in whatever form you choose to deify), all our incantations, candle burnings and charm carrying ways are just so much smoke and mirrors. Anyone who tells you that you can have the Magic without Spirituality is either a lying con artist to be avoided or a self-deluding fool to be pitied.
Never use Magic lightly. Great responsibility comes with the use of Magic. Magic shouldn't be the first course of action, rather it should be what you turn to when you have exhausted all other avenues. The Law of Cause and Effect (Karma) is very real. The energies you put out into the Universe are multiplied and returned to you. It is up to you what those energies are. Throughout my life, I have found that as long as I ask that what I am doing be for the good of all and be the Spirit's Will, rather than just mine, my Magical Workings are usually successful. When I have neglected this part of the Working, the results weren't what I desired.
I intend this Blog to be, among other things, a resource for those who are seeking knowledge about Witchcraft. I do not pretend to know all there is to know about witchcraft and Magic. I hope that those who are knowledgeable in areas where I am not will share their wisdom and experiences for the betterment of all of us who tread a Magical Path. I particularly want to reach out to the newer, younger people because many of them have no knowledge that hasn't come straight from some "Ding! You're a Witch!" book or some atrociously insulting movie or television program. My reason is that these people are the most highly visible of all of us and we are all tarred with the same brush. As practitioners of the Ancient Arts, we are often lumped together with these "witches" who think they are going to levitate if they can say "Light as a feather..." in just the right tone of intensity. Yes, it is unfair, but it is true. So, I say let's at least help steer them clear of the most obvious pitfalls and help keep them out of trouble, who knows - maybe the next generation's Merlyn just finished reading a Harry Potter book!

Pagan - or just irresponsible?

2007-03-23T08:05:00.000-04:00

A change of topics this morning. I'll get back to Candle Magic and Magical ethics, etc., but I just have to get this little rant out of my system!
It seems like the Pagan numbers are growing day by day, which, to me is a good thing. But wait, what kind of Pagans are they? The title Pagan has grown to be rather clouded and confusing, to say nothing of all-encompassing. Some people claim Paganism to be any nature-based lifestyle or Pantheon related religion. Others see Pagan and Heathen as interchangeable. And somebody else says Pagans are gentle, agriculture-types. Some think Pagans are all Wiccans. There are those that see Pagans as hippie-like anachronisms. Still others (and these are the ones that REALLY burn me up), use the title of Pagan so that they can:

always be late (Pagan Standard Time)

always smell(bathing optional)

not hold down a regular job or in some way make themselves useful

(only working long enough to pay for the next batch of Meade -

or meet someone else that will!)

and

just be irresponsible in general

Personally, I don't call that anything but inconsiderate, lazy, slovenly, and of poor character. I realize I am not supposed to be judgemental of others, but I am getting damned tired of being lumped in with these miscreants. And if, among those who read this, there are some who fall into that category of Pagan and are upset with me for saying all of this: TOO BAD! Quit giving the rest of us bad press!

Okay, I feel better now. Let me catch my breath and smooth my ruffled feathers and I'll get back to some Candle Magic!

Vibrations

2007-03-21T07:56:00.000-04:00

Everything in the Universe has a vibration. A chair, table, picture, planets, your thoughts-even people, all have vibrations.There are many ways to use these vibrations to your advantage.You can alter the vibrations of a situation or thing and you can alter the vibrations around one's self. Like is attracted to like in both the Macrocosm and the Microcosm. So when you change the vibrations of, let's say a room, you change the type of energy and things it will attract to itself. (This is one reason shamans smudge an area for prayer and meditations).
There are several ways to affect these vibrations. Sound(bells,chimes,words of power, song, prayer), color (candles, materials, paints, etc.) and scent(incense, oils, herbal concoctions, etc.) being just a few of those methods. People have known this for a long time. Look at the incense and candle burning that goes on in the oldest religions. The Gregorian chants, ritualistic prayer, some call it Religious or Spiritual practices. Some call this Magic. And Magic is something I know about.
There are planetary influences that are associated with, among other things, color. Different colors resonate at the same vibrational level as the certain planets. And therefore, these colors and planets can influence other things.The planet Jupiter, for example, has basic vibrations that can affect prosperity, lost items, growth and fertility. The color green resonates with the Jupiter, so wearing green material or burning a green candle can affect these same things.
Before we go much further, we need to discuss the ethics of Magic.There are certain things you should not try to do with Magic.
One of them is directly try to affect the Karma or future of another. Another is to go against natural or Universal Laws, (no trying to make the world spin backwards-leave that to Superman).
Something you should ALWAYS do is give yourself an escape clause (If it be for the Higher Good of All, or if it be Your will[speaking to whatever Higher Power you believe in], etc.).
Always examine the thing you are attempting to affect for reasons not to do it.If it affects someone adversely is a good reason NOT to do it.If it goes against Universal Law is another one.But you can't always tell if it is something you shouldn't do, that's why you need the escape clause. Without it, your spell might work and you might really regret that! A good example is the young woman who wants her love with 'Joe' to last forever and ever. She burns her candle, speaks the words, and sure enough, her love for Joe lasts and lasts - even when 'Joe' turns out to be a real jerk! She didn't have her escape clause firmly in place!
I am going to stop this post right here so that you can have a little time to think about the things I have written. Absorb them, make the decision whether this is something you want to know about.

This is It

2007-03-19T00:12:00.000-04:00

The last cigarette has been stubbed. All ashes, cigarette packs, butts and assorted paraphernalia have been removed from my apartment. There will no longer be smoking allowed in my home until I have the habit so whipped that I'm not bothered by it. It is the end of an era.

I just hope it isn't the beginning if a reign of terror! My friends, you will hopefully excuse any increased bad temperament issues on my part. I have long joked that I smoked as a public service - that the coroner's office wouldn't be able to keep up with the body count if I didn't smoke! Well, now is when we find out just how much of a joke that was.

Wish me luck ... and duck if you see me coming ! :)

My first REAL Blog

2007-03-15T09:11:00.000-04:00

This is my first real Blog beause, after a few other attempts that failed (couldn't get the hang of the set-up), I found this site as part of my Gmail account. It seems to be the easiest and most understandable to me, so I will make a strong effort to keep current with my blogs and such.
I am, among other things, a smoker who is trying to quit. This is not the first time I have tried, but is the last (whether successful or not!). I have gotten an Rx from my Dr. for Chantix. It is a 12 week system that has you taking some pills and checking into thewebsite to track your progress and do certain things to help you quit. The Chantix method has you choose a 'Quit Date' and then, 1 week before your QuitDate, you start taking their pills once a day. You can still smoke right up to your actual Quit Date. I am on Day 4 of the pre-Quit Date week. Still smokiong, but also logging each ciggy - time, what I am doing, thinking, feeling when I lite up, etc.(that's a bit of a pain, but it doesn't deter me...I still lite up, even with all the paper work :)
I have tried all the other aids they have for quitting (patches, gum, will power), so this Chantix is about my last shot at quitting.