Wednesday What Herb Is This - Male Fern

Male Fern
The Male Fern is also called by the names Male Shield Fern - Dryopteris Filix-mas; Bracken Fern - Pteris Aquilina; and Moonwort - Botrychium lunaria. The male fern is also known as the ‘bear’s paw’ and it probably earned this nickname owing to the look of its rhizomes or tubers that are hairy and dark brown. Scientifically, the male fern is called Dryopteris meaning ‘oak fern’ in Greek. It acquired this name because the male fern is habitually found to grow in oak woods. On the other hand, botanists call this species ‘filix-mas’ meaning the ‘male fern’. Interestingly, another species called the Athyriumfilix-femina or the ‘lady fern’ has been named so owing to its fragile appearance. Significantly, till the middle of 1800 botanists were in the dark regarding the fact that the ferns do not have any gender and there is nothing like "male" or "lady" fern in reality. In fact, the spores found in the underneath of the fern leaves or fronds produce both male as well as female cells. These spores are not visible to the naked eyes and the strange renewal of ferns, at times, has given rise to an antique faith that the spores found in the underneath of the fern leaves or fronds bestows invisibility to people on whom it is showered. Even Shakespeare refers to this belief indirectly in his play Henry IV, where he writes “We have the receipt of fern seed, we walk invisible.”

Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Part Used: Leaves and stems

This fern appears to have some qualities in common with the Bracken. The ashes of both have been used in soap and glassmaking, and the young curled fronds have been boiled and eaten like Asparagus. The inhabitants of Palmaand Gomera (islands of the Canary Group) use it as food, grinding the rhizome to powder and mixing it with a small quantity of barley, and the young fronds are eaten in Japan. In Siberia and in Norway, the uncoiled fronds have been used for brewing a kind of beer. In times of great scarcity the Norwegians (over a century ago) used the fronds to mix with bread and also made them into beer. The leaves, cut green and dried, make an excellent bitter, and when infused in hot water make good fodder for sheep and goats. 

The male fern is one of the most powerful medications for tapeworm ever documented in the records of medicine - the root can be used in a powdered form. Right from the days of the ancient Greek civilization to the present day, male fern has been recommended by most physicians to expel worms from the body. The root powder can also be added to salve for wounds and burns, and over the centuries people have been making use of oil taken out from the tuber or rhizome of the herb to cure problems arising from liver flukes or barbs.  Despite its medical utility, the U.S. Pharmacopeia listed the male fern for medical use quite late - 1965. It is interesting to note that even Louis XVI of France coughed up a hefty sum to obtain a remedy containing the male fern.

*****Here is a word of caution. It must always be borne in mind that excessive dosage of the male fern is highly noxious and one should never use the herb without consulting qualified physicians. If taken in high doses, medicines prepared from the male fern may prove to be fatal too.

Father Kunzle's Oil

• 5 fern fronds, well dried
• 4/5 (200 ml) cup olive oil

Detach the dried leaflets from the stems and macerate in the oil for 1 month. Carefully strain. This oil can be kept for 6 months away from light. This is an ideal massage oil for muscular pain.

Normally this useful herb grows up to two to four feet in height and bears insipid green leaves also known as fronds. These fronds are narrow and tasseled and grow closely packed all the way up to the fleshy stem. On the underside of the fronds, there are two rows of dark brown spores. The rhizome or tuber of the male fern is reddish brown in color and is usually small, bulky and scaled. As mentioned earlier, the spores found underneath the fern leaves or fronds produce both male and female cells. Thus, the ferns reproduce from these spores.

In many cultures across the globe, people think that the ferns have the capability to transform poor people rich. For instance, a Russian myth says that if a person finds a fern blossoming on Midsummer Eve and throws the fern in the air, he will find a fortune where the fern lands. On the other hand, a fable in Syria says that collecting fern spores on Christmas night will compel the devil to part with his money. 

Moonwort/Fern is an herb of immortality and must be gathered by moonlight if it is to work. Fern should be kept in a room where studying is done to help concentration, and you should burn a sprig of fern before an exam. It can also be used in sachets and amulets for powerful auric protection. You can mix fern leaves with black snake root chips and carry them in a mojo bag for protection from harm and to ward off unnatural illness.

The Fern is an extremely powerful protective plant. Grow them in and around the house for protection from evil and negativity. It aids in gaining mental clarity, and is also used for cleansing, purification, and dispelling negativity. Fern has a reputation for preventing evil from entering the home. Some folks sprinkle crushed fern leaves along the inside window sills in every room of the house to keep out burglars and other intruders. You can also brew fern leaves and black snake root together and add it to your regular floor wash to get rid of jinxes and enemy tricks laid on your doorstep. Freshly crushed fern leaves can also be used as a floor sweep by sprinkling them onto the floor and then sweeping them out the front door.

Fern can be used to bring luck and prosperity. If it is carried, it will attract women to the carrier and if it is burned outdoors it will attract rain. If the Fern is dried over a balefire on the day of the Summer Solstice, it can then be used as a protective amulet. The 'seeds' from a Fern are said to render one invisible - but only if the seeds are gathered on Mid-Summer's Eve. It is claimed to aid in opening locks and was also said to have been used by the Alchemists, who thought it had power to condensate or to convert quicksilver into pure silver.

herbs2000

herb-magic

 

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Thursday This Is Your Spell – Witches’ Bottles

Witches’ Bottles

There are many legends connected with what are called 'Witches’ Bottles'....basically a Witches’ Bottle is a jar or bottle that is filled with something while being charged by a spell, and then sealed. They are often used to protect  a  house or home, since evil spirits are said to have to stop and count every item in the bottle before they can enter a home. Many things can be used in a bottle of protection ... you can use earth, sand, small pebbles, buttons, pins, crushed glass, threads, acorns, etc etc etc (in fact in one X-files episode the writer obviously used this when Agent Fox Mulder was saved from a vampire when the vampire had to stop and count all Fox's spilled sunflower seeds <LOL>!)

Making A Witches’ Bottle

First select the bottle you want to use. Your bottle maybe clear or tinted. If you're working with a colored bottle, choose a color that suits what you are doing. Tinted bottles are great for spells that use color correspondences. Once you have a bottle, wash it with warm soapy water, or cleanse it in the ocean. After you have washed it, magically cleanse it and bathe it in the light of the full moon. When the bottle is clean it is time to fill it. There are a lot of options when it comes to contents, such as very sharp objects like nails, pins, safety pins, needles, or sand, for protection from unfriendly forces. Filling a bottle with collected  herbs, resins, leaves, roots, and spices can assist you in creating any number of wards, spells, or talismans. Add a base oil or cider vinegar and you have wonderful gifts for your friends, that will not only enhance their magical life but also their cooking! Another option is filling the bottle with a variety of flower petals selected for their healing properties, attributes, or correspondences to planetary or other forces. (You may want to include a bit of alcohol, vinegar, or olive oil to preserve the flowers.)

As you can see, witches’ bottles have unlimited possibilities, are easy to make, and can be adapted to whatever need you may be trying to fill. Protection, love, health, or even just decoration, this is one of the most versatile tools in a witches’ possession. I am including several different possible creations today. Always remember though, make anything you do yours. No spell or recipe is set in stone, nor should it be. The powers in the world are mutable and adaptable as is any good witch, using what’s at hand to work her magic. These are guidelines. That being said, here are a few examples of possible witches’ bottles you can create : )

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* Kid's Button Bottle *

This is a good craft/spell project for pagan kids. Take an unbreakable jar with a screw on cap - or use a Rubbermaid type container. Have the child place pretty buttons in the bottle all the while saying:

"Button, Button,
Nine times nine,
Protect this house
And room of mine."

When the jar is full it can then be placed near the door to the house, or better yet under the child's bed! (You all know a child or two (or an adult <eg>) that is afraid that eviiiiiiiiiiilllllllllllllll clowns live under the bed!)

 

Earth Witches’ Bottle

Using your projective hand as a funnel, pour fresh, clean soil into a long, small, clean, sterile bottle or spice jar. While doing so, charge the earth with protection, while chanting the appropriate rhyme of your own creation. Fill to the top. Cap the bottle. Place this near an entrance such as a door or window.

 

Red Wine Witches’ Bottle

Needed:

• rosemary
• needles & pins
• small glass jar with tight fitting lid or cork stopper
• red wine
• black or red candle (for wax to seal the jar)

Fill the the jar using the rosemary, needles and pins. As you're filling the jar, say these words...

"Pins, needles, rosemary, wine,
In this witch's bottle of mine;
Guard against harm and enmity;
This is my will; so Mote it Be!"

When as full of those items as possible, pour in red wine and shake. Seal with black or red wax. If you own your own house, bury this at the furthest most corner of your property. If you rent, place it in an inconspicuous place.

Herbal Witches’ Cleansing Bottle

Needed:

• large clear bottle
• sand
• dried rosemary
• dried lemon peel
• dried sage
• dry cedar
• black peppercorns
• dried lavender
• dried dill
• dried bay leaves
• dried rowan
• white candle (for wax to seal the jar)

Pour a layer of sand into the bottle, then add the herbs in layers. When the bottle is full, focus cleansing protective energy into the herbs and sand, and see a golden light radiating from the bottle. Visualize the herbs driving away negative influences. Cork and seal the bottle with white wax. Using a permanent marker, draw the Algiz rune

Image from Techno Feng Shui

on one side of the bottle, and on the other side draw a pentagram.

Set the bottle near your front or back door, and every six months uncap and pour the herbs out into the woods or you compost heap. Thoroughly wash and dry the bottle before filling it with a new round of herbs : )

 

Binding Spell

This spell is for binding a violent or dangerous person from doing harm. Caution: do not bind someone without very good reason. It doesn’t matter if you believe in Karma or Universal Balance or not. Belief doesn’t change reality. Also when considering a spell like this, remember magic isn’t always clean, pretty or nice…

Needed:

• photo of person to be bound

OR

• a piece of white parchment paper with their whole name written on it in black ink or dove's blood ink.
• 18 inches or so of black silken cord or black thick string, like embroidery floss.
• A small glass jar w/cork lid.
• A small white candle
• A small black candle

Light both your candles. Write the name on the paper or take the photograph in hand. Fold the paper or photo into as small a rectangle as possible. Take the cord in hand and begin to wind it around the rectangle, for a total of nine loops,
saying aloud in a clear, strong voice:

I (your name ), bind thee (name of offending person )
from causing harm to (name of victim here),
from exerting control over this person,
from influencing this person.
I bind you from making further plans with this person.
I call upon the angels, Auriel, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael
(or any other guides or deities you prefer.)
to assist me in this righteous cause!
As I will,
So mote it be.

Place the paper into the jar. Urinate into the jar & cork. Seal all around the cork with the black candle wax. Let the candles burn themselves out safely. Place this jar in a place where no one will disturb it. Bury it if you must. Some prefer to keep it on their altar and send energy to it regularly.

House Protection Jar

Needed:

• 1 glass jar
• 1/2 to 1 cup salt
• 3 cloves garlic
• 9 bay leaves
• 7 tsp. dried Basil
• 4 tsp. dill seeds
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp anise 
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp fennel
• 1 bowl

In the morning, ideally on a bright sunny day, assemble the items. Place all in the bowl and say:

"Salt that protects, protect my home and all within."

Add the cloves of garlic:

"Garlic that protects, protect my home and all within."

Crumble the Bay leaves and place in the bowl:

"Bay that protects, protect my home and all within."

Add the basil and say:

"Basil that protects, protect my home and all within."

Add the dill and say:

"Dill that protects, protect my home and all within."

Add the sage and say:

"Sage that protects, protect my home and all within."

Add the anise and say:

"Anise that protects, protect my home and all within."

Add the fennel and say:

"Fennel that protects, protect my home and all within."

Mix together the salt and the herbs with your hands, throughout the movement of your hands and fingers lend energy to the potent protective items, visualize your home safe and as a shining secure place. Pour the mixture in the jar and cap tightly, Place it in your home with these words:

"Salt and herbs, nine times nine
Guard now this home of mine"

Inspiration Jar

Purpose: To bring on inspiration. For creativity.
Neede:d

• Mason jar
• Small crystal
• Dried orange peels (two-thirds)
• Dried mint (one-third)
• 2 drops orange essential oil
• 1 drop mint essential oil
• Square piece of black cotton fabric
• Rubber band
• Orange fabric paint or orange acrylic
• Orange ribbon

**Note: The color orange is the color of creative energies. The shading (how dark or light the orange is) that you use will denote the level of creative energies you wish to channel. A dark orange will take you deep into the creative energies while a light orange is less intense.
Moon cycle: No moon cycle is selected for this spell because all phases of the moon hold different levels of creative energies, including the dark moon. If you follow moon phases, choose the cycle that fits your purpose best.

Gather ingredients. With a clean and dry jar before you, place the mint first and then the orange peels inside, filling it up about two-thirds of the way. Add two drops of orange essential oil and one drop mint essential oil. More if you are using a large mason jar. Stir ingredients together. Take the small crystal in your hand and say something such as:

"Creativity come to me
In whispers and dreams
And visions that gleam."

Place the crystal inside the jar with the potpourri. For the lid, cover the opening of the jar with black fabric so that the side of the fabric hangs down over the edges about 2 inches. With a pencil, mark the center top of the fabric. Take the fabric off the jar, lie it flat on a hard surface. Using orange paint, acrylic or fabric paint, paint on a spiral. (for those of you who are like me – can trip over a breeze…while the paint is drying, cover the jar temporarily with a lid so that it doesn't get spilled. )

Associations:

• Spiral: The spiral is a symbol of the dance of life. It shows the continuous cycle of ourselves going inward (within ourselves/our psyche) and then going outward (expressing ourselves).
• Black: The black fabric in this spell is used as an absorption color. Black absorbs all colors, all energies. By placing the orange spiral on this we are signifying just what those energies are that the black is absorbing, all creative energies.

Once the paint is dry, place the fabric on the jar once again. The spiral should now be on the centered top of the jar's mouth. Holding the fabric in place, wrap the rubber band around the sides to hold it in place. Next, tie the orange ribbon overtop of the rubber band. Keep this inspiration jar in your work area, where you can smell it’s inspiring scents - where you do your writing, painting, drawing, or keep it by your bed to bring on inspiring dreams.

Money Jar

Needed:

• paper & pen
• seven dimes
• quart jar with screw-on lid
• bay leaf

Write your need on the paper and drop it into the jar. Take 7 dimes in your dominate hand and place them one by one into the jar. As each one drops, visualize it multiplying into huge amounts and say:

"Toward this wish, the money grows
by leaps and bounds - it overflows.
Coins that jingle, coins that shine
come to me now - you are mine."

Write your name on the bay leaf and drop it into the jar. Screw on the lid and place the jar where you can see it everyday, but where it is not visible to everyone who enters your home. Add a coin or two to the jar each day, and watch as money flows to you from unexpected sources. After you obtain the money you need, remove the paper and bury it outside.

Sacred Salt Jar

This is not only great to have for oneself, but it makes a nice gift to someone special if you happen to know what scents they like or stones they like. Since what you put into it is "yours", it is like giving a part of yourself, too. This mixture is excellent to charge stones in and to "simmer energies". Once it has blended
for a few months, a pinch can be added to rituals, etc., bathwater or as a gift to Mother Earth. You can also make a "starter salt" as a gift for a friend. You can also give of your own sacred salt mixture to a special friend to help blend powers and energies when they make their own  sacred salt mixture : ) 
The mixture should be made and kept in a covered stone or Earthen jar, but can be made and kept in a covered glass jar until you find one that is suitable. There are different schools of thought on what kind of salt to use. Some use rock salt, some Earth salt and some sea salt, some even use normal table salt. Whatever salt you use, make sure that it is "natural" and not iodized.

Blend the salt with chopped or ground herbs, tiny crystals, small stones, nuts seeds,  jewelry, locks of hair, ground incense and a few drops of your favorite oils, anything that you wish. Even rose petals and other flowers. When you have cleansed and charged stones and crystals by sun and Moon, place them in this mixture to store until you wish to use them or give them as gifts.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions / recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog

Friday Form A Circle – Full Moon/Cleansing Rite

Full Moon / Cleansing Rite
I have no source info on this :(

Special tools:

• Cauldron filled with salt water

Altar Devotion.
Cast the circle.
Invocation of the Goddess:

I greet the Lady and call upon thee
Mighty Mother of us all, bringer of all fruitfulness.
I ask you, Mother, to descend upon my circle
And reside within me, thy priest/ess.

Invocation of the God:

I call upon thee O Great Father,
Sun and Consort of the Mother,
Who brings her light and warmth.
Come forth Mighty Horned One.
Live now within the body of this thy priest/ess.

Cleansing:
Anoint forehead with salt water

"I cleanse my thoughts
That they might be pure and honest -
Grant that they always be pleasing
To the God and Goddess."

Anoint throat

"I cleanse my voice
That all that I say
Might be for good
And naught for ill or harm."

Anoint heart

I cleanse my heart that it might be open,
Giving and full of light.
Grant that I might give freely
Of my love and care to others."

Anoint hands

"I cleanse my hands
That I might use them
For workings of good,
To help and never to harm."

Anoint feet

"I cleanse my feet
That they might take me far in life,
That my journeys may be
Filled with love, light, peace
And the joy of the Goddess and God."

Meditation for a time.
Cakes and Wine (eating bread and drinking wine or juice to restore energies spent during ritual). Release the circle, thank the God and Goddess.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions / recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog

Thursday This Is Your Spell -

Home Cleansing
source unknown

Needed:

• sagebrush stick
• glass of water
• bowl containing a shallow pool of water

This is a great spell used to clean your home of negative energy. Spell performed preferably during a waning moon but can be cast at any needed time for a cleansing during any moon phase.
Any evening after sunset, light the sagebrush. Have the glass bowl nearby. Blow out the flame and blow on the embers of the stick to increase the smoke. In each room of your house, Blow smoke in each of the four directions. Blow gently upon the burning stick as you face each wall of the room. Say aloud:

I clear this space of all negativity
And of the energy of people or things
That have no purpose in this household.
I ask that this clearing be gentle
And that all of this energy be returned to its source.

When you are done with your whole house, Return to the room you started in. Take the stick and dip it into the bowl of water to douse the embers. Take a sip of water from your glass. Say aloud:

This home is a gentle and supportive environment.
I offer gratitude to the universe that this is done.
So it be and so it is.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions / recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog

Sunday Surprise - Hestia's Cleansing Meditation

Hestia's Cleansing Meditation
By Hestia

This is a mediation I wrote a number of years ago for an Imbolc ritual. I suggest taping it or finding someone to lead you through it. It doesn't take you down so you will have to use your own method for finding alpha. Let me know what you think.
Hestia

Take a candle and place on your right, close to hand

Earth.

You see a large depression about the size of a large hot tub, of soft, wet earth that reminds you of the mud puddles you may have played in when you were younger, or perhaps you still do. Sit and kinda roll in it. Feel it squish up between your fingers and toes. Feel it softly scrubbing away all worries about finances, work, responsibilities, commitments that you no longer seem to have the energy to face. Quiet your inner thoughts and listen carefully to the heartbeat of the mother. Let the sound help you renew your sense of foundation. Feel yourself become even more centered, your sense of balance greatly improved. Do you hear other sounds? Perhaps the sounds of things stirring in the veins of the mother? Sap running? Seeds sprouting? The much needed rest of the winter is loosening her grip. You must avoid becoming stagnant.

Air

Feel a gentle breeze blowing through your hair, tugging at any clothing you may be wearing, pulling gently at it, becoming stronger until it is a whirlwind tearing at your flesh. The dirt that was still clinging to you is "blown" off. The wind slowly rids you of all your negative thought patterns that you've been carrying with you this year. It also cleans your system of the impurities that cause sickness, giving your body the much needed health and vitality to enter this fast paced time. Your mind is clear, no longer held back with old "proven" ideals. You see things as they really are, not as you have been led to believe. New creative ideas are given the space needed to flourish with a greater capacity to remember, but also you must remember that others may not have the capacity to do as you do. Learn to communicate without demeaning others.

Fire

You see a great tower of fire, that, while you can feel heat, does not burn. Somehow you know it will not hurt you as you step into it. At first things feel uncomfortable, your blood has been very sluggish with the cold of winter, but as your blood moves faster it no longer bothers you. In fact it invigorates you. Your energy level knows no bounds. You begin to see the underlying reason, motivation of the things you are doing as well as the motivations of those around you. You no longer want to sit and think. You want to do! And then something else occurs to you, fire is hard to control. You must use this energy wisely.

Water

A large, deep lake stands before you. The water looks cool and inviting after the heat of fire, so you slowly wade in, relaxing your emotional muscles. You begin to swim around. Noticing how clean the water tastes, you cup your hands and drink your fill. Your connection with the Lady is now complete. Your psychic eye is open. You are open. You see the flow of energy around you, connecting everything together as if a giant spider had caught the world in its web. You see the relationships between you and your loved ones and notice the emotions that flow back and forth along those lines. The water your skin is drinking in feeds your creativity, giving support and encouragement to your ideas. Allowing your dreams to be fulfilled. Before you leave the water, visualize your shields. Remember that your subconscious mind needs those shields to protect itself outside of your sacred place.

Center

Move back towards the center of your sacred place. Remember the candle that was beside you and to your right as you entered this state. Pull all the sensations, thoughts, energy and feelings you experienced together into yourself and send it into the candle. When you have finished, remember to ground any excess energy and recenter yourself. When you are ready, return to the circle. Take the candle with you and use it anytime you feel that you need to reconnect with this state of mind. Also use it to clean your crystals, tarot cards, home, anything that may need extra special attention.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions / recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog

Friday Form A Circle - Spring Cleaning the Soul Ritual/Spell

* Spring Cleaning the Soul Ritual/Spell *
by Chameleon SilverCat

Like all else I find & post here, unless I specifically claim it, I  probably didn’t write it. I created this blog to share what I have gathered over the years, craftwise. Spells, herblore, rituals, and Goddess knows how much else! I feel knowledge should be available to anyone who wants it, and if it’s there for anyone to find, well. . .Anywho, I have said before & I am sure will say again – the above link is dead. If this is your work, please let me know, I will be thrilled to link to your site, your email or anything else you specify.  I don’t want credit for anyone else’s work, I just want to share what I have, and (hopefully) send folks who come here to places where they can find even more information :)
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Outside, I saw the first robin today. His red breast dulled by the dust bath in which he was so happily indulging. The weather is fluctuating between "...ah, nice." and "..turn on the damn heater!" Daffodils are everywhere; yellow heads bobbing in the pre-spring winds. Leaves are starting to bud out on the oak trees, the days are noticeably longer...all signs that the Spring Equinox, Ostara, is nearly here.

Like Mabon, Ostara is a Sabbat of balance. The days and nights are of equal length, and the masculine and feminine energies of the Earth are held in perfect symmetry. Now is the time to do Works to bring your own life into harmony, to banish the little demons you have collected over the winter months and do a little Spring Cleaning of the Soul. With that in mind, here's a little candle magic to get rid of those inner thoughts that hold you back, rather than hold you in honor....

You will need:

• Black birthday candles
• Sea Salt or Regular Salt
• A small Bowl or Cauldron
• A book of matches
• Paper and a Pen

On the paper, write the names of those inner demons who are holding you back: Self Doubt, Carelessness, Anger, Fear, etc... Pour a thick layer of salt into the bowl or cauldron and place it with the candles, matches, and list of demons where you plan to do this rite of banishment. Cast a Circle (or define your Sacred Space in your own way). Check your list again. Make sure you aren't forgetting anything. Make adjustments as needed. Center and Ground yourself. Concentrate on your goal of ridding your life of excess emotional baggage. Pick up a black candle and Name it after one of the demons on your sheet of paper and say the following:

"I Name thee, (Self Doubt, Laziness, etc..)
Let thy Spirit be bound within this wax."

Place the candle upright in the bowl or cauldron of salt. Continue to name each candle and place it in the salt until no more are left on your list. Strike a match, and starting with the candle furthest from you, light each one and say:

"As this flame feeds upon the wax,
So may you be consumed
And removed from my life."

Watch the candles melt and disappear. Remember that each one is a problem that once resided in you. See how quickly they are consumed! When the last candle has gone out and nothing is left but dark blotches in the cleansing salt, mix the wax and salt together with your hands and place a pinch of salt on your tongue. Say:

"As you once consumed me,
So do I consume you
And in doing so,
The Balance is maintained.
For the good of all,
And with malice toward none,
So mote it be!"

Open the Circle, take the salt and wax and throw it away. Every time one of those demons tries to return, remember the flame, and just how easily they are banished from your life. In the meantime, I wish you pleasant demon hunting & a wondrous Ostara!

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Thursday This Is Your Spell – Ritual Use of House Cleaning

* The Ritual Use Of House Cleaning *
by Monti ElfDragon – Found in my collection of ‘Stuffs”
but also located online at Pagan Speak

I am someone who hates housework, who is totally disorganized, forgetful,and a stressed out mom of 3 little witchlets (each one a wyld chyld). I have a major problem of finding time for ritual and personal spiritual growth. Well, along came the Spellcraft Tapestry Spring Cleaning Edition. And I have discovered that I am starting to enjoy cleaning. I know this sounds silly. I can hear you housework haters out there........." this witch chick has lost ALL her marbles!"

Now, let me explain what I have started doing. This amazing thing that has turned a drudgery, something to be put off. Into something to look forward to. As a Kitchen Witch, I try to make everything I do, every moment in my life magical. Because I have so little time for ritual. I decided to incorporate specific rituals in everything I do. I have turned cleaning into a magical ritual. This works for me. It may not work for others in just this way, so experiment. Make it your own. I started to make my own cleaners. When I make them, I create them magically. That is, I ritually charge them with what is needed in my life. Or what I need to be rid of. I also magically charge any store bought cleaners with specific intent.

Each day before I start to clean. I ground and center. Then meditate on what I need to do that day. I meditate on what I want in my life(good habits,love, peace, joy, prosperity, etc.) And/or the things I want to be rid of,(anger, resentment, bad habits, strife, stress, etc.) I then light the appropriate color candle and incense. I have found that when I meditate on the things to do and the things I want/don't want in my life. I can visualize the need with the appropriate chore. As an example, I have been feeling the need for clarity and organization of thought and deed. The chore that came to me was; cleaning & polishing mirrors and glass. Cleaning is pretty mindless sometimes. So visualization comes easily. I just asked the Lord and Lady for what I needed. And visualized being organized(able to accomplish everything I set out to do). And, visualized myself with clarity of mind and purpose. I may not get everything accomplished that I set out to do that day. But I find that I accomplish more than normally.

Believe it or not, but scrubbing the toilet is great for getting rid of anger and resentment. Visualize all your anger and resentment into the toilet bowl, add it to all the yuck in the bowl. As you are scrubbing the toilet see yourself scrubbing away your anger, resentment, or anything you want gone from your life. Then flush, as the yucky water is flushed away, see those things you want gone being flushed away as well.

Cleaning the woodwork and oiling/polishing it down, is great for adding good things into your life. Although for me it filled me with wonderful ideas, thoughts and feelings(ways to reach my goals).

Laundry

I also magically charge laundry detergent to cleanse all psychic yuck that collects, as well as the mundane dirt. Imbue your fabric softener with things you want in you and your family's lives. Putting clothes away for me, the disorganized person that I am. Is a treat my family looks forward to. They are very lucky if it gets done in a timely fashion. So, when I fold/hang them I visualize order in my mind, in my life. As I fold my families clothes. I fill each article of clothing with love and peace for each member of my family. If there is some really nasty things going on in your life or the lives of family members, i.e. rough time at work or school, or an illness. A few drops of an appropriately charged oil in the laundry works wonders.

Scrubbing Floors and Walls

If you make your own cleaners, or if you use commercial cleaners, as you are mixing them up. Visualize the cleaner not only cleaning away the dirt and grime, but psychically cleaning your home/room of any bad psychic energies. When you mix up your rinse water, add a couple of drops of a protection oil, or a peace and harmony herbal infusion. The direction in which you clean will be determined by whether you are wanting to bring something into your life (clockwise), or getting rid of something(counter-clockwise)

Dishwashing and Spiritual Growth

I really must give Diane (St. Lucy, Mom) credit for this one. This is her sink meditation. Put a pagan picture above your kitchen sink, or something that comforts you (I have a lovely view of my woods as well as my prayer to Brigit, a few Witch Bottles, plants and such). As you run the water, stick your hands in the water and see the stream washing away all of the schmoo that builds up in your aura......and down the drain. Then make a mental note of something you want to get rid of, and visualize it coating the dishes. As you wash the dishes see the problem being washed away. It helps keep the stress levels down a lot. I also say my prayer to Brigit out loud as I'm finishing up the dishes. I also try to say it every time I am at the sink. Even if its just to get a drink of water.

"Great Goddess Brigit
I ask for your inspiration
In all my endeavors
Help me to learn new things
Please give me the gifts
Of poetry and creativity
Help me to clean out the old and musty
In my mind and heart
Show me how to make mundane tasks
A joy and Honor to you
Make my hands, my lips, my mind
My heart and my soul, a blessing to you
Forge me into your instrument
That I may be a blessing
To you and the Old Ones
As well as a blessing to all I meet
May they see your love and power in me
Teach me to Honor you in being
A wife, a mother, and keeping a home
I dedicate my life to you
My body, soul, heart, and mind
To your service
So mote it be ! ! “

Vacuuming

Vacuuming the carpet is when I come up with some of my best ideas. Also with 3 small witchlets, 2 dogs and 1 cat. I have to vacuum at least twice a day. Every other night after the family is in bed. I mix up some baking soda, salt and powdered herbs. I infuse this mixture with peace and love, and let it sit overnight to absorb odors, then vacuum it the next morning. It keeps the house smelling fresh and the family happy. At least once a month I use this vacuum cleaner spell to get rid of unwanted energies that may have built up. A simple ritual that can be adapted for just about any need or purpose.

Supplies:

• Vacuum cleaner
• Powdered herbs (for specific intent), mixed with equal parts
• Baking Soda and Salt
• Quarter Candles, Altar candles, Candle of intent
• Incense

Gather supplies at your altar (or the center of your house). Ground and center. If you are doing a home purification ritual put the quarter candles at the cardinal points in your home (not all in one room). Establish sacred space as you light the quarter candles. You can do a full blown circle, or this simple one; (for this one light the quarter candles before or after you establish sacred space, your choice. Or you can omit the quarter candles.)
Face north;

"Here in the center of the world I stand.
Earth is before me, Air on my right hand.
Fire is behind me,  on my left water lies,
As I stand here between
The earth and the skies."

At your altar, prepare your powdered herbs with a mortar and pestle, while visualizing your intent. Mix equal parts of herbs, salt and baking soda in a large ceramic bowl or vessel, still visualizing your intent. For increasing Magic, stir with your hands clockwise. For decreasing Magic, stir with your hands counterclockwise infusing it with your intent.

Starting at your front door move deosil for increasing; widdershins for decreasing/banishing Magic. Sprinkle the herb/salt/soda on your carpet. If you so desire you can draw (sand paint) runes, pentacles or other magical symbols of your intent, saying appropriate words for each symbol. Or words such as these for purification/house blessing:

"Begone and leave, all hate, strife, ill will, and bad luck!!
In the Names of the God and Goddess I cleanse this house!!
This home is a sacred sanctuary of peace
For Myself, My Family, and our Friends!!
Anger and misfortune have NO place here!!"

Do this in every room of your house. When done return to the altar. Visualize your intent. For purification, see the salt, soda, and herbs drawing in, absorbing the negativity, anger, strife, whatever is troubling your house. Cense your vacuum cleaner, saying these or similar words:

"I ask the Lord and Lady
And the guardians of the quarters
To bless this home,
Grant us harmony, knowledge, freedom,
Love, healing, perception, pleasure,
Friendship and happiness.
Grant us riches, treasure, prosperity,
Employment, stability,success,
Business and money.
'An it harm none, So mote it be."

Starting at your front door, vacuum in a clockwise direction. When finished, throw out the vacuum cleaner bag (outside). Visualizing all that psychic goop/bad luck/bad feelings / illness/whatever, is being thrown out with the bag.

These are just a few ideas that I have come up with that work very well for me.I also have 3x5 cards tacked up all over the place with all this information. In my laundry room, with my cleaning supplies, the inside of cabinet doors all over my house. My family thinks I'm crazy but it helps me jog my memory. Since I have started doing this, I have received many answers to my questions. Figured out ways to organize my time and life. Gotten rid of unwanted thoughts, feelings, anger and things that were keeping me down. I've welcomed the new thoughts, feelings and ideas into my life joyfully. I realized, that even though I don't have everything I want or need, that I am not where I want to be"yet", I am well on my way. Each day, I wake up to the joy that life has to offer. I am becoming more patient with myself and others. I am accomplishing more each day, and feeling good about myself. I am more at peace.

I still find I get sidetracked, but I try to get back on track quickly. And figure out why I got sidetracked in the first place, and ways to prevent it next time.

The following are some oils and herbs that I have found useful in ritual cleaning:

Oils

Prosperity: Almond, Bergamot, Honeysuckle, Mint, Peony, Bayberry, Hyssop, Clove, Ginger, Nutmeg, Pine, Basil

Healing: Carnation, Mimosa, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Eucalyptus, Lotus, Clove, Pine, Lavender, Myrrh

Protection: Basil, Frankincense, Lavender, Myrrh, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Cypress, Rose Geranium, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Gardenia

Purification/Cleansing: Bay, Benzoin, Chamomile, Camphor, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Verbena, Myrrh, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Sandalwood,

Success: Bergamot, Clove, Ginger, Lemon Balm, Apple Blossom

Happiness: Lavender, Lily of The Valley, Marjoram, Apple Blossom, Lotus, Magnolia, Basil, Orange

Peace: Lavender, Gardenia, Passionflower, Skullcap, Cumin Seed, Lilac, Magnolia, Narcissus, Rose, Tuberose

Blessings: Benzoin, Cumin Seed, Rue

Harmony: Basil, Cumin Seed, Lilac, Narcissus

Love: Rose, Jasmine, Basil, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Lime, Neroli, Orange, Palmarosa, Rosemary, Yarrow, Ylang-Ylang

Herbs

Purification/Cleansing: Anise, Bay, Calamus, Chamomile, Camphor, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Hyssop, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Verbena, Lime, Mimosa, Parsley, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Thyme, Valerian, Vervain

Protection: Angelica, Anise, Balm of Gilead, Basil, Bay, Bergamot, Calmus, Carnation, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil, Clove Clover, Cumin, Cypress, Doll, Rose Geranium, Heather, Honeysuckle, Hyssop, Juniper, Lavender, Lilac, Mugwort, Orris, Patchouli, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Pine, Rose, Rue, Sage, Violet, Woodruff

Peace/Harmony: Cumin, Gardenia, Lavender, Lilac, Loosestrife, Meadowsweet, Narcissus, Pennyroyal, Tuberose, Violet

Love: Apple Blossom, Basil, Chamomile, Catnip, Chickweed, Cinnamon, Clove, Gardenia, Rose Geranium, Ginger, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Marjoram, Mimosa, Myrtle, Orchid, Orris, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Thyme, Tuberose, Vanilla, Violet Yarrow

Healing: Allspice, Angelica, Bay, Carnation, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Citron, Eucalyptus, Gardenia, Heliotrope, Honeysuckle, Juniper, Lemon Balm, Mugwort, Peppermint, Pine, Rose, Rosemary, Spearmint, Thyme, Violet, Willow, Wintergreen, Yerba Santa

Prosperity: Allspice, Basil, Bergamot, Chamomile, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Clove, Elder, Ginger, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Nutmeg, Orange, Patchouli, Peppermint, Pine, Sage, Woodruff

To make an infusion to add to your rinse water steep 1 to 2 small handfuls of herb in 1 quart boiling for 30 minutes. I hope you find something useful in this article. Like I said before experiment, make it your own.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Sunday Surprise – Honey/Hive Product Cosmetics

Spring is coming! And hard on the heels of Spring, is Summer. Folks are now starting to think about getting out the warm weather clothes…The ones that show a bit more skin. Skin that tends to get dry & ignored throughout the cold winter months. So with that in mind, her are some recipes to help you get your skin – and hair for that matter – ready for Summer showing off. These all use either Honey or Beeswax, along with other natural ingredients. Have fun! Materials needed, other than hive products, are readily available at drug stores and health stores.

*Compliments of Mooncrafts Newsletter* 

Honey Hand Lotion

• ½ cup Vaseline petroleum jelly
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons glycerin
• 1 tablespoon liquid lecithin

Melt the petroleum jelly over a double boiler. Add the remaining Ingredients and heat for several minutes until the mixture is smooth and well mixed,
Makes about ¾ cup. 

Honey-Rosewater Hand Lotion

•   1 tablespoon Irish moss
• ¼ cup rosewater
• ¼ cup honey
• ½ cup water
• 1/3 cup glycerin

Combine the water and Irish moss, and simmer over low heat until the mixture is thick, about 10 minutes. Strain the mixture to remove the Irish moss. Combine the strained liquid with the remaining ingredients.
Makes about one cup.

Beeswax Hand Cream 

•   ¼ cup beeswax
• ¼ cup almond oil
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon bee pollen
• ¼ cup Vaseline petroleum jelly
• ¼ cup glycerin
• 2 tablespoons liquid lecithin

Melt the beeswax and petroleum jelly together over a double boiler. Add the remaining ingredients and heat for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and heated. Pour into a container while still hot since it will   harden as it cools. Makes about 1¼ cups.

Beeswax Coconut Hand Cream 

• ¼ cup beeswax
• 3 tablespoons baby oil
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• 1/3 cup glycerin
• Melt the beeswax. and coconut oil over a double boiler.

Add the remaining  ingredients and heat until mixture is smooth, for about 4 to 5 minutes. Pour  into a container while still hot since it will harden as it cools.
Makes   about 1 cup.

Bee Pollen Hand Cream 

• 1/2 cup petroleum Jelly
• 1/2 Cup glycerin
• 1/3 cup beeswax
• 2 tablespoons bee pollen

Melt the petroleum jelly and beeswax over a double boiler.Add the glycerin   and heat for several minutes until the mixture is smooth and well heated. Add the bee pollen and pour into a container while still hot since the mixture does harden as it cools.
Makes about 1¼ cups. 

Beeswax Cold Cream 

• 1/3 cup beeswax
• ¼ cup glycerin
• 1 tablespoon liquid lecithin
• ¼ cup baby oil
• ¼ cup almond oil
• 1 tablespoon bee pollen

Melt the beeswax over a double boiler. Add the remaining ingredients and heat for several minutes until well mixed. Pour into containers while still hot since it will harden as it cools.
Makes about 1½ cups.

Honey Cold Cream for Dry Skin

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
• 1 tablespoon ground almonds
• 1 teaspoon liquid lecithin
• 2 tablespoons bee pollen
• 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon rosewater or cologne water

Combine all ingredients and mix well. This cream has a slightly grainy and oily texture, and in addition to using as a cold cream, it can be used for sunburn and for applying as a conditioner to the hands before doing outside work, such as gardening.

Makes about ¾ cup.

Beeswax-Almond Hand Cream 

• ¼ cup beeswax
• ½ cup almond oil
• ½ cup coconut oil
• ¼ cup rosewater

Melt the beeswax and coconut oil over a double boiler. Add the
remaining ingredients and heat until well mixed, several minutes. Pour into a container while still hot since it does harden as it cools.
Makes about 1½ cup.

  Honey Cleansing Cream 

• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon liquid soap
• ½ cup glycerin

Place the ingredients in a screw top jar, cover and shake well.
Makes about 3/4 cup.

Honey Cleansing Lotion 

• ½ cup hot water
• 1 tablespoon bee pollen
• 1½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin
• ¼ cup honey

Soften the gelatin in the water for several minutes. Then dissolve the gelatin mixture over low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, until the mixture is clear.. Add the remaining ingredients. Makes about 1 cup.

Honey-Rosewater Cleansing Lotion 

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon bee pollen
• ¼ cup rosewater
• 2 teaspoons liquid soap

Combine the ingredients in a screw top jar. Cover and shake well.
Makes about ½ cup.

Honey-Oatmeal Face Mask

• 3 tablespoons honey
• ¼ cup oatmeal, ground fine
• 1 tablespoon bee pollen
• 1 tablespoon beaten egg, buttermilk, heavy cream or sour cream, optional

Combine the ingredients and mix until smooth. Apply to the freshly washed face, and let set on the skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off.
Makes enough for 1 application. 
 

Honey-Avocado Face Mask 

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons dry buttermilk powder
• ¼ avocado, medium size, mashed

Combine the ingredients and stir until smooth. Cucumber puree may be substituted for the avocado, using ¼ cup puree. Avocado is good for dry skin, while cucumber is better for oily skin. Makes enough for 1    application. 
 

Honey Protein Face Mask 

• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice or cider vinegar 
  1 tablespoon bee pollen
• ½ teaspoon wheat germ oil or glycerin
• 1 egg white, at room temperature (1 small whole egg may be substituted) 

Combine the honey, pollen, and lemon juice. Mix well until the honey  softens. Add the remaining ingredients. 
Makes enough for 1 application.

Honey Face Mask for Oily Skin 

• 4 tablespoons honey
• ¼ cup finely chopped parsley

Combine the ingredients and stir until smooth.
Makes enough for 1   application.

Honey Face Scrub 

• 2 tablespoons bee pollen
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon liquid lecithin
• ¼ cup each of almonds, walnuts,   oatmeal, whole wheat flour, corn meal
• 1 tablespoon rose water
• ¼ cup water

Combine all the dry ingredients. Add the honey, rose water, and liquid lecithin. Stir until smooth, and add in enough of the water to make a smooth paste.
Makes about 2 cups. 

Honey Hand Cleanser 

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon liquid soap
• 1/4 cup almond or walnut oil

Combine the ingredients and mix until smooth.
Makes about 1/3 cup.

Soapless Hand Cleanser 

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon oatmeal or ground almonds
• 1 tablespoon glycerin
• 2 tablespoons witch hazel

Combine the ingredients and mix until smooth. This may be used to remove dirt from the hands and fingernails, and is less drying on the skin than soap and water.
Makes enough for 1 application. 

Beeswax Lip Balm 

• 2 tablespoons beeswax
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Melt the ingredients over a double boiler. Pour into container
while still hot since it will harden as it cools.
Makes about 1/4 cup.

Honey Egg Shampoo 

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons liquid soap
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon wheat germ oil or almond oil
• 1 tablespoon rosewater or cologne

Place all the ingredients in a screw top jar, cover and shake well.
Makes about 2/3 cup

Honey-Pollen Shampoo 

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup glycerin.
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel
• 1/4 cup orange flower water or cologne
• 2 tablespoons bee pollen
• 1 teaspoon liquid soap
• 1 tablespoon alcohol

Place the ingredients in a screw top jar, cover and shake well.
Makes about 1¼ cups.

Honey-Milk Conditioner For Oily Hair 

• 1/3 cup hot water
• ¼ cup glycerin
• 2 tablespoons liquid lecithin
• 1/4 cup Sage
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons dry buttermilk powder

Combine the hot water and sage, and let set for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid, and discard the sage. Add the remaining Ingredients to the strained liquid, and mix well. Apply to freshly shampooed hair, let sit on hair for about 2 minutes and rinse off with warm water.
Makes about 1/2 cup.

Honey Herbal Hair Conditioner 

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup glycerin
• 1/4 cup sage
• 1/2 cup dried chamomile flowers  or cup nettle leaves
• 1/4 cup rosemary leaves
• 1/2 cup witch hazel
• 1 tablespoon liquid lecithin

Place all the ingredients in a screw top jar. Shake well and let
sit for 1 hour. Strain to remove herbs, discard the herbs and pour the liquid back   into the jar.
Makes about 1/2 cup.

Honey Treatment for Very Dry Damaged Hair 

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Stir for a minute or so until the mixture is smooth. Apply to
freshly shampooed hair, and let soak in for 10-12 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Makes enough for 1 application. 

Blond Hair Highlighter 

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon Irish moss
• 1/4 Cup molasses

Soak the Irish moss in the water for 5 minutes. Then simmer for several minutes over low heat until the mixture is thick. Add the remaining ingredients. Apply to freshly shampooed hair and let soak for 3-5 minutes. Then rinse off with warm water.
Makes about 1 cup, enough for two applications.

Jack "Gray Crow"

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.