Food For Thought

Is this the world we are allowing to be created for ourselves..? The legacy we will leave for our children and grandchildren..? Is it really so far from incorrect..?

Sunday Surprise- How To Plant Your Garden

How To Plant Your Garden

First, you Come to the garden alone, 
While the dew is still on the roses... 

 

For The Garden of Your Daily Living,
Plant Three Rows of Peas:

 

1. Peace of mind 
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul

Plant Four Rows of Squash:

1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash grumbling
4. Squash selfishness

Plant Four Rows of Lettuce:

1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce really love one another

No Garden is Complete Without Turnips:

1. Turnip for gatherings
2. Turnip for ritual
3. Turnip to help one another

To Round Out our Garden We Must Have Thyme:

 

1. Thyme for each other
2. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends

Water freely with patience
And cultivate with love.
There is much reward from your garden because
You reap what you sow. 
Happy Ostara

Thursday This Is Your Spell - A Spell of Attraction to Sell A House

A Spell of Attraction to Sell A House

As with any magical working, the first step is to do the mundane work:
List the house with a good agent, clean it from top to bottom, put a sign out front and an ad in the paper, and tell everyone you know that you're selling it. Assuming that's done, begin your ritual by obtaining a green candle.Green was a traditional color for prosperity spells long before they decided to make U.S. currency that color: It symbolizes a green and fruitful harvest. Now, go outside your house to some spot where you can see the house but not be disturbed (i.e. standing in the middle of the road is not recommended). It's best to do his at a time when the street is relatively quiet. If possible, face the house from the same side that a prospective buyer would when seeing it for the first time. Sit or stand comfortably, holding the candle. Close your eyes, relax and take a few minutes to begin breathing regularly and establish your concentration. (If you've ever done regular meditation or prayer, establish that same frame of mind.) Now visualize the house through a  stranger's eyes. In your mind, envision brilliant sunlight, whether it's there in real life or not. Mentally walk from the driveway to the  front door (or whatever entrance is closest), then into the house As you do this, envision the house as the most beautiful it can be. If the paint is clean and white, envision it positively gleaming. If there are plants in the yard, envision them not just thriving, but seeming to beckon the passer-by, reaching their little green selves up into that same brilliant light. In your mind's eye, walk through the entire house with the eyes of a stranger, dwelling on every good point it has. Do not let thoughts of its flaws disrupt your concentration (this is the tough part). That same brilliant sunlight pours through every window and door. See it fill up each room as you enter When you have been through the entire house, go back the way you came. Envision the light from each room pouring into your mind, through your body, and out through your hands into the candle. Like a battery, the candle will absorb this light energy. Take a few moments in each room to let this happen. (There's a lot of light; it won't diminish in the room when it pours into you.) Now mentally go out through the same door and stand in the driveway, seeing the house covered with brilliant light. Again, feel the light that surrounds the house pour into you, and from you into the candle. When you're done, continue to sit or stand for a few moments with your eyes shut,and let any excess energy that remains in your body flow naturally into the ground. Then open your eyes. Light the candle at an appropriate time - the night before a showing might be good. A Witch would probably wait for the full moon (a time of bounty) or the first quarter moon (a time for new beginnings). An astrological magician might do so on a Monday (the day of the moon) or a Thursday (the day of Jupiter, the Bestower). As you light the candle, intone the words of the spell:

"Fill my home with energy,
that it may bring me prosperity.
Light and beauty fill my home,
That its new owners soon may come."

Let the candle burn all the way down. (I hope you didn't get one of those 15-hour ones!) What this visualization does is to fill the house with positive energy. Buyers respond to this energy whether they're aware of it or not. By dwelling on all your home's good points, you've filled those places in the house with special energy so they won't be overlooked. Also: Before each showing, subtly scent the house with cinnamon - incense, potpourri, maybe one of those lamp rings. Besides being a prosperity herb, cinnamon's aroma makes
people think of home cooking, which will make them want to settle down there.

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

Monday Make An – Egg Shell Mosaics

Eostare, Ostara, Easter, no matter what you call it, almost all celebrations of the upcoming holiday involve eggs. Usually hard boiled eggs. Which are yummy, but can also be a bit messy, especially with little ones involved! And trying to tell your witchlet to “be careful not to get eggshells everywhere, because they’re a b*^ch to clean up” tends to have little to no effect on the actions of said witchlet. Who cares about cleaning up the mess when they’re 2 or 3 or 17…or male…(with my anal retentive, neat-freak Hunny being a notable exception to that last category…)
But! “be careful with those shells, because we’re going to use them to do a craft & make a beautiful mosaic you can keep forever!” might have a bit more effect. Theoretically. (on the witchlets, but probably not the males…).
Anyway, with that in mind we have today’s craft idea :)

bb

 

* Egg Shell Mosaics *
From ShadoeRose <

You will need:

• Colored egg shells
• Construction paper
• Pencil, crayon, or marker
• Glue
• Your imagination

How to proceed: Carefully peel the shells from the colored eggs. Remove the membrane from the inside of the shell (otherwise, it will smell over time). The shell pieces should be large enough to handle, and small enough to lay mostly flat when placed on paper. Group like colors together. Draw an outline for the mosaic on the construction paper (this may be necessary for younger children, or if you can't complete the project in one sitting). You may want to use Sabbat-appropriate designs, or just whatever takes your fancy. Coat the mosaic area with glue. Place eggshells on the glue in the patterns you desire. Allow the glue to dry.

Tuesday Try A New Taste – Ostara Chicken

Ostara Chicken 
from Magick'ly Delicious 20 Recipes for the Kitchen Witch, A free ebook from Lorna Tedder, Shannon Bailey, and Aislinn Bailey

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/2 c slivered almonds
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 3 lb chicken
• salt
• pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 oranges
• 2 tsp sugar

Melt butter in a large skillet. For prosperity of your crops (and other projects!), add slivered almonds and sauté until they are as golden as the sunlight which grows stronger with each passing day of spring. Sift the almonds out of the butter and set them aside in a round bowl, preferably yellow to symbolize the sun. Add oil to the skillet you used to sauté the almonds. Cut up chicken with a sharp knife, then sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and sauté it until it, too, is golden like the sun. Cover the skillet and cook on low for about 40 minutes.

While the chicken cooks, select three oranges--one for money, one for luck, and the third for love in the new season. Imagine the fortunes that come with each. Make a small hole in the top of the first two oranges and squeeze the juice into a cup. Peel the third oranges with your bare hands, remove the seeds and skins and place meat of the orange in the cup with the juice. Remove the chicken from the skillet and reserve the cooking juices from the skillet. Mix the squeezed orange juice, orange "meat," and sugar in the skillet with its reserved juices. Boil for about 2 minutes or until the mixture thickens to sauce. While the sauce boils, visualize the coming of a season filled with light and warmth and the return of prosperity and hope. When the sauce is ready, pour it over the chicken. Sprinkle the almonds over the entire dish and serve hot--like the sun.

Makes 4 servings -- perfect for a small Ostara feast.

(If you can't make the meal exactly as described or don't like an ingredient,not to worry - the real secret ingredient in these kitchen spells is YOU, not the garlic! Feel free to improvise!)

(From Gifts for the Goddess on a Warm Spring Morn C2001 by Lorna Tedder and Aislinn Bailey. Visit Spilled Candy for more free ebooks and magickal tips and crafts. You may freely copy, distribute, or post it to members of your circle, organization, newsletter subscribers, and/or web site with only two rules: You must print the notice at the bottom of each recipe whether you reprint the recipes individually or the entire book. The recipes have been copyrighted; therefore, the notice must stay intact.Failure to do so will be considered a violation of copyright law (not to mention karma). You must not accept any payment for use of the recipes in this book or include them in a collection for sale without obtaining express written permission from Spilled Candy Books, P O Box 5202, Niceville FL 32578.)

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.

Monday Make A – Egg Pinata

* Egg Piñatas *
From: Eliza

Materials:

• One part flour
• One part water
• Newspaper or grocery bag strips (1 inch by 3 inches)
• Small to medium balloons

Blow up balloons and tie ends. Strip newspaper/grocery bags. Mix one part water and one part flour together. Dip strips into the flour and water mixture and then apply to balloons. Cover them completely. Do this until each balloon has 5 layers. Set aside and allow to dry for 2 to 3 days. Poke the "egg" with a needle in one end to pop the balloon inside. With a knife, cut a circular opening. Fill the inside of the "egg" with candy or treats. All candy and treats should have wrappers on them. Seal the hole closed with more strips dipped in flour and water or use masking tape to close. Paint the balloons/eggs with tempera paint (see below for ideas on painting). Allow to dry for a day. To hang, string with yarn and a fat needle or poke two holes at the top to push the yarn or twine through.

How to paint: Our ancestors would color eggs red to signify rebirth or yellow for the rebirth of the sun. Traditional designs were spirals for creation and zigzags, symbols of the goddess. When breaking these eggs, you and your children are breaking through the shell, allowing for the "birth" of good things (sweets and candies).

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.

Tuesday Try A New Taste - Dandelion Lasagna

* Delicious Dandelion Lasagna *
from Dandelion Medicine by Brigitte Mars

Invigorate this Italian dish with vitamin-packed dandelion greens! Did you know that dandelions have 4 times the iron than does spinach?

Magical Properties: (from Suite101)

• Gender: Masculine
• Planet: Jupiter
• Element: Air
• Deity: Hecate, Brighid (Brigit, Brigid, Bride, etc),Belenos
• Power: Divination, Wishes, Messenger
• Astrological: Primary - Pisces, Sagittarius; Secondary - Aquarius, Sagittarius, Libra

Yield: Makes 6 servings.

You will need:

• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon parsley
• 1 tablespoon basil
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon fennel seed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 cups washed, chopped dandelion greens
• 3 cups tomato sauce
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 9 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Preheat the oven to 375-degrees F (190-degrees C). Sauté the garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, and fennel in the olive oil, stirring until the garlic is cooked. Add the dandelion greens, still stirring, and cook until they are wilted. Add the tomato sauce and paste and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Drop in the lasagna noodles and cook 5-7 minutes, until the pasta is tender. Drain and reserve. In a greased baking dish place a layer of the noodles and cover with the sauce. Spread the cheeses evenly throughout. Cover with a layer of noodles. Layer again with sauce and cheeses. Cover with the remaining sauce. Bake for 30 minutes, until cheese is nicely melted and sauce is bubbly. Serve immediately -- French bread and a green salad make nice company!

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.

Friday Form A Circle – Ritual for Internal Well Being & Luck In A New Home

Ritual For Internal Well Being And Luck In A New Home
found at khakani’s mystical world

Timing: At the Waxing moon.
Be sure to  gather things you need for the second part of the Ritual/Spell when making your preparations. 

Needs:

• A vial (about 100 ml) of water from a steadily flowing river, rain water, (bottled mineral water or sea water will work, but shouldn’t be first choice)
• Two blue candles
• Two white candles
• A candle in the color you feel best represents yourself
• A grey candle
• A black candle
• An orange candle
• Freshly picked lavender
• Crushed leaves & petals of a white rose
• Sage (optional)
• Blessed salt (optional)
• Blessed water (optional)

Before you begin sweep or vacuum the floor and generally clean the room you will be performing the ritual in. Remember, you’re creating Sacred Space.

Light the blue candles and place at the north and south points of a circle cast in your main living room. Light the white candles and place at the east and west points of the same circle. Scatter the lavender and rose evenly around the perimeter of the circle and sit within it, facing the north point. Cross your arms loosely over your chest and focus your awareness on the breath entering your body and slowly spreading through it. Return your focus slowly to your environment and extinguish the candles using the river water, kneeling before each as you do so, in the order north-west-east-south.

Light the candle that represents yourself and say:

'This is me, me in all things'.

Light the black candle and say:

'This is all the bad luck that has dragged my footsteps.
Trouble, disappointments and tears are here.
This bad luck now leaves me forever'.

Light the grey candle and say:

'All that was bad is neutralized.
All my bad luck is dissolved'.

Light the orange candle and say:

'This is the energy coming my way,
To get my life moving
And speed up the change'.

Sit quietly for a while and visualize the negative energies being whisked into the grey candle and dissolved into empty nothingness. Visualize the orange candle drawing good energy and good luck towards you, see the air stirring about with possibilities and opportunities. Let the candles burn down completely (take the usual safety precautions). Now close your circle.

You may like to "smudge" each room with by burning sage In a small bundle. You could  also sprinkle blessed and consecrated salt and water in each room of the house as you say a blessing and prayer asking for a happy life and good luck in your new dwelling.

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.

Tuesday Try A New Taste – Brigit’s Serpent: A Baking Meditation

* Brigit's Serpent: A Baking Meditation *
By Starhawk, Diane Baker and Anne Hill

Early on Brigit's morn
Shall the serpent come from the hole,
I will not harm the serpent,
Nor will the serpent harm me.

You will need:

• 4 C flour
• 3 T sugar
• 1 t salt
• 1 T double acting baking powder
• 4 T butter or margarine at room temperature
• 1 1/2 C milk (or soy milk)
• jam
• dried fruit (cranberries, apricots, raisins, currants or cherries)

Set aside six raisins or cranberries. Chop the remaining dried fruit until you have a cup and place it in a bowl. Cover it with water and let it soak. Put the flour, sugar, salt and baking powder into a sifter. As you sift them together, say thank you for the different kinds of grains and foods that grow out of the earth. Cut the butter into small pieces, add to dry ingredients and mix, using your fingers. Say think you for any of the extra good things in your life - the things that you don't need but that make life more fun or richer, like butter on bread. The butter should end up so well mixed in that you can hardly see it, the four just looks a bit grainer than before. Make a well in the center of the mixture. Think about the well you have inside you, and what you need right now to fill it up. Pour the milk into the well, remembering that the Goddess always does fill our well of love and joy and ideas, and thanking her. Mix everything together, kneading it with your hands just enough to make it stick together. Don't knead it too much or it will get tough. Divide the dough into three parts. On a floured pastry board, roll and pull one section of the dough until it makes a long thin cylinder. Then roll it lengthwise with a floured rolling pin until it is even longer and thinner. IF you don't have room on the board, use the table. The dough should end up about 1/4 inch thick or slightly less. Spread jam on the dough, not quite to the edge. Make a line of the dried fruit all along the jam-covered dough. Think about what in your life you would like to see bear fruit, what poems you'd like to write, what pictures you'd like to paint, what creative things you'd like to do, and ask Brigit's blessing. Fold the dough up and over the fruit, so that you make a long tube. Pinch the seams shut. Grease and oil a cookie sheet. Place the tube on the cookie sheet and form it into a loose, open spiral. Form one end into a triangular serpent's head and place raisins or cranberries for eyes. Repeat with the other two sections of dough. Bake at 450 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Baking temperature is important. If your oven is not reliable, take special care. Before serving, say:

Brigit, we offer you this serpent,
Made of grain, and milk,
With thanks for the food that feeds our bodies,
The fire that feeds our spirit,
And the waters of healing.

Break off pieces and feed each other, saying:

May Brigit's serpent bring you inspiration.

Friday Form A Circle - Solitary Imbolc Ritual

* Solitary Imbolc Ritual *
by De-Anna Alba link no longer viable :(

A Great White Hope

By now I'm sure you've realized that I like at least part of each Sabbat ritual to take place outside. I feel that, because we are members of a religion that finds the divine in Nature, it is an important part of any Sabbat celebration to spend some time outside in Nature witnessing its cyclical, living divinity. And yes, I even do this in the Winter. If you are not inclined to get bundled up and go tromping through the Winter woods and fields at this time of year, simply skip that part of the ritual day given below and pursue some, or all, of the other things suggested. Or, do the Winter walk as a form of guided visualization.

In Wisconsin we usually have a thaw for a week or so around the time of Imbolc (February 2nd --aka Candlemas). This comes in handy. It takes the snow depth down considerably, making a walk in the woods/fields a pleasant prospect rather than a Herculean effort to be endured. It's also warmer. Usually frostbite is not a worry, but getting wet feet is a probability unless you dress properly. If, on the other hand, the thaw came early or has not yet arrived, I may confine my outdoor activities to my yard. If you don't have a yard, opt for a nearby park.

Before leaving I load my pockets (or backpack) with food offerings for the wildlife. The pickin's can get mighty slim for the animals in Winter, and I like to do what I can to help. Besides that, it's a great way to invoke the spirits of the four directions during my ramblings. I take a pocket full of bird seed to leave for the creatures of the East/Air--the birds. I take a sack full of dried corn for the animals of the South/Fire--the deer. I take a small box of my son's fish food and chip a hole in the ice and dump it in if I'm going to be near a river or stream for the creatures of the West/Water--the fish. Or, failing access to streams, I take a small bottle of pure water and offer it to the West, all the while visualizing clean waterways and aquifers. And I take a few nuts in the shell saved from the Fall to leave in the North--either as food for the critters, or hopefully to work their way into the ground and become the seeds of new trees.

Since I know I'll be cold and hungry when I return, I prepare my food and drink ahead of time as much as possible. Because this is the seed time of the year (when seeds begin to germinate in the ground, etc.) and because it is so snowy white, I try to eat mostly foods made with eggs, grains, nuts and seeds. I drink milk, hot chocolate (brown for the Earth) with lots of marshmallows and/or cream (white), or a favorite tea to which I add milk. (Milk is an important component of my Imbolc meals because not only is it white, it is the first food of the new baby lambs born at this time of year, and as such, it represents life itself. If you are lactose intolerant try drinking Lact-aid milk or, better yet, drink goat's milk. They also are born early in the year.)

Imbolc also represents the season of hope to me. I know that when Imbolc arrives the back of Winter has been broken and Spring will soon come. It's not just a matter of faith. I know it, and my Imbolc walk verifies that for me. Hope is something we often lose sight of, yet it is a very important part of our psychological health and our Magical personas. For this reason, I suggest the indoor part of your ritual be centered around hope. Think about the different things you hope for in your life, the life of your family, the community in which you live, and the Earth Herself. Make yourself a list of these things. Then buy (or make) one white candle for each hope. Have a holder for each. You'll also need a knife, traditionally a white-handled one, some matches, and an incense of your own choosing in your ritual space. I like to have flowers on my altar to remind me of the coming Spring. I choose white flowers. You choose whatever you like. As usual, arrange for your own comfort in your ritual space.

Now get ready for your walk (if indeed you're going on one). Don't forget your offerings, and don't forget to dress for the weather. Now get to where you're going. Once you've arrived begin your walk where you will. There's no heavy duty/serious intent to this walk. Its sole point is to convince you that Winter is nearly over, and Spring is indeed coming, and in fact has begun underground and in "interior" ways. Look with intent for these signs, and let your mind casually range over the whole subject of cycles and transitions, endings and beginnings, frost and foreshadowing. Look closely at the branches of trees and notice the size of the buds. They're huge—much bigger than you might think at this cold time of the year. Look on the ground for animal tracks.

Along with the usual deer and rabbit tracks, you might be surprised to find skunk tracks, and the tracks of other hibernating animals. Warmth is returning within the Earth, the days are getting warmer and longer, and Mother Nature has begun Her season of growth and activity within the Earth. This change has temporarily awakened some of the hibernating animals. They sleepily leave their dens and burrows and stumble around in the warm light of the sun for a while before returning to their beds to sleep it off until Spring fully arrives. You may also see bits of fur and bone surrounded by the beautiful imprints of wing edges in the snow. They've left by an owl or a hawk who has recently fed on one of the creatures scurrying across the snow. Such things are grim reminders that we are still in the season of the hunter and not the farmer.

If the Winter has been a particularly bad one, you may come across the frozen carcasses of those animals who have died of starvation. Another reminder that Nature is not always kind and gentle, warm and fuzzy. This would be a good time to begin leaving your food offerings to the animal spirits of the four directions if you haven't done so already. If you are lucky enough to be near a stream or a river, be sure to dig around a little bit at the edge of the stream/river. If you can get down deep enough you will probably be surprised to see green and growing things beneath the snow and ice at the water's edge. Once you've left your offerings, invoke the Goddess of green and growing things in your mind. Thank Her for the life that has already begun within the Earth and send Her some energy to enhance Her emergence into Spring.

Return home now, continuing to notice the Mysteries of Life and of Nature hidden in plain sight right before your eyes. Upon arriving home have something hot to drink and something warm to eat. That should take the chill off your body and insides. Relax for a few minutes and then prepare yourself for ritual in your usual manner. Then adjourn to your sacred space. Light your altar candles (white, if you ask me) and your incense. Ground and center for a few minutes. Now, with your list of hopes at land, pick up your knife and one of your white candles. Inscribe that hope on your candle. (Actually cut the word or words into the wax of the candle.) Meditate on that hope becoming fulfilled as you do so. See it working in your mind's eye. Place that candle in its holder and light it, continuing to meditate upon that hope until you feel done with it. Move on to your next hope and repeat the process with it. Continue in this manner until all your candles have been inscribed and lit.

Now sit and enjoy the beauty of the scene before you. All those beautiful white candles glowing in the dark. In aggregate they represent the increased light of the sun; the white of the Winter snows and the white of new beginnings for your hopes; and the increasing warmth at the interior of the Earth which causes the germination of the seed ideas of your hopes. What you do next is up to you. It would be my preference to let the candles burn down until they go out, the going out of the candle symbolizing the final release of your Magic/hopes into the world. (Actually the release has been happening little by little as the words inscribed on the candles begin to burn away.) It would also be my preference that, while the candles continue to burn, you go to bed, still visualizing your wishes coming to pass as you go to sleep. Your sleeping body beneath its blankets then becomes a living representation of the germination of your hopes/ideas in the ground, beneath the blankets of snow. However, there are safety issues involved here. You may prefer instead to blow out the candles before going to bed. (You can still go to sleep visualizing the things you want to come to pass.) If this is your choice, you can then re-light the candles and let them burn down at a time (or times) when you will be around to keep track of them.

Whichever way you decide to do it, enjoy your Imbolc and may you have pleasant dreams.

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.

Monday Make A – Bath Stuffs

Well, the holidays have been and gone. The tree is put away for another year. All the pretty, shiny, sparkly decorations are carefully packed away, awaiting November to roll back around so they can beautify your home once again. I always hate this part. My house looks so barren, so plain. I love the way everything is so pretty when the house is decorated for the Yule season. If I had my druthers, I’d druther the decorations stayed up year round! Maybe one of these days, when I become independently wealthy, I can dedicate a wing of my home to just Yule!
But for now, I am worn out, and a little bit saddened by the return to “normalcy.” So, here are a couple of things you can add the a nice, long, hot bath, to help revive yourself after all the hard work & tension of the days just past…

Bath Oil

• 1 cup safflower oil
• 1/2 cup lanoline
• 1 dram sandalwood oil
• 1 dram amber oil
• 1 dram patchouli oil

Mix together to dissolve , cap tightly . Use to your liking .

Bath Salts

You'll Need:

• 2 cups sea salt
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt
• 6 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 drops orange essential oil
• 3 drops ylang-ylang essential oil
• large mixing bowl /NOT metal
• plastic spoon
• air-tight container

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in bowl. Mix well. Pour mixture into container.

To Use:
Pour 1/4 cup into warm bath

Yields 2.5 cups of Bath salt
* feel free to adjust amount of Essential Oils to suit.*

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.

Monday Make A – Pine Cone Crafts

Pine Cone Christmas Crafts
Written by Sheila Sullivan

Crafts designed with items from nature are especially fitting for the holidays. There is something special about making your own holiday decorations. It is reminiscent of the past, when popcorn was strung and draped around the Christmas tree. There are endless possibilities in designing a craft from nature. One item that is plentiful and is commonly used for Christmas decorating is the pinecone. Pinecones make a beautiful display, by merely being placed in a basket. A touch of spray, to bring a shine, and a light coat of glitter can add to the holiday expression. Wreaths are traditional at Christmas and the miniature tree is a favorite of many. These are good choices for a holiday, craft project. Gather the following supplies, follow these easy instructions, and make a holiday wreath and miniature tree for your home.

Collect many pinecones. Pinecones are plentiful, and should be easy to find. Notice they come in a variety of sizes. Gather different sizes for your project. You will need to purchase Styrofoam forms, in the shape of a tree and a wreath. These can be found in craft stores and shopping centers. Purchase thin, flexible, wire and thin, wooden, sticks. If you have a problem locating these items, check at a florist. You will need strong cement; Duco cement is a good choice. A pair of pliers-type wire cutters will be necessary. Gather all supplies and clean the pinecones. Remove the dust, dirt, or leaves, from the cones gently. You may want to try using a blow dryer.

Begin by wiring the pinecones. Cut a strand of wire, the length will depend on the size of the cone. You must wrap the wire around the center of the cone, by threading it through the scales. After threading, twist the wire together and secure. Leave at least an inch or two of wire when cutting; this will be used to spike the Styrofoam. When using large pinecones, you will need to place a wooden stick in back of the pinecone. Wrap the wire around the stick and use the stick to spike the Styrofoam. Arrange the pinecones on the Styrofoam form. You can reinforce the cones, by adding a few drops of glue to their back, before placing on the Styrofoam surface.

When creating the wreath, place the larger pinecones on first. Arrange these in rows or clusters. You can use the smaller cones to fill in the spaces. If you want to fancy up your wreath try wiring small, colorful, Christmas balls and arrange these among the cones. You can make your wreath sparkle by adding a gloss, or glitter spray. You may also coat the tip if each pinecone scale with clear, shiny, nail polish and sprinkle with a small amount of glitter. Allow to dry, then add a bow if you wish. You will be proud to display your creation, in your home for the holiday season. These also make excellent gifts for the ladies in your family.

Decorate a miniature tree by placing the larger pinecones at the bottom of the Styrofoam form. Choose smaller cones, as you work your way toward the top. Use the same suggestions given above, to add a fancy flare or sparkle to your tree. Tiny Christmas balls may be used, by placing them on one at a time, using the cement. Distribute them throughout the tree; in the same manner you decorate your large Christmas tree. The miniature tree is a beautiful centerpiece for any table, and makes a great gift. Consider it as a gift for a teacher, a friend, or use it as a table piece at Christmas celebrations. Store your creations properly, at the end of each holiday season, and you should be able to enjoy them for many years. Boxes left over from Christmas are great for storage. The tissue paper, used in Christmas gift boxes, may be placed in the storage box and around your crafts, to provide protection. Approach the holiday season with a spirit of creativity and try decorating, with a little help from nature.

* PineCone Fire Starters *
From The Pine Cone Lady

This is the Stuff you need to make these:

• PineCones - I use Greyed Pitch, Austrian Black Pine & Shortleaf Pine {Better Burn)
• Wax Candle wax, or paraffin used for canning {very flammable}
• Candle Coloring or Color squares {You can use old candle stubs too!)
• Double Boiler OR Large Metal Coffee Can & a Large Pot
• Tongs {To grab & dip the cones}
• Wax Paper
• Wax-Coated Wicks OR String
• Muffin tin(s)
• Non-stick Spray
• Essential oil for scented fire starters {Optional}
• Sawdust, crushed up leaves and acorn tops, cinnamon stick bits.{Optional}
• Use your imagination ~ {Optional} LOL

Do This First:

Spray muffin tins with the non-stick spray. Place one end of a wick {string} in each muffin cup, allow an end to hang over the side. Sprinkle some Sawdust, crushed up leaves and acorn tops or cinnamon stick bits in the muffin tin. Next: Melt wax in top of double boiler over boiling water {Or melt the wax in the coffee can in a pot of boiling water on the stove.}. Make sure you have enough wax in the top {can} to submerge an entire cone. Add color and/or essential oil when wax is melted. Lower heat a bit. Pour some of the hot wax into each muffin cup, covering wick and set a pinecone upright into wax right away! Let harden completely!  Pop each cone out, one at a time. These look great au natural!

If you want to coat the cones with wax, follow the rest of the instructions:

Melt more wax in the top or can if you need to. Take your tongs, grab a pinecone bottom and dip the cone in the wax. Turn it to coat all over. Lift the cone over the wax for a few moments to allow the wax to harden. Dip again until well coated. Repeat with all the pinecones. Add more wax and scent as needed. Place pinecones on waxed paper to cool. Let harden completely. {Sometimes I cheat and put in the fridge!} They look great, eh?

How to Use:

To light a fire, put a pinecone fire starter under logs and light the wick. The waxed base will keep the cone burning for up to 20 minutes!
Excellent Gifts Too: Put fire starters in a big basket and tie a fancy ribbon on it. Looks great next to a fireplace. Put some of the pinecones in a cellophane bag. Tie bag with metallic curling ribbon or raffia.  Attach a little card with the instructions on how to use them.
____________________________________

* Pinecone Picture Frame *

Pinecones & Materials Needed:

• Frame
• Pinecones ~ Norway Spruce, Giant White Pine "duds", Longleaf Petals]
• 2-inch foam brushes
• Paint
• Polyurethane
• Small gardening snips or Needle nose pliers
• Japanese saw
• Hot-glue gun
• Ball point pen
• Mirror (sized to fit inside frame)

How to Put it All Together:

Using a foam brush, apply a base coat of paint to the frame, and let dry. Apply a top coat, and let dry. Meanwhile, using the gardening snips or pliers, begin removing the pinecone petals {scales}, from the Norway Spruce and Longleaf Pine, keeping each kind in separate piles or jars. For the rosettes, use the tips of the Norway Spruce cones and the bases of the Longleaf cones; cut them off with the Japanese saw. Their scales fill in the rest of the frame. For the corner cones, cut the Giant White Pine Dud cones in half lengthwise with the Japanese saw so they will lay flat. Lay out the big pieces of your pattern on the frame (like the rosettes and corner cones), and trace around them with the ball point pen so you'll know where to place the scales. The larger cones will be glued last. Start with the outside edging. Hot-glue Longleaf petals {scales} around the edge of the frame, overlapping slightly as you go. (The part of the petal that was attached to the cone should be glued down and slightly overlapping the petal in front.) Then apply the Norway Spruce scales to make the filler pattern, also slightly overlapping. Now add the rosettes. Hot-glue a base of the Longleaf cone to the frame. Hot-glue a tip of a Norway Spruce cone on top of the base. Repeat on three other sides. Then hot-glue the halved Giant White Pine Dud cones to the frame's corners. Prop the frame atop disposable cups, and with a foam brush, apply a coat of shellac to seal it. Insert picture or mirror. Experiment with any type of cones you have. There is no limit to all the different designs you can come up with!! They look fabulous!

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.