Thursday This is Your Spell – Has Been Interrupted for Beltane Associations

Beltane Associations
Unknown source

Herbs: Honeysuckle, St. John's Wort, Hawthorn, All flowers
Incense: Frankincense, Lilac, Rose
Colors: Green, Soft pink, Blue and Yellow
Decorations: Maypole, Strings of beads or flowers, Ribbons, Spring flowers
Foods: Dairy, Oatmeal Cakes, Cherries, Strawberries, Wine Punches, Green Salads

Tools and Ritual Components:

Incense – Frankincense, Rose and Bluebells make a lovely scent to appease the Fey and bring trust and purification to your gathering.
Ritual Soap - Thyme and Rose for balance and beauty, and to tempt the faerie folk into joining your celebration.
Anointing Oil - Lily of the Valley, a traditional May Day flower.
Ritual Cup - Woodruff Wine to banish negativity, or Red Clover Tea, a Victorian favorite for spring.
Altar Decorations - Ivy, Rose, and Hawthorn adorn the altar, while fresh Marigold petals form the outer circle. Garnet is a symbol of union and may be placed central to the altar for fidelity, and friendship.
Clothing - Crown yourself with a wreath of Ivy. Wear bright, lively colors, especially the green of the forest to honor life and vitality.
Cakes - By May, strawberries have come into season. Why not enjoy them with Victorian popovers and a little cream? It's one way of thanking the Earth for her bounty. Candied Violets are also a traditional Victorian treat for this holiday.

* Nine Woods Used in The Belfire *

Birch - (Attributes: Protection of children, purification, creativity) Add to the fire to represent the Goddess or female principle.
Oak - (Attributes: All positive purposes, magic for men, fidelity) Add to the fire symbolizing the God or male principle.
Rowan, or mountain ash - (Attributes: Divination, healing, astral work, protection) Add to the fire as the Tree of Life. .
Willow - (Attributes: - Romantic love, healing, protection, fertility, magic for women) Sacred to Hecate, add willow to the fire as a celebration of death.
Hawthorn - (Attributes: Fertility, peace, prosperity, binding) As Tree of Purification and a Sacred faeries tree, add hawthorn to the Belfire for purity.
Hazel - (Attributes: Manifestation, spirit contact, protection, fertility) As Tree of wisdom, add hazel to the fire to gain wisdom.
Apple - (Attributes: Fertility. Tree of love) Add apple wood to the fire for the magic of love.
Vine - (Attributes: Faerie work, Joy, Exhilaration, Wrath, Rebirth) This is the Tree of joy so add vine to the fire for joy.
Fir - (Attributes: Strength, life and immortality, rejuvenation) As the Tree of Immortality, add fir to your Beltane fire for rebirth.

Sources:

A Victorian Grimoire by Patricia Telesco

Celtic Myth and Magick by Edain McCoy (link to the book online)

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.

Wednesday What Herb Isn’t Herbal Today :( - How to Become A Witch in Nine Easy Lessons

For those who are a little slow on the uptake, this is humor…

In the 1980's it was fashionable to be interested in the New Age. This is now a dreadful faux pas within the alternative scene, and in order to be accepted in the 1990's metaphysical social set, one must have an interest in Witchcraft or Paganism. Of course, you don't have to actually belong to a coven in order to be thought of as a Witch, you can bluff your way into being accepted as a fully fledged Witch simply by knowing a few terms and dressing accordingly. This brings us to...

• Rule # 1: Image is Everything. After all, what's the good of being a Witch if nobody knows you are one? You must therefore wear black at all times. If possible, stay out of the sun until you become really pale, as this makes the effect even better. For women (and adventurous males) dark eyeliner and black nail polish can enhance this look. Also wear crystals and cheap occult paraphernalia at all times, and make sure that these are as gaudy and bizarre as possible, as this can only help your image. Wearing a pentacle around your neck is an absolutely necessary accessory - the bigger the better! Capes and cloaks are optional around town - it depends on how much of a visual impact you want to make, but either of these are also crucial apparel at any ritual or gathering that you may attend.
• Rule # 2: Name Dropping is Good. Every serious student of The Craft (and I'm talking here about the term for Witchcraft, not macramé) knows the name Gerald Gardner. This man revitalized Witchcraft in the mid 1900's with his book about the true history of The Old Religion (some have called this book pure fiction, but only those picky few who like books to be based on facts). Real Witches however, never let historical accuracy get in the way of their spiritual path, so in conversations with other Witches, quote his name as often as possible (in tones of awe) and you will always be rewarded with smiles of acceptance.
• Rule # 3: Past Life Name Dropping is Even Better. Tell everyone about the past life memories that have been surfacing since you began studying the Black Arts. It is especially useful to remember a past lifetime as a Witch who was killed during the Inquisition, or at least recall a lifetime as a famous occultist. My past lives have included Aleister Crowley, Cagliostro, Mandrake the Magician, and most of the cast of "Bewitched".
• Rule # 4: Behave Strangely. Never forget why it was that you wanted to become a Witch - yes, so that you have an excuse for strange behavior. Previously labeled eccentric behavior patterns can now be accepted by others if they have a reason to explain it, even if that reason for howling at full moons while naked is simply, "He/she is a Witch, that's normal for them evidently." So, don't let your friends down, behave strangely, you can get away with it now.
• Rule # 5: Watch Occult Movies. Make sure that you watch the movie "Warlock" lots of times to perfect those soft landings after over-indulging with the flying ointments (read as mead and weed).
• Rule # 6: Ready Yourself for Sex, Money and Power. Wasn't this the other reason you were drawn to Witchcraft? In the past, adepts of the occult were known to possess charismatic, lusty and powerful personas - when people find out that you are a Witch, they may automatically assume (and therefore empower you) with these same qualities. This may sound pretty good, but unfortunately in today's world, another group of people have become even more established within the realms of kinky sex sessions and unlimited power - yes, the politicians! Beware of this elitist group of power-brokers...they don't want any competition to their manipulative monopoly over the gullible public - hence the laws against Witchcraft and divination that have remained unchanged for centuries. So, if calling yourself a High Priest doesn't lead you to unlimited sex, money and power - or if it does, but you then find yourself as the target of political and legal harassment - you may
  have to put aside your cloak and broomstick and pick up a pin-stripe suit and a back-bench in Parliament. If you can't beat them, try bribery, then if that doesn't work...join them!
• Rule # 7: Atmosphere is Essential. Your home must reflect your Witchy nature. Incense must burn continuously. It's important that visitors see clouds of incense smoke billowing from a spluttering censer in the corner of your dim, dank and dusty home, so dismantle the smoke detectors and start collecting strange little bottles of exotic looking ingredients (use your imagination and label them with names like powdered bat's eyes, or dried dragon's gonads). And if you don't like housework, you can explain that the layer of dust that covers your floors and furniture helps to neutralize the highly charged psychic energy that results from your magical spells, thereby protecting your home and possessions from electromagnetic disintegration.
• Rule # 8: Be Patronizing to Christians. In social discussions don't forget to make plenty of derogatory remarks about fundamentalist Christians, but remember to save your most biting comments for other Witches that you don't get along with.
• Rule # 9: Brag About Your Psychic Powers. Any self-respecting Witch will tell you that after their initiation to Witchcraft, their psychic powers awakened and their tarot cards (which they always carry with them) are now much easier to read (they now get something right once in a while). They will also tell you that they can now sense energy fields (in other words, they don't bump into things as often as they used to). Follow this example and brag about the rapid development of your psychic abilities since your initiation. If asked about your initiation ceremony, simply state that you were sworn to secrecy about it, then quickly change the subject by mentioning your newly awakened ability to detect Ley-lines, but try to remember that a Ley-line is not a queue for the after-ritual orgy!

Now you know how to pass yourself off as a real Witch, so place that broomstick in a conspicuous corner (one that is not clouded by too much incense smoke); pull on those black clothes; give everyone that you meet a sinister look - and your social status will improve overnight. If you do all of this successfully, you may even find yourself with enough adoring acolytes so that you can start your own coven! Good luck and Blessed Be!

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 - Mabon Herbal Prosperity Spell

*Mabon Herbal Prosperity Spell*

Cast a magic Circle or get into a magic space.

Bring with you the following:

• Mabon Oil***
• 1 Gold or yellow candle
• 1 black candle
• 2 tbs. each of yarrow, rosemary and marigold
• 1 clear quartz crystal
• 1 citrine
• 1 thurible
• Mabon incense****
• 1 instant light 'charcoal'
• 1 four inch square of paper
• 1 four inch square of yellow fabric or magic bag
• gold or yellow cord

In a circle, anoint the candles with the Mabon oil. Hold the gold candle and charge it with words to bring prosperity. Charge the black candle to draw you all that is safe, correct, and granted by the Gods and Goddesses. Place the candles in the holders and as you light them say:

"This flame is the light of the God Mabon
and the Mother Goddess Modron."

Light the charcoal. Put a pinch of Mabon Incense on it.
Take the paper and write your spell, what ever it may be, what ever you may want.
Repeat this out loud, speaking to Mabon and Modron. Thank them for the bounty they have given you in the past.
Think of the Wheel of the Year that has come before, and be truly thankful for all you have been granted.
Smudge the spell in the smoke of the incense by passing the paper through the rising smoke.
Roll the spell and tie with some yellow thread or cord and set it aside.
Place the fabric square or magic bag in front of you with some gold cord to tie it. Pick up your dried herbs and stone one by one. Hold them in your hands. Lift your hands and show them to the God and Goddess. Visualize the light of the God and Goddess striking the object. Place the herbs and stone in the bag, tie, and set aside.
Snuff out your candles or let them burn. (You may want to relight them at a time when you want to again cast the spell. . .)
Carry the spell and magic bag with you.

***Mabon Oil
Ingredients:
4 drops rosemary oil
4 drops frankincense oil
2 drops apple oil
1 drop chamomile oil
almond oil base

****Mabon Incense
1 part Sandalwood,
1 part Cypress,
1 part Juniper,
1 part Pine,
1/2 part Oakmoss,
1/4 part Oak

This was found in my collection, but can also be found at The Dustgully

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.

Wednesday What Herb Is This - Myrrh

The true myrrh is known in the markets as karam, formerly called Turkey myrrh. Also called Gum Myrrh Tree, Daran, Mirra Balsom Odendron, Commiphora Myrrha, Mirra, Morr-Didin, Didthin, and Bowl. It was first recognized about 1822 at Ghizan on the Red Sea coast, a district so bare and dry that it is called 'Tehama,' meaning 'hell.' Today, most of the internationally-traded myrrh and frankincense are produced in the southern Arabian peninsula (Oman, Yemen) and in northeast Africa (Somalia). Myrrh, traded throughout the Middle East at least since 1500 B.C., eventually came to China. There is mention of myrrh in a 4th century (A.D.) Chinese book that is no longer existent but is quoted directly in a later text. As in the Middle East, myrrh was used in China for making incense, and is so used even today. It is traditionally used in pharmaceutical products, including mouthwashes, gargles, and toothpaste; also used in dentistry.  It is also extensively used as fixatives and fragrance components in soaps, detergents, cosmetics, and perfumes, especially oriental types and heavy florals.

Myrrh has had spiritual significance since ancient times and was also adopted as medicines for physical ailments. It has been used from remote ages as an ingredient in incense, perfumes, etc., in the holy oil of the Jews and the famous incense of the Egyptians -  Kyphi - for embalming and fumigations. It was said to come from the tears of Horus, the flacon-headed sun god, and large quantities of Myrrh were needed for the Egyptian temples in particular. It was often used in general magic workings, especially those requiring it to be burned at night. It was also used for banishing, and for beverage flavoring. as well as being an ingredient of Metopian, an Egyptian medicinal ointment used to treat ulcers, and cuts in sinews and muscles. (It appeared in papyrus medicinal manuscripts dating back to Khufu’s reign [2,800 BCE].) Myrrh was burned to the god Ra at noon in ancient Egypt, and it also fumed in the temples of Isis (sacred to Isis, Adonis and Ra) - in fact, it was burned in ancient temples of Babylon, Greece, India, Rome and China. Myrrh was a revered funeral herb, burnt as an incense to honor the dead. When referring to myrrh, Westerners might immediately think of it's historic importance in religion. The herb is best known through the story of the Three Wise Men (Magi) delivering gold, frankincense, and myrrh for the baby Jesus; not only was myrrh present at the birth of Christ – as one of the Magi’s three gifts – but at his death as well being also used to anoint Jesus' body after the crucifixion.   This herb, valued like gold, was mentioned repeatedly in the Old Testament, in instructions to Moses about making incense and anointing oil, and in the Song of Solomon. It is thought to have been one of the materials used by the Queen of Sheba in her seduction of King Solomon.

As a wash it is good for spongy gums and ulcerated throats. It is an astringent and stimulant, and can be used as an expectorant in the absence of feverish symptoms, healing. In tonic  form it is a stomachic carminative, exciting appetite and the flow of gastric juice. In liquid form it is an astringent wash. Among it's many uses are as anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-spasmodic, antiviral, fungicidal, sedative, and stimulant (especially pulmonary). In modern Chinese Materia Medica it is classified as an herb for vitalizing circulation of blood and is utilized for treating traumatic injury, painful swellings, masses, and other disorders related to stasis syndromes. It provides easing and healing  of amenorrhea, arthritis, asthma, athlete’s foot, bronchitis, colds, cough, cracked heels, cuts, diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia, eczema, flatulence, gingivitis, gum infections, hemorrhoids, hyperthyroidism, laryngitis, loss of appetite, mouth ulcers,  pyorrhea, ringworm, sore throat, and thrush. It provides positive results when used for tuberculosis, ulcers, voice loss, wasting degenerative disease, wounds, and wrinkles. It also calms sexual excitement and treats uterine disorders.

In Druid and Wiccan tradition, it has been used in healing incense, especially with frankincense. The essential oil can be added to blends designed to enhance spirituality and meditation, and is also used in healing mixtures. The oil cam also be used for purification, consecration of sacred and ceremonial objects, protection and hex-breaking, and is generally regarded as excellent for religious rituals of magic. It was also commonly used in charm bags. It is regarded as advisable to anoint one’s house with Myrrh every morning and evening as part of any protection ritual. Inhale the myrrh fragrance to awaken your awareness of the spiritual reality behind our everyday existence. Use prior to or during religious rituals. It calms fears and halts questions concerning the future. Inhale the myrrh fragrance with visualization to speed healing of the physical body. Use in ritual to heighten awareness of the energy flow in both worlds. It aids meditation, expands wisdom and remains an essential herb in rituals of death and dying, as well as helping those grieving to understand the mystery of death. Myrrh is useful for those working through sorrows and traumas of all kinds and is of unequaled value to those suffering from sexual abuse. Burn the herb and walk through the area you wish to cleanse, or use to purify and protect whatever your wish. Pass objects through the smoke to cleanse of negative energy. Burn during healing wishes.  Myrrh is used in magic for protection, peace, and exorcism. As an incense it can be used to deepen mediation and aid contemplation. Mixed with other magical herbs, it is a standard in magic enhancement - it increases the powers of other herbs when they are used in conjunction. It is rarely burned alone, but usually in conjunction with frankincense or other resins.

Myrrh (as herb or essential oil) may be used in as an ingredient or substitute for magic spells and formulas related to lunar matters (compassion, dreams, family, fertility, gardening, healing, love, peace, promoting sleep, prophecy, prophetic (or psychic) dreams), psychic awareness, sleep, and spirituality). Be careful about substitutions for preparations that will be ingested or come in contact with the skin. These substitutions do not apply to medical uses.

To reverse any love spell, etch or write your name and the name of your bewitched lover on the side of a white votive candle. On any night of the Waning Moon, anoint the candle with myrrh oil, light the candle, and recite a chant or poem reversing the love spell. Burn the entire candle (do not leave lit candles unattended). Let the remaining wax cool and harden. Wrap the leftover wax in white cloth (preferably silk), tie with a white ribbon, and toss into a body of (preferably running) water (such as a river or the ocean).

Sources:

Mountain Rose Herbs

Botanical.com A Modern Herbal

Teenwitch.com

Full Moon Herbs

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 - Magical Scented Pine Cones

* Magical Scented Pine Cones *
From Yvonne Loveday
Create these talismans in a magical circle for use during the Mabon, Samhain, and Yule seasons. Frankincense and myrrh are particularly spiritual herbs which have been used in religious ceremonies for ages. When burned, frankincense releases powerful vibrations as well as banishes negativity and evil. It protects, consecrates, purifies, and exorcises. It
is attributed to the Sun. Myrrh purifies, lifts vibrations, and creates peace. It is used to intensify the power of any incense to which it is added. Myrrh is attributed to the Moon. The fact that these two herbs are associated to the Sun and Moon is highly appropriate as we enter the Mabon season, a time of balance. And as we enter the dark half of the year, these herbs work together to push back our fears and anxieties. These pine cones are burned in the fireplace or cauldron.

Materials:

• 2x2-inch pine cones (about 24)
• Frankincense powder (1/4 cup, approximately 2 ounces)
• Myrrh powder (1/2 cup, approximately 4 ounces)
• Gold Glitter (1.4 cup)
• White Crafts Glue
• Cellophane bags (available from florist or crafts supply store)
• Shallow container, such as a shoe box lid
• Gold filigree ribbon
• Newspapers

Directions:

Rinse pine cones with water. Lay cones on an old cookie sheet and place in 300 degrees oven for one hour. Spread cones out on layers of newspapers and set aside to complete drying. Blend frankincense, myrrh, and glitter in a shallow container. Dab glue on tips of pine cone petals and on the bottom of the cone. Roll cone in mixture of powder and glitter. Set cones aside to dry. Package in a handful of dried cones in cellophane bags to give as gifts. Tie bag shut with gold filigree ribbon. Attach a label with a holiday greeting and instructions for using the pine cones:

Enjoy the aromatic incense the cones release when burned. Toss a cone or two onto hot embers, and inhale the earthy fragrance. Or, set the cones in a dish for a
more subtly fragrant decoration.

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 - Backyard Incense

* Kid Craft - Backyard Incense *
By Aunt Becky
Making things, creating objects from nothing, spending quality time with your children and friends, and just having fun: these are some of the most important things in life. Whether we realize it or not, it makes us who we are. Creation is physical, spiritual, primal, joyful, and relieves stress.
But most of all it's just plain fun!
The kids are running around the house like banshees from the nether world chanting things that make no sense. They have painted themselves, the cat, and the bathroom. The dog is wearing your best ritual robes because "she needs to look pretty for the goddess, too!" And you are sitting in the corner trying to figure out how to explain to anyone who happens to stop by that children really do like being duct-taped to the wall. And no, those aren't gags, they're educational vocal learning devices.
It's definitely time to get out of the house.
If your children are anything like the ones I have in my life, they have been trying to get into your altar box since they could crawl. And when caught, all they'd have to say for themselves was "It smells so good in there," or "I didn't know any better," or "Those things are so pretty!" The more creative (and manipulative) children will come at you with "the pixie in the corner told me I could," or "But I want to be magic, too!" Well, what can you say to that? I say, let them discover that their play can be just as magical as my altar box.
Go out into the back yard. Help them take cuttings of the grass, the roses that are done blooming, and any flowers that might be in the garden. Heck, maybe even throw in a handful of dirt. Depending on the trees you have in your area, maybe some bark, leaves or pinecones can be added to the mixture. Put all this stuff on a screen wrapped loosely in newspaper from your recycling bin. If you have one, put it in a dehydrator, otherwise put it in a warm oven (just heated by the pilot light) or just where it can sit in the sun. Let it dry a couple days until all parts are brittle. Now the really fun part: using a coffee grinder, a mortar and pestle, or even a rock on the sidewalk, let the kids grind all the stuff into a coarse powder.
This should keep them busy for a while.
Note from me***Children have an innate & much stronger "magicalness" than we, as adults do. If your witchlet is so inclined, this is a good opportunity to help them learn to imbue something with the energy they desire. As they are grinding/pounding, have them focus on calmness, or happiness, or whatever energy it is they would like to have the incense release when it is burned. This is a very simple, yet very magical thing, and is an easy beginner's step down the pagan pathway****
This might sound a bit weird to you, and in truth there are some things that just aren't meant to be burned together, but trial and error is the key here. After a few tries and some charcoal you'll find you really have created an incense that smells like home. We had a lot of fun doing this on a camping trip a few summers back. The place we went to was really quite pretty and worth remembering, and when we were done the incense we made smelled just like we were sitting in the middle of the woods. It was like a memory in a jar.
A few things to remember:

• Don't pick in protected areas
• Don't pick a flower if there's only one of them -- leave enough to maintain the population
• Ask permission if you're on private property.
• If you're not familiar with the plants, don't pick them without looking them up. I don't have to tell you it's a bad idea to pick poison oak for your incense!
• If you're picking bark from a tree, be sure to only take a little,respectfully, and be careful of damaging the tree.

Have a great time and Blessed Be.
--Aunt Becky (Excerpted from the now-defunct San Diego Pagan; September 17th, 1998)
***Side Note: If you can get this link to work, or if you know where this site is now located, please let me know! This has been in my collection for years, and when I tried the link I so carefully saved, I got a "Server Not Found" Message " 
:(
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.

Wednesday What Herb Is This - Sage

Also called Garden Sage, Red Sage, Sawge (Old English), Salvia salvatrix, Narrow-leaved White Sage, Broad-leaved White Sage Sage is a perennial herb with grayish-green leaves that are slightly hairy. It is native to Spain and the Mediterranean coast, and is a member of the Salvia family. It is a variable species, and it's flowers can be blue, pink, or white. It can be grown in containers and makes a nice container specimen. While sage has links to many cultures throughout the world, it is thought to have originated in Syria. From there it spread throughout the northern Mediterranean and then on to the rest of the world via the trade routes. With over 500 species, from colored varieties to dwarfs to non - flowering varieties, sage is grown throughout the world (almost anywhere there is good drainage and full sun). Most of the varieties are perennials, fast growers, require low moisture and are deer resistant, making them a favorite with gardeners and cooks  Sage can be used fresh, dried, or chopped and frozen in ice cube trays. It has a lemony, camphor-like, and slightly bitter taste and it is a very aromatic herb.
For thousands of years sage has been used for a variety of culinary and medicinal purposes, and over the past 2,000 years or so has been recommended by herbalists to treat just about every known condition, from snakebite to mental illness. In fact, in medieval times the French called the herb toute bonne, which means, "all is well". It has been used in connection with sprains, swelling, ulcers, and bleeding. As a tea, sage has been administered for sore throats and coughs. Herbalists have also used this herb for rheumatism, menstrual bleeding, strengthening the nervous system, improving memory, and sharpening the senses. Even today, in many European countries sage is used medicinally as a gargle for sore throat and inflammation of the mouth and gums. Clinical studies also indicate that the substance found in sage oil may also offer antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral effects, explaining much of its medicinal activity. In Germany, sage herb is commonly used for upset stomach and excessive sweating, and one German study has found that drinking a sage infusion reduced blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, but only when they took the infusion on an empty stomach.  In England, sage is used for some symptoms of menopause. Sage has traditionally been used to promote menstruation, and there are some studies that indicate it may indeed help stimulate uterine contractions; pregnant women should not consume highly concentrated forms of sage, although using it as a culinary spice has not been shown to have this effect. Recent laboratory studies support the use of sage to guard against infection-it has demonstrated an ability to fight against several infection-causing bacteria. As far back as ancient Greek and Roman times, healers advocated sage for a variety of ailments. Charlemagne ordered that it be grown in his royal gardens. Arab physicians in the 10th century went so far as to claim that sage extended life to the point of immortality. Even the genus name of the plant, Salvia, comes from the Latin meaning "to cure."
For sore throats, try mixing a Sage tea with apple cider vinegar and salt for gargling. Sage is reported to have moisture-drying properties, and can be used as an antiperspirant. It can also be used as a compress on cuts and wounds. Clinical studies have also shown that it can lower blood sugar in cases of diabetes. Try making capsules out of dried leaves as a substitute for teas for internal use. As an astringent, Sage can be used as a refreshing after-shave, and there is some indication that an infusion of it can be used to subtly color silver hair. As with many of the other herbs, Sage can also be tried in a tea for digestive problems and flatulence.
In an exciting new study done in 2003, English scientists at Newcastle and Northumbria found that Sage oil extracts in capsule form produced markedly improved memory function in test subjects, and it is very possible that Sage may protect a key chemical destroyed in the brain by Alzheimer's disease. Better yet, no side effects whatsoever were reported by participants. Although studies are not complete at this time, this is very promising research and should be followed by anyone who has or is caring for someone with Alzheimer's. Like two other culinary herbs, rosemary and thyme, sage helps guard against depletion of the brain's concentration of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is crucial to proper brain function. A combination of ginkgo biloba, sage, and rosemary may help prevent or slow the development of Alzheimer's.
Very few side effects have been reported from the consumption of sage leaves; however, those using more concentrated forms of this herb, such as tea or extracts, may experience inflammation of the lips and lining of the mouth. This inflammatory response is probably due to a toxic chemical in sage called thujone. In very large amounts, thujone has been shown to cause convulsions. Concentrated sage oil is toxic and its use should be restricted to aromatherapy. Incidentally, you will often see Sage medicines advertised as Clary Sage. This is just another form of Sage that originates in the Mediterranean but has the same medicinal properties as the other sages.
Sage's usefulness goes beyond the confines of the medicine cabinet and the kitchen. Because of its aromatic oils, it is frequently used in making soaps and perfumes. Native Americans utilize sage for spiritual purification ceremonies in the form of smudge sticks. These are branches of white sage (Salvia apiana) which have been cut into lengths about one foot long, bound together and dried. For the ceremony, they are lit and left to smolder, producing a rich, aromatic smoke.
Purification, Cleansing Sage is used in magic for wisdom, psychic awareness, long life and protection. As secondary aspects, spells for money use sage. But, by far, its most potent aspect is wisdom and learning. Sage is often bundled tightly into smudge sticks and burned as a scent. Sage was associated with immortality and longevity by the ancients. It was also credited with increasing mental capacity. Eat the fresh leaves (in moderation) for both these purposes. Today, Sage is believed to be a purifier and a healing herb. It can be made into a tea to promote healing, and can be burned to rid a room of negative energy.
Sage is bound to Jupiter and Air. It is believed that if you place some Sage (or burn it) near an object belonging to someone in need of healing, that healing will take place more quickly. It is also said that the condition of the Sage plant itself in your garden is an indication of your prosperity. Sage is useful in magic relating to immortality, longevity, wisdom, protection, prosperity. White sage leaves are widely used as a cleansing herb, to purify the mind, body and also to purify the atmosphere & to dispel negativity. It is also used to purify sacred items. Often carried in a charm bag or even a pocket to ensure personal and spiritual safety. It is said that those who eat sage become immortal in both wisdom and years. Sage is used in wish manifestations and to attract money. Smolder to promote healing and spirituality. Use in healing and money spells. Use as incense during sacred rituals -- walk the smoke to the four corners of the room to repel and rid negative energies and influences. Especially good when moving into a new home. Heals wounds, aids digestion, eases muscle and joint pain, colds and fever.
To burn the sage -- just place a small amount in a heat proof container into which you have put a charcoal disc light it, then direct the smoke around your body and the space you wish to cleanse You can also use a "smudging feather" or your hand to direct the smoke. You could even have ago at making your own smudge sticks. Which are easy to do and very rewarding to make. Never leave lit smudge unattended and care should be used when extinguishing and disposing of the ashes.
Sources:
Joelle's Sacred Grove

Alchemy Works

Sally's Place

The Magick Moon

Vitaminstuff

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 - Dragon Protection

If you aren't comfortable or familiar with working with dragons, I wouldn't recommend this as your first attempt. Dragons are sentient beings, and are not something to be "controlled" but rather creatures you should work in partnership with. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you think you are in control of a dragon DON'T BELIEVE IT! Dragons CANNOT be controlled - they may allow you to think you're in control, but I promise you, you are not. Dragons are also not something to toy with. If Magic is a game or "something cool" to you, don't bother dragons. They are very perceptive - some say they can read minds, and will know if you are "playing" - it's a good bet they won't be happy about it. Just a little bit of advice...
Sometimes it becomes necessary to cleanse and seal where you live. This ritual can help cleanse the place of bad vibrations and other things. But before you cleanse your house because you think your being haunted by Jack the Ripper (by the way, it is very rare that demons and other bad things are going to just show up in your house and start doing bad things, so, don't get too carried away), think if there is anything going on in the house right now that could be causing bad vibrations. Maybe your house is just very stressful. Before you get rid of anything, see if there are any guilty feelings, and get rid of them. Uncover and purge all deeply felt emotions. This alone can get rid of whatever bad feelings you might have (another note, it usually isn't a ghost in your house, just bad feelings. I have a room in my house that I can't go in without feeling angry. It's just that the people who live there fill the room with bad emotions. That is what cleansing rituals are usually for, getting rid of bad emotions).
This ritual is also good for cleaning your ritual space the first time you use it. This ritual can be performed at any time. If you work alone, set all of your supplies on a tray to carry them around.
Supplies needed:

• The pentacle
• water chalice with fresh water
• dish of salt
• black (left) and white(right) altar candles
• dagger
• incense burner
• an appropriate binding or cleansing incense***
• bell.

Go to your altar and call all your dragons to help you. Light the altar candles. Set the chalice on the pentacle with the salt dish beside it. Light the incense, with plenty of additional incense available in case it is needed-which it will be as you go through the house.
Stand for a moments communing with the dragons. You do not have to know precisely what is causing your problems. Say:

"O great dragons, wondrous, wise,
Powers of Water, Earth, Fire, and Skies
Light and Darkness, join me here
To sweep this space all clean and clear.
Away with evil, in with right,
Dragons of Darkness and of Light.
Elementals, strong and old,
Restore the balance, dragons bold."

Plunge your dagger into the dish of salt, then into the chalice of water.
" As salt dissolves in water, so shall the hold of all negatives on my person or property dissolve."
Using the tip of your dagger blade, put three small piles of salt in the water. Stir it three times clockwise (remember to carefully clean the blade after, or it will rust). Now place the bell, chalice of salt water, dagger, and burning incense on the tray.
Begin the ritual in the room you are in, and begin your circling of the room at the door, moving clockwise. First carry the incense around, then draw a banishing pentagram at each window, door, and mirror (a banishing pentagram is a star. Start at the top and draw the star counter-clockwise). Next, ring the bell before each window, door, and mirror, then each side of the opening is marked with an X by the forefinger of the power hand dipped in saltwater.
Move onto the other rooms you wish to cleanse. You should try to end at a door leading outside, because you are pushing all of the bad energy out of your house when you do this ritual. When you are finished with that room, open the door and yell "Be gone!" and quickly shut the door and seal it with an X and banishing pentagram (hopefully no one will be standing right outside your door). Don't forget to do the basement too, since it is so close to the earth, it is a place where some entities can hide from banishment. Immediately pour the saltwater down the drain or in a stream moving away from you and clean the chalice. Take all of your equipment back to the altar and stoke up the incense again. Using your hands, pull the smoke over your body until you feel a lightness of spirit. Call your guardian dragons, and with great love and friendship, ask their aid in protecting you and your property and loved ones. Be sure to include the names of any pets you have. Spend some time singing or dancing with them. Your house should feel empty now, but you want to fill it with good things so that bad things can't fill up the space.
Project very positive vibrations while you say:

"Light calls to light.
Only those of light may enter here.
The way is barred to all who wish me harm.
I give my greeting only to the light."

Soon you will feel the great adult dragons returning to your ritual area. Greet them with dignity and thanks for helping you. Listen closely if they have any suggestions on the problem's cause and further preventions. When the dragons have finished their communications, thank them again and finish by saying:

"Farewell to you, O dragons fair,
Fire, Water, Earth, and Air.
Together we make magic well
By power deep and dragons spell.
In peace go now. Return once more
To teach me magic and ancient lore.
Draconis! Draconis! Draconis!"

Put more incense on the burner as a thank you and extinguish the candles.
Ritual found at: Amethyst's Wicca
Incense ingredients/instructions found at: Full Moon Magic
***Here are the ingredients/necessary herbs to make a "house cleansing" incense:

• Frankincense 3
• Dragons Blood Resin 2
• Myrrh Resin 1
• Sandalwood 1
• Wood Betony 1
• Dill Seed 1/2
• Rose Geranium Oil few drops

If you follow the link above, you will find instructions on how to make your own incense. Can you buy it? Sure, but remember, when something is "created" it is imbued with the energy of the maker - that means if you buy incense rather than make it, it will be imbued with someone else's energy, not yours. I guess it's just a matter of how strong you want your magic to be. If it is diluted with someone else's energy, it is naturally going to be somewhat diluted.
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 - Lammas/Lughnassadh Solitary Ritual

This is one I have had in my collection for a while now. I always like to search for anything I post, to see if I can link to someone else, and give them credit they deserve. I found a link to this so included it.

* Storm Wing's Lughnassadh Sabbat Ceremony *

By Storm Wing; From Storm Wing's Webpage

This Ritual can be performed either during the day, perhaps late afternoon, or during the early evening hours, just after Sunset. Sweep area, starting in the North and moving deosil, with your magical broom to cleanse the Circle area and "sweep away" any lingering negative energies. You may want to outline the perimeter of your Circle with corn meal, the grain most sacred to this Sabbat.

Needs:

• Golden yellow altar cloth
• Harvest Items - corn and/or other grains
• Golden colored stones and/or Sun Wheels
• A loaf of bread (cornbread is best)
• Juice or Wine
• Plate or Bowl
• Candles - Green, Yellow, Red, Blue
• You can also have other elemental symbols, if you like
• Your usual altar tools

Set up the Quarter candles (North-Green, East-Yellow, South-Red, West-Blue) and/or other items symbolizing the elements at the Four Quarters (use a compass if not permanently marked out). Set up your altar as desired, and face it to the North, covering it with the golden yellow altar cloth. For this Ceremony, you may want to have upon the altar items from the harvest, particularly corn and other grains. In honor to the Sun Gods, you may also want to place golden stones and Sun Wheels upon the altar. You will also need a loaf of bread - preferably cornbread, and some sort of juice or wine. You will also need a plate or bowl to remove the harvest offering. In addition to your usual tools and props, upon the altar should be:

• Golden Yellow, Orange, or Red Altar Cloth
• Sun (God) and Moon (Goddess) Candle Holders, with Gold and Silver Candles, respectively.
• Incense, Summer Blend** or Horned God Incense
• Ears of Corn, Squash and other Harvest Items
• Golden Stones and Sun Wheels or Sun Symbols
• Small Loaf of Bread (preferably Cornbread - for the Ritual)
• Anything else personally deemed appropriate or necessary

When all is set up, take a shower or bath for purification and don your ritual robe or other ritual attire. Be sure to wear your magical jewelry. Sit quietly and meditate for a little while - to ground and center before beginning the Ritual. When you feel ready to begin, play some quiet peaceful music for the ritual.

After the Circle is cast, begin the Lughnassadh Sabbat Ceremony... Pick up your Wand and hold it in your power (right) hand, face the North and with your arms outstretched (kneel or stand) and when you feel ready, begin your ceremony with these words:

"The Wheel of the Year turns on and on, bringing us all to and from each Season, and from and to another. What will be is. What was will be. All time is here and now in this Sacred Space. I now pause to watch the Wheel turn and cast this Circle on this blessed eve to celebrate the Season of Lughnassadh - the First Harvest - when the bounties of Nature give of themselves so that we may survive. I come here now to praise the bountiful Goddess and the benevolent God. I wish to give thanks for the bounty of the fertile Earth, and to feel myself as a part of the relentlessly turning wheel of life, death and rebirth. O Great God of the Ripening Fields, who has been known as Lugh, Tammuz, Adonis, Attis and Dionysus - Grant me the understanding of sacrifice as you prepare to deliver yourself to the lands of Eternal Summer. O Great Goddess of the Corn and Grain, who has been known as Brigit, Ishtar, Aphrodite, Astarte and Demeter - Teach me the secrets of rebirth as the Sun wanes in its strength and the nights grow cold."

Place your Wand back in its place on the altar. Spread your hands out over the harvested foods on the altar and say these words:

"Blessed be the bounty of the harvest, fruit of the womb of the Goddess. Blessed be Mother Earth...Today I honor the deities in their aspects as the Grain God and the Corn Mother."

Pick up the loaf of bread (hopefully cornbread) and say these words:

"Blessed be the harvest, manifestation of the sacred marriage of the deities. Blessed be the fruitful Corn Mother. Blessed be the God of the Harvest. I partake of the First Harvest, mixing its energies with mine, that I may continue on my quest for the Starry Wisdom of the Mysteries. Many blessings I have been given. I count them now by this bread of the grain of Mother Earth."

Now name all the things you are currently thankful for, one by one. This part of the ritual should be spontaneous - DO NOT use a script for this, go with your heart. With each thing that you name, break off a piece of the bread (or cornbread) and eat it. Sip from the goblet of fruit juice as well... When you are finished doing this, say these words:

"Thank you Great Mother and Great Father. O Lady of the Moon and Lord of the Sun, gracious Ones around whom all of life spins its thread...I offer my thanks for the continuing fertility of the Earth...May the blowing grain loose it's seeds to be buried in Mother Earth, ensuring rebirth in the warmth of the coming Spring...I ask that you humbly accept my offering of this bread and juice. I offer it to Mother Earth, and to her consort, the God. And I ask that it may also be used to feed the faeries of the fields and the animals of the woodlands."

With these last words, place some of the bread and pour some juice into the libation bowl. Cup your hands around the offering (libation bowl) and say:

"I consecrate this offering back to the Mother from whom it came, to her consort, the God, Her animals and Her fairy beings,. Blessed Be Offerings given in love return three times over,.Blessed Be this gathering, the giver and the gift."

After a brief pause to catch your breath, continue with these words:

"All things have their Season. Tonight the Wheel has brought us to the Season of Harvest. A time of beauty and time of toil. A time to reflect on the Summer and a time to prepare for the Winter ahead...To everything there is a Season...

A time for every purpose under the heavens...
A time to be born... a time to die...
A time to plant... a time to harvest...
A time to destroy... a time to heal and rebuild...
A time to cry... a time to laugh...
A time to grieve... a time to dance...
A time for scattering stones... a time for gathering stones...
A time to embrace... a time to stay back...
A time to find... a time to lose...
A time for keeping... a time for throwing away...
A time to tear... a time to repair...
A time to keep silent... a time to speak up...
A time to love... a time to hate...
A time for war... a time for peace...

Blessed Be the Great Mother whose womb contains and births all life. Blessed Be the Grain God whose seed plants all life. Blessed Be the grain of the Earth, and Blessed Be this Season of Lughnassadh!"

Now is the time for meditation and any spellworkings you may need or desire to end your Sabbat celebration. Good Lammas spellworkings include: connectedness, career, health, and financial gain. If no spellwork is to be done at this time, then proceed with the Cakes and Ale Ceremony, followed by Releasing the Magic Circle.

**Summer Blend Incense Ingredients:

• 2 parts Sandalwood,
• 1 part Mugwort,
• 1 part Chamomile,
• 1 part Gardenia,
• few drops Rose oil,
• few drops Yarrow oil,
• few drops Lavender oil -

A part can be 1 teaspoon, 1 cup, 1 pound; anything you want depending upon how much incense you want to make. I recommend starting with teaspoons along with the appropriate fractions of a teaspoon. Measurements can be cut down to produce a smaller quantity. The ratios of ingredients may be altered to suit your sense of smell. None of these incenses will remain lit by themselves, they must be smoldered on charcoals.

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.

How To Make Your Own Incense

I found these directions at Full Moon Magic - this site has all kinds of great info! I wanted to go ahead and post this, because a lot of the spells and rituals I post call for "special" incense to be used. This way, I can refer folks back here for basic instructions, and just include the necessary ingredients in the posts themselves :)

Recipe for Homemade Charcoals

Ingredients

• Barbecue Charcoals
• Potassium Nitrate**
• Egg Whites - or - Plain Knox Gelatin - or - Agar

The hardest part of this recipe is grinding up the charcoals, they're really a bugger to pulverize. I've had the best luck using a hammer. You could just hit them with it, but then you'd have charcoal bits flying everywhere. You have to contain them in something that won't be punctured by the sharp pieces while you pound them up. I have tried a number of sorts of bags and canvas works the best. The problem is getting a canvas bag. I don't know of anywhere they are sold, I happened to have some from some sandbags. You could sew one, they sell canvas or poplin at every fabric store. Put the charcoals, the regular barbecue kind, in the bag about 5-7 at a time and pound away. Get as close to powder as you can re-pounding the larger pieces to break them up more.

When you have your charcoal ready you add potassium nitrate powder, one part to three parts of charcoal powder. You can buy the potassium nitrate at the pharmacy in that little section where they have the iodine and flowers of sulfur. The potassium nitrate is what will keep the charcoal burning. To form the loose powder into patties you add egg whites, just the whites, until you create a paste. How many egg whites you will require depends upon how many charcoals you used. Just keep adding them until you can get the paste to hold together. You may substitute plain, unflavored, Knox gelatin mixed with enough warm water to dissolve it into a thick gel if you like. Vegans may use agar from the health food store which is a seaweed product.

Form the paste into little patties about 1 1/2 to 2 inches across. You can use those mini muffin tins if you have them. Let the patties dry completely, this may take a couple of days. You want them crispy with no wet centers. When they are absolutely dry you can store them in tightly closed glass jars to keep them fresh. If you keep them in plastic bags they will draw damp and not burn properly. To use the charcoals you must have a proper incense burner. If placed in a glass or ceramic container to burn it may shatter and a metal container will burn the surface it sits on. They will become too hot to use in a ceramic or glass container without sand or salt in it to absorb and dissipate the heat. You can use a bowl of any sort with about two inches of either sand or salt in it. Light the charcoal with a match, it may take a try or two. The burning charcoal may sparkle or pop a bit, this is the potassium nitrate. You may notice a slight scent from the burning egg white, but it goes away. Put the herb, wood, resin or oil on the smoldering charcoal to burn.

When mixing incense ingredients, a part can be 1 teaspoon, 1 cup, 1 pound; anything you want depending upon how much incense you want to make. I recommend starting with teaspoons along with the appropriate fractions of a teaspoon. Measurements can be cut down to produce a smaller quantity. The ratios of ingredients may be altered to suit your sense of smell. None of these incenses will remain lit by themselves, they must be smoldered on charcoals.

**Whatever the volume and shape, combustible incense is always made with potassium nitrate, better known as salt peter. This helps the incense to burn well, and evenly. You can find potassium nitrate in nearly any drug store, although you may have to ask the pharmacist for it.

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.