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.

Thursday This Is Your Spell – Ritual Use of House Cleaning

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

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

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

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

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

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

Laundry

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

Scrubbing Floors and Walls

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

Dishwashing and Spiritual Growth

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

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

Vacuuming

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

Supplies:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oils

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings: Benzoin, Cumin Seed, Rue

Harmony: Basil, Cumin Seed, Lilac, Narcissus

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

Herbs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Surprise – Honey/Hive Product Cosmetics

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

*Compliments of Mooncrafts Newsletter* 

Honey Hand Lotion

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

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

Honey-Rosewater Hand Lotion

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

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

Beeswax Hand Cream 

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

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

Beeswax Coconut Hand Cream 

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

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

Bee Pollen Hand Cream 

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

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

Beeswax Cold Cream 

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

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

Honey Cold Cream for Dry Skin

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

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

Makes about ¾ cup.

Beeswax-Almond Hand Cream 

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

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

  Honey Cleansing Cream 

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

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

Honey Cleansing Lotion 

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

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

Honey-Rosewater Cleansing Lotion 

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

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

Honey-Oatmeal Face Mask

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

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

Honey-Avocado Face Mask 

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

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

Honey Protein Face Mask 

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

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

Honey Face Mask for Oily Skin 

• 4 tablespoons honey
• ¼ cup finely chopped parsley

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

Honey Face Scrub 

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

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

Honey Hand Cleanser 

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

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

Soapless Hand Cleanser 

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

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

Beeswax Lip Balm 

• 2 tablespoons beeswax
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

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

Honey Egg Shampoo 

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

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

Honey-Pollen Shampoo 

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

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

Honey-Milk Conditioner For Oily Hair 

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

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

Honey Herbal Hair Conditioner 

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

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

Honey Treatment for Very Dry Damaged Hair 

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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

Blond Hair Highlighter 

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

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

Jack "Gray Crow"

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

Thursday This Is Your Spell – Candle Magic for Candlemas

* Candle Magic for Candlemas *
Talisman Winterhawk L.C.W. U.L.C. PhD.;
New Moon Pagan Wicca Witchcraft Occult Shop

As in ancient times before civilization, fire has always been used to promote a feeling of safety and warmth. When our forebears found that sticks in the fire would burn longer and brighter with the fat from a kill on it the first candles were born. Fire has always held a sacred position in the hearts of human kind. The use of candles whether from animal fat or bees wax was common by the 5th Century A.D.

In the Middle Ages they found that bark from trees, berries, and other dyes could be added to the fat or wax for coloration. Michelangelo used ores to give candles a blue color. The Catholic Church found that using red candles brought a higher level of energy to their High Mass. Our Wicca mothers used to add hemp or aloe to green candles for financial gain. With the advent of color psychology we now know why yellow would be a good color to stimulate the intellect. The full list of candle colors and their associations are as follows**:

White

• Day – Monday
• Planet – Moon
• Purity, Truth, Sincerity, High Spiritual Ideals.

Gold

• Day – Sunday
• Planet - The Sun
• Attraction, Persuasion, Charm, Confidence
• Zodiac sign - Leo

Yellow

• Day – Wednesday
• Planet – Mercury
• Stimulates the intellect. Anything to do with the mind or the brain
• Business
• Zodiac sign - Gemini

Green

• Day – Friday
• Planet – Venus
• Vitality, Money, Balance,
• Zodiac sign - Virgo and sometimes Taurus

Blue

• Day – Thursday
• Planet – Jupiter
• Lighter... Tranquility, Understanding, Patience, Health
• Darker... Impulsiveness, Depression, Changeability
• Zodiac sign - Sagittarius The more teal or blue green belongs to Aquarius

Red

• Day – Tuesday
• Planet - Mars.
• Lighter... Honor, Love, Morality
• Mid rage... High levels of energy. Sexual energy.
• Darker... Martial pursuits, hate, vengeance
• Zodiac sign - Aries, darker red - Scorpio

Orange

• Encouragement, Adaptability, Stimulation, Attraction.
• Zodiac sign - Taurus

Purple

• Day – Saturday
• Planet – Saturn
• Ambition, Power, Royalty
• Darker... Restriction
• Zodiac sign - Capricorn and Pisces. The more lavender belongs to Libra

Brown

• Planet – Earth
• Keeps thing as they are. The darker the color the more stagnant things become.

Black

• Reversing, absorbing.

Silver / Gray

• Cancellation, Neutrality,
• More Silver... True Moon Psychic Powers.
• Zodiac sign - Cancer

Why does Candle Magic Work?

As a candle burns it releases not only it's wax but it's color into the atmosphere. Whatever has been connected with the candle- as in the form of embedded energy - or written on the candle will transmigrate to a plane where it can do what you have intended and focused on it to do. A candle, like everything else used for a magical purpose, has to be consecrated. Use a general consecration for candles. They are creatures of Fire or of Art.

After consecration a candle must be dressed. This consists of anointing the candle with a special oil you have chosen for the purpose in mind. If you are drawing money to you I would suggest "Money Draw Oil". If you are healing a friend I would use "Health Oil”. The recipes for these and other oils and incense are in Herman Slater's  "Magickal Formulary"  or Scott Cunning ham's The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews . Both are excellent.

To dress a candle correctly, liberally dab some oil on your finger. Touching the top of the candle say, "As Above". Touch the bottom and say, "So Below". Starting at the center touch the candle with more oil and move your finger to the top. Lift you finger off and place it again in the center and stroke the candle to the bottom. Do not move your finger in an up and down motion. This confuses the energies. Do this until the candle is coated. There are many other things you can do to embed a candle to your purpose. You can etch runes in it; a name on it; a purpose for it to perform.. Really the list is endless.

If you are doing a Solar spell consult the table for the proper hour, i.e., Sunday on a Sun hour. Consult the celestial guide to see if Mars and Saturn are not square, in opposition or conjunct to your purpose (unless you are trying to wreck havoc... watch that Karma) and that the Moon is not V/C. (void of course). For a spell that is to bring things to you the Moon needs to be "waxing" . For a repelling or banishing spell the Moon needs to be "waning".

Simple Spells, Mixed Spells, and Complex Spells

All the formulas given here have the same basic concepts. They are timing, intent and focus. For timing one would go to an astrological table (celestial guide), days and hours table. For focus refer to an herbal listing magical properties of each, (and possibly a gem or stone guide too), and last but not least an oil and/or incense formularies. (Not easy being a Witch is it?). Next decided whether the spell is going to need a Deity push (invoking the God and Goddess of your choice) or maybe just an elemental. Decided how much power this spell will need. (You wouldn't use a nuclear weapon to blow out a match but you do want to make sure that the spell will work.)

Simple Candle Spell

A simple candle spell consists of usually one candle of the necessary color, the special purpose oil and the matching incense. The spell will be performed on the correct time with all necessary symbols engraved on the candle. The candle is lit and allowed to burn all the way down at one time.

Mixed Candle Spells

This gets a little more complicated. There are 1 day spells as the one above, 3 day spells, 7 day spells, 14 and 21 day spells. I have yet to see a 28 day spell work. (Something about the Moon going full circle nullifying the spell...try it if you don't believe me..). 3day,7day,14day,and 21 day spells all have the same thing in common. They are started on the appropriate hour and last only one hour per day, that is to say... If we are doing a Solar spell we would start on a Sunday in the first hour (Sun hour for that day) and let the candle burn for only one hour. The next day we would light the candle in the first hour which would be a Moon hour on a Moon day. Lastly we would light the candle again on the first hour of the last day and that would be a Mars hour on a Mars day letting the candle burn all the way down on the third day.

A note here about putting out candles. do not blow out a candle***. Snuff it. Blowing out a candle finalizes the energy not to mention pissing off the Fire elemental. The only time you would blow out a magical candle is when you need and emergency STOP. There will be a backlash so be prepared. Regardless,  if the Moon is Void of Course on any of the other days you would still follow through just as long as when you started the spell the Moon was in a positive aspect to your intent.

Adding power is really a simple process. Before starting the spell write a chant that you will do upon lighting the candle each day. Once the process of the spell is underway (the candle is lit) one could write a petition to a Deity or an elemental using Dragon’s Blood Ink on parchment and burn it with the incense in the thurible. Further, one could use a sigil or seal and do the same thing. A sigil or seal can be placed under the candle and burned later after the spell is complete. The combinations are endless. Specific gems and stones can be placed around or near the candle to give it more power. Herbs can be embedded or sprinkled around the alter area for more potential too.

Complex Candle Spells

Complex candle spells require some space. The idea behind them is that you are building a world with candles and influencing that world by moving the candles around as you would have events move in the physical plane. When candles move toward something then that "thing" is getting closer to the person the spell is for. As the candles move away from a person then that "thing" is moving away in turn. In a complex spell there are many factors to contemplate. What color candles do I use for what? What different incenses and oils for what candle, and how many different sigils or seals are necessary? Before attempting the complex variety I would suggest reading all the information there is. These are the hardest to reverse. In general a candle spell looks like this:

• Gather materials i.e.., what color candle, type oil and incense
• Will I need inks?
• Will I need to write on the candle?
• Do I need to invoke the God and Goddess?
• What is the Timing?
• Cast a circle (not absolutely necessary but I do it).
• Consecrate candle.
• Write on candle (if desired).
• Dress Candle
• Write petition (if using one)
• Add incense to thurible
• Light Candle and meditate on intent
• Burn petition in thurible ( if using one)
• When the spell is complete if you are trying to invoke something cast the ashes to the wind and bury the excess wax in a secret place. If you are banishing something, throw the remains in the garbage.

To reverse a candle spell (this works for most other spells too)

• Gather all melted wax, burned incense
• recopy all sigils, seals and even the chant used in the spell you want to reverse or stop.  (Sometimes it isn't available due to throwing things to the wind or putting things in the garbage... get what you can!)
• Gather up a gray candle.
• You will need reversing oil and incense.

On a waning Moon duly cast a circle. Place the candle in the middle of the alter. Place all the items from the spell you want reverse or stop around the gray candle. Using your athame point at the gray candle and say:

"These things have I enmagicked
be will now cease to exist,
Go back the way you have begun,
cease now and desist.
With harm to none and no alarm
the energies dissipate,
Return all things now as they were,
I relinquish them to fate.
Nema, Nema, Nema."

(make banishing Earth Pentagram and light candle) (let burn all the way)

**I am including these colors as this is how the article was written, however, these associations may not be accurate for you. I truly believe much of the most effective magic is instinctual. For me the color associations are different, i.e. orange is for calm & peacefulness…Do what works for you and you will find it does – work for you that is *grin*

***additional note from dawtch – I disagree with this theory – that blowing out a candle “scatters” the spell intent, so they should be snuffed. I guess I am just too logical – in my brain, “snuffing” a candle will also “snuff” the energy and force it back into the candle rather than releasing it to the Universe. Conversely, when you “blow out” a candle, rather than “scattering” the energy as many claim, it seems to me, you are sending it on it’s way. This is something that I believe is “to each their own” much like the elemental/directional associations. I have always followed what I believe to be correct, and have not noticed any  diminishment of the effectiveness of my spells :)

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.

Bonus Post - Oils, Powders, Inks & Wanderings

Magic spells, the tool of the witch. The way to harness energies, shape them, and direct them to "do our bidding". The words "Magic Spell" conjure up images of a crone, dressed all in black complete with pointy hat, stirring a large cauldron over an open fire (or hearth fire) while mumbling to herself and adding any number of archaic, scary sounding ingredients to the boiling pot...

OK, how many witches do you think can actually afford that big wonderful cauldron, to start with..? Have you priced those things lately..? A not-so-big one is being sold on Ebay - 17" tall, 26" diameter for $150. Or you can go here and purchase a 45 gallon capacity one for $850 - plus "special truck shipping". That size is a bit closer to the cauldron usually depicted as being used by witches to brew up their potions and create the necessary ingredients for their spells. Did you read that..?

$850

Now maybe you can afford to spend $850 on a tool (and if you can, are you in need of someone to adopt..?) but I think it's a safe assumption, that based on just that information, you aren't going to find many witches standing around one of these in today's world.

Much like the above mentioned cauldron, many of the ingredients called for in spells seem (to the beginner or uninitiated) to also be out of reach. But this isn't so. Yes, they have scary or creepy or unusual names, seeming to be stuff out a fairy tale, but these ingredients are usually listed using their "folk name". Names like "Devil's Dung" (asafetida), "Witches' Herb" (basil), and "Little Dragon" (Tarragon) can be a bit intimidating when reading a spell you wish to adapt to your use. Where in the world would one find "Tree of Enchantment"  (Willow) if it wasn't known as willow?

There's actually an awesome website called Herbal Cross Reference where you can go for many interpretations.

Ok, so, on to my point (yes, I actually have one here somewhere...) A lot of spells also call for ingredients like Four Thieves Oil or Graveyard Dirt. Or require the intent be written in a special ink, like Dragon's Blood Ink, or Dove's Blood Ink. Much like herbs, the names for these "concoctions" can be a bit misleading - you don't (usually) need dirt from a graveyard when "Graveyard Dirt" is called for, nor do you need an oil made by melting down four thieves (although....) when "Four Thieves Oil" is called for.  Also, if you do happen to find yourself in the company of a dragon, I wouldn't recommend causing him or her to bleed just so you have a liquid to use as ink - that might be a bit detrimental to one's health...

"A long history exists of using animal names as a code for various plant substances. Among the reasons for this practice was the desire to maintain secret formulas. Unfortunately, when the formulas are obtained without understanding or even knowing of the existence of the code, all sorts of misunderstandings and tragedy may follow..."
The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Magic Spells

What I am going to do here today is give a few recipes for the most frequently called for ingredients that you could probably buy somewhere, but you really should make yourself if you intend to use them. I know there are many legitimate retailers of magical items available, but how do you know which is witch (I made a funny...)? Because the website is pretty? Oh it has a pentacle on it so it must be legit. Did you go in that store..? The smell was wonderful, and all those magic books - they must be legit! Even if it is, what do you know about the witch that prepared these items? What kind of energy did they infuse them with? Were they fighting with the hubby so full of simmering resentment when they made that love oil..? What kind of love relationship will you find when you use it in your spell..? How about that Uncrossing Oil? Will you find that it has been infused with energies that may cause your result to be far different from your intent..? It is ALWAYS the better option to delay a bit (if you haven't planned ahead) and make your own, charging them with YOUR energy and YOUR intent than it is to just go buy the stuff and hope that a) it really is what it claims to be, not just scented/colored water/oil, and b) it has the correct energies & intents to accomplish what YOU are wanting do, as opposed to what the person who made it thinks it should do...

Keep in mind these are NOT the only possible recipes for these oils/powders, just the ones that I have...

Oils

Banishing Oil

Black Pepper
Cayenne Pepper
Cinnamon
Sea Salt
Sulfur

Grind all ingredients to a fine powder using a pestle & mortar. Be sure to cleanse your tools between uses. Much like you don't want last night's dinner still in the pan when you cook tonight's, you don't want the last spell's energy to infuse the current working...

To make a banishing oil, cover the powder with castor oil and shake vigorously. (If the castor oil is too thick to "flow" well, add some Jojoba oil to thin it to the desired consistency)

Uncrossing Oil

Essential Oil of hyssop
Essential Oil of angelica
Essential Oil of frankincense
Pinch of sea salt
Pinch of black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Sprig of rue
Sliver of fresh garlic
A section of broken chain (from a key chain or necklace)

Add the ingredients to a jar filled with a castor oil and jojoba oil mixture (virgin olive oil also works as the base for a magical oil) The crucial ingredients are the hyssop and the chain. Add the other ingredients as desired (if you apply this mixture to yourself as part of your working, avoid exposure to excessive sunlight or tanning beds as the angelica oil will make you sensitive and likely to burn)

Magnet (or Lodestone) Oil

Place either seven or nine lodestones in a mason jar. Sprinkle them with magnetic sand. Cover the lodestones with a blend of sweet almond and jojoba oils. Close the jar and let the lodestones rest for seven days, exposed to sunlight & moonlight. Swirl the contents once a day. After seven days, strain the oil and it is ready for use (place in smaller jars for storage) 
**Feed the lodestones with magnetic sand, and they can be used to make more oil.

Courage Oil

Cinquefoil (Five-finger grass)
Gardenia Petals
Rosemary leaves

Grind together into a fine powder using pestle & mortar. Add to a blend of sunflower & jojoba oils. (You may also add High John the Conqueror root to the powder mix, or a piece of root to the oil)

Confusion Oil

Black poppy seeds
Black pepper
Asafetida
Sulfur (this can be obtained by buying wooden kitchen matches, breaking the heads off, and grinding, them removing the wood)

Grind the above into a fine powder and add to a blend of castor & jojoba oil. For malevolent spells (undertaken at your own risk and hopefully after much consideration) use baby oil or mineral oil

Attraction Oil

Grated lemon zest
Lovage
Vervain
Essential oil of lemon petigrain, melissa, may chang, or lemon verbena
Rose attar

Grind the first three ingredients using your mortar & pestle, then place them in a bottle with a lodestone chip. Cover this with sweet almond oil, the ass the essential oils drop by drop until you achieve a scent that pleases you.

Commanding Oil

For a powerful formula, combine sweet flag (calamus) and licorice to form a powder to be added to a blend of castor oil and jojoba oil. Other ingredient  combinations can be used as well... Vetiver & essential oil of bergamot. for a situation involving finances. (Oil of bergamot can cause serious pigmentation issues if applied to the skin then exposed to the sun or a tanning bed) 

Powders

Banishing Powder

Black Pepper
Cayenne Pepper
Cinnamon
Sea Salt
Sulfur

Sprinkle the powder on clothing, especially shoes of anyone you want "gone", it can also be sprinkled on the ground where your target will be forced to step in or over it. You would also sprinkle this in your working area and over the candles when performing a banishing spell.

Drawing Powder

(LOL) Confectioner's Sugar

Graveyard Dust

Sometimes a rose is a rose, and Graveyard Dust is just what is says - dust (or dirt) from a graveyard. More often though, when Graveyard Dust is referred to as an ingredient in a spell, the following powder is what is being called for. For which spells do you use one and not the other? Well quite frankly, if you can't make that determination based on other spell requirements and the intention of the spell, it's time to put up the cauldron and candles and either seek out a LEGITIMATE mentor, go back to the books, or just give it up as you are going to hurt yourself or someone else if you continue trying to perform magic and harness energies without the proper knowledge...

Valerian
Patchouli
Mullein

Grind all ingredients together to form a fine powder, and use this mixture when Graveyard Dust (or Dirt) is called for.

Inks

I am including here recipes to create your own ink base, found at Make Stuff. Again, as with anything else magic related, what you put in has a big effect on what you get out. You can buy ink at most craft or hobby stores - probably even at Wal-mart or K-Mart in the office supply section, but you won't know what energies you'll be bringing to bear on you workings. No one ever said working magic was the easy way. In fact, if you want to do it "right" and be in full control of what you're doing, there is actually a lot of work involved, and you may find the more mundane options to be much easier...

Basic Permanent Black Ink:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp gum arabic
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 tsp lamp black (buy in a tube or make by holding a plate over a lit candle)

Mix egg yolk, gum arabic and honey in a small bowl. Add lamp black to make a thick paste. Store in a jar. To use, mix a little paste with a little water to make a fluid.

Prussian Blue Ink:

Dissolve Prussian Blue (available as laundry bluing) in water. Makes a rich blue ink.

Brown Ink:

• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 4-5 teabags (or 4 tsp of loose tea)
• 1 tsp gum arabic

Pour boiling water over the tea bags in a large bowl, add gum arabic. Steep for 15 minutes. Squeeze tea bags to extract as much tannic acid as possible. Strain and allow to cool before bottling. Use with a paintbrush or quill pen, etc.

Magic inks are created by adding certain ingredients to ink. I will list here the necessary ingredients, and if relevant quantities.

Raven's Feather Ink

Burn one black feather, freely given (by a bird, not your buddy who went and plucked it), and add the ashes to ink.

Dragon's Blood Ink

Dragon's Blood (Dragon's blood, obviously, is not the actual blood of a dragon...rather, is is a plant resin and can be purchased any number of places both online & in magic stores. Mind you, for this, and most magical purposes, you want the RESIN, not an incense or other already processed form of the product.)
Alcohol (to dissolve the resin, it is not water soluble)
Essential Oil of Cinnamon

Bat's Blood Ink

Dragon's Blood
Alcohol
Essential Oil of Cinnamon
Essential Oil of Myrrh

Dove's Blood Ink

Dragon's Blood
Alcohol
Essential Oil of Bay Laurel
Essential Oil of Cinnamon
Essential Oil of Rose

Ok, I hope that cleared things up a bit for you. Being a witch and performing magic, REAL magic, not rabbit-out-of-a-hat magic is a way of life. It can be a very rewarding and fulfilling lifestyle if you have chosen to follow this path, but as I said earlier, it's not easy. There are a plethora of books, websites, groups & people that can offer you information on this subject, and very few of them agree. That doesn't mean any or all of them are wrong, just different from each other.

To follow a magical path requires effort, dedication, and a willingness to be open to all (in my opinion, anyways) in an effort to find what is right for YOU. What works for one, or even several, may not work for you. Nothing magical is set in stone. Associations vary  with situations, and what you associate with a particular thing - color, herb, stone - may be very different from what is generally accepted. That, again, doesn't make it wrong (and don't let anyone tell you it does). If you associate the color orange with peacefulness & serenity, then use of the generally accepted pink in a working you perform will not be as effective as it would if you used orange. Many people associate green with healing, but for me personally, when I envision healing energy, it is oftentimes more blue than green. That's what works for me. One of the major differences in MY workings involves the directional associations. The generally accepted associations are:

North - Earth
East - Air
South - Fire
West - Water

That makes your "set-up" look something like this:

In my head that makes no sense. With this "layout" you have elements counteracting each other rather than complimenting each other. When you are camping, and taking down your site for the last time, in an effort to make sure you leave no sparks of FIRE unattended, you bury your ashes with EARTH. Because EARTH smothers FIRE. When you are doing laundry, and your dryer is broken, you hang your wet clothes outside on a clothesline so the wind will hasten drying. Because AIR evaporates WATER.

In my head (which can actually be a bit of a scary place sometimes...) it makes much more logical sense to switch the locations of Earth and Air. Then you have a "set -up" like this:

Looking at this in a logical manner, we now make sense - back at your campsite, when you were first building your campfire, you piled a bunch of kindling into a pile, applied a spark, then gently blew on it (unless you are my hunny, then you just lit the portable torch, and held to a pile of wood until it caught...). Because AIR feeds FIRE. Without air, there is no fire. When Spring rolls around and it's time to plant the garden, you hoe the earth to soften it, place your seeds in the locations you've chosen, then water it. Because WATER feeds EARTH. Without water, the earth is barren and sere.

It seems to me that if you work your magic following the generally accepted principles in this area, you are causing friction amongst the very elements you are requesting assistance from. My magic has been much more effective since I have started using the associations that work for me which puts the elements into an arrangement where they are complimenting one another rather than working against each other...

Oh my, I do ramble on...and tend to take twists and turns I had no idea were even options when I started out...LOL. But, I'll be done for now. I hope this has helped more than hindered. I apologize for the rambling, but the elemental associations are a subject near & dear to me, and once I start, I tend to just keep going....

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.