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Cerredwen	Flying Ointment Recipes	#21	[-]
Walks an Earthbased Path Posts: 11433 (10/08/06 11:24 AM) ~~Priestess of the Goddess~~ Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Flying ointment was used by early witches (and probably non witches) in the Middle Ages. This is one reason why witches were said to "fly" - the effect was a hallucination. The ointment was made up of poisonous and naturally psychotropic herbs. Hemlock, deadly nightshade or belladonna, henbane, and hashish were common ingredients. Soot was a traditional ingredient. Parsley was used in almost all mixtures. The herbs would be mixed with the melted fat of an un-baptized baby to make the ointment. Because of the poisonous herbs, the flying ointment of old could potentially cause damage or even death. There are modern recipes that provide similar effects without the danger of poisonous herbs. If you would like to try your own flying ointment, please be careful, make sure you are physically and mentally healthy and ensure you understand the reason you have chosen to fly. Just like driving a car without knowing how can be deadly, so too making and using a flying ointment without understanding and reverence can have disastrous side-effects. Oil for 'Modern Witch's Flying Ointment' Here's what you'll need: 55mL of jojoba oil 10mL of wheat germ oil 10mL of a 5% dilution of narcissus in grape seed oil 11 drops of the pure essential oil of juniper berry 10 drops of the pure essential oil of bog myrtle 9 drops of the pure essential oil of myrtle 15 drops of the pure essential oil of lavender 10 drops of the pure essential oil of roman chamomile 10 drops of the pure essential oil of ylang ylang 10 drops of the pure essential oil of jasmine Mix these oils carefully together in a cobalt blue or amber bottle gently shaking every morning and evening for the 3 days of the full moon. Make sure to store away from any light source and try and make it by candle light if at all possible. When finished, you have a modern witches flying oil. This oil is potent. Use it carefully and treat it with respect as you should all essential oils. It should store for 1 - 3 months with a shelf life of up to 6 months in cobalt or amber bottles stored under 25 C and away from direct sunlight. Use your nose to check if it has gone off. To use, apply first a small amount to the inside of your elbow and wait 24h to check for reactions. Then if it is safe, apply a small amount to the soles of your feet and lie back in a safe place - preferably with a close and trusted friend with you. Make sure you have not had any caffeine or alcohol or drugs within the last 24 hours. While books which talk about flying ointments suggest smearing it all over your body, I do not recommend this approach and please keep it away from you eyes, nose and mouth even though it is quite pleasant smelling. Do not use as a massage oil. Do not ingest this mixture. As this mixture contains oils with contraindications, I suggest that you avoid using this mix if you: are pregnant, have high blood pressure, sensitive skin, have a history of mental illness, or if you are suffering from prolonged insomnia. Some sources: "Magical Aromatherapy" and "Incense, Oils and Brews" both by S Cunningham "The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils" By Julia Lawless Solid 'Flying Ointment' Recipe Here's what you'll need: 1/2 of a 500gm bar of beeswax 10 drops of the pure essential oil of bog myrtle 9 drops of the pure essential oil of hops 10 drops of the pure essential oil of linden (careful! often adulterated!) 11 drops of the pure essential oil of jasmine 8 drops of the pure essential oil of Mysore Sandalwood 12 drops of the pure essential oil of ylang ylang In a double boiler melt the beeswax gently using as low a heat as possible using a wooden spoon to stir. This will coat the spoon in wax but this is necessary before adding the essential oils.. Once the beeswax has melted, allow to cool slightly without allowing to harden. At this point, remove the wax from heat and water and add all your essential oils gently stirring with a wooden spoon until they are completely mixed into the wax. Once done, pour small quantities into small ceramic solid perfume vials and cap tightly. You now have a witches flying ointment in a portable perfume! To use, apply first a small amount to the inside of your elbow and wait 24h to check for reactions. Then if it is safe, apply a small amount to the inside of your wrists and your temples before going into ritual. Do not use this mix if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or have high blood pressure as these oils could be toxic to your baby and may cause an elevated heart rate. This will not work as a candle. Some sources: "An ABC of Witchcraft Past and Present" by Doreen Valiente "Magical Aromatherapy" and "Incense, Oils and Brews" both by S Cunningham "The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils" By Julia Lawless These recipes were contributed by Straif Blackthorn, a professional aromatherapist and witch of over 15 years. She has combined her knowledge of plants and essential oils plus her techniques for making pure skin care products to bring you this recipe. The books sited above represent only a small number of those which were referred to in order to create this recipe. You may copy this to your website provided all the information is left in tact and a link to the originating website is maintained. www.newmoon.uk.com/spells/204.htm May the fruit of our lives be bound and sealed to Thee, O Mother, O Woman Eternal who holdest the inmost life of each of Thy daughters between the hands upon Her Heart ~~~~~~~~~~~ We swear by Peace and Love to stand, Heart to Heart and Hand to Hand. Mark, O Spirit, and hear us now, confirming this, our Sacred Vow. ~Druidic Prayer of Unity~ Last Edited By: Cerredwen 07/18/09 12:04 AM. Edited 2 times.
Cerredwen	Herbal Invocations, Rites & Spells	#22	[-]
Walks an Earthbased Path Posts: 11433 (10/10/06 01:48 PM) ~~Priestess of the Goddess~~ Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	By Barbara Morris 1 Lavender Flowers ~ Faery offerings, Sprinkle by door to attract the Fae. Stuff a Faery dream pillows. 2 Roses ~ Sprinkle pink petals around mirror for Glamour spells. Red petals for Love magic& Love charm bags. 3 Wild Orchids ~ Children magic. Place in child's hair to attract the Fae & wee ones to come & play. 4 Juniper Berries ~ String berries& hang for protection against impish Faeries. Winter fairy magic, Celtic Fae 5 Hawthorn Berries ~ Woman magic. Toss in river or stream to call on water diva's. Fishing charm. 6 Pink Milo Berries ~ Wrap in pink ribbon & hang by front door to attract other Faery lovers to your home. 7 Magic Sponge Mushrooms ~ Add one to a green cloth bag to attract Gnomes, Gnomes bring wealth. Use as a Faery tuffet. 8 Hibiscus Flowers ~ Love / Lust magic, Sprinkle around "Faery Tarot" deck while divining. Use in Love Charm bags. 9 Sunflower Petals ~ Powder dry petals& oil pink candle in Faery oil, roll candle in Flower powder for "Birthday wish" magic. 10 Chrysanthemums ~ Flower of October / November, Sprinkle in garden for fruitful harvest 11 Milkweed pods ~ Release out window or out side during ritual to carry your wishes on the wind. Faery magic rituals. 12 Cocoa flowers ~ Sweet Faery offerings. Ring a Faery candle for special assistance in the home. 13 Lemon verbena ~ For female Witches this herb holds the power to "be-witch". Use for female initiation into magic. May the fruit of our lives be bound and sealed to Thee, O Mother, O Woman Eternal who holdest the inmost life of each of Thy daughters between the hands upon Her Heart ~~~~~~~~~~~ We swear by Peace and Love to stand, Heart to Heart and Hand to Hand. Mark, O Spirit, and hear us now, confirming this, our Sacred Vow. ~Druidic Prayer of Unity~
Cerredwen	Baneful Herbs and Flying Ointments	#23	[-]
Walks an Earthbased Path Posts: 11433 (05/15/07 05:40 PM) ~~Priestess of the Goddess~~ Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Written and compiled by Barbara Morris 1999 Flying ointments refer to a salve that witches of old would use to Astral travel. Sabbats and witches celebrations were not easily accessible in those days. While some believed it was all done in the mind, others believe that witches could fly by this practice. Perhaps there were some people who actually saw the Astral body of a witch floating by? The "ointment" would consist of certain herbs (some listed below) and some sort of fat, some old books say witches used "The fat of children", no doubt fictional writers with a wild imagination started this. It most likely was the fat of an animal. The Christians of that time had to find a way to justify the killings of witches and this was one way they did that. Ancient witches would rub the ointment into their skin and lye down by a fire, the ointment reportedly would turn their skin red and radiate heat energy. Witches would then Astral travel to Sabbats and secret meetings with other witches. There are reports that the witches that Astral traveled would be able to see everything that was actually happening in the place where the meetings were "physically" being held. There are over 60 recipes for flying ointments, witch contain some of these herbs, most recipes have been altered in some way though. The Banefuls Belladonna Also known as deadly nightshade, Belladonna is a source of the poisonous drug atropine. In minute quantities, atropine, in the form of a sulfate, is used to dilate the pupils of the eye, to relieve pain, to diminish secretions, and to relieve spasms. In greater quantities, it was used to kill. Belladonna was believed to have been used in flying potions. Cinquefoil In folklore, cinquefoil was used in flying potions. Found in many old recipes & Grimores. Deadly Nightshade Deadly nightshade was ingested by those who wished to foresee the future. Foxglove Many of the common names of this plant pertain to its toxic nature (Witches' glove, Dead Man's Bells, Bloody Fingers). Foxglove belongs to the Figwort family (Scrophulariaceae) and the whole plant is toxic. It contains various cardiac glycosides. Foxglove also went by the names Goblin's Gloves (in Wales), Throttle-wort, Thimble Flower, Finger Flower, Ireland it was also known as Fairy Cap, Lunsmore, and the Great Herb. Foxglove was also considered dear to faeries. If a plant was harmed, the faeries would bring retribution. Hemlock Hemlock is an extremely poisonous cousin of parsley. The juice from hemlock's tiny white flowers was believed to be used to make men impotent. "The plant was an ingredient in many Witches' Ointments.... According to German folk tradition, the hemlock was home to a toad, which lived beneath it and sucked up its poisons. Hemp Hemp was used in many old spells and Incense. I do not consider this plant poisonous, and believe it is quite a magical plant when the female flowers are smoked. Mother earth gave us this plant for a reason. Not to mention what we could do with the fibers and just about every other part of this plant. We could feed and cloth the world.(end rant). Mandrake Another plant with a narcotic effect, mandrake or the mandragore (Mandragora officinarum L.) was thought to be a potentially lethal herb to harvest from the earth. For this reason, great caution was used in gathering these magical roots. Many people believed that the mandrake shrieked when harvested and that anyone hearing the piercing cry would die. The root of the mandrake resembles a phallus or a human torso, and for this reason was believed to have occult powers. In some areas of Europe, possession of the root was punishable by death. The crushed root was purported to have caused hallucinations followed by a death-like trance and sleep. The root was also said to have caused insanity and was believed to have been used in flying potions Mandrake root makes a powerful addition to any "Binding spell" and works as a great "Witches" protector. Source
Cerredwen	The Four Sacred Plants	#24	[-]
Walks an Earthbased Path Posts: 11433 (07/07/07 04:11 PM) ~~Priestess of the Goddess~~ Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	The four sacred plants are gift of the Four Manido (Spirits of the Four Directions). To those who live in the traditional way, there are four plants which are especially revered and used in daily living. The creator taught us to use the natural herbs of sage, sweetgrass, tobacco, and cedar smoke as a physical reminder to them of this omnipotent presence. It is the sacred way. Tobacco (Semah) Semah, or tobacco, is one of the four sacred plants. It represents the Eastern Direction and the mind. The Anishinaabe use a form of tobacco known as kinikinik, or a red willow mix. Because it opens the door to the creator, When tobacco is used to make smoke, it is one of the most sacred of plants for Native people. Some elders say that tobacco is used to connect the worlds since the plants roots go deep into the earth, and its smoke rises high into the sky. This plant is highly respected and highly honoured. Giving tobacco is a beautiful way of our people. Ceremonies using tobacco invoke a relationship with the energies of the universe, and ultimately the Creator, and the bond made between earthly and spiritual realms is not to be broken. There are four traditional Tobacco uses. None of them will harm you. Prayer When we put sacred tobacco into our Sacred Pipes, we are also using that tobacco as a communicator to the sky world where all of our ancestors have gone on before us. We do not inhale the sacred smoke that comes from the pipe. When the smoke rises, it is taking our prayers with it up to the Creator and all of our relatives who have gone on before us. Our elders show us that when we finish with prayers, we sprinkle a small amount of tobacco on the drum. This is a way of giving back to and thanking the Creator for all he has given to us. Tobacco can be used on a daily basis as each new day is greeted with prayers of thankfulness. Many elders say to hold it in your prayers of thankfulness. They also add that you are to hold it in your left hand as this is the hand closer to your heart. Offerings Traditionals burn tobacco before storms. It is used to pray that powerful storms wont hurt our families. To pray with tobacco in your Native language is very powerful. It can make a difference in the physical world. Purification Tobacco is used in the offering of prayer to the Creator, acting as a medium for communication. It is either offered to the fire, so the smoke can lift the prayers to the Creator, or it is set on the ground in a nice, clean place. It means we come humbly to our creator. We proclaim our innocence. When you want to speak to the creator, we are told to make an offering of the tobacco plant. An Elder will take tobacco ties and offer them to the fire or offer it back to Mother Earth on behalf of the Sacred Circle. Anishinabe people live life in a very sacred manner. When taking something from the Earth, they always explain to the spirit of the plant why it is being done and offer some tobacco in return for the generosity and help of the plant which shared itself so freely. Purification and working with a clear mind and heart are essential in asking the land to provide for people. This is keeping with the Native belief that if you do things in a good way, good things will follow. If careful attention is not established, the result will not be as good. Sometimes elders place tobacco on the water. This shows our thanks to the Creator, for the lifeblood of our Mother the earth that is provided to us. At this time we also acknowledge the moon who in her 28-day cycle cleanses the water by filtering it through the sands. Respect Respecting our tobacco should be taken seriously. Sacred tobacco is used for prayers of gratitude to thank the Creator of Mother Earth for our many blessings, such as good health, great fishing, and good crops. When any plant is picked or any animal is taken, Tobacco and Prayer must be given to show respect. By honouring all our relations we demonstrate that we have not forgotten our place within the web of life. To offer someone tobacco is to ask that you and the person receiving the tobacco be of one heart, one mind and one spirit. Tobacco is offered when you ask someone to do a ceremony for you, such as a name-giving, drumming or singing for someone, to do a smudging ceremony, a sweatlodge or sacred pipe ceremony; any ceremony. This signifies that you and the one doing the ceremony are of one heart, one mind and one spirit, that you have the same purpose. Another way that is used to bring people together in unity is that it is used to heal rifts between people. If you have a disagreement that causes ill feelings or someone has treated you badly, or if you have treated someone badly, you can bring tobacco and ask to speak to the person. Then of course, you would do your best to heal the rift, not to make things worse, so tobacco assists us in making amends, getting over resentments, healing emotional wounds and in forgiving people. Even a little tobacco can be given if you do not have money for a pouch. It is the sacredness that counts, not the amount. The person can decide to accept your tobacco or reject. Some of our Elders still offer tobacco to everyone who visits them. Tobacco is given to elders when one is seeking advice. It is always good to offer tobacco when seeking knowledge or advice from an Elder or when a Pipe is present. It shows gratitude and respect for the elder whose advice you are seeking. Tobacco is given when you appreciate a teaching from an elder or even a younger person if you value what that person has told you. It is a way of showing respect and gratitude. Proper Uses Sacred herbs are powerful, but when misused or dis-respected, their power consume us. Tobacco can be a healer or a destroyer. It depends on how and how often it is used. When used in a sacred way, it can promote good health and assist with spiritual guidance and growth. When tobacco is used in a protocol way it becomes sacred. In the old days, tobacco was the most holy of plants and the most sacred of ceremonial objects. The Creator's spirit is in tobacco. When used in this sacred manner with the sacred pipe, the spirit as smoke enters the man, refreshes him, and then travels to the sky laden with thanksgiving. For hundreds of years, the people were taught this holy and powerful way to communicate with their creator. If used correctly, tobacco can improve your spiritual, mental and physical well being. Abusive Uses When it is not used in a sacred way, it can be very harmful. Commercial tobacco is a poison containing over 4000 chemicals. The dominant culture exploits tobacco by commercializing and glamorizing cigarette abuse. When tobacco is used as a drug: smoking daily or chewing, it is not being used in a sacred manner. Its also a problem when young people use it to be cool and fit in even if they dont have the right. Commercial tobacco was introduced from the outside. When smoking is considered an everyday affair, it looses its power. The addictive nature of it destroys our communities. 40% of all Native Americans smoke. Around the world, 7 people die every minute because they abuse tobacco. Native Americans abuse tobacco at a higher rate than any ethnic group in America. If we abuse a sacred plant, we risk spiritual disconnection. Many Elders feel that any use of tobacco that occurs outside of ceremony is an affront to the Creator. Think about it! Nothing commercially marketed, chemically laced and mass marketed can sacred. Abusive Uses When a sacred plant is not used in a sacred way, it can be very harmful. Commercial tobacco is a poison containing over 4,000 chemicals. The dominant culture exploits tobacco by commercializing and glamorizing cigarette abuse. When tobacco is used as a drug -- smoking it daily or chewing it; it is not being used in a sacred manner. Its also a problem when young people use it just to be kewl and to fit in even if they dont have the right to use it. Commercial tobacco was introduced from the outside. When smoking becomes a habit, a mundane, everyday affair, it looses its power. The addictive nature of it destroys our communities. Around the world, 7 people die every minute because they abuse tobacco. 40% of all our Native people smoke. This is the highest percentage of all groups. That means Native Americans abuse tobacco at a higher rate than any ethnic group in America. Role Models For Our Youth. We need to be good role models to our youth. Lawrence Shorty, founder of the Native Tobacco People asks us to "Think about what goes through their minds when they see us holding a cigarette in a bar, drinking and disrespecting women (or ourselves), throwing cigarettes in urinals. What do our youth think when they see this?" We cannot be hypocritical in our actions. We must show our youth that tobacco should only be used in ceremony. Think about where will we be as a people if we lose our spirituality? Our young people must realize that they need to stop abusing tobacco and educate themselves about its spiritual aspects. Tobacco teaches Indian people about themselves. The discipline it teaches and the respect it demands helps and individual grow to be a good person. Real Tobacco It is important to remember that Native Tobacco is a different species that is indigenous to the Americas. Real tobacco is not the tobacco you find in smoke shops and stores. When we say tobacco in English we are not talking about a sacred plant. There are over 60 species of this plant. It grows wild in most sections of North America. However, it is no way related to tobacco and does not contain nicotine or other poisonous properties. The Great Lakes Ojibwe, and the neighboring Iroquois used it for a number of medicinal purposes, including as a remedy for stomach aches and fever. It tends to remove obstructions from every part of the system and is even felt to the ends of the toes. Indian Tobacco not only cleanses the stomach but exercises a beneficial influence over every part of the body. Our own native languages have a word for tobacco that is to be used in offerings. We need to address the energy within that plant by its native name so that we can understand the plant as it understands us. It is important to know the name of the plant in your native language. Should We Use Cigarettes To Pray? Most Native people dont have access to our real botanicals. Weve been moved off the lands where these plants were grown. Reservation life encourages peer pressure to smoke commercial tobacco and to rely on products that can be obtained quickly and easily from local stores owned by non-Indians. If the plant is not prepared properly and mindfully, the power of the ceremony will be diluted. For our ceremonies to have their full power, we need to know how the tobacco was procured, grown and harvested to have a whole ceremony. Growing Tobacco When we use tobacco properly, we must refer to it by its Native American Name. When tobacco is grown from the earth, you know it is clean. It is good for us to develop our knowledge about the use and growing of tobacco in the old way with guidance from our grandparents and other Native tobacco people. To grow tobacco in a sacred way, we must re-establish the bonds between oneself and the earth, sky, plants, and animals. Traditional, sacred methods should be utilized in preparing the earth and the seeds. We need to revive our planting ceremonies so that we can have access to tobacco that is grown and prepared in a good way for our ceremonies We need to be mindful of the reasons behind why we do things the way we do. Do everything by hand, in a good way. Proper preparation, use of sacred stones in the planting, acknowledge our directions so that we remain mindful our own state of being in creation. Using tobacco traditionally requires a whole different mind set. We need to realize that we are more whole than we give ourselves credit for. We must find the wisdom and the courage to revive our cultural ways. Tobacco is part of our heritage. We need to better understand our traditions, so we can better understand who we are. Reestablish our belief in tobacco as a sacred plant for healing, ceremony and prayer. Using tobacco traditionally requires a whole different mind set. We need to realize that we are more whole than we give ourselves credit for. We must find the wisdom and the courage to revive our cultural ways. Stop abusing tobacco and make a commitment to learn about its sacred uses. Re-commit to sacred tobacco use and make a distinction between sacred and commercial tobacco. We have our choices. The difference between what is sacred and what isnt. Like all medicines, when treated with respect, tobacco is helpful. When treated with disrespect, it is dangerous. Cedar (Keezhik) Keezhik (Cedar) represents the Southern direction and the soul. The leaves are cleaned from the stems and separated into small pieces, which are used in many ways. When burned, Keezhik acts as a purifier, cleansing the area in which it is burned and emitting a pleasant scent. True cedar is burnt while praying to the Great Mystery in meditation, and also to bless a house before moving in. Cedar was offered to the fire to smudge the lodge and people. It is also used to waft the smoke to ward away sickness. In traditional medicine, a compound decoction of twigs was made into an herbal steam for rheumatism. It works both as a purifier and as a way to attract GOOD energy in your direction. Elders say put some in you shoes and only goodness will come your way. Many traditional women keep some cedar in their left pocket. When you breathe in the smell of cedar you decide that you're going to have courage and stamina and that you're going to survive. You think of what the herb means, why it was given to us It's not magic. Sage (Sukodawabuk) Sukodawabuk, also known as sage, is used in much the same ways as Keezhik (cedar). it is burned as a purifier, but when compared to the "piney" scent of cedar, sage has a spice air. Shkodawabuk represents the Western direction. Sage is used by the original peoples to make their prayers, to signal the creator of one's need for help. There are many varieties of Sage and all are effective in smudging. Smudging is a way of using the smoke from burning herbs to cleanse the body, an object, or a given area of negative influences. Many Native Americans used varieties of sage for medicinal purposes as well as religious ceremonies. The burning of Sage in smudging ceremonies is to drive out evil spirits, negative thoughts and feelings, and to keep negative entities away. The root was used by the Ojibwa in three ways: as an anti-convulsive, on wounds to stop bleeding, and as a stimulant. The Potawatomi burned the plant to smudge and also used it as poultice on long-standing sores. Sweet Grass (Weengush) Weengush, or Sweet grass is used to cleanse the mind, body and spirit. It is considered sacred because it is symbolic of purification. It represents the Northern direction and the body. The elders tell us that scent of these natural herbs is pleasing to the creator and will incline him to hear the ceremony with favor. The smoke is considered distasteful to all evil beings and thwarts their powers. This plant plays an important part in ceremonies of spiritual significance. When Weengush is used in ceremony, each person is to fan the sweet grass smoke, first to their heart, second to their mind, third around their body and lastly, return the smoke to their heart. The prayer said during this process is: "Great Mystery, please cleanse me of my negativity and fill me with the positive energies of love, so that, as I am healed so may I work for the healing of our Earth Mother." Because it signifies the hair of Nokimis Akiin (Our Grandmother the Earth) it is usually braided. Each of the three sections that go into the braid have a specific meaning, being mind, body and spirit. Because the Anishnaabe people live life in a very sacred manner, when taking something from the Earth, they always explain to the spirit of the plant why it is being done and offer some tobacco in return for the generosity and help of the plant which shared itself so freely. Many sacred and cultural objects re made with Weengush. The Mens grass dance outfits are symbolic of the sacred plant. A braid of sweet grass was traditionally tied to the dancers' belts. The colorful yarn or fringe that sways from their regalia symbolizes sweet grass swaying in the wind. Weengush is also used to make coiled baskets, called unity baskets. These Unity baskets are not for sale. It is said that in the old days very small ones kept children's navel cords. Sweet grass is a very powerful herb. Unity The elders tell us that "Sweet Grass is the hair of our Mother, each strand alone is not as strong as when braided together." The braid represents to us the great strength a united tribe has opposed to a divided one. Abuses Alot of New Age businesses have been harvesting sweet grass for commercial use. They have no respect and they pull it out by the roots and at the wrong times of the year so that the plant cannot grow back. When harvesting medicines, a traditional NDN shows respect by never taking more than 1 /10 of whats there. Medicine is only taken at certain times of the year and tobacco is always given back in gratitude. No one should buy sweet grass unless they are absolutely sure that the earth hasnt been "strip-mined" to get it. Collecting medicines is a long complicated process. It mustn't be done haphazardly for commercial profit. Great care must be taken in harvesting by an elder who understands the plant and can develop a relationship with it. This cannot be done as quickly and efficiently as most consumers would like. The roots of a sweet grass plant are very fragile and can be easily uprooted in the harvesting of the grass. There are places in the Northeast where sweet grass can no longer grow because it was not harvested in a good way by hundreds New Agers. If you dont know for sure that care was taken gathering sweet grass, dont buy it. The herb should always be treated with respect and dignity. New Age practices such as selling sweet grass Christmas wreaths is sacrilegious. Don't support it. Think about it. Our sacred Weengush represents the hair of Nokimis Akiin! Do you really want anything to do with hair thats pulled out from the roots? We must always remember that the ends dont justify the means. Some of these New Age seekers are overly concerned about where they can buy sacred objects. They don't understand that the object isnt sacred. Only sacred plant is addressed in a Native language, by an elder who is entitled to do so, does it become sacred. NDNS and nonNDNS alike need to learn that they must pay attention to the whole process! It must have integrity! The planting, the harvesting, the giving back. One of our grandmas has a warning for the New Age seekers. She says, "Its almost always a bad idea to try to buy "sacred objects". The person doing this should be asking themselves why they need to do this and deal with that shortcoming first." Gratitude Our sacred plants have a special role to play in our lives. We need to keep the idea of gratitude ever present in our mind. We cannot keep our NDN worldview alive without fully appreciating the concept of gratitude. Proper use of our sacred plants helps us to convey the meaning of gratitude. Whenever we take something, we must remember to give. We must be able to be grateful before receiving. To appreciate that life is a gift and that everything that comes with it our successes and our defeats -- is truly a gift in itself. Tobacco is what is offered back to Nokimis Akiin - grandmother earth. When we find a feather or collect medicines, we take them with us as a gift from her. We offer tobacco. When we hunt animals, we offer tobacco to the earth and to the chief spirit (Manitou) of the plant or animal we're asking to give of itself. We also offer tobacco when we cross a river, before thunderstorms when someone dies, when we see an eagle. This idea of gratitude is what binds us together as native people and keeps us strong. The four sacred herbs complete the cycle of life. Their smoke is used to cleanse the mind, spirit, body and soul. They can remove negative forces and refresh us. Books Lawrence A. Shorty. "Tricky Tokes, Those Coyote Smokes: How Coyote Learned the Power of Tobacco" from Tobacco use by Native North Americans : Sacred Smoke and Silent killer p.382. (E98.T6 T63 20000) Source
Cerredwen	Magickal Perfume Recipes	#25	[-]
Walks an Earthbased Path Posts: 11433 (01/18/08 05:49 PM) ~~Priestess of the Goddess~~ Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Author Unknown All recipes are mixed into 1/8 cup carrier oil such as jojoba, apricot, grapeseed, almond etc. All recipes are given in "parts" in other words parts of the whole essential oil used. It is suggested that you test all oils that are new to you to make sure you are not allergic to them. Place a drop on the inside of your elbow; do not wash it off for 24 hours. If no rash, etc. appears, use it! Add scents a drop at a time and adjust to your own liking. These recipes are from my book of shadows, some of them are original, some are from various books, but may have been altered to suit my tastes. Most of the books I've read on the subject are listed in the "related book section". Source is given where known. These oils can be used on the body, for anointing candles etc. Earth Dawn 4 parts Vetiver 3 parts Rose 2 parts Vanilla 1 parts Cypress I created this one with Taurus and Earth energies. Etherea 3 parts Sandalwood 3 parts Clary Sage 2 parts Lavender 1 parts Cypress I created this one with Aquarius and Air energies. Golden Lion 3 parts Frankincense 3 parts Petitgrain 2 parts Lime 1 parts Sweet Orange I made this one for myself and other Leo friends, it embodies Leo and Sun energies. Archer Oil 4 Rosemary 2 Oak moss 1 Clove I designed this one for Sagittarius friends. I think the smell is a little weird, but the Sag's who have sampled it seemed to enjoy it. Be your own judge. Winter Sun Ray 4 White Pine 2 Frankincense 1 Myrrh I created this one for Yule, and wear it on and off all winter, to remind me of the return of the sun. Air Oil 4 parts Lavender 3 parts Sandalwood 1 parts Neroli To sharpen the mental processes, break addictions, travel spells and other air related spells. Moon Oil 3 Jasmine 2 Sandalwood 1 Lemon Wear during moon rituals, to induce psychic dreams, to enhance divination or any other lunar related rituals. Soothing Waters 2 Sandalwood 2 Chamomile 2 Clary Sage 1 Lilac (optional) 1 drop blue food coloring This oil is intended to be a calming agent. Wear or place a bit on a bit of fabric, cotton ball etc. and sniff. Don't over do it. Fast Money Oil 4 Oak moss 3 Cedarwood 2 Patchouli 2 Ginger This is a Scott Cunningham recipe. It's amazing, it smells like money! You can anoint candles with it and concentrate on you need for money or resources, or you can anoint cash before spending it, in a charm to have money return to you. Interview Oil 4 Lavender 3 Ylang-ylang 1 Rose Wear lightly to interviews of all kinds to increase your favorable impression. Protection Oil 5 Petitgrain 5 Black Pepper Wear to enhance personal shields/protection or use to anoint doors windows etc. to enhance protection of an area. Sacred Oil 3 Frankincense 2 Sandalwood 1 Cinnamon Wear to any sacred rites. It stimulates a spiritual mood. This is a Scott Cunningham recipe. Sleep Oil 3 Rose 2 Chamomile 1 Jasmine Anoint temples, pulse points at neck and wrist and soles of feet to induce natural and restful sleep May the fruit of our lives be bound and sealed to Thee, O Mother, O Woman Eternal who holdest the inmost life of each of Thy daughters between the hands upon Her Heart ~~~~~~~~~~~ We swear by Peace and Love to stand, Heart to Heart and Hand to Hand. Mark, O Spirit, and hear us now, confirming this, our Sacred Vow. ~Druidic Prayer of Unity~ Last Edited By: Cerredwen 05/14/08 10:37 PM. Edited 1 times.
Cerredwen	Herbal Invocations, Rites & Spells	#26	[-]
Walks an Earthbased Path Posts: 11433 (06/11/08 11:12 PM) ~~Priestess of the Goddess~~ Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Twelfth Century Herbal Invocation O Earth, divine Goddess, Mother Nature who generates all things and brings forth anew, the sun which you have given to the nations; Guardian of sky and sea and of all gods and powers...through your power all nature falls silent and then sinks in sleep. And again you bring back the light and chase away night and yet again you cover us most securely with your shades. You do contain chaos infinite, yea and winds and showers and storms; you send them out when you will and cause the seas to roar; you chase away the sun and rouse the storm. Again when you will you send forth the joyous day and give the nourishment of life with your eternal surety; and when the soul departs to you we return. You are indeed duly called Great Mother of the Gods; you conquer by your divine name. You are the source of strength of nations and of gods, without you nothing can be brought to perfection or be born; you are Great Queen of the Gods. Goddess! I adore thee as divine; I call upon your name; be pleased and grant that which I ask of you, so shall I give thanks to the, Goddess, with due faith. Hear, I beseech you, and be favorable to my prayer. Whatsoever herb your power does produce, give, I pray, with goodwill to all nations to save them and grant me this, my medicine. Come to me with your powers and howsoever I may use them, may they have good success to whosoever I may give them. Whatever you grant, may it prosper. To you all things return. Those who rightly receive these herbs from me, please make them whole. Goddess, I beseech you, I pray as a supplicant that by your majesty you grant this to me. I now make intercession to you and your powers and herbs and to your majesty, you whom Earth, parent of all, has produced and given as a medicine of health to all nations and has put majesty upon you, I pray you, the greatest help to the human race. This I pray and beseech from you, be present here with your virtues, for She who created you has Herself promised that I may gather you into the goodwill of him on whom the art of medicine was bestowed, and grant for health's sake good medicine by grace of your powers. I pray grant me through your virtues that whatsoever is wrought by me through you may in all it's powers have good and speedy effect and good success and that I may always be permitted with the favor of your majesty to gather you into my hands and to glean your fruits. So shall I give thanks to you in the name of the majesty which ordained your birth. http://www.joellessacredgrove.com/Spells/rituals.html May the fruit of our lives be bound and sealed to Thee, O Mother, O Woman Eternal who holdest the inmost life of each of Thy daughters between the hands upon Her Heart ~~~~~~~~~~~ We swear by Peace and Love to stand, Heart to Heart and Hand to Hand. Mark, O Spirit, and hear us now, confirming this, our Sacred Vow. ~Druidic Prayer of Unity~
Cerredwen		#27	[-]
Walks an Earthbased Path Posts: 11433 (08/12/08 10:47 PM) ~~Priestess of the Goddess~~ Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Herb Grinding Blessing Author Unknown When you are grinding your dried herbs into powder increase their energy by saying something like this: "From Earth to air and here to there I grind you fine with love and care. Through pestle to essence here I sow, from whole to powder on mortar you go, round and round may your power grow, continue to let your energy flow." Now you have Blessed Herbs to use in your Rituals. May the fruit of our lives be bound and sealed to Thee, O Mother, O Woman Eternal who holdest the inmost life of each of Thy daughters between the hands upon Her Heart ~~~~~~~~~~~ We swear by Peace and Love to stand, Heart to Heart and Hand to Hand. Mark, O Spirit, and hear us now, confirming this, our Sacred Vow. ~Druidic Prayer of Unity~
Cerredwen		#28	[-]
Walks an Earthbased Path Posts: 11433 (12/02/08 02:35 PM) ~~Priestess of the Goddess~~ Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Psychic Stimulation Tea By Lilith Storm 1 tablespoon dried mugwort 1 teaspoon dried lemon balm 1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaves 1 teaspoon dried yarrow One-quarter teaspoon coarsely ground cinnamon Grind ingredients in mortar and pestle and place in teapot. Pour boiling water over them and brew for 10 minutes. Strain and drink. May the fruit of our lives be bound and sealed to Thee, O Mother, O Woman Eternal who holdest the inmost life of each of Thy daughters between the hands upon Her Heart ~~~~~~~~~~~ We swear by Peace and Love to stand, Heart to Heart and Hand to Hand. Mark, O Spirit, and hear us now, confirming this, our Sacred Vow. ~Druidic Prayer of Unity~
Cerredwen		#29	[-]
Walks an Earthbased Path Posts: 11433 (04/19/09 11:30 PM) ~~Priestess of the Goddess~~ Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Empowering Herbs With Magick You can further empower the affects of your herbals through magick. Whether it's for a magickal purpose, or if you merely want to increase its affects, a small ritual can set the intent of your mixture. The Tools: A pestle and mortar for grinding A non metallic bowl to hold the mixture All the herbs you will be preparing A candle in a supporting color The herbal container If the mixture is to be a brew, add your tea pot and tea cup. If the mixture is to be incense, add the incense mold, stick or holder. If the mixture is for a sachet, add the sachet pillow or case. If the mixture is for oil, add the bottle or container. The Altar: An altar is your personal space for performing magick and spiritual endeavors. Your altar should contain the tools you'll need for this specific ritual, as well as, those items you feel are spiritually significant to you. Images of your chosen deity, spirit guides or whatever you feel increases the sanctity of your altar. The Timing: As with any magickal endeavor, the timing of the ritual is important. But at times, planning your herbal rituals may not go hand in hand with timing of the Goddess and her moon phases. For instance, if you have a cold now, you may not want to wait for the 4th quarter moon to roll around. An Herbal Incantation Prepare your spell for the specific need the herbs will be used for. When you are ready to cast your incantation: Open your magickal circle as you normally would. Request the help of your chosen deity(ies) and spirit guides. Place the mortar and pestle in the center of your altar and cover them with your hands. Recite the first section of your incantation stating your purpose and intent of the herbal mixture. I personally like to restate each section of my incantations 3 times, using my fingers to draw my personal sigil over the object. Add ¼ of your first herb to the mortar and state the intent of its use within the mixture. Again I draw my sigil. - This step is repeated for each herb that will be used in the mixture. Using the pestle, grind the herbs together to the consistency needed. When you have concluded, place the mixture into the bowl you set aside on the altar. Repeat these 2 steps adding ¼ of each herb to the mortar each time, until all the herbs have been ground and placed in the bowl. When you have completed the mixing process, place your hands over the bowl and complete you incantation. Again state it 3 times, and if you desire, draw your personal sigil. Set the mixture aside and bring forth the herbal container. If you are brewing the herbs, add your mixture to a tea bag, if you're creating a sachet add the herbs to the pouch and so on. Complete as much of this process as you desire before reciting your incantation one last time over the completed container. Once you have concluded your ritual, close your circle as normal and clean up your altar. www.paganspath.com May the fruit of our lives be bound and sealed to Thee, O Mother, O Woman Eternal who holdest the inmost life of each of Thy daughters between the hands upon Her Heart ~~~~~~~~~~~
Cerredwen		#30	[-]
Walks an Earthbased Path Posts: 11433 (07/03/09 12:33 PM) ~~Priestess of the Goddess~~ Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	The Magick Pantry Let me first say that while these are magickal procedures, they are not intended to be taken literally. They are taken purely for their historical value, hence quite archaic. With this in mind it is suggested that you keep an open mind realizing that perhaps someone did use them at one time. These posts were written to assist those participating in CrystaLink's ASTRAL_CHEF and ASTRAL_GARDEN echos, or anyone for that matter that can benefit from its content. These were referenced from "The Book of Spells" by David Norris & Jacquemine Charrott-Lodwidge, with additional references were by Greg Edwards. It is intended as a general historical reference which gives those familiar with a Larder, a touch of past history and what items might have been included. Some of the items my not be considered ethically sound, so please use your own discretion and training to make these decisions for yourself. Purpose and Directions: The larder or Magick Pantry must be kept secret and secure. It is a place to store all of your magickal herbs and various plants that the magician needs to rely on in the day to day practice of magick. It is a perfect accompaniment for the plants grown in your Magick Garden. Find a cupboard or recess in the house, preferably one with a solid oak door. Be careful not to let in too much light. Damp must be kept out. Open the door swiftly, put in and takes out what is needed and closes the door again. Keep all the herbs separate and in labeled jars. Rose water and orange water must be placed in earthenware pots since glass would allow the light to draw their potency. Similarly, precious substances such as Ambergris and Caviare should be stored in boxes of Almond-Wood as this is the safest of all of the known woods. To prepare well all spells and magick potions, the vessels, including mortar and pestle, spoons, and knives should be perfectly clean and in some cases brand new. For the more demanding spells the utensils can be used only once. More difficult spells or those requiring open cooking, may need the construction of a tripod of sticks from which to hang the pot. Keep a selection of Efficacious Sticks. Elder, Almond, Oak, Apple, Rowan, Medlar, Vine, Cypress and Laurel branches can be gathered for this purpose. For spells promising fertility and youth Hippomanes is needed. (Of course this is definitely NOT used by all magicians, and therefore I'd suggest using your own discretion.) This is the foamy white substance found on the head of a newly born foal. The vital parts of a wolf as well as its skin, teeth and feet will be useful in many spells, particularly those warding off injury and attack. To inspire, excite or please the pet cat, a supply of its favourite herb, Catnip is also needed. For making spells stay or even last for ever, dissolved gold, silver and pearls are necessary. To ease all pains, to secure death for oneself or to bring it under control and make a slave of it Hemlock is the classic herb. Legend said that to eat only a little of the herb will make someone your slave for life. I don't know if that it actually the case, as I've never really wanted a slave, so I've never tried using it in this manner. It sounded dangerous anyway.. Varied additional supplies that are available thru some Herbalists and which are good for the Magick Pantry are: Camel Oil, Dragon's Blood, and Unicorn Milk (of course these are simply the man-made names) Again, check with your local herbalist for recipes of this nature. If you have recipes for either of these three, I'd certainly appreciate and welcome your posting them. In the next post labeled "The Magick Pantry" you will see some of the herbs to include as well as their names and some of their magickal uses. These are some of the most important ones to read: Marigold, Nettle, Wild Teasel, Celandine, Periwinkle, Pennyroyal, Hounds tongue, Henbane, Lily, Mistletoe, Centaury, Sage, Vervain, Celery, Rose, and Snakeweed. The Magick Pantry - Contents of Stock Summary The following items should be included in your Magick Pantry. Following this post, additional posts will follow describing each in some detail, as well as giving the Magickal uses of each. I certainly hope that you will enjoy them. ALCHONE, ASPHODEL, BASIL, BELLADONNA, BETONY, BLOOD ROOT, BRIMSTONE, CELANDINE, CELERY, CENTAURY, CHICORY, CORIANDER, DILL, ELECAMPANE, ERINGO, GINSENG, HENBANE, HOUNDSTONGUE, IVY, LETTUCE, LILY, MANDRAKE, MARIGOLD, MISTLETOE, MUGWORT, MUSK OIL, MYRTLE, NETTLE, ORRIS, PENNYROYAL, PERIWINKLE, PEONY, ROSE, ROSEMARY, RUE, SAGE, SNAKEWEED, SPIKENARD, SUNTULL, TONKA BEANS, VERVAIN, WHALE OIL, WILD TEASEL, and WORMWOOD. The Magick Pantry - Alchone If this herb can be obtained, it must be kept and preserved as something precious. It is the herb of the sun itself. It can heal the passions and secret grief's of any sufferer. It can also soothe the stomach. Moreover, it increases a man's sexual potency if the juice is taken prudently. To carry the root is tot keep the eyes free from infection or even from seeing anything to grieve them. A little Alchone tucked inside a shirt will preserve the wearer from fits. It is also an anti-congestant and an anti-depressant. Your selection of canisters should be glass, ceramic, or earthenware, and properly labeled. Remember, it is a very vital root for any magician to stock. The Magick Pantry - Asphodel This is the same beautiful flower that covered the fields of Elysium but it is useful, too. It works best under the influence of Saturn, since it belongs to this planet. Use Asphodel for pains in the legs or bladder. Boil a little of the root in water and drink the resulting infusion. A little of the root itself, carried in a clean white linen cloth, will protect against all negativity . Keep some wrapped up and hidden in the house for the same effect. Teething children should carry a little Asphodel and their teeth will break through and grow painlessly. It also offers very good nighttime protection against fears and enemies alike. The Magick Pantry - Basil Some say that this is the most controversial of all the herbs. To many it is sweet and charming. To others it is poison. In all ancient writers Basil excites rude abuse. A French physician of the Middle Ages has claimed that to inhale the herb causes a scorpion to be born in the brain, or as the modern doctor might say, madness. Of course, opinion again vary.. although many myths have their basis of fact. On the other hand, Basil is a popular and harmless cooking herb. Include it fresh in the Magick Pantry. Grow a new sprig in the garden and it will keep you safe. The Hindus solemnly hold it to be a sacred herb and worship it. So dear to them is the Basil that they place a sprig of it in each room of their house to bring safety and prosperity. Hang it on the inside of the door of each room. Sprinkle a pinch on food just before it is eaten and your soul will be joined to that of the goddess of love. The married partner who has eaten Basil will be truly loved, but may also become quarrelsome. The Magick Pantry - Belladonna The term deadly nightshade accurately describes the strength of this powerful Herb. Sweno's army, when it invaded Scotland, was lulled into repose while its leaders were negotiating a truce which the Scots never intended to accept. The Scottish side provided the drinks and refreshments by mutual agreement. The drink given to Sweno's army was laced with Belladonna. The wretched army fell into a deep slumber and, thus made venerable, was overwhelmed by the Scots. The name Belladonna derives from two sources. The herb has its cosmetic uses and can make a lady twice as beautiful by enlarging her pupils into a seductive wide-eyed look. But also it is named after a notorious Italian poisoner, Leucota, who viciously used the herb to poison all her beautiful female friends. The Magick Pantry - Betony This herb is also known as Bishopswort but in the Magick Pantry it may not be given an ecclesiastical name. Call it Betony or Wood Betony and hold it in awe. It has both a good and evil reputation. The physician to the Emperor Caesar Augustus used it to treat his master for liver trouble, to protect him from Epidemics and to assist in his digestion. On the other hand, Betony is said to have been invaluable to sorcerers' spells. Its forbidden name was bestowed upon it because it tended to grow around old abbeys and derelict churches. Many people said that the herb was hiding on consecrated ground from the many occultists who would use it for evil purposes. In opposing various forms of witchcraft, it may be used as follows: Gently flake the dried leaves and strew them in an unbroken circle around the outside of the house or place you want to protect. Make the ring thicker under windows and outside the door. A wall of good influences will arise and no evil deed will be able to pass through it. Caution: If Betony is consumed it is sure to cause death by vomiting. Please do not use this herb in edible recipes! Betony is a natural enemy of the vine, for their tendrils repel one another. Keep them far apart in the Magick Pantry for this simple reason. Like described in the Astral_Garden, there are those herbs and trees that simply will not tolerate each other. The Magick Pantry - Blood Root Store this herb in a jar labeled with a false name but remember that the Blood Root is within. This herb is the root of deception. The Indians of North America used it to stain their bodies, and it is used still to dye fabrics. Taken internally it can produce a hypnotic trance. (use with caution as with all magickally oriented herbs) Carried on a person, inside a leather pouch or a money-purse, Blood Root will protect that individual from negativity or evil influences. But keep it close to money for it demands payment. If a home is suffering from an evil influence, put a sprig of Blood Root under the doorstep or windowsill and all will be well. Any definite spell or curse placed by a witch can be reversed by flinging broken pieces of the root onto his/her doorstep. However, never trust Blood root unquestioningly, as it often times will surprise you. The Magick Pantry - Brimstone No substance is more powerful in invoking or in driving off the forces of evil. Find a piece of red paper and lay this on a metal plate or dish. On the paper place a pinch of Brimstone. do this four times and put each dish in one of the four corners of the room in which the spell is being cast. At midnight set light to the Brimstone. Address each dish with the following words: * I command all evil to flee this house never to return * Remember to leave all windows wide open during this rite or the smoke of the brimstone will be unable to escape and with it the spell. Some say that Brimstone is actually a resin like that of Frankincense. The Magick Pantry - Celandine Never confuse this important plant with the lesser Celandine or Pilewort used traditionally in the treatment of hemorrhoids. The true Celandine is at once a more disagreeable and more potent herb. It has black seeds; its taste is bitter and caustic; and its smell is foul. But its influence is not to be sneered at. Swallows and Eagles build their nests in May, and the flowering of the Celandine in that month is linked with this annual domestic impulse in the animal kingdom. The herb has its human uses and it is a useful medicine for jaundice, corns, warts, sore eyes, toothache, ringworm and scurvy. John Parkinson, in a manual published in 1640, writes that he has it on good authority that any sufferer from yellow jaundice will benefit by putting a sprinkling of Celandine herb beneath his bare feet and treading it. But its influence is wider still. If the heart of a mole can be obtained, cooked with this herb and then consumed, it will vanquish all enemies and win any law suits that may be contested. More somberly, when placed on the head of a dying man, the Celandine will disclose whether or not the sufferer is bound to lose his fight. If the man must die, he will sing out in a loud voice, but he will weep if he can be saved. I thought that was interesting indeed. Something that I simply must try when given the unfortunate opportunity. The Magick Pantry - Celery Known traditionally as smallage, this plant has always been one of the prime aphrodisiac foods and more will be made of this kind of magick in the final set, probably located in the Astral_Home echo. The rumor is that the famous cola drinks contain elements of this particularly stimulating tonic. Gather the root when it is still green, drench it in the oil of the Cypress tree and place the greenery in a pot of gruel. Leave the gruel for one year. Worms will appear, and those who carry these worms with them will be gentle and kind and able to triumph over their enemies. To make Oxen etc, faithful and certain to follow their masters, tie a pouch of the celery herb around their necks. The length of time unfortunately was not specified. The Magick Pantry - Centaury The Sun dominates this herb as it does many of the other Magick Plants. A Centaury opens its flowers just as the sun comes out and closes them as the sun goes in. Often the Centaury is described as an agreeable herb and is prescribed for Dyspepsia, but care is advised. If this herb is mixed with the blood of a female lapwing or a black Plover and poured with oil into a lamp, all those who circle the light will believe themselves to be magickal and will live in a world of delusions, so it is stated. Throw the same mixture into a fire when the stars are shining and then watch the heavens. The stars will seem to clash and collide. Put some of the herb and the bird's blood on a bandage and push it under a foe's nostril, it is said that he/she will suddenly be filled with groundless fears and run for his/her life. The Magick Pantry - Chicory Do not despise Chicory or Endive and exile it to some anemic salad. Endive was a divinely chosen herb among many cultures. Traditionally, it is a herb of love. To prepare it and bring it to usefulness, chop the Chicory and let it dry. Grind it to a powder and as a love philter add it to your food or drink. (especially to flavor coffees) It is said to do so without telling anyone and, if the secret is well kept, this philter will arouse passion in the lover of one's choice. For good fortune in romance an Endive must be carried on the person. Be sure to renew it every two weeks with a fresh plant as its period of potency is not more than fifteen days. Legend states that in certain ceremonies, if carried out with Chicory, can make the man who eats the plant invisible to human view. Crusaders hung it on their banners, explorers carried it as they went venturing into a new land, and prospectors looking for gold in California kept a sprig of it in hand for good luck. Gather Chickory at midnight on the 25th of July. Force a sprig into any lock that will not open, and pass another sprig over parchment bearing a description of any problem to be solved; all obstacles and difficulties will be resolved according to legend about this herb. The Magick Pantry - Coriander In many religions Coriander is honored. Several references have been documented that the Gods demanded that this herb should be used with four others at each feast. Its other uses are not so godly however. Grate the seeds into a glass of your best, matured wine. Give them to a lover and strong passions will be aroused. But as the powder is placed in the wind, the lovers must chant together with the following couplet: "Warm seed, warm heart, Let us never be apart" Nothing else must be said according to legend. When the wine is drunk its influence will be felt surging in the blood, so it is written. The Coriander seed is round and has an appearance like that of a small nut. Its shell is easily broken once dried, and has a very pleasant fragrance. The Magick Pantry - Dill Like with most herbs, the myths are endless for this one as well. It was said that many attributed this herb as a cure for the common hiccough. Many even thought that the common hiccough was a result of a witch with a frog in the throat. The power of the Dill shouldn't be taken lightly, as it should be greatly appreciated by any magician. To cure the common hiccough, stir a small pinch of Dill into a syrup made from Black Cherries which have been laying in the Magick Pantry for at least (3) days. When the powder is well dissolved in the liquid/syrup, allow a few drops to trickle down the throat without swallowing. The hiccoughs will cease. Dill was also included in many love potions. Here's an old recipe used here as an example. Steep a few sprigs in hot sweet wine. A few minutes after drinking on half of a pint, it is said that passions will be excited. Dill is also quite effective in removing negative energies throughout the household. As with Basil, the same techniques are applied. The Magick Pantry - Elecampane Make a light distillation of this herb and bathe the face with it. Do not use a mirror and trust the herb. It is said that by utilizing this tincture on the face that it will profit the complexion by removing unwanted blemishes etc. Elecampane is of course also an effective love potion. Aristotle himself taught how to make them, using this herb as follows. Take Vervain and Mistletoe and place these herbs in a got oven with the Elecampane. Dry and mingle the sprigs thoroughly. Pound the three herbs into a powder and put this into the food or drink of the one desired. The magickal combination of each herb bound together by this process is said to achieve a potency far beyond that of your basic aphrodisiac's strength. The Magick Pantry - Eringo This unique herb has many benefits, not to mention its tremendous powers in the healing plane. It is a necessary part of any Magick Pantry, one that should never be left out. To heal broken bones or simply to draw out thorns from lacerated flesh, make a paste of the herb by bruising the root and boiling it with pig fat (bacon, fatback etc. although salted lard works best) Apply the mixture as a poultice. The bones will heal, the thorns will spring out and the skin will mend without a any trace of a scar. Again, this herb has many benefits. Like most herbs it too can be used in Love Potions. To improve a love affair or invigorate a marriage bed, grind the root into small pieces or into a powder. Add this to your food or better still, to that of the uninspired partner. Legend says that the ancient Greek women always wore a sprig of Eringo to ensure that they kept the love of a man. The Magick Pantry - Ginseng With the exception of tea's, Ginseng is the most celebrated plant in all the Orient. The Chinese have great faith in its curative and strengthening properties and call it the "Chinchona of China". The Manchurian Genseng comes from the Emperor's mother country, from the soil from which legend says sprang the `God of Heaven'. It is, therefore, regarded as more efficacious than the Ginseng grown anywhere else. When the plant grows wild its root resembles the shape of the human body, and like Mandrake, it is thought to be most appropriate for most any Magickal spell. Medicinally, Ginseng is a cure for colds, skin diseases and poor circulation of the blood. It's anti-spasmodic properties relieve certain forms of hiccoughs too, like Dill. But it is also a very powerful remedy for rheumatism. When taken regularly it removes general fatigue and promotes good health. Combined with the juices of a ripe pineapple, it is an excellent medication for indigestion. Ginseng is particularly useful in the treatment of young children as well as the aged. Ginseng tea can be made from the dried leaves or blossoms of the herb. After the berries are gathered select the brightest, cleanest leaves from a mature plant. Place them above the kitchen stove in thick bunches turning and mixing well until they are very dry. Store away in paper sacks. When the leaves are steeped in boiling water, just like ordinary tea, the liquid may be drunk with cream and sugar if preferred. Another recipe for general use in the home is the following: Take a piece of the root when it is very hard and dry. Break it up with a hammer and grind it through a coffee mill several times until it is reduced to a fine powder. To three ounces of the powder add one ounce of milk, sugar and sixty drops of oil of wintergreen. Mix all the ingredients well and store in a glass jar. The correct dosage in one teaspoonful to a small teacup of boiling water. When the drink is cooled it should be taken before each meal. It may also be filtered served with cream and sugar, and consumed with the meal. Made as directed this is a most pleasant aromatic tea and has a good effect on the stomach, brain and the nervous system. If the evening cup of ginseng is much larger, it is a good and safe hypnotic, producing a deep restful, natural sleep. I would also like to point out that Ginseng does not always have to be considered as a medicinal herb, as that is simply not true. It is a food, a plant that can be consumed as food. Therefore one should consider Ginseng as a food rather than a medicinal remedy. Long before the Chinese used herbs medicinally, they realized the benefits of Ginseng as a food. When the warring states began, they began to search out its benefits medicinally. Now that we are once again a peace loving lot, we once again should realize these `food' related benefits as opposed to the medicinal ones. The Magick Pantry - Henbane Mystery has shrouded this herb for centuries. Many legends both true and false as also accompanied it for this reason. To begin with let's discuss the hard cold facts.. NEVER play with Henbane. It is as powerful as Opium and a deadly poison if taken unprepared. NEVER let a child sleep near a Henbane as if he/she does, they will never wake. Not surprisingly, it was a traditional means of putting down a mad dog in years gone by. The dog was induced to eat meat mixed with this herb and the animal quickly died. Curiously, too, if the juice of the henbane is poured into a silver cup, the cup will shatter into thousands of fragments. For those who enjoy a dish of Hare in season but cannot endure the hunt, the following is recommended. Mix Henbane with the blood of a young hare and hang the hare's skin, smeared with the potion, outside the kitchen door. According to English legend, every Hare from the neighborhood will gather there and will not move until the skin is removed. Truly a Magickal enchantment, if the legend holds true. The benefits of Henbane to human life are more controversial. It is said that if the feet are washed in Henbane a peaceful sleep ensues. Sniffing the flowers can have the same effect. Hundred of years ago, dentists would burn Henbane in a sizzling dish of charcoal surrounded by water, and the desperate patient would be prevailed upon to inhale the fumes. The charlatan would then claim that he could see the wicked, ache bearing worms make their escape from the painful tooth into the water around the coals. The chronicler of this story notes that the dentist had usually arranged for an accomplice to drop tiny pieces of lute strings into the water, as the patient closed his eyes against the smoke. When he looked again he would feel less pain, owing to the numbing effects of the Henbane, and he could actually see his toothache wriggling in the dish. Truly an interesting herb that does warrant some serious considerations, both in the preparation and storage of the plant. Please do be careful when working with this herb. The Magick Pantry - Hounds tongue If you are squeamish please pass this entry as it's quite detailed, although an interesting addition to the Magick Pantry. The herb is however a part of the pantry. Whether or not this herb does neutralize the bite of a mad dog cannot be stated authoritatively. But it is recorded that when strewn under the feet of a barking dog Hounds tongue will silence the nuisance.. hence the name. The full spell is a bit more complicated. Capture a frog (it must be a young female) remove its heart and reproductive organs and crush them into the powdered plant. Put the paste in an open dish outside your door or wherever the annoying dogs choose to bark. Soon all the dogs in the neighborhood will gather around the pot. Take enough sprigs of the herb and push one under the front toe of each of the dogs assembled. They will be dumb henceforward. A more infuriating yapping can be even more effectively silenced. Tie a small sachet of Hounds tongue around the dog's neck, where it cannot be ripped by the creature's teeth. The animal will turn round and round wildly and finally drop down in a state of paralysis, barely distinguishable from death. These techniques are of course totally used at the magicians own personal discretion. The Magick Pantry - Ivy (General) Ivy should have been planted into the very stones of the house. It is also a necessary part of the Magick Garden. When it has wrapped itself around the home, it is said that everyone within will be well guarded against negative influences and illness. However, it is said that if the ivy withers and does not thrive around the outside walls, financial storms will follow. Old legends tell us that wine merchants, and innkeepers, or anyone who is making wines or throwing a party, must have a pring of Ivy outside their door. Bacchus owns this plant and he will bring special merriment to any house where it is honored. It is also said that in doing the above that there will be gaiety but no drunkenness. Another legends states that if a girl who wants to find herself a spouce, takes a sprig of Ivy, laying it gently on her breasts and repeats these words, will find her awaited mate. "Ivy, ivy, I love thee, In my bosom I put thee, The first young man who speaks to me, My future husband he shall be.." It is also said that the concentrated essence of Ivy dropped into the nostrils will cure the common cold. In many religions the Evergreen Ivy is a symbol of everlasting life. To others, more pessimistic, the gentle Ivy is a poison. Which ever view you choose, the Ivy is definitely an essential accompaniment to your Magick Pantry. The Magick Pantry - Lettuce This is a very powerful plant, homely as it is. Lettuce seems to be woman's enemy, and is said to be a chief cause of infertility. Never let more than twelve lettuces grow in the garden and never keep more than one lettuce in the pantry or the house will lack children. Legend sometimes says otherwise, although many still swear by this today. For the Romans lettuce was a good counter to drunkenness and titillated the sexual appetite after a good dinner. The earliest English sources use in severe cases of insomnia. The Egyptian Pharaohs' prized the Lettuce and offered it in worship to the high gods. It has been said that nutritionally, some forms of Lettuce are perhaps absent of nutrients. It is also documented that Lettuce contains 70% vegetable fats and water, which unlike popular thought, is not the best choice of dieters using this philosophy. The Magick Pantry - Lilly This is the flower of the moon and its best known action is to cool and pacify. Medically, its strength lies in settling fevers and particularly in soothing madness. Freckles and sunburn respond to the gentle application of the distilled water of the Lilly. In some phases of the Magickal world the power of the Lily is somewhat different however. Some say it produces madness, as does the moon herself, although these cases are few and far between. Again, the following may not be pleasant for some. If you tend to be squeamish, I'd simply go to the next entry. Gather the flowers when the sun is in the sign of Leo. Mix the dried flowers with the juice of the Laurel or of the Bay tree and leave the paste under a pile of cow dung. Worms will breed. Catch the worms, dry them and make up a powder. Secretly sprinkle this powder on the chosen victim's clothes or even try to drop some down his neck. So long as this powder sticks to him, never again will the enemy rest or sleep. The oil drawn from the original dung will cause an instant fever, if you can succeed in anointing the victim's brow with it. However, if the enemy is just to be given a severe warning, drop some of the oil into his milk churns and Endeavour to cover these with the skin of a cow of a single color. His cows will dry up till the spell is undone. As you can see from the above, many cultures have abused the essences of the Lily, which in itself is a shame. The herb/plant is a beautiful creation with many benefits to mankind. Why someone would want to harm another using this addition to the Magick Pantry does not seem to be logical. The Magick Pantry - Myrtle Out of all of the primary ingredients, Myrtle is one of your best resources. If one is ever afflicted by bad dreams sent by one's enemies, it has been written that Myrtle is the perfect remedy. Here's what you do: Make a small glass of the liquid and keep it by the bedside. It is said that any negative night spell at work will be cancelled. The reason for this is unclear, however based on research and from personal experience, it is definitely worth the effort. Myrtle was a particular favourite of the goddess Venus. Both the Greeks and the Romans believed that the plant contained the secrets of eternal youth and passionate love. The theory was as follows: To gain these benefits for ever, a brew of Myrtle must be drunk once every three days since the spell lasts only that long without renewal. The taste of the plant is undeniably disagreeable. It is, therefore, permissible to mix Myrtle with food. But mix it only with meat for when it is added to another substance it will taste of blood. Remember for this charm to work both lovers must eat or drink from the same container, otherwise no good effect will be felt from the Myrtle. It is said that for thinning hair, you can use Myrtle berries together with rosemary, southernwood, hazel-bark and maidenhair in equal amounts. Burn them together in a fresh fire and collect the ashes carefully. Stir this powder into white wine and use the liquid as a shampoo, rubbing and massaging into the scalp. Make this a daily ritual. > Some old cultures believed that if Myrtle was eaten, it would empower anyone to spot those delving into evil magickal art forms. Be forewarned however, that most experts in these arts are also able to counter these actions. It is not something to play with to say the least. It is said that when a fresh Myrtle sprig is picked and crackles in the hand that the beloved person is always true and faithful. Many legends refer to this herb with affection calling it the bleeding tree, since it was connected with blood and sorrow in Greek mythology. Phaedra pricked these leaves with a hairpin in her anxious frustration as she awaited Hypolytus, who was already dead. The leaves still bear the sorrowful marks. Therefore, when storing Myrtle leaves, never crush or bend them before they are dried or used. The Magick Pantry - Nettle Nettle is an aggressive plant with many properties. The Nettle in England was traditionally supposed to have been planted by the Roman legions of Julius Caesar. Unused to England's miserable and freezing climate, they frequently found their limbs chilled or even numbed by the frost or sleet. As a remedy they plucked the Nettles and then scourged their legs and arms with them. After this they enjoyed the warmth of the inflammation. Legend has it that to hold the Nettle in one's hand insures one against any fears of hallucinations. Take some Nettle leaves and mix them with the common houseleek, which is a soothing agent against Nettle stings. Anoint the body with this essence and sprinkle the rest on any stretch of water where fishing has been unsuccessful. Then enter the water treading with dignity and respect for the magick, and the fish will leap into your hands. If they are unacceptable or too small, just withdraw the hand and the fish will happily jump back into the water of their own accord. The Magick Pantry - Orris This is an ordinary herb to all appearances but its two magickal uses must be known. In the middle ages it was mixed with food and drink to promote love. Ground into a fine dust and blown over the clothes of a loved one, it will ensure that the lover's affection is returned. Orris is a powerful incense in many magickal arts. When making a benign incantation during the casting of a spell favorable to oneself, sweeten the breath with an Orris root. Offer a sprig to a baby, if he takes it and puts it in his mouth, his teething will be easy and his whole life is said to be a happy one. If he seems to be refusing it, encourage him, since to embrace the Orris is to learn to enjoy all that is moderate and pleasant in life. The Magick Pantry - Pennyroyal Any ordinary domestic larder will certainly contain this common flavoring even before a Magick Pantry is assembled. But grow the plant in your Magick Garden. A brew of the plant is useful as a remedy for spasms or hysteria. The oil will deter mosquitoes and gnats as well. A garland of the flowers worn round the brows will relieve giddiness and a swimming head. By far the most mysterious powers of the herb possesses bear on the animal world. Take some dried Pennyroyal, grind it with a stone taken from the nest of a lapwing or a black plover, and smear the belly of any female beast with this powder. The animal will quickly produce an offspring that is deep black in color. An ailing animal can be miraculously healed of any sickness by sniffing a pinch of Pennyroyal mixture. At first the poor beast will drop as if dead but presently it will rise again completely cured. A little more of the mixture placed among bees will ensure that they never desert the hive. Any bees or flies that have been drowned can be placed in the warm ashes of this herb and it is said that they will return to life within the hour. The Magick Pantry - Periwinkle Beware of treating this herb as merely decorative and removing it to a vase or a display. Recently its strength was further revealed. It was claimed by some medical opinion that the Periwinkle or Vince Rosea, was an effective cure for diabetes. More interesting to most of us is the power the plant has to reconcile man and wife and revive their passions. Note: This may not be appropriate if you are weak stomached. To effect this atonement, beat the Periwinkle into a powder and mix it with earthworms and the herb named Houseleek. Unfortunately, no further information was available as to the specific way this balm should be applied, except to say that it should be given with meat to the unhappy couple. Furthermore, put this herb in the mouth of a young bull and the animal will run amok directly at your enemy. For those of you that like special effects at your circles, and enjoy outside fires within them, sprinkle some Periwinkle powder into the fire and the flames will turn bright blue. The Magick Pantry - Peony It is said that this herb cured the gods injured in the Trojan wars. From time immemorial, the seeds have been dried and worn in tight neckband by men and women as a sure protection against those that work in the black arts. In Christian philosophy, it was Lucifer himself that was credited with the creation of the Peony, but its dedication has long since been transferred to the sun. Therefore, work spells with it only on the seventh day, and then only after sunrise. It contains a remarkable cure for a swimming head or for those sensations of unreality that may afflict on at any time. Take the root and the seed of one and the same Peony flower. Ensure that the weight of both is equal. Pound them together into as much powder as will balance a nutmeg on the scales. Now grind the nutmeg, shake the powder and grind it again. Mix together both the powders and sprinkle fine sugar into them. Put a pinch under the tongue every morning for a month. This will steady and calm any being. In Ireland it is widely used and is helpful to women suffering after childbirth. The Magick Pantry - The Rose (General) The Rose is beautiful both in appearance and in scent. Yes, it is a flower but it's also considered to be a very powerful herb. The magickal effects of the Rose can be devastating. Take a center from the whole flower or just one dried petal. A mustard seed and a weasel's foot are also needed. Hang all these together in a hempen bag on a branch of ANY tree; that tree will never again bear fruit. A dried Rose, entwined in a fisherman's net, will charm into it a full shoal of fish. To create an optical illusion, if illusion it be, take some of the original Rose and some mustard powder and mix it together with purest Olive oil and a little Brimstone . Sprinkle this potion over the roof and the outside walls of the chosen house. When the sun shines this house will appear to be on fire. The Magick Pantry - Rosemary It is traditional it is said to wear Rosemary at weddings. This was always done in ancient times and the herb was a much a symbol of marriage as was the color white. The power of Rosemary is to remind and to bind. For many years occultists have appreciated Rosemary as a strong agent. One spell, enabling a virgin to see her future husband, had to be carried out on the eve of St. Mary Magdalene. The herb was dipped into a mixture of wine vinegar and water in a glass dish, and the juice was then used to anoint the virgin's breasts. She had to be accompanied by two of her closest friends under the age of twenty-one, who would then conduct her back to her bedroom after the ritual, all without speaking a word. The virgin would then inevitably dream of her future husband. An alternative to the anointing was for the three girls to take three sips of the liquid. They then fastened a sprig of Rosemary to their bosoms and retired confidently to bed. All three would that night dream of their future husbands and learn the secrets of their lives thereafter. Rosemary can also be used to retain or gain power over a man. To do this, acquire some water or wine already touched by the man himself. Place the Rosemary in four boxes, set out at the four polls of the compass, (North, South, East, and West) which must be placed in the center of the room. Pour a little water or wine into each of the boxes and say the following: (Again, a Latin translation would be nice) "Tibi impero ut quaedam viluero, et velim adimpleas et facias" When two days have elapsed take out the Rosemary, swathe it in silk and bury it in the earth, no less than six inches deep. Let it lie there for three days and then remove the bundle one hour after sunset. Burn the herb, collect and powder the ashes. When this powder is discreetly placed into the food or drink of the chosen man, he will return your love. Rosemary is a long slender leaf tapered on the ends. It smells sweet, and when crushed it is quite palatable. It is also said that one can make a Rosemary infusion, to rid the household pet of fleas. The Magick Pantry - Rue Many cultures have adorned this herb for centuries. It is said that Rue is helpful in rescinding unwanted magickal workings, and to reverse decisions. It is the herb of repentance, the herb of grace. Roman Catholics sprinkle the petals of Rue on the surface of their holy water. During a symbolic ceremony to guard against disease, it is also strewn in some courts of law. Its uses in removing negative entities are astounding. This includes the art of exorcism, in some faiths. Here was an instruction from a priest recorded in 1664 that I though was interesting regarding exorcism. His origin was never mentioned... To remove the influence of someone's Familiar First they are to try the entity by dousing with prepared holy water, or water blessed by the faith. To this would include the addition of incense, sulphur, and rue which from thence, as we suppose can, came to be called herb of grace, along with St. John's wort which therefore they call the evil out, yet they may do good to the patient. Other uses would be to make a tea and some incense from Rue. Drink the tea and burn the incense simultaneously. Although Rue is not an aphrodisiac, it has been known to attract a desirable lover, clear the mind, and enable one to solve many problems. The Magick Pantry - Sage Many traditions utilize this powerful herb in many ways. Of these, smudging, incenses, as well as cooking are among the most popular. Again, this herb must be grown fresh. Never use the remnants of your cooking supply for magickal workings. Red Sage is an exotic plant in spite of its conventional uses. The herb may be used for throat gargles and mouthwashes, but it also has many magickal properties. This magickal working is not for those that are squeamish. (I found it interesting, and am in hopes that others will as well.) Dry, purify and select the best pieces of the plant and put them in a small pile of cow dung on a glass dish. If discretion and respect are used, soon a worm will issue forth or perhaps a bird with black tail feathers. The blood of the creature that wriggles or hops out of the glass vessel is powerful and dangerous. Place a drop of it on the breast of anyone to be disposed of. The person will loose his/her wits and feel nothing for fifteen days or more. Once the magick creature is killed for its blood, burn the carcass and collect the ashes. Scatter them on a fresh fire. A magnificent rainbow will appear in the sky and a horrible thunderstorm will follow. If a woman wishes to dominate her home she must grow plenty of sage in her garden. The Magick Pantry - Snakeweed No herb is stranger in its powers than Snakeweed. It is also called Bistort and under this name it was used by doctors as a gargle and as a treatment for hemorrhages. But regard it as Snakeweed and treat it accordingly. One legend says... Bury a sprig of it in the ground with a leaf of Clover. Red and Green snakes will spring out from this patch of earth. Catch and kill them and dry their skins. Make a powder out of them and scoop a little of the substance onto a burning lamp in a darkened room. Again red and green snakes, wreathing and coiling in multitudes, will sprout from the light. Place the same powder under the sleeping head of any man troubled by recurring dreams and he will never again dream of himself. The Magick Pantry - Spikenard This plant is more common in North America rather than Europe, but international legend has much to say about its powers. It is particularly well known in the German occult world. But the herb originally grew in India and it has a deep history and significance among the Hindus. In the Christian faith for example, the Bible claims that Jesus Christ was anointed with ointment distilled from Spikenard. It is a most useful herb to keep a lover faithful. Take a sprig of the herb and try to make the lover touch it with his right hand. Better still, make him/her wear it for a short time against his/her heart. Retrieve the Spikenard and enclose it in a leather pouch. Tie the bag very securely and bury it in the ground. The best place to do this is within the circle of stones in the Magick Garden. As long as the bag remains in the earth, the lover will be true. Check the bag twice a month, for on those occasions a new sprig of Spikenard must be added to continue the spell. The Magick Pantry - Suntull This root can be acquired under the name of skunk cabbage or meadow cabbage. It has both the appearance and the reputation of being a nasty and anti-human herb. Medically, its only use seems to be for producing saliva and helping to calm fevers. But to the magician, its powers are more precise and more important. Take a Suntull leaf which must have been gathered on a Sunday in August, on hour after sunrise. Fold a single yellow dandelion flower within the leaf. Around this a bay leaf must be wrapped. Carry this talisman in your pocket to guard against those who wish to do you harm. Every person henceforth will become a friend and justice will be obtained in any court of law. The Magick Pantry - Tonka Beans These beans are native to Guiana so some hardship may be experienced in acquiring them. But their uses are various so it is worth wile to persevere. They are important in the making of incense on account of their strong and lasting smell. To consume them is a perilous venture, since their power is to paralyze the heart. However, when the bean is used with caution, its power is good. Take one or three of the beans and put them in a locket or pouch. To give the charm grace and greatly added power, attach a cross (made of wood, metal or other substances, just as long as it's not a crucifix) Aquarian Star, or a Pentagram/Pentacle to the chain on the locket. To make a more powerful talisman or an Amulet pierce the bean at the sharp end and thread it with a thin gold wire. Onto this wire tie a golden cross, or any of the above suggestions. Try to use a wishing stone or tool as this will bring about greater power. Charge this amulet or talisman with a purpose, and release the energy into the universe. It is said that by carrying this talisman, you will be protected against even the greatest harm. Likewise, if employing an amulet the same is true only in the aggressive nature. The Magick Pantry - Vervain Many traditions utilize this powerful herb in many ways. Here are some of the more interesting possibilities... It is certainly a strong drug and widely used as a tranquilizer. Traditionally, a weak Vervain water creates merriment among the guests at a formal gathering. An old custom was to steep Vervain in hot water, strain off the herb itself and diluting the solution further, to use the liquid as a detergent or a spray around the home. It was said that all negativity would be kept at bay by its use. The water was commonly referred to as Juno's brew. The dry herb has often been carried as a charm against similar forces. To cure fainting fits, gather the herb when the sun is in Aries. Mix the dried substance with a pinch of Peony or a single Peony pod which is one year old. The brew will remedy the sickness. If the herb is buried in a garden, after eight weeks worms will be engendered. These worms are fatal to the touch. A sprig of the plant, placed in a dovecot, will keep the doves happy and stop them from flying away. If a man keeps two mistresses, a pinch of this powder will set the two women at each other's throat. Vervain is not the best smelling herb out there, especially if you are going to steep it. It is said that Vervain is so powerful that if it were able to make contact with the sun that it would turn blue, if it were to ever be taken there. The Magick Pantry - Whale Oil This is an important ingredient in the Magick Pantry. No this isn't the oil from the whale, although in old times, it was. Today it is mostly Crocodile oil or the distillation of some organ from a reptile that is used. Certain spells that you may come across will reference this type of oil. These substances are getting harder and harder to purchase. Hardly a single delicatessen still stock reptile produce. Here are some uses for Whale Oil.. To end the irritating croaking of frogs in the Magick Garden or to drive away howling cats (as we have all heard from time to time) you can cast the following spell: Melt some wax that has been bleached by Sunlight and add a little Whale Oil from an earthenware jar. Put the mixture into a clay vessel and lower into it a sturdy wick. Light the magick lamp and put it on the edge of the pond or on a doorstep. No frog will croak again and no cat will dare to howl at night, when this has been achieved. The Magick Pantry - Wild Teasel This is a mysterious and important herb to keep in the Magick Pantry. It comes third in the magick order of plants, but it is rarely found in a garden. It's power is unquestionable... the proof is found in its capacity of produce pregnancy in animals. The traditional spell demands Mandrake juice. Mix this fertile essence with the prepared liquid of the Wild Teasel. Give the mixture to a bird or a beast and it will presently produce healthy young of its own kind. But do not give thanks to the Mandrake alone. Fear the Teasel for it can create discord. The secret of this reprehensible power is a dangerous one and must be carefully handled. A tooth recently extracted from the gum is needed. Drop the tooth into meat or drink prepared with Teasek, and quarrels and fights will begin. Only the calming Valerian can soothe the tumult. The Magick Pantry - Wormwood Myths and legends surround this herb as well. It was said that as the serpent writhed its way in flight from this Garden of Eden, this plant sprang up in its trail. Its power is great, not only against halitosis and worms, but also against mouse bites and attacks by jellyfish, Anomoes, and particularly the Portuqese Man-of-War's. This herb dedicated to Artemis, it has long been employed in ceremonials to raise the dead, Necromancy.. if you will. It has also been used to conspire with the lower negative entities of the underworld by many magicians. In such rituals Wormwood must be burned on glowing charcoal and the incense will work the spell. Sometimes the powdered herb is placed in a folded cone of black paper and the paper is lighted at the tip. But this must be performed only at the dead of night. As the smoke rises, cry out, invoke the name or names of the desired departed, or entities and ask them to make their presence known. Provided that the necessary apparatus can be constructed, the spell will work better if the fuming incense is swung from side to side on a pendulum. To cure the plaque magicians used to mix Wormwood with rue, plunged into a pint of ale with a slice of lemon and left overnight. In the morning the brew was drunk in one draught without other food or drink. The patient usually rallied. The Magick Pantry - Conclusion As you can see, there were many items necessary in order to stock your larder. Please keep in mind that these were suggested items. Each magician has their own personal collection, some which may not have been included here. This was provided to give you a guide or to start your pantry. http://www.textfiles.com/occult/larder.txt May the fruit of our lives be bound and sealed to Thee, O Mother, O Woman Eternal who holdest the inmost life of each of Thy daughters between the hands upon Her Heart ~~~~~~~~~~~ Last Edited By: Cerredwen 07/03/09 12:35 PM. Edited 1 times.
Cerredwen		#31	[-]
Walks an Earthbased Path Posts: 11433 (07/03/09 01:21 PM) ~~Priestess of the Goddess~~ Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Magical Potions For many, many hundreds of years, people have infused herbal combinations with pure water for use in religious rites and rituals. Magical Potions can be made to bring forth health, emotional balance, love, success, wealth - you name it! Potions can be either sipped, sprinkled, added to the bath or infused into the air by steam. They are used to conjure anything from passionate love to warding off all types of negative energy. Using magical potions is a very effective way to bring about personal transformations. Nature provides each ingredient necessary to produce any kind of potion, elixir or balm. All one needs to do is combine them with the correct intent. Our planet and everything on her is alive and has its own "expression." When you study and learn the medicinal and magical properties of different herbs, you gain the ability to properly combine them for specific results. You learn which herbs work well with one another, which ones amplify on another and which ones don't like to be near another. Focus, or concentrated intent, is most important in being successful with conjuring magical potions. The more time and energy you put into your potion, the stronger are its effects. Magical potions truly work because of the natural ability of the herbs and the manner in which the potions are made. Herbs need to be harvested at the correct time of the year, and correct time of day. Some are projecting their peak strength more in the morning than in the afternoon. Therefore, it is important that if you are buying the herbs and not gathering them yourself, you get them from a reliable shop that has taken this fact into account. Of course, get them organic if at all possible. When preparing any type of herbal concoction, it is important that not just any metal pot or utensils be used. Metal changes the constituents of the herbs and will destroy their potency. Stainless steel is acceptable; Visions glassware or heavy enamel is choice. Water needs to be from the cleanest, purest source possible. Live water such as well, spring or non-polluted river water is the best. Bottled water is okay but never used distilled water for a magical potion because it is "blank." Fragrant barks and woods are placed onto hot coals that release their scents and powers which amplify the magical properties of the herbs to be used in a magical potion. Phase of the moon plays an important role as well. The type of potion that is made during the waxing moon (going from new to full) will be one that brings success in your undertakings and prosperity. However, if you want to release fear or let go of a relationship that is no longer working out, you will work with a waning moon phase (from after full to dark moon). Full moons are for love potions and self empowerment. Dark moons are for banishing negative habits. The magical potions are placed under the moon for a time period ranging from a half hour to all night. If you are creating a potion that needs the full or dark moon, place the potion a half to a full hour before the actual time occurs of the full or dark moon, and remove the potion not more than five minutes after this precise moment. Put your potion in a glass or quartz crystal bowl that has no design or writing engraved upon it. The reason for this is that any pattern could, on a vibrational level, influence your potion and unless you specifically want this to occur, this is not good. Put a piece of fine mesh over the top of the bowl to stop any debris from getting inside. Place the gemstone specific to the task in the bowl during the time it "cooks" under the moon or is being charged by the sun. Sun "charges" your potion. A half to a full hour before high noon, put you magical potions in the sun and let them "charge." Take them in to be bottled not more than 5 minutes after the high noon point. This will strengthen the potency of your potion. Gemstones have medicinal and magical properties and can be used in your potions. If you choose not to use the moon or sun as part of your preparation, the gemstone can be put into the pot during the infusion stage of making the magical potion. The gemstone chosen must not have any glue or chemicals on it. The uncut or unpolished gems are the best to work with as they are in their most natural form, but these are not always as easy to find. In either case, put your stone in sea salt and water for an hour before using it. This procedure will remove any unwanted vibrational energy attached to the stone and will properly prepare if for magical use. Copper is magnetically energizing and will raise the frequency at which the potion is vibrating. The raising of the frequency of your potion allows the magical intent to vibrate directly into your body at the cellular level. The potion literally becomes a part of you. Place the finished magical potion under a copper pyramid with quartz crystals and lodestones around the outer edge for 2 hours. If you are unable to find a copper pyramid, pieces of copper will work just fine. Quartz crystal singing bowls will also add potency. There are different tones that can be directly vibrated into your potions for healing and inducing change. There is a direct link between different parts of the body and the sound emitted by the bowls. Crystal bowl music can be programmed to enter the potion and re-pattern it on the cellular level to accomplish the desired change for which the potion is being made. http://www.sedonanewagecenter.com/newsletter/html/2002/cnanewsletter2-11.htm May the fruit of our lives be bound and sealed to Thee, O Mother, O Woman Eternal who holdest the inmost life of each of Thy daughters between the hands upon Her Heart ~~~~~~~~~~~
Cerredwen		#32	[-]
Walks an Earthbased Path Posts: 11433 (10/17/09 11:33 PM) ~~Priestess of the Goddess~~ Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Potions, Elixirs, Concoctions, Tinctures, Infusions, and Brews Potion A potion is a consumable medicine or poison. In mythology and literature, a potion is usually made by a magician, sorcerer, dragon, fairy or witch and has magical properties. It might be used to heal, bewitch or poison people. For example, love potions make a person fall in love (or become deeply infatuated) with another (the love potion figures tragically into most versions of the tale of Tristan and Iseult, including Richard Wagner's opera Tristan und Isolde). Sleeping potions cause a person to fall asleep (in folklore, this can range from normal sleep to a deathlike trance); and elixirs heal/cure any wound/malady (as in C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe). Goscinny and Uderzo's character Asterix the Gaul gained superhuman strength from a magic potion brewed by the druid Getafix. Creation of potions of different kinds was a common practice of alchemy, and was commonly associated with witchcraft, as in Macbeth. During the 19th Century, it was common in certain countries to see wandering charlatans offering curative potions. These eventually gained reputations as quack medicines. In later years, these transformed into patent medicines. Elixir An elixir is a sweet flavored liquid (usually containing alcohol) used in compounding medicines to be taken orally in order to mask an unpleasant taste and intended to cure one's ills. When used as a pharmaceutical preparation, it contains an active ingredient (such as morphine) that is dissolved in a solution that contains some percentage (usually 40-60%) of ethyl alcohol, and is designed to be taken orally. Elixirs are often made from vodka or grappa. Concoction A concoction is, strictly speaking, a combination of various ingredients, usually herbs, spices, condiments, powdery substances or minerals, mixed up together, minced, dissolved or macerated into a liquid so as they can be ingested or drunk. The term "concoction" is sometimes loosely used metaphorically in order to describe a cocktail or a motley assemblage of things, persons or ideas. Tincture In medicine, a tincture is an alcoholic extract (e.g. of leaves or other plant material) or solution of a non-volatile substance; (e.g. of iodine, mercurochrome). To qualify as a tincture, the alcoholic extract is to have an ethanol percentage of at least 40-60% (sometimes a 90% percent pure liquid is even achieved). Solutions of volatile substances were called spirits, although that name was also given to several other materials obtained by distillation, even when they did not include alcohol. In chemistry, a tincture is a solution that has alcohol as the solvent. A general method of preparation on how tinctures can be prepared is the following: * Herbs are put in a jar and a spirit of 40°C pure ethanol is added * The jar is left to stand for 2-3 weeks, shaken occasionally. To make a more precise tincture, more extensive measuring can be done by combining 1 part herbs with a water-ethanol mixture of 2-10 parts, depending on the herb itself. With most tinctures, however, 1 part water at 5 parts ethanol is used. Infusion An infusion is the outcome of steeping plants with a desired flavour in water or oil. The first recorded use of essential oils was in the 10th century by the Muslim Persian chemist Avicenna. An infusion is very similar to a decoction but is used with herbs that are more volatile or dissolve readily in water, or release their active ingredients easily in oil. Boiling water (or water of the appropriate temperature) is poured over the herb and allow to steep for a time, usually 15 to 30 minutes or until the mix cools. The mix is then strained, bottled, and refrigerated for future use. Quantities of the herb/water or oil mix will vary according to the herb, or how strong the infusion is required to be. A common proportion used is one ounce of herb to one pint of liquid. Herbs or other plants can be placed in boiling water for a few minutes, then discarded, and the water drunk as a beverage. A common example is tea. Many other drinks (herbal teas) are prepared in this way. Lemon, chamomile, senna, apple, ginger, rooibos, and a great many other plants are used individually or in combination. Infusions of this type are sometimes drunk for pleasure; others are claimed to be advantageous for health. A longer time before straining results in a bitter-tasting infusion. Herbal remedies and herb-infused oils are prepared with dried or fresh herbs, flowers or berries, infused in oil or water. The herb/botanical is then removed from the oil and the oil is used in herbalism in those preparations that require short-term infused oils. Plants with desirable flavours may be steeped in an edible oil or vinegar for an extended period; the infused oil or vinegar is often sold still containing the plant, and is then used as flavouring. Chillies, lemon, garlic, and many other plants may be used. There can be ambiguity: for example, what is described as sesame oil may be oil extracted from sesame seeds, or an inferior quality vegetable oil infused with sesame Brew-Making Midnight lightning slashes the stormy sky. Three haggard figures on a lonely hill lean over a huge cauldron. They throw noisome ingredients into the boiling water - poisonous herbs, noxious reptiles, snake venom - and cackle as steam rises and the wind howls like tortured demons. So goes the standard brew-making scene, thanks in large to authors such as William Shakespeare. They vividly capture and firmly, implanted such powerful but absurd images in our minds. Brews (also known as potions) may be as prosaic as herb tea, or as mystical as rainbow infusion. They stem from early magical, ritual and medicinal preparations, and are as effective today as they were thousands of years ago. In herb magic, brews are little more than herbal infusions or teas. They needn't be prepared over an open fire in a forest clearing, your own stove or backyard will do nicely. Their are so many different kind of brews, some are drunk, some are added to the bath and others prepared to release fragrant steam into the air, infusing the area with the sum total of the herb's vibrations. It's The Water The type of water used in brewing is of some importance. Well, Spring & Distilled waters are preferred over that which pours from the tap. You can buy these bottled or collect them from the source, so long as it's unpolluted & free running. Rain water is ideal for use except when gathered in smoggy areas. Tap water can be used as a last resort, but consider purchasing the bottled variety in the future. Distilled water is definitely better than chlorinated, fluoridated, bacteria-filled tap water. If it's all you have - use it. Sea water & Mineral water aren't recommended due to their high mineral content. The Heating Fire, gas flame or stove coils will do for the heat source. I suppose you could prepare a brew in a microwave oven, but this isn't the best idea. If nothing else, it reduce some of the magic of the process. If you're the old-fashioned kind, try making a brew in a fireplace or outdoors over a blaze. The Vessels NO METAL! It's best if the water and herbs don't come into direct contact with metal while brewing. There are few exceptions to this in Herbalism. One is cauldron brewing, which is little-practiced today. Herbal products prepared with double broilers may also require metal pots. But in general, avoid metal. Clear glass jars work well for Solar infusions. Simply place the water and herbs into the jar and set this in direct sunlight, preferably outdoors. Leave it there for most of the day. Some brews ask for specific colored glass jars. The Brew Not every brew in this section is made in the following manner. Use specific instructions where given. Gather, grind & mix the herbs. For brews to be drunk, use specific culinary mortar & pestle for grinding, not the one used for heavy-duty magickal herbs. Empower the herbs with your magical goal. Heat about two cups of water to boiling. Place about one handful of mixed, empowered herbs in a teapot of some other heat- proof, non-metallic container. Pour the water over the herbs. Cover with an equally nonmetallic, steam-tight lid. Let the herbs brew for about 13 minutes. Strain through cheesecloth or a bamboo strainer, and use as directed. Brews should be used as quickly as possible. If necessary, they can be stored in the refrigerator for three or four days. After this time return them to the Earth and create a new brew. A note regarding "love" potions. There are no drinks that will emotionally enslave another person to you, no brews that will cause love. However, some brews have long been celebrated for relaxing inhibitions and mellowing the emotions. Also, a few have been used to smooth over difficulties during long-term relationships and marriages. ~from 'The Complete Book Of Incense, Oils & Brews' by Scott Cunningham Magick Potion Incantation By Chandralin The following magickal rhyme is a powerful witches incantation that can be used for any potion you brew-up, recite it while visualizing your intent within you're mind's eye, you may repeat it several times out loud or to yourself: "Herbal potion, cauldron brew, now be charged with magick true. With intent I speak this charm, all be blessed and none be harmed. Ever minding the law of three, This is my will, so mote it be." Witches Brew The offering of wine, ale, water and cider or other fruit juice used for religious symbolism dates back to Paleopagan times. As an example, in Scotland on Samhain Eve (relating to the Isle of Lewis) inhabitants would take a chalice of ale brewed for the occasion and enter the sea up to their waists. There, they would speak the words of the invocation to the God and Goddess of the sea, asking for blessings and protection and then pour the contents of the chalice into the waters. Even during the early Christian Era, this practise remained alive--the priest offering the mysterious power of the ocean and of course unto the God whom they believed created those seas. If you would like to design a ritual for yourself along the lines of scared communion, you may wish to make the brew listed below. Apple cider has long been used as a libation to the Earth Goddess and deity in general. The apple (prized food of the unicorn) brings health, love and wisdom to those who taste its enchanting juices. 1 gallon apple cider (love) 1 orange (love) 1 apple (love) 3 cinnamon sticks (love and psychic powers) 1/8 tsp. nutmeg (fidelity) 1 handful rose petals (love) 1 large pot (personal note...or a iron cauldron) Pour the apple cider into a large kettle. Peel orange and squeeze its juices into the cider, discarding the pulp. Tear the orange peel into 1 inch strips and add to the mixture. Core apple and cut into 1/4 inch slices and add. Break the cinnamon sticks in half and add. Add nutmeg. Warm over low heat for 2 hours. Do not bring to a boil. Stir often saying: "From the moon to the vine From the vine to the fruit From the fruit to this brew May the Lady send her blessings May the Lord grant your desires" ~source unknown Witch's Daily Brew Long ago I read Sibyl Leek's book "The Complete Art of Witchcraft". I think that was the book that started my daily herbal brews. She drank red clover tea every day as a body/energy strengthener. I tried that, but later switched to instant ginseng tea for convenience and as a daily ritual. This is the most recent development, and a recipe that friends can't get enough of, I've even sold/traded it occasionally. The proportions are rather intuitive and dependent on what's on hand, but basically mix all of the following and use about a teaspoon of it in 6-8 ounces of very hot water, let steep for 5 minutes. I'll add botanical names and attributes of each ingredient as soon as I can. If you don't have all the ingredients, no problem, make it without them! This makes 2 of my friends VERY SLEEPY, so use at night if that happens to you too. Personally I feel energized by it. 1 handful lemon verbena 1 handful lemon catnip or regular catmint 1 handful red raspberry leaves 1 handful red clover blossoms 1 handful spearmint leaves 1/2 handful peppermint leaves 1 large handful chamomile flowers 1/2 handful chickweed 1/2 handful dried nettles 1 handful lemon balm If you live in a country where it is legal, and have glaucoma, are under chemotherapy treatments, or for Sabbats, 1/2 handful of cannabis (sativa preferably, or indica if desired or for severe illness) leaves, NOT flowering tops can be added. Otherwise this addition may not be wise for a daily brew! ~source unknown http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infusion http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ http://www.geocities.com/greenwitchcraft/PotionsNBrews.html May the fruit of our lives be bound and sealed to Thee, O Mother, O Woman Eternal who holdest the inmost life of each of Thy daughters between the hands upon Her Heart ~~~~~~~~~~~

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