Saturday 27 February 2016

Moon Magic from Tansy Firedragon

Moon Magic by Tansy Firedragon (Rachel Patterson)

Her silvery form floats majestically across an indigo sky…with radiance and luminescence…breathtakingly beautiful…she is the Moon.

She is powerful, beautiful and full of mystery and intrigue, she has inspired poets, dreamers and authors and brought about images of magic, inspiration and of course the darker aspects of vampires and werewolves.

The Moon in all her glory and all her phases plays a huge part in many pagan pathways and in working magic.  By observing the phases of the moon and how she affects our moods, our energies and emotions we can learn a huge amount about our inner selves.  Once we learn how her energy challenges us we can learn to work with the flow rather than against it, it can bring balance and harmony into our lives.

A lot of groups will celebrate the Esbats, it is a word that actually means ‘joyfully celebrate’, for pagan folk an Esbat is a coming together of like minded people to celebrate the phases of the moon, usually the full or the new moon, to work with the energies of that phase, to learn, to train and to teach and for myself and my group it also involves celebrating of the feasting kind.

I am sure you all know that the moon has several cycles, the main phases are waxing (crescent moon building up towards a full moon), full moon (when she is in her full glory) and waning (crescent moon on the fade to dark).  The basic ‘rule of thumb’ for magical workings is waxing for new beginnings, new projects and planning, the full  moon is excellent for divination, reflection and transformations, then the waning moon is a good time to release, cleanse and get rid of bad habits.

You can then add to that the new moon (when there is no moon to see), waning crescent (or balsamic), the waning gibbous (or disseminating), waxing gibbous and waxing crescent and the dark moon.  Basically it is ever changing and there is continual variation as the energies are always on the move whether it is growing or decreasing. Each phase has its very own particular and specific energies.  You can also sneak in a blue moon too and then we can add eclipses, see how many different phases there are?

I always encourage people to keep a moon diary, this is a good way to see how she affects your moods and the way you feel and think.  It doesn’t take very long each day, try it for a month and see what happens.  Just jot down each day how you feel, what mood you have been in and how you have reacted to situations, then align it with the moon phase.  Look back over the month and I am pretty sure you will see a pattern.

The moon phases can also be aligned to the seasons, to the turning of the Wheel of the Year, think about the phases and what they mean and then correspond them to the seasons, they all fit perfectly.

We also associate the three main phases of the moon with the triple Goddess, the Maiden, the Mother and the Crone corresponding them to the Waxing, Full and Waning moon.  You can also do the same with the male aspects of the God using the Youth, the Warrior and the Sage.

Every culture over time has given names to the moon for each month of the year, depending on what region, the season, the weather or what animals and plants are around at that time.  For instance January can be the Wolf Moon, the Quiet Moon, the Snow Moon, the Cold Moon, the Chaste Moon or the Moon of Little Winter (and many other names) depending on where in the world you are.

Our Kitchen Witch Coven has celebrated the moon according to the Celtic Tree calendar, it is a relatively new invention but it works for us.  Based around thirteen Ogham trees each period is given a tree and the magical qualities that are associated with it, so for instance December 24th to January 20th is the Birch tree which corresponds to a time of rebirth, regeneration, new projects and new endeavours.  It is a time to look towards the light again and a time of change.  It also gives us a different focus for rituals (other than the eight Sabbats) and actually allows us an excuse for extra rituals (and ritual cake).

There are thousands and thousands of deities, each and every one with different energies and characteristics but some of them are specifically associated with the Moon and moon magic.  Some of my personal favourites are Arianrhod, a Welsh Goddess of the Dark Moon, the stars, reincarnation, prophecy and dreams.  Cerridwen, Welsh Goddess associated with the Full Moon, the Goddess of wisdom, inspiration and intuition.  Innana (often known as Ishtar) Goddess of love and War, Queen of the Heavens and Earth and the Full Moon, she is the Goddess of seduction, sensuality, wisdom and the magic of life and Yemaya an African Goddess of water, the sea, feminine energies, healing and the Moon. 

There are some male moon deities such as Thoth, the Egyptian Moon God of magic and wisdom but I think you will find there are more Goddesses associated with the Moon as it is such a feminine energy.

I work a lot with totem animals and there are Moon power animals which will work with you in the dark of night and on any Moon quests and Underworld journeys, although many moon power animals tend to be nocturnal that isn’t always the case.  Some obvious ones are bat for transformation, past lives, illusion and releasing bad habits, black panther for depth of vision, psychic sight and inner knowing, owl for wisdom, magic, freedom and makes an excellent underworld guide and maybe some less obvious ones such as snake for magic, mystery, rebirth and protection, and dog for protection, communication and the underworld.  All of them have their own magical energies and all of them work wonderfully with night magic and as underworld guides.

Most people will probably be familiar with their own horoscope sign, even if you can’t make head nor tail of astrology.  Your sign is usually referred to (in newspapers and media) as your ‘star sign’ when in actual fact it is your Sun sign.  You were also born under a Moon sign too.  The Sun travels through all the signs of the Zodiac, but the Moon (and all the planets) also travels through them.  The Moon’s passage through the Zodiac signs takes just under 28 days.    If you can work your magic when the Moon is in a specific sign of the Zodiac then it will add a huge amount of oomph to your working.

Gardeners have often worked with the moon phases to plant.  You can find almanacs that list what to plant and when, in line with astrological timings.  The Moon affects the tides of the oceans so it stands to reason that it has the power to affect plants and how they grow.

The Full Moon especially is excellent for working with divination, as is the Dark Moon.  The power of the Moon heightens our psychic senses.  Moon divination can be as simple as water scrying.  Take a bowl, it doesn’t have to be fancy it can be a normal cereal or dessert bowl, but it works better if it has a dark colour inside, fill it with water and sit preferably outside but it can be inside, all you need to do is make sure that the moon can be seen reflecting on the surface of the water.  You can drop a silver coin into the bottom of the bowl to add to your reading or sprinkle some herbs or drops of ink onto the surface of the water to help create images.   Clear your mind, un-focus your eyes and see what messages and symbols the reflection of the moon brings to you.

The Moon and her power bring us so many ideas and opportunities to work with; moon cords, moon phase magic, moon spells, moon crafts, divination, moon amulets and charms, the list is endless and only limited by our imagination.


The moon is so powerful and so wonderful, work with her and she will open up a whole new world of magic for you…


Tansy















Previously published in the Magical Times magazine.

Wednesday 24 February 2016

Pagan Planet


Moon Books have a new community project book out that includes essays from our very own Tansy Firedragon (Rachel Patterson) and Starlitenergies (Samantha Leaver)...it is an amazing book with thoughts and inspirations from a huge array of authors and all brought together by the wonderful Nimue Brown:

The official blurb:
"What does it mean to live as a Pagan in this uncertain world of climate change, economic hardship and worldwide social injustice? What does it mean to hold nature as sacred when ravaging the land is commonplace? How do we live our Paganism in our families and homes, our communities and countries? Pagans are stepping up in all kinds of ways.
This is a Moon Books community project, sharing the energy and inspiration of people who are making a difference at whatever level makes sense to them. This is a book of grass-roots energy, of walking your talk and the tales of people who are, by a vast array of means, engaged with being the change they wish to see in the world."

Basil by Unity

Basil by Unity
Ocimun basilicum

Folk names: St. Josephs wort, Sweet basil, Witches herb, Our herb, Kiss me Nicholas
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Powers: Love, exorcism, wealth, protection, peace, happiness

Basil is a member of the mint family, and is a popular culinary herb. There are several different varieties available including : Bush basil, Greek basil , Thai basil, Holy basil, Cinnamon basil, Purple basil and Lemon basil. All possess the same properties. The word Ocimum is from the Greek, meaning 'to be fragrant' and the word Basil is from the Greek, meaning 'King'. Pregnant women should not eat too much of it.

Basil is rarely used in herbal medicine today, however the leaves can be added to meals or drank in a tea to help with digestion, relieve nausea, ease headaches, upset stomachs, migraines, vertigo and colic. The leaves can also ease insect bite/stings when rubbed on them, and repel mosquitoes when rubbed on the skin.

In Elizabethan times sweet basil was used as a snuff for colds, to clear the brain and to ease headaches. It was also once prescribed as a sedative against gastric spasms, as an expectorant and a laxative.

In India Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is considered a sacred herb. It is grown around temples, homes and businesses and is regarded as an earthly manifestation of the goddess Tulsi, a manifestation of Lakshmi (goddess of wealth and prosperity) and a consort of Vishnu. It is also used in Ayurveda medicine.

In Egypt basil was strewn onto graves and used in embalming. Basil was also used by some Greek orthodox churches in their preparation of holy water. In some ancient European countries is was believed that you had to curse the ground as you planted it to ensure it's growth. 

In many countries it was associated with love, young women would wear it in their hair to attract love and place pots of it on windowsills to show would be suitors that they could be approached.
In Haiti basil is sacred to Erzuli, the goddess of love, and it is believed to be a powerful protector.
In Tudor times, small pots of basil were given to guests as a parting gift.
A pot of basil given as a gift will bring luck to a new home.
Keep a pot of basil in your kitchen to act as a fly repellent.
Basil is said to keep away goats and attract scorpions, although I think the opposite would be better !

Magical uses:

Witches were said to drink basil juice before flying on their broomsticks.
Carrying a basil leaf in your pocket or purse will attract money.
Soak basil leaves in water for 3 days, then sprinkle the water over the threshold of your business to bring in customers and keep away thieves.
Keep some basil in each room of your home for protection, and use in protection sachets, bottles and incense.
Basil can also be used in exorcism and purification sachets, bottles, baths and incenses and astral projection incense.
It is said that if a pot of basil is given to a member of the opposite sex, they will fall in love with the giver and remain forever faithful.
After an argument with loved ones, sip basil tea to calm you down and put you in the right mood to settle the dispute peacefully. Adding basil to meals after a family dispute will have the same effect.
Rub a basil leaf on your skin, or wear the essential oil diluted in a carrier oil as a perfume to attract love.
Place 2 fresh basil leaves onto hot coals, if they lie where you placed them and burn quickly, your relatonship will be harmonious. If they crackle, there will be quarrels, and if they jump apart with a fierce crackle the relationship is undesirable.

Pesto
1 tbsp pine nuts
4 tbsp chopped basil leaves
2 cloves garlic, chopped
75g (2 1/2 oz) parmesan cheese
6 tbsp sunflower or olive oil ( not virgin)

Blend the pine nuts, basil and chopped garlic until smooth. Add the oil slowly and continue to blend until you have a thick paste. Season with salt to taste. Stir into cooked and drained pasta. Will keep in a sealed ocntainer in the fridge for at least a week. Can be frozen, but wrap the container in 2 layers of cling film to prevent the aroma escaping.

Prosperity sachet
Tie up in a circle of green cloth or in a small green bag :

2 parts basil
1 part cinnamon
1 part mint

Peace sachet
Tie up in a circle of white cloth or a small white bag :
2 parts basil
2 parts thyme
1 part cumin



Unity

Sunday 21 February 2016

Lavender by Unity



Lavender by Unity 

Lavandula officinalis or Lavendula vera

Ruling planet - Mercury
Element - Air
Gender - male
Associated deities - Cernunnos, Circe, Hecate, Medea, Saturn, Serpent Goddesses
Powers - Love, Protection, Sleep, Chastity, Longetvity, Purification, Happiness, Peace
Actions - Carminative, anti-spasmodic, anti-depressant, rubefacient

Lavender is a woody shrub which grows up to 1 metre in height. It originated in the Mediterranean and was brought to Great Britian by the Romans. It now grows all over Europe and the USA. The Romans used it for bathing as did the ancient Greeks, and to clean and heal wounds. More recently it was used as an antiseptic swab for wounds by nurses in world war 2. It has been used for thousands of years for it's calming, peaceful and healing effects and it was a popular herb in the middle ages for strewing and keeping amongst the linens to deter moths. It's Latin name 'Lavendula' derives from the verb lavare which means 'to wash'.

In ancient times Lavender was used by the Egyptians and Phoenicians as a perfume and in the mummification process.

Queen Elizabeth 1 used lavender as a conserve and a perfume , and was said to have ordered her gardners to ensure it was available all year. Queen Victoria was another royal fan, she is said to have instructed her cleaners to use lavender water to wash floors and furniture, to freshen the air and keep it amongst the linens. She is also said to have been responsible for making it popular as a perfme amongst Victorian ladies.

Lavender was at one time used as a condiment, it can be used to flavour ice-cream, biscuits and vinegars.

Culpepper writes that Lavender is of special use for pains in the head and brain that proceed of a cold cause, as the apoplexy, falling sickness ( epilepsy) the drowsy or sluggish malady, cramps, convulsions, palsies and often faintings.

Pliny the Elder says it's blossom, called Asarum, sold for a 100 denari a pound in ancient Rome.
Today it is still a popular herb and is used for healing, bathing, perfume, relaxation, incense, pot pourri, and magically.

A mild infusion is good for relaxation, relieving headaches, depression, stress, dizziness, exhaustion and indigestion ( 1 tsp dried flowers to 1 cup of boiling water, steep for 15 minutes, strain and add a drop of honey if desired.

The essential oil is very gentle and is one of the only oils that can be applied neat to the skin. Rub it on your temples or put a few drops on a tissue and inhale , to relieve headaches and migraines; dab it on spots, boils, cuts and grazes, mild burns, scalds and insect bites to aid healing.

For colds, flu and catarrh try adding 2 drops of oil to a bowl of hot water and put your head over the steam, covered with a towel for 5 minutes.

A hot compress is perfect for menstrual pains, arthritis and headaches: add 5-6 drops to a bowl of warm water, swish a soft flannel in it , squeeze out excess fluid and hold over the affected area until the flannel cools, repeat as needed.

A cold compress is good for sprains, bruises, burns, scalds, insect bites , stings and sunburn.
Add 3 drops to bath water to calm irritable children and to help them sleep.

Mix a few drops with a carrier oil and use as a massage oil for aches, pains, insomnia, anxiety and depression

Lavender has lots of folk and magical uses too:
Carrying or inhaling lavender was said to help you see ghosts!
A sprig of lavender and rosemary worn together was said to preserve chastity, and the fresh flowers can be rubbed on clothing to attract love. The scent is said to attract men and in the past it was worn by ladies of the night!
A small pouch or sachet of lavender flowers can be carried for love, peace and good health, and a few drops of the essential oil sprinkled on your pillow will aid sleep , it can also be added to baths for relaxation.
Lavender posies were often given to newly married couples to bring luck for the future.
Lavender was also worn as protection against the evil eye and disease.
Throw dried lavender onto Midsummers fires as an offering to the Gods.

Lavender can be used in incense mixes , or on it's own and a bunch of dried lavender can be tied up and used as a smudge stick, burn it to bring harmony, purification and peace in your home.

Bath bag
Cut out a circle of muslin, place some dried lavender in the centre and tie it up with a ribbon or string and throw it into a running bath, or hang it on the hot tap as it runs, for a relaxing and purifying bath. You can also make a strong infusion to be added to bath water or bowls for hand and foot baths.

Lavender Shortbread biscuits

makes 24
300g butter , softened
125g caster sugar
4 tbsp siften icing sugar
2 tbsp finely chopped lavender flowers
1 tbsp chopped mint leaves
1 tsp grated lemon zest
325g plain flour
65g cornflour
1/4 tsp salt

In a bowl cream together butter, caster sugar and icing sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in lavender, mint and lemon zest. Combine flour, cornflour and salt then mix into butter and sugar mixture until well blended. Divide dough into 2 balls, wrap in cling film and flatten to about 2.5 cm thick. Refridgerate until firm, about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 170c/ gas 3. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 6 mm in thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Place on greased and lined baking trays. Bake for 18-20 mins ,, just until shortbread begins to lightly brown at the edges. Cool for a few minutes on the baking trays then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.


Unity

Wednesday 17 February 2016

My Croning Ritual by StormloverWolf

My Croning Ritual for myself within Kitchen Witch when I feel the time if right…

For this Rite I will ask my fellow sister and brother Witches at KW to join in as well as Sun and Tansy to direct the workings of this Rite for me.

There is an old trunk of mine that I have used as the altar before and it is covered with a lovely blue cloth that reminds me of our beautiful nights. There is a large white candle in the centre, and this is flanked on either side two small silver candles. The altar is covered with several clear quartz crystals in all shapes and sizes with one large labradorite leaning against the large white candle in the centre there are two different figurines of the Goddess on both back corners. There is also incense burning on both sides of the altar, the scent is “fresh rain”.

Tracey – “Storm has written a visualization to share with all of you.”

Storm – “Breathe deeply; fill every inch of your lungs with our beautiful fresh air that was gifted to us this day. Now release your breath slowly though your mouth. Breathe again deeply, feel your rib cage expanding, now release your breath very slowly through your mouth. One more time inhale slowly feeling full in your lungs, and slowly let out your breath as you keep your eyes closed…..

We are walking through a grassy field; we are barefoot and can feel the cool grass tickling our toes. Butterfly’s darting here and there to say hello, as well as a few rabbits and birds. Ahead of us is a beautiful bit of forest, inviting us its way. We are entering the Pine’s now and the temperature is very cool and refreshes our skin after the warm sun of the grassy meadow.

As I take each step, I see a vision of myself at different ages, and so do all of you. There are now lush ferns all around the bases of the great Pine trees and the delicate flowers on them are breathtakingly beautiful with a rich fragrance of their own. There are beautiful deer with their precious young amongst the fern. They are quite shy, but they do not run. We each share in laughter as we continue to see ourselves at different ages and places in our lives.

We have come to a clearing. It is shaped like a pentagram with the trees and ferns filling in between the triangles. A beautiful altar is in the centre, laced with beautiful ivy vines, candles are lit upon it as well as incense. Each of my sisters takes their place making the pentagram, into a pentacle with their bodies. There is a stool for myself in front of the altar and Sun and Tansy are on either side. There is great tingling of magic already here, as we each think to ourselves of the lives we have led. This is my croning rite and I am ready…

Heksa –“I call the Guardian of the Watchtower of the East, the element of Air. Bring your wisps of fragrance sweet to our noses. Bring your bright blue skies to reflect the coolness of a shower. I ask you to join with us this night for a Croning Rite for StormloverWolf. Hail and Welcome!”

Peony – “I call the Guardian of the Watchtower of the South, the element of Fire. Bring with you the crackling snaps from the fires sparks. Bring with you the passion and heat of knowledge of all times. Hail and Welcome!”
Star –“I call the Guardian of the Watchtower of the West, the element of Water. Bring with you the relaxing rolling tides of the sea; bring us the fresh water from the creeks you feed. Hail and Welcome!”
Autumn - “I call the Guardian of the Watchtower of the North, the element of Earth. Bring the scent of rich dark soil to our noses; bring with you your stalwart strength of your beautiful mountains. Hail and Welcome!”

Thia – “I call upon the Goddess to join with us this night. We gather for a fellow Witch, her Croning Rite to be this night. Guard us, heal us and make us strong. As we love and care for you beyond. Hail and Welcome!”

Amun – “I call upon the God to join with us this night. We gather for a sister Witch, her Croning Rite this night. Protect us, nurture us and guide us all, as we love and care for you beyond. Hail and Welcome!”

Tansy – “We gather this night to share in a Croning Rite for StormloverWolf. She came to KW to continue her path and her knowledge and abilities have grown by leaps and bounds. We honour her for accomplishing the Three Degree’s here as she now takes steps to become a Priestess. We take pride in knowing that she has enriched her life as a Witch, and she has enriched each of us with her kind words of support... Her heart is true, her emotions strong. We honour her for her time and efforts to all of us here at KW.

Sunchylde - Places a lovely wreath of Ivy and Lilies of the Valley on Storm's head.

“With this wreath we do crown you as achieving the status of Crone. I have enjoyed working with you through all of the lessons and different studies where you always pass with distinction. You have openly shared your life with all of us through your Journal, and in return shared your love, comfort and help to each of us in journals, and gatherings online.

You have accomplished not only degrees of knowledge, but you have grown as a woman and most importantly as our friend. You bring a light to our lives when we have needed it the most. We know that you will always be there for us, no matter what. You have become a friend, teacher, helper, and a shoulder for all of us to lean on. We honour you StormloverWolf and hope that as you continue on your life path that you will continue to share your accomplishments and knowledge with us. Blessed Be StormloverWolf!!

Amun – “We thank you God for sharing your energy with us this night for Storm’s Croning Rite. Go if you must, but know that you are welcome to stay. Hale and Farewell!”

Thia – “We thank you Goddess for sharing your energy with us this night for Storm’s Croning Rite. Go if you must, but know that you are welcome to stay. Hale and Farewell!”

Autumn – “Spirit of the North, we thank you for joining us this special night for Storm’s Croning rite. We share your love of the Earth and try to show it daily in our rites. Hale and Farewell!”

Star – “Spirit of the West, we thank you for joining us this special night for Storm’s Croning rite. We honour your power and your nurturing! Hale and Farewell!

Peony – “Spirit of the South, we thank you for joining us this special night for Storm’s Croning rite. We are grateful for your heat and passion Hale and Farewell!

Heksa – “Spirit of the East, we thank you for joining us this special night for Storm’s Croning rite. We feel your beautiful breezes and love your storms! Hale and Farewell!

Storm – “I want to thank each and every one of you for joining me at this special time. What a lovely way to celebrate the continuation of my life into my Elder years. Each of you has touched my heart and my mind in many ways, and I have grown from all of your knowledge. I hope that I can become a beacon of light to show the world what amazing knowledge we hold as Witches. How they could learn to truly honour the Earth as we do. This Is My Will, So Mote It Be!”



StormloverWolf

Friday 12 February 2016

Thyme by Unity

Thyme - Thymus vulgaris by Unity


Planetary ruler - Venus
Element - Water

Magical properties - Health, healing, sleep, peace, psychic powers, love, purification, courage, releasing and beauty

Actions - Carminative, Anti-microbial, anti-spasmodic, expectorant, astringent, anthelmintic

Thyme is one of the few herbs growing in my garden at this time of year as it is an evergreen woody shrub that grows between 3-18 inches. The name Thyme comes from the Greek word meaning fumigation, an allusion to the healing properties of its smoke. The smell of it can ease depression and calm anxiety. The flowers, leaves and oil are used.

It can be used in incense to cleanse and purify your home in place of white sage, and it can be used in spells for healing, peace, love and courage.

Roman soldiers used to bathe in thyme to give them courage and vigour and it became well known in Europe as an emblem of bravery and energy. In the Scottish Highlands, it was used in a drink for strength, courage and to prevent nightmares.

Thyme is a powerful antiseptic and preservative, and it was used by ancient Egyptians in the embalming process.

Ancient Greeks used it in baths and as an incense for courage. In European middle ages it was placed under pillows to help with sleep and to ward off nightmares. It was also placed in coffins to ensure a safe journey to the afterlife, although it was never included in wreaths or funeral flowers as a well known superstition at the time holds ' the dead have nothing to do with time/thyme'.

Throw a sprig of thyme onto a fire to attract good health.

Wear thyme to ward off negativity and evil.

Drink as a tea to help focus on personal energies and to help you get through difficult times.

On St Agnes eve ( 20th January ) enquiring girls put a thyme leaf in one shoe and rosemary in the other, then laid them on either side of their beds saying ' St Agnes, that's to lovers kind, come ease the trouble of my mind.' She would then hope to dream of her future husband.

Thyme and garlic were sewn into a bridegroom's clothes as a charm against bewitchment on the way to church. A cup of thyme and beer is said to have been a cure for shyness.

Culpepper says thyme is ' a notable strengthener of the lungs. It purges the body of phlegm, and is an excellent remedy for shortness of breath : it kills worms in the belly. An ointment made of it takes away hot swellings and warts, helps the sciatica and dullness of sight, takes away pains and hardness of the spleen.'

Thyme has long been used as an antiseptic and wound treatment, to soothe the digestion and to clear the head, it was also valued against the plague. Before antibiotics thyme oil was used to medicate bandages.

Today thyme oil is an ingredient in some mouthwashes and hand sanitisers. As a tea it can be drunk to ease coughs and bronchitis and as a gargle for laryngitis and tonsillitis. It can also help colic, arthritis, upset stomach, diarrhoea, bed wetting, flatulence, parasitic worm infections and as a diuretic. Do not use the oil neat on your skin, always mix it with a carrier oil. Also DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY IF YOU ARE OR MAY BE PREGNANT.

Red thyme oil is used in manufacturing some perfumes, soaps, cosmetics and toothpastes.

Pots of thyme growing on your kitchen window sill will deter flies and other pests from flying into your kitchen. The oil can be added to cleaning water and used to kill germs around your home during sickness ( door handles, light switches, kitchen worktops etc. ).

I have made this delicious drink before when I've had a sore throat, and found it very soothing:

Lemon thyme throat soother
1 tsp. dried lemon thyme or 1 tbsp. fresh leaves.
1 litre organic lemonade
honey to serve

Bring Lemonade to boil in a saucepan. Turn off heat and add lemon thyme, leave to steep for 15 minutes. Add honey and re-heat if needed. Sip slowly to help with a sore throat and nasal congestion.


Unity

Wednesday 10 February 2016

Wiccaning for lost babies by StormloverWolf

A Wiccaning for the children that I lost due to miscarriage by Stormloverwolf.

The altar table is draped with an ecru coloured crochet tablecloth. There is a larger size white candle in the middle on a pedestal with two wicks burning. Beside the large candle on either side are small vases holding the very delicate blooms of Lilies of the Valley. Their scent transforms our gathering in the woods to a delicate mist of scent. Attached to the outside corners of the altar are beautiful pastel coloured balloons. In front of the vases are two hearts one carved out of wood, the other woven from reeds pulled from the pond on the walk in. My parents have passed but I feel them here with me. I stand hand in hand with my sisters and High Priestess’s Lady Tansy and Lady Sunchylde. Other’s asked if they could join us but I needed to say it was just going to be my family. I didn’t want to hurt their feelings, but this is so hard I don’t know if I will be able to get through it.

Tansy walks Deosil to open our Circle. She lets delicate pink rose petals and the delicate green leaves of a fern as she says: “We open this circle with every step that I take. To name and bless the souls of those lost to our Storm. Protect us and shield us from harm of any kind'” Tansy returns beside Storm.

Sunchylde – “I call the spirits of the East, the element of Air. Please join us in this special Ritual to hear the names of the lost ones. Bring gentle winds to lift our spirits. Hail and Welcome!”

Tansy – “I call the spirits of the South, the element of Fire. Please join us in this special Ritual to hear the names of the lost ones. Bring the gentle warmth to enfold our spirits together. Hail and Welcome!”

Sunchylde – “I call the spirits of the West, the element of Water. Please join us in this special Ritual to hear the names of the lost ones. Bring your refreshing mist to soothe our spirits. Hail and Welcome!”

Tansy – “I call the spirits of the North, the element of Earth. Please join us in this special Ritual to hear the names of the lost ones. Bring us your strength of roots to bind us in safety this night. Hail and Welcome!”

Sunchylde – “We call the Great Goddess Hera, Goddess of the Heavens and childbirth. Please join in this Rite to bless the souls of the lost ones. Hail and Welcome!”

Tansy – “We call the Great God Osumara, guardian of children and controller of the umbilical cord. Hail and Welcome!”

Storm – “I thank you all for joining my sisters and me this night. I wish to name and bless the two children that I lost in miscarriages many years ago. My heart still aches for them though I know they are safe and that I will be blessed and meet them when my time comes to crossover.”

My first child that I felt would be a boy; his name was to be Kyle.
My second child that I felt would be a girl; her name was to be Madison/Maddy.

Storm -"Dear God and Goddess, please bless these two spirits that I lost long ago. Watch over them, and teach them all they need to know. Protect them both and teach them to be strong, while I bask in the light of their memories long. The day will be coming, when the time’s right it will be. A glorious time for their relatives and me. My darlings I love you with all of my heart, it was the God’s wishes that we did then part. Our reunion will come and blessed that day will be, until then my children contentment will find you, you will soon see. This Is My Will, So Mote It Be!”

I thank my sisters Sunchylde and Tansy for standing with me for this incredibly special Ritual.

I thank all of the elements, Earth Air Fire and Water for joining in this special Rite this night. I am grateful for your strengths and characters. Return to your Watchtowers dear friends, until we may call on you once again. Hale and Farewell!

Goddess Hera and God Osumare my thanks for your presence in this special Rite this night. Go if you must but know that you both are welcome to stay... Hale and Farewell”!


Sunchylde walks Widdershins to close the circle gathering a few rose petals and fern drifts for me to keep “Our Circle is open, yet never broken. Blessed Be!”



StormloverWolf

Saturday 6 February 2016

February Crafts by Lela Moon

February Crafts by Lela Moon

This month we have four simple crafts.
These crafts are nice to make now but can be adapted and made into different shapes for yule.

Paper hanging hearts
Wool hanging hearts
Windmills
Wax hearts


Paper hanging hearts




You will need:

A4 paper any colour
Stapler
felt tips, glitter or stickers if you want

Cut your paper into strips about an inch wide or however fat you want your hearts.

Decorate if you wish with felt tips, glitter or stickers.




Fold the first heart over and staple at the bottom.







Make the top into a heart shape by bending down.

Put the bottom part of the next heart into the top of the heart shape and staple.







Carry on until you have the desired length.

Put an open strip in the last one to use to hang them up.




Wool hanging hearts.



You will need:

Wool
Florist wire or any soft wire
Little bit of paper for a message if necessary

Make the wire into a heart shape




Cut off a length of wool, mine was about 12 inches.

Knot the wool to the part of the heart where the wire joins.

Weave the wool about the heart making sure you twist it at each joining.




When you are done knot the wool and then add a bit to the top to hang it from.

You can add a little message if you want.









Windmills

I have always wanted to make these.




You will need:

Squares of paper
Scissors
Split pins
Glue, I use a glue gun as its faster.

Take a square of paper . Mine is 6 x 6 inches.




fold into a triangle



fold the other way




Cut along the four lines to about an inch from the top



Fold the corners into the middle using the glue to secure.

Make a hole in the middle, carefully.

Push in a split pin.





The windmill can be left as it is and stuck onto the wall or poke into a straw or into a stick to make a windmill.

You could do this with plastic so they can then go out in the garden or you could laminate your paper first but you will need a glue gun to secure and be careful making the hole for the split pin.





Wax hearts

These are amazing and a wonderful gift for your valentine.





You will need:

Those horrid children’s wax crayons that they break and peel off the paper
A metal dough cutter
Silicone moulds if you have them
Baking tray
Grease proof paper

Line the baking tray with Grease proof paper

Put in the shape





Break up the crayons and fill the heart.

I just covered the bottom.

Put some in the silicone moulds if you have them .






Bake in an oven at 200 degrees for about ten mins but have a little look as it may be quicker.

Take out carefully.

Some of the wax will seep out from under the cutter but leave it all to cool.

When they are cold cut away the excess and pop out the wax from the molds.




These can be used again as crayons. Children would love them made into different shapes and would probably use them instead of breaking them up and picking off the paper!

Hope you enjoy making these.


Lela Moon

Thursday 4 February 2016

Comfrey by Unity

Comfrey - Symphytum officinale



Gender : Feminine

Planet : Saturn

Element : Water

Powers: Safety during travel, money, protection, healing, hex breaking, bringing together

Magical Uses: Worn or carried, comfrey protects and ensures safety during travel. Also tuck some into your suitcases so they are not lost or stolen while travelling. The root is used in money spells.
Because it's a healing herb, it's also perfect for using in healing spells and pouches.

Folk names: Assear, Black Wort, Boneset, Bruisewort, Consohda, Consound, Gum Plant, Healing herb, Knit back, Knit bone, Miracle herb, slippery root, Wallwort, Yalluc, Gavez, Smeerwartel, Karakaffes, Ztworkost

The folk names refer to comfrey's strong healing action which was used in the past for broken bones. It will also knit flesh together, speeding the healing of wounds. Applied as a poultice or ointment, it can be used to treat bruises, discolorations and sprains. It is safe to use as long as correct guidelines are followed. Comfrey is often referred to as a miracle herb because of its healing properties.
Comfrey has a long history of use for its healing and anti-inflammatory effects on bone fractures, arthritis, sprains, inflamed joints / tendons, cuts, sores, skin ulcers, bruises and other injuries. It is soothing to the skin and was used for scars and blemishes. It was also said to promote a youthful complexion.

The healing properties of this herb are so potent that it is important to ensure when using it as a poultice that the affected area is completely clean, as it causes the skin to heal so fast that dirt or debris can end up being trapped under the new skin.

This herb had such a reputation for repairing tissue that it became popular for less virtuous brides to bathe in comfrey before their wedding day to restore their virginity!

The Latin name Symphytum means 'heal together'. It is now believed that allatoin (a main component of comfrey) is responsible for the growth and multiplication of skin cells.
In the past, comfrey root was widely used internally for healing ulceration in the digestive tract, bronchitis and other chest complaints, but in recent years comfrey has come into disrepute because it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids. This is a large group of chemicals, some of which are toxic to the liver. Poisoning has been reported in people eating other plants with high levels of these alkaloids, but there are very few reported cases of liver damage from eating comfrey root. Some herbalists argue that comfrey has been used for hundreds of years without problems , and others blame it on Russian comfrey which has much higher levels of the alkaloids than the common comfrey , but it is better to err on the side of caution rather than risk any problems and use comfrey only externally on unbroken skin.

Different ways to use Comfrey:

The broad leaves of comfrey can be soaked in warm water, laid on a small towel or flannel and used as a compress for sprains.

Comfrey also makes an excellent fertilizer for your garden. Simply add the leaves to a bucket of water, let them rot down and pour the resulting smelly mixture around your plants.

Pick comfrey leaves and let them dry in the shade; crumble them up and put them in a jar, then fill the jar with olive oil and stir well. Place on a sunny windowsill for 4 weeks and give it a shake every day. Strain it and bottle or use it to make an ointment.

Put 300ml of infused comfrey oil and 25g beeswax in a bain marie or a small bowl on top of a saucepan of hot water, keep it on a low heat and allow the beeswax to melt. Allow to cool slightly, and then pour into sterilized jars and leave to set before putting on lids and labelling.



Unity

Tuesday 2 February 2016

Croning Ritual by Autumn Ravenflower


Croning Ritual by Autumn Ravenflower


Set up an altar with photos of various stages of life - as a baby and child, days at playgroup and at school. Teenage years, photos of becoming a mother (if applicable) right up to the present day. Wear colours that make you feel good and have flowers that you love.

The ritual could also be held on the waning moon to tie in with the crone aspect.
Write a detailed but brief outline of your life at each decade so far, filling in the gaps with fond memories of things that made you laugh. If there were any sad moments, include those too as I feel things that happen in your life make you the person you are today.

Prior to the ritual, have a ceremonial bath at home, light candles and sink into waters that had your favourite perfume in and reflect upon your life. Plan what you are going to do in your crone stage of life.

The women at the croning ritual would sit in a circle on the ground on blankets, cushions and listen while the new crone tells the story of her life. It would be interesting for other older crones to share their tales of how life is now for them and for maidens and mothers to learn of what is to become of them one day.

The new crone stands up and makes her way to the altar with the HP or the Crone.

Priestess/Crone:

"We have gathered here, Maidens, Mothers and Crones to celebrate ___________ entering into the wisdom filled life of the Crone.
We honour her passage into this new phase of her life - a life of self acceptance, of knowledge. To be the link between the crones of ancient past and the crones of the future. To embrace her crone years even when she feels like dancing like the maiden.
May we all now celebrate in welcoming ______________ as a crone and wise woman.
Blessed Be!


The crone is then handed a small bag of crystals -
Blue agate for self acceptance
Malachite for transformation
Rose Quartz for love, peace and nurturing

The ritual is then concluded with a shared supper of food and drink which everyone contributes to.




Autumn Ravenflower