As many herbal witches may know, our special recipes, whether passed down, or handcrafted, can require certain types of herbs. Many of these herbs are common kitchen ingredients, but there are some that do need special plants for the occasion.
However, there is always the issue that we may just never encounter such an herb, because of location, price, time of year. So, what do we do in such a situation? We substitute!
Below you will find a two part list of common herbs that have other herbs to use if you don’t have the necessary ingredient.
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Here is where you may find these herb ingredients. Follow their links for guidance:
Just in case you’re uncertain, the first herb is the main ingredient. If you do not have it, follow the “>” symbol to the next herb. That is the herb to substitute with.
“M/” means to mix with.
“W/” means with.
Soon, I will write the list for rare herb substitutes. Be on the look out!
Great Blessings and Knowledge!
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So, a new series came to mind while I started my Spring Cleaning. Every proper Witch always uses their magick while tending to their home. If you aren’t, then I highly recommend doing so. It is the perfect way of incorporating and practicing your craft every day. And who wouldn’t want their home sparkling with good vibes and surrounded in protection?
Therefore, I decided to list my own methods. Now, keep in mind, that every Witch has their own practices. This list is merely my own, and what has worked for my house. Either gather some ideas, or blend these practices with your own.
Now, the list is pretty explanatory. But I’ll go over them in detail if one wishes to understand how I came up with these.
New Moons are a time for starting a new cycle again. A complete cleanse from the previous energy, and to create a different sort of goals to take shape. A witch could see this as an opportune time to purify themselves, their ritual tools, altar, and homes. Hence, a good reason why I like to sweep and mop during this week of the New Moon. I love brewing together my own floorwashes and powders to use for this time. More on those recipes later.
Once the Moon begins to wax, energies are growing. Like a seed, goals begin as such. And by the time the Moon is within its first quarter, the energies are sparking. Therefore, this is a great time to burn any kind of drawing incense or simmering pots. In this case, drawing mixes that attracts fortune, luck, health, love, blessings, etc. Normally, I do these sort of drawing magicks for maintaining the positive flow in my home. To keep everyone healthy. Positive luck. Peace and creativity. Etc.
Now, it is no surprise when I write how any hearth/home magick can be done during the Full Moon. Because that is just so. The week leading up to the Full Moon is enhanced with energy. Any magick, whether it is fertility, protection, wealth, banishing, anything, is perfect for this time. So have at it!
Much like the New Moon, energies during the Last Quarter are low, but they are still humming. This is the time to put that power to rest and banish any unwanted energies that may have accumulated during the month. I like to vacuum and dust during this time. Dust bunnies and other nasty dirty particles are what is left of the old negative energies. They harbor and hold onto these remnants, so it’s important to be rid of these to prepare for the New Moon. Breaking Bad Habit spells are perfect during this chore.
I hope you enjoy the list. And keep on the look out, there will be more to the series on the way.
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Marks the Festival of Hecate. Day and Night of the Dark Mother. Of Earth and Sky. Keeper of the crossroads. Seer of the unknown. Queen of the witches. She speaks, and all remains silent for Her. For those that are guided by Her wisdom, honor Her on this day, her ascension from the underworld, with offerings of Earth, Heart, and Soul.
Interestingly enough, the days for this festival can be concluded by who traditionally worships Hecate. Most who honor Hecate, begin to honor her on August 13th. Which aligns with the dark moon, and the perseids meteor shower. This time symbolizes her descent into the underworld and the harvests of the earth.
Fun fact, August 13th was also worshipped for the festival of Diana. Where her followers celebrated her in the groves at Nemi. This festival lasted for up to a week of festivities, food, and dance.
Now, back to Hecate.
Both of these festivals were and are very similar. Especially considering that both Diana and Hecate are triple goddesses, some associate them as one deity. Like I do. Diana to me, is the maiden form, and Hecate is the crone form. Now, on this day, Hecate has had already descended into the underworld, and now begins to rise again to the heavens from her wise journey. And as the Full moon grows full, so will she claim herself as Queen again. With new knowledge and mysteries from the underworld. So, we invoke her and honor her, in hopes for her protection for the coming season, and for her new found wisdom.
How do we honor this Great and Ancient Goddess?
Personally, I honor each of her crossroads. I leave offerings of earth, sky, flame, and sea at each pathway, to open the doors for Her guidance. Her offerings include:
Eggs, Lavender, Honey, Garlic, Baked Goods
Incense, Candles, Daggers, Keys
Having your dog familiar by your side
These are just to name a few. But follow your heart of which offerings would be best for you to give.
I love to leave her lavender honey tea, and burn my special blend of incense for her.
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This is the blend I burn while invoking the Goddess Hecate. Add even portions of the ingredients shown, and/or add odd drops of the essential oils to the blend. Smells divine when burned, and uplifts the soul. While the smoke fills the air, call out to Hecate with your own heartfelt chant and await her guidance. If you decide to have your familiar close by, pay special attention to their reaction. Hecate always greets dogs, and reveals herself to them. Keep an eye out for signs, or listen soundly. Often, she comes in dreams in the dead of the night, and reveals her messages then.
Oh, how the blessed Moon is glowing on this night. A night of power, the energy high, for tonight is a Blue Moon night! I have so much inspiration coming in, I figured to share a few spells and recipes!
Let’s start with what I plan to do this night. I felt it fitting to create my blue moon balm oil. I make this blend to keep on hand for when a dreary day takes over. It keeps for a month, and it helps to keep in the fridge.
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Considering Myrrh oil being pretty expensive, powder or resin form can be used instead. And strained later.
Prepare the room for which you will bless this oil.
Light 1 blue candle, and hum a joyful tune as you blend the oils. That part is important, for you want happy jolly energy instilled in the mix. Stir clockwise for 20 times.
After blending, place outside under the moonlight, and let it soak in for a good bit. But bring back before the sun rises. And then store in a cool dark place. Or even the fridge. Gives it a nice coolness for when you use it. Hmmm.
Afterwards, use this oil whenever your having a gloomy, dreary day. And when you do, relight the same blue candle, and then apply the oil to your skin after a shower. All the while, humming the same lullaby.
Be sure to test this blend on a small surface of your skin to make sure you aren’t allergic.
And if you wish to create a large amount, double the recipe per batch. And double the amount of stirring clockwise.
A full Moon ritual isn’t complete without a tea recipe! And since I’ve been so inspired, I will write two of my favorites.
This is based with dry herbs. If using fresh marjoram, double the amount.
Brew this tea when the hour strikes midnight. I enjoy this recipe to gain mental, emotional, and spirit balance. And with the marjoram added, it instills courage of heart, and happiness.
Use this recipe to connect with the elements and of the Moon. But if you need an extra surge of power, towards specific courage, then consider this next tea blend.
Lately, courage has been a great topic between everyone I’ve come to talk to. So, this recipe goes out to them!
Mix in some warm honey milk, to sweeten the transition of courage into the heart.
Every process of this tea brew is important. First keep the herbs separated. When your ready to begin, take in a deep and focus breath. Then bring each herb up to your heart, one at a time. And then smell each one. Through your fingertips, let each herb fall into the tea cup.
Visualize the tea cup as a doorway into your heart. As each herb is blended, focus on each one being a key to opening your heart. When you pour the semi boiling water over the blend, see this as the flame of courage tunneling through into your heart.
Let it brew for 3-5 minutes. All the while, hold the cup close, and breathe in the invigorating aroma of the tea. Feel its strength. And when you sip on the tea, chant:
Fear is but a thing of the past.
Courage now rules,
For I am its keeper.
*Please be aware of your health and do not drink anything that you shouldn’t. Always consult with your doctor.*
May your full Moon be filled with magick and witchery! I know I’m looking forward to it!
Blessed Be )○(
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I had dear friends and sisters inspire me to write about the tremendous power that comes from Storm Magicks, and how to embrace this craft. Worked on it for 3 days straight, trying to pick out all the knowledge I had learned over the years. Well I’m proud to say I finished. So for your enjoyment and magical knowledge, I give to you…
Storm Magick
Storm magick is both thrilling and terrifying power to harness. And I use harness lightly. Connecting to this form of power is exactly like working with the elements and weather magick. It is using the energies of the storm to manifest your will. It’s just like when using the elements to connect your power to the source of all magick.
However, storms are also on a different level. A witch can look at a storm as a form of a battery. The energy that creates a storm charges the air all around you, to the very ground you stand on. To the wind that blows, and to the rain that falls, are all empowered. A storm carries all the elements a witch holds dear. Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Even Spirit, for a storm empowers people as well. So as a battery, a witch can learn to connect with the storm. They infuse his/her energy with it, and channel their magick to manifest their desire. All who have done it will say that it is certainly a rush of power coursing through the veins. Storm magick is so potent, that once familiar on how to wield its power, one doesn’t need any tools or ritual. Although I would recommend anti-lightening charms. It is important to remember however, that storm magick is wild. Wild and neutral. It carries both positive and negative energies. It can both bless and destroy the land. Because of this, storm magick must be respected. Do not think that you can control the storm. Your merely working with it. If you ever do think you are master of the storm, watch your magick falter, ego has gotten in the way. And that can even turn against you. One must approach the storm with an even temper, and a focused will before attempting to connect with its power. This is because a storm can absorb the energies you feed it, just like it feeds you. Believe me, once I hadn’t gotten over being very upset before connecting with a storm that was supposed to last for a day, it stormed for a week! Nasty one, it caused a power outage in my neighborhood. And trees were blown over.
Connecting To A Storm For The First Time For a beginner who has never once connected to a storm, I feel it best that they meditate during one for their first try. They must meditate for at least 20 to 30 minutes. Inside, windows open so that they could listen to the rain, feel the wind, and connect to the thunder and lightning. Meditate with no thoughts other than the storm. Use your senses to feel the way it lives. Breathe in its power and release it. Do this for however long you feel it’s best. You will know when you are connected. There is no doubt, there is a surge of energy you can feel radiating through you. The energy feels different for some; it can be chills shivering up and down the body, warm heat filling the belly, or cool energy streaming up the spine. Feel how it effects you. Personally I get cool chills throughout the body with heat flowing through my core.
If meditation is not for you, there are many other methods to get into that meditative state. I know of others who do yoga, sacred dance, or like the native Americans do it, a drum circle gathering. However way helps you connect to the energies around you, go for it! All these meditation techniques can also be used for weather magick.
When you feel connected, test it. Call for a rise in wind, rain, thunder, or for a flash of lightning. Wait for 10 mins or less, if nothing happens, you need to continue to meditate and become familiar with the flow of energy coursing through you. If what you call forth happens, good for you! You are connected. Your flow of energy is in sync with the storm. But don’t get too excited or carried away, you can either lose focus, or make the storm worse!
Generally once you become familiar with how the energy feels and you can connect to it instantly, one can skip the meditation in the beginning. As one continues practicing storm magick, they can become so in tune with this craft, that they can even begin to sense when a storm is coming. You can feel the energy in the air, much like a sailor can smell the rain of one brewing. Now that you have practiced connecting to the storm, the next step is harnessing this energy in order to manifest your intent. Because storm magick has both positive and negative energies, any spell can be cast. Often when beginning in storm magick, witches set up their altars to perform their spells. This should feel familiar, because you are casting a spell. The only difference, it is highly charged with the storm’s power. The tools and altars help the witch to remain focus on their intent. Which is essential in practicing with storm magick. The thought and desire must be clear, the clearer the picture the quicker it will manifest. The same can be said if your thoughts are jumbled. Overall, like the ole saying goes, be careful what you wish for, because the storm will cast it far into the winds. After a few storm spell practices, you may be able to do without the tools and altars. You’ll simply be able to connect to the storm, and project your spell through your energy. All this is for thunderstorms, but of course there are many other kinds of weather storms. And each have their own special spells and rituals that can be done.
Regular Rain Storms are good for purification, love, healing, friendships, beauty, youth, releasing negative energies, thoughts and emotions.
Heavy Wind Storms are a good time for mental spells, studies, travel, breaking addictions and habits. Sending messages to others, both living and dead. And wishes.
Snow Storms are for purification, healing matters of the heart, transformational magick, change, protection, and renewal.
Fire Storms. This is when the searing heat of the Sun causes a blaze of fire to the land, and the winds sweep it across. It happens on a yearly basis here in California. Protection, courage, power, banishment, and commanding/oath spells are done during this time. Very dangerous though, one would need to be close to the flaming storm.
Storms during an Eclipse. These storms are rare, and because of such are extremely powerful. I have been told that these times of great power can be channeled to cure diseases, and banish unwanted energies, as well as successful exorcisms, if you believe in that.
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Tips For Working With Storm Magick
Keep it simple. After years of practicing with the weather, I found there’s really no need for big fancy rituals. All you truly need is you, and the willingness to open your soul.
Only work with this sort of magick if you feel calm and fluid. Put simply, if there is blockage in your energy, wait for the next storm to pass.
If you wish to work with tools, its very handy to have a drawstring baggie that is already packed with candles, oils, and/or incense. Click on the terms for recommended tools that I personally use during Storm spell work.
Keep a fresh cup of tea near. Peppermint or chamomile, or if you’ll like, blended! Sometimes the first time connecting to such powerful energies can leave you feeling empowered, but it may also cause reverse reactions. Like nausea, dizziness, and/or drained. Click on the terms to see my favorite go-to cups of tea!
Some storms blow over quick, so be prepared to work fast, and spur of the moment.
Work indoors, if you can. Some may think this odd since your working with a storm, but lightning strikes are no joke. Lightning kills more people in a year, than a tornado does. And since we are conducting energy between ourselves and the storm, there is the risky chance that you can attract one to you, or near. Another good reason to create anti-lightning charms. Or for the serious weather witch, a lightning rod. These help a lot! I’ll never forget the time I was using a lightning storm for banishment and enlightenment, and there were strikes left and right of me. Since I was staying in a hotel, many of the surrounding hotels had lightning rods. Phew for that…
Remember that you and the storm are One. The energy between you two must flow fluidly. The fastest way to connect to its power, is to simply surrender to it.
Growing mugwort, marjoram, or Saint John’s Wort, protects the home from storms and lightning. Carrying or hanging acorns also serves as a protection charm from lightning. Click on the terms to see where I buy my seeds.
Fern is a great addition to storm offering incense. If you wish for a rain storm, add heather. To find the dried herbs, click on the terms.
Any water collected while you are connected to the storm is especially potent for you and your craft.
Any tools left out in the storm is going to be charged, especially stones and crystals.
Fulgurite is a powerful glass stone that was created by lightning itself! When lightning strikes sandy soil or sand, this stone is born! It is vibrant with power and has been used in storm magicks as a tool for manifesting your desires. It also helps empower the chakras, assists shaman work, healing, psychic workings, and paired with other stones or blends to charge them.
Click on the image below to see this amazing Fulgurite necklace that would make a magnificent talisman!
The list can go on and on, because that is how widespread storm magick can be. Go out there and try it and see what new knowledge you will discover and learn, and pass on!
Great Stormy Blessings, everyone!
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Tonight is the great Scorpion Moon. An enchanting night filled with mystery and magick. One may feel a lot more susceptible to emotional imbalances and energy draining. This is because the great full moon in Scorpios chamber influences you to ooze your energy and power. On the other hand, this aligning can also make you feel the opposite. You could be feeling extra powerful, and filled with self reflection and love.
Here are the types of spells and magick to consider doing on this full moon.
Rebirth
Transformation
Credit and Mortgages
Recovering lost things or relationships.
Sex magicks, elixirs and rituals related to emotions and relationships.
Couples magick
Self hypnosis sessions, or self love work.
Divination sessions to uncover secrets.
Here are also a few personal spells to delight in.
Here are a few other ideas for spells to do this Full Moon. Two water based spells to pay homage to the water element of Scorpio.
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SELF CONFIDENCE BATH
The following magical bath enhances self-confidence and personal magnetism, and increases chances of success. Take the bath either just prior to an important event, an interview or the like, the night before. Remember to allow yourself to air dry and leave the herbs in the infusion for upmost power if at all possible.
Cover with boiling water and let the herbs steep for awhile, at least an hour or longer.
Afterwards, draw a bath for yourself.
Stand in the tub and toss the now lukewarm infusion over your body.
Soak and steep yourself in the bath.
And good luck! For it’s going to be powerful!
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FRIENDSHIP RENEWAL POWDER
This powder is intended to soften an angry friend’s heart or an ex-lover. It helps prevent them from becoming an enemy. Grind and powder the following ingredients together:
Sprinkle the powder on your friend’s shoulder, if possible. If not, then close to their surroundings. If this is even not possible, one can use a human figure candle and surround the base with this powder as the candle is lit.
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CLEANSING AND ENERGY BATH
This Botanical bath is to cleanse the aura, as well as balance yin and yang Energies.
When the bath has filled, and the temperature is correct, adjust the fragrance. If you like, add a few more drops of any of the essential oils directly to the water.
Stir well. I like to use a wooden spoon to make sure the water is well-blended.
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Happy Full Moon Blessings to you all!
Blessed Be ~*~
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Traditionally, Imbolc can be celebrated either on the 1st of February, or on the 2nd. Some celebrate during both days; from sunset to sunset. Imbolc is one of the fire festivals, and is typically celebrated with candlelight. Lots and lots of candlelight! Ceremonies are created outside, in the cold winter chill, to usher in the Sun’s warmth into the soil of Earth. Homes are prepared for the coming of Spring. By means of spring cleaning, and cleansing. Seeds are blessed. Either for the garden, or for growth spells. Purification rites, and cleansing baths are drawn. Kitchen magick is ablaze to enchant the heart and thaw the mind. By whatever which way to awaken the spirit, is perfect to do during these days!
If a festival shall ever arise, be sure to have proper refreshments! Such as this delicious spiced wine recipe!
Add all ingredients to a crock pot and heat on high for 2 hours, stirring once or twice. Turn crock pot to low, remove lid, and wait for juice mixture to come to below 180 degrees.
Add a bottle of red wine, and allow to warm up.
Either drink warm, chilled, or room temp; all are good. Although, I happened to like it chilled. If one plans to do a ceremony to honor the holiday, here is an incense and oil recipe.
Now, if there are baking lovers out there, and wish to push the love of pie making into your craft and holiday, here is a deliciously simple blackberry pie recipe! And if you wish, can even dedicate it to the Goddess Brighid, who is a popular Goddess for this holiday.
Brighid’s Blackberry Pie
1 (15 ounce) package pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
4 cups of fresh blackberries
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/5 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 tablespoon butter
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line a 9 inch deep dish pie pan with one of the crusts. If you wish to dedicate this pie to the holiday, carve a symbol on the bottom of the pie crust with a tooth pick.
In a bowl, mix the sugar, flour, and salt together. Sprinkle over blackberries in a larger bowl, and toss to coat. Pour into the pie crust. Dot with butter. Place the other pie crust over and secure the ridges. Slice a design over the top of the pie crust to vent steam.
Place in the oven for 1 hour, or until crust begin to brown. Let cool to room temperature before serving to allow the filing to set.
Blessed Be, and have a beautiful Imbolc days.
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I’ve always enjoyed collecting recipes through my studies, and have came across so many humbling spells and recipes that I finally feel wise enough to share them. Most have been tested and proven. One very important recipe that I’ve found works wonders, is Abra-Melin’s Oil.
This recipe derives from biblical records in the formulas used in Jerusalem Temple. In my research, it was long ago recorded in a prominent grimoire allegedly written by Abraham Ben Simeon in 1458. He was taught this recipe by his teacher, named Abra-Melin, a Jewish magician from Egypt.
It is used for high ceremonial rituals. And most importantly, it is used to conjure and pacify spirits.
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Like most magical recipes, it is important to get the recipe just right. I was taught that this is judged by the practitioner who is creating the mix. If what you’re creating feels and smells right to you, then the recipe is flowing with your energy. The measurements of my recipe is perfect for me, because it matches the flow of my magick, but it may be different to yours. So experiment, practice, take your time with this. You’ll want it to be perfect.
Believe me… It’s worth it. Blessed Be ~*~
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Today marks the first harvest as some would also associate this day as Lammas. This is a time of special blessings to family and friends when all come together to share a feast of breads and meal. Before such a gathering, the crops are harvested, and blessed with the energies of man and nature. These blessings are to summon good fortune for the coming Autumn Season.
Today, my husband and I have prepared a meal for two. We will light a blessing candle and share this feast in love and in balance. Last night, I created a dessert to fit the occasion. A delicious banana pudding. And to partake alongside such a scrumptious treat, I made a brew of tea to fill our minds and soul with creative wisdom.
Tis a perfect brew to share with friends and loved ones with some delicious breads and treats.
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Creative Wisdom Tea
1/4 cup of pitted Cherries (frozen, fresh, or canned)
1 teaspoon of dried Sage (or 1 tablespoon of fresh)
*Recipe is per 1 cup. *It is also delicious over ice, but if one wishes to make it this way, the recipe must be doubled.
Bring the cherries to a boil in a sauce pan, then simmer and steep for about 20-30 minutes. Afterwards, strain the fruit through a sieve, pressing the cherries. Discard the cherries, or do what I love to do and puree them for morning shakes (waste not). Return strained mixture to saucepan and bring to a slow boil. Add sage and tea and allow it to steep away from the heat for 5-10 minutes (the longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor). Strain the sage and tea, and add honey to sweeten and magically blend the brew together. Add a slice of lemon and enjoy!
Every time I brew a tea, I always say a prayer to bless it for the occasion. In this case, the chant was:
In this pot I enchant and brew, A spell that is pure and true. I conjure wisdom and creativity, In this tea that honors the divinity. As we drink, the magick shall spread. Creativity and wisdom shall be our friend.
So, brothers and sisters, have a beautiful first harvest and Lammas! Blessings to one and all!
*Please always be aware of your health and body. Always consult with a doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Do not drink if pregnant or nursing. Thank you!*
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