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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Samhain is here again! A new year taking us forward. What does that mean for us witches? Time to pull out the spells and offerings!Getting the home ready with protection charms and decorations! Purifying our lives with cleansing vibrations! Creating glamour spells to spook the trick or treaters. And brewing delicious magickal concoctions of food and drinks! (That last part being my favorite) Speaking of which, let me share this year’s Samhain tea recipe that I’ve blended.
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Brew this in a pot of tea for several minutes. After steeping, stir the cinnamon stick several times, and add some delicious maple infused milk to the drink, till it’s good and creamy. Enjoy tonight as the trick or treaters come by! And believe in life and its fruitfulness.
Gently warm the cup of milk in a small saucepan. Once it begins to steam, add the tablespoons of Maple syrup. Be sure not to boil it! Simmer it momentarily, as you stir in the syrup till it blends. Take it off the heat and pour it into a small creamer container. Enjoy with your tea!Oh, how I look forward to this magickal blend later tonight. This tea is meant to engulf us with its courageous influence, as it brings love and joy to our hearts. Life and all its luxuriance. Its meant to sooth us, mend us, and open new paths.
SPELLS!
Now, let’s talk spells! Tonight the Moon is in its last quarter. That means it’s the perfect time to ward off negative energies. Protect the home. Release the past. And divination time!Let’s see, we shall begin with tradition. Samhain is thinning the veil; the worlds between the living and the dead are face to face. They come to us with prayers, messages, or curses. And it is for this reason that we either welcome them, or ward them.Here is a simple ghost blessing spell.
Ghost Blessing
Place offerings of milk and barley outside under the stars to ease the ghosts hunger and to prevent their mischief. The maple infused milk is perfect for honoring the ancestors. Apples can also be buried at crossroads as offerings for the Goddess, or spirits.
Ghost Home Barrier
Place three peeled cloves of garlic in a bowl, together with one handful of pure sea salt, and one handful of fresh rosemary leaves. Grind and mesh ingredients together. Sprinkle them to create a boundary line over which ghosts will not cross. If you so happen to wish to choose this night of all nights to reveal to a ghost its current state of death, well, here is a spell for that.
Grouchy Ghost Spell
Burn three parts wormwood to one part vervain when summoning the ghost who is suffering from a state of depression when they died. Or when they haven’t realized they are dead. Speak softly and gentle. Offer honey to sweeten the news, or offer a plate of food for comfort. Speak as you understand, and try to offer advice and help them see the promise of the other side. It won’t be easy, but you would have to be open with them in order for them to believe you. Trust, it is rewarding when they do.
LAST THOUGHTS
Well may your Samhain be blessed, and the spirits at rest. May the trick or treaters be kind. And the food as good as wine. Have fun! Be merry!
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Beginning today, the last quarter moon is shedding its energy. Turning away from the active energies of the past, to rest and regenerate to begin again. Just as the Moon restores, so shall we. It is time to renew for a new beginning, rest, and then glow again with fresh power. To a turn of a new tide.
What I love to do most during this moon time, is to go to the spa to cleanse and relax. Not only does it feel good for the body, but for the soul. Every room feels like cozy warm blankets. The air carries a zen ambiance that calls to your senses. Seemingly endless pools of liquid heat and rejuvenating jet streams, soothing the muscles and heart. Every chakra point being called to open. Soothing sea salts fill every corner of the steam rooms. And amazingly pink Himalayan salt rooms covering every inch of the room. Resting in one of these rooms not only renews the aura, it centers a psychic’s abilities like chocolate syrup on top of ice cream! You feel so soothed by the end of the spa visit, and vibrant by your fresh energy, you can’t help but end the day with a good cup of tea, and then a peaceful nap. The next day is like seeing a sparkling new world. And your magick can touch and feel all the wonders of the Earth.
I highly recommend the experience! Search for your closest Korean spa, and go! Now! I recommend searching on Groupon. GROUPON has the best deals for Korean spas, and can help find the closest one to your location. So definitely, check it out. Because nothing is more delicious, than living deliciously. Ha!
Oh!
And that tea I mentioned earlier after such an amazing experience at the spa? Well, gladly sip on this tasty treat. This mix blend is a favorite of mine. I drink on this after my spa day. It keeps my spirits up, long after the moon is dark. Blend and enjoy with top quality organic ingredients only. That’s really the only best kind. And please be considerate of your health. Do not take if pregnant or nursing. Nor daily.
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2 cup recipe. Once water is boiled, pour and brew for 5 – 10 minutes. Sweeten with either regular sugar, or I add coconut sugar. Sweetens just the same, although coconut sugar is much more keto friendly, plus it adds protective properties.
For this tea spell; after the herbs are finished brewing, bring the cup into your hands and hover your face over its steam. Inhale deeply, absorbing through the skin, and into the flow of your energy. There is no need for any words or chant. Only to instill within you the calming flow of the tea’s energy. Hold onto this moment for as long as you feel comfortable, then humbly, take a sip. Feel its essence become a part of you. Feel how your energy responds to it. Accept it wholeheartedly. Then rest with it.
I hope you enjoy this tea, and the idea of going to a spa! Give yourself that spa day you surely deserve and need! The results are amazing.
Many blessings, to you all!
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As we step into a new month and steeping sweetly a new season, Autumn covers the veil with mystery and magick. Hence, during this time, we prepare our senses for new wonder and messages from the beyond. This is especially true for the psychics, mediums, fortune tellers, witches, craftwielders, etc. Most could say that the month of October inspires great energy, and tingles the senses. Taking into account the energy that is produced by the Draconids Meteor shower on October 8th, the great Blood Moon on October 24th, and the ever legendary Samhain night, on October 31st.
For such an inspiring month, let’s get started on stimulating our psychic senses and be prepared for what messages or signs our spirit guardians send to us. I give to you a tea recipe that I enjoy drinking on the first day of October. May it empower your own psychic powers, and center your third eye.
*fair warning. Be sure to be ready to open your psychic sensitivity after drinking this tea.
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Brew tea with boiled water, and let steep for 6 – 12 minutes. Add honey. Or milk. Or both. As you stir the tea clockwise, focus your gaze to the very bottom of the cup, to where it is darkest. Dive your focus to that center, as the liquid spins. Clear all thoughts. Then chant to yourself:
My eyes are open, the mind is clear.
I see the truth, with no fear.
My senses are open, the channel is clear.
I will receive, what no one else will hear.
Then sip the tea. Take your time. Enjoy it, relax into it. As though you are going into a trance meditation. Indeed, feel around with your senses. Touch your third eye, both physically and mentally. Note to yourself if you feel any sensitivity, pulsing vibration, or weightlessness. If you do feel any of these signs, then you are on the right track, and get ready.
You may repeat this brew once a week throughout the month. However, keep in mind to not proceed if you begin to feel too sensitive. Also, please be considerate, and do not drink this tea if you are pregnant or nursing, or not in top physical health. Thank you.
Well, enjoy! And have fun with your new found psychic awareness. Help others with your gift, but above all, grow yourself and be proud for who you are.
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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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