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Lessons in Magickal Herbal Use
by Leillan
Note: Some herbs used for magick are toxic and not intended
to be eaten, breathed in incense, or otherwise consumed. If you also
work with herbs for cooking or healing, be sure to keep your magickal
herbs separate and use a different set of tools to work with them. You
wouldn't use the same funnel to pour cooking oil that you used to pour
kerosene, after all.
Introduction
The purpose of these texts are to introduce you to the Magick of herbs.
There is so much these plants and flowers can offer. Working with herbs
can be as simple or as ritualistic as you want to make it. For example:
as simplistic as selecting a few herbs for a bath sachet and putting
them into cheese cloth, a tea ball, or even a coffee filter for use, or
as ritualistic as working with certain herbs in Circle for a specific
spell or talisman, enchanting each herb and then the entire mixture.
Remember, however, that when working with things from the Mother Earth,
sometimes "less" is best.
There are no set rules here, save 2:
Rule No. 1: Remember the Law of Three
Rule No. 2: First learn rule Number 1.
I said there were no set rules and there
aren't. But there are some simple hints, as well as etiquette, that you
should be aware of before you start with the Magickal Herb lessons.
Among these are:
Magick is natural.
Harm no one - not even yourself.
Magick takes work. You get what you put into it.
Magick should not be done for pay.
Don't haggle over the price of your tools. If you can't afford them now,
then wait until you can afford the price. Haggling lessens the worth of
the tools in your work.
Keep your ego in check. Remember, you are only a tool, as well.
Magick is learning. Know not only how, but also why.
Magick should be used for defense only. (The Law of 3 very much applies
here.)
Magick is Love! Do what you do because you love it in your heart.
When you use Magick in anger or hate, you cross the fine line from white
to black, and therein lies danger.
Lesson One: Storage and Tools
I am starting very basic here. Some may want to breeze through this. But
I have been asked to start at the beginning, so here goes. You don't
have to store your herbs in any special way unless you want to. I just
use blue canning jars and interesting bottles. I like a tight lid to
keep moisture away from the herb, and to keep the herb in the bottle.
Nothing is worse that herbs spilling out into the cabinet and all over
the floor when the jar is tipped over!
Always label your herbs. Even the most adept herbalist can get confused
once in awhile. The labeling method is another matter of choice. As I
use my herbs for many purposes, I generally just label by herb name.
However, you could also add a few lines stating elemental properties,
basic uses, etc. As you learn more you may want to store herbal blends.
Label these with the types of herbs used and the purpose it was intended
for when you blended it. Maybe you found a certain natural incense you
made that you really like. Blend a bunch of it, label it, and jot down
the purpose for which you like to use it, e.g., power, relaxation, etc.
You'll find this simple step very useful in the future; don't always
rely on memory.
You more than likely will want a few tools. A mortar and pestle, and a
good knife should be among your first tools. I use my athame to cut
herbs. You may choose to use the traditional sickle-shaped "Boleen." If
you intend to use your herbs for both magick and cooking/healing, get
two mortar and pestles (especially if you choose something porous like
wood). This way, a mortar used to crush mistletoe and holly won't be
used for crushing pepper and garlic. Remember, some of the herbs you use
for magickal work are toxic if taken internally. With the exception of
the knife, I prefer to use wood, stone, or clay for my tools, and tend
to stay away from metals. Certain oils and herbs have a reaction with
some alloys.
Other tools you may want are pretty basic to the Craft in general, and
you may already have most of them. These include a censor and incense,
candles of various colors, and a bowl for mixing. You'll need something
to hold water (if needed), like a shell or a bowl, and you may want to
collect various sizes of shells or containers for measuring your herbs.
You may want a colored cloth for a bag, string,
or rubber bands for sachets, and of course you will eventually
want to make amulets and such. But these things can be acquired as the
need arises.
Other than what I have mentioned above, the purpose will tell what
supplies are needed.
Lesson Two: Basic Herbs
Most people will have at least the basic kitchen herbs in their cabinet.
Remember the term "herb" does not exclude flowers and trees. You may be
surprised to know how many different flowers and woods fall into the
magickal category.
Roses are traditionally aligned with water. They can be used for psychic
powers, love divination, luck, protection, and healing. Use a single
rose in a vase on the altar for powerful help in love divinations. A cup
of rosewater tea at bed time can help you dream prophetic dreams.
Even a Daisy has power where lust and love is concerned, and is said to
bring love when worn. A simple divination that's been done for years can
be done with a daisy. Remember the "He loves me, He loves me not?" That
is love divination in its most basic form.
Carnations can offer protection, healing and strength. Place carnations
on the altar during healing rituals, and use the petals in amulets and
incense.
Oak is good to use for money, protection, potency, fertility, and luck.
It is said that carrying any piece of oak will draw good luck. Take 2
twigs from an oak tree and tie them together in an equal armed cross;
hang them in your house to guard against evil. Make a small equal armed
cross and carry it with you in your wallet or purse for protection
during the day.
So much for the garden, on to the kitchen.
Have you ever felt the need for just a little extra strength? Take out
the Bay Leaf. Bay lends strength to you or your purpose. Use bay in
workings involving purification and protection. Bay is also used for
wisdom blends. Burn bay in incense for help in solving a problem, or use
it in a ritual bath when you'll be facing a situation where you'll
really need your wits about you.
Basil has been called "the Witches Herb" for centuries. Basil has been
used for exorcism, protection, in "flying ointments", and love potions.
"Where Basil grows, no evil goes!" and "Where Basil is, no evil lives,"
goes the old adages. Basil, given as a gift, will bring good luck to a
new home. Sprinkled around the house, it wards off evil.
Sage helps to promote wisdom. It can also be used for wishes and
protection. Carrying sage is said to bring you wisdom. Some traditions
say it is bad luck to plant sage in your own garden; instead, you should
have someone else do it for you. If you take a sage leaf and write your
fondest wish upon it, then place it under your pillow for three nights,
it is said you'll dream of what you wish, and your dream will come true.
I use sage in incense to help with learning.
Anise is good for protection and purification. I use it sometimes in
candles or incense for meditation and protection.
Last but not least, is Salt. Sea salt is best. Salt cleanses and
purifies. It can be used in cleansing rituals, and banishings. Use
salted water to purify new tools. If you have a fire place, throw pine
needles into into the first fire of the season. After they begin
burning, throw some salt into the flames. This will help protect your
house, dispel evil, and bring happiness to the home.
More Common Herbs
Chamomile gives relaxation, calmness, love, and purification. This is an
excellent herb to include in a ritual bath sachet. It brings peace and
protection to the user. It is a love herb but what is so different about
it is the fact that it can help get rid of evil. (That's a little
different for an herb that is used in love and relaxation).
Use Pennyroyal for strength, protection and peace. Known as the "Herb of
Peace," pennyroyal given to two fighting partners will cause them to
stop fighting. Used in ritual, pennyroyal adds strength to you and your
working.
Use Wood Betony for protection, purification, and love. Betony is added
to purification mixtures and incenses. It is traditional to burn betony
in a bonfire on Midsummer and then jump through the smoke to purify the
body of ills and evil. Betony is also said to help people be more
attractive to the opposite sex.
Use Catnip for Love, Happiness, and (of course) cat magick. Given to
your cat, it will create a psychic bond between the two of you. However,
it can be intoxicating to the cat. Catnip and rose petals are used in
love sachets.
Damiana is burned for visions, and is also used in lust spells.
Ferns are good for protection, luck, riches, and banishings. Dried fern
is thrown upon hot coals to banish evil and protect the home. Wearing
Fern is said to draw the riches to the wearer. You can also use it in
natural incense for a little extra power. Fern is like a little push; it
kind of hides in the blend until the right moment, and then comes out to
add that last little kick, just when you need it most.
Honeysuckle is used to increase psychic powers and provide protection. A
honeysuckle bush growing near your house will bring good luck.
Lesson Three: The Less Common Herbs
Ok, this is going to be done a little differently. I am going to give
you a few of the most powerful herbs I know. Pay attention here.
Lets start with something that dates back to at least the Druids.
Mistletoe. Mistletoe grows on huge Oak trees. Use Mistletoe for
Protection, Love, Fertility, and Health. We all know the spell used at
Yule (Christmas): kissing under a sprig of mistletoe. But did you know
to burn the mistletoe you kissed under? This prevents the love shared
under it from leaving. Mistletoe helps to love bond married couples and
bring single people their one true love. A shared kiss under the
mistletoe is like a shared wish in a wishing well. However, the berries
are poison, so use caution. Although the stem has been used in healing,
I would still be careful of children and pets around this plant.
Dragons Blood. Dragons Blood is aligned with fire. As such, it
carries the same strengths as fire. A pinch of Dragons blood added to
other incense will increase the potency. Dragons blood increases the
power of any herb it is used with. It will also increase a person's
strength and power. It is not, however, to be used lightly in the
magickal setting. I have added a pinch of Dragons blood to the inside
tube of my wand to increase the potency of any spells in which I use the
wand.
Just a hint here... Dragons blood, when finely powdered, puffs up when
you pour it. This wouldn't be a problem, except that it also sticks to
everything in comes into contact with.
Mandrake. Mandrake was traditionally gathered from under the
gallows tree. It has been called the Witches Mannequin, the man herb,
the gallows herb, and woman drake. In Celtic times people would look
under the nearest tree used for hangings, seeking this root that looked
so much like the figure of a person. It was, and still is, used for
protection, fertility, money, love, health, and strength. Mandrake was
also used as a poppet. Money, especially silver coins, placed beside a
mandrake root is said to double. A mandrake root placed on the mantle is
said to protect the home. Mandrake is also poisonous; so again, use
caution around pets and children.
Holly. Although Holly is a bush and not poisonous, it is steeped
in folklore. Holly grown on the right side of your front door (facing
the house) is said to prevent evil and negativity from coming in. In
men, it promotes good luck since it is masculine in nature. (Ivy works
the same for women). It is strong enough that it has been used (infused
or distilled) and sprinkled on a new born babe to protect it.
Lesson Four: Enchanting Herbs
I have saved this section for last on purpose. I wanted you to get a
feel for what was offered before we talked about enchantment.
Enchanting is basically just simple spell casting. In enchanting an
herb, you empower that herb with a specific purpose. I know it sounds
easy, but remember you are working with things from the earth. The power
is there, all you have to learn is how to bring it out. If you are a
timing person, time this to the moon, the day of the week, the hour of
the day, the time of season, whatever you need do. Remember to visualize
as you enchant. Make the purpose as clear as you possibly can, and bring
the words straight from your heart and the power from deep within you.
This final lesson of the series will done in ritual format. I will
describe the work area, the herbs, and the purpose. Your final test will
be to design your own ritual, amulet, bag, incense, or whatever else
which to enchant. But you should only use the herbs listed in the
previous lessons. You don't have to actually perform the work. I just
want to know what you'd do and how you'd do it. The following is my
example to you.
I am making an amulet for a dear friend who needs strength and will to
make it through a difficult period. This friend has full knowledge of my
art and has asked for help. I have thought about it and decided the way
in which I can help most.
On my altar, I have placed two black candles. I use black because it's
my personal favorite color for certain types of work. Between the
candles, I have my mortar and pestle; in front of them, I have my
athame. My wooden bowl is to the right and filled with sand and a
charcoal block. I'll be using sandalwood incense, as I need strength and
power right now, as well. To my left I have placed jars containing
Dragons blood, sage, sea salt, rose petals, and a piece of walnut (did I
fail to mention that walnut strengthens the heart?). The only other item
on my altar is my pentagram, which is a personal cue I'm using to assist
me in visualization, and a small locket into which the blend will be
placed. A red candle stands off to one side, ready for use if I need it.
I light the black candles and concentrate on seeing this friend happy
and her problems solved. I pick up the sea salt and measure out a little
with the tip of my athame. As I pour it into the mortar, I say "Salt
purifies and cleanses. Your purpose this night is to purify the herbs I
use here, and make them pure in intent." While saying this, I visualize
the salt purifying the herbs.
Next, I pick up a rose petal and crumble it into the salt, saying: "I
charge thee with the task of bringing intuition to ______. She finds
herself in a situation where your power is desperately needed." I then
mix the salt and rose together with my athame.
I measure out a portion of sage with my athame and drop it into the
blend, saying, "I charge you and bid you to lend wisdom of decision to
________. She needs this wisdom to overcome what has been wrought." Stir
the sage into the mixture.
Next, I pick up the piece of walnut and say, "I empower thee to lend
strength of heart in this difficult time. Through your strength, may her
heart be lightened and her will be strengthened." I then measure out a
tiny amount of powdered Dragons blood, saying, "Within thee is the power
to intensify each herb I've used. You will be the power of change."
Mixing all together I say, "Within each separate herb lies the power to
reach the end; each has its own purpose. May purposes united make true
the end, for blended together, the whole is met. For a year and a day,
may you be charged to lend thy power where it is needed. An' it harm
none, Thy will be done. So Mote it Be!
I pick up the mixture, bit by bit on the tip of my athame, and place
enough in the locket to fill it. I then light the red candle and say,
"Red is color of power and strength" while dropping a little wax on the
herbs inside the locket to seal and bind the blend together. I then
close the locket, hold it in both hands, and concentrate on the person
and the purpose with a light and loving heart. When I feel the
enchantment is done, I give thanks to the Goddess, put out the candles,
and ground the leftover herb and incense. I clean my tools and wrap the
newly made amulet in a cloth until I can give it to my friend.
Daily Bath Correspondences
Sunday
Color~Orange/Gold
Ruling Planet~Sun
Aspect~Creating
Element~Fire
Chakra~Spleen
Happiness, Independence, Resourcefulness. Bathing in this color in the
morning brings out the happy easy feelings that stimulate laughter and
help's life seem more like play.
Candle Scents~Rosemary, Rue, Clove
Sun Scents~Bay, Carnation, Cedar wood,
Chicory, Clove, Cinnamon, Frankincense,
Ginseng, Juniper, Lime, Orange, Marigold ,Pineapple, Rosemary, Rowan,
Rue, Sandalwood, Tangerine
Fire Scents~Allspice, Basil, Bay, Carnation, Cedar wood, Cinnamon,
Clove, Dill, Dragons Blood, Fennel, Frankincense, Juniper, Lime,
Marigold, Nutmeg, Orange, Peppermint, Rosemary, Rose Geranium,
Sassafras, Tangerine.
Monday
Color~White (for candles)/ VERY Pale Blue(for bath water)
Ruling Planet~Moon
Aspect~Emotions
Element~Water
Chakra~Throat
Blue~ Sky and ocean, Spaciousness, Health, Decisiveness. Blue has a
cooling and cleansing effect. It quiets the mind and the soul. Blue is
healing power.
Candle Scents~Rose, Garden Lily, Gardenia, Lotus
Moon Scents~Coconut,Eucalyptus, Gardenia, Jasmine, Lemon, Lemon Balm,
Lily, Lotus, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Wintergreen
Water Scents~Apple Blossom, Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Coconut, Eucalyptus,
Gardenia, Hyacinth, Iris, Jasmine, Lemon, Licorice, Lilac, Lily, Lotus,
Myrrh, Orchid, Peach, Plumeria, Rose, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Thyme,
Vanilla
Tuesday
Color~Red
Ruling Planet~Mars
Aspect~Agression
Element~Fire
Chakra~Root
Vitality, Power, Strength, Courage. Bathing in this color helps you meet
the demands of the day. It can also give you that extra reserve needed
for a social evening.
Candle Scents~Pine, Carnation, Cinnamon, Honeysuckle
Mars Scents~Allspice, Basil, Carnation, Dragons Blood, Ginger,
Honeysuckle, Peppermint, Pine
Fire Scents~Allspice, Basil, Bay, Carnation, Cedar wood, Cinnamon,
Clove, Dill, Dragons Blood, Fennel, Frankincense, Juniper, Lime,
Marigold, Nutmeg, Orange, Peppermint, Rosemary, Rose Geranium,
Sassafras, Tangerine.
Wednesday
Color~Yellow
Planet~Mercury
Aspect~Mental
Elements~Air
Chakra~Solar Plexus
YELLOW ~ The Sun, Knowledge, Clarity, Optimism. The yellow bath sharpens
your mind and helps you know you must first be able to love yourself
before you can love others.
Candle Scents~Lily of the Valley, Lavender, Bayberry
Mercury Scents~Almond, Aspen, Bergamot Mint, Bergamot Orange, Clover,
Fennel, Fenugreek, Hemp* Lavender, Lemon
Grass, Lemon Verbena, Marjoram, Mint, Mulberry, Papyrus, Peppermint,
Thyme
Air Scents~Almond, Anise, Aspen, Bergamot Mint, Bergamot Orange, Borage,
Chicory, Clover, Dandelion, Elecampane, Fenugreek, Golden Rod, Hazel,
Lavender, Lemon Grass, Lemon Verbena, Lilly of the Valley, Maple,
Marjoram, Meadowsweet, Peppermint, Pine, Sage, Slippery Elm, Star Anise
Note~For excellent skin care and also magickal purposes use Hemp oil as
a carrier for essential oils on a Wednesday/Yellow bath. Hemp is
excellent for the skin and also ruled by Mercury.
Thursday
Color~Violet/Purple
Planet~Jupiter
Aspect~Expansion
Element~Air
Chakra~Crown
The Spirit, Inspiration, Beauty, Art. Violet has powerful energy and
vibrations. It helps to purify your thoughts and feelings and gives you
inspiration.
Candle Scents~Magnolia, Sandalwood, Sage
Jupiter Scents~Anise, Clove, Honeysuckle,
Lime, Magnolia, Sage, Sandalwood, Sarsaparilla, Sassafras
Air Scents~Almond, Anise, Aspen, Bergamot Mint, Bergamot Orange, Borage,
Chicory, Clover, Dandelion, Elecampane, Fenugreek, Golden Rod, Hazel,
Lavender, Lemon Grass, Lemon Verbena, Lilly of the Valley, Maple,
Marjoram, Meadowsweet, Peppermint, Pine, Sage, Slippery Elm, Star Anise
Friday
Color~Green
Ruling Planet~Venus
Aspect~Love/Manifestation
Element~Earth
Chakra~Heart
Nature, Balance, Harmony, Self-control, Generosity. Soaking in a green
bath, relaxes all your muscles, nerves and thoughts. It brings feelings
of peace and harmony.
Candle Scents~Primrose, Thyme, Lilac
Venus Scents~ Apple Blossom, Geranium, Hyacinth, Iris, Licorice, Lilac,
Magnolia, Orchid, Plumeria, Rose, Spearmint, Tansy, Thyme, Tuberose,
Violet, Ylang-Ylang
Earth Scents~Alfalfa, Barley, Bistort, Cypress, Honeysuckle, Magnolia,
Narcissus, Patchouli, Primrose
Saturday
Color~Indigo
Ruling Planet~Saturn
Aspect~Cycles
Element~Earth
Chakra~Brow (Third Eye)
Intuition, Meditation, Understanding, Mysticism. This color lets you
feel that you are apart of the whole universe., that you are not alone.
Seek and you will find.
A good bath for opening and balancing the Brow Chakra.
Candle Scents~Water Violet, Black Orchid, Hyacinth
Saturn Scents~Amaranth, Black Orchid, Cypress, Hyacinth, Iris, Mimosa,
Morning Glory, Pansy, Patchouli, Tamarisk, Water Violets
Earth Scents~Alfalfa, Barley, Bistort, Cypress, Honeysuckle, Magnolia,
Narcissus, Patchouli, Primrose
Magickal Household
Many witches, not all, put so much focus on their workings, their altar,
their tools and their garb...that they sometimes forget that spreading
that magick through the rest of the house can be quite beneficial.
I, for one, have experienced the calmness of performing cleansing /
protection rituals on my home and friends' homes. There is a big
difference. Bringing your household into harmony will create a domino
affect that will bring you and your workings into a more productive and
harmonious vibration.
The following are excerpts taken from Scott Cunningham's book aptly
titled, "The Magickal Household." Enjoy.
The Hearth
Crossing the poker and tongs before the fireplace prevents sparks from
popping out onto the floor and magically cancels any negative energies
that might float down through it. A jar of salt on the hearth comes in
handy in times of argument, tension or danger of any kind. Simply throw
a pinch on the flames and its cleansing powers, when released by the
flames, bless your home.
Three circles drawn with white chalk on the hearth ban evil from
entering.
A blazing fire is useful for simple transformative spells, such as those
in which dragon's blood, rosemary or rose petals are cast into the
flames. Such actions, accompanied by the proper visualizations, bring
love to the spell-maker. Nettles thrown into the fire conquer fear,
while vervain dispells the pangs of unrequited love.
Fire-gazing: sit comfortably before the fire. Wait until the flames have
died down and a sea of glowing reddish-orange coals stretches out before
you. Still your mind. Gaze with half-opened eyes at the constantly
pulsating and changing embers. Relax and allow yourself the experience.
Some preserve the custom of fire-gazing in a blaze mad of sandalwood,
juniper and cedar logs. A simpler method consists of combining ground
sandalwood, cedar and juniper and tossing this mixture onto the coals
just prior to gazing.
The Bedroom
There are certain traditional sleeping positions.
The head pointing North increases stability, calmness, prosperity and
quick recuperation from illness. Some say this is the ideal direction in
which to sleep, for the North is a source of magickal power.
The East has long been associated with religion and spirituality. It is
also the point of intelligence, of sharp mental powers and freedom of
mind. In this direction, the Sun and Moon rise, which has brought about
the belief that one should sleep East to West, following the natural
course of the heavenly bodies. Also, if you live in a hot area, sleeping
with your head to the East might cool you down.
With your head pointing South during sleep, nothing but weariness and
disease will afflict you. This may also cause or aggravate insomnia.
Sleeping with your head pointing West ensures love and spirituality,
increases sensitivity of all kinds and promotes psychic abilities. It's
ideal for those wishing to practice dream magick. It has also been used
to promote creativity and so is recommended for artists.
If you can't move your bed to what seems like an ideal location, make do
with what you have but place appropriate charms on the bed itself to
offset any possible harmful effects from facing an undesirable direction.
Place a small mirror somewhere on the bed facing the opposite direction:
on the headboard facing South, for instance.
The Kitchen
A popular kitchen protection is a rope of garlic, onions or peppers.
These ropes can be purchased in gourmet shops and farmer's markets and
are not only excellent protective devices, but they're also attractive.
If you hang one of these ropes in the kitchen expressly for protective
purposes, make sure it's never used for food, for the vegetables absorb
negativity and spell danger to anyone who eats them.
Symbols such as pentagrams can be painted, carved, chalked or traced
with fingers or essential oils on canisters, cupboards, appliances, pots
and pans -- even dishes.
A kitchen Witch bottle can be constructed to protect your food from
contamination. Put 3 needles, 3 pins and 3 nails into a jar. Fill the
jar with salt, seal it tightly, vigorously shake nine times and drip red
candle wax over the seal. Then place it in the cupboard where it won't
be seen.
When you burn food, cut yourself, drop pots and pans or experience a
rash of accidents in your kitchen, a cleansing is in order. Get a shiny
new copper tea kettle. Fill it with water (distilled) and add some bay
leaves, rosemary, lemon peel (fresh if possible) and cinnamon. Have a
small quantity of salt as well. Place this on the stove, uncovered and
turn on the heat.
Next, place bowls or vases of fresh colorful flowers throughout the
kitchen while the water warms. As its scented steam fills the air,
scatter salt evenly over the kitchen floor, then sweep it up and discard
it outside your home. Place a whole onion beneath the kitchen sink to
absorb negativity (replace every month if necessary).
After a few minutes, turn the heat off. Allow the liquid in the kettle
to cool, strain it through cheesecloth and sprinkle a few drops onto
appliances, in the cupboards, in the sink, on the floor and so on. Pour
the rest of the water down the drain, and your kitchen should be fresh,
cleansed and ready to do its magic once again.
The Bath
You may wish to acknowledge the Full Moon with a Moon bath.
Simply draw a half-tub of water, preferably cool but certainly not hot.
Dip out about a quart of this water with a glass or a crystal bowl. Then
hold this outside for a few moments, letting the Moon's light flood the
water. Then go back inside and add this water to your bath.
Cleansing ~
Purification
The Lemon Infusion
When the Moon is full, completely peel nine lemons using your hands
alone. As you finish peeling each one, place the peels in a bucket or a
large bowl of water.
Next, gently squeeze the peels into the water, expressing their oils
until the sharp, clean fragrance of lemon hangs heavily in the air. Visualize
the lemons' powers cleansing your home of negativity.
Next, visualizing, scrub the floors, doorknobs and windows with lemon
water. Pour a little of the remaining water down each drain. Repeat this
ritual each Full Moon.
House Cleansing Ritual
Adapted from the book "Earth Magick: Dianic Witchcraft". You may use
whatever Goddess for your blessing of each room. These are what I used.
Night of the Full Moon
Tools to be used:
Athame
Incense
Holy Water
Sea Salt
White candle
Starting at the front door and going counter clockwise to every entrance
and opening, hold a lit white candle in your
left hand and athame in you right. Using the athame, draw in mid-air the
pentagram, with blue flames a-glowing.
"In the name of the Goddess and the God, I banish all negativity in all
time and in all space."
After that is done, proceed to use each of the four elements; starting
at the front door, working counter clockwise throughout your household.
Incense is the element of Air. Become this element and at each entrance
and opening chant, "Her breath cleanses, Her breath brings love, Her
breath protects."
Sea salt is the element of Earth. Become this element and at each
entrance and opening chant, "Her body cleanses, Her body brings love,
Her body protects."
Holy water is the element of Water. Become this element and at each
entrance and opening chant, "Her blood cleanses, Her blood brings love,
Her blood protects."
White candle lit is the element of Fire. Become this element and at each
entrance and opening chant, "Her spirit cleanses, Her spirit brings
love, Her spirit protects."
After the elements are finished, go through each room and assign a Deity
to fine tune the energy:
Goddess Hestia -- Kitchen
"May your warm hearth and heart bring love and well being to the foods I
make here."
Goddess Cerridwen --- Altar room
"May your intuition, wisdom and magick bring inspiration to the workings
that I do. Help me to be the Witch, to be the angel on earth."
Add half a cup of milk, 3 drops of white wine and a bit of lemon peel to
the water. Light a white candle and burn jasmine, lotus, gardenia or
sandalwood incense. Bathe, feeling the Moon's cool, wet power flooding
through you, nurturing and comforting you. If you wish, close your eyes
and imagine the Moon directly above, shining in full glory.
Use Your Senses to
Create a Sacred Home
By Lorraine Aho used with permission
Your home is a shelter, a safe haven and a place to hang your hat. It is
also a reflection of your soul, of who you are and what you value. Your
home should be a sanctuary where you can feel nurtured and refreshed.
Coco Chanel was fond of saying, "An interior is the natural projection
of the soul." Creating your own sacred space in your home is as easy as
using your five senses, sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. Follow
along as we tour your home and show you five easy ways to begin creating
your sacred home today.
What does your sacred home look like? What do you see as you walk up to
the front door of your home? Your entryway is the important transition
between the outside world and your home. Paint your front door a
welcoming color, place some flowering plants on your front steps and
hang prayer flags that flutter gently in the breeze. Now, step over the
threshold into the entryway to your home. Is it bright and joyful? Is it
inviting?
If your entryway is dark or dingy try hanging brightly colored artwork
or mirrors to reflect light. Different colors can evoke different
feelings so consider using blue for relaxation, yellow for energy, red
for passion, and white for clarity. At a minimum, keep this area clean
and free of clutter.
What does your sacred home sound like? Step inside, close the front
door, stop and listen. Most people are surprised to discover that the
ambient sound level in their homes is quite high. As you listen,
consider what kinds of sounds you hear. Are they happy sounds such as
birds chirping or children playing? Is it the stressful noise of traffic
or neighbors? Is it the irritating noise of phones ringing? Your living
room is where the outside world bursts in through telephones,
televisions, radios and computers. As with any boisterous guest, don’t
let the din of the world overstay its welcome. Create a retreat
atmosphere by switching off everything that makes noise. Don’t leave the
television on if no one is watching and don’t use it as background noise
while you are busy elsewhere.
What does your sacred home feel like? Walk into your bedroom and run
your hand across your bedspread and pillow. Do they feel soft and
inviting? Are they warm or sensuous? If you have difficulty falling
asleep, even little things such as the feel and texture of sheets can
have a big effect on how easily you doze off. You will spend nearly
one-third of your life asleep and the bedroom is your place to renew at
the beginning and relax at the end of each day. Make your bed using cool
cotton sheets during spring and autumn and crisp linen ones in summer
for a peaceful sleep. Cuddly flannel sheets and fluffy down comforters
create a cozy refuge in the wintertime. Have soft, fuzzy carpeting on
the floor or comfy slippers to coddle your bare feet and fluffy pillows
to cuddle your head.
What does your sacred home smell like? Your bathroom is the perfect
place to explore aromatherapy with bath salts, candles, oils and soap.
Quality and not quantity is what is important, so shop for pure oils and
essences and beeswax candles with a pure cotton wick. Products
containing pure oils and essences have stronger healing properties than
those made from chemicals. Research has shown that one of the fastest
ways to influence mood is through smell. Some aromatherapy scents to
consider: the heady bouquet of rose for romance, the soothing aroma of
vanilla for comfort, the delicate scents of lavender, geranium or
rosemary for relaxation, the fresh fragrances of orange or peppermint
for energy.
What does your sacred home taste like? Your kitchen is the place to
celebrate life; to nourish and be nourished. Honor your family heritage
and create a dish similar to one your great-great grandmother might have
prepared. Are you stuck in a taste rut with not enough zest in your
food? Buy a new spice like cardamom or turmeric. Use all of your taste
buds sweet, sour, bitter, salty and taste textures such as crunchy,
creamy or chewy. Eat slowly and savor your food. Experiment by creating
ethnic dishes together with friends to nourish and sustain both your
body and your spirit.
You can easily transform your house into a sanctuary for your spirit by
using your five senses. When you become aware of your surroundings and
trust your instincts, you can turn your home into a reflection of your
soul.
SEEING
"The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend."
--Henri L. Bergson
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lorraine Aho is the founder of SacredHome.com for the art and soul of
your home® To learn other tips for creating a sacred home, visit us
here.
Sacredhome ....for the art and soul of your home
www.SacredHome.com
888-599-4106.
Meal Magick
by Kristen Madden used with permission
Food! It nourishes us and comforts us. It is part of social ritual, and
in some cultures the central focus of specific ceremonies celebrating
the spirit of all manner of magical creatures.
Most of us have a weakness for certain foods. The mere thought of
gourmet treats can make some of us salivate; we feel better just by
eating them. For example, chocolate often acts as rose quartz, making us
feel soothed and loved. For some of us, good wine or coffee has this
effect. For others, it is cake or lobster.
Many people today are very careful about the foods they eat. We may
purchase organic vegetables or farm-raised fish. We might avoid the meat
of animals that have received hormone injections or antibiotics. Those
carnivores among us with an understanding of energy systems may take
this a step further and only purchase meat from animals that were raised
and killed in what they consider to be humane methods.
We all recognize the energy that we invest in our eating. After all,
this is the reason that cake and ale are often shared at the end of
Pagan rituals. However, we can carry the sacred meal over into our daily
lives, and the preparation of food and drink can become a powerful time
to work blessing magic.
Magic of Food
Food does much more than simply entertain our taste buds or comfort us
when we are feeling down. Because we take in both the energy and the
physical matter of the food we consume, it can nourish us on many
levels. Not only are we receiving the energy of the plant or animal
matter that we ingest, we are also receiving energetic traces of those
people who have handled this food.
Through preparing foods and drinks in a sacred manner, we invest in them
with beneficial energies that truly nurture the body and spirit. As
"Kitchen Witches," we clear our personal energy of the tensions and
worries of the day just as we would for any ritual. We bring our magical
selves to the preparation of food and drink, charging our cooking or
preparation utensils with blessings and beneficial energies.
As followers of earth-based religions, Pagans often develop a deep
respect and gratitude for the blessings of Mother Earth and her
children. While we understand that all species play a role in the food
web of this planet, we also see the manifestation if spirit in the
plants and animals we eat. Through the use of meal blessings, we honor
their sacrifice and release any personal or unwanted energies before we
begin our meals.
Keep this in mind when you come to your kitchen. Make every effort not
to bring potentially harmful emotions to the preparation of food or
drink. Begin by purifying yourself and your working area through the use
of smudge, incense, or meditation. Count yourself down from ten to one
or simply take a few deep breaths to center your energy.
Once your energy is clear, consciously direct blessings into the pots,
utensils, and ingredients that go into your meal. Hold your hands out
with the palms open to these objects, take a deep breath, and visualize
your love and prayers flowing hands into the food and drink. You may
want to charge these items with specific prayers or simply send white
light to your loved ones.
You may also want to direct a special mealtime prayer to the food and
drink. The following prayer may be used in this way. It is a wonderful
blessing for the whole family, bringing a sense of gratitude and honor
to each meal.
..Great Spirit,
..We thank you for the gift of this food.
..We send blessings of peace, love, and
release to all whose bodies energies brought us this nourishment. We
honor you in our enjoyment and utilization of this meal.
..May it bring us health and joy, reminding us
of our interconnections with all that is.
..As we receive, so do we give thanks for this
gift.
..With young children, it is best to keep
prayers short, simple, and to the point as below.
..Thank you, Great Spirit
..Thank you, chicken and peas and milk (or
other food items)
..Thank you, Mother Earth
..We love this food.
Unlike food that fills the stomach before its digested, drink more
instantly enter our systems. It is sometimes easier to feel and
visualize a liquid filling our bodies and bringing blessings to every
cell. Humans have been consecrating ritual liquids and charging them
with blessings for millennia. We can use or adopt the meal blessing
above to carry forth a tradition of working magic through sacred drinks.
You might also try this variation for more personal blessings.
Hold your cup in both hands and raise it to your third eye in the center
of your forehead. Allow the energies of Earth and sky to fill your being
and pass through your third eye into the cup. Offer this drink to the
Great Spirit or God and Goddess. State that you honor them as you drink,
and ask that they fill you with their blessings. If you have specific
prayers or energy you need, see it flow into the drink. Ask that the
liquid fill your being, permeating your cells and resonating with your
energy field to help you manifest these blessings. With each sip,
appreciate the consecrated liquid this drink has become. End by saying,
"So Mote it Be."
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