HERBS OF THE MOON

HERBS OF THE MOON
The energies of the Moon effect the activities of the subconscious,
the intuition, dream work and the emotions. The plants attributed to
the Moon act principally on the major fluids of the body and on the
stomach (attributed to Cancer, ruled by the Moon). Their fluidic
action is primarily regulatory and eliminative. Much of the
digestive activity seems also to influence the individual’s moods –
the emotional effect of stomach action being well known so this dual
action of several of the herbs makes a great deal of sense.

Several herbs bear marked resemblances to the Moon in her various
phases, both in color and shape of plant, fruit and flower. The
white fruits of fennel grow in pairs of curved oblong shapes that
seem to represent the waxing and waning lunar crescents. The lily,
long an associate of Lunar Goddesses, has round, bell-shaped flowers
that are frequently bright white and it bears oblong to crescent
shaped leaves. The fruit of the almond generally is also pure white
and oblong to crescent shaped.

Those herbs that deal with fluidity generally act upon water and
blood most specifically even as the Moon herself controls the tides
and the flow of blood. Cucumber helps eliminate excess water from
the body and is an anti-constipatory diuretic, particularly
effective in dissolving uric acid accumulations such as kidney
stones. Fennel and lily are eliminatives, laxatives and diuretics
and while the lily acts as a digestive antispasmodic, fennel is
commonly used to stimulate the flow of milk in nursing mothers.
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is particularly apt in its lunar
attribution in that in addition to its digestive and purgative
qualities, a decoction can be used quite effectively to regulate the
flow of menstrual blood.

Several Lunar herbs act on other fluids of the body (generally to
eliminate excess) as well as acting as digestives. Camphor, by
reducing fluid accumulation in the lungs and pleural sac, is an
excellent remedy for whooping cough and pleurisy. Bitter almond is
used as a cough remedy while sweet almond is used internally as a
soothing syrup and externally as an emollient. Meanwhile, white
sandalwood is used to reduce inflammation of mucosal tissue as well
as being a diuretic – a decoction of the wood can also be used for
indigestion.

Myrrh and Sandalwood share both astringent and stomachic properties,
but along with jasmin and bitter almond, they share qualities
ascribed to the Moon that surpass the simply medicinal. Bitter
almond and jasmin both have sedative effects, calming the nerves and
allowing a more intuitive, psychic lunar mode of brain function to
manifest. It is probably also this aspect that has earned jasmin its
reputation as an erotogen, the resultant intuitive empathy credited
with aphrodisical properties and the ability to overcome inhibition.
Almond, jasmin, sandalwood and myrrh seem when used in incense to
also possess the ability to trigger olfactorily the subtle, lunar
mode of perception that is so effective in work of intuition,
psychism and pathworking.

Magickally speaking, herbs of the Moon affect the subconscious mind.
They are a very good aid in the development of the intuition and of
psychic abilities as well as in remembering dreams. As they have
such a primary effect on the subconscious, they can be used to
successfully influence it to break old habits and to recall past
lives. Traditional Lunar herbs include anise,cabbage, camphor, cucumber,
iris, jasmine ,lettuce, lily, poppy, violet, willow,lotus, moonwort, mugwort , pumpkin and white
sandalwood.

author..unknown

Kitchen Tips Hints & Other Magical Stuff

Kitchen Tips Hints & Other Magical Stuff
Various Sources

* Please Note: In some of these suggestions it says that you are to simply
throw away what has gone bad. I personally always go bury and give it back to
the Earth and offer up a small prayer of thanks for what the item has done to
help me or my family out.

All purpose sifted flour is excellent for attracting money. Take a little
pinch and spread it somewhere dark…under your kitchen counter, in the back
of a cupboard, or under the sink.

Running out of salt supposedly foretells a loss of health or wealth. Always
keep an extra box of salt that you never use on a high shelf to help ensure
good fortune.

Fill a small jar with alfalfa and deposit it in the food cupboard. As long as
it remains there, the family will never know hunger.

Use buttons, change, safety pins, or toothpicks in a jar to work on abundance
and prosperity spells. Add an item each day to increase your prosperity.

Olive oil is a good substitute for any kind of anointing of candles and great
for mixing with oils and powders to bless and anoint surfaces.

A clove of garlic sitting on the sink board draws illness away from the
family. Don’t eat it; instead throw it away every month and replace it with a
new one.

Braids of garlic, onions, or peppers make a lovely decoration for your kitchen
and also ward off negativity.

An onion on your kitchen windowsill will absorb ill will. When it starts to
decay, replace it and throw it away. Do not eat it under any circumstances!

Leaded-glass crystal sun-catchers hung in a sunny kitchen window are excellent
protective devices.

Chili pepper seeds are wonderful for protective magick and repelling. Wash
them, let them dry out, and then place them in a little glass jar with a
lid. Bless your seeds in any way you wish. You can even make a label for
your jar that reads “Magickal Pepper Seeds” or whatever you like. You can use
the seeds to banish negativity from your home whenever you feel the need.
There are two methods for this:

1. Sprinkle a few seeds around your kitchen or home and then vacuum
or sweep them out the back door.

2. Place some seeds in a mortar and ground them to a powder.
Sprinkle the powder where needed and the proceed to vacuum or
sweep up. Discard out your back door.

When sweeping, remember to do so towards the fireplace, if you have one. If
not, sweep in any direction except towards the front door. If you ignore this
warning, you might remove your house’s luck.

Take two needles, make an equal-armed cross with them and place the cross in a
broom. Stand the broom behind a door and it will guard your home. When
standing a broom in the corner, put its bristles up, handle to the floor.
This not only ensures that the bristles will last longer, it also brings good
luck.

All household work–from scrubbing stains in the kitchen sink to swabbing the
floor with a mop to polishing wood furniture–should be done with clockwise
motions. This practice imbues your work, and the object you’re cleaning, with
positive energy.

Next time it rains, hang one of your dishrags outside to receive the liquid
blessings. Or, bury one outdoors by the light of the full moon. Both actions
are thought to be lucky.

Salt water left out in the centre of a room all night will absorb negativity.
Wash it away with flowing water the next morning. If you are on a septic
tank, either pour the water into the woods or into a body of running water.

When cooking any type of food, add magick to your cooking by drawing an
invisible pentagram inside your pots and pans with you finger, a wooden spoon
or another utensil. This guards the pan and the food, ensuring its
wholesomeness.

For good luck hang a “kitchen witch” doll in your kitchen to oversee and bless
your magickal workings. You can purchase one or make your own.

Turn a ladder into steps for success by painting the ladder in bright colours
and adding plants as decorative objects. Paint magickal symbols under the
rungs to help your prosperity (and plants) grow. As the plants grows, so does
your prosperity.

Grow an aloe plant in your kitchen. To soothe burns and scrapes, gently cut
off a mature, fleshy stalk, thanking the plant for its sacrifice, and squeeze
the gel from inside the leaf onto the wounded area. The aloe plant has
magickal properties as well–it also guards the cook against food preparation
accidents that can be very nasty. When using aloe gel in the kitchen, dab
some onto major appliances, windows, doors, and tools to safeguard them as
well.

When you purchase fresh herbs or gather them from your garden, cut the bottoms
off and place the herbs in a nice vase in your kitchen. This not only
brightens up the room, it adds fragrance, keeps the fresh herbs longer, and
has the added benefit of reminding you to use them in your dishes.

If you are having trouble following a recipe or are feeling generally “out of
it,” take a whiff of rosemary. This herb helps to promote mental clarity and
improve memory.

Sew herbs and magickal powders into the lining of your drapes. Place packets
of herbs or powders under throw rugs.

A quartz crystal placed on or near the stove when cooking makes food taste
better.

Copper molds can be hung on the kitchen walls to lend their rich colours.
Since copper is ruled by Venus, the planet of love, these molds also bring
love vibrations into the kitchen.

Wash all the dishes every night if you work with faerie magick. The fairies
don’t like dirt and they won’t let you sleep peacefully until the kitchen is
clean!

Bells or wind chimes hung from the doors guard against intruders and stagnant
energy. Hang them where the air currents can ring them. They will set up
movement in the air and clear the psychic energy of your home.

Sieves, sifters, and colanders hung or placed around the kitchen for
protective purposes will keep the kitchen secure.

A kitchen witch bottle can be constructed to protect your food from
contamination. Put three needles, three nails, and three pins 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.

If you wish to perfect your execution of a recipe, copy it in red ink. Lay
this on a flat surface in the kitchen. On top, place a red candle in a holder
and light the candle. Let it burn down completely before you try the recipe.
As it burns visualize yourself cooking the dish successfully.

When you burn food, cut yourself, drop pots and pans, or experience a rash of
accidents in your kitchen, this could indicate the need for a cleansing.

Before eating, place your hands on either side of the food and send energy to
the food through visualization. Receive its energy back and then enjoy.

In setting the table, put the salt on first, and take it off last thing after
the meal. The salt will guard the food and the diners. While dining with
others, pass the salt with a smile.

Pass items clockwise around the table to bless them with positive vibrations
and ensure that they are healthy.

Prior to eating any liquid with a spoon (such as soup or porridge), stir the
bowl’s contents clockwise three times, then withdraw the spoon and enjoy.

Turn your beverage glass clockwise three times before drinking to bless the
contents.

Whenever you make a toast, be sure that the glasses clink. If not, the toast
won’t be heard by the higher forces.

Always leave a morsel or two on your plate, for tradition says that they who
clean their plates will know only poverty.

The first time you use a new set of silverware, make a wish. Visualize the
wish every time you lift a fork or spoon and the wish may come true.

For unity, have all those sharing the meal drink from the same cup.

Decorate foods and beverages with unique toothpicks, umbrellas, stirrers, and
the like whose colour or imagery represents your goal; the item can then be
carried later as an amulet or charm to keep that energy going.

Choose a bowl, plate, or placemat whose colour or imagery represents your
magickal goal.

Arrange the food on the plate or platter in the form of a symbol to which you
can relate while eating, such as a smile for joy.

Cut food into a symbolic image, such as a toast house that you consume while
looking for a new residence.

Everyone manages to collect plastic grocery bags. Instead of stuffing them in
a crowded drawer, fold and pack them into an empty tissue box covered in
pretty self-stick paper. Then pull out as needed.

Storing Your Magick Stuff

If you’re anything like me, over time you have accumulated a mixed collection of herbs, oils and incenses. What do you do with it all? Stuff everything into a shoe-box, still in their original packages? Or display it on an altar? Whatever your storage method, you might want to think about what is best for the items, rather than what is best for you. Herbs can go stale, oils can go rancid and incense can go bland, if left in the wrong conditions for any length of time.

Herbs
If you are using fresh herbs for tea or ritual, then you should be using them up as quickly as possible. But dried herbs are a more common magickal item. The biggest problem facing dried herbs is exposure to air. Herbs will lose their aroma, texture and potency if left in the open air for even short periods of time. You shouldn’t leave your herbs in those little plastic bags from the herb store. They are prone to leaking, and your herbs will go stale in no time. The best way to store dried herbs is in jars with tight lids, and preferably stored in a dark place.

Oils
All oils, whether they are plain essential oils or custom ritual blends, should be kept out of the light. Good quality oils are usually sold in amber or cobalt blue bottles which are perfect to keep the oil at its best. Oils in these bottles can even be stored out on your altar, though I would keep them out of direct sunlight. Any oils that are in plain clear bottles should be either transfered to the darker bottles, or kept under wraps.

Incense
I used to store my incense sticks in the long bags I purchase them in, all bundled together in a box. Well, I ended up with a whole bunch of incense sticks that smelled the same. Even with the plastic bags, the scents blended and mingled until every stick had a pleasant but unidentifiable aroma. I have since purchased tall plastic containers designed for holding spaghetti. These work great, but they can get cumbersome if you have a lot of incense.

Overall, your supplies will last longer if you keep them protected and out of sight. If you like to keep your altar decorated with your supplies, you might want to select a few things for display only and not use them for ritual.

Creating Magickal Amulets

by Rev. Paul V. Beyerl

Rev. Paul V. Beyerl has published several books, including The Master Book of Herbalism, and heads The Hermit’s Grove and The Rowan Tree Church, located in Bellevue. This article is an excerpt from A Compendium of Herbal Magick, a work in progress covering the documented historical uses of herbs in folklore, ritual and religions.

The making of an amulet could easily take up the space of a small book, but I will attempt to distill a seven-hour workshop into a few paragraphs.

The words “amulet” and “talisman” are frequently used as if interchangeable. Many years ago, in order to distinguish between them, we adopted the following definitions: An amulet is a container that may be filled with herbs, stones or other things to promote magick. A talisman may be a disk, pendant or solid item, upon which may be depicted sigils or images. These definitions are used in this context only within The Hermit’s Grove and The Rowan Tree Church. It is not suggested that other uses of these words are either wrong or inappropriate.

An amulet is a tool created to help bring about changes within your life. It is a small container that, when completed, has energy or power and is quite magickal. We believe that amulets may be among the oldest forms of herbal magick, when the village wise one, sensing that a plant or stone had power within it, placed it in a pocket or container to carry about.

A “traditional” amulet (traditional outside my community) is one that has a purpose. All aspects of its design and creation are oriented toward the attainment of that goal. The amulet is assembled and constructed within the context of ritual, made very carefully and considered every bit as powerful and sacred as any of your ritual tools. An amulet is given a specific blessing or consecration toward that purpose, just as a novice may be initiated and ever after be considered a priest or priestess.

One of the mysteries of an amulet is that it is a microcosm of yourself, of the person for whom it is made, or of the situation that is the focus of the goal. It is like a small energy cell or battery, containing physical ingredients and focused energies providing a steady flow of energy. An amulet can be designed so that it will continually provide access to the infinite power of the universe throughout its existence. To understand a traditional amulet, give thought to the concept of the cauldron of Cerridwen, that infinite womb of creativity that is the core of the universe. From another perspective, an amulet is somewhat like a black hole, drawing energy from throughout the universe but holding it within, focused, directed solely toward the image that encompasses all aspects of your goal.

Our custom is to begin with a circle cut of leather. It should be at least six or eight inches in diameter. This flat circle is symbolic of a pentacle, that flat, round ritual tool that represents earth, or manifestation within the physical world.

To the practitioner, leather represents a gift of the creatures of the earth, representing elements of sacrifice, touching the mysteries of life and death, and is the material we can find that most closely corresponds to your physical body, which is the temple of your soul. The use of leather should never be taken lightly but is a very sacred and profound choice.

Around the perimeter of the leather circle, a series of holes should be pierced using either a leather punch or, as we have often done, a simple paper punch. A cord (chosen so that the length, color and type of thread enhance your magickal desires) is then threaded through the holes, creating a small drawstring bag.

Choose your herbs carefully. Any herb, including those too dangerous to ingest, can be included. You may also select small gemstones, add a personal piece of jewelry or lock of hair and even scribe sigils, images or words that will focus your will to bring your magick into manifestation. We recommend assembling your ingredients over a period of time. When my leather is complete, I set up a small altar. I lay the leather upon my copper pentacle or upon my altar stone and upon it I set a hand-carved, round wooden container with a flat lid. On days I consider important, I add one herb, replace the lid and set a votive candle upon the top. Sometimes I might cast a formal circle, and at other times I go about my activities, the light from the candle a constant reminder that there is magick brewing and an amulet in the works.

The final day should be one with natural power, whether a Full Moon or a birthday. Your amulet will be more powerful if all aspects of the work have power. Within an intricate ritual both formal and playful, the leather is cleansed and all ingredients placed within it. All movement and sound within the ritual is designed to draw upon the natural forces and connect the amulet with their power. And then, with ritual poetry and song, the leather circle is drawn closed and special candles are used to drip wax upon the opening so it is sealed.

Once an amulet is sealed, it should never again be opened. It is not medicine pouch. When your goal has been accomplished or the patterns of time have reached completion, the amulet must be returned to the universe. My preference is to bury it as a gift to the Mother, but there have been times when one has been placed into a flaming cauldron until reduced to ash, the ash then strewn upon sacred soil. Amulets are a wonderful way to develop your magickal skill, but they should be made rarely. The more lightly you treat this magickal use of herbs, the less likely they are to assist you with their magick. I have an amulet hanging in my truck. We have a household amulet, and I can’t imagine magickal life without a few of these sources of change.

Earth Herbs

Earth Herbs

Alfalfa: Alfalfa is kept in the home to protect against hunger and poverty. It is frequently burned and the ashes scattered around the home for the same reasons. It works well in money spells as well.

Barley: Barley is a healing herb and is known specifically to relieve toothaches. It is absorbent and will remove negative influences. Barley also can be scattered for protection.

Beet: Beet juice is sometimes used as magickal ink and as a substitute for blood in magickal use. It is known to attract love.

Buckwheat: Buckwheat is most often used in spells concerning money and/or protection. IT can be scattered, carried or burned.

Corn: Corn works well in matters involving fertility, luck and protection. It is frequently used in Sabbat rituals and as an offering.

Cotton: Cotton is known for it qualities of luck, healing and protection but has other specific uses as well. Burning cotton is thought to cause rain, while scattering cotton seeds assures a productive catch when fishing and repels ghosts. Cotton cloth is excellent for magickal use, as it is completely natural.

Cypress: Cypress is both a death herb and an immortality herb. It is a symbol of the crossover between the planes of life. It is a healing herb and is thought to increase one’s life span.

Fern: The fern improves health and increases luck and prosperity. It is an herb of exorcism and can banish any negative influences. It is said that burning the fern’s seeds will cause rain to fall, whereas carrying them will rend one invisible

Honesty: Also known as the silver dollar plant, honesty is used in prosperity spells and rituals.

Horehound: Horehound is protective and healing and is used in exorcism rituals. Drinking it is said to improve one’s mental powers.

Horsetail: Horsetail is used in fertility rituals and spells.

Knotweed: Knotweed is used in bindings and health spells. It is absorbent and therefore protective.

Loosestrife: Loosestrife holds within it the attributes of peace and protection. Simply scatter it around. It can also be given to someone to cease an argument.

Mugwort: Mugwort aids in astral projection, increases strength and psychic powers, and is protective. It is very useful in any type of intuitive work. (Note: Contact with mugwort may cause dermatitis. Also do not ingest.)

Oats: Oats are used primarily in money and prosperity spells.

Patchouli: Patchouli is useful in spells involving fertility or money. It is good substitute for graveyard dust.

Potato: The potato is often used as a poppet for image magick. It is also protective when carried.

Primrose: The primrose is carried to attract love. When growing in the garden, it attracts fairies. It also is said to protect against madness.

Quince: Eating quinces is said to promote love. If eaten while pregnant, it is thought to increase the intelligence of the child. The quince can be carried for protection.

Rye: Rye bread served to a loved one will ensure that your love is returned.

Sagebrush: Sagebrush, also known as white sage, is a cleansing herb. It has long been used by Native Americans in smudging ceremonies to drive away any negative influences.

Tulip: The tulip serves in matters of love, prosperity and protection. It may be carried or placed on the altar.

Turnip: Turnips is the home protect against every type of negativity. They are also used as poppets in image magick.

Vervain: The magickal use of vervain has been well documented throughout the ages. It was considered the most prized of the herbs among ancient Druids. It contains the magickal qualities of love, protection, purification, peace, youth, chastity, money, healing and sleep.

Vetivert: Vetivert is most useful as a curse-breaking herb. It also attracts money and luck

Wheat: Wheat attracts money and fertility.

Wood sorrel: Wood sorrel is a healing herb when placed in a sick-room or carried.

Black Bowel Scrying

Black Bowls

Simple tools like the black bowl or cauldron are very effective for

scrying. Simply pour water in a black bowl or cauldron and scry the

surface of the water.

Moon Phase: 3rd quarter

Items needed:

Dried herbs — rose petals, sea salt, jasmine, and

hyssop.

A large clear bottle or jar.

In a separate bowl, mix together the herbs.

Add one part herb mixture to four parts water.

Stir in 3 teaspoons of sea salt.

Pour mixture into the jar, cover, and place in a sunny spot.

Leave undisturbed until the last night of the 4th quarter of the waning

moon so both moon and sun energy will blend with herbs and water.

Watch it throughout its distillation. If the water level drops, you can

add another one-half to three-quarters cup of water.

Strain herbs and store water in a lidded container until use.

The water will look like tea.

Herb of the Day for August 4th is Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal

Folk Names: European Pennyroyal, Lurk-In-The-Ditch, Mosquito Plant, Organ Broth, Organs, Organ Tea, Piliolerian, Pudding Grass, Run-By-The-Ground, Squaw Mint, Tickweed

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Deity: Demeter

Powers: Strength, Protection, Peace

Magickal Uses: Pennyroyal placed in the shoe prevents weariness during travel and strengthens the body in general.

Stomach problems can be alleviated by stuffing a green poppet with mint and annointing it with healing oils

When worn it acts against the evil eye and aids in making business deals.

To rid a place of evil, sprinkle salt water with a sprinkler made of fresh sprigs of mint, marjoram, and rosemary.

When given to quarreling couples it will cause them to cease their fighting, and so pennyroyal is a herb of peace. Pennyroyal is kept in the home (away from pets and children) for protection. It is also carried on board ships to prevent seasickness.

Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham

Pennyroyal

Folk Names: European Pennyroyal, Lurk-In-The-Ditch, Mosquito Plant, Organ Broth, Organs, Organ Tea, Piliolerian, Pudding Grass, Run-By-The-Ground, Squaw Mint, Tickweed

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Deity: Demeter

Powers: Strength, Protection, Peace

Magickal Uses: Pennyroyal placed in the shoe prevents weariness during travel and strengthens the body in general.

Stomach problems can be alleviated by stuffing a green poppet with mint and annointing it with healing oils

When worn it acts against the evil eye and aids in making business deals.

To rid a place of evil, sprinkle salt water with a sprinkler made of fresh sprigs of mint, marjoram, and rosemary.

When given to quarreling couples it will cause them to cease their fighting, and so pennyroyal is a herb of peace. Pennyroyal is kept in the home (away from pets and children) for protection. It is also carried on board ships to prevent seasickness.

Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham

Herb of the Day for July 24 is Primrose

Herb of the Day

Primrose

Folk Names: Butter rose, English cowslip, Password

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Earth

Deity Freya

Powers: Protection, love

Magickal Uses: Blue and red primroses growing in the garden protect it from all adversities, and they also attract fairies.

Though primroses, to some, represent wantonness, women carry them to attract love.