Seasonal Altar Adornments & Foods

Yule
Decorate Altar with evergreens (pin, rosemary, bay, juniper, and cedar) and Dried leaves. Appropriate Foods include nuts, apples, pears, cakes of caraway's soaks in cider, pork. Serve Wassail,hibiscus, or ginger tea to drink.

Imbolc
Decorate Altar with White flower (representing snowflake), or snow in a crystal container. Orange candle anointed with musk, cinnamon,frankincense, or rosemary oil. Appropriate Foods include all dairy foods. Sour cream dishes. spicy, full-bodied foods in honour of the Sun. Curries and all dishes made with peppers, onions, leeks,
shallots, garlic, or chives. Spiced wines and dishes containing raisins - all foods symbolic of the Sun - are traditional.

Ostara
Decorate Altar with Flowers, buds, and blossoms; cauldron filled with spring water. Appropriate Foods include seeds (sunflower, pumpkin,sesame seeds) pine nuts. Sprouts; leafy, green vegetables. Flower dishes such as stuffed nasturtiums or carnation cupcakes. Fake carnation cupcakes: make spice cupcakes. Frost with pink frosting and place a fresh carnation petal on top of each cupcake. Stuffed
Nasturtium blossoms: stuff the blossoms with a mixture of cream cheese, chopped nuts, chives, and watercress.

Beltane
Decorate Altar area with a small, potted tree inside the Circle. Make flower garland, string of beads, or small bags filled with flowers to hang from the tree in honour of the marriage of god and goddess. Appropriate Foods include dairy and dishes such as marigold custard and vanilla ice cream. Oatmeal cakes.

Litha
Decorate Altar with an herbal petition packet made up of herbs such as lavender, camomile, St. John's wort, vervain, or any other Midsummer herbs. All troubles, problems, and woe should be pored into this herb pouch, and then tied with a red string; to be thrown into the fire during the rite. Appropriate Foods include fresh fruits.

Lughnasadh
Decorate Altar with sheaves of wheat, barley or oats, fruit and breads, perhaps a loaf fashioned in the figure of the Sun or a man to represent the God. Corn dollies, symbolic of the Goddess, can be present as well. Appropriate Foods include bread, blackberries and all berries, acorns (leached of their poisons first), crab apples,
all grains and locally ripe produce. A cake is sometimes baked, and cider is used in place of wine.

Mabon
Decorate Altar with acorns, oak sprigs, pine and cypress cones, ears of corn, wheat stalks and other fruits and nuts. Basket with dried leaves of various colours and kinds. Appropriate Foods include the second harvest's gleanings: grains, fruit, and vegetables (especially corn). Cornbread is traditional, as are beans and baked squash.

Samhain
Decorate Altar with apples, pomegranates, pumpkins, squashes and other late autumn fruits. Autumn flowers like marigolds and mums. Appropriate Foods include beets, turnips, apples, corn, nuts,gingerbread, cider, mulled wines and pumpkin dishes are appropriate,as are meat dishes.

Shell Correspondences

ABALONE:
General use. Use to contain empowered herbs, stones, and other magical uses.

CLAM SHELLS:
Used for purification and love. A small clam shell may be etched with a rune and made into a potent talisman.

CONCHES:
Love magic.

CONE SHELLS:Used in protective spell crafts.

COWRIES:
Cowries are specific tools of prosperity and money; many cultures once used them as money. Some contemporary religions associate cowries with goddesses and with female mysteries. In this respect, they're fine for enhancing spirituality.

LEFT HANDED WHELKS:
Use for making dramatic, positive changes in your life.

LIMPETS:Courage, confidence, physical strength.

MOON SHELLS:
Psychic awareness, purification, and peace.

OLIVE SHELLS:
Healing.

OYSTERS:
Love and good fortune.

TOOTH SHELLS:
Money.

SAND DOLLARS:
Wisdom

SCALLOPS:
Useful for spells involving travel and movement.

Heal Your Pet With Crystals

Amber - Improves vision and the throat, kidneys and bladder. This soothing stone will calm nerves and enliven the stick-in-the-mud pet to be a bit cheerier, while calming a hyperactive one. As well, amber is an excellent stone to hold while in the company of a pregnant or birthing animal.

Amethyst - This is a powerful all-around healer, improving hearing and the nervous and skeletal systems predominately. It also aids the digestive tract, heart, stomach, skin and teeth. It is a great help if your pet battles arthritis.

Aventurine - If you and your pet have just moved to a new location, aventurine is perfect for both of you. As it helps to strengthen your blood, lungs, heart and adrenal glands; it will also strengthen your desire to explore and get out. Aventurine will hearten your indecisive pet, and increase muscle tone.

Citrine - If your pet is moody, fearful or always awake while you wish to sleep, citrine is the stone of your dreams. This energetic stone will aid his/her digestive tract and alleviate fears, depressions and insomnia.

Jade - This is a stone traditionally held to increase one's lifespan, and to facilitate maximum comfort while the end is near. Jade assists the immune system, kidneys and heart, insures a healthy sheen to your pet's coat - all through his long life.

Lapis Lazuli - This stone protects, relieves and stimulates your pet. An all around "good vibe" stone, it also strengthens the throat, bone marrow and immune system; as well as relieving dizziness and occasional insomnia. Lapis is the strongest stone your can use to relieve the pain of leukemia and bone cancer.

Quartz Crystal - When you place a quartz crystal around your pets neck, not only will it increase his immunities, stimulate his thyroid, and decrease respiratory problems; it is also an excellent training stone. Quartz crystal amplifies communication between human and animals, and strengthens mental clarity. This stone increases capabilities of learning from one's master and teacher.

Rose Quartz - Use a rose quartz for your pet when it has been wounded, or recently undergone surgery. If your pet is aloof, lonely or isolated, rose quartz will help him/her learn the powers of love and gentleness. As well, if you are inviting a new pet into a full household, this stone will help spread the love equally, and facilitate harmony with all your animals.

Unlucky at Love?

According to the Gypsies, the following days are considered to be unlucky for Love. Dont start a relationship, get married, etc. on these dates:

January - 1, 2, 6, 14, 27
February - 1, 17, 19
March - 11, 26
April - 10, 27, 28
May - 11, 12
June - 19
July - 18, 21
August - 2, 26, 27
September - 10, 18
October - 6
November - 6. 17
December - 5, 14, 23

Herbs for Imbolc

Herbs can play an important role in any Sabbat celebration. At Imbolc, which is still in the middle of winter, the herbs play a practical as well as a spiritual role since they can be used to fortify the physical strength of the individuals that ingest them, therefore making it more likely that you will survive the rest of winter in good health.

Some of the herbs (By no means an all-inclusive list) that are particularly available and/or useful during this season are:

* Ash (leaf or wood) - Imbolg's symbolic tree is the ash tree and it is called the herb of the sun. Medicinally, reputed to clear obstructions from the spleen and liver.

* Celadine - Magickally, reputed to bring joy and cure depression. Medicinally, used to help jaundice and eczema. The fresh juice is used to cure warts, ringworm and corns. The roots are good for hemorrhoids.

* Chamomile - Magickally, it is used for purification and protection as well as Initiative and energy in adversity. Medicinally, it is antibacterial and used for upset stomachs and fevers

* Coriander - Magickally, for healing, especially headaches, love and health. Medicinally, it strengthens the urinary system and eases gas & indigestion

* Dragon's Blood - Magickally, drives away evil and negativity while building love and potency. Medicinally, it promotes healing and stops bleeding (used externally).

* Garlic - Magickally, good for protection and courage. Guards against foul weather. Medicinally, Prevents and cures intestinal worms. Very antiseptic, it is good for sore throats, bronchitis and infections.

* Heather - Magickally, Brings good luck and promotes peace in the home. Medicinally, strengthens the heart, suppresses coughing and aids sleeplessness.

* Lemon - Magickally, used for longevity, purification, love and blessings. Medicinally, it raises the vitamin C levels in the body, thus fighting rickets and scurvy.

* Myrrh - Magickally good for purification and blessings, exorcism, healing, and spirituality. Medicinally, Promotes circulation and increases heart rate and power.

* Rose Hips - Magickally, it is good for love, attraction, healing, sleep, peace of mind and spiritual peace. Medicinally, it provides one of the best natural sources of vitamin C available. They are used to combat acute disease and to build up the body and strengthen the immune system.

* Sage - Magickally, it boosts self-esteem and is good for protection, and exorcism. Medicinally, ensures long life, eases sore throat, dries up breast milk and is useful as a poultice for sores and stings

* Sunflower - Magickally, used for fertility, wishes, wisdom and health, Medicinally, fevers, vomiting, lung and throat problems, coughs and colds.

* Vervain - Magickally, good for purification and peace. Medicinally, used to treat the liver and diseases related to the liver, exhaustion, fatigue, fever, insomnia, asthma, post-natal depression, as well as painful or irregular menses. It will also help increase the flow of a mother's milk (after birth of the child).

* Violets - Magickally, used for protection, luck, and love. Medicinally, they are effective in healing internal ulcers. It is used both internally and externally for pimples, abscesses, tumors, and swollen glands.

* Witch hazel - Magickally, used for protection. Medicinally, used externally for insect bites, burns, bleeding wounds, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins. Internally it will stop bleeding from internal organs, treats bronchitis, flu, and coughs as well as promotes healing of stomach ulcers.

Herbal Bouquets

Herbal Bouquets: Language Of Herbs

The healing powers of herbs have long been known. And, in addition to their medicinal properties herbs, like flowers, speak a silent, symbolic language. While in recent times, flowers have become the more popular way to convey messages of love and caring, in ancient times, and even as recent as the Victorian era, herbal bouquets were exchanged to express that which words could not.

Some herbs have many meanings, even varying in interpretation by different sources. Others have very specific messages, such as Rosemary which symbolizes remembrance says, "Your presence revives me." A considerate nosegay of Chives asks, "Why do you weep?" Verbena's reassuring message is "You have my confidence." Abor Vitae conveys unchanging friendship saying, "Live for me." Mugwort bestows sentiments of happiness and travel, telling its recipient, "Be not weary." Sage speaks of domestic virtues, long life, and good health. Its potent message is, "I will suffer all for you."

Alas, not all herbal messages are loving or even uplifting. Borage speaks of bluntness and says, "Your intentions only embarrass me." Lemon Balm begs, "Don't misuse me," and the spiciness of Savory tells it like it is, "The truth may be bitter." Goldenrod offers a little more encouragement while sending a message of indecision, pleading, "Allow me time to decide."

Still, the language of herbs can be light-hearted and humorous. The common cooking herb Parsley stands for useful knowledge, festivity, joy, and victory while claiming, "The woman of the house is boss." Sweet Marjoram tells a persistent admirer, "Your passion sends blushes to my cheeks."

The following offers the symbolic messages of other herbs:

Balm - sympathy Basil (sweet) - good or best wishes, love or serious intentions
Bergamot (Monarda, Bee Balm) - compassion, sweet virtues
Betony - surprise, healing Calendula - sacred affections, joy, remembrance, grief
Catnip - intoxication with love
Chamomile - energy in adversity
Cilantro (Coriander) - hidden worth
Cowslip - pensiveness, happiness
Dill - good spirits
Elder -zealousness
Fennel - worthy of praise or flattery
Geranium - present preference
Gloxinia - a proud spirit
Hop - injustice
Ivy - friendship, matrimony, fidelity, constancy
Lavender - acknowledgment, suspicion, devotion, loyalty
Mint - grief, homeliness, wisdom, eternal refreshment
Marigold - despair, grief, honesty
Nasturtium - optimism, splendor
Pennyroyal - flee away
Peppermint - cordiality
Santolina - protection
Sorrel - affection
Southernwood - bantering jest
Spearmint - warmth of sentiment
Tansy (Tannacetum) - resistance, life everlasting, hostile thoughts
Thyme - thriftiness, happiness, courage

Herbs heal on many levels and offer us a way to convey our sentiments through their beauty and fragrance. Herbs may be combined with other herbs or flowers in a posy or nosegay to convey just the sentiment you wish to express to someone you care about.

~Source Unknown~

Symbolic Animal Guardians Around the House

When examining the surrounding landforms of your home, we often refer to the 5 symbolic celestial animals. Locating and observing the position of each animal helps us identify certain feng shui aspects, which can be enhanced or remedied accordingly. Once you understand the basic principles behind the placement and function of each celestial animal position, you will be able to balance and streng then the surrounding land form around your home in order to encourage harmonious and nurturing energy for you and your family.

THE PROTECTIVE BLACK TORTOISE

The Tortoise area refers to the rear of your home (ie, the back yard). In order to feel secure and supported within your home, your back area should contain a protective ‘mountain effect’ which is symbolic of the Tortoise’s strong, hard shell. You can introduce this Tortoise feature by having a solid fence or a row of trees or a collection of large earthenware pots or statuary along the back boundary behind your home. You can also simulate the Tortoise support with a shed or other building structure at the rear of the property, which is solid, uncluttered and tidy. A statue of a single Tortoise will symbolically add the Tortoise influence to your backyard, however you will still need to add a ‘mountain’ feature to enjoy the protective qualities of the Tortoise support. The Tortoise feature helps retain accumulated chi that has entered your property, as well as protecting your back. If the rear of your property slopes away from the home, then your back is weakened. You will need to add tortoise support via the above-suggested features, and you should also consider adding up-lights to the back area to symbolically raise the chi.

THE GREEN DRAGON

When standing in your front yard looking towards your home, the Dragon side is on the right hand side of your property. The Dragon side of your property should ideally be higher than the Tiger side, as the Dragon keeps the Tiger energy benevolent. If your neighbor’s house on the Dragon side is taller than yours, then this is OK from a feng shui perspective, as their house represents protective dragon energy. Keeping this in mind, it is still important to retain a sense of balance in your surroundings - so you don’t want to be totally overshadowed by any neighboring buildings. If they tend to substantially rob your home of sunlight, block a beautiful view or overhang above your property, then the building is potentially draining beneficial chi from you. You can introduce Dragon energy by planting a raised garden area with flowering trees and shrubs, having your driveway on the Dragon side (the yang activity activates the benevolent Dragon energy), installing up-lights to symbolically raise the chi, placing 9 stepping stones in this area in a meandering fashion, and/or by placing statues or pots with dragon images on the Dragon side of your property.

THE CRIMSON PHOENIX

The Phoenix area is the front yard of your property. This is the area where chi first enters your property. From a feng shui perspective, we want to attract and accumulate positive sheng chi energy to this area. One of the fundamental key principles behind the term ‘feng shui’ (translating literally as ‘wind water’) is the concept that positive energy is carried along by the ‘wind’ (or unseen energy currents all around us) and is attracted to and captured by ‘water’. You can simulate the chi-attracting benefits of water in the Phoenix area by adding a ‘Footstool’ effect to the front yard, in order to capture and retain beneficial chi as it enters your property. You do this by creating a mound of earth (ie garden bed) that is raised (like a footstool in front of the home), while also maintaining an open area in the middle of the front yard for the chi to accumulate (known as the ‘Bright Hall Effect’). You can further stimulate the attraction of beneficial chi to your Phoenix area by planting bright displays of flowers in the front yard to add positive growth and abundance chi. Red colored flowers are especially auspicious for the front area. The Phoenix influence can also be symbolically introduced to the front yard (in conjunction with the above suggestions), by adding statuary, artworks, whirlygigs and symbols depicting birds (ie rooster, phoenix, peacock etc). If your front yard is lower than the road level, then you can symbolically raise the chi by installing up-lights in the front yard, which shine up onto the front face of the house to make it visually appear taller.

THE WHITE TIGER

When standing in your front yard looking towards your home, the Tiger side is on the left hand side of your property. Ideally, any neighboring buildings on this side should be lower than your home, otherwise the Tiger energy can become too strong and it can turn against you (often in the form of negative relations with the neighbors). Try to ensure that the garden area on the Tiger side is lower than the Dragon side. Plant low-growing shrubs and plants on this side. White flowering plants are considered auspicious for the Tiger side. If your driveway is located on the Tiger side, then each time cars travel along this part of your property, the Tiger is said to be prowling. This is especially symbolized at night when the car headlights traveling up the side of your property resemble Tiger-eyes glowing in the dark. The yang activity connected with a driveway on the left side of your property can turn the Tiger against you. If your driveway is situated on this side, make sure it is kept uncluttered and relatively quiet, and concentrate on building up your Dragon side to keep the Tiger energy benevolent.

THE SNAKE

This celestial creature represents the heart of your home, (ie the Center of your dwelling). Ideally, the Center of your home should be open and uncluttered, so the Snake energy can flow freely and communicate with the surrounding external guardians. In feng shui, the Snake is known to be a wise and sagacious creature. Its position in the Center of your home indicates the need to utilize your knowledge of the surrounding celestial guardians in order to feel balanced and centered within your own home environment.

Feather Magic

FEATHER MAGIC

In natural magic feathers are used in spells and ceremonies to promote change. They are used as catalysts to help focus concentration while carrying out spells and wishes.

The medicine bag, also called power pouch or sachet, often includes special feathers which have meaning to the wearer and help attracting good luck as well as driving away bad things.

Feathers are often used to focus concentration in spells.

Feathers are magically ruled by the element of air. This makes them good communication helpers. But each feather also can hold other special powers; depending on the bird it came from, its color and place of discovery and other factors.

The knowledge what kind of feather is best used for what kind of intent can only be found out for oneself by trial and error. A pigeon feather is not as helpful for creating a defense strategy than a feather taken from a bird of prey.

The general rule for future feather magicians is always to use self found feathers rather than bought ones. A shop cannot substitute a walk in nature, nor the joy when the wanted feather is finally found.

Feathers are often used to focus concentration in spells

Feathers used for magical undertakings are mainly determined by the energy which is brought into the feather by the magician him/herself through concentration and thought. Beside from the energy the magician brings into the object, feathers hold certain natural abilities.

PEACOCK:

Peacock Feathers were thought to be very unlucky, because they resemble an eye. The eye shape represented the evil eye which people were afraid of. Today the beauty and natural strength of the peacock feathers are again recognized. They are specially valued for their multicolored eyes.

BLUE JAY BIRD

Blue Jay feathers are valued as bringer of light and joy and are said to have the ability to brighten up even the darkest places.


FEATHER COLOR CORRESPONDENCES

WHITE:
Purification, spirituality, hope, protection, peace and blessings of the Moon.

GREEN:
Money, fertility and growth.

BROWN:
Health, stability, grounding and matters in the home.

ORANGE:
Attraction, energy and success.

YELLOW:
Intelligence and blessings of the Sun.

PINK:
Love.

GRAY:
Peace and neutrality; hope and balance.

BLUE:
Psychic awareness, peace and health; change.

BLACK:
Not recommended.

RED and BROWN:
Healing animals.

BROWN and WHITE:
Happiness.

BLACK and WHITE:
Union and protection.

GREEN and RED:
Finances.

BLACK and PURPLE:
Deep spirituality.

Chakras & Corresponding Physical Body

1st Chakra - RED
Organs: Physical Body Support; base of spine; legs, bones, feet, rectum & immune system. Mental/Emotional: Safety & security; ability to stand up for one-self, feeling at home.
Physical Problems: Chronic lower back pain, sciatica, varicose veins, rectal tumors/cancer, depression & immune disorders.

2nd Chakra - ORANGE
Organs: Sexual organs, large intestine, lower vertebrae, pelvis, appendix, bladder & hips.
Mental/Emotional: Blame & guilt, money & sex, power & control, creativity, ethics & honor in relationships.
Physical Problems: Chronic lower back pain, sciatica, ob-gyn problems, pelvic/low back pain, sexual potency & urinary problems.

3rd Charka - YELLOW
Organs: Abdomen, stomach, upper intestines, liver, gall bladder, kidneys, pancreas, adrenal glands, spleen & middle spine.
Mental/Emotional: Trust, fear & intimidation, self-esteem, self-confidence, self-respect, care of others, sensitivity to criticism & personal honor.
Physical Problems: Arthritis, gastric or duodenal ulcers, pancreatitis/diabetes, indigestion, anorexia or bulimia, liver dysfunction, hepatitis & adrenal dysfunction.

4th Chakra - GREEN
Organs: Heart & circulatory system, lungs, shoulders & arms, ribs/breast, diaphragm & thymus gland.
Mental/Emotional: Love & hatred, resentment & bitterness, grief, self-centered behavior, loneliness & commitment, forgiveness & compassion, hope & trust.
Physical Problems: Congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, mitral valve prolapse, asthma/allergy, lung cancer, bronchial pneumonia, upper back, shoulder & breast cancer.

5th Chakra - BLUE
Organs: Throat, thyroid, trachea, neck vertebra, mouth, teeth & gums, esophagus, parathyroid & hypothalamus.
Mental/Emotional: Choice of strength of will, personal expression, following one's dreams, using personal power to create, addiction, judgment & criticism, faith & knowledge.
Physical Problems: Raspy throat, chronic sore throats, mouth ulcers, gum difficulties, tempo mandibular joint problems, scoliosis, laryngitis, swollen glands & thyroid problems.

6th Chakra - PURPLE
Organs: Brain, nervous system, eyes, ears, nose, pineal gland & pituitary gland.
Mental/Emotional: Self-evaluation, truth, intellectual abilities, feelings of adequacy, openness to ideas of others, ability to learn from experiences & emotional intelligence.
Physical Problems: Brain tumor/hemorrhage/stroke, neurological disturbances, blindness/deafness, full spinal difficulties, learning disabilities & seizures.

7th Chakra - WHITE
Organs: Muscular system, skeletal system & skin.
Mental/Emotional: Ability to trust life, values, ethics & courage, humanitarianism, selfishness, ability to see larger picture, faith & inspiration, spirituality & devotion.
Physical Problems: Paralysis, genetic disorders, bone cancer, multiple sclerosis.


* Anatomy of the Spirit: The seven stages of power and healing by Caroline Myss, Ph.D., 1996
http://www.celticattic.com/tips_hints/meanings/chakras.htm

Goddesses of the Zodiac

1. Aries = Athena, The Morrigan, Minerva
2. Taurus = Hathor, Isis, Io, Venus, Selene
3. Gemini = Kali, Parvati, Tefnut, Leda
4. Cancer = Ix Chel, Ida, Senene, Luna
5. Leo = Arinna, Cybele, Neshto, Juno
6. Virgo = Kwan Yin, Bel, Inanna, Diana, Ishtar
7. Libra = Ishtar, Aphrodite, Dike, Themis
8. Scorpio = Pele, Tiamat, Ishara, Selket
9. Sagittarius = Artemis, Diana, Pingala
10. Capricorn = Awehai, Ida, Amalthea, Vesta
11. Aquarius = Mawu, Cybele, Sophia, Iris, Juno
12. Pisces = Nammu, Anuit, Aphrodite, Dione