Sacred Plants of the Winter Solstice

Sacred plants of the Winter Solstice


Holly

Symbolizing: Old Solar Year; Waning Sun; Protection; Good Luck
Forms: boughs over portals, wreaths
Divinities: Holly King; Old Nick; Saturn; Bacchus; Wood Spirits; Holly Boys
Traditions: Roman, Celtic, English, Christian


Mistletoe

Symbolizing: Peace, Prosperity, Healing, Wellness, Fertility, Rest, Protection
Forms: boughs, amulet sprigs above doorways, kissing balls
Divinities: Oak Spirit; Frigga and Balder
Traditions: Celtic, Teutonic


Ivy

Symbolizing: Fidelity, Protection, Healing, Marriage, Victory, Honor, Good Luck
Forms: crowns, wreaths, garlands
Divinities: Dionysius; Bacchus; Great Goddess; Ivy Girls
Traditions: Greek, Roman, English, Christian


Frankincense

Symbolizing: Sun, Purification, Consecration, Protection, Spiritual Illumination
Forms: incense, oils
Divinities: Sun Gods, Ra at Dawn, Bel
Traditions: Babalyonian, Assyrian, Egyptian, Jewish, Greek, Roman, Christian


Myrrh

Symbolizing: Healing, Death and Afterlife, Purification, Inner Peace
Forms: incense, oils
Divinities: Isis, Ra at Midday
Traditions: Egyptian, Jewish, Christian


Wheat

Symbolizing: Sustenance, Abundance, Fertility, Good Luck
Forms: grain, straw figures and symbols, cookies, cakes, breads
Divinities: Earth Goddesses; Saturn & Ops; Goat Spirit; Fairy Folk
Traditions: Roman, Celtic, Scots, Teutonic, Swedish, Christian

Absinthe

Absinthe has been banned from this country and many others due to the fact that it causes hallucinations; not to mention that wormwood is a poison. If you are concerned about the wormwood, don't add it.

Ingredients:
1 pint vodka
2 tsp. crumbled wormwood (dried)
2 tsp. anise seed
1/2 tsp. fennel seed
4 cardamom pods
1 tsp. marjoram
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
2 tsp. chopped angelica root
1 2/3 cups sugar syrup

Preparation:
Place vodka in a large jar with a tight fitting lid. Add wormwood and shake well; steep for 48 hours and strain out. Crush seeds and pods in mortar. Add them and all remaining herbs to vodka and steep in a warm place for 1 week. Filter and sweeten. Pour into a bottle and enjoy a piece of history.

Suggestion:
Pour a half glass of water into a half glass of Absinthe for authenticity.

Note: This drink will be very bitter even with the sugar syrup in it. Wormwood is a bitter herb. The drink will be brown.

Druidic Tea: Willow Moon

Willow Moon:

Matters of the Otherworld; healing, love, water magick, feminine mysteries.

2 parts willow bark
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 part dried apples
pinch of rosemary

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

Druidic Tea: Vine Moon

Vine Moon:

Earth, sex magick, overcoming difficulties.

1 part blackberry
1 part dandelion
splash of grape juice
pinch of hibiscus

Do not take blackberry during first or second trimester of pregnancy.

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

Druidic Tea: Reed Moon

Reed Moon:

Fertility, love, protection.

1 part red clover
1 part hyssop
1 part boneset
pinch of slippery elm

Boneset is toxic in large doses or if taken over long period of time.

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

Druidic Tea: Oak Moon

Oak Moon:

Lust, strength, energy, endurance, fertility, fire magick, male mysteries.

1 1/2 parts white oak bark
1/2 part mint
1/2 part orange peel
pinch of cinnamon/nutmeg

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

Druidic Tea: Ivy Moon

Ivy Moon:

Healing, cooperation, binding.

1 part mullein
1/4 part wintermint
1/2 part barberry

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

Druidic Tea: Holly Moon

Holly Moon:

Matters of animals; magick, prophecy.

1 part kelp
1/2 part rose petals
1/2 part raspberry
pinch of yarrow

Do not use kelp during pregnancy, as it can cause miscarriage. DO NOT use kelp if you have a thyroid problem. Do not take raspberry during first or second trimester of pregnancy.

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

Druidic Tea: Hazel Moon

Hazel Moon:

Manifestations, protection, healing, fertility.

1 parts ginseng
1/2 part mugwort
pinch of savory
splash of any non-citrus juice

Note: Mugwort is a hallucinogen and toxic in large amounts. Use with caution, and as always, have a healthy respect for what the Goddess gives.

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

Druidic Tea: Hawthorn Moon

Hawthorn Moon:

Peace, sleep, dreams, prosperity, happiness.

1 part hawthorn
1 part catnip
1/2 part rue
1/2 part champagne

Do not use rue during pregnancy, as it can cause miscarriage. It can cause sensitivity to the sun and is toxic in moderate to large amounts.

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

Druidic Tea: Elder Moon

Elder Moon:

Exorcism, prosperity, astral travel, finding faeries.

1 part ginko
1 part mugwort
1 part valerian
1 part spearment
pinch of anise/anise extract
pinch of allspice

Valerian is a sedative, and shouldn't be taken in large amounts. (Also attracts cats like catnip, so keep it in a safe container if you don't want it to get chewed up)

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

Druidic Tea: Birch Moon

Birch Moon:

Matters of beginnings and children; purification.

3 parts ginger
1 part lemongrass
pinch of dill
splash of lemon juice

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

Druidic Tea: Ash Moon

Ash Moon:

Matters of the intellect; magick, healing.
2 parts angelica
1/2 part sage
1/2 part black cohosh
pinch of rosemary

Do not use black cohosh during pregnancy, as it can cause miscarriage. Black cohosh is a sedative and not to be taken in large amounts.

NOTE: Please be very, VERY careful when taking these teas! These are powerful herbs, meant to be used by more or less experienced herbalists and witches. To use, put in a tea ball and steep for 5 or 6 minutes.

A Pagan Woman's 13 Affirmations

1. I honor the energy of *birch*, for a new beginning. I am able to change myself as I will to do. So mote it be!

2. I honor the energy of *rowan* for protection against evil enchantment.I will not hobble myself with the chains of past failures. So mote it be!

3. I honor the energy of *alder*, for the protection of my inner oracle. Iwill listen to the voice of the Goddess Within. So mote it be!

4. I honor the energy of *willow*, for the lunar rhythms within me as a woman. I will recognize and heed my own body's cycles. So mote it be!

5. I honor the energy of *ash*, the magician's staff. I will recognize that "as above, so below," I play a part in the larger scheme of things. I will link my inner and outer worlds. So mote it be!

6. I honor the energy of *hawthorn* for cleansing and restraint. I will choose what I place within my body, and empty myself of all that violates my personal well-being. So mote it be!

7. I honor the energy of *oak*, the doorway to the mysteries. I will call upon the strength of the Horned One when I feel in need of protection. So mote it be!

8. I honor the energy of *holly*, spear of the warrior. I will not remain passive and victimized, but will choose to fight for my own freedom. So mote it be!

9. I honor the energy of *hazel*, the tree of wisdom. I will heed my own inner intuitions, and will be wise and informed in my choices. So mote itbe!

10. I honor the energy of *vine*, the tree of conviviality and celebration. I will love myself and will celebrate life, not seeing the choices I make as deprivations but gifts. So mote it be!

11. I honor the energy of *ivy*, the spiral to center. I will do all that I do because of my own inner desires. I will listen to myself, and will remain balanced and centered while I do this work. So mote it be!

12. I honor the energy of *reed*, the tool of the hunt. I will take direct action when necessary to protect myself, including the "killing" of old patterns, friendships and associations which harm me. So mote it be!

13. I honor the energy of *elder* which sees the end from the beginning. Throughout many lifetimes I have been here. I have the knowledge that I have changed myself again and again. I will start from where I am now, and continue to persist in my path. I will succeed. So mote it be!

~Source Unknown~

Hex Breaking Potion

If a hex has been cast against you or your family, make an infusion from the bark of the plant known as the Wahoo (Euonymus atropurpuracea) then let it cool.


Dip the fingertip of your right index finger into the infusion and then use it to trace the symbol of a cross on your forehead and/or those of the family members afflicted by the hex. As this is done, shout the work "Wahoo!" seven times.




According to occult tradition, the hex will be instantly broken.




WARNING: Do not drink the infusion as Wahoo is regarded as poisonous.

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~

How to Make Flower Essences

Flower essences originated with Paracelsus, the parent of modern alchemy, who collected dew from plants to treat his patients. They were later developed by Edward Bach, adoctor interested in homeopathy (which also uses ideas from alchemy). This method for making essences describes using the Sun, but you can also use the full Moon (and even tweak it by choosing the Moon when it's in a particular sign) or pure starlight (after the Moon has set). Needless to say, you can also use a particular aspect of the Moon's phase to develop an essence that speaks to particular level of consciousness, type of emotion, aspect of the spirit, or type of magick. This describes making an essence of flowers, but you can use the same technique to make an essence of leaves, whole herbs, roots, crystals, etc.

Get a clear glass bowl that has no markings. Since you have to cover the entire surface of the water with flowers, get a smallish bowl. You'll also need some sort of filter (an unbleached coffee filter works well). A funnel is useful for pouring the resulting essence into a small brown bottle (there is lots of discussion which color bottles preserve best--some people insist on using only brown, others recommend using violet or black). You'll need another clean glass container to filter the essence into. The water you use should not be from the faucet but spring water, rain water, or dew. The bottle you pour the essence into should be at least 30 ml.

When you decide what you want to make an essence of, ask the plant if you have permission to use it. You can do this by using your intuition (sit in front of the plant and let it talk to you) or by using a pendulum. On a sunny morning, fill the bowl half full of water. Pick enough flowers to cover the surface, being careful to keep them as whole as possible; some people believe that it is best not to touch the flowers but to cut them so they fall directly into the water. Leave the bowl in full sunlight for three hours. Make sure shadows don't fall on it in that time, and that children and animals don't mess with it. Remove the flowers carefully (you can use your hand or a leaf of the plant you are making an essence of) and filter the water into the clean container. Fill the brown bottle half full with vodka, brandy, Everclear, 151 rum, or wine (wine won't last as long but has its own energy). Top up with the essence. This is the mother essence. Label with the flower and the date. Store in a cool, dark place away from electrical and other energy sources, and it will keep indefinitely.

You can make stock bottles by putting one to seven drops of the mother essence into a bottle filled with either alcohol or a 50/50 mix of alcohol and water. If you are sensitive to alcohol, you can use glycerine or vinegar. In turn, use essence from the stock bottle to make a medicine bottle, adding 2-7 drops of the stock essence to a bottle of alcohol or alcohol/water mix. You can put them in plain water if they are going to be used relatively quickly. With essences, the greater the dilution, the greater the power.

Flower essences work on a vibrational level to encourage balance. They are not biochemical medicines. Take them two to four drops four times a day. You can put them under your tongue, rub them on your skin, put them in bath water, or mist them into the air. Take ten minutes prior to eating or one hour afterward. You can take them more often if you want. Essences can effect change slowly or quickly, but the change should be subtle--changes in eating, sleeping, dreaming, energy, thinking, feeling, working.

Sexy Tip

The blossoms of the Hawthorn tree (White Thorn or May Tree ) is reputed to drive a man in to a sexual frenzy if he gets close enough to smell them!