Day: June 25, 2015
Herbs that Can Be Found At Your Local Grocery
Herbs that Can Be Found At Your Local Grocery
Chocolate is excellent for money.
Spinach can help you get a job.
Bitter foods will make you work harder, sweet foods will ease the pressure on a workaholic (try honey, not junk food).
Apples are sacred to Aphrodite, so cut one in half and give it to your lover to enrapture them.
Get the one you want out of your life out of it by serving them a bowl of turnips. They’ll leave you-you won’t have to do a thing.
Ginger tea, or bathing with ginger will relieve stress.
Oat in a sock, popped in the bath, promotes gentleness and soft beauty.
Herbs
ANEMONE: Protects against sickness
ANGELICA: Lengthens life, protects from disease, exorcises evil
BASIL: Protects from evil, aids love
BORAGE: Generates courage, lifts spirits
CARAWAY: Guards against theft, promotes love
CEDAR CHIPS: Attracts money
CINQUEFOIL: Brings love, aids in divination, protects from evil
CLOVER: Brings luck, wealth, prosperity
COMFREY: Aids healing
CORNFLOWER: Promotes good eye-sight
DILL: Protects from evil
FENNEL: Purification
MARJORAM: Ensures happiness in the afterlife
MUGWORT: Alleviates female disorders, shows the future, protects from wild beasts
MYRTLE: Love and peace
PARSLEY: Protects from poison, promotes long life
PLANTAIN: Cleanses and purifies
ROSEMARY: Loyalty, devotion, love, strength
SAGE: Promotes long life
ST. JOHN’S WORT: Exorcisms, dispels evil
SOLOMON’S SEAL: Heals Wounds
SUNFLOWER: To find a thief
THYME: Courage, chivalry
VALERIAN: Restores peace, harmony, togetherness
VERVAIN: Reconciles enemies, protects from harm, ensures fidelity
WILD THYME: Protects against nightmares.
About Common Herbs
ABOUT THE COMMON HERBS
Aloe (Aloe vera) : Called the “Burn Plant” because of its effect on burns of all types. It is the best herb for sunburn. Aloe is also effective in spells for preventing accidents involving fire or heat. A charged Aloe growing in your kitchen affords not only it’s healing properties, but also protection against kitchen burns and fires.
Anise (Pimpinella anisum) : A daily cup of anise tea will preserve youth. Anise burned on charcoal before bed will promote prophetic dreams.
Balm (Melissa officinalis) : Bathe in a bath of Balm to attract love. Add to incense and sachets for love and to promote healing.
Barley (Hordeum spp.) : Sprinkle Barley around the perimeter of your yard [or on windowsills] to ward off evil. A few grains under your doormat will offer protection and repel negativity and evil that would enter.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) : Basil oil rubbed on a green candle before burning will attract wealth. The incense smoke is beneficial for the same, plus banishing, exorcising and for protection. It also makes one hell of a spagetti sauce!
Blackberry (Rubus villosus) : To work your way through a bramble of
blackberries is damn near impossible – but it is rumored to dispel, and protect from, all disease and evil.
Caraway (Carum carvi) : Use in your wedding cake, and throw caraway seeds after the ceremony. It promotes lust and fidelity. Of course – it doesn’t have to be your wedding night/cake.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) : Well, we’ve seen it’s effect on our feline friends… giving your cat this herb can help create the psychic link needed for a familiar. Add catnip to your sachets to attract love [but keep it away from your cat].
Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) : Eat a meal hot with cayenne before a night of Bacchanalian celebrating – it will curb drunkeness.
Chamomile (Anthemsis nobilis) : Ancient Egyptians associated Chamomile with Ra for its healing powers. Even other plants in your herb garden will benefit from this herb, as it repels insects & promotes healing. Chamomile also has the properties of attracting wealth
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) : First cultivated and used in the East, Cinnamon was burned to purify the temple. It also promotes health, vigor and libido.
Clove (Caryophyllus aromaticus) : burned smoked or ingested, clove promotes visions.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) : If you see a puff off a dandelion, but
there’s no wind, rain is on the way. Also used to make a great wine, or tea.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) : Ingested, Fennel promotes virility, fertility, and libido in general. Also acts as a protective herb.
Garlic (Allium sativum) : Ropes of garlic are used to ward off evil. Garlic is also known as a lustful herb when ingested.
Lavender (Lavendula officinale) : Especially useful in attracting men.
Lavendar promotes happiness and harmony in the home, whether burned or simply used in potpourri and sachets.
Marigold (Calendula officianis) : Use as a visionary herb. Burn when doing a divination for love.
Marjoram (Origanum majorana) : Use to dispel negativity and promote love & happiness.
Onion (Allium cepa) : Ingested, onions can promote prophetic visions and dreams. Onion also promotes virility and libido.
Parsley (Retroselinum sativum) : Promotes communion with the Maternal Aspect.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) : Burn before bed for phrophetic dreams.
Peppermint tea aids in divination.
Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) : Increases memory and protects against evil. It has been used in conjunction with juniper berries for centuries to purify the air.
Sage (Salvia officianus) : Promotes strength, courage, longevity and wisdom. It also banishes negativity and evil.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) : Burn when asking advice of loved ones who have passed on.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) : The herb of Witches. Use for cleansing and self-purification. Ingest with care. This can have side effects, and can make some people ill.
Vervain (Verbena officinalis) : One of the Seven Sacred Herbs of the Druids. Aids in visionary work. The Welsh called it ‘llysiaur hudol’ – or enchanting herb. It promotes love, lust and sexual fulfillment. Use when performing sexual magic. An herb of artists – use before any artistic performances.
Willow (Salix alba) : An herb of immortality.
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) : Use to remove jinx. Also good for protecting children.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginica) : Excellent for making divining rods – which can be used to find more than just water.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal Remedies
GOLDENSEAL
Studies show that this herb has antibiotic action.
how to: For tea, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon powdered root per cup, steeped 10 minutes. Up to 2 cups per day.
ROSEHIPS
The “hip” is the part that remains when the petals fall off the flower. Rose hips contain vitamin C.
how to: For tea, 2 to 3 teaspoons per cup, steeped 10 minutes. Drink as needed.
CHAMOMILE
This popular beverage herb can calm jangled nerves, relieve stomach distress, prevent ulcers, speed their healing, and help fight infection.
how to: For tea, 2 to 3 heaping teaspoons per cup, steeped 10 to 20 minutes. Up to 3 cups per day.
GARLIC
When chewed or chopped, garlic is a potent natural antibiotic; it also has anti-viral properties. It reduces cholesterol and helps prevent the formation of internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks.
how to: In food, season to taste. For tea, steep 6 cloves in a cup of cool water for 6 hours
.
SLIPPERY ELM BARK
Historically used to soothe sore throats, coughs, and upset stomachs, this beneficial bark is still available in bulk and in herbal cough drops and throat lozenges.
how to: For tea, 1 to 3 teaspoons of powdered bark per cup, boiled and simmered 15 minutes.
Up to 3 cups per day.
GINSENG
Ginseng stimulates the immune system, helps protect the liver from toxics, and increases stamina. In one animal experiment, it also increased sexual activity.
how to: Follow package directions for teas, capsules, tablets, and tinctures.
DANDELION
Despised as a weed, dandelion can help relieve premenstrual bloating.
Preliminary studies suggest possible anti-inflammatory effects.
how to: For tea, 1/2 ounce dried leaf per cup, steeped 10 minutes. Up to 3 cups per day
FEVERFEW
Several studies confirm feverfew’s value in preventing migraines.
how to: Chew two leaves a day, or take a pill or capsule containing 85milligrams of leaf material (feverfew is quite bitter). For tea, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per cup, steeped 5 to 10 minutes.
Up to 2 cups per day.
RASBERRY LEAF
This premier pregnancy herb is widely used to treat morning sickness and uterine irritability, and to help prevent threatened miscarriage. how to: For tea, 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup, steeped 10 minutes. Up to 3 cups per day.
SPEARMINT/PEPPERMINT
For indigestion, try a cup of mint tea after eating.
how to: For tea, 1 teaspoon fresh or 2 teaspoons dried per cup, steeped 10 minutes. Reheat if desired. Up to 3 cups per day. For a relaxing bath, fill a cloth bag with a few handfuls of dried or fresh leaves, and run water over it.
COMFREY
This plant contains allantoin, which promotes the growth of new cells and gives it value as a wound treatment. how to: Place a bruised leaf on clean cuts or scrapes. Cover with a bandage.
Warning: Do not use internally.
SENNA
This herb is a powerful laxative. Senna tastes terrible, so most herbalists recommend a tincture or accommercial product. To avoid abdominal distress, do not take more than the package directions specify.
UVA URSI
Research has shown that this bitter herb has diuretic and urinary antiseptic effects. Use it in addition to mainstream medical treatment.
how to: One teaspoon per cup, boiled 10 minutes. Up to 3 cups per day.
GINGER
Ginger prevents motion sickness and may help prevent the internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks. how to: For motion sickness, take 2 to 3 capsules of 500 milligrams 30 minutes before departure. For tea, 2 teaspoons powdered or grated root per cup, steeped 10 minutes.
Up to 3 cups per day.
CHINESE EPHEDRA
commonly used to treat colds and asthma, Chinese ephedra (Ma Huang) can also raise blood pressure and cause insomnia and other problems. warning: Prior to using Chinese ephedra, seek advice from a health care practitioner, especially if you are pregnant or nursing. It should not be given to children under 13.
LICORICE
Licorice can soothe sore throats and treat ulcers.
how to: For sore throat, add a pinch of root to tea. For ulcers, 1/2 teaspoon of powder per cup, boiled 10 minutes. Up to 2 cups per day. warning: Large doses can be dangerous.
A Witch’s Magickal Herbal
A Witch’s Magickal Herbal
There are many herbs that can be used for magickal purposes; Herbs are wonderful for magick – they can be burned or tied up in sachets or made into amulets to wear.
Anise: purification, protection, keeps away nightmares
Basil: purification, protection, exorcism, love, prosperity
Chamomile: prosperity, meditation, calmness
Cinnamon: psychic powers, protection, success, healing, clairvoyance, prosperity
Dill: seeds draw money and protection, the flowers are used for love
Hazel: mental powers, hazel nuts are used in fertility amulets or spells
Lemon Balm: health, success, love
Mugwort: divination, clairvoyance, psychic powers, protection,
strongest when picked on a full moon night
Nutmeg: clairvoyance, prosperity
Parsley: purification, protection
Peppermint: healing, purification
Rosemary: protects from negativity, blessing, consecration, aids memory, protection rituals of all kinds
Sage: healing, prosperity, wisdom
Thyme: burn for purification, protection from negativity, clairvoyance
Yarrow: for a happy marriage, defense, protection
Herbal Preparations
Herbal Preparations
Decoctions
A decoction is herbs that have been simmered in water.
It is the best method for drawing the healing elements from tough plant parts such as bark roots, stems and heavy leaves. To make a decoction use 1 ounce of dried herbs to 1 pint of water that has been brought to a boil. Keep water just below boiling for about 30 minutes and let herbs simmer. Simmering may take up to 1 hour, depending on plant used.
A higher heat than infusions is necessary because of the toughness of the plant parts.
Decoctions should always be strained while hot, so that the matter that separates on cooling may be mixed again with the fluid by shaking when the remedy is used. Use glass, ceramic or earthenware pots, or clean, unbroken enameled cast iron. Do not use plain cast iron with astringent plants.
Electuary
When powders are mixed with syrup, honey, brown sugar, or glycerin to produce a more pleasant taste or to make them easier to use internally, they are called electuarys. These are rarely prepared in advance, but are done when needed. Different substances need different proportions of syrup. Light vegetable powders usually require twice their weight, gum resins 2/3 their weight, mineral substances about half their weight. If an electuary is made up in advance and it hardens, add more syrup. If it swells up and emits gas, merely beat it in a mortar.
Extracts
Extracts are solid substances resulting from the evaporation of the solution of vegetable principles. The extract is obtained in three ways: by expressing the juice of fresh plants, by using a solvent such as alcohol, or simmering a plant tea and reducing it to a thickened state.
The last is done by simmering a plant and by repeating the process until most of the water used has evaporated, making a decoction. This gives a distillation of the most active principles in the plant. Add 1/4 teaspoon of alcohol (brandy, gin or vodka will do), glycerin, or tincture of benzoine to preserve the extract.
Fomentations
A fomentation is a strong herbal tea in which a clean cloth is dipped.
The cloth can be filled with herbs. The cloth is then applied to the affected part.
Infusions
This is the origin of the idea of witches potion. It is a process of soaking herbs in water.
Hot Infusion
To make an infusion boil water. Add the boiled water to 1 teaspoon dried herb. Cover and let steep for 9-13 minutes. Strain, cool. Infusions are drunk as teas, added to bath, rubbed into furniture and floors, and to anoint body. Powdered Bark, root, seeds, resin and bruised nuts, seeds, bark and buds may be used in hot infusions.
Cold infusion
Steep in cold water or cold milk for several hours. Wet, mashed herbs can be used internally as a tea or ad poultices on body.
Oils
Aromatic oils and rectified alcohol can be combined. The oils seep into the alcohol to produce an essence. Oils may be captured by evaporation from flower petals. Vegetable, nut, or fruit oils can be used as a medium for steeping aromatic plants to extract volatile oils. Aromatic oils can also be steeped in alcohol to extract essence.
To make an oil, pick your own fresh herbs or purchase dried herbs form a reputable source. Pack a large jar with the chosen herb and pour in any favorite mono unsaturated or polyunsaturated oil. Use enough to cover the herb. Close tightly. Label the jar and place in a sunny place for several weeks. Strain out the herb by pouring through cheesecloth into a fresh jar.
Hold the cheesecloth over the opening of the jar containing the herbs and secure with a rubber band. Invert the jar and pour the infused oil through the cheesecloth. Before discarding the herbs, squeeze all the oil out of them. Repeat the entire procedure.
Repack a clean jar with more of the same herb. Add the infused oil, plus enough additional oil to cover the herbs. Store again in sunlight. Strain again through cheesecloth. Pour the oil into a labeled jar and store until needed.
Syrups
Medicinal syrups are formed when sugar is incorporated with vegetable infusions, decoctions, expressed juices, fermented liquors, or simple water solutions. Sometimes tinctures are added to a simple syrup, and the alcohol is evaporated. The tincture is sometimes combined with sugar and gently heated, or exposed to the sun until the alcohol is evaporated. The syrup is then prepared with the impregnated sugar and water. Refined sugar makes a clearer and better flavored syrup. Any simple syrup can be preserved by substituting glycerin for a certain
portion of the syrup. Always make syrups in small quantities.
To make an herbal syrup, add 2 ounces of dried herb with 1 quart water in a large pot. Boil down and reduce to 1 pint, then add 1-2 tablespoons of honey. If you want to use fresh fruit, leaves, or roots in syrups, you should double the amount of herbs. Store in refrigerator for up to a month. Honey-based syrups are simple and effective way to preserve healing qualities of herbs. Syrups can soothe sore throats and provide some relief from coughs.
Teas
Home-made herbal teas are much more potent than the store bought teas. Their flavor can be quite strong and sometimes unpleasant.
To make a tea, boil 1 pint of water. Add 1 ounce of dried herb tops ( leaves flowers, stems) steep 3 -5 minutes.
Tinctures
Tinctures are solutions of medicinal substances in alcohol or diluted alcohol. To make a tincture, grind plant parts with mortar and pestle (or a blender). Add just enough high-quality vodka, whiskey or grain alcohol to cover herbs. Let sit for 21 days then add a small quantity of glycerin (about 2 tbs per pint) and about 10 % volume of spring water.
Strain and store in airtight amber colored glass. If kept cool and dry it will last for up to 5 years.
Dose is usually 20 drops in a cup of tea or warm water, 4 times a day.
For a stronger tincture place herbs in a cone-shaped piece of parchment paper. Pass alcohol repeatedly through the powdered or cut herb. Catch the slow drippings in a jar.
When it has passed once, you may use it, but the more you repeat the process, the stronger the tincture will be. It is acceptable to dilute any alcohol tincture with water.
Add 4 ounces of water and 1 teaspoon of glycerin for every pint of alcohol. The glycerin is optional, it is an additional preservative.
Non Alcoholic Tincture
Alcohol is a near perfect preservative of plant attributes.
If for some reason you wish to evaporate the alcohol, add the tincture dose to a cup of water then add 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of boiling water. Some herbs can be steeped in milk to make a milk tincture. Strain out the herbs, and store in a labeled jar in the refrigerator.
Ointments
An ointment is a soothing, healing, slightly oily or fatty substance into which the essence of a healing plant has been dissolved. This is done by heating the fat or oil with the plant until it loses its normal color and the oil or fat has absorbed the healing chemical principles. the plant is then strained out, and beeswax is added to harden the ointment.
Preservatives such as drops of tincture of benzoin, poplar bud tincture, or glycerin are optional additions. If you make ointments in small batches and keep them tightly closed with paraffin wax, they don’t decompose. The traditional folk, herbal, and pharmaceutical base for ointments is pork lard. Purify it by simmering and straining. It has healing abilities even without the addition of herbs, but so do a lot of fats and oils. It is said to have great drawing power. Purified, liquefied anhydrous lanolin is also used as a base for ointments. Lanolin is the substance washed from the wool of sheep. It comes in many levels of purity, so the results vary depending on the product. This oil is the closest to skin oil.
Almond oil, cocoa butter, wheat germ, and vitamin E are neutral bases for ointments. If no other product is available, Vaseline may be used, but is listed here in case nothing else is available. All ointments must contain one substance that will thicken the final product. Lanolin is a thickener, as is cocoa butter. Both are non sticky and mix well with most other oils.
Other useful but sticky thickeners are glycerin, honey, or liquid lecithin.
Also, various powdered resins and gum swell up and thicken when first soaked in cold water, then simmered in gently boiling water, and added to preparations. Agar-agar and Irish moss are seaweed thickeners.
Green apples provide and excellent acid fruit pectin that is a good addition to creams and ointments. While any of the above sticky and non sticky thickeners will help swell a product and keep it emulsified, you will still need some wax to harden a cold cream or ointment. Beeswax is perfect, although expensive. It may be combined with paraffin wax.
Poultices
A poultice is a raw or mashed herb applied directly to the body, or applied wet directly to the body, or encased in a clean cloth and then applied. Poultices are used to heal bruises, putrid sores, soothe abrasions, or withdraw toxins from an area. They may be applied hot or cold, depending on the health need. Cold poultices(and compresses) are used to withdraw the heat from an inflamed or congested area. Use a hot poultice or compress to relax spasms and for some pains.
To make a poultice, use fresh or dried herbs that have been soaked in boiling water until soft. Mix with enough slippery elm powder to make poultice stick together. Place on affected part then wrap body part and poultice with clean cloth.
Vinegars
Herbs that are soluble in alcohol are usually soluble in vinegar, and are useful for salad vinegars, cosmetic vinegars, some liniments and preventive sickroom “washes”.
Waters
Steeped herbs, water, and alcohol and steeped herbs plus honey and other fruits are often called waters. Sometimes extracts or spirits of various herbs, such as lavender, are also called waters.
Herbology Definitions
Herbology Definitions
Alterative – Producing a healthful change without perception
Anodyne – Relieves pain
Anthelmintic – A medicine that expels worms
Aperient – Gently laxative without purging
Aromatic – A stimulant, spicy
Astringent – Causes contraction and arrests discharges
Antibilious – Acts on the bile, relieving bilousness
Antiemetic – Stops vomiting
Antileptic – Relieves siesures
Antiperiodic – Arrests morbid periodic movements
Anthilic – Prevents formation of stones in urinary organs
Antirheumatic – Relieves rheumatism
Antiscorbutic – Cures or prevents scurvy
Antiseptic – aims at stopping putrification
Antispasmodic – Relieves or prevents spasms
Antisyphilitic – Having affect or curing STD
Carminative – Expels gas in the bowels
Carthatic – Evacuating from the bowels
Cephalic – Remedies used in diseases of the head
Cholagogue – Increases flow of bile
Condiment – Improves flavor of food
Demulcent – Soothing, relieves inflammation
Deobstruent – Removes obstruction
Depurative – Purifies the blood
Detergent – Cleansing to boils, ulcers, wounds etc
Diaphoretic – Produces perspiration
Discutient – Dissolves and heals tumors
Diuretic – Increases flow of urine
Emetic – Produces vomiting
Emmenagogue – Promotes menstruation
Emollient – Softens and soothes inflamation
Esculent – Eatable as food
Expectorant – Facilitates espectoration
Febrifuge – Abates and reduces fever
Hepatic – For diseases of the liver
Herpatic – Remedy for skin diseases of all types
Laxative – Promotes bowel action
Lithontryptic – Dissolves calculi in urinary organs
Maturating – Ripens or brings boils to a head
Mucilaginous – Soothing to all inflammations
Nauseant – Produces vomiting
Nervine – Acts specifically on nervous system, stops nervous excitment
Opthalmicum – For eye diseases
Parturient – Induces and promotes labor at childbirth
Pectoral – For chest infections
Refrigerant – Cooling
Resolvent – Dissolves boils and tumors
Rubifacient – Increases circulation and produces red skin
Sedative – Nerve tonic, promotes sleep
Sialogogue – Increases secretion of saliva
Stomachic – Strengthen stomach, relieves indigestion
Styptic – Stops bleeding
Sudorfic – Produces profuse perspiration
Tonic – Remedy which is invigorating and strengthing
Vermifuge – Expels worms from the system
Herbs for Every Sun Sign
Herbs for Every Sun Sign
Herbs can be mixed and combined to produce a “recipe” that’s just right for each of us. Since the Sun sign you were born under has such an amazing influence on your health and well-being, using the herbs that correspond with that sign alone can be a tremendous help in times of stress or illness. Here’s a short list of herbs that seem to be tailor-made for each of the signs, due to their associations with both the planetary ruler and the positive qualities of that sign.
Aries – Mars
Allspice, basil, cayenne, garlic, ginger, mustard, onion, pepper.
It’s no secret that Aries is the astrological equivalent of a bullet.
It’s a red-hot burst of energy that’s capable of overcoming any
obstacle by charging straight for it. The ruler of Aries is Mars, the “red”
planet, the ancient god of war who was known for his equally fiery
temperament. No wonder, then, the herbs that correspond with your sign are also a bit “hot” to the taste. Use them in cooking to raise your
endorphins, the substance Mars loves best.
Taurus – Venus
Apple, apricot, blackberry, cherry, heather, hibiscus, raspberry, rose.
Taurus is the sign that’s fondest of the pleasures that life inside
these bodies can provide. Whether it’s a blazing sunset, a symphony by
Mozart, or a delicious meal, you folks are experts at enjoying the
physical delights of the senses. It’s no surprise that the herbs you’ll
enjoy most are the sweet ones, since your planet, Venus, is the
purveyor of sweetness. Use each of them to satisfy that sweet tooth.
Gemini – Mercury
Clover, eye bright, fennel, lemongrass, lemon verbena, marjoram, parsley.Your quick-witted, fleet-footed energy just loves variety – in fact, the expression “variety is the spice of life” was written with you in mind.
Each of these herbs provide a different type of taste, and most can be
combined in a light, aromatic tea you can sip on the run. Use clove or
slippery elm to protect against gossip and to keep your thoughts and
actions grounded.
Cancer – Moon
Aloe, lemon balm, chamomile, mimosa, lavender, lilac. Nurturing is your business, Cancer, and you distribute your soothing touch to one and all. There’s nothing you like better than a home that smells good, too, whether it’s because there’s something wonderful simmering on the stove, a vase of fresh flowers on the dining room table, or a warm, fragrant bubble bath waiting for you upstairs. Each of the herbs listed above are known for their ability to calm, heal, or bring a wonderful aroma to the environment. Use aloe to soothe burns and scrapes and chamomile for a wonderful bedtime tea.
Leo – Sun
Chicory, cinnamon, goldenseal, rosemary, St. John’s Wort, sandalwood.
Your planet is the Sun, Leo, the source of life and warmth that keeps
us all alive and provides us with the energy we need to keep pursuing our life’s quest. It makes perfect sense, then, that the bright, cheerful
sunflower would be the perfect representation of your equally bright
and happy sign. Herbs like golden seal and St. John’s Wort are tailor-made for you, too, since their ability to keep the body resistant to illness and depression are well known. Mix a bit of chicory with your morning coffee to help remove any obstacles that come up.
Virgo – Mercury
Caraway, dill, eyebright, horehound, lily of the valley, marjoram, savory.
Your quick-thinking meticulous sign likes nothing better than a mental
challenge, Virgo, whether it’s organizing a pile of papers at the
office, solving a puzzle, or learning a new skill. The herbs listed
above are all well known for their subtle abilities to strengthen the
mind, and many can be mixed together in teas to give you a boost you
often need at the end of a long day. The lily of the valley seems
perfect for you, too, with its subtle, “clean” scent and delicate flowers.
Libra – Venus
Catnip, passion flower, persimmon, rose, sugar cane, violet.
There’s no sign as fond of pleasing others as yours, Libra, whether it’s
by saying just the right thing to bring warring factions together, or by
using your polite charm to draw the object of your desires closer. Of
course, catnip is famous for its effects on our feline friends, but its
also traditionally used in conjunction with rose petals to bring loving
relationships that last forever. Since you’re ruled by Venus, you’re
capable of being every bit as sweet as the sugar cane – but if you need
a bit of help to attract a beloved, use this potent plant (sugar cane)
that’s long been used to conjure love – sweetly.
Scorpio – Pluto/Mars
Ginseng, dill, patchouli, pomegranate, saffron, vanilla.
As fond as you are of intensity and intimacy, Scorpio, it’s no wonder
the herbs you’ll love best are famous for their use in stirring up
passion. Drink ginseng tea (or offer some to your beloved) to induce a
magnetic physical attraction. Wear patchouli to arouse lust and silently
conjure the magic of the Beltane rituals. Present the object of your
desire with a pomegranate, the fruit traditionally associated with
seductive Pluto, your ruling planet.
Sagittarius – Jupiter
Anise, clove, fig, hyssop, mugwort, myrtle, nutmeg, rosemary, sage.
There’s no sign that hangs on to youth with more fervency and
determination than yours Sagittarius. To keep that youthful appearance
and disposition going as you travel the world in search of yet another
experience, drink a tea made of anise, rosemary, and Vervain. To aid in
making your dreams more prophetic than they already are, use mugwort. Burn clove incense to attract the wealth you’ll need to pay for your travels.
Capricorn – Saturn
comfrey, horsetail, mint, poppy, sassafras, woodruff. You’ve always been described as a very “focused” sign, Capricorn, intent on self-sufficiency and material success. The influence of your planet, Saturn, gives you the ambition and self-discipline to attain those goals, and to ensure success and prosperity in business matters, too. Each of the herbs mentioned above are known for their ability to attract that success, and most can be mixed together in a tea.
Aquarius – Uranus/Saturn
Anise, bittersweet, citron, dandelion, lemon verbena, rosemary, sage.
Your sign is a cerebral one, Aquarius, and your ability to turn “odd” or
eccentric ideas into strokes of genius is well known. Since
communication (and mass communication in particular) is your specialty, the herbs above are all associated with the air principle, which rules the intellectual side of life. To increase your already powerful
intuition, use citron, clover, or rosemary. Above all else, listen to
that intuition. It will seldom prove to be wrong.
Pisces – Neptune/Jupiter
Aloe, bay, cotton, eucalyptus, lavender, Norfolk Island pine, rue.
As the most sensitive and psychic of all signs, Pisces, yours is the one
that requires help to ward off the adverse thoughts and intentions of
others. Since you have no boundaries to keep you separate from others,
you also need protection against negative influences. To that end, use
rue, a powerful herb known to ward off ills of every kind. To stay
positive and healthy keep a lavender plant growing either outside or
inside your home.
Astronomy Picture of the Day – Star Trails above Table Mountain
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
2015 June 25
Star Trails above Table Mountain
Image Credit & Copyright:Eric Nathan
Explanation: Stars trail above and urban lights sprawl below in this moonlit nightscape from Cape Town, South Africa, planet Earth. The looming form of Table Mountain almost seems to hold terrestrial lights at bay while the stars circle the planet’s South Celestial Pole. This modern perspective on the natural night sky was captured in June 2014, the scene composed of over nine hundred, stacked 30 second exposures. The stunning result was chosen as the winner in the Against the Lights category, a selection from over 800 entries in The World at Night’s 2015 International Earth and Sky Photo Contest.
Daily Planet Tracker: Saturn in Scorpio, Now Until Sept., 17, 2015
Planet Tracker
Saturn in Scorpio
Now Until Sept 17, 2015
Saturn is the last planet visible to the naked eye. For millennia, it represented the limits of the solar system and came to symbolize time, structure and order. Saturn takes about 29 years to orbit the Sun, spending about two and a half years in each sign of the zodiac.
Saturn is the planet that says “no” but means “yes.” The no comes from Saturn showing us what isn’t working, sometimes in the form of frustrating blockages or delays. But these help us see where we need to put in effort to make concrete changes. Saturn says “yes” as the planet of crystallization that brings energy into matter. Saturn’s presence in a sign of the zodiac shows us where we are likely to meet limits and how to construct something useful.
Serious Saturn in survivalist Scorpio forces us to face the bottom line. Life and death, sex, power and our economic well being can be pushed to the limits during this two-year transit. Concentrating our efforts where they are most needed may require eliminating ideas, activities, objects or individuals that distract us from these essential tasks.
Take account of your desires, even the inappropriate ones. Knowing what you want helps you become a better negotiator in relationships. Being nice is, well, nice but doesn’t touch the depth of emotion associated with Scorpio. Partnerships grow when they are rooted in honesty, especially with ourselves. We can compromise in pursuit of our desires but if we don’t even know what they are, all we’re left with are manipulation and chance.
Getting the most out of our resources is another expression of Saturn in Scorpio. Scarcity could be a collective problem but, ideally, will lead to more efficient systems of production and distribution. Cleaning up toxins in the environment and within our bodies and minds are other healthy expressions of this transit.
How money is handled, especially involving insurance and debt, grows in importance with Saturn in Scorpio. There may be even more abuses in the financial world but that could be what it takes to make some significant reforms. Borrowing for well-defined purposes and with a realistic repayment schedule is an appropriate way to use this cycle.
Sexual repression is a dark side of Saturn in Scorpio. The AIDS epidemic was at a very high level in the early 80s, the last time this transit occurred. Responsibility for erotic inclinations doesn’t mean that they should be suppressed but rather that we deepen our understanding of them. Tantra, a form of sacred sexuality, teaches us about intimacy that is not possible when we deny this essential part of ourselves.
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The Wisdom of Buddha
The Wisdom of Buddha
To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one’s own in the midst of abundance.
Crack the Cookie
Using the Minichiate Tarot Deck, Your Daily Influences for June 25th
The Daily Influences
This is a three card reading intended to show what forces will influence your day. The three cards selected represent the traditional Tarot, Astrological, and Elemental influences.
Tarot Influence:
The Star
This is the card of hope, perception and revelation. Great love is possible and good health will be enjoyed.
Astrological Influence
Sagittarius
Sagittarius upright denotes strength and energy tempered by wordly wisdom and civility.
Element Influence
Air
Air denotes freedom and the ability to transcent the mundane. You may be, or may soon experience a spiritual or secular liberation.
Your Charm for Thursday, June 25th is The Conch Shell
Your Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:
This aspect is affected by good financial fortune. Your good fortune will come from an investment, an unexpected windfall, or a change of vocation.
General Description:
In India and Tibet, and other countries were Buddhism is practiced, the Conch Shell is prized as a charm for oratory, learning, protection, good fortune and riches. As Conch Shells were used as the current coin among all the primitive peoples of the East, no doubt this has suggested their use as charms for bringing wealth. The Conch Shell is also one of the eight emblems of Buddha, all of which are used as talismans. They consist of the Wheel of the Law, Conch Shell, Lucky Diagram, Golden Fish, Umbrella, Vase, Lotus, and the Trumpet of Victory.
Your Daily MahJong Tile for June 25th is Plum Blossom, Symbol: Innocence
Your Daily Tile
June 25th, 2015
Plum Blossom
Symbol: Innocence
The Plum tile reflects renewal and viewing your world with fresh viewpoints. It is an inherently “happy” tile. The Plum tile also suggests inexperience—a trait you must not allow to make you an easy target.
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