If you will remember Mystie posted some recipes for magick lamps. Unfortunately she forgot to put the recipe for some of the oils needed to make these lamps. I am going to see if I can track down the oil recipes and add them to those recipes. I know we have had several requests for these formulas, so we are going to do our best to find them.
After that, we will be off and running for the day. I hope everyone has a very beautiful day and please stay cool! Till tomorrow…..
Luv & Hugs,
Lady A
1/4 tsp ground Sandalwood
Or – 1/2 tsp Sandalwood chips
1/4 tsp Balm of Gilead
1/8 tsp Sage
(Colorless, pale white, red, green, yellow or brown)
Tarbuttite is named after Percy Coventry Tarbutt, a Director of the Broken Hill Exploration Company who collected some of the first specimens at Broken Hill (now Kabwe), Zambia.
Hardness: 3.5
Specific Gravity: 4.2
Chemistry: Zn2(PO4)(OH) Zinc Phosphate Hydroxide
Class: Phosphates
Crystallography: Triclinic
Cleavage: perfect in one direction
Fracture: brittle, uneven
Streak: white
Luster: vitreous, pearly
Healing: Tarbuttite is used to draw out infections. It is also used to treat zinc deficiencies and to develop proper bone structure.
Magical Workings: Tarbuttite is utilized in automatic writing and for enhancing ones ESP abilities.
Tarbuttite is associated with the astrological sign of Cancer and vibrates to the number of 2.
Chakra Applications: Tarbuttite is associated with the Third Eye chakra.
Foot Notes: Tarbuttite is found in the oxidized zone of zinc deposits which has been subjected to phosphate rich solutions.
Source:
Author: Crick
Website: The Whispering Woods
Medicinal Uses: Fennel is one of nine Anglo-Saxon herbs known for secret powers. In ancient days, a bunch of fennel hung over a cottage door on Midsummer’s Eve was said to prevent the effects of witchcraft. Try nibbling on the herb’s seeds, as Roman women did centuries ago, to help depress the appetite. Women in Roman times believed fennel prevented obesity.
Fennel is considered one of the oldest medicinal plants and culinary herbs. It is fairly certain that fennel was in use over 4000 years ago. It is mentioned in the famous Ebers Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian collection of medical writings made around 1500 BC. There it is referred to principally as a remedy for flatulence. Later authors of herbals, such as Pliny (AD 23-79), also describe fennel primarily as an aid to digestion. In the Middle Ages, it was praised for coughs. Fennel helps to take away the appetite. It is often used as a sedative for small children. It improves digestion, and is very helpful with coughs. It is also used for cancer patients after radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
Enriches and increases the flow of milk for lactating women. To help with indigestion and gas, pour boiling water over crushed seeds (one teaspoon seed to a pint of water). The seeds are simmered in syrups for coughs, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Place fennel inside a fish when you cook it to make it more digestible. The leaves and seeds when boiled with barley increase breast milk. The seeds and root help clean the liver, spleen, gallbladder, and blood. The tea and broth of this herb are said to help in weight loss.
It is eaten in salads, soups, and breads. The oil mixed with honey can be taken for coughs, and the tea used as a gargle. The oil is eaten with honey to allay gas and it is applied externally to rheumatic swellings. The seeds are boiled to make an eye wash: use one-half teaspoon of seed per cup of water, three times a day, and be sure to strain carefully before use. Powdered seeds repel fleas from pets’ sleeping areas.
Magickal uses: In several ancient civilizations fennel was used as an antidote for snakebite. The thyrsus, which were prominent in Dionysian ceremonies, was often made of giant fennel stalks with pine cones attached at the ends.
Use for scenting soaps and perfumes to ward off negativity and evil. Grow near the home for the same purpose. Hang it around the doors and windows at Midsummer to repel evil spirits. Carry the seeds to ward off evil and to influence others to trust your words. To prevent wood ticks from biting your legs, wear a piece in your left shoe. Use in purification and healing sachets and spells.
Properties: Stomachic, carminative (relieves gas), pectoral (relieves chest congestion and cough), diuretic, aromatic, antispasmodic, expectorant, mild expectorant, anti-inflammatory, stimulant. Contains anethole, calcium, camphene, cymene, chlorine, dipentene, fenchone, 7-hydrozycoumaarin, volatile oils, oleic acid, petroselinic acid, phellandrene, pinene, limonene, stigmasterol, sulfur, and vitamins A and C.
Growth: Fennel prefers dry, sunny areas. It is a perennial that can reach 4 – 6 feet high, and grows in most average to poor soils. A tall herb of the umbel family, with feathery leaves and yellow flowers. A stout, strongly scented perennial plant, with erect stems and blue-green leaves. The striated stems are solid when young, becoming hollow with age. The yellow flowers grow in compound, terminal umbels, each with 10-30 stalks. Aniseed-scented, egg-shaped fruits follow the flowers. Flowers appear July to October. Needs full sun; partial shade in warm climates. Zones 6-9. Found growing as a weed in waste places in much of the United States, in southeastern Canada and in southern British Columbia. Native to Mediterranean Europe where it is found growing wild.
Gather the root in the spring for medicinal purposes:
Infusion: steep 1 tbsp. freshly crushed seeds in 1 cup water for 5 minutes. Sweeten with honey to taste.
Decoction: boil 1/2 tsp. seed in water. Strain. Use as an eye-wash, 3 times per day.
Extract: mix 10 to 20 drops in water. Use warm water and 1 tsp. honey for a soothing drink daily.
Milk decoction: boil 1 tsp. seed in 1/2 cup milk for 5 to 10 minutes. Take for colic.
Tincture: take 10 to 30 drops in water, as required.
Fennel-honey: add 1 to 3 drops fennel oil to 1 tbsp. honey and mix. Take a teaspoon at a time. A natural cough remedy.
Source:
Author: Crick
Website: The Whispering Woods
Baldur was the son of Frigga and Odin, and the twin brother of Hod, or Hodur. Baldur’s name sometimes appears as Balder, or alternately Baldr. Baldur was beautiful and radiant, and was beloved by all the gods. Hodur, on the other hand, was dark and moody, spent a lot of time in darkness because of his blindness, and was generally unpopular with everyone he met.
In one famous story, after Baldur reveals that he’s been having foreboding dreams, Frigga asked all of nature to promise not to cause any harm to her beloved son.
From Sæmund’s Edda:
“On a course they resolved,
that they would send
to every being,
assurance to solicit,
Balder not to harm.
All species swore
oaths to spare him;
Frigg received all
their vows and compacts.”
Unfortunately, in her haste, Frigga overlooked the mistletoe plant, so Loki – the resident trickster – took advantage of the opportunity and fooled Hod into killing his twin brother with a spear made of mistletoe. Baldur was later restored to life.
Because of the story of his life, death and resurrection, Baldur features prominently in Norse mythology. An important festival was held in honor of Baldur the Good at midsummer, because it was known to be the anniversary of his death and descent into the underworld. Celebrations were held involving big bonfires and outdoor festivities, much of which involved watching the sun rise and set. Bear in mind that in the extreme Northern latitudes inhabited by the Norse peoples, the sun never really sets at midsummer; instead, it touches the horizon and then rises again to begin a new day.
When Christianity moved into the Norse countries, Baldur’s celebration became the festival of St. John instead.
Source:
Author:Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Website: Article Found On & Owned By About.com
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 July 13
Last Look at Pluto’s Charon Side
Image Credit & Copyright: NASA, Johns Hopkins Univ./APL, Southwest Research Inst.
Explanation: Pluto surface is strange. As the robotic New Horizons barrels toward its closest approach to Pluto and its moons tomorrow, images already coming back show Pluto’s surface to be curiouser and curiouser. The featured image, taken two days ago, shows the side of Pluto that always faces Pluto’s largest moon Charon. Particularly noteworthy is the dark belt near the bottom that circles Pluto’s equator. It is currently unclear whether regions in this dark belt are mountainous or flat, why boundaries are so sharply defined, and why the light regions seem to be nearly evenly spaced. As New Horizons will be flying past the other side of Pluto, this should be the best image of this distant landscape that humanity sees for a long time. Assuming the robotic spacecraft operates as hoped, images taken of the other side of Pluto, taken near closest approach, will be about 300 times more detailed.
Mercury is associated with intellect and Cancer with feelings. This combination offers us an opportunity to perceive and communicate our emotions more directly at this time. Conversation is likely to be more personal than usual, with a greater capacity for intimacy. However, objectivity may suffer as awareness is filtered through the powerful issues of security, family and safety.
Every astrological pattern offers its challenges and opportunities. In fact, they are really two faces of the same thing. In this case, the challenge is to articulate emotions without being overcome by them. The opportunity is to soften the separating aspects of the logical mind to connect with others in a more personal fashion.
Cancer is a water sign. The mysteries of water can not be spoken, only felt. Mercury’s passage here does not erase the rational aspects of perception, but it broadens them to include information that can not be put into words. Know that silence can be full of meaning. This time is a reminder that real listening is done with the heart, as well as with the ears.
Mercury in Cancer shows up in the charts of conservatives like Nancy Reagan, Bob Dole and Pat Boone. Prince Charles, a watery Scorpio, has met this placement with both Princess Diana and Camilla Parker Bowles.
David Duchovny and Isabella Rossellini speak with Mercury in Cancer soulfulness, as do storytellers Bill Cosby and Arlo Guthrie. Cat Stevens’ Mercury in Cancer helped lead him to Islam, while Salman Rushdie’s has led him away.
Cancer adores tradition, the home and the garden. So, it’s not surprising that food, style and do-it-yourself goddess Martha Stewart was also born with Mercury in this sign.
@Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site
Six of Swords Reversed
Life is at a standstill. Difficulties will probably remain as they are.
Perthro
Mysteries will become known to you. You should be able to see your life’s path clearly at this time. Perthro is often thought of as “Gambler’s Rune.” You are in a lucky period right now. Chance is your ally. Take advantage of it.
Scorpio the Scorpion
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is determined, forceful, emotional, intuitive, powerful, passionate, exciting and magnetic. This person is probably an acquaintance you made at work
Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more.
Today’s Meaning:
Over the next weeks and months this aspect should be one that requires little effort on your part to keep things moving forward. This is one of the few charms that has the same meaning upright or inverted.
General Description:
This curiously shaped charm, a pre-Christian cross, has been universally popular in all countries and throughout all ages. The Ancients believed that it bestowed upon the wearer long life, great happiness, good fortune, and the best of good luck. These symbols have been found in North and South America, India and China, where they were used as religious emblems at least ten centuries B.C. and are met with on very old Buddhist coins and inscriptions. The Swastika is also called the Gammadion, from the Greek letter gamma placed together four times.
West Wind
Symbol: Metal
The West Wind tile represents an obstacle that must be faced before you can make progress towards your goals. This obstacle may be anything from a person to needing to find work.
Raven has long been known as the magical bird—the one who carries our messages and our prayers to spirit. Raven has been called a shape-shifter, and his message to you today is one of change—expect the unexpected, but know that Raven is flying close and will help you transform life’s challenges into life’s greatest blessings.
The Tree symbolizes spiritual health and growth. The healthy tree is rooted in a rich, nurturing medium, has a strong trunk from which leaf laden branches fan out to capture the sun’s energy. The Tree represents a healthy spirit entrenched in experience and strengthened by wisdom. It is a spirit that is happy with itself, but continues reaching to become even wiser, more complete, happier, stronger. While The Tree represents a strong and independent spirit, it is also a life-force that owes much of its strength and growth to being surrounded by other healthy spirits.
As a daily card, The Tree denotes a time when your spiritual self is especially powerful and open for further growth. Now is a time for you to seek out streams of wisdom and knowledge that you can not only draw from but contribute to as well. Don’t disregard sources that seem improbable, as they often produce the most profound revelations and spiritual expansion.
The Daily Witches Rune
The Crossed Spears
Meaning: The presence of the spear signifies arguments, negative events, and all manner of strife of an upsetting nature. However similar to the ‘Tower’ tarot card if next to a positive rune it could mean the end of an argument or quarrel. If with the rings it means the healing or renewal of a relationship. If there are military connections it could mean promotion. If illness is within the equation it means a speedy and successful recovery.
Only The Universe card of the Crowley Tarot can match the blessings that come with The Sun. While it certainly doesn’t promise a life’s path without some bumps in the road, The Sun indicates all will be well. The Sun is our Cosmic Nurturer. Life flourishes under its radiant beams. It provides the illumination to find Truths and lights one’s path so they do not get lost. To stand in the rays of The Sun is to shine. To absorb its energy promotes growth, exceptional physical and mental health, and good fortune. The Sun is empowering, elevating and fills those who bask in it with confidence and sense of self-worth.
July 13th, 2015
________________________________
| Summary: Speak plainly and sincerely. Feed your hopes and dreams. Nurture others. Do good deeds. |
| Line One of Your Hexagram is a 9: Avoid envy and jealousy. Be proud of your achievements. |
| Line Two of Your Hexagram is a 6: Make opportunities for those with talent. Seek roots that empower you. |
| Line Three of Your Hexagram is a 6: Do not choose partners based on their financial status. |
| Line Four of Your Hexagram is a 6: Do not do unjustified favors or let others influence your decisions. |
| Line Five of Your Hexagram is a 6: Embrace your ideals. Move slowly toward new endeavors. |
| Line Six of Your Hexagram is a 9: Put your ideas into action. It is time to realize your goals. |
Your Rune For Today
Elhaz
Elhaz represents your power to protect yourself and those around you. It also connotes the thrill and joy of a successful hunt. You are in a very enviable position right now, because you are able to maintain what you have built and reach your current goals. Enjoy.
Additional information about Today’s Rune, Elhaz
What has traditionally been known as the Moon card refers to a deep state of sensitivity and imaginative impressionability, developed within a womb of deep relaxation. Here we dream and go into trance, have visions and receive insights, wash in and out with the psychic tides, and experience deep mystical and/or terrifying realities beyond our ordinary senses. The full moon and/or eclipse cycle charted by the Magi (as in some of the earliest Moon card images) exemplify this as a mechanism that Nature uses to expand consciousness.
The variants of the courtly lovers (representing skillful use of the sex force) or the man sleeping it off under the tree (use of drugs to alter consciousness) are also traditional avenues for tapping this primal force. Human interest in higher states propels us to the frontiers of consciousness, where we cannot always control what happens. The Moon card represents the ultimate test of a soul’s integrity, where the membrane between self and the Unknown is removed, and the drop of individuality reenters the Ocean of Being. What transpires next is between a soul and its Maker.
Aries
Emotions and passions can run high right now, but you may be blocked when it comes to expressing or directing them, dear Aries. You can be on a short fuse as a result and power struggles are possible today or tomorrow. It can be difficult to relinquish control even if you know it’s for the best. There can be an issue that pits public versus personal life for some of you. You might experience a roadblock that makes it difficult to pursue your heart’s desire. Try to focus on what is realistic at the moment – you can get back to your dreams later. Keep in mind that people are taking things a little too personally, so tread with extra care. Take a deep breath and avoid obsessive thoughts that may border on paranoia. The Moon’s move into your family and home sector today suggests you could use a rest or comforting surroundings and activities.
Taurus
You might speak of a matter close to your heart today, dear Taurus, but you might also be quite emotionally charged about it, and misunderstandings could result. At other times you could be feeling rather self-protective or resentful if others don’t seem to be in your corner or reaching out to you. Consider that you may be unwittingly giving off mixed messages. Some alone time may in fact be good for you right now, as you’ll discover that you can be quite productive on your own, if you allow yourself to be happy in this state. Opinions can bother you quite deeply today and tomorrow, and so can the words people choose to express themselves. You might want to consider that something may be hitting a nerve of a deeper issue. Avoid confrontations if you can, as there is rather provocative energy building.
Gemini
Questions of give and take, who is doing their share (and who isn’t), and respect can take center stage today and tomorrow, dear Gemini, but the answers may not be rational or clear right now. Changes may be necessary in an intimate relationship, and circumstances conspire to show you this need. Conflicts over money or possessions may ensue, but probably disguise deeper issues. Circumstances seem to conspire to remind you of your limitations today. Focus now should be on the long term rather than the short term, as things may not be moving forward as you’d like them, or possibly even pushed back. Even so, slowdowns can point you to areas of waste that can be corrected. Think things through and wait things out should be the motto of the day. Avoiding power struggles is important, but if something is coming to a head and needs addressing, do so carefully and with self-awareness.
Cancer
Situations can seem “either-or” today and tomorrow, dear Cancer, and a compromise, as elusive as it may seem, should be sought. Do not tolerate being controlled, manipulated, or coerced right now. Stand your ground, but avoid playing the same game that others are playing as a defensive tactic. Possible issues surrounding values or money surfacing today can be temporarily deflating and discouraging. Do what you can to lighten up and pull yourself out of others’ dramas in order to get some peace if common ground cannot be found right now. This is the day before a New Moon that will occur in your sign, and it’s important, even with distracting and challenging astrological “weather” right now, to try to center yourself and imagine the changes that you want to make once the new cycle begins.
Leo
Others may not be very cooperative today and tomorrow, dear Leo, and you may not be either! Stubbornness is likely to frustrate right now. Power struggles on the job might ensue, and the little things tend to irritate most, especially with disrupted schedules or others trying to impose their will. You may not get what you want just now, likely due to family or other responsibilities and limitations, but any slowdowns experienced now can help you to focus your attention on those things that truly matter in the long term. Seek peace and quiet away from the storm. Try your best to treat roadblocks as chances to redefine your next move, which may very well be smarter and healthier.
Virgo
There can be considerable inner restlessness to contend with today and tomorrow, dear Virgo, and it might be difficult putting your finger on what is making you feel this way. Circumstances may be such that you get pulled into demanding, competitive situations despite a strong need to relax and enjoy quieter times. People can demand a lot from you now, but if you look more closely, it might actually be about their insecurities or fear, which is driving their desire to control. You don’t need to prove yourself in the face of unreasonable demands. Calm reassurance is best. A romantic relationship, friendship, or relationship with a child can be heated today. There can be some delays to deal with, and possibly a feeling of dejection. However, once over this hump in a couple of days, you’re likely to feel renewed and even rejuvenated.
Libra
There can be some ups and downs experienced in your social life, with finances, and concerning your home life today and tomorrow, dear Libra. You may be asked to let go of something that you’d rather hold on to, for example. Any confrontations today have control and power written all over them, and you may could be feeling that you’re caught in the middle. There may also be issues with family and authority figures that are reaching a head. Everyone seems to want their way, and few are conceding. This leads to rather tense scenarios or difficult decisions. Don’t allow someone to try to control or manipulate you, but know how to approach such a situation with care. You can also experience discouraging reminders that a project, plan, dream, or idea may not be feasible, but consider that it may only require some adjustments of expectations, or some tweaking and editing, in order to be viable in the long term. Be as patient as you can and play by all rules today for best results. As difficult as this may be now, it’s important to come to a middle ground.
Scorpio
Misunderstandings today tend to stem from taking things (especially ideas, opinions, and words) too personally, dear Scorpio. Opt for self-control, even if you feel provoked. Consider intentions rather than focusing too much on words. Venus and Mars challenge Saturn in your sign, and your ruler, Pluto, opposes aggressive Mars. Interpersonal relations may be strained today and tomorrow. Stumbling blocks in your career may be an issue. Take things one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to go without just for the time being. You may need to pare things down in order to move forward. Today and tomorrow, while you might very well need to think in extremes to eventually get to solid ground, try not to jump too quickly to conclusions or to speak too soon or angrily with others.
Sagittarius
Stay active today, dear Sagittarius, but hold off on making important plans until you are clearer about what you want. Rashness with money, resources, or relationships should be avoided today, as it may lead to making bad moves, poor choices, and general frustration. What’s yours and what’s mine can be issues on the table now, and can lead to a tug of war situation that has no winners. The need to set some limits may arise today and tomorrow. You could be feeling physically drained now, and it can be important to rest up when you can and avoid adding more to your plate. A reality check may be experienced, and while it can slow you down, it can also alert you to flaws in a current project that need to be fixed before moving forward – possibly a blessing in disguise.
Capricorn
There can be some tensions today revolving around getting what you want, dear Capricorn. The behavior of someone in your life can appear to be an assertion of independence, which can be frustrating if you feel that you’re not needed. However, backing off is the better defense right now. Today, Pluto in your sign opposes assertive Mars, and both Mars and Venus are in difficult relation with your ruler, Saturn. Interactions can be strained today, as a responsibility or seeming roadblock can arise. Circumstances or people seem to be disapproving or unhelpful today, and you may be left to your own resources. Whatever reality you might face today may be discouraging temporarily, but ultimately adding value to your long-term happiness. You’ll gain more personal power if you allow others some leeway. Focus on compromising, as difficult as that may be. In the long run, it’s kinder on yourself. Try not to put more pressure on yourself than necessary.
Aquarius
You may want to steer clear of power struggles and confrontations today, dear Aquarius, which may be cropping up with provocative energy that is with us both today and especially tomorrow. Something may be coming to a head, and you might find that people around you can be so wrapped up in their own problems or insecurities that you feel a little on your own or left to your own resources. Others may be withholding or difficult right now and relationships with a partner and/or authority figures can be strained. Slow down, follow the rules, and discipline yourself. Particularly at or with work, center yourself and avoid power games or point making. Patience will have its rewards – perhaps not immediate ones, but long-term benefits.
Pisces
A power struggle may occur today or tomorrow, dear Pisces, likely involving a friend or lover, and it may very well be, at its heart, about attention or recognition. Money may also be an issue. It’s a butt your head against the wall type of energy, however, so nobody truly wins. It’s best to stay out of it, but if unresolved feelings or anger are stimulated, it’s also important to get to know these things better, so be observant and aim to learn from the experience. If you face roadblocks or delays today, you may need to adjust your speed and possibly your expectations. Slowdowns occurring now are necessary ones. Exercise patience, follow rules, and avoid pushing too hard, and you’ll get over this hump. In fact, in a couple of days you may be feeling especially refreshed and full of energy, ready to take on a new adventure.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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