The process of creating infused oils is slightly more complex, however it is still easily accomplished in the home kitchen. The standard proportion suggested is that for every cup of oil, one ounce of fresh herbs or one half-ounce of dried herb is required. Unless otherwise advised, do not exceed these proportions:
1. Place the herbal material in a stainless steel bowl.
2. Cover with the oil.
3. Gently heat over simmering water, either in a true double boiler or in an improvised water bath–a saucepan one-quarter filled with water. The bowl with the herbs must not sit on the bottom of the pan but float in the water. As it is very easy for oil to scorch and burn, this process needs constant supervision for safety. Keep the oil covered.
4. Stir once in a while. Simmer gently for thirty minutes. The oil should not be allowed to get too hot because if it smokes, bubbles or burns and acrid fragrance will develop, spoiling the infusion.
5. Allow the oil to cool. Then all the herbal material must be strained out through multiple layers of cheesecloth or a fine non-metal strainer. Strain twice, if necessary, or more. If the plant material is not removed, the oil may turn rancid.
6. If an infusion spell includes essential oils or flowers remedies for enhancement, add them now, once the oil is strained and cooled.
7. Store the infused oil is an airtight container.
You can substitute a crock-pot for the water bath. Maintain the same proportions. Leave the pot on a low heat for approximately two hours, then strain as above.
The most common way to take herbal medicine is in an herb tea infusion. Drinking a medicinal tea is different however from drinking an herbal tea as a beverage. Medicinal teas are stronger. They usually require 1 ounce of the herb per pint (2 cups) of water. The container you use to prepare the medicinal herbal beverage is important also. Heatproof glassware and earthenware are best, as they do not impart any of there own qualities into the preparation. Avoid containers made of aluminum or cast iron, these can taint the herbal preparation. Heavily chlorinated tap water or water with a high mineral content should also be avoided. Pure spring water, or distilled water is best to use.
I. Know yourself
II. Know your craft
III. Learn
IV. Apply knowledge with wisdom
V. Achieve balance
VI. Keep your words in good order
VII. Keep your thoughts in good order
VIII. Celebrate life
IX. Attune with the cycles of the Earth
X. Breathe and eat correctly
XI. Exercise the body
XII. Meditate
XIII. Honor the Goddess and God
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.
Explanation: Will the New Horizons spacecraft survive its closest approach to Pluto and return useful images and data? Humanity will know in a few hours. Regardless of how well it functions, New Horizon’s rapid speed will take it whizzing past Pluto and its moons today, with the time of closest approach being at 11:50 UT (7:50 am EDT). To better take images and data, though, the robotic spacecraft was preprogrammed and taken intentionally out of contact with the Earth until about 1:00 am UT July 15, which corresponds to about 9:00 pm EDT on July 14. Therefore, much of mankind will be holding its breath through this day, hoping that the piano-sized spacecraft communicates again with ground stations on Earth. Hopefully, at that time, New Horizons will begin beaming back new and enlightening data about a world that has remained remote and mysterious since its discovery 85 years ago. Featured above is a New Horizons composite image of the moon Charon (left) and Pluto (right) taken 3 days ago, already showing both worlds in unprecedented detail.
The planet of transformation ends its 13-year stay in religious Sagittarius, a period when fundamentalist beliefs have radically changed the world. The next phase, Pluto’s entry into organizational Capricorn, will alter the nature of corporations, nations and international groups of all kinds. The planet Pluto and sign Capricorn share a strong sense of intention and focus that are likely to increase efficiency in many domains. However, their mutual hunger for results can repress compassion and contrary views that might slow down the inexorable march forward. The power of corporations will probably reach a tipping point during Pluto’s 15-year stay in Capricorn. It is possible that multi-nationals will grow so strong that they will supplant governments as primary sources of authority. While some believe that this has already occurred, we can expect a further erosion of state control or a strong reaction against corporations that eventually reduces their dominance. This reflects the Pluto paradox as this planet both intensifies and purifies, concentrating force and yet, eventually, breaking down structures to eliminate excess.
Pluto and Capricorn are more about collective structures than personal ones, yet we will still experience this transit as individuals. Stripping away unwieldy and outmoded ambition can challenge us to reconsider our goals, even our most treasured ones. Pluto raises the stakes in whatever game you’re playing, challenging you to increase your commitment or to leave the table. Again, there is a risk of becoming so focused on achieving results that flexibility is lost. It’s hard to keep an open mind in a tunnel, so burrowing through the boundaries of certainty is a healthy counterpoint for balancing Pluto in Capricorn’s excessive determination.
Pluto is associated with the psychological shadow, making it more common place to project negative images on authority figures. While we can hope that its transit through Capricorn may purge destructive elements from the culture, an even more productive application of this force is to question the certainty of your own beliefs. A willingness to re-examine them cuts away lazy thinking and outmoded concepts that inhibit growth and the full realization of our potential.
Ideally, Pluto brings us to the essence of issues and, in Capricorn, will lead to a transformation of the social order, one in which the extreme inequities of power and resources are overcome by a burgeoning awareness of our shared humanity. Extreme danger from environmental issues is one less than desirable way in which our priorities can become redirected. Yet as more and more individuals take responsibility for themselves, the power of transformation can come from within and be a consciously creative force for change. When each of us faces our fears and turns darkness into light we can reshape the world with love and hope rather than reacting to pain and fear.
Eight of Cups Reversed
Interest in the material world and success emerges or returns. Happiness and love are possible.
Ingwaz
Ingwaz signifies completion, success and fertility. Your present ambitions are about to be met. You are fecund in both mind and body.
Capricornus the Goat
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is practical, prudent, ambitious, disciplined, patient, careful, humorous and reserved. They could be someone you know in the medical field–a nurse or doctor perhaps.
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.
Many cultures associate Owl with death, while others see Owl as the “night eagle”—the bird that embodies shamanism. Owl has exceptional hearing, and his medicine is one of clairaudience—the ability to hear spirit. If Owl has silently glided into your life today, he is asking you to face your own fears, and listen to the messages spirit is sending you.
Today’s Meaning:
There are papers in your near future. This aspect is affect by legal papers of some kind–a contract, a deed or a license of some kind. These papers will bring improvement to your life.
General Description:
The people of Tibet are most superstitious. It is the custom for almost everyone to wear charms. The Amulet-box illustrated contains small inscribed scrolls covered with magical characters. These magical formulae are written and blessed by their Lamas. The scrolls are believed to be all powerful spells for appeasing evil spirits, keeping the wearers from all physical harm, safeguarding them from every kind of danger, and protecting them from the blighting effects of the evil eye. Many of these charm boxes are of gold elaborately chased, and encrusted with turquoise.
Ancestors represents the ongoing influence and remarkable contributions those who came before us have made to our state of being. Ancestors also reminds us that sometimes old wisdom is the best wisdom–especially when events are moving in ways we do not understand. Ancestors can bring comfort to a shaken spirit. It is a card of warmth in the sense that it reminds us that the spirit of past generations remains with us and can be called upon for guidance at any time.
As a daily card, Ancestors suggests that you may be well served to by exploring your family tree to find solutions to current dilemmas. When searching for solutions to conflicts in your life, you might do well by asking yourself what a grandparent or great grandparent would do in your current situation.
Meaning: This is a rune of difficulty and negative influences will rule your life for a time, but as all difficulties are a learning experience it will lead to improved personal perspective and progress on your life’s path. Always consult the surrounding runes with this stone. If it lies with a positive stone, it indicates that the pain of this experience will lead to a beneficial change in circumstances.
While similar to classic Tarot’s Strength card, Lust goes a step further by suggesting we should enjoy the pleasures of exercising our strengths, sating our passions, and embracing that which allows one to express the majesty of their unique self. The lust this card indicates is not purely sexual, but at its most basic this lust is a primal desire to experience life to the fullest degree possible while taming our more beastly side. Lust implies that we not fight with our base instincts, but rather that we accept and manage and nourish them as an essential aspect of maintaining a balanced, complete self.
This is a five Rune cast used to shed light on your life in general.
The Situation Naudhiz
Naudhiz may foretell needs unmet and friction in relationships. You may be in a time where you should be very careful in whatever endeavor you take on. Also it may be that you are about to learn some of life’s hard lessons and come out the other side of this period a stronger being.
Barriers Berkano
Berkano is the Rune of birth and rebirth. This may symbolize a time when you are capable of great personal growth. Love may be in the air as well.
Positive Influences Isa
The Ice Rune, represents stagnation and a passionless existence. Your life’s course may seem blurry at the moment, but if you persevere you will move onto better days.
What’s coming soon 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.
The Long Term Results Raidho
There may be delays in reaching your goals. You may become disassociated from those around you. Try to keep your lines of communication open.
Kenaz foretells the coming of clarity and knowledge. It is time for you to grow by exchanging knowledge with others. Opportunities are upon you.
Additional information about Today’s Rune, Kenaz
kenaz : torch
Phonetic equivalent:k (can also be used as a hard ‘c’)
DIVINATORY MEANINGS:
wisdom, insight, solution to a problem, creativity, inspiration, enlightenment
MAGICAL USES:
for creative inspiration, aid in study, fertility, dispelling anxiety and fear
ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES:
Mimir, the Dwarfs, Muspellheim
ANALYSIS:
In modern usage, the Scottish ‘ken’ means to know or understand, and this is the sense in which the rune should interpreted. Today, light, inspiration and knowledge are often associated, as in ‘gaining enlightenment’ and ‘shedding light on the problem’, and even in the image of a lightbulb going on over someone’s head when they get an idea. To bring light is to make the invisible visible.Unlike the wisdom gained at þurisaz, kenaz only allows us to take bits and pieces of this knowledge away with us as we need it, usually at the discretion of the Gods. This knowledge will generally come in the form of a sudden inspiration, and we will be able to see clearly the answer that was once hidden from us. This form of wisdom is more closely associated with the right half of the brain than the left, since it does not come through conscious effort but rather through passively opening one’s self to it. Thus, a more feminine element is added to our journeyer’s experience.
The act of bringing light into the darkness is also a creative one. Again consider the image of the person carrying a torch , representing the masculine elements of fire and air, entering the cave and penetrating the feminine realm of earth and water. This joining of masculine and feminine elements results in the creation of new ideas. In physical terms, this can be correlated to the application of fire to mold and shape matter – the art of the smith.
This drawing represent strengths you were born with.
Justice
Justice signifies the principle that although things sometimes seem askew the Universe is ultimately fair. We may not see or understand why things happen, but most of us sense there is in fact a reason and that balance exists even when we cannot see it. Justice denotes fairness regardless of who you are. At its purest the forces embodied by Justice give us the power to see without bias, and the courage to be accountable for our actions. These powers also test our faith at times. These powers also give us the tools and strength to fight injustice in our everyday life. All we have to do is use them.
When The Emperor is among your personal cards, the influence of Justice may be increased. Having The Devil in your personal cards may diminish the influence of Justice.
The High Priestess
Completely feminine and the counterpart to The Magician, the High Priestess is the Gatekeeper of the subconscious, the unknown. She travels in worlds which most of us only glimpse in our dreams. Her realm is that of unseen truths, untapped potentials, and hidden dangers. The Calling of The High Priestess is to go beyond the obvious and visible to tap those powers which are veiled from normal vision. While she is passive by nature, she has the power to uncover unknown potential and is very aware of the infinite potential all humans harbor within them. She is also very patient. She can wait for events to blossom in their own time.
When The Hermit or Hanged Man are among your personal cards, the influence of The High Priestess may be increased. Having the Magus in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The High Priestess
The Emperor is blessed with the skills to successfully lead others. He can turn chaos into order and provide structure to that which is unbound. He is quick of mind and confident in his power and right to rule, and does so in a just manner. Although stern by nature, he truly is the ultimate father figure. He will provide as needed, teach those with unanswered questions, protect the vulnerable, set and maintain boundaries. His perfect world runs on schedule and is free of any disturbances. What the Emperor must be wary of is setting boundaries and rules where none are needed. If he isn’t careful not to over use his powers he may well become a tyrant.
There can be harsh words or false starts happening today, dear Aries. You can be excited about a project or idea, but you might also face opposition for it. If you’re feeling cooped up or unable to express yourself, try not to stir the pot further. Keep emotional excitement high by doing something you love, but don’t overdo it. The intensity of the day’s aspects could bring excitable energy to your inner world or home life. There can be a sudden need to revisit a neglected area of your life now. Tricky power dynamics can be at the root of tensions experienced now. People can be especially defensive of their ideas and opinions, and it may be best to avoid getting caught in the crossfire. However, when it comes to defending a loved one, it’s a different story altogether. A New Moon occurs tonight, and in some ways, it can have the effect of wiping the slate clean on the home front and with family.
Taurus
Taurus
Interactions with others can be edgy and tense today, dear Taurus, particularly with a lover, but quite possibly with others as well, on some level. Things might seem fine until there’s a difference of opinion. You’re likely to discover that people are holding onto their opinions quite fiercely right now, and there is little rational about it. If you look more closely, however, it’s likely about power and control. There can be a lot of talk but few answers now. Try as much as possible to keep a healthy level of detachment when expressing opinions or engaging in a debate. There is competitive, provocative, and controversial energy around you now. However, it’s important to use whatever you discover today as fuel for letting go of matters that are only dragging you down. The New Moon tonight occurs in your communications sector, emphasizing a chance to begin fresh when it comes to learning and connecting.
Gemini
Gemini
Thinking can be sharp and exciting when it comes to financial and practical matters today, dear Gemini, but there can also be a tendency to be provocative or to get caught up in power games now. You could be defending your values, your worth, or even your spending now. Watch for a tendency to want to prove something, whether it’s in yourself or coming from others. Because of this, you may want to put off major decisions. People may be misinterpreting your intentions and actions. Avoid pushing too hard for answers as this can lead to undue stress. Alternatively, others might perceive you to be playing games or less than honest. Be watchful of your stance in addition to the words you choose to express yourself. It may be that you’re taking things a little too personally now. Tonight’s New Moon offers you a chance to start anew and with fresh energy.
Cancer
Cancer
A New Moon occurs in your sign tonight, dear Cancer, but while the period just before a New Moon is good for resting and reflecting, today’s energies are complicating and distracting. Ideally, you’ll end up seeing exactly what you need to let go of in order to go forward freer and more positive, and the energy of tonight’s New Moon helps you to do so. Today, you could discover that bringing up your thoughts, ideas, plans, and passions can meet with obstinacy or disapproval in others. You could feel blocked and vetoed in almost everything you do right now. If others are playing mind games with you, back off and refuse to be part of it. Be kind to yourself and avoid pushing something too hard. It’s important to avoid impulsive communications now. The coming week is powerful for getting back to a position of personal power.
Leo
Leo
You might want to gather all of your facts first before speaking on a matter today, dear Leo, as there is a tendency to speak too soon and for people to quickly jump on one another’s words or call people out. People you work with may be difficult today. You can be quite obsessed in your thinking about past matters or issues that cause you anxiety or possibly guilt. Entertain these thoughts, but avoid letting them take you over to the point that your interactions with others are tense. Arguments entered into today can reach stalemates. If you need to discuss something close to your heart, you might wait for a more open and accepting atmosphere to do so. You might also discover that keeping a project or idea to yourself is useful just for now. Issues, and possibly people, from the past can emerge. There can be a new piece of information that makes your mind race. Pay attention to what emerges today – what seems to push your buttons now – as these can be very revealing. Use restraint today and be patient. After tonight’s New Moon, you are in a better position to take action on a matter that requires letting go and healing.
Virgo
Virgo
You can have strong ideas and experience powerful motivation regarding a certain plan today, dear Virgo, but there can be some blocks or opposition to contend with first. For some of you, there can be frustration with a lover, friend, or associate. Words can be sharp and possibly harsh, but if there is a rude awakening now, it can ultimately improve understanding. People or circumstances can challenge you to confront important, perhaps previously buried issues in your life. You could find that you’re dealing with pressures and tensions coming from others, or with thoughts bordering on the obsessive about matters that are sources of frustration or anger. The goal now should be purging. Remember that you are likely to be driven by instincts today, rather than reason or logic. Be kind to yourself by NOT thinking too much, too negatively, and too obsessively. Compose a wish list, as tonight’s New Moon occurs in your long-term happiness goals sector and brings new energy to your life.
Libra
Libra
Old, buried hurts can jump up at you today, dear Libra, and if you are not careful, they can be expressed in one way or another in your conversations with others. Secrets might be revealed, or previously hidden matters can come to light now that might be uncomfortable at first, but in the long run will push you towards the light. Stalemates can occur, so avoid pushing matters for your own mental health! Be forthright if you feel compelled to be, but do it sensitively today, as your words tend to have more impact and can be remembered for some time, and be especially mindful when speaking in public or professional arenas. You can have good ideas for the future, but reserve taking action on them until after the New Moon that occurs tonight. A fresh approach works best after this lunation. Before it, concentrate on letting go of outdated behaviors and attitudes.
Scorpio
Scorpio
Simple differences of opinion can quickly become complicated today, dear Scorpio. There can be quite a bit of defensiveness and hurt feelings when ideas are not adopted right away. Avoid getting caught up in all of this. There are no winners in arguments that don’t have any growth potential. You are sharp today, but there can be difficulty advancing your ideas or projects. You can be quick to defend something or express your opinions, but might be frustrated by others’ responses. You might feel provoked or cornered, but it’s best to rise above things by exercising self-control. It can be difficult to do today, but with a Balsamic Moon until tonight’s New Moon, it’s best to let go of attitudes and ideas that no longer serving you well. The New Moon tonight is an especially helpful one for energy levels, even if you might take a bit of time to really start feeling it. You can feel rejuvenated and ready for action.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
Be convincing, but don’t be heavy-handed about it today, dear Sagittarius. There is no benefit in pushing your ideas on someone, especially when it comes to values and issues of sharing. If something feels very unfair, then you need to talk about it, but your choice of words and tone will be especially important now, so keep it light – it’s just that kind of day when people can take things entirely the wrong way. You might uncover a secret or pursue a line of research doggedly today, but it’s important to be kind to yourself as well – try not to overdo it. Alternatively, you could be faced with people who are trying to convince you of something today. There can be competing feelings in a relationship now and it can be difficult to make sense of what you and others want at the moment. The New Moon occurring tonight can help bring new, forward-looking energy to a relationship or to your conviction to improve your life.
Capricorn
Capricorn
You might be called to action today, dear Capricorn, or there could be an aggravation or push involving a partner. Others can push your buttons today. It’s a little too easy to get involved in an argument or standoff, as there is a tendency now to speak too quickly or harshly, and to be a little insensitive or stubborn. You might be acting provocatively, pushing others’ buttons as well, perhaps to see what kind of effect or hold you have on them. Try not to take the idea that someone has a different viewpoint than you as a personal affront. Before you bring up certain sensitive topics, consider whether the climate is actually right to do so. Chances are it isn’t. Channel extra energy into productive activities or into safe and moderate physical fitness. Your ideas can be stellar now. The New Moon occurring tonight launches a new cycle that helps you to start fresh in an important relationship.
Aquarius
Aquarius
You can be super-motivated to take care of challenging problems, to eliminate waste, or to become more skilled and efficient, dear Aquarius. However, you could feel that others are in your way, blocking your path, or are too overbearing or controlling. It’s very important to avoid harsh words today, as they can sting and can be remembered for far too long. Avoid overloading your plate or becoming unraveled over small flaws and problems. Conversations can really heat up with co-workers, or you could be revisiting old hurts. There’s a reason for this – perhaps it’s time to put those things behind you. What emerges now is revealing, and can point you in the right direction for healing. The New Moon tonight launches nice energy for beginning fresh, as well as for taking charge of your work, routines, and health.
Pisces
Pisces
You can feel pressured to make a decision today, dear Pisces, or you could want to take action on an idea but might feel blocked. Try to avoid situations where people are trying to one-up others or attempting to get the upper hand. There can be a lot of this going on today. Friendships can be a touchy area. There might be a rude awakening, but something that clears your mind as to where you stand, which allows you to make better plans. People might be holding on too tightly to their point of view, and power trips may be the reason behind this. This kind of obstinacy doesn’t lead to compromise nor learning experiences, only unnecessary stress, so do your best to steer clear of it. The New Moon occurring tonight can wipe the slate clean, allowing you to restart or begin fresh in a friendship, romance, or creative project.
You are a very focused person, with some obsessive qualities, but as you gain life experience, you learn to ease up and enjoy yourself more. You often have a cause that you’re passionate about and certainly enjoy helping people or opening others’ eyes – teaching them to see the world differently. You are communicative, busy, and often on the go. You love to travel, but your home base is very important to you. Famous people born today: Woody Guthrie, Jane Lynch, Ingmar Bergman, Matthew Fox, William Hanna, Gerald Ford, Jackie Earle Haley.
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