Category: Aromatherapy

An Herbal Grimoire

Disclaimer: No herb should be used for medicinal use until you have checked with your health care professional to ask if it is safe for you to use it for any reason. WitchesofTheCraft.com, any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com, and Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of a negative reaction when using this herb for any reason.

The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. WitchesofTheCraft.com, any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com, Lady Rhiannon, and Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of a negative reaction when using this herb for any reason.

Continuing our working with herbs in Magick. We are going to dial this back so we can study two herbs per week. Understanding the herbs and what their magickal properties are is essential when working magick. When harvesting herbs, always remember to thank the plant for its sacrifice and bless the herb before use in ritual. A simple blessing will suffice, as herbs are part of the Earth.

Goddess Herb

Picture by Lady Carla Beltane’s 8 years old Aloe Plant (in southern kitchen window – kitchen needs to repainted lol)

Aloe



Aloe has a feminine aspect. It is closely connected with the Moon and with the element of Water. In magickal workings, we use Aloe for beauty, protection, peace and success. Known for the healing qualities it can bring, using this herb in magickal working can help to boost any healing energies that you wish to send to the Universe.

When working a magickal healing spell, one could place this herb on the altar and ask the plant to lend its energy to your workings. There is also an element of luck that accompanies this particular herb as it has the ability to heal itself, the plant itself is lucky. But what this herb is most used for in magickal working is protection and healing.

The healing this herb will lend in Magickal working, as it is connected to Water, are to the Ears, Eyes, Stomach and Uterus. If you are having issues in any of these areas, you can ask the herb to lend its energy to help to heal you.

God Herb



Angelica

Angelica has a masculine aspect. It is closely connected with the Moon and Jupiter and with the element of Fire. In magickal workings, we use Angelica for protection and exorcism. Priests have used this herb in their sensors for centuries to rid those afflicted. (Disclaimer: If you are faced with an entity, please reach out to Lady Beltane as she is very versed in this. Do not try to take on this entity alone.) This herb can help to add a layer of protection for you in life.

When working a magickal protection spell, one could place this herb on the altar and ask it to lend you its energy. You can also fashion this into an amulet to carry with you for protection while on the go.

This protection herb can lend its energies for protection, as it is connected to Fire, the protection will go to the Abdomen, Genetalia, Heart and Mind. If you need protection in any of these areas, you can ask the herb to lend its energy to help protect you.

Remember, when using herbs, you have to understand what the herb can do, as well as understand the direction/element that the herb attunes to and the planetary alignment. Remember, understanding comes with research, education and practice.

Blessed Be Brothers & Sisters!

Happy Spellcasting!

An Herbal Grimoire

Disclaimer: No herb should be used for medicinal use until you have checked with your health care professional to ask if it is safe for you to use it for any reason. WitchesofTheCraft.com, any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com, and Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of a negative reaction when using this herb for any reason.

The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. WitchesofTheCraft.com, any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com, Lady Rhiannon, and Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of a negative reaction when using this herb for any reason.

Working with herbs in magick can have a powerful effect. They can enhance the magick, enhance the energies and enhance the direction. Understanding what herbs to work with and which to avoid is key in making sure your magick does not go awry in the Universe.

Plants can lend healing to a spell, can renew life in the energy you are summoning and can have powerful and beneficial effects to those it touches on its journey through the cosmos and back.

Goddess Herbs include:

Aloe, Apple, Catnip, Comfrey, Daisy, Elder, Eucalyptus, Fern, Henbane, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Lilac, Mugwort, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Periwinkle, Poppy, Rose, Thyme, Valerian, Vervain, Violet, and Willow. (Not a full list)

God Herbs include:

Angelica, Anise, Ash, Basil, Bay Leaves, Caraway, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clover, Clove, Cypress, Dragons Blood, Eyebright, Fennel, Frankincense, Ginger, Ginseng, Hawthorne, Hazel, Mandrake, Mint, Oak, Parsley, Patchouli, Pine, Rosemary, Witch Hazel, and Wormwood. (Not a full list)

Some Magickal workings and spells can be enhanced, as I said before, with the use of herbs. We use herbs such as Jasmine to represent Prosperity and we use herbs like Pine to help with healing and cleansing as well as attunement to nature. Understanding the herb and the uses is essential.

When working a spell for Protection or Purification, Anise is the herb to use. Anise has a Masculine quality, the planets that align with this herb are Juptier or the Moon and the Element its associated with is Air. There are also healing qualities to this particular herb. If used in a bath, it serves as a cleansing. Having a satchet of Anise seeds next to your bed will also help to keep nightmares at bay.

If you have a familiar that is feline, then Catnip is the herb for you. Catnip has a Female quality, the planet that aligns with this herb is Venus, and its element is Water. Using catnip to perform Cat Magick, to either choose your familiar, or to get closer to them will help to enhance and boost that magick. This herb is also associated with joy and friendship and of course, love.

Mugwort is a very powerful herb. It is used for clairvoyance, enhancing psychic dreams and astral projection. Mugwort has a Feminine quality, the planet is Venus and the element is Air. But be very careful with working with this herb. If you are looking for a Soul Journey, ensure you have a partner that remains grounded to pull you back from the Astral Plane. Taking the leaves and rubbing them directly on your Crystal Ball will help to enchance or strengthen your divinatory work.

Rosemary is another powerful herb. They say (and no, I don’t know who “they” are) if you plant Rosemary by your Garden Gate, you will always have healthy plants. Rosemary has a Masculine quality and the planet that is aligned with this powerful herb is the Sun itself. The element, of course, is Fire! Rosemary also has healing qualities. Improving memory, helping sleep, enhancing power and helping to heal and protect.

High John the Conqueror Root is another herb that has a Masculine quality. Its planet is Saturn and the element, Earth. This herb, if used in Magick, can help to enhance the strength and power. Used as an annointing oil for candles and charms to enhance the strength of the power being directed into them.

Remember, when using herbs, you have to understand what the herb can do, as well as understand the direction/element that the herb attunes to. You would insult the magick if you used Rosemary and asked the element of Water to enhance the power, as this is Fire herb. Understanding comes with research and practice. For a more expanisive list, please reach out to Lady Beltane or to Lady Rhiannon.

Blessed Be Brothers & Sisters!

Happy spellcasting!

Herb and Essential Oils Magickal and Medicinal Uses – Voodoo/Hoodoo – Making Magickal Oils

Disclaimer: No herb should be used for medicinal use until you have check with your health care professional to ask if it safe for you to use it for any reason. WitchesofTheCraft.com, any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com, and Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of a negative reaction when using this herb for any reason.

The content provided on this is website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

Voodoo/Hoodoo – Making Magickal Oils

As a general rule, you can use the following method for creating magickal anointing oils. In a mortar and pestle, pour two ounces of your base oil (olive, almond, grapeseed, etc.) and then add the herbs and other ingredients. Gently crush the ingredients and transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store in a dark place. After four days, check the oil to see if the fragrance is to the desired strength. If it is, then you can either strain the oil with cheesecloth into your final container, or simply leave everything together. Store in a dark place. If you do not have the right aromatic strength, then strain the oil in cheesecloth back into your mortar, add enough of your base oil to bring it back to 2 ounces, and repeat the process of adding your ingredients, crushing them into the oil, and storing away for three days at a time. Repeat this as many times as necessary to achieve the desired strength.

 

Some herbs and resins are more readily absorbed than others. If you have an essential oil of an herb used in a recipe, you can add some to the recipe to enhance the aroma, as well. Be sure to add a few drops of tincture of Benzoin to your oils or they will go rancid (unless you are using jojoba oil as a base).

 

Precautions
Please note that it is always possible to have an allergic reaction to any oil or oil blend. A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using any essential oil that will have contact with the skin. This is to determine if you may be allergic or have a sensitization reaction to the oil.

1)Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children and pets.

 

2)Pregnant women and persons with health problems must consult doctor.

 

3)Essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin.

 

4)Essential oils should not be taken internally.

5)Products made with natural ingredients may still cause allergic reactions with some individuals. When using oils on skin, be aware of any reactions that seem to be happening, and take first aid measures immediately. Flush the area with a lot of clean water and seek medical attention. Take the same steps (flush with clean water, seek medical help) if you spill undiluted essentials on yourself, or get them in your eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound.

Working with essential oils requires knowing the properties of the oils and being aware of the safety issues about the oils you use. For your convenience, I have compiled a list of essential oils based on information is from Julia Lawless book The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy and Herbalism(Illustrated Encyclopedia). You are encouraged to purchase the book and study it to gain the in depth knowledge required to master the art of apothecary.

 

Hazardous Oils:
Bitter Almond, Arnica, Boldo, Broom, Buchu, Calamus, Camphor, Cassia, Chervil, Cinnamon (bark), Costus, Elecampane, Fennel (bitter), Horseradish, Mugwort, Mustard, Oregano, Pennyroyal, Pine (dwarf), Rue, Sage (common), Santolina, Sassafras, Savine, Savory, Tansy, Thuja, Thyme (red), Tonka, Wintergreen, Wormseed and Wormwood.

 

Toxicity:
Essential oils which should be used in moderation (only in dilution and for a maximum of two weeks at a time) because of toxicity levels are:
Ajowan, Anise Star, Basil (exotic), Bay Laurel, Bay (West Indian), Camphor (white), Cassie, Cedarwood (Virginian), Cinnamon (leaf), Clove (bud), Coriander, Eucalyptus, Fennel (sweet), Hops, Hyssop, Juniper, Nutmeg, Parsley, Pepper (black), Sage (Spanish), Tagests, Tarragon, Thyme (white), Tuberose, Turmeric, Valerian.

 

Dermal/Skin Irritation:
Oils which may irritate the skin, especially if used in a high concentration: Ajowan, Allspice, Aniseed, Basil (sweet), Black Pepper, Boreol, Cajeput, Caraway, Cedarwood (Virginian), Cinnamon (leaf), Clove (bud), Cornmint, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Ginger, Lemon, Parsley, Peppermint, Thyme (white) and Turm

 

Sensitization:
Some oils may cause skin irritation only in those people with very sensitive skins or can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Always do a patch test before using a new oil to check for individual sensitization. Oils which may cause sensitization include:

Basil (French), Bay Laurel, Benzoin, Cade, Canagaa, Cedarwood (Virginian), Chamomile (Roman and German), Citronella, Garlic, Geranium, Ginger, Hops, Jasmine, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lemon Balm (melissa), Litsea Cubeba, Lovage, Mastic, Mint, Orange, Peru Balsam, Pine (Scotch and long-leaf), Styrax, Tea Tree, Thyme (white), Tolu Balsam, Turmeric, Turpentine, Valerian, Vanilla, Verbena, Violet, Yarrow and Ylang Ylang.

 

Phototoxicity:
Some oils are phototoxic, meaning they can cause skin pigmentation if exposed to direct sunlight. Do not use the following oils either neat or in dilution on the skin, if the area will be exposed to the sun:
Angelica Root, Bergamot (except bergapten-free type), Cumin, Ginger, Lemon (expressed), Lime (expressed), Lovage, Mandarin, Orange and Verbena.

 

High Blood Pressure:
Avoid the following oils in cases of high-hypertension: Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage (Spanish and common) and Thyme.

 

Epilepsy:
Fennel (sweet).

 

Diabetes:
Hyssop, Rosemary, Angelica, and Sage (all types).

 

Homeopathy:
Homeopathic treatment is not compatible with the following: Black Pepper, Camphor, Eucalyptus and Peppermint.

 

Storage
Essential oils should be stored in dark glass bottles or vials. However, essential oils can be packaged in clear glass bottles or vials if they are stored in a box or dark carrying case.

All essential oils should be kept at a moderate to cool temperature and away from children and pets.

Spring Equinox/Ostara Potpourri, Incense and Oil c. 2018

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE THIS TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

Spring Equinox/Ostara Potpourri, Incense & Oil

Spring Equinox Ritual Potpourri

Recipe by Gerina Dunwich

A small cauldron filled with homemade potpourri can be used as a fragrant altar decoration, burned (outdoors) as an offering to the old gods during or after a Sabbat celebration, or wrapped in decorative paper and ribbons and given to a Wiccan sister or brother as a Sabbat gift.

45 drops rose oil

1 cup oak moss

2 cups dried dogwood blossoms

2 cups dried honeysuckle blossoms

1/2 cup dried violets

1/2 cup dried daffodils

1/2 cup dried rosebuds

1/2 cup dried crocus or iris

Mix the rose oil with the oak moss, and then add the remaining ingredients. Stir the potpourri well and then store in a tightly covered ceramic or glass container.

(The above recipe for “Spring Equinox Ritual Potpourri” is directly quoted from Gerina Dunwich’s book: “The Wicca Spellbook: A Witch’s Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions and Recipes”, pages 161-162, A Citadel Press Book, Carol Publishing Group, 1994/1995.)

Source

Ostara Lore
Researched and Compiled by StormWind

Ostara Oil

Put in soap or annoint candles
5 drops lavender
5 drops jasmine
5 drops patchouli
5 drops rose

Add a lavender bud and small lapis lazuli, rose, and clear quartz crystals. This has the gently smell of spring beginning to blossom. Very lovely!

Ostara Incense

Recipe by Scott Cunningham

2 parts Frankincense
1 part Benzoin
1 part Dragon’s Blood
1/2 part Nutmeg
1/2 part Violet flowers (or a few drops Violet oil)
1/2 part Orange peel
1/2 part Rose petals

 

Burn during Wiccan rituals on Ostara, or to welcome the spring and refresh your life.

 

(The above recipe for “Ostara Incense” is directly quoted from Scott Cunningham’s book: “The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews”, page 83, Llewellyn Publications, 1992.)

 

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence for Romance Air Diffuser – Printable

Plant portraits

The illustrations in medieval herbals are beautiful and mysterious. But if you know how to read them, they also convey a wealth of knowledge about the plants they portray.

From WelcomeCollection.com

The illustrated herbal has an almost unbroken line of descent from the ancient Greeks to the Middle Ages. The tradition owes much to a work by the Greek physician Dioscorides called ‘De Materia Medica’ (50–70 CE), which describes around 1,000 medicines, largely derived from plants, along with some animals and mineral substances.

‘De Materia Medica’ was circulated throughout the European and Islamic worlds. During that time it was translated, embellished and added to in commentaries and copies for local use. In Europe, this tradition developed into the medieval herbal, created in monasteries, usually by …

 

August 14th N. H. Current Moon Phase and Planetary Positions

Current Moon Phase

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2019

The Moon today is in a Waxing Gibbous phase. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts round 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. During a Waxing Gibbous the moon will rise in the east in mid-afternoon and will be high in the eastern sky at sunset. The moon is then visible though most of the night sky setting a few hour before sunrise. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked.

You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else you know was on the date the person was born.

Current Planetary Positions

August 14, 2019
12:13 pm GMT (7:13 AM CDT)
Tropical Zodiac

Sun:21 Leo 26
Moon:10 Aquarius 20
Mercury:03 Leo 22
Venus:21 Leo 30
Mars:27 Leo 39
Jupiter:14 Sagittarius 31
Saturn:14 Capricorn 51 Rx
Uranus:06 Taurus 37 Rx
Neptune:18 Pisces 01 Rx
Pluto:21 Capricorn 11 Rx
Fire:5
Earth:3
Air:1
Water:1
Cardinal:2
Fixed:6
Mutable:2
If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use this link Currentplanetarypositions.com
To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)e to your local time use this link For You Local Time and Date
If you have questions about using any of the links please leave them in the comment section as others may have the same question and it is easier to answer once than many times via email. Thank you.

Everyone Needs Some Me Time to Relax and Center

We all have days we wish we could just hibernate and hide from everyone. This is when you need to have a special care package ready to go to relax you physically and mentally and recenter yourself spiritually.

I have a small kit made up in advance for when I take this me time. Mine includes a long incense sticks or cones of either sandalwood or jasmine (lavender is also very good for relaxing with), my favorite Celtic music bookmarked on my computer to find it easier, a big handful of my favorite Epsom salts in a Ziploc type bag or other holder, a smudge stick, a bar of scents soap, a black taper and a white taper candle, my favorite lotion, and a robe (type depends on the temperature in my home). I also shut off my cell/mobile phone and anything else that someone could call me on like Skype.

Allow a minimum of 2 hours for yourself to get the benefits you deserve.

I do a smudging in my den and bathroom and also myself. Then get into my usually hot bath with the salts. I soak for a while until I feel my muscles completely relax m(draining cooled water and adding more hot if I feel the need to) than I use one of my scented soaps to wash with (my hair is tied up because I wash it in the sink before getting into my bath or just leave dry, no one says you have to wash your hair just because you take a bath). After getting out of the bath and drying off I rub lotion on every part of my body I can comfortably reach just to feel the wonder of what the deities choose to make us into thousands of years ago.

Then if I feel like it put on my robe and go into my den or bedroom. Depending on my mood whether I stay in the robe or lay down skyclad.

Once in my den or bedroom,  I have a small table next to the daybed in my den so the black candle is set on the southwest corner and the white in the northeast. I light the black candle first asking Hades and Persephone to take away all the negative energy, anger, resentment, envy, etc I may still be harboring inside myself.  Next, I  light the white candle asking Ra and Mother Earth to fill me with love, positive energy and to be grounded. I then light the incense I choose while enjoying the scent of the incense and listening to the music  I do a relaxation technique (which I will describe below) and then I let my mind to float free not focusing on any one thought especially if it is a negative one. I usually wind up falling asleep and many times have had messages and/or vision brought to me by my ancestors, guides, some deities. These dreams I write down what I can remember of them when I awaken. The dreaming does not happen every time.

The two most important things to take away from this experience is one does not feel guilty for taking the time to pamper and nurture yourself because we all need to. The other thing is to take a is relaxed, centered mind, body, and spirit from reconnecting them all.

RELATION TECHNIQUE: Starting with your toes and working up the body tighten each muscle as you take as deep a breath as you can then allow the muscle to completely relax as you slowly exhale all the air you took in. This should take you at least 15 to 20 minutes to get all your muscles relaxed and your mind to slow down.

A great place you can get your incense, soap, candles and smudge sticks is Magickal Necessities. Below are the links for the items available:

Incense Cones

Soaps

Smudge Sticks

Chime (smaller) Candles

BROOMSTICK

Possessed by you

BROOMSTICK

Brooms aren’t just for sweeping-at least not in the way that most people think.

Witches use brooms to clear away negativity from a room (spring cleaning, anyone?) or a ritual circle.

Brooms are also a symbol of Witches and Witchcraft that have been in use for centuries. They represent the freedom of flying (alas, only in our minds and spirits for most of us, unless we’re Harry Potter) and the comfort of hearth and home.

A Witch’s broom should never be used for everyday cleaning, but feel free to keep another broom for that-they are a handy household tool. As with your other tools, a ritual broom should be carefully tended and only used for magickal purposes.

One way to keep a special broom if you’re still “in the broom closet” is to craft one out of broom straw, aromatic herbs, and colorful foliage (topped off with a spritz of glycerin to make it last), and hang it on your wall in full sight. After all, no one but you needs to know it is anything other than a clever, crafty decoration. (If you’re craft-impaired, you can also just buy a pre-decorated rated broom and hang it up. I’ll never tell.)

 

Everyday Witch A to Z: An Amusing, Inspiring & Informative Guide to the Wonderful World of Witchcraft
Deborah Blake

 

How to Use Essential Oils eBook review

Hey everyone,

Wow, it looks like we have gotten a couple of reviews from different people on our new eBook on “How to Use Essential Oils – a Beginner’s Guide + Practical Tips”.

This two-part series is a comprehensive go-over of what essential oils are, how we make them/how they are derived from plants, and what you can do with them to better improve your life.  Whether it is skin care, weight loss, arthritis, headaches, indigestion, etc.  essential oils can help a lot in these areas.  They are primarily a preventative means, but it’s not like they don’t have the potency to mitigate a number of conditions.

The eBook also gives some great recipes and special blend formulas.

Check it out, and see these ebook reviews here!

For the How to Use Essential Oils eBook, click each part below (note: we will have to verify you are human but otherwise it is FREE for anyone to keep).

How to Use Essential Oils – a Beginner’s Guide part 1

How to Use Essential Oils – Practical Tips part 2

 

Thanks for telling us how you feel 🙂  Do you have some thoughts on our new eBook?  Write to us at eupterraen@eupterrafoundation.com and we will see if we can’t feature your review as well.

Share with your EO buddies if you like this!