A Thought for Today

Merry meet dear Sisters, Brothers, and Honored Guests, welcome to WOTC!

If you want to see some information on any tradition of witchcraft, please put it in the comment section. I will try to find some information to post about it.

May your and your family’s lives be filled with all things positive!

So far, this week has been running smoothly. My hope and wish is it continues this way.

How has your week been so far?

Blessed be!

Merry part until we merry meet again!

Gruesome medieval remedies revealed in resurfaced manuscripts

Disclaimer: No flower or plant should be used for medicinal purposes until you have checked with your health care professional to ask if it is safe for you to use it for any reason.  No crystal, or gem or stone should be used for medicinal purposes in place of what your health care professional has prescribed for you for any reason. No herb should be used for medicinal purpose until you have checked with your health care professional to ask if it is safe for you to use it 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 and/or any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of negative reaction when using this flower or plant for any reason.

While nowadays you might have some chicken soup to fight a cold, a new project unearthing manuscripts up to 1,000 years old reveals the bizarre medical remedies recommended by those in the medieval era.

The violence of medieval society is detailed in the recipes, from gruesome animal-derived treatments to advice on how to set broken bones or determine whether a skull has been fractured.

The UK’s Cambridge University Library has launched the two-year project to digitize, catalog and conserve the more than 180 medieval manuscripts containing approximately 8,000 unedited, handwritten medical recipes.

Most of the manuscripts date to the 14th or 15th centuries, with the oldest being 1,000 years old. Some are simple pocketbooks designed to be carried around and could have been made by medical practitioners themselves, according to a news release from the University of Cambridge Wednesday.

The recipes typically comprise of a short series of simple instructions, similar to a modern-day prescription or cookery book.

In the texts, there are common ingredients that we are familiar with today, including herbs like sage, rosemary, thyme and mint, as well as spices such as cumin, pepper and ginger.

However, there are also some questionable ones, particularly those deriving from Click here to read the rest of this article

Study Shows How Smudging Sage Does a Lot More Than “Clear Evil Spirits”

The ritualistic use of plant smoke stretches back to the prehistorical era and is still used, the world over, as a way of ‘cleansing’ the spirit. Now, modern scientific research reveals that the practice may actually have health-benefiting implications by purifying the air of harmful bacteria. 
 

The burning of herbs and plant resins for medicinal and spiritual purposes – so-called ‘smudging’ – is an ancient practice among indigenous people around the world; one increasingly adopted by Westerners. Smudging is a technology believed to unlock the ‘spirits’ of various plant allies to restore balance and ease to the individual or group.  Some liken it to taking a ‘spiritual shower,’ enabling you to wash away emotional and spiritual negativity that accumulates in your body and the spaces you live.

That said, skeptics believe attributing health benefits to the burning of sage and incense reflects ‘magical thinking.’ The practice has even been accused of being a New Age form of cultural imperialism where ‘plastic’ or ‘white’ shamans mimic and co-opt the traditions of indigenous people their predecessors essentially conquered.

 Given the polarized view on this increasingly common practice, as well as the well-known role that the burning of incense plays in even Western religious traditions, such as Catholicism, we decided to explore t to see what we could find.

What studies revealed about “smudging”

First, we uncovered a 2006 review published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology titled “Medicinal Smoke” that looked at single and multi-ingredient herbal and non-herbal remedies administered as smoke from 50 countries across 5 continents. The researchers found, with surprising overlap worldwide, medicinal smoke is mostly used to address the following specific organ systems: Click here to read the rest of this article

A Thought for Today

Merry meet dear Sisters, Brothers, and Honored Guests, welcome to WOTC!

If you want to see some information on any tradition of witchcraft, please put it in the comment section. I will try to find some information to post about it.

May your and your family’s lives be filled with all things positive!

Blessed be!

Merry part until we merry meet again!

A Laugh for today

I hope the rest of your day and evening is relaxing, filled with fun and love. Blessed be.

A Thought for Today

Merry meet dear Sisters, Brothers, and Honored Guests, welcome to WOTC!

If you want to see some information on any tradition of witchcraft, please put it in the comment section. I will try to find some information to post about it.

May your and your family’s lives be filled with all things positive!

Finally, I am back to working on WOTC on a daily basis. I will try to keep up with the tomorrow posts but if I don’t I plan on at least getting the daily posts up on their correct dates. I cannot thank you enough for all your support, love, kind words, and healing you have so freely given to myself and family as we went through some very bad months. I hope this finds you and your families in good health in mind, body and spirit. Now, onto the northern hemispheres tomorrow’s posts. Love and hugs from my family to your and yours.

Blessed be!

Merry part until we merry meet again!

Greetings Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Honored Guests

I am hoping to catch up the rest of the birthday horoscope posts later today but I am not sure I will. The reason is my other familiar and companion, Drama Queen Cleopatra JAWS, better known as Cleo, is pretty sick. She is 15 years old and we have been battling a UTI for over a month with two different antibiotics that have not helped. The vet and I believe there is something blocking her urethra. At 15 years old it is too dangerous to remove whatever it might be as she would probably die while on the operating table so no sense in doing x-rays either. I hope to be picking up pain medicine for her later today to keep her comfortable until the time comes. sooner than I want it to. She could start going into kidney failure at any time. I am asking for prayers for her for whatever is best for her be it death or living. Thank you for your help and support with this.

National Puppy Day 2024: When is National Puppy Day? | Almanac.com

https://www.almanac.com/national-puppy-day?trk_msg=N4HQPTNRRCE456KT1CCP0DBGQ4&trk_contact=4IEVKFN629EA9A00JQ8BEJMVS8&trk_module=new&trk_sid=7HQ31JCPGTM03PP99H8NM2EQ24&trk_link=HM3MJ4D9KSJKDF2IRCH1HBC2HG&lctg=E48C24114414C5E91412F4C51F&utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Celebrate+Canine+Companions%3a+All+About+National+Puppy+Day+2024!+(read+more)&utm_campaign=Companion+Newsletter&utm_content=Weekly

Let’s Have Some Fun – Printable Ostara Coloring Pages

A Laugh for Today – 54 Jokes for Anyone with a Sense of Humor

(These jokes are not posted to offend anyone I just have a dry, sometimes twisted sense of humor) From Reader’s Digest

Dark jokes may seem a bit taboo, but sometimes it’s OK to just laugh. We promise we won’t tell anyone that you did.

Life can be a real challenge sometimes, and during those times you may just have to laugh it out—even if that means getting a little dark. While these may not be the best jokes to crack with your mother-in-law or boss, it’s OK to giggle at them on your own or even with some like-minded friends. Dark jokes aren’t for everyone, but laughing at dark jokes could mean you’re a genius. Genius or not, there’s no harm in letting off some steam on the harder days with some dark humor.

1. I don’t have a carbon footprint.
I just drive everywhere.

2. The most corrupt CEOs are those of the pretzel companies.
They’re always so twisted.

3. When we were kids, we used to be afraid of the dark.
But when we grew up, the electricity bill made us afraid of the light!

4. What did the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs say?
“T. rex, I’m coming for my hug!”

5. An apple a day keeps the doctor away…
Or at least it does if you throw it hard enough.

6. I have a stepladder because my real ladder left when I was just a kid.

7. I visited my friend at his new house. He told me to make myself at home.
So I threw him out. I hate having visitors.

8. I was playing chess with my friend and he said, “Let’s make this interesting.”
So we stopped playing chess.

9. Why did Mozart hate all of his chickens?
When he asked them who the best composer was, they all replied, “Bach, Bach, Bach.”

10. The other day, my wife asked me to pass her lipstick, but I accidentally passed her a glue stick.
She still isn’t talking to me.

Feeling cheesy? Try these corny jokes that will make everyone laugh while they roll their eyes.

11. Patient: Oh doctor, I’m just so nervous. This is my first operation.
Doctor: Don’t worry. Mine too.

12. I just got my doctor’s test results and I’m really upset. Turns out, I’m not gonna be a doctor.

13. Never break someone’s heart. They only have one.
Break their bones instead. They have 206 of them.

14. My husband is mad that I have no sense of direction.
So I packed up my stuff and right.

15. I childproofed my house
Somehow they still got in!

16. The guy who stole my diary just died. My thoughts are with his family.

17. What’s worse than biting into an apple and discovering a worm?
Biting into an apple and discovering half a worm.

18. As I get older, I remember all the people I lost along the way. Maybe a career as a tour guide was not the right choice.

19. My wife told me she’ll slam my head into the keyboard if I don’t get off the computer.
I’m not too worried — I think she’s jokindkdkslalkdlkfjslfjslksdlkfjuahehwhgwdklaljdf

20. You’re not completely useless.
You can always serve as a bad example.

21. A man walks into a magic forest and tries to cut down a talking tree. “You can’t cut me down,” the tree complains. “I’m a talking tree!” The man responds, “You may be a talking tree, but you will dialogue.”

22. What’s a pirate’s favorite letter of the alphabet?
None. Historians have suggested most pirates would have been illiterate.

23. “Welcome back to Plastic Surgery Anonymous. Nice to see so many new faces here today!”

24. My wife left a note on the fridge that said, “This isn’t working.” I’m not sure what she’s talking about. I opened the fridge door and it’s working fine!

25. What’s the last thing to go through a fly’s head as it hits the windshield of a car going 70 miles per hour? Its butt.

26. My boss told me to have a good day.
So I went home.

27. A child determined to burn his home down. His dad watched, tears in his eyes. He put his arm across the mother and stated, “That’s arson.”

28. Imagine when you walked into a bar and there was a lengthy line of individuals ready to take a swing at you. That’s the punch line.

29. Wife: “I want another baby.”
Husband: “That’s a relief, I also really don’t like this one.”

30. “What’s your name, son?” The principal asked his student. The kid replied, “D-d-d-dav-dav-david, sir.” “Do you have a stutter?” the principal asked. The student answered, “No sir, my dad has a stutter but the guy who registered my name was a real jerk.”

31. My favorite film is The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
I love a protagonist with a twisted back story.

32. Why are friends a lot like snow?
If you pee on them, they disappear.

33. I threw a boomerang a few years ago.
I now live in constant fear.

34. A blind woman tells her boyfriend that she’s seeing someone. It’s either terrible news or great news.

35. When I see the names of lovers engraved on a tree, I don’t find it cute or romantic.
I find it weird how many people take knives with them on dates.

36. Why don’t skeletons ever go trick or treating?
Because they have no body to go with.

37. My boss said to me, “You’re the worst train driver ever. How many have you derailed this year?”
I said, “I’m not sure; it’s hard to keep track.”

38. My wife and I have reached the difficult decision that we do not want children. If anybody does, please just send me your contact details and we can drop them off tomorrow.

39. You know you’re not liked when you get handed the camera every time they take a group photo.

40. I have a joke about trickle down economics. But 99 percent of you will never get it.

41. My parents raised me as an only child, which really pissed off my sister.

42. What rhymes with “boo” and stinks?
You.

43. I have a fish that can breakdance.
Just for 20 seconds though and only once.

44. What’s pink and dangerous for your tooth?
A brick.

45. “I work with animals,” the man says to his date.
“That’s so sweet,” she replies. “I love a man who cares about animals. Where do you work?”
“I’m a butcher,” he says.

46. Why don’t cannibals eat clowns?
Because they taste funny.

47. Watching my daughter at the park earlier. Another parent asked, “Which one is yours?” I replied, “I’m still deciding.”
They looked horrified.

48. My mother said one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Turns out I’m adopted.

49. When my uncle Frank died, he needed his ashes to be buried in his favorite beer mug. His final wish was to be Frank in Stein.

50. Why do vampires seem sick?
They’re always coffin.

51. Do the very last thing my grandfather stated to me earlier than he kicked the bucket? “Grandson, watch how far I can kick this bucket.”

52. Well, it is true that humans eat more bananas than monkeys just as recent research suggests. I agree because I can’t remember when last I enjoyed eating a monkey.

53. Today I made a decision to go go to my childhood house. I asked the residents if I may come inside because I was feeling nostalgic, however, they refused and slammed the door on my face. My mother and father are the worst.

54. What’s the difference between jelly and jam? You can’t jelly a clown into the tiny automobile.

A Thought for Today

Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Honored Guests welcome to WOTC!

If you would to see some information on any tradition of witchcraft please put it in the comment section. I will try to find some information to post about it.

May your life be filled with all things positive!

Life is in the super-fast lane lately and my fibromyalgia has been in overdrive with the weather changes making it hard for me to get to my computer daily to post.

Please let me know what other monthly posts you would like to see and I will attempt to get them up this week.

Thank you for your continuing support and good thoughts you send my way.

February 28 and 29, 2024

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 was born.

Useful Moon Resources

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

Source: MoonGiant.com

Northern Hemisphere

February 28, 2024

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waning Gibbous. During this phase the Moon can be seen in the early morning daylight hours on the western horizon. This is the first phase after the Full Moon occurs. It lasts roughly 7 days with the Moon’s illumination growing smaller each day until the Moon becomes a Last Quarter Moon with an illumination of 50%. The average Moon rise for this phase is between 9pm and Midnight depending on the age of the phase. The moon rises later and later each night setting after sunrise in the morning.

Visit the February 2024 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waning Gibbous Phase

The Waning Gibbous on February 28 has an illumination of 86%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On February 28 the Moon is 18.31 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 86%
Moon Age: 18.31 days
Moon Angle: 0.50
Moon Distance: 401,287.28 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 148,200,533.07 km

Southern Hemisphere

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waning Gibbous. During this phase the Moon can be seen in the early morning daylight hours on the western horizon. This is the first phase after the Full Moon occurs. It lasts roughly 7 days with the Moon’s illumination growing smaller each day until the Moon becomes a Last Quarter Moon with an illumination of 50%. The average Moon rise for this phase is between 9pm and Midnight depending on the age of the phase. The moon rises later and later each night setting after sunrise in the morning.

Visit the February 2024 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waning Gibbous Phase

The Waning Gibbous on February 29 has an illumination of 79%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On February 29 the Moon is 19.21 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 79%
Moon Age: 19.21 days
Moon Angle: 0.50
Moon Distance: 398,164.99 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 148,236,749.18 km

A Thought for Today and For Your Listening Pleasure

I am in such an uplifting, positive mood and not tired today I hardly recognize myself from a week ago. This is how I prefer to feel everyday. Plus no nightmares since last Friday helps to put me in this better mood. PTSD, which can be a total disability to function in everyday life, troubling dreams or nightmares can really ruin a person’s day. Those with have PTSD for what ever trauma or traumas that have caused it have a true disability but the average  person you come in contact with thinks you are just fine because this is a silent disability just like depression, bi-polar, anxiety things, etcetera. We do not get a special parking place or treatment from others with what I call silent disabilities. Why don’t we? Because to most people the world over if they do not see you using a wheelchair or crutches or other outward helpers to get around they think you are lying when you say you are disabled.

Here is a list of just a few things besides being in a war zone that can cause PTSD:

Domestic Violence or Abuse this goes for men as well as women.

Being in an Automobile Accident even if neither you or anyone else was hurt badly or died.

Being Molested as a child or young adult.

Being Raped at any age. YES, whether you want to believe it or not MEN can be raped though very few report it because4 of fear of being laughed at or ridiculed.

Being Held Captive by a spouse or parent or other care giver.

Being Homeless

And the list goes on and on.

So, the next time you see someone struggling but they have no outward signs of being disabled stop and think for a moment before you pass judgement on them.

I picked this song because to me it means at least one person cares about and loves me unconditionally and I love him back the same way. He stands by me when my PTSD or depression or an anxiety attack or a fibromyalgia flare or any or all of them combined is happening or just our everyday life can be to much for me physically or mentally or emotionally or all three combined.

My hope for each of you is that you have someone like this in your life too!!

All I Have To Do Is Dream – Everly Brothers

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence for Wednesday

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY COROSPONDENCES AND SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

Wednesday Correspondences

Dedicated to the Teutonic god Woden or Odin, an aspect of the “All-Father” god of knowledge wisdom enlightenment and combat, the parallel of Hermes.

Element : Air

Planet: Mercury

Zodiac Sign : Virgo / Gemini

Angel : Raphael

Metal : Mercury

Incense / Perfumes : Jasmine, Lavender, Sweet Pea

Oil: Benzoin, Clary Sage, Eucalytus, Lavender

Color : Red, Orange, Light Blue

Stones : Bloodstone,Garnet, Aventurine, Hematite, Moss Agate and Sodalite

Plants/Herbs : Almond, Anise, Cherry, Clover, Dandelion, Dill, Fern, Hazel, Hyssop, Lavender, Lemongrass, Lilac, Mace, Peppermint, Rosemary, Vervain

Magick to Work: the conscious mind, study, travel, divination, consulting oracles, wisdom, communication ,cleverness, contracts, creativity, information, intellect, memory, perception, science, wisdom, writing

Wednesday Source: thewitchandwand.com

Wednesday aligns with the planet Mercury. This day is associated with intellectual pursuits, travel, communication, and memory.

Metal: Mercury
Colors: Orange, Yellow, Periwinkle
Gems and Stones: Aventurine, Moss Agate
Botanicals: Fern, Dill, Sweet Pea, Periwinkle, Eucalyptus, Aspen, Lily, Lavender
Spellwork: Communication, Divination, Luck, Travel, Knowledge, Memory