Category: Daily Posts

A Few Laughs for Your Day

From Reader’s Digest

POTATO BAG STRENGTH

An exercise for people who are out of shape: Begin with a five-pound potato bag in each hand. Extend your arms straight out from your sides, hold them there for a full minute, and then relax. After a few weeks, move up to ten-pound potato bags. Then try 50-pound potato bags, and eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-pound potato bag in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute. Once you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each bag.

CAN’T COME TO CLASS

My daughter received this e-mail from a prospective student prior to the start of the semester: “Dear Professor, I won’t be able to come to any of your classes or meet for any of the tests. Is this a problem?”

MADE MY OWN GRANDKIDS

Scene: With a patient in my medical exam room Me: How old are your kids? Patient: Forty-four and 39 from my wife who passed away, and from my second wife, 15 and 13. Me: That’s quite the age difference! Patient: Well, the older ones didn’t give me any grandkids, so I made my own.

Full Pink Moon: Spell and Ritual (April 6, 2023)

Full Pink Moon: Spell & Ritual (April 6, 2023) from spells8.com

April’s Full Moon is called the Pink Moon. In North America, this is when the herb moss pink, or wild ground phlox blooms in widespread joyfulness. This is also the month when many fish swim upstream to spawn. It is a time of playfulness and youth for Nature, and it can be for you also!

What to do on the Pink Moon? Cast a Full Moon spell. The best time for a Pink Moon ritual is a Friday night, but you may do it on any of the three nights when the Moon is Full in April.

How does this Spell work?

The color pink resonates with compassion, nurturing and love, It is kind and comforting, bursting with pure romance. A pink candle will help nurture and warm you as you work your magic.

A symbol of fertility and abundance, The Moon has been worshiped by different cultures since ancient times. And this one especially, since it is usually the first Full Moon of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, the season of love and unions.

Before you begin, make sure you have set an intention for this ritual. This is a great opportunity to cast a love spell, even if it’s just to attract friendly, familial or self-love energies.

Full Pink Moon: Spell & Ritual (April)

Recipe by Francisco Huanaco

Here’s a Pink Moon ritual for manifestations of any kind. Love spells and positive intentions are encouraged in this season. What to do on the Pink Moon? Cast a Full Moon spell!

INGREDIENTS

1 pink candle (or more if you have them)

Candle holder or dish

Rose quartz or Moonstone

Pink flowers

Pen and paper

HOW TO CAST THE PINK MOON SPELL

Optionally, you can dress in pink (or wear a pink garment) to help open your most receptive side and channel the energy of the Pink Moon.

Decorate your room or your altar with pink flowers to set a positive and sensitive mindset for a successful ritual as you focus on your intention.

If you can see the Full Moon from where you are, look at it. Otherwise visualize it with the eye of your mind and allow a feeling of hope to fill your spirit. Take a piece of paper and write your intention on it. This is the goal that your Magic will bring and manifest throughout the coming months. Feel the blooming of your dreams starting to happen.

Place the paper under the candle holder or dish, and set the pink candle on top. Light the candle. 🕯️

Hold your quartz or moonstone in your hands, and as you see the moon in the sky or in your mind, chant the spell:Pink Moon Ritual Chant

Charge your gemstone with lunar energy by placing it outside or on a window sill. As the candle burns, follow a guided meditation for love, or simply empty your mind as you watch the candle burn. You can use this time to say a love spell chant or a prayer to invite love into your life, or do a devotional to the deity of your choosing.

NOTES

Practice candle safety. Never leave candles burning unattended.

What to do with the leftovers of the spell?

Keep the stone and carry it with you to attract more love in your daily activities. Finish burning the candle for the duration of this lunar month (until the next Full Moon).

You can paste the piece of paper on your book of shadows or Book of Mirrors to remind you of when you cast this Pink Moon spell or burn it tonight with the pink candle flame. Dispose of the pink flowers as you see fit.

Moon Water – Part 1

From spells8.com

Moon Water is a very versatile Magical ingredient and one of the easiest to prepare. You will find that many recipes of Wiccan spells use it.

Learn how to make and use Moon Water in any lunar phase. Adding it to your pagan altar at home will help you harness the power of Element Water and the Moon in your ritual practice.

What is Moon Water?

Moon water is simply water that has been exposed to the moonlight and charged with a Magical intention. The water will now embody the properties and energy of that moon phase so we can use it whenever we need it in our craft.

How to Prepare Moon Water

We frequently use this water when for any reason we can’t work during the best Moon phase for a spell. Instead, by charging regular drinking water with the energy of the moon, we preserve that energy until a later time.

A Moon Water Recipe for Every Phase: Boost Your Magic Powers

Recipe by Francisco Huanaco Difficulty: Easy

Moon water is simply regular water that has been blessed under the Moon. You can make it on any lunar phase (not just the Full Moon!) chanting this easy Wiccan spell.

INGREDIENTS

Drinking water (it can be tap/rain water if it’s safe to drink)

1 bowl or a glass container of any size

HOW TO PREPARE MOON WATER

Pour water in the bowl. If it’s your first time, use 3 cups of water. Otherwise, feel free to experiment with the amounts.

Put the bowl in a place where it will be lit by the moonlight, preferably outside, but it could be near a window inside your home. It’s a good idea to use a glass bowl or a transparent bottle to allow the light to reach the water without obstructions. It doesn’t matter if it’s cloudy outside, since moonlight, just like sunlight, can pierce through the clouds easily.

As you place the water in the moonlight, consecrate it by saying out loud:How to prepare Moon Water

Your intention/petition could be attracting more money to your life, healing a part of your body, fixing a relationship, or anything else where you want to focus this sacred energy.

You don’t need to leave the water outside all night. A few hours is enough, but make sure to collect it before dawn, before the sunlight touches it.

Filter out any insects that might have landed on the water and pour it in a bottle or jar. Store it in a dark place such as a kitchen cabinet or refrigerator until you use it.

You can use rain water too. If you’re planning to drink it afterwards, just make sure it’s safe to drink!

Print it: Magic Water Recipe

This PDF version comes with a transparent background so you can print it on printer-friendly parchment paper add it to your own Book of Shadows.

A Thought for Today

We can all grow flowers 98% of the time it’s the other 2% we have to be careful of.

Blessing to help flowers growing in your mind!

To All Our WOTC Family Born in April

May this next year of your life bring you enough money to make ends meet with a little left over for fun, bring you more love, happiness, laughter, joy and fulfillment. May you become more knowledgeable in your chosen spiritual and magickal path.

Happy birthday from all of us at WOTC!

March 27th through April 2nd Astronomy Picture of the Day

These are the Astronomy Picture of the Day for the proceeding week starting on the past Monday through this Sunday. Just click on the hyperlink next to the date for the pictures you want to see.

2023 April 02: M57: The Ring Nebula from Hubble
2023 April 01: NGC 2442: Galaxy in Volans
2023 March 31: Seeing Titan
2023 March 30: NGC 4372 and the Dark Doodad
2023 March 29: 308: A Dolphin Shaped Star Bubble
2023 March 28: A Multiple Green Flash Sunset
2023 March 27: Aurora Over Arctic Henge

Herb and Essential Oils Magickal and Medicinal Uses – Sandalwood

(Side Note from Lady Beltane: Sandalwood is an all-purpose oil interchangeable for any other essential oil for anything magickal. Also, one of my favorite scents.)

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.

Sandalwood from Tree Branch, Dried, Powder

The Magic, History, and Folklore of Sandalwood from learnreigions.com

Although not truly an herb, but a wood, sandalwood is an item found often in modern Pagan rituals. In fact, “sandalwood” is an entire class of wood, found in trees that are part of the flowering Santalum family. These aromatic and dense plants are packed full of essential oils, which are often extracted for use in a variety of religious rituals, aromatherapy, and even in medicine.

Did You Know?

  • Sandalwood is full of essential oils, which are often used in religious rituals, aromatherapy, and traditional medicine.
  • Indian sandalwood is an endangered plant, but most product sold in the United States and Europe today comes from the non-endangered Australian sandalwood.
  • In many traditions of modern Paganism, it is associated with healing and purification, as well as business and protection magic.

Sandalwood History

Sandalwood has been used for thousands of years in a ritual context. It appears in Buddhist and Muslim rituals, and was one of several fragrant plants used by the Egyptians in embalming rituals. In China and Tibet, its antiseptic properties make it a valuable part of folk medicine. In India, the wood is used for intricate carvings that adorn shrines and homes; figurines and mala jewelry are also crafted from sandalwood. In addition, a paste is sometimes made that can be used to anoint the forehead of the faithful in Hindu temples.

One particular species, the Indian sandalwood, which grows primarily in Nepal and southern India, is an endangered plant. However, people still harvest the trees for the essential oils, and a single kilogram of true sandalwood oil can sell for up to $2,000. That’s a pretty steep price – but don’t worry, most of the sandalwood essential oil sold in the United States and Europe today actually comes from the Australian sandalwood. This is a non-endangered species, and although it has a lighter concentration than the other varieties of sandalwood, it’s still very fragrant and is popular with many aromatherapists.

Aromatherapist Danièle Ryman says,

“Sandalwood oil is still one of the main remedies used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Asians and Arabs use it in self-treatment for a great number of diseases. In Europe, it mostly features in perfumery and soap, and it once had a major role in aromatherapy.”

While it is is typically the flowers that are harvested and used, many different parts of the sandalwood plant are used for a variety of purposes. For instance, the essential oil is often used in holistic medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties, and some researchers are even testings its impact on cancer and other diseases. The wood can be ground down into a fine powder, and used for beauty treatments — add a bit of rose oil or camphor, and apply it to your skin for cleansing.

In a 2012 issue of Current Science magazine, A. N. Arun Kumar, Geeta Joshi and H. Y. Mohan Ram wrote an article called Sandalwood: History, Uses, Present Status and the Future, in which they discuss spike disease, which has caused many of the species to become endangered. The authors say,

“Sandalwood cannot be equated with other commercial short-rotation or timber-yielding species in which improvement work has been considerably successful. The sandalwood tree has to be viewed from a different perspective. Some of the inherent advantages of sandalwood would certainly help not only in its survival, but also in redeeming its past glory.”

Sandalwood Magic and Folklore

Sandalwood has a number of magical applications, and they tend to vary depending on which religious group you’re looking at. In many traditions of modern Paganism, it is associated with healing and purification. In Hindu rites, sandalwood paste is often used to consecrate ritual tools before ceremonies. Buddhists believe that sandalwood is one of the sacred scents of the lotus, and can be used to keep one connected to the material world while the brain wanders off during meditation. In chakra work, sandalwood is associated with the seventh, or root, chakra at the base of the spine. Burning the incense can help with issues related to self-identity, security and stability, and trust.

In a few Neopagan traditions, the actual wood of the sandalwood is burned as incense — sometimes mixed with other woods or resins, such as myrrh or frankincense. A few forms of folk magic associate it with both business and protection magic. You can also use pieces of the wood in spellwork – write your intent on a chip or stick of sandalwood, and then place it in a brazier to burn. As your sandalwood burns, your intent, or wish, will be carried up to the heavens on the drifting smoke.

Source: Wigington, Patti. “The Magic, History, and Folklore of Sandalwood.” Learn Religions, Aug. 28, 2020, learnreligions.com/using-sandalwood-in-magic-2562036.

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

What is Sandalwood?

Sandalwood is an evergreen tree native to India and Indonesia and grows to 8 to 12 m in height and 2.5 m in girth. The bark is smooth and gray-brown in color, and the small flowers have numerous short stalks.

Scientific Name(s)

Santalum album

Common Name(s)

Sandalwood is also known as santal oil, white saunders oil, white or yellow sandalwood oil, and East Indian sandalwood oil.

What is it used for?

Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses

Sandalwood oil has a warm, woody odor and is commonly used as a fragrance in incense, cosmetics, perfumes, and soaps. It also is used as a flavor for foods and beverages. The wood has been valued in carving because of its dense character.

In traditional medicine, sandalwood oil has been used as an antiseptic and astringent, and for the treatment of headache, stomachache, and urinary and genital disorders. In India, the essential oil, emulsion, or paste of sandalwood is used in the treatment of inflammatory and eruptive skin diseases. The oil has been used in the traditional Ayurvedic medicinal system as a diuretic and mild stimulant, and for smoothing the skin. The leaves and bark were used by early Hawaiians to treat dandruff, lice, skin inflammation, and sexually transmitted diseases. Sandalwood oil has also demonstrated repellency against the crop pest Tetranychus urticae (two-spotted spider mite).

General uses

Sandalwood oil has been reported to have diuretic and urinary antiseptic properties, but clinical trial data are lacking. The oil has mainly been used as a fragrance enhancer.

What is the recommended dosage?

For the treatment of urological problems, a dose of 1 to 1.5 g daily is recommended for no more than 6 weeks. Sandalwood oil should be dosed in a resistant coating that protects against stomach secretions. The oil should not be ingested in its natural state.

Contraindications

None well documented.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

Interactions

None well documented.

Side Effects

Sandalwood oil may cause skin inflammation, although it is generally considered to be nonirritating to human skin.

Toxicology

Sandalwood oil has generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status as a flavoring agent in food by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers’ Association, and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also recognizes sandalwood oil as a natural flavoring.

References

1. Sandalwood Oil. Review of Natural Products. Facts & Comparisons [database online]. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Health Inc; October 2012.

A Laugh for Today – Best Witch Jokes That Will Bewitch Your Children or Inner Child (the Sequel)

From kidadl.com

Knock Knock Jokes About Witches

Everyone loves a classic knock knock joke and we’ve bubbled up some good ones in our cauldron of jokes here, including one that only Harry Potter fans will get. Watch out muggles! Remember these jokes on Halloween and you’ll be sure to give everyone a real fright.

Knock, knock

Who’s there?

Witch

Witch who?

Witch one of you can fix my broomstick?

 

Knock, knock

Who’s there?

Witches

Witches who?

Witches is the way to go home?

 

Knock knock

Who’s there?

Wanda

Wanda who?

Wanda go on a ride on my broom?

 

Knock, knock

Who’s there?

You know

You know who?

Exactly!

Funny Witch Puns

Witch pun out of these lot will be your favourite? It’s hard to choose, with so many funny puns to put on your list to use in October. We love the idea of putting these on signs at a Halloween party or perhaps using them in any spooky homework assignments or crafts in the lead-up to the scariest night of the year.

Betwitcha in a minute.

Witch and famous.

A witch in time saves nine.

Arts and witchcrafts.

That’s witch-ful thinking.

You’ve got me under your spell.

Witch witch is witch?

Keep witch under your hat.

Want to be broom mates?

April 1, 2023 Daily Horoscopes

Click here to read Georgia Nicols Daily Horoscopes

Moon Alert

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today until 11 PM PDT. The Moon is in Leo.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

This is the beginning of a lovely weekend for Aries. Accept invitations to socialize with others because this is a friendly time for you. In particular, you will enjoy playful activities with kids as well as social outings, sports events, the theatre, movies and entertaining diversions.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Although your focus is on home, family and your private life this weekend, nevertheless, you will also enjoy entertaining at home. You want to feel secure in familiar surroundings; and yet, you also want to feel you’re involved with a group or something bigger than yourself.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

You’re in a great mood today! Get out and enjoy communicating with others because you have something to say! Short trips will appeal. You will also enjoy learning something new and getting in touch with siblings, relatives and neighbours. Busy you!

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Financial matters look excellent for you today and tomorrow. Some of you might see ways to boost your earnings. Meanwhile, trust your moneymaking ideas because they might be worthwhile. If shopping, keep your receipts because you will be tempted to go overboard.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

This is a great weekend for you because the Moon is in your sign. This means things will tend to go your way, even though you will be more excitable and emotional. Do something to get away from all this. Any change of scenery will be a welcome stimulation.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Although you want to travel and do something different because you feel you need a change of scenery; nevertheless, you also want to slow down and take it easy this weekend. You want to indulge yourself and pamper yourself in a personal way. That’s just fine. Invest in yourself because you are your best resource.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

This is a great day to schmooze with others because you actually feel the need to be in contact with friends. In particular, groups and gatherings will appeal to you because you want to feel involved and part of the scene. Because your ambition is aroused, others will listen to you. “Now hear this.”

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

People notice you today. In fact, they seem to know details about your life, which is why they will reach out to talk to you. (This might be a good thing – or not.) You will accomplish the most today by working with others, especially people from other cultures or contacts in other countries.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

This is a great time for a vacation, especially if you can get away somewhere different. Even a weekend getaway will be satisfying for you. The thing is you want a change of scenery and you want the stimulation of new faces, new places and fresh activities. You will also enjoy learning something new.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Family discussions will go well today, particularly because issues about shared property, money and practical help will benefit you. It’s a good day to discuss how to share something, perhaps an inheritance. It’s also a good time to discuss how to share responsibilities.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Today you have to go more than halfway when dealing with others, which is not a big deal. In fact, you will enjoy being involved with groups and casual settings or social occasions. You will also enjoy entertaining at home.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

This is an excellent day for business and commerce. Look for ways to boost your income. Explore financial negotiations and opportunities for a better paying job. Trust your moneymaking ideas because today, you’re not afraid to think big. Confidence!

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actress Annette O’Toole (1952) shares your birthday today. You are an optimist who is flexible and fast-changing. You follow your heart’s desire. You are also multitalented and interested in many things. This year’s about socializing and enjoying life and your relationships with others. Nurture the happiness and beauty that you have within yourself.

A Thought for Today – 15 Short Pagan Funeral or Memorial Service Poems

(Side Note from Lady Beltane: This might seem a bit morbid to some of you, but this is the 54th anniversary of my dad’s crossing the veil. This year it has been harder to deal with his birthday March 25th and crossing day April 1st. He was only 36 years and 7 days old and I was only 11 years and 11 months on the day he crossed.)

From joincake.com by Sam Tetrault

Choosing the perfect poem for a funeral or memorial service is no simple task. Poetry has the power to explore our most complex feelings and memories. Yet, it can be challenging to find the right match to suit your needs.

Jump ahead to these sections:

Poems not only remind us of the ones we love and help us say goodbye, but they bring peace in a time of suffering. With so many funeral poems to choose from, which is right for you? If you’re planning a pagan funeral, pagan poetry connects tradition with the ritual of saying goodbye to those you love.

We put in the work to identify the best short pagan funeral or memorial service poems. These are powerful ways to say goodbye to someone you love while remembering that they live on through your memories. Whether you’re planning a memorial for a Pagan, a lover of nature, or you’re simply looking for inspiration for the spiritual person in your life, this list is for you.

A Laugh for Today – Best Witch Jokes That Will Bewitch Your Children or Inner Child

From kidadl.com

Witches are absolutely fascinating – they can fly on broomsticks, do magic spells with their wands and stir up incredible potions in their cauldrons.

Whether you’re searching for jokes for Halloween or you just love hearing stories about witches and dressing up in a pointed hat and cape, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve conjured up some really funny witch jokes that’ll enchant your friends and family when you tell them.

The Harry Potter books have made witches (and wizards) really cool recently – who wouldn’t want to be as smart as Hermione Granger, as brave as Ginny Weasley or play Quidditch as well as Cho Chang? But witches haven’t always had an easy time or inspired funny witch jokes. In medieval times, people feared witches and hunted them down and apparently burned them at the stake.

And did you know, that while we associate witches with Halloween, in Sweden people believe witches come out over Easter, while other countries believe they emerge on Midsummer’s Eve. So you’d better watch out for strange shadows flitting across the sky. Whoever your favourite witch is from Sabrina to The Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz, and whatever spell you love best (it’s got to be abracadabra, surely?), you’ll be bewitched by all these funny jokes for kids inspired by witches and all the things associated with them like black cats, broomsticks and cauldrons.

The Funniest Witch Jokes (Question And Answer)

There are so many witch jokes for kids that you can magic up anytime you want to get someone in your coven cackling with laughter. We’ve listed some really funny witch jokes here in time for Halloween or just to pull out of your cauldron every time you feel a little bit evil. In this section, you’ll find question and answer jokes including some classic ‘what do you call a witch…’ gags, ‘witch’ get smiles on faces every time.

1) How does a witch tell the time? She looks at her witch watch!

2) What do witches put on their bagels? Scream cheese.

3) What do you call two witches who live together? Broom-mates.

4) Why did the witch give up fortune-telling? She saw no future in it.

5) What’s the problem with twin witches? You can never tell witch is witch.

6) What’s a witch’s favourite funfair ride? The scary-go-round.

7) What would you find on a haunted beach? A sand-witch.

8) What happened to the witch who rode on her broom while angry? She flew off the handle.

9) Why do cats prefer wizards to witches? Because sorcerers sometimes have milk in them!

10) What is a witch’s favourite item of make-up? Mas-scare-a.

11) What do you get to learn at witch school? Spelling.

12) What do you call a witch with chickenpox? An itchy witchy.

13) What do witches use to hold their hairstyles in place? Scare spray.

14) What do the fastest witches use to get around? Vroom-sticks.

15) What game do witches play on Halloween? Hide and ghost seek.

16) What do you call a witch who is pretty and friendly? A failure.

17) What happened to the witch with an upside down nose? Every time she sneezed she blew her hat off.

18) What happened to the witch who was naughty at school? She was ex-spelled.

19) Have you heard about the good weather witch? She keeps forecasting sunny spells.

20) Why won’t a witch wear a flat cap? Because there’s no point in it.

21) What does an Australian witch fly on? A broom-erang.

22) Why do witches have sore joints? They get broomatism.

23) Who turns the lights off at Halloween? The lights witch.

24) What did the witch call the skeleton who didn’t work? Lazy bones.

25) What did the witch do when her broomstick broke? She witch-hiked.

26) Why is a witch like a candle? They are both wicked to the core.

27) What do you call a witch with one leg? Eileen.

28) How do witches on broomsticks drink their tea? Out of flying saucers.

29) Why do witches have naps? They need to rest for a spell.

30) Why do witches wear name tags? So they know which witch is witch.

31) What does a witch get when she’s in a hotel? Broom service.

32) What did one witch say to the other when she was offered a lift? There’s always broom for one more.

33) What do you call a witch’s garage? A broom cupboard.

34) What noise does a witch’s cereal make? Snap, cackle and pop.

35) Why did the witch keep turning into Mickey Mouse? She kept having Disney spells.

A Thought for Today

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A Laugh for Today

and I am still wearing it today!

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.

A Thought for Today

 

A Laugh for Today

1. What did the weeks say to the boy when he was really worried about Thursday?
“Don’t worry, Friday is on its way”.

2. How can you name three consecutive days without using the words Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday?
Yesterday, today, tomorrow

3. Where does Friday come before Thursday?
In a dictionary

4. Besides Tuesday and Thursday what other days start with T?
Today and Tomorrow

5. What do French people call a really bad Thursday?
A trajeudi

6. Why did the employee worry about his Friday being ruined?
Because it was still Tuesday morning.

7. What do you do when Thursday is standing outside your bathroom door?
You let it sink in.

8. An man goes to the Doctor. After examining him says, “You have some problems with your heart but I think if you take some tablets you’ll be okay“, So the doctor gives him some tablets and the man asks “Do I have to take them every day?
“No“, “take one on Monday, skip the Tuesday, take one on Wednesday, skip the Thursday, and so on like that.“ Two weeks later the doctor is walking down the street and sees the patient’s wife. “Hello Mrs P.“ He says “And how is your husband?“ “ he died of a heart attack,“ says Mrs P. “I am very sorry to hear that,” says the doctor, “I thought if he took those tablets he would be alright.“ “All the tablets were fine, “ says Mrs P. “It was all the skipping that killed him!“

9. My new girlfriend works as a bin lady. Trouble is, I can’t remember if she’s going to take me out Wednesday or Thursday!

10. I could retire today and live happily for the rest of my life, so long as I die by noon, Thursday.

Spell for Today – 9-Day Money-Drawing (“Novena”) Spell to Attract Good Fortune

9-Day Money-Drawing (“Novena”) Spell to Attract Good Fortune

This is a money ritual that should be done over the course of nine days, inspired by the traditional Catholic “novenas”, a type of candle ritual practiced around the world – including Africa, Latin America and the Philippines – which is believed to have its origins in an early Greek and Roman tradition.

It can be done at any time of the day, although it should be done with faith and determination every day at the same time for a total of 9 days. 

Why this Spell Works

  • In this spell, the green candle represents the money and wealth you want to attract to your life, and the white candle represents you. Click here to learn more about Candle Magic.
  • This spell also includes a traditional Wiccan chant for money known as “Money come to me”. Consider this ritual an amalgamation of Magical traditions, perfect for Eclectic Wiccans.

Feel free to modify the chant, replace it with a money prayer of your own tradition, or make any changes you want before adding it to your own book of shadows.

9-Day Money-Drawing (“Novena”) Spell

Recipe by Francisco Huanaco Difficulty: Easy

“Money Come to Me” traditional Novena spell. Do this candle ritual for 9 days in a row while chanting this prayer to attract abundance and good fortune.

INGREDIENTS

1 green candle

1 white candle

Essential oil (such as patchouli, bergamot, cinnamon, myrrh, sandalwood or ginger)

HOW TO CAST THE SPELL

  • The first step is to anoint the candles with the oil, which is known as “dressing the candle”. Click here to learn how it’s done.
  • As you do this, try to visualize and focus on what your goal is. If you need a specific sum of money, visualize that money or picture how that money gets to you. Be creative but realistic.
  • Place both candles on your altar, about 9 inches apart from each other. Light them as you say the following chant:Money come to me Wiccan Spell
  • Say it once, then snuff off the flame with a spoon or a wet finger.
  • Cast this spell a total of 9 days in a row; and each day that passes, before chanting the prayer, move the green candle 1 inch closer to the white candle. Visualize the wealth or situation you are trying to attract during each step of the ritual.
  • On the ninth day, when the candles are next to each other, your spell will be complete. Let the candles burn out completely.

NOTES

  • Do not leave candles burning unattended. For your safety, be on the same room while they are lit. Always practice candle safety.

March 30th Divination Journal – Part 2

Ogham

From LearnReligions.com

Coll

C, sometimes read as K, is Coll, which is the Hazel tree. August is known as the Hazel Moon, because this is when Hazel nuts appear on the trees–the world Coll translates to “the life force inside you”, and what better symbol of life than the nut itself? Hazel is associated with wisdom and creativity and knowledge. Sometimes it is connected in Celtic lore with magical springs, sacred wells, and divination.

Hazel was a handy tree to have around. It was used by many English pilgrims to make staffs for use upon the road–not only was it a sturdy walking stick, it also provided a modicum of self-defense for weary travelers. Certainly, it could have been used as well for ritual. Hazel was used in weaving of baskets by medieval folk, and the leaves were fed to cattle because it was believed this would increase the cow’s supply of milk.

In the Irish myth cycles, there is a tale that nine hazel nuts dropped into a sacred pool. A salmon came along in the pool and gobbled up the nuts, which then imbued him with wisdom. A variation of the story appears in the legend of Finn Mac Cumhail, who ate the salmon and then took on the knowledge and wisdom of the fish. Note that Mac Cumhail is often translated as Mac Coll.

I Ching

From psychic-revelation.com

Hexagram Fourteen/14

I Ching Hexagram: 14

Name: Ta Yu.

Keyphrase: Abundance.

Formed By The Trigrams: Fire over Heaven.

General: Those who understand the responsibility that comes with wealth are the ones best fitted to maintain it.

Love: Enjoy the current harmonious period but do not allow yourself to become complacent.

Business: Opportunities for business success will be there if you look for them. Do not allow yourself to become greedy though.

Personal: Take the time to enjoy mental clarity but make sure to watch for any feelings of pride or arrogance and eliminate them if necessary.

Overview: Ta Yu relates to a time of abundance when all is going well. Although an auspicious time it carries a warning not to allow yourself to become arrogant or greedy. All obstacles in all aspects of life will have disappeared and life should be enjoyed. Do not make the mistake of becoming complacent and believing this period will last forever. It won’t. Nothing does. Examine the harmonious circumstances that gave rise to your current success and do your best to preserve them. This way you will be able to maintain success as long as possible. Generosity and humility are essentials to this process.

Numerology

From affinitynumerology.com

Fourteen

Number 14 Meaning

The numerology number 14 resonates with expression of personal freedom.

The numerology number 14 is a number of expressing personal freedom, including independence and self-determination.The number 14 is curious and interested in pretty much everything.

Yet, the number generally has one or several self-assigned goals. It’s easily distracted by other, generally fleeting, interests. However, it tends to reorient onto it’s primary goals after experiencing what the other interests had to offer.

A person with a 14 in a prominent position in their numerology chart generally is comfortable interacting with others and may become an involuntary leader. Being a leader pleases 14, but the position generally isn’t actively sought.

As an overview, the numerology number 14 represents a composition containing the ideas of:

  • Freedom
  • Self-determination
  • Curiosity
  • Wit
  • Conscientiousness

Angel Number

From numerologynation.com

Fourteen

Our guardian angels are quite creative in the way they communicate with people. Never one to converse directly, they usually speak to us in the form of signs, symbols, and numbers.

Now, these numbers called angel numbers carry special meanings that we must decipher into normal language; only then can we receive and interpret our messages from the celestial beings properly.

Angels can find solutions to problems from different perspectives—perspectives that are beyond our imagination.

After all, unlike us, our angels are not limited by time nor space. They can look at a problem from different angles and guide us in the right direction.

So, if you see angel numbers, decipher them and adhere to the suggestions provided. There are many such numbers but today, let’s talk about angel number 14.

Contents

Angel Number 14 – Your Questions, Answered

Is 14 angel number a lucky number?

What does the 14 angel number symbolize?

What does the number 14 mean in a dream?

What does the number 14 represent?

What is the spiritual meaning of number 14?

What is the meaning of number 14 in the Bible?

What is the meaning of number 14 in numerology?

Conclusion

Animal Spirit Guide or Helper