Tag: Food

Water Magick – Magickal Cleansing Bath

Magickal Cleansing Bath

  • 1 square piece of linen, about 2 x 2 inches
  • Piece of string
  • White sage
  • Rosemary
  • Sea salt

Tie equal portion of the ingredients into the square of linen. Whisper to the sachet your intent to cleanse yourself of all negative energies. Crush the ingredients with your hands. Place the sachet directly under the running water. As you soak in the bath, allow all of the negative things in your life to leave your spirit and flow into the water. When you emerge from the tub, be sure  to bless your new self. It is proper to ask the Goddess to recycle the energies in the water and use them for positive purposes.

Water Magick – Wishy Washy

Wishy Washy

Got a wish you want to come true? This is the mixture for you.

You will need:

  • 1 tablespoon sage
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • 1 tablespoon sandalwood

Combine all the ingredients together. Empower each of them as you add them to the mixture. Put them in a pan and place on the stove. Bring to a boil and let boil for 3 minutes. After the mixture has boiled, it is ready to be added to cold wash water. You can bless the mixture as you add it to the wash:

My wishes will come to me,
to take care of myself and my family.
With harm to none and good will to all,
Mother of mine, hear my call.
Bring these desired goals to me,
so that me and mine will blessed be.

Is There Plastic In My Food?

Is There Plastic In My Food?

  • Katie Waldeck

Plastics are everywhere. They’re in our homes, clothes, cars, toys, and, alarmingly, they’re on our dinner plates. Researchers have confirmed that potentially harmful chemicals from plastics are in the nation’s food supply, which make their way into the human body.

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives named plastic food packaging as a major source for these chemicals. Families were given food that was certifiably plastic-free for three days, and researchers compared the levels of chemicals found in plastic in their bodies.

The results were astounding: participants saw an average 2/3 drop in the levels of bisphenol A (BPA) present in their bodies. The controversial chemical has been linked in higher rates of cancer, heart disease, and a variety of reproductive health issues. Though BPA is banned in Canada, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently rejected a ban on the chemical.

The FDA’s system of measuring the concentration of chemicals is a major cause for concern here — in short, it doesn’t stack up with the decades of scientific research that shows even the lowest amounts of BPA can affect the human body.

Moreover, the FDA relies on manufacturers to self-report their initial data about their products, many components of which aren’t manufactured by the manufacturers themselves. These results aren’t made public.

As Janet Nudelman of the Breast Cancer Fund told the Washington Post, “It doesn’t make sense to regulate the safety of food and then put the food in an unsafe package.”

Tranquillity Tea

Tranquillity Tea

You Will Need:

2 tablespoons nettle

1 1/2 teaspoons St. John’s Wort

4 1/2 teaspoons oat straw

1 1/2 teaspoons skullcap

4 1/2 teaspoons chamomile flowers

1 1/2 teaspoon passion-flower

Combine the ingredients throughly and place three tablespoons of the mixture in the filter cup of the coffee maker. Add a full pot of water. As the tea brews and drips into the pot, chant:

Herbs, mix your energies

And flow now into harmony

To soothe and calm and bring new peace

With every sip I take of thee.

Drink the tea hot or over ice. Sweeten with honey.

What’s Your Seasonal Allergies IQ? (Quiz!)

What’s Your Seasonal Allergies IQ? (Quiz!)

  • Katie Waldeck

Ah, springtime. The flowers are blooming, the temperature’s rising, people are at long last beginning to enjoy the outdoors again. But there’s also a far less pleasant aspect of spring – seasonal allergies come to rear their ugly heads.

So how much do you know about your dreaded seasonal allergies? Take this quiz to test your knowledge!

 

Questions Part I

1. Which of these weather conditions are the most ideal for seasonal allergy sufferers?
A. Hot, dry and windy.
B. Cold and windy.
C. Cold, wet and wind-free.
D. None of the above — they’re all bad.

2. True or false: eating locally-sourced honey will help alleviate spring allergies.
A. True.
B. False.

3. The worst time of day for allergy suffers is:
A. The early morning, 5AM-10AM.
B. Overnight, 10PM-5AM.
C. Midday, 10AM-4PM.
D. They’re all equally as bad.

 

Questions Part II

4. True or False: your lifestyle affects your development of allergies.

A. True.
B. False.

5. Which of the following is least likely to trigger your seasonal allergies?
A. Grasses.
B. Weeds.
C. Flowers.
D. Trees.

6. Which of the following is an easy way to combat pollen?

A. Wash your hair before bed.
B. Close windows and doors.
C. Wear natural fabrics.
D. All of the above.
E. None of the above.

 

Answers Part I

1. Which of these weather conditions are the most ideal for seasonal allergy sufferers?
A. Hot, dry and windy.
B. Cold and windy.
C. Cold, wet and wind-free.
D. None of the above — they’re all bad.

Portland, Ore. and Seattle, Wash. are the best cities for allergy suffers. Why? Windless days make it much harder for pollen to travel around, and rain usually washes it away! Pack your bags and head to the great Pacific Northwest!

2. True or false: eating locally-sourced honey will help alleviate spring allergies.
A. True.
B. False.

A bit of a trick question. Consuming local honey has never been proven to reduce allergy symptoms, but it hasn’t explicitly been disproven either. Even if it did, it might not even contain the kinds of allergens you’re triggered by.

3. The worst time of day for allergy suffers is:
A. The early morning, 5AM-10AM.
B. Overnight, 10PM-5AM.
C. Midday, 10AM-4PM.
D. They’re all equally as bad.

Pollen counts are worst during the middle of the day — better hold off on that jog til after dinner!

Answers Part II

4. True or False: your lifestyle affects your development of allergies.

A. True.
B. False.

You’re off the hook on this one. Nope, there’s absolutely nothing you can do to yourself to develop allergies. Don’t let that be a free pass, though!

5. Which of the following is least likely to trigger your seasonal allergies?

A. Grasses.
B. Weeds.
C. Flowers.
D. Trees.

Though it has been seen among florists, common folk are very rarely allergic to flowers. What you’re likely allergic to is the pollen from grasses, trees and weeds. Buy yourself a bouquet (or pick one from your garden) to celebrate this fact!

6. Which of the following is an easy way to combat pollen?

A. Wash your hair before bed.
B. Close windows and doors.
C. Wear natural fabrics.
D. All of the above.
E. None of the above.

These are all easy techniques for reducing pollen levels inside of your home. You can also look to your air conditioning system for help — make sure the humidity level is below 50% and that you change your filters as often as recommended.

Special Kitty of the Day for April 13th

Salmon, the Cat of the Day
Name: Salmon
 Age: Twelve years old
Gender: Female
 Kind: Domestic longhair
Home: Everett, Washington, USA
Salmon was born July 19, 1999 our 25th wedding anniversary. How often is it that a pet born on a special day as your 25th anniversary right to the day? Salmon was born under the dresser in my room with four other babies. we kept Salmon when we gave the kittens away after they got old enough. Salmon is fixed and never had babies. Her given name is Samantha, but we have always called her Salmon for short.

Salmon is now twelve years old and has been a blessing to me and my wife. Salmon likes to stay indoors most of the time and sleep on our bed at night. She is a great lap cat, always jumping up on our laps for love and purrs a lot. When Salmon was younger she ran around everywhere but last couple of years she mellowed out. One time when we got another cat, and Salmon hid outside for about a month before getting used to Bappi and coming back into the house. When we got David a few months later, Salmon adjusted well with David when we took him in. We have four cats now: Salmon, David, Buttons, and Blanca. David and Salmon have bonded together and always with each other. When Buttons was born, Salmon welcomed him with open paws.

Salmon is the queen of house and has been all her life. Salmon is an old cat now and in good health and has been really a sweet cat all her life to us. We do a Salmon cheer as follows Salmon Berry, Salmon Berry rah rah rah (twice) then S-A-L–M-O-N — B-E-R-R-Y, Salmon Berry RAH. She love it when we do the Salmon cheer. We love Salmon as much as she loves us.

Salmon is so sweet and adorable always purring. She is so special. She is queen of all the cats at our house. I love her with all my heart.

Salmon, the Cat of the Day
See more images of Salmon!

Best and Worst ‘People’ Food for Dogs and Cats

Best and Worst ‘People’ Food for Dogs and Cats

  • Nicolas, selected from petMD

By PetMD

Like buying candy for kids, we often think snacks that have been specially packaged for pets are the best treats in the world. Why would they want anything other than a tasty treat? But a lot of those packaged pet snacks and treats are the equivalent of candy. They are not a big deal, as long as you don’t do too much of it, since they are mostly devoid of nutritional value.

And just as we encourage kids to eat their veggies rather than another candy, we can also encourage a love for veggies in our pets. These low calorie, low fat, vitamin and mineral-packed “treats” are a great alternative to the packaged dog biscuits and kitty chews.

Which Vegetables Are Best and Which Vegetable Are Not Safe for Pets?

There are some plant foods that are toxic to pets, so you will want to be familiar with what to avoid and even prevent access to. If you are unsure, check with your veterinarian to make sure that your planned treats are not going to be harmful to your pet. Also keep in mind that while dogs are omnivorous and thus more open to trying different kinds of foods. Cats, on the other hand, are carnivorous. They are not just picky about what they eat — they are constitutionally incapable of digesting some types of foods.

 

Good Foods

  • Apples – without seeds or core (apple seeds contain chemical compounds that are poisonous to animals)
  • Blueberries
  • Strawberries
  • Watermelon – without seeds
  • Frozen bananas
  • Green beans
  • Carrots – raw or cooked
  • Sweet potato – cooked, cubed or mashed without butter or seasoning; regular potatoes are also good, but in limited amounts since they are high in sugar and can increase weight
  • Squash, zucchini
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Popcorn – unsalted and unbuttered
  • Catnip or cat grass

 

Bad Foods

  • Grapes and raisins – contain chemical compounds that are toxic to dogs
  • Garlic and onions – both have chemical properties that can be toxic and even life threatening to dogs and cats
  • Tomatoes
  • Avocado
  • Mushrooms – particularly wild mushrooms
  • Fruits with pits, such as peaches, cherries, and plums – in some cases the pit can be toxic or can simply present a choking hazard
  • Nuts – particularly macadamia nuts, which are toxic to pets

 

What is the Best Way To Feed These Types of Treats?

The foods should be baked or steamed, cut up into smallish pieces, and only given in small amounts at a time. This will prevent both choking and an overload of carbohydrate- and calorie-rich foods. You can give the vegetables and fruits by themselves, or you might mash or puree them and mix them up with the prepared food and given at meal times.

Replacing your pet’s dense, high fat packaged treats with healthy treats like fruits and vegetables will be one of the most beneficial things you do for your pet. Over the long term, your pet’s health and immune system will be stronger, aging will not be as severe, its weight will stay steadier, and if weight is already an issue, you may even see your pet’s weight become more manageable — if you stick to it and include moderate exercise.

With any change in diet, it is important to observe your pet for issues that can arise in response to the change. If your pet begins to show digestive or behavioral changes, stop feeding the new foodstuff and consult with a veterinarian if the problem does not go away in the absence of the added food.

Change Your Luck Nutmeg Bath

CHANGE YOUR LUCK NUTMEG BATH

6 tsp. ground Nutmeg 1 cup warm Water Coffee filter
Place the nutmeg in the coffee filter.
Pour the one cup of warm water into the coffee filter and let the tea brew.
When the liquid is cool, draw a warm bath and pour the tea in the bath water.
Soak at least ten minutes. This bath will cleanse the aura and negativity within you
that draws bad luck. It also makes others more accepting of your ideas, whims, and wants.
Use before important discussions or meetings with those you feel may be unresponsive to you.

Correspondences for Ostara

Ostara Comments
Correspondences for Ostara

Alternative Names/ Spring Celebrations: Alban Eiber, Bacchanalia, Caisg, Eostre’s Day, Lady Day, Mean Earraigh, Pasch, Pess, Spring Equinox, Vernal Equinox

Symbolism / Ritual Work: new beginnings, new life, rebirth, fertility, balance, communication, growth, agriculture, planting, love, sex

Decorations / Symbols: Eggs, new moons, butterflies, bees, cocoons, rabbits, baskets, sprouting plants, wildflowers, lambs, robins, chicks

Traditionally Worshipped Deities: Warriors, hunters, youthful, spring, horned, moon, sexual, of ove

Animals of Ostara: snakes, rabbits, chicks, hares, robins

Mythical Beasts of Ostara: Unicorns, merpeople, dragons

Stones: Aquamarine, amethyst, rose quartz, moonstone, bloodstone, red jasper

Plants: Blessed thistle, crocus, daffodil, jasmine, Irish moss, oak, snowdrop, ginger

Incense / Oils: Lotus, magnolia, ginger, jasmine, rose, sage, lavender, narcissus

Foods: Seasonal foods, seeds, edible flowers, eggs, fish, hot crossed buns, sweet breads, chocolate, honey cakes, fresh fruit, milk, dairy foods, nuts, sprouts, asparagus,

Drinks: Lemonade, mead, egg nog

Planet: Mars

Colors: pastels, grass green, robin’s egg blue, red

References:

Examiner

Kris Bradley, Domestic Witchery Examiner

~Magickal Graphics~

Calendar of the Moon for March 12th

Calendar of the Moon
12 Nion/Anthesterion

Anthesteria Day 2: Khoes

Color: Purple
Element: Earth
Altar: On a purple cloth set a pitcher of wine, the ship of Dionysos, some children’s toys, six purple candles, and a wreath of grapevines and flowers.
Offerings: Ritual sex. Giving up of things left over from childhood. Wine libations.
Daily Meal: Goat or lamb. Lentils. Greek food. Wine.

Khoes Invocation

On this day comes the child to his adulthood.
On this day comes the child to her readiness.
On this day he tastes the sweetness of maturity.
On this day she tastes the joy of ripening.
On this day we honor that which has come to fruition
And that which can no longer be protected.
We give up our self-enclosed innocence
For the promise of the deeper experience.
Come forth and join the rite of passage
That you may give up that which was before
And come to that which will be.
Io Dionysos!
Fair-Flowering, Reveller, Stormer,
Twice-Born, Lord of the Dance,
We who kneel before you pray
That you will be gentle with our
Little madnesses, and if you must
Drag us by the hair
To some new understanding,
Let it be done soon, and quickly,
For we would rather leap to doom
Than delay on the edge of the cliff.

(Let all make a circle, and let cups of wine be passed around to everyone. Let two who have been chosen from inside or outside the community come forth and lay in the center of the circle, and perform the hieros gamos, whilst the others turn their backs and chant wordlessly. Afterwards, let the wine be poured out in a libation, with the last two cups used to anoint the couple, and have them drink in a toast. Later that night, sex is appropriate between those whose vows do not exclude it, but those who would lie together must meditate on the responsibility inherent in being a sexually active adult, and how it brought them out of childhood and into adulthood.)

Calendar of the Moon for March 11th

Calendar of the Moon
11 Nion/Anthesterion

Anthesteria Day 1: Pithogia

Color: Purple
Element: Earth
Altar: On a purple cloth set a bottle of wine that has not yet been opened (preferably last year’s homemade), a chalice of water, many cups, a wreath of pruned grapevines, and three purple candles. All should enter the sanctuary bearing the model of a Greek ship with purple sails, entwined with grapevines, which should be carried with all ceremony to the altar and set thereon.
Offerings: Libations of wine to Dionysos. Opening yourself to experiencing Him.
Daily Meal: Goat or lamb. Lentils. Greek food. Wine.

Pithogia Invocation:

Behold the ship of Dionysos!
He sails into each safe harbor
Like a wind of change that cannot be denied.
Be warned, you who have become
Too comfortable, for he will cast up
Your safe life and show you
All the thorns you have pretended not to see.
Honor the god of the Lesser Madness
Lest the Greater Madness swallow you whole!
Taste his gift and wonder, that raw juice
Left to age can slowly ferment
And turn into that which gives delight
And terror both.
Tremble, for he is coming for you!
Whether you drink his gift
Or give it back to him,
It matters not; your days of
Blind unquestioning comfort
Are numbered none, and end today.

(Each comes forward and selects a cup, into which is poured equal parts water and wine. Each may taste of the wine, if they wish, and then pour out the rest as a libation, or they may pour it out entirely. As the pour the libation, each says, “Io Dionysos!” The ship remains in the sanctuary for three days, until Anthesteria is over.)

Chant:
Flower of the vine
King of the wine
Dancer in the soul
We gladly pay your toll

Correspondences for Spring Equinox

Oestre – Spring Equinox – March 20　

Theme: balance – energy breaking out – spring-cleaning

Colours: mauve, pink, pale green & yellow, pastels

Oils: lily of the valley, violet, honeysuckle

Philtre: fumitory, horehound, lavender, lovage, lemon balm, celandine, orris root

Candles: mauve, pink, pale green, blue & yellow, pastels

Flowers: daffodil, jonquil, violet, dogwood, spring bulbs

Incense: lavender

Stones: bloodstone

Food & Drink: rose wine, eggs, lamb & barley stew, Brussels sprouts, hot crossed buns

Water Magick – The Importance of Sea Salt

The Importance of Sea Salt

 

In maritime lore, seawater was thought to cleanse a person thoroughly, absorbing any bad luck, due to the salt content of the water. Throwing salt into a fire for nine consecutive days was thought to break any chain of bad luck, while throwing salt at a person was sure to bring her grief.

Herb of the Day for February 16th – Hops

Herb of the Day for February 16th – Hops
  Latin Name: Humukus lupulis
Common Names: Common Hop, Beer Flower, Flores de Cerveza
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element: Air
Folklore: Known worldwide as one of the chief ingredients in the brewing of beer, Hops is grown throughout the world primarily to sate the thirst of beer-lovers everywhere.

Hops was first known to be used within the creation of beer around the 11th century, but prior to this it was a popular addition to the alcoholic beverage Ale, which was favored by Saxon and Danish cultures.

It was also a popular medicinal herb prior to the surge in its use in creating beer, with many herbalists of past ages using it to treat a variety of disorders, primarily as a sedative.

Magickal Uses: Healing, Sleep

 

Lust Dust (Earth Magick)

Lust Dust 

Orange zest

Damiana

Catnip

Hibiscus

Lavender

3 drops vanilla extract

1 drop must oil(synthetic) 

Grind like amounts of the first five ingredients in your mortar and grind to a fine powder. Add the vanilla extract and musk oil. Once the liquid is fully absorbed, grind a little more. Empower the mixture with a chant. Compose a simple, direct sentence of what you expect the lust dust to do, and use it as a chant. Sprinkle the dust about the bedroom or wherever you want the seduction to take place. Lust dust works extremely well(and quickly) when loaded into magenta candles.

Crone’s Corner – Getting Ready For Valentine’s Day

 

Crone’s Corner – Getting Ready For Valentine’s Day

 

In the early days of the American South, it was thought that if a woman wore a wasp’s nest in her clothing (hidden in her bustle), that her lover would love her more deeply. Don’t try this one at home, kids!

Feng Shui For Lovers!

A tall vase of pussy-willows placed in the southwest corner of the bedroom or the most southwestern corner of the house is thought to amplify warmth, compassion, tenderness and sweetness in a relationship. To attract a new relationship, put two roses in the same corner.
Love Potion #69
Two ounces Vanilla flavoured vodka
One ounce Orange flavoured vodka
Sprig of Mint

This is the adult version of a creamsicle. The vanilla flavour represents warmth, sweetness and smoothness of communication. The orange represents warmth, joy, tenderness and affection. The vodka is for hardiness and strength. Mix ingredients with lots of ice in a cocktail shaker. Pour into two martini glasses. Garnish with a sprig of mint – to encourage the whispering of sweet nothings in your ear.

Magick Spell
Take two large sewing needles, one representing a man and the other a woman. Name each of the needles and ask God to bless them. Insert the point of the “male” needle into the eye of the “female needle.” Bind the two needles together with orange thread (for passion), red thread (for lust) and pink thread (for joy.) Put in a place for safekeeping – like a jewelry box and don’t let the needles become unraveled until your wish is obtained.

If wish is not obtained within a year, it is probably not a union that is meant to be.

 

Submitted By Hel, Courtesy of GrannyMoonFeast

Crone’s Corner – Winter Afternoon Tea

Crone’s Corner – Winter Afternoon Tea
……
Ingredients:
1 tsp. dried chamomile
1 tsp. dried mint
1 tsp. dried lavender
honey
…
Combine the herbs in your warmed tea pot and add 2 cups boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes and strain. Add 1 tsp. of honey to each cup of tea. Notes: I put together this simple mellow tea one winter afternoon. I like it with the honey, but lemon would be fine too. This makes 2 cups of tea, but it can easily be doubled and tripled.
…
Courtesy of Brenda Hyde of OldFashionedLiving.com

The Five Stages of Spellcasting: Stage Five Moving to a Conclusion

The Five Stages of Spellcasting: Stage Five Moving to a Conclusion

 

Staging 5: Moving to a conclusion – grounding or internalizing the power

If you would like to incorporate cakes and ale into a spell or ritual, this would be the point at which you would first take the cakes on the dish. When you are working alone, this is a lovely part of a spell or ritual to help to connect you with the love all round you.

Raise the cakes on their plate (one for you and one for the birds if working alone) skywards away from the altar.

Then lower them to waist height in front of you, saying:

“May the abundance of the Mother and the bountifulness of the Father bless and nourish, sustain and protect me/you/us all my/your/our days.”

 

You can, if more than one person is present, choose one to hold the dish and another to bless the cakes by making either a pentagram or a cross over the dish as the words are spoken. You can, of course, do this alone with your power hand.

Put the plate in the center of the altar.

Now take the chalice or goblet in your receptive hand and your wand in your power hand and gently lower the tip of the wand so it almost touches the surface of the wine or juice. Say:

“As male to female, god to goddess, so in this wine/juice is joined power and love, strength and compassion, striving and acceptance.”

 

Return it to the center of the altar.

If more than one person is present, one can bless the cakes and another can bless the wine. The same people are usually chosen to carry out the blessings, but you may prefer to share the duties. Often the wand is held by a female and the cup by a male for the crossing of energies, but two women or men can carry out the ceremony.

You should then take the cakes, scatter a few crumbs on the ground (or in a dish indoors) and say:

“I return the gift to the earth mother in thanks for blessings received. Blessings be.”

 

After the ceremony feed the rest of this cake to the birds.

At this point if there were two people involved, you can offer each other a cake and then pass them round to anyone else present. Each person can say:

“Blessed be.”

 

Or add a blessing before eating.

You should then return the plate to the altar and take the wine, pouring a little on the ground and thanking mother earth again for her blessings. (Pour this offering into a dish if indoors and you can put the crumbs and liquid outside after the ceremony.)

Now drink or offer the drink to the other person who blessed the chalice. He or she will take a sip and offer it to you and to the other person who carried out the blessings, saying:

“Blessings be.”

 

If others are present, pass the cup round so each can take a sip, saying:

“Blessings be.”

 

And perhaps adding a blessing before passing it on.