Tag: John

Herbal First Aid Kit c. 2012

Please note that this is in no way meant to take the place of regular medical advice or treatment.
Please see a doctor if conditions persist or worsen

Contents and Instructions

* Calendula Ointment – Use for minor cuts and grazes, red rashes and any minor skin rash.
* Comfrey Ointment – Suitable for all bruises and minor damage to external blood vessels and veins.
* St. Johns Wort Oil – Beneficial for itchy skin and irritable psoriasis. Also good for sunburn when applied at night.
* Liver Mixture – Has mild laxative properties and helps with the digestion of rich food. Take one teaspoon at night or 30 minutes before your main meal.
* Parasite Mixture – Effective against some common internal parasites. If  infestation is suspected abstain from all food for 24 hours. Then take one tablespoon of the mixture in a little water and repeat this dose after four hours and then once again after another four hours. Your parasites should by then have died. You should be able to recommence eating four hours after the last dose, (Gasp!). May also be used as a skin wash for external parasites.
* Nervine and Sedative Mixture – Take 25 drops 3 x daily on an empty stomach as a general sedative. If you have trouble sleeping at night take one teaspoon in a little water 30 minutes before bed-time.
* Astringent Mix. – Good for internal bleeding and also as an effective remedy for occasional diarrhea. If you are stricken with “the runs” take one teaspoonful in a little water every two hours until symptoms subside. Follow up with Echinacea and Goldenseal tincture.
* Echinacea and Goldenseal – Similar in effect to an anti-biotic. Use only in the event of serious infection etc. Take 25 drops in a little water 4 x daily half an hour before meals. Continue for at least two weeks. May be used externally as an antiseptic and anesthetic lotion.
* Echinacea Tincture – Similar to the previous mixture but more suitable for use over a long period when taken internally. May be taken for up to one month in order to boost the overall effectiveness of the immune system.
Important – These remedies are in no way intended as a substitute for proper medical care and attention. If your symptoms persist please consult with a reputable health care practitioner.

Magickal Herbs Used For Happiness

** HAPPINESS  

      * Catnip  
      * Celandine  
      * Cyclamen  
      * Hawthorn  
      * High John the Conqueror  
      * Hyacinth  
      * Lavender  
      * Lily of the Valley  
      * Marjoram  
      * Meadowsweet  
      * Morning Glory  
      * Purslane  
      * Quince  
      * Saffron  
      * St. John’s Wort  
      * Witch Grass  

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Magickal Herbs Used For Maintaining Health/Healing

** HEALING/HEALTH

* ( to maintain:)  


* Anemone        

* Ash        

* Camphor        

* Caraway        

* Coriander        

* Fern        

* Galangal        

* Geranium        

* Groundsel        

* Juniper        

* Knotweed        

* Larkspur        

* Life Everlasting        

* Mandrake        

* Marjoram        

* Mistletoe        

* Mullen        

* Nutmeg        

* Oak        

* Pimpernel        

* Rue        

* St. John’s Wort        

* Sassafras        

* Sorrel, Wood        

* Spikenard        

* Sumbul        

* Tansy        

* Thyme        

* Walnut  

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The Goddess, The Maiden

The Goddess, The Maiden

 

The second aspect of the Goddess is that of Mother. As previously stated among her names by which she is called are the Great Mother and Mother Nature which signifies her worshippers believe her to be the Mother, creator and life-giver to all of nature and to every thing within.

This at first may seem confusing to many within the Christian Age where the Father God is claimed to be the creator. What many are not aware of, but more are becoming so, is that the world passed through a matriarchal age before the present patriarchal one. There is ample archaeological, historical and anthropological evidence of this. The previously mentioned findings of numerous female figurines and drawings in many locations supports the fact that during such ancient times the female was very honored. The depictions self-fertilization and women giving birth states the Goddess has been very honored for motherhood.

Seas, fountains, ponds and wells were always thought as feminine symbols in archaic religions. Such passages connecting to subterranean water-passages were often thought as leading to the underground womb. Currently science partly substantiates these archaic beliefs. It is known that hugh quantities of microscopic plants and animal live close to the ocean surface. Upon this sea life’s death its shell remains settle to the ocean floor, and when studied through accumulations of sediment core samples, which represent millions of years of sea life, they provide a continuous history of the earth’s environmental stages. To this extent the ocean, which seems to contain the beginning stages of life, may be thought as the Mother’s womb. “And water, like love, was (is) essential to the life-forces of fertility and creativity, without which the psychic world as well as the material world would become an arid desert, the waste land.”

This idea of the Goddess or maternal womb is embedded in history. It was and is symbolized by the ceremonial bowl. When used in the Egyptian temples as the temple basin it was called the shi. In Biblical times it became the brass sea in Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 7:23-26). Such bowls or vassals were used for illustrations, baptisms and various purification ceremonies. Although the Christians often fail to disclose that the holy water fount still symbolizes the womb. This symbolically is true since the water is to bestow blessings or grace upon the one which it is sprinkled upon, or who sprinkles it upon himself, and this grace supposedly comes from Jesus Christ who came from the womb of Mary.

Although, in the ancient maternal temples this womb-vessel was very much respected for its inherent fertile power. Its holy waters were revered as they were considered spiritual representing the birth-giving energy of the Goddess.

Throughout the history of Goddess worship, witchcraft, and currently in Neo-pagan witchcraft the cauldon has been a feminine symbol associated with the womb of the Mother Goddess.

All Christian sects have not thought of God as just masculine. This is especially true of the Gnostics. It is in the Apocryphon of John one sees the apostle John grieving after the crucifixion. John was in a “great grief” during which he experienced a mystical vision of the Trinity:

the [heavens were opened and the whole] creation [which   is] under heaven shone and [the world] trembled. [And I   was afraid, and I] saw in the light…a likeness with multiple   forms…and the likeness had three forms.

To John’s question of the vision came this answer: “He said to me, ‘John, Jo[h]n, why do you doubt, and why are you afraid?…I am the one who [is with you] always. I [am the Father]; I am the Mother; I am the Son.'”

To many this description of the Trinity is shocking, but it need not be. What so many forget, or do not realized is that the New Testament was written in Greek; whereas, the Old Testament was written in Hebrew. The Hebrew word meaning spirit is ruah having a feminine gender, but the Greek word for spirit is pneuma having a neuter gender. Thus the Greek language, or to be more specific a change in language when writing the New Testament, virtually made the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, asexual. It also, when accepted by the orthodox Christian Church, eliminated any femininity concept of God. Also Mary is held to have remained a virgin by Catholics and some Christians because Matthew in his gospel used the Greek word parthenos, meaning “virgin,” instead of almah when referring to the virgin birth of Jesus. But, the Gnostics did not adhere to the orthodox teaching. Possibly one reason was that many of the Gnostic leaders, particularly Simon Magus, were of Greek or Samaritan heritage, and within these heritages polytheism and feminine deities were known and accepted, also they knew Hebrew. Therefore they kept the feminine meaning of the Holy Spirit which remained in their sacred writings and interpretations.

In The Sacred Book one reads:

…(She is)…the image of the invisible, virginal, perfect spirit…  She became   the Mother of everything, for she existed before them all, the mother-father  [matropater]…

In the Gospel to the Hebrews, Jesus speaks of “my Mother, the Spirit.” Again, in the Gospel of Thomas “Jesus contrasts his earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, with his divine Father–the Father of Truth–and his divine Mother, the Holy Spirit.” And, in the Gospel of Philip, “whoever becomes a Christian gains ‘both father and mother’ for the Spirit (rurah) is ‘Mother of many.'”

In a writing attributed to Simon Magus it states:

Grant Paradise to be the womb; for Scripture teaches us that this is     a true assumption when it says, “I am He that formed thee in thy mother’s     womb” (Isaiah 44:2)…Moses…using the allegory had declared Paradise  to   be the womb…and Eden, the placenta…

“The river that flows forth from Eden symbolizes the navel, which nourishes the fetus. Simon claims that the Exodus consequently, signifies the passage out of the womb and the ‘the crossing of the Red Sea refers to the blood.'” Sethian gnostics explain that:

heaven and earth have a shape similar to the womb …and if…anyone  wants   to investigate this, let him carefully examine the pregnant womb of any  living   creature, and he will discover an image of the heavens and the earth.

In scriptural writings we find standing at the foot of the cross at the time of the crucifixion three Marys: the Virgin Mary, the dearly beloved Mary Magdalene, and a more shadowy or mysterious Mary. “The Coptic ‘Gospel of Mary’ said they were all one. Even as late as the Renaissance, a trinitarian Mary appeared in the Speculum beatae Mariae as Queen of Heaven (Virgin), Queen of Earth (mother), and Queen of Hell (Crone).”

Within modern culture these roles of Goddess and Mother are seen to be reemerging. While the psychanalyst Sigmund Freud down played the emergence devotion to the Goddess as infantile desires to be reunited with the mother, his theory was challenged by C.J. Jung who described this emergence devotion as “a potent force of the unconscious.”

Jung theorized that “the feminine principle as a universal archetype, a primordial, instinctual pattern of behavior deeply imprinted on the human psyche, brought the Goddess once more into popular imagination.”

The basis of Jung’s theory rested on religious symbolism extending from prehistoric to current times. His archetypical concept is that it is not “an inherited idea, but an inherited mode of psychic functioning, corresponding to that inborn ‘way’ according to which the chick emerges from the egg; the bird builds its nest;…and eels find their way to the Bermudas.”

The biological evidence of Jung’s archetypical concept indicates the psychological meaning. Although the psychological meaning cannot always be as objectively demonstrated as the biological one, it often is as important or even more important than the biological one. It lies deep within the levels of personalities, and can elicit responses not possible by mere abstract thinking. These responses energize and deeply effect persons. “Jung believed all religions rest on archetypical foundations.”

This does not necessarily mean that all or every religion originated from an archetype, but rather the archetype on which most, if not all, religions were and are based is the deep felt (italics are the author’s) need within the people for their particular religion. This need is what brought forth the religion. There are various views on the causes this need arouse, but “Jungians have espoused the Mother Goddess as an archetype, a loadstone in the collective consciousness of both men and women to be minded of psychological wholeness.”

Many men have expressed the need to return to the Goddess, indicating that this is not only a woman’s search or desire. “English therapist John Rowan believes that every man in Western culture also needs this vital connection to the vital female principle in nature and urges men to turn to the Goddess. In this way men will be able to relate to human women on more equal terms, not fearful of resentful of female power. Perhaps this is how it was in prehistoric times when men and women coexisted peacefully under the hegemony of the Goddess.”

To many men in Neo-paganism and witchcraft sexism seems absurd and trifling. If all men were honest they would admit that they would not be here if it were not for their biological mothers. Sexism immediately disappears when this fact is agreed to. All human beings are sexual, and sexuality propagated, although at times it would seem the Christian Church would have liked to dismiss this fact completely. But, the fact cannot be dismissed because, again, according to Jung this biological fact is also imprinted as the archetypes of anima and animus upon the human unconscious. They represent the feminine side of man and the masculine side of woman. As behavioral regulators they as most important; for with out them men and women could not coexist. When the two unconscious elements are balanced harmony exists, but when there is an unbalanced over masculinity or femininity is exerted.

Most people admit we currently live in troubled, if not, perilous times. Both our species and planet are endanger of extinction. Our customary religions and governments seem stifled if not helpless to solve all of the enormous problems which confront us. Perhaps many are feeling the urgent need to cry for help to the Good and Divine Mother asking her to please clean up her children’s mess, or wipe up their split milk before it’s too late.

The Witches’ Magick for Nov. 3 – Job-Hunting Charm

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Job-Hunting Charm

This charm will only work if you are seriously and intensively looking for a job, sending out resumes and scheduling interviews.

You Will Need:

A cinnamon stick

A High John the Conqueror Root

Green or gold thread

Three Kings Oil (made of frankincense oil, oil of myrrh, and spikenard)

Red flannel drawstring bag

Tie the cinnamon stick and the High John the Conqueror Root together with the thread. Anoint them with the Three Kings Oil, and place them in the bag.

Every morning before you go out job-hunting, anoint the charm with a bit more oil. Keep it in your pocket or bag as you go out to look for a job.

If your situation is the same after nine days, you may want to look at different alternatives or change your game plan. It could be a signal that the field you are looking it is not right for you for that you, or that you may find opportunities elsewhere.

Are You a Pagan Individual?

Are You a Pagan Individual?

Author:   Crick   

When one looks about the Neo Pagan community, one common factor that stands out is the constant jockeying of certain individuals/groups to be the learning curve for all other pagans. To my mind this is an attempt to validate ones personal insecurities. For as pagans we should be individuals who are comfortable in the way that we seek our spiritual path.

One cannot be true to and thus accepting of others if we are not true to ourselves first. This is a tenet that separates the individualism of paganism in general and witchcraft in particular, from the tenets of organized religion.

It is interesting to note though that such behavior is unique to Neo Paganism. Not all of those who contributed to the origins of Christianity believe in the concept of “Jesus” as he is portrayed by the organized religions of today.

For instance, the Mandaeans are followers of John the Baptist. They are a people called “Mughtasilah”, which translates as, “Those Who Wash themselves”. They are considered to be the “Children of the Books”, and as such, are said to be “holders of the Word of God.” And though they are hostile to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, (Mandaeans regard Christianity and rabbinical Judaism as false religions that, along with the negative influence and/or alignment of planets and stars, impede the soul’s release from bondage.

With the arrival of Islam in Iraq, in 636 CE, the Mandeans were seen as the third “people of the book”, and were thought to be the mysterious Sabians of the Koran. But the Mandeans still encountered a difficult relationship with Islam, and Muhammad is in their writings called the demon “Bizbat”.

The Mandaeans themselves subscribe to the belief that Judas Thomas was Jesus’ twin brother and that it was actually Judas Thomas who was crucified on the cross and that Jesus then lived out his life as his brother Thomas to avoid persecution for his attempted role as the alleged messiah. To support this belief, the early church father “Irenaeus” wrote around 150 CE that Jesus remained on earth as a teacher for some twenty years after his crucifixion, and that John the Apostle served as a conduit for these teachings.

The Mandaeans are an ancient form of Christian Gnosticism, which practices initiation, ecstasy and various rituals that have been said to resemble those of the Freemasons. They very frequently practice baptism in running water and a sort of “confirmation”, is given to the dying. They repudiate idolatry and circumcision, while celibacy is absolutely forbidden. They practice a moral code of charity and goodwill.”

They hold to a planetary influence on the hours, much like Solomon and others of his kind did and they have a seven-day induction of priests, which is similar to the Sabians. Their year consists of twelve months of thirty days each, followed by five auspicious days of epact. At the New Year they keep vigil for the spirits of light to return from congratulating the Supreme Being for creation.

They utter “Ask and find, speak and listen” like the Harranians, but then invoke a formal denial of the powers of the sun and moon contrary to the Sabians. Their calendar is solar while the Harranian one is luni-solar. And amongst the Mandaeans, women may own property, though divorce is not recognized, and a man may have as many wives as he desires.”

The Mandaeans take their name from “Manda” which means secret knowledge.” The Mandaean priests are called “Nasoreans”, as were the followers of Jesus. Within the Mandaean sect, a Nazarean is equated to the same status as an archbishop. During the first three centuries CE, there were certain Mandaean or Johannite sects, especially in the region of the Tigris-Euphrates basin, who honored John the Baptist, not Jesus, as their prophet.

One of these sects still exists to this day in areas of Iraq. According to their thinking, John the Baptist was “the true prophet”, while Jesus was a rebel, a heretic, who led men astray and whom betrayed secret doctrines.” According to the Mandeans, John the Baptist was Hibil-Ziwa. “Hibil-Ziwa was a Savior who entered the world of darkness and destroyed the evil spirits so that the faithful could obtain liberation before the end of the world.”

The Mandaeans tell of the founding of Jerusalem by a powerful and evil female Goddess named Ru Ha. For Jews, Muslims and Syriac-speaking Christians, Ru Ha, signifies the Holy Spirit who is mentioned in both the Quran and the Bible. She controlled the Seven Planets and worked evil on the Earth through several chosen men. They are Abraham, Moses, David and his son Solomon. Her greatest evil however, was realized through the actions of one man. At her temple in Jerusalem, a young priestess was selected to bear a “special offspring”. The name of this priestess was “Miriam”. The Christians call her Mary. She brought forth the “child of Ru Ha”, the “Imunel” (Immanuel) and he were in turn called, “Jesus”.

He was baptized by John and taught at length by him. In time he turned away from John’s teachings and led the people astray, the Mandaeans claim. The Mandaeans say that Mary is a “Daughter of Moses” and that Moses dwelt on Mt. Sinai.

One of the texts of the Mandeans tells a story about the flight of a group called “Nasoreans”, from areas that are today known as Jordan, to the Mesopotamian region, in the times of the Jewish wars following the destruction of Jerusalem in the year 70 CE. It is thought that they were driven out by Saul (Paul) himself.

The story goes that Paul arrived as the first Christian missionary in Corinth and in Ephesus, only to discover to his amazement that there were already churches established there. Upon making inquiries he discovered that they were the Church of John the Baptist. Paul believed that the Ephesians and Corinthians would, therefore, be delighted to discover that he represented Jesus Christ, the one prophesied to come after John.

However, contrary to his expectations, they had never heard of such a prophecy.” The following reference is found in the Christian bible: “While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when [or after] you believed?”

They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” So Paul asked, ‘Then what baptism did you receive?’ “John’s baptism, ” they replied. Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 19:1-5

And so though there is an ongoing and determined effort by the three main Abrahamic religions to be seen as the learning curve for all other beliefs in the world, just as there are certain Neo Pagan individuals/groups who follow suit in regards to Paganism. As individuals it is our responsibility to dig beneath the surface of such popular and often misguided rhetoric, for the truth is that which serves the individual and not that of the masses.

As pagans, our spiritual journey is unique to each of us and cannot nor should not be defined by any one group of folks, regardless of such rhetoric…

The Witches Magick for October 8th – Empowerment Spell

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Empowerment Spell

To increase power and use it wisely

Optional extras:

Orange candle

High John the Conqueror oil

Notes: The best time to do this spell is at midnight on a full moon, but if you don’t want to stay up that late, you can work it at any point on the full moon night or on a Sabbat.

Since you are asking to draw in power, be sure you are firmly grounded and centered before casting this spell and that the space you are working in is protected. Unlike some of the spells in this book where it makes little difference whether or not you start by casting a formal circle, in this case I would recommend you do so. This is not a spell to be cast lightly.

Cast your circle, ask for help from the four quarters, invoke the triple goddess of your choice (I like either Hecate or Brigid, but any triple goddess [maiden/mother/ crone] will work), then anoint the candle if using the High John oil. Be sure you are centered before reciting the spell.

As my craft I work to hone
At this deep and sacred hour
I call on Maiden, Mother, Crone
To send me wisdom, strength and power
 
 
Lend me power for my spells
Power for work and power for play
Send wisdom so I’ll use it well
Growing in power every day.

The Wonderful World of Herbs

The Wonderful World of Herbs

Author: Crick

The very first herb that I became aware of was Sassafras (Sassafras officinale) . I was about four years old and even now at the age of fifty three, I still savor the taste and smells of a hot mug of sassafras, which by the way is a mild diuretic. I was always amused by how the root would grow to just one side.

From then until now I can honestly say that I have rarely used a prescription/commercial medicine, preferring to use natural herbs instead, which is in keeping with my pagan upbringing.

And before the billionaires that make up the AMA get their tails in a knot, I am not advocating the use of natural herbs over prescription medicines. I do advocate doing your research to see if perhaps there is a more natural approach to ones individual well being. However this is a personal decision each has to make for him or herself.

At any rate, as the years passed, my interest and study of herbs grew and eventually I became certified as a Master Herbalist, which just means that I like the study of herbs, a lot. As such I am often asked a zillion questions about this ailment or that and what is the best herb to treat it with.

There is a story from Celtic paganism about how DianChect the master physician for the Tuatha De Danann, slew his son, Miach during a fit of jealousy. And from his grave sprang 365 different herbs which Miach’s sister, Airmed, harvested in order to give them to the human race. When their father saw what she was doing, he scattered the herbs all about so that humans did not obtain such knowledge so easily.

And that’s ok, for one thing I am not of the mind to question what decisions the Gods decide to make in relation to humans. And I am of the mind that one should always do their research before engaging in the use of herbs.

Also as a pagan I firmly believe in the old adage that rather then learning a little about a lot of herbs, one should learn a lot about just a few herbs.

Herbs are a natural form of medicine, so as with anything, do your research. For those who seek to incorporate herbs into their regimen but whom also take prescription drugs, you should be very aware of any possible contraindications between the herbs and the man-made medicines that you are taking.

You can complement your research into herbs by reading classics such as Culpepper’s Herbal, Shennong Emperor’s Classic of Materia Medica (Shennong Bencao Jing) , Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu) and the Treatise on the Nature of Medicinal Herbs (Yao Xing Lun) .

The Doctrine of Signatures is also interesting even if you don’t necessarily agree with it.
Of course every herbalist worth their roots have a few favorite herbs that they relate to. A few of mine are Hawthorn (Crataegus oxycantha) , an herb that is dedicated to Hymen, the God of marriage. Hawthorn is effective for curing insomnia and is used to prevent miscarriage and for treating nervousness. Hawthorn has been used for centuries in treating heart disease, as regular use strengthens the heart muscles, and to prevent arteriosclerosis, angina, and poor heart action. Hawthorn normalizes blood pressure by regulating heart action; extended use will usually lower blood pressure.

But again and I can’t stress this enough, Do Your Research!

I also employ Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) as a remedy for liver problems. It is used for varicose veins, menstrual difficulty, and congestion in the liver, spleen and kidneys. And the poisons most dangerous to the liver, those contained in the Deathcap mushroom, can be effectively detoxified with Milk Thistle extract. Shitake mushrooms are known for their anti-tumor properties and have been used as a dietary supplement for thousands of years in the Orient.

Moving on, I cannot say enough about White Willow bark (Salix alba) . The White willow contains salicin, the active constituent from which commercial aspirin was first synthesized. White willow bark is used for rheumatic complaints, arthritis, headaches as well as diarrhea, dysentery and a number of other complaints. I suggest the White Willow because though a number of other Willows also contain salicin, the tannin levels may be too high for other types of Willow to be of use.

St. Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum) has a long and interesting history. The first century Greek physicians Galen and Dioscorides recommended it as a diuretic, wound healing herb, and as a treatment for menstrual disorders. In the sixteenth century Paracelsus, who ushered in the era of mineral medicines, used St. John’s Wort externally for treating wounds and for allaying the pain of contusions. St. John’s Wort, flowers at the time of the summer solstice, and in medieval Europe it was considered to have powerful magical properties that enabled it to repel evil.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is considered to be one of nature’s most effective herbal tranquilizers. It is a powerful root for the nerves, and as such, valerian should not be taken for longer than a few weeks, as it can become addictive. It helps cure depression when taken once or twice. It is also a good sedative for such conditions as neuralgia, hypochondria, insomnia, and nervous tension. It also appears to have real benefits in cases of sciatica, multiple sclerosis, shingles, and peripheral neuropathy, including numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and pain in the extremities. A very good herb when used properly.

And last but certainly not least is Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) . Red Clover is used as a nerve tonic and as a sedative for exhaustion. It is used to strengthen those children with weak systems, and is used with children for coughs, bronchitis, wheezing, as it is mild to their systems. Red Clover contains some of the best mucus clearing properties found in nature.
For over 100 years Red Clover has been used to treat and prevent cancer. It is often used in combination with many other drugs in the treatment of cancer and is known to be one of the best herbs for treating all varieties of cancer anywhere in the body.

If you make a personal decision to use herbs in your daily life and you decide to harvest such herbs yourself, please show some respect for Mother Nature. Please don’t harvest endangered or declining species. And when you do harvest, only take a little and leave a lot. This will contribute to a continuing harvest, as the herbs will have a chance to populate.

Some of the herbs listed in this article may not grow in your area, but there may be equivalent herbs that grow within your local area. And for the last time, please do your research. And when harvesting wild herbs be wary of nearby pollutants such as heavily traveled roads, polluted streams and such. Also think of the needs of the wildlife and insects in your area. Far too often as humans, we only think of our own needs. But as pagans we have a greater responsibility then just ourselves…

Lucky Hand Root Money Spell

LUCKY HAND ROOT MONEY SPELL

To get and hold a job, always carry a lucky hand root on your person.
Use Lucky Nine Oil on your wrists each day for nine days, and burn some
John the Conqueror Incense each night. These roots bring luck in all
undertakings and no conjure bag would be considered complete without one.
The hands are usually imperfect, but this does not affect their value as a talisman.
The ones which are formed so that all five fingers are distinguishable are very
rare and therefore extremely expensive.

Herbs Listed by Magical Intention

Herbs Listed by Magical Intention

by AmberSkyfire

Anger– alyssum
Animal Magic – cloth of gold
Anti-Theft – Garlic, Juniper,
Arthritis – buckeye
Astral Projection – belladonna, Dittany of Crete
Awareness – anise
Balance – Holly, pine
Banishing – black salt
Beauty – aloe, Avocado, Catnip, Flax, Ginseng, Maidenhair, marigold, passion flower
Binding – black salt, dragon’s blood
Birth – Birch
Blessings – elder flowers, lemon, myrrh
Bullet-Proofing – edelweiss
Business – cinnamon, marigold
Calling Spirits – Dandelion
Calm – valerian
Catalysts – Dragon’s Blood, Mandrake, Mistletoe
Cat Magic – Catnip
Centering – chamomile, pine
Chastity – cactus, camphor, Coconut, Cucumber, Fleabane, Hawthorn, Ivy, witch hazel
Clarity – jasmine
Cleansing – anise, black salt, cinnamon, collander, pine
Comfort – cypress
Confidence – marigold
Consecration – myrrh, sage
Contemplation – myrrh
Courage – basil, Black Cohosh, Borage, Columbine, garlic, Mullein, Ragweed, Rose, Sweet pea, Thyme, Yarrow
Depression – jasmine
Desire – ginseng
Determination – allspice
Divination – Black Willow, bracken, Broom, buckeye, camphor, Cherry, Clove, Corn, Dandelion, Dodder, Fig, Goldenrod, Ground Ivy, Hibiscus, Ivy, Jasmine, Meadowsweet, mugwort, Orris, rose, yarrow
Dogs – Houndstongue,
Dreams – Anise, bay, bracken, buchu, camphor, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil, clary sage, Heliotrope, Holly, Huckleberry, Jasmine, Juniper, lavender, life everlasting flowers, Marigold, Mugwort, Yarrow
Eloquence – aspen
Employment – Devil’s Shoestring, Lucky Hand, Pecan
Energy – allspice, blessed thistle, dragon’s blood, marigold, myrrh, pennyroyal
Escape – Celandine
Evil – arabic gum
Exorcism – angelica, arbutus, Asafoetida, Avens, basil, bean, birch, boneset, buckthorn, clove, clover, Cumin, Devil’s Bit, Dragon’s Blood, Elder, Fern, Fleabane, Frankincense, Fumitory, Garlic, Heliotrope, Horehound, Horseradish, Juniper, myrrh, St. Johnswort
Faeries and Elves – Daisy, elder flowers, Foxglove, Ragweed, Shamrock, Wood Sorrel
Familiars – catnip
Favors – chicory
Fear – yarrow
Fertility – agaric, banana, basil, bistort, bodhi, carrot, Chickweed, Cuckoo Flower, Cucumber, Cyclamen, Daffodil, Dock, Fig, Geranium, Ginseng, Grape, Hawthorn, Hazel, Horsetail, Mandrake, Mistletoe, Mugwort, Oak, Patchouli, Poppy, Rice, sage, Sunflower, Wheat
Fidelity – Chili Pepper, clover, Cumin, Ivy,
Finding Treasure – Cowslip
Fire – cinquefoil, mistletoe
Fishing Magick – Cotton, Hawthorn,
Flying – basil
Focus – myrrh
Friendship – catnip, Lemon, Loveseed, passion flower, rose, Sweet pea, valerian
Gambling – Devil’s Shoestring, High John,
Gardening – Grapes,
Good Luck – Allspice, Aloe, bamboo, banyan, be-still, Bluebell, buckeye, cabbage, calamus root, caper, China Berry, Cinchona, Clover, Corn, Cotton, Daffodil, Daisy, Devil’s Shoestring, Dill, Eryngo, Fern, Goldenrod, Grains of paradise, Hazel, Heather, Holly, Honeysuckle, Houseleek, Huckleberry, Irish Moss, Job’s Tears, Moss, Nutmeg, Rose, Sandalwood, Strawberry, Violet
Gossip – collander
Happiness – adam and eve roots, Catnip, Celandine, Cyclamen, Hawthorn, High John, Hyacinth, Lavender, Marjoram, Meadowsweet, Saffron, Witch Grass
Harmony – Dulse, valerian
Healing – adder’s tongue, Allspice, amaranth, Anemone, Angelica, Apple, balm of Gilead, barley, Bay, Bittersweet, Blackberry, bracken, Burdock, calamus, camphor, Carnation, Cedar, chamomile, cinnamon, Citron, comfrey, Coriander, Cotton, Cowslip, Cucumber, Cypress, Dock, Elder, Eucalyptus, fennel, Flax, Gardenia, Garlic, Ginseng, Goat’s Rue, Goldenseal, Groundsel, Heliotrope, Hemp, Henna, Hops, Horehound, Horse Chestnut, Hyssop, Ivy, Job’s Tears, Lemon Balm, marjoram, Mint, Mugwort, Myrrh, nettle, Oak, Peppermint, Pine, Potato, Rose, Rosemary, sage, Sandalwood, Thistle, Thyme, Violet, Willow
Health – Anemone, Ash, Caraway, carob, cinquefoil, Coriander, Fern, Figwort, Galangal Root, Geranium, Ginseng, Goat’s Rue, Groundsel, Hops, Juniper, Marjoram, Mistletoe, Nutmeg, Oak, Rose, Thyme
Heartache – witch hazel
Heart Chakra – Jasmine,
Hexes – angelica, bamboo, blessed thistle, Chicory, Datura, Galangal Root, Huckleberry, Hydrangea,
Home – passion flower
Hunting – Fuzzy weed
Image Magic – briony
Immortality – sage, apples
Invincibility – St. Johnswort
Invisibility – amaranth, Chicory, Edelweiss, Heliotrope,
Joy – anise, blessed thistle, catnip
Knot Magick – Dodder
Legal Matters – Buckthorn, cascara sagrada, Celandine, Hickory, Marigold
Lightening – Hazel, Holly, Mistletoe
Longevity – coriander, Cypress, lavender, sage
Love – adam and eve roots, Apple, Apricot, Almond, aster, avens, avocado, bachelor’s buttons, balm of Gilead, Barley, Basil, bean, bedstraw, beet, betony, Black Cohosh, bleeding heart, bloodroot, Brazil Nut, caraway, Cardamon, catnip, Chamomile, Cherry, Chestnut, Chickweed, Chicory, Cinnamon, cinquefoil, Clove, Clover, Coltsfoot, Columbine, Copal, Coriander, Crocus, Cubeb, Cuckoo Flower, Daffodil, Daisy, Damiana, Devil’s Bit, Dodder, Dogbane, Dragon’s Blood, Duchman’s Breeches, Elecampane, Elm, Endive, Eryngo, Fig, Fuzzy weed, Gardenia, Gentian, Geranium, Ginger, Ginseng, Grains of Paradise, Hemp, Hibiscus, High John, Houseleek, Hyacinth, Indian paintbrush, Jasmine, Joe-Pye Weed, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Balm, marigold, Marjoram, Meadowsweet, Mistletoe, mugwort, Orange, Plum, Poppy, Raspberry, Rose, Rosemary, Senns, Strawberry, Tansy, Thyme, Valerian, Vanilla, Violet, Willow, Yarrow
Lucid Dreaming – jasmine
Luck – (see GOOD LUCK)
Lust – avocado, caper, caraway, cardamon , carrot, cattail, Celery, Cinnamon, Cyclamen, Daisy, Damiana, Deerstongue, Devil’s Bit, Dill, Dulse, Endive, Eryngo, Galangal root, Garlic, Ginseng, Grains of Paradise, Hemlock, Hibiscus, Jasmine,
Manifestations – balm of Gilead, Dittany of Crete
Marriage – yarrow
Meditation – bodhi, Gotu Kola, Hemp, myrrh
Mental Powers – chamomile, Caraway, Celery, Eyebright, Grape, Horehound, Rosemary, Walnut
Memory – caraway
Money and Wealth – alfalfa, Almond, Basil, Blackberry, bladderwrack, blessed thistle, blue flag, briony, bromeliad, buckeye, buckwheat, calamus, camellia, cascara sagrada, cashew, Cedar, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil, Clove, Clover, collander, Comfrey, Dill, Dock, fennel, Fenugreek, Fern, Flax, Fumitory, Galangal root, Ginger, Goldenrod, Goldenseal, Gorse, Grains of Paradise, Grape, Heliotrope, High John, Honesty, Honeysuckle, Horse Chestnut, Irish Moss, Jasmine, Lucky Hand, Mint, Moss, Myrtle, Nutmeg, Oak, Orange, orange bergamot, Patchouli, Pine, Rice, sage, Snapdragon, Tea, Vervain Wheat
Nature – pine
Negativity – arabic gum, collander, yarrow
New Beginnings – birch
Nightmares – anise, lavender, thyme
Obstacles – Chicory
Offerings – hawthorn berries, lavender
Passion – caraway, cinnamon
Peace – aloe, chamomile, coriander, Eryngo, Gardenia, Lavender, Meadowsweet, myrrh, passion flower, Pennyroyal, valerian, Violet
Poppets – black salt, grave dirt, mandrake
Potency – banana, bean, Black Cohosh, caper, Dragon’s Blood
Power – cinnamon, cinquefoil, Club Moss, Devil’s Shoestring, Ebony, Gentian, Ginger, hawthorn berries, mint
Productivity – pine
Prophecy – camphor, cinquefoil
Prosperity – alfalfa, Almond, Ash, Banana, Basil, Benzoin, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil, chamomile, Elder, Lemon Balm, Mint, Oak, Poppy, Tulip
Protection – Acacia, agrimony, agure root, Alyssum, Aloe, althea, amaranth, Anemone, Angelica, Anise, arbutus, asafoetida, Ash, balm of Gilead, bamboo, barley, Basil, Bay, bean, betony, Birch, bittersweet, Blackberry, Black Cohosh, Black Hellebore, bladderwrack, bloodroot, Blueberry, bodhi, boneset, briony, bromeliad, Broom, Buckthorn, buckwheat, burdock, cactus, calamus, Caraway, Carnation, carob, cascara sagrada, Castor, Cedar, Celandine, chamomile, Chrysanthemum, Cinchona, Cinquefoil, Clove, Clover, Club Moss, Coconut, collander, Comfrey, coriander, Corn, Cotton, Cumin, Curry, Cyclamen, Cypress, Datura, Devil’s Bit, Devil’s Shoestring, Dill, Dogwood, dragon’s blood, Ebony, Elder, Elecampane, Eucalyptus, Euphorbia, Fennel, Fern, Feverfew, Figwort, Flax, Fleabane, Foxglove, Frankincense, Galangal root, Garlic, Geranium, Ginseng, Grass, Gorse, Gourd, Grain, Grass, Hazel, Heather, High John, Holly, Honeysuckle, Horehound, Houseleek, Huckleberry, Hyacinth, Hyssop, Irish Moss, Ivy, Juniper, Juniper berries, lavender, life everlasting flowers, Lilac, Mandrake, Marigold, marjoram, Mistletoe, Mugwort, Mulberry, Mullein, myrrh, nettle, Oak, Olive, passion flower, Pine, Primrose, Raspberry, Rice, Rose, Rosemary, Rue, Sandalwood, Spanish Moss, Sunflower, Thistle, Valerian, Violet, White Sage, Willow, witch hazel, wormwood
Psychic Ability – acacia, Angelica, althea, anise, Bay, bistort, bladderwrack, Borage, bracken, buchu, camphor, Celery, Cinnamon, Citron, collander, Deerstongue, Elecampane, Eyebright, Fennel, Flax, Galangal root, Grass, High John, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Marigold, Mugwort, Rose, Thyme, Yarrow
Purification – Anise, arabic gum, asafoetida, avens, Bay, benzoin, betony, birch, bloodroot, Broom, Cedar, Chamomile, Clove, Coconut, Copal, dragon’s blood, Euphorbia, Fennel, frankincense, Horseradish, Hyssop, Iris, Juniper, Lavender, lemon, life everlasting flowers, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Valerian, Vervain, White Sage
Rain – Cotton, Fern, Heather,
Reconciliation – bean
Recuperation – rosemary
Relationships – basil
Relaxation – chamomile
Remembrance – mullein, rosemary
Respect – Joe-Pye Weed,
Scrying – mugwort
Seasickness – pennyroyal
Self-esteem – jasmine
Sex – blessed thistle, Jasmine,
Sleep – agrimony, Chamomile, Cinquefoil, clary sage, Datura, Elder, Hops, Lavender, passion flower, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme, Vervain
Snakes– Centaury, Horsetail,
Spirit Questing – Juniper,
Spirits – wormwood
Spirituality – blessed thistle, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Gardenia, Heather, Myrrh, Sandalwood, violet
Staffs – blessed thistle
Strength – Bay, Carnation, hawthorn berries, mint, Mugwort, Mulberry, Thistle
Strengthening Spells – Echinacea
Success – aloe, Cinnamon, Clover, Ginger, High John, Mistletoe, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vanilla
Tension – jasmine
Theft – aspen, caraway, juniper berries
Thought – jasmine, myrrh, pennyroyal
Travel – Comfrey, Eryngo
Truth – bluebell
Understanding – passion flower
Understanding Animal Languages – cloth of gold
Visions – angelica, bay leaf, Coltsfoot, Crocus, Damiana, Hemp, juniper berries
Wands – blessed thistle
War – High John,
Warts – bean
Weather – bladderwrack, broom, garlic, yarrow
Wisdom – almond, bay leaf, Bodhi, cinquefoil, Iris, Sage, Sunflower
Wishes – Bamboo, Beech, Buckthorn, Dandelion, Dogwood, Ginseng, Grains of Paradise, Hazel, Job’s Tears, lavender, Sage, Sandalwood, Sunflower, Violet
Youth – Cowslip, Fern, life everlasting flowers

To Control Another

To Control Another

Take a High John the Conqueror Root and anoint it with John the Conqueror Oil. On a piece of brown paper, write the name of the person you wish to control/conquer and soak the paper in Controlling Oil. When the paper is dry, wrap it around the High John the Conqueror root and tie with purple thread.

Herb of the Day for March 29th – St. Johnswort

St. Johnswort

Hypericum perforatum
MEDICINAL:St. Johnswort is useful for bronchitis, internal bleeding, healing wounds, and for dirty, septic wounds. It is used to ease depression, headaches, hysteria, neuralgia, shingles, as well as symptoms that occur during menopause. It is useful in swellings, abcesses, and bad insect stings. Studies are showing that it may be effective in combatting AIDS by increasing the immune functions of the body. DO NOT GO INTO THE SUN if using this herb, as it causes blistering sunburns, especially in fair-skinned people.

RELIGIOUS:St. Johnswort is hung around the neck to prevent fevers. Wearing the herb aids you in war and other battles, including those of the will and indecision. Burnt it will banish evil and negativity. Hung in the home or carried, it will prevent spells of others from entering, and it is used in exorcisms. If you pick the plant on the night of St. John and hang it on your bedroom wall, you will dream of your future husband. The red juice of the stems was associated with the blood of John the Baptist, hence the plant’s name.

GROWING: St. Johnswort is a perennial reaching 32 inches tall. It is grown throughout much of North America. It prefers rich to moderately rich soils, and full sun. It is not long-lived, so replant every few years. Harvest the leaves and flower tops as they bloom and store in air-tight containers.

Resource:

THE HERBAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

St. John’s Wort Salve

St. John’s Wort Salve

Great all purpose salve. Use for insect bites, itching, wounds, burns ,and on fungal infections.
1 part St. John’s Wort
1 part Calendula flowers
1 part Comfrey leaf
1 400IU Vitamin E oil capsule (optional)
Make an infused oil using the above herbs. Proceed as directed above, adding the vitamin E oil, if used, after removing from heat. To do this, poke the capsule with a sterile needle and squeeze the oil out.

THE DREAM SPELL

THE DREAM SPELL


This spell is to cause you to dream of the face of the man (or woman) you will spend your life with.
You may or may not know this person currently.
Do not be surprised if it is not the person you expected.
If your romantic notions happen to blossom in midsummer, you might consider the following:
On July 22, St. Magdalene’s Eve, prepare a bath.
In the water sprinkle lavender and rose petals and as in the Self-Blessing, you must envision
yourself cleansing not only your body, but also your spirit.
After you bathe, prepare for bed and say these words:
Mother of All, Habondia, look favorably upon my quest,
Bring to me a vision true, my lover’s face at your behest.
After you have said the incantation, place a sachet under your pillow with lavender and
hypericum (St. John’s Wort). Before you go to sleep pour a small glass of wine and just as
you do in the full moon rite, say these words:
To You Mother, I pour this libation (pour a few drops on the floor), and drink this toast.
Drink the rest of the wine.
Use your consecrated chalice or consecrate a new cup just for this purpose.
Lay your head down and dream of your true love–it may not be who you thought!

The Herbal First Aid Kit

The Herbal First Aid Kit

Remember when dealing with serious injuries, first aid is a temporary solution to proper medical attention can be obtained. Serious injuries need to be treated by a doctor.

Aloe

Break off an aloe leaf and scrape the gel to soothe minor burns, scalds and sunburns. Aloe has tissue regenerative properties and will help heal all wounds.

Arnica

Arnica cream or oil can be used on bruises or sprains where the skin is not broken. Caution should be used with Arnica since it can become toxic in high doses.

Calendula Cream

Homemade or store-bought, this is antiseptic and antifungal. If you make it, try adding comfrey to the cream; it will help speed the healing process.

Clove Oil

Clove oil is an excellent antiseptic for cuts and is also useful for treating toothaches. It should be cut with a carrier oil when used on the skin since irritation can occur.

Compresses

Keep squares of gauze or cheesecloth on hand to make compresses. Use comfrey, witch hazel, or arnica for sprains; St. John’s Wort for deep cuts; comfrey or witch hazel for burns.

Crystallized Ginger

Chew for motion sickness or morning sickness.

Eucalyptus Oil

This is a good inhalant for colds, coughs, and respiratory infections.

Rescue Remedy

This combination of 5 of the Bach Flower Remedies is effective for shocks and emotional upsets, especially in children.

St. John’s Wort Infused Oil

Excellent for minor burns and sunburns.

Slippery Elm

Slippery elm powder is used to make poultices for drawing out splinters and bringing boils to a head.

Tea Tree Oil

Use as an antiseptic and antifungal. It is useful for cleansing wounds.

Witch Hazel Extract

Use it to treat minor burns, sunburn, and insect bites. Apply to nasal passages to stop nosebleeds. Wash cuts with it to help cleanse them.

Herb of the Day for Feb. 14th – High John the Conqueror

High John the Conqueror

Latin Name: Ipomoea jalapa
Common Names: John the Conqueror, Bindweed, Jalap Root
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire

Folklore: John the Conqueror is spoken of often in African American folklore and is frequently considered to be quite magically potent, particularly among Hoodoo traditions.

It has been written of and referenced for these purposes by numerous famous Blues singers including Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, and Bo Diddley, making it quite the iconic among that community and culture.
Magickal Uses: Essential ingredient in mojo bags, Good Luck, Strength, Overcome Obstacles, Powerful Protection against Negative Energy and Curses, Sex Magick, Attraction.

Magickal Herbs Used for Money/Wealth/Riches

MONEY/WEALTH/PROSPERITY/RICHES

* Alfalfa
* Allspice
* Almond
* Basil
* Bergamot, Orange
* Blackberry
* Bladderwrack
* Blue Flag
* Briony
* Bromeliad
* Buckwheat
* Calamus
* Camellia
* Cascara Sagrada
* Cashew
* Cedar
* Chamomile
* Cinnamon
* Cinquefoil
* Clove
* Clover
* Comfrey
* Cowslip
* Dill
* Dock
* Elder
* Fenugreek
* Fern
* Flax
* Fumitory
* Galangal
* Ginger
* Goldenrod
* Golden Seal
* Gorse
* Grains of Paradise
* Grape
* Heliotrope
* High John the Conqueror
* Honesty
* Honeysuckle
* Horse Chestnut
* Irish Moss
* Jasmine
* Lucky Hand
* Mandrake
* Maple
* Marjoram
* May Apple
* Mint
* Moonwort
* Moss
* Myrtle
* Nutmeg
* Oak Oats
* Onion
* Orange
* Oregon Grape
* Patchouly
* Pea
* Pecan
* Periwinkle
* Pine
* Pineapple
* Pipsissewa
* Pomegranate
* Poplar
* Poppy
* Rattlesnake Root
* Rice
* Snapdragon
* Sassafras
* Sesame
* Snakeroot
* Snakeroot, Black
* Squill
* Tea
* Tonka
* Trillium
* Vervain
* Vetivert
* Wheat
* Woodruff

Protection Bath – Tormentil

Protection Bath

Tormentil
 
Tormentil tea is used to keep malevolent magick far away. Althought its identity is often confused with the root charm High John the Conqueror, they possess no herbal relationship. Tormentil, a frequent component of European magick is actually closely related to another Hoodoo herb charm, five-finger grass(cinquefoil). Those five fingers are used in gambling magick to draw luck and money, however five fingers also create a potent sign of protection.
 
Pour boiling water over tormentil to make an infusion. Add this to a tub filled with warm water and then soak in the water.

HOODOO JUST JUDGE OIL

HOODOO JUST JUDGE OIL

2 part carnation petals

1 part Anise seed

1 part cinnamon

Use 2 tablespoons of this mixture to 2 oz. oil. add a piece of Galangal root to each bottle.

I would put some in your bath before any confrontations.

Also use as a perfume on your pulse points.

Carry a Galangal root, John the Conqueror root.
With snake root or Indian tobacco in a small bag.
Anointed in the oil and to give added punch van van oil.
I also would carry a horse chestnut dressed in van van oil.