Tag: Shopping

Witchy Soap Making

Making your own soap with empowered herbs can be an extremely rewarding and magickal experience. The recipes that follow rely on melt-and-pour soap bases that can be purchased at your local craft store or online. This type of easy carrier allows you to make lots of fragrant soap in a single afternoon and can be a great magickal project practice with a circle of friends or your children (as long as you monitor the hot soap and you do the pouring). When shopping for a glycerin soap base, look for formulas that permit good suspension of herbs, as most herbs will sink to the bottom of the mold unless the soap is poured just at the moment of setting (which can be tricky). Here are the general supplies you will need for all of the recipes.

  • Soap cauldron (can be purchased at local craft store) or microwave (if soap directions say you can use this)

  • Desired fragrance (sweet scents help to instill good feelings and harmony within the body)

  • Small plastic baggies or shrink-wrap system for packaging after soap has cooled

  • Sharp, smooth-blade knife (for cutting soap base into small, 1-inch blocks)

  • Pyrex measuring cup (4-cup size)Wire whisk (only to be used for soap)

  • Droppers (for adding scent and color)

  • Rubbing alcohol in spritzer bottle (removes bubbles from the poured soap)

  • Ladle (if using a soap cauldron)

  • Mortar and pestle or spice grinder

  • Soap molds ( you can also use silicone muffin molds)

  • X-Acto knife ( for trimming soaps if you over-poured the mold)

  • Wire curing rack ( for handmilled soaps)

 

Daily Motivator for June 2 – Your very essence

Your very essence

What you truly desire, you cannot ever take from anybody else. Because what you truly desire, is to fulfill your own unique purpose.

If you cheat or steal, you gain nothing of real value. If you destroy or injure, you are just making life more difficult for everyone, especially including you.

There are no shortcuts to the real fulfillment you seek. When you grab the mere tokens of that fulfillment, you push the real substance of it farther away.

There is no such thing as something for nothing. Even if there were, you would not want it, for it would bring no fulfillment.

Go ahead, make the commitment, make the effort, and persist in that effort until you can feel the fulfillment start to take hold. Go ahead and do the hard work to make a positive difference in your own special way, because that is what you long to do.

You are immensely valuable, and that value can be fully expressed only through sustained and focused effort. Make the commitment to live that value, for it is your very essence, and well worth whatever you must endure.

— Ralph Marston

Life’s Like That

Life’s Like That

 

Hope that diffused in the hazy air
left me with no words, that I could say
system it is, that’s not so fair
leaving me alone, in an utter dismay

Startled to see that just “luck” prevails
proving luck is enough to lead the game
hardwork bewildered, seeing its losing trail
aspirations buried, to avoid the shame

futile it is, to ponder upon the ruling of fate
it’s no one, who deserves a blame
This is a mere unfortunate spate
A tiny bit, in the time’s frame.

Stood up to gather the courage that’s lost
as I know, misery cannot make me its bait
A door closes to open another one fast
proving persistence is my blessing trait!

Rocking in the chair, I think again
what went wrong , that I didn’t gain…
Truth is very simple and just so plain..
Pal…Move forward…..take no pain!!!!

— Copyright © 2007 Viji Mutupuru

Funny Thought for the Day – Inner Strength

 

  • If you can start the day without caffeine.
  • If you can get going without pep pills.
  • If you can always be cheerful ignoring aches and pains.
  • If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles.
  • If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it.
  • If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time.
  • If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you when through no fault of yours something goes wrong.
  • If you can take criticism and blame without resentment.
  • If you can ignore a friend’s limited education and never correct him.
  • If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend.
  • If you can face the world without lies and deceit.
  • If you can conquer tension without medical help.
  • If you can relax without liquor.
  • If you can sleep without the aid of drugs.
  • …..Then you are probably the family dog!

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for May 27th is 23: Splitting Apart

23: Splitting Apart

Hexagram 23

 General Meaning: All is not what it seems. Sometimes, reality is like a hall of mirrors. Intrigues multiply like summer flies, and there are signs of discontent all around. This is a time of illusion and disillusion, disintegration, distrust and deception.

When you find yourself trapped in a hall of mirrors, sometimes it is necessary to retrace your steps. Return to the familiar; take solace in what is firm and secure. There is no blame in holding back on progress now; indeed, it is your responsibility to keep your strength intact for the period of resurrection, which follows disintegration as surely as dawn follows the night.

Discretion is the better part of valor. Good timing is especially important. Learn to focus on the essence of the problem and choose the proper moments for action, thereby avoiding futile effort. Be particularly attentive at such a time as this for changes that signal it’s time to retreat.

In the realm of personal relations, disillusionment is generally painful and confusing. When in the midst of such a phase, it is wise to avoid undertaking any bold new moves, and it is especially important not to jump to conclusions.

Female Tonic

This tonic builds vitality, beautiful skin and regulates the female reproductive system. It is mildly sedative and beneficial for women of all ages.

1  small root (1 ounce) or 1 thin slice tang kuei

2  slices white peony root

3  pieces bupleurun

2  jujube red dates

1  piece licorice or ginger root

In 2 -3  cups of water, simmer herbs for one hour. Strain and drink up to one cup daily. Use 2 cups of water to produce a stronger estrogenic brew.

NOTE: Omit tang kuei if estrogen blockers have been prescribed or consult your physician first,.

Clear Skin Tonic

Schizandra was popular with the wealthy Chinese and royalty as a radiant skin tonic. It protects the skin from sun and wind exposure, and is used in many aphrodisiac tonics. It is also known to be mildly sedative.

1/2  cup schizandra berries

1/2  cup jujube red dates

1       piece licorice or ginger root

Soak schizandra berries immersed in water overnight; drain and combine with 4 cups of fresh water, jujube red dates, and licorice or ginger root. Simmer, covered, 15 – 20 minutes. Sip on cup daily.

Just a Dream?

Just a Dream?

Author: Lady Sindy Aine

I went to bed like any other night; troubles had been weighing heavy on me the past few days and I sometimes can’t rest my mind enough to sleep. I asked the Goddess Aradia to help me on my journey. I felt a warm tingling encompass me and I felt at ease enough to drift off to sleep. I want to share with you just a small glimpse of the journey that followed.

I find myself sitting in a picturesque garden lush with green plants and sensuous flowers heavily scented rich in color and allure. Stone pathways with smooth detailed statues and strangely shaped sculptures. Each are filled with complicated rhymes and puzzles connected to them that allows each one to come to life if I am able to conjure up the answers, every one of them needs to be opened in a specific order it is all part of the puzzle.

I first start with a statue of the Goddess Aradia after several acts of respect I tried to bring life to her, then with a simple kiss on her foot she comes to life. So joyous to be in her presence her green eyes sparkled she was divine. She held me in her embrace a feeling of safety and home filled me. I felt I had been in the presence of a mother figure and I her child.

She began to spin in a circle laughing and full of life she relieves me from all my hurt and pain, allowing me to let go, to truly let go. All the feelings inside of me, anything that was holding me down were lifted with one touch from her hand. My beloved Goddess gives me strength to face all of my fears with no fear. My body feels weightless in her company and my mind open and free able to start fresh and new anything is possible. Her face grew solemn as she steps away from me.

Sadly, I leave her as she directs me to my next challenge. With great respect and gratitude I move on, to a very unusual sculpture in this spectacular garden. Made up of three large round tapered objects with the middle one being the largest, a red darkened brown with horizontal ridges carved into the heaviest section at the middle of this. Smaller versions lie at the top and the bottom. A finished piece much like a lid of some sort sat upon the very top.

With a simple spin to each of these objects much like a prayer wheel, life inside of me was ignited Secrets flowed into me about life and its answers I have long awaited. Having had a life changing experience I took a moment to absorb it all.

Rising to my feet I continue to a fountain large as a lake. The water shimmers and rings from the splashing fountain, all visions are obscured and all knowing is absent until I am able to see through it all. The colors not looking like anything, but everything all at once. Then I see and feel. I know that with just one sip from this sacred water of life I will begin a journey into my very essence. Cold to the touch this crisp water clear of any flavor begins to flow into me. I feel it warm inside of me and vibrate to all parts of my body, knowing all that is important in my life and all that is not.

Focused on and what needs to be done and what needs to be let go I fear the separation of these things will be difficult. I begin to feel the cold spray from the fountain’s water caressing my skin as a way to awaken me the fountain and its lake are alive to me and I struggle to pull myself away and continue my voyage.

Now to another figure, that of an elderly man, whose aura vibrates in vivid color. There is just an enormous amount of energy flowing from him you can hear a faint humming sound that I believe is resonating from this man and amplified by a boulder he is resting upon. As I make my way towards this man in the middle of this deeply wooded pathway I am humbled by his presence.

He stands before me; his white hair is long, wavy and thick tied back at the base of his neck. His arms reach out to me as his heavy brown robe falls in folds around his body. I look into his deep brown eyes; they are welcoming and full of wisdom.

I follow this path with him side by side. I am drawn to his eyes I could not turn away even if I wanted too. He speaks to me without words. I feel everything he is conveying to me and I give myself to him quite willingly with one last embrace of safety, warmth and belonging I knew this is where I wish to be forever but I also know I cannot stay here.

Finally, off in the distance I observed a path undisturbed for many years, quiet and still. I see a beautiful woman in a flowing silver gown as she makes her way effortlessly through the brush and fallen limbs of the old oak trees standing in much majesty throughout this forest on the edge of such a beautiful park. She beckons me to follow her, I feel hesitant, she seems so distant and unworldly I gazed into her eyes with some fear of what I would see.

However, her eyes gleamed an ice blue she reached out her hand and it was soft and supple she was so beautiful I allowed myself to be washed away in her and I followed her. She was not like anyone or thing I have ever encountered, she glowed just simply glowed. She had almost a gravitational pull I couldn’t break free no matter how unsure I was or scared even. I felt this was a test, a test of facing the unknown. The feeling as if the blessed Goddess Diana herself was giving me her blessings with every step, was imprinted on my very being.

This was a divine destination, a voyage where I have encountered every element, and my most valued and treasured Gods and blessed Goddesses. I have been waiting for this moment for a lifetime. My destination was shown to me. After several moments of trial and error, learning the rhymes and puzzles to this path and having figured out the pattern and order. I have found this journey most enlightening and successful.

Now on to my next path obviously one less traveled. I am excited to move through this world and onto the next with great certainty that I have chosen well. I have accomplished much within myself. Whether this was just a very healing dream or something a bit more I woke having a much better grasp and knowledge of why I am here. With this gracious gift bestowed to me I will never suffer again. I am most grateful to not have to worry about such things I have spent so many years doing that. Now I can focus on what needs to be done without much effort of why things need to be done.

I am filled with enlightenment that will flow throughout my blood like the warmth of a running river. I dream of Magick that has not been thought of for many, many years I feel it deep within myself.

My message to you is simply to allow yourself to open your mind and just touch the energy that will lead you too, on your own wondrous journey.

Herb of the Day for May 20th is Borage

Herb of the Day

Borage

Folk Names:  Bugloss, Burrage, Herb of Gladness, Star Flower, Borak, Lisan selvi, Lesan-El-Tour

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Jupiter

Element:  Air

Powers:  Courage, Psychic Powers

Magickal Uses:  Carry the fresh blossoms to strengthen your courage, or place one in your buttonhole for protection when walking outdoors.

A tea of borage induced psychic powers.

Magick Stress Eraser Mix

Simple. It erases stress magickally. If stress is a challenge for you,  it might be a good idea good to keep a travel mister of this is your purse or  at your desk!

Ingredients:

Bach Rescue Remedy

Essential oil of lavender

Rose water in a mister

Put 4 drops of Rescue Remedy, 6 drops of lavender, and r drops of peppermint in the mister. Shake. Hold the bottle in both hands, and empower it with your intention to erase stress and create a peaceful uplifting and serene atmosphere

Visualize very bright white light filling the bottle.

What much do you know about Hyacinth?

Hyacinth

Gender:  Feminine

Planet:  Venus

Element:  Water

Powers:  Love, Protection, Happiness

Magickal Uses: Use in sachets to ease the pain of childbirth. The plant grown in the bedroom guards against nightmares.

Sniffing the fresh flower of the hyacinth relieves grief and depression, and also cures fascination.

The dried flowers are used in love mixtures.

Herb Vinegars and Oils

Combine your favorite herbs and spices in a delicious herb vinegar or oil to flavor salads, vegetables, pastas, and marinades. Add six two-inch sprigs or one tablespoon of fresh leaves to every cup of heated vinegar or oil. Cool, cover, and store in a glass bottle in a cool, dark place up to one year. Reuse the vinegar bottles to store herb vinegar. When adding garlic, chilies, or chives, use one for every cup of vinegar.

Goofer Dust Spell (4) Jack Ball

Jack balls are usually made to draw love, luck and prosperity. This one is designed to deliver a hex.

  1. First carve and dress a black candle to suit your purpose.

  2. Take some of the melted wax and roll it in the palms of your hand.

  3. Add identifying items to the little ball, your target’s fingernail clippings, hair, bits of their clothing, etc.

  4. Add a couple drops of you own urine, as a controlling mechanism.

  5. Add some Goofer Dust.

  6. Roll everything into a smooth ball.

  7. Unlike other jack balls, don’t carry this one around with you. Instead, bury it on the other person’s property.

Goofer Dust Spell (3) Candle

  1. Slice the top off a black pillar candle so that it is flat and will stand.

  2. Carve the bottom of the candle so the wick is exposed and may be lit, effectively reversing the candle

  3. Carve and dress the candle as you wish

  4. Place the candle on a plate covered with Goofer Dust and burn it, concentrating on your desires.

Candle Burning for Specific Intentions

Simply lighting a candle can be a magickal ritual unto  itself. You might like to burn a candle to help with any number of intentions, including but not limited to intentions regarding any of the following:

Banishing

Career

Creativity

Fame/Reputation

Focus

Health

Intuition/Psychic Abilities

Joy

Manifesting

Prosperity

Romance

Spirituality

Once you’ve chosen your intention, you’re ready to begin preparing for your candle ritual.

1.  Clarify

Write down your intention in one sentence, as if it’s already happened. For example, you might write “I am wealthy beyond my fondest dreams” or “I am vibrantly healthy in every way.”

2.  Select a Scent or Scents

Look at a list of oils and choose a scent or scents to help manifest your intention. Write down you selection.

3.  Select a Color

Here are some color ideas:

Black:  banishing, releasing, dissolving

Deep Blue:  intuition, psychic, abilities, success, harmony, peace

Green:  health, healing, wealth, heart opening

Lavender:  physical beauty, spirituality, harmony

Orange:  harmony, warmth, harvest, fruition, sexuality

Red:  passion, fame, strength, courage, success, vibrant health, victory, connection with the Earth.

Robin’s Egg Blue:  communication, joy, lightness, self-expression

Violet/Purple: spirituality, inner beauty, magick

White:  purity, protection, manifestation, healing

Yellow:  energy, clarity, joy, courage, personal power

4.  Obtain Your Candle

Choose or make a soy or other vegetable wax candle.

If you make it, color it and scent it with your chosen color and scent(s). If you purchase it, you can either find a candle with your chosen color and scent or just a candle with you chosen color. You can then anoint your candle with your chosen scents later.

As an alternative to getting a colored candle, you can get a white or off-white candle and place it in a colored glass jar or candleholder.

5.  Prepare Your Candle

Carve the words of your intention into the candle with a pencil, mail or something else that works. You can use the entire sentence or you can just choose a word that summarizes your intention, such as “romance,” “wealth,” “release,” or “health.” If you’re going to anoint your candle with essential oil, put a few (or more, according to your preference) drops of your chosen oil(s)in a carrier oil such as sunflower or olive oil. Then  lightly smooth this oil over the entire surface of the candle (except the bottom and the wick) with your fingers. Alternatively, use a paper towel to apply the oil if you’re not sure if the essential oils will irritate your skin.

6.  Empower Your Candle

Use one of the following two ways (a) hold it in both hands and visualize and/or feel your intended outcome as if it has already manifested, then mentally direct the energy generated by this visualization into the candle, or (b) use the three secrets empowerment.

7.  Light Your Candle

If you’re burning the candle to manifest something, burn it during the waxing moon. If you’re burning it to release or banish something, burn it during the waning moon. Once you extinguish it, you can just burn it casually whenever you’re home and feel like having some candlelight. Or, if you’d like to speed its magick, burn it whenever you’re home until it burns all the way down. Every time you light it, say a quick prayer or do a quick visualization of your intended outcome.

Cottage Witchery for Thursday, May 12th

Thursday

Increase prosperity on this day; work toward expansion and

moving up in the world

Planetary influence:  Jupiter

Household symbols:  a dollar bill, coins, a paycheck stub, a picture of your home

Colors:  Green and Royal Blue

Kitchen spice:  Sage and nutmeg.

Cottage Witchery
Natural Magick For Hearth and Hom
Ellen Dugan

Lady A’s Spell for 5/11: Spell For Banishing and Needed Changes

SPELL FOR BANISHING AND NEEDED CHANGES


Instructions: Sit in a quiet place that is special to you.
Hold a white or cream candle in your hands and visualize the area of your life that this
candles energy is needed in. After you light this candle the energy will come to you.
It may come right away or when you lease expect it.
When you are ready recite the spell or use your own words of power.
This candle I see before me, its color so bright,
Holds my needs of change in its light.
I call in the forces higher than I
To release the energy that is held inside
May it work for me in the most correct way,
Harming none and helping all as it leaves my stay.
I call on thee in perfect trust and love sending me guidance from above.
This I make happen and so be it will.

Take away this thing that brings me ill.
So mote it be.3x3x3

Herb of the Day for May 11th is Lemon Grass

Herb of the Day

Lemon Grass

This herb is a native of Southeastern Asia growing in tropical climates all over the world. From a distance it may be mistaken as Johnson grass, but this herb is very useful. It yields the finest commercial lemon oil and make the best culinary herb for lemon lovers. The bulb helps digest fatty meats and its’ leaves flavor teas, seafood and vegetable. Grow me in full sun with lots of water. Propagate the herb from root division or buy a bulb at the Chinese vegetable market, root it in potting soil and it will be producing new leaves in three weeks.