cheerioprincesson Jul. 14, 2007 at 10:11 AM
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Ok here's my input...which will be mostly ritual info. I grew up Traditional Wiccan and am now an accumulations of tradions including: Traditional, Nordic & Germanic.
INDEX:
- 10 Things About Wicca
- Rede
- Crede
- Altar Set-up
- Elementals
- Great Rite Invocation
- Charge of the Goddess
- Drawing Down The Moon
- Basic
- Healing Circle
- Moon Proverbs & Theories
- Aromatherapy Blends
- Colors of the Wind
- Wiccan ABS
- New Moon Ritual
- Mabon
- Herbs
- Herbal Remedies
- Chants
- Handfasting (Traditional)
- Dream Magick
-Sachets and Teas
- Incenses
- Potions (from Donnie)
- 13 Principles
- Gemstones and Crystals
Check out my groups: NewFound Pagans, Happy Homeschoolers, HS4PS..and my Articles, Crazy Lapbook Blog, Signing Spot
on Jul. 14, 2007 at 10:14 AM
Ten Things About Wicca
1-No conversation or recruitment is necessary.
Wiccans have no insecure compulsion to convert everyone to their way of thinking. People come to Wiccan when and if they are ready r interested. Furthermore, you are not required to accept or do anything that you are not comfortable with.
2-No artificial code of morality.
Out of all the creatures of this Earth, only humans are forced to live under unnatural moral codes. Wiccans believe simply -
"An It Harm None, Do As Ye Will".
3-Progressive reincarnation.
Wiccans believe we are here to learn and to progress, not suffer eternal damnation if we "slip-up" in someone else's eyes.
4-No discrimination.
There is no such thing as being the "right" race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethic origin to be Wiccan means ALL are welcome.
5-No middle man or woman.
Once you know all of the basics, you can be your own "minister" or "priest", you need never bow before (or rely upon) some religious dictator for spiritual guidance, you go straight to the source.
6-Be yourself.
By sharing a common interest with others in Wicca, you do not lose your identity as an individual. You are unique and can and should stay that way without becoming a blob in a homogeneous mass.
7-No repression.
Wiccans are not forbidden from reading, learning, eating, drinkin, or saying anything. You can actually even disagree with someone without being "excommunicated".
8-Contribution.
NO!! Not money, but knowledge. The Craft has always and will always, be an experimental religion. If it works, we use it. Then we share it so that all in the Craft may benefit.
9-No rigid Dogma.
Wiccans DO NOT believe that their path is "The One and Only Path". The only "Ture" path is the one that works best for you. All paths are valid as long as they Harm None.
10-Self-empowerment.
Wicca allows you to truly feel your own power, if you will, and a true sense of self. You are "allowed" to be the best person that you wish to be with all of the love and support that you can possibly hope for. Wicca allows you to take your hopes, dreams, and most heart"s desires and manifest them in this reality. All is possible. All is real.
on Jul. 14, 2007 at 10:16 AM
Wiccan Rede
I hadnt seen the rede anywhere, I figured no one would mind the refresher,
Bide ye Wiccan laws you must, in perfect love and perfect trust.
Live ye must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.
Tread the circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind ye spell well every time, let the spell be spake in rhyme.
Light of eye and soft of touch,
Speak ye little, listen much.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name,
Let love and light be our guides again.
Deosil go by the waxing moon,
Sing and dance ye Wiccan Rune.
Widdershins go when the moon doth wane,
And the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.
When ye Lady's moon is new, kiss ye hand to her times two.
When ye moon rides at her peak, then ye heart's desire seek.
Heed the north winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.
When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss thee on the mouth.
When the West wind blows over thee, departed souls will restless be.
Nine woods 'neath the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch into the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows.
Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's insight.
Rowan is a tree of power, causing life and magick to flower.
Willows at the waterside stand,
Ready to help us to the Summerland.
Hawthorn is burned to purify,
And to draw faerie to thine eye.
Hazel, the tree of wisdom and learning,
Adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of Apple tree That brings us fruits of fertility.
Grapes grow upon the vine, Giving us both joy and wine.
Fir does mark the evergreen To represent immortality seen.
Elder is the Lady's tree; Harm it not or cursed ye'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark,
Both in the light and in the dark.
As the old year starts to wane,
The new begins-it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolc shows,
Watch for flowers through the snows.
When the wheel begins to turn, soon ye Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lammas night,
Power is brought to magick rite.
Four times the Minor Sabbats fall;
Use the Sun to mark them all.
When the wheel hath turned a Yule, light the log the Horned One rules.
In the spring, when night equals day, '
Tis time for Ostara to come our way.
When the Sun has reached its height,
'Tis time for Oak and Holly to fight.
Harvesting comes to one and all When the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Heed the flower, bush , and tree;
By the Lady blessed ye'll be.
Where the rippling waters go, cast a stone, the truth ye'll know.
When ye have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.
With a fool no season spend, or be counted as his friend.
Merry meet and merry part, bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
When misfortune is enow,
Wear the star upon thy brow.
True in love ye must e'er be,
Lest thy love be false to thee.
Mind ye threefold law ye should, three times bad and three times good.
What ye send forth comes back to ye,
So ever mind the rule of three.
These eight words the wiccan rede fulfill;
An harm ye none, do what ye will.
Follow this with mind and heart,
And merry ye meet, and merry ye part.
cheerioprincesson Jul. 14, 2007 at 10:17 AM
The Witches Crede
I have this posted on my office bulletin board, my fridge and my school website. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, and powerful! LOL
Hear now the words of the witches,
The secrets we hid in the night,
When dark was our destiny's pathway,
That now we bring forth into light
Mysterious water and fire,
The earth and the wide-ranging air,
By hidden quintessense we know them,
And will and keep silent and dare.
The birth and rebirth of all nature,
The passing of winter and spring,
We share with the life universal,
Rejoice in the magical ring.
Four time in the year the Great Sabbat
Returns, and the witches are seen
At Lammas and Candlemas dancing,
On May Eve and old Hallowe'en.
When day-time and night-time are equal,
When the sun is at greatest and least,
The four Lesser Sabbats are summoned,
Again witches gather in feast.
Thirteen siver moons in a year are,
Thirteen is the coven's array.
Thirteen times as Esbat make merry,
For each golden year and a day.
The power was passed down the ages,
Each time between woman and man,
Each century unto the other,
Ere time and the ages began.
When drawn is the magical circle,
By sword or athame or power,
Its compass between the two worlds lies,
In Land of the Shades for that hour.
This world has no right then to know it,
And world of beyond will tell naught,
The oldest of Gods are invoked there,
The Great Work of magic is wrought.
For two are the mystical pillars,
That stand at the gate of the shrine,
And two are the powers of nature,
The forms and the forces divine.
The dark and the light in succession,
The opposites each unto each,
Shown forth as a God and a Goddess,
Of this did our ancestors teach.
By night he's the wild wind's rider,
The Horn'd One, the Lord of the Shades,
By day he's the King of the Woodland,
The dweller in green forest glades.
She is youthful or old as she pleases,
She sails the torn clouds in her barque,
The bright silver lady of midnight,
The crone who weaves spells in the dark.
The master and mistress of magic,
They dwell in the deeps of the mind,
Immortal and ever-renewing,
With power to free or to bind.
So drink the good wine to the Old Gods,
And dance and make love in their praise,
Til Elphame's fair land shall receive us
In peace at the end of our days.
An Do What You Will be the challenge,
So be it in Love that harms none,
For this is the only commandment,
By Magic of old, be it done
Eight words the Witches' Creed fulfill:
If it harms none, do what you will.
-Doreen Valiente
I am the Cheerioprincess~Dani~
- by on Jul. 14, 2007 at 10:20 AM
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Altar Set-Up
HA! I finally thought of a post that wasn't the Rede, or the Crede, or the Charge...Last night a few of us were talking about whats on our alters. What we use to represent the elements, where we put them, what tools we have, what tools were are still looking for...
I know everyone is different, each alter within this group is different and unique. So tell us, whats in your alter?My alter has, my alter cloth that used to be a beach cover up, its bright oranges and swirly and I loved it but it never looked right on my fat bum. I have my cauldron, I bought about 13 years ago in Germany and had it appraised three years ago at my college (perks of working with the history dept LOL) and its about 600 years old! I have my "sword" that is really a wedding cake knife I bought in a gift shop because I never really wanted a sword. I have my athame I got for my 13 birthday, my bolene my brother got me for the birth of my first daughter. I have my "chalice" which is wine glass I hand painted from one of those art classes single women take to make themselves feel busy. I have my two/three bowl, they are ramekins that were my great-grandmothers. I won them in a Rock-Paper-Scissors. I have a bell that was actually a thimble from my other great grandmothers sewing basket, it has a musical note on it and just seemed perfect. I have a wand that I made for my Wiccaning, and another one, I don't ever use, that a friend bought me strolling through the mall. And my broom that I bought at the Big E, its handmade and I bought it in the olden village dealie. I have all of these within my circle and as close to their direction representation as possible.
My elemental representation is Earth-18 stones from 18 countries (places I felt loved by Her), Air-a single feather from a white owl, I asked for it at the zoo, Water-babyfood jars of water from every ocean and a few seas and lakes and ponds from all over the world. (again places I felt love and peace), and Fire- I have a tile that has a dragon on it, I love dragons and faeries! I place a colored candle at each point, Earth-green, Air-yellow, Water-blue and Fire-orange (i know it should be red but orange is my favorite color and I needed it somewhere LOL) and my white pillar candle.
I know I have a huge alter with alot of stuff, but I have been doing full rituals since i was 13. I also don't use the full alter for 60% of my casting. I use what feels right at the time. There are times when all I use are the five candles. Its a time and place thing.
Most importantly, magic is about projection not perfection.
I am the Cheerioprincess~Dani~
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- by on Jul. 14, 2007 at 10:23 AM
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Elements an explaination
On the following links, there is information concerning the five Elements and the Elementals.
They are: Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit.
FIRE...AIR...WATER....EARTH
Wiccan Magick is based on the four elements...Fire, Air, Water and Earth.
These four Elements correspond to the four directions of our physical world, the four quarters of the universe, the four winds, and most importantly the four quarters of the magical circle. Fire and Air are considered male energies....Water and Earth female. The four Elements are forces and energies that make up the universe and everything in it. They also possess form as well as force. In Wiccan Magick each Element is associated with a color. Modern day Wiccans use the following colors: east - yellow; south - red; west - blue; north - green.
FIRE
Fire represents passion, enthusiasm, desire and courage, force, lust, fertility and virility, initiative and rejuvenation. It represents both light and heat. The light of intelligence and the courage to follow it. A low fire person is usually cold, slow to act, without enthusiasm for life or himself. A high fire person is bold, dramatic and passionate in all areas within himself, however this person must be careful as fire can destroy everything in it's path. Fire magick can bring on the new, bring on courage and passion and destroy the old.
It's feelings are hot and dry, it's season is Summer and direction is South/Energy. It's symbol is the Athame/Sword, Candle and the Burner; it's colors are Reds, Oranges and Golds. The moon phase is the second quarter and it's time is high Noon.
The different types of Fire Magick are Bonfire Magick, which usually involves burning something such as an herb or flower, or a piece of paper or petition on which you have written your desire. It is used for banishing, ridding or destroying negative influences in your life.
Another is Candle Magick, a simple, easy and useful method in bringing about your desires. A color for the candle is chosen and can also include the correct scent in relation to your desire and lit sometimes for up to seven days. This type of Fire Magick is usually for any type of desire.
Another is Sun Magick. Using the Sun in our desires is a beautiful way in which to enhance new beginnings in love, health, work and home, awaken subtle powers and aid in attraction desires.
AIR
Air represents mental activity, thoughts, reason and intellect, memory, knowledge, persuasion, birth and friendship, freedom, clarification and expression. A low Air person seems without any direction and unable to define or visualize any future and can not reason out the alternatives and objectives. A high Air person is at ease in complex situations and can sit and think things through, and can carry through with decisions.
It's feelings are moist heat, it's season is Spring, it's direction is East/Mental, the symbol is the Wand, Athame, or the smoke of the incense. It's colors are White, Lt Blues, Yellows and Green. Moon phase is the first quarter and it's time is Dawn.
Different types of Air Magick include Visualizations. An important tool in any magick work, it makes the events happen. For this type, it is important that all the other factors such as color, time, the moon phase, winds, etc. are all in balance. And to have the other tools working such as incense and candle burning, or even the right tea or wine to drink in the background. This is because you need to "fix" or "ground" the images or ideas you are using in your visualization.
As our thoughts are extremely powerful, as are our Words. Words can be put together in such a way as to form spells, or used in channeling your power. Words give rise to our desires and can be released upon the winds for attainment. Created and repeated with intensity and concentration the spoken word is a powerful magick in itself. You do not have to be an accomplished linguist, just a simple sentence will do. It creates an atmosphere of concentrated awareness and strength. Words can be used in moments of stress and fear, and will create the magick itself. It does not have to be said aloud, say them to yourself if need or want be.
Another Air Magick is Mirror Magick. It can help in overcoming inner problems and also help with difficult personal decisions. It uses both the Word and Visualization forms and can also aid in being able to visualize a future event. Sometimes, used as a Scrying Tool, in which you are able to "see" possible future events.
WATER
Ah water, the symbol of our emotions. Water imbibes all life forms and in us we flow with the "tide" of our feelings. It involves intuition, insight, conception and pregnancy, fertility, the womb, health, beauty and divination. A low water person would appear as a cold calculating one, one who is indifferent and unresponsive. On the other hand, a high water person may seem as though at the slightest touch the well is opened and can be over emotional and over dramatic in all areas of life. A good balance of water here is needed to keep the flow running smoothly.
Its feelings are cold moisture, its season is Fall, direction is West/ Emotion and its colors are Blue, Light Grays, Sea Greens and Whites.The symbols are the cup or chalice. The Moon phase is the Full Moon and its time is Dusk.
Some Water Magick can involve the use of the beach and its sand, shells, animals and seawater. Especially good for love spells and too, when you need to "get a grip" or clarify your own emotions. The use of shells in the practice is widely used. These can hold appropriate herbs or be used as a symbol of Water Magick.
One old tradition is using that of well water. A lot of gems and stones are exposed to this for a period of time and used at night, in full moon or the waxing phases, for Water Magick. Be careful though to know your stones, as some do not react well in water for long periods of time. This type of magick can give you insights to how others think of you, what others are doing and how well they are and to find the truth within yourself. Be careful when using this type also, if there is an intent of maliciousness or control of another, all you will get is a reflection back unto yourself.
Water spells can involve the use of Scrying bowls. This is a bowl of clear or colored water in which you are able to "see" the future and future events or get a clear direction on decisions. Widely used in certain meditations and visualizations.
EARTH
Finally we come to the Element of Earth. The source and provider of all our needs. Represents sensations, decay, patience, stability, strength, health, warmth and comfort, animals and animal instincts, farming and physical labor.
Its feeling is dry and cold, its season is Winter, its colors are Browns, Blacks, Purples and some Greens. Its symbol is the Pentacle or Rice, Salt or grain in a brass or terracotta bowl or a Stone. Its Moon phase is the Fourth Quarter and its favored time is Midnight. A high Earth person seems a practical sort and quite "down to earth". A hard worker, stable and a good provider. Can be a little too stubborn sometimes however. A low Earth person can seem confused, insecure and alone, unable to feel wanted and the work may be affected.
Earth Magick can involve the use of herbs and plants. Using the correct herb to attain your desire along with the other tools can be very effective. Burying something and making some offerings to the Earth such as planting trees is a form of Earth Magick. Using your gems or crystals and burying them in the Earth under the appropriate tree while making your wish is also effective.
Another type which is considered Earth Magick is any type of routine magick. Anything you do on a routine basis can be used as a magickal vehicle. While performing something you do at the same time everyday, prepare yourself and use this period for clarity on a subject, figure the best course of action in a situation or to find just where you are in the course of your life.
Blessed Be
Check out my groups: NewFound Pagans, Happy Homeschoolers, HS4PS..and my Articles, Crazy Lapbook Blog, Signing Spot
on Jul. 14, 2007 at 10:27 AM
The Great Rite Invocation
Assist me to erect the ancient altar,
At which in days past all worshipped;
The great altar of all things.
For in times of old, woman was the altar.
Thus was the altar made and placed,
and the sacred place was the point
within the center of the circle.
As we have of old been taught that the point within the
center is the origin of all things.
Therefore should we adore it;
Therefore whom we adore we also invoke.
O Circle of Stars,
Whereof our Father is but the younger brother,
Marvel behond imagination, soul of infinite space,
Before whom time is ashamed,
The mind bewildered, and the understanding dark,
Not unto thee may we attain unless thine image be love.
Therefore, by seed and root, and stem and bud,
And leaf and flower and fruit do we invoke thee.
O Queen of Space, O Jewel of Light,
Continuous One of the heavens;
Let it be ever thus
That men speak not of thee as One, but as None;
And let them not speak of thee at all,
Since thou art continuous.
For thou art the point within the Circle, which we adore;
The point of life, without which we would not be.
And in this way truly are erected the holy twin pillars,
In beauty and in strength were they erected
To the wonder and glory of all men.
*Altar of mysteries manifold,
the sacred circle's secret point
thus do I sign thee as of old
with kisses of my lips anoint.
Blessed Be!
~Dani~
Open for me the secret way,
the pathway of intelligence,
beyond the gates of night and day,
beyond the bounds of time and sense.
behold the mystery aright,
the five true points of fellowship,
here where the Lance and Grail unite
and feet, and knees, and breast, and lip
I am the Cheerioprincess~Dani~
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- by on Jul. 14, 2007 at 10:28 AM
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The Charge of the Goddess
Whenever you have need of anything,
once in the month and better when the moon is full,
then shall you assemble in some secret place
and adore the spirit of me,
who am Queen of all witches.
There shall ye assemble,
ye who are fain to to learn all sorcery,
yet have not won its deepest secrets;
to these will I teach all things that are as yet unknown.
And ye shall be free from slavery;
and as a sign that ye be truly free,
you shall be naked in your rites;
and ye shall dance, sing, feast,make music and love,
all in my praise.
For mine is the ecstasy of the spirit,
and mine also is joy on earth;
for my law is love unto all beings.
Keep pure your highest ideals;
strive ever towards them,
let nothing stop you or turn you aside.
For mine is the secret door which
opens upon the Land of Youth,
and mine is the cup of the wine of life,
and the Cauldron of Cerridwen,
which is the Holy Vessel of Immortality.
I am the gracious Goddess,
who gives the gift of joy unto the heart of man.
Upon earth,
I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal;
and beyond death,
I give peace, and freedom,
and reunion with those who have gone before.
Nor do I demand sacrifice;
for behold, I am the Mother of all living,
and my love is poured out upon the earth.I am the beauty of the green earth,
and the white moon among the stars,
and the mystery of the waters,
and the desire of the heart of man.
Call unto thy soul, arise, and come unto me.
For I am the soul of Nature,
who gives life to the Universe.
From me all things proceed,
and unto me all things must return;
and before my face, beloved of Gods and of men,
let thine innermost divine self be enfolded
in the rapture of the infinite.
Let my worship be within the heart that rejoicest;
for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals.
Therefore, let there be beauty and strength,
power and compassion, honor and humility,
mirth and reverance within you.
And thou who thinketh to seek for me,
know thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not
unless thou knoweth the mystery;
that if that which thy seekest thou findest not within thee,
thou wilt never find it without thee.
For behold, I have been with thee from the beginning;
and I am that which is attained at the end of desire.
By Dani
I am the Cheerioprincess~Dani~
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- by on Jul. 14, 2007 at 10:29 AM
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Drawing Down the MoonAll ye assembled at mine shrine,
Mother Darksome and Divine.
Mine the Scourge and mine the Kiss,
Here I charge you in this sign
All ye assembled in my sight,
Bow before my spirit bright,
Aphrodite, Arianrod,
Lover of the Horned God,Mighty Queen of Witchery and night,
Morgan, Etione, Nisene,
Diana, Bridgid, Melusine,
Am I named of old by men,
Artemis and Cerridwen,
Hell's dark mistress, Heaven's Queen.
Ye who ask of me a rune,
Or would ask of me a boon,
Meet me in some secret glade,
Dance my round in greenwood shade,
By the light of the Full Moon.
In a place, wild and lone,
Dance about mine altar stone;
work my holy mystery.
Ye who are feign to sorcery,
I bring ye secrets yet unknown.
No more shall ye know slavery,
who give true worship unto me.Ye who tread my round on Sabbat night,
come ye naked to the rite,
in token that ye be really free.
I teach ye the mystery of rebirth,
work ye my mysteries in mirth.
Heart joined to heart and lip to lip,
five are the points of fellowship,
that bring ye ecstacy on earth,
for I am the cicle of rebirth.
I ask no sacrifice, but do bow,
no other Law but love I know,
by naught but love may I be known.
All things living are mine own,
from me they come, to me they go.I invoke Thee and call upon Thee
Mighty Mother of us all.
Bringer of Fruitfulness by seed and by root.
I invoke Thee by stem and bud.
I invoke Thee by life and love
and call upon Thee to descend into the body
Of this Thy Priestess and Servant.
Hear with her ears, speak with her tongue,
touch with her hands, kiss with her lips,
that thy servants may be fulfilled.Blessed Be!
~Dani~
I am the Cheerioprincess~Dani~
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- by on Jul. 14, 2007 at 10:30 AM
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Basic Meditation
This should be the first addition to what I was proposing the other day. Every religion, faith and sect has a form or variant of meditation. This is the simplest form of meditation. Anyone pagan or not can do this.
With the hectic pace and demands of modern life, many people feel stressed and over-worked. It often feels like there is just not enough time in the day to get everything done. Our stress and tiredness make us unhappy, impatient and frustrated. It can even affect our health. We are often so busy we feel there is no time to stop and meditate! But meditation actually gives you more time by making your mind calmer and more focused. A simple ten or fifteen minute breathing meditation as explained below can help you to overcome your stress and find some inner peace and balance.
Meditation can also help us to understand our own mind. We can learn how to transform our mind from negative to positive, from disturbed to peaceful, from unhappy to happy. Overcoming negative minds and cultivating constructive thoughts is the purpose of the transforming meditations found in the Buddhist tradition. This is a profound spiritual practice you can enjoy throughout the day, not just while seated in meditation The first stage of meditation is to stop distractions and make our mind clearer and more lucid. This can be accomplished by practising a simple breathing meditation. We choose a quiet place to meditate and sit in a comfortable position. We can sit in the traditional cross-legged posture or in any other position that is comfortable. If we wish, we can sit in a chair. The most important thing is to keep our back straight to prevent our mind from becoming sluggish or sleepy.
We sit with our eyes partially closed and turn our attention to our breathing. We breathe naturally, preferably through the nostrils, without attempting to control our breath, and we try to become aware of the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the nostrils. This sensation is our object of meditation. We should try to concentrate on it to the exclusion of everything else.
At first, our mind will be very busy, and we might even feel that the meditation is making our mind busier; but in reality we are just becoming more aware of how busy our mind actually is. There will be a great temptation to follow the different thoughts as they arise, but we should resist this and remain focused single-pointedly on the sensation of the breath. If we discover that our mind has wandered and is following our thoughts, we should immediately return it to the breath. We should repeat this as many times as necessary until the mind settles on the breath.
If we practise patiently in this way, gradually our distracting thoughts will subside and we will experience a sense of inner peace and relaxation. Our mind will feel lucid and spacious and we will feel refreshed. When the sea is rough, sediment is churned up and the water becomes murky, but when the wind dies down the mud gradually settles and the water becomes clear. In a similar way, when the otherwise incessant flow of our distracting thoughts is calmed through concentrating on the breath, our mind becomes unusually lucid and clear. We should stay with this state of mental calm for a while.
Even though breathing meditation is only a preliminary stage of meditation, it can be quite powerful. We can see from this practice that it is possible to experience inner peace and contentment just by controlling the mind, without having to depend at all upon external conditions. When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subsides and our mind becomes still, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within. This feeling of contentment and well-being helps us to cope with the busyness and difficulties of daily life. So much of the stress and tension we normally experience comes from our mind, and many of the problems we experience, including ill health, are caused or aggravated by this stress. Just by doing breathing meditation for ten or fifteen minutes each day, we will be able to reduce this stress. We will experience a calm, spacious feeling in the mind, and many of our usual problems will fall away. Difficult situations will become easier to deal with, we will naturally feel warm and well disposed towards other people, and our relationships with others will gradually improve.
Blessed Be~
~Dani~
cheerioprincesson Jul. 14, 2007 at 10:31 AM
HEALING CIRCLE
Make an image that represents the disease, injury, condition, or problem. I will be using ummm, a piece of paper with the name of what the illness is (or injury)or something ugly labeled with the disease. Make sure whatever you use will burn.Burn this image with healing herbs (chamomile) inside a circle of white candles (votives), invoking any healing god/goddess that you wish."By fire I shall destroy you.By Bridig you shall be healed."
I also use one purple health candle, but I like to burn 7 day candles, which I do not blow out.
I sit in a quiet place and raise my energies, then I direct that "ball" of energy towards the person I want to heal/help. This is when I would be using the photo. (Please dont burn the photo LOL)
cheerioprincesson Jul. 14, 2007 at 10:34 AM
Moon Proverbs & Theories
Moon Proverbs Pale Moon doth rain,
Red Moon doth blow,
White Moon doth neither
Rain nor snow.
Clear Moon, frost soon.
A dark mist over the Moon is a promise of rain. The heaviest rains fall following the New and the Full Moons The Full Moon eats the clouds away. A New Moon and a windy night. Sweep the cobwebs out of sight. A Red Moon is a sure sign of high winds. And should the Moon wear a halo of red, a tempest is nigh. Many rings around the Moon signal a series of severe blasts. A single ring around the moon that quickly vanishes heralds fine weather. When the New Moon holds the Old Moon in its arms,(ring around the New Moon) disasters occur at sea. Sharp horns on the Sickle Moon indicate strong winds. When the moon's horns point up, the weather will be dry. When the Moon's horns point down, rain spills forth. Blunt horns on a Crescent Moon presage a long spell of fair weather.
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Bizarre Moon Theories
#1 A common belief in the sixth century BCE was that the Earth was a flat disk floating on a vast expanse of water. The Greeks took this once step further, believing that the heavens formed a dome above, and the underworld formed a second dome below. A sphere, after all, is much more pleasing to visualize than a half-sphere.
Anaximander of Miletus (611 BCE) also held this belief, but tried to explain the heavens even further. His theory was that the sphere around the Earth was encased in fire contained in tubes. These tubes needed vents, which were the stars seen at night.
He tried to fit the Moon into this wild theory as well. Claiming it was a very large tube vent, he said that it constantly changed shape, creating the lunar phases. It seems that he had no explanation as to why the Moon appeared solid with fixed features such as craters.
#2 Johannes Hevelius made several contributions to astronomy, but is best known for becoming one of the first men to produce an atlas of the Moon. Produced in 1647, his atlas named the various features of the Moon's surface. Even though his system was superseded by Riccoioli's in 1651, his atlas was very accurate for its time. Unfortunately, rumor has it that his original engraving on copper was melted down to make a tea set.
#3 In 1824 Franz von Paula Gruithuisen theorized that the Moon's craters were formed by the impact of other space-going bodies. Before that, in 1822, he reported observing a city on the Moon. He claimed to see fantastic artificial works created by "lunarians" This city was supposedly protected by extensive fortifications. The "city" later turned out to be irregular ridges and jagged peaks.
#4 Sir Wiliam Herschel firmly believed in lunar inhabitants. In 1789, in his journals, he reported seeing many odd things regarding the Moon. Herschel also saw towns, forests, and roads on the lunar surface. He even went so far as to say he saw a circus! Weirdly enough, his son, Sir John, was later used in a huge Moon alien hoax in 1835.
#5 In 1835 a debt-ridden newspaper, the New York Sun, got a boost from a major hoax. Reporter Robert Locke made up a story of unbelievable proportions, yet people ate it up hook, line, and sinker.
He claimed to have information from a good source that a Sir John Herschel had discovered a civilization on the Moon made up of bat people with yellow skin. Animals and plants, up to 130 species, had also been found. Moon alien fever raged through the general population. A group of ministers even made plans to Christianize their new neighbors! Finally, some Yale scientists traced Locke down and forced him to admit fraud.
#6 On a night in October 1939, a weather balloon caught fire and hit the ground near Strafford, Missouri. The next day, the local paper announced that the Moon had crashed and burned on a nearby highway. Not everyone believed it this time, especially when the Moon mysteriously reappeared in the sky that night.
#7 In 1942 a Mr. Weisberger declared that the geological formations visible on the Moon weren't really there at all. He said that what we were seeing was nothing more than disturbances in the super-thick atmosphere around the Moon.
#8 A man named M. K. Jessup theorized that pygmies traced their lineage back to Atlantis. Claiming that they were clever, he said that they had invented space ships. When Atlantis was in its last days, these pygmies supposedly jumped in their spaceships and moved to the Moon. These, he said, were the UFOs people were reporting.
#9 In 1951, a Mr. Ocampo spread wild statements saying that the craters on the Moon were the result of two powerful races who destroyed themselves with nuclear weapons of incredible force.
#10 Also in 1951, George Adamski, using a small telescope in his back yard, reported that the Moon was being used as a base of operations by aliens. He claimed to observe their comings and goings regularly.
In 1952, Adamski said that he met a real Venusian in California. He published his story, and naturally people believed it.
#11 Howard Menger published a book in 1959 claiming that he made regular trips to the Moon on an alien space craft. He even had photos to prove it. His photos, however, were quite out of focus.
#12 In a book, Don Wilson claims that NASA is covering up alien activity on the Moon. He takes his claims a step further by saying the Moon is a hollow alien spacecraft. What he doesn't say is why they parked it here.
http://www.angelfire.com/realm2/amethystbt/Wicca.html
Great great site for All Thing Wiccan LOL
~DanI~
I am the Cheerioprincess~Dani~
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- by on Jul. 14, 2007 at 10:38 AM
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Recipes for aromatherapy blends
Receipes - Diffuser Blends & More
Aromatherapy Diffuser Blends
Below are 17 blends that can be used in a diffuser. Create any of the blends (most are in batches of 10 or 20 drops) by adding the proper amount of essential oils to a dark-colored glass bottle. Add the appropriate number of drops from your created blend to your diffuser following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Remember...be sure and familiarize yourself using reputable sources for the safety and contraindications of all oils you choose to use! Make the smallest possible blend first to make sure you like the blend before doubling, tripling, etc. the recipe. Please remember that thicker oils (vetivert, pachouli, oakmoss, sandalwood, benzoin) must be carefully used in nebulizing diffusers; check the instructions that come with your diffuser for specific information. Please be responsible to find out the specific safety precautions and contraindications of the oils in the blends you choose to use.Please note that these are posted for personal olefactory enjoyment and are not organized for any specific therapeutic or psychological benefit.
Blend 1
1 drop Jasmine
5 drops Lime
3 drops Sweet Orange
1 drop CinnamonBlend 2
12 drops Patchouli
5 drops Vanilla
2 drops Linden Blossom
1 drop NeroliBlend 3
1 drop Jasmine
3 drops Sandalwood
4 drops Bergamot
2 drops GrapefruitBlend 4
10 drops Lime
7 drops Bergamot
2 drops Ylang Ylang
1 drop RoseBlend 5
4 drops Bergamot
2 drops Lemon
2 drops Grapefruit
2 drops Ylang YlangBlend 6
5 drops Spruce
3 drops Cedar (Virginian)
2 drops LavenderBlend 7
4 drops Rosewood
5 drops Lavender
1 drop Ylang YlangBlend 8
5 drops Rosemary
1 drop Peppermint
3 drops Lavender
1 drop Roman ChamomileBlend 9
6 drops Bergamot
11 drops Lemon
3 drops SpearmintBlend 10
5 drops Bergamot
4 drops Lavender
1 drop CypressBlend 11
5 drops Spearmint
5 drops Lavender
9 drops Sweet OrangeBlend 12
5 drops Sandalwood
1 drop Rose
2 drops Lemon
2 drops Scotch PineBlend 13
1 drop Jasmine
6 drops Sweet Orange
3 drops PatchouliBlend 14
4 drops Ylang Yalng
4 drops Clary Sage
2 drops BergamotBlend 15
7 drops Sweet Orange
2 drops Vanilla
1 drop Ylang YlangBlend 16
6 drops Juniper
3 drops Sweet Orange
1 drop CinnamonBlend 17
9 drops Sandalwood
1 drop NeroliAcne Blend Ingredients:
1 ounce light cold-pressed vegetable carrier oil (such as apricot kernel).
10 drops lavender essential oil
7 drops tea tree or New Zealand tea tree (Manuka) essential oil
2 drops bergamot essential oil*
1 drops geranium essential oil or without bergamot:
1 ounce light cold-pressed vegetable carrier oil (such as apricot kernel).
12 drops lavender essential oil
7 drops tea tree or New Zealand tea tree (Manuka) essential oil
1 drops geranium essential oilSpecial Precaution: *Avoid exposure to the sun for at least 12 hours after applying this oil since bergamot is a phototoxic oil. There is a special version of bergamot that you can get called "bergaptene free" that eliminates the phototoxic properties of the oil.Directions: Pour the selected carrier oil into a very clean bottle (amber glass is best) and then add the essential oils and tightly close the bottle. Roll the bottle to gently mix the oils for a minute or two. Apply a small amount to the face, neck or back, but be certain to avoid the eyes, lips, nostrils and inside the ears. Gentle roll the bottle before each use to ensure the essential oils are properly mixed.
Air Freshener Ingredients:
4 oz. clean spray bottle with a fine mist setting (do not use a bottle that previously contained cleaning products or hair products such as hair spray).
30-40 drops of your favorite essential oil or essential oil blend keeping the safety data of the chosen essential oil(s) in mind
1.5 ounces of distilled water and 1.5 ounces of high-proof alcohol (vodka is suitable, rubbing alcohol is not) or 3 ounces of distilled water.
Example blends of essential oils that may be used:
20 drops lime
14 drops bergamot
4 drops ylang ylang
2 drops rose
15 drops clary sage
9 drops lemon
6 drops lavende
20 drops rosemary
8 drops grapefruit
4 drops peppermint
2 drops spearmint (optional)
5 drops bergamot
5 drops spearmint
Be sure and take heed in the safety data for the oil(s) you choose to use since an air freshener, by its nature, will come in contact with all those in your household.>P?Directions: Fill the spray bottle with the choice of either 1.5 ounces of distilled water and 1.5 ounces of alcohol or 4 ounces of distilled water. (Even though a 4 oz. bottle is suggested, leave about 1 oz. unfilled so you can shake the bottle well between uses.) Then, add 30-40 drops of essential oil. Essential oils can very in strength. You may want to try 20 drops at first especially if you live in a household with someone who is sensitive to strong aromas. Shake the bottle prior to each use, and let it sit for about a day before making a conclusion that the aroma is too weak; the aroma can change after the air freshener has had time to sit. Mist lightly in the room. Be especially careful not to allow the air freshener mist fall onto furniture or into open beverages.Arthritic Joints Aromatherapy Blend
Ingredients:
2 ounces carrier oil such as sweet almond
20 drops Roman Chamomile
5 drops Black Pepper
Directions: Blend all oils together well and store in an airtight dark-colored glass container. Gently massage into arthritic joints using a small amount of oil.Balm for Cuts and Scrapes
Ingredients:
3 ounces vegetable carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or infused oil such as calendula (infused oil of calendula can supply added therapeutic benefit).
1 ounce grated beeswax (Many herbal stores and health food stores sell pure beeswax.)
40 drops lavender oil
40 drops tea tree oil
4 ounce wide-mouth jar
Directions: Place the beeswax in a microwave safe bowl and melt in the microwave using a reduced power setting if you have one. You can also melt the beeswax in a pan on the stove using a low heat setting. Beeswax is hard to remove from pans, so please keep that in mind. In a separate pan, slowly and gently heat your carrier or infused oil. Pour the warm carrier or infused oil into a bowl, add the melted beeswax and then stir very well. Add the lavender and tea tree essential oils and again stir well. Close the jar and wait until the ointment has cooled before using.Remember that all bowl, pans and utilensils that you use will be hard to clean afterwards
cheerioprincesson Jul. 14, 2007 at 10:39 AM
The Colors of the Wind
In every land, the winds have a different folklore associated with them; even within the same land mass, winds bring different gifts and messages. In inland areas, for example, the wind has a different quality to that which blows along the coast. Certain winds are thought of as bringing luck, health, sickness, disquiet, and so on, because they blow from a certain direction associated with those qualities. But there is no fixed lore on this matter. We can discover the qualities and gifts of the winds wherever we live in the world, seeking out their regional meanings form our own observation rather than relying upon findings and traditions from other lands and cultures--findings that have little relevance to out own situation.
The weather vane of our own emotions and moods is very much attuned to the winds. Even in places where seasonal variation is less differentiated, the subtle changes in the wind speed and direction , the changes of tides and other subtle indicators of weather have an effect upon us, Our living breath is seen as pertaining to the nature of the winds that prevailed when we were born: our first breath gave our bodies their initial contact with the greater world around us when we emerged from the womb, No matter how the winds blow thereafter, out bodies will have a memory of that moment and carry certain predispositions of character.
*make a point of checking the direction of the wind against your own prevailing mood each day. Stand where you can feel the breeze flow. Note your findings and record the weather that each wind brings with it. Use this as a compass of your own behavioral swings.
Blessed Be!
~Dani~
I am the Cheerioprincess~Dani~
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- by on Jul. 14, 2007 at 10:39 AM
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Wiccan ABCs
by Sarah Thompson (my friend)
Accept others as they are, we are all individuals.Belief in yourself is a necessity.
Concentration is important in any endeavor, both magickal and in life.
Do what you will, so long as it harms none.
Empathy is an important life skill...learn it, practice it.
Find strength in yourself, your friends, your world and your actions.
Goddess/God's are multifaceted - The Lord and Lady take many names and faces.
Help others every change you get.
Intelligence is something that cannot be judged on the surface.
Judge not - what you send out comes back to you!
Karma loves to slap you in the face, watch out for it.
Learning is something that should never stop happening!!!
Magick is a wonderful gift, but it is not everything!
Nature is precious, appreciate it and protect it.
Over the course of time, your soul learns many lessons. Make this life count!!!
Pray
Quietness both physically and mentally restores the soul, meditate often.
Remember to take time for yourself as well as others.
Spells can help you, but you must also help yourself.
Tools can only do so much, they are not the foundation of all. You are the most important tool to use!!!
Unless you enjoy worrying, keep a postive attitude.
Visualise the success of your goals before you set out to achieve them.
Wisdom can often be found in the least unexpected places.
Xenophia (a hatred of those different from you) is a path to misery.
You are a beautiful person who is capable of anything!!!
Zapping away all of your troubles is not going to happen.
I am the Cheerioprincess~Dani~
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- by on Jul. 14, 2007 at 10:44 AM
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New Moon Ritual
Prepration of space:
With this broom, tool of our will,
We do cleanse, purify and prepare our spaces.
From these circles now we banish all fear, malice and misfortune, that these circles may be a fit meeting place for the Goddess and Gods and those attending here tonight. As I do will, so mote it be.
Cast Circle Thrice about the circle is cast. Let nothing remain within save that which is in accord with our will and the intent if this rite. This is a place that is not a place, a time that is not a time, between the worlds and beyond. Let all be welcome who would share the blessings of this ritual. So mote it be.CALLING THE QUARTERS FOR THE NEW MOON
Darksome night and shining moon,
East, South, West, and North;
Hearken to the Witches' Rune.
Here we come to call ye forth! Earth and water, air and fire, Wand and pentacle and sword,
Work ye unto our desire,
Hearken ye unto our work!
Cords and censer, and knife,
Powers of the Witch's blade.
Waken all ye into life,
Come ye as the magick is made!
Blessed Be!!!!!!!!!!Goddess Invocation
White moon mother,
come to us as love to lover.
In the moonlight shining bright, we call to you by will and right.
Magic and wisdom, secrets you bear, honor we give you, knowledge to share.
Within this circle we have made a place, be here with us and show us grace.
Bright one, be welcome.
Blessed be!God Invocation
Horned hunter, come to us with joy and wonder.Y
ou who offer death and return, we call to you with hearts that burn.
Yours the law and yours the choosing, and yours the wild hunt's grand career.
We welcome you freely, our guest and our master, you teach us not to be trapped within fear. Within this circle our hearts are open, be here with us Horned one, be welcome. Blessed be!"Now is the time for weaving our wills. As the Gods and Goddesses lend us their strength, we draw it into for our use. We cast our energies into the universe to create our destinies as we would have them be."
(NOTE: Any or all of the following can be used or another can be done instead)Healing Spell
Write the names of the people taking part on a blue candle. Light the candle and see the energy being sent into the candle and leaving through the smoke and flame to carry out your will.
As it burns say:"The healing energy
We call,
To help us be healed,
One and all.
And to the spirits
We do send,
The strength to let their old lives end.
Our lives are better now you see,
And harming none,So Mote It Be!!!"
Peace and Harmony Spell
Please take a few second to reflect just where you need or want to see peace and harmony. Light the white candle and see the energy being sent into the candle and leaving through the smoke and flame to carry out your will.
As it does say:Gracious Lady, hear our plea
Grant me tolerance
that We might see
The need for diversity on the Earthand see its value and its worth.H
elp me to find the harmony in accepting what is meant to be,and replace my negitive attitude with perfect love and fortitude.
Gracious Lady, hear our pleas.
As We will, so mote it be!
Money Spell
On a green candle write the names of the people taking part. Light your candle. Focus on the energies being sent into it and transformed as they escape through the smoke and flames into power to do our bidding.
SAY:"As the flame burns,
And the world turns,
The energy to do our bidding yearns.
Money comes to us we know,
All the spirits say it's so.
Lots of money
We now claim.
As the energies
We tame.
All our bills and needs now flee,
With harm to none,So Mote It Be!!!"
Spell to get work
Write the names of the people we are saying this for on a red candle. Light the candle. As it burns picture the energies going out to the people and drawing jobs to them.
Say:"Candle flame now as you burn,
The fate of friends now we do turn.
To give them help in getting work,
From this duty we'll not shirk.
Good jobs they'll find,
And right away.
To let them drive their woes away.
By the power of fire,
We command thee.
With harm to none,So Mote It Be!!!"
Chant-Feel the magick in the air
Done with love by those who care.
Feel the magick in the air.
Done with love by those who care.
FEEL THE MAGICK IN THE AIR.
DONE WITH LOVE BY THOSE WHO CARE.
AT THIS TIME PLEASE RELEASE YOUR ENERGY INTO THE UNIVERSE !!!!!!!!!!!
At this time please use what ever is familar to you to ground.
Celebration of the Simple Feast.
Hold up your drink:"Lady Goddess,
Mother of us all.
Bless this drink,filling it with your love.
In all the names of the mother and the father,
We bless this drink to our use."
Hold up your food: "Father of the harvest and us all,
Bless this food,
Filling it with your love.
In all the names of the mother and the father,
We bless this food to our use."
Thank the Lady and Lord
Lord and lady, We are blessed by your sharing this time with us, watching and quarding us, and guiding us here and in all things. We came in love and We depart in love.
Thanking The QuartersNorth, West, South and EastBeings and powers of the visible and invisible,depart in peace!Y ou aid in our work, whisper in our mind, and bless us from the Otherworlds,and there is harmony between us. Your blessings we take with usas you take our love andthanks with you. Blessings have been given and blessings have been received and may the peace of the Goddess and the God remain in our hearts.
SO MOTE IT BE!!!!!!!!!!
THE NEW MOON
The time of the new moon is a time of new beginnings. This period also represents the youthful aspect of the Goddess. In the form of the Maiden, she represents youth, change and a fresh start. Children can also be Named and Dedications can be made. New Moons are great times to move, start new projects or cast new spells. It is also a good time to shed your past ills and to refresh yourself for coming trials.To welcome the new cycle of the moon, you can perhaps try out a new location. You don't have to but it can be very nice to try something different during this cycle. The New Moon can be thought of as a time of learning. Don't be hesitant to try new spells at this time. You might also like to set in motion house protections or wards if you have just moved in. Prepare as normal and decide what you wish to do that will benefit from the powers of this cycle. I usually welcome the moon and invoke its powers before I go on to other projects.
In a recent ritual I performed this is what I said;
Lady Moon, your light has just returned,
For the cycle of your power.
Maiden, mistress of new beginnings and youth,
Your light shine down upon the earth.
Upon night's darkest cloak,
Let your mark be spread for all to see,
Glowing ever stronger in the sky.Tonight let your powers of new beginnings,
Wash away the follies of last cycle.
Seep away my weariness and sorrows.
Fill me to the brim with strength and hope,
Replace faded dreams with new,
And give me the endurance to carry on.Goddess in the sky, look down upon me,
Your Witch, Sorceress and Priestess,
In your presence, gathers here.As the moon moves through its cycles,
May the blessing of the Maiden,
Remain strong and surround us.In the name of the Threefold Goddess,
So mote it be.I really like working my Craft during the new moon. I find myself more productive generally during this period and tend to do a lot of cooking at this time. Non-Magickal projects can be started too. Some people have preferences of which moon cycle they like best so experiment to find out which ones you like best.
Blessed Be!
~Dani~
cheerioprincesson Aug. 25, 2007 at 10:07 AM
Mabon
Mabon is the name of the Welsh God who represents fertility in Welsh lore. Mabon is a time when both day and night are equal, not only is day and night equal but everything is in balance at this time. Mabon is also the time Oak & Holly King. Throughout the year they have challenged each other and then mate with the Goddess. At Mabon, the Holly King challenges the Oak King and wins, the Holly King rules until the Spring Equinox where the opposite occurs.Lore -
A traditional practice is to walk in wild places and forests. Gather seed pods, and dried plants. These can be used to decorate the home and other saved for future herbal magick.
Celebrating the second harvest, balance, honoring the aging deities, honoring the spirit world, darness overtaking light & celebration of wine.
Colors -
Brown, Orange, Violet, Maroon, Russet, Deep Gold
Symbols -
Grapes, Wine, Vines, Garland, Gourds, Burial Cairns, Rattles, Horn of Plenty, Indian Corn & Sun Wheels.
Deities -
Wine Deities and Aging Deities
Stones -
Amethyst & Yellow Topaz
Ritual Oils -
Apple Blossom, Hay/straw, Black Pepper and Patchouly.
Food -
The foods of Mabon include grains, fruits and vegetables, especially corn. Cornbread is the traditional food as are beans and baked squash.
Blessed Be!
Your reigning Cheerioprincess
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- by on Aug. 25, 2007 at 10:08 AM
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The Herbal Code
In old magickal recipes and spells, strange ingredients are often called for that cannot always be taken literally. In one ancient Greco-Egyptian spell, the recipe called for "the navel of a male crocodile", which really meant pond weed; "the heart of a baboon" meant oil of lily. The "sacrifice" in folklore was usually an egg buried in the ground. Here's what those unusual nouns really meant!
Adder's tongue; Plantain
Bat's Wing: Holly Leaf
Bat's wool: Moss
Blood: Elder sap
Bloody fingers: Foxglove
Bodily Fluids: Houseleek
Brains: Congealed gum from a cherry tree
Bull's blood: Horehound
Corpse candles: Mullein
Crocodile dung: Black earth
Dead Man: Ash or Mandrake root carved in a crude human shape or poppet
Dragon's scales: Bistort Leaves
Ear of an ass: Comfrey
Ear of a goat: St. John's Wort
Eyes: Eyebright
Fingers: Cinquefoil
Hair: Maidenhair fern
Hand: The expanded frond from a male fern used to make the true hand of glory, which is nothing more than a candle made of wax mixed with fern
Heart: Walnut
Lion's tooth: Dandelion
Skin of a man: Fern
Skull: Skullcap
Snake: Bistort
Snake's blood: Hematite stone
Tongue of dog: Hound's tongue
Tooth or Teeth: Pinecones
Unicorn horn: True unicorn root
Worms: Gnarled, thin roots of a local tree
Herb HarvestThrough you
Oh Mother Goddess,
All abundance is known;
Your love cheers the heart
And sustains the soul.
Misty summer mornings are ideal times for harvesting herbs. To enhance the magical power of your herbs, it is best to make every step in the gathering of herbs a magical one. Rise early and rinse your hands in cool water. Wearing clean colothing, or nude if location permits, go out into the garden. Bring with you a small basket, a clean cloth, and a cutting tool. The tool you use to harvest herbs should be one specially designed for this purpose, and duly consecrated. Any sharp blade will do, but a lovely way of honoring the Moon Goddess who presides over the growth of green things is to use a small sickle-shaped knife. The shining surface of the blade and its shape both connect it to the power of the moontides.
Consecrating Herb ToolsAny consecration rite for objects can be used to bless your cutting tool. A simple rite is to wash the tool in fresh water, ideally rain water or water from a stream. As you rinse the implement, visualize all past influences and impurities leaving it. If you prefer, do this rite at night where you can catch the moonbeams in the shining surface of the blade.
Say these words or similar:
Mighty Goddess of all that grows
Bless this blade as moonlight glows
With this blade of shining power
Let me cut both herb and flower
So mote it be.
Take your newly consecrated blade and wipe it dry with a clean, white cloth. Place it in your basket, along with the cloth. Harvesting HerbsApproach the herb you have decided to harvest. Praise its beauty and abundance. Explain that in exchange for the careful care you have given to it, you will now, with its permission, take a small portion of it in return. The following is a harvesting prayer based on one favored by Scott Cunningham, and should be said while touching the herb to be harvested with the point of the harvesting knife.
You have grown by favor of the Sun, the Moon, and the dew. I make this request, herb, I ask you to be of benefit to me and my art, for your virtues are unfailing. You are the dew of all the gods and goddesses, the eye of the Sun, the light of the Moon, the beauty and glory of the sky, the mystery of the earth. I purify you so that whatever is wrought by me with you may, in all its powers, have a good and speedy effect with good success. Be purified by my prayer and be powerful.
Cut some of the herb. Shake off any excess dew. Set the sprigs carefully on the cloth or into the basket. To retain maximum magical power, the herbs should not touch the ground. Do not harvest from plants that are not fully grown, and never take more than about a quarter of the plant. If you are harvesting roots or bulbs, always leave enough to ensure next year's growth. After collecting the plant, you may want to leave an offering, particularly if you are gathering wild plants that you did not tend while they were growing. A silver coin, small crystal, bit of bread, or a few grains of a fertilizing compound are all appropriate offerings to the spirit of the plant.
Drying Herbs
Dry your herbs by tying them in bunches and hanging them up in a warm, dry area that is free of sunlight and dust. If you are harvesting the herbs for seed, tie brown paper bags loosely around each bunch of hanging herbs. The bag will catch the seeds, which fall away from the foliage as it dries. When the herbs are dry. Gently shake them before removing the bag to loosen any additional seeds.
If you need to hasten the drying process, place the herbs on a cookie sheet in a low-heat oven, checking them frequently to be sure that they do not turn brown. Store in clean, dry, airtight jars, preferably of amber or cobalt blue glass. Keep jars out of direct sunlight.
Some Magical Uses of HerbsLove: Cardamom, chickweed, cinnamon, clove, lavendar, lemon balm, rose, rosemary, tansy, vanilla, violet, yarrow.
Good Luck: Allspice, heather, nutmeg.
Healing: Angelica, bufdock, cinnamon, eucalyptus, hyssop, lemon balm, peppermint.
Prosperity: Basil, benzoil, bergamot, cinnamon, cinquefoil, lemon balm, mint.
Protection: Alyssum, angelica, basil, bay, garlic, mullein, rue, sunflower, white sage.
Psychic Skills: Angelica, anise, bay, borage, cinnamon, fennel, mugwort.
Purification: Anise, bay, chamomile, clove, copal, fennel, lavender, white sage.
Herbology
(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. )
Herbology, the study of herbs and their effects on the human body, is an ancient art that goes back to the beginnings of humankind. Herbs technically can be ANY part of a plant, not just the leaves or the flowers, but also can be the roots, seeds, pollen, bark, or sometimes the entire plant. When we talk about medicine, we are usually describing how to use a medicant for the relief of symptoms, or the cure of a disease. However, herbology goes a step further in that we can also use them to prevent disease. More and more studies are showing that what we eat, as well as our mindset, and our exercise habits, strongly influence how likely we are to be struck by various diseases. The old herbalists knew this. Do you remember the old saying, "An apple a day keeps the Doctor away." ? It's quite true, the pectin as well as the vitamins found in apples, are very strong in keeping up the immune system.There are many herbs, and herbal combinations, that will help to prevent disease and keep us healthy. Isn't that what we are really striving for after all? I would much rather prevent myself from getting a cold, then worry about treating it once I have it. Many people use vitamins and take megadoses of them for that reason, so why use herbs? Why not take a pill when it is so much simpler and it does the same thing? Ah, but does a pill do the same thing? Your body's response to a pill is not the same as your body's response to an herbal rememdy. The medicine's of today have evolved from the herbal rememdies our great-great-grandmother's used, and in some ways they are not an improvement. They force the desired response from the body, overriding the body's reaction to the disease. An herbal remedy works differently. Instead of overcoming the body's tendencies, the herbal remedy strengthens them, thereby allowing the body to heal itself. The response is not forced from the systems, and therefore puts less strain on them.
Your body is designed to heal itself; it's a miracle and a wonder of which we are only really beginning to scratch the surface. Medicines are mainly given to treat the symptoms, to help soften your misery while your body is healing itself of the sickness. Unless you are suffering from a severe trauma where you literally have to be stitched or operated upon, for the most part, in ordinary, daily life, your body is simply healing itself. Even commercials do not argue this point. One commercial I listened carefully to stated that their product simply made cuts "heal faster". They did not claim to make the cut heal, just heal faster. Your body already does the healing for you. So, in short, the medications that you take when you have a cold or a flu are not helping you to get better, just feel better. But are they really helping you?
Your body's defense mechanisms against disease include such things as: nausea and vomiting, fever, coughing and sneezing, runny nose, fatigue, etc. Sound familiar? Well, each of these so called symptoms are your body's way of trying to heal itself by expelling the disease or germs out of it, or by raising the body temperature high enough to kill off the flu virus. Most flu viruses cannot live for more than 20 minutes at 102.5 degrees. So when your body spikes a fever, it is an attempt to kill off the virus. The fever breaks when the virus is dead, the rest of the time is spent recovering your strength. Coughing, sneezing, runny nose - these are all attempts to get rid of the annoying cold germs. Nausea and vomiting are also ways the body fights disease by trying to expel it. Fatigue occurs because this is hard work, and you need to get more rest than usual in order to accomplish it. Dry mouth is letting you know that you need to drink a lot more water to wash the toxins out.
Let's take a look at how we react these days to a typical cold... most people will take a pill or medication so that they can sleep at night - good, you need your rest. But, then we take another pill or liquid so that we can go to work the next day and not stay home. We take something for the aches in our muscles (which can be caused by toxin buildup in the tissue, water will help get rid of that) and we continue to work, work, work. Even though we feel terrible and are so fatigued... No wonder the average duration of a cold has gone from 2-3 days to 2-3 weeks! How can your body heal when you won't slow down enough to let it?!!
Where do herbs fit into this? Well, in addition to treating your symptoms, herbs can help you NOT to get sick in the first place. When cold season starts, take echinaccea and goldenseal to boost the body's immune system, and also eat lots of garlic, and fresh fruit and vegetables to boost your vitamin C and A. If you can't eat enough of them, then it's ok to use a vitamin pill as a supplement. But do eat as healthy as you can, and exercise, and make sure you get enough sleep. You will get sick much less often because your immune system will be able to fight off diseases before they can get strong in the body. You may be the only one at work NOT to get the flu that's going around this year!
Now, if you are presently under a doctor's care for an ongoing condition, please seek his/her opinion before taking anything. You need to know how the medication you are on will "mix" with whatever you intend to take. Normally vitamins are completely safe, but since you are under the care of a physician, you aren't normal - so be safe and find out if it's ok for you.
None of these rememdies are "guaranteed" to work for everyone the same way, or even the same way everytime for each person. Your body is an ever changing vehicle for your soul, and as such, it can change it's response. For example, taking "megadoses" of vitamins works, in the short run, perhaps only for flu season. But if you continue to take these constantly, your own immune system will actually end up weaker. Because you are flooding your body with an unnatural amount of these vitamins, you are forcing your body to eliminate them in your urine and sweat so that they don't build up in the tissues and cause harm. People who think that if a little of something is good, then a lot more should be better are wrong when it comes to such things as vitamins and medications. Any vitamin regime or herbal program that you are on, you should give yourself a break from every so often. Perhaps several days in the month, stop taking them, or maybe for one week in every three months, just to give your body a chance to regulate itself without it.
One more comparison needs to be noted between medications and herbal remedies. As mentioned before, the medications have evolved from the original herbal remedies, and are usually much stronger doses. In addition, when then herbal remedies were analyzed, the drug companies isolated what they believed to be what is called the active ingredient and mostly left out the rest of the enzymes or ingredients in the plants. It is now being discovered by the drug companies that by doing this, they have missed the point so to speak. You see, many of the herbs contain ingredients that aid the active ingredient in some way - such as making it absorb more quickly into the system, or perhaps by buffering the stomach against the harsher effects. For example it is still believed by many that eggs are bad for you because the yolk causes elevated cholesterol levels, however now food biologists are discovering that the white part of the egg contains enzymes and amino acids that transform that cholesterol into "good" cholesterol which is something the body needs. But this only happens if the egg is eaten WHOLE. This holistic approach to eggs also is a good example of why I like to choose herbs over medicines whenever possible.
Rule #1DONT TAKE ANY HERB WITHOUT CONSULTING AT LEAST THREE SEPARATE SOURCES FOR USAGE, DOSAGE, AND POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS.
If you can't find a given herb in at least three different sources, don't use the herb. The following list of herbs and herbal combinations can be taken as a tea for the most part. Leaves should be steeped in water that has already been brought to boiling temperature. Roots and barks will need to be boiled for several minutes to extract the healing oils from them. Some of these can be found as capsules already made up, and some can be purchased as bulk teas in your local health foods store, or on line. Check expiration dates!!! Herbs do not last forever on the shelf, and if you open a box and it looks or smells moldy, don't use it.Many people ask about dosage, and mostly you can drink 1-2 cups of these teas daily, unless otherwise noted. I would start with one and see how you feel. If you have no allergies or other untoward effects, then take a second cup. Whatever your body doesn't need, it will eliminate, so don't worry about taking too much - short term of course. Some of these will have warnings that go along with them, please read those and abide by them. Safety and your health should be your primary concern.
***************************************************************************************Aloe plant
apply topically to burns, cuts, sores; speeds healingApple cider vinegar and honey
arthritis and blood cleansingBlue cohosh
menstrual cramps, ease PMS symptoms, induce slightly delayed period (due to stress, etc.)Chamomile flowers
sleeping aid, stomach calmativeCayenne pepper and ginger
bronchitis and chest coldsColtsfoot and mullein
break up chest congestionComfrey
allantoin, promotes cell growth, anti-inflammatoryEchinacea
immune system stimulant, good against all infectionsElderberry flowers and peppermint
stop coldsEphedra
hay fever and sinus congestionGarlic - either oil, powder, or tablets
blood pressure, cholesterol, liver stimulant, insect repellent, antibioticGinger
indigestion, migraine, bring on overdue period. (Warning: avoid eating ginger in significant quantities if pregnant)Goldenseal
immune system stimulant, good against all infectionsLicorice root
(contains over 160 compounds) chronic fatique syndrome (Warning: long term use causes liver damage)Peppermint
soothes stomach, buffers other herbs.Pennyroyal
Amish birth control, flea repellent, expectorant. One tablespoon of pennyroyal oil is fatal, but that is equal to 75 gallons of strong infusion!Psyllium
nature's metamucil, controls both diarrhea and constipation, absorbs up to 40 times it's weight in water.Red Clover
immune system stimulant.Tea Tree Oil
kills funguses, use externally onlyValerian root
mix with equal parts skullcap, catnip and peppermint to make a wonderful nervine and sedative.T
his list is by no means meant to be comprehensive or all inclusive. There are as many herbs that you can take for a certain condition as there are different body metabolisms! And that's another way that nature helps her children. One person will have a wonderful effect from a certain herbal combination, while another person may have no effect. This doesn't mean that the herbs don't work for some people, just that their metabolism needs a different trigger to activate it. Try a different combination.There are some items on this list that I take daily, such as two garlic tablets to cleanse the blood, and they also act as a natural bug repellent. Living in Florida really makes that particular effect very desirable to me! Garlic was also used during World War II in Italy, where they ran out of antibiotics and used garlic on the wounds instead. There are no reported cases of sepsis from that time, despite the overwhelming cases that were reported in other areas where they ran out of antibiotics but had no garlic.
One more word needs to be given regarding apple cider vinegar and honey. Please note that the vinegar needs to be organic, and not made from acetic acid. The cheap vinegar in the grocery store is made as a petroleum by-product, and has probably never even smelled an apple! Get organic apple cider vinegar, it's more expensive but it contains the minerals and nutrients that your body craves. This combination, when taken as a tablespoon in a glass of water, has been used since before the Romans as a natural kind of "gatorade". It has the minerals and nutrients that your body needs, especially when doing heavy labor and your body tends to sweat or use up those nutrients. The Roman legions carried this in their "canteens" and went on to conquor half the world!
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cheerioprincesson Aug. 25, 2007 at 10:09 AM
HOME REMEDIES
Note: These remedies are not to be used in place of an actual physician's care. Always consult with your doctor for serious ailments .
ACNE:
1. Make a face mask of dry oatmeal and honey (it must be unpasteurized honey), apply to face and leave on for 15-20 min. Rinse thoroughly. Use about once a week. Good for combination to oily skin.
2. Boil water and steep a chamomile tea bag. Allow the water to cool. Rinse face with cooled tea. Repeat daily.
BLADDER INFECTION: Boil an entire bunch of fresh parsley in one litre of water. Cool and drink throughout the day.
BUG BITES & STINGS: Make a paste of vinegar and corn starch. Apply to bite and let dry. This draws poison and reduces swelling. (tip:remove stingers by dragging a credit card over the area. Pulling the stinger out with tweezers releases the remaining poison into the body).
BURNS: (RAZOR BURN): Pat affected area with apple cider vinegar.
(SUN BURN):Good old plain aloe vera will help the healing and have cooling sensation.
DIAPER RASH:Make a paste of dissolved Acidophiles pills and water. Apply paste to baby's bottom, dust with cornstarch and apply fresh diaper. Repeat until the rash disappears (1-3 days). * Acidophiles is the active bacteria found in yogurt and can be found in most grocery stores and any health store. Store it in your fridge to ensure that the cultures remain effective after opening. I swear by this remedy!!
DIARRHEA:Taking Acidophiles pills helps to restore the "friendly" bacteria found in your intestinal tract, which can be low during bouts of diarrhea.
EAR: (CARE):use a dropper to put 2-3 drops of olive oil in your ear, the oil will soften excess ear wax and should work it's way out within aprox 24 hours.
(SWIMMER'S EAR): Place 2-3 drops of white vinegar in the affected ear once a day until cleared up.
HAIR CARE:Rinse hair with flat beer, this strips excess buildup and leaves hair shiny and soft. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with water afterwards.
MENSTRUATION: Taking Evening Primrose Oil daily can help alleviate many menstrual symptoms including cramps, mood swings and soreness.
NAUSEA: Slice fresh ginger root into a mug and fill mug with boiling water. Allow to steep for few minutes and drink when cool enough to do so.
PICA: This is a condition that affects some pregnant women. It can be recognized by urges to eat ice, clay or dirt. This is your bodies way of letting you know that you need to up your mineral intake (usually iron). Discuss this with your doctor who can recommend the appropriate amount of iron for you to take during your pregnancy.
TEETH: If you are out and unable to brush your teeth, eat a small piece of cheddar cheese. This neutralizes the natural acids in your mouth which can lead to tooth decay.
YEAST INFECTIONS:To avoid getting these, take acidophiles pills daily. Once you have one, you can gain some relief by applying yogurt with active bacteria cultures to the area as often as you wish.
MISC:Unpasteurized honey has great antibiotic qualities when applied to affected area (such as bug stings and acne) but be warned that you should never give a baby unpasteurized honey as it can cause infant botulism which is a serious and sometimes fatal condition. Local honey is also great for allergies. When you are new to an area, a teaspoon of local honey everyday can help eliminate the allergies to the area.
Acidophiles pills can be helpful if taken while travelling if you are sensitive to foreign water. It aids the natural bacteria in your intestines, lessening the chance of diarrhea.
(The following was sent to me by a young lady and her family in South America, thank you so much, it is appreciated!! )
For Colds and flu:
1 tsp garlic a day, followed by a healthy sprig of fresh parsley (to neutralize the garlic smell) it also keeps mosquitoes and ticks away. (Mind you if you don't follow up with oral care it would probably keep everyone away.
1tsp honey, 2tsp lemon, 1tot brandy, warm and drink (as quickly as possible) preferably take at night before bedtime, it helps with fevers as well. Obviously not recommended for children. You can also use the above as a sore throat reliever, just don't add the brandy.
For headaches and calm:
1 sprig fresh lavender with chamomile tea, allow to draw for a little bit, and drink as normal.
A cup of coffee (ground) is excellent for Asthma and respiratory problems.
Liquorice (not the sweet but the genuine article) is excellent for respiratory ailments and for skin ailments. However, consult a physician as this plant should not be taken excessively.
We also use lavender under the pillows of small children and babies with a quartz or rose quartz crystal in a little bag to aid their sleep.
T
he easiest way to treat and prevent thrush is to eat a yoghurt every day. They must have the live bacteria in them as this is what goes to work to combat thrush. Especially for pregnant mommies, as this is far safer then any medication and is very good for baby also.
For babies tongue thrush, apply pure glycerin to the binkie, this will get rid of it.
For the treatment of hemorrhoids use eucalyptus balm, or cheat and use Vicks or Camphor cream. They are great anti inflammatories and really work. (Please do not wear your Victoria Secret underwear as the balm does stain!)
I hope some of these are useful, I have so many, but I am sure that you are probably familiar with all of them. These ones however, I can vouch for as they are old favourites and absolutely work.
We have in South America, what we call "Dr. Lennon's" they are small bottles of herbal remedies that were introduced here by the Dutch and there is a literally a potion for every ailment. We have used these for years and I prefer them to any antibiotic or medicine prescribed by a doctor. To my knowledge we have used them here for over 400 years, but I am sure that they date back a lot further. They are truly wonderful little helpers.
Blessed Be!
Your reigning Cheerioprincess
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- by on Aug. 25, 2007 at 10:10 AM
- BLESSED BE!!!
“Air I Am”
Air I am, Fire I am,
Water, Earth and Spirit I am!
God I am, (name) I am, Son,
Lover, Horned One I am!
Goddess I am, Woman I am
Maiden of the Moon I am!
Goddess I am, (name) I am,
Maiden, Mother and Crone I am!“She Changes”
“Spirit of the Wind”
She changes everything She touches
And Everything She touches changes.Spirit of the Wind carry me
Spirit of the Wind carry me home
Spirit of the Wind carry me home to myselfSpirit of the Ocean, depth of emotion
Spirit of the Sea, set myself freeSpirit of the Rain, wash away the pain
Spirit of the Storm, help me be rebornSpirit of the Sun, warm light healing one
Spirit of the Sky, spread my winds and flySpirit of the Earth, help me with my birth
Spirit of the Land, hold me in your handSpirit of the River, blessed forgiver
“Chant for Self-Esteem”
Spirit of the Shore, shows me more and more.
Earth, Water, Fire, Air
Within me all things are there
Flesh on my bones is like the Earth
It's soft but strong and full of worth
The blood that flows within my veins
Is like the ocean, river and rain
My spirit soars and takes me higher
Here is where I keep my fire
My breath and thoughts are like the air
I can do everything and go anywhere
Earth, Water, Fire and Air
Within me all things are there
And so I pledge unto myself
Power, Love, Health and Wealth.“Earth My Body”
Earth my body
Water my blood
Air my breath (and)
Fire my spirit“Kore Chant”
Her name cannot be spoken,
Her face was not forgotten,
Her power is to open,
Her promise can never be broken. (spring)
All sleeping seed She wakens
The rainbow is Her token,
Now winter's power is taken,
In love, all chains are broken. (fall)
All seeds She deeply buries,
She weaves the thread of seasons.
Her secret, darkness carries,
She loves beyond all reason.
She changes everything she touches
And everything She touches changes (repeat)
Change is, Touch is, change IS.
Change us, Touch us, change US.
Everything lost is found again
In a new form, in a new way.
Everything hurt is healed again,
In a new life, In a new day.
--Starhawk, The Spiral Dance pp102-103<“Circle Round”
“Blessing of the Elements”
Circle round for freedom
Circle round for peace
For all of us imprisoned
Circle for release
Circle for the planet
Circle for each soul
For the children of our children
Keep the circle whole!
Blessed Be the precious and preserving Air, the breath of life, of inspiration and delight.
Blessed Be the precious and preserving Fire, the blood of life, our warming guest.
Blessed Be the precious and preserving Water, the water of life, our cleansing guest.
Blessed Be the precious and preserving Earth, the flesh of life, our sustainer and our wisdom. “River Chant”
The river flowing
Flowing and growing
The river is flowing
Back to the sea
Mother Earth carry
Your child I will always be
Mother Earth carry me back to the sea“A chant to free your spirit”
I am the four winds
I breath and am by their presence
I am the elements and their family
They are my kin
I am the freedom of the wind
I am the agility of the fire
I have the humor of electricity
My love of nature from the earth
My ignorance the darkness
my truth I tell the light
my attitude the ice
Of these things I will always be
Blessed BeSome of the chants I posted were created by Sean Miller, Thank you for the use of these chants.
Blessed Be! Your reigning Cheerioprincess
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- by on Aug. 25, 2007 at 11:35 AM
-
Time: Best performed at the time of the new moon.
Setting: Bedeck the ritual area in flowers of many types, particularly the favorites of the couple, and roses. The altar should be arranged as usual, plus 2 white candles, incense of a flower scent, and a willow wand. Dress is up to the couple. Celtic tradition is that the bride where's some kind of veil or netting and an article of scarlet. The couple should bring wedding rings and small symbolic gifts for each other if desired. The priest/ess fits the rings over the willow wand, then lay them on the altar..After lighting the candles and incense, the priest and priestess face the gathering, backs toward the altar.
Priest:May the place of this rite
be consecrated for the Gods.
For we gather here in a ritual of love
With two who would be wedded.
_______ and _______ please come forward
and stand here before us, and before the gods of nature.
They couple comes forward and stands before the Priest and Priestess, groom in front of Priestess, bride in front of Priest.
Priestess:Be with us here, O beings of the Air
All:
With your clever fingers
Tie closely the bonds between these two.
Be with us here, O beings of Fire
Give their love and passion
your own all-consuming ardor
Be with us here, O beings of Water
Give them the deepest of love
and the richness of the body, of the soul and of the spirit.
Be with us here, O beings of Earth
Let your strength and constancy
Be theirs for so long as they desire
to remain together
Blessed Goddess and Laughing God
Give to these before you, we do ask
your love and protection
Blessed Be.Blessed Be.
Priestess and Priest hold up the wand between them with the rings upon it.
Priestess:Place your right hands
over this wand and your rings
his hand over hers
Above you are the stars
below you are the stones
as time does pass
Remember
Like a star should our love be constant
Like a stone should your love be firm
Be close, but not too close
Posses one another, but be understanding
Have patience each with the other
For storms will come, but they will go quickly
Be free in the giving of affection and warmth
Make love often, and be sensuous with one another
Have no fear and let not the ways or words
of the unenlightened give you unease
For the Goddess and the God are with you,
Now and Always.(Pause for five heartbeats)
Priestess:Is it your wish, _bride's name_ to become one with this man?
(bride gives her answer)
Is it your wish, _groom's name_ to become one with this woman?
(groom gives his answer)
Do any say nay?
Then, as the Goddess and the God and the Old Ones
Are witness to this rite
I now proclaim you husband and wife.
A kiss is appropriate at this time, and the tokens may be exchanged. The ceremony is then over and the cakes and wine on the altar should be served at the revel that follows.
on Sep. 10, 2007 at 10:44 AM
~ Sirona Knight Excerpted from Dream Magic
Dream Magick - basics/definitions
Every spell and ritual involves three basic steps. First, you set your expectation, then you fill it with your desire, and finally you merge with the divine, to help your goal or desire to become a reality.
1. Expectation – Having a clear image of the outcome you desire and then setting the stage for this outcome to occur. Knowing what you want
2. Desire – How much you want something to happen. Use all of your senses, to see it, feel it, taste it, smell it, hear it, and intuit it. Be passionate!
3. Merging – Once you build your desire while doing a magical work and it reaches the point where you feel you are about to burst with energy, the time has come to merge with your goal. When you merge, you become one with divine energy, whatever name you give it.
Dream Magic Altar
This is the magickal working surface that holds your tools, components, and other items you wil use in magick making. It can be any sturdy surface even a bedside table, but it should be in the north quarter as the north quarter is the realm of midnight, deities, dreams and magick.
Astral Dream Magic Altar
This altar is fueled with your imagination and thus remains unhampered by physical laws. This is the place where you enter, connect and depart from the dream world.
Dream Guardians 
Like the traditional Watchtowers and four Wards, which are the lesser Goddesses and Gods who watch over the corners of the sacred circle. These deities can be very helpful during magick-making. They weave a protective shield around your circle. These dream guardians are ancient beings who protect you during night spells and rituals by standing guard at the four corners of your sacred dream circle. The difference between these Dream Guardians and traditional Watchtowers is that they not only stand guard while you are making magick, they also specifically watch over and protect you during sleep and dream.
These watchful guardians were originally the lesser Goddesses and Gods who were to watch over Earth and all the celestial realms. A different dream guardian rules and guards each gate or portal of the four elemntal directions leading to the Otherworld.
Dream Magick - Preparation
Smudging your sacred space
You can purify your sacred space by smudging. The smoke of an herbal mixture of sage and cedar, sometimes blended with lavender, copal or sweetgrass, cleanses your room, altar, tools, magickal components, and yourself of unwanted energies. I do this before ritual as a way to cleanse everything. It also helps prepare me for ritual. To smudge your room, begin by lighting the smudge stick and blowing on it softly until it starts to smoke. Hold the burning smudge over a fireproof bowl or dish because a certain amount of the burning herbs will drop down. Allow the smoke to waft over your altar. Pass each of your altar tools through the smoke three times.
Move in a clockwise circle around the room and say:
May the Goddess and God
Protect and Bless this Sacred Space
And rid it of all negativity.
Blessed be! Blessed be the Gods.
When you finish smudging the room, altar, tools, and yourself, douse the stick in water to put it out completely.
To Create Your Dream Magick Altar
Gather together all the items you want to include on your altar. Then spread an altar cloth out on the altar surface, and arrange your altar tool and other magickal components. The altar cloth is usually made of a natural material such as linen, cotton, silk, or wool. It can be any color, although midnight blue, black, silver, and white are natural choices for dream magic. The left side of your dream altar is the creative, nurturing side, dedicated to the Goddess, while the right side is traditionally the active, power side, dedicated to the God. Customarily, a status or other image representing the Goddess is placed on the left side of the altar and am image of the God on the right side. You perform your invocations and gestures before these images, and you turn toward their direction when casting spells and doing rituals. Keep your altar fluid changing it to reflect the different season, phases of the moon, your hopes, and desires. Also, be sure to place all the items on your dream magic altar so that you can conveniently reach them even in a darkened room.
To Create your Astral Dream Magic Altar
Items necessary:
~ Small smooth white stone
~ Bowl of saltwater
~ Active imagination First, place the stone in the saltwater for a few minutes to clear it of any unwanted energies.
Rinse the stone with cool water for one minute, and after drying it, hold the stone in your receiving hand (left hand if you are right-handed) while you sit or recline in bed.
Empower the stone by saying:
Magickal altar seen but not seen.
Sacred stone table of my dreams,
May I stand before you tonight,
Beneath the starspun moonlight.
So be it! So dream it so!
Now close your eyes and visualize the stone becoming larger and forming into a natural stone altar resting in a sacred grove of stately oak trees. See and sense yourself standing in front of your astral dream altar, placing each of your imaginary tools on it one by one. Start simple and then elaborate, and make it more personal and unusual over time. After laying your dream tools out, mentally connect them with a thread of brilliant white light. Move your attention and the radiant white light from one object to another, filling them with light. Continue connecting the tools together with light, and as you do this sense yourself filling the stone in your left hand with the image of your astral dream magic altar. Now lie back and continue to hold the stone in your hand. As you drift to sleep, repeat silently “Dream it so.” In the morning, give the stone a place of honor on your bedroom altar. Anytime you want to return to you astral dream altar, simply hold the stone in your left hand, close your eyes, and imagine yourself standing in front of your astral dream magic altar.
Dream Magic Altar Tools
~ Athame – Double edged knife used for magickal work
~ Bell – Feminine symbol of the Goddess
~ Bowl – traditionally made of clay, this corresponds with the north
~ Cauldron – Three legged pot that represents the Goddess and the water element
~ Chalice – Symbol of Water and West
~ Incense Burner or Censer – Representing fir and air elements
~ Robe – Your magickal skin. Made of any fabric, color or design. Used only for magic working
~ Wand – Associated with the east and the air element To consecrate your sacred tools
To consecrate your bowl, fill it with earth, hold it upward toward the north point of your sacred space and say three times:
Generous and divine powers of earth,
Fill this tool with your sacred energy;
I ask this in the name of the Goddess and God,
Blessed be! So shall it be!
To consecrate your incense burner, hold the censer upward toward the east point of your sacred space and say three times:
Generous and divine powers of air,
Fill this tool with your sacred energy;
I ask this in the name of the Goddess and God,
Blessed Be! So shall it be!
To consecrate your candleholder, hold it upward toward the south point of your sacred space and repeat three times:
Generous and divine powers of fire,
Fill this tool with your sacred energy;
I ask this in the name of the Goddess and Go,
Blessed be! So shall it be!
To consecrate your chalice, cup, or cauldron, hold each one of them upward toward the west point of your sacred circle and say three times:
Generous and divine powers of water,
Fill this tool with your sacred energy;
I ask this in the name of the Goddess and God,
Blessed be! So shall it be!
You can also rub scented oils on your tools and set them out in the moonlight to empower them even more.
Drawing a Sacred Dream Circle
Begin by determining the four directions of your bedroom by using a compass. Generally the altar is placed in the north point, so you can use it for a reference point and once this is determined dispense with the compass.
Start in the North point and spinning clockwise very slowly with your arms stretched outward to your sides, imagine a clear, cobalt blue light washing out the entire room. As you do this, say aloud:
May all evil and foulness be gone from this place
I ask this in the Lady’s name.
Be gone, now and forevermore!
Starting and ending in the north direction, the direction of your deity, use your athame to draw a clockwise circle around your bedroom, and be sure to include your altar and sleeping area. As you do this, see and sense a blue-white flame flaring from out of the blade like a laser beam, creating a bright energetic circle. If you don’t have an athame handy, you can also use you wand or your dominant, power hand for this purpose. Just imagine the light flaring from the tip of the wand or from your fingertips.
Next, purify the four corners with salt by taking a pinch of salt from the bowl, tossing it gently toward the north point, and saying:
Ayea, Ayea (pronounced eye-yay)Kerridwen!
Ayea, Ayea Kernunnos!
Ayea, Ayea, Ayea!
If you prefer, you can use a sprig of greenery dipped in saltwater in place of the pinches of salt. After purifying the north point, repeat this process at the east, south, and west points, in that order.
At each point sprinkle a pinch of salt and repeat:
Ayea, Ayea (pronounced eye-yay)Kerridwen!
Ayea, Ayea Kernunnos!
Ayea, Ayea, Ayea!
Then face the altar and say in a firm voice:
I consecrate this dream magic circle of power
To the Ancient Ones, to Goddess and God,
May they bless this circle with their presence.
Blessed Be! Blessed be the Gods!
Blessed be all who are gathered here.
Knock nine times on the altar with the handle of your athame, in three series of three. Your dream circle is now set in place. While working magic in the circle, move clockwise, not widdershins (counterclockwise).
Calling in your Dream Guardians
Begin by facing North toward your altar, and then stretch your hands upward toward the moon and stars.
Merge with earth elements and say:
Dream Guardians of the north,
Generous Powers of earth,
Protect the dream door of the North Ward,
And guard this circle and all within.
Come, I summon you!
Now turn and face Eastward, and stretch your arms toward the night sky. Merge with the air elements and say:
Dream Guardians of the east,
Generous powers of air,
Protect the dream door of the east Ward,
An guard this circle and all within.
Come, I summon you!
Next, turn toward the south, stretching your arms upward once again. Merge with the fire element and say:
Dream Guardians of the south,
Generous powers of fire,
Protect the dream door of the south Ward,
And guard this circle and all within.
Come, I summon you!
Then face to the west, and stretch your arms toward the moon and stars. Merging with the powers of water, say:
Dream Guardians of the west,
Generous powers of water,
Protect the dream door of the west Ward,
And guard this circle and all within.
Come, I summon you!
Now stand in the center of your sacred dream circle and say:
Dream guardians of earth, air, fire, and water,
Grant me your power and protection tonight
Cutting a Gate
Once your circle has been cast, you should try not to break it. However, there are times when this is inevitable. If you need to break the circle, you can cut a gate or door. Be sure to always close the door after using it and then re-open it to get back in. Use your athame or your dominant hand and starting just below the east point of your circle cut a doorway. Once you have exited the circle, again be sure to close the doorway. A good suggestion is to cut the gate at your bedroom door so you can easily come and go when doing night spells and rituals.
Pulling up the Sacred Dream Circle
Once the ritual is completed it is time to pull up your sacred Dream Circle. Do this by spinning counter clockwise while imagining the blue-white light of the circle being drawn back into your athame, wand, or hand. Make sure to release the energy back into the ground after you have released the circle so that it is grounded.
Releasing your Dream Guardians
After pulling up the circle, it is time to release your dream guardians. *Note: It is crucial that you release your dream guardians when you are finished making magick. It is egotistical to think that these ancient energies are just waiting around to do your bidding. They come because they want to, because they are attracted to your field of energy and are willing to help you. They are not willing to be divine victims of misuse.
* Start at the north point and say:
O Generous power of earth, depart in peace.
Many blessings and thanks for your presence.
Then face east and say:
O generous powers of air, depart in peace.
Many blessings and thanks for your presence.
Then turn to the south point and say:
O generous power of fire, depart in peace.
Many blessings and thanks for your presence.
Then face west and say:
O generous powers of water, depart in peace.
Many blessings and thanks for your presence.
After you are done releasing the guardians, knock three times on the altar with the base of your wand or athame. Your ritual or night spell is complete.
Blessed Be!
Your reigning Cheerioprincess
-
- by on Oct. 10, 2007 at 10:26 AM
Here's a few little goodies for all. Easy to make and very pleasing scents too.
Note: When you see an asterisk (*) do note that it means use caution with that specific herb as some can cause allergies or more serious issues. Always use care when utilizing herbs.
Travel Protection Sachet
1 part Mustard seed
1 part Comfrey
1 part Irish Moss
1 part Bladderwrack (also known as Kelp)
Tie up in whit or yellow cloth. Carry with you
when traveling, and tuck one into each suitcase
and garment bag as well.
Car Protection Sachet
2 parts Rosemary
2 parts Juniper
1 part Mugwort
1 part Comfrey
1 part Caraway
1 small Quartz Crystal point
Tie up in red cloth. Secret somewhere in the car where
it won't be found. And drive safely-this sachet won't
guard against the driver's mistakes. After a few months,
take the sachet apart, save and cleanse the crystal and
use again in the new sachet.
Car Protection Sachet #2
3 parts Rosemary
2 parts Juniper
2 parts Basil
1 part Fennel
1 part Mugwort
1 part Vervain
1 pinch Salt
Tie and use as stated above in the first sachet.
Wealth Sachet
2 parts Cinnamon
2 parts Lemon Balm
1 part Cinquefoil
1 part Clove
1 whole Vanilla bean
1 whole Tonka bean
Crush the vanilla bean and mix all together.
Empower. Tie up in purple or green cloth.
Carry to increase riches and to establish a
positive cash flow.
Money Sachet
3 parts Patchouly
2 parts Clove
1 part Oakmoss
1 part Cinnamon
Tie up in green cloth and carry to attract money.
Weather Protection Sachet (caution)
1 part Mistletoe*
1 part Cedar
1 part Broom
1 part Bryony
Tie up in white cloth and hang near the
chimney, in the attic, or elsewhere high
in the house to protect it and its occupants
against the ravages of the weather.
Twelve-Herb Yule Sachet
7 parts Juniper
4 parts Cinnamon
4 parts Allspice
4 parts Ginger
4 parts Caraway
2 parts Nutmeg
2 parts Rosemary
2 parts Lemon peel
2 parts Orange peel
1 part Clove
1 part Bay
2 pinches Orris root
Tie up in green or red cloth and give as
gifts on Yule or Samhain.
Sacred Bundle Sachet
3 parts Cachana root
1 dried Chile pepper
1 kernel Corn
1 pinch powdered Turquoise
Wrap in white cloth and bury near your front
door (or in a flowerpot) to guard your home
and to bless it with power.
Spicey Rose Sachet
1 part Rose-for love
1 part Rosemary-for remembrance
1 part Hibiscus-for delicate beauty
1 part Clove-for dignity
1 part Chamomile-for energy in adversity
Tie up in pink cloth and give to one you love.
Rose Sachet
1 part Rose-for love
1 part Rosemary-for remembrance
1 part Hibiscus-for delicate beauty
1 part Clove-for dignity
1 part Chamomile-for energy in adversity
Tie up in pink cloth and give to one you love.
Protective Sachet
3 parts Dill seed
2 parts Caraway seed
1 part Flax seed
1 pinch Salt
Tie up in white or red cloth and carry for protection.
Protective Sachet #2
2 parts Marjoram
1 part Angelica root
1 part Dill seed
1 part Clove
Tie up in white cloth; place in a window
Nightmare Cure Sachet (Caution)
1 part Lupine
1 part Helenium (Heliotrope or Sunflower)
1 part Marshmallow
1 part Dock
1 part Elder
1 part Wormwood
1 part Strawberry leaves
1 part Yew berries*
Tie up in light blue or white cloth. Hang on bedpost
near your head. This ancient formula also cures "water
elf disease", as well as mischief caused by goblins.
Home Protection Sachet (Cunningham)
3 parts rosemary
3 parts basil
2 parts fennel seed
2 parts dill seed
1 part bay
1 part fern
1 pinch salt
Tie up in a red cloth. Place the sachet in the
highest point inside the home.
Home Protection Sachet #2
1 part fleabane
1 part St. Johnswort
1 part dried capers
few grains whole wheat
This formula, from ancient Middle Eastern magick,
should be tied up in a red cloth and hung over
the front door.
Home Protection Sachet
8 parts orris root
6 parts sandalwood
4 parts lavender
2 parts patchouli
1 part clove
1/2 part allspice
musk or civet oil
Tie up in a white cloth with a red string.
House Protection Powder
red talc
dragons blood, powdered
angelica, powdered
salt
red glitter
House Blessing Powder
silver or green talc
powdered orange peel
vanilla oil
strawberry oil
powdered basil
Anti-Sorcery Sachets
1 part Dillseed
1 part Flax seed
1 part Peony root
Tie up in white cloth, wear or carry, suspend over doors and windows.
Anti-Theft Sachet
2 parts Rosemary
1 part Juniper
1 part Caraway seeds
1 part Elder
1 pinch Garlic
Tie up in white cloth and hang over the front door
to protect the home and its contents. If you don't
enjoy the strong garlic odor, use a pinch of crumbled
garlic skins.
Healing Sachet
2 parts Cinnamon
2 parts Sandalwood
1 part Rose petals
1 part Cayenne
1 part Ginger
1 part Rue
Mix, tie up in blue or purple cloth. Anoint sachet
with Eucalyptus oil and wear or place near the bed
at night.Herbal Tea Remedies
Migraines
1 2/3 oz dried St Johns Wort
1 oz Valerian
1 oz Linden flowers
1/4 oz Juniper berries
Use 1 tsp of mixture per 1 cup boiling
water. Steep 10 minutes and strain.
Monthly Relief
2 teaspoons dried Lemon-Balm leaves
1 cup boiling water
Steep the leaves in the boiling water, covered,
for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain. Drinking this infusion
will help relieve menstrual cramps, but take no more
than 2-3 cups a day.
Trish's Cramp Tea
Take any type of regular tea bag and steep in a cup
or teapot.
When tea is completely brewed, add the following:
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Honey or sugar to taste
Stir constantly to keep spices stirred up and drink
while warm...will help relieve cramps, flow and also
will give you a peaceful sleepy feeling.
Drink no more than 3 cups per day!
Woman'S Red Clover Tonic
1 teaspoon dried Red Clover blossoms
1 cup boiling water
Add the blossoms to the boiling water. Cover
and steep for 15 minutes. Strain, then sip.
This infusion acts as a tonic specially suited
for women.
Yoga Tea
3 quarts water
20 cloves
20 whole green cardamom pods crushed
20 whole black peppercorns
5 whole sticks of cinnamon
3 to 5 slices of fresh ginger root
Bring to a boil and then simmer for an hour.
Then dip one black tea bag in for 1 to 2 minutes
and then remove tea bag and let sit for 2-3 hours
or overnight depending on how strong you like
the taste. Then strain the tea and discard the
used spices. Add about 1/4 cup milk for every
3/4 cup of tea and bring to a boil again and add
honey or maple syrup to taste.
If you are not going to drink all the tea at
once, store the tea in a glass container in
the refrigerator BEFORE you add the milk.
Upset Stomach
8 oz Peppermint leaves
8 oz Lemon Balm leaves
8 oz Fennel seeds
Use 1 tsp of mixture per 1 cup boiling
water. Steep 10 minutes; strain.
Nausea
½ tsp dried Ginger root
½ tsp Clove blossoms
1 tsp Chamomile flowers
Pour 1 cup boiling water over herbs.
Steep 10 minutes, strain and let cool.
Nervous Stomach
2 tsp Angelica root
2 tsp Lemon Balm leaves
½ tsp Fennel seed
Bring Angelica root to a simmer in 4
cups water. Turn off heat,add lemon
balm and lemon; steep 10 minutes and strain.
Nervous Tension
1 1/3 oz. St. John's Wort
1 oz. Lemon Balm Leaves
1 oz. Valerian
Use 1 tsp of the herb mixture per cup of
boiling water. Steep for 10 min., strain,
sweeten if necessary. Drink a cup before
going to bed each night for several weeks
to calm nerves, lift depression, and help
you fall asleep more easily.
Calming, Sedative Tea
This tea can be made truly sedative by
adding valerian, but best to start slow
and see how it affects you.
4-5 linden flowers (sweet, relaxing)
1 tsp. chamomile (sweet, mildly sedative)
1 tsp. skullcap (bitter, mildly sedative)
1 tsp. mint (sweet, spicy)
2 leaves fresh scented leaf geranium (spicy,
balancing)
1 tsp. lemon balm (green, relaxing)
Again, steep 5-10 minutes and sweeten with
honey if desired.
Teas For Clairvoyance
Here are several recipes for teas and brews that I've
collected for various uses connected with clairvoyance.
Tea for Divination
1 tbsp China black, or English or Irish breakfast tea
2 tsp lemon balm
1 tsp eyebright
1 tbsp mugwort
1 tbsp rose hips
Tea for Psychic Healing (Moura)
1 tbsp China black
1 tsp elder flower
1 tsp nettle
2 tsp burdock root
2 tsp mullein
2 tsp rose hips
Tea for Meditation
1 tbsp China black or English breakfast tea
2 tsp chamomile
1 tsp rose hips
2 tsp elder flower
Dream Tea (Cunningham)
2 parts Rose petals
1 part Mugwort
1 part Peppermint
1 part Jasmine flowers
1/2 part Cinnamon
Mix, add one teaspoon to a cup. Pour boiling water over
this and let steep, covered, for a few minutes. Drink
before going to bed to produce psychic dreams.
Psychic Tea (Cunningham)
3 parts Rose petals
2 parts Yarrow
1 part Cinnamon
Brew, strain and drink a cup before or during divination
and psychic work to enhance your psychic awareness.
it works quite well too!
Super Psonic Psychic Tonic:
1oz. Borage
1/2 oz. Lemongrass
1/2 oz. Spearmnt
2 Entire Oranges
1 Entire Lemon
3 cups Ginger Ale
2 cups White Grape Juice
Add herbs to 5 cups of water, bring to a slow boil simmering
for about 15 to 20 minutes with a TIGHT lid. While cooling,
juice oranges and lemon, peel, seeds and pulp and add to
herbal infusion. When cool, add the grape juice. Strain the
entire mixture thru double cheesecloth(three times works for
us!). Hand-squeeze the pulp/herbal mixture to insure getting
every last drop. Add the ginger ale and chill for a few hours.
A Witch's Brew for Clairvoyance
Into a cauldron of boiling water, add a handful each of shredded
laurel leaves, cinquefoil, and mugwort (three herbs that have
long been associated with the arts of divination and prophecy.)
Cover with a lid, and boil for 13 minutes. Lift the lid of the
cauldron and deeply inhale the vapors of the bubbling brew
three times. Repeat this for three minutes, and if you have
allowed yourself to properly enter a psychic state, you may
begin to recieve prophetic visions, either in the form of
pictures or symbols, or perhaps in a combination of the two.
When used prior to sleeping, this brew may help to induce
dreams of a prophetic nature. Write down your dreams upon
waking and study them for hidden meanings and messages.
Re-ocurring dream symbols are highly significant.
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VioletKitti's Crystal Bible
- KickButtMama
on Jan. 28, 2010 at 3:38 PM