A Healing Spell

 Here is a beautiful chant I found for when working self-healing. 

Gather: 

3 candles, purple, green, and white, candle holders

A healing incense of your choice. Suggestions: Hem Divine Healing,  Satya Reiki, Frankincense, whatever you like.

Incense burner, matches or lighter, 

At a time when you can have privacy and quiet, gather your supplies. Allow yourself to relax and do some breathing work that will relax you. I find the following technique very soothing and helpful even during anxiety: breathe in through the nose for a count of 6 to 8, hold for 4, breathe out through the nose for a count of 8 to 10. Hold for 4.  Repeat at least for or five times. Allow yourself, your body to release all tension, let go. Focus your thoughts on surrounding yourself with white, golden, or violet light.

 

Light all three candles along with the healing incense of your choice. Repeat this chant 9 times as your candles burn. Know that perfect healing in whatever way is needed is yours. Now recite the chant nine times. Allow the candles to burn out completely or extinguish and repeat for 3 days in a row. Be sure to drink some nettle tea or infusion after. While working the spell, listen to some Solfeggio frequency music to intensify the magick.

A bit about nettle tea: I learned about nettle tea from my friend Cynthia at Medicine Woods Botanicals, she also was the former owner of Moonmaid Botanicals, and has been an herbalist for well over 40 years. She taught me that nettles make a most healing, nourishing tonic and recommends it highly. You can buy her Nourishing NettleTea at her website www.medicinewoodsbotanicals.com.  I try to drink a quart throughout the day, several days a week. I also like her Mega Minerals Tea which is very nourishing and healing too.

To make the most nourishing infusion, take a quart jar or glass measuring cup, add 1/4 cup dried nettles, pour boiling water to fill the jar. Lightly cover and leave at least four hours or overnight to steep. I prepare mine before bed and leave overnight on the counter. In the morning I strain the infusion and drink through the day. I like the taste which is earthy and green, and drink it as is. You can sweeten with a bit of honey if you like. I also charge my infusion with Reiki, you can also say a blessing over it and charge in whatever manner you prefer.

Blessings dark and light!

Sweet Scents

 Three favorite spices of mine are cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. They are very uplifting, and make me feel cozy and protected. And there’s a good reason for that… they are, in fact, highly protective and do a wonderful job of banishing harmful, negative energies. They can break a hex and clear bad luck. These spices bring in joyful energies while doing their clearing work too.

This powder can be blended any time you have need. Use equal parts of the powdered spices, blend together well, awaken and enchant in you usual manner. This powder may then be sprinkled in corners, on window sills, at doorsteps. You may also place the powder in pouches and hang or tuck about in your home. They may also be burned on a charcoal or used in a simmer pot. The whole or chopped dried spices can be placed in a pretty dish for a protective and cleansing potpourri.

As I use these wonderful and helpful spices, I chant the following:

Scent of cinnamon, clove, and ginger,

Clear away all that will injure.

Let them not ever rest here, 

Let them now forever be cleared.

In their place bring joy and cheer,

Forevermore to rest here!

c EA Kaufman 2022

21 Days of the Winter Solstice 13

Pine - hope, loyalty, and warm friendship.

Mistletoe - peace, love, and joy.

Ivy - friendship, fidelity, and marriage.

Holly - foresight, domestic happiness.

Poinsettia - success, celebration, good cheer, and mirth.  

Blessings dark and deep!

I See The Wise Woman

(unknown artist)

I See The Wise Woman

She carries a blanket of compassion.

She wears a robe of wisdom.

Around her throat flutters

a veil of shifting shapes.

From her shoulders, a mantle of power flows.

A storyband encircles her forehead.

She stitches a quilt;

She spins fiber into yarn;

She knits, she sews, she weaves.

She ties the threads of our lives together.

She forms a web of spiraling threads.

by Susan Weed, from Healing Wise

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday 16

An Herbal Ritual For Remembering the Dead

This ritual may be performed on or near Hallows/Samhain or when

someone you know passes. I found this on the internet years ago, but

no author was listed; I have made a few adaptations. 

If you cannot obtain some of the herbs, simply use 

another with similar properties and make the 

change in the prayer.

Gather the following for the ritual:

A tea light for each person to be remembered

rose petals, bay, oregano, parsley, elder,

rosemary, basil

Cast your circle using rose petals and rosemary to define it.

Be sure to clear the space well beforehand. 

Arrange the tea lights on your altar along with photos

or other remembrances of the dead.

Light a tea light and call the name of the person 

you are honoring.

Stand at your altar and  recite this prayer:

The wheel of life turns,

The cycle of life continues.

Those beyond life, beyond the veil,

You are remembered today.

Gifts of love and hope

are offered with love and honor.

To those I remember,

To those I do not,

to all those I have lost.

Hekate, guide them home with Your torches.

Persephone, take them in Your gentle embrace.

My dead You have taken,

The Fates have cut their threads,

And now spin and weave the threads anew.

May the wheel turn and begin again.

I give freely these herbal offerings,

May they be acceptable and assist you.

(as you recite, scatter the herb to the wind)

Rose petals for love,

Elder to guide your journey,

Bay for strength,

Parsley for honor,

Basil for peace,

Oregano for happiness,

and Rosemary for remembrance.

So mote it be!

Sit now and remember your beloved dead.

Let the peace of the ritual embrace you. Perhaps

perform some divination to receive a message.

Let the candles burn out. Open your circle.

(adapted from a ritual found on the internet, author unknown)

Blessings dark and deep!

Burt's Bees Owned by Clorox???

If you like Burt's Bees products, and originally they were wonderful, you may want to read this article over at Moonmaid Botanicals.

http://moonmaidbotanicals.blogspot.com/2015/07/in-memory-of-burt-shavitz.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MoonmaidBotanicals%2FcynthiaJohnston+%28MoonMaid+Botanicals%2FCynthia+Johnston%29

Blessings Nine!

To Banish the Pain of Unrequited Love

Elizabeth Pepper was the creator and publisher, beginning in 1971, of The Witches Almanac. The almanac continues, since her passing, to be a interesting, educational, and helpful  little book for many witches. She also published a number of small books of various lore and magick, "Love Charms" being one of  them. 

With Valentine's Day in the very near future, but a waning moon upon us, I thought this little spell, one of Elizabeth's creations, would be appropriate as not everyone enjoys this holiday of romance and love. Some are dealing with break ups, divorce, or just caring for someone who doesn't return their feelings. This simple, but powerful spell can assist one in moving on. She advised that this spell be performed during the waning moon. 

To Banish the Pain of Unrequited Love

Make a fire on a hearth or in a brazier. 

Crumble dried leaves of vervain in your major (dominant) 

hand as you concentrate upon your intention. 

Toss the herb, all at once, on the fire and say:

“Here is my pain,

Take it and soar,

Depart from me now

Offend me no more.”

from ‘Love Charms’ by Elizabeth Pepper  

(published by The Witches Almanac LTD.)

Blessings nine!

Hallows Everyday 10

Actually, that time of the year is here!!!

And who better to welcome it than three wicked witches!

I love this time of the year, as I have only mentioned hundreds of times. It inspires me to go outside in the darkness of night and sit by the lake, waiting for a spirit of this land, the water, my Matron goddesses, to make Themselves known to me. I like to walk out by my hedge and feel the energy pulsing, thick with magick, making me feel as if I am walking through water, cloaked in that magick.

Yesterday was the day sacred to Felicitas, goddess of good luck and good fortune, protectress of our peace and prosperity. I spent the afternoon attending to the mundane, then returned home, reading the cards for a friend. Later, in the evening, I had a bit of magick that needed doing and so I attended to that. Still later, after my magick was set, I lit a candle for Felicitas, saying a prayer that we continue to be blessed with Her protection, good fortune, and prosperity. When all was done, an offering and libation were made to Hekate and Felicita - a nice bit of homemade fudge-rich brownie and some Strega Liqueur. I took a bit myself too, sharing in the little feast.

The 11th marks the Meditrinalia, honoring Meditrina, Roman goddess of health, longevity, medicinal herbs and wine; another day to Hallow. The Romans made a libation to Her, mixing old wine with new. I have saved some old wine for just this occasion and into which I shall add a few sprigs of herbs to steep, finally stirring in a bit of honey. This I will mix with some new wine, to be opened at another little feast I shall make. As recommended by Nova Roma, a modern religious organization that recreates ancient Roman religion, I will mix the wines at my altar, sip them, then make my prayer. The first two lines of this prayer are from Nova Roma, the rest, my own addition.

Wine, new and old, I drink,

Of illness new and old I am cured!

Herbs, ancient, blessed by Her hand,

Meditrina relieves all ills.

To Her I give my thanks,

Hail, Meditrina, She who bestows health and long life!

Just a bit of the wine will be spilled upon my altar, while the rest will remain in the cup, sitting on the altar until the following day when I will take it outside and pour a libation. I will also make an offering of bread, herbs, and meat.

This is what being a priestess and witch is about, at least for me; honoring the goddesses, keeping holy the sacred days, assisting those who require my magickal help, being an oracle, lighting the flames that honor the Deathless Ones. How lucky I am to have been chosen to follow this path.

Blessings nine!  

Marjoram in Magick

Marjoram

Most people have this herb in their spice cabinet. For the kitchen witch, it is a wonderful herb to cook with as well as an excellent herb for magick. It will help in spells for a variety of issues. Named after a city in Sicily, it is a common plant found everywhere. 

For protection, marjoram is quite powerful. Sprinkling the herb into corners or on window sills and at doorways, about the house or work place, will keep away bad luck and protect the inhabitants from harm or malicious intent. One should vacuum or sweep away each month at the new moon and replace with fresh.

Sicilians believed marjoram could banish sorrow. For grief, sadness or even mild depression, place some of the herb in a small pouch or square of cloth, add an apache tear and tie up. The buds of Balm of Gilead can be added to enhance the charm.

Around the home, add to food along with basil to ensure peaceful, happy energies for the family. It is especially useful for keeping love strong. Drink as a tea to gain love, happiness, healing, wealth and all good in general. Add to pot pourri with rose petals or tie up in a square of cloth and hang on the connubial couch to keep marital relations harmonious.

copyright 2011 E A Kaufman

Blessings nine!

Merry Midsummer!

Midsummer Magick

As the longest day of Summer fades into memory,

So comes that shortest and blessed night.

At the witching hour, as the bell chimes longest, we call,

Midsummer magick come alive!

We've spent the warm day in forest and meadow,

Gathered our John's Wort, vervain and rue,

Plucked trefoil and roses too, and seeds of fern.

Midsummer magick come alive!

Then we crush the seeds with herb and flower,

Blandan well wax from the bee and tallow fat.

Dancing, we chant the great charme of power,

Midsummer magick come alive!

Into the woods we once again travel,

A pinch of rue, not forgotten, in our pockets.

With magick fat we anoint our eyes, our legs and bellies.

Midsummer magick come  alive!

We languidly lay beneath the willow's branches,

  With a glimpse of dreams and instructing visions,

Until...

There before us, the Horde rides and sways,

Midsummer magick has come alive!

copyright E A Kaufman 2011

Blessings nine and Merry Midsummer!

Magickal Clary Sage

An herbalist friend, Cynthia Johnston of Moonmaid Botanicals, introduced me to this herb and its medicinal properties many years ago. Specializing in women's reproductive cycles and issues, she taught me that clary sage is very effective for women's issues - especially menopause, easing hot flashes, cramping, etc. A note of caution: pregnant women should avoid it as clary sage has other uses that may be harmful during the pregnancy.  

As a licensed esthetician, I use the essential oil in treatments for oily skin in my facial work, and also make an infusion, along with a few other herbs, into which I dip cotton pads and place over the eyes. Clary sage is purported to help eye/vision problems. The tea is also good for digestive upsets. A cloth dipped in a strong infusion or very warm water with a few drops of the essential oil, wrung out and placed over the tummy or sore muscles is very nice. Aromatically, it assists with emotional and psychological tension, easing anxiety and, according to some, helping with depression and high blood pressure. I like to use it in aromatherapy anxiety blends because of this and find it balances and restores so one can relax and release stress.

 I have never had the opportunity to sit and work with the live plant and connect with its spirit which is the best way to know a plant. However, I've had good results with the dried herb and the pure essential oil.

In magick, clary sage is highly protective. Having it growing around one's home is a very good thing for a number of reasons. At the Alchemy Works website, they include a note about this herb - "this plant concentrates heavy metals from the soil and can be planted to clear contaminated areas. It should then be disposed of rather than composted" - naturally, as in magickal workings, one would not want to save what was used to cleanse. What a gift to your land or any land, to grow this herb to assist in cleansing it of toxins. Go talk to your plants, get to know them and ask them to protect your land and home. You should do this with all your plants and trees, build a relationship with them - they will tell you what they can assist you with on an energetic level.  

For protection, hang bouquets of clary sage to dry around the house, place it in sachets with other herbs for protection, placing in appropriate places about the home or office. Carry a small pouch with clary sage and other protective herbs in your handbag and keep one in your car. For ritual work, it is a a potent ingredient when you want to cast a protective boundary. I generally add it to the warding blend I use for my home, placing it on window ledges and on top of door frames. 

In spells, clary sage is an excellent addition to and has long been used in love potions and as an aphrodisiac. In my personal work, I have seen this herb as best used by women who want to attract a man - I suppose, since it is very much a woman's herb. Not all may agree with this assessment, but that is what the herb has taught me. Even an herb, collected, dried and handled respectfully, will maintain its spirit and be able to communicate with you. 

Associated with both the moon and mercury, it has been my experience that it is very helpful in workings that include journey, trance, dream and visionary work, as well as divination. It can enhance psychic abilities. Sprinkle some of the dried herb around the table you lay your tarot cards, runes, bones or stones on. Crush a bit of the herb in your hands and inhale its fragrance. An infusion makes an excellent clearing and enhancing wash for scrying mirrors and  scrying stones. Burn as an incense or use the essential oil in a nebulizer and to anoint the third eye during any of these types of workings to enhance your abilities and the reading.  A drop or two on your pillow before bed can enhance any dreamwork and aid in the recall of those dreams, especially for divination purposes. It tends to make dreams very vivid when one is open to such work, so prepare yourself appropriately.

A note of caution, if you are going to use alcohol or other mood altering or narcotic substances during these workings - or in general - ingesting clary sage along with those substances may cause a stronger reaction. Use common sense and caution.

Sources

Personal experience

Cynthia Johnston - moonmaidbotanicals.com

Natural Magic - John Michael Greer

Alchemy-works.com

Master Book of Herbalism - Paul Beyerl

copyright E A Kaufman 2011

The above post is offered for informational purposes only and is in no way a recommendation to consume or use the herb in any manner, nor is it a guarantee for the spells, lore or other information mentioned.

A Spell For the Home

A Spell For Protecting Your Home

This is a sort of an ongoing spell that you continue adding the ingredients to. It brings protection for your home and family. Keep it where it can be seen. If you use a decorative jar it will look pretty in a window or on a shelf.

Gather:

a glass jar with a lid - a canning jar, decorative jar or old jar from food is fine.

snips of thread from each family member's clothing

if you have pets, add a bit of their fur or feathers

a bit of dried rosemary, rue and cinnamon

Wash and dry the jar and lid. Smudge with sage or your favorite incense. Add the bits of threads from your family's clothing while asking the Goddesses and the spirits of your home for protection, good health and happiness for them and yourself. Keep the jar where it can be seen. Whenever you sew a button or repair a seam, embroider, etc. add the left over bits of thread to the jar. When sewing needles wear out, add those as well. Every so often add a very small pinch of the herbs and ask again for blessings and protection.

Blessings nine!

(adapted from my book Enchanted, Poems, Spells & Other Enchantments, available for $12.00 + $2.50 postage) 

copyright E A Kaufman 1996-2010

***

Garlic & Basil, Not Just For Tomato Sauce!

(National Garden Bureau)

With discussing and eating tomatoes lately and a needed post on my yahoo group, The Witch's Cottage, for Favorite Herb Wednesday, I decided to look at the herbs I use with tomatoes. 

Basil and garlic are both extraordinary protection herbs, and when used together they provide powerful protection from a variety of problems. Historically, it is purported that witches in Serbia carried sprigs of basil and garlic cloves so that they could protect themselves while invoking spirits if something went wrong. Garlic has a long history of use as a protective plant. Known to ward off witchcraft and vampires, it also was and is an ingredient in most Four Thieves Vinegar recipes. As for its use in warding off witchcraft, witches have used it for centuries in their magick to protect themselves and others. 

Basil can be used in the magickal circle to asperge  blessed water for protection, but also to open the circle and extinguish the fire in cauldron or fire pit. It may be used brewed into the holy water to enhance it. Also know as a family protection herb, it keeps the family happy, bringing prosperity and driving away bad energy or spirits. Basil can also be used as a protection aid when applied to the body. For an all-purpose basil water, steep the dried herb, a tablespoon to 2 cups of water, for 27 minutes, strain and use to mist over the body and around the house, especially at the doors and windows. An especially effective protection ritual, recommended by Catherine Yronwode of Lucky Mojo.com, can be used for problem situations. She recommends that one boil basil in water, then strain. Dip a WHITE handkerchief into the water and wipe down the body, from head to toes. Do this for nine mornings. On the last day, throw any remaining water out the front door and enemies will not be able to harm you. Dried basil can also be sprinkled on the floors of one's home and swept out the door to remove negative or harmful energies.

 Garlic is known for protective energies and health benefits. It is a fine antibacterial and anti-inflamatory, purported to reduce blood pressure, lipid levels and fight infections. Naturally, it would be included in magickal workings for all manner of ills and problems.

Place a head of garlic next to a sick person, make appropriate invocations and prayers, it will absorb the illness; take the garlic and dispose of it in a body of water or bury near a tree. 

Radomir Ristic, in his book, Balkan Traditional Witchcraft, shares this amulet: tie a stalk of basil with a lock of hair from the person the amulet is being made for, with red or white yarn. Enchant in the usual manner. It will function as a general charm for protection, happiness, good health and prosperity.

Hang a braid of garlic in your kitchen for protection, using it for cooking and replacing when needed. A clove of garlic can be placed at windows and hung over doors to protect the home.

I use a charm which is kept in a stoneware bowl near our front door: salt, basil, three cloves of garlic, dried pasta, rice, barley or flour, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a clear quartz crystal to amplify the protective energies. Say a blessing over it at each new moon, asking the spirits of your home and your matron goddess to watch over and protect your family and dwelling. I usually dispose of this every three months and make a new batch. 

A clove of garlic, with a pinch of basil and salt, can be carried in a small red bag to repel the general negative energies one encounters in daily life outside the home. It can be hung in the car or at the office as well.

Garlic and basil enhance happiness and when added to tomatoes, also know as love apples,  it can, with proper intention, increase loving energies in the home or be used as an addition to love spells and fed to one's intended. The addition of oregano, which brings joy, and a spoonful of sugar will really sweeten the power of your sauce when used as a charm! So while they are not just for sauce, they certainly add a certain something to it!

Blessings nine!