Iron Invigoration Spell

Gather several small items made of iron and place them around you in a circle. Sit in the middle of the circle on a red cloth. Light a red candle and use this as a focal point. Clear your mind, watch the flame, and say:

"Iron strong encircles me, Flame of red strong it be. Exhaustion fade by light
of Sun, I awake renewed! My will be done!"

Gather the items in the cloth and blow out the candle. Wrap the items and seal the bundle with red wax. Place the bundle beneath your bed and the candle on your altar. Drink a glass of red wine or eat some iron-rich food before going to bed. You will awake invigorated and ready for your day.

By: Nancy Bennett
© 2002 Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd._http://www.llewellyn.com_/ (http://www.llewellyn.com/)

Samhain House Blessing Potpourri

You should make this about 6 weeks before Samhain.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Rose and other dried flowers of your choice ( love )
• 1 cup Lemon Verbena ( purification & joy )
• 1 cup Lavender ( protection & love )
• 1 Tbs Rosemary ( protection & love )
• 1 Tbs Basil ( protection & love )
• 1 Tbs Marjoram ( protection & love )
• 2 Tbs Cloves ( protection )
• 2 Tbs Cinnamon ( protection, love & psychic powers )
• 2 Tbs Nutmeg ( health )
• 1 Vanilla bean, crushed ( love )
• 1 Tbs grated Orange rind ( love )
• 1 Tbs grated Lemon rind ( protection )
• 2 Tbs Orris root ( preservative & psychic correspondence )
• 6 drops Lavender oil

Place first ingredient in bowl. Hold your hands over the dish and begin humming the words 'love' and 'protection. ' Repeat until your hands grow warm. Add each ingredient in the same way, mixing lightly while chanting/humming. Add Lavender oil last. Seal mix in a jar and store in a warm dry place. Shake jar each day, humming 'love' and 'protection. '

This mix needs 6 weeks to cure. The night of your Samhain party carry open jar around house while humming 'love' and 'protection. ' Ring bell in every room to clear out remaining negativity. Leave mix in room with the most traffic.

by Silver RavenWolf

Picture found at: http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/03/l_potpourri.jpg

Protection of Isis Spell

August 12 is the birthday of the goddess Isis. Isis rules many aspects of life and the universe, such as magic and protection. Honor Isis and ask for her protection. To do this You will need an image of Isis, two white candles with holders, two garnets, and musk incense. Place the images of Isis on your altar. Put the candles near the center of the altar, one on each side, with the incense between them. Place one garnet before each candle. Light the candles and incense. While holding the crystals, petition Isis for her protection:

Isis, I call to you. Lend your energy for this spell.
Your protection is what I desire. Hear my prayer sent up by fire. Bless these
stones offered as tokens of your protection.

Place the garnets back on the altar. Keep one stone with you at all times. Keep the other on your altar, kitchen, or by the front door.

By: Olivia O'Meir© 2002 Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd._http://www.llewellyn.com_/ (http://www.llewellyn.com/)

Picture found at: http://www.qabbalah.de/images/altar_isis.jpg

All-Natural Herbal Wipes

1 roll Bounty paper towels, cut in half. Use a serrated, sharp knife. Remove cardboard tube. Put in a 2-quart Rubbermaid container with a screw-on top.

• 16 oz. bottle witch hazel Add:
• 1 Tbs Tea Tree Essential Oil
• 1 tsp. Lavender Essential Oil
• 12 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil

Shake well.

Add to 4 cups distilled water and mix well. Pour half over each ½ roll of Bounty towels in jar. Put lid on jar, and turn jar upside down and on its side to moisten all towel segments.

**Note: each recipe makes 2 containers

from the archives of The Witch's Garden

Picture found at: http://imagescommerce.bcentral.com/merchantfiles/4873862/bridal%20party%20gifts,%20wedding%20party%20gifts,%20mother%20jar%20candle,%20attendants%20gifts,%20keepsake%20gifts,%20womans%20gifts,%20womens%20gifts,%2033.jpg

Celebrate Your Divinity Spell

Put yourself at center stage and glory in your own divine nature today.

The expression says 'As above, so below.' Recognize then that you are divine. Claim it and celebrate it. Prepare a simple altar with photographs of yourself. Place mementos and awards on the altar as well. In the center, place a large candle, preferably gold, and a mirror. Dress in your most celebratory costume. Light the candle, saying:

"I am a star of the galaxy, golden and divine. I am beautiful and glorious,
wise, wonderful, and talented."

Hold the mirror to your face, saying:

"I am the divine expression of the universe.
I give thanks for my divinity."

Call up someone, and tell him or her how special both of you are.

By: Luci Sophia Zain© 2002 Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd._http://www.llewellyn.com_/ (http://www.llewellyn.com/)

Picture found at: http://www.sybelestar.com/art/sybele.jpg

Chant for Locating Lost Items

This chant works wonders for locating misplaced and lost items ( such as car keys or eye glasses ), especially when you are in a hurry and don't have a minute to spare.

"Keeper of what disappears,
Hear me now, open your ears.
Find for me what I know seek
By Moon, Sun, Wind, Fire, Earth and Sea."

from Modern Magick for Busy Folks: A Grimoire by Dorothy Morrison

Corn Husk Doll

Items you will need:

• corn husks
• string
• scissors
• paper towels
• a bucket or pan
• cloth if you wish or you could use fabric and paint

Instructions:

Soak the corn husks until soft. This may take up to an hour. Drain them on paper towels. Keep the husks damp with a cloth while working with them. Put 6 corn husks together and tie a string around the middle for a waist. Tie another piece of string about 2" inches below the first for the body. Fold the ends of the husks down from the top and hold them down by tying them in place with another string placed on top of the first string that you tied in the middle. Put two husks together and tie them near the ends for the arms and hands. Roll and slip the arms through the opening in the top of the body by wrapping string around them at the neck.I

f you want a girl corn husk doll, keep the bottom of the dress as it is.

To make the boy doll, divide or cut the husks below the waist. Roll into trouser legs and tie with string at the bottom of each foot. Paint your doll's face or if you wish use fabric and sew or glue clothes on your figure. Add hair by gluing on paper strips or fabric.

from the archives of The Witch's Garden @->-----

Picture found at: http://www.1771.org/images/col_day/dollies.jpg

Threshold Protection Spell

The noble herbs goldenrod and yarrow should be combined to protect your entryway from negativity. Gather three sprigs of goldenrod andyarrow. Hang them together and let them dry. This should take just afew days, as they dry quickly. Then obtain a small grapevine wreath from a craft store. Insert the stems of your herbs around the wreath.Fill the spaces with other herbs such as dried lady's mantle and thyme. These will create loving vibrations. Pass your power hand above the wreath three times, and charge it with these words:

Herbs of Venus,
Herbs of love,
Protect this threshold
And those who live here.

Hang the wreath on your porch or other protected area, where it will remind you of summer.

By: James Kambos

Picture found at: http://www.floralheights.com/graphics/citruscircle.JPG

Ritual for a Grateful Heart

Adapted from Witch in the Kitchen
by Cait Johnson
Inner Traditions, 2001

This little ritual is a way back to gratitude for what we have, a sweet and simple way to a more peaceful, satisfied heart. And we do mean sweet: it calls for only one ingredient and thats honey! Find out how the golden sweetness of honey can help you focus your attention on gratitude:

Find some time and a comfortable place where you can be quiet and alone. Bring a small jar of honey with you. Sit quietly for a few moments, thinking about one thing in your life that gives you real pleasure. This could be something big -- a lover, friend, companion animal, creative work; or it might be something little -- the beautiful color you painted your bedroom wall, the taste of the soup you had for lunch, the socks with snowflakes on them that you're wearing today, the scent of evergreens in the pitcher on the table beside you. Think or say,

I am grateful for this.

Uncap the honey jar and inhale the rich, sweet fragrance. What an abundance of flowers and bees made this amazing substance! Dip one finger in the honey and place it on your heart-center, in the middle of your chest, while still thinking of the thing that inspired your gratitude. Imagine your heart glowing with golden light, the sweet light of sun and pollen and nectar and bees. Think or say,

The sweetness in my heart shines for the world.

Know that this sweet golden light will attract more gratitude throughout the day. Every time you become aware of the honeys warm stickiness over your heart, give thanks for the pleasure in your life. You may want to repeat this ritual every day for several days, focusing each time on a different source of deep satisfaction. You may be moved to make a bee out of paper (or beeswax) to put on your holiday tree as a reminder of the sweetness of a grateful heart.

Picture found at: http://bees.ucr.edu/images/bee.jpg

Spell for Peace

On this day in 1945, the United States dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. 75,000 people were killed in the blast and tens of thousands died subsequently from radiation poisoning and cancers.

Now, instead of building a case for war let us join together and build a case for peace.

One way to contribute to the peace movement would be to cast this spell today.

On a small American flag, place an almond, a rose quartz heart, and an amethyst. Visualize your family living in harmony, then extend the ring of harmony out to all your relatives. They might not think as you do, but fundamentally they want the same things as you. Extend this ring out further to encompass your city, then your state, your country, your hemisphere, and finally the planet. All of us, around the world, wish to be safe and loved and respected.

Tie the flag with blue and white cords, saying:

"By knot of one, this spells begun.
By knot of two, it cometh true.
By knot of three, so shall it be.
By knot of four, the open door.
By knot of five, the spells alive.
By knot of six, the spell is fixed.
By knot of seven, the stars in heaven.
By knot of eight, the hand of fate.
By knot of nine, the spell is mine."

By: Lily Gardner-Butts

© 2002 Llewellyn WorldwideLtd._http://www.llewellyn.com_/ (http://www.llewellyn.com/)

Picture found at: http://nomadlife.org/uploaded_images/peace-sign-713031.jpg

Prosperity Bath

You need:

• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• Chammomile
• Cinammon

Pour the sea salt into the water. While it pours say:

'The spirit of the earth flows with abundance, abundance for me!'

Concentrate on abundance and immerse yourself in the water. Wet the bag with the herbs and strain the fluid over yourself - blessed prosperity comes to me free!

Upon leaving the bath/shower say:

'As I will, so mote it be.'

~ Author Unknown ~

NAMES OF THE MOONS

January = Wolf Moon
February = Storm Moon
March = Chaste Moon
April = Seed Moon
May = Hare Moon
June = Dyad Moon
July = Mead Moon
August = Wyrt Moon (green plant)
September = Barley Moon
October = Blood Moon
November = Snow Moon
December = Oak Moon

FULL MOON:
14 days after the new moon
12:00 midnight
The strongest psychic energies, used for any magick spells.

Goddess Aspect: Mother

• Luna Lusca
• Lupa Lurida
• LanaLivida
• Lac Lapidia
• Non Latro
• Sed Lateo

DISSEMINATING MOON

(3 to 7 days after the full moon)

Time of Souls3:00 am

Conjuring:

• addictions,
• decisions,
• divorce,
• emotions,
• stress, protection

DARK MOON

(from 11 to 14 days after the full moon)

10:00 am

Conjuring:

• addictions,
• change,
• divorce, e
• nemies,
• justice,
• obstacles,
• quarrels,
• removal,
• separation,
• stopping stalkers and theft

The Black Moon

A Black Moon occurs when there are two dark cycles of the moon in any given calendar month. It is believed that the second dark moon of a time of great power within the spiritual world and any magick worked during this time is especially powerful.

WANING:

7 to 10 days after the full moon

12:00 am -12:00 pm

When it moves from Full Moon to New Moon.

The psychic vibrations are still there just lower and has the effect of "pulling away" on things. The best time for getting rid of anything in your life.

• Destructive magick,
• banish negativity,
• separation

Goddess Aspect: Crone

• Banishing/Negative Magick

NEW MOON(Black Moon):

from the day of the New Moon to 3 1/2 days after a time for rest and to get ready for the next fullmoon .

• Diana
• Luna
• Lucina
• Lumen
• Lumen
• Lumen

WAXING:7 to 10 days after the new moon sunset

Conjuring:

• courage,
• elemental magick, f
• riends,
• luck,
• motivation

When it moves from New Moon to the Full Moon. The Moon has a "pulling in " effect. Good for love, increasing wealth and health and all things positive.

Goddess Aspect: Maiden

• Positive Magick

The Blue Moon

A Blue Moon occurs when the moon with its 28 day cycle appears twice within the same calendar month, due to that month's 31 day duration. Many consider the Blue Moon to be a goal moon where you set specific goals for yourself.

Lightning Spell

When a thunderstorm is raging, fix your mind on what you truly and sincerely wish for and watch the lightning each time it flares.

Concentrate more and more intensely—with a chant if you can—then just as a particularly brilliant or close lightning bolt splits the sky, send your wish forth!

~ Ed Fitch

Slumber Healing Spell

by Karen Follett

Before sleep tonight, call to the ancient healers, spirit guides, and angels. Ask to be enveloped in a ray of healing energy. Visualize this ray surrounding you in the color of its choice. Focus on your body, beginning with your feet and ending with your head. Allow each part of your body to relax and yield to this healing ray. Request that the ray remain with you during the night while you drift off to sleep. In the morning, prepare a a glass of healing water by placing in your hands in a triangle, with thumbs and forefingers touching, over the glass.Visualize healing rays entering the glass, and afterward drink the entire glass of water. Create and consume a glass of healing water at least eight times per day.

HERBAL CLEANING VINEGER

Experiment with the herbs listed until you come up with your favorite blend!

You'll need a large jar that has been cleaned and has a lid. (I find plastic lids work best). If they have metal on, place a double layer of plastic wrap over the jar opening before putting on the lid. The vinegar corrodes it a little bit as it "brews". If you have an old gallon sun tea jar you can make a lot of this at once!

Fill the jar with the leaves, stems or flowers of one or more of the following herbs:

• sage
• mint
• rosemary
• lavender
• wormwood

Pour white or cider vinegar over the herbs to fill the jar. Cover and place on the lid. Put in a cupboard or somewhere else out of the way and steep it for 6 weeks. Strain when finished.

You can then use it in recipes that call for vinegar to clean. Such as this one:

Sink and Tub Cleaner

You'll need:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/8 cup herb vinegar

Mix together in a pail or bowl. Scrub your sinks for about 5 minutes (or the tub), rinse off with warm water. Wipe dry with a soft rag.

Floor Cleaner

You'll need:

• 1/2 cup herb vinegar
• 1 gallon of water

Mix in a pail and mop as usual.

Glass Cleaner

You'll need:

• 1 quart water
• 1/2 cup herb vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or 5 drops lemon essential oil

Mix in a spray bottle and use on windows.

Linoleum Cleaner

You'll need:

• 1 cup herb vinegar
• 2 gallons water

Mix in a pail and mop as usual.

To clean hair brushes and combs:

Mix 2 tablespoons borax with a quart of the herb vinegar and mix well. Soak, clean and rinse brushes and combs. You can also use on china and crystal.

Carnelian Passion Stone Spell

by Stephanie Rose Bird

July is one of the hottest months of the year. Fittingly, the spiritual stone of the month is the gorgeous red carnelian. Carnelian has many significant qualities, let's engage the sensual, sexual aspects. Carnelian gives confidence, and obliterates self-doubt and negative thoughts that deter romance. Carnelian is a stimulating, energizing stone that attracts love. Go to a bead shop or gem store, and pick out a piece of carnelian. Take it home and charge it. Soak the stone in salt water for three days outdoors so that it can be purified by the Sun, and absorb the power of the Moon at night. Hold it in your hands to see if it is charged. If it is not, repeat the process until the stone feels right. Keep carnelian in a mojo bag, and carry it on your person when you need it.

Copyright © 2002 Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd.
http://www.llewellyn.com/

Fruit Mask for Glowing Skin

by Cait Johnson, author of Witch in the Kitchen Inner Traditions, 2001

If your complexion could use a little radiant glow, this formula is for you.

Just reach into your fruit bowl or fridge and whip up this easy, luscious-tasting mask for younger-looking, more vibrant skin.

Alpha-hydroxy fruit acids help slough off dead skin cells to reveal the fresh new skin underneath, while honey is a moisturizing humectant prized by wise beauties for centuries. Together, they make a traditional recipe for a vibrant and glowing complexion.

Get the formula here:

Ingredients

• Honey, as needed (about 1/8 cup)
• 1/4 apple
• 1/4 orange, peeled
• 6 grapes
• 3 strawberries

Whiz fruits (but not honey) in your blender or food processor until smooth.

Wash face and pat dry. Immediately apply a thin layer of honey, then smooth the fruit mixture evenly over the honey.

Allow mask to remain in place for at least 15 minutes, then wash off with warm water and gently pat dry.

Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

Moon Magick

This is a list of the different moon phases and what they mean in terms of spell casting. Use this list to determine if you are working at the right time. This does have a big effect on the out come of your spell .

New Moon Magick - Now is the time to give thanks for workings, both long term and short term, that have been successful. Banishments at the full and waning moons have most likely manifested by now.

Offerings of milk, or water laced with fertilizer for the plants outside is appropriate. If the season is asleep, then set out food for the small animals.

Conjuring: New mon working can be done from the day of the new moon to 3 1/2 days after. Naturally, the closer you are to the new moon, the better your chances of success.

Your work should manifest by the full moon or the next new moon. If it does not, repeat the working.

Things to work for include:

• Beauty,
• health, and self improvement
• Farms and gardens
• Job hunting
• Love and romance
• Networking

Crescent Moon Magick - You should be gathering information, ideas and lay a foundation for the project you have set into motion through magick. Use small rituals and magickal techniques to help your mundane work along.

Conjuring: This phase lasts from 3 1/2 days after the new moon through the seventh day.

You can do some minor magicks each day to enhance your goals and projects. This is definately a time for the Goddess and Her female archetypes as the crescent energy is strong.

Work for:

• Animals
• Change
• Business
• Emotions
• Matriarchal strength

First Quarter Magick - Now is the time to put on a little extra steam, buck up a fewthings that are sagging, and push forward toward manifestation. Do a small ritual to continue success or bring it on a little faster. If extra magickal guns are needed, now is the time to use them.

Conjuring: Moon is from 7 to 10 1/2 days after the new moon. Check the planetary hours for spellworking or additional ritual performance.

Work for:

• Courage
• Elemental magick
• Friends
• Luck
• Motivation

Gibbous Moon Magick - Time to catch loose ends or make any changes necessary. If the working appears to have stalled, don't panic. Often a gestation period is needed where no change is immediately visable. You may wish to relax a bit and begin planning any working you choose to do with full moon energy.

Conjuring: The moon is 10 1/2 to 14 days after the new moon.

Work for:

• Patience

Full Moon Magick - All rituals of balance in life or a situation are done at this time.

Full moon magick is like a white candle - all purpose. If you follow lunar phases for most of your magick, you know that prophecy and protection are biggies here.

Short term projects may have concluded now and it is time to give thanks for the blessings that have come your way.

The full moon is also a time of legends, reading them, studying them and making your own.

Any working that needs a major punch, such as divorces, helping finding a satisfactory job, healings for major conditions, can all be done now with excellent chances of success.

Conjuring: The moon is from 14 to 17 1/2 days after the new moon.

Work for:

• Artistic endeavors
• Beauty, health and fitness
• Change and decisions
• Children
• Competition
• Dreams
• Families
• Health and healing
• Knowledge
• Legal undertakings
• Love and romance
• Money
• Motivation
• Protection
• Psychism
• Self-improvement

Disseminating Moon Magick - Banishing work starts now. If you want to get rid of a bad habit, banish illness or negativity, this is the time to begin. A good time to take things apart, whether is is old modes of thought or that radio you wanted to fix six months ago.

Conjuring: The moon is 3 1/2 to 7 days after the full moon.

Workings should include:

• Addictions
• Decisions
• Divorce
• Emotions
• Stress
• Protection

Last Quarter (waning moon) Magick - Release of any negativity around us, continued banishing work or minor magicks to support a banishing ritual begun during the disseminating moon. Continued banishings in the realm of healing.

Conjuring: The moon is 7 to 10 1/2 days after the full moon.

Work involves:

• Addictions
• Divorce
• Health and healing (banishing disease)
• Stress
• Protection

Dark Moon Magick - Most famously known, of course, for cursing, chaos magick, and bringing justice to bear. It is also a time to move within self, to explore our darkest recesses and understand our angers and passions, steering them to work for us in a positive way. Dealing with attackers is best begun during the dark moon.

Conjuring: Moon is 10 1/2 to 14 days after the full moon.

Workings include:

• Addictions
• Change
• Divorce
• Enemies
• Justice
• Obstacles
• Removals
• Seperation
• Stopping stalkers and theft

Source: To Stir a Magick Cauldron by Silver Ravenwolf.

Attributes of Stones

• Beauty - Amber, Cat's-eye, Jasper, Opal
• Business Success - Bloodstone, Malachete, Green Tourmaline, Yellow Zircon
• Courage - Agate, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Bloodstone, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Tiger's-eye, Turquoise
• Dieting - Moonstone, Topaz
• Divination - Azurite, Jet, Moonstone, Obsidian, Tiger's-eye
• Dreams - Amethyst, Azurite, Flourite Eloquence Carnelian, Celestite, Sardonyx
• Friendship - Chysoprase, Pink Tourmaline, Turquoise
• Gardening - Agate, Jade, Malachite, Brown Zircon
• God - Citrine, Malachite, Sunstone
• Goddess - Moonstone, Chrysocolla
• Grounding - Hematite, Moonstone, Obsidian, Salt, Black Tourmaline
• Happiness - Amethyst, Yellow Zircon
• Healing - Agate, Amber, Amethyst, Bloodstone, Cat's-eye, Coral, Diamond, Garnet, Jade, Jasper, Jet, Lapis Lazuli, Topaz, Turquoise, Red Zircon
• Longevity - Agate, Fossils, Jade, Petrified Wood
• Love - Agate, Amber, Amethyst, Beryl, Emerald, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Moonstone,Olivine, Pearl, Sapphire, Topaz, Turquoise
• Luck - Amber, Apache Tear, Aventurine, Cross Stone, Jet, Olivine, Opal, Pearl, Sardonyx,Tiger's-eye, Turquoise
• Magickal Power - Bloodstone, Quartz Crystal, Malachite, Opal, Ruby Meditation Geodes, Sapphires, Sodalite
• Mental Powers - Aventurine, Emerald, Fluorite, Zircon Money,
• Wealth, Prosperity - Aventurine, Bloodstone, Calcite, Cat's-eye, Coal, Emerald, Jade, Mother-of-Pearl, Opal, Pearl, Peridot, Ruby, Salt, Sapphire, Tiger's-eye, Topaz, Green Tourmaline, Brown, Green or Red Zircon
• Peace - Amethyst, Aquamarine, Aventurine, Carnelian, Coral, Diamond, Lepidolite, Malachite, Obsidian, Sapphire, Sardonyx, Blue Tourmaline
• Physical Energy - Beryl, Selenite, Sunstone, Tiger's-eye, Red Tourmaline, Red Zircon
• Physical Strength - Agate, Amber, Beryl, Bloodstone, Diamond, Garnet
• Protection - Agate, Amber, Apache Tear, Calcite, Cat's-eye, Citrine, Coral, Quartz Crystal, Diamond, Emerald, Flint, Fossils, Garnet, Jade, Jasper, Jet, Lapis Lazuli, Lava, Malachite, Marble, Moonstone, Mother-of-Pearl, Obsidian, Onyx, Pearl, Peridot, Petrified Wood, Ruby, Salt, Sardonyx, Sunstone, Tiger's-eye, Topaz, Black Tourmaline, Red Tourmaline, Turquoise, Clear Zircon, Red Zircon
• Purification - Aquamarine, Salt
• Sexual Energy - Carnelian, Sunstone, Yellow Zircon
• Sleep - Moonstone, Peridot, Blue Tourmaline
• Spirituality - Calcite, Diamond, Sugilite
• Success - Amazonite, Chrysoprase, Marble
• Travel - Chalcedony, Orange Zircon
• Wisdom - Coral, Jade, Sodalite, Sugilite

To Be a Witch

To be a witch is to love and be loved.

To be a witch is to know everything, and nothing at all.

To be a witch is to move amongst the stars while staying on earth.

To be a witch is to change the world around you, and yourself.

To be a witch is to share and give, while receiving all the while.

To be a witch is to dance and sing, and hold hands with the universe.

To be a witch is to honor the gods, and yourself.

To be a witch is to Be Magick, not just perform it.

To be a witch is to be honorable, or nothing at all.

To be a witch is to accept others who are not.

To be a witch is to know what you feel is right and good.

To be a witch is to harm none.

To be a witch is to know the ways of old.

To be a witch is to see beyond the barriers.

To be a witch is to follow the moon.

To be a witch is to be one with the gods.

To be a witch is to study and to learn.

To be a witch is to be the teacher and the student.

To be a witch is to acknowledge the truth.

To be a witch is to live With the earth, not just on it.

To be a witch is to be truly free!

*author unknown*

Another Dream Pillow

Making dream pillows for specific purposes is an excellent way to make your subconscious mind work with you on problem-solving, prophecy, etc. Dream pillows will also help when you are troubled by nightmares.

Traditionally, certain herbs and oils are used for specific purposes. The following lists of herbs and oils will help you decide which you want in your personal dream pillow.

DO NOT ingest herbs and oils!

OILS

• BERGAMOT: (not the mint kind!) soothes the nerves, gives relaxing sleep.
• HYACINTH: stops nightmares.
• JASMINE: helps increase psychic dreams, lifts depression, quiets the nerves; is calming.
• LAVENDER: relaxing deep sleep.
• LILAC: recalling past lives.
• MIMOSA: prophetic dreams; getting to the truth; making decisions.

HERBS

• ANGELICA : prophetic dreams and visions.
• ANISE: use just a little to repel nightmares.
• BAY LAUREL: inspiration; repels negativity.
• CEDAR: helps to repel bad dreams.
• CLOVES: use just a tiny amount because of the strong odor. Retrieving buried memories.
• HOPS: restful sleep and healing.
• MARJORAM: relieves depression.
• MUGWORT: visions and prophetic dreams.
• MULLEIN: repels bad dreams.
• ROSEMARY: use just a little as it is very strongly scented. Avoid nightmares and headaches.
• ST. JOHNS WORT: banishes spirits.
• VALERIAN: deep rest. Some cats love this herb as much as catnip so keep it out of their reach!

The supplies you will need to create a dream pillow are:

• a piece of plain or muslin cloth;
• a piece of fancy cloth or of a material you can decorate;
• your choice of herbs and oils;
• an eye-dropper;
• wooden or glass bowl;
• wooden spoon.

It is never good to mix herbs and oils with or in anything metal!

Before beginning the dream pillow, decide what you will be using it for: to repel bad dreams, strengthen your prophetic abilities, rest and healing, etc. Choose your herbs and oils according to the pillow's use.

To make a dream pillow, cut out two pieces of muslin or plain cloth to hold the herbs. These pieces of muslin should each be 12" by 8". With the wrong sides of the material (if there are any) together, stitch down the 8 inch side to the depth of 3/4"; stitch the same depth across one 12" end and across the other 8" side. Three sides of the fabric should be sew. Turn this little bag inside out so the seams are now on the inside. This is the "inner pillow" in which you will put your herbal mixture.

Using fancier material, or a cloth you can paint or embroider, cut two more pieces of material 12 inches by 8 inches. Stitch them the same as the "inner pillow" except sew only to a depth of 3/8 inch. As with the inner pillow, turn it so the seams are on the inside. If you wish embroider it in any design or decorate it with fabric paints. If you plan to make this cover removable for washing, turn down a small hem on the open end and attach small Velcro disks or snaps to keep it closed.

In a large wooden or glass bowl, mix together the herbs you have chosen with a wooden spoon. This is done gently, rather like tossing a salad. With the eye-dropper, add the chosen oils to the herbs. Use no more than a total of 5-6 drops at a time until you reach a strength to your taste.

• Remember, what smells nice standing over the bowl may well be too strong when you sleep on the pillow, so use restraint.

Fill your "inner pillow" with the herbal mixture. Don't pack it full or it will be uncomfortable to sleep on. Leave it a little flat. Turn in a little of the open end so the raw edges are inside, then sew this end shut. Slide this inside your decorated cover, attach the fasteners, and you are ready for sweet dreams.

http://www.witchs-brew.org/dreams/pillows.html

A Witch's Bottle

Gather rosemary, needles, pins and red wine.

Fill a small jar with these three ingredients, saying the following as you work.

Pins, needles, rosemary, wine In this Witch's bottle of mine; Guard against harm and enmity; This is my will, so mote it be!

Visualize these herbs doing just that. When the jar is full, pour in the red wine. Then cap the jar and drip wax from a red or black candle around the seal.

Bury the jar at the farthest corner of your property or place it in an inconspicuous spot in the house.

The Witch's bottle destroys negativity and evil:

The pins and needles impale evil, the wine drowns it, and the rosemary sends it far from your property.

From: The Magical Household

A Ritual for Home Cleansing and Healing

By OakWyse

Even the most peaceful of home sanctuaries receives the negative energies brought back to it by family members who encounter conflict in the world. To maintain the home as a safe haven of peace and health, it may be necessary from time to time to do a cleansing and healing ritual.

Preparation

A time should be chosen when all family members would be home and be able toparticipate. A celebrant known to the family may be asked to preside, or the family may lead the ritual on their own.

On an altar prepared in a central location, place three white candles signifying the blessing of the divine, as you understand it to be. As an alternative, colors may be used for specific qualities you wish to instill with the rite:

• green for healing,
• pink for love,
• brown for grounding, etc.

Include a white sage smudge stick (or other available incense) for Air and Fire, and a bowl of salt water for Earth and Water.

Finally, a plate of bread, and a cup of wine. Add other items to the altar as you wish.

For example,

• pictures of family ancestors will add a depth of history to the rite.
• If it is night, turn lights on in each room of the house.
• Modify these preparations as is meaningful for you.

Invocation

All standing before the altar, a female elder of the family lights the candles, with a prayer for light and an invocation of the family's Deity, such as:

We light these candles in honor of the Goddess, our Mother. As they bring light to our home, may she enlighten our lives.We honor the spirits of _____________ (this place),

Our Ancestors who dwell in our hearts, And the Earth Spirits who
surround us.

May they all bless this rite of cleansing and healing for our home.

Another elder says:

Let us give peace to the four Quarters for the blessing of our work. With the blessing of the Hawk of Dawn and the element of Air, We call upon the Powers of the East.

All:

May there be Peace to the East.

Elder:

With the blessing of the Virile Stag and the element of Fire,We call upon the Powers of the South

All:

May there be Peace to the South.

Elder:

With the blessing of the Salmon of Wisdom and the element of Water,We call upon the Powers of the West.

All:

May there be Peace to the West.

Elder:

With the blessing of the Great Bear and the element of Earth,We call upon the Powers of the North.

All:

May there be Peace to the North.

Elder:

May there be peace in all the Earth.

All: May our harmony be complete.

• Note: Because this rite takes place throughout the home, a circle is not cast here. The ntent of the calling of the quarters is to encompass the entire home in sacred space.

Elder:

Let us join together in the Gorsedd Prayer.

All:

Grant, O (God, Goddess, Spirit) thy protection,And in protection, strength, And in strength, understanding, and in understanding, knowledge,And in knowledge, the knowledge of justice,And in the knowledge of justice the love of it, And in the love of justice, the love of all existences,And in the love of all existences, The love of (God, Goddess, Spirit) and of all goodness. Awen. Awen. Awen.

A female elder blesses the salt water, saying:

May these elements of Water and Earth be blessed, For the cleansing of our home.

Another elder lights and blesses the sage, saying,

May these elements of Air and Fire be blessed, For the cleansing of our home.

Cleansing

The bearers of the water and the sage lead a procession around the home. Begin at the highest place, and descend to the lowest. Finish at the front door before returning to the altar.

In each room, the blessing bearers say:

With the power of Earth and Water May this space be cleansed and blessed.

(sprinkle water around)

With the Fire and Air May this space be blessed.

(wave burning sage around)

When reaching the front door, open the door and stand outside on the steps.

An elder says:

We offer all that has been harmful in our homeTo the care of the Goddess (or other)That it may return to the elementsTo be cleansed and made whole.

All:

So may it be.

Scatter the water and sage in the soil of the yard/garden, and return to the altar.

• Note: If it is felt the front of the house is too public, a back door certainly may be used.

Grounding

All will gather again around the altar.An elder lifts the plate of bread, saying:

Blessed are you, (__________), For you give us bread to sustain our lives.

Another elder lifts the cup of wine, saying:

Blessed are you (__________), For you give us wine to make our hearts glad.

Pass the bread and wine to each other, with words such as:

Grain becomes bread, may your body be blessed.Grapes become wine, may your spirit be blessed.

All share the symbolic meal together.

• Note: Other food may certainly be used, such as mead or ale in place of wine (or a beverage without alcohol), cakes in place of bread.

Closing

An elder leads the family in a pledge of unity, such as,

We swear by peace and love to stand, Heart to heart and hand in hand.Mark, o Spirit, hear us now, Confirming this, our sacred vow.

Another person thanks the Powers of the four Quarters:

Thanks be to the North (then West, South, East)

The person who lit the candles extinguishes them, saying:

Now is the hour of recall.As the light on our altar is extinguished, May it live on in our home and hearts.

All:

As it is, so may it be.

It is especially appropriate to follow this rite with a family meal. The rite may be adapted for families who follow any faith tradition.

Weight Loss Bath

What You'll Need:

• * Grapefruit oil
• * Lemon oil
• * Sage oil
• * Basil oil

Instructions: While your bath water is running, add 5drops of each oil to the water. Make sure to run it nice and deep. Get in and soak for a bit. Once you're all mellow. Give yourself a light massage, and as you rub each part of your body, envision the size and shape that you'd like for that part. Lie back in the water again, and visualize all the things keeping you from losing weight floating from you into the water.

When To Do This Spell:

As with all spells that involve the removal of negative influences, this bath should be taken on a Saturday.

One More Tip:

The Goddess helps those who help themselves. While you are trying this weight loss bath, you should take care to eat as healthy as possible and increase your level of exercise. A 20-minute walk every day will do wonders

http://www.infinitehealing.net/ ~~

Basic List for A Witches Pantry

CATNIP - Catnip is ruled by the planet Venus, and is therefore useful in love, beauty, and happiness spells.

• One of my favourite uses for catnip is "cat magick". If you feed your cat some catnip, it will build a psychic bond between you and your cat!
• You can also make a pink sachet and fill it with Catnip to wear or carry to draw love to you.
• Another fun use for catnip is to grow some in your home. Aside from pleasing your cat, this will draw positive vibrations and good luck to you and to your house.

CEDAR CHIPS - Useful in healing, purification, protection, and money-drawing spells.

• Burn cedar chips on a charcoal disc to purify an area...burning cedar chips is also useful for inducing and strengthening psychic powers.
• You can keep a little green sachet filled with cedar chips in your purse or wallet to draw money.

CHAMOMILE - I drink Chamomile tea whenever I need to make sure I get a good night's sleep, and it never fails to work for me! Chamomile is useful in spells for luck and gambling as well.

• Make a green amulet and fill with Chamomile Flowers to carry as a good-luck amulet.

CINNAMON - Cinnamon is a wonderful herb to either burn as an incense or make into a sachet.

• Fill a green or gold sachet with Cinnamon to draw money and success or to use as a healing charm.
• A purple sachet can be used to increase your magickal and/or psychic powers.
• A pink or red sachet of Cinnamon can be worn, carried with you, or placed under your bed to draw love or to promote lust.
• Use a white sachet filled with Cinnamon to increase your spirituality and to confer protection.

CLOVES - Their magickal properties include banishing evil (exorcism), clearing your head, protection, love, and money.

• Burn cloves as an incense to draw wealth and prosperity, drive away hostile and negative forces, produce positive spiritual vibrations, and purify the area in which they are burned.
• Wear or carry cloves to draw members of the opposite sex to you.
• Using cloves in your magickal spells is said to ensure that your magickal intention is realized.

EUCALYPTUS - It is the best herb I know of for healing, and can be used for protection as well.

• Carry some of the leaves with you for protection.
• To relieve a cold or other respiratory infection, ring green candles with the leaves and pods and visualize yourself as healed. Allow the candles to burn down completely.

FRANKINCENSE TEARS - Magickal properties similar to Myrrh (below). Use these cute little beads to drive out negativity and enhance positive vibrations.

• You can crush them and use them as an incense on a charcoal disc. Frankincense incense induces visions and is useful as an aid to meditation.
• You can also make a little white or purple sachet of Frankincense and carry it with you to aid in your spiritual growth.
• A sachet of Frankincense Tears can also be used as a protective amulet.

LAVENDER FLOWERS - Wonderful for use in love spells. Lavender has long been known to be a particularly attractive scent to men...

• Lavender Flowers can be sprinkled around the house to bring peacefulness,
• and can also be burned as an incense to help you sleep.
• Lavender has also been used for protection, chastity, longevity, purification, and happiness.

MUGWORT - Mugwort can be used as an incense (mixed in equal parts with Sandalwood) to aid in strengthening Psychic Powers.

• Try using it while scrying or before divination!!!
• Mugwort can also be placed next to the bed to aid in achieving astral projection.
• Its other magickal uses include strength, protection, prophetic dreams, and healing...

MYRRH - Myrrh is a wonderful herb to use in spells for spirituality. Its other magickal uses include protection, healing, and exorcism. It is often combined with Frankincense to increase its power.

• Burn as an incense to purify an area. Use the smoke from the incense to purify and bless charms, amulets, talismans, magickal jewellery, tools, etc.

PEPPERMINT - Peppermint makes a wonderful tea to increase your psychic ability (drink some before reading the Tarot, consulting runes, scrying, dowsing, etc.).

• Drinking Peppermint tea is also useful for healing (especially stomach aches), producing visions, and helping with sleep.
• The herb can also be sprinkled around your home for purification.

ROSE BUDS / PETALS - These are wonderful for use in spells to draw love...

• use red for passionate love,
• pink or white for romantic, or true love.
• You can also place a single rose in a vase on your altar as a powerful love-drawing aid.
• To make a love candle melt several pink household size (6") candles over low heat. When they are completely melted, remove from heat, add several pink or red rose buds (ground) and 20 to 30 drops of Rose Oil. Pour into a prepared glass jar (with wick and metal tab> attached). Allow the candle to cool and harden, and burn on the first Friday after the New Moon to draw love to you.
• Rose buds/petals can also be used for psychic powers (especially when used for a tea), healing, protection, and luck...

ROSEMARY - This is a wonderful all-purpose herb that you can't afford to be without! Rosemary can be used as a substitute for just about any herb. Its powers include love, lust, protection, exorcism, purification, healing, longevity, youth, mental powers, and sleep...

• Rosemary is a wonderful incense...smoulder a bit of it to emit powerful cleansing and purifying vibrations and to rid negativity in the area in which it is burned (especially helpful to burn before performing any magick!)
• Place a bit of rosemary under your pillow to ensure a good night's sleep.
• Wear rosemary to aid your memory (especially helpful when you are studying for an exam).
• Add an infusion of rosemary to your bathwater to preserve youthfulness and to purify you.
• Carry a bit of rosemary with you to remain healthy.
• Hang a sprig of rosemary above your door posts.

SAGE - Sage is useful for protection, healing, wealth, fulfilling wishes, and spells to increase longevity.

• One of my favourite uses for Sage is to powder some and add to my homemade yellow candles. These I burn on a Wednesday during the Waxing Moon to increase knowledge and wisdom.

SANDALWOOD - Sandalwood has many magickal uses, including protection, spirituality, exorcism, healing, and wish fulfilment.

• Scatter sandalwood powder around your home to clear it of negativity.
• Use in healing and exorcism spells.
• Write a wish on a sandalwood chip and burn in your cauldron. As it burns it sets your magick flowing.
• Sandalwood mixed with Lavender makes a wonderful incense which is intended to conjure spirits.

VIOLET FLOWERS - These are wonderful for using in amulets for good luck and fortune. They also work well in spells for lust and passion - they are powerful love stimulants and also arouse lust...

• try mixing them with Lavender Flowers for a potent combination.
• They are also useful in spells for protection, wishes, peace, and healing...

YARROW - A wonderful herb to use in love spells!!! Also works to draw courage and to purify (exorcism).

• Drink as a tea to increase your psychic powers.
• Wear a sprig of yarrow for protection.
• Hold some in your hands when you are afraid. This will stop all fear and give you courage.
• Carry some with you to draw love and to attract friends.

Jolly Holiday Bath

Adapted from Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit,
by Gabriel Mojay (Inner Traditions, 1997).

Make your spirits bright with this lusciously-scented holiday bath: it will help you unwind, revive, and be of good cheer.

Even if holiday stress sometimes gets you down, aromatherapy essential oils can help you feel calm and bright. Soon you'll be laughing all the way!

Here's the easy formula:

• 4 drops essential oil of pine (Pinus sylvestris)
• 4 drops essential oil of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)
• 3 drops essential oil of ginger

Add oils to your bath and soak for 10 minutes.

The fresh and pungent aroma of pine is warming and fortifying to the physical body, counteracting pessimism, fatigue, and nervous debility. (This could help to explain why so many of us crave the smell of fresh Christmas trees at holiday time.)

Sweet Orange helps to remove stagnant Qi, easing frustration and tension. Its warm, sunny aroma conveys joy, optimism, and positivity.

Ginger is stimulating and warming, boosting vitality, confidence, and morale

http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/self/997

Toasty Ghosty Spell

Toasty Ghosty Spell
by Cerridwen Iris Shea

Many people have fond memories of making s'mores at the campfire. I use a variation on this experience as a spell for change. For this, you need marshmallows and chocolate chips. Give each marshmallow chocolate chip eyes, nose, and mouth. Name each decorated marshmallow with a quality you want to personify, such as kindness, tolerance, unconditional love, the ability to accept compliments, etc. You can toast the marshmallows over a campfire, in the fireplace, or at the sacred Hibachi. There may be a way to toast them in the micro-wave, but I haven't figured it out. As you eat each marshmallow, visualize the desired trait entering your body. Then start taking the steps needed to make it come true.

Copyright © 2002 Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd.http://www.llewellyn.com/

Moonstone Ritual

Moonstone Ritual
by Denise Dumars

Consecrating a magickal The moonstone is a semi-precious stone that can aid in any magick you wish to do involving the Moon, water, or the astrological signs Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. A cabochon-shaped piece of moonstone should be easy to find in rock shops or in New Age stores, and the stone is relatively inexpensive. Once you find it, bathe the stone in salt water. Go outside to face the night sky. Hold it and visualize it becoming the Moon while you say:

"Moon in my hand Lovely to see, You are mine to hold, Mine to find When no Moon I see. When I wish the Moon's power Indoors with me, Moon in my hand You will abide with me."

Take the stone inside and place it on your altar. Burn a silver candle and place the stone before an image of a Moon god or goddess, such as Thoth or Diana. Meditate on the stone, imbuing it with the powers of the Moon and the sea. Scry with it. Write down what you observe. Repeat the washing of the stone and presentation of it to the Moon each night until the Full Moon for maximum moonstone power.

Copyright © 2002 Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd. http://www.llewellyn.com/

Summer Love Spell

Summer Love Spell
by Lily Gardner-Butts

On the seventh day of the seventh month, Vega joins Altair over the Milky Way. The king of the sky had one daughter who worked long hours as the court weaver. Her name was Vega, and she thought of nothing but the clothes she designed and wove—that is until she met Altair. The two fell in love and spent so much time together that in time the king's robes grew threadbare. The couple ignored the king's warnings about their irresponsibility. Enraged, the king separated them on either side of the Milky Way. As a result, the lovers became ill with grief.

Eventually, the king relented and allowed the lovers this one day in the year to be together. To find your true love today, you must decorate your altar with spools of colored thread and flowers. Light two candles, one pink, one red, and pray to the heavenly couple that you find your soul mate.

Copyright © 2002 Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd. http://www.llewellyn.com/

Your Horoscope's Lucky Flowers

Your Horoscope's Lucky Flowers
Inspired by Earth Magic by Claire Nahmad Inner Traditions, 1994

As the earth blooms, we can find out our own personal sun-sign connection to the world of flowers. Find out your horoscope flowers so you can bring their colors and fragrances into your life.

Aries, March 21-April 19: Thistle, wild rose, gorse, nasturtium, woodbine
Taurus, April 20-May 21: Lily of the valley, violet, wild and red garden rose, myrtle
Gemini, May 22-June 20: Snapdragon, iris
Cancer, June 21-July 22: Poppy, water lily, white rose
Leo, July 23- Aug 22: Marigold, sunflower, cowslip, heliotrope, peony
Virgo, Aug 23-Sept 22: Madonna lily, cornflower
Libra, Sept 23-Oct 22: Violet, white rose, love-in-a-mist
Scorpio, Oct 23-Nov 21: Celandine, purple heather, chrysanthemum
Sagittarius, Nov 22-Dec 21: Carnation, wallflower, clove-pink
Capricorn, Dec 22-Jan 19: Snowdrop, Solomon's seal
Aquarius, Jan 20-Feb 18: Snowdrop, foxglove, gentian
Pisces, Feb 19-March 20: Hekiotrope, carnation, opium poppy, violet

Magickal tips

• Use yarrow and dill to heighten wind and magic prophecy
• Send a love note attached to an iris bouquet, a symbol of communication
• When performing a water spell for cleansing or when purifying a space, use a magic broom made of ash for protection, birch for cleansing, or willow, which is blessed by the Goddess.
• Medieval lords often had their goblets lined with agate, which was believed to change color when poison was added; seek out such a prize for your chalice collection
• Follow Celtic tradition by using birch to ensure a peaceful sleep
• Concoct a recipe using basil to excite the senses and accelerate passions
• Steep cinnamon bark for a tea to relieve menstrual symptoms
• Use the flowery tops of red geraniums in healing and protection rites and pink for protecting your living quarters (do NOT ingest flowers)
• Burn the wood of the acacia to encourage enhancement of psychic talents
• If your faith has been shaken, dine on a dish containing mustard seed and hope will prevail
• Set crushed dried allspice afire as a symbolic gesture in luck and healing spells
• Share a ritual bath with a lover; anise is an herbal aroma appreciated by both men and woman; steep bath sachet of jasmine tea, anise seeds, rose petals, and mint leaves; licorice root can be used as a substitute
• Wear a ritually-charged peacock feather or some crest of the peacock when seeking to spread your tail feathers and attract attention from the opposite sex.
• Inspire romantic trysts with anise seeds as Middle Eastern newlyweds do
• For protection spells, incorporate fennel, cedar, or juniper into your magic for strength
• When desiring nighttime communication with angels, keep angelica, the herb of the angels, on your bed table
• Lemon balm is a thoughtful token for someone seeking comfort from a loss
• Bake fairy bread in May as Gaelic households were known to do; use fruits from the year's harvest
• Use Vervain as a sacred aphrodisiac in the Druid tradition; it is credited with the ability to secure affection (do not ingest if pregnant)
• Renaissance-era Spaniards referred to tomatoes as love apples due to their reputation for provoking concupiscence
• To reward the goddess in you, make a silky body powder by combining several drops of one or two of your favorite essential oils and one cup of a basic kitchen element: corn starch
• Secure good fortune by scattering fairy bread crumbs around newly planted seedlings for visiting fairies to nibble on
• To alleviate pollen allergies, compose a healing tisane of elderflower, elecampane, or thyme (do not use elecampane if pregnant)
• For courage in tough times, use edelweiss as an alter decoration in your spell work
• Offer a pomegranate to Persephone as part of a seasonal invocation to honor the consummate goddess of rebirth
• Cultivate thyme in your garden to invoke the blessings of fairies
• Almonds, the "womb of the world," have been used as fertility charms for centuries
• Use myrtle in your love spells for commitment; it represents constancy
• To secure the blessing of Venus, display her sacred fruit, the quince, on her altar
• Bless a wedding gift with a yarrow posy for conjugal happiness
• To make a summer salve to protect against sunburn or chapping, melt beeswax with apricot oil, add camphor and blend; pour into a witches bottle; for extra appeal add rose oil or lemon
• Medieval foods were often salty; cook with flavoring herbs when recreating historical menus for ceremonial meals
• In lieu of hazel or apple boughs, make a wand from peach twigs as the ancient Chinese wizards were known to do
• Bake a summer-scented cake reminiscent of Elizabethan times for a summer ritual; decorate it with lavender florets
• To make a gypsy protection amulet, fill a red sack with cinnamon, amber, cloves, and orris root
• In preparation for an evening of romantic bliss, feed ginger and honey to your beloved
• Bring out the satyr in your man; tickle his feet with dill leaves
• Dance for your lover wearing a wreath of laurel leaves, a symbol of virility in ancient Rome
• To enhance fecundity, fill your alter chalice with ritual wine and toast to the goddess of fertility
• To soothe an aching throat, brew bergamot tea; sip while performing a ritual for good health
• Hang aloe at your front door or in your kitchen to attract good fortune
• Use allspice when performing a ritual in a healing herbal bath
• To attract abundance, make an amulet using almond oil
• To celebrate the goddess in all her beauty, steep lemon verbena leaves in boiling water and strain for a hair conditioner to use after shampooing; alternative scents to choose from are geranium, pineapple-sage, or anise-hyssop
• When casting physical or emotional healing spells, toss marigold flower heads into your cauldron along with other essential ingredients; Tudor housewives used them in broths and soups for similar purposes
• Delight your love with a spicy herbal aftershave; combine rosemary, mint, grated nutmeg, grated cinnamon stick (not oil), half a grated lemon and patchouli leaves (not oil); strain, and add musk essential oil and rose water
• To heighten masculinity, carry a sachet of holly
• Design a chaplet of jasmine flowers when performing a spell to sustain a spiritual love
• For a twilight ritual bath, prepare a sacred sachet of rose petals, dried mint, and a pinch of crushed cloves
• Vervain was venerated by the Druids almost as much as mistletoe; when gathered under the Dog Star with appropriate rites, it would be used for ceremonial magic and healing
• The dye made from saffron flowers was regarded as hold; it created the gold/orange coloring for medieval monks' robes
• Sage, named after the wise woman, has been wielded since medieval times to treat insomnia, night sweats, and warts
• The silver fir is the quintessential evergreen of the Celtic Ogham; adorn your ritual alter with its cones
• All the rage in the late Middle Ages, pignoulat or almond cakes were reputed aphrodisiacs
• For protection against thunder carry a sachet filled with ritually-charged mugwort
• As a glamour prior to a social event, drink violet tea to enhance your appeal
• Because it was reportedly created by Aphrodite's fresh breath, the sweet scent of oregano is a lovers' aphrodisiac; prepare a romantic menu and serve a favorite dish with this tempting ingredient
• In a nod to Mercury, the guardian of travelers, prepare a safe passage charm for a loved one bound for distant shores; include mugwort to ensure a traveler's bliss
• Since white flowers are ruled by the energy of the Moon, conduct a gratitude rite in a bed of tuberoses by the light of the Moon
• If you are seeking strength, vigor and clear judgment, use ginseng, a traditional Chinese symbol of these qualities
• If ardor is waning, flavor your meal with the herb fenugreek
• Create a Fall Equinox adornment with dried wheat, lavender, and poppy seed moss
• Share an erotic ritual bath with your partner, strewing oregano in the hot bath water
• Add parsley to your potion for nocturnal flight
• Since oranges were served only to the nobility in medieval times, offer oranges to be shared by all in attendance at a ritual gathering
• As an offering to your familiar, cultivate cat grass on a well-lit windowsill; it helps control furballs
• Save dried lavender stems, bundle them up, and throw them on a fire for a medieval-style natural aromatic room scent
• When divining, burn laurel leaves on the Full Moon
• A favorite since the twelfth century, lavender water is a seductive perfume; splash it on
• If you visit the grave of a loved one, bring a wreath of marjoram as an offering for his or her happiness as the ancient Greeks did.
• To neutralize malice directed toward you make a protective amulet using a bulb of garlic, known for its ability to absorb negative energy; use the amulet for a week and then discard it
• On Halloween night, give each member of your family a large apple, or Allan apple, to be eaten according to ancient Welsh custom for good luck in the coming year
• Give ritually-cooked salted almonds to your beloved to stimulate longing
• Wear asphodel petals in your hair when seeking to attract a new lover
• Make a bay laurel dream pillow for safe, sound sleep
• During ritual divination work, drink chamomile tea to visualize your desires
• Fill a mojo bag with caraway seeds to help strengthen your memory
• Add passion to your love relationship-wear an amulet of cinnamon
• Use dragon's blood as a magical ink
• To make up after a quarrel before retiring for the night, strew pieces of the herb black cohosh around the bedchamber
• Welcome your significant other home after a separation with sage tea as the wives of ancient Greek soldiers did
• To eliminate obstacles to your goal, anoint a candle and burn a bay leaf in its flame
• Suspend an Elizabethan kissing ball of rosemary, ribbons, and leaves from your ceiling to encourage sweet kisses
• Make a spicy ginger pomander as a perfumed Yule wish tree decoration
• If you want to remain anonymous at a gathering, add roasted chicory to your coffee or use it as an ingredient in salad dressing; this root has been noted for its ability to render the user invisible
• Simmer sliced ginger root in a covered pot and use as a restorative flu remedy
• To repair hurt feelings, add crushed rose petals, a pot herb, and saffron to a bottle of port and chill; decant into a carafe to be share between the two of you
• Maidens of the dark ages would drink a potent brew to enhance their beauty-an infusion made from myrtle leaves
• To increase your memory, braid garlands of rosemary into your hair; this activity was routinely performed by ancient Greek scholars
• In keeping with Celtic tradition, adorn your Yule altar with three acorns to augment ritual work
• Use the magical herb of remembrance, rosemary, to commemorate the sweet memories of the past year

http://www.catscave.com/catscave.html

CANDLE SPELL FOR LOVE AND MARRIAGE

Do this spell on a Friday during the Full Moon.

Use a Red candle and Ylang Ylang essential oil to dress the candle with. Inscribe a Circle into the candle.While you are dressing and burning your candle, say this spell:

"I carve this circle
For eternity,
Forever binding
You and me.

Always faithful,
Always true;
It's true for me
And true for you.

Complete is this circle
Of love and bliss,
And activated
By our kiss.

I carve this circle,
And it will be
A wedding ring
For you and me."

(c) 2005 Beth Johnson (Mystic Amazon)

Seashell Amulet Spell

Seashell Amulet Spell
by James Kambos

Seashells connect us with the element water, our home before we were born. Therefore, seashells serve as a direct link to the life-force.

They can be an awesome object of power and protection. Like most natural magical objects, we come upon them by chance. This summer if you are at the shore, take a walk along the beach and see if you're attracted to a particular seashell. If so, bring it home and magically charge it by holding the shell and speak these words softly:

"The divine has brought you to me Safe and sound from the sea. You have been
bathed by the water And drenched by the light Of Moon and Sun. Now, our magick has begun."

Protect your shell and use it as a focal point for certain spells, especially those related to travel.

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