PaganSquare.com - WitchesAndPagans.com I grew up on a farm in West Virginia and learned much about herbs, trees, animals, gardening, foraging and so much about nature. I incorporate this wisdom I learned from elders in my family into my spellwork. When I finally left the farm, I majored in Medieval Studies, my attempt to emulate my idol, J.R.R. Tolkien. All these influences led me to my own blended brew which I call "middle earth magic," containing a mix of the modern and the time-tested "old ways."
All of us get worn down due to the sheer busyness of life. When we feel depleted, oftentimes, we get a little sad, too. To rid yourself of negative emotions, try this purification bath. Draw a warm bath at noon when the sun is at its healing peak, and add the essential oils into the water as it flows from the faucet.
Two drops rosemary for calm
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You can also choose the herbs for your magical workings, your home and garden as well as your altar based on your sun or moon sign. Explore making tinctures, incense, oils, potpourri, and other magical potions for your rituals using celestial correspondences. For example, if the new moon is in Aries when you are performing an attraction ritual, try using peppermint or fennel, two herbs sacred to the sign of the Ram. If you are creating a special altar for the time during which the sun is in the sign of Cancer, use incense oils, teas, and herbs corresponding to that astrological energy, including jasmine and lemon. These correspondences create a synthesis of energies that adds to the effectiveness of your magical work.
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Capricorns born n late December and early January have two power stones: jet and lazulite are each stones that have a dark and shadowy appearance representative of the Capricornian planet of Saturn. Jet, named for its intense black color and hardness, is one of the oldest stones known to man, making it a perfect match for slow and steady Capricorns, who are reputed to grow more youthful as they get older. Capricorns have great longevity; they live long and prosper! Lazulite, opaque and often displaying the dark and cloudy blue associated with the energy of the planet Saturn, is good for mental processes and stimulates the frontal lobe. Dogged and hardworking Capricorns will do well to keep this concentration-enhancing talisman nearby at all times.
Latter half Capricorns get to have lapis lazuli as their talismanic crystal. This stone was absolutely revered by the Egyptians and other Mesopotamian cultures. With its bright saturnine blue, this stone connotes wisdom, accomplishment, and value, as befits the latter half of Capricorn. Capricorns sometimes seem slow and plodding to others, but they are really anything but. Capricorns are surefooted and careful and will get to the top of the mountain while others fall behind.
The concept of chakras originated many thousands of years ago in Asia and it is fascinating to see how it only grows in interest and importance over the centuries.The ancient philosophers and metaphysicians identified seven main energy centers in the body, with each chakra identified with a color of the rainbow emanating energy affecting the mental, physical, and spiritual balance of every person. Chakra theory is at the foundation of many Eastern healing practices. One of the simplest ways to achieve well-being is to place a crystal on the part of the body where a particular chakra is located. Many people I know credit their clarity and health to chakra therapy. One sure way to relieve stress and enhance the emotional body is the chakric application of crystals. A goddessy girlfriend of mine placed an amber stone in her navel when she was starting a business, and her personal power and drive soared. These things do work! Perhaps you might choose a ring for your left hand with a lovely pink or red stone to open your heart and bring both love and serenity. Now, it does not get better than that, does it?
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The very best way to prepare for this brand new year is an energetic decluttering. In order to do any ritual work, you must clear the clutter that can create blocks. Banish the old, bad energy from your house by following this spell. Make a tea from one part dried lavender and one part dried mint. Draw fresh water and boil, and then steep a teaspoon of each herb for five minutes. Once it cools, dip your finger in the tea and sprinkle it throughout your home. If you feel the need to clear out any remaining cloud of psychic clutter, add diluted lavender mint tea water to your cleanser when you wash floors or surfaces. Make your energy-clearing tea by bringing 4 cups of water to a full rolling boil; remove from heat and add in 4 sprigs of fresh lavender and 4 sprigs of fresh mint. If it is winter and there is no access to the fresh herbs, one tablespoon each of dried lavender and dried mint will do nicely. Steep the herbal tea for at least 4 minutes and as long as ten minutes if there is a lot of energetic clutter. The scent of calm and clarity will lift the spirits of all who enter your space. The purpose of incense is to release energy into the ritual space, not to create billows of smoke that can cause respiratory problems in the circle. If you or someone else finds incense smoke irritating or worrisome, consider using another symbol of air instead, such as potpourri, fresh flowers, feathers, or a fan.
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Oftentimes, your kitchen is the heart of the home. Something about cooking and sharing food brings people together. An herbal wreath hanging on the kitchen door can be a source of love and luck. You’ll need the following for your creation:
This is truly one of the simplest craft projects you can ever make - simply use the wreath frame as a base, and use string or the florist's wire to anchor the fresh herbs into place. Finish it off with a colorful ribbon, or other magical decorative touches you may want to add.
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In Central Mexico, the Nahuatl Indians believe we all have at least one “animal soul.” Like your natal chart, the animal soul, or nagual, is born exactly when you are. It is tied to your destiny. Legend tells us that our soul animals are kept and cared for in the underworld by the Aztec Lord of Animals. If you care for your nagual, you will also be under the safekeeping of the Lord of the Underworld. One excellent way to take care of your nagual is to create and altar to honor and work with it. Place photos and mementos of living loved ones and pets on an altar table in a circle to represent the world in which you live. Hang symbols or illustrations of protective presences on the wall behind your nagual altar—gods, goddesses, saints, orishas, or whoever you feel is benevolent. These deities connect you to the realm of the sky. Beneath your altar, place a treasure box of photos, gifts, or keepsakes in honor of your ancestors to please the spirits of the underworld and their realm, known as Talocan.
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