The Witches' Medicine Cabinet

As witches we should have a stock of medicines and remedies or recipes for such in our first-aid cabinet. Many every day aches, pains and illnesses can be treated effectively at home.

Herbs have been used for food and healing, by all cultures, for thousands of years. Many of the common culinary herbs are rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements and are recognised as being beneficial to good health. For example, garlic is a natural antibiotic, parsley is rich in vitamin C and iron, mint aids digestion. The most natural way to benefit from these herbs is to include them regularly in a balanced diet.

Many minor ailments can be safely treated at home, using wild or cultivated herbs. However, many herbs have extremely potent properties and it is vital that you correctly identify and fully understand the properties of a plant before using it.

The first thing to assess when looking at your own natural first aid kit is which conditions benefit from a simple natural treatment and which situations need more urgent attention. Obviously, if you have a broken bone, a laceration that requires stitches, a puncture wound or other symptoms that require professional help you must seek it.

There are, however, many excellent herbal and other natural preparations that should be in your first aid kit, e.g. Echinacea tincture, a tincture of yarrow, calendula cream or ointment, a topical horse chestnut extract product (in a gel or cream formula), arnica tincture or ointment for bruises, a few simple herbal teas, such as peppermint and chamomile, and a combination herbal salve for minor bites and scrapes. Also, keep Bach Rescue Remedy in your first-aid kit, along with a good muscle balm and a chest rub.

However... If in any doubt about the safety of the herb DO NOT USE IT!Essentials

Echinacea - for any kind of cut or minor wound. Echinacea speeds healing by preventing infection and developing new tissue at the site of a wound.

Yarrow - to stop bleeding It also acts as a local anesthetic. The oil is anti-..inflammatory and stimulates the formation of healing wound tissueCloses wounds quickly, therefore make sure the wound is clean before applying.

Calendula - to soothe the skin and accelerate healingTo treat minor burns and scrapes. It has antiseptic, anti-..inflammatory, astringent and immune-..stimulating properties. Good for taking the discomfort out of excema.

Horse chestnut - for bruises or sprains, reducing pain, bruising, and swelling of sprains and sports injuries. Diminishes the number of tiny openings in capillary walls, which helps to "seal" the outflow of fluid surrounding tissue.

A good general herbal salve - including comfrey, chickweed, Echinacea, calendula, goldenseal, plantain, essential oils, and a host of other herbs.

Bach Rescue Remedy - combining star of Bethlehem, rock rose, impatiens, cherry plum and clematis flower essences. The flower remedies work on a mind-body level, centred around life force energyIt is harmless and could help in many stressful situations.

Peppermint tea - for any mild upset stomach or nausea.

Chamomile tea - to calm an upset stomach and help children fall asleep. To soothe irritation in the gastrointestina..l tract. An excellent anti-..inflammatory.

Slippery elm - a teaspoonful in a cup of hot water, stirred vigorously, is an excellent beverage when recovering from the flu or when the stomach is unable to hold down any other food. It's also used in lozenges to soothe a sore throat.

Muscle balms and chest rubs - including ingredients such as camphor, menthol, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil or other essential oils that will penetrate and help relax muscles. Also helps to relieve chest congestion.

Aloe Vera Gel
Use fresh gel from the plant or f you have to buy the most pure gel you can find, the Lilly of the Desert brand is good. Aloe Vera is invaluable for treating burns, sunburn, inflamed skin, rashes and acne. It also makes an excellent toning, anti aging moisturizer. However if you have an aloe vera plant you can cut a piece of the plant and squeeze the gel inside straight onto the above wounds.

Arnica Cream/..Gel/..Ointment/..Infused Oil
Excellent for applying to bruises (where there is no broken skin), mild sprains and aching muscles. Can't stress enough how good arnica is for preventing bruising...it can be amazing!

Echinacea Tincture
Available in both adult and children’s versions, echinacea is an essential herb to help the body to fight off any infection. Use as instructed, continuing for a week or two after infection subsides.

Lavender Oil
Anti bacterial, anti-..inflammatory oil good for calming inflammation and helping to induce relaxation.

Myrrh Powder
Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal powder, which can be can be dusted onto wounds, abscesses, ulcers and boils. Can be held in the mouth but not swallowed.

Tea Tree Oil
One of the best anti-fungals with antiseptic action too. Use diluted on sensitive skin or young children, otherwise use neat.

Tiger Balm
Available in white (cooling) or Red (warming). The red can stain clothes so beware! Excellent as a rub for aching muscles, cooling down insect bites and soothing headaches.

Grafefruit Seed Extract

Good for fungal infections especially thrush and candida...Ingredients

10 drops essential oil of peppermint

10 drops essential oil of eucalyptus

5 drops essential oil of clove

60 ml extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil

15 g beeswax

Heat olive oil and beeswax in a double-boiler over low heat. Stir until wax is melted. Remove from heat. Stir in essential oils, and pour into small glass or metal containers to cool. Preparing Herbal Remedies

To get the maximum benefit from herbal remedies they must be properly prepared. Women of childbearing age should always make sure the herbs they are using are safe during pregnancy. Also how they affect children can be different to how they affect adults so make sure you follow any instructions to the letter.

But don't let this be too scary.....herbalism is a very important part of the craft. Here are some standard herbal preparations:

Infusions

A standard infusion is prepared by adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb (or 2 to 4 teaspoons of fresh herb) to a cup of boiling water. Infuse for 10 minutes before straining. If the herb is left too long, the infusion will become bitter. It's best to use a ceramic pot with a lid.

The standard dosage is one cup three times a day. It may be taken hot or cold, but infusions prepared for colds and flu should be taken hot. Never prepare the infusion more than 24 hours in advance.

Decoctions

This is usually the method of choice for bark and seeds. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of herb per cup of cold water. Bring the mixture gently to a boil. Keeping covered, simmer for about 10 minutes.

The usual dosage is 1 cup three times a day. If the herb is very bitter or strong, use 4 teaspoons three times a day. Prepare no more than 24 hours in advance.

Tinctures

A tincture is an alcoholic extraction of a herb. Alcohol dissolves the active constituents out of the plant matter and acts as a preservative, allowing the tincture to retain its effectiveness for up to 2 years. Any part of the plant may be used.

Place 4 ounces of dried herb in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and add 2 cups vodka. Leave for two weeks, shaking occasionally, then strain through a cloth into a brown glass bottle. Keep tightly closed.

The standard dosage is up to 8 drops three times daily.

Herbal Wine

Use a sweet red wine with an alcohol content of at least 12%. Cover four ounces of herb with three cups of wine. Leave for a week before straining.

Take four teaspoons one or two times daily. Herbal wine is best used within a month.

Syrup

Sugar is a good preservative and is ideal for cough mixtures, especially since some herbs for cough are very bitter.

Prepare two cups of an infusion or decoction of the required herb. Strain and add 1¾ cup brown sugar or a honey and sugar mixture. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves. Pour into a clean glass bottle and seal. Store in the refrigerator.

The standard dosage is 1-2 teaspoons three times a day.

Capsules

Dry, powdered herb can be placed inside empty capsules. This method is preferred by some people who cannot tolerate bitter herbs.

Oil Infusion

Oil infusions are for external use only. They can be prepared by hot or cold methods. For the hot method, fill a jar with fresh herb and cover with olive, sunflower or almond oil. Place the jar up to the neck in a saucepan of water and bring to a medium temperature. Simmer for up to three hours. Strain through filter paper or cloth into a brown glass bottle. Follow the same instructions for the cold method, except that the oil should be placed on a sunny windowsill instead of heated. The process can be repeated with the strained oil infusion and a fresh supply of herbs to make a stronger oil.

Cream

A cream is a blend of oil, beeswax/cocoa butter and water. You can make your own, or purchase an unscented, water based cream. After adding herb to purchased cream, simmer in the top of a double boiler for 30 minutes. Strain before it cools.

Melt two ounces beeswax in a double boiler. Add one cup olive or other vegetable oil and blend. Add two ounces herb. For lighter cream, add a little water, mixing well. Simmer 20 minutes, mixing well. Add a drop of tincture of benzoin as a preservative. Strain thorough a cloth in to sterilized jars.

Ointment

Ointment does not penetrate the skin like cream, but covers and protects it. Petroleum jelly is a good base, and the method is the same as for a cream.

Melt petroleum jelly in a double boiler and add plenty of herbs, making sure that the melted petroleum jelly covers the herb. Simmer until the herbs are crisp. More herb may be added to make a stronger ointment. Strain into jars while hot.

Suppositories

These are best made in advance so they will be ready when needed. Blend equal quantities of powdered herbs with cocoa butter. Place the mixture into bullet-shaped molds made of foil and refrigerate. Remove the foil before use.

Compress

Soak a cloth in a hot decoction of herb, squeeze most of the liquid out and apply the hot cloth to the affected area. Once it has cooled, repeat the process. Tinctures of other herbs and essential oils can be added to the liquid.

Poultice

Poultices are effective for boils, abscesses, chest infections and sprains. Mix chopped herb or powdered seeds with boiling water to make a pulp. Place the pulp in a piece of cloth and apply to the affected area while hot. It should be replaced when cool. A thin layer of calendula cream will protect the skin and prevent the poultice from sticking.

Steam and Inhalant

Use steam for skin problems like acne and an inhalant for bronchial problems like sunusitis and laryngitis. Add a strong decoction, one or two drops of essential oils, or 2 teaspoons of tincture to boiling water. Add salt if the chest is congested.Bach Flower Remedies

Each of the 38 remedies discovered by Dr Bach is directed at a particular characteristic or emotional state. To select the remedies you need you only need to think about the sort of person you are and the way you are feeling. Then you take the remedies you need.

There is also a combination remedy called rescue remedy ...is the most famous of the remedies, but in fact is not a remedy at all, but rather a mix of five different remedies (Cherry Plum, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose and Star of Bethlehem) which together help deal with any emergency or stressful event. Taking a driving test, exam nerves, speaking in public, after an accident or an argument - there are countless uses for Rescue Remedy.

In an emergency Rescue Remedy can be taken neat from the bottle, four drops at a time, and as frequently as required. Otherwise put four drops in a glass of water and take frequent sips until the emotions have calmed.Witch Heal Thyself.

I’m not sure who first said, ‘witch, heal thyself’, but it is something that you will hear repeated a lot in witchy circles. It is generally said as a reminder that we all have the capability to heal ourselves just as well if not better, than we can heal other people. While it can be about mixing the right herbs or burning the right aromatherapy oils, it is more often about using the power of our minds and our connection with the divine and natural energy around us, to channel inwards.

If someone was to ask your help in sending energy to them, towards a specific emotional state or ailment, you would have the tools in your Book of Shadows now to be able to do that. Everything that you could do for them, you could do for yourself. Of course, it’s much easier to be objective about other people’s troubles,..whereas you have to fight through your own feelings and narrow perspective in order to do the same for yourself; but you have that emotional core to fuel the energy and you have more information about the root of the trouble.

Once it connects, therefore, it can be the most powerful energy work you will ever do. There is a certain amount of self-..sufficiency built into Wicca. We all become priests/..priestesses, then high priests/..priestesses; and the solitary practitioner is increasingly common.

This isn’t to say that Wiccans shouldn’t ask for help, when the need is great enough, but that eyebrows would be raised if it was aid given for something that could easily have been sorted out for oneself, if knowledge of their craft was adequate. We are all human beings and there will be times when the ways ahead appear so swampy that something seemingly massive might otherwise have been brushed off as insignificant.

Wicca does not ask that we become superhuman merely that we try to sort ourselves out before it gets that far. We all know – or should know – by now that emotion fuels the energy around us. If we constantly darken that energy with negative thoughts and pessimism about the future then we shouldn’t be surprised when the world rearranges itself to fit our thoughts. If you were sending out love and light into the world you would focus on everything being calm and lovely creating that aura within and without you, then you would send it out.

Now reverse that. Imagine yourself worrying over every little detail and deciding that the worst will happen. What are you doing to the energy around you? All of this, I believe, is the true basis of Wicca, once you understand that, as you evidently do, then all spellwork can be built upon it and all your day to day living too.Positive thinking does not have to be unrealistic. There is a school of thought that says that you can focus and think your way into attracting lottery wins and gorgeous lovers, but what I’ve been referring to are more mundane things.

If you find yourself speculating that something bad is going to happen, then simply tell yourself that it’s speculation and you can’t possibly know yet; that there is as much a chance that everything will go right than it might go wrong. Unless you are really worried, check with yourt divinatory tool.

Let it go.

Energy aside, people often take their cues from your body language. If you relax, then they might too. The language that you use might be significant. For example, if you are struggling to pay your bills, then focussing on ‘debt, debt, destitution, debt’ are inviting these things into your lives.

Instead, focus on ‘change of fortune, way forward through these times’ etc. Think about what you are saying in your mind and throughout your emotional statejust as hard as you consider the words for your chants. You are leaking energy and fuelling it with your will. These things are the basis of a spell.

Sometimes, however, things happen too quickly and too emotionally to cope with schooling your thoughts in that way. Often we can call friends and family for help, but if things are happening too fast then it might be deity on the other end of the SOS.

As Wiccans, it is useful to do your homework beforehand, just in case an emergency situation requires the same sort of screaming for Mother or Father as you might have done as a baby, only this time in the divine sense. You can give thanks later. If it happens that you don’t know which deity to invoke, then that isn’t cause for panic.Just call upon the Lord and Lady, the right aspect will come and you can determine later on who that might have been

My Herbal Medicine CabinetI use many different herbs and oils for home remedies. Paul is one of those allergic people who is very sensitive to artificial ingredients and I have to search quite hard to find things that doesn't upset his asthma or excema.

I keep lavender, eucalyptus and tea tree oils in my cabinet. They can be used neat onto the skin unlike some oils and are excellent for many different things.

Lavender - I use for spots, cuts and any broken skin because it helps to rebalance the skin and prevents scarring. Also good for insomnia.

Tea tree - Head lice (urgh), athletes foot, put in the hair to stop gnats and midgies biting, also as an antiseptic.

Aloe vera - For burns, scalds and sunburn.I use a bought prepartion gel even though I have the plant because the smell is not nice. I once stood on my hair tongs in bare feet and the pain was horrific but thanks to aloe vera I didn't have a single scar or mark.

Arnica - Is wonderful! It takes away swellings and bruisings almost over night. Before I found arnica my legs would be covered with bruises from the steroids but I can put arnica on and now have bruise free legs. It is also amazingly good for arthritis. I keep the flowers and make a bath tea for a soak they really help with aches and pains. I use a muslin cloth tied with wool and hang it in the bath.

Peppermint - a tea made from peppermint is is really good for indigestion and upset stomaches.

Mennuca oil - is one of the best anti-itch oils I have ever found, brilliant for dermatitis and excema.

Cloves - toothache also clove oil is good for mouth ulcers.

Callendula (marigolds) - heals broken skin beautifully we keep it for Paul's excema. Use a small handful of marigold flowers, about half a pint of hot water steep and use to wash the broken skin, helps healing and prevents scarring. I also have a bought jar of callendula gel.

Eucalyptus Oil - As a steam inhalant. Really clears the nose ..strong though so only use a drop or two at most.

Eyebright - Use a teaspoon of eyebright and pour on hotwater to make a tea, strain with a tea strainer and allow to cool. Once cool bathe the eyes either with an eye bath or if the eyes are just strained and tired use a cotton ball and leave on like a compress. I particularly like it chilled cos it is lovely and refreshing on sore eyes. But must be used up within a day or two, even if kept in the fridge.

A cold remedy I use - a little fresh ginger about half an inch-ish, a broken stick of cinnamon, 4 cloves, some lemon slices or a teaspoon of lemon juice, some honey to taste. Simmer in a pint of water for 15 minutes with the lid on drink a cup three or four times a day.

A sore throat gargle - 3 tsp cider vinegar, 1 tsp honey, a small handful of sage leaves. Make a tea with the sage then strain and add the vinegar and honey, gargle 3 times a day.

As you can see using herbs for healing is a huge subject, it is worth getting yourself a good herbalism book to help you. This does not necessarily be by a magickal practioner. We will cover the magickal use of herbs next week...Conditions Which May be Treatable with Herbs:

The following is a list of conditions and/or diseases that often can be prevented or treated by the actions of herbs. Frequently, herbs are used in combination within various formulas. The formulas are not listed, but include names of major herbs that provide benefits for the conditions noted.

Alcohol Abuse: Milk Thistle (Silymarin), Kudzu

Anxiety: Valerian, Passion Flower

Arthritis: Devil's Claw, Boswellia, Evening Primrose Oil

Blood Pressure: Garlic, Hawthorn

Cholesterol (High): Garlic, Gugulipid

Circulation (Poor): Ginkgo biloba, Garlic, Cayenne, Hawthorn

Colds/Flu: Echinacea, Astragalus, Garlic, Goldenseal Root

Constipation: Aloe, Cascara sagrada, Senna, Psyllium

Coughs: Licorice, Wild Cherry Bark, Thyme

Depression (Mild): St. John's Wort, Valerian

Detoxification:.. Milk Thistle (Silymarin)

Digestion (Poor): Chamomile, Peppermint, Ginger

Fatigue: Panax Ginseng, Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)

Hemorrhoids: Horse Chestnut, Witch Hazel (topical)

Insomnia: Valerian, Passion Flower, Hops, Lemon Balm

Liver Dysfunction: Milk Thistle (Silymarin)

Memory Loss: Ginkgo biloba

Migraine Headache: Feverfew

Menstrual Irregularities/..PMS: Dong Quai, Vitex agnus-castus, Evening Primrose Oil

Nausea: Ginger, Chamomile, Peppermint

Prostate Enlargement (Benign): Saw Palmetto, Pygeum africanum, Stinging Nettle Root

Skin Conditions: Calendula, Chamomile (topical), Tea Tree Oil (topical)

Stress/..Tension: Valerian, Passion Flower, Kava Kava, Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)

Ulcers: Licorice, Aloe juice

Urinary Tract Problems: Cranberry, Uva Ursi

Varicose Veins: Horse Chestnut, Bilbery, Witch Hazel (topical) 

~~A Collection of Seasonal Recipes to Enchant and Inspire all the Senses~~

FOR TASTING....

Taste...
Lavender sugar

Make this like vanilla sugar
Put a dozen or so lavender heads in a jar of fine sugar.
Leave it for a couple of weeks and you will have delicately scented sugar that can be used in cakes, fruit salad etc.

------------------------------------------------------------

Candied Violets

Violet flowers and leaves
An egg white
Sugar
Brushes

1. Wash the violets and leaves, and let dry.
2. Seperate the egg. Put yolk away for other use.
3. Dip small brush in egg whites and paint petals front and back.
4. Sprinkle sugar on the violets covering them completely.
5. Put the violets on waxed paper to dry.
6. You can do the leaves in the same manner.
= Submitted by Faerea Dawn

---------------------------------------------------------------

Candied Sugared Rose Petals

Rose petals must be dry and clean.
Dip both sides in slightly whipped white of egg
then coat both sides of the petals immediately with granulated sugar
and lay carefully on waxed paper.
Allow to dry thoroughly before packing in boxes.
To hasten drying, turn the petals once.
They will keep for a year.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Victorian Lavender Cookies W/ Rose Water Icing

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon lavender, crushed
1 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

For Icing:
2 cups powdered sugar
5 1/2 teaspoons water
6 1/2 teaspoons rose water
Serves / Yields About 4 dozen

Preparation Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Cream together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs, lavender, flour, baking powder and salt.
Drop by teaspoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes.
While the cookies bake, prepare the icing by mixing the powdered sugar with water and rose water.
Drizzle over the cookies after they have cooled.

This recipe was provided by The Spice House.
-------------------------------------------------------------

Lavender Biscuits

~ 5 oz butter (wt.)
~ 4 oz fine sugar (wt.)
~ 1 egg
~ 6 oz self raising flour (wt.)
~ 1 tablespoon lavender flowers

Cream the butter and sugar, mix in the beaten egg,
then mix in the flowers and flour.
Place small heaps on a greased baking tray
and bake at 350F/170C for about 15-20 minutes.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Lavender Lemonade

~ 1 pint water
~ 1 oz lavender flowers (wt.)
~ 8 oz sugar (wt.)
~ Juice of 4 lemons

Pour boiling water over the lavender flowers
and allow to infuse for about 20 minutes.
Then add sugar and lemon juice, and chill.
Store in the 'fridge.
To make up, mix about 1 part of the syrup to 4 parts water, serve with ice.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Lavender Sponge Cake

~ 5 oz self raising flour (wt.)
~ 3 oz butter (wt.)
~ 3 oz lavender sugar (wt.)(see above recipe)
~ 1/4 cup milk
~ 2 beaten eggs

Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy,
then beat in the eggs one at a time.
Fold in the flour.
Pour the mixture into two 7" sponge tins.
Bake at 17C/325F for about 10 - 15 minutes until just browned.
Sandwich together with raspberry jelly,
or else with lavender buttercream made by
creaming 3 oz butter with 3 oz lavender sugar
and a few drops of lemon juice.

----------------------------------------------------------

Rose Petal Jam

~ 1 lb. profusely scented red or pink petals
~ 2 c. water
~ 2 1/2 c. very fine sugar
~ Juice of one lemon

Make sure you remove the white base from each petal.
Rinse and wash the petals thoroughly.
Boil the water in a large saucepan. Reduce to a simmer,
then add the rose petals.
(The mixture will bubble up alot, so don't have the pan more than half full).
Simmer for 5 minutes or until petals are soft.
Add the sugar and lemon juice.
Bring to a boil an simmer for 30 minutes,
stirring frequently until sugar is dissolved and the mixture begins to thicken like honey.
Allow the mixture to bubble up well. When the bubbles turn to foam, test for setting point.
To do this, remove the pan from the stove and put a small spoonful of the jam on a cold saucer,
allow to cool and push to the surface; if it wrinkles its ready.
Allow to cool slightly, then put into sterilized jars and seal.
Makes two one pint jars.

--------------------------------------------------------------

VooDoo Doll drink (Adults only)

~ 1/2 oz Vodka
~ 1/2 oz Chambord raspberry liqueur
~ Fresh orange juice
~ Cranberry juice

In a tall glass mix ingredients with ice,
serve over ice with orange slice.

FOR SMELLING.....

Smell...
Midsummer Oil Recipe

~ 2 parts cinnamon oil (EO)
~ 2 parts heliotrope oil (EO)
~ 1 part sweet orange oil(EO)

Blend the oils together in a base of Sweet Almond Oil.
Use for Lith, Summer Solstice Candles, anointing Oil.
Smell...
Midsummer Incense #2

~ 3 parts Frankincense
~ 2 parts Benzoin
~ 1 part Dragon's Blood
~ 1 part Thyme
~ 1 part Rosemary
~ 1 pinch Vervain
a few drops Red Wine

Burn at rituals at the Summer Solstice (circa June 21st)
or at that time to attune with the seasons and the Sun.
Midsummer Incense" from Scott Cunningham's book
"The Complete Book of Incenses, Oils & Brews"

---------------------------------------------------------

Rose Jar Potpourri

10 cupsful dried rose petals
1/4 lb. ground orris root
2 oz. sandalwood powder
1/4 lb. table salt
1/2 oz. ground cloves
1/4 oz. ground allspice
1/2 oz. ground cinnamon
2-3 vanilla beans

---------------------------------------------------------


Cone Incense

~ 6 parts powdered sandalwood (or cedar, pine, juniper)
~ 2 parts powdered benzoin (frankincense, myrrh etc.)
~ 1 part ground orris root
~ 6 drops of essential oil
~ 3 to 5 parts loose incense mixture.

Mix all ingredients in the order given and weigh.
Add 10 percent of total weight of saltpeter,
mix and add gum arabic "glue" one teaspoon at a time
- it's a bit messy and sticky.
Roll cones thin and shape approximately 1 3/4" long.
Cones will shrink and dry in two to seven days.
Continue to turn cones to assure even drying without cracking.
Start drying in upright position. Cones will burn 10-25 minutes.

--------------------------------------------------------

Jelly Jar Deodorizers

~ 2 cups of liquid potpourri
~ 4 packs of knox gelatin

Heat 1 cup of the liquid to a boil,
Stir in the knox gelatin and mix until dissolved.
Add the other cup of liquid at room temp.
Pour into jelly jars or decorative bowls and cover with saran wrap.
Put in the fridge until set. They will last several months.

----------------------------------------------------------

Blessing Oil

1 to 4 lavender blossoms
2 drops each sage, basil, patchouli essential oil
Carrier oil (can be olive used for protection, almond, sunflower, etc.)

Choose a small dark vial.Place all but the oil in the vial together,
then add enough oil to fill the bottle. Shake thoroughly.
Use for anointing ritual candles, self, consecrating tools, etc.
Lavender is there for purification, happiness, love, and peace;

-------------------------------------------------------

Cinnamon Soap

* Makes One Bar 1 4-ounce bar *

~ unscented glycerin soap
~ 10 drops cinnamon oil
~ 1 drop red food coloring {optional}

In a heavy saucepan, melt the glycerin soap over low heat until liquefied.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cinnamon oil and coloring until well mixed.
Pour the soap into a mold and let set for three hours or until hardened.

FOR FEELING....

Feel...
Rose water & glycerin hand lotion

In an attractive bottle or jar blend:

~ 1/2 rosewater
~ 1/2 vegetable glycerin.
~ Shake well and it's ready to use.

Great for hands, face, rough heels and elbows. Feels wonderful.

-------------------------------------------

Skin refresher

~ pure rose water
~ rose petals
~ 1/2 lemon

Put the rose water in a dish with rose petals.
Next, squeeze half of a lemon into the mixture.
This will create the best freshener you will ever have.

----------------------------------------------

Natural moisturizer

~ 1 avocado or papaya
~ plain yogurt

Mix the ingredients well,
apply the mixture to a clean face,
lay back and relax for ten minutes and wash it off.
This moisturizing mask will make your skin glow and fell fresh.

-----------------------------------------

Body & dusting powder

~ 1 cup arrowroot powder
~ 25 drops essential or fragrance oil.

In a blender or with a mortal and pestle mix very well. That's it!!!
Put into a shaker can or in a hard-round box with its own powder puff.

--------------------------------------------

Mouth wash

~ 2 cups water (bottled or spring)
~ 3 tsp fresh parsley
~ 2 tsp whole cloves
~ 2 cinnamon sticks, broken
~ 2 tsp peppermint extract

Boil water and remove from heat.
Add dry ingredients and allow to steep for 10-15 minutes.
Strain and store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator.
You can add a couple of drops of "Tea Tree oil" to cooled mixture.
You can substitute other flavorings for peppermint if the minty flavor is not to your taste.

~~Magickal recipes~~

                                                                     

 War Water

Place cut nails into a jar and add water. Let them

steep for a week or 2 until the nails have started to

rust and add more water. Open jar occasionally so that fresh air will help the rusting process. Use when the water has a rusty tinge in it. Use in spells involving conflict, protection, and rage.

***Should be kept in the refrigerator to avoid spoilage.

Solid 'Flying Ointment' Recipe

Here's what you'll need:

1/2 of a 500gm bar of beeswax

10 drops of the pure essential oil of bog myrtle

9 drops of the pure essential oil of hops

10 drops of the pure essential oil of linden (careful! often adulterated!)

11 drops of the pure essential oil of jasmine

8 drops of the pure essential oil of Mysore Sandalwood

12 drops of the pure essential oil of ylang ylang

In a double boiler melt the beeswax gently using as low a heat as possible using a wooden spoon to stir. This will coat the spoon in wax but this is necessary before adding the essential oils.. Once the beeswax has melted, allow to cool slightly without allowing to harden. At this point, remove the wax from heat and water and add all your essential oils gently stirring with a wooden spoon until they are completely mixed into the wax.

Once done, pour small quantities into small ceramic solid perfume vials and cap tightly. You now have a witches flying ointment in a portable perfume!

To use, apply first a small amount to the inside of your elbow and wait 24h to check for reactions. Then if it is safe, apply a small amount to the inside of your wrists and your temples before going into ritual.

Do not use this mix if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or have high blood pressure as these oils could be toxic to your baby and may cause an elevated heart rate. This will not work as a candle.

Flying Ointment Beeswax Base Recipe

When you choose to self medicate, *you* are responsible for what you put in your body. If you show any symptom after ingesting an herb or any other substance that you do not normally ingest, stop taking the herb, etc., immediately. The symptom may or may not have something to do with the herb, etc., but you can always try again later, after the symptom has disappeared, to test if it was the herb, etc.

Here's what you'll need:

4c. Standard Beeswax Base

1/4c. skullcap

1/2c. jasmine flowers

1/2c. lavender flowers

1/4c. hawthorn berries

1/3c. elderberries

1/4c. elderflowers

1/2c. mistletoe

1/3c. mugwort

1/4c. rue

20 drops of the pure essential oil of myrtle

20 drops of the pure essential oil of hops

10 drops of the pure essential oil of linden (careful! often adulterated!)

10 drops of the pure essential oil of clary sage

10mL of a 5% dilution of narcissus in grapeseed oil

To make a standard beeswax base, in a glass double boiler melt 2 1/3 cup of beeswax gently using as low a heat as possible. Once the beeswax has melted, mix 1 2/3 cup of jojoba oil until it is smooth. I prefer to use a combination of jojoba and wheatgerm oil but as this recipe calls for some grapeseed oil, I have omitted my favourite mixture in favour of the standard. Once the mix is smooth (you have just made the base) then add your herbs to this mixture. Once added, keep at as low a temperature as possible, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Too much heat destroys the very essence you are trying to extract.

Once you have allowed the herbs to steep in the base (about 30 min), strain using a strainer to get the herbs out. You can try cheesecloth if you're feeling up to the challenge. Return the mix to the double boiler and if it is solidifying, reheat slightly but the water should still be warm enough to fend off premature hardening. At this point, add all your essential oils. DO NOT add more than 10mL of a 5% dilution of narcissus oil no matter how hard it is for you to 'fly'. It could cause nausia and even paralysis so just don't do it. Do not reheat at this point since you are almost done.

When finished, decant into a sturdy, heatproof container. You now have a very potent and potentially dangerouswitches flying ointment. This ointment is quite strong owing to the combinations of herbsand oils used so act in a responsible way and use it sparingly and only after ritual preparation.

To use, apply first a small amount to the inside of your elbow and wait 24h to check for reactions. Then if it is safe, wash yourself completely in a shower or bath and dry for 30 min (essential as your skin will push the ointment out instead of absorbing it. Meditate on your intent and cast your circle with someone present who will watch over you. Apply a small amount to your body keeping it away from any sensitive areas, as well as your nose, mouth and eyes. Do *not* ingest this mixture. Once you are ready to come back, remove any remaining mixture and eat some fresh fruit, nuts and bread being careful to avoid meat, caffiene, peppermint (including tea), chamomile tea and chocolate.

Magickal Powders

Luck Powder

3 parts vetivert

2 parts Allspice

1 part Nutmeg

1 part Calamus

Use to bring positive changes into your life.

Money Powder

2 parts Cedar

2 parts patchouli

1 part Galangal

1 part Ginger

To attract money, sprinkle in your place of business, in your purse or wallet. Rub onto money before gambling or sprinkle in a £ sign on your altar and burn green candles over the symbol.

Prosperity Powder

3 parts Sassafras

2 parts Cinnamon

1 part Pine

To attract wealth in all forms

Psychic Powder

2 parts Yarrow

1 part Rose petals

1 part Lemongrass

1 part Eyebright

Sprinkle before exercising your innate psychic powers.

Protection Powders

2 parts Dragonsblood

2 parts Sandalwood

1 pinch of salt

Mix and sprinkle outside and around your house to dispel and stave off negativity.

2 parts Mugwort

2 parts Frankincense

1 part Dill

1/2 part Juniper

1 part Cumin

Astral Travel Powder

2 parts Sandalwood

1 part Mugwort

1 part Cinnamon

Sprinkle on the bedsheets and pillows before sleeping to encourage conciously directed astral travel.

Exorcism Powder

3 parts Basil

2 parts Frankincense

2 parts Rosemary

1 part Yarrow

1 part Rue

Sprinkle through the house, or in any place needing a strong purification and protection.

Happiness Powder

2 parts Lavender

1 part Catnip

1 part Marjoram

When you wish to lift your spirits, sprinkle this powder in a circle on the floor and sit within it, drinking in the powder's energies and visualize them filling you with joy.

Health Powder

2 parts Eucalyptus

1 part Myrrh

1 part Thyme

1 part Allspice

Sprinkle in the sick room or recovery bed to speed up the body's healing process or scatter on the altar and burn blue candles.

Love Powder

3 parts Yarrow

3 parts Lavender

2 parts Rose petals

1 part Ginger

For use in attracting love, sprinkle on bedsheets and in the bedroom.

Mistress of the House Powder

3 parts Sweet Flag(Calamus)

2 Parts Devil Shoestring

Women sprinkle this wonderful powder in the home when you want to be the boss and also in the husbands shoes.

Invisibility Powder

At Dark Moon, in a mortar and pestle, grind together:

1 part Fern leaf dried

1 part Poppy seeds

Add:

2 parts Slippery Elm powder

1 part Myrrh

1 part Marjoram

3 parts Dillweed

Grind all together, mixing well. Add 9 drops almond tincture (almond cooking extract is great.) with enough spring water to make everything barely moist, and mix in well. Place in a ceramic bowl, spreading as thinly as possible, and dry themixture over low heat, stirring it occasionally, until it seems lightly browned. Pour back into mortar, and grind again, enchanting:

"Things Seen, and Things Not Seen:

Let me walk here in between."

When finely powdered, store in a clear glass container. It will keep its power for years. Sprinkle, just a little bit, on yourself, objects, or in a place to be made invisible.

Gypsy Witch Love Potion

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried fennel

1 tsp dried vervain

3 pinches nutmoeg

1/4 cup Red Wine

heat over flame til boiling for three minutes, remonve from flame and cool.

Strain through cheesecloth into cups. Add honey to sweeten. Then drink up with a loved one.

Avalon Apple Potion

by Sirona Knight

2 - 3 red delicious apples, peeled

2 cups red seedless grapes

6 strawberries

Remove the core and seeds from the apples and cut them into small pieces

that will fit easily into your juicer. Remove the topes from the

strawberries. Begin by juicing the grapes and strawberries, then juice

the apples. Drink this potion to uplift your spirits and to heal your

weary mind.

makes 1 serving

An Easy Way To Make Your Own Holy Water

1 tsp of Rose Water (optional)

3 tbsp sea salt or Kosher salt

1 small bowl of spring water*

1 clean glass container

1 new compact mirror

1 storage bottle (small)

* Note: Spring water is extremely hard to come by. You may not be able to trust the bottled water, as it had been determined that many who use it are victims of false advertising, so be sure you are familiar with the spring water company. I suggest going on a small hiking trip with a large glass jar (like the type you buy family-size fruit in), and filling your jar from a running stream or other "live" body of water that is well known for "good fishing."

Cleanse and sterilize the bowl and glass container with boiling water.

Insure that you have total privacy during preparation.

Time: Midnight during a Full Moon phase.

Place: Out of doors under the moon, or near a window that will reflect the light of the moon.

Set out your work cloth and all ingredients upon it.

Take five or six deep breaths to relieve the stress of the day.

Cast your magick circle. Hold your arms outstreched in the Goddess position (arms out at the sides like you are cradling the Universe, palms up.) Say:

In the cloak of the midnight hour

I call upon the Ancient Power

I seek the presence of the Lady and Lord

To bless this water that I will pour.

At this point, you should feel the energy of Earth Mother and Skyfather move about your feet and head. Feel your own energy expand around your navel and then unite with Divinity. Take your time; no need to rush.

Add the rose water to the spring water. Pick up the bowl of water, hold it toward the light of the moon, and say:

In my hands I hold the essence of the Gods. I hereby cleanse and consecrate this water to Divinity that it may be used for positive acts only and may aid me in my magickal work.

Feel the energy of the Moon Goddess pulsate down into the water. Imagine her silver light descending from the heavens and impregnating both the water and yourself. You will feel a "glowy" sensation.

Set the water down and picl up the salt. Feel the power moving in your arms as you raise the salt toward the moon. Say:

In my hands I hold the essence of Earth Mother; she whose bounty sustains all living creatures. I hereby consecrate this salt to Divinity that it may be used for positive acts only and may aid me in my magickal work.

As with the water, imagine the energy of the Moon Goddess empowering the salt.

Set the salt down and pour a little into the bowl of water, and stir clockwise three times. Repeat this process twice more.

With the bowl in your left hand (recieving) and the mirror in your right (sending), reflect the light of the moon off the mirror and into the bowl. After a few moments say:

This liquid is now pure and dedicated to the Lord and Lady. It is free from all negativity in any time and any space.

Set the bowl and mirror down and hold out both of your hands, palms down, over (not touching) the bowl, about one inch above the water.

Let the vibrations of your body come alive. Open your third eye chakra and imagine a glowing purple light emanating from it. Form and open triangle with your hands over the water and project the light into it. In your mind, see the water change color and glow. Feel the power and energy flow from your head down through your arms and up from your feet and out from your arms simultaneously. When you feel the energy begin to dissipate, slowly lower your hands and say:

As I will

So mote it be

With the free will of all

And harm to none

This formula is done!

You may ground your energy in two ways. Either place your hands physically upon the ground and feel the energy drain into Earth Mother, or imagine your energy as a force field around you, and quietly step back out of the skeleton of energy and watch it collapse in upon itself and melt into the ground.

Transfer the water to your storage container and store it away until you are ready to cleanse and concencrate your sacred space. Be sure to clean up after yourself by putting all things away in their designated places so that you will be able to find them again next when they're needed.

-Written by Silver RavenWolf

Black Cat Powder

A powerful binding and compelling agent, sacred to Hecate. It can be used to cause another to strongly desire you, or it can be used to create a barrier, warding off curses and undoing hexes and jinxes.

3 hairs from an all-black cat

3 threads of steel wool

pinch of magnetic dust (iron fillings)

1 tsp. white sage

1 tsp. myrrh gum

2 tsp. bay laurel

1 tsp. kosher salt

1 cup corn starch dyed black

Begin with the bay leaves. Fresh ones are best, of course, but not always easy to find. Most supermarkets carry whole dried leaves,

however. Take the bundle of leaves, and warm them with your hands. Crumble the leaves in to your mortar once they are warmed by your

body heat. Next, do the same with the sage. Again, fresh whole leaves are best. You may not be able to find whole sage, even dried, depending on your

circumstances. Powdered will have to do, if nothing better is available.

Add the myrrh and salt to the mix in the mortar, and grind thoroughly.

Add the cat hairs, steel wool, and iron fillings. Grind thoroughly once again.

Pour this mix into a mason jar along with the corn starch, screw the lid on tight, and then combine everything by shaking the jar vigorously.

The Four Thieves Vinegar

During the time of the Black Plague a family of perfumers robbed the dead. As perfumers they knew well the antiseptic essential oils, and they infused them in vinegar and rubbed them on their bodies; by doing so they protected themselves from certain death. The doctors of the time used the same herbs and essential oils to protect themselves while tending so many who were contagious. They wore big cloaks over their heads that reached down well below their shoulders.

Attached to the cloak over the nose and mouth was a 10" long canoe-like shaped beak full of antiseptic herbs and essential oils. You can make natural antibacterial products like those that they used at home instead of buying commercial disinfectants that we are now finding out may cause drug resistance. Here is the famous Vinegar of The Four Thieves recipe; it is sometimes called Grave Robber's Blend. Use it wherever you would normally use disinfectants.

Place a small handful each of dried lavender, rosemary, sage, rue and mint in a large jar, and cover completely with organic apple cider vinegar. Cover tightly and set for six weeks. Strain into a spray bottle. Whereas no home can be made to be sterile, spray the powerfully antiseptic Vinegar of Four Thieves recipe in areas of concern, such as on cutting boards and door knobs, always making sure to avoid your eyes.

When Witches Gather Rain

Witches have always known the special meaning of nature's acts. They are warnings, blessings and magic guides to our living in the world around us. Rain is a special gift from the sky and its power should be used wisely. Try never to shelter yourself from its fall, but rather accept the rain as we should accept life with all of its trials and blessings.

* Rain while the sun shines is a healing rain. Catch and store it in blue glass. Use the water for all manner of healing magic. Place in the bath for an overall body cleaning.

* The blessing of fairies is upon anyone who catches rain in a silver spoon after the rain has bounced off a flat stone. Place some of this water on any object that is frequently misplaced. Keys are always a good choice.

* Place midnight rain of a New Moon on the third eye to bring visions and see future events.

* The first rain gathered in May is symbolic of May Day dew and holds much power. It is used when very special favors are needed. Do not gather this rain in a metal container or its power will be lost. A glass or wood container would do much better.

*When rain runs off a gravestone, gather carefully and use with caution.

*Rain gathered during a thunderstorm holds much energy and can be used to enhance spells and potions. But be aware that the energy does not last long and the spell should be completed before three days and three nights have passed or the rain water will be of little use.

* House plants enjoy the outdoor rain - this cleanses their leaves and helps to purify the indoor air when they are brought back in the home. This is especially good to do when you are in need of a clear mind and strong thought.

* Jewelry, charms and other objects can be purified by standing in the rain, facing west and tossing the object into the air, three times, catching it in your hands each time,

* The sound of the rain carries the voices of the water spirits. Listen to the sound of the rain and enjoy the gifts of the undines. They will speak to you of love and friends. The wise also realize that rain is just one aspect of nature. We should look to the wind, trees, lightning, fire, stones, and other forms of nature's expression for clues to the magic of the world.