tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5400344116748487822024-03-05T13:31:03.591+00:00Rachel Patterson - Witch and AuthorAuthor and witch Rachel PattersonAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.comBlogger714125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-44365430741460630242017-10-31T12:16:00.002+00:002017-10-31T12:16:39.978+00:00My blog is on the move...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgCPSBHPgND-JLVpzVEFeWm8iJmTm9tLUBwrrNTFTBiDqADswgKrOpkfzivVIl0unCmRAeXVb1vmohoaYGEY8JeAjzbzNEnMgSHm6J7cyYBEEzWwUQVk8bqQXJsZ0v8COuBkApvTFURxc/s1600/graphicstock-liittle-girl-with-band-on-eyes-walking-on-the-colorful-world_BFw3sRXs5x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="600" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgCPSBHPgND-JLVpzVEFeWm8iJmTm9tLUBwrrNTFTBiDqADswgKrOpkfzivVIl0unCmRAeXVb1vmohoaYGEY8JeAjzbzNEnMgSHm6J7cyYBEEzWwUQVk8bqQXJsZ0v8COuBkApvTFURxc/s640/graphicstock-liittle-girl-with-band-on-eyes-walking-on-the-colorful-world_BFw3sRXs5x.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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On Monday 21st June 2010 I started this blog...<br />
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713 blog posts later I have decided it is time to move the blog to a more sensible place. I will still be blogging regularly (seriously, you didn't think I would ever shut up do you?) but it will be hosted from my website instead.<br />
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So...from this point forward if you would like to keep up with my shenanigans and inane waffle you will find me over on:<br />
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<a href="http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/blog"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/blog</span></a><br />
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The past content of this blog will remain here at tansyfiredragon.blogspot although I have moved some of the posts over to the new site already and will continue to do so...at some point...when I have a spare several weeks...<br />
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If you want to read my other blog antics you can also find me at:<br />
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Patheos Pagan:<br />
<a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/beneaththemoon/">http://www.patheos.com/blogs/beneaththemoon/</a><br />
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and<br />
Witches & Pagans:<br />
<a href="http://www.witchesandpagans.com/pagan-paths-blogs/hedge-witch.html">http://www.witchesandpagans.com/pagan-paths-blogs/hedge-witch.html</a><br />
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you will also see me blog regularly at another new and exciting venue in the very near future...ssshhhhhh...<br />
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♥ I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support and encouragement, I am truly grateful ♥</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-15407327379410992962017-10-18T09:27:00.000+01:002017-10-18T09:35:19.863+01:00Ghostly Tales Spriggan Mist style...The fabulous Spriggan Mist band are doing a Ghostly Tales tour featuring lots of their music along with guest story tellers.<br />
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One of them will involve my humble input...<br />
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Ghostly Tales</h2>
Saturday 11th November 2017<br />Curdridge Reading Room, Southampton, Hampshire, UK<div>
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<i>"An evening of songs and stories, tales of ghosts, witches, evil landlords, highwaymen and all other things that go bump in the night. </i></div>
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<i><br />Spriggan Mist released their 3rd album Ghostly Tales in October 2013. Every year they go on a mini tour with the songs from the album and more. Over the years The Ghostly Tales has become one of the must do things over the Halloween period. It’s grown into a very visual experience with lighting, effects, dancing and costume very much adding to the night. Each show on the tour is slightly different too, as each venue has it’s unique energy and charm.<br /><br />The Curdridge Reading Hall is a new venue for this year’s tour. Hampshire always gives Spriggan Mist a great reception so this “ghostly” old hall will be perfect to make sure this year’s Ghostly Tales ends with a bang!<br /><br />Every Ghostly Tales show is different and this one is Sprignic rules! Yes that’s right bring your own food and drink and enjoy the music. For only £6 on the door it’s a cheap old night for loads of entertainment."</i><br />
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So, what are you waiting for? Hop on over to the facebook event link <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/418435118537163">https://www.facebook.com/events/418435118537163</a><br />
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For more details about the event/tickets or just to see what else Spriggan Mist are up to (and other dates on the Ghostly Tales tour) see <a href="http://www.sprigganmist.co.uk/">http://www.sprigganmist.co.uk/</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-38939545725114129282017-10-16T09:00:00.000+01:002017-10-16T09:00:09.213+01:00'Coming of the Cailleach' - Meditation<h2>
'Coming of the Cailleach' - Meditation</h2>
Meditation to meet The Cailleach<br /><br />Make yourself comfortable in a place where you won’t be disturbed. Close your eyes and begin to focus on your breathing. Take deep breaths in…and out.<br /><br /><i>As the world around you dissipates you find yourself on a hillside, the air is biting cold and the ground beneath your feet is covered in a fresh white blanket of snow. However you don’t feel the cold as you are wrapped in a warm woollen cloak which you pull closer around you.<br /><br />You listen but there are no sounds, just the silence of a land in slumber beneath the snow.<br /><br />Take a look around you and notice the landscape, the mountains in the distance and the scattering of lone trees all standing bare against the backdrop of snow. The sky is blue and the weak winter sun is trying its best to warm the land.<br /><br />As you look around you notice what looks like the entrance to a cave and a slight waft of smoke drifting out from within so you start to make your way towards it.<br /><br />Your feet crunch in the crisp white snow and your breath turns to mist as you breathe. As you walk you notice a few large black crows are circling above high in the blue sky.<br /><br />As you draw near to the cave entrance you can smell the smoke from a wood fire, it is dark inside the cave but you enter hesitantly.<br /><br />A voice calls out to you from the inner cavern inviting you to come in.<br /><br />You follow the voice and the smoke from the fire to see an old woman hunched over a cauldron hanging above a wood fire. She beckons you to sit down.<br /><br />You sit in silence for a short while, watching the smoke from the fire and the old woman stirring the contents of the cauldron. Then she stops and comes to sit beside you. She takes your hand in hers and looks at you. Her eyes are full of knowledge and wisdom and so very ancient she holds the mysteries of all time.<br /><br />Ask her what you need to know…listen to her answer very carefully…<br /><br />When you are finished she reaches into her pocket and hands you a gift, a reminder of what you have talked about. You take it and thank her.<br /><br />When you are ready you say farewell and rise, leaving the warmth and darkness of the cave without looking back.<br /><br />You walk back across the snow covered hillside to the point where you arrived.</i><br /><br />Slowly and gently come back to the here and now, wriggle your fingers and toes and open your eyes.<br /><br />Have a drink and something to eat and write down the message that The Cailleach gave to you.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>From: </i></div>
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<i>Pagan Portals The Cailleach by Rachel Patterson</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJ_a5OceiBiSos1T7P8fLhpVIwfxC5iyHZ8EVOXTAWX36G2zS1_GNQeYkWhGpnkcrTJicsk4uXsLuiUSZ94n6UXy5MWFdBx_I9EU2fnp3UHXkeWYRVEJlpYC3QgjjCCsOkScP_b4bQXxo/s1600/pagan+portals+the+cailleaach+rachel+patterson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="397" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJ_a5OceiBiSos1T7P8fLhpVIwfxC5iyHZ8EVOXTAWX36G2zS1_GNQeYkWhGpnkcrTJicsk4uXsLuiUSZ94n6UXy5MWFdBx_I9EU2fnp3UHXkeWYRVEJlpYC3QgjjCCsOkScP_b4bQXxo/s200/pagan+portals+the+cailleaach+rachel+patterson.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-86534501146823813712017-10-15T09:00:00.000+01:002017-10-15T09:00:05.997+01:00'Coming of the Cailleach' - Ritual<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuhJw8-wzuX7TRNTax0drsR7YR2Ahzj9EfgwlyVgmx0qN-JQ0nRFTQDE5MAQoB7hbcl7RmRzSQdsOrjtXRZcsZpzJekvrHArl0FCmlVzdtt2jzt1r5WLCpn1BFKbddwhX2u-KHRU5w9yw/s1600/The+Cailleach+Quote+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1083" data-original-width="1600" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuhJw8-wzuX7TRNTax0drsR7YR2Ahzj9EfgwlyVgmx0qN-JQ0nRFTQDE5MAQoB7hbcl7RmRzSQdsOrjtXRZcsZpzJekvrHArl0FCmlVzdtt2jzt1r5WLCpn1BFKbddwhX2u-KHRU5w9yw/s400/The+Cailleach+Quote+b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h2>
'Coming of the Cailleach' - Ritual</h2>
Holding onto negative feelings can not only make you feel miserable it can manifest in physical ways too. Don’t hold onto it. Forgive yourself, let go of guilt and negative emotions and move on. If you cannot forgive yourself or others then you cannot heal yourself. <br /><br />The Cailleach is wise and can see through any veils you pull across. She is the power of the ocean which can cleanse, purify and release. As a crone she is often represented by a spiral, it is this symbol that can help you let go.<br /><br />If you can do this on a beach it would be perfect but obviously that might not be possible. With a bit of visualisation and creativity this can be done in your garden or home. <br /><br />You will need to create a spiral, be creative, whether you draw it on paper or create it by drawing on paper or drawing a spiral shape in sand or rice, you could even create a spiral shape with pebbles, shells or crystals. Use a bowl of sea or salt water as your central point for the spiral.<br /><br />Cast your circle by walking deosil (clockwise) around your space three times, visualise a protective bubble surrounding you.<br /><br />Face each direction in turn to call in the elements; you could even place a lighted candle at each quarter.<br /><br /><i>I call to the East, the element of air<br />Chill winds and icy blasts<br />The intellect carried by the birds of the sea<br />Hail and welcome<br /><br />I call to the South, the element of fire<br />Island volcanoes and shoreline fires<br />Bring your passion and energy<br />Hail and welcome<br /><br />I call to the West, the element of water<br />The oceans, the rivers<br />The intuition of the wells and springs<br />Hail and welcome<br /><br />I call to the North, the element of Earth<br />The rocks, the mountains<br />The stability of the earth<br />Hail and welcome</i><br /><br />Then face the centre:<br /><br /><i>Cailleach, mother of stone and bone, we call to you<br />Lady of keening, bringer of the seasons<br />Keeper of mysteries and the cauldron of hidden sight<br />Come dark mother and aid us in parting the veil<br />We invite you to join our circle and ask for your blessings<br />Hail and welcome</i><br /><br />You will need to have 6, 9 or 12 small pebbles or shells to hold in your hand. Look at the spiral and say out loud:<br /><br /><i>I journey on this spiral to leave behind any guilt and shame that I am holding onto and to bring back my self worth and positive energy.</i><br /><br />Then if you are able to walk the spiral do so, if not then you can trace the spiral you have created with your finger. <br /><br />Start at the outer edge and work inwards as you walk or trace drop a pebble or shell at intervals, allow these pebbles to release your guild and negative emotions as they fall.<br /><br />When you have dropped all your pebbles and have reached the centre dip your fingers in the salt water and anoint your forehead for wisdom, your throat for freedom of speech and your heart for release of all guilt and to bring you self love and self worth.<br /><br />Take a few moments to connect with the Cailleach and listen to any wise words she has for you, then slowly return back out of the spiral.<br /><br />Thank the Cailleach for joining you and bid her Hail and Farewell.<br /><br />Turn to each direction and thank them for lending their energies to the rite and bid them hail and farewell.<br /><br />Walk widdershins (anti clockwise) around the circle stating out loud:<br /><br /><i>This circle is open but never broken, Blessed be.</i><br /><br />Pour the water from the bowl onto the sand or soil and place the pebbles/shells on the soil or onto the sand.<br /><br />If you feel guilt rising again at any time, remind yourself of this rite or visualise the spiral in your mind.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
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From:</div>
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<a href="http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/">Pagan Portals The Cailleach by Rachel Patterson</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-28283611357048099672017-10-14T09:00:00.000+01:002017-10-14T09:00:26.555+01:00'Coming of the Cailleach' - Lessons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM82JZ_3sfYfmOGnyUkomTFrcSFXWAojWSRjMtdHD3Hd86nJzvZFyhWCOdZK7Ly1aA-nYsUE22yZDh8pMQnEpnBNsiP4bsBQN_kckKF3jENZiJr8rr0qPhaQBvGfiHmNpOVKKXU6jfD_n/s1600/The+Cailleach+Quote+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM82JZ_3sfYfmOGnyUkomTFrcSFXWAojWSRjMtdHD3Hd86nJzvZFyhWCOdZK7Ly1aA-nYsUE22yZDh8pMQnEpnBNsiP4bsBQN_kckKF3jENZiJr8rr0qPhaQBvGfiHmNpOVKKXU6jfD_n/s400/The+Cailleach+Quote+a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h2>
'Coming of the Cailleach' - Lessons</h2>
The Cailleach can teach us many things, such as:<br /><br /><i>The sense of life, death and rebirth – the cycle of life.<br />Protection, as she looks after the earth in its deepest slumber.<br />Life must go on even if threads are cut you can mend them and move forward.<br />Never fear.<br />Let go of the old and that which holds you back to be able to move forward.<br />Release.<br />Work with empathy, love and compassion.<br />Whatever you are doing, give it your all.<br />Wisdom.<br />Guidance.<br />Strength.<br />Look beneath the surface.<br />Trust.<br />Shape shifting – you can be whatever you want to.<br />Inner beauty.<br />Transformation.<br />Knowledge from our ancestors.<br />The importance of nature and our planet.<br />Magic.<br />Balance.<br />Overcoming obstacles.<br />Receiving forgiveness.<br />Releasing of guilt.</i><br /><br />She is a dark goddess but you need to see and understand the dark to be able to appreciate and balance with the light. The dark is a place of shadow and mystery and can be seen as something that we fear. The Cailleach can help us to see into that darkness and not be afraid. However she also has her own light compassionate side as well.<br /><br />As she is associated with ‘veils’ The Cailleach helps to remind us that we all hide behind veils or put on masks at some time, perhaps too much of the time. We hide the truth locked away inside. We not only hide things from others but also from ourselves. Perhaps the veil is there because we aren’t ready to share, perhaps the veil has been there too long…the tricky part is recognising when to reveal our true selves to others if at all, but I think we should always be true to your own self, The Cailleach can help with that.<br /><br />The Cailleach is a goddess of fresh and salt water in the form of oceans, rivers, lakes, streams and wells. Water is cleansing and purifying and is most definitely linked to our emotions. Water also has an element of danger, especially oceans and the power that they have, never underestimate the strength of water. The Cailleach can help you overcome fear and to deal with your emotions bringing cleansing and purification with her.<br /><br />The shore at the beach or around a lake is a place of ‘in between’ it is a boundary between the water and the earth and is therefore a very magical place, a spot of transformation and enlightenment.<br /><br />She is also a goddess of the land, the earth, the mountains and the rocks this gives her a balance between water and earth, she provides grounding and stability and the wisdom of the ancestors.<br /><br />From my own personal experience with The Cailleach you cannot be lazy or ignore her advice, she will enforce them. She can act in what might seem harsh ways but they are all lessons that you may not want, but you certainly need.<div>
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From:</div>
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<a href="http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/">Pagan Portals The Cailleach by Rachel Patterson</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJ_a5OceiBiSos1T7P8fLhpVIwfxC5iyHZ8EVOXTAWX36G2zS1_GNQeYkWhGpnkcrTJicsk4uXsLuiUSZ94n6UXy5MWFdBx_I9EU2fnp3UHXkeWYRVEJlpYC3QgjjCCsOkScP_b4bQXxo/s1600/pagan+portals+the+cailleaach+rachel+patterson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="397" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJ_a5OceiBiSos1T7P8fLhpVIwfxC5iyHZ8EVOXTAWX36G2zS1_GNQeYkWhGpnkcrTJicsk4uXsLuiUSZ94n6UXy5MWFdBx_I9EU2fnp3UHXkeWYRVEJlpYC3QgjjCCsOkScP_b4bQXxo/s200/pagan+portals+the+cailleaach+rachel+patterson.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-62257298178720908572017-10-13T09:00:00.000+01:002017-10-13T09:00:00.167+01:00'Coming of the Cailleach' - Working magic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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'Coming of the Cailleach' - Working magic</h2>
Because of the lack of records telling us how the ancient peoples worshipped the Cailleach there aren’t really any ‘traditional’ symbols or correspondences but the following should give you some idea, these are my personal opinions:<br /><br /><h3>
Aspects/Attributes: </h3>
Balance, rebirth, cycles, endurance, overcoming hardship, honesty, winter, harvest, autumn, night, wind, seas, nature, storms<br /><h3>
Element:</h3>
Earth<br /><h3>
Colours: </h3>
Grey, blue, black, silver, white, brown<br /><h3>
Herbs and Plants: </h3>
Woodruff, witch hazel, hazel, hazel nuts, rue, patchouli, honeysuckle, holly, elm, elder, pansy, poppy, rose, tansy, yew, clove, pine, St John’s Wort, snapdragon, magnolia<br /><h3>
Stones: </h3>
Rough stones, grey agate, turquoise, blue howlite, pebbles, shells, sea glass<br /><h3>
Animals: </h3>
Cats, deer, wolves, owls, cattle, swine, wild boar, goats, ravens, crows<br /><h3>
Symbols: </h3>
Hammers, rocks, snow, hills, wands, blue, deer, mountains, earth, skulls, spirals, the waning moon, falling leaves<br /><h3>
Places: </h3>
Mountains, rivers, lakes, streams, rocky places, megalithic temples, standing stones, wells, the ocean and marshes.<br /><h3>
Suggested offerings are: </h3>
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Pebbles, hag stones, shells, feathers, boiled sweets (she is an old lady, they always like boiled sweets).</div>
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Connection:</h3>
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Using a hag stone (holey stone), a pebble or a shell – just sit for a few moments in silence and connect with the earth energies of the stone to bring you balance and connection to the strength of the Cailleach.<br /><br />Feed the birds in your garden or local park, this is a way of connecting with the goddess and also offering thanks.<br /><br />Any craft item made with stones, shells or pebbles would be perfect to honour the Cailleach. Even something simple like painting a spiral shape on a large flat pebble.<br /><br />Make a pebble and shell altar in your garden to honour her, very simple to do – just make a pretty pile of pebbles and shells.<br /><br />Use small shells and glue them to an old picture frame.<br /><br />Create a pebble or shell spiral in your garden.<br /><br />Write inspirational words or affirmations onto pebbles and keep them in a dish in your home.<br /><br />If you have hag stones (holey stones) thread them onto pretty ribbon and hang them over a doorway for positive energy and good luck.<br /><br />Using wire wrap shells and pebbles and make a wind chime decoration for the garden.</div>
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From:</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/">Pagan Portals The Cailleach by Rachel Patterson</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-61328973153578003012017-10-12T09:00:00.000+01:002017-10-12T09:00:13.247+01:00'Coming of the Caileach' - Globe Trotting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM82JZ_3sfYfmOGnyUkomTFrcSFXWAojWSRjMtdHD3Hd86nJzvZFyhWCOdZK7Ly1aA-nYsUE22yZDh8pMQnEpnBNsiP4bsBQN_kckKF3jENZiJr8rr0qPhaQBvGfiHmNpOVKKXU6jfD_n/s1600/The+Cailleach+Quote+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1600" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM82JZ_3sfYfmOGnyUkomTFrcSFXWAojWSRjMtdHD3Hd86nJzvZFyhWCOdZK7Ly1aA-nYsUE22yZDh8pMQnEpnBNsiP4bsBQN_kckKF3jENZiJr8rr0qPhaQBvGfiHmNpOVKKXU6jfD_n/s320/The+Cailleach+Quote+a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2>
'Coming of the Caileach' - Globe Trotting</h2>
The focus of stories place the Cailleach in Scotland or Ireland with her morphing into Black Annis in England but her name can be found (possibly) in other countries. In his text Histories (431-425 BC) Herodotus mentions a tribe on the Iberian Peninsula which he called the Kallaikoi (in Greek). Strabo mentions the same tribe (7 BCE-23 CE) as does Pliny (77CE). Both the latter refer to the tribe in Latin as Callaeci, Ptolemy suggests that the meaning of this name is ‘worshippers of the Cailleach’. So it is possible that the Cailleach was known originally in Spain. This tribe may have migrated to Ireland at the end of the Ice Age bringing the worship of the Cailleach with them.<br /><br />When the Romans found the Callaeci tribe they called the area they lived in ‘the land of the Callaeci’ (not very creative but it makes sense). That land became known as Gallaecia and then its present day name of Galicia.<br /><br />In Scandinavia there is a triple goddess called the Mo Braido, the Mamma/Omma and the Kaelling/Karring. The Karring being the old crone figure who controls the winter storms, guards fresh water wells and has a black rod that spreads ice and frost. She also has a tinder box that produces the sparks of life. She creates the landscape by dropping boulders and stones from her apron and she lives in a cave. Over the winter she looks after the sleeping plants and is considered to be the mother of all creation looking after transformation and the cycle of life…definitely sounds like a familiar description.<br /><br />There is a Norse ballad – Hermod the Young that tells of a hero who saves a young maiden that has been captured by a giantess. He visits the mountain dwelling of the hag and is permitted to stay the night. Using his cunning he persuades the giantess the next morning to visit her neighbours, while she is gone he rescues the maiden and they flee from the house (on skis…because it is snowy). The giantess chases after them, as Hermod and the maiden come to a salt fjord with the giantess hot on their heels the giantess is suddenly turned to stone by the sun that rises just at that moment. Although in the Swedish version it is the influence of an iron cross by the fjord that turns the giantess to stone. Danish tales suggest that the maiden in the ballad is Sigri, daughter of Siward who is carried away by a giant who is slain by Ottar. The hero loves the maiden but she does not feel the same way and takes refuge in a hut owned by ‘a certain huge woman’ where she looks after the goats and the sheep. At the end of the story she marries Ottar who takes her away.<br /><br />From Romania we get the story of a great witch who ran a coven of eight other witches. She set the task to her daughter in law of washing a brown fleece and making it white. The young lady washes the fleece in a stream but it is hard work, Father Winter takes pity on her and takes the fleece from her changing it to white. When she returns home with the fleece and a bunch of flowers she picks on the way the old witch is furious and gathers the other witches with her to fight against spring. Now that does sound very familiar…storms were summoned but the sun shone through and spring triumphs over winter. The nine witches are turned into stone which is where they sit on top of the mountain Silash in Temesvar.<br /><br />The Tuatha De Danann were said to have journeyed from Scandinavia through Greece then Scotland and onto Ireland, their journey does seem to mirror some of the Cailleach history as well.<br /><br />Malta has huge Neolithic megalithic structures and temples some of which date back to 3000BCE and these were said to have been created by a giant goddess called Sansuna. She carried huge stones on her head and in her hands to create the buildings. Was this the earliest beginnings of the goddess Cailleach?<br /><br />And over in Greece we have Lamia, Queen of Libya. She lived in a cave and left to her own devices became evil and stole children. A similar story tells of Lamia the Gello who can shapeshift into a sea creature or bird and likes to eat babies. If either of these hags is killed no plants grow on the ground where their blood falls.<br /><br />The Barclodiad-y-Gawres burial mound on the Anglesey coast in Wales is a chambered cairn made from five carved stones (now capped by concrete to prevent erosion), the stones are carved with spirals, cup marks and zig zag patterns. According to local folklore a giantess was carrying an apron full of boulders when the weight became too much and the apron strings broke, the rocks fell out and created the cairn.<br /><br />On the island of Jersey although the Cailleach does not seem appear by name, they have folk lore tales of faeries that carry stones in their aprons which are dropped to create part of the landscape such as three menhirs at Le Clios des Tres Pierres and La Table des Marthes at La Corbiere. The same seems to apply over the water to Brittany in France where faeries also created landscape by dropping boulders from their aprons.<div>
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<br /></div>
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From:</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/">Pagan Portals The Cailleach by Rachel Patterson</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-73311769429041211502017-10-11T09:00:00.000+01:002017-10-11T09:00:18.379+01:00'Coming of the Cailleach' - in the British Isles<h2>
'Coming of the Cailleach' - in the British Isles</h2>
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<b>The Cailleach in Scotland<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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In folk
stories from Scotland it is said that The Cailleach rises at Samhain and brings
with her the snow, ice and harsh weather until Imbolc when she turns back into
stone. The stone remains damp as it
contains her life essence. She is also
said to spend her entire time chasing after her son or in some stories her
lover.<o:p></o:p></div>
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She is also
considered the daughter of Grainne, or the Winter Sun. The old Celtic calendar had two suns, ‘the
big sun’ which shone from Beltane to Samhain and ‘the little sun’ that shone
from Samhain to Beltane eve.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are
many stories and place names associated with the Cailleach in Scotland and the
Hebridean islands. In some parts of
Scotland she is known as the Carlin and occasionally referred to as Queen of
the Witches. <o:p></o:p></div>
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She is said
to have created a huge amount of the Scottish landscape wading through the
surrounding waters up and down the country dropping large boulders from her
creel (apron) to make the islands and using smaller rocks to create the
mountains. Some of these are Beinn Chailleach Bheur in Argyllshire, Beinn na Caillich on the Isle of Skye, Loch
Awe in Argyll and Bute and mountains in Lochaber. A large furrow down the side of Beinn na
Cailliach called Sgriob na Calliach (furrow of the Callieach) is said to have
been created when she stumbled and slid down the hill. Other place names in
Scotland such as Cailleach Vear – a rock off Mull, Sgeir Cailleach – Jura, Ceum
na Caillich – Arran, Cailleach Head – Ross, Carlin’s Loup near Carlop and
Creagan Biorach na Cailliche Moire on Lewis to name but a few.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One story
tells of the Cailleach Bheur as a blue faced hag of winter who ages in
reverse. She starts out old, gnarled and
ugly and gradually becomes young and beautiful perhaps symbolising the
progression of winter to spring. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Known
sometimes as ‘Grandmother of the Clans’ or ‘Ancestress of the Caledonii
Tribe’. The legends of the Caledonii
tribe talk about the ‘bringer of the ice mountains’, the great blue old woman
of the highlands. She was a mountain giantess
who protected the tribe and kept them safe.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Scotland was
called Caledonia, a Latin name given by the Romans; some suggest that this
translates as ‘the land given by Cailleach’.
I suspect the name referred to the Pictish tribe - the Caledonii that
lived in the area during the Iron Age and Roman times. Tacticus (a Roman historian) tells that the
Caledonii had ‘red hair and large limbs’ and were a fierce people that were
quick to fight off invaders.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>'The
tribes inhabiting Caledonia flew to arms, and with great preparations, made
greater by the rumours which always exaggerate the unknown, themselves advanced
to attack our fortresses…’<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Tacitus,
Life of Cnaeus Julius Agricola, c AD 98</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Cailleach in Ireland<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Ireland has
the legend of the Cailleach Bhearra a sovereignty queen from West Cork. Her name also pops up in the landscape on
Ceann Cailli (the hag’s head) at the cliffs of Moher in County Clare and Sliabh
na Cailli (the hag’s mountain) in County Meath along with Slieve Gullion in
County Armagh, Slieve Gallion in County Derry, Sloc na Caillagh on Rathlin,
Carnacally in County Armagh which also has a river Callan and Caislean na
Caillighe on Lough Carra plus many more.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is said
that The Cailleach raised the mountains and hills in Ireland and placed cairns
and barrow mounds upon them. This
seems to reaffirm her connection with death and the underworld but also of
course rebirth. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In Sligo,
the megalithic site Carrownamaddoo (Castledargan) is also called Calliagh A
Vera’s House. In the mountains above Kilross, in western Tipperary stands
another stone formation often referred to as the House of the Cailleach. The
Labbacallee Wedge Tomb in Cork is said to be her burial place; the name, from
Irish Leabhadh Chailligh or Leaba Caillighe, means ‘the Old Woman’s Bed.’<o:p></o:p></div>
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La Fheill
Brighde is celebrated on 1<sup>st</sup> February and is the day that the
Cailleach gathers her firewood to last over the winter months. If her intention is to make the winter last a
little longer she will make sure the weather on 1<sup>st</sup> February is warm
and sunny so that she can gather plenty of firewood. So if the 1<sup>st</sup> February is a cold
and wet day people assume that the Cailleach is already asleep and will soon
run out of firewood, predicting that winter is almost over.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
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<b>The Cailleach in England<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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There are
some folk stories around parts of England that refer to a giantess although
there doesn’t seem to be any specific mention of The Cailleach by name a lot of
the stories refer to an old woman, hag or old witch. (Also see <a href="http://tansyfiredragon.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/black-annis.html">Black Annis).</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Standing Stones<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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It seems
that a lot of standing stones in England (and across the globe) are often
referred to as ‘old woman’, most of them have little or no legends or stories
to go with them but maybe they do refer to the ancient goddess, the Cailleach
when she is turned to stone? The Old Woman stone on Bamford Moor, Derbyshire
and another Old Woman stone in Cornholme, West Yorkshire are just two examples.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There is
also a huge stone on the western boundary of Pevensey in Sussex, folk lore says
that an old woman was bringing the stone as her contribution to the foundations
of Pevensey Castle, on the way her apron strings broke and the stone dropped so
she left it there. Another apron string
story…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p>
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In the North
of England in the country of Cumbria sits a huge 350 feet diameter stone circle
consisting of 69 stones, the tallest of which is about 12 feet high and carved
with symbols. The four corners face the
points of the compass. The stones date back
to around 1500BC. The largest stone is
called Long Meg who was said to be a witch who with her daughters was turned to
stone for cursing and dancing on the Sabbath (apparently partying on the
Sabbath is a bit of a no no). The circle
is said to be filled with magic and you are supposedly not able to count the
same number of stones twice. </div>
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From:</div>
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<a href="http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/">Pagan Portals The Cailleach by Rachel Patterson</a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-82720735920152457652017-10-10T09:00:00.001+01:002017-10-10T09:00:04.859+01:00'Coming of the Cailleach' - Birth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h2>
'Coming of the Cailleach' - Birth</h2>
<br />The Cailleach – Goddess of the ancestors, wisdom that comes with age, the weather, time, shape shifting and winter.<br /><br />She is said to have shaped the landscape by dropping boulders from her apron which given that she is often portrayed as a giant should have been a fairly easy task. Later on stories also began to surface that gave the Devil as being the one with an apron who drops stones to shape the landscape. Not sure the image of the Devil wearing a pinny with the apron strings flapping in the breeze works for me but it may have been an attempt by early Christianity to cover up the pagan stories of The Cailleach.<br /><br />Her time is Samhain to Beltane which is when she is at her most powerful and powerful she most certainly is for in my experience she is a strong, feisty, no nonsense, and kick bottom goddess with a wicked sense of humour. Towards the end of autumn when the weather starts to get that clear, fresh and chilly air you can feel her draw near. <br /><br />Often referred to as a Neolithic goddess her origins seem to lie in ancient Britain but traces of her can be found across Europe, still as part of Celtic tribal history but in places such as Greece, Spain and Portugal. Some suggest that she was originally a Spanish princess name Beara and others that she originated from the Hindu mother goddess Kali, but some do believe she travelled across from the continent, who is right? (I don’t have the actual answer to that question…).<br /><br />Although she rarely appears in myths with other deities she is occasionally linked with the goddess Brighid/Bride as her opposite. In a couple of legends she is also said to have married the Celtic sea god Manannan. She is usually put into the Celtic pantheon (I have done so myself on occasion) possibly just to put her somewhere but there are traces of her long before the Celts. She is as far as I can make out, one of the most ancient deities who has survived for thousands of years. An old Irish poems states “there are three great ages; the age of the yew tree, the age of the eagle, the age of the Cailleach’.<br /><br />The word Cailleach has several meanings or translations such as:<br /><br /><i>Hag<br />Crone<br />Old woman<br />Veiled one<br />Witch<br />Older wiser woman<br />Biting old woman<br />Old wife</i><br /><br />In Gaelic there seems to be suggestion of a link between the word ‘cailleach’ and the word for ‘chalice’. The chalice possibly being later thought of as a cauldron which is a symbol for rebirth and symbolic of the womb. <br /><br />Whilst in most texts the word ‘Cailleach’ seems to translate as ‘veiled one’ and that the prefix ‘Caill’ also means a ‘covering’. It suggests that an older woman wore a ‘cover chief’ or ‘calle’ upon their head perhaps referring to a veil or headscarf and of course the veil also symbolising hidden mysteries. <br /><br />She is probably most well known for her landscaping with many mountains, caves, rivers and land marks named after her. She is therefore strongly associated with the elements of both earth and water. <br /><br />As a water Goddess the Cailleach rules over lakes, rivers, oceans, streams and wells and also holds responsibility for floods as she also controls the weather particularly storms. Stories of the Cailleach storming (pun intended) down the mountain side in a fury hurling lightening rods and bolts of thunder are plenty.<br /><br />She is also linked with the wise woman that played the role of midwife and a layer out of the dead. Several stories I found linked her to Christian times when it was said she appeared as a nun…although this could be confusion caused by her Gaelic name meaning ‘hood’ or ‘veiled one’ which after Christianity arrived was the term given to nuns reflecting the hooded wimples the nuns wore. <br /><br />The Cailleach is at her most powerful during the winter months bringing the cold weather, icy winds and snow with her. She is said to often ride a wolf (sometimes a wild pig) across the sky bringing the snow and riding the wolf through the lands crushing any signs of plant life. But she is also seen as the midwife for the dying year, keeping the seeds of new life safe and warm beneath the earth, caring for them throughout the winter months so that they may become new life in the spring.<br />
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<i>From:</i></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/pagan-portals-the-cailleach">Pagan Portals The Cailleach by Rachel Patterson</a></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-72246090096708848892017-10-09T09:00:00.000+01:002017-10-09T09:00:08.117+01:00'Coming of the Cailleach' - Introduction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvAOzAjElBgt-gkyEjjQaa7n5gjYJ_Fa89zR4Eq3FadPjOnV0fxdP0zBIlfefLbeMmT2YgjgklrewZ_gUsczX-t0KXb4Rf6BvLAMNRlpqN6hho2WXYSwecE2ZG3NIca2dZdtlk0tBxMTL/s1600/The+Cailleach+Quote+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1083" data-original-width="1600" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvAOzAjElBgt-gkyEjjQaa7n5gjYJ_Fa89zR4Eq3FadPjOnV0fxdP0zBIlfefLbeMmT2YgjgklrewZ_gUsczX-t0KXb4Rf6BvLAMNRlpqN6hho2WXYSwecE2ZG3NIca2dZdtlk0tBxMTL/s400/The+Cailleach+Quote+b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h2>
'Coming of the Cailleach' - Introduction</h2>
<br />This week I will be posting daily blogs all in connection with the goddess The Cailleach, because she insisted that I do...and when The Cailleach insists you do it...<br /><br />The Cailleach came to me many years ago when I had been on the witchcraft pathway for six or seven years and had worked with a lot of different deities, although most of them came from the Celtic pantheon I have always been open to whatever deity that makes itself known, each encounter has been for a very good reason. I wasn’t looking for a matron goddess in fact I was reading a work of fiction, a pretty good ‘twists and turns’ mystical thriller where the heroine of the story was assisted by a blue face hag that hung in the shadows, she was named The Cailleach Bheur. After reading that book I kept hearing and seeing her name mentioned (obviously not in the supermarket but in other things I read and as I surfed the net), this goddess was most definitely trying to get my attention so I started on a journey with her that I have never regretted, not even on the bad days when she kicks my butt because I don’t listen…<br /><br />I have drawn upon myths, legends and folk lore because although there are one or two historic documents that mention her name most of her ‘history’ has been passed down through storytelling and folk tales. Most of the written information is relatively recent as in the last couple of centuries the rest is just given to us in the form of folk stories and hints in the ancient monuments and the names of places that seem to be associated with her.<br /><br /> I can only present you with the information I have discovered, it is up to you to choose which pieces resonate with you and which don’t.<br /><br />She has many myths and legends all passed down verbally and most of them have the same theme, that of renewal. Each generation adding or changing bits of the story to suit the times and I think this has happened particularly with The Cailleach turning her from a goddess of creation, wisdom, harmony and rebirth into a dark and evil hag. She does seem to have been given the ‘Hollywood’ treatment making her out to be the ‘bad guy’ trapping her in the confines of winter. But she is so much more…<br /><br />Whether you would like to work with The Cailleach on a magical basis or are just interested in her legend I hope you will enjoy this introduction and then seek her out. Please bear in mind that each and every one of us has our own personal pathway and we will all have individual and unique experiences with deity. Nothing is right or wrong there is only YOUR experience. <br /><br />And to help…her name can be pronounced in a different ways, depending on what part of the world you are from and what accent you use: <br /><br /><i>‘kye-luhkh’ <br />‘cally-ach-y’ <br />‘cay-loch’ <br />‘coy-luck’ <br />‘ky-och’ <br />‘cail-leach’ <br />‘kay-lex’</i><div>
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<i>From:</i></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/pagan-portals-the-cailleach">Pagan Portals The Cailleach by Rachel Patterson</a></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-55588632139138052052017-10-06T09:17:00.000+01:002017-10-06T09:17:00.183+01:00In a witch's kitchen: The magic of Plums<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">Plum<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">(Prunus
spp)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">Heap
loads of plum varieties and lots of different shades of colour, if you can get
hold of the yellow plums they are especially delicious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">Serve
plums to your loved one to attract them to you.
The plum is also reputedly a very good aphrodisiac.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">Eat
plums and use the stones to increase your spiritual connection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">The
Egyptians and Greeks used them to help relax the mind and the body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">The
plum can be found in writings as early as 479BC. The plum tree is significant in Chinese myths
and appeared frequently in the writings of Confucius.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">The
Chinese believe the plum to be a symbol of resurrection, longevity and great
wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">Plum Magical
Properties:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">Love,
spirituality, relaxation, passion, longevity, wisdom, rebirth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">Ruling
planet – Venus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">Element
– Water, Air<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">Gender
– Feminine<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;"><a href="http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/">From A Kitchen Witch's World of Magical Food </a>by Rachel Patterson</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-29497207080823912212017-09-29T09:42:00.000+01:002017-09-29T09:42:06.001+01:00A Witch's Garden: Pine<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A Witch's Garden: Pine</span><br />
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(Pinus)</div>
<br />Evergreen conifer trees with thick scaly bark and dark green needles that we often associate with Yule.<br /><br />The scent of pine is good for bringing us back to ourselves, for centring and focusing.<br /><br />An excellent herb to use in all kinds of Dragon magic.<br /><br />Pine also brings with it a strong magical protection for your home and also a sense of hospitality and welcome. Keep pine needles in your home to bring in abundance (I would suggest keeping them in a medicine pouch rather than sprinkling them as they are uncomfortable to tread on).<br /><br />It is also a useful herb to use in truth spells to find out hidden knowledge or secrets.<br /><br />Use in incense blends to protect and purify your home or sacred space. I like to add a few drops of pine essential oil to my floor wash.<br /><br />Use pine cones in fertility magic workings and healing spells.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Pine House Blessing</span><br /><br />Light some charcoal in a cauldron or fire proof container and sprinkle some pine needles on top of the glowing embers. Then pass a pine cone (or cones) through the smoke. Keep the pine cone on your altar or in the hearth of your home to bring blessings and peace to your household.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Pine Magical Properties:</span><br /><br />Centring, focus, Dragon magic, protection, truth, abundance, purification, fertility, healing<br />Ruling planet – Mars, Saturn<br />Sign - Capricorn<br />Element – Air, Fire<br />Gender – Masculine<br />
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<a href="http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/">Taken from A Kitchen Witch's World of Magical Plants & Herbs</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-77598032195735284242017-09-22T09:39:00.000+01:002017-09-22T09:39:00.171+01:00A Witch's Garden: Hyssop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-gmhsSRITo4HnQk4QV2yUeZCg34hvlzDwS2hO9JxUYFSS5sITAz9SZ2JAXgnLMYppre6XUNZqLOG7Qgv1rtAXUb6WPcItgkx9oCRlAarwgFUJQIwU9I1rXw5x76inucYpkCWuVj1B5Th/s1600/2017-05-24+11.39.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-gmhsSRITo4HnQk4QV2yUeZCg34hvlzDwS2hO9JxUYFSS5sITAz9SZ2JAXgnLMYppre6XUNZqLOG7Qgv1rtAXUb6WPcItgkx9oCRlAarwgFUJQIwU9I1rXw5x76inucYpkCWuVj1B5Th/s320/2017-05-24+11.39.00.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A Witch's Garden: Hyssop</span><br />
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(Hyssopus officinalis)<br /><br />A woody base shrub with dark green leaves producing bunches of pink, blue or occasionally white flowers during the summer.<br /><br />An excellent herb to use for purification and protection.<br /><br />Hang a sprig of hyssop above your doorway to keep out negative energy. You can also tie a few hyssop sprigs together to make a besom to sweep out negative energy.<br /><br />Add a handful of dried hyssop to your floor wash water to cleanse your home or add to your bathwater to heal and purify.<br /><br />During the Dark Ages this herb was strewn on the floor in houses of those that were suffering from illness, you probably don’t want it all over your carpet but it works well in healing pouches and incense blends.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Hyssop Magical Properties:</span><br />Purification, protection, healing<br />Ruling planet – Jupiter, Moon<br />Sign - Cancer<br />Element – Fire<br />Gender – Masculine<div>
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<a href="http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/">Taken from A Kitchen Witch's World of Magical Plants & Herbs</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-77117462023643423322017-09-19T09:17:00.000+01:002017-09-19T09:17:24.487+01:00In a Witch's Kitchen: The magic of POMEGRANATE<h2>
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pomegranate</span></span></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">(Punica
granatum)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZoQPyz-iX8BEBOcJUxi6oVT6CONxPuSkaU42kz-1bwbZ5RPx_PQIQlsh8WMmVvGKEBA8EkYAM0sHPZNBTeEAZofq5Fy4ENfzQ_LNycSb0HI8QUG_XacsAgNj2zXPl4ZF_lilt5SFzk0Y/s1600/dsc07379-3175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZoQPyz-iX8BEBOcJUxi6oVT6CONxPuSkaU42kz-1bwbZ5RPx_PQIQlsh8WMmVvGKEBA8EkYAM0sHPZNBTeEAZofq5Fy4ENfzQ_LNycSb0HI8QUG_XacsAgNj2zXPl4ZF_lilt5SFzk0Y/s400/dsc07379-3175.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">My
dad used to buy us a pomegranate each when we were children, he would give us
the fruit and a pin to pick out the seeds, I suspect it was purely to keep us
quiet for a bit…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">The
pomegranate always seems like a grand and extravagant fruit to me, maybe it is
the colour of all the seeds inside. It
is sacred to Persephone (the pomegranate appears in her stories) and Ceres and
represents growth and fertility.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">Eat
pomegranate seeds whilst visualising your intent and if your will is strong
enough your wish will come true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">This
fruit is often associated with Samhain and the Underworld (see the story of
Persephone and Hades) so I think it works well for death and rebirth workings
as well as new beginnings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">Pomegranate
Magical Properties:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">Growth,
fertility, wishes, death, rebirth, new beginnings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">Ruling
planet – Mercury<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">Element
– Fire, Earth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;">Gender
– Masculine<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;"><a href="http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/"><br /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;"><a href="http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/">From A Kitchen Witch's World of Magical Food</a> by Rachel Patterson</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7jZbjgw4KEyiAafSy71OiS98zUj68qn8UFnrEMaIyHB__T-UpiEY2vXgRYcniARm4VG7R8qHzvtmdVcL0ANb7BV4sN3Iv-DSzu8WDmNGyHuc2tYDqxVID6pif4no37MFvQNMyatzZCYU/s1600/A+kitchen+Witchs+world+of+magical+food+by+rachel+patterson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="244" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7jZbjgw4KEyiAafSy71OiS98zUj68qn8UFnrEMaIyHB__T-UpiEY2vXgRYcniARm4VG7R8qHzvtmdVcL0ANb7BV4sN3Iv-DSzu8WDmNGyHuc2tYDqxVID6pif4no37MFvQNMyatzZCYU/s200/A+kitchen+Witchs+world+of+magical+food+by+rachel+patterson.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-23579678706340081962017-09-15T09:35:00.000+01:002017-09-15T09:35:01.488+01:00A Witch's Garden: Marjoram<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlN3VwNWjIiDdc5itWKI_ihyphenhyphenpdH8s0OIiupn55UhIXJc_n7g3PMjg8jXza72Ai2PXbS0nBxtMb-JPFbAnDXH3PUbu4e64WhRSRrBpDKMO0d6kWhpnInS8Azbx9T-WsWcMsdeN-5sveMza/s1600/2017-05-24+11.38.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlN3VwNWjIiDdc5itWKI_ihyphenhyphenpdH8s0OIiupn55UhIXJc_n7g3PMjg8jXza72Ai2PXbS0nBxtMb-JPFbAnDXH3PUbu4e64WhRSRrBpDKMO0d6kWhpnInS8Azbx9T-WsWcMsdeN-5sveMza/s320/2017-05-24+11.38.49.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A Witch's Garden: Marjoram</span><br />
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(Origanum majorana)</div>
<br />I grow several varieties of marjoram in my garden but it also grows in the wild on dry grassland and waste ground. The plant is a perennial growing up to 2 feet high with slender stems and small oval leaves. Lilac coloured flowers appear in the summer. Often referred to as sweet or knotted marjoram.<br /><br />Greeks and Romans wove garlands of marjoram for betrothed couples to wear, making it an excellent herb to use in love workings and marriage spells. Put a bundle of marjoram under your pillow to dream of your future love.<br /><br />It is a happy herb and can be used in happiness and anti depression spell work very successfully it is also good for aiding with grief.<br /><br />Sprinkle marjoram leaves around your house for protection. Hang a bunch over your threshold for the same purpose.<br /><br />Add a sprinkle of marjoram to your bath water to help you stay healthy and to keep bugs at bay.<br /><br />It is also very nice in pasta sauce.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Marjoram Magical Properties:</span><br /><br />Love, happiness, health, protection, marriage, grief<br />Ruling planet – Mercury<br />Sign – Aries, Capricorn<br />Element – Air<br />Gender – Masculine<br />
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<a href="http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/">Taken from A Kitchen Witch's World of Magical Plants & Herbs</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPABtmdTIYT_BEYHBCexNV_htmZVJb-dLdsaAnNpmn5_XC_dUb_uuBs5zvUtftrz5rdLFzBu623IwcWNnIIGQ19voo_MdNFzAvRcejcBGwG2MdMMxGvjJF0dBuODEyG2y_dseGzj8OxD5k/s1600/a+kitchen+witchs+world+of+magical+plants+and+herbs+by+rachel+patterson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="245" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPABtmdTIYT_BEYHBCexNV_htmZVJb-dLdsaAnNpmn5_XC_dUb_uuBs5zvUtftrz5rdLFzBu623IwcWNnIIGQ19voo_MdNFzAvRcejcBGwG2MdMMxGvjJF0dBuODEyG2y_dseGzj8OxD5k/s200/a+kitchen+witchs+world+of+magical+plants+and+herbs+by+rachel+patterson.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-15790952134444313612017-09-13T10:34:00.000+01:002017-09-13T10:34:02.353+01:00Legend The Arthurian TarotIn my quest to find all things Arthurian I stumbled upon this fabulous tarot deck recently:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxIt0uMSZ-9O5t7Qb1ZyA50TDscOrTf94R3hTfgJF6Pg4Z3agtT5Li2y5xD8BBQSVql7btfOkJ3G4tf3FW6LnkPCBOTui8zWXTM20aqIpEX-8FVFkR2zOLEW89_kd9L8EH0n8ItzurQsT/s1600/2017-08-24+08.47.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="948" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxIt0uMSZ-9O5t7Qb1ZyA50TDscOrTf94R3hTfgJF6Pg4Z3agtT5Li2y5xD8BBQSVql7btfOkJ3G4tf3FW6LnkPCBOTui8zWXTM20aqIpEX-8FVFkR2zOLEW89_kd9L8EH0n8ItzurQsT/s400/2017-08-24+08.47.08.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
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I have been totally captivated by Legend The Arthurian Tarot by artist Anna-Marie Ferguson.</div>
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The cards not only have the usual names on - The Magican, The Empress etc they also have corresponding Arthurian names so Justice is Lady of the Lake and The Moon is Morgan Le Fay.</div>
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The artwork is beautiful and the cards are a nice size.</div>
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You can find Anna-Marie's artwork here <a href="http://annamarieferguson.com/">http://annamarieferguson.com/</a></div>
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but I purchased her tarot set from Amazon.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-85798628610058291022017-09-08T09:30:00.000+01:002017-09-08T09:30:01.054+01:00A Witch's Garden: Sage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWM4_FGnoKVuiRaclqnpyqqA6d84D_RkcJKJweLjcywbMwMuwm3X_kgdqvm3er3WQXF8bwC-yHqnPaLohYJH9HoRi9Co5lV_2CW5cNGDk2UGu70YQBpcIkd_CK7f0GGdII5oZFuDvLEiLl/s1600/2017-05-24+11.38.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWM4_FGnoKVuiRaclqnpyqqA6d84D_RkcJKJweLjcywbMwMuwm3X_kgdqvm3er3WQXF8bwC-yHqnPaLohYJH9HoRi9Co5lV_2CW5cNGDk2UGu70YQBpcIkd_CK7f0GGdII5oZFuDvLEiLl/s320/2017-05-24+11.38.55.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A Witch's Garden: Sage</span><br />
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(salvia officinalis)<br /><br />A familiar herb in our gardens I have the garden/common variety and a pretty purple sage too. An evergreen perennial shrub with woody stems and grey leaves (unless you have the purple or variegated varieties) with small lilac coloured flowers.<br /><br />The white sage (Salvia apiana) that is traditionally used for smudging by many American tribes is native to the USA and Mexico. Personally I use the sage that grows in my garden to smudge because it is very similar, I also know that it is free of pesticides and chemicals and I get it for free!<br /><br />Carry sage with you to ensure wisdom and aid with your intuition.<br /><br />To cleanse, purify and protect your home, work or ritual space smudge with sage, although I like to add rosemary and lavender into my smudge bundles (but if you have read this book from the start you will know that by now…).<br /><br />Keep sage on your windowsill to encourage abundance and success.<br /><br />Write your wish on a sage leaf and place it beneath your pillow, if you dream of your goal then it will come true.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Pick Me Up Sage Tea</span><br /><br />1 tablespoon/ ½ oz sage leaves (young ones rather than the older, tougher ones)<br />250ml/ 1 ¼ cups/ ½ pint boiling water<br /><br />Wash the leaves then bruise them slightly with a spoon and pour boiling water on top, leave too steep for 7-10 minutes, strain and drink to give yourself an energy boost and to lift your spirits. You can also add a teaspoon of honey to make life sweet.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Sage Magical Properties:</span><br /><br />Protection, wishes, wisdom, purification, stimulating, intuition, abundance, success.<br />Ruling planet – Jupiter<br />Sign – Taurus, Sagittarius<br />Element – Air<br />Gender – Masculine<div>
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<a href="http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/">Taken from A Kitchen Witch's World of Magical Plants & Herbs</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPABtmdTIYT_BEYHBCexNV_htmZVJb-dLdsaAnNpmn5_XC_dUb_uuBs5zvUtftrz5rdLFzBu623IwcWNnIIGQ19voo_MdNFzAvRcejcBGwG2MdMMxGvjJF0dBuODEyG2y_dseGzj8OxD5k/s1600/a+kitchen+witchs+world+of+magical+plants+and+herbs+by+rachel+patterson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="245" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPABtmdTIYT_BEYHBCexNV_htmZVJb-dLdsaAnNpmn5_XC_dUb_uuBs5zvUtftrz5rdLFzBu623IwcWNnIIGQ19voo_MdNFzAvRcejcBGwG2MdMMxGvjJF0dBuODEyG2y_dseGzj8OxD5k/s200/a+kitchen+witchs+world+of+magical+plants+and+herbs+by+rachel+patterson.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-73593490038485224812017-09-01T09:28:00.000+01:002017-09-01T09:28:03.765+01:00A Witch's Garden: Rosemary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdeJhko2ABfyNsOvkQ9V-G3um_6JMdRhFp6N9qoZfz4a9ykApQ2tKg4PR_S9G3fQGbEGeeze765zYbD5WkquDNaxdrVkeV3VCMWkOAAldj64sHkNloUzpoCQNkue4i7fwvYQJbZus80VB/s1600/2017-05-24+11.38.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdeJhko2ABfyNsOvkQ9V-G3um_6JMdRhFp6N9qoZfz4a9ykApQ2tKg4PR_S9G3fQGbEGeeze765zYbD5WkquDNaxdrVkeV3VCMWkOAAldj64sHkNloUzpoCQNkue4i7fwvYQJbZus80VB/s320/2017-05-24+11.38.44.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A Witch's Garden: Rosemary</span><br />
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(Rosemarinus officinalis)<br /><br />A popular herb found in many gardens (apparently introduced to the UK by the Romans), I have several in mine and it grows all year round.<br /><br />An evergreen plant with woody stems, narrow dark green leaves and tiny lilac colour flowers twice a year, once in the spring and again in the autumn. The whole plant is aromatic and has a habit of covering you in strongly scented oil whenever you handle the leaves.<br /><br />Greeks wore rosemary in their hair to help boost the power of memory. <br /><br />Traditionally rosemary was burnt as incense in houses that were stricken with illness; I like to also use it in my smudge sticks along with lavender and sage. <br /><br />Grow, carry with you or use in incense blends to bring about protection, healing and purification.<br /><br />It was often used in bridal bouquets for love and funeral wreaths for remembrance.<br /><br />Use a long piece of fresh rosemary and bend it into a circle, tie together with ribbon and hang in your home to bring protection.<br /><br />Burning rosemary as incense in your home apparently gets rid of unwanted guests or those that have outstayed their welcome.<br /><br />And yes…it is another one that was used for protection against witches…<br /><br />I have read that folklore states that rosemary will only flourish in the garden where the lady rules the house… (it grows really well in my garden)…<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Protection and Purification Rosemary Water</span><br /><br />Take a good handful of rosemary (flowers, leaves and stem) place it in a saucepan and cover with cold water, bring it to the boil, cover and simmer for about five minutes. Then transfer to a jug and allow to cool, strain and pour into bottles.<br /><br />This water is excellent to use for sprinkling around your home and property to cleanse and protect, to use for casting a circle in ritual or to cleanse and consecrate ritual tools. It can also be added to bath water or used as a hair rinse.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Rosemary Magical Properties:</span><br /><br />Protection, love, lust, mental powers, exorcism, purification, healing, sleep<br />Ruling planet – Sun<br />Sign - Aries<br />Element – Fire<br />Gender – Masculine<br />
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<a href="http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/">Taken from A Kitchen Witch's World of Magical Plants & Herbs</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPABtmdTIYT_BEYHBCexNV_htmZVJb-dLdsaAnNpmn5_XC_dUb_uuBs5zvUtftrz5rdLFzBu623IwcWNnIIGQ19voo_MdNFzAvRcejcBGwG2MdMMxGvjJF0dBuODEyG2y_dseGzj8OxD5k/s1600/a+kitchen+witchs+world+of+magical+plants+and+herbs+by+rachel+patterson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="245" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPABtmdTIYT_BEYHBCexNV_htmZVJb-dLdsaAnNpmn5_XC_dUb_uuBs5zvUtftrz5rdLFzBu623IwcWNnIIGQ19voo_MdNFzAvRcejcBGwG2MdMMxGvjJF0dBuODEyG2y_dseGzj8OxD5k/s200/a+kitchen+witchs+world+of+magical+plants+and+herbs+by+rachel+patterson.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-36056901820173404762017-08-30T10:23:00.000+01:002017-08-30T10:23:07.097+01:00Sacred Path Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbAeRBZN276tvNCyHpTGbDXgStarWfwYsWEwH9XIXO-q8I4GrK19AUFkuMhcDUZDCVo5duPkrDA6anV4cAq3iwJdEZC-ILuQjFiRa3AGqmTBOLhtF_iVxGTqOTKRQYSPwdsIL0WwpVmr0/s1600/2017-08-22+17.55.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1433" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbAeRBZN276tvNCyHpTGbDXgStarWfwYsWEwH9XIXO-q8I4GrK19AUFkuMhcDUZDCVo5duPkrDA6anV4cAq3iwJdEZC-ILuQjFiRa3AGqmTBOLhtF_iVxGTqOTKRQYSPwdsIL0WwpVmr0/s320/2017-08-22+17.55.36.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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I put a call out on facebook recently looking for artists as I was seeking a particular image. <br />
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This lady was recommended to me - Amanda Lindupp who runs Sacred Path Art.<br />
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The wild boar is my life long spirit animal guide and I wasn't actually looking for an image of him but fell in love with this print.<br />
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The print was posted out to me extremely quickly and even included a little thank you note from Amanda on a green man card.<br />
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Highly recommend this lady and her beautiful artwork - you can find more information here:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sacredpathart/">https://www.facebook.com/sacredpathart/</a><br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/sacredpathart?ref=l2-shopheader-name">and her etsy shop</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-57865568163194141132017-08-25T09:25:00.000+01:002017-08-25T09:25:04.214+01:00A Witch's Garden: Thyme<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxFSuBEfB2R6Wr5fGxBRJT9FKDNyKxzes0AHEcNjX46fmdD4x44bF5-hpPtyYQDKDAb98Wo5fF4wRsm_I2N_5zvwX7mIhFfv_aLaauuBfJrcEHD8ncx3nHa0T6IvbA2IEBrtir6zvTDH7/s1600/2017-05-24+11.38.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxFSuBEfB2R6Wr5fGxBRJT9FKDNyKxzes0AHEcNjX46fmdD4x44bF5-hpPtyYQDKDAb98Wo5fF4wRsm_I2N_5zvwX7mIhFfv_aLaauuBfJrcEHD8ncx3nHa0T6IvbA2IEBrtir6zvTDH7/s320/2017-05-24+11.38.39.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A Witch's Garden: Thyme</span><br />
<br />(Thymus vulgaris, Thymus serpyllum)<br /><br />A low growing woody herb with small green leaves and tiny lilac coloured flowers throughout the summer this herb smells and tastes delicious. Wild thyme can be found growing in woods, fields, and commons and on heath lands.<br /><br />An excellent herb to use in any healing workings (and in culinary use for healing too).<br /><br />Burn in incense blends or carry with you for good health. Also use in incense blends to purify and cleanse your home and bring love and peace in.<br /><br />Thyme will increase your willpower and give you courage.<br /><br />Making (and drinking) thyme tea will help you release the past; you can also add the tea mix to your bath water.<br /><br />Sleep with thyme under your pillow to ensure a good night’s sleep and mix thyme with lavender to make a brilliant sleep pillow.<br /><br />Romans would wash their faces in thyme water to enhance their attractiveness and carry it with them to ward off venomous creatures.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Thyme Magical Properties:</span><br /><br />Healing, health, peace, psychic powers, love, purification, courage, releasing, sleep, beauty<br />Ruling planet – Venus<br />Sign – Gemini, Taurus, Libra<br />Element – Water<br />Gender – Feminine<br />
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<a href="http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/">Taken from A Kitchen Witch's World of Magical Plants & Herbs</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPABtmdTIYT_BEYHBCexNV_htmZVJb-dLdsaAnNpmn5_XC_dUb_uuBs5zvUtftrz5rdLFzBu623IwcWNnIIGQ19voo_MdNFzAvRcejcBGwG2MdMMxGvjJF0dBuODEyG2y_dseGzj8OxD5k/s1600/a+kitchen+witchs+world+of+magical+plants+and+herbs+by+rachel+patterson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="245" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPABtmdTIYT_BEYHBCexNV_htmZVJb-dLdsaAnNpmn5_XC_dUb_uuBs5zvUtftrz5rdLFzBu623IwcWNnIIGQ19voo_MdNFzAvRcejcBGwG2MdMMxGvjJF0dBuODEyG2y_dseGzj8OxD5k/s200/a+kitchen+witchs+world+of+magical+plants+and+herbs+by+rachel+patterson.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-67880698996830366192017-08-24T10:27:00.001+01:002017-08-24T10:27:26.101+01:00Painting Dreams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrKy6gBR6wXI4gXha8ix3jOz7TRstWXHpd0HTBgUMY748YlIkgZGy-JHNcWj3amgRBluVjdKxFG-Dqg1TtUtpDsQ8ahRhWw00mOma_0ehC6GF9BPSGI3y_lkzK5XZPmqE3HuiUuDYjiYK/s1600/2017-08-23+11.09.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1351" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrKy6gBR6wXI4gXha8ix3jOz7TRstWXHpd0HTBgUMY748YlIkgZGy-JHNcWj3amgRBluVjdKxFG-Dqg1TtUtpDsQ8ahRhWw00mOma_0ehC6GF9BPSGI3y_lkzK5XZPmqE3HuiUuDYjiYK/s320/2017-08-23+11.09.01.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
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<br />
In my search for an image of Morgen Le Fay I found exactly what I was looking for on Wendy Andrew's Painting Dreams website.<br />
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I have several pieces of Wendy's artwork already and have had the absolute pleasure of meeting her on one occasion a couple of years ago too.<br />
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Not only did I find my Morgen image but also a beautiful one of the Lady of Avalon and Lakshmi too.<br />
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The prints were sent out promptly and included a lovely thank you card from Wendy, with one of her hare images on the front.<br />
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You can find Wendy's work here <a href="https://www.paintingdreams.co.uk/">https://www.paintingdreams.co.uk/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-57777994470643032812017-08-18T09:23:00.000+01:002017-08-18T09:23:01.299+01:00A Witch's Garden: Bay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Rp8eaYuq9uBUV6w-5dSroo_pueyjzrJTPKzwBXwUqeY4BgMW0JhO4CSssPXCpxouSQ4RKuQTRGXypoGWz65tXpDy4C3aow9vvjhUh3abqcGWMuDz27dfBSdSCanMRJgijAT7NkRFt73A/s1600/2017-05-24+11.38.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Rp8eaYuq9uBUV6w-5dSroo_pueyjzrJTPKzwBXwUqeY4BgMW0JhO4CSssPXCpxouSQ4RKuQTRGXypoGWz65tXpDy4C3aow9vvjhUh3abqcGWMuDz27dfBSdSCanMRJgijAT7NkRFt73A/s320/2017-05-24+11.38.32.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A Witch's Garden: Bay </span><br />
(Laurus nobilis)<br /><br />The bay grows as a tree - the laurel, but it does grow slowly so it does very well in pots if you have a small garden. You can pick the bay leaves all year round. <br /><br />Bay probably gets its association with psychic powers from being used in incense at the Delphic oracle.<br /><br />Add bay to any spell work to give it a bit of a power boost.<br /><br />Used dried bay leaves in incense blends to purify, cleanse, protect and bless your home and also to increase your spiritual and magical connections when in ritual.<br /><br />Bay can also be used in pouches and powders to help increase your creativity and inspiration. Place a bay leaf under your pillow to bring insightful dreams. Write a wish on a bay leaf and bury it, burn it or send it off into the wind for it to come true.<br /><br />Hang a bundle of bay leaves (or if you are feeling creative make a bay wreath) above your door to bring protection to your home. Also carry a bay leaf with you for personal protection and strength.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Bay Charm for strength</span><br /><br />Add bay leaves and marigold petals to a pouch and carry it with you to bring strength and energy, you could also use a yellow or orange pouch to add a bit of colour magic to it.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Bay Incense for Cleansing</span><br /><br />Equal amounts of:<br />Bay leaf<br />Cinnamon stick<br />Rose petals<br />Pop in a small amount of myrrh or frankincense resin <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Bay Magical Properties:</span><br /><br />Protection, purification, strength, power, healing, creativity, spirituality, psychic powers<br />Ruling planet – Sun<br />Sign – Aries, Leo<br />Element – Fire<br />Gender – Masculine<div>
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<a href="http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/">Taken from A Kitchen Witch's World of Magical Plants & Herbs</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPABtmdTIYT_BEYHBCexNV_htmZVJb-dLdsaAnNpmn5_XC_dUb_uuBs5zvUtftrz5rdLFzBu623IwcWNnIIGQ19voo_MdNFzAvRcejcBGwG2MdMMxGvjJF0dBuODEyG2y_dseGzj8OxD5k/s1600/a+kitchen+witchs+world+of+magical+plants+and+herbs+by+rachel+patterson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="245" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPABtmdTIYT_BEYHBCexNV_htmZVJb-dLdsaAnNpmn5_XC_dUb_uuBs5zvUtftrz5rdLFzBu623IwcWNnIIGQ19voo_MdNFzAvRcejcBGwG2MdMMxGvjJF0dBuODEyG2y_dseGzj8OxD5k/s200/a+kitchen+witchs+world+of+magical+plants+and+herbs+by+rachel+patterson.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-73276661217856893102017-08-16T11:41:00.000+01:002017-08-16T11:41:20.934+01:00Blue Celestite CrystalOn a recent visit to Glastonbury a piece of celestite crystal decided to come home with me (I did pay for it first...).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8oWjkEbmJLNW_XMC4iUDgKf6g4bqmMzJithcCNybeQlEkYumt4aJWqhmgXG3XePm-M1r3SCcyksZt8mysV4j98wE2gCFR6FckEeVBVg03PlTFPygiw8mHjah30UXCI4n8vGhqdbZp5zWs/s1600/2017-08-10+09.56.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8oWjkEbmJLNW_XMC4iUDgKf6g4bqmMzJithcCNybeQlEkYumt4aJWqhmgXG3XePm-M1r3SCcyksZt8mysV4j98wE2gCFR6FckEeVBVg03PlTFPygiw8mHjah30UXCI4n8vGhqdbZp5zWs/s320/2017-08-10+09.56.40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blue Celestite Crystal</span></h2>
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Said to be an angelic stone it is used to create connections to the angelic realm. Now, I don't personally work with angels but I am using the stone to create a link to Avalon so it works for me.<br />
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The name is from the Greek word meaning 'celestial'.<br />
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It can be used for meditation, channelling and to find wisdom and communication with the divine, spirit guides and ascended beings on other planes of existence. Definitely a useful stone to use for astral travel too.<br />
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Celestite brings balance, communication, organisation, clarity, clear speech and it cleanses the aura. It can help reduce stress, worry, fear and anxiety bringing a positive hopeful energy.<br />
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This stone works well with the crown and throat chakras but helps bring energy and balance to all of the chakra points.<br />
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Taking you into the spiritual realms celestite is a cosmic teacher and can help guide you on your spiritual journey and development.<br />
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Definitely a stone to help you find the truth of a matter it can also help resolve conflict and bring harmony. <br />
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It brings peace and strength to help you discover new beginnings and to trust in your own intuition and abilities.<br />
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Soothing, gentle and calming to your mind monkeys, Celestite can help you find quiet and your centre spot.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12700274325362843291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540034411674848782.post-11464422700157508552017-08-11T10:56:00.000+01:002017-08-11T10:56:05.556+01:00Hoodoo Herbs and Roots<span style="font-size: large;">Hoodoo Herbs and Roots</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUgjOPeIBrC4FyBxhHEqnly0BebDUJtdHi83OK22c6Pxmf1XprodMVNQny5-u2yzDgI4pDbRYSOCFkTok6hsbWSL1zwZT7rE0IDNKjMXNU0y61ExRnBU3WDzihaEVJpifPDVX8FRflj5k/s1600/kick+butt+root+rachel+patterson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUgjOPeIBrC4FyBxhHEqnly0BebDUJtdHi83OK22c6Pxmf1XprodMVNQny5-u2yzDgI4pDbRYSOCFkTok6hsbWSL1zwZT7rE0IDNKjMXNU0y61ExRnBU3WDzihaEVJpifPDVX8FRflj5k/s1600/kick+butt+root+rachel+patterson.jpg" /></a></div>
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All sorts of herbs are used in hoodoo magic, all of the usual household ones along with a few more unusual ones. I haven’t included a complete list here as it would go on forever, but here are some of the more popular ones used in Hoodoo.<br />
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Adam & Eve Root (putty root/Aplectrum)<br />
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This root was used a lot in Adam and Eve magic believed to promote true love and a good strong equal partnership between a couple. Also used for sexual problems within a relationship. However Adam and Eve root is not endangered and should no longer be harvested from the wild. Unfortunately there isn’t a substitute for the root either, so be aware if you purchase ‘Adam and Eve’ products they probably won’t have the true ingredients.<br />
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Alfalfa<br />
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Another herb used for prosperity and money draw spells. It can be sprinkled into your purse, kept in your money box or used as a powder.<br />
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Angelica Root (Holy Ghost/Archangel Root)<br />
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This has many uses within hoodoo – warding off evil, luck, health, family matters, peace, strength (especially for women), uncrossing, jinx breaking and a powerful Guardian. <br />
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Buckeye Nuts<br />
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Useful for gamblers, luck and sexual power. (In the UK you could substitute a conker).<br />
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Clover<br />
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Clover is probably used all over the world for luck! Within hoodoo it is also used for prosperity and money draw spells. It is also considered sacred in that having three leaves it represents the trinity.<br />
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Coconut<br />
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Coconut within Hoodoo is used for domination, a whole coconut often being used to represent the victims head and mind. <br />
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Devil’s Dung (asafoetida)<br />
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You’ve got to love the folk name for this one! It is a very strong smelling powder (hence the name) and is used in Hoodoo for protection, banishing, curses and working against your enemies. (When handling asafoetida I recommend wearing gloves…otherwise you will carry the scent on your hands for ages!).<br />
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Devil’s Shoestring (Viburnum alnifolium, opulus, prunifolium)<br />
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These ‘shoestrings’ are roots from the plant and are used for protection, luck, job seeking and keeping out the devil – the ‘shoestring’ meant to trip him up!<br />
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Five Fingers Grass (cinquefoil/Potentilla)<br />
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The plant has five leaves that are segmented and look a bit like a hand – hence the name five fingers. It is used for luck, gambling, money drawing, employment and favours.<br />
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<a href="http://tansyfiredragon.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/kick-butt-conqueror-root.html">High John the Conqueror</a><br />
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High John the Conqueror root is one of the main herbs used in Hoodoo magic. <br />
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The story goes that John was a prince, son of an African King and that he dedicated himself to helping others, those that were tricked by their white masters. He is a trickster spirit and also a hero of folklore.<br />
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The roots that carry his name are: High John, Dixie John and Little John. High John is said to carry the tricksters spirit within it.<br />
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John the Conqueror Root (Ipomoea jalapa, purge, pandurata) brings with it the magical properties of power, prosperity, strength, luck, love and the ability to conquer all within its path. <br />
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Lettuce<br />
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Lettuce is used mainly in money draw spells. You can use any type of lettuce but make sure the leaves are fresh, the best ones are the darker outside leaves. Greens can be used in the same way.<br />
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Mint<br />
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This is used mainly for money drawing, prosperity, uncrossing or to cool and calm a situation or person.<br />
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Orris Root (Queen Elizabeth root)<br />
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Used in hoodoo by women and men to attract and control a man.<br />
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Pepper<br />
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All sorts of pepper varieties are used in Hoodoo magic, black pepper is good for protection, banishing, curses and enemy spells, red pepper (cayenne) is good for protection, banishing, curses, enemy spells and also to add heat (and therefore power) to spells too. <br />
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Rue<br />
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Used mainly in protection spells but also for love ones. Wearing a sprig of rue will ward off the ‘evil eye’.<br />
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Spanish Moss<br />
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Used in spells working against your enemy and revenge spells. Also often used to stuff doll babies (poppets).<br />
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Violet<br />
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Used in powders, incense and foot track magic for innocence, purity, chastity, feminine issues and concerns of a sexual nature.<br />
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Willow<br />
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A good all round herb, the leaves of the willow are used for love, luck, health and protection.<br />
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Witch Grass (dog grass/devils grass/couch grass/twitch grass)<br />
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Used for love, break up and enemy spells and also good for stuffing doll babies (poppets).<br />
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Taken from <a href="http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/">Pagan Portals Hoodoo Folk </a>Magic <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7y4CNYB6JxRsn87yiAwEOFCWIiR9NML3j1tkmQX_HFPICZOaE8o5ygoUBimN9J3eEH6fMThhdZ7lNZyVxrGOilhAkPSGGENRMXgVWIW-YtOLIfiEqm4rpdxOrULvhbPAYYUpVqvac4vq/s1600/2017-05-20+13.01.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rachel Patterson kitchen witch" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7y4CNYB6JxRsn87yiAwEOFCWIiR9NML3j1tkmQX_HFPICZOaE8o5ygoUBimN9J3eEH6fMThhdZ7lNZyVxrGOilhAkPSGGENRMXgVWIW-YtOLIfiEqm4rpdxOrULvhbPAYYUpVqvac4vq/s320/2017-05-20+13.01.30.jpg" title="rose" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rose in my garden - 'Rachel'</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rose</span><br />(Rosa spp)<br /><br /><br />We must all be familiar with the rose, whether it is as a bush, a climber or in a bunch of flowers. It is a perennial with more varieties and colours than you can shake a stick at. The flowers bloom between May and September and are followed by rosehips. You can also find certain varieties growing in the wild. I have several rose bushes and climbers in my garden and dry all the petals, which is incredibly easy, I sprinkle the petals on a large tray and leave them to dry in the conservatory.<br /><br />Rose is a good herb to use to represent the Mother and also for any workings where mysteries need to be delved into.<br /><br />Use rose in any workings for love, psychic powers and knowledge. Rose petals are also good for dream work and moon magic.<br /><br />Roses and the petals have long been associated with love so they work well for any kind of love spells, use pink for friendship, red for passion and white for peace.<br /><br />The rose has sharp thorns so use it in protection workings. It is also a very feminine flower so can be incorporated into any spell or ritual work that requires feminine energy.<br /><br />Rose also had a connection with death and rebirth, the plant appearing to be dead during the winter months but coming back to life in the spring.<br /><br />Sprinkle rose petals in your bathwater for a balancing, relaxing and love filled bath. <br /><br />Use rose petals in workings for luck and abundance.<br /><br />Rose petals also work well for casting the circle at handfastings.<br /><br /><u><b>Lurve Rose Petal Tea</b></u><br /><br /><i>2 big handfuls of rose petals<br />2 cups of water<br />6 lemon balm leaves<br />2 slices of root ginger<br />1 stick cinnamon<br />1 teaspoon honey</i><br /><br />Put the rose petals and lemon balm in a pan and cover with the water, simmer on a very low heat for a few minutes until the petals are translucent. Strain and return the liquid to the pan add the other ingredients and simmer again for about 10 minutes. Serve warm, best shared with your loved one.<br /><br /><b><u>Rose Magical Properties:</u></b><br /><br />Love, psychic powers, healing, luck, protection, peace, mysteries, knowledge, dreams, friendship, death and rebirth, abundance<br /><br />Ruling planet – Venus, Moon<br />Sign - Pisces<br />Element – Water<br />Gender – Feminine<div>
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<a href="http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/a-kitchen-witchs-world-of-magical-herbs"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/a-kitchen-witchs-world-of-magical-herbs">From: A Kitchen Witch's World of Magical Plants & Herbs</a></div>
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