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Written by Madame Aradia
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Sunday, 16 November 2008 23:08 |
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Ancient Japanese cultures hung pine branches over their door ensure lasting happiness in the home...for pine needles are evergreen... They thought the pine was a symbol of youth and longevity. Rich in amino acids and protein, the pine nut was as valuable to some Native American Tribes as Buffalo were to others. Pine needles were even used to make baskets and sometimes even clothes..that doesn’t sound very comfortable! It is even thought that very ancient cultures burned pine wood in their campfires because the resin the the wood make it burn longer and a smoking pine log would quickly start burning again if a few dry branches were thrown on it.
During the dreary winter months, burn pine needles to cleanse, purify, and refresh your home. Use them in a bath for the same reasons. Ancient cultures believed hanging pine branches over your bed would keep illnesses at bay and forming a cross of pine branches over your fireplace would keep evil from entering your home. Some believe carrying a pine cone with you will increase fertility. It is also said it is best to gather pine cones on the Midsummer when using them for magical purposes.
Believe it or not, pine trees are used for medicinal purposes as well. The needles of some evergreen is used to ail in the recovery from scurvy (which is pretty rare these days). Pine tar is used in the recovery of lung illnesses, such as bronchitis, as well as in lotions and ointments to treat eczema, psoriasis, sciatica, and other skin diseases. The young shoots of the pine trees have been used in making liquors and beers. |
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Written by Madame Aradia
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Saturday, 25 October 2008 17:43 |
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The maple, native to North America, was first harvested by the Native Americans. They called it “sinzibuckwud” which means “drawn from the wood”. They used it in cooking, as a drink, and for curing ham. The syrup was also used to make a delicious wine. No one really knows how they discovered the syrup. An Iroquois legend tells of a Chief who threw his tomahawk at a tree and ate the syrup which ran out. Others believe the Indians discovered it by eating the sap as it oozed out of the tree and froze in the winter weather.
Besides eating the syrup from the tree, the maple can be used for medical purposes. The bark and leaves can be used for liver and spleen problems. For sore eyes, make an astringent (or buy a lotion) for relief.
For magical purposes, maple leaves are used in love spells (perhaps because of the sweetness of the tree...ha!). Many wands are made from maple twigs. Legends tells us that if a child “passed through” the branches of the maple, he could expect a long life. It is also considered a lucky wood to have for travels or if one is moving...gives one the feeling of being at home. |
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Written by Madame Aradia
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Saturday, 11 October 2008 15:19 |
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What would Autumn be without the cheery, beautiful chrysanthemum? Commonly know as just mum, this little flower blooms from September to November...or until cold or frost kills them off. It is easy enough to grow, although they hate being root-bound in pots and tend to dry out very quickly. You can winter mums in the house, but be sure to keep them in a sunny window and well watered and don’t expect them to bloom.
The Chrysanthemum is native to Asia and parts of northern Europe. In China, the uses of the mum as a medicinal herb dates back to the 15th century B.C. The Japanese celebrate a “Festival of Happiness” to honor the flower.
A tea made from the flowers helps recover from influenza. If your eyes are red and tired, a cup of chrysanthemum tea will help. It is a good tea to drink regularly for general health.
Cheerfulness is (to no surprise) the language of the mum. When planted in the garden, it can help ward off evil spirits. It is also said drinking a tea made from the flowers can help cure one of drunkenness. |
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Welcome!
Thank you for visiting my site! Please feel free to look around my galleries. You can download all my art and photographs to use as desktop wallpaper for your computer.
I seek to be honest and express myself without pretense. I hope you find my site intriguing and inspirational.
- Madame Aradia
Find me on the web...
Flickr | MySpace | Facebook | DeviantArt
What is a "Book of Shadows"?
Originally, the "Book of Shadows" was a term that referred to a coven's collection of spells and secrets. In modern culture, the term is used to refer to a witch's personal diary and/or journal. The purpose is to keep a record of everything the witch learns and discovers. While usually kept private, I have decided to make mine public in the form of a blog. I have done this in the hopes of helping other find magic in everyday life, and especially in the practice of gardening.
My Latest...
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White Pine
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Welcome To Our House
madamearadia posted a photo:
Well, a man came to our house
Our house
Our house
A man came to our our house
To sell some brooms.
So we asked him to come in,
And we hit him with a hammer,
And we hid him in the closet
In my father's room.
But you're always welcome at our house
Any time of the day.
Yes,
You're always welcome at our house,
And we hope you will stay....
-Shel Silverstein
11/13/2008
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Autumn Reflection
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Waiting
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Happy Halloween 08
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