Book of Shadows
|
|
|
Written by Madame Aradia
|
|
Sunday, 07 December 2008 17:44 |
|
The holly has long been used as decoration for Yule and other winter holidays and events. Of course, the ancient Celtics tell stories of a Holly King who defeated the Oak King and rules from midsummer to midwinter. He is depicted as a “Santa Claus” character, giving and kind. Some believe he is the inspiration for the stories of Santa Claus. The chinese decorated with it during their February New Year’s celebration. Ancient Romans used the leaves during Yule, exchanging boughs as gifts for the celebration.
Though not use much today for medicinal purposes, the holly leaves were used to produce sweating for treating fevers, rheumatism, and even smallpox. The berries are poisonous, but was once used to purge the body of “gross and clammy phlegm”.
Other common (and uncommon) names for the holly include holy tree, hulver bush, Christ’s thorn, and bat’s wings. So if you see an old “witch’s spell” with bat wings in the ingredients, they were referring to the holly leaves. Old legend says as Christ was carrying the cross and his blood was dripping on the ground, holly trees sprang from the soil. They, of course, bore thorny leaves and blood red berries...and thus earned the name “Christ’s Thorn”.
Holly is a protective plant...protective against poison, evil spirits, and even lightning, and as such is very beneficial to have planted near your home. Some even sprinkled holly water on infants to protect them from evil. Holly is a “male” plant (ivy being the “female” plants as they are magically bound) and is therefore very lucky for men to carry with them. |
|
Written by Madame Aradia
|
|
Sunday, 16 November 2008 23:08 |
|
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. |
|
Written by Madame Aradia
|
|
Saturday, 25 October 2008 17:43 |
|
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. |
|
Written by Madame Aradia
|
|
Saturday, 11 October 2008 15:19 |
|
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. |
|
Written by Madame Aradia
|
|
Saturday, 20 September 2008 19:43 |
|
 The autumn equinox, also know as Witches’ Thanksgiving or Mabon, falls on or around September 21st. This is the second harvest festival, celebrating the harvest of apples, corn, grapes, and some gourds and pumpkins. It is the time of year to begin preparing the garden for winter.
In ancient Greece, the autumn equinox was celebrated as Oschophoria, a day of festivities in honor of the grapes that were gathered for making wine. In China, the “Harvest Moon”, or the full moon of September, was celebrated honoring the harvest as well as family peace and togetherness. All over the world, the day was (and is) celebrated with bonfires and feasting.
To celebrate Mabon, plan a special dinner with cider, corn bread, and colcannon (like mashed potatoes, just add cabbage and onions)...even a turkey. Decorate your home with mums, autumn leaves, orange lights, and red, orange, and yellow candles. As symbols for the holiday, decorate with wheat, gourds, and Indian corn. Be sure to say a prayer of thanks. |
|
Written by Madame Aradia
|
|
Friday, 12 September 2008 14:11 |
|
 Wormwood is a lovely herb with silvery green leaves and tiny yellow button-like flowers. Other folk names include Madderwort, Wormot, and Old Woman. During ancient times, wormwood was used to counteract poison from hemlock and certain mushrooms. It was also used to summon the dead. Sometimes, witches would burn the wormwood with sandalwood in a graveyard in order to raise the spirits of the dead and hear them speak. Wormwood was also used in love potions and burned to increase one’s psychic powers. Wormwood is one of the herbs used to make the liquor Absinthe. If taken in small portions, wormwood can be used to relieve stomach pain and help with liver problems. This herb is also an excellent antiseptic. Because of it’s musky, potent smell it is also good in potpourri or as a moth repellent. |
|
Written by Madame Aradia
|
|
Tuesday, 19 August 2008 00:22 |
|
I don’t believe that little book of spells at the bookstore is something to take seriously. I believe the most powerful “spell” is those words you speak from your heart, as that of a prayer. Those spells were also spells which worked (on occasion) for that particular author. Remember if you want a “spell” that works, you need to learn what works for you. As the late Scott Cunningham said “...we may all speak the same language, but we use different dialects...”
Speaking to nature, to God, as you would another person is simple and really the best way to communicate when expressing those feeling when you traditionally “cast”. God and His creations appreciate your straight-forward talk to any bullshit spell or insulting ass-kissing prayer. He is always ready to listen, so don’t patronize Him. Nature is ready to listen, as you should be, if you want to learn anything from it. |
|
Written by Madame Aradia
|
|
Tuesday, 19 August 2008 00:20 |
|
The Sabbat holiday of Lammas (or Lughnasadh) is celebrated on August 1st (evening of July 31st). This ancient Celtic celebration is the first of three harvest festivals. The Lammas harvest being wheat, oats, corn, and often early fruits and vegetables such as blackberries, pickles, beans, and tomatoes. There was often a bonfire, dancing, and games. Lammas was also called “loaf-mass” day because Catholics traditionally baked bread and lay the loaves on the altar during mass as a way of saying thanks. So baking bread or corn bread is great way to celebrate the day. Suggested decoration would be sunflowers, wheat, and and other late Summer flowers. If building a bonfire is not an option for you, light a tea light in a small cauldron and say a blessing of thanks. Lammas marks the beginning of the end of Summer. |
|
Written by Madame Aradia
|
|
Tuesday, 19 August 2008 00:17 |
|
Lore
The sunflower, also called Indian sun or marigold of Peru, is native to the Americas, grown by the Indians. It is a symbol of the sun (duh!) and also truth, fertility, and wishes. It was said that sleeping with a sunflower under your pillow would allow you to know the truth of any matter or a dream which is troubling you. Growing sunflowers in the garden gives the gardener luck and guards against pests. If a woman wishes to conceive, she should eat sunflower seeds. Eating the seeds also promotes your health. If you want to make a wish, tradition says to cut a sunflower at sunset and make the wish. So long as the wish is not too grand, it will come true by the next sunset. Fact or Fiction Did you know sunflowers don’t always follow the sun? Of course when the flower bud is small, it will track the sun through the day. But once the flower blooms, it stops, the head being too heavy and the stalk becoming ridged. Most of the time, once the flower blooms, it will freeze “looking” east. In My Garden Sunflowers are easy to grow. They are hardy and fast growing and need full sun, of course; but they are heavy “feeders” and drink a lot, at least when they are young. My favorite variety is the mammoth sunflowers. The stalk can be over 10 feet tall and the heads can be a foot in diameter. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
