Miss. Somniferum

Witchcraft & Things

[misssomniferum]

An Aboriginal Seasonal Calendar

Excerpt by By Alice Gaby, Senior Lecturer in Linguistics, Monash University and Tyson Yunkaporta, Senior Lecturer Health, Monash University:

“On Wangkumarra land, in the corner-country near the borders of Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, stands an ancient stone arrangement. It has been placed to the side of a huge complex, rivalling Stonehenge, featuring megaliths polished, carved and placed to balance precariously on each other.

“They should fall, but they don’t, as this is a place where time runs differently. In contrast to the Western “arrow of time”, the small rock formation pictured shows the non-linear, infinitely interconnected cycle of time followed by the First People who built the site and used it over millennia. It is a stone calendar, aligned within a fraction of a millimetre to the points of the compass.

“The key to understanding this temporal reality is the shape of the stone calendar. It is round, not a continuum. There is no beginning or end, and as such, there is no “New Year”. Seasons do not serve as a basis for linear metaphors of new life in spring to death in winter.

“Instead, both seasons and humans are viewed as components of cycles. Around Australia, Indigenous languages vary in both the number of season words in their lexicon and their precise meaning. This is at least partly due to the very different kinds of weather experienced around the year in different parts of the country.”

Source

[misssomniferum]

The Abydos Kings List

[Source: @egyptiancopticlanguage on Instagram]

Excerpt from original post:

“This is a king list from the temple of 19th Dynasty king Seti I in Abydos (ꜣbḏw / Ⲉⲃⲱⲧ).

In comparison to lists on papyrus, like the Turin King List, this stone-carved list is in pristine condition and one of the most intact Egyptian king lists.

The list is biased though and deliberately excludes dynasties and rulers that were apparently seen as illegitimate during Seti's reign.

The most significant gaps in this list are:

- The 7th Dynasty (1st Intermediate Period) is missing, though its existence is disputed anyway.

- The 9th and 10th Dynasties (1st Intermediate Period) are missing completely.

- The 11th Dynasty (1st Intermediate Period / Middle Kingdom) is mostly missing. Only the last two rulers, Mentuhotep III and IV, are listed.

- The entire 2nd Intermediate Period (13th‒17th Dynasties) is missing.

- In the 18th Dynasty Akhenaten and his successors Tutankhamun and Ay are missing.

For some kings I am listing several names, though it is not always guaranteed that those names represent the same king, especially in earlier dynasties (for example Menes and Narmer). If available I am also trying to match them with Hellenzied names from Manetho.

Even though there is no indication of a system of different dynasties (as mentioned much later by Manetho) in this list, the kings in this list are mostly associated with the following dynasties:

1‒8 = 1st Dyn

9‒14 = 2nd Dyn

15‒19 = 3rd Dyn

20‒25 = 4th Dyn

26‒33 = 5th Dyn

34‒39 = 6th Dyn

40‒56 = 8th Dyn

57‒58 = 11th Dyn

59‒65 = 12th Dyn

66‒74 = 18th Dyn

75‒76 = 19th Dyn.”

[hadit93]

The Five Levels of Existence.

Before I begin I must state that there are many different theologies and cosmologies, many people believe in more levels of existence, others believe in less. Really and truly there is only existence, the levels I describe merely help as a map, or a scale, to use in describing reality.

The Body/Physical reality.

The lowest level of reality is the physical reality, that is, the reality in which we can physically touch and utilise the five senses to create a concrete representation within our brains of our immediate physical environment. This is the level of existence everyone experiences. The qabalists would call this the guph or Assiah. Assiah relates to the physical world, the guph refers to the body- that is the physical vehicle of the spiritual levels of reality- the nerves, the brain, the muscles, the blood, and the bones. Whilst they are entirely physical they are born out of and intersect with the spiritual levels of existence. This level of existence corresponds to the hermetic element of Earth.

The Lower passions/instincts/Lower astral.

The second level of reality I want to label and talk about refers to the instinctual self. I want to make this clear, instincts do not refer to intuition. It refers to animal instincts and I would personally sub categorise all these instincts under the heading of lust or passion. Lust for sex, lust for survival, lust for food, lust for shelter, lust for safety. All these refer to the lower passions and in the soul are related to thought processes involved with survival. These are heavily tied into the physical body, the fight or flight response is one example. This centre of existence is in close ties with the guph. The qabalists would call this the nephesch or animal soul. Most qabalists would correspond this to Malkuth, however, I put it at Yesod and Tau. The qabalists would call the corresponding level of existence outside of oneself Yetzirah, however, this is a lower level of yetzirah and for our purposes we shall label it the lower astral plane or etheric plane- the energetic backbone of the physical plane. I shall not give an elemental association for this point, but I will say that either Earth or Air would be a good fit. Perhaps a mixture of the two.

The Ego, the lower Self/ The astral plane.

The next level of existence is the astral plane, that is not the energetic backbone of the physical plane, but planes which are outside of normal waking consciousness. Planes where spiritual beings live. This portion of the astral could be said to be the middle astral plane, this would be were you could encounter normal angels, spirits, and certain gods. In the self we would call this the ego, it is made up of everything you consider to be yourself, however, this is your lower self. The self which you call ‘I’ on a day to day basis. This means all your likes, your dislikes, personality characteristics, love, hate, passion, intelligence etc. The qabalists would call this portion ruach and the astral is still known as yechidah. It corresponds to sephiroth 4-9 and centres around sephiroth 6 which is Tiphareth. Tiphareth can be though of as a reflection of the higher, the seed of the true will. You may have heard the saying that the soul is a magic mirror, this means that within us are reflections of all the spiritual forces outside us, and this would be true. It is because tiphareth is our gateway or connection to the higher realms and the method by which we can come into contact with such beings. In man, tiphareth is located in the same place as the heart chakra. This portion of existence would be categorised by the element air.

The Intuition/Higher Astral.

The next portion of the soul is the intuition or psychic self, the qabalists call this the neschemah. The intuition is part of soul which receives impressions from the true self ,or individual god head. It is the part of the soul which receives impressions from higher forces. This is the portion which mediums utilise and psychics utilise. But it can also be utilised in extreme cases by people who do not practice any kind of spiritual path. It is the part activated when a mother has a hunch her child is in distress, when the thought that someone has died comes to mind and they have, or when you are thinking about someone you haven’t spoken to for months and they suddenly ring you on the phone. Most people slip in and out of this state of consciousness, however, you can train to enter it at will. The neschemah is attributed to Binah and therefore the element water. Which is apt as the weapon of water is the chalice and just like the chalice the individual must be passive and willing to receive these impressions. The part of existence this part of the soul corresponds to is known as Briah. This is the higher astral where we can visit gods, archangels (as opposed to normal angels) and beings of higher spiritual orders.

The True Will.

This next section is simply another portion of the higher astral, but within the person’s soul it represents the true self, the true will. A person’s destiny. It is the section of the soul in which the soul’s plan is encoded, where past karma is stored, and the lessons are encoded. On the astral it would be where the akashic records can be accessed. The true Will is the not just the will of the person but is also the will of God, for the destiny of a person is the divine goal or mission which the source of all things had set out to discover. The true will is known as Chiah to the qabalists and corresponds to the sephiroth Chokmah and the element of fire.

The God-head/ The divine plane.

This is the highest point of reality and refers to the source of all things, or perhaps, the roots of all manifested beings which permeate the other planes. Religions simply call it God. In the individual it is that portion of consciousness in which individuality ceases to exist and you are united with source. It is the God-head and the spiritual goal of anyone seeking to become enlightened or an ascended master. The qabalists call this the yechidah and refer to it as the spark of the god head, the divine self which is a fragment of the soul of the divine. This corresponds to the highest qabalistic realm of existence Atziluth which is known as the archetypal world, the world of God(s). But not Gods which take forms but rather the primal forces which the older Gods represent. Darkness, light, life, death etc. Those sorts of forces.

I hope this hasn’t been too boring and helps illuminate different levels of reality.

A little quote from Mr Crowley I recently come across:

“The world to us therefore depends wholly upon the development of our senses; and as they grow and decay so does the world with them, how much more then does the world of those who have out stepped the prison-house of their senses differ from the world of those who still lie bound therein.”

[misssomniferum]

Cleopatra’s Perfume Oil: Recreating an Ancient Recipe | Post

Excerpt from original post:

I was reading this article about the discovery of some ancient amphoras in excavations in the city which used to be famous in ancient Egypt for its production of perfume, and by analyzing the ingredients found in the ancient residues, researchers recreated a perfume formula that might have been worn by Cleopatra herself.

The thing is that once I had a look at the ingredients, and I analyzed the magical properties of the formula I came to the conclusion that it symbolises all what we know about her.

Cleopatra embodies the archetype of the queen. An independent, powerful and strong woman who isn't afraid to use her resources in the best interest of her kingdom.

So, let's take a look at the recipe and tell me what you think.

The ingredients called for in the recipe are myrrh, cinnamon, cardamom and olive oil, but it doesn't provide any measurements, so I've gone with equal parts of each one of the dried ingredients, and covered the dried mixture with olive oil.

It sounds very similar to the original Abramelin Oil recipe, and if you have ever tried to make it, you have probably noticed that although it smells very good, it's not strong enough to be considered a perfume. That's why instead of letting it macerate for a few weeks (as you would do with Abramelin oil), I have warmed this up instead in a double boiler for one hour to release the fragrance properties of the ingredients more quickly.

It smells divine, and although I'm not sure if I'm gonna use it as a perfume, I'll definitely be using it as an anointing oil for my craft as a tool any time I need a bit of self-confidence or strength.

[Source: @thecandlemagic on Instagram]

[dianasson]

I am interested in the Sicilian and Italian traditions! Can you direct me as to where to learn more about this/explain the basics of this practice? Thank you so much- your blog is great:)

Italian Witchcraft and FolkloreHey! That’s wonderful! They’re surprisingly difficult to find any accurate information on! My best resources are the article by Sabina Magliocco titled Witchcraft, healing, and vernacular magic in Italy, a less reliable article (that mixes witch-lore and folk magic all together) by J.B. Andrews called Neapolitan Witchcraft, and Carlo Ginzburg’s book The Night Battles about the benandanti in Friuli (Northeastern region of Italy).

If anyone knows any other sources feel free to list them!

Italian witch lore is very old, as there have been legends of witches in this region for a very long, accountable period. The word strega (witch) most likely comes from the Latin strix (screech owl) which witches were thought to take the shape of in the night. The practice of witchcraft is called stregoneria, a male witch is a stregone, and a female witch is a strega. There are more legends of Italian witches in the south (particularly near Naples). One of the most famous is the story of the witches of Benevento, who convened beneath a walnut tree on a hill therein, and danced and worshiped the Devil. This tree was supposedly cut down.

There is a popular image of a witch who arises among Christian tradition in Italy, even still today. This witch is called Old Befana or Bella Befana(Bruta Befana, Bella Befana or Vecchia Befana) who is a good witch who lived alone in a small cottage. One day, three wise men knocked on her door. “Behold! The child of God is born, (yada yada) we’re going to find him and bring him gifts! Will you join us Old Befana?” Now, Old Befana was glad to hear the news and excited to meet the new babe and give it what gifts she could. However, she was not one to shuck her responsibilities so she said she would have to wait until her chores were completed. They agreed and she saw them off, before finishing her cleaning. Once her duties were completed, she packed up her presents for the babe, hopped promptly onto the broom she had just finished sweeping with, and flew out the chimney into the cold night. However, they had not told her how to find them again! Not wanting to deny the boy his gifts, she decided to give some to all the little children she passed on her way, as any might be the new born child of God. Every year on that same night, Old Befana rides out on her broom and deposits gifts for little children, in hopes that one day she will finally find the baby Jesus and give him the presents she has been holding all this time.In southern Italy, many of the tales of witches (streghe) and folk healers (fattucchiere, or ‘fixers’) tell of the songs they sing to work their magic. Unfortunately, this seems to be all anyone knows on the subject, and I can’t find any references or information on these songs! In lore, the witches of both benevolent and malefic natures are closely related or interchangeable with more faerie-like spirits. The Janare of Naples/Janas of Sardinia (lit. followers of Diana) are magical women said to live in Neolithic shaft tombs and are expert weavers and spinners. They sometimes intermarry with humans, but are very different from the cogas  (or little cooks) of Sardinia, who are malefic witches that cook and eat their victims.

Most folk magic in Italy has died out, even in many of the rural areas. What is documented and what remains is all, unsurprisingly, Catholic magic. Much of it draws to saints, prayers, and Catholic holy tools. One name for this form of magic is benedicaria. However, much of it seems more agricultural or magical and less religious in nature. There is no point assuming this other source is pagan, because we could never prove where almost of any of it originated. Most witchcraft you will find today in Italy, especially in urbanized areas, is of a New Age or Neo-pagan persuasion. Neo-Wicca is about the best you can hope to find, and even that is comparatively rare to that found in Great Britain, Australia, and the U.S.In conversations about Italian magic and witchcraft, Raven Grimassi’s book Italian Witchcraft tends to come up. THIS BOOK IS UTTER BULLSHIT. HOGWASH. STUFF AND NONSENSE. It’s almost literally just Neo-Wicca with different names and some made up information. I’m not exaggerating. If you have this book, it’s better off as kindling than on your bookshelf. Just saying. Charles Leland’s book Aradia: The Gospel of the Witches is a pretty piece of poetry, and perhaps has some truths in it, but it can never be relied upon. His source is not credible, and the information doesn’t add up well. It is a beautiful book, but not an accurate account of Italian magic or witchcraft. Here are a few blog posts I have made relating to Italian witchcraft and folk magic:

The Curse of the Lemon and Pins

Neapolitan Flying Ointment

The Use of Stones in Italian Folk Magic

Charm Against the Evil Eye

To Cure Jaundice

To Cure Worms

To Bind an Eagle from your Flock

To Keep Birds from the Crops

[lamus-dworski]

Andrzejki - feast of love divinations in Poland

This is a feast celebrated on the night of 29th/30th November. It’s believed to be a magical night suitable for the love spells, and was celebrated throughout the centuries mostly by the unmarried people who wanted to reveal their future husband or wife. Similar feasts are also observed for example in some parts of Ukraine, Slovakia, Russia, Germany, Austria and Romania [read more here].

A BIT OF HISTORY

The original name of these celebrations was lost in history. The oldest historical sources confirm that this kind of custom was an old tradition in Poland already around 14th-15th centuries. Informations about Polish women who were sentenced to death for conducting wax divinations (described below) can be found in 16th-century documents. 

Nowadays the Poles celebrate primarily the Andrzejki (St.Andrew’s Eve), but some remnants of a similar feast of Katarzynki also survived - it was celebrated on the Eve of St. Catherine / Katarzyna (24th/25th Nov), and survived the longest in the region of Biskupin. 

It is said that Andrzejki was dedicated primarily to the girls who wanted to know more about their future partner, and Katarzynki was the best for the boys to make divinations. 

THE DIVINATIONS

The most popular form of divinations in Poland is pouring hot wax onto cold water. The wax is first melted over fire in a small mug, then poured through a keyhole. People wait until it hardens properly in the cold water, then the pieces of wax are held against a candle to produce shadow on a wall. Its shapes symbolize things that will happen in the upcoming year. 

Instead of a key, in the old days people were using for example woven straw or a horseshoe. In case of lack of a proper key, it’s also acceptable to cut a shape of it out of e.g. cardboard. In the past many people were also using melted lead instead of wax.

Wax divinations prepared by Urzecze Ensemble.

Pouring the wax.

The piece of wax can be rotated in all directions until its shadow creates a distinctive shape.

Other popular divinations include a race of shoes. Everyone gathered in the room take off one of their shoes and place in a line on the floor. The last shoe in the line is carried to the front - the process is repeated until one of the shoes reaches the front door and crosses the theshold.

Originally it symbolized a girl leaving her home, and owner of the lucky shoe will be the first from the group to get married in the future.

Preparing the shoes for divinations (Urzecze Ensemble).

The shoe race can be sometimes manipulated by tilting of the line.

Some old divinations involve also the house pets. Each person prepares a small bowl with treats - for example milk for a cat or pieces of meat for a dog - and then places it on the floor. Owner of the bowl from which the pet eats first will be the first to get married (or find their true love). 

In the old days the treats were prepared very carefully - they were for example small cakes made of certain ingredients, mixed with water that was gathered in a certain way from a well or a brook (brough home for example only in a red mug or only in your own mouth), and baked over fire that was ignited with a wood plank borrowed (or stolen) from a neighbour.

If the pet runs away out of the room with the treat, it was also a good sign meaning a marriage (symbolic crossing of the treshold). However, if the animal hides under a bed with the treat, it meant death of the food’s owner. If the food is only bitten and left in the bowl or close to it, it meant that the partner would break up.

Treats prepared for a dog. Drawing by Robert Sawa.

Other popular divination require preparing of pieces of paper with names of the crushes written on it. In one of the versions the paper (preferably in a shape of a heart) is then turned around and pierced with a pin to reveal which of the names is the future spouse. The paper can be also pinned to a wall and serve as a dartboard. 

In another version, much older, the people prepare small strips of paper, in a form of lots, and put them under the pillow - they draw one in the morning right after waking up. 

Regardless of the version, the papers should always have at least one empty spot / one empty lot in case neither of the chosen names is the destined one.

Before another popular game of divinations the people prepare mugs, flipped upside-down, and hide a symbolic accessory under each of them. The mugs are shifted around, and a person (with their eyes covered) chooses one. The hidden accessory indcates the future. It could be for example a ring or a female cap meaning marriage; a twig of rue or a dry leaf meaning spinsterhood / bachelorhood; a rosary, its beads, or a cross meaning a religious life or even life in a monastery; a coin meaning a wealthy life (but not necessarily full of love); a doll meaning an illegitimate child. One mug should be always empty - it means that nothing will change in the nearest future.

The divinations have dozens of regional types in Poland, and often take forms of various games or competitions. Many customs are sadly forgotten or not practiced anymore, only being told in stories by the oldest generations.

In the modern days the people treat Andrzejki as a special night that strenghtens and ensures effectiveness of various divinations - many of modern activities come also in forms that are known worldwide, for example reading cards or tea leaves. Among most of the modern Polish society the divinations are no longer taken seriously, and are only an occasion for a unique once-in-a-year party, very often combined with celebrations of Andrzej’s namesday.

Sources of pictures: Leksykon Lublin, Łowiczanin.info, Czas Bocheński, Gazeta Wrocławska, Dziennik, Garnek.

[misssomniferum]

☥ Ancient Egyptian Festival Calendar

Ancient Egyptian Festival Calendar

[misssomniferum]

Learning Cartomancy: The Numbers | Article Series

Below is a collection of articles from the blog Necromantic Matters, outlining the correspondences for each of the card numbers as they pertain to playing card divination:

Aces // Twos // Threes // Fours // Fives // Sixes // Sevens // Eights // Nines // Tens

Image source: the author’s website

[witchtips]

Herbal Tea Remedies

From KitchenWiccan.com

21st Century Tea

There are so many ways that our immune systems can be overwhelmed … it’s in our air, our water, our food, our workplace, our stress. This blend of organic and wild herbs is not only helpful but comforting, strengthening and tasty.

1 part red clover blossoms 1 part nettle leaves 1 part pau d’Arco 1 part alfalfa & sage leaves 1 part St.Johns wort tops 1 part ginger root

Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes.Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

ADD/ADHD Remetea

1Teaspoon Hops 1 Teaspoon Gotu Kola

Bring 1 ½ cups of water to a boil. Place the herbs inside, place lid on tightly and let it steep for 5 minutes. Drink twice a day.

After Dinner Carminative Tea

1 cup water 1 tablespoon fennel seeds

Bring the water and fennel seeds to a boil with the lid on the pan and let sit for 15 minutes and enjoy this calming cup of tea. Fennel is a wonderful herb for digestion and can help your body increase its ability to digest a big meal or a meal with lots of fat.

Allergy Season Blend

Cool minty, citrus flavour to assist you with the discomfort associated with allergy season.

1 part nettle 1 part peppermint 1 part spearmint 1 part yerba santa 1 part eyebright 1 pat lemongrass leaves 1 part calendula 1 part red clover 1 part lavender flowers 1 part fennel seeds a pinch of stevia

Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

Aphrodite Blend Tea

A sensuous, aromatic blend with just the right tint of zest for your palate, and sure to kindle flames! A delicate, but dashing combination makes this one of your most enjoyable cups of tea.

1 part Damiana leaves 1 part rose petals 1 part peppermint leaves 1 part muira puama 1 part gingko leaves 1 part orange peel 1 part cinnamon bark chips pinch of stevia. Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes.

Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

Bladder Infections Tea

1 ½ oz dried Goldenrod ¼ oz Juniper Berries* ¾ oz chopped Dandelion root ¾ oz chopped Rose Hips

Pour 1 cup boiling water over 2 tsp of mixture. Steep 10 minutes & strain. *can become toxic, so only drink 2 cups of this mixture daily for no more than 3 days*

Blood Builder Tea

1 tsp Rose Hips-crushed 1 Tsp Butcher’s Broom 1 Tsp Yellow Dock

Bring 31/2 cups of water to a boil. Remove water from heat and add herbs. Place a tight lid on the pot. Let the mixture steep for five to ten minutes. Drink one cup three times daily. Yields three cups.

Blossoms of Health Tea

Beautiful to look at, nectar to taste and good for you. A popular tea. Spirited, uplifting and energizing.

1 part ginkgo leaves 1 part red clover tops 1 part nettle leaves 1 part meadowsweet leaves 1 part calendula 2 parts chamomile 2 parts lavender flowers 1 part gotu kola leaves a pinch of stevia.

Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

Blues Tea

1 part Nettle leaves, 1 part St Johns wort tops 2 parts spearmint 1 part damiana leaves 1 part kava kava root a tiny pinch of stevia to taste

Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

Breast Health Tea

2 parts calendula 2 parts red clover 1 part cleavers 1 part lady’s mantle Spearmint or peppermint (optional; for flavor)

Prepare as an infusion, using 1 ounce of herbs per quart of water, and letting steep overnight. Drink 3 to 4 cups daily.

Bronchial Congestion Tea

1 ½ oz Aniseed 1 oz Calendula flowers ¾ oz Marshmallow root 1/3 oz Licorice root

Crush anise seeds and add to herbs. Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 tsp mixture; cover & steep 10 minutes.

Calming Tea 1

1 oz Lemon balm 1 oz Chamomile flowers ½ oz St Johns Wort

Steep 2 tbs of mixture in 1 cup boiled water. Cover 10 minutes; strain.

Calming Tea 2

1 Part Sage 1 Part Thyme 1 Part Marjorham 1 Part Chamomile

Blend ingredients in a tea ball and put in a mug of hot water.

Colds and Flu Tea

1 oz Blackberry leaves 1 oz Elder flowers 1 oz Linden flowers 1 oz Peppermint leaves

Pour 1 cup boiling water over 2 tbs mixture. Cover & steep 10 minutes; strain.

Colds and Hoarseness Tea

2 oz Malva flowers 1 ½ oz Mullein flowers

Use 2 tbs of mixture per 1 cup hot water. Steep 10 minutes; strain. Drink only 2 – 3 cups per day for just a few days.

Coughing Fits Tea

1 1/3 oz. St. John’s Wort 2/3 oz. Thyme 2/3 oz. Linden Flowers

Use 1 tsp. of the herb mixture per cup of boiling water to soothe irritations of the upper respiratory tract that cause coughing. Steep for 5-10 min., strain, sweeten if necessary. This tea has proved helpful with bronchitis and whooping cough.

Crone Root Tea

For menopause and beginning a new cycle of life.

2 tablespoons wild yam 2 tablespoons licorice 3 tablespoons sarsaparilla 1 tablespoon chaste berry 1 tablespoon ginger 1 tablespoon false unicorn root 2 tablespoons sage 1 tablespoon cinnamon ½ tablespoon black cohash

Detoxification Tea

1 tsp Green Tea leaves

Simmer 1 cup water & pour over leaves. Cover & let stand 4 minutes.

Dream Tea

2 parts Rose 1 part Mugwort 1 part Peppermint 1 part Jasmine ½ part Cinnamon

Drink to cause dreams. Combine all ingredients thoroghly, fill tea diffuser @ 1 tsp. per cup of boiling water and as it steeps say;

Dual Purpose Tea

Do not drink more than 2 cups a day.

2 teaspoons dried German Chamomile flowers 1 cup boiling water

Steep the flowers in the boiling water, covered, for 15 minutes. Strain, then slowly sip the infusion to relieve nausea, stomach upset, and lessen menstrual cramps.

Echinacea & Roots Tea

A tasty way to help strengthen and support your natural resistance. A very popular tea.

1 partechinacea purpurea root 1 part pau d’arco 1 part dandelion root (raw and roasted) 1 part sarsaparilla bark 1 part cinnamon barks 1 part ginger root 1 part burdock roots 1 part sassafras bark a pinch of stevia

Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

Evening Repose Tea

When the sun sets over the hill and the new moon dips her silver softness, savour the tranquility in our evening repose blend. It’s a perfect toast to the rising moon. A robust flavour of flowers and mint.

1 part roses 1 part lavender flowers 1 part lemon verbena leaves 1 part chamomile flowers 1 part each peppermint & spearmint leaves 1 part blue malva flowers pinch of stevia

Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

Fever Reducer Tea

2 tsp dried Catnip 1 tsp dry Vervain

Pour 2 cups boiling water over herbs. Steep 10 minutes & strain.

Flashes Blend Tea

Brew up a pot and sip when needed.

1 part sage 1 part motherwort 1 part dandelion 1 part chickweed & violet leaves 1 part each elder flowers & oatstraw

Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

Flu-away

2 medium cloves of freshly crushed garlic 1 cup of very warm water 1 teaspoon of honey 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

Stir and drink.

Fluid Retention Tea

1 oz Dandelion root 1 oz Dandelion leaves 2/3 oz Nettle leaves 2/3 oz Spearmint leaves Steep mixture in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes

Tea for menstrual problems, fertility and childbirth.

3 tablespoons sassafras bark 2 tablespoons dandelion root 1 tablespoon ginger root ½ tablespoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon licorice root ½ tablespoon orange peel 1 tablespoon pau d’arco ¼ tablespoon dong quai root 1 tablespoon chaste berry 1 tablespoon wild yam

Forests Tea (formerly Lung Blend)

1 part echinacea purpurea 1 part elecampane 1 part ginger 1 part each pleurisy & licorice roots 1 part white oak bark 1 part cinnamon bark 1 part each orange peel and fennel seeds

Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

Happy Man Tea Blend

1 part Siberian ginseng 1 part dandelion root 1 part nettle 1 part each marshmallow & burdock roots 1 part each hawthorn & saw palmetto berries 1 part fennel seeds 1 part wildoats a pinch of stevia

Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

Climb into bed and enjoy!

Happy Tummy Tea

Put a smile on your face with this soothing and yummy tea.

1 part catnip 1 part spearmint & lemongrass leaves 1 part calendula flowers 1 part skullcap 1 part rosemary & sage leaves 1 part fennel seeds

Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

Headache Tea

Lavender Chamomile Rosemary Mint

Put a pinch of each herb in a coffee filter and place in your coffee maker. Wait a half hour before drinking this mix, this should make you tired so you can sleep your headache away.

Healing Ginger tea

2 cups of water 4 tablespoons freshly grated ginger root

Place in pan with a lid on, bring to a boil, turn off the heat and let sit for two hours. Re-heat the tea, strain the herb from the tea and drink.

Insomnia Tea

1 ½ oz dried Vervain leaves 1 oz Chamomile ½ oz Spearmint

Mix all and add to 1 cup boiling water. Steep 8 minutes; strain.

Less Stress Tea

Relieves stress, relaxes low back and neck areas.

1 part chamomile 1 part mint 1 part calendula flowers

Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

Mellow Mood Tea

This tea is made with the most palatable of the calming herbs. Blended together, they’ll defuse stress and anxiety and promote sound sleep.

1 teaspoon chamomile flowers 1 teaspoon lavender spikes 1 teaspoon kava leaves 1 teaspoon lemon balm leaves 1 teaspoon marjoram 1 spray valerian flowers 1 quart water

In a large saucepan, steep the chamomile, lavender, kava, lemon balm, marjoram, and valerian to taste in the freshly boiled water. Strain out the plant material. Drink the tea hot or cool as often as needed, refrigerating any left over for later use.

CAUTION: Chamomile is in the rag weed family, and many are allergic to herbs.

Memory Zest Blend

A mentally refreshing beverage, to help give you feelings of clarity and precision.

1 part ginkgo 1 part gotu kola and peppermint leaves 1 part red clover tops 1 part rosemary leaves 1 part ginger root a pinch of stevia

Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

Migraine Tea

1 2/3 oz dried St Johns Wort 1 oz Valerian 1 oz Linden flowers ¼ oz Juniper berries

Use 1 tsp of mixture per 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10 minutes & strain.

Moon Ease Tea

For that time of the month.

2 parts crampbark 1 part chaste tree berries 1 part each spearmint & skullcap leaves 1 part marshmallow root 1 part passionflower herb 1 part ginger root

Procedure- Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

My Nerves Are Shot Tea

Uses: Sleeplessness and Insomnia Job-related stress Panic attacks

2 parts Chamomile 1 part Jasmine 1 part Hops 1 part Lavender 1 part Yerba Santa 1 part Gota Kola 1 part St. John’s Wort

Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favourite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

Natural Concentration Tea

Helps you to become more creative in designing a more natural environment in your home.

1 part Celendula 1 part mint, 1 part sage (flowers only) 1 part yarrow leaves

Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes.  Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

Nausea Tea

½ tsp dried Ginger root ½ tsp Clove blossoms 1 tsp Chamomile flowers

Pour 1 cup boiling water over herbs. Steep 10 minutes, strain & let cool.

Nervous Stomach Tea

2 tsp Angelica root 2 tsp Lemon Balm leaves ½ tsp Fennel seed

Bring Angelica root to a simmer in 4 cups water. Turn off heat,add lemon balm & lemon; steep 10 minutes & strain.

Nervous Tension Tea

1 1/3 oz. St. John’s Wort 1 oz. Lemon Balm Leaves 1 oz. Valerian

Use 1 tsp of the herb mixture per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 min., strain, sweeten if necessary. Drink a cup before going to bed each night for several weeks to calm nerves, lift depression, and help you fall asleep more easily.

“No-Sweat” Tea

4 cups boiling water 1 tsp. dried hops 1 tsp. stinging nettle 1 tsp. fresh cut rose petals 1 tsp. dried strawberry leaves 1 tsp. fresh walnut leaves 3 tbsp of dried sage leaves

Reduces perspiration within 2 hours of use with its effects lasting several days:

Combine all ingredients, cover and steep for an hour. Strain and sweeten with honey if desired.

Nursing Mother’s Tea

1 teaspoon crushed Fennel seeds 1 cup boiling water

Mix the seeds with the boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Strain, and sip the infusion. Drinking a tea made with fennel helps to promote the secretion of breast milk in nursing mothers.

Pinkeye tea recipe

Fill a tea ball with equal parts

chamomile(antiseptic),

borage (alleviated inflammation and redness),

eyebright(excellent for conjunctivitis any other eye complaints)

elderflowers (beneficial for tired eyes).

Pour on 2 ½ cups boiling hot(fresh from the kettle)water allow to steep until cooled. add 5 drops witch hazel extract(coolant and antiseptic) and stir. wash eye(outside) gently with infusion and put one drop of infusion in eye as needed or desired. also can be used by soaking a cloth in the infusion and putting over the eye until you eye feels better. if your using this for a child leave out the witch hazel. this is good for anything where your eyes are painful inflamed and red.

Pleasant Dreams

1 cup mugwort

½ cup rose petals

½ cup chamomile

1/3 cup lavender flowers

1/3 cup catnip

2 tbsp mint

Quiet Child Tea

Good for anytime of the day or right before bedtime. 1 part raspberry leaves 1 part catnip 1 part each spearmint & skullcap leaves 1 part calendula flowers a pinch of stevia

Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

Quiet Time Tea

1 part oregano 2 parts Chamomile 1 part lemon balm 1 part lemon thyme

Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

Rejuvenation Tea

Etheric cleanser of old, stale thoughts and patterns of behavior for new beginnings and awakening.

1 part rose hips 1 part calendula flowers 1 part gallum (cleavers) flowers 1 part borage flowers 1 part nettles leaves

Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

Relaxation Tea

2 parts chamomile 1 part lemon balm 1 part lemon peel 1 part thyme

Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

Sleep Tea Recipe

2 tbls. Hops 1 tsp. Lavender 1 tsp. Rosemary 1 tsp. Thyme 1 tsp. Mugwort 1 tsp. Sage 1 Pinch of Valerian Root

Take a teaspoon of the mixture and pour into 1 cup of hot water. Let sit for 3 minutes then strain. Store the unused portion.

Soothing Tea

1 part mint 1 part hyssop 1 part oregano 1 part parsley 1 part lemon balm

Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

Spiced Relief

1 teaspoon anise seeds, crushed or ground 2-3 cinnamon sticks 1 inch of ginger, sliced 1-2 teaspoons dried loose Echinacea

Combine spices and Echinacea in a pot with three cups of water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 15-20 minutes to make a decoction. Strain into a mug and add honey to taste. This is a multi-function tea. Anise acts as an expectorant, ginger soothes the cough, and cinnamon has anti-bacterial properties.

Tea For Health

1 tablespoon China black tea 2 teaspoon fennel 1 teaspoon mint 2 teaspoon rose hips 1 teaspoon elder flower 2 teaspoon hops 1 teaspoon mullein

Tea for Nervousness

1 ½ oz Peppermint leaves 1 ½ oz Lemon Balm leaves

Use 1 tsp of mixture per 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10 minutes & strain.

Tummy Tea

A wonderful tea blend to enjoy after a big meal or hectic day.

1 cup dried peppermint (or other) 1 tbsp dried rosemary 1 tsp dried sage

Crush ingredients and mix well. Store in an airtight container. Steep 1 heaping tsp in a cup of boiling water for 1 minute. Sweeten with honey.

Upset Stomach Tea

8 oz Peppermint leaves 8 oz Lemon Balm leaves 8 oz Fennel seeds

Use 1 tsp of mixture per 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10 minutes; strain.

Urinary Infection Tea

1 teaspoon uva ursi ½ teaspoon each corn silk, cramp bark, marshmallow root and rose hips 1 quart water

Simmer herbs in water for a couple of minutes, then steep them for 20 minutes. Strain herbs. Drink 2 to 4 cups daily. To make sure the infection is gone, continue taking the herbs for 2 days after the symptoms disappear.

Winter Tea

Boneset Echinacea Peppermint Just use equal parts of each, or pre-made tea bags…3 bags, one of boneset, 1 of echinacea, and 1 of peppermint.

Wise Woman Tea

A wonderful menopause tea. Gently calms, cools and balances.

1 part motherwort 1 part sage 1 part nettle leaves 1 part each lemon balm & mugwort leaves 1 part chaste tree berries 1 part horsetail

Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

[dianasson]

On Herb Harvesting for Sacred Purposes

“Among the Egyptians herbs are always obtained like this: the herbalist first purifies his own body, then sprinkles with natron and fumigates the herb with resin from a pine tree after carrying it around the place 3 times. Then, after burning kyphi and pouring the libation of milk as he prays, he pulls up the plant while invoking by name the daimon to whom the herb is being dedicated and calling upon him to be more effective for the use for which it is being acquired.”

– Hans Dieter Betz, The Greek Magical Papyri (p.95)

[dianasson]

Vervain Verbena officinalis

“This Old World native was a favorite of the Druids, who gathered vervain when the Dog Star, Sirius, was on the rise, in the dark of the Moon. The Druids utilized vervain in divination, consecration, and ritual cleansing of sacred spaces. They made a magical drink called the Cauldron of Cerridwen (a shapeshifter) that some say included rowan berries, sea water, lesser celandine, flixweed, and vervain, which brought the drinker creative energy for bardic song and prophecy; a drink made from vervain is still said to help poets in their work. Vervain is also still used to make a drink for intiating into Druidic paths. It is fragrant and can be drunk as a tea or burned as an incense. In its connection with the Underworld, it can be added to a cup of wine drunk on Samhain to aid contact with the Beloved Dead.

In Purification Vervain has a long history of use in purification. King Solomon cleansed the Temple with vervain, and the Romans placed it on altars in honor of Venus and Diana. A lustral water can be made from vervain for purifying ritual tools, and a bath with vervain can help the bather prepare for ritual work. In the British Isles, people held vervain over the Beltane fire to protect their livestock and strewed it over their fields at Summer Solstice to make sure they would be fertile. Nowadays, Pagans strew it over their gardens for the same reason.

As Protective

However, vervain is also protective–Roman soldiers carried vervain with them into battle, and homes have been sprinkled with an infusion of vervain to keep out evil. It can also be burned as an incense for this purpose. In the old Langauge of Flowers, vervain stood for enchantment and still is very important in various aspects of magick. Drinking the tea is said to help in astral work and divination, and for that reason is tied by some to Mercury. A mug of vervain tea is made from 1-3 teaspoons of herb left to steep in a mug for 10-15 minutes. Also, you can make an oil to anoint the Third Eye by macerating this herb in olive oil.

Other Names

Vervain is also known as Vervan, Van Van, Ferfaen, Verbein, Verbena, Verbinaca, Dragon’s Claw, Enchanter’s Plant, Tears of Isis, Juno’s Tears, Herba Veneris (herb of Venus), Persephonion, Demetria, Mercury’s Moist Blood, Peristerium, Sagmina, Pigeon Grass, Pigeonwood, Frog-foot, Simpler’s Joy, Altar Plant, Herba Sacra or Herbe Sacrée, Holy Plant, Herb of Cross, Holy Herb, and Herb of Grace.”  

-Alchemy Works

[dianasson]

Celebrating Lunastal (August 1st)

From Tairis: http://www.tairis.co.uk/celebrations/celebrating-lunastal/ “A lot of Gaelic Polytheists tend to wait until the fruits are ready for harvesting as a signal that it is time to celebrate Lùnastal. If you are able to grow your own vegetables then now is a good time to aim for them to be ready for harvesting – something to bear in mind when you start growing.

In the run-up to Lùnastal, clean and tidy the house so everything is in order. Return any items borrowed and make sure you have food in your cupboards.

Decorate the house (or just your shrine area, if you prefer) with seasonally appropriate greenery. You could make some garlands or flowers and ribbons (traditionally made by unmarried girls) if you like, “to mark the end of summer.”

You’ll need to plan out a few things in advance – a feast (or a special meal) is traditional so you’ll want to decide what you’re having and make sure you have everything beforehand. You’ll also want to decide what kind of offerings you’re going to give; if you’re making a bonnach Lùnastain (or several) then you’ll need to make it/them ready for the evening. You’ll also want to make sure you have any candles and other necessary items at the ready.

Try finding some wild fruits to pick, or ones grown in your garden – bilberries/blueberries are most traditional but gooseberries, strawberries, wild raspberries, and all types of currants can also be picked (often served freshly mashed with fresh cream and sweetened with sugar). Sometimes it’s a little too early in the season for blackberries in Ireland, Scotland, and Man (depending on how good or bad the summer’s been), but these are good for picking, too.

Now is the time to dig up some potatoes, if you’ve grown some of your own, and whatever else is ready. Don’t forget to leave aside some for offerings.

Try making butter and crowdie cheese.

Make the bonnach Lunastain – the traditional oatcake type works well, and these can be eaten with freshly made crowdie cheese spread generously over them. Alternatively you could crumble the oatcakes and mix in with plenty of melted butter to make Butter Brughtins to serve at the feast.

Prepare a feast of traditional seasonal foods, with the emphasis being on potatoes or (as is felt to have been the original dish before potatoes came to be the staple food) bread or porridge made from the freshly harvested crop. Cabbage, onions, fish, chicken, beef, lamb and bacon are all appropriate to serve, too, so mashed potatoes or colcannon are a good dish to make, nice and buttery with plenty of garlic, along with a roast. Try making some Fraughan cakes with the bilberries you have picked (or bought, if necessary). Offerings should be set aside for the beloved dead.

Light a bonfire for the feast, if possible, or else light a candle on your central hearth/shrine. Make your opening offerings and prayers. It is especially approptiate to address Lugh and Tailltiu, and/or perhaps Macha.

Dance, sing and be merry, with lots of music. Fortunes can be told at this time too, friendly competitions – like races – can be held.

Ideally it would be appropriate to celebrate on a hilltop or near a lake (though a bonfire may not be possible here), or at least make an outing to such a place to leave offerings. Bear in mind the words: “I leave corn and milk in your land, and mast in your woods, and increase in your soil.”

Sain the house and the boundaries of your properties, and those within it.

Also on the eve, if you prefer to make rowan crosses for warding each quarter (rather than annually, every Bealltainn), make and then hang the crosses at the thresholds and move any old ones to different places – to rooms that are not yet warded, or up into the roof-space, the car, the garage etc.”

[dianasson]

We Tried Medieval Divination—And It Worked

Seeking modern-day answers from an all-knowing medieval book.

[dianasson]

I am interested in the Sicilian and Italian traditions! Can you direct me as to where to learn more about this/explain the basics of this practice? Thank you so much- your blog is great:)

Italian Witchcraft and FolkloreHey! That’s wonderful! They’re surprisingly difficult to find any accurate information on! My best resources are the article by Sabina Magliocco titled Witchcraft, healing, and vernacular magic in Italy, a less reliable article (that mixes witch-lore and folk magic all together) by J.B. Andrews called Neapolitan Witchcraft, and Carlo Ginzburg’s book The Night Battles about the benandanti in Friuli (Northeastern region of Italy).

If anyone knows any other sources feel free to list them!

Italian witch lore is very old, as there have been legends of witches in this region for a very long, accountable period. The word strega (witch) most likely comes from the Latin strix (screech owl) which witches were thought to take the shape of in the night. The practice of witchcraft is called stregoneria, a male witch is a stregone, and a female witch is a strega. There are more legends of Italian witches in the south (particularly near Naples). One of the most famous is the story of the witches of Benevento, who convened beneath a walnut tree on a hill therein, and danced and worshiped the Devil. This tree was supposedly cut down.

There is a popular image of a witch who arises among Christian tradition in Italy, even still today. This witch is called Old Befana or Bella Befana(Bruta Befana, Bella Befana or Vecchia Befana) who is a good witch who lived alone in a small cottage. One day, three wise men knocked on her door. “Behold! The child of God is born, (yada yada) we’re going to find him and bring him gifts! Will you join us Old Befana?” Now, Old Befana was glad to hear the news and excited to meet the new babe and give it what gifts she could. However, she was not one to shuck her responsibilities so she said she would have to wait until her chores were completed. They agreed and she saw them off, before finishing her cleaning. Once her duties were completed, she packed up her presents for the babe, hopped promptly onto the broom she had just finished sweeping with, and flew out the chimney into the cold night. However, they had not told her how to find them again! Not wanting to deny the boy his gifts, she decided to give some to all the little children she passed on her way, as any might be the new born child of God. Every year on that same night, Old Befana rides out on her broom and deposits gifts for little children, in hopes that one day she will finally find the baby Jesus and give him the presents she has been holding all this time.In southern Italy, many of the tales of witches (streghe) and folk healers (fattucchiere, or ‘fixers’) tell of the songs they sing to work their magic. Unfortunately, this seems to be all anyone knows on the subject, and I can’t find any references or information on these songs! In lore, the witches of both benevolent and malefic natures are closely related or interchangeable with more faerie-like spirits. The Janare of Naples/Janas of Sardinia (lit. followers of Diana) are magical women said to live in Neolithic shaft tombs and are expert weavers and spinners. They sometimes intermarry with humans, but are very different from the cogas  (or little cooks) of Sardinia, who are malefic witches that cook and eat their victims.

Most folk magic in Italy has died out, even in many of the rural areas. What is documented and what remains is all, unsurprisingly, Catholic magic. Much of it draws to saints, prayers, and Catholic holy tools. One name for this form of magic is benedicaria. However, much of it seems more agricultural or magical and less religious in nature. There is no point assuming this other source is pagan, because we could never prove where almost of any of it originated. Most witchcraft you will find today in Italy, especially in urbanized areas, is of a New Age or Neo-pagan persuasion. Neo-Wicca is about the best you can hope to find, and even that is comparatively rare to that found in Great Britain, Australia, and the U.S.In conversations about Italian magic and witchcraft, Raven Grimassi’s book Italian Witchcraft tends to come up. THIS BOOK IS UTTER BULLSHIT. HOGWASH. STUFF AND NONSENSE. It’s almost literally just Neo-Wicca with different names and some made up information. I’m not exaggerating. If you have this book, it’s better off as kindling than on your bookshelf. Just saying. Charles Leland’s book Aradia: The Gospel of the Witches is a pretty piece of poetry, and perhaps has some truths in it, but it can never be relied upon. His source is not credible, and the information doesn’t add up well. It is a beautiful book, but not an accurate account of Italian magic or witchcraft. Here are a few blog posts I have made relating to Italian witchcraft and folk magic:

The Curse of the Lemon and Pins

Neapolitan Flying Ointment

The Use of Stones in Italian Folk Magic

Charm Against the Evil Eye

To Cure Jaundice

To Cure Worms

To Bind an Eagle from your Flock

To Keep Birds from the Crops

[dianasson]

Btw, anything by Matteo Duni is very well worth reading!!! Especially his book Under The Devil’s Spell and his article in the new Palgrave study on werewolves! Also on the note if Sicilian witches, look up the Fisherwife of Palermo!

[queerkeitcoven]

sacred geometry: circles in Jewish folklore & mysticism

we’ve finally made it to unit four in YIVO’s Folklore of Ashkenaz class, which deals directly with folkloric ritual & belief - this is what i signed up for! in the first lecture, Professor Gottesman discussed the importance of circles - believed to be perfect shapes with the power to ward off evil - throughout many different Jewish customs. some examples:

circling one’s body to keep away demons

circling the groom under the wedding canopy for luck/protection

circling while beating willow branches on Hoshana Rabbah

eating bagels after returning from a burial to evoke the cycle of life and death, including common Diasporic Jewish belief in reincarnation

circling graves of pious Jews with thread, which is later used as wicks for candles in the synagogue (read more about kosher fodem here)

a folk remedy for eye swelling includes circling the eye with a ring

another folk remedy to prevent the further growth of hunchback calls for circling the hump with the hand of a dead man (!)

circles are a common motif on Jewish amulets, and ilan sefirot (diagrams of the Kabbalistic tree of life) often represent each sefira as a circle. feel free to reblog with more examples of Jewish circles! (kippahs/yarmulkes come to mind)

the top image is from a copy of the Sefer Raziel HaMalach published in Vilna in 1875, and while i couldn’t find a source on the bottom image, it appears to be a medieval volvelle with Hebrew lettering - would love to know more!

[darkhei-noam]

Amazing!

Drawing circles is also a common practice in the Mediterranean / Sephardic Jewish world to protect birthing mothers and newborns — it’s often drawn with a special sword or knife, and participants would also themselves walk in a circle around the cradle or around the room while reciting a protective formula like Psalm 91.

The volvelles, by the way, are calendric calculations from something called a sefer ‘evronot (“book of intercalculations”), a type of calendar manual common in 16th-18th century Ashkenaz, used to calculate the timing of Jewish holidays and their relationship to Christian feast days (important for business purposes). These volvelle images are taken from Elisheva Carlebach’s phenomenal book on sifrei ‘evronot: Palaces of Time: Jewish Calendar and Culture in Early Modern Europe, where they are labelled as coming from HUC Klau MS 902 and 903 (both from Germany, 1779 and 1717 respectively).

[heaveninawildflower]

Botanical illustrations taken from ‘Gart der Gesundheit’ by Hamsen Schonsperger. Published 1487.  

Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/permissions

archive.org                  

[trollkatt]

The Binding of St. Anthony

traditional Italian love binding, English version © Trollkatt

This ritual is to be performed on a Friday, on a crescente - i.e. waxing* - moon, in the hour of Venus. It is performed to bind a beloved person to you, or to make a beloved person return to you.

Take two white candles and lay them down, one to the right and the other to the left on the table, and then place a small picture or statue of St. Anthony between them. Take a lemon, and place it before the image of the saint. Then light liturgical incense and invoke him:

I invoke you, oh, lily immaculate, blessed St. Anthony, I repent my sin and ask your help. Blessed St. Anthony, for the love of the god child who is by your side, I ask you to grace me with … [ask for what you want]

Baptize the lemon, sprinkling it with holy water (taken in a male church) and with salt, saying:

Lemon creature, I baptize you with the names of … [names, surnames and birth dates of the two people to tie] in the name of the Father + the Son + and Holy Spirit + Amen.

The three + mean you shall make the sign of the cross over the lemon three times.

Then with a new and never used knife, cut the lemon into two, insert personal concerns of yourself and the person you are binding to you, or your photos, together with the image of the saint.

Take a piece of red yarn 13 inches long on which you make nine knots, for each knot saying:

Oh, great saint of miracles, most beloved St. Anthony, before your name death, horrors, disgace, lepra, and evil spirits all flee; before your name, oceans and chains break; make it so that … [the personal details of the person you are binding] can’t go against my will without feeling your heavy hand under which oceans and chains break. Amen.

Recite a credo, and finish the operation of the nine knots by tying the thread around the lemon to close it and say:

St. Anthony of miracles, bind him/her hard … [make the knot] so that s/he never will forget … [your name]

Then take the lemon and bury it in an open field or under a big tree, or even better, hide it in the house of the person you are binding, while saying:

St. Anthony, my beautiful, protect our love, I ask by your holy intercession, that … [details of person to bind] is bound to me like the god child who is by your side. Amen.

The next morning bring the two white candles to the church where you burn them and make a prayer to the saint.

Notes

* In Italian, the word crescente means “growing” as in “in the state of growing”. It has the same origin as the English “crescent”, namely the Latin verb crescere “to grow”, which exists also in modern Italian. To say “waning moon”, you use the phrase luna calante.