I love rocks (and candles)

this blog is more of an online storage for me, i usually just reblog things so i can read or return to them later on. || baby witch

[cxrrently]

i'm doing it here, by the way. it's happening live, by the way. poets are the new pop stars or haven't you heard? the pendant cleansing ritual wasn't a metaphor, and neither is the angel but also she is. for divine guidance, for my grandmother, for los angeles. like i said i'm doing it here. there's no rush per se but it's happening now. each word has work to do, each of us has work to do. i love you, by the way. the metal will yield if you ask.

[vanillatwistgirl]

New moon rituals

🔥 Cleanse Your Space

Before doing any ritual:

Burn sage, palo santo, or incense

Open windows to let stagnant energy leave.

You can also sprinkle salt at doorways and sweep it out after 10 minutes.

🔥New Moon Intention Setting

Sit quietly with a journal.

Write 3–5 intentions in the present tense as if they’ve already happened. Example: “I am open to receiving abundance.” or “I am aligned with loving, healthy relationships.”

Be specific, but keep it open to the Universe's magic.

🔥 Candle Ritual

Light a white, black, or silver candle (good for new moon energy).

As it burns, visualize your intentions being charged with energy.

Speak your intentions out loud if you feel called.

Let the candle burn safely or extinguish it respectfully.

🔥 Herbal or Moon Bath

Run a warm bath or foot soak.

Add lavender, chamomile, basil, or rose petals. (any flower in your garden)

Add a pinch of salt for cleansing.

Soak while meditating or listening to soft music. Imagine yourself being renewed.

🔥Meditation or Visualization

Sit in silence and visualize your life after your intentions have manifested.

Breathe deeply and feel the emotions you'd feel when it’s all real.

This helps imprint your desires into your subconscious.

Optional:

✨ Create a New Moon altar ✨ Wear a crystal like moonstone, labradorite, or black tourmaline ✨ Start a lunar journal for tracking manifestations each month

[cringefailprincess]

no, listen, when I say I want to integrate more specific solarpunk stuff in my life, i don’t mean to ask for yet again new “aesthetic” clothes that now you have to buy or make to show your support of the movement (screw that i’m consuming enough as it is), or more posts about impossible house goals, or whatever, I’m asking you what my options to build a portable and eco friendly phone charger are, im asking you viable tiny-appartment edible plants growing tricks on a budget,  im asking tips to slow down when my mind and society tell me im not fast enough, i don’t need more rich art nouveau amateurs aesthetics or pristine but cold venus project, okay, i know i should joins associations where I am tho i’m constantly on the move, thanks for that, just, you know, can we get a bit more practical ??? how do I hack my temporary flat into going off the grid for the time i’m here

[solarpunk-aesthetic]

Hello! ☀️ Here are a few practical suggestions for stuff you can do: 

Make a bottle tower garden (a small one could do well on a windowsill) 

Make eco-friendly household cleaners

Germinate strawberry seeds and care for the plants 

Grow plants from cuttings (you can grow almost anything this way) 

Make a sun jar 

Grow low maintenance houseplants 

Make a string garden 

Make a wall planter 

Germinate an avocado seed 

Make a shoe pocket garden 

Build a mini solar generator 

Re-grow kitchen scraps 

Find the right solar battery charger 

Recycle old solar cells 

Hope you find something useful in there! I post stuff up from time to time under my diy tag. Feel free to drop me a message if you have any requests!

[jellyfishdirigible]

grow oyster mushrooms on waste coffee grounds (also works with shiitake)

a list of some food plants that can grow indoors with reduced light

windowsill herbs

egg carton seed germination

germinate chayote and keep it as a houseplant (the root, stem, leaves, fruit, and seed are all edible)

choosing a portable solar panel

tips for energy efficient apartment life (but jsyk LED is better than CFL, and a tank bank or expanding water bottle is better than a brick or bottle of gravel)

DIY draft stoppers

DIY solar oven and recipes

evaporative refrigeration

use conkers/horse chestnuts to replace soap and detergents

use baking soda as dry shampoo

cleaning with vinegar do’s & don’ts and common myths

DIY dryer balls

apartment-friendly bokashi composting and DIY bokashi bran

DIY moss terrarium for your soul (ain’t many souls slower or more patient than moss)

and a list of some easy care indoor plants for your nerves

and for your bathroom and your air quality

recycle t-shirts into yarn for your crafts

[simulation-swarms]

an insight to my daydreams for my future…cooling pies on the window and a whistling kettle ready to make some tea

[lady-boa]

Baby Witch Tips and Tricks

🔮 The Moon goes ‘Wax on, Wan off’

🔮 White Candles, Clear Quartz, Rosemary and Roses can be a substitute for anything

🔮 Do research on your Deities and Divine beings so you don’t accidentally offend them

🔮 Before you start doing spells and rituals, make sure you got bath magick, tea magick, and sigils down pat

🔮 Clockwise is for positive things, such as summonings, and Counter-clockwise is for negative things, such as banishings

🔮 If your ritual/spell/potion goes wrong, Don’t Panic. Finish it and make sure to Cleanse and Bless the area strongly afterward. If you are still in doubt or if the problem consists, consult an older or more experienced witch

🔮 Never doubt your own power, you are more powerful than you realize, so be careful!

 ☽O☾ Blessed Be!

[thriftedangels]

Me, picking up lil rocks off the ground:

[stygiantarot]

Connection with the Gods

It can be frustrating to read all the posts that talk about feeling gods’ presences and like they’re there with you in the room while doing offerings or devotionals.

But I don’t want new followers of gods to get discouraged! Not only does it take practice to build this “sense” but it just is not as common in regular practice too!

For the first 3-5 years of my worship I didn’t really feel that “personified presence” that a lot of the community likes to talk about. It was especially unsettling for me as I’ve been sensitive to deceased and land/house spirits since childhood (a whole different matter, but I wanted to show my frustration).

I thought I was doing something wrong. But my mom pushed me to not fret over it and for me to instead keep the lines of communication open (i.e. keep praying to Them and giving offerings) and notice the little things in my life.

And she was absolutely right. I would be driving to work and find myself just awestruck by the view of the city coming over the river bridge. Or I would go out to dinner and take a bite of something I’d eaten before but it tasted more this time around. Stuff like that is what made me feel connected instead of an actual presence.

These types of little connections are still some of my favorite ways to experience my gods presence. It doesn’t have to feel like a figure looking over your shoulder. Sometimes it’s the way the moon shines on a particular night. It’s the colors of a sunrise. It’s the sound of a storm. It’s the soothing of a long bath. It’s the smile and hug a friend gives you when you really needed it.

They are in Everything and Everwhere

[citrinecoven]

🌿Fatigue Magick🌿

Fatigue is a lack of energy, a tiredness, this can be mental or physical. One who is fatigued might feel indifferent or apathic. It can occur on it’s own or as part of a disease or syndrome. Fatigue that appears in a healthy person is the easiest form to relieve. Feeling fatigued is super common. We all experience it from time to time, so here is a list of crystals, herbs and care tips to help out when you feel fatigued.

🔮Crystals for Fatigue🔮 🔮Aragonite: Raises energy levels, grounds the holder, provides muscular relief. $ 🔮Beryllonite: calming and stress relieving energy, helps with deep and peacefull sleep, harnesses and emits energy. $ 🔮Corundum: raises energy levels, lowers blood pressure. $ 🔮Milky Quartz: clears mind of worry, raises energy levels, brings positive energy, unwind from stressfull situations. $ 🔮Opalite: brings good fortune, raises energy levels, makes you more aware of self-worth. $ 🔮Ruby: lowers blood pressure, restores positivity and self confidence, raises energy levels. $$ 🔮Scheelite: calming and relaxing, transfer energy, raises energy, assist recovery of heart condition. $$ 🔮Thulite: Provides comfort, raises energy levels, promotes logical thinking, transfers energy. $ 🔮Vanadinite: brings positive energy and joy, raises energy levels, hels with breathing problems. $ 🔮Witherite: converts anger and agression into positive energy, grounds the holder, raises energy levels, provides muscular relief. $ 🌿Herbs for Fatigue🌿 🌿Ashwagandha: improves insulin sensitivity, balances hormone levels, alleviates mental and physical fatigue. 🌿Dandelion: detoxify the liver, fights tiredness and sluggish digestion. 🌿Eleuthero (Siberia ginseng): helps body handle stress, increases vitality, boosts concentration and energy. 🌿Ginseng (Asian): restore vital energy, improve physical and mental performance, helps recover from ilness and fatigue. 🌿Ginger: often combined with ginko and ginseng to combat fatigue, resistance to stress. 🌿Gota Kola: Indian folk medicine from the Himalayas used to fight off fatigue and boost stamina and energy levels. 🌿Ginko Biloba: remedies poor concentration and fatigue, improves oxygen utilization. 🌿Licorice Root: fight off fatigue, restore function of adrenal glands, enhances production of cortisol (= increased energy). 🌿Nettles: similar energy boosting effect as coffee without negative effects, fights weakness, boiled water and dried nettle brewed overnight makes for a perfect infusion. 🌿Reishi Mushroom: used in traditional Chinese medicine, boosts imune system, helps with chronic fatigue, raises energy levels, can de used as tea to replace coffee. 🌿Shilajit: Indiadn folk medicine known as “destroyer of weakness”, used by Himalayan mountain climbers and sherpas to preserve energy. 🌿Skullcap: alleviates tension aches, headaches and pains. Aids with good nights sleep. ✨ Fatigue Care Tips✨ ✨Get some excercise or go for a walk, even a little bit will help. ✨Make sure to drink enough water, stay hydrated! ✨Yoga is excellent for fighting fatigue . ✨Try eating more often, instead of having 3-2 big meals a day have smaller portions spread throughout the day. ✨Relax more! Make a bit more time to do things you enjoy. ✨Drink less coffee and alcohol. *Magick should never replace your medication and/or doctor’s instructions and advice* Taking post requests

[tricksterinthehedges]

Today’s Lokean Wisdom: Shamelessly enjoy things that don’t harm the harmless. Aggressively enjoy things that anger your oppressors.

[skaldish]

SPITEFUL ENJOYMENT! I like it!

[barberwitch]

Witch Tip Wednesday 3.28.28

Cast Iron Care

I grew up in what I call a cast iron family. All the pans were cast iron, we had a few enamel pots for pasta, and one beat up copper bottomed pan for boxed mac and cheese. My mom cooked most days and when she didn’t, it was mac and cheese or pasta because we weren’t allowed to cook with her pans unless she was there.

Cast iron has some mixed reviews, some (me), swear by it and some, think it’s difficult and impossible to cook with…and they’re right to a degree (get it, degree, cooking, farenheit, celcius…sorry), if you don’t know how to care for cast iron, it’s a hassle and a mess. That’s what this post is for though!

Seasoning

Seasoning is the term used to treat and clean cast iron. Even when you buy a new “pre-seasoned” pan, you’re going to want to season it yourself. A major benefit of cooking with cast iron is that it retains flavor, and makes its own seasoning for your food…like magic!

Step 1: Clean your pan with HOT water and a scouring brush, rough side of a sponge, or steel wool. Nothing else…just water and something rough.

Step 2: Dry it completely with paper towels, and then place it on a lit stovetop burner for a minute or so to make sure it’s completely dry.

Step 3: While the pan is warm, probably 10-20 minutes after you remove from stove, (because it retains heat like no one’s business, and I don’t want you to burn yourself) pour some oil* into the pan and spread it around, completely coating the inside. Wipe off excess.

Step 4: Place in the oven set to 200º F, Upside Down for 2 hours

BOOM! Your pan is seasoned and ready to cook with.

*But Barber, what kind of oil? That’s mostly up to you, but canola is the classic standard (vegetable oil) but I use olive oil or canola, depending on what I used last. You can use any vegetable oil you want, whether that’s grapeseed, sunflower or flax seed, but there’s no reason to go crazy and buy a “Cast Iron Care Oil” because that’s literally just a marked up bottle of canola…No Lies.

NEVER USE SOAP WHEN CLEANING YOUR CAST IRON,and here’s why…**

Soap is great for clothes, and your body, and even your car, but not for Cast Iron. Cast iron is a porous metal, so when you put something in, it absorbs. When you cook with it regularly, and oil it regularly, it creates its own nonstick surface! It’ll absorb the taste of herbs and spices you cook with regularly, and everything gets a mild flavor boost from whatever you cooked in it previously. When you use soap, it removes that surface and flavor; soap can absorb and flavor your food, and no one wants soapy fritatas.

Now, the seasoning steps above are used when you get a new pan, or need to re-season a rusted pan. It’ll restore it like new. But what about cleaning after cooking something tastey?

Cleaning and Upkeep

Step 1: While the pan is still warm, take rock salt and/or a non-metal brush (like the one above that I use) and go crazy scrubbing it.***

Step 2: Rinse with warm water, and dry with a paper towel (I say paper towel, because it’ll actually raise up some iron, and turn your towel black…better use a disposable towel, or risk staining your nice linens) after that, feel free to put on the stove top for a minute to make sure it’s all dry

Step 3: Coat with a little oil, wipe up excess, and store in your oven or broiler.

Special notes: The heat, salt you use to scrub, and iron itself all equal one great big anti-bacterial surface, so no worries about not using soap and feeling like you’ll get salmonella. Because it’s a porous surface, air drying is a no-no. It’ll lead to rust, and then you’ll have to scrub it off and completely re-season it (refer to first seasoning process).

**The soap thing. You can use soap. I never do. Most soaps these days aren’t as damaging and stripping as the old ones. Again, you can use soap, but I never will because like I said, that’s how i grew up, my tradition, this is a part of my witchcraft practice, and it works for me. Updated 10/27/18 p.s. idk about y’all, but I use dish soap to get rid of oil, so while tons of people message me about using soap on it, I still am not going to break tradition of not using soap on a pan older than me. 11/27/18

***When you scrub with salt, it starts picking up iron particles and oil. It’ll start turning black and you can keep it in a jar until you’ve got a good amount, bake it on a sheet to dry it, and there you have classic Black Salt! For more banishing oomph, I scald pepper in a fry pan, and add incense ash to the mix.

[witcheu]

Foraging Local Medicinal Herbs

Many witches are interested in foraging local herbs, but it’s important to keep in mind all the responsibilities involved in foraging. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1.) Research, research, research!

Researching is an extremely important part of foraging. You need to know what all your plants are to know their properties. There are websites for every area to help identify plants. If you don’t feel like researching all the plants in your area, at least learn the poisonous ones and if you have pets, that nothing is lethal to them. I didn’t do this the first time I went out foraging and I brought home some extremely smelly flower buds that permeated my house for weeks.

2.) Always wear gloves!

Thicc or heavily reinforced gloves would be best, as some species of spruce can have very sharp needle like leaves, and stickers are very common.

3.) Give back to mother earth

A common misconception is that you can just take stuff from outside without giving back, which is not good. You can give back by carrying around a water bottle and watering the plants you take from, or by donating some fertilizer. Another good option if you take a branch or cut something else off a tree, is to bring a tape dispenser and seal away the area you cut. As long as you use eco friendly tape, you will not harm the plant and it will prevent infection. There are many other ways to give back, but this is what I do personally.

4.) Watch out for harmful bugs

Bugs aren’t a problem in winter, but in the summer and springtime, bugs exist. Gloves also come in handy for this reason because ticks, wasps, or other harmful insects can be present on the plant. Also, don’t unnecessarily kill bugs like ladybugs or earthworms because they’re harmless to humans and it’s a waste of life.

5.) Wash your herbs GOOD!

This step is one of the trickiest, especially in the winter. Many leaves are already dried and have sap stuck to them or they’re already wet so washing them just makes them kinda sog away. The best things to do is put your herbs in a colander and gently run warm water over them. Do not use soap or any other product that has chemicals, as it can carry over into whatever you make and poison you. Another thing to consider is baby insects, or even adult insects. Try to remove them without injuring them. This process is probably best done outdoors then brought back in to be rinsed.

6.) Treat your herbs like babies

They are precious and can be very fragile, so handle them with care. They’re especially fragile when they’re dry. Simply squeezing them could cause them to break. You need a steady hand and a patient attitude, my friend.

7.) Don’t trespass

Where I live, there are lots of beautiful trees and pine cones and even rocks that I want to pick up, but I and you have to make sure that it’s publicly owned property. You can’t just take from someone’s front lawn because it’ll be a disaster trust me. You can however ask for permission to take stuff from people’s nature. This is an uncomfortable thing to do, but with permission it’s okay to take the nature.

8.) Go prepared

Do not underestimate the herbs. The first time I went, I had a tiny basket and my bare hands. I came back with bloody hands from needle leaves, and broken nails from ripping branches off. All of the below tools are not necessary, but I recommend them depending on what you’re looking for. For example, if I was looking for roots I would want to bring a handheld digging fork instead of a pruner.

A pruner- Good for cutting off small branches

Gloves- Protects from prickles and needle leaves

Water bottle/ fertilizer/ tape- To give back to mother nature

A large basket- To store all your stuff. MAKE SURE ITS LARGE BECAUSE TRUST ME, YOU PROBABLY NEED A LOT OF ROOM

A digging fork- Good for digging up roots

Weather appropriate clothing- Depending on how long you’re outside.

A phone or something else to contact people with in case something goes wrong,

9.) Properly store your herbs

The first time I went foraging, I was very unprepared, as you may have gathered, so I laid all my herbs on my kitchen table and counter for like a week so the kitchen was effectively unusable. I recommend storing them in an area personal to you, such as a bedroom or craft room not only because no one will disturb them but also because the energy is most likely lighter and more positive in a witches bedroom/ craft room. It’s not a good idea to set them outside because they could blow away, get rained on, eaten, stepped on, etc. Make sure they’re out of reach of all animals. I also suggest that after drying, you store them in some sort of cupboard or container to keep them safe.

10.) Research Latin/ scientific names

Some harmless plants have Latin names very similar to poisonous plants, so if you want to use the scientific names of your local plants, then be sure you’re sure of the name!

I’ll soon make another post about what to do with the herbs you gather which will include tonics, potions, baths, etc.

If you have any question or concerns feel free to contact me!

[returntoeden]

✨👼 angel numbers 👼✨

the meanings behind those synchronistic #’s you keep seeing!! the universe loves to fuck us up with it’s numerical messages. 💝

1111, 111, 11:11 - a reminder that you create your own reality so be aware of your thoughts, beliefs, actions, and intentions. you’re on the path of manifesting your truest self and beginning a spiritual awakening! make a wish bitch! 

2222, 222, 2:22 - miracles are coming your way, seek balance, prepare for a fresh beginning. something you’ve been wanting is about to manifest, make sure it’s really what you want! you might also be manifesting a soulmate or twin flame at this time. 

3333, 333, 3:33 -  reconnect your mind body and spirit. you are being protected by the universe/ your guides/your angels/whatever you believe in. use your gifts/talents & focus your purpose. the ascended masters are with you. make a fucking decision. 

4444, 444, 4:44 - honor your body. you may have just met someone who’s a part of your soul family. you are being fully supported in your journey, you’re going through a spiritual ascension, listen to your intuition, trust in the process, your at harmony w/ the universe!

5555, 555, 5:55 - remember that your life has worth and significance. prepare for major change! trust your choices and make them for the right reason. be open & stay positive. 

6666, 666 - be conscious of the ripple affect your words & actions create, realign them with the universe. dream big babe & transform your life through positive thinking. this is a wakeup call to check your attitude! 

7777, 777 - you’re becoming your best self! congratulation, you’re also flowing in perfect harmony with the universe. if you’ve been reading a lot about spirituality, now is the time to put all that info to use. live a spiritual life!

8888, 888 - giving giving giving and receiving x10! you have knowledge and talents to share. find your greatest sense of purpose through giving the universe will reward you! your mindset of abundance is manifesting opportunities!

9999, 999 - closure & release. you need to let go of something in order to invite abundance into your life. justice is coming to help your ass. if you’ve had an ex on your mind, leave them behind and let karma do it’s shit! also, embrace who you are and abandon any superficial labels. 

1010, 10:10 - shit is working out in your highest good & you’re moving towards a new life path. a spiritual awakening is bringing you closer to the divine. take action towards the success you desire, your goals are being supported. 

1212, 12:12 - your dreams are being manifested right now! your wish has been received, all you have to do is stay positive. remember that your thoughts have power. you’re in the middle of a spiritual awakening! 

1234, 12:34 - the releasing of physical, spiritual, or emotional baggage! the universe is decluttering your life to give you spiritual clarity. you’re being lead to your soul purpose! you are a part of something greater now. 

reblog w/ your favorite angel number(s) and what they mean to you. I love hearing synchronicity stories! 💖💖💖

[amanzimoon]

M A G I C • H E R B S

[recreationalwitchcraft]

Powder to Repell an unwanted Lover

This banishment powder will send away an unwanted lover or suitor. Dust it on your body when going out or sprinkle it around your doorways and windows.

The rind of a orange, burnt and ground to ash

Black salt, ground to a powder

Dried rose petals, burnt to ash

To target a specific person:  Write their name on a slip of paper. Burn it to ash. Combine into the mixture.

Repeat as necessary.

[briocht-draoi-deactivated202011]

what earth witchcraft means to me

🌍 i celebrate the solstices, equinoxes, and fire festivals as markers for the seasons passing, knowing when to plant and when to harvest, etc. i know many witches time their workings to moon phases, but mine are timed to these festivals. my craft grows slowly over the course of the year, like roots spreading underground.

🌱 speaking of roots, i grow a lot of plants! many of them are native irish plants that’ll help to support local wildlife. all of my outdoor plants are edible or produce fruit, and most of them are pretty useful as spell ingredients, too.

♻️ i try to improve my surroundings by planting bee-friendly plants, making ponds, insect hotels, hedgehog shelters, etc. i know there’s really no ethical consumption under capitalism, buuut i’ll still try to minimise the harm i do by using fewer disposable products, not supporting the animal industry, either making things myself or supporting more ethical companies, etc.

🏔 i use a lot of crystals/rocks/minerals for things like cleansing, grounding, or raising particular types of energy. my collection is mostly small tumblestones, which are never quite as beautiful as a large raw piece of rock, imo, but they are affordable and they do what i need them to!

[firewindearthsea]

A Herbalist's Glossary: Herb Actions

This is a list of terms used when describing the way a particular herb affects the body. Herbals can be confusing to read sometimes so I’ve put everything in one place here 🌿

Abortifacient: induces abortion

Adaptogen: helps the body processes return to normal when stressed

Adjuvant: modifies the effect of another substance

Adrenergic: acts like adrenaline or describes how adrenalin affects the body

Alterative: restores the body’s functions to normal

Analgesic/Anodyne: a pain killer

Anthelmintic/Antihelmintic: destroys/repels/expels intestinal worms

Antibacterial: inhibits bacterial growth

Antibilious: helps the body to remove excess bile

Anticatarrhal: helps the body reduce excess mucous and phlegm

Anticholinergic: a cholinergic blocking agent

Anticoagulant: slows or prevents clotting of blood

Antidote: counteracts or neutralizes a poison

Antiemetic: reduces the feeling of nausea, can help to prevent vomiting

Anti-inflammatory: helps reduce inflammation

Antilithic: prevents formation and aids removal of stones in the urinary system

Antimicrobial: helps the body destroy or resist pathogenic micro-organisms

Antimitotic: prevents division of cells

Antineoplastic: inhibits or destroys tumours

Antioxidant: eliminates hydroxyl free radicals

Antipyretic: prevents or reduces fever

Antirheumatic: relieves or protects against rheumatism

Antiscorbutic: prevents or cures scurvy

Antisudorific: stops or reduces perspiration

Antiseptic: prevents growth of microorganisms

Antispasmodic: prevents/eases spasms or convulsions

Antitussive: reduces or relieves coughing

Aperiant: laxative

Aphrodisiac: stimulates the sex drive and sometimes sexual ability

Aromatic: an organic compound containing benzene, or, of herbs, having a fragrant/spicy smell

Astringent: contracts tissue and reduces the function of said tissue, affecting haemorrhages, secretions, diarrhoea, bleeding etc.

Bitter: herbs that promote the appetite

Cardioactive: affects the heart

Cardiotonic: increases function of heart muscle

Carminative: relieves flatulence and colic

Cathartic: purges the bowels

Cholagogue: stimulates the release of bile from the gall bladder, sometimes acts as a laxative

Choleretic: stimulates the production of bile in the liver

Counter-irritant: causes inflammation of the skin, used for temporary relief from deep irritations

Demulcent: soothes/protects inflamed or painful surfaces

Depurative: removes impurities from the blood

Diaphoretic: increases perspiration to aid the body in removing toxins

Diuretic: increases the flow of urine, aids in removing toxins via the urinary tract

Emetic: induces vomiting

Emmenagogue: stimulates and normalizes the menstrual flow

Emollient: used internally to ease inflammation or externally to soften skin

Escharotic: a substance that sloughs off dead skin, corrosive

Expectorant: helps the body to expel mucous

Febrifuge: prevents/reduces fevers

Galactogogue: increases or induces lactation

Hallucinogen: affects the senses, produces a wide range of reactions often including hallucinations

Hepatic: strengthens and tones the liver as well as stimulating the flow of bile

Hypnotic: induce sleeps

Hypotensive: lowers blood pressure

Laxative: promotes evacuation of the bowels

Lymphagogue: promotes/increases lymph flow

Miotic: contracts the pupils

Mydriatic: dilates the pupils

Narcotic: in small doses promotes sleep and reduces pain, but can cause poisoning with comas or convulsions

Nervine: strengthens the nervous system, eases anxiety and stress

Oxytocic: stimulates uterine contractions

Parasiticide: kills and removes parasites

Pectoral: used to treat respiratory complaints

Placebo: an inactive substance that is believed by the patient to be a cure

Prophylatic: prevents disease

Psychotropic: affects the mind

Purgative: produces very strong laxative effects and watery evacuations

Reagent: involved in a chemical reaction

Retardant: delays or slows down a chemical reactant

Rubefacient: stimulates circulation locally when applied to the skin

Sedative: calms the nervous system

Sialagogue: stimulates the secretion of saliva

Spasmolytic: relieves spasmodic pains

Sternutatory: causes sneezing

Stimulant: enlivens the physiological functions of the body

Stomachic: promotes digestion and strengthens the stomach

Styptic: stops bleeding by contracting the tissue

Sudorific: induces sweating

Tonic: strengthens and tones either specific organs or the whole body through nutritional stimulation

Vasoconstrictor: constricts blood vessels

Vasodilator: dilates blood vessels

Vermifuge: expels or destroys intestinal worms

[witchboxco]

Samhain Altar Ideas & Correspondences

Samhain is the Celtic festival that marks the end of the harvest season and the thinning of the veil between the living and the spirit world. It's a time to honor your ancestors, connect with the spirit world, and plan ahead for months of darkness.

Altar Ideas

Altar Cloth: Choose dark, earthy colors like black, deep purple, or dark green to set the foundation for your altar.

Candles: Black or orange candles represent the energies of Samhain. You can also include white or silver candles for purification and connection to the spirit realm.

Seasonal Fruits: Apples, pomegranates, and grapes are commonly associated with Samhain and can be offered as symbols of the harvest.

Fallen Leaves: Gather fallen leaves, especially those with vibrant autumn colors, to represent the changing seasons and the cycle of life and death.

Acorns and Nuts: These symbolize the potential for new beginnings and growth and can be placed on your altar to honor the harvest.

Pumpkins and Gourds: Decorate your altar with small pumpkins and gourds, which are quintessential symbols of autumn and Samhain.

Ancestral Photos: Include photographs of deceased loved ones to honor and connect with your ancestors.

Ancestral Mementos: Heirlooms, jewelry, or items that belonged to your ancestors can serve as a link to their energy and presence.

Divination Tools: Samhain has historically been a time for divination to predict the upcoming year. Tarot cards, runes, a crystal ball, pendulum, or scrying mirror can be placed on your altar for Samhain divination and communication with the spirit world.

Crystals and Gemstones: Obsidian, onyx, amethyst, or garnet.

Broom (Besom): Place a besom on or near your altar to symbolize the act of sweeping away negativity and making room for positive energy and transformation.

Incense and Smudging Materials: frankincense, myrrh, or sage.

Offering Dishes: Use special dishes or bowls to hold offerings for your ancestors or spirit guides, such as food, drink, or tokens of appreciation.

Seasonal Flowers: Add fresh or dried flowers that are in bloom during the fall, like marigolds, chrysanthemums, asters, or dried lavender.

Personal Letters or Messages: Write letters or messages to your deceased loved ones, expressing your thoughts and feelings. Place these on your altar as a form of communication.

Symbols of Death and Rebirth: Skulls, bones, or representations of the God and Goddess in their transition from one phase to another.

Bells or Wind Chimes: These can be rung to invite and communicate with spirits, serving as a way to signal your intentions and presence.

Samhain Correspondences

Colors: Black, Orange, Red

Deities: The Morrigan, Hecate, Persephone, Cernunnos

Herbs: Mugwort, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Tobacco, Pumpkin Seeds, Rue, Wormwood.

Foods and Offerings: Apples, nuts, pumpkins, mulled cider, pomegranates. A silent dumb supper may be held to celebrate the harvest and connect with departed loved ones.

Intentions: New beginnings, transformation, death and rebirth, reflection, ancestral connection, spiritual protection, divination.