#green grimoire

[a-green-witch]

Hey, I absolutely love your blog! ^^ I'm a beginner green witch, and I was wondering how exactly to go about making a grimoire. I don't really know what to put in it. Thank you, Existentielle

Hey there, @loveexistentielle,

Welcome to the community, Existentielle, and I’m so glad to hear that you like my blog!

As far as grimoires go, I know it can seem daunting, especially as a beginner. I know that I definitely felt some pressure to make one when I was first starting out, but there doesn’t have to be any stress surrounding it.

There are predominantly 2 theories of thought surrounding grimoires/Books of Shadows - 1. that they are interchangeable, just two names for the same thing, and are a tool that a witch can use to record and aid in their practice, and 2. that a grimoire is more of a casual magical journal, while a BOS is more of what you see in movies: a witch’s lifetime of work, to be passed down.

Personally, I like to think of a grimoire as a journal, something that is casual and doesn’t need to be perfect. That makes starting it less daunting, because like a journal, you can have more than one.

As far as what to put in it, that’s on you. Are you wanting to record your spells as you cast them, and then put the results in so that you can learn from your spells and improve? Are you wanting it to function like a guide, with lists of properties so that you can reference the one grimoire rather than multitudes of books and websites? Are you wanting it to be like a witchy bullet journal, like the gorgeous pictures you see here on Tumblr and on Pinterest? Are you wanting it to be a green witch field guide, so you can readily identify plants, animals, and stones in the wild? Do you want all of the above?

I get asks like this fairly often, and there’s never a clearcut answer, because each witch’s path is so incredibly different. If you want to talk more in depth about what you want from a grimoire, feel free to DM me, but otherwise all I can really offer is to do research and define what you want from it, or if you even want one at all. I’ve been a practicing witch and Pagan for years, and I’m only just now considering starting an actual grimoire.

Sorry for the long post, and honestly not being super helpful haha. I do hope you find some semblance of usefulness from this rant.

Have a great day and thanks for the ask,Green

[magickalmulatto-blog]

Herbal Grimoire

Peppermint

Magickal, Medicinal And Growth 

Binomial Name: Mentha X Piperita

Kingdom: Plantae 

Family:Lamiaceae

Genus: Mentha

Gender: Masculine

Element: Air

Planetary: Venus

Zodiac: Aries

Magickal 

Magickal Attributes 

Cleansing

Protection

Money

Healing 

Love 

Lust

Divination

Prophetic dreams 

Vitality 

Adaptability 

Use In Magickal Workings

Burned or rubbed against objects to clear them of negative energies.

Use to break curses hexes jinxes and bad luck root work.

Ward off evil Repel enemies.

Used in money and prosperity spells.

Its presence raises vibrations of an area.

Fresh peppermint on the alter will call good spirits to be present and aid in magic.

Used in spells to promote healing.

Used in spells for prosperity and wealth.

Place a few leaves in the wallet or purse, or rub where your money is kept.

Makes a great head wash for mental clarity.

To get things moving

Mint is placed in the home as a protective herb 

Magickal Lore & History

The genus name Mentha comes from Minthe, a river nymph in Greek mythology beloved by Hades, who was transformed into the mint plant by his jealous wife Persephone. So hades made her have a sweet strong smell so she never goes unnoticed.

Egyptians cultivated M. piperita and dried leaves were discovered in several pyramids.

It’s also mentioned in thirteenth century Icelandic Pharmacopoeias.

It wasn’t until the middle of the 18th century that peppermint was cultivated for its medicinal properties in Western Europe and England.

Greeks and Romans crowned themselves with Peppermint at their feasts and adorned their tables with its sprays, and that their cooks flavored both their sauces and their wines with its essence.

Mint tea is still customarily offered to arriving guests in the Middle East.

(Luke 11:39) Jesus tells the Pharisees:But woe unto you, Pharisees! For ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Aristotle referenced peppermint in his writings as an aphrodisiac. 

Alexander the Great  forbade his soldiers to have peppermint because it was thought to promote erotic thoughts and deplete soldiers of the desire to fight. 

Arabs used peppermint in their social drinks as a virility stimulant .

 Romans would spread peppermint on their floors to help get rid of pests.

Medicinal 

Medicinal Properties 

Carminative (To relives gas & Pains in the bowels)

Diaphoretic (Induce Sweating)

anti-inflammatory

Antibacterial 

Ailments 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Colonic Spasm and Gas

Gastric Emptying Disorders

Functional Dyspepsia (Upset Stomach and Indigestion)

Infantile Colic

Breastfeeding-Associated Nipple Pain and Damage

Tuberculosis

Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever )

Shingles-Associated Pain

Memory Problems

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea

Dental Cavities and Bad Breath

Respiratory Benefits

Headaches

Stress

Asthma

Muscle Pain 

Acne

 Dermatitis

 Ringworm

 Scabies 

Toothache

Neuralgia

Preparations and Dosage

Essential Oil: 

Rub 1 to 10 drops of diluted oil onto the affected skin surface. 

Place 2 to 3 drops in a bowl of hot water, and inhale the steam as a decongesting therapy.

Tonic

½-1 teaspoon of  tincture 2-3x a day

Chewing Gum

Chew 2 pieces For quick relief of stomach flu or diarrhea. 

Tea:

Drink 3 or more cups for irritable bowel, stomach cramps, or nausea.

Side Effects

Common: 

allergic reactions

 heartburn

 perianal burning

blurred vision

nausea

 vomiting

Rare

 interstitial nephritis

 acute renal failure

Growing 

Zone

3-7

Habitat

found naturalized by streams and ponds where there is plenty of water and the soil is rich and the drainage is good.

Sun

While partial sun is sufficient for peppermint, planting it in full sun will increase the potency of its oils and medicinal qualities.

Soil

Rich

Good drainage 

high in loam.

Watering

at least an inch of water a week

always keep wet

Fertilizer

Feed a balanced all-purpose liquid fertilizer in early spring when new growth emerges. 

Fertilize every four to six weeks after that, and throughout the growing season. 

2 to 4 inches of well composted manure into the top 6 inches of the garden at planting time. 

Pest

Repel:

Mosquitoes 

Mice

Flies

Bees 

Ants

moths

Roaches

Spiders

Ticks

aphids

Attract:

Predatory wasps

 Hover Flies 

 Robber flies

Bees

Earth Worm

Tips & additional information

I prefer growing peppermint in containers.

It tends to spread quickly

if you prefer it in ground, grow it in the ground with wood or plastic edging buried around the bed to prevent the spread of roots

Move the plants to a new location every three or four years. They tend to weaken and become spindly if left in the same place for too long.

Resilient 

Do not over-fertilize mint plants. 

Over-feeding produces large, robust plants at the expense of reduced oil content. This results in mint that has little taste.

I will continue to educate as well as learn about many different plants and herbs that i work with. I want to eventually record all the herbal information from my grimoire!

Thank You! Blessed Be

[wildkinwitch]

Beetroot

Never knew beetroot was magical? Read on to discover this bloody vegetables witchy goodness.

Beets grow and are consumed throughout the Northern hemisphere. Sugar beet is one of the species as is chard. They are rich in vitamins and antioxidants including, folate for tissue development and heart health, manganese for heart function, used in synthesis for certain neurotransmitters (such as copper), lowers blood pressure, encourages cardiorespiratory performance. Beets contain betalains,…

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[lunasfoxchild-blog]

Green Grimoire Entry 11: Green Magick 102 Final Exam

Green Grimoire Entry 11: Green Magick 102 Final Exam

Final Exam

Now that you have completed Green Magick 101 and 102, how has your understanding of green magick changed?

I have gained a much better understanding of elemental magick, something I was unfamiliar with when I started this class.

The Four Elements (Irene, 2015)

I am much more familiar with the Air Element also, trying to deepen my interactions with it to the point where it is intuitive.…

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[lunasfoxchild-blog]

Green Grimoire Entry 9: Green Altar

Green Grimoire Entry 9: Green Altar

My wife and I are getting ready to move, so building an altar is out of the question for us right now. However, I thought this would be a fun exercise to complete and get a mental idea of how my green altar would be.  For me, ideally it would be outdoors, on top of a large stone that shares its space with a cherry tree. (more…)

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[lunasfoxchild-blog]

Green Grimoire Entry 8: Fujin-Japanese Kami of the Wind

Green Grimoire Entry 8: Fujin-Japanese Kami of the Wind

Fujin- Kami of the Wind

Continuing with the Air Elemental related assignments, I have been tasked to discuss a being associated with the Air Element.  So, I line with all things Japanese, (which is my greatest cultural love affair :) ), I wanted talk about Fujin, the Japanese Kami of the Wind. (more…)

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[lunasfoxchild-blog]

Green Grimoire Entry 6: Equinox

Green Grimoire Entry 6: Equinox

Part 1

On the assignment, the question was asked if the solar ecliptic and the celestial equator were identical, how would this effect the seasons and seasonal changes? As we see from the current configuration of a 23 degree tilt of the Earth, we find that this causes the seasons we observe:

(Ebara, 2012)

If the Earth had no tilt with the celestial equator and the ecliptic aligned, we would see…

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[lunasfoxchild-blog]

Cycles and Circles

Throughout all of Nature, the natural cycles play out before us dancing to a beautiful rhythm we call life.  These cycles manifest themselves, both within the framework of the hidden hand behind all things in the universe, and that which enlightens our understanding of opposites.  We easily see cycles of change within our beautiful existence, related much to the dualistic approach many of us have towards life. This view of opposites helps to understand the natural cycles that play out in our lives.  But those of us walking Gaia’s path must remember, you can’t have one opposite without the other.  They are indeed two sides of the same coin, each part completing the circle. So, without further ado, I give you my list of cycles and circles.

1). Yin and Yang

Yin, 2016)

This symbol, the very famous Taoist metaphor, is the summation of a philosophy that goes back for thousands of years.  Taoist sages have used it to teach acolytes and masters alike the wisdom at the very heart of nature. It is symbolic of the dualism that is inherent in the world. A smooth circle, it curves between the contending opposites, always coming full circle back on itself. The curves of its interior point to a truth that black and white is not so cut and dried.

  (Enso, 2016)

2). The Zen Circle

Shrouded in intellectual mystery, this mysterious circle is synonymous with what IS. Related to the previous circle, it is what remains when we see through the duality of the world to the oneness that exists at its core.

      3). Day and Night

(Cornett, 2015)

This dance of the hours plays out for us everyday, with day turning to night turning back into day.  It is one of the basic rhythms of all life, and one that lends its beauty to myth, lore, legend, and our imaginations.

      5.) Lunar Cycle

(

The cycle of the Moon throughout the month gives us a show in the night sky lasting a little less than 30 days.  May Luna shine down upon us all giving us light in the darkness :)

  6). Cycle of the Earth Around the Sun

(Calaski)

Our yearly trip around the Sun gives us the cycle of the seasons, and the fantastic celestial events of the equinoxes and solstices. It also is responsible for our stroll through the zodiac.

        7). Stonehenge

(Stonehenge, 2016)

A stone circle with magickal properties and a calendar that was believed to track celestial events.  It’s also noted for its fertility properties.

        8). Solar Cycle

(Dickinson, 2016)

  This is the term for the 22 year cycle of sunspots that the Sun goes through (Dickinson, 2016).  There are periods where the Sun goes through increased solar activity and there are times, like the present, where it is relatively quiet.  This cycle can effect communications and other satellite activity, and is driven by (2016).

      9). Cycle of the Seasons

(Yulan, 2016)

  The yearly cycle of seasons, generally starting with spring and working its way through the end of winter.  It is a revered process celebrated by pagan religions everywhere, and marked by specific holidays and festivals.

          10). Water Cycle

(Water, 2016)

  The Water Cycle is a natural process that shows how water moves throughout the world from evaporation to precipitation. It shows the interconnectedness of nature and how important the process is to our world.

      11). Life Cycle

(Christian, 2012)

  The process of a living thing goes through from birth to death.  Every living thing has some sort of life cycle, along with some non living things, like machinery and computers. The complexity of a life cycle is determined by the complexity of the life form.  While life cycles are broken up into distinct elements, it is important to note that a life cycle is a continuous process, and not necessarily a process of levels or stages.

  12). Liturgical Cycle

(Liturgical, 2016)

  This is the cycle that liturgical Christianity practitioners follow.  I grew up Roman Catholic, and this was a staple of the church, with colors being symbolic of specific times of year, specific modes of prayer, specific feast days, very similar to the way seasons were marked on pre-Christian calendars.  They were meant to tie the seasons of the year into religious observance.

        (Zodiac, No Date)

  13). Cycle of the Zodiac

This cycle represents the procession of specific constellations along the ecliptic that march across the sky through out the year and have magickal purposes for use in astrology. I’m a Libra :)

          (Improve, 2012)

  14). Baker’s Cycle

In another life, I baked for a living.  I loved the really early mornings, with a good cup of coffee and a whole bunch of dough. It is a grand cycle of mixing, raising, proofing, baking, and using leftover dough to leaven the next days dough.  The cycle repeated itself, day in and day out.  I miss the feel of the dough in my hands.

  Coptic, 2016

  15). Daily Rule

While no picture really does this justice, the best example is from a group of individuals who still follow one of these, the monks of the desert.  A rule is a daily discipline that they follow.  It tells them when they wake, when they pray, when they eat, when they sleep, etc.  Most of us enjoy a certain amount of freedom in our daily lives, the desert monks are incredibly structured, Leaving little downtime for their minds to wander. It repeats itself everyday, with exceptions being made for feast days.

    (Irene, 2015)

  16). The Four Elements

The four elements, as described in the original homework assignment are a cycle, as demonstrated by the picture I have posted.  Fire is controlled by Water, which is controlled by air, which is controlled by Earth, which is controlled by Fire… A natural system that keeps the world and all of nature in check.  My favorite expression of the four elements comes from the Nickelodeon series Avatar the Last Airbender.

  (One, 2016)

  17). Rings

Rings have always held a magickal place in the history of wizardry, lore, and religion.  The are used as symbols of eternity, exchanged when people pledge themselves to each other in marriage.  They have also been used to carry magickal powers, summon demons, and control familiars.

    (maskedkiller01, 2016)

  18). Magick Circles

These circles are used for protection during ritual magick, concentrating magick in a specific area, and summoning magickal creatures. They are beautiful and very creative.  I myself have never used them, but I’m looking forward to learning all about them!

      Allen, 2013

19). Tree Rings

Want to travel through time? Nothing quite like traveling through the rings of a tree.  They can tell you about the world, each year the tree was alive. Oxygen and carbon in the air, average temperature and rainfall, all are revealed by these truly magickal rings!

Saturn, 2016

20). Saturn’s Rings

One of our solar system’s most fantastic showcases, and arguably, its most majestic, Saturn has fascinated skywatchers since it was first discovered.  Its rings are the result of captured dust and rock that was captured in its planetary orbit while it was forming.  They are truly wonderful to behold, and look simply amazing in a telescope!

      (Wilks, 2016)

21). Ripples

Ripples are natures beautiful attempt at almost perfectly concentric circles.  They bring joy and fascination to the young of mind and heart, and teach the wise about some of the most fundamental and exciting things in universe.  Remarkable things ripples are… :)

    (Underwater, 2016)

22). Shock Waves

Behold, the terrifying power of destruction.  I grew up in a time after of the fear associated with nuclear weapons subsided. The footage we do have from the original test is still enough to testify to its awesome power.  A shock wave is caused by the rapid expansion of air resulting from an explosion.You can see it beginning to spread out in this picture, a nearly perfect circle.

  Trigonometry, 2016)

23). Trigonometry

One of the most important branches in mathematics, both ancient and modern, is Trigonometry. Fundamental to its nature, Trigonometry requires a unit Circle with which varying intersecting angles create triangles that can be measured and give us information about whatever it is we’re using it for.  It is used in measuring distances, getting rockets into space, and measuring the heights of things that are difficult to measure.

(Sun, 2016)

24). The Sun

Sol, the beautiful day star, protector of our Solar System, you are indeed the light of our lives.  We continue to study our bright neighbor, and it continues to share its secrets with us.  Without it, the solar system would cease to exist, and so would we ;)

          Geometric, No Date)

25). The Spiral

The secret architecture of natural, the spiral is a circle in 3 dimensional space.  The Solar system follows this path as it revolves around the Milky Way, and spirals are found through the plant and animal world.  It’s also prevalent in weather with vortex patterns in Hurricanes and Tornadoes. Pretty Awesome!!!

Works Cited

Allen, Kelsy. “If Trees Could Talk.” Mizzou. <https://mizzoumag.missouri.edu/2013/05/if-trees-could-talk/&gt;. 21 May 2013. Web. 13 Jul. 2016.

Calaski. “Earth’s Seasons.” <https://calaski.wordpress.com/science-units/astronomy/earths-seasons/&gt;. No Date. Web. 12 Jul. 2016.

Christian, Zivi. “Cycles of Life.” Cycle. <http://zivichristian.blogspot.com/2012/11/cycles-of-life.html&gt;. 15 Nov. 2012. Web. 13 Jul. 2016.

“Coptic Monastic Hood.” <https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjFyoqE-vDNAhWIRyYKHdPKDsYQjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.trc-leiden.nl%2Ftrc-needles%2Findex.php%2Fcomponent%2Fk2%2Fitem%2F10380-coptic-monastic-hood-from-qalansuwa-egypt&psig=AFQjCNG8JGdwrxH88IFp3Opko1P5hkFRlQ&ust=1468516901813839&gt;. No date. Web. 13 Jul. 2016.

Cornett, Brandon. “Do Ball Pythons Need a Day and a Night Cycle to be Healthy? Yes!” Reptile Knowledge. <http://www.reptileknowledge.com/do-ball-pythons-need-a-day-and-night-cycle/&gt;. 6 Jul 2015. Web. 12 Jul. 2016.

Dickinson, David. “Living With a Capricious Star: What Drives the Solar Cycle?” Universe Today. <http://www.universetoday.com/119245/living-with-a-capricious-star-what-drives-the-solar-cycle/&gt;. 2016. Web. 13 Jul. 2016.

“Enso.” <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enso&gt;. 3 Jul. 2016. Web. 13 Jul. 2016.

“The Geometric  Determination of the Equation of the Golden Mean Spiral.” <http://www.kjmaclean.com/Geometry/PhiSpiral.html&gt;. No Date. Web. 13 Jul. 2016.

“Improve Your Home Baking: Cakes, Muffins and Scones.” <http://local.which.co.uk/advice/improve-baking-cakes-muffins-scones-tips&gt;. 18 Sep. 2012. Web. 13 Jul. 2016.

Irene, Jeon. “Which of the Four Elements Represents You Most? (Based on Tarot Cards Reading).” <http://www.playbuzz.com/flareevangelineg10/which-among-the-four-elements-represents-you-the-most-based-on-tarot-cards-reading&gt;. 5 Nov. 2015. Web. 13 Jul. 2016.

“Liturgical Year.” Wikipedia.com. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liturgical_year&gt;. 29 Jun. 2016. Web. 13 Jul. 2016.

Maskedkiller01. “Magic Circle Collection.” Deviant Art. <http://maskedkiller01.deviantart.com/art/Magic-Circle-Collection-346542645&gt;. 2016. Web. 13 Jul. 2016.

“One Ring.” <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Ring&gt;. 2 Jul. 2016. Web. 13 Jul. 2016.

“Saturn.” The Sky. <http://www.seasky.org/solar-system/saturn.html&gt;. 2016. Web. 13 Jul. 2016.

“Stonehenge.” History. <http://www.history.com/topics/british-history/stonehenge&gt;. 2016. Web. 12 Jul. 2016.

“Sun.” <https://twitter.com/sun&gt;. 2016. Web. 13 Jul. 2016

“Trigonometry.” <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trigonometry&gt;. 8 Jul. 2016. Web. 13 Jul. 2016.

“Underwater Explosion.” <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwater_explosion&gt;. 12 Feb. 2016. Web. 13 Jul.2013.

“Water Cycle Chart.” A Touch of Class Teacher Supply. <http://ateachersupply.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4850&gt;. 2016. Web. 13 Jul. 2016.

Wilks, Bill. “The Rippling Effect of Multiplying Disciples.” <http://livingthedlife.com/the-ripple-effect-of-multiplying-disciples/&gt;. 2016. Web. 13 Jul. 2016.

“Yin and Yang.” <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yin_and_yang&gt;. 13 Jul. 2016. Web. 13 Jul. 2016.

Yulan. “Cycle of the Four Seasons.” Dreamtime.com. <https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-image-cycle-four-seasons-image27351621&gt;. 2016. Web. 13 Jul. 2016.

“Zodiac.” Paranormal-Encyclopedia.com. <http://www.paranormal-encyclopedia.com/a/astrology/zodiac/&gt;. No Date. Web. 13 Jul. 2016.

  Green Grimoire Entry 5: Circles Cycles and Circles Throughout all of Nature, the natural cycles play out before us dancing to a beautiful rhythm we call life.