#magical attributes

[irukaaaa]

Wistoria: Wand and Sword Journal Entries

From Episodes 11-12 (Part 6)

[theenchantedwren]

Datura and black-eyed Susan vine

[theenchantedwren]

[theenchantedwren]

Magical Monday! I'm starting off with one of my favorite healing herbs in my garden... Self Heal ( prunella vulgaris) Self heal herb, heal-all, slough heal and woundwort are all common names for Prunella vulgaris. The genus name, Prunella, comes from the German word for quinsy, a severe sore throat caused by a tonsil abscess for which self-heal is said to be a cure. The species name vulgaris, meaning “common,” indicates the plant’s ubiquitous nature. Scientists have been busy exploring this plant’s powerful uses, from anticancer properties to antiviral capabilities. Self-heal likewise has not been forgotten by Chinese herbalists who refer to it as the “summer-dry herb” and use it for signs of heat and liver constraint. In Western herbalism, self-heal has been commonly used for all sorts of wounds. Some herbalists liken its qualities to plantain’s vulnerary abilities. Both of these plants are somewhat astringent and demulcent, stabilizing tissue and protecting the skin’s moisture at the same time. Self-heal is used for wounds on the skin, including cuts, scrapes and burns. It’s also used for drawing out infections, such as abscesses and boils. Internally, self-heal has been used for ulcers, especially those in the mouth and throat. Numerous herbalists claim that self-heal is a styptic herb that can staunch the flow of bleeding similar to yarrow or shepherd’s purse. Planetary association: Venus Associated Deities: As it has such a long-standing reputation as a healer, Self Heal could probably be associated with assorted healing deities – possibly Brighid, Airmid, and so on and so forth, as well as Aesclepias, Hygeia and the rest of that particular branch of the Greek family of Gods and Goddesses, as these are the ones most usually associated with healing. Folklore: Self Heal is said to be gathered by the druids in much the same way as vervain. Legend has it the plant was to be picked at night during the dark phase of the moon, preferably when the Dog Star was rising, and dug up with the druid’s sickle before being held up in the left hand. After this, thanks would be said, and the plant separated for drying into flowers, leaves and stems. Remember to always leave a gift when harvesting in the wild or from your garden. As an herb of Venus, Self-Heal can be used in rituals of self-love, self-worth and affirmations. When someone in the home is ill, make a tea of Self Heal, strain it, and sprinkle or spray the liquid around the room and on the sick person. This is done both to relieve the afflicted one and to keep the sickness from affecting visitors or family members. For Better Health: Place Self Heal in a white flannel bag with angelica root and golden seal, dress the bag with Holy Oil or Blessing Oil, and sew it into the mattress of a loved one who suffers chronic pain, serious disease, or acute illness. A Mojo Hand for Health: A pinch of Self Heal, a whole angelica root , and a pinch of sandalwood, in a red bag will keep the bearer in good health. Self Heal can be used to strengthen healing magic in general, as part of an incense, wash, anointing oil or strewing herb. If you are going to use it in this particular context, an infused oil can be used to anoint candles used to perform candle magic. Dry the flowers and infuse in sweet almond oil or any other vegetable or seed oil. Empower under a waxing or full moon, and store in a dark bottle. It is recommended that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Adapted from Herbal Remedy Advice website and HerbalRiot on Tumblr

[theenchantedwren]

Hope your Monday is as magical as mine. Nothing like a weekend of creating to set the soul on fire. And, here are a few more journals that are winging their way to customers. You can see more of what I'm making in my Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheEnchantedWren

[theenchantedwren]

Good morning! Hope you're all having a magical Monday! One of the plants that will be growing in my witchy herb garden this year is Toothache Plant (Spilanthes acmella) Although the plant is a member of the daisy family, it does not have the typical daisy-like petals by which we recognise chamomile, calendula or sunflower. This herb is considered warming and stimulating (and likes it hot), which should make it Mars, it is also numbing and has traditionally been used for toothache, so it definitely has a Saturn influence. A topical anesthetic and anti-bacterial, this herb enhances the immune system's resistance to infections and stimulates wound healing.  It's great for herpes and sore throats and has really cute flowers that look like very compact pompoms.  You don't have to wait for it to reach a particular stage of development before it can be harvested.  You can pick leaves at any time, although the flowers are the strongest part of the plant.   Spilanthol, a chemical with effective local anesthetic action has been identified in the plant. This action works surprisingly fast. If you have a toothache and rub a leaf on the gum area of the toothache, the area tingles and then goes numb within a few seconds. Or the leaf, after chewing to release the juice, is tucked in the mouth between the gums and cheek for toothache. It is also used for sore gums, teething babies, and mouth ulcers. The numbness lasts for a short period of time, and acts to desensitize the area and diminish the pain. Rub on as often as needed to relieve pain or discomfort. As the leaf has antiseptic action too, it helps to clear bacteria and infections. The leaves can be rubbed on cuts, hard to heal sores and acne. Also, this plant has a natural antibiotic action, which adds to the healing effect. Try the leaves on cold sores and school sores. For people who suffer with thrush, candida, frequent viruses, fungal and auto-immune diseases, eating the leaves in salads or sandwiches, can be of real benefit. The flavor is tangy. Mixed in with other greens and vegetables it is hardly detectable. Many health practitioners recognize Candida albicans as widespread and harboring in many people, particularly in hot climates. It may grow in the body where sugar is consumed, and bread made from fast rise yeast, some processed and chemical ‘enhanced’ foods, birth control pills and pharmaceutical drugs. Some researchers are now saying it is not a question of whether we have candida, but how much it has invaded our bodies and how seriously it has afflicted us. Some people have no obvious symptoms, others suffer what seems to be the entire range of human problems, either directly from candida and its by-products wastes and toxins; or from other diseases, which can gain, a foothold after candida has weakened the immune system. Borrowed from: herbsarespecial.com.au

[theenchantedwren]

Hope you're having a Magical Monday! Have you ever worked with Milk Thistle? Milk Thistle is a strikingly beautiful member of its family - with its sharply serrated, white veined leaves they cannot be overlooked. The name ‘Milk-thistle’ refers to a legend according to which 3 drops of holy milk from the Virgin’s breast is said to have dropped on to the leaf, forever marking it as an herb of our Lady (formerly known as the Great Goddess). Pliny, who wrote about the history of the natural world in the first century, already mentioned Milk-thistle as a wholesome food. In rural areas of Mediterranean countries thistles are still commonly eaten as vegetables. The most eminent member of the thistle family, the artichoke, has even conquered the plates and palates of the most discerning gourmands around the world. The Milk-thistle lacks the large globular flower bud of its cousin, but it is just as edible and perhaps even more wholesome. What we particularly appreciate about this herb are not its petals but its seeds. Milk-thistle has drifted in and out of medical awareness over the course of the centuries, at times being very popular, then being half forgotten only to return to popularity once more some decades later on. It is lucky that this wonderful healing herb has never been completely forgotten, for its liver protective powers are truly amazing. It is the only known agent capable of protecting the liver against the deadly mycotoxin of the Death Cap. Milk Thistle can interact with medications, cause allergic reactions, and more. Do not ingest Milk Thistle seed on your own. Magickal Uses; Snake Enraging. An herb of protection and vitality. A bowlful placed in a room strengthens the spirits and renews vitality. One may be carried for added strength and energy. They offer protection when grown in the garden or carried in the pocket. Throwing them into a fire will deflect lightning away from your home. Wearing a garment made from thistle will break any spell. Poppets are also stuffed with thistle to break spells. Use in healing spells and for depression. It is said that when a man carries one he becomes a better lover. A method of calling spirits is to boil some thistle. After removing it from the heat, be seated next to the bowl and begin meditating. As the steam rises, so will your questions and their answers will be heard. A bowl of thistle in a room strengthens the spirits and renews vitalizes within. Carry it for strength and energy. Grown in a garden it wards off thieves. Grow in a pot by your doorstep to protect against evil. Keep in your pocket it guards you. If you have a spell cast against you wear a garment made of spun thistle. Stuff poppets with it to break hexes. Thistle is used in any magic where you are the target of any negative energy, for protection and blessing. In England they used the tallest thistle as a magical wand or walking stick. As with the other the flower root and leaves are edible (NOT the seeds!) It also aids in digestion. the seeds and leaves were used for low milk flow, coughs and depression, live, gallbladder, and spleen problems. The seeds were once used to protect the liver from toxins, including death cap mushrooms. It’s also used to prevent travel sickness. Under no circumstances should anyone use the seeds, except a qualified practitioner. Milk-thistle can be used for protection and to dispel the negative daemons of gloom and doom. It attracts good spirits and helps to fend off all evil influences. The name suggests that prior to becoming associated with the Virgin Mary this herb belonged to the Great Goddess. Source: HerbRiot on Tumblr It is recommended that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

[theenchantedwren]

Hope you're having a Magical Monday! Are you familiar with Lovage? If not, take a look below... If we were to walk back in time and enter a medieval medicinal or kitchen garden, we would find lovage. Unlike many herbs, lovage may have begun its journey with humans as a therapeutic plant and evolved into the culinary plant too few of us enjoy today. Levisticum officinale, from the Apiaceae (carrot/parsley) family, is native to Southern Europe and the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean. Lovage is a perennial in zones 3-9. It’s one of the first up in the spring in our area. It’s about twelve to fifteen inches tall when the dandelions bloom but can grow to be six or seven feet tall and makes a lovely background border to any garden. Like other early plants, it is loaded with vitamins: vitamin C and B vitamins. It likes full sun but will survive in part shade (although it won’t get quite as tall). The history of lovage goes back to the ancient Greeks who chewed the leaves for digestion and gas. The leaves were placed in the shoes to relieve weary feet (McVicar, 1997). The seeds were nearly as expensive as black pepper at one time. Hildegard of Bingen used lovage in her cooking. John Gerard believed lovage was one of the best remedies of his time (mid 1500s). Culpepper claimed that the powdered roots mulled in wine would “warm a cold stomach, helps digestion, and consumes all raw and superfluous moisture therein” (Culpeper, 1814). Lovage came to America with the early New Englanders and was often found in their gardens. New Englanders would candy the root and chew on the seed during long church services to keep them alert. Lovage was one of the seeds found in the early American Shakers’ seed sales. What makes lovage so special to those of us who appreciate it is that it tastes like celery. It was originally popular as a salad green before celery was as common as it is today. All parts of the plant can be used. The leaves can be chopped up and added to any dish you would use celery in including salads, soups, stews, frittatas, egg salad, and potato salad. The flavor is stronger than celery, so use it accordingly. If you like bloody Mary’s, the hollow stalk of the lovage is for you! Cordials were made primarily with the seed, and one popular medieval recipe included both yarrow and tansy. Lovage has been used in infusions, tinctures, decoctions, vinegars, elixirs, lozenges, and bath and foot soaks. All parts of the lovage plant have been used therapeutically (and culinarily). Teas of the leaf and stalk were common and used for sore throats and tonsil problems, rheumatism/arthritis, jaundice, and for digestion. Lovage is known to be a diuretic and was considered good for kidney stones and to increase the flow of urine (Wood, 2007). The roots were used in salves for skin problems and put in bath water for aching joints or skin problems. The seeds, collected when ripe, were chewed on for digestion and gas. At one time boils were treated with the lovage leaves fried in oil and used as a poultice. Lovage is in the same family as osha (Ligusticum porter) and therefore, some herbalists consider it as possible lung ailment relief (Wood, 2007). If you are using foot soaks (another ancient modality), try using lovage (any part) with mint, thyme, lavender, and rosemary in equal parts to as warm a water as you can comfortably tolerate. I like to add a ½ teaspoon of dried mustard powder to open the pores. I put a bag of marbles in my foot soaks because when rubbing your feet on them, you are touching most of the reflexology points in your feet. Lovage, although relatively unknown in our herbal world today, is one of the ancients that should, perhaps, be given another look as either a culinary or health supporting herb to grow in your garden.                 Lovage is one of the best go-to roots for love work, whether it is to attract someone new or revive or strengthen an existing love. Ideas for magical uses: Brew Lovage into a "tea" and sprinkle or spray the infusion around your bedroom to create a sexy environment. Make a Lovage tea blessed with your intention to attract the love of your perfect mate. Burn Lovage with Benzoin and Patchouli on a charcoal when doing love and attraction spells. Dress a red beeswax candle in Love Me oil and sprinkle Lovage in a circle around the candle to give extra strength to your love spells. Put Lovage, Rose Petals and Juniper Berries in a red flannel mojo bag along with a petition paper for attracting more love. (Lovage is considered safe to ingest in small amounts except by those with Kidney issues or pregnant women - it is common sense to research any herb before ingesting.) It is recommended that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information compiled from www.parlourofwonders.com and theherbalacademy.com