Imbolc Is So Close. I Don’t Like To Think Of Imbolc As The Beginning Of Spring, But Rather A Reminder

Types of Herbal Remedies

I’ve compiled a list of types of herbal remedies, with brief instructions on how to make them. Choose your herbs carefully, as some are poisonous, some will interfere with health problems and medications, and some can cause allergic reactions.

If you are concerned about any health issue you have, or worried about herbs reacting with your medications, go talk to your doctor. This post is not intended as medical advice.

Compress

This is usually cloth that has been soaked in a herbal infusion so that it can be applied topically. Useful for skin issues, muscle pain, joint pain, and general aches.

You can make one by soaking cotton wool in a warm infusion of your choice, wrapping the balls in a piece of clean cloth, and applying to the affected area. Once the cloth cools down you can soak it again in the warm tea and reapply.

Infusion

This is basically the herbalist term for tea. The herbs are usually dried and ground before being steeped in very hot water and then strained out. If you use a bag then you can skip the straining.

Tincture

This is similar to an infusion but much stronger, and with alcohol instead of water, which helps to preserve it.

Put your herbs in a jar. Cover them with alcohol (most people I know use vodka). Put the lid on the jar and shake it daily for a month or so, then strain the herbs out. I tend to keep mine in the little dropper bottles, as you normally don’t need to take much at once.

Decoction

I like to think of these as a stronger infusion. You need four times as much boiling water as dried herb, and you want to simmer the mixture for about half an hour before straining.

Syrup

These are herbs mixed with a sugary substance, which makes them easier to consume and helps to preserve them a little. They’re a good way to get your herbs in if you have a sore throat, as they are often quite soothing.

You’ll need a couple ounces of fresh herb per pint of water. Put them on the stove and heat until about half of the water has evaporated. Then you need to add about five tablespoons of sugar/honey/maple syrup per pint of water you used originally (so if you put two pints in the pan, you need ten tablespoons). Keep stirring for about twenty minutes, then take it off the heat and bottle it up. You need to keep syrups in the fridge, preferably in a dark coloured jar or bottle.

Balm

Essential oils and beeswax, basically. Add about twenty drops of essential oil to a cup of melted beeswax, stick it in a jar, let it cool, and there you go! You can mix in juiced herbs if you like, but that’s optional.

Salve

A salve is basically essential oils mixed with beeswax, oils and herbs. I have seen them made with coconut oil, though if you live in a warmer environment then coconut oil won’t work for you as it melts. You need about fifty/fifty dried herbs and beeswax (if you live somewhere warm) or use a mixture of beeswax and an oil like olive or safflower if you live somewhere colder, just so it’s soft enough to use. Use about twenty drops of oil per cup of beeswax. You’ll need to melt the wax in a double boiler, and let the herbs infuse in the molten wax for about half an hour. Then you add your essential oils, and pour the molten salve into the containers and let it cool.

Ointment

This is basically a liquid balm or salve. Follow the methods above, but use oil instead of beeswax.

Bath

When taking a herbal bath, you are basically making a giant cup of tea! Fill an organza bag with your chosen herbs, and put it in the bath while you run the water, then remove it before you get in. You can reuse the bag of herbs, but they lose potency with each use, so I try to avoid doing this.

Poultice

This is a paste of herbs and sometimes other things that is applied to the skin. Used for infections, splinters, burns, boils etc. They’re pretty simple to make, you just mix some dried herbs with a tiny bit of boiling water to form a paste, put it on the area, and use a piece of cloth or gauze to keep it there. If you want to use fresh herbs you just mash them up.

“god you’re so climbable” “what ever happened between you and jean?”

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🌊natural witch salts

💧white salt (sea salt) + purification, dispels negative energy

💧black salt (hawaiian lava salt) + warding areas from trouble and unwanted contact + absorbs negative energies, useful in purification baths + charged negative salts make for potent curses

💧pink salt (himalayan crystal salt) + promotes self-love and personal empowerment + heals emotional wounds, dissolves self-doubt and confusion + useful for wish magic, romance, and compassion

💧red salt (hawaiian alaea salt) + love, attraction, romance, passion for life + amplifies magical intent when burned with herbs + enhances energy, enthusiasm, and assertiveness

💧epsom salt (epsomite) + used in ritual baths for purification and physical healing

How to Read Playing Cards: ♢ Diamonds ♢

Diamonds are the suit of finances, material value, success, rewards and growth. This suit generally talks about wealth, property and work. The following are my interpretations of the individual cards.

♢ Ace ♢

Ace of diamonds is typically a card of opportunity. When upright, ace of diamonds speaks of proposals and messages. These can be anything from marriage proposals, business proposals or anything that would be considered good news. A lucky card, unless the surrounding cards refute this.

When reversed, ace of diamonds represents secrets and sometimes bad luck. Whether these secrets are ones that should be kept secret or not depends on the surrounding cards.

♢ Two ♢

I like to associate two of diamonds with four leaf clovers and coins. When upright, two of diamonds speaks of increased luck, finances and stability. If it is regarding partnerships of any kind, this card assures that it will be a good one. When this card is in the spread it shows hope for the future.

When reversed, two of diamonds warns of gossip; people running their mouths when they shouldn't. Sharing sworn secrets, badmouthing and things of the like. Kings, queens and jacks shown in the reading can tell you who is gossiping.

♢ Three ♢

This is generally a messenger card, depending on the reading. When upright, three of diamonds can indicate good fortune, but also warns not to throw your money away. Three of diamonds also alerts you about a person who wants to hear from you or speak to you. Kings, queens and jacks shown in the reading can tell you who this is.

When reversed, this card warns of confusion and conflict. It can also warn you of upcoming legal issues that you need to be prepared for. The surrounding cards can give you more insight.

♢ Four ♢

"Get to work" sums up this card pretty well. When upright, four of diamonds speaks of a need to be responsible and work towards something. Lace up your boots and start moving. This card can also indicate a pleasant crowd or meeting, depending on the surrounding cards.

When reversed, four of diamonds speaks of laziness and lack of confidence. Depending on the reading it also warns of an individual being a follower rather than a leader.

♢ Five ♢

This is a multifaced card and it's meaning can change drastically depending on the surrounding cards. When upright, five of diamonds can speak of good luck and pleasant surprises. This card commonly comes out in love readings, indicating good luck in new relationships or marriage. It can also come out to indicate an influx of wealth. On the other hand, the surrounding cards can suggest a more negative reason to gain such things.

When reversed, five of diamonds speaks of a breakdown or involuntary changes. It often represents breakups, separations and canceling deals. Be prepared for some drama.

♢ Six ♢

This is an excellent card to get in a reading about finances. When upright, six of diamonds speaks of increases in wealth and fortune. How this influx of wealth comes depends on the surrounding cards.

When reversed, six of diamonds speaks of roadblocks and obstacles. It is often a warning to turn back while you still can; you can avoid what lies ahead if you make smart decisions.

♢ Seven ♢

When this card shows in a reading, it is a warning. When upright, seven of diamonds warns to keep a close eye on your bank account and your investments. If this card shows in a reading regarding other people, it can warn you that somebody has lied to you or stole something.

When reversed, seven of diamonds indicates a less severe loss of finances and that the individual needs to clean themselves up before it gets worse. It can also indicate that truths will be revealed; lies can't be kept hidden forever.

♢ Eight ♢

Similar to the six of diamonds, eight of diamonds speaks of increased wealth. When upright, eight of diamonds speaks of unexpected gains in finances or material items. Treasure, so to speak. It is common for this card to show for inheritance and heirlooms.

When reversed, eight of diamonds can mean one of two things: loss in wealth, or sharing secrets. You're either in to lose a little bit of money, or somebody that was confided in is spilling secrets.

♢ Nine ♢

This card has a few possibilities, but they all generally mean expenses. When upright, nine of diamonds warns that money will have to be put towards something of necessity. Repairs, replacements, bills... Things like that. If the reading is specifically about spirits, it represents a haint, demon, negative entity or whatever you'd call it. It isn't benevolent.

When reversed, nine of diamonds indicates disappointment and stress. The individual needs to rest before they become burnt out or cause harm to themselves. Exhaustion is dangerous.

♢ Ten ♢

This may be one of the best cards to pull regarding the future or any goals the individual may have. When upright, ten of diamonds represents overall success and achievements in the long-run. Even if the current situation seems negative, things will turn out to be better later.

When reversed, ten of diamonds indicates a lost dream or goal. Something won't be achieved by the looks of it. This card can also be shown to represent compensation for something lost.

The jacks, queens and kings represent people in my interpretations. These cards in the diamonds suit tend to be individuals with lighter features: their natural hair color, eyes, skin and/or style may present lighter. This will likely not apply to every person being represented by these cards, so consider the following interpretations as well.

♢ Jack ♢

The jack of diamonds is somebody who is physically very attractive. They are determined to get what they want and have the capabilities to do it. Very ambitious individuals. They tend to have high standards and are difficult to please.

♢ Queen ♢

The queen of diamonds is a feminine-presenting individual who is practical, resourceful and persistent. They make good managers and are typically they type to maintain a schedule, but they are also nitpicky and tend to gossip. Sometimes this card shows for a mother/parent who is overall good at being a parent, but tends to be a little smothering.

♢ King ♢

The king of diamonds is a masculine-presenting individual who may have dedicated their life to work more than anything. They tend to be business-oriented and are often the head of the family, or at least the most respected. This person expects to be treated with a level of respect. They are also prone to having a bit of a temper when they feel wronged or disrespected. Be careful with how you speak to this one.

Imbolc is very near!

February 1, 2022 to February 2, 2022

What is Imbolc?

It is the start of Spring, which is a season of magical energy associated with the goddess’s feminine side, new beginnings, and fire. It’s a fantastic time to concentrate on divination and honing your own magical skills. Use these ideas to your advantage and arrange your work accordingly.

How do I celebrate Imbolc in a simple way?

1. Visit a stream, river, or water 

Imbolc was traditionally a time for pilgrimages to holy water, such as a spring or a well, to purify ourselves and bring fertility to our dreams. Why not go on a family excursion to find some water near your home, such as a river, stream, or well? Splash some water on yourself if the water is pure, and establish your goal to cleanse and purify. To deliver messages of hope and healing, Glennie Kindred suggests dipping a piece of ribbon in water and then hanging it from a nearby tree (trees near water are especially sacred). She also urges us to express gratitude to the spirits of the places we visit by picking up any trash we notice nearby. (greekparent.co.uk)

2. Drink milk or spiced cider

Milk or spiced cider are good options. Set a beautiful supper table with candles, evergreen boughs, spring flowers, dragons, sun symbols, or anything else that speaks to you about Imbolc. Make use of the fine china. Allow your children to make their beds in a unique fashion to resemble Brigid’s.

3. Decorate your altar

Because Imbolc’s energy is about creating plans but not yet acting on them, letting go of old energy that no longer serves you is a crucial step to take. You can begin by emotionally clearing your altar (and your entire home if you feel the need!) as well as physically cleaning it. Wipe it down with Florida Water before replacing the towel and sweeping the sluggish energy away with a besom.

Adding a bunch of candles to your altar for Imbolc is a simple way to change it up! These are meant to welcome the light and pay homage to the goddess. Red candles can be used to further portray the fire element. Fire and the hearth are also represented by cauldrons.

common outdoor items & their uses

a guide to common outdoor items and their magickal uses.

acorns- luck, protection, wisdom, power

walnuts- healing, protection, self care

pinecones- fertility, masculinity, growth, nature

pine needles- cleansing, healing, strength, banishment

pecans- employment, protection, success, abundance, prosperity

grass- growth, learning, healing, new beginning, grief, recovery

maple leaves- feminine, travel, change, decisions, healing

oak leaves- truth, justice, knowledge, steadfastness, protection, guidance

birch leaves- protection, cleansing, fertility, purification

dandelions- calling spirits, divination, healing

dandelion seeds- divination, wishes, manifestation, dreams, luck

dandelion leaves- defeating negativity, steadfastness, growth, purification

2 leaf clovers- love, luck, courage, cleansing

3 leaf clovers- protection, luck, fidelity, divination

4 leaf clovers- spirit work, luck, psychic ability, attraction

5+ leaf clovers- wealth, luck, attracting money, sanity

wild clover flowers- animal magick, blessings, breaking curses, luck, love

apple seeds- love, secrets, knowledge, gateways, divination, prosperity

tree bark- protection, binding, banishment, cleansing, purification

rocks- many rocks have crystals hidden inside, the most common is quartz types. if unsure, rockcs can represent strength, stability, protection and banishing. if you suspect its a crystal, look it up and discover the correspondences that matter to you!

will add more as i can, feel free to add your own!!

Past Life Tarot Spread

Just in case you have a few hours free, here's a spread that will take all of them up. Have fun with your afternoon.

1: Birth

2: Parents

3: Life

4: Childhood

5: Passion

6: Friends

7: Responsibility

8: Partner

9: Work

10: Success

11: Shortcoming/Failure

12: Death

13: Children

14: Legacy

15: What I Brought To This Life