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The Worst Tarot Cards Give the Best Advice

Some find it confusing when a difficult card falls in the advice position. Death is not asking you to die. But the Five of Cups wishes you would cry.

Death

Purge your soul of what no longer serves you. It will only be more painful if you wait for life to force you.

Three of Swords

Acknowledge your pain. The wound will fester if you keep denying its presence. Healing begins only with acceptance.

The Devil

Dive into it with all your might. Do not go gentle into that good night. It will all be worth the fall.

Five of Cups

Cry till the tears run dry. Till the darkness has gone, leaving only the light. Then turn around for a wondrous sight.

Two of Swords

You will never be completely certain. No one is in life. All you can do is follow your heart. It will lead you to what is right.

Five of Wands

There is a time for peace. But it is not today. You have to fight for your beliefs. Let nothing stand in your way.

Seven of Swords

Leave your morals at the door. This is no place for principles. What matters is survival. Time to think like a criminal.

Ten of Wands

You are walking through fire, and the pain is unbearable. But give it one more minute. The hurt will all be worth it.

Eight of Swords

You look at yourself and see a prisoner. And yet the ropes are loose and the lock is open. Stop acting the victim.

Five of Swords

So you lost. Cry for a while. Then dry your eyes and try again tomorrow. No need to drown in sorrow.

Nine of Swords

Turn your fear into fuel. Do not sit there waiting for destruction. Fight with all your might to escape annihilation.

Five of Pentacles

If you bother to look up, you will notice a shelter. Enough with the self-pity. Time to outsmart the weather.

Nine of Wands

As things stand, it is not safe for you to love. This is not the time to fall. Protect your heart, and build a wall.

Ten of Swords

Some pains demand to be felt. So feel them. Give them their deserved recognition. Then banish them to oblivion.

The Tower

Let it end. Watch calmly as it comes crashing down. You have to eradicate the old before you can build a new town.

The ONLY reason I write in my grimoire in cursive is for the aesthetic

A Practical Guide to Herbology

Lesson Three: Soothing Salves

Salves are a simple yet effective way of applying the medicinal qualities of herbs. They’re the consistency of a cream at room temperature and portable for on-the-go topical application. By combining various herbal-infused oils, an individual can address a variety of ailments, from arthritis to asthma. Each salve can be customized to the individual to treat a specific illness or can be general all-heal tool in your first aid kit. 

Base Ingredients

Herbal-infused Oils

To craft a salve, you must start with herbal-infused oils as your primary base. For this, there are two components: your choice of herb(s) and your choice of carrier oil(s). Some commonly used carrier oils are olive, grapeseed, almond and safflower. 

At the end of this post, there will be an overview of common herbs and carrier oils so that you can make an educated decision when crafting your herbal-infused oils.

Here are two basic methods of infusion:

Solar Method (Folk Method)

Take a sterilized jar and fill ⅓ to ½ of it with your choice of dried herbs.

Cover with your carrier oil. Add around 500 IUs of vitamin E oil for every 8 oz. of carrier oil to prolong shelf life.

Cap the jar tightly and place in a sunny space - either outdoors or indoors. Shake it daily.

Allow the mixture to infuse for 2 to 3 weeks, or until the oil takes on the colour or aroma of the herb within. 

Once the oil is ready, strain using a cheesecloth and bottle into a tinted sterilized jar. Store in a cool, dark place.

Slow Cooker or Stove top (Fast Method)

Place your choice of dried herbs in your slow cooker or pot and cover with your carrier oil. Add around 500 IUs of vitamin E oil for every 8 oz. of carrier oil to prolong shelf life.

Gently heat the herbs on very low heat (100 - 140 degrees Fahrenheit) for 1 - 5 hours until the oil takes on the colour and scent of the herb. You can cook it for longer at 100 F if you would like.

Turn off heat and allow to cool. Once the oil is ready, strain using a cheesecloth and bottle into a tinted sterilized jar. Store in a cool, dark place.

Do not use fresh herbs when crafting herbal-infused oils. They contain moisture and promote the growth of mold, especially if infused via solar method.

Wax

Waxes are frequently used in making cosmetics, body care products and salves: they help to bind and emulsify ointments and lotions. They also function as a natural hydrating ingredient and alleviate itching for those with sensitive skin.

The most commonly-used wax for crafting salves is beeswax; however, vegans and those with allergies can utilize carnauba wax which is sourced from the leaves of a Brazilian palm tree.

Method

Once the herbal-infused oils are prepared, the process of making a salve only takes a few minutes. Here are the steps involved in the process:

On low to medium heat, warm the herbal-infused oil(s) in the top of a double boiler or in a small saucepan. 

Add the wax. Once the wax has melted, remove from heat.

If any, stir in any additional ingredients of your choice, such as essential oils.

Pour into your designated container(s).

Recipes

Soothing lip salve

3 tbsp beeswax

3 tbsp aloe vera gel

2 tbsp oil of choice

8 drops essential oil of choice (optional)

Salve for minor scrapes, bites and burns

1 ½ cups comfrey-infused oil

1 ½ tbsp coconut oil

¼ cup (55g) beeswax

Healing salve

1 quart (1 litre) of oil infused with equal parts St. John’s wort, comfrey, peppermint and lavender

¼ cup (55g) beeswax

Salve for backaches

1 cup ginger- and peppermint-infused oil

2 tbsp (22g) beeswax

First aid salve

1 cup St. John’s wort-infused oil

2 tbsp (22g) beeswax

Salve for rheumatoid arthritis

1 cup ginger- and licorice root-infused oil

2 tbsp (22g) beeswax

Common Carrier Oils

Almond oil, sweet: A fantastic carrier oil that contains fatty acids and vitamins A and E. It’s an effective emollient for moisturizing both skin and hair and is easily absorbed by skin.

Argan oil: This is a staple in moisturizing skin and hair care products. Argan oil contains tocopherols, phenols, carotenes, squaline and fatty acids - it’s a truly luxurious oil.

Evening primrose oil: Prized for its health and cosmetic benefits.

Grapeseed oil: A common base for many creams and lotions - it’s the go-to carrier oil since it’s especially useful for skin types that do not absorb oils well and does not leave a greasy feeling.

Olive oil: The most commonly-used oil in cosmetics and hair care.

Safflower oil: A highly-moisturizing oil that soothes troubled skin. 

Common Herbs for Health and Wellness

Aloe Vera: Excellent for treating burns, cuts and scrapes.

Arnica Montana: These flowers offer strong anti-inflammatory properties. (Do not use in open or bleeding wounds. Long-term use can cause skin irritation.)

Black Cohosh: Offers anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits. (Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Can cause gastric discomfort in some individuals.)

Blue Vervain: Relaxes the nervous system and offers reliable pain relief for rheumatism, joint pain and neuralgia. (Do not use during pregnancy.)

Chamomile: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. (Do not use if on blood thinners or if allergic to ragweed.)

Chickweed: Wonderful for making soothing poultices to treat rashes, skin irritations, minor burns and itching.

Comfrey: Alleviates pain and inflammation; works well on cuts, scrapes, insect bites, burns and rashes. (Do not use on children.)

Echinacea: Antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral. (Do not use if you have tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, autoimmune diseases, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or if you are allergic to ragweed.)

Ginkgo Biloba: Natural antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and great for treating allergies and asthma. (Do not use if you take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), or blood thinners.)

Goldenseal: Antiviral, antibacterial and excellent for dealing with minor cuts and wounds, sinus infections, respiratory congestion, sore throats and more! (Do not use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or if you have high blood pressure.)

Mullein: Great for first-aid treatment of minor wounds, burns and insect bites.

Plantain: Antimicrobial, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory; great for treating wounds, insect bites and minor aches and pains.

Sage: An excellent remedy for colds and fevers, hot flashes, painful or heavy periods, rashes and sore throats.

St. John’s wort: A strong antiviral; treats arthritis, fibromyalgia, muscle aches and sciatica. (Do not use if you take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).)

Witch Hazel: An effective remedy for acne, cuts and scrapes, insect bites, minor burns and sunburns.

–

Images are under the Creative Commons License.

Information published is from my personal grimoire and has been accumulated over the years through a variety of books and resources while residing in Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, Cuba and Canada.

For more information regarding salves and recipes, feel free to visit Hello Glow, Wellness Mama, The Herbal Academy and Monterey Bay Spice Company.

Myths, Creatures, and Folklore

Want to create a religion for your fictional world? Here are some references and resources!

General:

General Folklore

Various Folktales

Heroes

Weather Folklore

Trees in Mythology

Animals in Mythology

Birds in Mythology

Flowers in Mythology

Fruit in Mythology

Plants in Mythology

Folktales from Around the World

Africa:

Egyptian Mythology

African Mythology

More African Mythology

Egyptian Gods and Goddesses

The Gods of Africa

Even More African Mythology

West African Mythology

All About African Mythology

African Mythical Creatures

Gods and Goddesses

The Americas:

Aztec Mythology

Haitian Mythology

Inca Mythology

Maya Mythology

Native American Mythology

More Inca Mythology

More Native American Mythology

South American Mythical Creatures

North American Mythical Creatures

Aztec Gods and Goddesses

Asia:

Chinese Mythology

Hindu Mythology

Japanese Mythology

Korean Mythology

More Japanese Mythology

Chinese and Japanese Mythical Creatures

Indian Mythical Creatures

Chinese Gods and Goddesses

Hindu Gods and Goddesses

Korean Gods and Goddesses

Europe:

Basque Mythology

Celtic Mythology

Etruscan Mythology

Greek Mythology

Latvian Mythology

Norse Mythology

Roman Mythology

Arthurian Legends

Bestiary

Celtic Gods and Goddesses

Gods and Goddesses of the Celtic Lands

Finnish Mythology

Celtic Mythical Creatures

Gods and Goddesses

Middle East:

Islamic Mythology

Judaic Mythology

Mesopotamian Mythology

Persian Mythology

Middle Eastern Mythical Creatures

Oceania:

Aboriginal Mythology

Polynesian Mythology

More Polynesian Mythology

Mythology of the Polynesian Islands

Melanesian Mythology

Massive Polynesian Mythology Post

Maori Mythical Creatures

Hawaiian Gods and Goddesses

Hawaiian Goddesses

Gods and Goddesses

Creating a Fantasy Religion:

Creating Part 1

Creating Part 2

Creating Part 3

Creating Part 4

Fantasy Religion Design Guide

Using Religion in Fantasy

Religion in Fantasy

Creating Fantasy Worlds

Beliefs in Fantasy

Some superstitions:

Read More

Protective Spell for the Home

A circle of protection here I cast. No evil shall enter, no ill shall pass. A shield rise up and surround us all; Protect those who dwell within these walls. Within this space, may safety be found. No ill shall enter our circle round.

- Created by Written Secrets on Parchment

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Herbs, Incense and Oils

Chamomile- healing, babies, children, animals, reversing bad luck, attracts money, helpful in family matters 

Basil- fidelity, prosperity, protection, fear of flying 

Cedar/Cedarwood- healing, cleansing bad influences, negative thoughts, harmony 

Allspice- money, passion, swift moving or urgent matters

Cinnamon- passion, regaining money after loss, urgently needing money, psychic awareness 

Dragon’s Blood- fierce protection, anti-curse, any major enterprise, male potency

Fennel- travel, house sales, moves , banish/keep harm away 

Frankincense- wealth, courage, joy, career, success, travel

Hyssop- love commitment, healing, spirituality, protection, (infusion of hyssop) cleansing artefacts 

Juniper- purifies homes; protects against accidents, thieves and illness; and male potency 

Lemongrass/Lemon- repels spite, malice and gossip; helps with psychic awareness and travel

Lemon verbena- breaking bad luck; protection against negativity, Evil eye and ill-wishing 

Mint/Peppermint- drives negativity from objects and places; brings money, health, love and success 

Myrtle- lasting marriage, mature love, domestic happiness, property and security

Myrrh- healing, peace, purification, overcoming grief, protection against evil

Pine- drives away harm from home and family, cleansing negativity and malice, guarding property and premises, Immortality

Rosemary- Learning, love, fidelity, prosperity, banish malevolence 

Sage- longevity, good health, examinations, interviews, tests, protection of the home and family, slow growing prosperity and wisdom 

Sandalwood- spiritual awareness and healing, leadership, justice, compensation, sexuality

Tarragon- courage, anti-bullying; shedding of old burdens, guilt, fears and destructive relationships 

Thyme- psychic cleansing of land and possessions, health, memories of past worlds, drives away night terrors

Vetivert- love, breaking bad luck, protect against theft and negativity 

Vanilla- calming, soothing, vitalises energy, happy/healthy environment, good fortune, enhances physical energy and mental stimulation

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