Are colds and flus finding their way into your house?
It seems that when the little ones start back to school they invariably bring home the latest virus or bacteria that is floating around. It marks the beginning of the cold and flu season.

Well, it doesn’t have to be so. There are a number of ways to ward off these pesky attacks.
I’d like to mention one way to help in the upper respiratory area. Oftentimes come the fall we battle coughs, colds, sinus infections, etc.

The blend that we make called: You Might Think It’s Funny But It’s Snot! is a wonderful blend of herbs designed to support healthy respiratory function and aid in decreasing upper respiratory symptoms. It is made with Vegetable Glycerine, Elder Berry, Mullein Leaf, Hyssop Herb, Thyme Leaf, Anise Seed, and Ginger Root.

Although it is not recommended for children under age 1, it can be used by anyone else of any age both as a preventative measure and to help in acute attacks.

Why do we use these ingredients?

Elderberry has a medicine chest worth of uses.The berries from the elder contain a considerable amount of vitamins A, B and C. The juice from the berries is an old fashioned cure for colds, and is also said to relieve asthma and bronchitis.

Mullein Leaf is a good respiratory remedy. Also for toning the mucous membranes of the respiratory system, reducing inflammation whilst stimulating fluid production and thus facilitating expectoration. It is considered a specific in bronchitis where there is a hard cough with soreness. Its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties indicate its use in inflammation of the trachea and associated conditions.

Ginger relieves chest and nasal congestion and scratchy throat.

Thyme is used as a medicine for treating symptoms of bronchitis, whooping cough, and catarrh (mucous) of the upper respiratory tract.

The Anise seed is used as an expectorant, to loosen phlegm and ease the discomforts of bronchitis, asthma and cough. It will also boost your immune system.

We use the hyssop for it’s effectiveness in counteracting colds, flu, bronchitis, and upper respiratory catarrh. It contains the bitter component, marrubiin which has expectorant properties. It helps fevers as it promotes sweating and is useful for throat infections.

So, if you are looking for something that will help you through this season of stuffy heads and coughs, we have put together a great tincture that will help you do that. Give it a try and let us know how it helped.

It’s the time of year to put our herbs to rest for the winter. A few are still hanging in there and that’s great. We are cutting them and bringing them in to dry and make herbal vinegars,etc.
Some, like basil, rosemary, sage, parsley, we leave some in the garden and pot some to bring in for fresh herbs during the winter.
To do that we dig the herbs up and pot them and then leave them outside for a few days so that they don’t get too shocked coming inside. Once the herbs have had time to adjust then we will bring them in and enjoy them all winter.
Those that are being left behind we are covering with a mulch of hay. This will protect them for the winter and also allow those amazing creatures – earthworms to a good environment to do their work.
The winter crops are growing nicely and we sure will look forward to enjoying them during the winter months.
Herbs really take good care of us if we take good care of them. Enjoy!

Ask the average American to define herbs and he or she will tell you that herbs are green leaves that have some medicinal properties. Some may even add that herbs like Thyme and Sage are used for cooking. This is how most people define herbs; which is quite good knowledge considering that most folks are ambivalent about the actual use of herbs in their own lives.

A herb (the word rhymes with ‘curb’) is a plant that is grown for medicinal or culinary value.

Typically, the green leafy part of the herb is used, occasionally roots also are put to use. A culinary herb is non-woody and soft. Used for their aromatic flavor and texture, culinary herbs include bay leaf, basil, chervil, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon and thyme.

The world of medicinal herbs is even more diverse and surprising. Even the most innocuous looking leaf blade may possess a treasure trove of medicinal properties. A medicinal herb is generally a shrub or other woody plant used for therapeutic purposes. Herbalism or Phytotherapy is the practice of folk or traditional medicine that aims to cure “dis-eases” in the body using plants and the active constituents found within them.

This resurgence of interest in herbs was brought about by various systems of holistic healing. Now, more than ever before, people are beginning to realize that good health does not refer to an absence of disease. Rather, it is a balance of physical, mental, emotional and social wellness. Herbal health care is becoming increasingly popular because herbs provide natural stimulants that activate the body’s own defense mechanisms.

When orthodox medicine took over the reins of mainstream health care, herbs and their medicinal values got relegated to the background. One reason could be the problem of availability. Another more important reason is that unlike a pill or a tonic, herbs usually take more time to bring about an effect.

Due to our sedentary lifestyle, processed foods and industrial advances, we have managed to discover a large number of chronic illnesses that were virtually unknown in the past. Medicines used to treat these diseases have side effects. In time, these medicines also become ineffective as the human body develops a resistance to the medicine. After battling it out for many years, practitioners of conventional medicine are finally willing to admit that herbal extracts are an effective source of healing.

Herbal medicines provide a healing system that is in tune with nature. The medicines are characterized by simplicity, depth and effectiveness. They are cost effective too. Absence of side effects also greatly enhances their allure.

Some interesting uses of herbs are:

- Chamomile tea sipped slowly throughout the day helps decrease acidity and soothes the digestive system

- Alfalfa is a highly nutritious herb as it is a natural source of vitamins and minerals.

- Valerian root can be used to treat insomnia.

- Two fresh garlic cloves taken at night increases ones resistance to flu and colds.

- Feverfew is a herb that if taken consistently, effectively reduces the frequency of migraines.

Herbs, like any drug, bring about a physiological change in the body. If taken continuously for prolonged periods, they may affect the body’s natural ability to heal. The aim of herbs is to bring the body back into ‘balance’ so that there is no longer any need for medicine. Herbal medicines may not be the best, pure or only form of medicine. Indeed, it should be used as a complementary medicine that helps doctors achieve the most important goal of all – that of total cure in the easiest, most effective and shortest route.

Ingredients:

*

Two taper candles (one pink, one red)
*

Red thread
*

Jasmine Oil

To draw a passionate love your way, during a waxing Moon gather two taper candles, one pink and one red, and some red thread and jasmine oil. Anoint the candles with jasmine oil using your fingertips, then light them while visualizing the flames of passion growing between yourself and new, but yet unknown, love. Link the candles together by making a figure eight between them with the thread while saying over and over:

“Flames of passion and seeds of romance grow; I open my heart to love. Now the one who seeks me shall come.”

For best results, enact the spell on three consecutive nights.

You will need the following items:

* A candle in your favorite color
* A green candle
* A small knife
* Cinnamon joss sticks
* Cinnamon essential oil
* Hyssop herb

The timing of this spell should also be considered as it forms part of the ingredients. Perform the spell during the dark moon.

1. Have a purifying hyssop bath to wash away negativity, then cast a magick circle.

Starting in the east, walk around the room clockwise with a cinnamon joss stick in your right hand. Visualize a blue sphere surrounding your home.

2. Step into the circle. Using the knife, etch your name on the candle chosen to represent yourself, and the jealous person’s name on the green candle. Start so the name begins nearest the wick and goes down the candle.

3.Anoint your candle with cinnamon oil. Light it saying:

“It is my will to banish jealousy from my life.”

Now anoint the green candle and say:

“This candle represents a jealous person who will trouble me no more.”

4. Light the green candle and move it out of the room towards the front door, saying:

“I banish envy out of the door. May your spirit grow past petty spite, to fill your soul with love and light.”

Allow the candle to burn down to the wick.

5. Bind your spell by imagining a blue ribbon of energy and tie a knot with this around your candle, saying:

“I call on Earth to bind this spell, Air to speed its travel well, Fire bring spirit from above, Water fill this spell with love. This spell bound around shall be, to cause no harm nor return on me. As I do will So Mote It Be.”

6. Thank the elements, saying:

“Earth, Water, Fire, Air, leave this circle to my care. Go with my thanks and with my love.”
Now walk around the room anticlockwise with a cinnamon joss stick, seeing the blue circle of flames fading away

This spell is simple and requires no searching for exotic ingredients. It is performed to draw people to you (friends) and enhance your sexual attraction (if you desire more than friends) In many ways, this is a confidence and self esteem spell. You can focus on a specific person during the rite in order to strengthen the bond between you or to draw that person to you. Remember the laws of return however, that which you send out will often return to you.

Do a thorough physical cleaning of your bathroom, and cover any mirrors with material (white or pink towels or sheets are nice) Then draw a bath and to the water add a small handful (about 1/3 to 1/2 cup) sea salt or other available salt while saying:
“Negativity is washed away, I am renewed as of today! Many heads will turn my way, the ones I chose will wish to stay.”

Light three white votive candles or place 3 floating candles in the bath tub, focus on your body, how sensual it is, how beautiful you are. Everyone is beautiful, this spell is just drawing out your best! Women have a strange image of what men desire, and men have an equally odd image of what women desire. This is probably our society’s influences, like TV. Focus on what you like about yourself (there is something). You may also begin to focus on that specific person if desired.

Turn off the lights and turn on your favorite music if possible, something that makes you feel reckless and sexy, or calm and at peace with yourself, depending on your taste, mood, and the desired end result you want. For example, for sex, you may want a sexy rock album, for general attraction, you may want a happy mellow song. The feeling that the music evokes in you is important.

Enter the bath and relax, make sure every part of your body is immersed in the water at least once. If you don’t have a bathtub, tie the salt up in a wash cloth while saying the above words, and use it in the shower.

When you are finished (I spend about an hour and 1/2 in the bathroom and shave, shampoo, etc. beforehand) Repeat the original words, plus this ending line, so you’ll say:

“Negativity is washed away, I am renewed as of today! Many heads will turn my way, the ones I chose will wish to stay.”

“I am blessed, I am loving, I am loved and love myself! I am love!”

It may sound kinda funny, but this one really works. Feel free to intuitively add what you like to this, sandalwood or rose soap, incense, a glass of your favorite ritual beverage, bath oil… especially those made with herbal extracts or essential oils, our favorite perfume or cologne, a special bath towel purchased for this ritual only, etc. Your intuition will only serve to refine this working and enhance its effects!

Take a lock of hair from your lover or spouse and tie a pink ribbon around it. Light three pink candles and then place the hair in a hollowed out apple along with a pinch of ground cinnamon, 7 rose petals and a lock of your own hair tied with a white ribbon. Pass the apple through the flame of each candle while visualizing yourself and your lover. Wrap the apple in a piece of white cloth, then bury it under the window where you sleep. This will help strengthen the existing bond between you.

Magic and witchcraft has been around since the dawn of time.  No one knows exactly when witchcraft began, but many believe that its origins date back to the Stone Age. At different times, witches have been respected members of their communities or mercilessly persecuted by those who fear what they do not understand. In ancient times, witches were sought for help with illness and trouble, and respected for their knowledge and wisdom. But as Christianity spread through Europe, witches were thought to be associated with the Devil. Thousands of people, both witches and accused witches, were killed. Witchcraft is presently experiencing a  resurgence.

Ancient Times
The roots and history of witchcraft are thought to have begun with the ancient Celtic people.The Celts were a deeply spiritual people, who worshiped both a god and goddess. Their religion
was pantheistic, meaning they worshiped many aspects of the “One Creative Life Source” and honored the presence of the “Divine Creator” in all of nature. They learned to make use of the Earth’s gifts and natural cycles, and thus were viewed as healers and wise women.

560 BC
Witches are begining to be prosecuted. Witches are condemned in the Old Testament.

Sixth to Eighth Centuries
Witchcraft is seen as a threat to Christianity. Witchcraft began to be seen as a threat to Christianity, as many Christians feared that witches were associated with the Devil. Around the sixth century, the Christians began to outlaw witchcraft.

13th Century
The Inquisition begins, under orders from Rome. Thousands of witches and others accused of heresy and blasphemy are imprisoned and executed.

15th to 17th Centuries
The history of witches continues with witch hysteria taking hold in Europe; thousands of people are tortured and killed in the interest of ridding Europe of witches. Burning witches at the stake becomes the preferred method of execution.

1692 to 1693
The notorious Salem Witch Trials occur in the American Colonies, resulting in the hanging deaths of 19 people and one death by pressing. Three others died in prison while awaiting trial. In all, more than 150 people were accused and tried.

19th Century
Spiritualism and witchcraft begin to flourish in England once again. Many books on the subject were published during this time.

1950s
Laws forbidding witchcraft are finally dropped in England in 1951. During this same time, a restructuring of ancient witchcraft, called Wicca, begins in England.

The term witch, which means to “twist or bend,” has its origin in the ancient, Anglo-Saxon word “wicca,” which is derived from the word “wicce,” which means “wise.” Witch is also related to the German word, “weihen,” which means “to consecrate or bless.” Some say that the origins of the witch date back thousands of years, to the days when the goddess was worshiped and humanity had great reverence for the powers of nature and for women as creators of new life. In the “New Age” philosophy, this relates to the concept of “Gaia,” or “Mother Earth,” which views planet earth as essentially a living being.