SOCIAL MEDIA

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Apothecary: Syrup of Figs

Herbal Remedy: Syrup of Figs

I mentioned in my Herbarium: Fig post that figs can be taken in a syrup form to treat constipation. There are two different types of fig syrups. The first, Syrup of Figs, should be taken by children and delicate persons, such as the elderly. The second, Compound Syrup of Figs, should be taken by healthy adults.

Syrup of Figs

Ingredients:
     2/3 ounce dried senna pods
     1/2 cup boiling water
     1/2 cup sugar
     8 fresh figs, quartered
     Juice of 1 lemon


Directions:
  1. Place the senna pods in a glass bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let them steep for 30 minutes. Strain through a sieve or muslin into a blender. Add sugar and figs and blend until smooth.
  2. Pour into a saucepan and heat slowly on med-low heat to reduce, stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes. Do not boil. Should be thick, sugar-like syrup. Add lemon and remove from heat. Pour into a sterilized bottle.
  3. Shake well before use. Take 2 teaspoons when needed but no more than 3 times a day. Can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks.
To make Compound Syrup of Figs add two finely chopped stalks of rhubarb to the blender

Good luck making your own! Let me know if you try this recipe and how it works for you!


Magical and Medicinal Uses of Fig


Magical and Medicinal Uses of Fig. Includes a FREE BOS page!
Folk Names: Chagareltin, Fico, Mhawa
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Fire
Powers: Divination, Fertility, Love, Protection
Magical Uses and History: From Central Africa to the Far East, the fig tree is often referred to as the Tree of Life and Knowledge. The Greeks believed the fig was a gift from Demeter and sacred to Dionysus. For this reason, figs were revered as objects of fertility and love. The term sycophant, which dates back to ancient Greek fig trade, literally translates into "one who shows fig." It originally referred to one who informed on fig smugglers.

Men and women wishing to conceive can carry fig wood carved with phallic images to boost fertility. Eating fresh figs will yield the same result. You can also use fresh figs to charm any man or woman. They will be spellbound by your presence if they consume the fruit.

Fig leaves are sometimes used in divination. Write a question on a fig leaf. If the leaf dries slowly, the answer is yes. If it dries quickly, the answer is no. A slow drying leaf could also be good omen while a fast drying leaf could be the opposite.

Figs grown in the home also offer protection and good luck to the inhabitants. Place a fig branch by your door before leaving for a tip to ensure you will return home safely and happily. If grown in the bedroom it will bring restful sleep. If grown in the kitchen it will ensure your family will never go hungry.

Figs can be used in a number of spells including:
     Love Spells
     Fertility Magic
     Luck Spells
     Protection Magic
     Divination

Medicinal Uses: Figs are often used for their mild laxative properties found in the saccharine juice of the fresh fruit. It is best for children and delicate persons. For stronger preparation, it can be prepared with rhubarb. The milky sap from a freshly-broken stalk is very acrid will remove warts.

Preparation and Dosage: Figs can be taken internally in a syrup form or eaten fresh. Syrup of Figs should be used by children and delicate persons while Compound Syrup of Figs should be used for adults (see recipe). Externally use the milky sap of the stem on a wart. Apply several times a day until wart is gone.


Want to print a copy of this for your Book of Shadows? Click below for your free copy!
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Monday, August 25, 2014

Book of Shadows Blessing

The other day I posted how I protect my Book of Shadows. Today I would like to share my Book of Shadows Blessing with you. This blessing will provide magical protection, just like the Book of Shadows Botanical Protection Spell, and charge it with magical intent.


Book of Shadows Blessing

Say this blessing over your Book of Shadows. You can do this before or after the protection spell.
"In the realm of magic this book shall reside.
No one but the chosen shall see what's inside.
May I protect it, keep it from harm,
And upon it bestow power, magic, and charm.
No one without wisdom shall peer at its pages,
or the knowledge inside handed down through the ages.
This book be it mine, it harbors no fears.
The knowledge obtained through blood, sweat, and tears.
This book I bless with spiritual light,
And let only the chosen read of its rite.
For those of the Craft truly can see,
This this is my will, so mote it be."
Once said, copy this into the front page of your BOS. Either write it by hand in your best writing or type it out. I find typing and handwriting are equally magical when you actually do the work yourself. Do not COPY and paste this blessing. In order to completely infuse its power into you BOS you must write it yourself. 

Feel free to modify this blessing as you see fit. I purposely didn't use the God or Goddess because I don't believe in them, but you will probably ask for them to protect your book. For example you can change the line "This book I bless..." to say "This book may Goddess bless..." or change "May I protect it..."  to "May God protect it..."

Do you have your own BOS Blessing? Please share in the comments!


Saturday, August 23, 2014

Protecting Your Book of Shadows: Botanical Protection Spell

I decided to write this post after Witchfire over at Book of Mirrors wrote a post titled Student-Teacher Relationships. In it, she addresses an issue she had recently come upon on a pagan message board. A student of the craft was asking for curses to place on their BOS so that when their teacher (the person teaching them the craft) asked to see it, she/he would be harmed. This student said the teacher made them uncomfortable each time they asked to see the BOS. Either way, I am going to say it: This is WRONG. First of all, you shouldn't be learning the craft from someone who makes you uncomfortable. Second, when faced with someone that makes you uncomfortable, someone you picked to learn from, your first instinct should not be to curse them. This student needs to seriously rethink their path. It's like shooting a guest you invited over for dinner because they asked for extra potatoes. Come on. Please don't ever put curses on your BOS. You never know if and when it will backfire on you. It's better instead to put protection spells on it. This way, your BOS is safe from others and won't hurt you or anyone else by accident. When in doubt, avoid "violent" spells. Sometimes the universe gets things mixed up, and it's better if the spell was "peaceful."

Today I would like to share my Book of Shadows Botanical Protection Spell. I don't just use this for my BOS, but for all my pagan books and notebooks, even the notebook I use for planning this blog. This is actually very, very simple.

Protecting Your Book of Shadows

Supplies:
     Sage Cleaning Bundle
     Your Book of Shadows
     Whole dried Mugwort
     Whole dried Wormwood
     Whole dried St. John's Wort

  1. First, cleanse your BOS using a sage smudge. Sage is great at removing any negative energy from objects. While cleansing, imagine the negative energy leaving the book and entering the earth. 
  2. Next place the MugwortWormwood, and St. John's Wort between the pages of your BOS. Make them part of the design. MugwortWormwood, and St. John's Wort is all believed to physically preserve books by keeping page-nibbling vermin away as well as provide spiritual protection. As you do so imagine their energies encircling and protecting your BOS while saying:
    "With these herbs, I protect this book from prying eyes and harm."

Simple and much more effective than cursing someone. If you are looking at protecting all your books, keeping living versions of these plants in and around your library.

How do you protect your BOS?


Friday, August 22, 2014

Q is for Questions

For this week's Pagan Blog Project post, I wanted to address some questions I often get regarding my spirituality. Where to even begin? Anyone who is part of the pagan community knows that as soon as someone finds out you're pagan, the dam breaks and the questions and judgement flow out

However, I don't want to address the most common questions, the one's you will find in my FAQ and the ones we are all generally asked. I want to talk about some questions that even other pagans ask me. The first is if I am Wiccan. No, I am not Wiccan. I used to be in a very loose sense of the word. When I first started "dabbling" in the Craft, Wicca was convenient. The books cover shelves in every major bookstore and information online is prevalent. This made it easy to study, but after about a year I realized it wasn't for me.

Why wasn't Wicca for me? Wicca is a religion. I didn't need religion; I needed spirituality. I didn't need the structure or the deities or the rules. I needed a way to harness the gifts I knew I had to bring harmony to my own life; to make me happy; to make me feel whole. Wicca did not make me feel whole. It made me feel trapped and in so doing threw my life off balance, just as Christianity had done years before. To some, this is hard to understand, and I realize that. However, please consider that not all faiths work for everyone. Wicca did not work for me, but that doesn't make me wrong and you right.

The third question is what I do believe. I think that it's pretty obvious on this blog that I am a hedgewitch. I also don't believe in any deities, a pagan atheist if you will (Sagan Pagan, anyone? Read my FAQ's for more details). What is a hedgewitch? Well, I have a wonderful post explaining what a Hedgewitch is to me. Mind you, everyone has a different opinion on what a Hedgewitch is. Some say they are Green witches. I don't agree with that. I work closely with nature and use herbal remedies like a Green witch, but I also cherish the hearth and home and dismiss most formal rituals. I move to the beat of my own drum.

The last question I am asked is how did I get here. That is an excellent question, and the answer is long and complicated. I arrived here through years of study and work. I experimented, much to my husband's dismay, and it wasn't until I let the walls come down that I realized exactly where I wanted to be. It actually took a book by the often dreaded Silver Ravenwolf to lead me here. In 2010 I purchased her book on Hedgewitchery. I have never done the 13 rites she outlines in the book, but I did read it cover to cover. For the first time I had a name for what spoke to me the most. Her book, along with several others on hedgecraft, are much more structured than I like to be, but the foundations are there. The entire idea that hedgecraft grew out of the term "hedge riders" spoke to me. It screamed at me actually. Witchcraft, to me, is being a witch in so much as our ancestors who lived on the edge of the towns and forests were. They cared for their homes and they healed others. They brought life back to a world often shrouded by death. I spend every day breathing life into everything I do. This was what I needed; hedgecraft was the answer I had been searching 5 years for. It hasn't always been easy, but I don't regret my choice. And that's it; that is what is so awesome about paganism. We can essentially choose our fate, our destiny, our path. Unfortunately we can't do this free from persecution, even from other pagans, but that is a whole other can of worms.

I hope this has been enlightening and if you have any questions for me, please feel free to comment or email me. I love to hear from my readers!


Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Upright vs Reversed Runes

Upright vs Reversed Runes

This marks the very end of our Rune Magic Series. Today I would like to briefly discuss upright and reversed runes. As I mentioned in my initial posts on the Futhark Runic Alphabet, runes can be upright or reversed. Reversed runes hold different meanings, usually the opposite of the upright position. However, not all runes can be reversed, so please be sure to check the list.

How can you tell if a rune is upright or reversed? Easy! 

Upright vs Reversed Runes

That is really all there is to it.

So far I have cast my runes once regarding whether or not we were going to be financially stable in the next two years. This is very important to my husband and me as we wish to start a family before I am 30. The runes gave a promising answer. I am hopeful.

Thank you for tuning into the series. I hope you enjoyed it and if you have any further questions or have a topic you would like me to cover, please feel free to comment below or contact me via email!


Sunday, August 17, 2014

Apothecary: Cinnamon Cough Remedy

This week both of the girls I nanny came down with a cough and runny noses. Needless to say, by the end of the week I too had a runny nose, cough, and a fever. Not fun! I don't like to take medications unless I absolutely have to, so this weekend I have been drinking lots of warm water with honey and lemon and using my Cinnamon Cough Remedy. It doesn't taste the best, but it works.

Cinnamon is used to treat a variety of ailments particularly those pertaining to the digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems. It is an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and expectorant, making it ideal for treating coughs.

Herbal Remedy: Cinnamon Cough Remedy


Ingredients
     1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
     1 tablespoon raw honey
     1 cup warm water

Mix and drink twice a day to soothe cough and cold.

****

I have a hard time drinking it all because I am not a huge fan of cinnamon, let alone a whole tablespoon of it. Flu season will be upon us soon and with little ones back in school, the likelihood we will all be having a cough is high. Keep this in your arsenal of herbal remedies this season to reduce symptoms and fight infection.



Friday, August 15, 2014

Magical and Medicinal Uses of Quince

Magical and Medicinal Uses of Quince. Includes FREE BOS page!
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Saturn
Element: Earth
Powers: Fertility, Love, Lust, Marriage
Magical Uses and History: The quince appears in numerous folk legends and myths around the world and is connected with a number of deities who "fall." In the Greek tale of Huntree Atalanta, Atalanta is able to outrun all of her suitors, remaining unmarried as a result. However, her fall comes with Hippomenes who threw 'golden apples' aka quinces on the ground in front of her to distract her as they raced. Each time Atlanta caught up to him, he would throw another off the path for her to retrieve. Ultimately, Hippomenes wins the race and therefore the hand of Atalanta. The quince was also the catalyst for the Trojan Wars. Eris, the goddess of discord, rolled a quice with the words "to the fairest" into the middle of a wedding banquet, which led Hera, Aphrodite, and Athena to vie for the position of fairest. When Paris, the most handsome of mortal men, could not choose, Aphrodite promised him Helen of Sparta. This, of course, led to the Trojan War, but as a result, the fruit became associated with Aphrodite. Others still attribute the fall of man in the Garden of Eden to the eating of a quince (golden apple). Either way, the quince is thus associated with downfall, but also with love. It was common for the quince to appear in Greek weddings due to its association with Aphrodite. In 594 BC Solon was elected chief magistrate of Athens and during his rule, he passed a number of social and cultural reforms, which included making the quince a wedding food. It is he that solidified the quinces role in weddings where it was used to sweeten the breath of the bride before she entered her marital chambers, baked into wedding cakes, and used in decoration to ensure a fruitful or fertile marriage. Its association with love continued on into the age of the Tudors in England, who had it cooked into marmalades and wrapped in golden foil to use as an aphrodisiac. The desire for quince was so strong that the marriage between Portugal's Catharine of Bragacanca and Charles the Second of England not only provided the country with money but also an ample supply of tea and quinces. As such, quinces can be used in love spells and rituals, specifically those designed to bring fertility, fidelity, and faithfulness, but it can also be used to break up love, as seen in some of the earlier stories of the quince. 

Quince can be used in a number of spells including:
         Love Spells
         Marriage Spells

Medicinal Uses:
Due to the high fiber content of quince seeds, they can be used as a gentle yet effective laxative, especially in cases of constipation. They are also used as an astringent to treat gastritis and enteritis and even mild burns. quince seeds are also anti-inflammatory and an expectorant making them great for mouthwashes to treat inflammation and dry coughs.

Preparation and Dosage:  For medicinal purposes, both seed and the entire fruit are used. They should be collected between September and October. Internally- For an infusion, soak seeds for 3-5 hours until a slime forms on the outer coats of the seed. Drink as needed or three times a day. For a tincture, take 1-2 milliliters as needed or three times a day (made from seed). Eating the whole quince can work just as well. Externally- Rub the mucus from the seeds on mild burns.




Want to print a copy of this for your Book of Shadows? Click below for your free copy! 



Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Rune Casting Layouts Part 2

Rune Casting Layouts Part 2

Welcome back to the Hedgewitch's Guide to Rune Magic mini series. Last time I posted six possible layouts you can use when casting runes. Today I would like to post the other six layouts I previously mentioned: the Runic Cross, Seven Rune Cast, Runic V, Nine Grid, Tree of Life, and Futhark Cast.

Remember, you can use one of the five methods I mentioned earlier or one of your own methods. Furthermore, you don't need to use a layout if you don't want to. These layouts are for more indepth answers. Some people simply draw a rune a day to gain insight. Use what you feel is best.


Runic Cross

Runic Cross


Seven Rune Cast

Seven Rune Cast

Runic V

Runic V

Nine Grid

Nine Grid

Tree of Life
Tree of Life

Futhark Layout
Futhark Layout

I know the Futhark layout is difficult to read in this post. Clicking on the image will enlarge it. It is also available on the free BOS page located at the bottom of the post.

Remember, this is not a comprehensive list, only what I have found through research so far. If you read your runes differently, please comment below. Do you use a layout not included in my list? In my last post in this series I will talk about how to recognize upright and inverted runes.






Want to print a copy of this for your Book of Shadows? Click below for your free copy!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0KnNmfNfzc8MTBUeGpoRkpEblk/view?usp=sharinghttps://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0KnNmfNfzc8eE0wOHdHaGJXTk0/view?usp=sharing


Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Rune Casting Layouts Part 1

Rune Casting Layouts Part 1
In this post I will talk about 6 out of the 12 casting layouts I have encountered. Which layout or spread you use is entirely up to you. Of course you don't have to even use a spread. You can just draw one rune and take what you will from it.

When casting, you can use one of the five methods I mentioned in my casting runes post. Runes next to each other can either strengthen or oppose each other. If they are opposing runes, they most likely cancel each other out, but its possible they represent what is wrong and what needs to be fixed.

Triple Rune Challenge

Triple Rune Challenge Spread

Three Norns

Three Norns Spread

Spiritual Three Rune Cast

Spiritual Three Rune Cast

Four Directions

Four Directions Spread

Five Rune Cast

Five Rune Cast

 Reading Insight

Reading Insight Spread

My next post will cover the Runic Cross, Seven Rune Cast, Runic V, Nine Grid, Tree of Life, and Futhark Cast. Is there a layout you use that I have not mentioned?



Want to print a copy of this for your Book of Shadows? Click below for your free copy!
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Sunday, August 10, 2014

Friday, August 8, 2014

Prophetic Dreaming

A Hedgewtich's Guide to Enhancing Prophetic Dreaming
While we sleep, the floodgates for psychic ability are completely open, making prophetic dreaming easy. You can stimulate prophetic dreaming and enhance and encourage clairvoyance with various spells. However, some spells may work better for you than others, so it's best to experiment to find which methods to use to enhance your own innate power. Today, I would like to touch on a few of the ways you can enhance or induce prophetic dreams for this week's Pagan Blog Project prompt. Remember to keep your dream journal close at hand so you can jot down your dreams down for evaluation later.

As a hedgewitch, I love using botanicals, so those are the methods I am going to focus on. Certain botanicals stimulate clairvoyance, psychic perceptions, and prophesy more so than others. These include:
  1. Angelic
  2. Anise
  3. Basil
  4. Bay
  5. Copal
  6. Dittany of Crete
  7. Dream Herb (zacatechichi)
  8. Gardenia
  9. Mimosa
  10. Mugwort
  11. Peppermint
  12. Roses
  13. Sandalwood
  14. Syrian Rue (harmel)
  15. Wisteria
  16. Wormwood
You can use any combination of these herbs to stuff dream pillows or conjure bags. You can also use any combination to make a Botanical Blast. Place an assortment of the above herbs in a covered box to keep beside your bed. Before sleeping, uncover and inhale this potpourri to receive a "blast" of power.

You can also place fresh gardenias by your bedside so that you can inhale the fragrance while you sleep. Gardenia's fragrance potently invokes prophetic dreams, as well as invites benevolent spirits to visit. To intensify this method, you can make a Gardenia Crown, which draws its inspiration from Hawaii. Weave fresh gardenias into a crown while focusing on the desired dream and knotting your goals and intentions into the garland. Wear it or place it next to your bed while you sleep.

Another method is the Bay Laurel Quick Fix. Bay leaves stimulate clairvoyance while awake and asleep, and since they are cheap and readily available, this is a quick fix when you want or need to induce prophetic dreaming. Just tuck the leaves beneath your pillow. You may wish to pin them to the sides to avoid scattering them or being pricked during your sleep.

You can also use a Mugwort Mixer Bouquet. Burn dried mugwort and vervain before bed to induce prophetic dreams, truthful dreams, and enhance your ability to recall and comprehend them.

The last method I would like to address is Rose Tea. Simply make an infusion using dried rose petals and drink before bed. If you make this on your own, make sure your roses are organic. Most roses on the market today are heavily sprayed with pesticides, making them very unsafe to drink.

As I mentioned earlier, any of these methods or all of them may be used, but their effectiveness may be different. Furthermore, remembering enough of the dreams to record and analyze them is another topic altogether. I would like to address the issue of remembering dreams in the next few weeks. Until then, how do you enhance your prophetic dreams?


Want to print a copy of this for your Book of Shadows? Click below for your free copy!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0KnNmfNfzc8OUJBeW1OR1hxRGM/edit?usp=sharing

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Magical and Medicinal Uses of Chamomile

Magical and medicinal uses of Chamomile. Includes FREE BOS page!
Folk Names: Camomyle, Chamaimelon, Ground Apple, Heermannchen
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun or Moon
Element: Water
Powers: Love, Money, Purification, Sleep
Magical Uses and History: Chamomile derives its name from two Greek words: Khamai meaning "on the ground" and melon meaning "apple" thus creating the common folk name of "ground apple." This name likely derives from the apple-like scent of the flowers, and may slightly be connected to the golden yellow centers of the flower as well. Traditionally, chamomile was associated with the Sun with the Egyptians dedicating the plant as sacred to Ra. The sweet scent was also used by Egyptian noblewomen as a perfume and later was during the embalming process to repel insects. As such, chamomile can be used in spells and rituals honoring the Sun, to attract good luck, and protect against insects.

Chamomile was not just revered by the Egyptians, however. The Romans, Greeks, Anglo-Saxons, and even Vikings recognized that chamomile possessed unique healing abilities, and they too associated the bright yellow and white flowers with the Sun. It was believed chamomile could treat a number of ailments including fever, malaria, nerves, and skin conditions. The Romans even used the sweet-smelling flower as incense to honor different deities, especially those associated with the Sun, and to protect the home from insects and other unwanted guests. For the Anglo-Saxons, chamomile was one of the herbs in the Nine Herbs Charm, a healing charm from the tenth or eleventh century, under the name mægðe. The passage on chamomile roughly translates as follows:

"Remember, Chamomile,
what you brought to pass,
what you accomplished,
at Alorford,
that no one should lose their life to diseases,
since for him Chamomile was prepared."

Due to its healing abilities, chamomile is often used in healing spells and rituals, as well as protection rituals. Because it was found to repel pests, chamomile can be sprinkled around your home to protect against pests as well as unwanted visitors. An infusion can also be used to wash doors, windows, and other entryways or planted near your front door for the same purpose. Furthermore, its sunny disposition and natural healing abilities lend to its uses in curse and hex breaking.

Apart from its natural healing and protective abilities, chamomile is resilient and spreads quickly. As such, it became associated with abundance. Modern traditions, especially hoodoo, use chamomile to attract money. A hand wash is often made from an infusion and by gamblers to ensure winning. Keep the dried flower petals in your wallet, purse, or cash register to manifest money.

Finally, chamomile is naturally relaxing. It can be burned or drank to promote sleep and meditation. It is especially potent when combined with lavender, another naturally relaxing herb.

Chamomile can be used in a number of spells including:
         Money Spells
         Prosperity Spells
         Induce Sleep and Mediation
         Dream Magic
         Protection Magic
         Curse Removal

Medicinal Uses:
  Chamomile, both German and Roman, is renowned for its medical uses and can be used to treat an endless list of conditions. It works as a relaxer, making it great to treat anxiety and insomnia. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it works well to treat gastritis as well as inflammations in the mouth and eyes. Externally it can reduce swelling.

Preparation and Dosage: Only the flowers of chamomile are used and they should be collected between May and August. Internally- To make an infusion pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile and let infuse for 5-10 minutes. To treat digestive problems, drink after meals. A stronger infusion can be used as a mouthwash. To make a steam bath boil half a cup of flowers in 4 pints (2 liters) of water and inhale the steam. You can also take 2-4 milliliters of tincture three times a day. Externally- To make a salve, melt 1 cup of coconut oil in a pot. Add 2 handfuls of chamomile flowers. The mixture should foam. Remove from heat, cover, and let cure overnight. The following morning, reheat (do not boil) and transfer to glass jars.



Want to print a copy of this for your Book of Shadows? Click below for your free copy! 


Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Friday, August 1, 2014

Protection Magic

Protection Magic

For this Pagan Blog Project post, I would like to talk briefly about protection magic. Protection spells are intended to prevent, protect, and repel danger, evil, and negativity. Many witches are confused by protection magic, thinking it foolproof. Let's be very clear: there is NO magical spell that works exactly like an armed response guard. Magical protection spells provide magical protection and their aura enhances other protective methods. If you are afraid of someone robbing you, a protection spell will enhance other methods you use, not replace them, and it doesn't matter how many spells you cast or the number of amulets you post if you don't lock your doors. Use common sense.

That being said, there are many forms of danger lurking out there. Locking your door will only protect you from physical threats while magical spells can protect you from malicious spells, hexes, negative enchantments, and other assorted dangers from a vast variety of magical and spiritual sources. However, just because these dangers derive from a magical source does not mean they cannot manifest in a very physical way. This can be in the form of illness, accidents, and general disasters.

There are thousands of protection spells out there. I posted recently about my threshold protection spell and my home protection ward. Both of these are magical ways I use to not only physically defend my home but also to magically defend it. I have mentioned before my husband is a funeral director. Sometimes things follow him, and I do not want them in my home. Marietta, at Witchy Words, also has a great DIY protection sachet post. I want to focus on some of the basics today.

As with all spells, numbers, colors, and gemstones can be used to enhance their power. Five is the most common number associated with protection spells as it's the number of fingers on each hand. Seven and nine are also used. For colors, you can use red, black, and blue. Amethyst, agate, and quartz are most commonly used for protection, although their auras are all very different so use what feels right.

As a hedgewitch, I find working with herbs to be the most rewarding. The Anglo-Saxons recorded nine herbs as sacred. These herbs appear in a poem, commonly referred to as the Nine Herbs Charm or Nine Wort Charm, found in a 10th- or 11th-century manuscript called Lacnunga. It recounts the story of Woden and how he obtained the sacred herbs of old to defeat a serpent. The poem not only names the herbs but lists their uses as well. The herbs mentioned are:
  1. Mugwort
  2. Plantain
  3. Lamb's Cress
  4. Nettle
  5. Chamomile
  6. Crab Apple
  7. Chervil (some say Thyme)
  8. Fennel
You may notice there are only eight listed. This is because the identity of the ninth herb, atterlothe, which translates to "Venom Loather," remains unknown. Some sources believe the ninth herb is cockspur grass, while others believe it may be betony or fumitory. You can use only these eight in honor of all the botanical species driven to extinction or you can use betony, which is most commonly believed to be atterlothe. Betony is basically a cure-all, so substituting it will not alter the effectiveness.

Protection MagicApart from using these herbs, you can also use "Witch Soldiers" to protect your home. In order to have access to a wide variety of botanical magic, witches historically had very extensive gardens. However, because they were also commonly midwives and healers, many of these plants had dual purposes. By the Middle Ages and the Burning Times, however, a garden was a necessity as a means of protection. They designed their gardens to keep persecutors out and protect those within. The classical European witch's garden was surrounded by three rows of scarlet flowers, known as "witch's soldiers." These served as the front-line of protection against witch hunters. Today, you can use your soldiers to protect you from harm in general. This is on my list of to-dos for my garden next year. I suggest planting them around your mailbox or in planters on the edge of your property. Completely surrounding your property is not necessary, nor doable in most situations.

I hope this has been enlightening. Do you use protection magic? What kinds do you prefer?