Flying the Hedge

Monday, November 26, 2018

2018 Holiday Gift Guide for Hedgewitches

My favorite time of year is right around the corner, and I can't wait! I know most witches adore Halloween, and yes, as a hedgewitch I find Halloween pretty fantastic, especially when it comes to spirit work, but there is just something about Yule that resonates with my soul. I absolutely love snow, hot cocoa, the smell of balsam, twinkling lights, warm fuzzy blankets, holiday dinner, and giving gifts. I am the ultimate gift giver, and I can tell you, I usually go all out at Yule because this is the one time of year spoiling someone else is perfectly acceptable. You can bet your butt I'm going to do some hardcore spoiling of all my friends and family this year. However, I realize not everyone is as gift savvy as I may be, especially when it comes to giving a gift to the witch in your life. Are you wondering what you should get the hedgewitch in your life? Have no fear; Willow is here to help! Here is my 2018 Holiday Gift Guide for Hedgewitches, perfectly curated for that special witch in your life. (Pst, get me these for Yule too, MP!)

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

1. Element Candles by Wilde Autumn Apothecary. I had the pleasure of meeting Caundace at Atlanta Pagan Pride this year, and I bought several of her products. Her candles are great, especially the 1936 which smells like roses, and I enjoyed her 1936 essential oil perfume, even though the scent doesn't last all day. The Element Soy Candles are a great gift addition for the witch in your life. Each of the elements is represented in a separate candle for just $10 each and they burn for a long time. This is a great way to represent the elements on your altar or they can be used during specific spells and rituals to invoke the element you desire. Either way, whatever you buy from Wilde Autumn will be well worth the money, and the witch in your life will be thrilled with the gift. (Please note there is a typo in the shop. I believe "wind" is supposed to be "fire" based on the product description).

2. Glow Spirit Board by Memento Mori Goods. This is my favorite spirit board I have seen on Etsy. First, this darn thing glows in the dark. Who doesn't love glowing cats?! Second, its crafted from Blackened Baltic Birch, a wood specifically for banishing and keeping out negative spirits, making it a pretty powerful wood to use for a spirit board. It is hand painted and polished to a satin finish, and for just $61, I say you are getting this bad boy for a steal! As a mediator between this world and the next, a spirit board is a wonderful spirit communication tool for the hedgewitch in your life. (Please note that spirit boards are NOT the enemy; poor practice and planning is. As with all magical tools, spirit boards should be used with caution and only by well-versed witches. These are not a toy.)

3. Modern Herbal Pendulum Board by Positively Mystic. Okay, is this not one of the prettiest pendulum boards you have ever seen in your life? Yeah, that's what I thought. The design is laser cut onto maple, which is associated with travel, moon magic, and learning, making it a great pendulum board for asking questions. The herbal design is also perfect for hedgewitches who are natural herbal healers and spirit communicators. If the witch in your life doesn't have a pendulum board, you should probably get her/him one. The size of the boards ranges from 3.5 to 12 inches in diameter and range in price from $17-$45. There is nothing wrong with the mini board. In fact, it'll probably work best anyway! Hopefully, the witch in your life has a pendulum, but in case they don't, one of amethyst is a must to increase spirit connection. Why not throw in this amethyst pendulum from Lumina Crystals for just $4.50?

4. The Spirit World Oil by The Raven's Moon. This little oil makes a great stocking stuffer for the hedgewitch in your life. It is specifically designed to help open the gateway to the Otherworld so it can be used during hedge riding or during other spirit work. Please note this oil is for anointing, not for a diffuser. At just $12.99 a bottle, its slightly pricey, but this little bottle will go a long, long way!

5. Welcome Witches Doormat by A Little Tinsel. This doormat is cute af, and perfect for a homey witch looking to add a little magic to her/his front doorstep. The doormat measures 18" x 30" and is made of coir natural coconut fiber with a rubber back. Each doormat is handpainted, meaning there will be slight variations between each mat, but that's what makes each of them so great! This mat is more pricey than others at $40, but the personal touch and supporting a small business is worth the price.

6. The Witch is In Decal by Handmade Harrisburg. This decal goes great with the welcome mat featured above, especially for the hedgewitch in your life that has a spiritual business run out of the home or a local shop. The decal comes in a variety of colors, fonts, and sizes, and is guaranteed to last about 5 years outside, depending on local weather conditions. Based on the size you purchase, the decal can cost you between $12 and $17. (Please note that this type of vinyl is not meant to be removed after a month or so of use, but is meant to be a permanent fixture. Apply at your own risk.)

7. Personalized Moon Forest Constellation Mug by She Wolfka. Okay, tea, and maybe coffee, is a staple of witchcraft. That's a given, so of course, there is a mug on this list. Duh! This particular mug features the moon phase and constellation of your choice. Who the heck doesn't want a mug with a full moon and their astrological sign on it? This Libra sure as heck wants one! The mug comes in grey, blue, or light turquoise, and each is hand painted. Again, this is a little pricey at $30.02 a mug, but trust me, the witch in your life will appreciate the heck out of this mug. (These ship from Slovenia so you best purchase it now if you want it!)

8. Spells and Hexes Stylus Pen by The Carbon Crusader. Have a tech-savvy witch in your life or just one that loves office supplies (yeah...that would be this witch), then this pen makes a pretty awesome stocking stuffer. It's $8 and when the ink runs out, she/he can still use it to play Candy Crush or draw funny faces on Snap Chat.

9. Hedgewitch Botanical Oracle by Siolo Thompson. This oracle deck is absolutely gorgeous. Every time I look at the cards I just melt. The deck features a variety of herbs and helps you learn traditional herb lore while seeking guidance from the spirit world. The deck contains 40 perfectly decorated cards at just $22.50. Even if the witch in your life has a tarot deck and/or Oracle deck, you should probably get them this one as well.

10. Coloring Book of Shadows 2019 by Amy Cesari. I have the 2018 planner and I LOVE it! I am sure 2019 is going to be just as awesome. For just $11.69 the witch in your life can fully plan and track their magical year while fostering their inner creativity. Its a great gift for Yule, especially for that witch in your life that already struggles to keep their life organized. And good news! This panner is also available in a southern hemisphere edition!

11. Moon Incense Burner by Most Amazing. Is this not the cutest freaking incense burner you have ever seen? Yeah, that's what I thought! Its just 3.5 inches, made of Baltic Birch, and just $8.50. I'm sure your witch burns incense and they could always use an additional holder.

12. Rose & Almond All Natural Nourishing Hand Cream by Bahari Blossom. Okay, so most of the items on this list have been unisex. This one is clearly for the witchy woman in your life, but honestly guys, you should want to smell like roses for your lady too and no one likes chapped hands. With cold, dry weather wreaking havoc on our skin, this nourishing hand cream will soothe even the most stubborn dry skin and the smell of roses will help conquer those winter blues and have you dreaming of spring weather. 50 grams costs just $6.

13. Moon and Trees Letterpress Moleskine Journal by Runaway Press. A witch can never have too many journals. You need one for a grimoire, one to be a Book of Shadows, one for dreams and divination and tarot and runes and hedge riding and recipes. I mean, the list is pretty endless if you think about it. This journal contains 80 lined pages and features a beautiful full moon over a forest of evergreens for just $15. It is available in several colors, including grey, green, black, and blue.

I realize not all of the items are the list are cheap and for those of you on a tight budget, some of these wonderful items may not make the cut. In the end, giving a gift should come from the heart, and anything you buy for the witch in your life this Yule will be greatly appreciated. These just happen to be a few of my favorite things this year, and I look forward to compiling another list next year! If you are in a pinch, crystals and herbs go a long way! I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Apothecary: Sore Throat Remedy

I was sick for about a week and a half with what I originally thought was tonsillitis. After a couple of days, it turned into a sinus infection. Thankfully, I know exactly what to do when I start to get sick, especially when my throat begins to hurt. Please note that this is not intended as medical advice and you should consult with your doctor before trying the remedy listed below. If you are running a fever, you need to seek medical attention. Antibiotics aren't terrible. In fact, they are life-saving, so if you need some, make sure you get them!

Sore Throat Remedy

Ingredients
3 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp cayenne pepper
real honey to taste

Directions
Mix the garlic and cayenne together until well combined. You can use fresh or jarred garlic. There really isn't a difference in effectiveness. Add at least a teaspoon of honey, if not a tablespoon or two, to taste. This is super, super spicy without the honey, so be sure to add enough to dull the spice and sweeten the taste. Take 1 tablespoon every 3-4 hours after eating. Too much garlic on its own can upset your stomach.

This remedy is great for adults and children. Unless you are allergic to one of the ingredients, there is little risk, other than an upset tummy, to using this remedy freely. It should be noted children until the age of one should NOT eat honey, so avoid giving this remedy to a small child. Also, should your symptoms worsen or you begin to run a fever, you should definitely seek medical attention. Sometimes antibiotics are best. It's the difference between living our best life and dying.

How It Works

Garlic is one of the most universal herbs on the market and has been recognized by herbalists and scientists as one of the most effective antimicrobial plants, acting to help kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Because of its unique properties, garlic is the perfect remedy for a sore throat, whether it be brought on by a bacteria or virus.

Cayenne, on the other hand, is a stimulant, increasing blood flow to help speed up the healing process. Like garlic, cayenne is also naturally antiseptic, helping to kill bacteria and viruses lurking in the throat.

And finally, raw honey! Honey is also naturally antiseptic, working with garlic and cayenne to fight off the infection. It is also anti-inflammatory, helping reduce swelling of the tonsils and coating them to reduce irritation. Of course, the honey also dulls the spice of the cayenne, making the whole remedy more palpable. A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, right?

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Is there a particular way you ward off a sore throat? I'm always looking for new recipes!

Friday, November 16, 2018

Magical Properties of Hazel

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Magickal Folk Box Review: October

I have received some of the Magickal Folk subscription boxes in the past, but they have changed several times over the past 2 years, which is part of why I have never reviewed the subscription. However, it looks like they have stabilized a little bit, so I felt it was a good time to begin reviewing one of the boxes, the Small Combo Kit.

Unlike their other boxes, the Small Combo Kit includes all three of their smaller kits: Ritual Tea Kit, Meditation Kit, and Crystal Alchemy Kit, so it's like receiving three gifts in one! At just $24 per box, it is fairly affordable.

October's box focused on Samhain, of course. Upon opening the box I found three pouches full of goodies, each coming with its own direction sheet. The first pouch I opened contained the Ritual Tea Kit. The tea featured for October is the Thinning of the Veil tea which is designed to enhance communication with spirits during dreaming. It contains red rooibos tea, mugwort, patchouli root and herb, and mulled spices of clove, juniper, lemon peel, orange peel, and cinnamon. Mugwort enhances psychic power, astral projection, and prophetic dreams, making it the perfect herb to include in a spirit communication tea. According to the directions, the tea should be brewed for 3-5 minutes and be consumed prior to sleeping. The three nights I drank this tea before bed I had very vivid dreams which I recorded in a dream journal. I've never really kept up with a dream journal, but I felt this was the perfect time to start. Needless to say, the tea worked. It's slightly spicy from the mulled spices and bitter from the mugwort, but a spoonful of honey tamed the flavor and enhances the effects of the mugwort.

The second pouch I removed contained a pendulum and a pouch of herbs labeled Witches Sight. According to the information sheet, which has a pendulum layout on the back, there are a number of ways to cleanse, protect, and use the pendulum. The herbs in Witches Sight include sandalwood, lilac leaves, lemongrass, mugwort, eyebright, honeysuckle, and lobelia, which are included to raise energy and heighten psychic ability. This particular pendulum is light and made of Tiger's Eye which has powerful protective energy.

The final pouch contained some of the supplies needed for a Samhain Home Blessing ritual, including one carnelian crystal, two black onyx crystals, mint leaves, and Samhain blessing oil. The oil contains mullen, chrysanthemum, sage, birch bark, apple and Blood Orange, and Allspice essential oil. The oil smells wonderful and the peppermint, while dry, is clearly fresh. The ritual is well written and the instructions are clear. According to the ritual instructions, this ritual is to keep harmful or negative spirits from entering your home on Samhain. Despite the ritual being for Samhain, this sort of home blessing can easily be performed at any time during the year.

Overall I am very satisfied with this box. I look forward to seeing what November and December has in store for me. If you would like to see my unboxing video of this box, please check out my YouTube channel.

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Hedge Riding Series: Developing a Relationship with Your Spirit Companions

There are more than just animal guides to help you on your journey. Your other guides can take a variety of forms, including ancestral. Do not be surprised if it takes time to meet one, however, as they often change or only appear during great times of need.

Meeting Your Ancestors

Ancestral guides are those that have a direct blood link to you. Sometimes this can be someone we knew growing up, but more often than not it is someone we have never met. The reason for this is our relationships with ancestors we knew in life are fraught with emotions, making it difficult to form a student-mentor relationship. If you are looking for advice from your ancestors, you will visit the Middle Realm to do so. Depending on how you travel, you can move forward or backward in time, so pay close attention to language and attire when communicating with your ancestors. Your ancestors can provide insights into past and present traumas, provide you with wisdom beyond your years, and help you make difficult decisions. Generally, they will appear if they feel a strong connection to you and your current plight. Simply state your intention of wishing to meet with an ancestor to discuss a particular matter (be specific) and ride.

A word of caution on traveling to the Middle Realm. This is our realm, but the spiritual aspect of it. You must be wary of anyone you meet there, even if they claim to be your ancestor. Those we meet in the Middle Realm can be tricky. If the same entity appears multiple times within the Middle Realm, this may be a sign they are in fact an ancestor and a guide. If you have any doubts, speak with your animal guides.

Other Spirits Companions

There are a number of other spirit companions you can meet in the Otherworld, including teachers, nature-spirits, and guardian angels. Teachers, or learning-based spirits, are spirits who are highly advanced and have no particular tie or affinity to you but simply want to expand their understanding of something in particular, meaning they are trying to learn from you while you are learning from them. This relationship is a two-way street, an "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine" kind of scenario. These companions can appear in any realm but are more likely to show up in the Lower or Upper Realms. Do not be surprised if they show up as a Native American, an older man with a beard and robes, or a crone. As clique as it sounds, our humanoid companions often show up in a form that is comfortable to us. Merlin, anyone?

Nature-spirits are those spirit companions that are associated with some major aspect of ourselves. For example, if you are a very earthy person, you may find Earth spirits showing up in the Lower and Upper Realms to help guide and protect you.

Guardian angels are found almost exclusively in the Upper Realm and take on a more ethereal form. These tend to be beings of light whose sole purpose is to protect you while you travel. Often times these beings will not make themselves directly known to you. They may come to you in the guise of a different companion or you may never meet them at all.

Please do not be surprised if you do not meet any of these companions right away, or go months without seeing any other beings but your animal guides in the Otherworld. It takes considerable time and experience to begin seeing other beings in the Otherworld. As it stands, I've seen a water spirit, a group of Native Americans hunting buffalo, a demon-like figure, and a flurry of ancestors. In the grand scheme of things, that is not very much.

Developing a Relationship

An important part of hedge riding is to develop a lasting bond with our guides. This means those relationships need to be nurtured so they may blossom and grow into a beautiful companionship. There are several ways you can nurture these relationships, but the easiest way is to check in often, not just when you need something from them. This can be done daily or a couple times a week. Simply put aside 10-15 minutes to quickly travel to your garden or the Lower Realm and check-in with your guides. This is the equivalent of making a regular catch-up phone call to a friend or relative. As a result, these exchanges can be short and informal but informative. Consider asking how your companion is, thank them for coming, ask what they are observing in spirit, see whether they have any local news or gossip, and/or ask if they can give you any feedback on your day.

This may seem pretty basic, but these short social interactions are important in building a lasting relationship. It is important to note, however, that our relationships without companions are not strictly two-sided. We cannot relate to what they have been doing with their "time" just as they are not able to relate and comprehend what we have been up to, but the point of the interaction is to reciprocate care and attention that they routinely give us. Giving your full attention to the matter is just as important to your guide as it is in conversations with your friends.

While your guides and companions may change over time, they very rarely leave entirely. In fact, you may find you only have one or two central companions, with others coming and going as needed. If a guide disappears, keep in mind that you may no longer need them, so another guide is stepping up to assist you, but the other companion will still be available if needed. However, there are some circumstances when a guide may leave indefinitely. These may include you committing murder, engaging in a vicious assault, suddenly becoming mentally unstable, or having a sudden, dramatic accident or illness. These are situations which may prompt a guide to leave, but only because there will be another guide who is more able to assist you. Your guides will not bail on you because they dislike you or find you too difficult to work with. They are simply wise enough to know when they have reached their limits and will hand us over to another "professional" with the deepest love and regret. No matter what happens, you will always have a companion.

Interest in the rest of the series? Make sure to keep an eye out for upcoming posts!