Soothing Ginger Licorice Tea

Oftimes, during cold and flu season people are looking for a quick way to soothe their throat, tummy, and warm up at the same time. I know I am! Ginger has soothing properties for the tummy, while having that wonderous ability to warm you up. I love it! It also help with arthritis, heartburn, and headaches. Licorice Root has many healing properties such as helping with asthma, cough and cold symptoms, particularly a sore throat by reducing irritation and inflamation. It even helps with arthritis and depression.

• 2 quarts water
• ¼ cup Licorice Root
• 2 table spoons sliced Ginger Root
• Honey to taste (optional)

1. Fill a pot with 2 quarts of water
2. Add the licorice root and fresh ginger
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour tea through a small mesh strainer or cheese cloth into a mug, add the honey when cooled slightly, and serve.

Honey and Lemon Cough Syrup

A new Twist on the Old Honey and Lemon Mom used to make. My mom always gave me honey and lemon tea when I had a cold. Here's a recipe for Honey and Lemon cough syrup. To make it even better, My little one LOVES it!

Take ½ teaspoon (children up to 25 lb). 1 teaspoon(children 25- 50 lb) 4 times a day or as often as needed. Adults can take 1 tablespoon as often as needed.

Put a pint of honey in a pan on the stove on low heat (Do not boil honey as this changes its medicinal properties) .

Take a whole lemon and boil in some water in a separate pan for 2-3 minutes to both soften the lemon and kill any bacteria that may be on the lemon skin. Let the lemon cool enough to handle then cut it in slices and add it to the pint of honey on the stove. Let mixture cook on warm heat for about an hour. Then strain the lemon from the honey making sure all lemon seeds are removed. Let cool, then bottle in a jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator. This syrup will keep for 2 months in the refrigerator.

Elderberry Chocolate Cough Syrup

Elderberry is a wonderful immune booster and kids usually love the taste. Pure Chocolate works really well as a cough suppressant. I borrowed this from Natural Mom, Healthy Child.
Ingredients: •1/2 cup of cocoa powder (preferably organic,non-alkaline) •1 cup elderberry juice •1 cup honey •1 pinch of large salt •1/4 tsp vanilla Mix the cocoa and the elderberry juice in a saucepan. Heat and stir to dissolve the cocoa. Boil for 3 minutes over medium heat. Add the salt and the vanilla. While still warm, but not too hot,  add the honey and stir to dissolve. Let cool. Pour into a sterile glass jar,and store in the refrigerator. Keeps for several months.
Yields two cups. You can also use store bought elderberry syrup, heat it up, and add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to one cup syrup

Take 1 tsp. every 2 hours(for children) or 1 tbs. (for adults) during the day, and 2 tsp (children) or 2 tbs.(adults) at bedtime. 

You can also use store bought elderberry syrup, heat it up, and add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to one cup syrup

Healing the Spirit

I have a friend who is going through a rough period in her life. She requested a little help to help heal her spirit.  We all have times in our lives where we feel that our Spirit has been torn apart or trampled upon. There are times when negative energy affects us so deeply that we need to requst a little help from forces more powerful than ourselves.In light of that, I  thought it would be a good idea to share this with others who may be having trouble too.

                                                           

** This spell is to be preformed during the Waxing Moon
You will need:

Healing Oil

Blue Stone

Blue Candle

Blue Incense

1 Small Box

3 Rose Petals

Cinnamon

1 Bay Leaf

Something small of special meaning to you that makes you happy.

Light your Blue candle. Using the light from the flame, center and focus yourself, clearly understanding your intentions.

Light your incense.

In your Moon Box, place the Blue Stone, Bay leaf, 3 pinches of Cinnamon, 3 Rose petals, and your Special object.

Using the Healing Oil, anoint your forehead marking it with a crescent moon (this action is identifying you as a Daughter of the Goddess Luna.).

Say :
In the presence of the Moon and the healing light She provides,
I claim my strength and my identity.

　
Close your eyes and visualize the Moonlight. Breathe it in. Allow Her to penetrate every part of your being.

Say:
I now reconnect with the Spirit of Healing that the Moon provides , acknowledge my self as Her Daughter, and know that now and forever more She resides in me.

Anoint the four corners of your box with the oil and say:

Silver Lady, keeper of the Spirit, bless this box and what it holds inside. Shine upon it your healing light so that a small amount may be kept within. Upon every opening I, your daughter, may gather a bit of you into my soul and know that your healing presence watches over me and keeps safe my Spirit just as every Mother should.
Close your Moon Box. Anoint the top of it with the Symbol of the Moon. Say:

So mote it be.
Allow your candle to burn all of the way down and place it in your box. Scatter, if possible, the ashes from your incense outside. It’s always best to return these things to the Earth.
Every time you need a little comfort or healing, take your box out, open it up and allow the healing energy of the Moon heal your spirit. If you like pull out an item or two and hold them allowing the healing energy to penetrate through your skin.Every time you need a little comfort or healing, take your box out, open it up and allow the healing energy of the Moon heal your spirit. If you like pull out an item or two and hold them allowing the healing energy to penetrate through your skin.


Once every 3 months, during the Full Moon, leave your box in a safe place in the full light of the Moon overnight. This will soak up and replenish any healing energy you may have used up in the past.


Spell craft by Lady Storm, Proprietor of Wytchwood Cottage

                                                

Saying Goodbye to a Familiar

First, I have to apologize for taking so long to post again. Things have been crazier than usual around here. That being said, I have a new ritual for you.

                                                  

I recently lost my best friend to bone cancer. Salem also happened to be my familiar. I have the wonderful opportunity to share my life with hm for many years of which I am deeply grateful. We waited until Samhain to preform the burial ritual. Samhain, as you probably already know, is a time when the veils btween our world  and the spirit world are the thinnest. I prepared his body using an ancient cleansing ritual so that he would have the easiest time possible crossing over. I have wriiten a Ritual for his burial, which I will share with you today.

Color your altar in Red and Black. In many ancient Traditions, red and/or black was used in funerals to represent the blood of the dead.

Preparing the body:
You will need a space large enough to prepare your Familiar's body. You will need Rosemary Oil, a Red candle, and Sage or Cleansing incense to burn and a charm or stone on a string or ribbon that has significance to you and your familiar. Focus yourself, light your candle and your incense, and begin.
Beginning at the crown of the head, rub the Rosemary oil on the body of your familiar. Focus on the cleansing properties. Picture his/her body and aura being cleansed and prepared for the journey ahead. Make sure to cover every part of your familiar's body with the oil. Last, gently use your fingers to spread the oil on his/her eyes and ears. Make a Pentagram on his/her forehead and place a  kiss on the Pentagram. You are sealing the charm by doing this and sending your familiar off with a little piece of yourself. Tie the charm that had significant meaning to the two of you around his neck for him/her to carry with him/her to the Otherworld. Wrap your familiar in  black or red cloth in preparation of the burial.

Color your altar in Red and Black. In many ancient Traditions, red and/or black was used in funerals to represent the blood of the dead.

A Funeral Rite For A Familar (Cat)

You will need:

A picture of your Familiar

A picture or statue of the Goddess Bast, or Dianna, or Freya

A paper pentagram, one for everyone attending, You can find a wonderful way of cutting them here at Pooka Pages.

A bowl of saltwater at the opening of the Circle

A red candle

4 torches, These can be home made or purchased.

Set your circle in watever way seems natural to you using the supplies. The four torches must be placed at the four corners of the new grave.

** Before beginning, please have everyone that will participating write something nice about your Familiar on one of the paper pentagrams to be used during the ritual.

We have come together to celebrate the passing over into a new life of Name of your Familiar Here . He/she has touched each of our hearts in many ways. Samhain is a time to celebrate his life and honor his death. Name of your Familiar Here is not lost to us, but will be a part of our lives in a different way now. He/she is at peace and the spirits are watching over him/her.

In celebration of Name of your Familiar/Pet Here life, please present your pentagram. Read what you have written on it aloud, and place it with him in or on his/her burial cloth.

There is a reason for being here
In this world and this life.
There is a reason for leaving,
When the purposes of this life are done.
The soul must journey beyond
To pause, to rest,
To wait for those who are loved.

The world beyond is a land
Of eternal summer, and of joy,
Far from the cares of this world,
With happiness and with youth anew.

As the Wheel is ever turning from Summer to Winter soul too the soul will keep living, moving on from life to life, from one journey to the next.

 Name of Familiar or Pet Here,
You have crossed over now,
into the spirit realm.
May you walk with Bast,
and I/we will see you again some day.



Mother Earth, we return to you
the body of one of your children.
Her/His spirit will return to her/his ancestors,
and she/he will continue to live in our memories.
We are thankful that we were able
to share our lives with her/him,
and give her/him to your loving arms.



Bast, Sekhmet, we give you back your child.
Noble, regal, honorable cat.
Watch over her, and guide her on her way
to the spirit world.
May she be blessed in your names,
and hunt ever after beside you.

Everyone will now get a chance to approach Salem and say goodbye. Take as long as you need. After ward please return to your space and join hands with the person next to you.

Say:
From the Earth, we are born, and to Her we must return, but our Spirit never dies.

                                                              Blessed Be!

                                                             

 Please leave the torches burning all night (or as long as it is safe to do so). This will light the way for your familir's spirit.                               

Passion Spell

This spell must be done over a 3 day period on a waxing (growing) moon.

With your wand, Draw a circle starting in the South and continuing clockwise. you are now in Sacred space. Anoint your candle with the Passion Oil starting at the tip and moving toward the center. Do the same starting at the bottom and moving upward to the center. Visualize you Lover. Sprinkle some of your herbs onto the candle. Light the incense. Center and focus your mind. Light your candle and begin the spell.

Speak this spell 3 times:

Name of Person , Come to me

Seek me out, my heart’s desire

Come to me , I’ll fan the fire

No one else will enter his/her sight

Until we make love within a fortnight.

In love and lust, and with harm to none, I cast this spell

So mote it be

It shall be done.

Let the candle burn completely down. Keep it in a safe place in case you want to reverse the spell in the future.

Blessed Be!
Spell craft by Lady Storm, Proprietor of Wytchwood Cottage

                                                       

Edible Body Dust

My anniversary is coming up. On Samhain, Sean and I will have been married for 9 years. In  celebration, I thought I would share a fun, easy, if a bit naughty, recipe....

You will need:
1 medium bowl
Mixer
2 tablespoons vanilla powder
1 tablespoon honey (lighter colored honey is better)
1 cup cornstarch
Edible shimmer dust in white, silver, or gold depending on your skin tone

In a medium bowl, add vanilla powder and cornstarch. Mix on low until combined. Very slowly add the honey while mixing on medium, until all honey is added and the mixture is fully combined. Apply to body with hands or use a make up brush to apply it with.

Basic Candle Magic Spells and Colors

                                                       
Although people interested in casting spells with candles sometimes disagree on what color candle is best for a particular spell, the following list serves as a good general guide for selecting candles for your rituals:

Red: A red candle is used to represent the element of fire. It is common in spells to maintain health, increase strength, promote passion, or employ defensive magic.

Pink: Pink candles are most commonly used in rituals to promote self-love. However, they are also ideal for spells relating to weddings and emotional unions. The color symbolizes relaxation, love, and friendship.

Orange: An orange candle is used to attract specific influences or objects when casting a candle magic spell. It promotes energy.

Yellow: Representing the element of air, yellow candles are recommended for spells which are intended to heighten visualization abilities. Yellow is also the color of intelligence, confidence, and eloquence.

Green: Naturally, green is the color of money and prosperity. However, this candle color can also be used in spells for fertility, healing, growth, or abundance.

Blue: A blue candle represents the element of water. It is used in spells to affect sleep or to awaken the psychic mind.

Purple: Purple candles enhance spiritual activities and increase your magical powers. In combination with blue candles, they can be used in healing rituals.

White: White is the color of protection and purification. Linked with the moon, white candles contain all colors and are used for positive purposes.

Black   : Black candles absorb negativity. Black is the absence of color and the representative of outer space. Black candles are often associated with evil magic, but this is not true. Black candles can be used for positive rituals such as those to absorb illness or stop bad
habits.

Brown: Brown candles are burned in combination with other candles when spells invoke animals. For this reason, people interested in candle magic spells and colors often keep several brown candles on hand.

       Spell craft by Lady Storm, owner of Wytchwood Cottage

Samhain Witch Craft

Mosaic Scrying Mirror

What You'll Need:

• Dry sponge
• Wooden picture frame
• 2 Paint brushes, 1 for glue and 1 for paint
• Hammer
• Mosaic adhesive
• Mosaic grout
• Mosaic tiles
• Small spatula
• Newspaper
• Plates
• Tile cutter
• Utility knife
• Disposable rubber gloves

Step 1

Wrap your plates up in a couple sheets of newspaper. Using your hammer, break the plate(s) into small pieces.

Step 2.

Score your frame with your utility knife. This is scratching lines into your frame. This will help the tiles adhere better to the frame.

Step 3.

Decide what your pattern will be, the simpler the better. For example, you can use a cup to create a semi circular pattern. Draw or trace it onto your frame.

Step4.

Lay out your tiles. You will probably want the broken plate pieces on the outer edge. Use your tile cutter to better size the pieces to fit.

At this time, you may want to use your rubber gloves. It's going to get messy!

Step 5.

With the paintbrush, add tile adhesive to your frame, plate pieces, and tiles. Press the pieces into place. Please don't worry if the glue seeps out. It will be covered in grout.

You need to allow this to dry for 24 hours

Step 6.

Follow the instructions on mixing the grout. After you have it mixed (unless buying pre mixed) grout the spaces in between the tiles using your spatula. Take the time to wipe excess grout off of the tile pieces. It makes clean up a whole lot easier!

Let everything sit for 20 minutes.

Step 7.

Using a barely damp sponge, wipe away any excess grout that is on top of the tiles.

Let your frame sit for another 24 hours to make sure it has set properly.

Step 8.

Paint the glass on one side using an oil based glossy black paint. You will have to paint a few layers until you can't see any more light shining through. Allow this to dry.

Put your newly painted scrying mirror into your new mosaic frame, and voila! You have a beautiful new scrying mirror!

Have a Happy Samhain!

A Bit O' Natural Witchery

Earthen Cornucopia for Mabon or Thanksgiving

You will need:

•  3   2' by 2' pieces of 1 inch chicken wire
• A package of sheet Moss
• Grapevine or Ribbon
• Hot glue
• Fall flowers or fruits
• Hairspray
• Planter (optional)

Step 1.

Roll the chicken wire diagonally, from corner to corner. This will form a cone with a large end and a small end.

Step 2.

Curl the ends of the wire together to hold the wire together. Bend the small end into your “cornucopia” shape. Roll the large end down to form a rounded lip.

Step 3.

Using the sheet moss (it's easier to use if cut into smaller pieces), hot glue I to your frame. You may wish to do the same with the inside, but you don't have to.

Step 4.

Wrap a length of Grapevine around the entire Cornucopia. This will also help keep your moss in place.

Step 5.

Spray the entire piece with hairspray. This will keep your moss from shedding.

Step6.

Fill your new Cornucopia with whatever your tradition allows. Just have fun with it.

You now have a beautiful display for the holiday!  

Happy Mabon!

BB, Lady Storm