Oceanic Offerings

Offerings to leave to the Ocean:

Please always be responsible when offering anything at the beach. Don’t leave any litter behind - even if it’s not your own - and use biodegradable objects. Leave nothing but your footprints. 

angels

Hey my lovelies! I made a tarot spread. Hope you all like it! I love you all! My DMs, mail, and comments are always open!

 xoxo, Angel.

Sweeping Powder for Protection and Energy

I needed a good reason to sweep my house today, so I made some magical powder to inspire myself.

Just look at that totally real lens flare.

Ingredients

That’s it for ingredients, for real. Even if you only have coffee and/or salt, this is still effective! The idea is mindful cleaning.

Methodology

I sprinkled a bit of the powder in one room at a time, starting from the furthest from my front door. You can do West to East, North to South, away from the door, in concentric circles, or whatever suits you. I recommend doing one room at a time to help you focus & to keep track of how much you’ve done.

As you’re sweeping, visualize sweeping up not only the powder, but all of the negative energy. Imagine it all settling on the floor like dirt, and you sweeping it all up together. You can sing, chant, or listen to music, whatever floats your boat. If you honor a household god/ess, now is a good time to pray to them. (Hestia really likes me to listen to Heart while I’m cleaning, idk why but she does) Sweep your powder and negativity into one pile per room.

After you’ve swept all the rooms that you wished to clean, sweep all the piles up, dump into its own baggie, and take it outside. If you have a paper bag or something else that will decompose, feel free to bury it if you want. If not, just toss it out somewhere responsibly, but not in your house! Go back inside without looking back at where you discarded your refuse.

When you get back inside, you can smoke cleanse or make tea or just lay down if you’re out of spoons. Enjoy the fresh energy of your space!

—-Edible Flowers—- Part 1 ~ Click here for part 2

One very important thing that you need to remember is that not every flower is edible.

In fact, sampling some flowers can make you very, very sick.

- You also should NEVER use pesticides or other chemicals on any part of any plant that produces blossoms you plan to eat.

- Never harvest flowers growing by the roadside.

- Identify the flower exactly and eat only edible flowers and edible parts of those flowers.

Always remember to use flowers sparingly in your recipes due to the digestive complications that can occur with a large consumption rate. Most herb flowers have a taste that’s similar to the leaf, but spicier. The concept of using fresh edible flowers in cooking is not new.

How to Choose Edible Flowers  ~ Edible Flower Flow Chart

Begonia - Tuberous begonias and Waxed begonias:

Tuberous Begonias (Begonia X tuberosa) - The leaves, flowers, and stems are edible. Begonia blossoms have a citrus-sour taste. The petals are used in salads and as a garnish. Stems, also, can be used in place of rhubarb. The flowers and stems contain oxalic acid and should not be consumed by individuals suffering from gout, kidney stones, or rheumatism.

Wax Begonias (Begonia cucullata) - The fleshy leaves and flowers are edible raw or cooked. They can have a slight bitter after taste and if in water most of the time, a hint of swamp in their flavor.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) - Also called Marigolds. A wonderful edible flower. Flavors range from spicy to bitter, tangy to peppery. Their sharp taste resembles saffron (also known as Poor Man’s Saffron). Has pretty petals in golden-orange hues. Sprinkle them on soups, pasta or rice dishes, herb butters, and salads. Petals add a yellow tint to soups, spreads, and scrambled eggs. Only the pedals are edible.

Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus - aka Dianthus) - Carnations can be steeped in wine, candy, or use as cake decoration. To use the surprisingly sweet petals in desserts, cut them away from the bitter white base of the flower. Dianthus are the miniature member of the carnation family with light clove-like or nutmeg scent. Petals add color to salads or aspics. Carnation petals are one of secret ingredients that has been used to make Chartreuse, a French liqueur, since the 17th century.

Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum coronarium) - Tangy, slightly bitter, ranging in colors from red, white, yellow and orange. They range in taste from faint peppery to mild cauliflower. They sould be blanched first and then scatter the petals on a salad. The leaves can also be used to flavor vinegar. Always remove the bitter flower base and use petals only. Young leaves and stems of the Crown Daisy, also known as Chop Suey Greens or Shingiku in Japan, are widely used in oriental stir-fries and as salad seasoning.

Clover (Trifolium species) - Sweet, anise-like, licorice. White and red clover blossoms were used in folk medicine against gout, rheumatism, and leucorrhea. It was also believed that the texture of fingernails and toenails would improve after drinking clover blossom tea. Native Americans used whole clover plants in salads, and made a white clover leaf tea for coughs and colds. Avoid bitter flowers that are turning brown, and choose those with the brightest color, which are tastiest. Raw flower heads can be difficult to digest.

Cornflower (Centaurea cynaus) - Also called Bachelor’s button. They have a slightly sweet to spicy, clove-like flavor. Bloom is a natural food dye. More commonly used as garnish.

Dame’s Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) - Also called Sweet Rocket or Dame’s Violet. This plant is often mistaken for Phlox. Phlox has five petals, Dame’s Rocket has just four. The flowers, which resemble phlox, are deep lavender, and sometimes pink to white. The plant is part of the mustard family, which also  includes radishes, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and, mustard. The plant and flowers are edible, but fairly bitter. The flowers are attractive added to green salads. The young leaves can also be added to your salad greens (for culinary purposes, the leaves should be picked before the plant flowers). The seed can also be sprouted and added to salads. NOTE: It is not the same variety as the herb commonly called Rocket, which is used as a green in salads.

Dandelions (Taraxacum officinalis) - Member of the Daisy family. Flowers are sweetest when picked young. They have a sweet, honey-like flavor. Mature flowers are bitter. Dandelion buds are tastier than the flowers: best to pick these when they are very close to the ground, tightly bunched in the center, and about the size of a small gumball. Good raw or steamed. Also made into wine. Young leaves taste good steamed, or tossed in salads. When serving a rice dish use dandelion petals like confetti over the rice.

Day Lilies (Hemerocallis species) - Slightly sweet with a mild vegetable flavor, like sweet lettuce or melon. Their flavor is a combination of asparagus and zucchini. Chewable consistency. Some people think that different colored blossoms have different flavors. To use the surprisingly sweet petals in desserts, cut them away from the bitter white base of the flower. Also great to stuff like squash blossoms. Flowers look beautiful on composed salad platters or crowning a frosted cake. Sprinkle the large petals in a spring salad. In the spring, gather shoots two or three inches tall and use as a substitute for asparagus. NOTE: Many Lilies contain alkaloids and are NOT edible. Day Lilies may act as a diuretic or laxative; eat in moderation.

English Daisy (Bellis perennis) - The flowers have a mildly bitter taste and are most commonly used for their looks than their flavor. The petals are used as a garnish and in salads.

Keep reading

Protective Storm Ward

A warding spell to protect an area against severe storm and weather

by Rainy-Day-Witchcraft

Materials

Disclaimer: Some may develop hives or experience itch when physically dealing with thistle - if you have never worked with it before, find out if it’s safe for you to handle, as you would any herb or plant.

Step 1. In a fire-safe pot or cauldron sitting over a stove or fire, pour in about two cups of storm or rain water and a few tablespoons of salt. One by one, add in the ingredients as the water warms, speaking aloud or thinking of the properties of each ~ Heather (linked to mists and rain), Black pepper (earthly protection), Thistle (protection and banishment), and wood charcoal ground to a chalky powder (protection and banishment). 

Allow your herbal water mixture to seep on a low temperature for a few minutes (if you’re using a non-stovetop fire, bring the water to an almost-boil and remove from heat source for a few minutes). 

After the mixture has seeped, turn the heat up to high or return to heat source and allow it to come to a rolling boil; our goal here is to produce steam, so be sure it’s at the boiling point where a good amount is evaporating! 

Step 2. Using heat handling tools or mits, carry the pot/cauldron to an area that is exposed to the outside air; you can choose to do this outside, or if the weather does not allow it, in front of an open window. If you are already working over an outdoor fire, staying where you are is fine! 

Place the pot in front of you and allow the steam from the boiled mixture to waft up into the sky or out the window. As you watch, envision that the essence and energy from the herbs traveling up into the sky with the steam; it eases the clouds, quiets the winds, and banishes the danger. Continue to watch the steam until it cools and no longer produces as much, visualizing the clouds relieving their tension and the wind blowing them away. During this time you can recite a chant, blow on the steam, etc! 

Step 3. When the above step is finished and the steam has diminished, it’s time to do away with the remaining watery plant pulp that did not evaporate. If the weather condones it, dig a small hole in the earth and pour the mixture into it; Mix it counter-clockwise three times with your finger, a wand, an athame, or a branch, and then proceed to cover the hole up with soil (feel free to once again chant or visualize). If the weather is still looking too severe to step outside, store the mixture in an air-tight jar and in a dark space (to prevent mold growth) until the storm subsides ~ It is then that you should bury the mixture. This protects the earth, and in turn the area you perform the spell around, from the damage of severe weather!

My ask and/or message box is open if you happen to have any questions or comments about the spell. Thank you!

"In order to be able to do their job effectively; to work magic, provide wisdom and divine people’s fortunes, the witch needs first to develop this relationship and become attuned to both the physical and spiritual reality of the land in which they live."

How to Set Up Shrines/Altars for Spirit Work

Everyone has their own way of doing things when it comes to spirit work. This is my method and a few of my tips, but feel free to take it all with a grain of salt. Hopefully this will inspire you to make your own altar or shrine!

A shrine is a particular space made to honor a spirit or deity. I am focusing on the spirit shrine, because every religion does things a bit differently depending on their deities, and I can’t speak for them. This is a super loose construct, and you can really personalize this based on your spirit companion’s wants and needs.

To make a shrine, all you need to do is have a vessel of some sort, if the spirit has one, and a plate, bowl, or cup to give offerings at. Other than that, pretty much anything can go on it. Obviously, things like garbage, or your keys/phone don’t really belong on a shrine. Keep this space as neat and ‘sacred’ (for lack of a better term) for the spirit as possible. Respect their space basically. Here are a few ideas for different types of shrines (feel free to mix these ideas together, ex: put crystals or other energy bringing things in an ancestral shrine if it is fitting, etc):

Specific things that can go on a shrine for Non-Human entities include:

Specific things that can go on a shrine for ancestors include:

Honestly, if the spirit and you decide it is a good fit, go with it. Be considerate, though, and don’t take things that don’t belong to you from the woods if you haven’t asked and it isn’t legal to possess.

Other than that, some other general ideas include:

Basically, that’s my short and easy guide.

Altars, places where you work, are very personal and I honestly can’t tell you what you need to put on there. Because everyone’s practice is different and we all have different needs. These are some things I would keep on mine, depending on my needs for that particular time.

Those are my ideas! If you have any more, feel free to include them in your reblog!

Negativity Trap ⛓

A method of protection that is meant to trap negative energy and purify it. 

Items & Ingredients: 

Instructions:

Flowers that Help Save the Bees

- Lavender

- Thyme

- Sage

- Borage

- Fennel

- Cilantro

- Hollyhock

- Crocus

- Buttercup

- Snowdrop

- Geranium

- Aster

- Poppy

- Calendula

- Sweet Alyssum

- Sunflower

- Zinnia

- Heliotropium

This Icelandic manuscript of magic, known as the “Huld” manuscript, presumably derives its name from the word “hulda” meaning secrecy, and was compiled from three older sources by Geir Vigfússon in 1860. These ten selected pages from the manuscript feature “stafir,” or what we might call sigils today.

For the description and purpose of each sigil, click “keep reading.”

Keep reading

Water in magic.

What kind of water should be used for the magick you are doing? 

Sea water - great for cleansing and healing rituals. Good for crystal cleansing (make sure your crystal won’t get damaged). Also great for banishing and protection spells.

Swamp water - Can be used for banishing and warding, really good for cursing and hexing (any foul magic).

Storm water - Spells and rituals for emotional strength, confidence, charge, motivation and force. Its known for strengthening spells. Great for curses as well.

River water - spells and rituals to do with moving on, focusing energy, breaking through rough paths and warding. Great for powering tools.

Rain water - Multi-purpose but great for growth and rebirth spells. Great for spells if you want to keep gaining power over time.

Snow water - great for magic focused on purity, endings and change; as well as slow working spells.

Dew water - For love and fertility spells, as well as delicate magic. Great for fae work.

My own (non-conventional, I know) interpretation of Baba Yaga.

Art by me.

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