Magickal Plant Associations for Days of the Week

                                                   So not my garden but man do I wish!

Monday:

a fruitful day especially for lunar-oriented plants.

Tuesday:

 a high energy day that will boost the energies in flowers or plants that improve physical vitality or mental keenness.

Wednesday:

a creative day, good for spiritually-centered flowers and plants.

Thursday:

another high-energy day, suited to flora that augments devotion or tenacity.

Friday:

an emotionally warm day. Suited to plants that are used in love and fertility magick.

Saturday:

sow, harvest, or tend plants on this day that augment transformation, manifestation, and/or comprehension.

Sunday:

the perfect day to work with solar-oriented flowers and plants.

Astrological Timing for Gardening By The Moon

Moon in Aries:

plant only garlic and onions.

Moon in Taurus:

plant potatoes or leafy vegetables.

Moon in Gemini:

weed and cultivate. Do not plant or transplant.

Moon in Cancer:

graft, transplant, sow, or force budding. This is a very productive sign.

Moon in Leo:

focus on ridding your garden of unwanted insects or weeds.

Moon in Virgo:

fairly barren. Don't do any extensive gardening during this sign other than basic maintenance.

Moon in Libra:

sow flowers, root crops, vines, and lettuce.

Moon in Scorpio:

excellent for promoting plant growth, so fertilize now.

Moon in Sagittarius:

productive for onions.

Moon in Capricorn:

plant tubers and root crops only.

Moon in Aquarius:

cultivate and turn the soil.

Moon in Pisces:

excellent for flora requiring good root growth.

First Quarter:

plant leafy annuals with above-ground yields like broccoli, cauliflower, celery, spinach, and lettuce.

Second Quarter:

plant rounded flowers and plants like cantaloupe, eggplant, peas, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Third Quarter:

sow bulbs, root crops, beets, garlic, carrots, and anything else that has an underground yield. Also, fruit bushes seem to do well when planted during this phase.

Fourth Quarter:

Turn the soil, weed, and eliminate pests. This is most effective when combined with the moon signs of Leo, Virgo, and Gemini. If you're harvesting during this moon phase, try to time it for the signs of Aquarius, Aries, Gemini, Leo, or Sagittarius.
　

Magickal Plant Associations for the Months

January:

bless the soil in which you'll be sowing protective plants.

February:

charge the soil in which you'll be growing health related plants, or those that motivate positive energy.

March:

focus on plants and flowers associated with success and victory, or those under the dominion of Mars.

April:

work with lucky flowers and plants this month for a little serendipity.

May:

all plants do well during this month as energy is directed towards progress and growth.

June:

Fridays in June double the loving, warm energies on relationship flowers and plants.

July:

combine your Sunday efforts with this month to geometrically increase the energy for leadership and self-awareness.

August:

work with plants and flowers that accentuate peace and harmony.

September:

a perfect month for working closely with your magickal herbs and flowers.

October:

consider transforming any of your flowers and plants into something else during this month (like oils, incense, and potpourri). This is the month of useful changes!

November:

work with flora that's associated with psychic energies.

December:

work with plants that have magickal correspondences with wisdom, prudence, and spiritual awareness.

(Information taken from A Floral Grimoire by Patricia Telesco)

Garden Themes For The Green Witch

A green witch will design her/his garden to what they hope to achieve and the available space they have to do it in. Also, look at your climate and altitude when planning your garden.
　
　
You can plant what herbs, flowers, and plants you will use the most, or plants that are specifically associated with the magickal arts. For example, gardenia could be sown for spiritual awareness; rosemary and lily improve willful focus, and so on.
　
　
You can also pattern your garden. There are many different symbols, styles, and patterns out there to choose from. An obvious pattern would be a pentagram. Other ideas are runes, hermetic emblems, a symbol honoring your personal god or goddess, even Egyptian hieroglyphs.
　
　
There are many different themes that you can use for planting your magickal garden. Here is a list of a few and their descriptions.

Fairy  Garden:

Work well on a small scale. For a general array of plants, those said to please the Fey you want to attract, include heather, clover, hawthorn, hazel, oak, ash, primrose, roses, straw, strawberries, and thyme. Whatever you plant should be set into a circle, making a beautiful fairy ring! If you want to attract a certain type of fairy, here are some ideas.
　

Water Fairies:

make sure to have a bird bath, fountain, or other water source in this garden. Flower and plant choices include: grapes, catnip, chamomile, spearmint, thyme, aster, birch, crocus, daffodil, daisy, foxglove, gardenia, heather, iris, lily, morning glory, mosses, pansy, and willow.
　
　Earth Fairies:

Rocks and rich soil help to make this garden. Flora choices include: alfalfa, mushroom, peas, sorrel, vervain, ferns, honeysuckle, ivy, magnolia, oleander, primrose, and tulips.
　
　Air Fairies:

Include a gathering of feathers or wind chimes in this garden. Choices for plants include: beans, mulberry, parsley, lemon grass, marjoram, mint, savory, sage, clover, dandelion, lavender, meadowsweet, pansy, and violet.
　
　Fire Fairies:

Try to include some kind of solar imagery in this garden, perhaps a pot that features a sun in splendor. Choices for greenery include: chives, squash, sloe, basil, dill, garlic, lovage, rosemary, cactus, carnation, hawthorn, juniper, marigold, poppy, snapdragon, sunflowers, and thistle.
　
　Meditation Garden:

Pattern for this would be like a Mandela, or other peace symbol. You can create this one two different ways. One way would be to use plants and flowers that visually, spiritually, and aromatically motivate or deepen your meditative state. Examples of this kind of flora are: hyacinth, magnolia, lavender, and gardenia, or any others that are you personal favorites. The second way to create this garden would be to make a Zen rock garden. This type is usually made of sand and various sized stones with only a few plants mingling in as the energy flow dictates. These kind are low maintenance, but remember that you can make designs in the sand to resemble ripples, symbols, etc.
　
　Dye Garden:

If you're interested in making your homemade dyes for your magickal wardrobe, grow things like dock (black), marigold (yellow and orange), broom (green), wode (indigo/blue), saffron (yellow), madder (yellow-green), zinnia (greenish-grey), and safflower (red).
　
　Aromatherapy Garden:

This can be done two ways also. First you can create it as a sacred space where the energy of the aromatics lifts your spirits. If you do this, you want flowers and herbs geared towards your own personal needs. The second way would be to plant those herbs and flowers that you would use regularly in making your magickal oils, perfumes, incenses, and potpourris.
　

Goddess/God Garden:

For those that follow a specific deity, you can also dedicate your magickal garden to them. Place statues of them in the garden, preferably in the center. Around the statue or other form of resemblance of your deity, plant the herbs and flowers that are sacred to them. This is a good way to help you stay connected to your chosen deity as well as honor them.
　
　
Moon Garden:

A garden is a very different place under the enchantment of the moon. The moon is the mistress of magick, and the ancient rules of gardening fall mostly under her divine sway. The pale, ethereal scents and sounds of a moon garden give a quiet meditative bliss. These gardens unveil their beauty only at night. Flowers to include in a moon garden are: datura, nicotiana, jasmine, gardenia, camellias, white lilies, and pale poppies. These bloom at night and add pale lunar mystery throughout your garden.
　
　
　Sun Garden:

A garden of this nature would have plants that represent the Sun and its life giving power. Plants to include in this garden are: sunflowers, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and heliotrope (this one is poisonous and should not be ingested, but planted in the garden, it banishes evil spirits and gloom).
　
　
　Water Garden:

Water in a garden is the blood life—without it, you have a desert. Water spirits love to play in a garden that welcomes them. Water gardens bring emotional release, relaxation, meditative joy, deep psychic power, and loving healing. A spring or well is the most powerful water magick in a garden. Nymphs live in springs and wells form special gateways into the other world. If a small creek runs through your garden or if you are living near a pond, the watery powers that gently sweep physically and energetically through your garden are gentle and revitalizing. They take ill or dark energies into their watery embrace and replace them with calm and ease. If none of these watery energy sources are in your garden, then a small fountain, birdbath, or artificial fishpond is recommended. (Remember that certain fish, like koi (carp), are said to bring money.) This water source will be the “feeling heart” of your garden and should be kept up with clean vital water. Your water spot will be a great healing center for emotional and physical problems. Some plants to include in a water garden are: lemon balm, burdock, Solomon’s seal, cress, lotus, asters, water hyacinths, irises, willow trees, and birch trees.
　
　
　Fire Garden:

Fire can also be honored in your garden theme. This would represent the Sun (another garden theme already mentioned) that is the basic energy of all living things. You can sow plants that honor Fire and that protect oneself from unwanted fire energy. Energy and power are needed for growth. A representation of Fire can be a fire pit, a lamp, a simple outdoor lantern, or a stone lantern (these are used in Asian gardens to balance the elemental feng-shui—to provide a balance of fire energy with the graceful water spot). Some plants that ward off fire are: St. John’s Wort, snapdragons, mistletoe, and the larch tree. Other plants, trees, and herbs to sow in your Fire Garden are: alder, ash, rowan, pine, oak, hawthorn, carnations, anemones, marigolds, yucca, fireweed, sunflowers, basil, bay, rosemary, peppermint, mullein, garlic, goldenseal, dill, and fennel.
　
　
　Love Garden:

Flowers are the most powerful love magick, just ask anyone who courts a lady or the lady that is adored. Who would not want to have a garden that drew love to them. Flowers to include in a Love Garden are: roses (of course!), periwinkle, honeysuckle, columbine, pansies, daffodils, violets, lavender, bachelor’s buttons (for men), peppermint, marjoram, Lovage, ginseng, yarrow, rosemary, catnip, and basil. Some trees you can include are: almond, birch, beech, hawthorn, linden, myrtle, maple, and juniper.
　
　
　Healing Garden:

Plants are, of course, the origin of almost all healing medicines. The garden in ancient times (and even today) functioned as Mother Nature’s pharmacy as well as her pantry. Millions of healing plants exist and still more are being found each day. Yet healing has always been an art that has focused on more than just the physical; the energies of the garden also promote healing of the spirit, the heart, and the mind as well as the body. Of course, simply sitting or lying in the garden will help heal you. Prepare a light herbal tea, inhale the perfume from a healing flower or herb, and let Mother Nature fill you with her healing touch. Here are some herbs and plants to include in a Healing Garden: St. John’s Wort, lemon balm, burdock, fennel, garlic, mullein, horehound, peppermint, red carnations, honeysuckle, white carnations, red geraniums, gardenias, rowan tree, ash tree, birch tree, and oak tree.
　


As you can see, there is no limit as to how you can create your garden! There are Lucky Gardens, Ghostly Gardens, Money Gardens, Friendly Gardens, and more.

(information taken from A Floral Grimoire by Patricia Telesco and The Magical Garden by Sophia)
　
　  

Mini Personal Travel Altars

Well I have been at it again. Crafting that is. My latest creations have been these little palm size altars. I thought
wouldn't it be cool to have an altar that you can take anywhere and it could be small enough to slip into a purse or pocket or what have you?

I made them with the thought of having a spot just big enough to fit a tea light candle.  I also made a small receptical for herbs, gemstones, small charms, etc. There is also a couple of spots to add stick incense. I am thinking I will have to make a shit-ton of them for Inis @ Mad Madam for her business. Of course they will have to be all Goddesses, Fairies, Zodiac signs and such and she could call them "Spiritual Awareness Stations" or something like that since not everyone at her shows understand or embrace our spiritual beliefs, lol, and that's totally cool.

When I make my witchy crafts I get in a relaxed zen-like mode and find myself thanking the "Craft Gods of Creativity" for giving me some pretty wacky ideas, lol.

My hubby says I have too much time on my hands yet I have been finding him putting different ones in different rooms around the house to burn incenses in. I have him trained to light incense wherever he goes... that mans got more gas than a Marathon Petroleum Refinery I swear, but thats a whole different post, lol. Well I am off to contemplate my next creative craft endeavor...
Peace Out!

Herbs Used For Hair Care and How To Make An Herbal Infusion

I have been on a hair kick lately so I thought I would Post a bunch of all natural uses for herbs in hair care. I am also adding a recipe to make an easy herbal infusion for using the herbs of choice. Some I have tried and some I haven't. It would be interesting to see if anyone else has used herbs for hair care and how they have worked for you. I am always looking for great tips, lol.

HERBS USED IN HAIR CARE:

Herbs for Dry Hair:

Burdock root, comfrey, elderflowers, Lavender , marsh mallow, parsley, sage, stinging nettle.

Herbs for Damaged Hair:

sage, rose, calendula, chamomile, burdock, thyme, rosemary

Herbs for Oily Hair:

Calendula, horsetail, lemon juice, lemon balm, lemongrass, lavender, mints, rosemary, southernwood, witch hazel and yarrow.

Herbs to Prevent and Treat Dandruff:

burdock root, chamomile, garlic and onion bulbs (powerful but unpleasantly scented), goosegrass, parsley, rosemary, southernwood, stinging nettle and thyme.

Herbs that Soothe the Scalp:

Catmint (leaves and flowering tops), chamomile, comfrey, lavender, thyme, Yarrow

Herbs for Fine Hair:

chamomile, clary sage, rose, lime blossom, birch

Herbs for Curly Hair:

lemon, burdock, lavender

Herbs to Provide Luster and Body for Thin Hair:

Calendula, goosergrass, horsetail, Licorice, lime flowers, nasturtium, parsley, rosemary, sage, southernwood, stinging nettles and watercress.

Herbs for Hair Shine:

Horsetail, Parsley, Nettles, Rosemary, Sage, Calendula

Herbs for Hair Growth:

Aloe, Arnica, Birch, Burdock, Catmint, catnip, Chamomile, Horsetail, Licorice, Marigold, Nettles, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Southernwood and Stinging nettle

Herbs for Thinning Hair:

Burdock, Catnip, Nettle, Chamomile, Lavender, Rosemary, Saw Palmetto, Thyme, Yucca


Simple Ways How To Make An Herbal Infusion:

Method 1

Place herbs in a glass container. Pour 2 cups boiled water over the herbs to cover. Cover glass container with a tight fitting lid or a saucer to keep steam from escaping. Allow to cool then strain the herbs.

To use an Herbal Infusion:

Use as a final hair rinse after shampooing and conditioning.

Can be added to homemade shampoo
Method 2

1.)Place about 1/2 -1 cup roots, herbs or flowers in a teabag or tea ball before adding to 43 cups water.


2.)Simmer or steep in water for 20 minutes. Allow to cool. Drain herbs.

3.) Apply as a final rinse, AFTER shampoo and conditioner.
For a stronger tea, place herbs in a glass jar. Pour boiling water over herbs, cover and let sit for anywhere between 24 hours to a week.

Witchy "POO"

For the last few years I have been doing a lot more concious thinking when it comes to using chemicals in our everyday lives. I LOVE being green. Screw Kermit - it IS easy being green, plus it is just down right healthy for us and most importantly the planet. So lately I have been into making my own shampoo. I have tried several different recipes and the one I like the most is the one I am posting here for you to use too if you like.

I have become a big fan of Castile Soap. It's totally all natural and has so many uses and one bottle goes a long way.

For this shampoo recipe I used Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap thats Lavender scented.

Hey who says my homemade shampoo has to look homemade. I put a cute label on it so it doesn't just look like a poopy old bottle. I am a cheap witch bitch so I recycled a Bath and Body foaming soap container that I got for a gift a while back. What can I say? It works, lol.


Here is the recipe:



Simple Shampoo Recipe

Ingredients

1/4 cup water
1/4 cup liquid Castile Soap
1/2 teaspoon sunflower or other light vegetable oil

Directions

Mix together all the ingredients. Store in a bottle. Use as you would any shampoo, rinse well.

You can add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to create you own scent also if you like. I just use the lavender castile soap myself because the scent is so relaxing at the end of the day and just fills the bathroom with the soothing scent of lavender as I wash my hair. Oooooh Aaahhhh!

*Note: When you make this it is not thick like store bought shampoo which people complained about on a lot of different sites as I was hunting for the perfect shampoo recipe BUT FEAR NOT, I have the perfect solution for that by simply using a bottle for foaming hand soap it works perfectly!


People also bitched about the way thier hair felt after they used a castile soap shampoo recipe and as I scoured a multitude of comments on countless sites, one particular comment stood out from the others. Someone said that it takes about 7 or 8 washes to notice a difference because the castile soap is removing the build up of hair product. So I gave this a whirl and it is really true... the more I use it the shinier and softer my hair gets and my hair has been fried and dyed so much it ain't funny. It has even gotten to the point where if I didn't want to use conditioner I could skip it...but I like conditioner... so I guess I am now off to find the perfect all natural hair conditioner,lol, now thats going to be a task.