Psychic Oil ~ What is it? How do I use it? How do I make it?

Hello, from Hedgewytch Hollow! I’m tucked in bed this morning with my computer and a fresh cup of morning coffee (my first one, actually).  My ipod is singing to me in the background (an Indian/Yoga/Relaxation chant), and if I remember, I’ll tuck it at the bottom of this blog post so you can listen to it, too.  I have tons of stuff to do on this holiday weekend.  Where, in earlier years, I would spend weeks preparing for this end-of-the-year holiday, I’m going to do it all in ONE day this time– today!  But my kids are thrilled that we are ALL off work and home at the same time, so I’m going to chill, and we’re going to “wing it”.  This is going to be a warm and fuzzy huggy weekend; I can see it coming. 🙂

Anyway, on to the business at hand– Psychic Oil!

First, all about oils…the following opening paragraphs are an introduction to the section on oils in my book, The Spiritual Feminist.  (There’s lots more in this book, very goddess-centered, but the back of the book is actually a grimoire, and this was the source for info on Psychic Oil…You might want to purchase your very own copy.  Just click on the title and you will be magickally transported to my Amazon Author Page.  Know that you can also purchase my books at Barnes & Noble, or any fine bookstore near you.)

Book Cover-- The Spiritual Feminist

Magickal Oils

I’m going to include in this section my own personal recipes for the following magickal oils right out of my very own Book of Shadows, or “De’ Big Black Book”, as I like to call it.  The ingredients are mostly mundane plants, herbs, spices and such that you probably already have on hand in your kitchen cupboards; but don’t be thrown by a more exotic ingredient.  You can usually pick up an unusual herb or item at any local new-age pagan shop.  And if you aren’t lucky enough to live near a magickal shop, you can try finding such items online.

The base for these oils:  There are a lot of people who insist on using the most expensive oils they can find, but the truth is that this doesn’t matter, not really; and if pinching pennies is a must, then go with a cheap bottle of all vegetable oil from the grocery store.  If you choose, you may use olive oil, or mineral oil, or almond oil, or grape seed oil, or even some other oil that you feel a special affinity towards.  In my world, pinching pennies is a necessity, so I opt for the cheap stuff, and it works with absolute gusto, I can assure you.

The herbs:  I’d like to say that when I create my magickal oils, I include the very special power of “3”.  I use at least three types of herbs in each of my oils.  You don’t need anymore than that, really.  Of course, if you want to include herbs not only for your magickal intention, but also an herb for the planets, I would add three more herbs to the oil for a total of six.  If you choose to include corresponding herbs to the Element you’re working with, then add three more for a total of nine…the ultimate magickal number (By the awful awesome Power of 3X3, so the incantation goes).  But remember, this oil is your creation, go with the flow, follow your instincts, don’t be afraid to create your own unique magickal oil…Let the Spirit move you.

Some people follow the practice of heating their oils and ingredients just until you catch the scent in order to raise the vibrational energy of the magickal potion, right before adding it to a glass bottle, sort of like giving it a “jump start”.  Other people simply add the oil and ingredients to a bottle and cap it off.  I’ve done both.  To tell you the truth, I’ve noticed no magickal difference; however, if you believe that this extra step will also imbue your magickal oil with extra strength or direction, then by all means go for it. Experiment with the process and see if you notice any difference for yourself.  One last thought…some practitioners will sit their oils out to bathe in the moonlight, or the sunlight, depending upon the energies they’re trying to catch.  Keep this in mind.

Can you simply go out and buy these magickal oils already made?  Yes, you can actually, but I suggest that you learn to make them for yourself.  There is no doubt that the personal energy you put into crafting such items adds to their potency, their power, and their effectiveness.  All the experience and expertise in the world can’t give a love potion as much “oomph” as the creator’s own steaming hot lust.  Remember, witchcraft is all about energy and the successful manipulation of energy to achieve your desires.  The more personal energy you add to your own spells, the more powerful you will be, and the more successful are your magickal endeavors.

Psychic Oil

Most people think that psychic abilities come naturally and just kick in with no warning, much like they see in the movies and on tv.  And this might be true for a few super gifted individuals in the world, but for the rest of us, who may have spent a lifetime ignoring that little voice in our head, we have to give ourselves a little extra magickal oomph to pick up this information. The average individual does not get two to three minute flashes (in Full Technicolor, no less) of intuitive information.  In actuality, it can be extremely subtle and extremely easy to overlook with all the “brain chatter” that we have going on.   Psychic Oil is simply meant to help us focus much needed energy on this aspect of ourselves, on our efforts to see what most people never will, on our ability to hear that barely perceptible murmur.  Once you’ve used and strengthened your psychic muscle, you’ll find that you’ll need this tool less and less.

Anoint your third eye chakra with this oil before doing divination of any kind.  Anoint your pendulum, rune stones, divining rod, or any other divination tool that you’re using.  If it happens to be tarot cards, or some other card deck, don’t damage your cards with the oil, but add a touch of the oil to the bag or box where you keep your cards.  Anoint and burn a lavender candle dressed with psychic oil to call up and strengthen your psychic powers.

Correspondences & Ingredients
Day: Monday (the Moon)
Candle Color: lavender (preferred color), blue (the Moon)
Moon Phase:  waxing, or the dark Moon (connected to divination)
The Base: olive oil, vegetable oil, or grape seed oil
The Herbs: for divination– strawberry, thyme, valerian, vanilla, yarrow (arrow root); for prophetic dreams– jasmine, marigold, mugwort, onion, rose; to strengthen psychic powers– bay, celery, cinnamon, eyebright, grass, lemongrass, lavender, marigold, mugwort, rose, anise, thyme, yarrow (arrow root); to increase psychic awareness– anise, bay, cinnamon, cloves, gardenia, lemon grass, lilac, marigold, nutmeg, rose, anise, thyme, yarrow (arrow root); for astral projection– dittany of Crete, cinnamon, jasmine, sandalwood

My Recipe
3 pinches of lavender,
3 pinches of rosemary,
3 marigold blossoms

c96c1-6
Did you know…I sell magickal oils at my website, The Witch’s Corner, just click on the link and you will be magickally transported to my world, where you’ll find a list of oils available, as well as some videos on the subject.  Be sure to explore this website, there’s lots to see and read…The Witch’s Corner is a project always in progress.  There’s a very large purple menu right under the banner at the top of every page.  Have fun.

Amythyst 20
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And I remembered!  Here’s the background music I was working to during the preparation of this blog post…enjoy!

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Video: Potions~ Black Cat Oil

Here’s my very own recipe from my very own Book of Shadows for Black Cat Oil!…I give you my ingredients, and we make a jar of BCO together.  For more information on Cats, Cat Magick (including Black Cat Oil), Cat Correspondences, and Cat Superstitions, visit my blog (Magickal Connections) and this post:  “Magickal Katz”… https://wytchymystique.com/2011/09/10/magickal-kat

Spell a Day: Monday-Friday Magick

Here’s inspiration for a spell a day, Monday-Friday…to connect with powerful spiritual entities, beat writer’s block, be delightfully successful in your newest business venture, get that marriage proposal you’ve been waiting for, and find your true inner beauty.

We’re going to be working with my favorite kind of magick…candle spells! I’m including herbs and stones, oils, and magickal incantations. I’m assuming that if you’re reading this, you’re a magickal practitioner who is going to know how to use the correspondences and all the magickally scrumptious ingredients to put together and cast a spell. But just in case you’re not– you can refer to this blog post on Candle Magick…here’s everything you’ll need to know to whip up some delightfully witchy results!

Spell For the Day: Monday

Spirit Guide Connection
(find and connect with your Spirit Guide)

Who is your spirit guide? Are they real?…Yes! They are beings who inhabit the spirit world and are connected to you in some way– to protect you, to guide you, to teach you. You can call them angels, or guardian angels, or they may be spirits of your ancestors, or spiritual beings of a higher evolution than us. They may come to you as nothing more than a small voice in your head that you’re barely aware of, the voice that warns you of danger in the moment– the voice that makes you hesitate just for that split second that was needed when another car runs a red light, or convinces you to postpone a trip and avoid an accident. They may give you warnings in the form of premonitions, or dreams, or visions. They also guide you as you explore and discover your spirituality and your life’s path.

It’s imperative that you connect with your Spirit Guide, and the following spell will help you do just that.

Blue candles/Planet: Moon/Herbs: calamus, cardamom, jasmine, myrrh, sandalwood, vanilla/Stones: aquamarine, chalcedony, moonstone, sapphire/Visions Oil: star anise, angelica, kava kava*

Sweet Guardian Spirit, my teacher, my guide;
Touch my shoulder, stay by my side.

Travel with me on this journey called life;
Protect me from harm, evil, and strife.

Spell For the Day: Tuesday

Go’in to the Chapel
(matrimony spell)

You’re in Loooove! He loves you, you love him (or She loves you and you love her). But for some reason that all important question isn’t getting asked. You’re the perfect couple, kindred souls, coupled spirits, everything is all hunky-dory in the love department. It’s just a matter of who, how, and when those four important little words are going to get said. Here’s a little magick to put some fire under it!

Red candles/Planet: Mars/Herbs: allspice, basil, coriander, ginger, marigold, nutmeg/Stones: garnet, jasper (red), rhodocrosite, ruby/Love Oil: palmarosa, ylang ylang, ginger, rosemary, cardamom

My partner, my love;
Without you, what would life be?

To seal our love and build our dreams,
Will you marry me?

Spell For the Day: Wednesday

Loosen the Pen
(getting rid of writer’s block)

We’ve all done it, those of us who write. We have sat there and stared in a stupor before a blank piece of paper or a blank computer screen. The thoughts wouldn’t come, the words wouldn’t come, and the ideas wouldn’t jell. There’s probably mundane ways to break writer’s block, but anything that I’ve tried takes time; you wind up just having to wait it out. I’m impatient. And if you’re a writer with deadlines to meet and assignments to complete, you can’t just sit around waiting for your brain to wake up and that elusive Muse to whisper in your ear. I like the idea of a magick spell to break writer’s block, to get the ball rolling– or the pen writing, or the keyboard clicking.

Yellow candles/Planet: Mercury/Herbs: anise, eye-bright, lavender, marjoram, sage, slippery elm/Stones: agate, aventurine, jasper (mottled), mica/Mercury Oil: lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint

Magickal Muse, whisper in my ear;
Put pen to paper, make my thoughts run clear.

The words will come, the ink will flow;
My brain runs free– and off we go!

Spell For the Day: Thursday

Goin’ for Broke
(business success)

Whether you’re starting a business, or you’re trying to give an old business a new jump start, or you’re thinking about starting a business and you haven’t quite decided to take the plunge, here’s a little witchy magick to bring you success in your business ventures. May this business magick bring glittering twinkles and stardust, bursting fireworks, lots of customers and sales, and money piled high as corn at fourth of July!*

Purple candles/Planet: Jupiter/Herbs: anise, dandelion, hyssop, mint, poppy seeds, star anise/Stones: amethyst, pyrite, kunzite, aventurine/Business Success Oil: bergamot, basil, patchouli, cinnamon

Success and Prosperity shine on me;
The Midas touch will set me free.

Money, success, and flame flow in;
The universe shouts, “Win, win, win!!”

Spell For the Day: Friday

The Goddess in Me
(beauty and self-empowerment)

I am pretty damn terrific!…say it!! Repeat it, shout it, believe it, feel it, wallow in it. Pretend you’re standing at the summit of a mountain, or you’re standing on the roof of your house, or the top of the Empire State Building and shout, as loud as you can– I am pretty damn terrific!!

Now get your gorgeous damn terrific selves busy and cast this spell to draw in all that beautiful powerful over-the-top magnificent Energy!

Pink candles/Planet: Venus/Herbs: aster, catnip, geranium (pink), hibiscus, licorice (the root), willow/Stones: rose quartz, moonstone, emerald, lapis lazuli/Beauty Bath: lavender, rosemary, spearmint, comfrey root, thyme

I am Powerful and Beautiful;
It’s the Goddess in me.

I am Woman Supreme;
By the power of three!*

*Note: the oils and the beauty bath are courtesy of “Incense, Oils, & Brews” by Scott Cunningham. I’ve left the amount of each ingredient used open to your own discretion. As for the oils, personally, I prefer olive oil as a base.

*Note: “…as high as corn at fourth of July”: for those of you unfamiliar with this term, it’s a Mid-western farm thing. When fourth of July rolls around, the corn should be Knee-High!

*Note: the number “3” holds lots of magickal implications– there is the goddess trinity (maiden, mother, crone); there is the infamous line to draw in energy for your spells (by the awful awesome power of three times three); in magick concoctions, it’s often three ingredients called for; and so it goes.

Winter Solstice: December Magick, the Whys & Hows

winter solstice 1

Happy Winter Solstice!

 December

 Named for: “Decem”, meaning ‘ten’

Anglo-Saxon: Midwintra-monap

Birthstone: turquoise, zircon

Flower: holly, narcissus, poinsettia

 December Moon Magick:

Oak Moon

Herbs: cedar wood, juniper, sage, star anise, carnation

Stones: lapis, smoky quartz, lazulite

Scents: violet, patchouli, frankincense, myrrh, rose geranium

Colors: red, white, black

Trees: pine, fir, holly

Deities: Hathor, Hecate, Athese

Elements: Fire/Water

Astrological Influences for December:

Sagittarius:

ruled by Jupiter, projective/masculine, mutable/fire

Capricorn:

 ruled by Saturn, receptive/feminine, cardinal/earth

 Pagan Holiday:

Winter Solstice/Yule

December 21

Winter Solstice…the longest day of darkness in the year; and with the darkness comes the promise of light, the rebirth of the Sun. It is no wonder, because of the importance of this date to the ancient pagans and the symbolism involved, that the Roman church chose this date to celebrate the birth of Christ.

 This is the time that the brothers battle– the Holly King & the Oak King. The Oak King will win this fight with his brother, and light and warmth will return to the Earth.

 Herbs: frankincense, myrrh, sage, bayberry, rosemary

Altar Flowers/Herbs: holly, mistletoe, pine cones, evergreen, thistle, cedar

Feast Foods: fruitcake, gingerbread, cranberries, dried fruit, eggnog, cider/wine

Animals: white buffalo, stag, weasels, owls, squirrels, blue jays, cardinals, doves

Incense: bayberry, cedar, frankincense, myrrh, orange, sage, rosemary

Rituals/Spells: hearth and home magick, lighting the Yule log, hopes and dreams spells, wishes

 (The information above is from, “Natural Magick the Gray Witch Way”,  by Amythyst Raine)

© Natural Magick the Gray Witch Way, Amythyst Raine, 2011

Magickal Herbs for the Holidays:

 mortar_pestle-1.jpg picture by witch_of_endore

 Holly

Gender:  Masculine

Planet:  Mars

Element:  Fire

Powers:  Protection, anti-lightening, luck, dream magic

 Magical Uses:

Holly is a protective herb used to keep you safe from lightening, poison, and evil spirits.  Planted around the home, it keeps the occupants safe from black magic.  Holly is said to tame wild animals, and holly water sprinkled on newborn babies will protect them.

This herb is carried to promote good luck– especially when carried by men, because its energy is masculine.  At Yule time its hung around the house for good luck.

Its said that holly leaves added to a mojo bag and kept beneath your pillow will make your dreams come true.

 Ivy

Gender:  Feminine

Planet:  Saturn

Element:  Water

Powers:  Protection, healing

 Magical Uses:

Ivy is carried by women for good luck in general, and is traditionally carried by brides for this reason.

Where Ivy is grown or scattered, its suppose to guard against negativity and disaster.  Its also used in fidelity and love charms and spells.

Ivy is magically “paired” with holly as a potent charm.

____________________

Magickal Stones for the Holiday Season:

stones

To commemorate the season, we’re going to look at stones that promote “Peace”.

 

Sapphire

Energy:  Receptive (feminine)

Planet:  Moon

Element:  Water

Powers:  Psychism, love, meditaiton, peace, defensive magic, healing, power, money

 Magical Uses:

Sapphires are worn to awaken the third eye chakra and increase your psychic powers.  This stone is said to be the ‘guardian of love’, promoting positive feelings and fidelity between couples.  The sapphire also banishes envy, promotes positive social interaction, and is said to reconcile foes.

Sapphires are worn during meditation to induce a peaceful state.

 

 Sodalite

Energy:  Receptive (feminine)

Planet:  Venus

Element:  Water

Powers:  Healing, peace, meditation, wisdom

 Magical Uses:

Sodalite is a healing stone used for emotionally related diseases, such as those caused by stress, nervousness, anger, or fear.  This stone is said to dispel fear and guilt and to calm inner turmoil.

This is also a popular stone for meditation, said to promote wisdom.

Candle Magick

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Magick…it’s as easy as striking a match and lighting a candle– it is, really. It’s called ‘candle magick’, and there is a rhyme and reason behind it.

(I know, this post might be boring for all the practicing witches out there who do this type of magic all the time, those who’ve done it for years, those who can do it blind-folded. But there are so many new witches on the horizon, so many emails and questions coming in, bear with me– and definitely feel free to leave your own advice in the comments below. Everyone has their own little way of doing things, everyone has discovered magickal little tweaks that work for them, there is a gazillion ways to do magick. Pass your information along.)

FirstIntention

What do you want? What are you trying to change? What’s your magickal intention?  You have to know; you have to be specific; you have to have thought this out, have it squared away in your head.   It has to be strong and definite in your mind, or you will not be able to successfully move the energy along to manifest this intention into the world.

SecondCandle Color

Once you definitely know what you want, what you’re trying to accomplish with this magick, you have to decide on what color of candle you’ll need.  This is important.  The color of the candle is associated with very definite images, intentions, magick; connected even to the elements (earth, air, fire, water); connected to the planets (astrological/magickal associations).  Everything is so connected it’s unreal; most people have no idea.

Red Candles

For the element of Fire, for the planet Mars– it’s all about hot sizzling passion, whether your intention is for physical passion with a prospective mate, or just that wild over-the-top passion for justice or a particular cause.  Red candles will create the kind of energy that moves things along like gang-busters.  Think of those phrases:  “too hot to handle”, “red-hot”, “I’m seeing red”; there’s a reason for these confirmations.

Green Candles

For the element of Earth– health and money, two basic necessities of life.  Face it, you won’t be living very well if you don’t have enough of either one.  The green candle for planet Earth– Mother Gaia, the embodiment of our world, a metaphor for the Mother Goddess, representative of our physical world (our bodies).  Just as people of other spiritual paths request healing and prosperity from their god(s), so the witch turns to divinity, but in her case, it’s not a request, as divinity is part of the witch and the witch is part of divinity.  It’s a different relati0nship within the metaphysical realm.

Yellow Candles

For the element of Air, for the planet Mercury– communication, creativity, mental endeavors. it’s all about pure thought, our mind, that intangible part of ourselves that make us who we are.  Those cliques that are coming to me right now: “thoughts move mountains”, “what we think is what we are”.  The mental aspect of us is the most powerful, some believing that it embodies our soul, our spirit, that which will survive eternally.  It’s also about communication– communication with other human beings, with divinity, with ourselves.  Use the yellow candle when you have something to say, something that needs to be heard.

Blue Candles

For the element of Water…light a blue candle to invoke the Goddess, to enhance your dreams and intuition.  Use the blue candle to come to terms with your emotions, for understanding, for resolution, for enhancement.  The blue candle for the heavenly body, the Moon:  pagan spirituality, the goddess (all three aspects), magick, blessings, running with the tide (waxing and waning– drawing in, sending away).  Use the blue candle for women’s issues, with the knowledge that you are tapping into something indescribably ancient and indescribably wise.

White Candles

You can use a white candle as a substitute for any other color.  But the white candle is also used particularly for cleansing and purification.  Use a white candle for House Blessings, or for cleansing any space.  Use a white candle for invoking and honoring divinity.  Use a white candle for pure energy.  Use a white candle for inspiration, for clarity, for peace.

Black Candles

The black candle, for the planet Saturn…use the energy of this candle to return-to-sender negative energy, bad thoughts, curses, ill-wishes sent your way.  Use the energy of the black candle for retribution and justice.  Use the black candle to catch the bad guy, to banish something (or someone) nasty.  Use the black candle to regain personal power taken from you through injustice.

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The following information is a paragraph taken from my online book, “Natural Magick the Gray Witch Way”:

You can work with tea candles, votive candles, pillar candles, or hoodoo seven day candles.  You’ll allow these spell candles to burn themselves out at one sitting, or you’ll light them at appropriate times over the course of a period of time. You will save the wax from these candles to be used in mojo bags; you’ll bury it; throw it into running water; or toss it in the trash. You will prepare these candles to work their magick when you anoint (dress) these candles with a variety of magickal oils– or a little olive oil, if you don’t have a stock of magickal oils on hand.  You will use your athame, or another sharp object, to carve into the spell candle the name of your target, sigils and symbols relating to your intention, or designs of your own creation. You will roll these oiled candles in a variety of pulverized crushed herbs depending on your intentions and the desired outcome you wish for your magick.

 

When did you first know you were a witch?

 I knew that there was something ‘different’ about me before I was old enough to know that there was a name for it. One of the earliest magickal experiences that I remember took place when I was about four years old, hidden in the cool shade of a grove of trees on a terraced hillside at my grandmother’s farm.

The day was very hot, but beneath the canopy created by the large grove of trees that covered the hillside, it was very cool; and I squatted on one of the wide terraced ‘steps’, beneath a tree that had small round leaves lining it’s branches. I took hold of one of the small new twigs at the base of the tree; and I slid my hand along it’s length, filling my palm with the cool green leaves.

As my head was bent and I was examining these leaves, I heard a noise. I looked to my right, through the fence lining this edge of the grove, into the world of brilliant hot sunshine, to see a large white cow grazing in the field beside me, only a few feet away.

The wind came then, through the tops of the trees. I froze as I listened to it, the roar starting at the opposite end of the grove and working it’s way through the tree tops towards me, till it was directly overhead. I realized that this wind sounded like voices, voices that seemed to come directly from the trees.

It was then that a realization dawned on me, leaving an indelible print so strong that this memory is still starkly vivid to me fifty years later. It was a realization that I was too young to form into words…but I knew.

This blog post is an excerpt from my online book,
“Natural Magick the Gray Witch Way”

© Amythyst Raine 2011

Other topics covered in this book includes:

How Does Real Magick Work; Forms of Magick; The Mysteries of Magickal Manifestation; Creating Magickal Space; Magickal Supplies; 12 Months of Magick; 7 Days of Magick; Animal Magick; Magick for Love n’ Money; Mojo Magick; Magick Oils, Potions, Powders; Crystal Magick; Candle Magick; Magickal Alphabets & Symbols; Witches’ Bottles; Essential Oils; Kitchen Magick, Good Luck Charms; Questions & Answers; Magickal Substitutions; Terms & Lingo

The Witch’s Corner: Updates & More

Tarot:
Card of the Day

Eight of Swords

Someone is feeling trapped in a situation they see no resolution to. Does this mean that you give up trying to find the right answer? No. I believe that part of this problem could actually be too much introspection and not enough honest evaluation. Stop thinking of yourself, and start looking at what this situation is doing to the other people involved. Once you become aware of it, your concern for someone else may help you to arrive at the right conclusion faster.

Today’s Correspondences:

Tuesdayplanet, Mars; element, Fire; color, orange, herbs– hot (peppers, cloves, cinnamon, etc.), red or orange flowers.

Today’s energies are aggressive, warrior like, in your face, strong and persistent. This doesn’t seem very conducive to Valentine’s Day and romance, does it. But actually this is the day traditionally used for magic and spells connected to marriage. You would think that Venus would have this honor, but it makes sense. Friday/Venus is connected with that first fairy tale/prince charming aspect of love, it’s always gentle, obsessive, slightly insipid, and very fragile. Marriage, on the other hand, takes a lot of work and courage to stay successful. It’s earthy, sometimes messy, often tumultuous, and definitely not for the faint of heart. It often takes a warrior like determination to make it work. Mars is the perfect energy.

The Witch’s Corner:
Updates

Small but powerful. These adorable
poppets are packed with magickal energy,
and they come in a spell bag that includes:

the poppet
3 coffin nails
3 straight pins
1 taper candle
herbs & incense

Click Here

 

Alpaca silver bracelets have been restocked and the enchantments have been updated:

1. To Clear Crossed Conditions
2. Money Mojo
3. Guardian Angel Enchantment
4. Domination Enchantment
5. For Better Business
6. True Love Mojo
7. Keep Evil Spirits at Bay
8. To Trouble Your Enemies
9. Enchantment of Self-Empowerment
10. Good Health Mojo

Click Here

When did you first know you were a witch?

I knew that there was something ‘different’ about me before I was old enough to know that there was a name for it. One of the earliest magickal experiences that I remember took place when I was about four years old, hidden in the cool shade of a grove of trees on a terraced hillside at my grandmother’s farm.

The day was very hot, but beneath the canopy created by the large grove of trees that covered the hillside, it was very cool; and I squatted on one of the wide terraced ‘steps’, beneath a tree that had small round leaves lining it’s branches. I took hold of one of the small new twigs at the base of the tree; and I slid my hand along it’s length, filling my palm with the cool green leaves.

As my head was bent and I was examining these leaves, I heard a noise. I looked to my right, through the fence lining this edge of the grove, into the world of brilliant hot sunshine, to see a large white cow grazing in the field beside me, only a few feet away.

The wind came then, through the tops of the trees. I froze as I listened to it, the roar starting at the opposite end of the grove and working it’s way through the tree tops towards me, till it was directly overhead. I realized that this wind sounded like voices, voices that seemed to come directly from the trees.

It was then that a realization dawned on me, leaving an indelible print so strong that this memory is still starkly vivid to me fifty years later. It was a realization that I was too young to form into words…but I knew.

EDIT:

This blog post is an excerpt from my new book,
“Natural Magick the Gray Witch Way

Other topics covered in this book includes:

How Does Real Magick Work; Forms of Magick; The Mysteries of Magickal Manifestation; Creating Magickal Space; Magickal Supplies; 12 Months of Magick; 7 Days of Magick; Animal Magick; Magick for Love n’ Money; Mojo Magick; Magick Oils, Potions, Powders; Crystal Magick; Candle Magick; Magickal Alphabets & Symbols; Witches’ Bottles; Essential Oils; Kitchen Magick, Good Luck Charms; Questions & Answers; Magickal Substitutions; Terms & Lingo

 

 

Saturday’s Magick

 
 
Saturday:  the planet- Saturn; the element:  fire and earth/Protective Energy:  this is the get even, in your face, I-can-take-care- of-myself energy that so many people need and so many people are afraid or hesitant to seek and to use.  Gird up your loins, set your boundaries, put your wagons in a circle, stand on a lone hill and howl your independence, show your strength– you might scare the hell out of yourself in the process; but you will also scare the hell out of your enemies/Herbs:  morning glory (binding), skullcap, wolf’s bane, slippery elm (shut their mouth), belladonna, and boneset/Color:  black (negative energy, negative influences, negative people– be gone)
 
 

Update: Online Book Launch

 Natural Magick
the Gray Witch Way

This book is a magickal formularia for the gray witch. The information found here will help you to successfully follow your pagan path, cast your spells, empower yourself, protect those you love, and work your magick…
the gray witch way.

divider sunflower 1

After you purchase this online book through Paypal,
I will email you the link, along with the login
information and the password

click  Here

 

 

Autumn Magick: Flower Power

I was just talking to my girls the other day about flowers and foliage and the seasons. I mentioned that it seems, after that first brilliant ‘coming to life’ in the spring, there is a hot and lazy period. Everything seems scorched and beaten by the summer sun, wilted and tortured by the elements of the dog days of summer; and then comes autumn, blessed autumn. It’s like a second birth, a brilliant blossoming, a breath of cool fresh air that seems to revitalize the world of flora. Everything in the garden throws itself into color and beauty with renewed energy, just in time to begin turning for a glorious autumn show.

Many of the flowers that highlight this time of year are also some of my favorites, and it’s these flowers and plants that I’m going to look at from a magickal point of view. What are their connections to the elements? the planets? magickal intentions? How can I use them to work my magick in order to promote positive change?

Acacia: It’s gender is masculine (projective), it’s planet is the Sun, and it’s element Air. Acacia is used for protection and to promote psychic powers. Burn a small amount of the wood with sandalwood before practicing divination. A sprig from this tree kept in the home will ward off evil and protect the inhabitants from negative outside influences.

Allium: It’s gender is feminine (receptive), it’s planet Venus, and it’s element Water. I use allium in spells for feminine empowerment, to heighten intuition and psychism, and to promote feelings of love and well-being. I’ve used it both in mojo bags and magickal oils.

Alstromeria: White/pink/peach– the gender is feminine (receptive), the planet Venus, the element Earth; yellow/orange/red– the gender is still feminine (receptive), but it carries a bit of a punch; the planet is Mars, the element Fire. I use the milder more gentle form to work gentle magicks, the more robust colors I use in protection magick and self-empowerment spells, when you need strength and good dose of moxie.

Amaranthus: The gender is feminine (receptive), the planet Saturn, and the element Fire. The deity for amaranthus is Artemis– the feminine warrior/huntress. The magickal powers contained within this plant includes healing, protection, and invisibility. Amaranthus was used in pagan burial rites.

Anemone: It’s gender is masculine (projective); the element is Fire, and the planet is Mars. Deities associated with anemone are Adonis and Venus. This plant is also used for health, protection, and healing. To prevent disease, carry the blossoms from this plant in a red cloth upon your person. This plant can also be used in spells dealing with health issues involving blood and the reproduction organs. To keep an enemy at bay, place their photo in a red bag with a handful of the blossoms, or the root of the plant– and leave the dirt in place.

Baby’s Breath: The gender is masculine (projective), the planet Mercury, the element Air. I use Baby’s Breath for magick encompassing communication and creativity. I’ve also used this plant in love spells to instill good open lines of communications between couples, or to loosen the tongue of a shy partner– just be careful how much and how often you do this, you might be surprised at what’s released– or unleashed.

Bittersweet: The gender is masculine (projective), the element is Air, and the planet– Mercury. The most popular magickal use for bittersweet is in spells for protection and healing. I’ve also discovered that this plant, connected to the energies of Mercury and Air, is wonderful for issues of communication, clear thinking, powers of deduction, and the spark of creativity.

Carnation: The energy is masculine (projective), the planet is the Sun, and the element is Fire. Use the magick of the carnation for protection, strength, and healing. Use carnations in healing spells. Place carnations in a sick room to give strength to the one who is ill. Use this flower in healing rituals, mojo bags, and oils.

China Berry: This plant is used for luck. The seeds are considered good luck charms, so use them as thus, particularly in bags or lockets, where you can carry them upon your person. The China Berry can be used in spells to precipitate change.

Chrysanthemum: It’s gender is masculine (projective), the element is Fire, and the planet– the Sun. Chrysanthemums are used primarily for protection. Grown in the garden, they are reputed to keep evil spirits away– and in this case, my garden should be totally free of evil spirits, because I’ve accumulated a mass of mums this autumn. I take this one step farther by color associations– yellow blossoms for spells meant to help you find your voice; magenta blossoms for a good strong dose of pure love, and white blossoms to throw an honest light on any situation.

Cockscomb: The energy is masculine (projective), the element Fire, the planets Jupiter and Mars. The no nonsense energy of the Cockscomb can be used to discover and unleash the masculine side of yourself, when aggression, strength, and courage are called for. The most beautiful cockscomb flowers I’ve seen was in Iowa, when we were traveling through Amish country.

Cosmos: The energy is feminine (receptive), the planet is Earth, and the element is Earth. I use the lovely petals from this plant for goddess magick; to highlight feminine energy– for maiden, mother, and crone; for healing spells dealing with female issues; for safe childbirth; to celebrate those rituals geared toward women and their life milestones, including female puberty rites and a croning.

Echinops: The energy of the thistle will be found within this plant. It’s gender is masculine (projective), the planet is Saturn, and the element is Fire. Use the Echinops in spells for protection and self defense. This plant will also be used in hexing and cursing spells, added to poppets or mojo bags.

Freesia: The planet– the Moon, the element is Water, the gender is feminine (receptive). The Freesia contains the constantly mutating and fluid energy of the Moon and the element of Water. Use this plant according to color correspondences for a surprisingly wide array of magickal intentions. White, for those things of spirit and spiritual energy; red for passion, including not only physical passion, but passion for many things of life; pink to inspire friendhip and loyalty; yellow for God energy, and healing.

Gerber Daisy: The gender is masculine (projective), the planet Saturn, the element Fire. The daisy and the gerber daisy both possess strong energies for love spells, the gerber daisy being more ‘hot-blooded’, meaning there will be more animalistic passion in love spells done with the gerber daisy. This plant can also be used in spells when the energy just needs to be riled up a bit, when you need to light a fire and get people and circumstances moving.

Hypericum: The gender is masculine (projective), the element Air, the planets Mercury and the Sun. The beautiful yellow flowers of this plant can be used in mojo bags and spells to enhance communication, for god energy, for healing, and for spells of self-empowerment.

Juniper: It’s gender is masculine (projective), the element is Fire, the planet is the Sun. The magickal powers of Juniper include protection, protection against theft, love, exorcism, and health. I also use Juniper berries for spells geared to the Winter Solstice, youth & immortality, and spiritual rejuvenation. Juniper is reputed to promote male potency when used in love spells– though I have not personally put this theory to the test.

Kangaroo Paw: It’s gender can be both masculine (projective), or feminine (receptive), depending upon what type of magick you’re using it for, and which planet you’re using for the correspondence. The planets are Mercury and Venus, the elements Air and Water. I have primarily used Kangaroo Paw for fairy magick.

Kalancheo: The gender is feminine (receptive), the planet Venus, the element Earth. Magickally speaking, use the pink blossoms for friendship and healing, the red blossoms for love, and the white blossoms for healing.

Liatrus: The gender is feminine (receptive), the planets Venus and Jupiter, the element Water. This plant is best used for all of its connections to the element of Water, which includes the promotion and growth of your psychic abilities, intuition, dreams and visions.

Gloriosa: The energy of this plant is most decidedly feminine (receptive), its elements both Water and Earth, and the planets Venus and Earth. The Gloriosa blossom is representative of the female anatomy, and its magickal energies are best used for female health issues, fertility, female sexual issues, and female self-empowerment. This plant can also be used in spells, magicks, and spiritual practices to glorify and worship the Mother Goddess.

Misty Blue: The gender is feminine, the planet is Water, the element Water. Use this plant for spiritual practices, for spirit contact, and to promote contact in general with the unseen world and the entities which inhabit it.

Orchid: This is a very versatile plant, magickally speaking. It’s energy is masculine (projective), the element Air, the planet Mercury. Use the orchid in your spiritual practices and spell crafting according to the color of its blossoms: red/love and passion, pink/friendship and well-being, white/spirituality and healing. Personally, I use the speckled blossoms when change is needed and desired.

Pepper Berry: The gender is masculine (projective), the element is Air, the planet is the Sun. The red berries and green foliage from this plant make beautiful additions to wreaths. Magickally, I use Pepper Berry in mojo bags and magicks that deal with the Winter Solstice, God energy, and especially new beginnings.

Protea: It’s gender is masculine (projective), the element Air, the planet Jupiter. The primary magickal use for protea is for spells and magicks that move a situation along so that a final conclusion or decision can be reached. The various methods will include mojo bags and candle magick. This type of magick works best when worked over a period of three to seven days.

Queen Ann’s Lace: It’s gender is feminine (receptive), the planet is Venus and Jupiter, the element Earth. I primarily use Queen Ann’s Lace for issues of fertility, and this can mean not only fertility in the physcial world, but fertility of ideas and creative energies, creativity concerning unusual opportunities, etc. This plant is also used in magicks for Goddess energy and self-empowerment.

Roses: The gender is feminine (receptive), the planets are Venus and the Moon, the element is Water. Roses are most strongly connected with love spells. Use the energies of the various colors for different types of love– red/passionate affairs with lusty sex, or soul mate connections; pink/for strong bonds of loyalty, friendship, and fidelity; yellow/for peaceful partings, to say good-by; white/to honor a love who has passed, or to honor a relationship that has come to a natural conclusion. The white blossoms of a rose can also be used in spells and magick to contact a deceased partner.

Rowen Berry: It’s gender is masculine (projective), its planet Mars, and the element is Fire. Use the warrior energy of Mars and the fiery passion of Fire with the rowan berry in spells and magickal workings that require strength, concentrated doses of high energy, courage, passion of intention, and a strong will power. The poisonous berries are also potent when used in spells and magicks for hexing and cursing. Added to mojo bags and poppets, they work with a vengence.

Salvia: The gender is masculine (projective), the element is Water, and the planets are the Sun and the Moon. Salvia is part of a large family of plants which includes Sage. The primary use for salvia is for cleansing and smudging. Use the smoke from saliva to smudge your home and personal space, your person, your vehicle, or your land. Tie up dried bunches and hang them in the four corners of your home for protection, or hang a bundle of salvia by the front door to prevent anyone wishing you harm from entering.

Solidago: The gender is feminine (receptive), the planet is Venus, the element Air. Solidago, more commonly known as Golden Rod, is used for magickal workings involving money and divination. Carry a sprig of goldenrod in your wallet or purse to insure enough money to cover your needs. Place a piece of pyrite with it. Put a sprig of this plant in a small wooden box large enough to hold your tarot cards or set of runes to enhance the magick of divination and your intuitive powers.

Statice: This plant’s gender is masculine (projective), its element Air, it’s planet Mercury. I personally use statice in magick which highlights or incorporates group events, the gathering of people, peaceful conclusions to group debates or disagreements, as well as to promote peaceful cohabitation and successful growth within an organized group.

Star of Bethlehem: The gender is masculine (projective), the planet is the Moon, the element Water. I use the six pointed white blossoms of the Star of Bethlehem in spells and magicks involving spirituality, personal empowerment, and cleansing. I’ve also found it wonderful for Goddess invocation and feminine magicks. It is energy is inspiring and purifying.

Sunflower: The gender is masculine (projective), the planet is the Sun, the element Fire. The magickal powers of the sunflower includes fertility, wishes, health, and wisdom. Use the seeds from this plant in fertility spells, the yellow blossoms in magicks geared to gain your wish, and to inspire wisdom when wisdom is desired and needed. Carry a mojo bag containing various aspects of this plant for good health.

Yarrow: Yarrow’s gender is feminine (receptive), it’s planet is Venus, and the element Water. The magickal powers of yarrow includes areas of courage, love, psychic powers, and exorcism. Place a bouquet of yarrow on your table during divination sessions, in the four corners of your house to keep evil entities at bay, or place a sprig of yarrow in the pocket of the person you love. I’ve used yarrow in dream bags that I’ve placed beneath my pillow to inspire prophetic dreams and visions. You might want to add a marigold blossom to this bag and a stone of amethyst.

Zinnia: The gender is masculine (projective), the planets Mercury and Jupiter, the element Air. Use zinnias in spells and magicks where courage, fortiude, and strength are needed. This is also a good plant to use in healing spells, and spells of protection. As the zinnia stands strong and tall, so shall it inspire these attributes when you tap into it’s magick.

Credits:

The photographs in this post that are framed are all original photos taken by Amythyst Raine. These photos are copyrighted, © Amythyst Raine 2011.

Some of the information above may have been taken from the books listed below; but the bulk of information above was taken from my own Book of Shadows, which includes my personal magickal practices and correspondences.
“Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magickal Herbs” by Scott Cunningham
Green Magic: The Sacred Connection to Nature” by Ann Moura
“The Green Wiccan Herbal” by Silja

Magickal Correspondences for Daily Influences

 

Correspondences for Daily Influences:

MONDAY:  Planet—Moon; Colors—silver, white, gray; Herbs—moonwort, myrtle, violet, willow, wormwood; Influences—dreams, emotions, clairvoyance, home, family, medicine, cooking, personality, merchandising, theft

TUESDAY:  Planet—Mars; Colors—red, orange; Herbs—basil, dragon’s blood, patchouli; Influences—dynamic energy, matrimony, war, enemies, prison, hunting, surgery, courage, politics, contests

WEDNESDAY:  Planet—Mercury; colors—gray, iridescent, opal, violet, yellow; Herbs—jasmine, lavender; Influences—communication, loss, teaching, reason, divination, skill, debt, fear, self-improvement

THURSDAY:  Planet—Jupiter; Colors—blue, indigo, purple; Herbs—cinnamon, cinquefoil, musk, nutmeg, sage; Influences—health, honor, luck, riches, clothing, money, legal matters, desires

FRIDAY:  Planet—Venus; Colors—aqua, green, pink; Herbs—lime, saffron, sandalwood, thyme; Influences—love, friendship, social activities, strangers, pleasure, art, music, incense and perfumes

SATURDAY:  Planet—Saturn; Colors—black, dark gray, indigo; Herbs—black poppy seeds, mullein, myrrh; Influences—self-discipline, life, building, doctrine, protections, freedom, elderly, destroying diseases, and pests

SUNDAY:  Planet—Sun; Colors—gold, orange, white, yellow; Herbs—frankincense, lemon, St. Johnswort; Influences—individuality, hope, fortune, money, work, power, healing, promotions, strength, spirituality


For years I’ve used the daily correspondences found in Ann Moura’s book "Green Witchcraft".  I’ve found correspondences that may be slightly different in other books and from other practitioners and traditions, but none of them quite had the same ‘feel’ about them as Ann’s did.

Ann Moura’s Garden