Author: A Solitary Pagan
Kitchen Witch: Imbolc (February Second)
Imbolc is an old festival connected with the coming of spring and the growing warmth of the sun. In some areas of Europe, this day marked the emergence of a few brave plants from beneath the snow. As such, Imbolc was an occasion for feasting. Because the sun was usually seen as the source of the earth’s fertility, Imbolc (known in Catholicism as Candlemas) was a solar festival. Practitioners of pr...
Imbolc Rites and Rituals for a Hedgewitch
Imbolc is a gentle festival, where we honor the first signs of spring after a long winter. It has long been dedicated to the goddess Brighid who has associations with fire and water. Allow this time of year to fill your soul, the air is still cold but the warmth of the light from the strengthening sun inspires you to go out into the worlds (this world and the Otherworld) and do the work that you h...
A Spell to Freeze Your Enemy
Use this spell to stop or impede an adversary or irritating person who will not take no for an answer. Items needed: One small opaque container, a bottle of Tabasco sauce, and a picture of or handwriting from the person you want to stop. Place the picture or handwriting at the bottom of the container. Sprinkle some of the Tabasco sauce over it and then fill the container with water. As you pl...
Ice
Given that water is symbolic of potential, swift movement, and the ability to nurture, it only stands to reason that ice be given symbolic jurisdiction as well. Water flows, promotes growth, responds to our needs, and is one of the four elements required for survival. With magick, water is used to attract love, encourage healing, and advance transition. Ice, on the other hand represents the stulti...
Herbal Combinations
ALLERGIES Herbs used:Blessed Thistle, Scullcap, Goldenseal, Cayenne, Marshmallow, Lobelia, Burdock.Other uses: Colds, Hay Fever, Upper respiratory infections ANEMIA Herbs used:Red Beet, Yellow Dock, Lobelia, Burdock, Nettle, MulleinOther uses: Energy, Fatigue, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease ARTHRITIS Herbs used:Yucca, Comfrey, Alfalfa, Yarrow, Cayenne, Lobelia, Burdock, Chaparral, Black C...
Powerful Herbs to Get You Through the Flu Season
As we enter the colder season of the year, chances are many of us will get a cold or the flu. Luckily there are many inexpensive herbs that can help prevent or soothe the symptoms. They raise immunity and soothe any discomfort caused by one of the highly contagious influenza viruses out there. Here are 7 powerful and inexpensive natural flu remedies to start building up your defenses to avoid repe...
Hedge Witches’ Rites of Fire
Light incense. Pass over working area. Place the representation of your magick key near your other supplies for this night. Close your eyes, and envision yourself surrounded by white light. Take thirteen slow, even breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. When you feel relaxed, open your eyes, smile, and repeat today’s affirmation three times. Pick up the red candle and h...
Deities Of Change
These deities may be invoked in rituals involving not only change but also good fortune. Oya Oya is the African goddess, also known as Yoruba, who rules the winds and so controls the winds ofchange. She oversees trading and the marketplace and brings good fortune to all honest traders andthose who work with finance. She is very powerful, described as an Amazonian warrior and life-giverwith dominio...
Herbal Tea Remedies
There are so many ways that our immune systems can be overwhelmed … it’s in our air, our water, our food, our workplace, our stress. This blend of organic and wild herbs is not only helpful but comforting, strengthening and tasty. 1 part red clover blossoms1 part nettle leaves1 part pau d’Arco1 part alfalfa & sage leaves1 part St.Johns wort tops1 part ginger root Place all herbs in a tea ball ...
Teas & Brews
You can make this fragrant tea with herbs from your garden or dried herbs that you buy. Seven Flower Tea cools you down on a warm summer’s day, helping to keep you calm and soothe your digestion.1 quart boiling water2 teaspoons chamomile flower1 teaspoon linden flower1 teaspoon calendula flower1 teaspoon lavender flower1 teaspoon honeysuckle flower1 1/2 teaspoon passion flower1 1/2 teaspoon orange...
Blackberry Wine
Ingredients 3 pounds of blackberries3 pounds of sugar1 gallon of boiling water Method Wash berries, put in large bowl and pour over them the boiling water. Stir well, then cover the bowl and leave for ten days. Strain liquid through muslin, add the three pounds of sugar and stir well. Cover the bowl and leave for three days, but stir daily. Put into bottles and cork, loosely at first. The wi...
Dandelion Wine
Ingredients 2 quarts of dandelion flowers3 pounds sugar1-ounce yeast1 lemon1 orange1 gallon boiling water Method Pick the dandelions on a sunny day. Pick just the heads until you have two-quart jugs full. Wash flowers and put them into a large bowl. Slice orange, and lemon thinly and add to the flowerheads. Pour boiling water on top of them, and stir well. Cover bowl, leave for ten days, no ...