Melusina The Green Witch

The Magick of Daffodils

On our walk out with the dogs this afternoon, there were lots of lovely daffodils, so I thought I’d write a blog post to honour them, and add some photos I took, as they make me happy and signal that Spring is definitely on the way!

*PLEASE NOTE: Daffodils are highly toxic and should not be used medicinally or consumed. Even biting down on a stem can cause chills, dizziness and even fainting. Enjoy their beauty, have them in vases around your house, but be extra careful children or pets do not consume them, due to their toxicity.**

Daffodils are sometimes referred to as the “flower of March,” as they characterise of the start of Spring. They’re seen as a symbol of new life, fertility and growth.

Daffodils belong to the plant genus Narcissus, which is a name you may have heard of before, and which is steeped in Greek mythology.

According to Greek mythology, Narcissus was a handsome and charismatic young man who was able to charm almost anyone. Upon seeing him, the wood nymph Echo, who had been cursed by Hera to be unable to speak properly, and instead repeat only the last words addressed to her, fell deeply in love with him. Narcissus spurned her love and told her that he’d rather die than give himself to a wood nymph like her.

Echo, heartbroken, retreated to a cave and, without having any appetite or thirst, withered and starved away, until the only things left of her were dust and her voice.

When Nemesis heard of Echo’s fate, she wanted revenge for how poor Echo had been treated, so she led Narcissus to a pond near Echo’s cave, wherein he fell in love with his own reflection.

Narcissus could not leave his own reflection out of love and vanity and starved to death, just like Echo. But, before he died, Narcissus cried out to his reflection “Farewell, dear boy. Beloved in vain.” Echo’s voice repeated his last words from the cave as Narcissus drew his last breath. To this day, Echo still repeats the last words or phrases in caves or labyrinths.

Other stories tell a slightly different tale of the Gods, scared that Narcissus would waste away, turned him into daffodils. In other accounts, Narcissus drowned whilst trying to hug his reflection, and daffodils sprouted on the bank of the pond where he fell.

Daffodils are considered lucky flowers. One particular folktale says that, if you make a deliberate effort not to step on them and crush them, fortune will favor you with abundance.

Also, if you gift someone daffodils, they too will have good luck, but you need to make sure you give them an entire bunch, because a single flower will bring poverty and ill fortune.

In parts of the British Isles, including Wales, if you are the first your neighbours to spot the first daffodils of Spring, it is said you’ll see far more gold than silver come to your home over the coming year. However, seeing a daffodil growing alone is said to bring the opposite.

Daffodils are also used to represent love. Again, back to Greek mythology, some recounts of the famous Myths say that the daffodil was the flower Hades used to distract Persephone, before stealing her away to the underworld to be his wife.

In some Middle Eastern traditions, the daffodil is considered to be an aphrodisiac. Either way, the daffodil has strong connections with love, which is why it is one of the best flowers to use during love spells and rituals.

Also, due to its association with Hades, the daffodil is sometimes associated with the underworld and death, making it a perfect flower for funeral arrangements to honor the deceased.

Because the daffodil is one of the first flowers to bloom in the Spring, it also has strong associations with fertility and it is said that having a bouquet of daffodils in the bedroom can increase the chance of conception. Daffodils can also be used during fertility rituals to increase the spells potency.

Here’s a number of ways you could use daffodils in your magickal workings:

• Put fresh daffodils in a vase in your home to bring you abundance.

• Place daffodils on your altar during any workings related to love, especially if the relationship is new and you’re still trying to figure things out.

• You can add potted daffodil bulbs to your altar for spring (Ostara) celebrations, along with other spring flowers such as hyacinth, crocus and snowdrops.

• Wear this flower close to your heart to draw love, but be careful that your love is reciprocated.

Sleep and De-Stressing Bath Salts

One of my favourite bath salt blends to make is this one, for helping to relax, unwind, de-stress and sleep. I always have some made up on hand at all times, stored in a recycled gherkin jar (washed out, obviously!), so it’s there ready if I need to use it. I also try and make it well enough in advance to give the ingredients time to meld together and infuse.

These sleepy salts really help me to relax and unwind and, combined with some sleepy tea that I make (Sleepy Tea Recipe), along with playing rainstorm or crashing wave sounds through Alexa in our bedroom, or guided meditation through my headphones, I am guaranteed a full nights sleep.

Here’s the ingredients I used:

• Himalayan pink salt for cleansing, centering and grounding;

• Dried jasmine flowers for their sedative effects and use for reducing anxiety and depression;

• 6-8 drops of ylang ylang essential oil to boost my mood, alleviate anxiety and reduce depression;

• 6-8 drops of rose essential oil for also relieving anxiety and stress; and

• 6-8 drops of patchouli essential oil to relieve depression, provide feelings of relaxation and helping to ease stress or anxiety.

I first put the salt into the jar. I then added each essential oils, 2-3 drops at a time, putting the lid on and shaking to mix well in between each addition. Each time I shook it I thought of my intention for this to help me destress, not be as anxious and to try and relax more, whilst soaking in a bath containing a handful.

The last thing I added was the dried jasmine and gave it a final shake.

It smells divine and the other thing about it that soothes me, is that it smells of my mum’s favourite perfume. I lost my mum very suddenly and quite traumatically in 2016. It took me a long time to get over that. This smell reminds me of her, and how wonderful and loving she was, and makes me feel connected to her. The label at the bottom of the jar has her initials as I’ve dedicated this blend to her.

Travel Altar

Following on from my post yesterday about my Altar, I wanted to show you a way you can still have an Altar, but for it to be a bit more discreet. So this will be perfect if you’re in the Broom Closet, don’t have the room, travel frequently, not allowed by your parents or, like me, enjoy taking your practice out into nature.

I found this cute oblong metal tin (I think it’s supposed to be a pencil case) in IKEA a while back, which is decorated to look like a little snake!!

On the inside, I personalised it with some stickers on the bottom part of the tin (from the top down):

• Triple Moon Fertility Goddess to represent my lifelong struggle with infertility;

• A beautiful and colourfull beetle to represent my love for nature; and

• A Mandala to represent my spiritual journey.

Inside the lid, I have three metal flower of life Metatron’s cube stickers, to represent the journey of energy throughout the universe, and of balance within the universe, to aid with meditation. (I am a bit annoyed I put them on a bit wonky, as they’re so thin, I can’t get them off again without ruining them). The contents of my travel altar are as follows:

• Mini besom to symbolically cleanse and purify wherever I decide to do any work;

• A lighter for my candles and incense;

• Mini green, yellow, white, orange, red and black rolled beeswax candles, for any spells, rituals or to signify the fire element when casting my circle;

• A metal disc incense holder;

• The tiniest bottle of Himalayan pink salt to represent the earth element when setting up a protective working space;

• Small glass jar of Samhain Blue Moon water to signify the water element when circle casting;

• ‘Meditation’ scent incense cones to represent the element of air;

• Clear quartz teardrop, to use as a substitute for any other crystal I may need;

• Rosemary essential oil, as Rosemary can be a substitute for any other herb/essential oil I may need;

• Pine cone to signify health and prosperity, healing and protection; and

• Chamomile tea bags, because they’re just lovely.

I just love how cute and organised it is (and that it all fits!) and I can’t wait for the warmer months to use it outside!

Oracle and Tarot Reading: Obstacles and how to overcome them

I’ve been anxious, stressed and down recently, mostly about my day job, as I’ve got a lot of long term projects on and I’m worrying about how they’re going to progress, so I decided to ask my cards what the problem was and what I could do to fix it.

I used my Sacred Geometry Activations Oracle deck for an overall answer and my Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Tarot deck to ask the following questions:

• What is the obstacle?
• What is my path around it?

The Oracle deck provided me with the ‘Allowance’ card. This card advises us to be open about whatever comes our way, without judgement, opinion, fear or resistance and, when we allow it, the Universe becomes our partner throughout all things we do.

I take this to mean that I should stop stressing myself out thinking ahead in my work projects. What will be will be and I’ve come up against obstacles before in schemes and strategies, but have always worked through them methodically, scientifically, accurately and with the support of a fantastic team of specialists. Whatever gets thrown my way, I will strive to work things out and undertake the work to the very best of my ability.

With my Tarot deck, the card I pulled for the obstacle question was the Dragonfly.

The dragonfly is a creature that is ancient, almost ethereal, which awakens a sense of wonder in all of us. It is a symbol of the mind, as it is constantly in motion, moving, shifting, shimmering and changing.

When the dragonfly card appears, it’s worth considering the quality of your mind and perception. Is everything you are expecting going to be as bad as you think? Are you building it up inside your own mind and causing yourself worry over nothing? As things progress, the situation may be much different than you fear it to be. The dragonfly reminds us to calm the mind so the light of wisdom and sense can shine through.

In order to remove the inability to properly concentrate and to clear my busy mind, I need to focus and let myself breathe.

The card I pulled to find my path around the obstacle was the Unicorn.

The Unicorn card itself is meant to reflect your higher self, your wisdom and your aspirations. It is a reminder to keep reaching, searching and working to attain your goal.

The Unicorn tells me that I should have the same faith, belief and trust in myself that others bestow upon me and that I should believe in myself and have faith in my abilities. The Unicorn also tells me that my limits are only the ones defined by myself.

Altar Space

Despite being a secular Witch, I still have an Altar.

Mine is not dedicated to various Deities from different Pantheons, but to nature. This is represented by shells, pebbles, feathers, a mink skull, crystals, candles, lots of cute drawers containing herbs, dried flowers, nuts, berries and seaweed I’ve foraged, my singing bowl, driftwood and pots of seasalt and fossilized sharks teeth.

It also contains items that remind me of my parents and photos of the day my husband and I got engaged and the day we got married. It’s a very special place to me.

I also have some little shelves on the wall above it, where I store more of my crystals, drawer of supplies and some of my many Witchcraft books.

March 2021: Waning Moon Phase

We all know that Witches love the moon and harnessing the power of each moon phase can amplify your workings and make for some amazing results!

Even if you don’t identify as a Witch, most humans feel a great connection to our Earth’s natural satellite.

Considering the moon controls the tides, and up to 60 percent of the adult human body is water, it makes sense that the various stages of the moon affect us in some way. Just ask a Police Officer what their shift is like on a full moon!

Some people mistakenly think that you need to wait for a Full Moon to harness the moon’s energy. The good news is, that all the moon’s phases can be used to give your work that little something extra. But remember, as a Witch, it is you that is the one in charge. Your focus and intent are the catalyst for everything you do, but it never hurts to equip yourself with magickal lunar knowledge and learn how to harness the energy of each moon phase.

To find out what each phase of the moon is at any one time, you can use a variety of lunar websites or moon tracking apps. I use the app ‘Moon’.

As you can see from the screenshot above. the moon is currently in it’s Waning Phase.

The Waning Moon is the time period where the moon is getting darker again, moving from a Full Moon back to a New Moon.

This Waning Moon phase is great for banishing work or for cutting cords with a past lover, toxic friendships or unfulfilling jobs.

However, you don’t always need to banish a person from your life entirely, as some of the most effective banishing work you can do are spells to rid yourself of feelings for someone you know is bad for you, any insecurities you may have or self-doubt about yourself or your abilities.

You can use the Waning Moon phase to make a list of all your fears and insecurities and dispose of it, either by burying it (I would only do this if you wrote insecurities down on something biodegradable, such as a bay leaf, so as not to contribute to littering), burning it (but please be careful and practice proper fire safety precautions) or even flushing it down the toilet (again, please only use material that can safely be flushed)!!

As we move towards the New Moon, through the Waning Moon Phases, it is a great time to start working on a New You!!

Local Legends – Boggart Hole Clough

A few miles outside Manchester City Centre, in the town of Blackley, England, stands an ancient woodland called Boggart Hole Clough.

It consists of over 190 acres (76 hectares) of dense woodland that contains several ‘cloughs’, which is the local word for a steep-sided wooded ravine. It is thought that this woodland originated in the Bronze Ages (3000 BC – 1200 BC) and has a wealth of spiritual history, with a really quite eerie ambience.

The most famous legend of Boggart Hole Clough is that of the Boggart himself!

Some of you may recognise this term from Harry Potter, and, if you do, you will know that a Boggart is known for being a mischievous, goblin like creature. But did you know that this term comes specifically from Lancashire folklore?

It is said that Boggarts have the ability to sour milk, make objects disappear and, most horrifyingly, make dogs unable to walk (poor doggos!!).

According to local legend, the particular Boggart of Boggart Hole Clough lives in an old farmhouse, which has been left to crumble, rot and ruin in the woods, and is almost entirely covered in foliage and hidden in the undergrowth.

However, like Trolls, Boggarts also love to hide out under bridges, in addition to muddy holes, around sharp bends and in bushes.

Like a lot of folklore legends and monsters, Boggarts have a certain liking for children and, tragically, the cases of missing children in Boggart Hole Clough since the 18th century are numerous.

Definitely not a place to be wandering about at night, especially not with your kids or dogs!!

Information not already known by me sourced from the following:
https://propermanchester.com/feature/boggart-hole-clough-is-one-of-the-most-haunted-places-in-greater-manchester/
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boggart_Hole_Clough
https://www.manchestersfinest.com/articles/haunted-manchester-boggart-hole-clough/

Photos:
https://mythology.wikia.org/wiki/Boggart
https://images.app.goo.gl/4vM45mbPu7yu1yDZ8

Magickal Milk Roasted Chicken

I made this a couple of months ago and it went down very well! It’s actually a Jamie Oliver Recipe, but if you look into the properties and benefits of the ingredients used, and cook with specific intent, you can make a much more magickal meal!

INGREDIENTS

• Whole chicken
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 10 cloves garlic, skins left on
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 handful of fresh sage, leaves picked — around 15 to 20 leaves
• 2 lemons

Health Benefits and Magickal Properties

• Sea salt – Salt is great for using both as a magickal tool and ingredient in cooking. Used as a tool, it is often used by witches to cast their circles, as it creates a powerful barrier that can shield and protect you whilst you work. As an ingredient, salt is used for banishing, binding, cleansing, grounding, healing, purification and protection, in addition to blessings and consecrations.

• Black pepper – Black pepper can be used for banishing, binding, home cleansing and protection, repelling, separation and warding.

• Cinnamon – Cinnamon can be used for attention, attraction, business acumen and success, creativity, financial gain, intellectual stimulation and concentration, libido, lust, knowledge, money, power, prosperity, sexual love, success and winning.

• Garlic – Garlic can be used for accident prevention, reversing bad luck, banishing, good luck, illness, jealousy, male fertility, negativity, physical and psychic protection, sleep and virility.

• Sage – Sage is good for balance, honesty, grounding, longevity, mental clarity, truthfulness and wisdom.

• Lemon – Lemons are perfect for purification, happiness, friendship, longevity, purification, refreshment, unity, uplifting, rejuvenation, awareness, love and fidelity.

METHOD

Heat your oven to 190°C (375°F) degrees. Season the chicken with the sea salt and pepper, thinking of the specific intentions that you want to imbue into this meal. I made it for my husband and stepson (with enough leftovers for our two rescue dogs), so my intentions were binding us as a family, grounding us all and protecting us from the current troubles in the world.

Then place a hob/oven proof pot (I used a deep, cast iron, casserole dish, with double handles), that can fit the chicken snugly within it, over a medium-high heat on the hob/stove. Add to this pot the butter and olive oil. When the butter has melted and is starting to foam, add the chicken to the pot and fry it, turning every few minutes, until it has browned all over. I made sure to turn the chicken deosil (clockwise), to promote my positive intentions.

Turn the heat down to low, remove the chicken from the pot and place it onto a plate, then drain off all but a few tablespoons of the fat from the pot.

Then add the cinnamon stick and garlic to the pot and allow them to sizzle in the oil for a minute or two. Return the chicken to the pot, along with the milk and sage leaves. Use a vegetable peeler, or sharp knife (please be careful!) to cut wide strips of skin off both lemons and add them to the pot as well.

Put the pot into the oven and bake for approximately 1.5 hours, basting the chicken occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and tender and the sauce has reduced into a thick, curdled sauce. (If the sauce is reducing too quickly, cover the pot with a lid)

The chicken will be so tender you can just tear portions off and divide between everyone’s plates, making sure to spoon a generous amount of sauce over each serving. We had ours with mini roast potatoes and cauliflower & broccoli cheese, but it goes well with sautéed greens, pasta, rice, potatoes or bread. The leftovers are delicious on sandwiches too!!

I don’t have an photos of the finished product, as it was demolished!!

Self Love and Acceptance Crystal Grid and Dressed Candle

I’ve not been feeling 100% today and with that comes feelings of not being good enough, guilt and just generally being down in the dumps.

I decided to do a self love and acceptance crystal grid and dressed candle.

CRYSTAL GRID

I’ve used a Metatron’s Cube crystal grid, which is a mystical three dimensional cube which is thought to have been used by the Archangel Metatron to watch over the flow of energy connecting earth and the divine. Metatron’s cube also contains all 5 Platonic solids hidden inside it’s structure, symbolising the underlying patterns of the universe.

The Metatron’s Cube spins with energy to help you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, so it’s a perfect basis for my crystal grid.

I used tumbled and chips of rose quartz crystals, as rose quartz is the best stone for self-love, as it’s the emotional crystal known for unconditional love. It also helps you to practice self compassion and love yourself, regardless of any perceived flaws or imperfections! I also used a sweet rose quartz carved angel to remind myself I’m watched over and protected.

I also used a number of different types of amethyst too (tumbled, raw, druzy, double terminated point and elestial crystal point), as amethyst is a great crystal for spiritual self love. It helps you to connect to your higher self and develop the self awareness needed to grow into the best version of yourself. Amethyst also helps to work through shame, fears and dispels all negative energy from your life, including negative thoughts towards yourself!

The last type of crystals I used were a couple of clear quartz tumble stones too, as amplifiers. Clear quartz is also known as the “master healer” and I’ve used it in this grid to amplify the energy and effect of all of other crystals, by absorbing, storing, releasing and regulating their energy. I’ve also used it to draw off any negative energy and to balance and cleanse the energy of the grid.

I cleansed each crystal with Dragons Blood incense, as it is know for increasing the potency of spells for love and said to enhance health. It is also associated with strength, courage and fortitude. I also gently blew the smoke over the whole grid, once complete.

To activate the grid, I set my intention to link the energy of all of the crystals within the grid, so that they work cohesively towards my intention for self love and acceptance. I moved from the outside, towards the centre, to “draw” a visualised line of energy from crystal to crystal, moving clockwise. I continued in this fashion until I connected all of the crystals and until I reached the center of the grid.

I also placed two jasmine tea lights on either side of the grid for love and peace.

DRESSED CANDLE

For the dressed candle, I used a pink candle as pink is a color of love, but it’s softer and gentler colour than red, so therefore great for self-care. Pink is incredibly healing, especially in matters of love.

I dressed the candle with rose essential oil, as this is fantastic for balancing you, strengthen your inner being, supporting the Heart Chakra and encouraging patience and love.

Onto the dressed candle I sprinkled dried dark-pink rose petals for love and happiness.

Before I lit the candle, I meditated for a short while and visualised myself feeling better, but also reminding myself that it’s OK to have bad days and I shouldn’t be too hard on myself when I have them. I am still the same person, just as worthy of love from myself and others and that those days always pass, with better ones coming along.

Sleepy Tea

When my husband or I struggle to sleep, I make us both this ‘sleepy tea’ and it works really well (with the added bonus of vivid dreams and occasional lucid dreaming!). I know most people have their own version of this, but here’s the recipe I use.

The ingredients are as follows:

🚫 Please check that you aren’t allergic to any ingredients, that they’re safe to take whilst pregnant or breast feeding or there aren’t any contraindications with medication you are prescribed or taking over the counter. 🚫

• Dried mugwort to relieve sleeplessness and induce vivid dreams (do NOT use if you are pregnant);
• Dried lemon balm to improve sleep quality;
• Dried chamomile to induce/initiate sleep (you can use chamomile teabags); and
• Dried Yarrow for it’s mild sedative properties.

I add one teaspoon of each herb per person, boiled up in just over two mugs worth of water (as some water will steam off) in a pan for 5/6 minutes.

Stirring clockwise occasionally, imbued with your intent for a good nights sleep. I often combine this with a spray I created, made from a around 200ml moon water and 10-12 drops of lavender essential oil, sprayed on our pillows and the tops of our duvet, 10-15 minutes before bed.

Drain and strain the herby liquid mixture through muslin (or a clean tea towel, even kitchen roll) in a fine sieve and squeeze the pulp in the muslin to get every drop of lovely liquid out. Sweeten with honey (or sweetening of your choice) to taste.

Drink around half an hour before bed and you’ll have a great nights sleep and some pretty awesome dreams!!

Pain Relief Bath Salts

I have a number of chronic illnesses and conditions, some of which cause muscle stiffness and joint pain. Although I have medication prescribed to me, I often like to turn to more natural remedies to try and heal myself, before I start taking pain meds that make me feel woozy.

I make a number of bath salt recipes for various purposes, but here’s my recipe for pain relief salt.

• Himalayan pink salt for cleansing, centering and grounding;
• Fresh Rosemary (coarsely chopped) for invigoration and healing;
• 6-8 drops of teatree essential oil to reduce inflammation and soothe and relieve psoriasis (the cause of my psoriatic arthritis);
• 6-8 drops of lavender essential oil for healing and for it’s antinflammatory properties;
• Cinnamon essential oil to increase blood circulation to soothe aching muscles and rheumatic joints; and
• Mixed spice (allspice) powder for healing.

I first put the mixed spice into a jar and then added the salt. I popped on the lid and gave it a good shake to mix it. I then added each essential oil 2-3 drops at a time, again putting the lid on and shaking to mix well in between each addition. Each time I shook it I thought of my intention for this to soothe and heal me whilst soaking in a bath containing a few spoonfuls of the salt mixture. The last thing I added was the chopped fresh Rosemary and gave it a final shake. It smells absolutely amazing and, even though I don’t like having to use it, as it means I’ll be hurting, at the same time I always LOVE to use it!

Black Salt

An important ingredient used in a lot of Witchcraft is black salt, as it’s a very useful protective tool and it can also be used for warding against negative energies.

Here’s my preferred recipe for making black salt:

• Dried sage for banishing and protection;
• Dried Basil for peace and protection;
• Dried bay leaf for protection and warding off negativity and evil;
• Dragon’s Blood incense ash (that I’ve been collecting) for cleansing;
• Black pepper for banishing negativity and for protection against evil; and
• Himalayan pink salt for protection against evil, cleansing and purification.

I used a charcoal coal in my mini cauldron (yes, I know it’s cliched, but it’s a mini one and it’s so cute!) to burn all of the ingredients (except the salt and pepper). I’d suggest doing this outside, as it absolutely STINKS!!

Once it’d all burned and cooled off, I ground it all up with my pestle in my cauldron, then thoroughly mixed in the salt and pepper, then popped it all in a jar.

Yarrow and Salad Burnett

At the front of our house, I keep a ‘wild patch’, purely for the bees and insects. I let it mainly do what it wants, but every year I scatter bee friendly, locally sourced, flower and plant species, to help it along. It doesn’t always look ‘pretty’, some people may think they’re just ‘weeds’, but to me, because of what it’s for, it’s the most beautiful little patch!

Here’s some bees enjoying it over a few years of summers.

Some of the species in there are quite surprising and I have found both Yarrow and Salad Burnet!

Here’s their properties:

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

This plant is often referred to as the ‘Witches Herb’, and has historically been widely used in spells (for psychic powers, love, courage, exorcism, dreams, peace, happiness and protection), for divination and to divert evil spells.

Yarrow was also used by the Druids for weather prediction and young people would use it to show a vision of who their true love might be.

It is said that if you carry yarrow with you, it can allay your fears and bring you personal courage. Also, keeping yarrow under your pillow is supposed to enhance prophetic dreams.

Yarrow can be drunk in a tea or burned as incense, to increase your psychic powers. Burning as an incense blend is also done to invite love, happiness and peace.

Salad Burnet (Sanguisorba Officinalis)

Salad Burnet is one of the few wild species which supplies edible greenery for most of the year. It is used as an ingredient in both salads and dressings, having a flavor described as ‘light cucumber’ and can be swapped with mint leaves in some recipes. Typically, the youngest leaves are used, as they tend to become bitter as they age.

Salad Burnet is listed as an ingredient in some French and Italian recipes, and is often available in markets there in bunches with other herbs and salad greens.

The Latin portion of it’s scientific name, Sanguisorba, translates as ‘drink up blood’ and refers to its astringent qualities, and it has been used to prevent hemorrhages and internal bleeding. Knowing this, soldiers of old would drink tea made from the herb before going into battle, in the hope that any wounds they received would be less severe. It was also used as an anti-Plague (the Black Plague, not COVID-19 unfortunately) tonic and one of 21 herbs combined and dissolved in wine.

In magickal terms, salad burnet can be used for protection, consecration of ritual tools, and counter magick. It also used to magickally treat depression and despondency (but advice from a medical professional should always be sought first).

It just goes to show, Witchcraft doesn’t have to be expensive. Take (respectfully and with thanks) what you have around you. There are plenty of plant identification apps, or use Google Lens, if you’re unsure of what plant it is.

Research it’s properties for magickal uses and health benefits. You may find that one ingredient you’ve been trying to source for a spell or ritual has been growing in your garden, or school grounds or on your walk to work all along!! Take notice of what Mother Nature has provided for you and always be thankful for her bounty.

All information on the herbs sourced from the following, but rewritten in my own words.
https://rowanandsage.com
https://coven.thethriftywitch.com

Wizards Wood – Alderly Edge, Cheshire

In October 2020 my family and I visited Wizard Woods in Alderly Edge, Cheshire. We did lots of exploring and the beautiful autumnal leaves covered everything in copper, orange, red and brown tones.

There were a lot of people there today, so too busy really to do any proper grounding (it was so noisy!!), but it was still nice to get out in nature and see what we could find. The views from the top were amazing too!

I only managed to forage some sweet chestnuts (my fingertips were so sore after opening them!!) and holly berries.

Sweet chestnuts: Can be used for purging, banishing rituals and in spellwork. Placing a bowl of sweet chestnuts in each room of a new home can be done for blessing the home and to attract abundance and prosperity. They are good for peace of mind. They can be eaten to encourage fertility and desire and may be carried as a charm by women who wish to conceive. It is said that sitting underneath the sweet chestnut tree can help ground and clarify the mind during meditation.

Holly berries: Can be used in consecration and in spells for material gain, physical revenge, beauty, protection (especially against lightening), luck and dream magic. They can also be used in any ritual relating to death and rebirth.

I also found two cool pebbles. One has veins of quartz in it and the other is an entire quartz pebble!!

Fenster Elestial Quartz

I bought a Fenster Elestial Quartz a few weeks ago. It’s just SO BEAUTIFUL and I wanted to share it with you all. It will be so useful in my continuing journey in both Witchcraft and Reiki.

Fenster Elestial Quartz is a variety of clear quartz, silicon dioxide and a type of clear elestial quartz, and is also known as Window Quartz. It is characterised by its ‘skeletal’ appearance with inner ‘windows’ that are present inside the main crystal body and is often double terminated (a point at each end), such as this one is.

It is known as a high vibration healing stone for all the chakras/energy centres, by bringing a flow of divine energy through them.

Psychologically, it’s a stone of change and transformation, dissolves confusion and fear and brings about soul healing. They also help us let go of old emotions, those that no longer serve us. It additionally assists with removing compulsions and obsessions of all kinds and helps break codependency behaviour.

They are also very beneficial for transmitting healing light and for doing high vibration work, such as crystal healing/reiki.

The internal windows in these stones open into another world and stimulate clairvoyance and inner sight.

The Origins of Melusina

I thought I’d write a blog about my ‘witch name’, where it originated and why I chose it.

The name is Melusina (pronounced Mel-oo-sin-ah in English and Mel-you-seen-ah in French/Italian).

When I first joined an online community for witchcraft, I used my first name and a photo of me as my profile picture. Like a lot of other people, male, female and everyone in between, I got unwanted messages, mainly from guys.

This was easily taken care of by telling them it was inappropriate, reporting them to the Leaders of said community, or blocking them, dependant upon how persistent they were.

Then, one particular ‘gentleman’ somehow, from a mere first name and photo, found my Facebook profile and tried to add me as a friend, following this up with a message saying he wanted to get to know me more!! STALKER ALERT!!

Sufficed to say, the Leaders of that particular community (I’m talking to you Romeo!! 😊) were absolutely fantastic, very supportive and kicked him from the site!! It was then I decided to welcome the anonymity of a witch name for myself, along with a funky artists impression of Melusina herself.

Melusina Melusina by Peipp on Deviant Art

Melusina originates from European (mainly France and Luxembourg) folklore/mythology and was a female spirit of fresh water in a sacred spring or river.

She is depicted as a woman, who is a serpent or fish from the waist down (like a mermaid). She is also shown with wings, two tails, or both.

Her story originates from the time of the Crusades. The King of Albany (an old name for Scotland), Elynas, went hunting one day and came across a beautiful lady in the forest. She was called Pressyne, and was Melusina’s mother. He persuaded her to marry him, but she made him promise that he must not enter her chamber when she birthed or bathed her children.
She gave birth to triplet girls, but the King broke his promise and spied on Pressyne bathing her children, so she left the kingdom, together with her three daughters, and traveled to the lost Isle of Avalon.

The three girls, Melusina, Melior and Palatyne, grew up in Avalon and on their fifteenth birthday, Melusina asked why they had been taken to Avalon. Upon hearing of their father’s broken promise, Melusina sought revenge and she and her sisters captured Elynas and locked him, along with all of his riches, in a mountain.

Pressyne became enraged when she learned what the girls had done, and punished them for their disrespect to their father. Melusina was condemned to take the form of a serpent from the waist down every Saturday. In some stories, she takes on the form of a mermaid.

Statue of Melusina at Europa Park – Germany. Photo by MaxxieFactor on Flickr

A nobleman, Raymond of Poitou, came across Melusina in the forest of Coulombiers, in Poitou, France, and proposed marriage to her. Just as her mother had done, she made a condition that he must never enter her chamber on a Saturday. He eventually broke the promise and saw her in the form of a part-woman, part-serpent, but she forgave him.

Raymond walks in on his wife, Melusina, in her bath, and discovers she has the lower body of a serpent. Illustration from the Jean d’Arras work, Le livre de Mélusina (The Book of Melusina), 1478

Melusina’s secret discovered, from Le Roman de Mélusina by Jean d’Arras, ca 1450–1500. Bibliothèque nationale de France

Later, during a disagreement between Melusina and Raymond, he called her a “serpent” in front of his court. She then assumed the form of a dragon, provided him with two magic rings, and flew off, never to return.

Daily Witchcraft

A lot of the time, Witchcraft isn’t complicated. It’s not all about casting circles, long and contracted rituals and spell casting. It about saying daily affirmations out loud, stirring love and positive intent into a meal you’re making for your loved ones or carrying crystals in your pocket (or bra, I don’t judge!). It can also look like self care. Ritual baths, filled with fragrant and healing salts, oils and herbs. Taking that time out to be on your own, so you’ve got peace and quiet, space to be reflective and mindful and you can just ‘be’.

I’m relaxing in a bath with a lavender & jasmine epsom salt blend, dead sea minerals, hemp, coconut and lime bubbles, nag champa oil, candles and freesia and sweet pea incense.

I can just relax, clear my mind, not worry about what I’ve got to do tomorrow, or whether what I’ve done today was good enough. I just need to know that I do my best in everything and that’s all I can ask of myself. Now’s the time to just be present in the moment.

Sea Witchery: Magickal Properties and Correspondences

I’ve always, right from being a toddler, been fascinated by the sea and my absolute most favourite place on Earth to be is on a beach or in the ocean. I love the sea so much, that I have got two coastal/marine related degrees/qualifications and have worked for the past 21 years protecting and enhancing the environment of multiple areas along the UK’s coast.

Kelp beds at Cullercoats Bay, North Shields, England, taken whilst on marine biology field work with Newcastle University

If you’re lucky enough to live by the ocean, or can travel to one without much difficulty, there’s a plethora of items and treasures you can forage to use within your craft.

One of my coastal defence schemes at St. Annes, England

Whenever I do go foraging on the coast, I usually take an empty rubbish bag with me to pick up and take home any rubbish I find, as my way of giving thanks for the items I’ve taken.

Gorgeous clean beaches at Bentota, Sri Lanka

Here’s a run down of the various types of treasures you could pick up from a day at the seaside, in addition to their magickal and metaphysical properties.

TYPES OF WATER

• Seawater: Used for health, magickal power and manifestation of goals. An old Welsh belief states that a spoonful of seawater a day will ensure a long and healthy life.

• Beach Water (e.g. from rockpools or beach ponds): Used for rituals, spells, fascinations and meditations.

Beach pond at one of my coastal defence sites in Bispham, Blackpool, UK

• Harbor water: Used to promote abundance and prosperity, in addition to also serving as an aid in banishing things.

SEA GLASS

Sea glass is thought to be a symbol of renewal, relaxation and have healing properties.

Spiritually, our relationship to sea glass shows us that, like sea glass, as it’s been eroded, tumbled and smoothed, we too often have to lose some of our ‘selves’, when we overcome pressures and work through our adversities. We lose our sharp and jagged edges, wash away some of our impurities and our labels peel away. Just like sea glass, we are also often lead on a trajectory or down a road we do not plan, even after we tried our best to stay on course. Often we are thrown away, only to be reshaped by our environment, in order that we may come back more beautiful than ever.

It all depends on how we learn to adjust, cope and adapt, to make the best of the situation we’ve been thrust into and also how we learn to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves to us.

• Clear sea glass – Can be used for healing, peace, spirituality, purity and sincerity.

• Green sea glass – Useful for abundance, prosperity, hope, growth, emotional stability, helping to navigate through loss/grief and increasing love and compassion. Good for working with panic attacks and addiction.

• Blue sea glass – Can be used in spells and rituals relating to creativity, intuition, inspiration, peace, joy, tranquility, faith in yourself, trusting others and easing loneliness.

• Foggy sea glass – Can be used in curses to interfere with the target’s ability to think clearly.

BEACH STONES AND PEBBLES

Beach stones can be any class of stone that has been touched my the water of oceans, seas or the waves along the coast. They have all been moved around, nurtured, tumbled and tossed by the waves and currents. I don’t know about you guys, but I have a huge affinity for smooth pebbles and have loads dotted all over the house. They make me feel grounded and the tactile nature of them instantly calms me.

A small selection of stones and pebbles I’ve collected over the years

PIECES OF CORAL

Corals are developed through an ancient and unique partnership known as symbiosis. This is a collaboration that benefits both animal and plant alike. Corals are classified as animals, as they do not make their own food, like plants do.

Corals themselves have tiny, tentacle-like, ‘arms’ that they use to capture their food from the water, then they use these arms to sweep the food into their mouths. Most structures that we call “coral” are, in fact, made up of hundreds, to thousands upon thousands, of tiny coral creatures called polyps. Each soft-bodied polyp secretes a hard exoskeleton of limestone (calcium carbonate) that attaches to either rocks in the sea, or the dead skeletons of other polyp colonies.

Corals under UV light at The Deep Aquarium, Hull, England during an evening conference dinner

In the case of stony or hard corals, which you find most often washed up on the shore, these polyp conglomerates grow, die and endlessly repeat this cycle over time, often hundreds, to hundreds of thousands, of years (the Great Barrier Reef is thought to be approximately 500,000 years old!!), slowly laying the limestone foundation for coral reefs and giving shape to the familiar corals that reside there. Because of this cycle of growth, death, and regeneration among individual polyps, many coral colonies can live for a very long time. Corals, as a species, have been around for 500 Million years!

Although coral is not a crystal, it has been used for centuries for its healing properties. Also, since ancient times, coral has been used as a divination tool for casting (similar to runes or bone throwing) and the stone is thought to tap into your intuitive nature to help with psychic and energy work.

SHELLS

Seashells are natural vessels. which can be used for cleansing and make a great carrier for incense. They can be placed on your altar, as a reminder of fun times on holiday or at your local beach, or as a tribute to nature and all her powers.

Limpet shell, carrying barnacles and periwinkles

They can also represent the element of water when casting a circle. As they protect the soft bodied invertebrates they contain, such as molluscs or hermit crabs, they can be used in protection and shielding rituals and spells.

Selection of shells on a wall underwater at Porth Dafarch beach, Anglesey, Wales

SEA SALT

Salt is one of the easiest and most effective remedies on the earth! Sea salt, which is a salt obtained by evaporating seawater, is used for cleansing negative energy and life’s impurities. It can be used to cleanse (salt safe) crystals and be used in a multitude of spells and rituals due to it’s metaphysical properties of and for abundance, manifestation, anchoring and grounding, devotion, spiritual development, hospitality, domestic harmony, purification, spiritual protection, balancing emotions, well being, vitality, and longevity.

FOSSILIZED SHARKS TEETH

As fossilized shark teeth are the remains of predatory animals, they can be used to cause harm through curses and hexes, as they’re seen as an aggressive tool in magick.

Fossilized shark teeth found on beaches in Florida, USA

Wolf Moon Crystal Grid

For the Wolf (or Howling) Moon (on 28th January), I created a crystal grid in our sitting room, which I left until the Snow Moon on the 27th of February. I wanted to leave it intact for a long as possible, in order to manifest my intent, which is written down and folded up, underneath the clear quartz crystal point.

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ:⠀ *⋆.*:･ﾟ .: ⋆*･ﾟ: .⋆

For the Wolf Moon, it was time to set intentions, adapt, release commitments that no longer suit our souls and nourish our hearts with new energies.

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ:⠀ *⋆.*:･ﾟ .: ⋆*･ﾟ: .⋆

The crystals I used within the grid, and their specific correspondences, are as follows:

• Amethyst tumble stones – Amethyst is a natural tranquiliser, can relieve stress, sooth irritability, balance moods, dispel fear and anxiety, alleviate sadness and dissolve negativity.

• Adventurine tumble stones – Aventurine is a stone of prosperity, which can also promote compassion and empathy, encourage perseverance, stabilise your state of mind and aids in seeing alternatives and new possibilities. It can also help to calm anger and irritation, promoting a more harmonious life.

• Carnelian tumble stones – Carnelian is a stabilising stone, which can restore vitality and motivation, promote positive life choices, dispel apathy and also aids with success. In addition, it can also sharpen concentration, dispel mental lethargy, protect against resentment, calm anger and banishes emotional negativity, replacing it with a love of life.

• Blue calcite carved heart – Blue calcite invokes a calm and serene energy, assists to lessen anxiety and relaxes nerves. It also encourages peaceful communication.

• Selenite carved heart – Selenite assists with clarity of the mind and expanding awareness of yourself and your surroundings. It is also a calming stone that instils peace, is excellent for meditation and assists with judgement and insight. It can also help to clear confusion and aids in seeing the deeper picture.

• Clear quartz tumble stones – Clear Quartz is known as the “master healer” and I’ve used it in this grid to amplify the energy and effect of all of other crystals, by absorbing, storing, releasing and regulating their energy. I’ve also used it to draw off any negative energy and to balance and cleanse the energy of the grid.

• Clear quartz point – The clear quartz point at the centre of the crystal grid configuration provides a focus for all of the other crystals energy and directs the energy upwards into the Universe.

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ:⠀ *⋆.*:･ﾟ .: ⋆*･ﾟ: .⋆

I cleansed each crystal with frankincense incense, for raising vibrations, calming, grounding and peacefulness, then gently blew the smoke over the whole grid, once complete.

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ:⠀ *⋆.*:･ﾟ .: ⋆*･ﾟ: .⋆

To activate the grid, I set my intention to link the energy of all of the crystals within the grid, so that they work cohesively towards my intention. I moved from the outside, towards the centre, to “draw” a visualised line of energy from crystal to crystal, moving clockwise. I continued in this fashion until I connected all of the crystals and until I reached the center of the grid.

Crystals for Arthritis and or Osteoarthritis

**PLEASE NOTE: I am not medically trained and none of the advice given is meant to be used in place of proper medical advice given by your doctor, primary care physician or rheumatologist. They are suggestions to be potentially used alongside proper medical advice and treatment**.

I, like many other people in the world, suffer from arthritis. For those of you who don’t know, arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and swelling (inflammation) in the joints. Unfortunately, I developed it quite young, as it usually occurs in adults over the age of 65. I had it officially diagnosed in my early 40’s, but looking back I’ve had this since my early 30’s and have been trying to get diagnosed since then (which is difficult when doctors won’t believe you, as you’re ‘too young’).

Mine is focussed on my lower joints; hips, knees, ankles and feet. It’s also a weird one, as what I have is called psoriatic arthritis and is linked to my skin condition of psoriasis, which is conversely only on my arms.

I decided to research what crystals can be used for Arthritis and/or Osteoarthritis, in the hopes that I could find some relief, as sometimes my prescribed medication, TENS machine, oils, creams, exercises and painkillers just still don’t completely rid me of my stiffness and pain.

I wanted to share what I found with all of you, in the hopes it could help you or a loved one.

First of all, Calcite and Magnesite help with calcification, which can be a major contributing factor to some types of arthritis.

• For increasing mobility in the joints, Fluorite or Red Calcite are good to use.

• To strengthen the joints, Aragonite and Calcite are the stones best suited.

• Malachite can be used to deal with swelling.

• Crystals recommended for pain relief can also assist with providing relief from the pain of arthritis, such as Amber, Amethyst, Dendritic Agate, Boji Stones, Aragonite, Celestite, Fluorite, Hematite, Lapis Lazuli, Larimar, Malachite, Magnetite/Lodestone, Clear Quartz, Sugilite, Mahogany Obsidian, Seraphinite, Smokey Quartz, Rose Quartz, Tourmaline and Green Aventurine. Also Kunzite is useful to deal with the pain associated with this complaint.

• Clear Quartz is reputed as the master and all-round healer, plus it is an energiser, so combining it with say Fluorite (or your chosen stone) should lead to better results.

• Obsidian (best used for short periods only) and Rhodonite can also contribute to repair and provide a degree of pain relief.

• Agate can also be used for the relief of rheumatism.

• Hematite, Malachite, Rhodonite and Lapis Lazuli deal with inflammation.

The stones/crystals I’ve mentioned can either be put straight on the skin (but not on any broken or damaged skin), or (if it is safe to do so with each specific stone), put into massage oil and used on the effected area.