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I decided we needed a bit of decadence in our lives and also to attract a bit of abundance and good luck, after a period of illness and just generally being down in the dumps.

We all love flapjacks (the English version, not the American version, which is another name for a pancake) and you can load them with anything you want, but I decided to make them with dates, maple syrup, goji berries and barberries.

Dates
The date palm tree yields an abundance of fruit, and due to this, is considered potent for magick concerning abundance. Dates are also associated with bountifulness, opulence and luxuriance, as well as good luck.

Maple Syrup
Maple trees symbolise balance, offerings, practical magick, promise, longevity and generosity. Maple is also useful for spiritual healing and can be used in Kitchen Witchery for love spells and spiritual healing.

Goji Berries
Goji berries are known as being a vitalising fruit that promotes longevity and youthfulness. The berries can be eaten fresh, or dried as a snack food, and are widely known as being a superfood.

They are also very rich in nutrients and promote a tonic, restorative benefit, which are high in antioxidants, protein and vitamin C, which means they are ideal in stress situations or during convalescence.

Barberries
Barberries are known to provide protection, assist with positive energy flow and warding away negative energy.

INGREDIENTS

• 250g (8oz) butter;

• 250g (8oz) soft light brown sugar;

• 4tbsp maple syrup;

• 300g (10oz) porridge oats; and

• 250g (8oz) stoned dates, goji berries and barberries (in any ratio you want), roughly chopped.

METHOD

Melt the butter, sugar and maple syrup in a small saucepan.

Stir the oats and chopped dates, goji berries and barberries into the melted mixture in a deosil, or sunward (clockwise), direction (which is considered to be the “prosperous course”), and imbue with your intent for abundance and good luck, and transfer into a shallow oven proof dish, lined with baking parchment or well greased. Spread out evenly and press down well.

Bake in the centre of the oven at 170°C (325°F, gas mark 3) for 40-45 minutes or until the flapjacks are a light golden colour.

Remove from the oven and leave the flapjacks to cool for about 10 minutes. Then cut the mixture into portions, but leave in the tin until completely cold.

Remove from the dish and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

I forgot to get a photo of the finished product, and it all went so quickly, so sorry about that!

SOURCES
https://wytchwood.com/pages/maple-magick
https://witchipedia.com/book-of-shadows/herblore/maple/
https://starchild.co.uk/products/goji-berries?variant=12527059763271

As I’ve been really poorly for the past few weeks, I feel like I’ve neglected my lovely hubby a bit. He understands completely though, but you know how it is when you’re ill…..intimacy kind of takes a back seat.

I wanted to find a way to thank him for looking after me, being patient with me and generally being a great husband, so I decided the best way was to cook him something lovely, as the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach (apparently). However, I wanted to use ingredients to signify love and lust.

I decided to make a homemade crumble, to be served hot, with vanilla icecream.

INGREDIENTS

PEARS

Magickal and Metaphysical Properties

It is thought that, due to the pear’s feminine shape, they can be used as a powerful ingredient for love spells, or intimacy spells, and also to boost your feminine energy and sex appeal.

Medicinal Properties

Pears are also really good for improving digestion and can also act as an antispasmodic, help soothe the linings of the stomach and intestinal tract, assist beneficial bacteria, get rid of unproductive bacteria, parasites and fungus.

The little granules you can often feel in a pear’s flesh are loaded with helpful phytochemicals, trace minerals and amino acids, such as valine, histidine, threonine and lysine. These trace minerals and amino acids combine and lock onto poisons in the body, such as pesticides, and helps to expel them from your system.

Trace mineral salts within the flesh also make the juice of a pear high in electrolytes, which can also help to stabilise blood sugar (which is great for my hubby, as he’s diabetic).

MANGOES

Magickal and Metaphysical Properties

Mangoes can aid in family reconnection and aid in general happiness. They are also said to represent lust and can also inspire romance.

Mango’s Medicinal Properties

When used alongside, and with, your doctor’s recommendations, mangoes have been seen as being effective against anemia, digestive issues and heart Issues.

**Warning – If you are diabetic, please talk to your doctor before consuming mangoes and do not consume mangos if you have an allergy.**

CINNAMON
Cinnamon is linked to spirituality, healing, lust and love.

CRUMBLE RECIPE

• 3 medium pears, peeled and cubed;
• 1 large mango, peeled and cubed with the large stone removed;
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice;
• 3 tablespoons sugar;
• 3 tablespoons rolled oats;
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour;
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon;
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger;
• Dash ground nutmeg; and
•1 tablespoon cold butter.

Directions

Place pear and mango cubes in a greased baking dish and sprinkle with lemon juice.

In a large bowl, combine the sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg.

Cut or rub in butter until well mixed and crumbly and sprinkle over pears and mangoes.

Bake at 350°F (around 175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.

Serve with icecream, custard or heavy cream and enjoy!

SOURCES
https://magickalspot.com/pear-tree-symbolism-meaning/
https://thefreedompromise.com/blog/explore-the-healing-powers-of-pears/
https://plentifulearth.com/magical-properties-of-mango-how-to-use-mango-in-spells/

I’ve just signed up for a Fully Accredited (from the the Complementary Therapists Accreditation Association (CTAA)), flexible and distance learning, course and certification in Natural Medicine and Herbalism, for which I will receive a “Certificate of Natural Medicine” (Cert NatMed) upon completion.

The course covers the following topics:

• Natural and Complementary Medicine;

• Herbalism;

• Homeopathy;

• Aromatherapy;

• Tissue Salts;

• Colloidal Minerals;

• Herbal Medicine;

• Natural Health; and

• Naturopathy.

What the course teaches and provides:

• Certificate in Herbalism;
• Natural Medicine remedies for home usage;
• Natural healthcare;

• Natural antivirals and antibacterials;
• Natural ways to boost your immune system;
• What Natural Medicine is, what it encompasses and how to understand each of it’s branches; 
• How to stay healthy using everyday Herbs and Plants;

• Natural ways to boost your immune system;
• Natural antimicrobials;
• How to use your new knowledge of Natural Medicine to help to improve your own health and that of others;
• Which kind of health properties you can find in different Herbs and Plants;

• How to use Homeopathy and Homeopathics to help with common ailments;
• How to use Tissue Salts to help treat issues such as inflammation, pain, and nausea;
• How to use colloidal suspensions; and
• How to purify contaminated water to make it safe for drinking by using colloidal iodine.

I’m really excited and so looking forward to starting it and developing my knowledge in herbology and natural medicine!!

So with me having this nasty, and very hard to shift chest infection, I’m now on my THIRD round of antibiotics!! We all know what that can mean girls……the dreaded yeast infection!!

I’ve got some proper medication for this, but want to see if I can shift it more quickly, as if you’ve ever had it, you’ll know how annoying, itchy, sore and irritating it is.

I’ve decided to make a herbal infusion to drink to try and get this shifted.

**Disclaimer: Any medicinal benefits given here are a product of my own research and as such should not be taken over the advice of trained medical professionals. If you are ill, please go and see a doctor. Always make sure that anything you consume is 100% safe. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor or midwife before consuming something you haven’t tried before**.

Here’s what I’ve used.

WILD OREGANO
The oil of wild oregano (Origanum vulgare) can be used to treat yeast infections and a 2017 study found oregano oil to be effective in altering the growth of Candidia albicans. I’ve got this growing as part of my live plant apothecary, so I’ve taken a small handful of leaves and crushed them with my fingers to release their oils.

**WARNING: Oil of oregano is a natural blood thinner, so don’t use it if you take blood thinners for another health condition. In addition, don’t use it if you have blood-clotting issues, such as from a vitamin K deficiency**.

SEA BUCKTHORN
Vitamin C is an immune system booster and a strong immune system allows your body to bring itself back into balance.

Vitamin C, also has antimicrobial components, so some people add it to their diet to treat Candida overgrowths.

Sea buckthorn is very high in Vitamin C, with values of approximately 400 mg/100 g. It also contains omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, the rare omega-7, almost every vitamin and mineral your body needs, antioxidants and over 190 phytonutrients!!

In addition, sea buckthorn is also known to keep your mucous membranes moist and healthy, greatly reduce vaginal dryness symptoms and reduce the risk of getting yeast infections.

I’ve used a heaped tablespoon of dried sea buckthorn berries.

BARBERRY
The active compound of berberine found in Barberry has a powerful antibacterial action, which can help to combat bacterial Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). Research shows that this compound is effective for UTIs due to its ability to inhibit bacterial adhesion to uroepithelial cells (the cells lining the surface of the urinary bladder) and will also soothe an inflamed urinary tract.

I’ve used a heaped tablespoon of dried barberries.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
The addition of apple cider vinegar will help change the pH of the vagina, making it less hospitable for Candida.

I’ve used two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.

METHOD
Pop all the ingredients into a French press (caffetiere) and add 300ml just boiled water. Leave everything to infuse for 5 minutes, then press the plunger and give it some good squishes on the bottom to force every last bit of goodness out of the dried berries. Sweeten well (to counteract the bitterness of the berries and apple cider vinegar), preferably with honey, as honey has an antifungal effect against Candida species.

Sources
https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/yeast-infection-home-remedy
https://www.foragebotanicals.co.uk/forage-botanicals/thrush-herbs-and-home-remedies
https://www.lipintimatecare.com/single-post/2017/08/24/why-use-sea-buckthorn-down-there
https://academic.oup.com/mmy/article/44/3/289/970394

I’ve been having a really upset stomach recently, due to a reaction to a second lot of antibiotics and steroids in two weeks, so I’ve made this infusion to help settle my tummy.

Here’s what I used:

Barberry (five teaspoons)
Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is a bush native to Europe, North Africa and in many regions of North America.

The medicinal use of barberry dates back over two and half thousand millennia and has been widely used as a folk medicine to treat diarrhea, reduce fever, improve appetite and relieve upset stomachs, in addition to promoting vigor and to bring about a sense of well being.

There have even been studies conducted that have shown that barberries have numerous other health benefits, including anti-inflammatory ones, and has the potential to treat a variety of other disorders, such as diabetes, liver disease, gallbladder pain, digestive, urinary tract diseases and gallstones.

It was also used topically (directly onto the skin), to treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne and minor wounds.

It is thought that the active compound in barberry is a phytochemical (alkaloid) called berberine.

Hibiscus (generous pinch)
There are several hundred species of hibiscus worldwide that vary by the location and climate they grow in. However, Hibiscus sabdariffa is most commonly used to make hibiscus tea.

Hibiscus tea is made by steeping parts of the hibiscus plant in boiling water, which producer a tart flavor, similar to that of cranberries.

Research has uncovered a range of health benefits linked to drinking hibiscus tea, showing that it may lower blood pressure, fight bacteria and even aid weight loss.

Hibiscus tea has also been used traditionally to treat bacterial infections, coughing and poor appetite. It has also been used for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. In addition, drinking hibiscus tea may help with digestive orders, such as an upset stomach, as it can help relax the smooth muscle of the intestine.

Ginger Root (half teaspoon)
Ginger is a flowering plant whose rhizome (ginger root or ginger) is widely used as a spice and in folk medicine. It is a herbaceous perennial which grows annual pseudostems, about one meter tall, with narrow leaf blades.

Ginger is in the same family as turmeric and cardamom and has been proven to be effective at treating nausea, vomiting and upset stomachs. It has also been known to treat morning sickness, muscle pain and menstrual pain.

Studies have also shown that ginger can be a very effective treatment for some kinds of stomach upset. A natural anti-inflammatory, ginger is available in many forms, all of which can help.

Method
I used my French-press for this one, as I wanted it to steep and to be able to squeeze those lovely juices out of the barberries!

I just placed all the ingredients in the press container and filled it with just boiled water. I let it steep for 10-15 minutes, then plunged the press right to the bottom and gave it a couple of repetitive squishes at the bottom to push every last bit of goodness out. Sweeten to taste and enjoy!

Sources:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/barberry-berberis-vulgaris-what-you-need-to-know-89546
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hibiscus-tea-benefits
https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/natural-upset-stomach-remedies

A rare super blood moon will be over the UK’s skies tonight as two rare lunar events coincide.

The event is a combination of a lunar eclipse and two more unusual occurrences – a ‘super moon’ and a ‘blood moon’.

A ‘blood moon’ is when the Moon appears to turn red during a total lunar eclipse. This happens the only light reaching the Moon is from the edges of the Earth’s atmosphere and this has caused all the blue light to be ‘scattered out’, leaving red light to be reflected off the Moon’s surface and making it appear red in the sky as we look at it from Earth.

A ‘super moon’ is actually a colloquial name for something astrologers call a perigean full moon. That is, a full moon that occurs when the moon as its closest point to the Earth during its orbit, making it appear bigger in the night sky.

The super blood moon will be visible over the UK in the early hours, according to NASA.

🌼💛 Hello, I’m a dandelion.

A lot of people call me a weed but I’m a friend and come to help you!

When you see me, remember that I’m the ONLY one who wants and can grow in that particular spot. Because:

• Either the soil is too compact / hard / stomped and I want to loosen it for you with my roots.

• Or there is too little calcium in the soil – don’t worry, I will replenish that for you with the dying of my leaves.

• Or the soil is too acidic. But I will also improve that for you if you give me the chance.

• Or a mixture of the above reasons, of course.

I’m here because your soil needs my help, so best you let me grow without disturbing me! When everything is fixed, I will disappear again, I promise!

Are you trying to remove me prematurely with my root? However meticulous you are, I will return 2x as strong! Just until your soil is improved.

You can even tell by my growth at which stage my help is at. If my leaves are flat on the ground then I’m far from ready but if they all reach up then I’m already a long way on my way.

Something completely different is that I am 1 of the first bloomers in spring so I will announce spring/summer for you.

During the day when it’s hot, I open my flowers but in the evening when it cools off I close them again quickly. In fact, if it’s not hot enough during the day I won’t open them at all!

My flowers are the first food for insects after hibernation and unlike most other plants, I have pollen AND nectar, not merely one OR the other! And I am generous with them!

My flowers are even delicious for you people by the way, did you know? I used to be called ′honey (or gold) of the poor′ because my flowers are so sweet in e.g. jam, sauce or salad! The internet is full of recipes – check them out.

But wait until the end of May or later before you start picking and even then, don’t pick everything yet! The biodiversity and bees will be very grateful! 💛🌼

Just over a year ago I set up this website for sharing blogs about my journey through Witchcraft, containing recipes for bath salts, oils, teas and tinctures, tarot and oracle spreads/interpretations, posts about the magickal and medicinal uses of various plants and flowers and general musings on Witchcraft.

For this website I had the following design specially made.

I love this design so much, that I’ve decided to have it permanently added to my collection of meaningful tattoos, to always remind me that I am a Witch.

I am very lucky to be able to say I’m a Witch, without the fear of recrimination, disappointment, hatred and ill treatment. Many people in history (and even today) weren’t as lucky, so I shall wear my Witchy tattoo with pride and remember who I am and how fortunate I am.

Lots of love, Melusina 💚💚💚

Lovely late afternoon/early evening walk with my four boys (two human, two doggos) yesterday!

It’s so joyful to see signs of spring and still have some light after 6pm.

We saw daffodils, Turkey tail fungi, cypress-leaved plaitmoss (and other mosses), pussy willow, gorse and teasel.

Apparently, the conjoined daffodil is called a Tete-a-Tete daffodil. It’s a smaller variety that naturally has a couple of flowers per stem (sort of making them look like they are having a discussion, hence the name).

As Ostara, or the Spring Equinox (in the Northern Hemisphere, Mabon (Autumn Equinox) for our Southern Hemisphere folks!), is fast approaching (Sunday 20th March), here’s some ideas of what you can do to celebrate!

You could make a crystal grid, interspersed with spring flowers.

The one above I made last year (and plan to do again this year) and also incorporated my crystal eggs, as eggs are a symbol of Ostara.

You can involve the whole family going for a nature walk to collect flowers, moss, leaves and twigs to create a display for your Altar or home. Look out for other signs of nature whilst you’re out there, maybe make it a game for the kids (and adults) and see if you can spot daffodils, buds on trees, birds returning from their migrations or animals waking from hibernation?

I also made the Pentagram above from apple tree twigs I collected and used thin wire to keep it together. It’s still going strong and on my windowsill.

You can also celebrate by make egg based dishes, like frittatas, omelettes, custards, even a plain old egg sandwich if your cooking skills aren’t up to much!

With your cracked eggshells, you can give them a wash and make them into mini candles too. The ones below I made last year with wax beads, yellow wax dye and lemon essential oils and popped them in a bowl with moss and daffodils I’d foraged. If you don’t have all the items to make new candles, you can use leftover wax from jar candles by carefully melting them, by pouring boiling water into the jars (please be careful!). All the wax around the edges that hasn’t burned with the candle will float to the top. When fully cooled, you can (again very carefully!) melt the cooled discs of wax in an old pan and pour them into the eggshells (you’ll need something to make a wick from) to make mini egg candles.

Other activities you can do are planting seeds in your garden or spring cleaning your house.

**Please note, this salt scrub will not cure your psoriasis and advice and treatment from your doctor or primary care specialist will always be the best course of action. This is just an additional alternative remedy you could try to incorporate into your existing treatment and maintenance plan.**

Seeing as though a lot of people suffer from psoriasis, myself included (it’s hereditary in my mum’s side of the family and mine randomly started when I was 18…just when I thought I’d escaped the curse!), it stands to reason we may have some sufferers in this group.

Mine is really bad on my elbows, forearms and knees, with a tiny patch on either side of the bridge of my nose, where my glasses sit. I am slowly covering both arms with tattoos (mostly flowers, dot work Mandalas and insects!) to try and hide them as much as I can. I also have psoriatic arthritis, which is a painful and uncomfortable joint condition linked to this skin condition.

I did a bit of research, as I wanted to see if there were any more natural solutions I could look into, in addition to prescribed medication, and thought I’d share my findings and ultimate solution with you lovely people!

INGREDIENTS

TEA TREE OIL
Tea tree is a plant native to Australia. The oil is made from it’s leaves and has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. It is also thought to possibly support healthy immune function.

LAVENDER OIL
In studies into it’s medicinal uses, lavender oil has been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also thought help to lessen itching on the skin when mixed with a base (oil, cream or emolient) and applied to the skin.

SWEET ALMOND OIL
Sweet almond oil is an oil that contains high levels of fatty acids and has been used for centuries to treat skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis.

EPSOM SALTS
Epsom salts are known to keep swelling down and speed up the healing of psoriasis.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries to help soothe minor burns and skin inflammations. The Psoriasis Foundation has also done research to prove that many people still find relief with this remedy.

ROSE PETALS
Rose petals have anti-inflammatory benefits and also help to sooth redness and calm inflammation. They achieve this by partly by inhibiting stressors that lead to free radical damage.

VITAMIN E OIL
Vitamin E oil (Tocopheryl) Oil, which is an essential nutrient that also contains anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to support the skins cell function and overall skin health. Importantly for this scrub, Vitamin E is used as a stabilising agent, which means it will have a longer shelf life (around 4-6 months).

⚠IMPORTANT⚠

With regards to all of the above ingredients, additional skin irritation or an allergic reaction is possible. Therefore, in order to determine if you’re allergic, you should test a small area of skin before using the oil over a large area.

Also, please do not use essential oils if pregnant or breast feeding, as they can be very harmful.

Additionally, please ensure any ingredients do not have any contraindications with medication you are using and check that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.

METHOD

In a glass bowl I added the following:

• 300 grams of Epson salts;
• 200 millilitres of sweet almond oil;
• 20 millilitres of apple cider vinegar;
• 15 drops of lavender essential oil;
• 15 drops of tea tree essential oil;
• 10 grams of crushed red rose petals; and
• 20 millilitres of vitamin E oil.

In a large bowl I thoroughly mixed everything together  and spooned it into a recycled glass jar (of which I have roughly 24,268!) with a screw top lid.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Use on wet skin, preferably in the bath (as a shower would wash it off you too quickly to be of any benefit), and gently scrub the affected areas in circular motions. Rinse off and pat dry.

SOURCES:
https://www.healthline.com/health/herbs-for-psoriasis
https://www.healthline.com/health/essential-oils-for-psoriasis#tea-tree-oil
https://www.health.com/condition/psoriasis/essential-oils-for-psoriasis
https://m.activebeat.com/your-health/10-home-remedies-for-psoriasis

I’ve made some Spell Jar Earrings and added them to my Etsy Shop!

Four different examples (protection, self love, peace and happiness) are currently available, but I can make any to order with intent and intuitively chosen ingredients.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ConceivingaDream