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Energising and Thyroid Support Pulse-Point Oil
A few weeks ago I was feeling really exhausted, unable to concentrate properly and just felt really off. There were a mixture of things causing this, such as being really busy at work and an extra long mercury in retrograde, but mostly it was due to one of my health conditions, which I knew required my medication to be increased.
I have something Hashimotos Disease, which causes an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). This disease tricks my body into thinking that my thyroid gland is a foreign body and is therefore producing antibodies to slowly destroy it. Your thyroid’s function is to basically control everything in your body, from your heart rate and metabolism, to temperature regulation and stimulating digestion, so you can understand that if that is out of whack, everything goes potty!
I did seek proper medical advice from my General Practitioner and Endocrinologist though, including a full panel of blood’s to check all of my hormone levels. However, due to the current pandemic, and the understandable knock-on effects it’s having on our National Health Service, I couldn’t get a blood test done until a few days ago and I’m still waiting for the results.
Therefore, I thought if there was anything I can do to help myself in the meantime, with natural remedies and a bit of kitchen and green witchcraft, then I would try it!
I’ve did some research on Healthline.com, mindbodygreen.com and mycrystalaura.com.au for information on essential oils, herbs and crystals that can help to energise and uplift me, whilst also supporting my thyroid health.
I decided that making a pulse point roll-on oil, with essential oils and crystals would be the best thing to create, to help boost my mood, enhance my mental clarity and improve my focus, whilst also supporting my thyroid.
Here’s a list of the ingredients I used, along with their properties, health benefits and magickal correspondences.
‼‼REMINDER: Make sure you only use a maximum of two drops of essential oil per 5ml of carrier oil. Also, always check the safety information for allergy advice and any contraindications with prescribed or over the counter medication you may be taking. Many essential oils are also not safe to use when you’re pregnant or breast feeding. It is also highly advisable to do patch test first too!‼‼
• 8ml Coconut Oil (carrier) – As all essential oils are dangerous when used on the skin neat or undiluted, so you MUST use a carrier oil to dilute them, so they can safely be used.
• 1ml Vitamin E Oil – Vitamin E is used as a stabilising agent, which means the pulse point roll-on oil will have a longer shelf life (around 4-6 months).
• 1 drop Therapeutic Grade Lemongrass Essential Oil – Lemongrass Oil helps to relieve stress, anxiety and depression. It is also good for purification, protection, health and cleansing. With regards to cleansing, it has a dual quality of being able to assist you with clearing obstacles standing in your way and is also known for ‘Road Opening’ (something that open paths and roads in magick, so that what you want can be achieved). It is also known to help with changing bad luck to good luck, especially for those who have been affected by negative energies. It can also help to detox your thyroid while maintaining it’s natural lymphatic function.
• 1 drop Therapeutic Grade Peppermint Essential Oil – Peppermint Oil can be used to encourage better mental and physical health. It can also be used for increasing your energy and concentration, bring mental clarity and assists with regeneration and vibrancy. Peppermint oil is known to aid digestion and, if your metabolism is sluggish from an underactive thyroid, you can use it to stimulate your metabolism.
• 1 drop Therapeutic Grade Eucalyptus Essential Oil – Eucalyptus Oil can be used to bring fresh energy to a situation, reduce worries and relieve mental exhaustion. It is also great for improving concentration, balancing and grounding you and for purification.
• 1 drop Therapeutic Grade Frankincense Essential Oil – Frankincense oil is packed with anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting and pain-relieving properties. It is also beneficial in improving skin disorders, which are caused by thyroid imbalances. This essential oil also protects the thyroid gland, by destroying free radicals in the body. Additionally, it also promotes good cellular health.
• Aquamarine crystal chip – This crystal works as an effective regulator and balancer for the thyroid.
• Citrine crystal chip – This crystal is excellent for energising and recharging, in addition to balancing the thyroid and fortifying the nerves.
• Lapis Lazuli crystal chip – This crystal harmonises the thyroid and has been popular with healers for centuries. It also overcomes depression and helps to alleviate insomnia.
I placed the crystals into the blue glass roller-ball bottle first, reminding myself of each of their properties. I then added the coconut carrier oil and the Vitamin E stabilising oil. Lastly, I put one drop of each of the essential oils, again reminding myself of each ones properties and purpose as I added them. I lastly put in the roller-ball and popped on the lid and gave it a good shake to mix everything up, whilst imbuing it with my intention for it to help energise me and help to support my thyroid gland.
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.
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!!
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
• 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: .⋆
☾ ⋆*･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.
Protection Bottles and Sachet
I recently refreshed the protection on our home and made a protection sachet for my husband to take to work as, after being off work for ten months (due to the Covid Pandemic), he’s recently gone back to works as a train driver.
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I made a spell bottle to tie onto the inside handle of each of the three external doors to our home, so I found some which were really thick walled, so if they somehow slipped off, they wouldn’t smash as easily on the floor. For the sachet for my husband, I used a red Chinese silk bag, which has a drawstring tie closure.
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Inside each of the three bottles and the sachet we put the following:
• Black Salt – Black salt is a powerful protective charm that absorbs negative energies and curses into itself and will rid you or your home of their harmful influence.
• Cascarilla – This is made from crushed eggshells, and can be used for protection, due to it’s natural property of protecting a chick embryo as it develops. The protective quality is therefore embodied within the shells when they are used for protective magick. The protective nature of cascarilla also stems from its banishing qualities, as negative energy can’t exist in the presence of cascarilla and it is said that harmful spirits find it repulsive. Therefore, the cascarilla acts as a barrier against harmful spirits and negative or destructive energies.
• Dried Basil – Basil brings happiness, love and peace to a home and can be used to protect the home and family. Haitians also use Basil to keep away thieves. In addition to this, and for the sachet for my husband, it can also be used to bring luck in physical journeys.
• Heather – Keeping heather around the house will attract friendly spirits and bring peace to the household. For the sachet, carrying heather with you will attract positive energies, general good luck and protect against assaults or attacks, making it useful for traveling sachets.
• Cinnamon – Cinnamon can purify any negative energy within a home, protect your home and family from harmful energy and bad intentions of any outsiders.
• Bay leaves – Bay leaves can be used to protect against negative energies and misfortune.
• Obsidian – Obsidian is a protective stone that can be used to guard against all forms of negativity and in spells to remove negativity from an area.
• Red Jasper – Many of the magickal attributes of Red Jasper focus on its protective energies and ability to keep its user safe. It can also be used to combat the Evil Eye and makes an excellent talisman.
• Amethyst – Amethyst is a powerful protective stone, which can guard against psychic attack, by transmuting the negative or harmful energies into loving energy. It can also protect from all types of harm, including electromagnetic stress and ill wishes from others.
• Dragons Blood Incense – Dragons blood incense was used to cleanse the inside of the bottles and contents, as it is good for cleansing a space of negative entities, or influences, and to increase the potency of spells for protection.
✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯
The final thing I did was securely tie up the sachet, so that none of the contents could escape, and drip black candle wax (black for protection and repelling negativity) over the rubber stoppers in the bottles, to seal everything inside.
✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯
✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯
As it’s the last night of the first full moon this year, I have put the bottles and sachet in the garden to charge in the moonlight, making their power and effectiveness as strong as possible, before I securely tie the bottles onto the door handles with ribbon and put the sachet into my husband’s work bag.
✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯
Simmer Pot for Prosperity, Luck and Wealth
I decided to do a simmer pot for prosperity, luck and wealth. I threw everything I could in there and stirred deosil, furiously chanting and alternatively beseeching Hecate!
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Here’s what I used, along with their magickal correspondences.
• Heather – for peace, attracting positive energies and good luck.
• Red rose petals – for peace, happiness and attracting good luck.
• Orange – for fortune, good luck, money, peace and wealth.
• Cinnamon sticks – for prosperity and luck.
• Acorns – for money, abundance and luck.
• Juniper berries – for prosperity and manifestation.
• Pomegranate – for luck, prosperity, protection, wealth and wishes.
• Blessed thistle – for spiritual healing and breaking hexes (just in case….).
• Clary sage Essential Oil – for prosperity.
• Bergamot Essential Oil – for prosperity, used to attract money and success and to lift spirits.
• Cinnamon Essential Oil – for luck and prosperity.
• Thyme – to attract prosperity.
• Fresh Basil leaves – for good luck and attracting money.
• Dried Bay leaves – for blessings, wishes, comfort, guidance, luck, defence, endurance, resilience, victory, success and wealth.
• A selection of green crystals (adventurine, green jade, moss agate) – for prosperity, luck and wealth.
I poured the remainder (just under a litre) of my Blue Moon Water, left over from Samhain, into a pan and added each item individually, telling each one what it was for and it’s purpose. I wrote ‘luck’, ‘prosperity’ and ‘wealth’ on the bay leaves last and added them to the top of the pan and set it to heat up to just boiling. It’s now simmering and when most of the water has evaporated (I left the kitchen window open for the steam and intentions to go out into the Universe) and cooled down, I’ll take it into the garden and scatter it under the ash tree I’ve grown from sapling.
Lavender and Lemon Candle
Even though I love my job, it can be stressful and I can get anxious about certain aspects of it from time to time. My clients are usually the Environment Agency and local Councils, so I often have meetings with pretty important people, or have to meet with Consultees, such as Natural England, or the Marine Management Organisation, to discuss the environmental aspects of our schemes. They can make or break a project and it can be really stressful!
Therefore, I decided that the first candle I was going to make, with the coconut soy wax and box of coloured pigment dye I got for my birthday, would be one for calming and boosting my mood. As I’m still working from home (and still will be doing for a good time longer!) and all my meetings are online, I can light the candle next to me whilst I’m in these meetings.
Therefore, I decided that the first candle I was going to make, with the coconut soy wax and box of coloured pigment dye I got for my birthday, would be one for calming and boosting my mood. As I’m still working from home (and still will be doing for a good time longer!) and all my meetings are online, I can light the candle next to me whilst I’m in these meetings.
Lavender essential oil is great for having a calming effect and for boosting a low mood. It can also decrease anxiety and calm the nerves. Lemon essential oil can also reduce anxiety, helps make you feel more relaxed and is very effective at relieving stress.
Lavender essential oil is great for having a calming effect and for boosting a low mood. It can also decrease anxiety and calm the nerves. Lemon essential oil can also reduce anxiety, helps make you feel more relaxed and is very effective at relieving stress.
Here are some photos of my process. By the way, the glass receptacle I’m using is a recycled candle jar that a melted all the wax out of, along with another, to make a ‘new’ candle with new wicks, so it’s safe for the high temperatures.
Here is a photo of the finished candle! I think next time I’ll use more dye/pigment, as it set a lighter colour than a wanted, as I hoped it’d be a bit more of a vibrant purple colour.
Melusina The Green Witch 