love – Melusina The Green Witch

Gorgeous Gorse

Gorse bushes, or Furze, are often seen around Ostara and is another of Mother Nature’s bright and beautiful announcements that Spring is here.

It is a perennial evergreen shrub belonging to the pea family, which forms multi-branched, stunted shrubs, usually no taller than six feet high, but it is still considered to be a tree.

The flowers are deep yellow in colour and have a beautifully aromatic coconut scent and, although the main flowering period is from March to August, flowers can be found on the furze throughout the year.

It’s wickedly sharp thorns and its dense habit make it an excellent hedging plant, which can also be used as a barrier to protect young tree seedlings in coppices from grazing.

Due to it’s thorny nature, it is often viewed as having protective powers. In Wales, gorse bushes are even said to guard against Witches and can protect the home against The Fae, who cannot pass through the hedge.

The bark and flowers of the gorse can be used to produce a yellow dye. In Ireland, the flowers were also used to flavour and add colour to whiskey and they’ve been known to be used to make beer in Denmark. The flowers can also be used to make wine and tea.

Medicinal properties

There was a Bach Flower Remedy (Edward Bach was an English homeopath in the 1930s) called “Greenman Essence of Gorse”, which was said to help to ease frustration, restlessness and anxiety, and also helped to promote emotional security and feelings of joy.

Gorse flowers are high in proteins and can be eaten raw in salads or made into tea, cordial or syrup. They can also add extra flavour and colour to beer, wine or spirits and even ice cream!

The buds can also be pickled in vinegar and eaten like capers.

**CAUTION: Do not ingest to excess, as the plant contains slightly toxic alkaloids, which can have a cumulative impact.**

There are surprisingly few medicinal uses for gorse, although its flowers have historically been used in the treatment of jaundice, scarlet fever, diarrhoea and kidney stones.

Magickal properties

Gorse is known as the ‘herb of love’ and is associated with love, romance and weddings. It is also known to protect against evil, negativity and dark magick.

It can help to restore faith, hope and optimism and enable you to gather your strength. It also attracts gold, so it is very useful in money, wealth and abundance spells.

Gorse Spell

Carve the word “Gorse” into a gold or yellow candle, then face east and light the candle. Then meditate on the light, whilst asking for for protection, money, love or whatever it has to offer that you desire.

The Magick of Tulips

I went to the supermarket this evening to pick up a few bits and bobs and they had these beautiful tulips on sale for 10p! I thought I could give them a good home and they can be used for my Ostara Altar display too.

Tulips usually flower in April and May, but high demand for them for Mother’s Day in mid-March has them forced grown in the Netherlands, in huge fields as far as the eye can see.

Due to the wide variety of colors and shapes, tulips are thought to be one of the first flowers cultivated solely for their beauty.

Many people think tulips originated in The Netherlands, but in actual fact, tulips were first discovered in Turkey around a thousand years ago. There is little history of the tulip in Europe until the early 1500’s, when the Turkish introduced them to European traders and explorers. From then on, tulips spread across Europe, particularly in Holland, where they were prized and later became the National symbol, were associated with good luck and fortune, as well as love, and often cost more than gems and gold.

As far back as 2200 to 1600 B.C. tulip designs can be seen on pottery and have also been found on fabric from the Byzantine century.

Tulips are most commonly referred to as the symbol of perfect love and the Turkish people used them in love potions, or placed them on altars during love spells. They can also be used to increase desire and build relationships, both new and old.

Furthermore, tulips are also used in colour or flower language. Red is a declaration of love, yellow hopeless love, and black meant a heart burning with love.

Apart from their association with love, tulips also project other positive energies such as prosperity and protection.

They were often worn to safeguard against poverty and bad luck and are also sometimes associated with dream work, fame and protection. They can also be used in magick regarding gratitude, simplicity, happiness, beauty, and prosperity.

There are very little medicinal uses for tulips, likely due to their cost throughout much of history. However, a poultice made of tulip flowers can treat and soothe rashes, stings, scratches and minor burns. Tulip oil can also be used as a house freshener or added to baths and massage oils to uplift vibrations.

TULIP POULTICE

• To create a poultice of tulip flowers, you’ll need to warm 2-4 flowers in hot water.

• Place a towel into hot water and put the petals inside the towel.

• Lightly crush the petals and apply them to the affected area.

• Hold in place for 10 minutes using the warm towel.

Petals can also be combined with castor oil, especially for treating burns and insect bites.

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.

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.

Moon in Cancer – Family Happiness Wish/Spell

I foraged some branches of hawthorn, apple, hazel, pine and whatever else I could find in my local environment (all thoughtfully and thankfully taken, with offerings of nuts left, to give thanks).

The reason I collected these things was to make a Moon in Cancer Family Happiness Wish/Spell.

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For this wish/spell you will need 3 lengths of 60cm (2 feet) blue twine or ribbon, plus a smaller piece of the same ribbon or twine to hang it. If you don’t have blue, just use what you have! We Witches can adapt and substitute with what our intuition tells us is OK, so if you have neon pink ribbon and you think that’ll work, then that WILL work.

Then you’ll need to find a selection of twigs, or short branches, from apple or fruit trees, hawthorn, hazel, oak, cedar, pine, holly….whatever you can find in your garden, local park or local countryside (even from your neighbours trees if they’re hanging over your side of the fence!)

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Knot the ends of the three long lengths of ribbon/twine together, then plait the three strands til you get to the other end and knot this again.

Form the plaited length into a circle and use the shorter length of ribbon/twine to tie the ends together and make a loop to hang it with.

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Repeat this charm:

With this family garland true,

The lunar time will see anew,

For homely warmth, so loved this place.

With all our spirits filled with grace.

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Then you should gather all your twigs and small branches and thread them through and around the plaited ribbon or twine, to make a garland that is full and as bushy as you can manage (no one will blame you for needing a wee bit of help from some wire or cable ties to keep things in place!). I also put the oven dried cinnamon sticks and orange slices left over from making Christmas mulled wine on there too. Waste not want not, it always pays to be a Thrifty Witch!

Then simply hang the garland on the back of your main entrance door for harmonious living. For us, I’ll hang ours on the back of our front door, as that is the one we mainly use to enter and exit our house.

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Yule Witch Bauble (Witch Ball)

At Yule 2020 I made a Witch Bauble (or Witch Ball) to put on our Christmas Tree.

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It is a collection of specific items (plants, herbs, flowers, nuts, oils, crystals, spices etc), in addition to a bespoke spell I have created, to provide protection, prosperity, health and happiness for my family and I.

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Here is my spell, which details all of the ingredients/items I will use, along with the specific/important correspondences related to those items. I have been collecting all of the contents for the past few months in preparation for this Witch Bauble and they have all naturally air dried on my Altar, so they won’t go off or get mouldy in the bauble/ball.

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Witch Bauble Spell

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This Witches bauble for our tree,

Will work to protect my family for me.

With cinnamon bark, for warmth and prosperity,

And Rosemary leaves, for protection and purity.

Sweet chestnut, for abundance and prosperity,

And a conker, for good luck and money.

A hawthorn branch, for happiness and harmony,

With acorns, for protection and longevity.

Some Tigers Eye crystal, against negativity,

Along with juniper berries, for love and clarity.

Some Ivy leaves, for protection and healing,

And Holly leaves, for good luck and dreaming.

Dried heather for luck, love and health,

And rosehips, to attract health and wealth.

A few drops of frankincense, for cleansing and protection,

Along with sweet orange oil, for prosperity and affection.

Orchid flowers, for love and intuition,

And clear quartz, to bring it all to fruition.

All held within a ball of glass,

To watch over all, within this house.

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I will also do a 9 knot spell. I don’t plan on undoing my knots, however some knot spells do call for them to be undone to activate the spell. I want mine to be contained within the Witch Bauble forever, so with each knot I tie, and as I say the line from the spell below, I will sprinkle some Blue Moon water (that I collected at Samhain) onto each knot to activate it.

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Knot Spell

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By the knot of one, the spell’s begun.

By the knot of two, it will come true.

By the knot of three, so mote it be.

By the knot of four, my love I pour.

By the knot of five, my spell will thrive.

By the knot of six, my spell is fixed.

By the knot of seven, the stars of heaven.

By the knot of eight, all love no hate.

By the knot of nine, all will be fine.

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I’m also undertaking my spells tonight, under a first quarter moon, as this is the perfect phase for undertaking magickal workings related to growth, strength, developing/receiving love and for acting to support your intentions.

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