Thanksgiving Kitchen Witchery

I hope everyone is having fun getting ready for the big dinner tomorrow! What traditions does your family like to keep? Anyone trying any new dishes this Thanksgiving? I am cooking a big traditional Thanksgiving dinner for my family. Big turkey, cornbread stuffing, candied yams, cranberry sauce, yeast rolls, mashed potatoes, beets, 2 pies.. I think that's it. I love cooking big meals. This is a great time to let your inner kitchen witch take over.

Color values of food:
Red food: eat for energy, passion, and fire oriented goals.
Green food: consume for hope, happiness, steady growth, and abundance
Orange food: enjoy for developing friendships, new skills, and alertness
Yellow food: nibble to strengthen faith, communication skills, and creativity.
White food: internalize for lunar energy, purity, and insightfulness.



Spices/herbs:

Basil- keeping the peace at home
Clove- Protection
Fennel- Strength and renewal
Ginger- zeal
Mint- decreasing negativity
Nutmeg- psychism
Rosemary- health
Sage- cleansing
Vanilla- increased energy, perspectives


Kitchen Witch Numerology:
*1- unity, accord, attention. Also the self and now (current situations, not future ones) One Item that is completely focused on a specific type of energy.
*2- choices, a crossroads. Also symmetry and balance.
*3- body, mind spirit equation. Fortitude. A great number for kitchen witches. (after all, three’s a charm!)
*4- earth energy, foundation, security,. Financial matters and mundane issues.
*5- psychic abilities, insight. Adaptability.
*6- tenacity. Completing what you start with a flair.
*7- Lunar energy. Diversity and inner vision. Healing.
*8- command, logic (a double earth number). personal change.
*9- karma, the law of three, giving yourself to others.
*10- completion. The rational balance of five.

Charts above were taken from

The kitchen witch companion: simple and sublime culinary magic-By Patricia Telesco


More spices:
Oregano - peace, happiness, tranquility, good luck, health and protection
Thyme - water, health, healing, sleep, psychic powers and awareness, purification, love, and courage
Baking powder - raising energy
Salt - purification, cleansing
Flour -  protection, spirituality
Bay Leaf- Protection, Psychic Powers, Healing, Purification, Strength.
Dried Basil- Love, Exorcism, Wealth, Flying, Protection.
Garlic Pepper- Protection, Healing, Exorcism, Lust, Anti- Theft
Pepper- Protection, Exorcism.
Cinnamon – love
Cardamom – love
Coriander – love
Turmeric – protection
Yeast-raising energy, grounding
Baking Powder/Soda-raising energy, helping to give projects an extra push
Rosemary-memory, spirituality
Sage-calling good spirits, purification,protection,banishing negativity
Peppermint-purification,sleep,healing
Parsley-lust,protection,purification
Clove-protection,money
Ginger-good health,money,love
Sugar-love
Nutmeg- protection

Meats and Dairy

1. Pork- grounding
2. Beef- grounding, prosperity
3. Chicken- health
4. Turkey- family energy, generosity
5. Fish- psychic awareness, water energy, abundance
6. Shellfish- rebirth, water energy
7. Milk- Goddess energy, nurturing
8. Cheese- joy, health, transformation
9. Butter- smoothing relationships, transformation
10. Eggs- fertility, spirituality

Fruits and Vegetables
1. Apples – Goddess energy, spirituality, love, fall magick, prosperity, immortality
2. Strawberries – Luck, love
3. Lemon- God Energy, cleansing, purification
4. Pineapple- Friendship, luck
5. Blackberry- Prosperity
6. Onions – Protection, earth energy
7. Potatoes – Grounding, health, earth energy
8. Spinach- Prosperity, strength, money, health
9. Carrot- Grounding, clear vision, fertility
10. Mushrooms – Psychic awareness, visions, fae magick
11. Corn - longevity, The Wheel of Time
12. Broccoli- protection, strength, leadership
13. Raisins--Dreams, Visions, Fertility
14. Peas--Love, Goddess
15. Cabbage-  promotes fertility, wealth and good luck
16. Tomatoes- inspires love when eaten. The plant itself repels evil and is used in protection spells
17. Potatoes- grounding and protection
18. Green beans- grounding

Beverages

1. Wine- Love, joy
2. Red wine- solar energy, love, health
3. White wine- moon energy
4. Champagne- Lust, love, commitment
5. Milk- Nurturing, love
6. Coffee- mental powers, energy
7. Beer- protection, physical strength


Bread- prosperity which also contains yeast and flour, so it is also good for raising energy, grounding, protection, and spirituality.
Cookies - maternal instinct, nurturing
Popcorn - lifting of spirits, lightheartedness
Syrup - tree magick




So here is how the Thanksgiving meal I am preparing would break down.
I am cooking one turkey.

Thyme - water, health, healing, sleep, psychic powers and awareness, purification, love, and courage
Salt - purification, cleansing
Bay Leaf- Protection, Psychic Powers, Healing, Purification, Strength.
Dried Basil- Love, Exorcism, Wealth, Flying, Protection.
(there may be a few other herbs or spices but that is the gist of it)
*1- unity, accord, attention. Also the self and now (current situations, not future ones) One Item that is completely focused on a specific type of energy.

1 apple pie
1. Apples – Goddess energy, spirituality, love, fall magick, prosperity, immortality
(numerology same as above)

1 pumpkin pie which to me pumpkins symbolize harvest, fall, protection, giving thanks but it also has all the attributes of the spices that go into making a pumpkin pie

Mashed potatoes
butter - smoothing relationships and transformation
milk - nurturing, love
salt - purification, cleansing
potatoes- grounding and protection

Candied yams
Maple syrup- tree magic
butter- smoothing relationships and transformation
Yams- fertility, grounding

Stuffing (which mine happens to be corn bread stuffing)
Bread- prosperity which also contains yeast and flour, so it is also good for raising energy, grounding, protection, and spirituality.
Corn - longevity, The Wheel of Time
(and then there are all the spices involved in the stuffing)

The yeast rolls would be
Bread- prosperity which also contains yeast and flour, so it is also good for raising energy, grounding, protection, and spirituality.
Yeast-raising energy, grounding
butter- smoothing relationships and transformation

Beets
are red so eat for energy, passion, and fire oriented goals.

Cranberry sauce is red as well so they have the same things as above but they also represent holidays to me, abundance, love, health (antioxidants), and giving thanks.



Does that help sort of break down what food products are good for what and why? Some things it is pretty easy to figure out why some things are good for something just based upon its shape, smell, uses… others are a bit difficult. In the end it is all about what it means to you, what it makes you feel. If you want to use something for protection that is not related to protection on the list, but you feel it should be, then do so. A lot of magick is doing what feels right. Just because something is not associated with a matter does not mean it cannot be substituted and used in place of another food or herb. Go with your gut and experiment.
The list above is a very small list compared to all of the things out there one can use. It is just to give you an idea on some of the things you may use everyday or be using during this season.

Another thing that you could also do is turn your dining room table center piece into a harvest altar. Collecting things that remind you of fall, harvests, friends, abundance. Candles or other decorative things are wonderful to use.
Creating your own prayer to the Gods to give them thanks for your crops, family, friends, and the things you have in this life. Sometimes it is the little things that matter and taking the time to stop from your busy life, cooking a meal rather than going out to eat, and writing your own prayer has more meaning to it and brings more joy into your life than one may think.
Magic is around us every day we just have to open our eyes and see it.

The holidays are sometimes very stressful for some. We are currently in the Pre-Retrograde phase so it might be a bit easier to get agitated at one another. We just have to remember that we are all gathering together because we want to, not because we have to. That we are thankful for what we have, which includes your brother, sister, mother in law who you just got in a fight with. One fight does not need to ruin a meal. Set aside your differences, put away your battle swords and daggers. Tonight is a night for joy, happiness, community, and harmony.

Blessed be on this Thanksgiving to all who read!
~Lotus M.

Samhain Kits

 


So I am doing things a little differently for Samhain.
Instead of making up a bunch of kits to put in the shop… I decided that I am only going to do pre-orders for kits this year.

There are two kits to choose from. A smaller and a larger one.  Each kit comes with a special surprise bonus gift valued at $10.00

Small Samhain kit
Includes:
3 Spell dusts
A bag of Graveyard dirt
Mojo Bag
2oz All Hallows Eve Oil
2 herb bags filled with herbs associated with Samhain 
A wooden pendulum
Sea salt
Small lavender smudge
A blank decorative spell scroll for writing your own spell upon
And 1 votive candle

The price for this kit is $32.98 +10.95 for medium flat rate shipping
Normally all of these items would cost you more than $45 for everything so you would be saving more than $13.00 on this kit (not counting the value of the bonus gift)
Please order 5 days to one week ahead of whenever you need this kit, this does not include shipping time so you would need to add shipping time to that. This allows me enough time to put the kit together and get it to the post office.

Large Samhain kit
Includes:
3 spell dusts
Sigil powder 1oz
Bag of Graveyard dirt
Bag of orange/Red dessert sand
Mojo bag
2 oz of All Hallows Eve oil
4 herb bags filled with herbs associated with Samhain
An ouija board
Wooden pendulum
Pentacle necklace
Sea salt
1 votive candle
Large Lavender smudge stick
A blank decorative spell scroll for writing your own spell upon

The price for this kit is $64.98 +10.95 for medium flat rate shipping
Normally  all these items would cost you more than $85 for everything so you would be saving more than $20.00 on this kit (not counting the value of the bonus gift)

A 6x5 blank book can be added to either kit for an additional $15.98 or purchased on its own for the same price. You would pick a color scheme and theme for the cover of the book. For shipping the book alone without any other items it will be shipped in a small flat rate box for $5.95

Medium flat rate boxes arrive in 2-3 days from shipping date according to the usps website, but I would allow 3-5 days just to be on the safe side.


The veil between worlds start to thin around the early middle of Oct and are thinnest on Samhain eve (Oct 31st) which is the best time to commune with spirits and perform any kind of divination. It ends being as thin around the early middle of November.
This is also a great time for showing respect for the dead. I may write a longer blog on this subject at some point.


Any of my other divination, protection, cleansing, and banishing items are also useful during this time of year. Keep an eye out for sales on these things during the next few weeks.

Any of the items above can be purchased individually at the regular retail price unless otherwise stated.

To order, please email me at Lotus_Moon@hotmail.com
Tell me which kit you would like to purchase.
Inform me of any other items you are purchasing if you are purchasing more than just a kit or a book. This helps keep your shipping costs low since if I can fit it in the medium flat rate box there will be no additional shipping costs. For the book it will be shipped in a small flat rate box unless added to one of the two kits for combined shipping.

If you are purchasing a book, please include an idea of what you would like the cover to look like, whether you want it to have a theme or not (i.e you may want it to have a Halloween/Samhain theme, a tree of life with real leaves on it, an element theme, etc) If you are having problems coming up with a theme let me know and I can try my best to help.

I will then E-mail you back an invoice for where to go to pay for the items if you are paying via PayPal.
I do accept most major credit cards with a 5% fee added to the total price for those of you who do not have PayPal. If you are wanting to just pay with a credit card I would need the type of credit card you are paying with and your credit card information to input for the payment transaction.
Those are the only two payment methods I currently accept.


Please let me know if you have any questions on any of my items.

Satin Dolls Fetish Ball

I wanted to let everyone know that Lotus Moon Apothecary will be having a booth set up at this upcoming Satin Dolls Fetish Ball. The booth will have lots of shop goodies, as well as potentially a fortune teller who may be working with me that night.

I am also happy to announce that I will be able to accept credit cards at my shop’s booth. Cash is preferred but credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discovery) are accepted with a 5% fee added to your total purchase amount to cover the transaction fee’s for credit card purchases. Please keep in mind when bringing cash to bring small bills. I will have some change on me but it is hard to make change when everyone only has $20’s on them and needs me to make change. So please plan ahead whether you plan on buying anything or not its better to be prepared then find out there was something you did want later.
If nothing else coming down and taking a look at what I have to offer, maybe get a reading, and enjoy the show. It is bound to be a wonderful event.

The 2011 Satin Dolls Fetish Ball is happening Saturday July 9th 10pm-3am @ Satin Dolls
located @ 4348 w. State Street in Boise Idaho
It is an 18+ event. $8.00 at the door unless you are a goth card holder, then it is $6.00 at the door.

There is going to be live fetish style performances, games, and other naughty performances.
Dressing in fetish style clothing is encouraged.
This is an event you won’t want to miss out on!

Let me know if you have any questions before the event about anything. I hope to see everyone who is in the area and can make it there!

Feather Earrings

 

Sea and Sky Feather Earrings

Feathers can be great for magical workings. They can be used to send energy out to do your bidding for spells, they are wonderful for connecting with the air element, and are useful for spirit animal communication with winged beings.

The Parrot is a magical totem that teaches us that the world is full of possibility. The role of the parrot is that of a linguist opening communication centers as well as a healer. Because of the often bright beautiful colors they are also often a good totem animal for color therapists.
Here are some of the correspondences/uses that are associated with the different colors of the feathers in these earrings.

Blue
Psychic awareness, peace, health, connection with spirits, protection, believe, faith, knowledge, communication

Gray
Peace, neutrality, being invisible, doubting, neutrality, static

Stone correspondences

Leopard Skin Jasper- healing
it is often worn by shaman to provide protection. It balances the yin yang energy and balances the physical, emotional, and intellectual bodies with the etheric energies. It stabilizes the aura, providing for a cleansing effect to smooth dysfunctional energies and eliminate negativity".

Sodalite: Clarity, Calming, Thought

Sea Shell – Is a symbol of water and represents female sexuality, passions, fertility, birth, love, and the female genitals. The sea shell is also a symbol of Venus – Aphrodite.

These are real feather earrings made from feathers that came from a small parrot. The feathers fell off naturally during the molting process birds go through; so no parrots were harmed to make these earrings.

These earrings hang approx 4 1/2 inches long.
This set of earrings is $20.00 + $3.00 shipping

Earth and Sky Feather Earrings

Feathers can be great for magical workings. They can be used to send energy out to do your bidding for spells, they are wonderful for connecting with the air element, and are useful for spirit animal communication with winged beings.
The Parrot is a magical totem that teaches us that the world is full of possibility. The role of the parrot is that of a linguist opening communication centers as well as a healer. Because of the often bright beautiful colors they are also often a good totem animal for color therapists.
Here are some of the correspondences/uses that are associated with the different colors of the feathers in these earrings.
Blue
Psychic awareness, peace, health, connection with spirits, protection, believe, faith, knowledge, communication
Gray
Peace, neutrality, being invisible, doubting, neutrality, static
Green
Harmony, unity, fertility, growth, finances, nature, nature spirits, animal and plant spirits, forgiveness, selfishness

Stone correspondences
Green Jasper -Green Jasper is the talisman for healing and health. Wear green jasper to halt hallucinations and to promote a restful sleep. It is also worn to become more sympathetic to others and their emotional as well as mental states.
Green fluorite- clarity of mind

Turquemite- joy

These are real feather earrings made from feathers that came from a small parrot. The feathers fell off naturally during the molting process birds go through; so no parrots were harmed to make these earrings.

These earrings hang approx 3 1/4 inches long.
This set of earrings is $20.00 + $3.00 shipping

Don’t forget to visit the Lotus Moon Apothecary Facebook Page
Lotus_Moon@hotmail.com

On a quick side note- The special on the herb vials and spell dusts is almost over! Take advantage of this special deal now while you can! Special ends June 23rd.

Natural Crystal Necklace

 

Natural Crystal Necklace

~About the crystals~
Quartz Crystal - "Can bring the energy of the stars into the soul". Traditionally, the natural quartz crystal was said to both harmonize and align human energies, thoughts, consciousness, and emotions. Natural quartz is recognized as a "Stone of Power". Quartz aids clarity of mind and helps stimulate the brain as well as increases power. Quartz dispels negativity in ones energy field and environment. Quartz is good for aligns all chakras,
and is a very powerful healer stone.
Gifting someone with a crystal is the same as offering a healing.
Crystals are also very good Faerie stones and are often used in Fae magick.

The stone is wrapped with silver and copper wire. The necklace features Tibetan silver against a teal ribbon necklace that is 15 1/2 inches long.
This necklace is $15.75 + $3.75 for shipping


Don’t forget to type Lotus Moon Apothecary into the search tab on Facebook to find the shop page and get the latest updates by clicking the “like” button.

Feel free to E-mail me if you have any questions or would like to place an order. Lotus_Moon@hotmail.com

Midsummer

Lore

Midsummer, usually around June 21 or 22, the sun reaches its zenith in the sky. It is the longest day of the year, and the point at which the sun seems to just hang there without moving – in fact, the word “solstice” is from the Latin word solstitium, which literally translates to “sun stands still.” The travels of the sun were marked and recorded.

This holiday is most commonly known as “Litha” (the ancient Germanic name for Summer) This day is also known as the Summer Solstice and Midsummer. It is  the time in which the Sun God is at his strongest.  It is a time for the Sun God and The Green Man, which to some is one and the same due to old depictions of the Sun God being depicted as The Green man back when Paganism and Christianity were merging.

In some traditions, Litha or Midsummer is a time at which there is a battle between light and dark. The Oak King is seen as the ruler of the year between winter solstice and summer solstice, and the Holly King from summer to winter. At each solstice they battle for power, and while the Oak King may be in charge of things at the beginning of June, by the end of Midsummer he is defeated by the Holly King.

The celebration of Midsummer has dated back to ancient times.
This day has great meaning to most everyone for various reasons. For those who practice Faerie Magik, this is an especially meaningful day, because it is said that the faeries and the forest creatures come out to celebrate this wonderful day.
A large feast is usually held. There would be lots of music and dancing, lots of drinking, and of course love making. Midsummer is celebrated with bonfires and is a time to honor the space between earth and the heavens.

During this time is the best time to gather and dry your wild crafted or garden herbs.

Write down your wishes and toss them into a well, spring, or cauldron. This can be done by writing it on a piece of paper or meditating on your wish while holding a stone, flower, or feather and then throwing it into the water.
Offerings are also placed in water and thrown into the fire.

The rituals of Midsummer celebrate the verdant Earth in high summer, abundance, fertility, and all the riches of Nature in full bloom. This is a great time of strong magic and empowerment. It is a wonderful time for communication with the spirits of Nature. At Litha, the veils between the worlds are thin; the portals between worlds and realms beyond are more open than during other times of the year. This is an excellent time for rites of divination.

I am listing some things that correspond with this holiday/season; so that if you need, you can use as reference when celebrating this wonderful time of year.

~Correspondences~

~Customs
Bonfires, singing, feasting, coming together to celebrate and perform rituals, cutting
divining rods, dowsing rods & wands, going into the woods to gather herbs, ferns and flowers. Handfastings, weddings,  and making love (this is a great time for fertility) leaping between two fires,  women walking naked through gardens to ensure continued fertility, enjoying the seasonal fruits & vegetables, honor the Mother’s fullness, richness and abundance, put garlands of St. John’s Wort placed over doors/ windows & a sprig in the car for protection.

~Colors associated with Midsummer
Yellow, white, red, blue, green, tan, orange, and gold

~Gemstones
Any green, gold, red, yellow, and some blue stones.
Such as Emerald, Carnilion, Citron, Amber, Jade, Tigers Eye, Lapis lazuli, etc.

~Animals/Mythical Beings
Robins, horses, cattle, satyrs, faeries, firebirds, dragons, thunderbirds, and canaries.

~Decoration, Symbols, & Tools
Anything reminiscent of the sun (yellows, reds, oranges), Sun wheel, fresh and dried herbs, potpourri, fruits, summer flowers, oak, birch & fir branches, sun flowers, lilies, red, yellow or gold flowers, love/fertility amulets, seashells, feather/flower door wreaths,  fire, circles of stone, sun dials, bird feathers, and Witches’ ladder.

~Rituals/Magicks and ways to celebrate

Nature spirit/fey communion, planet healing, divination, love & protection magicks.
Rededication of faith, rites of inspiration. Animal Protection and Marriage & Vow Renewal.
Go for a hike, go to the beach, a spring, a lake, a well.. Hold a bonfire party, Hold a barbecue, Share your garden's harvest with friends, Herbs can be dried over the ritual fire if you're celebrating outdoors. Use mirrors, reflective crystal balls, or metal ornaments to capture the light of the Sun or the flames of the fire. Make amulets (simple charms) of protection out of herbs such as rue and rowan. If you make new amulets each year you can dispose of the old in the midsummer fire.

 
~Foods
Mead, honey, fresh fruits and veggies, lemonade, lemons, oranges, cookies and cakes decorated to honor the Sun,  summer squash, cantaloupe, carrots and carrot juice, and of course plenty of ale.

Not authentic but quick way to have something similar to mead. Even if the recipe is cheating a bit, its still a delicious drink nonetheless.
First heat 1 part water with 1 part wildflower or your choice of honey  until the mixture is smooth and the honey’s completely incorporated. (wildflower being the best choice but any honey will do that you like best)
Sprinkle some fresh rose petals into the mixture and let it cool. (orange or lemon slices could also be added to the mixture for added flavor)
Strain the mixture (optional).
Mix 2 parts honey water with 1 part grain alcohol and serve chilled over ice. Alternatively, mix 1 part honey water with 1 part vodka.

~Herbs
basil, elder, pine, St. John’s wort, thyme, yarrow, frankincense, lavender, lily, anise, mugwort, chamomile, daisy, rose, calendula, sunflower, wild rose (red or yellow being best), oak blossoms, ginger, and spices, cinquefoil, fennel, mistletoe, hemp, larkspur, nettle, wisteria, vervain, rue, fern, wormwood,heather, oak & holly trees.

Midsummer Fire Oil

I have concocted an oil for this special time of year.
Midsummer oil smells that of pine forests, with bay, and orange to add to the sweet spicy scent. There are many herbs and flowers added to this oil that all correspond to Midsummer and the fire element. A citron stone and a few herbs, flowers, and resins were added to the bottle for added potency. A Tibetan silver energy sun charm adorns the outside of the bottle on a red ribbon. The charm may be removed and charged with the oil, and then worn for added benefit.

This oil comes in a 4oz round corked bottle and is $11.95 + shipping.

A Spell Dust that may also be used as an incense was also made.
Midsummer Fire Spell Dust can be used in the bonfire, heated on charcoal disks, placed on the altar, tossed for wishes and use in rituals. It can be sprinkled around your sacred circle, along with many other uses.

There is a long list of herbs that went into the making of this blend. It smells strongly of pine and orange. The blend produces a very pungent smoke that is both sweet, woody, and herby.
Even without lighting it, the dust has quite a wonderful and complex smell to it.

Vials are 1/2 an inch wide and 3 inches long (not including the length of the glass ball)
The glass ball is sealed to the vial with candle wax. Wax can be removed to get to the herbs inside the vials.
This Spell Dust Vial is $2.00 each + shipping.

I have a special going on right now on my herb vials and spell dusts where if you buy 5 you get 1 herb vial free. If you buy 10 you get either 2 herb vials or 1 spell dust free with your order. There are plenty of herbs available that have to do with Midsummer, love, and other magicks done during this time of year.
This deal only lasts till June 23rd so don’t miss out on this great special before it ends!

Special on herb vials and spell dust vials

Mullein, Cleavers, Catnip, Fern leaves, Desert sand, and Red/Orange Desert sand have been added to the list of herbs and items available to be put into vials or made into spell dust vials for ordering. Right now when you by 5 herb vials or spell dust vials you get one herb vial free, if you buy 10 herb and or spell dust vials you get 1 spell dust vial OR 2 herb vials free with your order. This special ends the 23rd of June so be sure to place your order before then!

Otherworldly Oracle Oil in the Making

Started a small batch of Otherworldly Oracle Oil for clairvoyance and divination.
Once finished the oil will be poured into 2oz glass corked bottles and be posted up for purchase.

The oil contains seven herbs and flowers associated with divination and clairvoyance.
I have also added a bit of graveyard dirt I collected to the oil; for an added boost of power as well as a connection to the dead for use in communing with spirits.

Most of the herbs and flowers contained in this oil were wildcrafted from the woods. Offerings were left in return and I never take more than I plan to use in the near future.

This oil has a variety of uses, you can use the oil to anoint your tools for divination and spirit work, for use in rituals. Anoint ones self before doing any acts of divination or spirit communication. The oil can be used to anoint stones,  pendulums, boards, and wands… Just to name a few.

*Allergy warning, this oil contains soy. Some of the herbs contained in this oil have a small chance of causing allergic reaction in certain people. It is always best to do a skin test patch in case of allergic reaction.  

Beltane Blessings

Beltane is such a wonderful and colorful holiday to celebrate.

Beltane is a favorite time for a lot of pagans to perform handfastings and wedding ceremonies.

The veils are thin on this day just as they are on Samhain.
Beltane, and its counterpart Samhain, divide the year into its two primary seasons, winter (Dark Part) and summer (Light Part).

Beltane is a Celtic festival which signals the beginning of the bright half of the year.
The festival begins on Beltane Eve with two bonfires started from nine different woods.

* Nine Woods Used in The Belfire *

Birch - (Attributes: Protection of children, purification, creativity) Add to the fire to represent the Goddess or female principle.

Oak - (Attributes: All positive purposes, magic for men, fidelity) Add to the fire symbolizing the God or male principle.

Rowan, or mountain ash - (Attributes: Divination, healing, astral work, protection) Add to the fire as the Tree of Life. .

Willow - (Attributes: – Romantic love, healing, protection, fertility, magic for women) Sacred to Hecate, add willow to the fire as a celebration of death.

Hawthorn - (Attributes: Fertility, peace, prosperity, binding) As Tree of Purification and a Sacred faeries tree, add hawthorn to the Belfire for purity.

Hazel - (Attributes: Manifestation, spirit contact, protection, fertility) As Tree of wisdom, add hazel to the fire to gain wisdom.

Apple - (Attributes: Fertility. Tree of love) Add apple wood to the fire for the magic of love.

Vine - (Attributes: Faerie work, Joy, Exhilaration, Wrath, Rebirth) This is the Tree of joy so add vine to the fire for joy.

Fir - (Attributes: Strength, life and immortality, rejuvenation) As the Tree of Immortality, add fir to your Beltane fire for rebirth.

I thought it might be nice to list some of the things associated with Beltane as well as some activities one might want to do.

Symbols of this day include any items signifying romantic love, maypoles, faeries, and flowers.

The Altar

Drape the altar in a green cloth and decorate it with blooming flowers and herbs.

Herbs

All-heal, blessed thistle, broom, curry, daffodil, dogwood, coriander, dragon's blood reed, fern, fireweed, nettle, flaxseed, hawthorn, marjoram, paprika, radish, rue, snapdragon, mushroom, almond, meadowsweet, rose, woodruff, tansy, elder leaves, oats.

Some Stones include:
Malachite, garnet, emerald, rose quartz, tourmaline.

Spells to ensure prosperity, safety, and love are good to do on this day.

Activities include:
Dancing around the maypole
Dancing around and jumping over the belfire
Gathering wild herbs and flowers, giving some to others secretly by placing them on their doorstep.
Wash your face or your whole body in the dew, flowing streams or springs at sunrise for beauty or drink for health.
Make flower wreaths
Make daisy crowns to wear atop your head
Make the boundaries of your circle with one of the herbs, flowers, or grains associated with this day.
Make  and or drink May Wine
Making May baskets
Enacting the great rite
Blessing your garden by making love in it or scattering the ashes from the belfire around and in it.


Food: dairy foods, foods made with flowers, red fruits such as strawberries and cherries, green herbal salads, red or pink wine punch, maybowl (an icebowl decorated with spring flowers and filled with maywine), large round oatmeal or barley cakes (known as Beltane cakes or Bannocks), shellfish and other aphrodisiacs.

A good salad to make which is also a cleansing tonic salad would be one made with dandelion leaves, borage flowers, and marigold petals. You could add fruits to the salad as well.
Making a yogurt based dressing is not only good for you but would incorporate the dairy aspects into your salad.

Make some shellfish for the main course (in a lemon butter reduction is always nice)
Drink some may wine with your meal,
And have the Beltane cakes for dessert.

Colors: Red, white, green, yellow.


So get out into the woods or garden and gather your flowers and herbs, decorate your home and altar, create the fire, and perform some magick! Enjoying good food and good company along the way.

Happy Beltane Everyone,
Lotus Moon Apothecary

April Update

I have been busy the past little while going out into the forests, desert, and other places in nature to gather things.
I have gathered all the pollen I can for now, all the buds have gone away to make way for leaves. I snatched up some balm of Gilead buds, fern, moss, tree thorns, pine cones of all sizes, and various other things. I was lucky enough to find and dig up with the roots some wild catnip, mullein, and western mugwort. They are sitting happily in my garden now where I care for them. I never take more than I plan to use and leave offerings in return.
I currently also have a dead snake that I found near a river that I carefully collected. It will be cleaned up and it’s bones will be used for various things later. It will be awhile before I can use the bones but worth the wait. A friend of mine is going to clean them for me and the method in which he does it will take awhile.

In the desert many things were seen including three baby big horned owls. Many natural crystals and two kinds of sand were collected.

 
The baby owls are in the hole third from the left. There was no way to get a closer picture sadly from where I was.

 
 

On another adventure, close to a river and a pond I came across a mother goose and her eggs.

Obviously in nesting she had shed a lot of feathers, some of which were larger and further away from the nest. So now I have a handful of goose feathers along with one or two duck feathers.

In the midst of the several forest and desert outings (you had better believe I have many more planned) I also finished a painting “Dracula’s Castle” on 9x12 canvas, done in acrylic paints. Picture is of Dracula's Castle at sunset.
The painting is available for purchase. If interested please send me a message for the details.

I found some interesting branches that I plan to turn into wands and possibly other things depending on how much is used for what. Some of them have some really interesting twists to them which is part of the reason I grabbed them. I think I need better tools before tackling those though.

I have also been working on some talismans, sigils, seals and things of that nature. The talismans are drawn onto tea stained paper. 
You cant really see the roots but both drawings have roots. The one on the right is of a tree with seals, oghams, and runes. Its not quite finished yet but its in the making. The one on the left is the start of a talisman. Both the tree and the mushroom represent the person, inside influences, outside influences, and so on. The mushroom will have seals and symbols put on it soon. The talismans are custom made for the needs of that person.

I am deciding on which oils to make next. Obviously an oil for Litha, the Summer Solstice, being on the list. I will most likely be making a kit as well for Litha.

I was thinking about making a starter kit filled with many different kinds of herbs, woods, stones, and other things one would need for various practices. I would most likely have a few variations to it.  Possibly allow for some customization. I do not have one put together right now but if this is something you want or need in the near future please let me know.

I have not gotten much feedback as of yet on the treasure hunt idea so that is being put on hold for now. I will most likely bring it up again at a later date. Possibly sometime during the Summer.

Anyways, time for me to get back to my crafting.
~Lotus

Cascarilla "Sigil" Powder and Graveyard Dirt

~Cascarilla "Sigil" Powder~
Cascarilla "Sigil powder" is white eggshells that have been ground down with a mortar and pestle to a fine powder. It is commonly found being used within Santeria, Haitian Vodou, Hoodoo, and South American folk magic. European traditions use it as well.
It is used for drawing sigils, runes, and other ritual symbols for rites of magic. Sigils can be used to draw down the gods, to call spirits from the otherworld, and raise up ancestors from the underworld.
Traditionally this powder is dusted on the body to protect from spirit possession and acts as a shield to protect from psychic or magical attacks.
In South American magical traditions it is used for healing physical or supernatural illness and can be used for spiritual cleansing.
The powder can be sprinkled around your home, work, or anywhere you wish to create a peaceful environment.
Cascarilla is also known as "peace powder" in some areas.
This bag is 1oz by weight and is $5.00 + shipping

E-mail me if you need a bag bigger than 1oz and I will give you a price quote.

~Graveyard Dirt~
Graveyard dirt is commonly used in hoodoo and witchcraft, though has been used in other traditions as well. Graveyard dirt aids in spell work, it can be added to mojo bags, amulets, sachets, or witches bottles for added power. Graveyard dirt is commonly used in rituals and spells that involve banishing, protection from spirits, negative energies, and exorcism. Can be used as a stand alone ritual aid or in conjunction with other ingredients and tools you may be using for a particular ritual or spell.
Graveyard dirt enhances whatever it is you are trying to accomplish whether it be good or bad (I will not be held responsible for any negative repercussions of using this product)
This dirt was collected from a really old cemetery that is not even on any of the counties records. The graves it was taken from date back to the civil war and indian wars. There is an unmarked Indian burial ground near by the cemetery in which this dirt was taken from. In the respectful proper manner of course. No spirits were angered in the taking of this graveyard dirt.
The dirt was collected at night under the full moon.
Use it in all workings regarding protection, love, communicating with / invoking spirits, and laying tricks on your enemies among other things.
This is a very old cemetery filled with lots of old but very potent energy. Life was flowing up out the grave in the form of a large bush that surrounded the tombstone on three sides.
The dirt may contain some small stones, twigs, grass or other bits of shrubs that were in the dirt around the grave.
The cemetery the dirt was taken from had both dirt and sand within the ground, so you will most likely find a mixture of the two in varying degrees.
This is NOT goofers dust but is apart of the appropriate formula to make goofers dust.

This is a 2.5oz (by weight) bag of graveyard dirt.
This bag is $5.00 + shipping

E-mail me if you have any questions or would like to purchase any of these items. I wanted to remind everyone that I do offer combined shipping on orders. You can save money on things that are priced lower,like the herb vials and salve samples, when you buy multiple items and combine the shipping.
Don’t forget to look at other posts from this blog or look up Lotus Moon Apothecary’s Facebook Page for more items currently available for purchase.

Herb Vials and Spell Dust Vials

~Lavender Herb Vial~
Lavender Also known as "Elf Leaf"
Is associated with Mercury and is an air herb.
Lavender...brings peace, joy, healing and love to the home (often sprinkled on the church floors in medieval times. When stepped on, releases its marvelous centering, calming, and balancing aroma.
Lavender is strewn into bonfires at Midsummer as an offering to the Gods and Goddesses. An ingredient of love spells, its scent is said to attract men. Lavender in the home brings peace, joy, and healing. Lavender is worn, carried, and placed in the ritual cup. Lavender, if worn, protects against abuse from a spouse. The joyful scent of lavender is welcome at baby blessing rituals.
It is an herb used in; Handfasting, healing, purification, peace, happiness, harmony, love, sleep, Devotion and luck.
Vials are 1/2 an inch wide and 3 inches long (not including the length of the glass ball) Glass ball is sealed to the vial with candle wax. Wax can be removed to get to the herbs inside the vials. Vials can be carried with you or placed on the altar alternatively if you do not wish to open the vials.
Vials filled with lavender are $1.00 each + shipping

~Yellow Rose Petal Vial~
The rose is a Goddess herb belong to Venus and the Water element.
Roses, of course are often associated with - Love, romance, passion
Rose - Rose buds are added to bath water to conjure a lover. Place some in a red cloth bag and pin it under your clothes. Roses are used in; Handfasting, peace, protection, and is a an aphrodisiac.
Rose petals can be used in fairy magic, especially for love spells. The scent of roses is a powerful attracting force to the Faery.
Roses are associated with Aphrodite, Eros, Isis, and Freya
Vials are 1/2 an inch wide and 3 inches long (not including the length of the glass ball) Glass ball is sealed to the vial with candle wax. Wax can be removed to get to the herbs inside the vials. Vials can be carried with you or placed on the altar alternatively if you do not wish to open the vials.
Vials filled with yellow rose vials are $1.00 each + shipping

~Red Clover Herb Vial~
Is associated with Mercury and is an air and earth herb.
Red Clover - Carry some flowers in your purse or pocket as a protective charm and to attract a new love.
It is used in; Protection, money, love, fidelity, exorcism, success, and luck.
Vials are 1/2 an inch wide and 3 inches long (not including the length of the glass ball) Glass ball is sealed to the vial with candle wax. Wax can be removed to get to the herbs inside the vials. Vials can be carried with you or placed on the altar alternatively if you do not wish to open the vials.
Vials filled with Red clover vials are $1.00 each + shipping

~Calendula aka "Marigold" herb vial~
Associated with The Sun and fire.
Marigold : Protection, Prophetic Dreams, used for favorable predictions. Under the mattress encourages prophetic dreams and helps dreams to come true!
Calendula is carried into court for a favorable verdict. Added to bath water, it helps attract respect and admiration. Known as "summer's bride," the yellow calendula embodies the Sun's fire and life-sustaining virtue.
Vials are 1/2 an inch wide and 3 inches long (not including the length of the glass ball) Glass ball is sealed to the vial with candle wax. Wax can be removed to get to the herbs inside the vials. Vials can be carried with you or placed on the altar alternatively if you do not wish to open the vials.
This vial is $1.00 + shipping

~Mugwort "Felon herb" herb vial~
Is associated with Venus & Earth
Mugwort - Mugwort is said to protect travelers from fatigue, sunstroke, wild animals, and evil spirits. A tea or a pillow of it brings vivid prophetic dreams and helps one to contact the astral realm. Use the tea and incense to help in scrying. Use it to wash magick mirrors and crystal balls.
Magick mirrors are best cleansed both physically and psychically by a mixture of mugwort and cidar-vinegar. You can also smudge any magick mirrors.
Mugwort is used in: Protection, healing, clairvoyance, summoning spirits, manifestations, dreams and for consecrating any items used in this manner.
This herb is associated with Artemis (god of the moon, hunting, and wild beasts)
Vials are 1/2 an inch wide and 3 inches long (not including the length of the glass ball) Glass ball is sealed to the vial with candle wax. Wax can be removed to get to the herbs inside the vials. Vials can be carried with you or placed on the altar alternatively if you do not wish to open the vials.
This vial is $1.00 + shipping

St. John’s Wort Herb Vial
~ St. John's Wort is a Druid sacred herb. The Celts passed it through the smoke of the summer solstice fire, then wore it into battle for invincibility. The people of Scotland wore it as a charm against faery influence.

St. John's Wort ...blooms around the time of St. John the Baptist's death...yellow, five petaled flowers...each with a tiny red spot at its edge. It is also used for mild depression as well as helps calm the nerves other nerve pain.
Vials are 1/2 an inch wide and 3 inches long (not including the length of the glass ball) Glass ball is sealed to the vial with candle wax. Wax can be removed to get to the herbs inside the vials. Vials can be carried with you or placed on the altar alternatively if you do not wish to open the vials.
This vial is $1.00 + shipping

~Thyme herb vial~
Associated with Venus and water
Thyme : Health, Healing, Sleep, Psychic Powers, Love, Purification, Courage, protection, and is one of the herbs used at funerals.
Thyme was used to purify temples by the Greeks. It is burned to purify a ritual space and used in the ritual bath to wash away the sorrows of the past. It is worn or added to the ritual cup to aid in communing with the deceased. (It also helps one to see Otherworldly entities such as fairies.)
Wearing a sprig of thyme is said to help one to see fairies. Dried, powdered thyme, sprinkled on doorsteps and windowsills, is an invitation to the fae into your home. Wild thyme, gathered from the side of a fairy mound, is especially potent for use in fairy magic. Thyme helps maintain health, and the conscious mind.
Thyme is Druid sacred herb. It repels negativity and depression.
Vials are 1/2 an inch wide and 3 inches long (not including the length of the glass ball) Glass ball is sealed to the vial with candle wax. Wax can be removed to get to the herbs inside the vials. Vials can be carried with you or placed on the altar alternatively if you do not wish to open the vials.
This vial is $1.00 + shipping

Exorcism and Banishing Spell Dust Vial
Made with seven different herbs during the new moon that are used in exorcism, banishing negative energies, and also have hex breaking properties.
Spell dusts are useful to have around being that they can be used for a variety of magical purposes.
It can be sprinkled around windowsills and doorways, around candles (black candles work best for this spell dust) as well as sprinkled over the candles when performing a banishing spell. They can be blown into the wind, buried under your porch, tree, or in your garden. Spell dusts can be used as offerings to the deities, as well as other otherworldly beings such as faeries. Sprinkled or placed on your altar. You can carry the vial with you for added power or protection. The spell dust can be added to mojo bags, poppets, and sachets. They are often used in spell castings and rituals as well. This spell dust can also be used anywhere you feel you need cleansing and purification. This is a great vial to have if you have unwanted spirits in your home, influencing you, unwanted visitors, or even stagnant negative energy.
Vials are 1/2 an inch wide and 3 inches long (not including the length of the glass ball) Glass ball is sealed to the vial with candle wax. Wax can be removed to get to the herbs inside the vials.
This Spell Dust Vial is $2.00 + shipping

Psychic Protection Spell Dust Vial
Made with eight different herbs during the full moon that are known to aid in psychic protection.
Spell dusts are useful to have around being that they can be used for a variety of magical purposes.
It can be sprinkled around windowsills and doorways, around candles (purple or light blue candles work best with this spell dust, white can also be a substitute if need be) as well as sprinkled over the candles when performing a banishing spell. They can be blown into the wind, burried under your porch, tree, or in your garden. Spell dusts can be used as offerings to the deities, as well as other otherworldly beings such as faeries. Sprinkled or placed on your altar. You can carry the vial with you for added power or protection. The spell dust can be added to mojo bags, poppets, and sachets. They are often used in spell castings and rituals as well.
Sprinkle wherever you need protection. Sprinkle before exercising your psychic gifts. Hold the vial or lightly dust your hands; which hold and distribute a lot of your energy, before meditation or astral projection. Sprinkle in room prior to meditation or religious rituals to protect yourself from psychic attack during the times you will be using more energy.
This is a great spell dust to have on hand if you are psychic, a medium, sensitive to people and things, are being attacked psychically and need protection, if you are feeling overly paranoid, or feel like you have too many voices going through your mind that you feel should not be there.
Vials are 1/2 an inch wide and 3 inches long (not including the length of the glass ball) Glass ball is sealed to the vial with candle wax. Wax can be removed to get to the herbs inside the vials.
This Spell Dust Vial is $2.00 + shipping

~Custom herb vials and spell dusts~
Herb vials are $1.00 each
Spell dust vials can be made for a specific purpose or you can choose the herbs you wish turned into a dust.
Spell dust vials are $2.00 each and you can pick up to 4 herbs to be powdered and mixed into the vial. Each additional herb added is $0.25 in addition to the two dollars.
Vials are 3 inches long by 1/2 an inch wide (this does not include the length of the glass ball) The glass ball will be sealed to the vial with candle wax. Wax can be removed to get to the herbs inside the vials. Vials can be carried with you or placed on the altar alternatively if you do not wish to open the vials.
~Herbs and other items to choose from for in the vials~
Lavender buds and flower blooms
Red clover
Marigold "Calendula"
Rose petals (Red, Pink, Yellow)
Lemon Balm
Jasmine flower petals
Rosemary
Sage *Powdered*
Clove
Orange peel
Birch bark
Maple bark
Oak bark
Bay Laurel
Thyme
St. Johns wort
Mugwort
Sea salt
Pine sap
Graveyard dirt
More herbs to be added later!

I wanted to remind everyone that I do offer combined shipping on orders. You can save money on things that are priced lower,like the herb vials and salve samples, when you buy multiple items and combine the shipping.

Please E-mail me if you wish to purchase any of these vials or have any questions. Don’t forget to check out other posts from this blog or look up the Lotus Moon Apothecary Facebook page to see other items currently available for purchase.

Lotus Moon’s Healing Salve

I am happy to announce a new salve has been added to the shop.
The Lotus Moon’s Healing Salve is now available for purchase. 
Scroll down to read about this new wonderful salve.

~Lotus Moon's Healing Salve~
This magical salve was created on a Sunday during the beginning of a Waxing Moon.
This wonderful salve is great for promoting circulation as well as has soothing and anti-inflammatory herbs.

This salve is good for use on varicose veins, spider veins, places with poor circulation, stretch marks, cysts, and cellulite. It can also be applied to the neck for pains, especially if the pain is due to stiff muscles, poor circulation, or pinched nerves.
There are no essential oils used in making this salve. This salve was made with all natural herbs and roots. This is not a thick, sticky, or greasy salve. This salve is very smooth, absorbs easily, and feels like a light oil when rubbed on.
It should not stain your clothing though a small amount of oil residue if worn under clothing is possible and easily washed out.

Ingredients: Elf Leaf, ginger root, thyme, safflower oil, vitamin e oil, beeswax.
This salve can also be used in rituals and spells.

Below is a list of the properties of the herbs, which gives you an idea of the other ways this salve could be used.

Elf Leaf- is an air herb and aids in: protection, healing, love, joy, devotion, peace, purification, & cleansing.

Ginger - Ginger is a fire herb. It enhances all spells, especially love spells, being a spicy and "hot" herb. GINGER gives fiery protection from evil; it also heats up love affairs and sexuality. Its also good in matters of prosperity and success.

Thyme- is a water herb Health, Healing, Sleep, Psychic Powers, Love, Purification, Courage, protection, and is one of the herbs used at funerals. It also repels negativity and depression.

This is a sample size and comes in a .5oz jar and is $3.00 + shipping
2 oz jars are also available for purchase and are $13.00 + shipping

Please specify which size you want to buy when ordering.
2oz jars look different than the sample size jars do. The 2 oz jars are glass with lock and seal flip top lids.

E-mail me if you would like to purchase a jar or have any questions.
I wanted to remind everyone that I do offer combined shipping on orders. You can save money on things that are priced lower,like the herb vials and salve samples, when you buy multiple items and combine the shipping.

Don’t forget to look through other blog posts from this blog, or go to the Lotus Moon Apothecary Facebook Page to see other items currently available for purchase.

New Bat Earrings

Bat Earrings
These earrings hang 2 inches and feature garnet gemstones, Snowflake Obsidian, and Tibetan silver.
About the stones:
Garnet
Gentle Energy, Loyalty, Passion, Love, Self-Esteem

Snowflake Obsidian
All varieties of obsidian are good utilized as grounding and protective agents - The snowflake in particular helps us surrender or let go of negative habits or past pathways. It will bring about opportunity for change, serenity, and clarity.

Silver
Aids in healing as well as magical protection. It is also attributed with increasing psychic ability and intuition. It is said to influence change in people as well as instill a person with adaptability. Silver enhances mental function, aids circulation, strengthens blood, physically and spiritually. It is said to relieve stress. Silver relates to the moon and subconscious aspects.

This pair of earrings is $12.50 + shipping

E-mail me if you are interested in purchasing this pair of earrings or have any questions. Also check out other blog postings or look at the photo albums on the Lotus Moon Apothecary Facebook Page for more earrings currently available for purchase.

New Wooden Pendulums

There are a lot of new items being made recently. One of the things I was able to make were some more wooden pendulums. I have a couple of each types of wood made. I just took pictures of one from each type of tree. When that one sells I will take pictures of the next one to post up. You will get the one in the picture posted, if you would like pictures of the others let me know and I can take some.

None of these have any symbols burnt into them.
Runes, oghams, or other symbols (depending on the symbol and size of pendulum) can be burnt onto the pendulum upon request for an additional fee.
Please send me a message if you are interested in having this done to your pendulum.

Please keep in mind I only ship to the US currently.

Birch Pendulum
Pendulum was made from a branch that had naturally fallen from the tree.

A little under 1 1/2 inches in length and 1/2 an inch around.

Birch-Called the "birth-tree,"
Associated with the Mother Goddess, it has been used in healing and for magical besom brooms. It also symbolizes the return of spring. Traditionally you consecrate it to Thor. The birch protects you against lightning. Birch is also associated with; birth, beginnings, and encouragement.
This pendulum is $8.00 + $2.00 shipping.

Maple Pendulum

Pendulum was made from a branch that had naturally fallen from the tree.
Pendulum is 1 1/2inches in length and a little over 1/4 an inch around.

Maple (Shorin) -Earth

Sacred to Alban Elved (the Autumnal Equinox) because of its fiery red and orange colors as its leaves turn -- a bold celebration of the season and the cycle of death and rebirth. Maple is a strongly masculine wood, somewhat rebellious and tough, but with a beautiful smooth grain. Well-suited to spells of sending and communication, binding, transmutations, creation, revolution, rebirth, healing, beauty, art, and abundance.
This pendulum is $10.00 + $2.00 shipping

Oak Pendulum

Pendulum was made from a branch that had naturally fallen from the tree.Pendulum is 2 inches in length and 1/2in in width.

The pendulum comes on a 10 inch chain.
Oak is the tree of - power, endurance, strength, triumph of life, fatherhood.
It is also associated with the Norse god Frey, and the primary wood of the sacred fire of the Goddess. Oak is associated with fertility, ancestry, and love.

This pendulum is $10.00 + $2.00 shipping


Please E-mail me if you would like to purchase any of these items or have any questions.
Lotus_Moon@hotmail.com