Author: A Solitary Pagan
Random Natural Remedies deodorants
The best deodrants is plain old baking soda. You can pat it right onto your skin or mix it with a little cornstarch for extra staying power and moisture control. Try 1/2 cornstarch and 1/2 baking soda. Some readers say that mixing in anti-bacterial tea tree oil makes it even more effective. .
Collecting Herbs for Magical Workings, Storing and Preparing for Use.
To use the herbs fresh, simply wash them in cool water and pat them dry. They can be kept lively for a few days by putting them in a vase of water and keeping them in a cool area (if your fridge isn’t too cold, that’ll do nicely).If you wont be using them within a few days, or want to put them in a sachet, tea or incense, you will probably need to dry them.Tie a string around the base of a bunch o...
Collecting Herbs for Magical Workings, Use Them!
Record any observations you make while working with the herb along with it’s location in your harvest journal. If the plant is particularly fragrant or effective, write it down so you know to go back! If it doesn’t work well for you, make note of that, too.
Collecting Herbs for Magical Workings, Giving Thanks.
Having taken from the plant, you should give thanks for the gift. Tell it that you’re grateful, and assure it that it wont be misused. Then, provide payment!Pour the fertilizer you brought at the roots of the plant. If you stumbled upon the plant accidentally and don’t have your fertilizer with you, make some other form of offering. Traditionally, a small coin at the base of the plant can show you...
Collecting Herbs for Magical Workings, Harvesting.
Using your sharp implement, make a clean, angular cut near a joint. This will make it easier for the plant to heal and regrow. You will want to choose a portion of the plant that is not the oldest (dark and woody), and not the youngest (the lightest with the most budding leaves). A good middle-aged branch is best. Be sure to never take more than 25% of the total plant growth. While you are harvest...
Collecting Herbs for Magical Workings, Asking Permission.
Before you cut the plant, you should take some time to connect with it. Examine it to see if it is healthy. Take your time identifying it. Feel the plant’s energy and let it get to know you. Once you’ve determined that the plant is a good candidate, you should ask its permission to take it.This process is intuitive. Some believe you should ask aloud, others that you can ask silently, communicating...
Collecting Herbs for Magical Workings, Finding Your Herbs.
forests or natural fields on public land, but for many it can be a challenge to source wild herbs.If you live in a city, find out if there are any nature trails or reserves in your area, then check what their policies are. You can also search for vacant lots, or neighbors with a green thumb. Make sure to ask before helping yourself! Sometimes you can find areas beneath power lines where herbs and ...
Krampus’ minions
Many of Krampus’ minions are also real Christmas/winter folk figures in European cultures, such as the Yule Goat (Scandanavia). The creatures with Icelandic names (Stekkjarstaur, etc.) are named after the Icelandic Yule Lads who are said to visit homes each of the thirteen nights before Christmas. The gingerbread cookie that is lowered down the chimney is attached to a hook. Meathook (or Ket...
How to Create Your Own Talisman?
Creating a talisman is an intimate process full of magic. Here are a few steps to help you craft your own: Choose an object – It can be a stone, a piece of jewelry, or a symbol – something that draws you in. Cleanse it – Use sage smoke, salt, or moon water to remove old energies. Charge it with intention – While holding the talisman, visualize your desire or goal. An affirmation lik...
Collecting Herbs for Magical Workings, Your Toolkit
The first thing you will need is a cutting tool. Some traditions recommend the use of a sickle-shaped tool with a white handle, called the Boline. Here’s an example of what one looks like: Personally, I don’t recommend the use of a Boline. Here’s why: If your beliefs don’t specifically demand the Boline, I instead recommend a pair of garden pruning shears with white handles. They are affordab...
Collecting Herbs for Magical Workings
Plants and herbs are a common ingredient in many forms of magic. Whether you are making incense, stuffing a sachet, or brewing a folk remedy, if you practice long enough, you’re eventually going to have a use for them. When that’s the case, you’ll want to use the best possible ingredient.While store bought herbs will do in a pinch, I prefer to harvest my own. This way: you can be confident of fres...
