BoS Prompts 19: Starting to learn ie Stones & Herbs etc..

Link to previous prompts: http://ppwwmm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/cauldroneers-bos-prompts.html

There's now a dedicated facebook page to support these blog posts @ https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Thank you all for the support.  I've now made a dedicated facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/ so if you go there turn on all notifications you won't miss these blog posts!! 

Prompt 19. Sunday 8th April 2018 - The 19th prompt will be..  Starting to learn ie Stones & Herbs etc..

First let me say I hope you all had a very blessed Ostara (Spring Equinox) and a Happy Easter!!  I'm already loving the springtime!

Through out this series of blog posts (Book of Shadows / Grimoire Prompts) I seem to have been asked the same one question, or similar question, multiple times over.  “How do you learn stones?” “How do you learn herbs?”  So I thought I would interject this series and add this blog in to help people with that.  - Doesn't matter if you're brand new or the wisest crone I'm sure you can learn something from these posts..

First note there’s no right or wrong way.  Also if you haven’t read the blog I wrote that includes the basic and key information about ‘Herbs and Stones’ you really should go read that first.

So as said there’s multiple methods..  For a lot of us we will never know every stone name, use, values, properties and such for nor herb for that matter.  There’s a great number of books including encyclopedias, bibles and other directories which hold great details on stones and herbs their properties and uses etc..  Alongside buying some of these books, the internet is an amazing resource.  BUT you might want to learn the basics of say 10 or so of the more commonly used ones, or that you would use most in your practices.  Eg. White Sage, Rosemary, Patchouli, Lavender etc..  Clear quartz, Malachite, Amethyst, Rose Quartz etc..  Just to name a few.

So here’s some of the methods I use (but there’s others).

Stones.

For the purpose of this blog when I say Stone I’m referring to all stones, semi precious and precious rocks, gems, crystals etc..

Now purchase yourself one of each of the stones you’d like to learn (if you don’t already have one/them) this can be online (such as ebay) – where one will be sent at random OR if you can get yourself to a shop and choose one that feels right to you even better!!  Although a lot of people say the stone chooses you not you choosing the stone!!  Note it doesn’t matter the size.  Although when starting out you don’t want to spend silly money on these things; as it might not be for you!  Note it's been said that some stones just don't work for some people.  Some times it's that particular stone and other times it's that particular type of stone.  There are always multiple stones that can be used the the same purpose!

Now you have your stone (feel free to Cleanse, Consecrate and Charge – a lot of people will have been handling the stones no matter where you got it from!  You can move on..

Some people choose to spend a few days with no real knowledge of a stone and try it out try sensing it’s vibrations and qualities, what feelings you get when holding it in your right or left hand, sleeping with it etc.. (write them down).  Other people jump right in at the beginning..  Either way if you spent a few days getting a feel for the stone (note you might have multiple stones but try to learn only one at a time).  Once you’re ready a great way to learn a stone is to spend a week with it!!  Look in books and online to get as much KEY information about that particular stone..  You don’t necessarily need to know its origins or how it’s farmed or made etc.  Although that information can be highly interesting I especially love the history and legend of The Apache Tear Stone.  But knowing things like..

• ·       What is this stone primarily used for in holistic healing?
• ·       Does this stone belong to one of the Chakra points?
• ·       Does this stone have a zodiac sign associated with it?
• ·       Does this stone feel hot or cold?
• ·       What are the metaphysical / magical uses?
• ·       Is this stone affected by Sun or Water (some stones can be damaged!!)

..You have the basics?  You wrote them down?  Good from here you can start practicing with it..  Try carrying the stone around on your person, try sleeping with it under your pillow, try out some workings which would include that stone, what feelings do you get..  If the stone is water tolerant what happens if you put it in a glass of water and then drink the water?  If it’s a stone that helps with say creativity do you notice your creativity enhanced?  A stone that aids with anxieties do you notice a decrease in your anxiety? – Note these things don’t always work straight away but really strong connections to stones may mean that stone is definitely one you’ll find yourself working with more often than not.

Continue your studies, and your regular life..  and see what happens.  There’s nothing wrong with spending more or less time with a stone..  It’s completely your choice.  Then move on to the next stone and repeat.

Note.  Getting to know stones, even if you don’t remember everything about them locks into your subconscious.  You may later find yourself writing a spell, ritual or working of some kind and find yourself reaching for that particular stone even though you can’t remember its properties though upon research that stone may be perfect.  Don’t shrug off that inner voice.

Storing your stones..  I keep my main ones an my alatar.  They’re the first of each that I got since starting my practice and so I keep them in a glass on my God side of my altar and/or placed around my center pentagram (see yesterdays Instagram post here https://www.instagram.com/p/BhP5wQrAD7w/?taken-by=missimoinsane) I keep the other stones I buy that I use in workings and then throw away or are permanently in the working such as a witches ball, in candles that are kept or gifted, in offerings or offering stones, in mojo or medicine bags, in manifestation box etc..  Some people keep them wrapped in silks, individual bags, in thimble display cases, shelves, around their home, in bowls and so on..

Buying your stones..  an idea for buying stones to use in workings is to buy chip stones, small bottled stones and/or beads of the stones you wish to use.  This can be cost effective while still giving your workings the same properties and powers.  Just a thought.  Also look out for deals I know a lot of ebay shows do 3 for 2 type offers.

Stones can be reused such as cleansed by the full moon's light, if they’re tolerant to water you could wash them with salt water or bury them in the ground for a night and a day..  There are multiple ways you can cleanse, consecrate and charge your stones.

Herbs.

For the purpose of this blog when I say Herb I’m referring to all herbs, spices, fungus, flowers and plants (flora) etc..  As well as resin, bark, powders and even oils (essential oils) etc..

Learning herbs can be very similar to learning Stones.  A lot of people do that getting to know it before actually studying about it which is great but I must advise some herbs (when touched, ingested, burned etc) are poisonous to humans and/or animals.  I always do my research before buying any herbs and bringing them into my home.

Again like stones buy some of the herbs you’d like to learn; again this can be online (such as ebay) assuming you don’t raid the kitchen cupboards, grocery store or your garden, nearby woods or other nature places).  Note it doesn’t matter the size/amount but you’ll want enough to do a few practice workings..  Unlike stones herbs can’t be reused unless it’s within the same working (such as you might use them in a blessing ritual which you then anoint your candle and roll it in the herbs and the remaining herbs you put into an incense especially for that particular spell or type of spell then of course..

Now you have your herb (feel free to Cleanse, Consecrate and Charge – a lot of people will have been handling the herbs no matter where you got them from!) you can move on..

Some people as mentioned choose to spend a few days with no real knowledge of the herb and try it out try sensing it’s vibrations and qualities, what feelings you get when holding it, sleeping with it etc.. (write them down).  PLEASE REMEMBER WHAT I SAID ABOUT POISONOUS ONES!!  MOST DIRECTORIES ETC WILL TELL YOU IF THEY ARE POISONOUS – BUT YOU CAN ALWAYS CHECK ONLINE SOME WEBSITES A DEDICATED TO POISONOUS FOR HUMAN, CAT, DOG ETC..  Other people jump right in at the beginning..  Either way if you spent a few days getting a feel for the herb..

Repeating everything I said you’d do for stones..

Storing your herbs..  I keep mine mostly in glass jars/bottles/tubes – or in foil bags in boxes (mostly).  I then keep these in a dry dark place.  Note I find it important to keep my magickal practice herbs and my kitchen herbs separate (just encase of cross contamination).

Buying your herbs..  While buying in bulk is somewhat cheaper note these things do have an expiration date.  So if you buy a few kilo’s of say jasmine make sure that’s something you’ll use within say 12 months.  You don’t want to find you still have practically a full bag four years down the line.  Sometimes a small amount will go a long way and you don’t need to buy much more than a sample bag.

Conclusion. 

I hope that’s given you some ideas for how you can learn herbs and stones.  Some people literally buy a bunch of stuff as a spell / working that requires a specific type of herb or stone and then learn them there and then or at least research enough to make sure it’s something you’re wanting to work with.  Which isn’t a bad way either although it’s good to keep a supply of the basics just in case.  You don’t want to find yourself requiring items for a spell on Friday which the online stores won't ship till Monday and it’s practically a week before you can do the working you wanted to do right away!

A better understanding of herbs and stones means that if you come across a spell that requires eg. White sage for purification but it’s hard to find that where you live or you just burnt your last leaf this morning but you have a bunch of frankincense resin or palo santo wood..  You’re in luck as you’ll know it’s possible to substitute the white sage for either of these two (for example).  – Meaning you can do your working now.  I love to customise workings by using what I have or what I feel connected too that will still work.  The same can be said for substituting other items such as candles.  But that’s now treading on the toes of next week’s blog focus “how to write your own spells and workings!”

Activity..

• Buy a stone / herb and follow the above practice (you don't want to do multiple stones and herbs at the same time nor one of each at the same time..  simply study one item at a time!)
• (Optional) Expand this study to other items..

Book Activity..

• (Optional) Copy down any information from above you think you will find useful.. and/or any further information you find out.
• (Optional) Write down the stone / herb properties of your most used stones / herbs.

Interact with me Activity..

• (Optional) on the Fb Page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/ feel free to add any information you deem worthy..  

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Thank you all for the support.  For anyone wishing to share, ask for help, talk about BoS / their book and relevant content (or for more information, ideas and unmissable blog posts go to new Fb group https://www.facebook.com/groups/BoSPrompts/  Also as previously mentioned you can go on the website version of this blog over on the left there’s a ‘subscribe by email’ so you don’t miss a single post from me.  If you’re on the mobile version scroll right down to the bottom and click ‘view as website’ and that should take you to the website version where you can expand, navigate to the left and subscribe by email :)  I will continue to share this on my Patreon *for free* and also on my Twitter and in various facebook groups..  & Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Imogen x

Sunday April 15th's prompts No.20 -  Writing Spells (and other workings)

BoS Prompts 9: Herbs, Oils and Stones etc.

Link to previous prompts: http://ppwwmm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/cauldroneers-bos-prompts.html

Prompt 9. Sunday 21st January 2018 - The 9th prompt will be...  Herbs, Oils and Stones etc.

I apologise for my little outbreak last week, I am going through a bad time with my depression / mental health and disabilities / illnesses and I know that's absolutely no excuse. But I just very much feel like the people who said they would love me to do this haven't seemed to have done any of the activities and most I'm unsure if they even bother to read since they don't comment I might get a thumbs up at best.  So I felt very down.  I know I'm sharing this in other groups and other places and the support after my little outbreak last week was mostly positive - with the exclusion of the two groups I walked out on as apparently they're happy for me to share my knowledge but not happy for me to share my emotions when I'm upset.  Anyway, this was not aimed at anyone specifically I just needed a little reassurance I'm not just wasting my time here.  So thank you all for the support. - Imogen xo

There's now a dedicated facebook page to support these blog posts @ https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Thank you all for the support.  I've now made a dedicated facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/ so if you go there turn on all notifications you won't miss these blog posts!! 

Todays blog post will be a 3 in 1, probably more than 3 actually..  but I’m lumping these together in this section simply because this isn’t something I’m including in my BoS - but I know a lot of you might/are..  So I thought I’d cover this section purely for you guys.  Which is probably going to be long and repetitive. 

Speaking of you guys..  On the website version of this blog over on the left there’s a ‘subscribe by email’ so you don’t miss a single post from me.  If you’re on the mobile version scroll right down to the bottom and click ‘view as website’ and that should take you to the website version where you can expand, navigate to the left and subscribe by email :)  I will continue to share this on my Patreon *for free* and also on myTwitter and in various facebook groups..  OR JOIN THE NEW FACEBOOK GROUP!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/BoSPrompts/

So first of all let me mention why I’m not including this in my book.  – I may at some point I will make a seperate book especially for this stuff!!  But including this in this book would cause me somewhat distress that I took up so much book with this and/or not able to go back and add to this section due to lack of space and perhaps if I had a binder and not a bound book that would be different..?  Also basically I feel that I have a working book I keep recipes I work on in and also evernote.  But mostly this information can be found in the published books I own.  I own the crystal bibles and herb dictionaries and even essential oil books and such..  Various Grimoire, Book of Shadows and Journals.  But my go to resource for this stuff more often than not is the internet.  That’s assuming I don’t already know the properties and uses – which after a while you pick up on!!  I have my go to’s and I don’t really stray to others…  I have herbs that cover all my needs and I know their properties and uses.   I have them in dried herb form, real essential oil form, some are in tinctures or incense blends but I know their uses..  So I’m thinking of creating another book for recipes.  But you might want to include these things in your book or another book or be a complete beginner and not know what these things even are..  So let me explain!!

Stones.

Stones, gems, crystals, semi precious stones and precious stones etc – also can include metals in this section too if you like like Gold, Silver, Copper..  These are often natural (some are manmade) elements found in the earth or made from the earth for example quartz is a kind of rock that forms in various parts of the world and there's various types of quartz too.

Stones have properties and values, you can take a stone based on it’s colour (more on colours in my next blog entry), or its physical properties, it’s magickal properties and such forth.  Now a few things again it’s down to your own beliefs..  Also some stones people say have healing or powers which some of us take prescription medications for but stones, like all other things here, are not a substitute to actual medication and/or professional help. 

Stones are said to hold qualities and properties such as Amethyst has healing qualities it is said to be healing on all levels - body, mind and spirit. Amethyst raises vibrational frequency and protects against negative energies.  But what does that mean?  Well it means what you believe it to mean, if you feel as though having chunks of this stone around your home, neck or in your pocket helps with you healing process then brilliant.  If you feel like it’s a very pretty purple stone but that's it then brilliant.  If you feel this stone doesn’t have any kind of magickal properties it’s just a chunk of rock someone dug up but you get lost in peace and tranquility every time you look at it and find it to be calming and inspiring then brilliant.  Each to their own interpretation.  But this can then be used in magickal or none magickal workings for whatever properties you deem that stone to have..

Some popular uses for stones (and metals) are used in jewellery for either their properties or colour even colour properties (such as a green jade is a stone that, as far as I know, doesn't have money properties but green is a money colour so could be used in money workings).  Some are used in mojo bags, in making of oils, in workings, even added to candles, bath bombs, charms and much more..

Herbs.

Herbs are plants, mostly grown and gathered in the wild but some are farm grown and others home grown both in and outdoors.  They can be purchased in a variety of places and in a variety of ways this includes seed, plant, clippings for planting, fresh cut, cuttings, dried cuttings, chopped and ready for food, cut and ready for teas etc..

Some herbs are used in cooking or making/preparing of food and drink, others are used as decorations and some are used in makeup, medicine, perfume and a whole list of other fragranced products.  But again like stones should not be used as a substitute for medicinal use in fact you should check with your doctor and do your research.  They hold many properties literally and magickally as well as flavour.  Note: some herbs are poisonous and should not come in contact with skin, be ingested through eating, sniffing etc.  Some are poisonous to animals while they might be fine to us.  So really make sure you know about a herb before handling it!!  A lot of these starter or taster magickal herb kits include several I dispose of safely so as not to harm me or my cats.  So definitely check that out.

As mentioned much like the stones herbs have properties again down to your own interpretation of each but again some have set qualities.  For example lavender is said to be all round healing, calming and is often included in microwavable wheat bags as a calming, soothing, relaxing, aromatherapy all round good herb.  BUT not for everyone, lavender in wheat bags gives me headaches and makes me feel ill.. There’s nothing calming, soothing or relaxing about nausea or headaches..!  That said in massage oil / essential oil, raw herb, loose incense, most lavender scented candles or incense I’m fine but not air sprays, room sprays or cleaning product scents like dish soap, polish, floor cleaner etc. – that said I mostly make my own cleaning products but that’s for another blog!!

Oils.

Oils very much work on the same bases as herbs,  Essential oils or pure oils is what you're looking for as they're herbs made into a high concentrated oil. Though while I wouldn't recommend putting them in your food they can be used in oils, dressings, tinctures, incense, fragrances and more.

They can be purchased in real pure essential oil form (100%) or different variations of pure-ness.  Which needs diluting down usually with something called a ‘carrier oil’ before use.  Coconut oil, vegetable glycerine, almond oil, rapeseed oil are but a few..

Oils can also be bought in massage oil form, these are essential oils that have already been diluted.  Though most of these are synthetic fragrances and not real extract.

Oils can come in scented oils for oil burners, but often these are just fragrance oil and therefore hold no magickal properties as they’re synthetic oils as well.

Tinctures.

What exactly are tinctures?
Typically tinctures are usually made for medicinal purposes.  They're then consumed (usually a small amount is placed under the tongue).  Tinctures are often made from liquid extractions of herbs in alcohol, but they can also be extracted in some carrier oils such as vegetable glycerine or in apple cider vinegar (these are non-alcohol tinctures).   Tinctures are easy to use and make.  They’re even safe for children as only a small amount need to be consumed.  As mentioned because they are taken directly under the tongue, they enter the bloodstream much more directly than by any other means. This means that the body has a quicker reaction.  That said some may require continual use for several weeks before any real effect takes place like other medications.  - If you wish to know more about tinctures like how to make I do advise you look into this further.

Tea.

Like Tinctures herbal teas can be made, or bought, for medicinal or health benefits such as relaxation, revitalisation, sleep, energy and so on.  They can also be made for things like nausea, stomach pain, constipation and more.

Incense.

Incense typically comes in three forms: Cone, Loose or Stick.  Most cone and stick incense unless it was home made is often more synthetic smell and doesn't hold the properties and values of real herbs, real oils etc.  Most loose incense is home made and made directly using herbs and sometimes essential oils are also added.

These can be store bought or homemade.  I really recommend having a go at making your own loose incense.  This can be burnt on a disc (such as charcoal or coconut) and burnt in a fire safe container such as a sand filled cauldron, pan, specifically designed ceramic or metal burner.  I put cork coasters under for additional protection.  Note: the container will get hot and sand / salt / dirt should be used between the container and the disc.  - Always exercise fire safety and you can never be too cautious, too safe or too careful.

Etc.

These are just a few examples.  But there's some more information I wish to pawn off on you before you go..!!

First if anything says "part" such as a recipe requires 1 part lavendar to 2 parts rosemary to 1.5 part rose and 3 parts sage.  What 'part' means is 'measured amount' so be it teaspoon, tablespoon, or any other measurement.  Eg tablespoon.  1tbsp lavender, 2tbsp rosemary, 1 and a half tbsp rose and 3tbsp sage.  - A lot of people don't know what "part" means it literally stands in place of a value measurement because if you're making a one time spell amount you might want to use a teaspoon but if you were making a big batch for doing 10 candles you might want considerably more but have the same same recipe.  - I hope that makes sense!

Making potions, spells, ointments, salves and other similar stuff I haven't covered here is also so much fun.  Take a premade recipe off of the internet, a book, your mystical Aunt Sally (with permission) and make your own, or adapt it and make it your own.  We all saw Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince (right?) "crush not cut" well that but "dragons blood not sage" don't be scared of messing up.  Don't disbelieve - belief is part of the active ingredient to all magickal workings.  Make your own.  

How to write your own recipes for eg spell work?
Easy!  Consider what you wish to achieve.  And how?  Next week I'll be looking more at candles (I have an old blog on candles) and also colour correspondences.  But consider what herbs have those properties - can you add them to a candle, loose incense, a mojo bag/sachette, what stones have the properties you're looking for?  A mixture and make it as complicated or as simple.  You could make candles, incense, write a prayer, make a bag or a box or do all of those things and it's really let your creativity run wild.  or sometimes it's a simple as a relax and concentration oil spell.  3 drops of each of the following 100%  pure essential oil; rosemary, lavender and patchouli in an oil burner with some water.. done.

Activity..

• Research and practice making a simple loose incense using your own written recipe.
• Research and practice making a simple sachette you put under your pillow containing at least 3 stones, a herb and 1 other item of your choice (poppet, feather, charm, written upon paper etc..) don't forget to write your recipe (perhaps even journal about the results).
• Research and practice making a simple anointing oil, this can include stones as well as herbs, oils and anything else you wish to infuse into a carrier oil.
• Research the above and decide what you may wish to include in your book.  Those three recipes you just researched and practice may be 3 of your own workings you might want to include if you felt they worked as intended.
• Perhaps try amending what you've previously created here to improve it or use it in other ways.  A loose incense may also work great imbued into candles. 

Etc..

Book Activity..

• (Optional) write down the properties of your most used herbs, stones, oils etc.  It would take you a very long and pointless time writing down every oil, herb and stone.  But perhaps write down the most common or your more frequently used ones.
• (Optional) create a space you can write recipes, add recipes, and such forth.
• (Optional) write notes such as what 'parts' mean in a recipe, what measurements are and their meanings, maybe create a signature incense and just write that.  Perhaps write notes on what herbs are "Herbs are plants grown....." what stones are "Crystals come from..." how tinctures are made... etc etc..
• (Optional) Any part of this blog post you thought might embellish your book and help your practice or that triggered your own thoughts and ideas for what to include.

Etc..

Interact with me Activity

• Comment on this blog, facebook post, twitter, patreon etc and tell me / us how you went about adding this section / these sections to your books..  Your thoughts and any other relevant helpful information xo

As said before for me, and I know for a few others like Rhomany, this sort of thing would take up too much space in a BoS and be difficult to add too so perhaps a separate book especially dedicated to just herbs, just oils, just stones, just recipes etc.  And for others that's the point of their BoS is to have those recipes and references.

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Thank you all for the support.  For anyone wishing to share, ask for help, talk about BoS / their book and relevant content (or for more information, ideas and unmissable blog posts go to new Fb group https://www.facebook.com/groups/BoSPrompts/  Also as previously mentioned you can go on the website version of this blog over on the left there’s a ‘subscribe by email’ so you don’t miss a single post from me.  If you’re on the mobile version scroll right down to the bottom and click ‘view as website’ and that should take you to the website version where you can expand, navigate to the left and subscribe by email :)  I will continue to share this on my Patreon *for free* and also on my Twitter and in various facebook groups..  & Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Imogen x

Next weeks prompts No.10 - Colours & Candles.

Haul. Spice Tube Rack Bargain!!

Why do I love charity shops? Because I picked up something for £5 last week I just learnt is $175 (£135) plus shipping to the UK designer!! Missing 3/40 test tubes and 2/40 corks but still...!!

Haul: It's Elemental Dear Boy ;) hehe!! (Jars)

(Aww I got a magickal gift from a stranger!!  Sort of!!)

Photo of Coloured Glass Jars by me on 12th October 2016 

© Imogen Cane - missimoinsane 2016

A good while ago I found a seller on ebay selling reasonable sized but perfectly small-ish coloured glass jars (a bit smaller than those photographed above). The listing was for 5 jars and she would send all different colours or to message for specific colours. The colours available being Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Purple and/or Pink.

PERFECT!!

Being exactly what I had been looking for for some time now I went ahead, ordered and sent a message explaining I'm Pagan these jars are perfect element jars for something I want to do so could she please make sure to send Blue, Red, Green and Yellow. The 5th can be Purple ideally for spirit but I don't think I'd really use it so any colour for the 5th would do.

A week or so passes and she finally marks my order as dispatched. Two days later she replies to my message informing me my jars had been posted, shes only just read my message and she doesn't have any Green or Blue left. I replied and explained my disappointment and reaffirmed what I had said originally and elaborated my intention for these jars (Blue/Water, Red/Fire, Green/Earth, Yellow/Air and Purple or any colour...)  I politely explained she should have cancelled the order or at least contacted me prior to shipping.. She replied, seemingly not overly happy and divulged into a small rant of first come, first served notions.  She proceeded if I want to send them back, at my cost not hers, she would gladly refund - as a small independent business owner.  I replied explaining how I was disappointed based on the fact I had instantly asked for specific colours for specific reason upon my purchase (which her product description advised) a week prior to her actually shipping them. I went on to say how it was unfair return shipping to come out of my pocket so I'm sure I'll find another use for them. We exchanged a few more messages and I waited.  -Feeling disgruntled. 

Another week went past and no jars. I contacted the seller but no reply. Another week and another ignored message..  Then a few days later I received: Red, Yellow, Purple, Pink and Orange!! ORANGE WASN'T EVEN ON HER LIST!! - I thanked her for the jars, informed her they had arrived and left positive five star feedback. She sent me a thanks and informed me she was getting more styles and colours soon. - I didn't reply.

A few days later Ebay and PayPal notified me to say the seller had issued me a full refund!!

I decided to leave it at that and keep an eye open for other jars fit for purposes in the right colours, matching, glass and right size etc.. some other time. That was WEEKS ago!! I actually didn't pursue looking for more jars - I kind of hoped they'd turn up in a charity shop or when I least expected it and be perfect.

Today I received a surprise package from her containing four perfect jars: Blue, Red, Yellow and Green.  *pictured above*.

- Unsure if there's an underlying message in all of this, but either way I'm very happy!!

Imogen x

 - Exploring what's in my head.

www.missimoinsane.webs.com 


Ps. Yes I'm well aware the turn of phrase is "It's elementary dear boy" not elemental. But just go with it. - Before someone tried to be cleverer ;)

WW. Hedge Witch - What is one?

What is a "Hedge Witch"?

Hedge Witches.

The name 'Hedge Witch' originates from many many many moons ago when villages were separated by the forests.  The edge of these forests, where they met the village, were known a hedge.  You would often find, in most villages, a herbal practitioner who lived in or near the edge of the forest.  - These practitioners of herbal and/or spiritual practice who lived near the hedge became known as Hedge Witches or a Hedge Witch.

Today's Hedge Witch doesn't necessarily live in or even anywhere near a forest, or Village for that matter.  The term still is used based on the practice, though they do still tend to have a great relationship with nature.  Also most commonly known for always having a remedy, lotion, potion, brew or something for every occurring aliment or requirement.

A Hedge Witch is also known for not only herbal practice for medicinal and spiritual purposes but also for having an understanding of nature and is often seen encouraging spiders, wasps and other unwanted bug killers as a natural way to tend to their plants.

A Hedge Witch is a witch who practices a very eclectic path and is the one you would seek if say you were unable to see a Doctor or Dentist for example.  A Hedge Witch has many herbal remedies in his/her cupboard for many an ailment. For they know many medicinal and spiritual properties of many plants and how they can aid and treat many different symptoms.  This knowledge would usually be passed down through generations and each Hedge Witch takes pride in developing their knowledge and these skills through further reading and practice.

That said a Hedge Witch is a solitary practitioner.  She/He doesn't belong to a coven or follow any organised religion.  But she/he does follow their own craft and is very much a free spirit.  Their knowledge, as mentioned, usually handed down to them by their family.  Though intially through word of mouth and practice.  To this day no two Hedge Witches are alike in fact it is said that you can ask a dozen Hedge Witches what they think a Hedge Witch is like and each of them could come up with a dozen different answers themselves!!  That said while they follow the same general rules, ie properties and uses for various herbs and practice, they each follow their own unique paths.

Not all Hedge Witches follow Deity.  Though most do have just a general belief in The God and Goddess as in Nature.

Hedge witches are also known as shamans, charmers, healers, and, priest/esses, Rea Beth coined a great term Hedge Mystic. A person who studies and practices the Great Mysteries of Nature.

BB - Imogen 

Resources & Good Reading:

• http://www.angelfire.com/folk/greenwitch/sacred.html
• http://hedgewitchforest.com
• http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=caon&c=words&id=11899
• http://www.scottishpf.org/hedgewitch.html
• http://www.sallymorningstar.com/hed.htm

WW. Gather your Herbs -

A collaborative blog takeover by Allen David Binns 

When is the best time to gather your herbs and barks?

It is important to know when to gather plants in order to collect them at their most potent stage of growth. Although every plant is unique, there are some general guidelines for determining this:  So into the meadow, riverbanks and woods I set off with my dog Chloe to have a look around.

Greens
The leaves, stems, and above ground portion of a plant is usually most potent at or just before flowering. They are best gathered in the morning soon after the sun has evaporated the dew away, and before the plant has spent too much time under the hot sun.

Flowers
Gather flowers at their peak of blooming, avoiding those that have begun to wilt. They should be gathered in the morning soon after the sun has evaporated the dew away and before they have sat too long in the hot sun. I love gathering flower heads in the morning while Chloe runs around playing in the morning sunlight.

Roots
Roots should either be dug in the autumn after the plant has seeded or in early spring just as the new growth begins. They should be gathered early in the morning, and before the sun has been overhead too long. If the foliage of the plant has already begun to die back you can gather throughout the day. If you can, replant crowns and be sure to leave a sufficient number of plants to continue the population. If gathering rhizomes, don't dig up the plant, but trace down the stem and find the rhizome in the dirt. Cut the rear portion of the rhizome a couple of inches away from the stem and pull it up without removing the growing part of the plant from the ground. This allows the plant to be harvested without much trauma, and is preferable to replanting crowns.

Seeds
Gather seeds when ripe. For some plants, such as Nettles, cut the tops of the plants off and hang them upside-down to dry. When dry, shake seeds loose over a clean surface and collect the seeds from there after they fall, I really enjoy collecting seeds, rosehip seeds, hawthorn seeds and holly seeds to name a few, me and Chloe found a massive Holly bush at christmas full of berries and collected many seeds, dont you just love Mother Nature.

Bark
Bark should be gathered in early spring, as this is when the sap starts to flow up from the roots, or in the autumn, as the sap is returning to the roots. Never strip bark in a circle around a tree, as this will prevent the flow of nutrients from the roots to the branches and kill the tree. Use vertical strip, or prune branches. Sometimes thinning a crowded population will improve the growth of the other trees; if so, take the whole tree. It is generally the inner bark that is used in herbal medicine.

Avoid gathering near roads, power lines, areas that may have been exposed to fertilizers, chemicals, pesticides or other insidious forms of chemical pollution. Plants growing around the foundations of old houses, especially those high in minerals, may take up any lead in the soil from old paint jobs. Obviously, don't gather plants that look sickly, or from an area that doesn't radiate healthy growth.

After gathering the plants, the next step is called "Garbling". What this means is to go through what you've gathered, washing dirt off roots and picking out wilted leaves, woody stems, stray grasses and other plants that came along with what you picked. Garbling can be a tedious experience, but it is really quite delightful, and allows you to get to know the plant you've collected even better.

Once you've sifted through your herbs, you can either hang them up to dry (in which case, don't strip leaves off the stem while garbling), cut them into smaller pieces to dry (many roots may require this), or chop them up to tincture. If drying, find a place out of the sunlight with plenty of air and ventilation. I bundle up herbs and hang them in a closet or the shed, or dry them on top of a wardrobe near the ceiling, checking on them and turning them so they don't mold As long as you have gentle heat and air circulation, you shouldn't have to worry too much about mold. Another option is to dry herbs on a screen or wooden dish rack, which will assure adequate ventilation.

Only when the plants are completely dry should they be put into clean glass jars. Mason jars are ideal containers. Though many books say to use amber glass to protect the herbs from light, a Mason jar kept in a dark place works just as well, and costs less.

Most herbs, dried and stored properly, will retain their potency for at least a year; roots and barks generally for two. It is a good idea to date your herbs so you know when you need to replace what. Some herbs are said to either lose the virtues entirely or greatly diminish in potency upon drying, and these should be tinctured fresh if possible.

Using herbs collected by your own hands is an experience entirely unlike using store bought herbs and a personal connection to the land that we live upon is a wonderful way to spend your day and my dog Chloe couldnt agree more.

Blessed Be, Alan