Whether you cook with them, add them into a spell jar or carry them in a satchel with corresponding stones, here’s a simple list of some herbs and flowers that attract various types of luck.
I’m not being paid to promote this haha, but I have to share my adoration of Sam Guay’s Blood Moon Tarot! It consists of a full set of 78 standard-sized tarot cards, with original watercolor art on each one. The minor arcana consists of Dreams, Songs, Skins, and Honey!
The roman-era greek poet Mesomedes is said to be the composer of a few ancient melodies that we know of. One of them that I seldom see around here is the said Hymn to the Sun - an hymn to the Sun-God Helios, although bear in mind with me that on this particular era (around the 2nd century ACE), I believe Apollon and Helios were already very much conflated, the same goes for Artemis/Diana/Selene.
But without further ado, let’s appreciate the song a bit. Which, by the way, you can listen to here.
Hymn to the Sun
English:
Father of the Dawn with her snow-white eyelids, you who follow in your rose-pink chariot the track of your flying steeds, exulting in the gold of your hair, twining your darting rays across the boundless vault of sky, whirling around the whole earth the thread of your all-seeing beams, while flowing rivers of your deathless fire beget the lovely day.
For you the peaceful chorus of stars dance their measure across Olympos their lord, forever singing their leisured song, rejoicing in the music of Apollo’s lyre; and leading them the silvery-grey Moon marshals the months and seasons, drawn by her team of milk-white heifers. And your benevolent mind rejoices as it whirls around the manifold raiment of the universe.
Portuguese:
Pai da Aurora com suas pálpebras alvas como a neve, tu que segues em sua carruagem rósea a pista de seus alados corcéis, exultando com o ouro do seu cabelo, entrelaçando seus raios dardejantes através da abóbada sem limites do Céu girando em torno de toda a Terra o fio de seus raios onividentes, enquanto fluem rios de seu fogo imortal que geram o amável Dia.
Para ti, o coro pacífico das Estrelas Dançam sua medida n'Olimpo, seu senhor, para sempre cantando sua canção de desenfado regozijando-se com a música da lira de Apolo; E conduzindo-as a Lua (Selene)cinza-argêntea, comanda os meses e as estações, desenhados por sua equipe de novilhas brancas como leite. E sua mente benevolente se alegra enquanto giras em torno das múltiplas vestes do universo.
I hope you guys appreciate it! May we always honour the Gods with their lovely hymns and art. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong on something or even expand the post.
Wounds: Anger management, lack of self-worth, aloofness and isolationism, cutthroat competition style—needing to be #1 or refusing to participate, comparing and despairing
Healing Gifts: Empowering people to embrace their individuality, channeling anger into creative expression, fearless individuality, modeling independence
Chiron in Taurus (or 2nd House):♉
Wounds: Stubborn resistance to (and fear of) change, following the flock instead of forming your own values and beliefs, addiction to comforts like eating and drinking, materialism and money struggles
Healing Gifts: Creating serene environments, savvy financial planning, holding down the fort during turbulent times, calm in the storm, practical magic, teaching/modeling traditional wisdom
Chiron in Gemini (or 3rd House):♊
Wounds: Fear of being alone (without a “Twin“), approval-seeking, nervous chatter or addiction to gossip, constant pivoting that makes it impossible to finish what you start (Sparklepony Syndrome), anxiety about being judged, sibling rivalry
Healing Gifts: Play-based learning, communication arts, cooperation and mediation, using wit and humor as a tool for connection, putting people at ease/inclusivity
Chiron in Cancer (or 4th House):♋
Wounds: Trouble feeling “at home” or safe—both in your body and in the world, hoarding resources and money, emotional eating, xenophobia and “stranger danger,” family dysfunction (possibly with the mother)
Healing Gifts: Creating a safe haven for community, empowering women, nutritional wisdom/nourishing with food, savvy financial planning
Chiron in Leo (or 5th House):♌
Wounds:Need for validation, attention and approval, presenting a false front, addiction to drama and intensity, romance/love addiction, chasing the high
Healing Gifts: Empowering others through authentic self-expression, playfulness and healthy hedonism, using the arts to uplift and spread a positive message
Chiron in Virgo (or 6th House):♍
Wounds: Debilitating perfectionism, people-pleasing, distorted self-image (body image), anxiety about people’s judgments, being excessively critical of others, hypochondria
Healing Gifts: Creating structures to help people improve their lives (from home organization to wellness), being a storehouse of practical wisdom, creating empowering media
Chiron in Libra (or 7th House):♎
Wounds: Inability to commit to relationships, paralyzing indecision, romanticizing, trying to force peace at any price, trouble ending relationships
Healing Gifts: Fostering peaceful communication and harmonious compromises, diplomacy, creating beauty and heart-opening experiences, being a messenger for Cupid
Chiron in Scorpio (or 8th House):♏
Wounds: Nihilism, sexual addiction (possibly springing from childhood sexual abuse), power struggles, jealousy and obsession, trouble leaving bad relationships
Healing Gifts: Soul-deep sexual healing, alchemy (turning “trash” into treasure), helping people through extreme life passages such as births, deaths and other transitions
Chiron in Sagittarius (or 9th House):♐
Wounds:Fanatical or zealous beliefs, disruptive nomadic tendencies, aggressive or tactless communication style, chasing the “high” of the next big thing
Healing Gifts: Revealing higher truths with compassion, fostering diversity and inclusivity, creating conscious media, laughter as medicine
Chiron in Capricorn (or 10th House):♑
Wounds:Obsessive ambition, using career as an escape, fixation on gaining status and approval, family dysfunction (possibly showing up as daddy issues)
Healing Gifts: Levelheaded leadership, environmental consciousness, utilizing resources to provide for everyone
Chiron in Aquarius (or 11th House):♒
Wounds:Destructive rebellion, scientific detachment from emotions, trying to “fit in”
Healing Gifts: Social justice/activism, fostering utopian communities and a sharing economy both online and IRL, uplifting idealism
Chiron in Pisces (or 12th House):♓
Wounds: Fear of asserting boundaries, escapism, addiction, denial/not living in reality, having a parent with an addiction or who was mentally ill
Healing Gifts: Helping people let go of limiting beliefs, spiritual and esoteric leadership, psychic/metaphysical/shamanic powers, helping people live out their fantasies
Moon in Fire signs People with their Moon in Fire signs (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius) feel things strongly, dramatically and aggressively. They are quick to react and usually hold nothing back. You’ll know what they’re feeling because they make it obvious that somethings up. More so than any other element, the Fire Moon signs feel things passionately. They are quick to anger and can ruffle up a few feathers in the process. But more than anything the Fire Moon signs are trail-blazers and highly energetic. They make the best out of any situation because of their optimism and enthusiasm.
Moon in Earth signs People with their Moon in Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn) feel things in an impacting way, they just don’t show it. The Earth Moon signs usually aim for being responsible and having things under control. More than anything, they crave security and stability in their lives. It is important for the Earth sign Moon to have a set routine because through this they can be highly productive and get things done fast. They don’t do well in chaotic situations because of how things spiral out of control, but somehow they still manage to remain calm and grounded.
Moon in Air signs People with their Moon in Air signs (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius) feel things in a deep manner, but they don’t show this side of them; they detach. Air Moon signs would much rather process their emotions completely before they react. They want to have a reason as to why they’re feeling that way. The Air Moon signs love engaging in conversations and have a thirst for knowledge. Socializing is something that they enjoy doing and are exceptionally good at it. Everyone seems to love the enthusiasm, laid back nature of the Air sign Moon!
Moon in Water signs People with their Moon in Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces) feel things for what they are but with a lasting impact. Of all the Moon signs, it’s none other than the Water Moon signs that feel things deeply, in an almost all-consuming way. They are passionate and sentimental, highly sensitive to their surroundings and the feelings of others. The Water Moon signs are blessed with intuition and more than anyone; they are usually empaths. However, since they feel things so strongly, they should be careful of becoming too overwhelmed and lost in their own feelings.
Rain is such a holy experience, it’s so primal and reverent, there’s just something about the idea of lakes and oceans and rivers taking up residence in the sky, something about that smell about petricore that grips your lungs. There’s something about it’s forgiveness, about it soaking you through to the skin. About the pitter-patter of the roofs that brings an effervescent calm. Something about it that feels ardent, having known the earth for so long
First off I would like to disclose that this is all from my personal experience and that everyone’s may be different. I’ve been working with and worshipping Kronos for about a year and a half now so I’m not exactly an expert, but I have noticed since few people work with him there’s a shortage on information. If anyone else has more they’re free to add to the list. With that being said here’s the list of things I’ve noticed he really likes.
Knowing his full story and recognizing where he did good. You don’t have to agree with him eating his kids, but know his reasoning ans know that he had a lot of good moments before that.
Herbal baking. Baking in general but he has seemed to like my lavender sugar cookies or chamomile honey lemon cookies especially.
Smoky quartz is the one stone he wanted.
Vintage boxes and clocks.
He accepts music as an offering for aid.
Candles. He seems to like some of the essential oil ones from bath and body works a lot. White Gardenia has worked well for him actually.
hello sweet loves! i’m wanting to delve more into my work but have been extremely unmotivated- i can’t get my meds, my partner is gone for work, and i just had spine surgery. what do y’all recommend for simple practices?
please enjoy my tiny altar in the meantime, TW for animal skulls.
my dreams aren’t usually like this. typically i wake up thinking “lol what is up with my brain” cause its just some random weird shit inspired by the events of my day, whatever i was watching before bed, etc.
this time though, it feltlike it had meaning. i might have even had partial control over myself in the dream, but i honestly can’t tell now.
i cant remember the beginning of it clearly, but i know i was outside my grandmother’s house. which to me, isn’t that notable, but it’s one of the places where i feel most comfortable if that means anything. i was with another girl who i didnt recognize at all, and at this point i really can’t remember what she looked like either. we didn’t talk much but we both knew what we were there for.
it was dark outside, very dark. the streetlights weren’t even on. (there are normally a ton around her house. its a college neighborhood.)
my grandma came outside and said goodnight to me, and she went inside. after that, a hooded figure came out of the woods behind the house. it was carrying two black roses, one of which had a lot of dead petals in the middle of it. that was the one i got.
me and the girl knelt down in front of the hooded figure and it sat down as well. me and the other girl were very anxious but it didn’t feel dangerous. the girl pulled two white candles out of her bag and placed them on the ground in front of us, and the second they touched the ground they were lit.
i dont remember a lot of what came next but the hooded figure began talking to us and we agreed to it. it then started saying things that we would repeat, but sometimes i struggled getting the words out of my mouth. i remember vividly that we were pledging ourselves to work with and love a hellenic deity, who i have now realized is nyx. some friends helped me figure that out. it makes sense, seeing as i have asked to work with her before, and ive dedicated some meals and self care stuff to her.
the next morning, i began to sense that there were spirits outside my house. the hooded figures were watching me. i didnt feel like i was in danger but i h a t e being watched, so together me and my spirit companion got them to leave. they haven’t returned.
clearly, nyx is interested in me. but why did it seem like i was initiated into some sort of cult? and who are the hooded figures? if anyone has any ideas i would really like to hear them.
I realize that some of the following options aren’t possible for all witches. You are not less of a witch if you can’t do these things. You are still valid. These are just some possible alternatives and suggestions.
Gathering Materials
Get creative and make things
Wands, journals, incense, and black salt are all things that you can make yourself. You can also make your own self care products. I have a post on that here. This is a cheaper alternative if using things found in nature. It also helps the environment because these items aren’t being mass produced, which can sometimes come at the cost of pollution from large factories.
Buy things second hand
This is good because, just as above, you avoid the use of large factories which can lead to pollution. You may be able to find things at yard sales, thrift stores, or even online sites such as facebook marketplace.
Buy local
Large chain grocery stores have a long process to get food from one area to your store of choice. This includes the use of transporting item from farms to distribution centers to your store. This is not the entire process but it is part of it. If you buy locally from places like farmer’s markets, it can come from the farm to the market. This (partially) eliminates the middle man.
Buy from etsy shops
Etsy sellers often make things themselves, which just as above cuts down the process of stores and distribution centers.
Harvest your own materials
You can harvest certain herbs from your personal garden. This is good because you know where the herbs come from and what was used to grow them. It often avoids things like harmful pesticides.
Or you can find things in nature. Things such as seashells can be used as offerings or representations of the water element, sticks can be used to make wands, leaves can be used to make wishes or to meditate with, and plants can be used for herbs.
Finding Books
Find books at libraries, charity shops, second hand shops, or online sources such as thriftbooks. Another option is ebook, which reduces the amount of cut down trees.
Buying from chain stores
Research where the companies and brands source their products.
Some things to consider are as follows: Are they from overseas which may make the process to get items to you longer and cause air pollution? Are they grown in your region, state or province? Are they sustainable? Are they reusable? Are they recycled? How much waste is produced by using it? Are they ethically sourced?
Know that you don’t have to check off all the boxes above nor do you have to check off any of them, as it may be inaccessible. But just be more aware of where your items come from.
Disposing of Spells
I have a post that has sources and tips on disposing of spells that you can find here. But I’ll reiterate some of the tips here:
Check how biodegradable something is before burying it or putting it into bodies of water. Things like glass aren’t the best things to put into water or to bury as it may harm the animals that live there or that can find it in the ground. It also doesn’t degrade very fast and will be stuck in that area for a long time.
Do not introduce new species as they may be invasive to that area. Things like herbs, leaves or flowers may grow into plants. If they weren’t found in that area or if they come from overseas, try not to bury it or leave it in the wild in a new area. For example, something bought in England shouldn’t be introduced to Canada unless it is also native in Canada. Otherwise you may be introducing a new invasive species.
this spell is actually quite personal to me as it was the first spell i ever performed! i was nine and very interested in witchcraft, so i decided cast a charm to help my sister sleep better
time:the morning is best as the powder needs time to charge in the sunlight!
gather:cinnamon, rose oil / water, lovage leaves
✨ take a teaspoon of cinnamon and add seven drops of rose oil or water
✨ boil a small pan of lovage leaves and let it to steep for 2 or 3 minutes
✨ add one teaspoon of this to your previous ingredients
you can use the rest of the lovage potion for a sleep-inducing bath!
✨ leave the mixture out to dry beneath the sun. as it turns into a powder, its intent is charged by the sunlight
✨ finally, sprinkle your powder lightly on the bed you wish to bless.
Esabats are 12/13 moon celebrations that honor the goddess in her assoziation with the moon. Traditionally covens would meet on Esabats to celebrate and work with the Goddess to bring healing and assistance for their members. Specific Goddess would be called apon during Esabats.
here are some mudane and simple ways to incorporate magic into your everyday life witchcraft does not have to be extravagant or a ritual all of the time it can be as simple as tending to yourself or going out into nature.’their is magic in the mundane’
meditation mediate daily to clear your thoughts and maintain a good headspace
pray to your deities or whomever you work with/believe;deities,spirt guides;universe
visualize how you want the day to go
hydrate to fuel your mind body & soul
open window allow the air in
charge your water with crystals
cleanse yourself to remove negative energies
cleanse your environment
journal write down your thoughts dreams and intents
yoga stretch your body to get the energies flowing
breathe
hold yours crystals allow there energies to fill you up
pick a book from your bookshelf and close your eyes flip to a page read the page look for any signs clue or advice
pick a tarot card
tend to your plants and garden water and feed them
tea based on your intent
coffee magic
read & research witchcraft
tea leaf reading
do kitchen magic
draw sigils on food
put moon water into tea
give pets moon water
bathe to cleanse yourself both physically and spiritually
look into the mirror and say affirmations
do glamor magic
pick clothes based on intents;black for protection
pick jewelry on based on intent;sun for harmony
put essential oils on based on intents;lavender for peace
carry spell jars with you
pick a crystal based on intents
light a candle based on your intent for the day
bless objects
go out into nature
ground yourself
hug a tree
leave an offering to mother nature
keep an eye out for animals you see and later look up their symbolism
~•The Essentials For Your General Magick Cabinet •~
ALT
I create intuitively chosen mystery ensembles inspire by the occult, witchcraft, and mythology where many of my own handcrafted creations fill the box in my Etsy shop, thus, I often am asked by those new to Witchcraft or who are beginning to explore different aspects of their spiritually to include ’the essentials’, or whatever it is I think would benefit someone who is just delving into the world of new age spirituality and witchery.
It doesn’t matter what books you read or blogs you may follow, there always seems to be some inconsistencies here and there regarding what tools are ‘essential’ for a beginner. Sure, there’s a lot regarding the altar and shrine set up, but what if you do not have the space to dedicate to an altar? What if you prefer to perform your craft on the fly, or find yourself leaning toward secular practices rather than devoting yourself to deity worship?
The handful of tools and supplies I have put together here covers pretty much any ordinary practice that would take place in any spell or ritual and give you an inexpensive basis from which you may build upon as you continue learning, practicing, and exploring what ignites your spark and helps to recover your light. :)
•White Candles or Tea Lights (And Matches or a Lighter)- One may enter any Family Dollar or Dollar Tree and find multipacks or single white candles or tea lights in abundance. Many spells call for a specific colored candle to be used that corresponds with the purpose or intentions to be expressed or manifested. This extends beyond what is known as ’candle magick’ and falls into a category I personally just learned was called ’sympathetic magick’- which is a fancy word for choosing spell or ritual tools, components, and supplies that have some kind of symbolic or intrinsic association to what you desire. The act of creating the right atmosphere for manifesting your will is a type of magick unto itself that can extend well beyond an altar or shrine. Picking the corresponding moon phase, time of day and day of the week, herbs, oils, and candle colors are all forms of sympathetic magick, with candle color probably being the easiest aspect to understand and acquire. White Candles may be substituted for any colored candle that a spell or ritual may call for, as white is considered the absence of color, you may imprint upon it whatever color you desire it to be. This kills the need for a large stash of chime candles or votives of all different colors. Sure, it’s nice to have the appropriate color a spell calls for and having such in your possession does help conjure the atmosphere whoever created the spell intended to conjure, but in a pinch, any white candle or tea light with something to light them with will work just as well as that pink or red candle for your love spell or whatever it may be you are attempting.
•Clear Quartz Crystals- Clear Quartz only recently became semi-scarce due to over mining and demand, though one may still purchase Clear Quartz crystal points in bulk for around $10-15 for a 100 gram bag on Amazon and beyond, where if you prefer raw stones over tumbled and polished, you may be able to get them even cheaper. Clear Quartz is believed to be the 'Master Healer’ by Reiki Masters, as it possesses many different healing properties in addition to cleansing, grounding, and aligning the chakras. In witchcraft, Clear Quartz is used in many different rituals as it is an amplifier of energy that can enhance the efficacy and success rate of spells and manifestations aside from amplifying the energy of any and all other components and crystals around it. Clear Quartz may be readily substituted for any crystal, should a crystal be called for in any sense, and its abundance in nature and online make it an essential choice for having on hand for everything from creating ChargingorMoon Water, creating crystal grids, talismans, spell jars, mojo / Gris Gris bags, or simply placing in your home or on your altar to help facilitate whatever you may be attempting to conjure or manifest at any time.
•Olive Oil- it’s no joke that essential oils, especially those that are organic or completely natural and high quality are quite expensive. If one were to purchase even just the handful of essential oils commonly mentioned in most witchy books, occult texts, and herbalist grimoires, you would be looking at a good $30-$60 investment for the basics. Olive Oil, on the other hand, may not be particularly cheap at the grocery store, but when you consider the amount you get for the price compared to the .33fl oz bottles of essential oils, you are getting quite a bargain and a tool that may be substituted for any particular oil something may ask you to use, including for dressing / anointing candles and ritual tools. The ancient Greeks and Romans often used Olive Oil as an offering to the Gods, and it has long been considered a sacred nectar in many different religions. If you already have a selection of essential oils, you may use Olive Oil as a carrier oil to make them last longer by diluting them and rebottling them or to make your own essential oil blends and ritual oils. Olive Oil is naturally pure and will allow your oil blends to work with most diffusers and burners while providing a hypoallergenic carrier option should you wish to apply any to your skin.
•Salt- So many things salt may be used for and so many reasons to keep a stash of salt around set aside for spiritual endeavours. Sea Salt in particular is a component of many spells, rituals, potions, and magickal concoctions. It is representative of the element of Earth and is associated with many simple practices you can easily integrate into your daily rituals for cleansing, banishing, and protection. Using salt for cleansing offers a no-burn, inexpensive, sensitivity friendly option for the modern witch that can be purchased on the cheap virtually anywhere that sells things.
•Sage- The next few items are more essential for the diligent witch putting together their toolbox, as one can avoid the herbal aspects of witchcraft entirely if they desire to with many more modern texts not blending the old world concepts of herbalism/ old world medicine being akin to magick. Sage is often burned for cleansing purposes, either in smudge or incense form, but it may also be substituted for any herb a spell may call for, provided you are not trying to concoct a definitive product or recipe as a result. Sage may be easily grown within your own home- I myself have a common Sage plant I grow indoors and have been reading the benefits ever since I purchased the starter from a small nursery in Kentucky, as I never seem to have any luck sprouting seeds myself. Sage may be added to spell jars and the like as easily as one would add a handful of crushed Clear Quartz for the added benefit of maintaining a cleansed vessel for manifestation. Sage incense may also be substituted the same way.
•Roses- Roses and Rose Petals have always been associated with love spells and love potions, but many do not realize that Roses have a positive energy so profound, that vibrates on so many levels, that they may be adapted to serve virtually any purpose in any spell or spiritual practice, not just spells associated with love, romance, or sexuality.
•A Bell or Bells- Whether you wish to drop the money on an intricate antique or visit your local consignment store or dollar store and pick up some used school bells or jingle bells, the bell and bells are probably the most underrated tool a witch can utilize, like, ever. Bells have a long multicultural history of providing blessings of prosperity, protection, and good luck, with many beliefs rooted around the belief that the ringing of a bell resonates throughout the fabric of the cosmos, reverberating across space and time. Percussive instruments, as bells are, are often used for cleansing rituals and spiritual healing. It is often stated that ringing a bell 'resets’ the atmosphere and energy around you, effectively banishing negativity and providing a blank slate for conjuring new energy and any other spiritual activities. Don’t balk at the bells!
ALT
If you’re the creative type, you may create what are known as ’Witch’s Bells,’ often made from wreaths or braided twine, beaded rings, etc with three or more bells attached meant to be hung off the doorknob of the entrance to your space or they may be made as a handheld tool to be used for regular rituals. These are then blessed or enchanted in some way that depends on the practitioner and the purpose they wish them to serve.
What about those of us that have limited storage space? Or those that may not be able to light candles or incense due to living arrangements or allergies? This is where myself and many others can step in and offer you a hand. In my own shop, I offer hand crafted and personalized / customized spell kits created for your specific needs that will provide you all the materials for any specific spell or ritual you desire. There are other sellers that offer similar options, some that are personalized and others more general, but if you are looking for something more 'disposable’ to be at your disposal at any given time, this may be worth looking into.
ALTALT
My own spell kits range anywhere from $12-$35 depending on what it is you request and the materials you require. As I cater to all skill levels and handicaps in terms of what one can feasibly perform or utilize in any given situation, if you do happen to have a particular spell in mind but have no idea how to proceed in your current situation,I will be more than happy to consult with you and hand select or create a spell kit with detailed instructions and tools to aid you on your spiritual journey, regardless of your destination. As I take great pleasure in assisting others in manifesting their dreams and desires, I will always work with you and put your needs above your budget.
ALT
Just some food for thought for those of you who have been blindly purchasing items for spells or spiritual endeavours to have on hand 'just in case’ and to remind everyone that magick and successful manifestation is less about the 'stuff’ and very much about your intentions when using it to conjure energy and become the catalyst for change, however you proceed to do so.
Wishing everyone a blessed weekend and throwing a friendly reminder out there that the current sale that has been ongoing in the shop will be ending soon- this will be the last until next month so please take advantage if you have had your eye on something. I will be retiring some older designs at the end of September 2021 for recreation / re imagining and to pursue new and better concepts to take other’s places. These designs will go on one last farewell sale during the month for a good 25%-50% off until they are sold out. As always, I appreciate everyone’s support of my Craft and crafts. It has been a pleasure to work with and get to know so many amazing people! A dream come true to do this full time!
-Samantha
Owner, Designer, Creator, Chaos Witch & Spiritualist 20+ Years Practice
Put all the water into a pot and all the herbs then while it’s starting to boil, say the following
“Water, Water, boil for me cleans thyself as in the sea water, you can make me Free. as I will it, shall it be.”
Strain and then Pour into your bath water to clean out your Psychic Temple. and for the ladies make sure you aren’t on your period or are pregnant it can cause irritation at these times.
6oz of herbs (Calendula, Comfrey, Plantain, St. John’s Wort, Lavender)
Choice of oil Sweet Almond Oil, Olive Oil, Castrol Oil)
Cheese Cloth
Amber Glass Jar (For Storage)
Steps-
Step one: Make sure your jars are clean and sterilized and very Dry, If not it can cause mold and or rancid oil, making it unusable. Step Two: Put your 6oz of herbs into the jar Step Three: Pour your oil over the Herbs to the top of the jar Step Four: Take a Chopstick/fork and make sure there are no air bubbles in the oil if there is it can cause Mold and or Rancid oil. Step Five: Cover with your airtight lid, Make sure to place it on a plate or a towel as to it may leak, Make sure to also shake it every few days for 2 to 3 weeks longer if you feel like it needs it you can do this up to six weeks. ( Note: Keep in a Cool Area in your house also Simi Shade) Step Six: Take the Cheese Cloth and place it in a Metal Mesh Strainer and place a bowl under it and strain the Herbs from the Oil, Making sure you squeeze the oils out of the herbs. Step seven: Use a Kitchen funnel to pour the Oil into the Amber Glass Bottle for storage make sure to keep it in a cool place and keep out of direct sunlight (Note: Will Keep Up to One “1” Year.)
information on herbs For infused oils
Important note;Ask a Physician before using any herbal treatment as it can affect medications and can cause allergic reactions. Calendula.) Abrasions, Rashes, Minor Burns, Herpes, Cold Sores, Chicken-Pox. Notes: Do not use if you a pregnant or plan to be, or when Brest feeding Comfrey.) Bruises, Back pain, Joint Pain, Brakes, Minor Skin injuries, Rashes Notes: Do not use if you are pregnant plant to be, or when Brest feeding, liver issues,
Plantain.) Sores, Insect Bites, Rashes, stop small abrasion Bleeding, Draws out Venom/Stingers, Toothaches, St. John’s Wort.) Small Cuts, Bruises, Burns, Sunburn, Nerve Pain, Back Pain, Muscle pain Notes: Do not use if 2weeks before Surgery, If your taking HIV medications, Warfarin, Digitoxin, SSRI medications,
I find a lot of arguably mean things funny, but there’s a special place in my heart for hardcore hipsters who insist they love tea despite having no idea how to brew it and just choking down that hot bitter disaster while insisting it’s God’s gift to man
My man Tanser over here gulping back scalding mugs of $40/oz organic loose leaf white tea that he steeped for half an hour before his holistic underwater basket weaving course at Lord Wiffleton’s Combination Waffle House And Taco Bell: I dunno I just prefer it over coffee I guess I’m just different
Okay, I’m getting questions so here’s what’s up.
Y'all are thinking of the water as n ingredient- what you gotta do is think of it like an oven.
Think about baking cookies- you can have all the best ingredients, all the perfect measurements, all the right consistency- but if the oven is too hot or you leave the dough in for the wrong amount of time, you don’t have cookies, you have sludge or charcoal.
With tea, the water is the oven.
White and green teas are delicate and prone to scalding- IE, the cookies burn easy. Put the water to a low boil, with small bubbles- tiny, like pinheads- and pour the water onto your leaves in the teapot to steep for 1-2 minutes- one teaspoon of tea per cup of water. Then strain the tea without squeezing the leaves- squeezing and crushing releases more of the natural tannins, which are healthy for you but taste bitter.
Likewise, the shape of the leaf can alter the taste- whole leaf teas are more expensive and take longer to steep, but have a subtle, pleasant taste that can have a lot of layers to it.
Read which are granular and crushed up are called Fannings- they’re typically cheaper, as they’re the castings that come from whole leaf tea processing, and they steep faster, but they also turn bitter easily and cloud the tea’s color. Fannings usually have a strong, bold flavour compared to whole leaf variations, but lack complexity.
Next are oolong teas- oolong teas come from the same plant as white and green teas, as well as black tea. The difference between the four is the oxidization of the plant- the Tea plant.
Oxidization is the process that causes the leaf to change color- white teas are the least oxidized and black teas are the most oxidized.
An oolong is a tea leaf that isn’t quite oxidized enough to be called a black tea. It usually has a reddish color to it, and can steep any color from amber to deep red. It also has a good but of caffeine in it, and a more bitter taste than green or white tea. I personally enjoy oolongs because the ones sold in my area tend to have a sort of woodsy-fireplace kind of taste.
To prepare an oolong, take one teaspoon of leaf per cup of water, and bring your water to a medium boil- the bubbles should be the size of the tip of your finger, no bigger. Pour the water onto the leaf and steep for 3-5 minutes.
Again, be sure not to squeeze the leaves while straining.
Black tea is the most oxidized leaf, and also contains the highest concentration of caffeine.
Black tea is also sturdy and hard to bruise, so to prepare it, you can bring the water to a full rolling boil and steep it around 4-5 minutes.
Black teas also tastes the most bitter of all the variations I’ve listed, so be aware of that. Depending on how they’re processed, though, they can have a wide range of warm, smoky flavors.
The darker the leaf, the longer it usually needs to steep, and the more bitter it is, but the more caffeine it has.
The smaller the leaf, the cheaper, faster, and stronger the flavor, but also less subtle the taste.
Good green teas are typically bright, vibrant green.
White tea, contrary to the name, produces pale yellowish or greenish tea.
Herbal teas are 1 to 1.5 teaspoons per cup of water, at a rolling boil, and should usually steep at Least 5 minutes.
Again, contrary to the name, Herbal Tea isn’t technically Tea, as it doesn’t actually contain Leaves from the Tea plant- these are called tisanes by detail-oriented nerds like me.
Herbal teas can be made of anything from dried fruits to flowers to vegetables, spices, and garden herbs, and don’t have any caffeine unless intentionally added.
Herbal tea also doesn’t release the tannins that green, oolong, and black do, so it doesn’t typically turn bitter with time.
Do be careful not to steep too long, though, because it can turn too strong and pungent to drink.
Each tea blend is different, and is specifically designed to be prepared a certain way to get the intended taste, so these guidelines will vary from tea to tea, but the important thing is that you find something you genuinely enjoy.
It doesn’t matter if what you like is some fancy expensive matcha or a cheap dollar store chai; as long as you enjoy it, there’s no wrong choice.
To beat the metaphor: Please don’t force yourself to eat burnt cookies!
Enjoy what you put in your food hole
Also be aware that most loose-leaf teas can be brewed several times, you don’t have to (and shouldn’t, especially if it’s a spendy tea) toss the brewed leaves out after the first infusion. Set them aside in your strainer and brew them at the same temperature, but possibly a little longer, to taste. The second and subsequent brews may be a little milder than the first, but still lovely. Toss the used leaves when they no longer please you.
If you do like stronger teas (like me. I love strong teas) DO NOT STEEP FOR LONGER.
The trick is more leaves, not more time. Yes, it’ll be more expensive per cup, but at least you’ll still be able to enjoy the not-bitter flavor your tea is supposed to have. Remember, it’s all about you enjoying your tea, so if 1.5 teaspoons isn’t strong enough, feel free to keep adding until it is.
Also! If your heat your water in a kettle, and can’t tell how hot it is (beyond whistling=boiling) you can find charts online that tell you how long to wait after it whistles for the water to cool off to the right temperature range. That’s the nice thing about water, it’s usually pretty uniform in it’s behavior. So… No more scalding!
If you’re drinking herbal tea for the medicinal/therapeutic benefits, first, talk to an herbalist and your doctor. Second, 1-2tbs of plant material for a good sized mug, and then steep it /with a tightly covered lid/ for at least 15 minutes. 30 is what I prefer, some do overnight! The exact dosage and perfect brewing method will vary from plant to plant of course, but this is what works for most leafy or floral plant material!
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