To be grounded and centered is necessary to be mindful in your daily activities. It is also crucial, as we know, after a spiritual practice or after magick working. And in an overall view, to be grounded is good for you, as you can be a better version of yourself. So let’s tap in. Here are some grounding techniques which works for me:
The basic grounding technique is mindful deep breading.
Wherever you are, preferably in a quiet place, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Feel the fresh air filling your abdomen, your lungs, and your throat, then exhale slowly. Repeat until you feel connected.
If you’d like to deepen the effect, add a visualization.
Sit or lay down comfortably, eyes closed, and imagine that you are on the ground. Feel the soil beneath you, and imagine a flow of energy coming down your body and connects with Earth’s depths. The element you’ll be working with is obviously earth, so you may imagine yourself as a tree, deepening its roots into the ground.
Another option is using crystals.
Basically, any black, brown, or red crystal will do the work, as they refer to our first, root chakra which connects us to the physical plane of being. Personally, I prefer tiger’s eye, black onyx, and red jasper in my practice. As you meditate, place the crystal of your choice in your left hand (the ‘energy receptive’ hand), take deep breaths, and sense the crystal’s energy, let it ground you.
Note – make sure you’ve cleansed the crystal before use.
Foods and herbs for grounding:
Grains and their products.
Vegetables and berries.
Basil, oregano, thyme, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and rosemary.
Bonus–
Grounding herbal tea recipe:
1 cup of boiled water
1 cinnamon stick
3-4 slices of ginger
1 lemon slice
1-2 tsp. of honey
Mix the ingredients (except the honey) and leave it under a cover for 5 min. (so the essential oils won’t evaporate). Add the honey and enjoy your tea.
This morning I crafted up some protection oil. This can be used for anointing candles, spaces, yourself and anything you want to protect. Let’s look at the recipe
✧ Sunflower Oil
You can basically use any carrier oil. I use sunflower oil because it’s inexpensive and carries sun properties of healing and happiness
✧ Pink Himalayan Salt
Salt has great protection properties and pink salt is great for enhancing spellwork and it’s powers. A little boost for everything else in the oil
Sub: any salt you associate with protection (normal salt works too)
✧ Rosemary
A great catchall but I infused the intention of protection into this rosemary for the oil
Sub: Any herb you associate with protection. Sage and juniper are others
✧ Lavender
It smells nice…and also! It’s good for inducing a sense of calm protection. When protected with this oil, I want to feel calm and safe
Sub: Any herb associated with calming. Like chamomile! (Tea bags anyone?)
How do I put it together?
☾ Gather your herbs. To start the intention train, make sure you know why you’re grabbing each ingredient. Think about it. This begins infusing your ingredients with intention
☾ Place the ingredients into a mortar and pestle, thinking about the intention of each. This can include a keyword (protection, calm) and also thinking about the feeling (how does it feel to be protected and safe?)
☾ Grind the ingredients up into powder while thinking of intention. You can infuse while grinding clockwise to bring protection
☾ Add a bit of powder to little glass jars or whatever container you would like to use for your anointing oils
☾ Fill the rest with oil. Leave air room to shake it up
☾ Enjoy! (Shake before every use! The powder will sink to the bottom)
Hello again, friends! It’s Winter time where I am and it’s a wonderful time to share my spiced wine/mulled wine recipe that I personally love to use. Let’s get into it:
Ingredients:
The Wine: •2 bottles of red wine, either a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot (I adore the Apothic brand wines. I use Apothic Red a lot.)
The Spices: • Cinnamon • Clove • Star Anise • Cardamom
The Fruit: • Grapefruit • Lemon • Orange
The Additional: • Honey
**I will say this now that I’ve used both fresh and dried fruit, and think both ways comes out lovely. Use whatever you have on hand and in whatever amounts you prefer.**
Directions: • Pour the bottles of wine into a pot large enough to hold them both and turn the heat of the stove on low. • As it begins to warm (I dip my finger in to test, no judgement please), begin adding the spices in amounts that you like. - For 2 bottles of wine, I use anywhere from 3-4 cinnamon sticks, a small handful of cloves, 3-5 star anise and a small handful of cardamom. • When the mixture begins to come to a boil/simmer, add in the fruit. I prefer sliced circles but wedges certainly work as well! • Cover and leave for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. • Ladle into a cup and enjoy, sweetened with honey to taste!
**Note: • Premade/bought mulling spice blends work perfectly well for this as well.
As the days lengthen and the Cailleach returns to her mountains Companions gather once again. . . . So excited to be part of the @friendshipflea Tomorrow at 6-10 pm here in Columbus OH at 400 West Rich on Lucas Street. It’s going to be lovely to be alongside other local queer artists and makers! If you’re in town stop by to say hello and maybe pick up a Valentine’s Day treat! I’ll be bringing a few crimson pieces made just for this event! I’ll also be bringing a small selection of my collection of antique garments. There is such a variety of vendors participating there will be something for everyone! . This beautiful photo set was organized and shot by @lizabetroberts I’m always so happy when I get to contribute to her fantastic visions. This brought to mind so many memories of cozy times around a campfire with friends. Models are: @freshwatercarp_layla @tatas.fashion @victorianguyen.model @lianacarissa Outfits: @ixdoxdeclare @folkofthewood @costureroreal Weaponry: @drunkensmithy
