#witchspo

Ruled By - Mars
Element - Fire?
Sacred to - Ezulie (Haiti)
Form - Fresh, Dried, Leaves

There is a lot of contradictory folklore across the nations. African folklore says basil protected against scorpions, whereas Greek lore said scorpions would breed around basil. The latin Basilisicum comes from Basilisk, and ingesting the herb was associated with curing madness or causing it.. European lore associated the herb with Satan and it was believed that cursing the ground you were to plant basil on would encourage proper growth (thus the French idiom “semer le basilic/to sow the basil” came from, meaning ranting. In India, Basil is highly looked upon and worshipped as a sacred herb, more valuable than kings and queens of ancient times.

Planting and Growing–
This plant requires full sun and is a summer plant only. To get an early start indoors, plant 6 weeks before the last frost. Outdoors, make sure the soil is warm before you plant.. around 70F. Keep the soil moist and well drained during germination. Seed/lings should be ¼ in deep and about a foot apart. It grows between 1 and 2 feet tall. You may water Basil freely during the dryer summer months.
Pinch off flower heads as they bloom to encourage more leaf growth. If you’re to use this plant for cooking, avoid fertilizers and pesticides that leave harmful residues. Plant away from streets and driveways for the same reason.
A good companion plant would be tomatoes.
Problems you may have when growing this plant would be pests such as aphids, bacterial and fungal diseases in the leaves, stems, and root.

Harvesting and Storing–
Keep the soil moist. After the first six leaves grow on a stem, cut it down to the second set. When a branch has 6 to 8 leave, repeat pruning down to the first set.
After 6 weeks, pinch off the center shoot to prevent early blooms. If flowers do grow, just cut them off.
Harvest basil before the cold weather settles in. Basil is very sensitive to the chill.

Uses–
Basil tea after a meal is said to aid digestion and prevent flatulence.
In cases of extreme exhaustion, it’s been used effecively as a stimulant.
Useful for drawing out poisons when applied to venemos bug bites.
Basil oil has antifungal and antibiotic properties.

References - Lexa Rosean, Jack Ritchason N.D., Farmer’s Almanac, Witchipedia

Disclaimer - Nothing in this is intended to be medical advice, or used in lieu of seeing a medical professional.

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Ruled By – Leo, Sun, (or Moon), Jupiter, Hecate
Element – Fire
Sacred to – Hebe, Aphrodite, Virgin Mary
Forms – fresh sprigs, dried powder, oil

Long-time favorite herb of witches, it’s most known for counteracting bad spells, warding evil spirits and nightmares, blessing, and purification. Hang fresh or dried rosemary in the house to dispel witchcraft and evil plots. Carry the leaves in a red cloth bag for protection. Season your food to improve memory and increase clarity, for life and school. Burn when you meditate or do dream work to remember past lives. Can be used in spells for fidelity, dispelling jealousy, and to retain youth. Use in ritual baths for cleansing, burn with juniper to fumigate for health in the home (this comes from a period during WW2 when the mixture was burned in French hospitals to kill germs), or burn with sage to fumigate a ritual space and clear the energies.
This plant is a perennial evergreen that requires full sun. It’s ideal for a rock garden or the top of a dry wall.

Planting and Growing–
To plant indoors, and for a headstart, place seeds or cuttings in soil 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost of Spring. Ensure the soil is well drained (rosemary is adverse to wet climates.) Make sure you give the shrub room to grow as they can grow up to 5 ft tall and just as wide. Companion plants to grow nearby are beans, carrots, cabbage, and sage.
It is ideal to prune rosemary after it flowers, and you may prune it regularly to keep it from growing lanky. Bring the plant inside for the winter, making sure it’s in a brightly lit area with a cool (but not cold) temperature.
Water the plant evenly and get cuttings or divide the plant for the next season.
Problems you may have when growing this plant include aerial blight, bacterial leaf spots, and root rot.

Harvesting and Storing–
Prune the youngest stems or leaves fresh for immediate use. You may harvest up to one third of the plant at once, but must allow it time for regrowth before the next harvest.
To dry the stems for later use, wrap a bundle at the cut end and hang upside down in a dry, well ventilated area.

Uses–
Rosemary tea is a folk remedy for nervous headaches. It can also be used as a mouthwash to freshen breath or treat mouth sores. If mixed with myrrh, it can aid bleeding gums.
It stimulates capillary circulation, which makes it helpful in healing colds, sore throat, and a slow liver.
It’s used in hair rinses to darken and retain hail color, and in shampoos or oils to control premature balding.
Rosemary is good in pillows to alleviate insomnia and restless sleep.
Bees are fond of rosemary.
Good for strengthening the hear and helps reduce HBP.
Can be used to help regulate periods. In the household, sprigs placed in drawers keeps moths away from clothing.

Caution–
Do not ingest rosemary in large doses, or take medicinally when pregnant. Pregnant women way ingest with food as a seasoning.

References - Lexa Rosean, Jack Ritchason N.D., Farmer’s Almanac, Witchipedia

Disclaimer - Nothing in this is intended to be medical advice, or used in lieu of seeing a medical professional.

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Ruled by - Venus, Mars, Pluto
Element - Air
Sacred to - Hades/Pluto
Form - Leaf, Extract, Oil

Legend states that the Nymph Minte/Minthe, lover of Pluto/Hades, was turned into a mint plant by her jealous rival, Persephone (or Demeter). Other legend states Hades made the plant grow from the dust she was trampled into. The plant was also used to mask the smell of the dead, and as such is associated with the Underworld.
Peppermint is called the lust herb; chew on fresh leaves to increase libido. Spearmint is associated with memory and intelligence; chew the leaves or rub the oil on your forehead or a white candle. Wintergreen is associated with protection; add the oil or sprinkle leaves into a bath or floor wash. This can also mean keeping away trouble, or troublesome people.
When ingested (eg: as a tea,) it aids in psychic and verbal communication of all types by stengthening our words. It is often associated with the Winter Solstice and makes a great addition as a fragrance or food additive in rites and rituals.
It makes an excellent addition to uncrossing mixtures, stength and courage mixtures, and breaking bad luck or jinxes. Keep mint in your shoe to prevent bad luck, or in your wallet to increase fortune.
Grow around the house to keep away unwanted guests, and even mice!

Planting and Growing–
Mint plants are perennial, vigorous spreaders, and easily identified by their square stems.
Best grown from purchased plants or cuttings from a existing plant, place either of thee 2 feet apart in moist, well drained soil.
They grow 1 to 2 feet tall.
If planted above ground in a pot, this plant requires winter protection. Either bring it inside or cover the soil with mulch to protect the roots.
Minimal care for this plant, just keep the soil lightly moistened. To prevent the invasive nature of this plant, prune it regularly and cut the runners. You may also keep it in a medium/large pot.
Mint requires 3-6 hours of shade each day.
Good companion plants to have nearby would be cabbage and tomatoes.
Problems you may have when growing this plant include a powdery mildew, plant rust, leaf spots, anthracnose, and stem cankers.

Harvesting and Storage–
Mint can be harvested as soon as it comes up in the Spring. It may be dried or frozen if harvested in larger quantities. For smaller harvests, leaves may be picked as needed.
For drying, it is recommended to harvest the plant by cutting stems 1 inch above the ground before the plant flowers. One plant may be harvested 2 or 3 times in the season.

Uses–
Peppermint is used as a digestive aid and also eases gas, burping, and bloat after meals. Also great for intestinal pain, easing nausea, IBS.
Spearmint is similar medicinally, but mild compared to peppermint. It is stronger in its diaphoretic (causing perspiration) and diuretic properties.
Spearmint does not make a good medicinal tea, as it loses the majority of its oil. To infuse spearmint properly, do so in a closed container.
Spearmint is completely nontoxic.

Caution–
Any kind of mint oil should be properly diluted before applying topically. Menthol is present (in varying degrees) in the mint plant family and causes a freezing-burning sensation that is harmful, especially to those who are sensitive to it.

Those who are taking iron supplements, immunosuppressants or drugs to reduce stomach acid production or to control heart conditions or high blood pressure should consult with their physician before using mint internally.

References - Lexa Rosean, Jack Ritchason N.D., Farmer’s Almanac, Witchipedia
Disclaimer - Nothing in this is intended to be medical advice, or used in lieu of seeing a medical professional.

image credit - therestlesswitch.tumblr.com

Ruled by - Ghosts/Sprits, Mercury
Element - Air
Sacred to - Persephone, Venus, Aphrodite
Form - Fresh Sprigs

Parsley is mostly associated with the Underworld. Persephone was often depicted carrying a bunch with her. Ancient Greeks associated the plant with death, and as such never ate it or grew it inside, lest they invite death into their lives.
The custom of using parsley as a garnish is believed to come from the thought that the herb could appease the spirits of the dead animal it was placed upon. It refreshes, renews, and rids the area of negative or fearful energies.
Placed in a room, it can alleviate poltergeist activity. Steep fresh stems in a bucket of warm water and use to mop, or in a spray bottle to mist the room.
Brush a bundle of dry stems across a Ouija board before working to calm spirits and prevent malevolent forces from coming through.
Eat to cleanse your feelings and get rid of emotional baggage that is preventing you from experiencing loving relationships.

Planting and Growing–
To start indoors, plant seeds 10 weeks before the last frost of Spring. To start outdoors, plant seeds 4 weeks before the last frost. It takes about 3 weeks to sprout, as it is a slow grower, but it can handle the cold to a degree.
Water often during germination and evenly through the summer, making sure the pot has proper drainage.
Parsley is a Biennial and requires 3 to 6 hours of shade each day.
Good companion plants to have nearby are Asparagus, Corn, and Tomatoes.
Some problems that may occur while growing Parsley are stem rot, leaf spots, black swallowtail larvae, carrot fly larvae, and celery fly larvae.
It doesn’t like to be transplanted.

Harvesting and Storage–
Parsley is ready to harvest when the end of the stems hae separated into three segments of leaves. Cut stems from the outside, in, harvesting the oldest stems first. Cut near the base, leaving ¼ inch above the soil.
Leave the inner stems to mature.
To store for later use, place the ends of the stems in cool water and place in a refrigerator. You may also hang the stems upside down to dry, then crumble and store in an airtight container.

Uses–
Outside of food garnish and flavorizer, parsley can also be used as an infusion in bathwater to soothe and cleanse the skin. (or a ritual bath to communicate with the dead)
The high chlorophyll content makes it a natural breath freshener.
Parsley has been credited to curing many illnesses dealing with the kidneys, liver, and bladder.
Using Parsley in recipes decreases the need for salt. This is due to the plant being a natural diuretic as it inhibits salt reabsorption by the body and increases kidney activity.
Small doses have a strong diuretic effect, but large doses are known to cause uterine problems.
Parsley also acts as a gentle laxative.

Caution–
Pregnant women should not ingest large amounts of parsley.
Large amounts can have toxic effects on liver, lungs, kidneys.
Parsley oil should never be ingested.
Use caution when collecting wild parsley. Look alikes can be quite poisonous.

References - Lexa Rosean, Jack Ritchason N.D., Farmer’s Almanac, Witchipedia

Disclaimer - Nothing in this is intended to be medical advice, or used in lieu of seeing a medical professional.

image credit - cozy-aesthetics.tumblr.com

in divination

Versatile tools in divination, candles are multi-useful and can be used for three different types on divination… given that the environment is condusive to working. Taking out any mundane disturbances such as wind, irregular wick lengths, oils and wax colorants, remembering that not everything is a sign, candles can be interprested in a number of ways.


-Capromancy, divination by smoke.
-Ceromancy, divination by wax.
-Pyromancy, divination by fire.

Starting with Capromancy…
A lot of smoke coming from a burning candle is neither a good or bad sign. It means that the element of communication and observation, Air, is present. It means that you need to use your mind and eyes to read the situation yourself. Watch the smoke and see what more may come of the working.

Thick, Black Smoke coming from your candle says that negative energies are present in the work space, bad energies are opposing the work being done, or there is some other conflict present. Cleanse yourself and the work space before trying again.

White Smoke is a good sign when working spells or divining for answers. It means good things are coming or your spellwork was successful.

Smoke coming toward you can be a good thing, depending on context. If you’re working a blessing or trying to attract something, this can mean that you’re getting positive results. However, if you’re working curses or hexes, this can mean that you’re not hitting the intended target or you won’t be able to escape responsibility for your work.

Smoke going away from you is also dependent on context for meaning. It can mean energies moving outword, symbolizing something not quite within reach. When working influential magicks, such as healing, blessings, manipulation, it can mean that the smoke is travelling and working toward your goal. Watch to make sure it’s on track.

Soot in a jar candle is a common occurence, although some can use the amount and location of soot as another way to tell if a working has been successful or not. A little amount of candle soot only around the top of the jar means that any opposition has been overcome. If it covers the entire jar above the wax and wick, the spell needs to be reworked. White soot can mean spirits are aiding in the completion on the working.

Moving on to Ceromancy…
When your candle burns and forms a crater with tall walls of wax around it, this means that the energies forming the spell have been blocked. The energies weren’t strong enough to overcome barriers. Maybe try again at a different time.

If your candle burns quickly it can mean that excited energies are working to complete the spell quickly. Use the melted wax to read the shapes and divine other messages you may be receiving.

If the wax falls down only one side it can mean something about you or the spell was off balance. Thinking about left brain and right brain, you can figure out what may be off balance by what side the wax dripped down. Left side could be an emotional or psychic imbalance, whereas the right side could be your own personal beliefs or reservations getting in the way. The results of the working will be incomplete.

If the wax forms waterfalls it can mean that while the working has been successful, there may be trouble along the path. Strife, tears, hard work.. this is more likely if the structures remain even after the candle has burned out completely.

If you find little bits of debris in your candle, it means you need to look out for unintended consequences of your spell. There will be clean up and loose ends to take care of.

If there are no wax drips, CONGRATS. Everything went as planned!

If the candle has a chaotic end such as an explosion, the jar breaks, or really anything else off the wall, the spell just isn’t going to work. Cleanse your space and yourself, and let it go until you find out why.

If the candle wax forms shapes after burning, use your intuition to decide what those may mean. There’s no truly universal list of correspondences to say for sure what they mean. These lists are more of a guideline.

Finally,Pyromancy!
If your candle just won’t light it means that the spell you’re trying to use won’t yield the results you need or even work at all. The outcome may have already been decided or it’s simply out of your hands. Use this time to either divine what may be blocking you or refocus your intention altogether. If you’re trying to divine an answer to a question, this can mean that now is not the right time to ask.

If the candle goes out the work is complete. The energies are working out in the world. Alternatively, it could mean that a stronger, opposing force has put an end to whatever manifestation you may be working toward. Either way, leave it be. if it goes out before you get an answer to a question, it can mean that now isn’t the right time to ask.

If your candle won’t go out it’s a sign that you missed a message or you’re not done. There is more to the answer that you need to hear. Revisit your work for some time and when you feel it’s been settled, try again to extinguish the flame.

If the flame on your candle is small, it means that the energy you’ve put into your spell is weak, or it’s simply not the right time. It will flicker and bend, ultimately don’t expect favorable results. If the flame drowns in the wax and goes out, that’s a telltale sign it won’t work this time. In a yes/no scenario, this is a no.

A small but steady flame seeks patience and focus. It’s a good sign your spell will work, although not as swiftly as you might have hoped for. If the flame grows, it means the energy working behind the spell is also growing. If the flame stays low and you’re asking a yes or no question, this is a no.

Atall and strong flame means powerful energies are working toward the goal. Expect a quick and positive result. Similarly, a good clean burn, although boring, means positive results as expected, though not as quickly. When seeking a yes or no answer, this is a strong yes.

Apopping candle flame and uneven burn can signify interference or communication from spirits or energies that are working against you. Try to refocus your energies or concentrate your intention and energy. If the resistance feels too great, cease the work and try again later. A dancing or popping flame when asking a question means you need to refocus and ask again. It can also mean there isn’t a simple yes or no for your answer. A violently flickering flame is a STRONG no and a warning.

Adual flame means you need to wait for your answer just a bit longer. There’s some thinkng involved. A flame leaning to the left means yes, and a flame leaning to the right means no.

Ablue or blue-white flame is rare, but can signify angelic or faery presence. Higher, divine beings have taken an interest in your work. Red or yellow flames mean a more mundane, though still strong, energy is fueling the spell.

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