jeniperberry

[jeniperberry]

Localizing Magic: Periwinkle

See the rest of the Localizing Magic series. The back of my yard is wooded, wild and overgrown. All kinds of things grow back there, some of which aren’t what you’d normally consider wild plants: azaleas, dogwoods, tulips, ornamental ferns. This past spring, I kept seeing little purple dots poking up through the leaf litter. When I went back to check it out, I discovered periwinkle. Periwinkle is powerful medicine, but it’s toxic. Don’t try to ingest it or use it topically without the supervision of a trained herbalist and a doctor. Please be aware that some herbal resouces on the Internet will advise using the whole herb in infusions and such; medical research says this is not safe, especially for untrained practitioners. 

Periwinkle derivatives are used in the pharmaceutical industry for a wide range of purposes. Periwinkle alkaloids are used to fight various forms of cancer, to improve blood flow to the brain, and to lower blood pressure. Periwinkle also contains vincamine, a component in vinpocetine, which staves off memory loss due to aging. Periwinkle is also a potent magical plant, and is considered the patron herb of witches. It is associated with Venus, the Goddess, and the element of Water. 

Dried periwinkle flowers or periwinkle root may be used in love-drawing spells and charms, and the dried leaves are used in hoodoo to promote sexual desire and pleasure. Periwinkle leaves are said to protect against evil, baneful spirits, snakes, poison, wild beasts and terror. The dried leaves are good for smudging to clear away negative energy. Periwinkle is also associated with memory; specifically, gazing at a periwinkle flower is said to bring back lost memories. 

Periwinkle also has several associations with grieving, spirits and death, especially the death of young children. In European tradition, periwinkle was woven into crowns for deceased children at their burial. When planted on or near the grave of the beloved deceased, periwinkle helps parents overcome the grief of losing a child, and can also help comfort restless spirits of any age. To maximize Periwinkle’s potential, it is best harvested when the moon is one, nine, eleven, thirteen, or thirty nights old.

Resources: http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail492.php http://www.drugs.com/npp/periwinkle.html http://www.earthwitchery.com/periwinkle.html http://www.janih.com/lady/herbs/magick/P.html https://books.google.com/books?id=jR_tBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT138&lpg=PT138&dq=periwinkle+magical+associations&source=bl&ots=LA1h2TKzAu&sig=l0k5BgPFRU5UtISMEVlbtOEBZQo&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CFYQ6AEwCWoVChMIu5ji_Zu1xgIVw3-SCh0s1Qt_#v=onepage&q=periwinkle%20magical%20associations&f=false

[jeniperberry]

[jeniperberry]

It's hard to be happy when you dont know whats next. It's almost impossible to smile with true depth on a holiday when inside all you long for is familiarity. When those around you don't feel like home, when the full house feels empty because you know you're not wanted by those who surround you. You're merely the distasteful side to the main course.

You're the Brussel sprouts at the kids table.

It's hard when you know you're missing what could be last memories- when you know " could of beens " will turn into " should of beens. "

[jeniperberry]

𝐅𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 🍇🍋

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁

Apple: Apollo, Hera, Aphrodite, Diana, Eris, Freyja, The Hesperides, Idun, Pomona, Saulé, Athena, Gaia, Eros, Lugh, Manannan, Nemesis, Zeus, Loki, Freyr

Grapes: Dionysus, The Horae, Lady Chang'O, Europa, Gestinana, Renenet, Sirona

Pear: Aphrodite, Hera, Pomona, Isis

Orange: Apollo, Oshun, Pomona, Venus, Enlil, Hesperethusa

Cherry: Aphrodite, Chinju no Kami, Xi Wang Mu, Artemis, Flora, Persephone, the Morrigan

Plum: Amaterasu, Pomona, Aphrodite, Freyja, Dionysus

Mango: Durga, Ogun, Simbi, Kamadeva, Hanuman, Ambika

Strawberry: Hermes, Aphrodite, Adonis, Eris, Freyja, Frigg, Venus, Freyr

Raspberry: Venus, Leto, Rhea, Cernunnos, Hera, Artemis

Banana: Shango, Brihaspati, Vishnu, Parvati, Lakhsmi

Coconut: Hina, Mahesh, Asar, Isis, Osiris, Brahma, Vishnu, Ganesha, Aphrodite

Blackberry: Dionysus, Brigid, the Dagda, Danu, Freyja, Manannan, Osiris, Poseidon

Lemon: Alakshmi, Arethusa, Apollo,

Olive: Athena, Elais, Zeus, Ra, Poseidon, Indra, Pele, Apollo

Watermelon: Hera, Yemaya, Bahuchara

Peach: Xiwangmu, Kami, Hathor, Aphrodite, Freyja, Shou Xing, Apollo

Papaya: Istustaya

Pomegranate: Hades, Persephone, Zeus, Demeter, Aphrodite, Hecate, Athena, Hestia, Ares

Fig: Dionysus, Priapus, Demeter

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁

tip jar🍇

This post took longer to make than I thought, but it's finally done🕯🍷🍂 If you know any myths about deities associated with different fruits or any fruits that are linked to deities, feel free to share them in the comments so I can add them too :D

[jeniperberry]

Ultimate Grimoire or book of shadows checklist✨📓✒️🔮

Hey beautifuls,

I’ve compiled a checklist in booklet format of pretty much anything I could think of or find online that you could include in your Grimoire/book of shadows. Please note that this is a very very broad list and you do not need to include absolutely everything listed. Pick and choose what matches your craft!

also if you would like a non-watermarked PDF print version (digital file) I’m offering this for just $3 AUD. You can direct message me here on tumblr or on my Insta account “@beautifulvalleywitch”.

Otherwise enjoy this free version lovely’s 🥰🥰

*copyrighted, please do not share without credit or claim as your own*

[jeniperberry]

[jeniperberry]

Libations

As a Hellenic polytheist, one of our most important duties to our gods would be to give libations. Libations are liquid offerings to our gods, not only in recognition of them and their importance but as an invitation into our lives for them.

When it comes to giving libations, it can be difficult for those of us practicing and worshipping in secret. So in this post I'll go over typical libations and how they're given, and then some methods I believe would be helpful for those that can't give openly! Please keep in mind that the suggested methods (for those practicing in secret) come from someone who is still navigating and learning her own religion. As always, do your own research where needed and do methods that make you most comfortable in your practices.

Typical Libations

Wine (typically red)

Symbolic of the divine ether, and Zeus's influence on the soul. Additionally, dark red wine represents the blood of Dionysus/Zagreus. We drink his blood as reflectance for his sacrifice by the titans and the eating of his flesh. It represents his metamorphosis, and in turn, our own cycle of birth.

Milk

Representative of Hera and Ira, whose breast milk formed the galaxies and cosmos. Milk also represents the earth.

Honey

Honey is golden which is incredibly symbolic of the gods, particularly their ichor (the blood of the gods). Honey is also a powerful preservative representing the immortality of the gods.

Fine oil (typically olive)

Oil historically symbolizes life, prosperity, and the divine spirit.

Milk and honey together are also a considerable libations but is particularly good for death related gods and the honoring of the dead. Milk and honey libations for them should NOT be consumed.

Giving Libations

To give libations, you would first pick up the offering bowl full of whatever you are giving with your right hand, then hold it with both and recite a dedication. The dedication itself is up to you but the example I saw is as follows:

"We dedicate this libation to khrismôdós Apóllôn and aithǽrios Diónysos and to all the happy, deathless Gods!"

Libations can be made to a singular god or multiple at once. Just ensure you have enough for them equally. Dedications can also be to a singular god or you can name the ones you are dedicating to.

Once you've made your dedication, you'll transfer the bowl to your left hand and pour your offering on the ground or into whatever reservoir you have dedicated to it on your altar. This is your libation, and the offering now belongs to them. Once you've made your libations, you may sip from the remaining contents of the bowl as communion. Before doing so, you may recite a prayer. Here is an example:

"We drink the blood of Diónysos! May the Aithír of Zefs intoxicate our souls and transform us!"

Please be aware that you should NOT drink libations to the dead or to death gods.

When sipping from the remainder of your libations, do NOT sip from the part where you poured. You should drink from the opposite end of the bowl.

Libations in Secret

When you're practicing in secret, this method of libations can be incredibly difficult. So with that, here are a few ways that I think could be helpful!

Can't access or drink wine/milk/honey? Substitute them for water or better yet, flavored juices!

Pomegranate juice can make a good libation for Underworld gods and goddesses, apple juice would be good for Zeus, etc. Research your deity's associations and try working with them. Water is also life-giving and integral to life.

Can't pour your libations outside or in a dedicated offering bowl? Use cups!

Pour your libations directly from the bottle to a cup and sit it on a shelf or desk or wherever you've dedicated to your god. You can recite your prayers and dedications in your head as well.

Worried about wasting drinks? Offer a smaller amount!

Typically what you give should be more than you keep, but your gods understand your struggles and would be understanding of your intentions. Offer a small amount of your drink, honey, etc and inform them of your reasonings and intentions. Your gods love you, they'll be happy with your efforts regardless.

Can't do your libations during the day? Do them at night!

Give your libations while everyone is asleep. You can even hide it under your bed or behind something to keep it for the time you want. (Please be careful of doing this with honey and be mindful of possible insects, pets, pests, spills, etc)

A minor? Do your libations at school!

You can do your libations while at school by making them during a PE class, during lunch, or any period of time where you can take a moment to do so! (I'm not condoning using your bathroom breaks to sneak off and do them, I'm just saying you definitely could do that)

Regardless of how you do your libations and with what, your practice is your own as is your relationship with your god(s). Do what feels right for you ♡

[jeniperberry]

Health benefits of the long leaf pine.

[jeniperberry]

Flame Reading🕯

Flame reading is an easy way to communicate with deities or practice divination. Hell, sometimes i use it just to get a little insight on how my spell is going. Here are the basics.

A high, steady flame means yes

A low, steady flame means no

A short, weak flame also means no

A dancing flame can mean your spell needs more focus or serve as a sign you need to ground yourself and ask again. Sometimes in the case of deities, it can indicate excitement

A particularly violent, flickering flame signals a strong no, sometimes even a warning

A crackling flame suggests the answer to your question is more than just a yes or no

Flame leaning to the left means yes

Flame leaning to the right means no

If the candle refuses to light or goes out before it gives an answer, then now isnt a good time

On the contrary, if the candle will not go out then you're not done yet, especially if its deity-related

[jeniperberry]

Tomorrow is a new day..today is temporary. My struggles are temporary. The light is there just don't forget it's ok to blink. That doesn't mean I lose sight. Rest is important. Break downs build strength. Learning to get through things alone builds character. Apologizing for my behavior is growth. It means I'm recognizing my character flaws. Which means I have room for growth still. The only time you can lose growth is when you become close minded. There is not only one way out, just because you do not like the alternative enough to choose it. Learn when to work with the struggle and when to throw in. You don't and won't always win. So don't be a sore loser. Risks are important but weigh your outcomes not your options. The outcome is more important than the option. Stop expecting yourself in others because you will be disappointed every time, but never let that alter your souls purpose or mindset on humanity. Aka don't become bitter over fucked up people. Everyone is fucked up by the way, some just hide their demons better, their closets are bigger. The bigger the closet the more room for demons though and everything surfaces one day.

Stoned deep life thoughts of Jen @ 9pm on a Thursday.

Not my art. But I love these little guys.

[jeniperberry]

crystals in death magic

ajoite - overcome sorrow, emotional healing

amethyst - eases grief and sadness

andalusite - crossing over into the afterlife

apophyllite - spirit communication

bixbite (red beryl) - eases grief

black tourmaline - eases grief

bloodstone - to strengthen ties with ancestors or loved ones who have passed on

blue lace agate - connection to the spirit world, eases passage into the afterlife

calcite - emotional healing, peace

carnelian - eases sorrow, protection in the afterlife

celestite - spirit communication

charoite - eases passage into the afterlife

cuprite - spirit communication

halite - dispelling negativity, protection

hematite - grounding, peace, transforming negativity

jade - protection in the afterlife

jasper - safe passage into the afterlife

jet - eases grief and mourning

kunzite - eases heartbreak

labradorite - spirit communication

lapis lazuli - spiritual connection

obsidian - healing, deflecting negativity, grounding, protection

onyx - grounding, protection

pink tourmaline - emotional healing

quantum quattro silica - eases grief

quartz - safe passage into the afterlife

selenite - spirit communication, eases passage into the afterlife

sunstone - spirit communication

tanzan aura quartz - spirit communication

tsavorite - connection to the spirit world

turquoise - spiritual attunement

violet flame opal - spiritual awareness

© 2024 𝚊𝚍-𝚌𝚊𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚊

[jeniperberry]

Perception.

Visiting home 🏡

Thoughts that crossed my mind:

It's beautiful. I miss it. I don't miss it. I love it. I hate it. It smells comforting. Familiar. Fleeting memories.

Until next time.

[jeniperberry]

[jeniperberry]

Credit: 📸 @hannahhillam

[jeniperberry]

Art by theother.s.i.d.e

[jeniperberry]

[jeniperberry]

Celestial Body Correspondences 🌌

Asteroid - strength, remnants of the past, release, caution, danger

Aurora - peace, spirituality, guidance, enlightenment 

Black Hole - darkness, destruction, absorption, banishing  

Comet - stillness, isolation, balance, control, transformation  

Dark Matter - invisibility, protection  

Meteor - hope, wishes, luck, fortune, wealth  

Nebula - foundation, illumination, radiance, renewal, cleansing 

Star Cluster - unity, strength, peace 

Supernova - energy, illumination, manifestation, destruction, rebirth, cleansing 

updated 10.2.24

based on my own research and personal correspondences

© 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺 𝙰𝙳-𝙲𝙰𝙴𝙻𝙴𝚂𝚃𝙸𝙰