witchingneighbour

[witchingneighbour]

4/7/18 going back to my herbal studies starting with agrimony

[witchingneighbour]

Herbs & The Major Arcana

There are a number of ways in which the Traditional Herbalist can use herbs to enhance the study of Tarot. Tarot is a much younger art than the science of herbs, but within the last couple hundred years there are a number of herbs which have become associated with particular cards. ~Paul Beyerl 

Correspondence List:

The Fool: (Uranus) pepperment 

The Magician: (Mercury) fenugreek, horehound

The High Priestess: (Moon) pennyroyal, peony 

The Empress: (Venus) sandalwood

The Emperor: (Aries) dragon’s blood 

The Hierophant: (Taurus) borage, periwinkle 

The Lovers: (Gemini) cinnamon, wormwood

The Chariot: (Cancer) anise, watercress 

Justice: (Libra) hyacinth 

The Hermit: (Virgo) narcissus

Wheel of Fortune: (Jupiter) horehound

Strength: (Leo) catnip

The Hanged Man: (Neptune) fern, lotus

Death: (Scorpio) basil

Temperance: (Sagittarius) dill, parsley 

The Devil: (Capricorn) asafoetida 

The Tower: (Mars) eyebright 

The Star: (Aquarius) cloves

The Moon: (Pisces) elder, mugwort 

The Sun: (Sun) bay laurel, sunflower

Judgment: (Pluto) chervil 

The World: (Saturn) lovage, mandrake 

The Master Book of Herbalism - 1984 (source)

[witchingneighbour]

Happy Day Shower Spell ☀️

To brighten up your day and help you stay energized and positive! For best results, do this spell right after you wake up.

Tools & ingredients  {The amount of each ingredients can vary. Use the amount you feel comfortable with and don’t be afraid to follow your instinct}

» A small glass » 1 slice of lemon » A pinch of rosemary » 3 or 4 daisy petals » 1 tbsp. of honey » 1 tbsp. of your favorite hair oil {you can use coconut oil if you prefer}

Steps {Just like the ingredients, the steps can be interpreted to suit your practice and/or your needs} 

»Mix all the ingredients into the small glass while visualizing happy moments you lived and/or images that make you feel good and relaxed. » Step into the shower and pour the potion over your head. » As the liquid runs down your hair and onto your body keep visualizing these happy images. » Massage your scalp, your shoulders and your arms.   » Take deep breaths, close your eyes and smile. » While doing so, rub the slice of lemon over your body to dispel all the negative energies. » Once you are done, simply take a shower as you would normally do!  

Blessed be! 🌻

[witchingneighbour]

[witchingneighbour]

Actions in Witchcraft

Just like each herb and crystal has certain properties and strength, so do actions taken during rituals and spells. When writing spells it is important to include the proper actions to make sure your spell is as effective as possible.

Burning - Burning an object is a common practice in spells and rituals. Fire is considered a cleansing and activating force.

If you want to destroy something’s influence, burn it and dispose of the ashes away from your home.

If you want to set something into motion, burn objects related to the situation to ash.

If you want to activate certain energies, burn objects related to those involved.

If you are performing a curse or hex, burn the object in the flame of a candle.

Burying/Abandoning - A Witch might bury and object for many reasons. They might want to put something to rest, perform a slow spell, or banish something. There are different ways in which one can bury an object to accomplish a desired outcome:

If you want to keep something close, bury the object in your back yard.

If you want to attract something, bury the object under the front door step

If you want to disperse something to a distance, throw the object into a crossroads

If you want to fix an influence, inter the object in a five-spot pattern

If you want something to work by means of spirits, bury the object in a graveyard (but don’t disrupt those buried there!)

If you want to hide something’s point of origin, conceal the object in a tree

If you want something/someone to work by stealth, hide the object in clothing or on objects

If you want an influence to begin or strengthen, throw the object East

If you want an influence to end or weaken, throw the object West

Rubbing - Rubbing an object can be the easiest and most immediate way to experience witchcraft. Transferring and garnering energy from objects can be done through physical contact with an object.

If you want to put energy into an object, rub it with your left hand

If you want to gather energy from an object, rub it with your right hand

If you want to bring positivity, rub clockwise

If you want to bring negativity, rub counter clockwise

If you want to use crystals to heal, rub the appropriate stone on the effected part of the body.

Soaking - Water is one of the main elements used in witchcraft. It comes in many forms with many different properties and uses.

If you want something to move away and sink, throw it in running water

If you want something’s influence to rise and fall cyclically, float it in a tidal estuary

If you want to protect or cleanse something, soak an object in rain water

If you are focused on your personal goals, soak your object in sea water

If you want to bring about transformation, soak your object in snow/melted snow

If you’re trying to make a wish come true, soak your object in well water

If you want to banish, soak your object in harbor water

[witchingneighbour]

Beginner’s Guide to Sigilcraft

Sigilcraft is a form of magic that is simple yet can be tricky to get right. Here’s how to start!

First, there are a few basic things you need to know about sigils:

Sigils must be written in the present tense. That’s “I do” as opposed to “I will do.” This is because when you write in future-tense, sigils don’t know when to make the thing happen. It will always just be “in the future.” When you write in present-tense, the sigil knows to make it happen ASAP.

You should be as specific as possible when writing sigils. That’s “I am given a raise of at least [x amount],” as opposed to “I make more money.”

Sigils need to be charged for them to work. There are lots of different ways to charge sigils, but the most basic idea behind it is that you’re putting power into it from another source. That source could be you, an electrical object, a crystal, the energy around you, etc. The possibilities are endless.

There are two ways sigils can work. Sigils can either be either left to sit and draw in energy forever, which many believe equals letting them putting out that energy forever, or they can be “activated” by being destroyed. There are lots of different ways to destroy a sigil. You can do it electronically or physically, and probably even other ways I don’t personally know about. For electronically destroying sigils, something like posting them to social media and then deleting the post after leaving them to charge would work. Physical life methods would be exposing them to the elements until they’re destroyed.

Above all, sigils need to look and feel right to you in order to work!

Now that that’s out of the way, you can start making sigils!

For beginners with no experience sigilcrafting, I recommend the letter-arranging method as sort of training wheels:

Write out exactly what you want to have happen with your sigil. We’ll use the “I AM GIVEN A THREE DOLLAR RAISE” example.

Take out the repeat letters. Some people also prefer to take out the vowels, but you can leave them in if you like. But If we take out the repeat letters and vowels, we’re left with “M G V N T H D S”

Flip, rotate, and alter the look of the letters to your heart’s content, and start putting them together until they make a design that looks good and feels right to you.

You’re done! Now you can charge (and if you wish, activate) it!

Once you feel you’ve got good footing in the letter-arranging method, you can start to design sigils in a more free-form way! This is where you’ll really start to discover your unique style, be it flowy, geometric, or other! You can make your sigils based on existing images or simply go with the flow of what feels right.

My style is pretty geometric. Here are some examples of my sigils:

Happy sigilcrafting!

[witchingneighbour]

A perpetual spell to cope with intrusive thoughts

Thanks to severe OCD and PTSD, I’m often stuck in my own head with a bunch of intrusive and obsessive nonsense. I came up with a perpetual banishing and transmutation spell to help process and deal with unwanted thoughts.

The Banishing Bin functions somewhat like a computer’s recycle bin:

write unwanted thought/feeling on a sticky note or piece of small paper

draw banishing/transmutation sigil over words

fold up paper and throw in banishing bin 

burn/rip/trash them during the waning crescent or dark moon

This is a great spell if you’re a spoonie or not open about your craft. It’s fairly easy to perform and store without raising eyebrows (it literally just sits on my bookcase unsuspiciously). I found the mini trashcan at a local discount store for a couple dollars. The cheapest one I can find online can be purchased from Amazon here, but you can use any container you like as a bin. If you don’t have a banishing sigil you’re already working with, feel free to use mine. 

[witchingneighbour]

signs + basics all in one

find your sun, moon, and rising/ascendant sign | find your venus sign | find your mars sign | find your mercury sign |

sun - overall personality

moon - inner thoughts

mercury - how you talk / communicate with others

rising - what people think of you / first impressions 

venus - your fashion, women you attract, how you flirt and act in relationships

mars - how we deal with anger, men we attract, sex drive

ARIES the RAM 

aries sun// an aries sun has strong leadership skills. they take problems head on. generally very brave. you want an aries sun if you want adventure and excitement. 

aries moon// people with an aries moon are stubborn and impatient. they live life in the moment and don’t like long-term goals. you want an aries moon if you want someone that craves new things to do RIGHT NOW. 

aries mercury// people with aries mercury make quick decisions and don’t think through their decisions much. they’re very direct and candid. you want an aries mercury if you want someone to help you come to a decision or give you an honest impression of something. 

aries rising// an aries rising doesn’t like to plan ahead. they’re competitive and like to play a little dirty. they have a young innocent kind of charm. you want an aries rising if you want to learn how to stop overthinking everything and cherish your freedom. 

aries venus// venus in aries is daring. they behave very childish. they like direct and honest people. they like to be the leader in the relationship, so let them. you want an aries venus if you like being dominated and having endless fun.

aries mars// people with an aries mars are spontaneous. they like simplicity, action, and innovation. they’re often a step ahead the rest of us. you want an aries mars if you want someone that can be angry for you when there’s a problem in your life. if you want someone that’s down to do anything.

TAURUS the BULL 

taurus sun // tauruses are dependable, sensual, and hard-working. they enjoy nature and aren’t big fans of change. they also tend to be a bit possessive. you want a taurus sun if you want someone reliable and kind.

taurus moon // someone with a taurus moon likes familiarity. they’re strong-willed and sentimental. once they make a commitment, they like to stick to it. you want a taurus moon if you want someone that’ll keep a secret or do their share of work.

taurus mercury // mercury in taurus natives take their time to get to a decision, but once they make one, they don’t change their mind much. people like to listen to them. you want someone with a mercury in taurus if you want someone to stick to their word. 

taurus rising // these people have a practical approach to life. they value security a lot. they’re also very cautious and careful. not flexible people. they like the good things in life. you want a taurus rising if you want someone careful.

taurus venus // people with venus in taurus tend to be possessive in love and like going slow. they like predictability and dependability. they are very loyal. you want someone with a taurus venus if you like clinginess and a steady relationship. 

taurus mars // they value strength and stability. driven by security. they don’t like multi-tasking and they are very stubborn when angry. you want a taurus mars when you want someone who won’t change their mind.

GEMINI the TWINS

gemini sun // strong self-expression. extremely curious. felxible and adaptable. clever and witty. it can be difficult to know what a solar gemini really feels. you want a solar gemini if you want someone outgoing and exciting. 

gemini moon // witty and charming people. they can be moody and irritable at home. lunar geminis worry, read, talk, and think a lot. they like to host events. you want a gemini moon if you want a charming person willing to be a leader. 

gemini mercury // very quick-witted. they know a little about everything. they get bored easily, but are fast learners. they’re restless. good at decision-making. you want a person with mercury in gemini if you want to be intrigued. 

gemini rising // they love to ask questions, interested in moving about in social circles. either bubbly, talkative, and quirky, or cool and intellectual. you want a gemini rising if you want to expand your knowledge. 

gemini venus // people with venus in gemini will flirt with witty conversation and showing how much they know. hard to pin down. they need fun and variety. get a gemini venus if you like letting loose and letting them talk more than you.

gemini mars // scattered and unfocused. they use very angry words and are energetic when angry. very good at debating. quite fidgety. you want a gemini mars if you want someone who will help you win against someone. 

CANCER the CRAB

cancer sun // strong survival instinct. protective of their belongings. very sensitive and don’t appreciate bluntness. avoid direct confrontations. very dependable and caring. get a cancer sun if you want someone sweet. 

cancer moon // very attached and clingy to the things and people they love. a little bit moody. they may act irrationally. loony sense of humor and unique outlook on life. get a cancer moon if you want to be loved unconditionally.

cancer mercury // communicate with feeling. good listeners and slow responders. gentle, intuitive, and sentimental. takes criticism personally. can be easily persuaded. get a cancer mercury if you need to vent. 

cancer rising // they stay in the corners of parties. they like it when their relationships have well-defined rules. they have to protect themselves. seem very sweet and innocent. get a cancer rising if you like introverted sweethearts. 

cancer venus //  they like committed and predictable relationships. they give security, comfort, and care. they pay attention to your feelings. get a venus in cancer if you like people caring for you. 

cancer mars // passive-aggressive. resist change and like feeling secure. threatened by indifference. get a cancer in mars if you soft anger and sex.

LEO  the LION 

leo sun // they are hard-working, have big dreams, like making people happy, and love compliments. don’t accuse them of having bad intentions. loyal. get a leo if you like confident and loyal people. 

leo moon // if comfortable, they like being the center of attention, usually with family and friends. they like controlling so that they can set things right. want to treat people fairly. get a lunar leo if you don’t like the spotlight on yourself. 

leo mercury // authoritative voice. see the big picture. great at promoting ideas and persuading people. take pride of their beliefs. get a mercury in leo if you want someone who’ll get the message across. 

leo rising // they get people’s attention. very self-aware and body-conscious. may have rash decisions and temper tantrums. they have a natural enthusiasm and optimisim about any new undertaking. get a leo rising if you want the star of the show. 

leo venus // they are proud and demanding. they need to feel special and courted. warm, generous, and grand. very loyal to their partners. thrive on romantic attention and have high expectations. get a leo in venus if you want them to be the center of your life. 

leo mars // they need to feel significant. they have high passion and enjoy power. they’re good at getting what they want. have a strong idealistic streak. get a mars in leo if you want someone who are natural born leaders. 

VIRGO the VIRGIN

virgo sun // hard-working, determined, and respectable. they tend to get embarrassed easily. they prefer to be in the limelight. they’re very body-conscious. perfectionists. you want a virgo sun if you want someone who will be very careful and detailed in their work. 

virgo moon // lunar virgos appreciate simplicity and enjoy the little things in life. they’re reliable and trustworthy. they tend to be really skeptical. you want a lunar virgo if you want someone who is appreciative and laid-back. 

virgo mercury // they’re good at organizing and planning out their time wisely. not ones to brag and boast, but do like people to acknowledge their work. get a virgo mercury if you want someone under the radar.  

virgo rising // generally reserved and intelligent. have to warm up to people before letting them in. have a tendency to attract people who need help. get a virgo rising if you want someone understanding. 

virgo venus // virgo venus people aren’t very flirtacious. they don’t have showy gifts, but generous gifts. try hard to make the relationship work. sensitive and sometimes insecure in relationships. get a virgo venus if you want someone who’ll stay by your side. 

virgo mars // virgo mars people get things done really well. they want to be good at what they do. protective. get a virgo mars if you want someone who puts in effort. 

LIBRA the SCALES

libra sun // sociable, intellectual. and approachable. they don’t like fighting and wish to find inner peace. they want to find the best way to live. you want a libra sun if you want someone peaceful and generous. 

libra moon // they feel the need to have someone they can rely on and have a strong partnership. they’re very charming and have an innocent aura. they tend to see flaws in a lot of things. you want a libra moon if you want someone to complete you. 

libra mercury // pleasing communicators. they long for equality and are very fair people. they express things gently. they always seek for compromise. get a libra mercury if you want someone fair. 

libra rising // these people come across nice, pleasant, fair, and peaceful, so as a first impression they’re very likable people. attracted to competent, active partners. you want someone with a libra rising if you want someone mostly everyone will get along with. 

libra venus // they try to impress people with their kindness and equality. likely to be a feminist. they love to share everything with you. they try hard to make the relationship work. get a libra venus if you want someone charming and fair. 

libra mars // libra mars people like to think before they act. they like to play innocent and defend themselves a lot. they’re good at predicting problems that may come up in the future. you want someone with a mars in libra if you want someone careful with their words. 

SCORPIO the SCORPION

scorpio sun // they are very intense people. determined and throw themselves into everything they do. these people know what they want and will find a way to get it. you want a scorpio sun if you want someone with stamina and willpower. 

scorpio moon // lunar scorpios seek for emotional intensity. probably prone to mood swings and sadness. they have a strong fear for betrayal. you want a scorpio moon if you want someone to be there for. 

scorpio mercury // they have strong observation skills. they are powerful, persuasive, and passionate in their speech. you want a scorpio mercury if you want someone who will dig through layers to find an answer. 

scorpio rising // they don’t like being pushed around. they value their privacy a lot, and are powerful and determined. they’re drawn to down-to-earth people. they have to be able to rely on you. you want a scorpio rising if you want someone independent. 

scorpio venus // scorpio venus people attract others with their intensity and willingness to commit. they will give you full attention and put you and themselves in the spotlight. you want a scorpio venus if you want a public relationship. 

scorpio mars // they challenge themselves to do the impossible. they don’t like having to share their partners, and have a provocative quality to them. you want a scorpio mars if you want someone protective with a high sex drive. 

SAGITTARIUS the ARCHER

sagittarius sun // restless, cheerful, and friendly. generally on the go and have a love for freedom. they are extremely optimistic and have a blind faith in humaity. you want a sagittarius sun if you want someone who will help you see the bright side of things. 

sagittarius moon // they crave personal space and freedom. they’d make a good teacher. they want to go out in the world and meet new people. they tend to escape their problems. get a lunar sagittarius if you want someone optimistic and bright. 

sagittarius mercury // they have very big ideas and like to communicate them optimistically. they don’t like paying attention to details. they’re enthusiastic and definitely not boring. you want a sag mercury if you want someone enthused and excited for things. 

sagittarius rising // very adventurous, enthusiastic, and optimistic. restless and active people. they’re hilarious but underrated in terms of humor. get a sagittarius ascendant if you want someone ready to go anywhere and laugh with you. 

sagittarius venus // these people like to learn new things and do everything with their partner. they love joking and flirting and have big dreams. get a sag venus if you want someone that loves exploration. 

sagittarius mars // these people try to escape from their anger and problems. playful and fun-loving, though can go to extremes. sometimes they can be hard to understand. get a sag mars if you want to be challenged. 

CAPRICORN the GOAT

capricorn sun // these people have a realistic, practical approach to life. they know how to do things and how to get them done. they take pleasure in the simple things in life but may spend lavishly sometimes. they can plan ahead well. you want a capricorn sun if you want someone who’ll get the job done well.

capricorn moon // these people keep their emotions in check. they don’t like messy feelings and come across as calm and collected. they respect authority and tradition. get a lunar capricorn if you want someone who does well under pressure and stays focused. 

capricorn mercury // often speak slowly and methodically. they don’t like being taken off-guard and can seem strict and judgmental. hates wasting time and appreciates values. you want a capricorn mercury if you want someone who will keep everyone in check. 

capricorn rising // they tend to come across in a serious way, and their humor is often sarcastic or in a dead-pan way. responsible and careful. usually very successful. get a capricorn rising if you want someone serious and not too goofy.

capricorn venus // try to impress people by showing responsibility and being in control of their mind and emotions. they can be rather romantic but come across as lacking warmth. you want a capricorn venus if you want someone responsible. 

capricorn mars // they have a low-key but determined energy. anger expressed coolly with good self-control, along with strong desires. may seem cold. get a capricorn mars if you want to have a reasonable debate. 

AQUARIUS the WATER BEARER

aquarius sun // may like to rebel and march to the beat of their drum, whether you can see that or not. sometimes a bit aloof or even standoffish. need space and personal freedom. very intelligent and humorous. get an aquarius if you want someone unique. 

aquarius moon // very observant. likes to know why people do the things they do. can be idealistic. may have messy emotions in youth, but seem cool and collected in adulthood. get an aquarius if you want to know answers to questions.

aquarius mercury // unconventional and loves to break the rules. detached and intelligent. very delightful company and you’ll never get bored around them. likes to offer different perspectives. get an aquarius mercury if you want to see the world differently.

aquarius rising // they are individuals and want people to respect them. they like to shock others, with stories, actions, words, etc. are curious and big humanitarians. you want an aquarius rising if you want someone that cares about the world. 

aquarius venus // very open-minded and laid-back. thinks about the future and forgets about the past. wants you to acknowledge how interesting and unique they are. get an aqua venus if you want someone that isn’t too clingy. 

aquarius mars // can be hard to understand. very good at being sneaky and getting what they want. they like to let others be. they want their own freedom and will give you yours. you want an aquarius mars if you want someone that stands out.

PISCES the FISH 

pisces sun // these people are open-minded, adaptable, flexible, and very understanding. they have big dreams and may get caught up in the moment. sensitive to criticism and others’ feelings. get a pisces sun if you want someone empathetic and willing to adapt. 

pisces moon // dreamy and not too in touch with reality. can put themselves in other people’s shoes easily. soft-hearted and sweet, and likes to rely on their intuition. you want a lunar pisces if you want someone is kind and never indifferent to your feelings. 

pisces mercury // gentle communicators. very good listeners and connect to other people’s emotions. often pretty vague in their words. dreamy and indirect. pisces mercury people are good if you want someone to listen to you. 

pisces rising // they like to go with the flow. they don’t like labels. they have an irresistible charm and have vague direction with where they want to go in life. get a pisces rising if you want someone who lives in the moment. 

pisces venus // soft-hearted, imaginative, and romantic partners. can be afraid to commit even though they usually want to. enjoys tender moments and sets high expectations, but is alright if they’re not met. get a pisces venus if you want someone you can truly connect with. 

pisces mars // mild-tempered and gentle. defensive of friends and family, but doesn’t like to fight dirty. has bursts of energy and then slows down in between. get a pisces mars if you don’t like aggression. 

[witchingneighbour]

witchcraft things to try out when you don’t know what else to do but want practice: 

charge rings for different purposes

protection spell for laptop against viruses and physical damage

spell for a passport (safe travel / good luck or something)

spell for phone for good reception / to protect against damage

spell for your wifi to work smoothly

spell for laundry detergent so that the clothes will be cleansed from unwanted energy when they’re washed

wards against insects around doors and windows

spell for backpack (protection / ward against thieves / safe travel), alternatively draw sigils on or inside it

incorporate taking out the trash in a spell for banishing something 

or incorporate recycling in a spell for something like recycling energy or keeping things flowing in your life 

[witchingneighbour]

Spice Charm Bags

[witchingneighbour]

Soups! Kitchen Witch Masterpost

One of the easiest and most heartwarming recipes for a kitchen witch, soups! Their recipes are easily manipulated to suit your intention, plus they’re perfect for the upcoming winter!

Basic Ingredients:

- Carrots, Onions, Celery. These are the holy trinity. I also like to add garlic, potatoes, tomatoes, and others.

- vegetable/chicken broth and/or water.

- many recipes call for crushed tomatoes. I like diced, and can find them canned in any grocery store, but it’s up to you!

- (Optional) beans or lentils (if you buy dried lentils, cook them beforehand)

- (Optional) meat–sausage, beef, chicken. Cook before adding to the soup please!

Directions:

1. Cut up vegetables and sautee them in a big pot for about eight minutes. This is to soften them up and sweeten up the onions. Don’t add herbs yet!

2. If you bought canned beans, drain and rinse them. If you want thicker broth, you can crush up a can of beans into a paste and add them to the broth, or even throw them into a blender.

3. Set pot aside. Add tomatoes, beans, meat, broth. Bring to a boil, then let simmer for 20-30 minutes. Add any herbs you wish.

Common Vegetables:

Carrots - sex (with parsley for best results), fertility

Cabbage - lunar food, protection, wealth, prosperity, luck

Onions - protection, purification, healing, exorcism, wealth

Celery - sex, peace, psychic powers, mental strength

Beans - wealth, sex, protection

Potato - protection, compassion

Mushrooms - psychic powers, strength

Common Herbs:

Thyme - love, psychic powers, purification

Basil - love, protection, money, exorcism

Rosemary - protection, consciousness, memory, healing, love

Parsley - protection, sex, love, wealth

Dill - wealth, love, consciousness, studying, luck

Bay - protection, psychic powers, healing, purification, strength

Garlic - protection, healing, strength, psychic powers, exorcism

Ginger - love, wealth, strength, success

Black Pepper - protection, purification, exorcism

Salt - purification, protection, healing

Most herbs are not put into the broth until the broth is simmering, to prevent burning. The exception to this rule is bay, which is put in at the beginning. BEWARE of pepper! The longer the pepper cooks in the soup, the spicier the soup will be!

IF YOU’RE ADDING MEAT:

- Do not cut your vegetables with the same knife you cut meat with.

- Cook meat beforehand, but remember that it’ll be cooking in the broth for a time afterwards, or be careful not to overcook.

- Most meat is diced into half-an-inch-squares.

Other Tips:

- Stir clockwise to create, counter-clockwise to take away.

- You can carve sigils into some vegetable slices.

- Cook with a crystal near your pot to boost a spell’s effectiveness.

- Fire and water are prominent elements here! Draw upon their power.

And that’s it!! Have a lovely winter full of great company and nourishing meals!

**if there are any additions feel free to add, and if there are any corrections, message me! :)

[witchingneighbour]

Retrograde in Astrology

A retrograde in astrology is when a planet appears to be moving backwards. No planet really moves backwards, it’s simply an illusion in the sky from our point of view on Earth. When a planet does go retrograde, however, it’s energies are turned inward. This means that the energy of whichever planet that is going retrograde will be felt more personally and internally. People who were already born when a planet was in retrograde might feel the effects of the same planet going in retrograde less.

Mercury Retrograde Mercury is the only planet that goes retrograde quite often. It is the most talked about planet when it does go retrograde and it’s no wonder, Mercury rules communication on a day-to-day basis. It is strongly felt.

Pros Use this as a time to carefully reflect about your decisions. Think carefully is the motto with this planetary retrograde. Analyze certain areas in your life that you believe need work and get to working on ways to improve it. Take a breather and relax. Use this as a time to sit back and observe, do not act nor speak so impulsively. Cons You should expect past relationships to pop up, but do not try to start anything either. You may start to feel more argumentative and may notice that in other people as well. There can be a lot of traveling delays as well. Your electronics could malfunction during this time too, basically any form of communication.

Venus Retrograde Venus goes retrograde about every 18 months. It is the planet of love, money and all kinds of relationships so it’s affects are really personal. These areas of our life that Venus rules are sensitive because they are so personal and can make or break you. Venus retrograde is wrathful and not pretty.

Pros Use this as a time to reflect about how your finances are and especially your relationships with others. Not all that glitters is gold, and things can become ugly during this retrograde. So be careful, observe and think about where you stand at this point in your life with others and your own values as well. Step back and appreciate all that you have. Cons Do not make any dramatic purchases or changes during this time because they can be impulsive urges. Watch what you are eating too because you can have unhealthy cravings. Avoid starting any new relationships as well because there could be a high chance sparks will die off once Venus goes direct. Old relationships can pop up, friends may start acting shady or deceitful and you can start to feel unlike yourself as well.

Mars Retrograde Mars goes retrograde about every 2 years. Since Mars is the planet of action, during a Mars retrograde we learn that our actions indeed do have consequences. Expect the energy to be drained when Mars goes retrograde and maybe bursts of anger as well.

Pros Use this as a time to really think about your actions. If you want, you can find some time to relax and take a break from everything. Fight your impulses and take precaution. Cons Do not jump into things without thinking first. In other words: do not act on impulse. You might notice that people become accident prone during the retrograde and there can be a rise in accidents.

Important Fact The Sun and the Moon do not go retrograde.

[witchingneighbour]

Herbs ‘n’ Flowers

I use these more or less on the daily

Allspice: promotes healing, also attracts luck or money

Anise: help sleeping, no nightmares, protect against evil and protection in meditation

Basil: courage, protection, monetary success

Bay leaves: promotes healing, gain protection, instill strength

Cactus: maternal care, passion, endurance, strength/emotional strength

Caraway seeds: protect against negativity and strengthen memory

Chamomile: help induce sleep, combat curses and spells, aids in good health

Chives: courage, dispel disease and negative entities

Cinnamon stick: aids in healing, raises high spiritual vibrations

Clove: drive away negative/hostile forces, purify the area, produce spiritual vibrations

Earl Grey: bring clarity, bring good working to a space, attain courage and bring strength

Forget-Me-Not: love, remembrance, memory

Lavender: attracts love, induces sleep, bring peace/harmony, promotes happiness and protection

Lemon peel: attracts blessings and luck, attain success

Marigold: passion, creativity (also a natural pesticide)

Mint: fertility, happiness, protection

Nettle: promotes healing, protection, keep out evil

Orange peel: attract love, attain prosperity, attract good fortune

Peppercorn: protection, dispels evil especially when paired with salt

Peppermint: promotes healing, induces sleep

Raspberry leaves: gain protection (raspberry tea is phenomenal for menstrual and muscle cramps)

Rose hips: “love attracting beads”, promotes healing, obtain luck

Rosemary: gain of healing and protection, induce sleep, rid of negativity, drive away nightmares, aid in knowledge gain, and strengthen mental power

Sage: promotes wisdom, gain protection

Sea salt: purification, grounding, release emotional attachments, psychic protection, aids in healing

Spearmint: increases and sharpens mental powers, protection during sleep

Sunflower: sign of adoration, affection

Thyme: attracts good health, purifies space, gives courage and energy, aids in restful sleep

Vanilla: love..lots of love spells, also good in spells for domestic intentions