Herbs Archives - Otherworldly Oracle

Pepper Magick: 8 Types of Pepper, Witchy Uses & Properties

kitty fields — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 23:27:49 +0000

As a kitchen witch, my magick is stoked by the hearth fire. I find beauty and power in the seemingly mundane ingredients in my pantry, refrigerator, and herb cabinet. What one witch might pass off as simply a food staple, I see as a mighty ignitor to a potent spell and key to the Otherworld. One of our most popular articles here at Otherworldly Oracle is all about Salt Magick, the types of salt and how to use them in your witchcraft. In THIS post, we explore the often-underrated but formidable power of the different types of pepper, pepper magical properties and their many witchy applications. First, What is Pepper, Truly? (TIP: Don’t Skip This Section) First of all, I’ll be speaking specifically to the herb or spice known as peppercorn that we refer to as “pepper”. I will not be going into the magical properties or applications of hot peppers like cayenne, chilis, etc (but maybe in a future article). Pepper. It’s one of those pantry staples in the United States (and elsewhere) that I believe we take for granted. Black pepper is on nearly every restaurant table in a glass or cheap shaker, sometimes in such a condensed, expired form that it’s lost its actual flavor. It’s thrown unceremoniously onto a table as a prop. A requirement. When I see such a magical substance like pepper abused in this way, I shudder. Yes, I’m serious. Here’s why. Sure, witches are all about that salt life, but we tend to forget pepper is just as useful an ingredient. It flavors food, but do we really know what pepper truly is and where it hails from? As a long-time kitchen witch, I typically start at the beginning when I’m learning to use ingredients of any kind in a magical way. And in pepper’s origins, we find it’s true magical strengths. Mystical Pepper Origins: Ransom Payments, Guardian Snakes, and Black Gold Pepper is part of the Piperaceae family of perennial climbing plants, hailing from its native Southern Asia. We know that it’s been used as a medicine and as a spice for at least four thousand years, with our earliest documentation circa 2000 BCE near the city of Kerala, India. Two types of pepper were commonly used in ancient times – Piper longum (long pepper) and Piper nigrum (black pepper). The pepper plant itself is a perennial climbing vine with a stonefruit referred to as a drupe. Each fruit ripens to a dark red color with the stone inside and a single pepper seed inside of that. So, scientifically speaking, pepper is a fruit. Pepper Magick in the Ancient World Ancient cultures like the Romans, Egyptians and Mesopotamians engaged in pepper trade with the people of South India. In fact, the history of the spice trade including black pepper is a lengthy but fascinating read. We will keep it brief here. Pepper became so popular throughout the ancient world, that eventually people began using it as currency or as collateral. For example, according to World Food History, the fierce Visigoth King Alaric sacked Rome in 410 CE. Only when the emperor gave in to his demands did he leave, which included a pay out of fleece, silk, silver, gold and 3000 pounds of pepper. Only three decades later, Attila the Hun demanded 1.5 tons of black pepper on his siege of Rome (BG Daily News). Pepper was in such high demand in the Medieval Ages, people began calling it “black gold”. If you had even an ounce of pepper in your household, you were likely a wealthy individual. Pepper was used to freshen your breath, since toothbrushes and toothpaste weren’t invented until the eighteenth century. And rumors spread that black pepper was extremely difficult to harvest because the plant itself was guarded by poisonous snakes. Then, in the 1600s, trade of pepper increased with the Dutch and it became more accessible than ever before. Eventually decreasing it’s monetary value. But, as I said, it’s magical and culinary value hasn’t been lost on this witch. Pepper Typically Comes in the Following Forms: Whole peppercorns Ground, coarse pepper Finely ground (powdered) pepper Pepper essential oil Black pepper extract 8 Types of Pepper and Their CULINARY Uses To learn of the types of pepper and their magical uses, scroll to the next section. But here I feel it’s important to give you all a brief overview of the different types of pepper and their culinary uses (since many of us do enjoy making magick with our edible creations). Black pepper: roasted vegetables, chicken dishes, steak, Italian, savory breads, and bloody marys White pepper: Chinese cuisine – soups, sauces, stir-fries and more Pink pepper: fish, meat, vinegar, risotto, wine and bakery sweets Rainbow pepper: cheese, seafood, meats, desserts and as decoration Green pepper: French, Creole and Thai cuisines utilize this type of pepper Long pepper: fried rice, masala, vindaloo, and other Asian cuisines Red pepper: South American cuisines i.e. Brazilian Szechuan pepper: Sichuan Chinese cuisine wontons, hot and sour soup, chicken, etc. Basic Pepper Magic Properties (By Type) Black Green White Red Pink Rainbow Long Szechuan Warding Youth Purification Ancestral Protection Self Love Purification Shielding Warding Prosperity Growth Clarity Passion Self Preservation ALL Intentions Warding Passion Purification Young Love Banishing Preservation Friendship Decoration Vitality Protection 8 Types of Pepper, Their Magical Properties & Witchy Uses What you decide to do with your herbs and spices is entirely up to you. Some kitchen witches only ever use pepper in their food preparations. I enjoy coming up with new and exciting ways to put pepper magical properties to use in my practice. More on those with the types of pepper and their magical uses below. 1. Black Pepper Magic Properties & Uses Black pepper is the most common type of pepper in the Western world and found in nearly every grocery store. According to the late Wiccan author Scott Cunningham, black pepper can be worn in “amulets to protect against the evil eye. Wear it to squash […]

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20 Christmas Spices & Herbs to Fill Your Home With Joy

kitty fields — Sat, 23 Jul 2022 14:49:15 +0000

The holidays are coming! And what better way to fill your home with Yuletide cheer than to decorate, cook and bake with the season’s traditional herbs and spices? I’ll bet some of your best Christmas memories are invoked with certain traditions, aromas and flavors. Was it the smell of gingerbread baking in the oven that you’ll always remember? Or maybe the woodsy scent of evergreen Christmas tree filling the family room? Here we explore the fun folklore behind traditional Yule herbs and Christmas spices, and remind our readers the many ways they can be used to set the mood this holiday season. 10 Traditional Yule Herbs Yule is the pagan Christmas holiday and dates back thousands of years. In fact, most of our modern Christmas traditions originate in the Old Germanic and Norse celebration of Yuletide. Take note here – not all of our Yule herbs listed are edible or are safe for human consumption. Pay attention to which say edible or not edible. 1. Mistletoe (NOT Edible – For Decoration) For centuries, mistletoe has been a traditional Yule herb. True, it’s not edible, but it’s been used as a magical herb by the Celts and Norse peoples for similar reasons. Did you know at one point the Church banned it completely? Mistletoe was sacred to the Druid priests as it could be found growing on their most treasured tree – the oak. The Celts believed whatever powers the tree had, so too would the mistletoe that grew on it. The Norse people associated mistletoe with the trickster god Loki. The belief that mistletoe brought good luck and banished evil likely gives way to the tradition of kissing underneath of it at Christmas-time. 2. Ivy (NOT Edible) Ivy was once an inseparable part of Christmas celebrations in Medieval Times, likely originating centuries before in ancient Yule and Winter Solstice traditions. If Holly represents the divine masculine energy, Ivy is the feminine. Ivy and holly and other evergreens not only honored life in the Dead of Winter but also warded off evil spirits. The Christmas Ivy’s magic dates back to the ancient Celts – it was linked to the Celtic goddess Arianrhod and thought to bring fertility to women. Again, a plant that lives even in Winter. The Christmas ivy has fallen out of favor in modern holiday celebrations, but wouldn’t it be wonderful to bring it back? “The Holly and the IvyWhen they are both full grownOf all the trees that are in the woodThe Holly bears the crown.” ~ Old British Christmas Folk Song 3. Holly (NOT Edible) Holly is a tree with spiky, glossy green leaves and red berries. A tree that lives through the harsh Winter weather and doesn’t lose its leaves or life. An evergreen that was particularly beloved by the ancient Romans and Celts. It was seen as a representation of the Divine Masculine, and when the Church rose to prominence, the holly berries became a symbol of Christ’s blood on the cross. And the leaves a reminder of life after death. Use holly in your Christmas and Yule decorations: wreaths, garlands, table centerpieces, etc. 4. Rosemary (Safe in Food / Edible) Rosemary has been a favorite Yule herb and Christmas plant for centuries. Unfortunately, I don’t have solid evidence of its ancient pagan origins linking it to Yule or the Winter Solstice. But I do know it’s been a part of the Winter holidays for centuries, and once Christianity became the main religion in Europe, the rosemary plant took on a new legendary status. Mother Mary is said to have draped baby Jesus’ swaddling clothes over a rosemary bush. The white flowers turned blue in honor of the baby. Ever since, rosemary has been included in Christmas and Yule herbs. Rosemary is safe to use in your foods, teas, decorations and other Yule preparations. It’s delicious stuffed into roasted chickens and turkeys. Flavors soups, stews, and pork dishes perfectly. Some people even keep a small “rosemary tree” in their homes for the beautiful aroma and as a bringer of prosperity. You can even diffuse rosemary essential oil in your home to evoke that Yuletide energy. 5. Juniper (Semi-Edible, See Below) Juniper has been part of the Winter festivities in Europe for likely thousands of years. It is evergreen, like many of the beloved Yule herbs, and produces berries. Juniper berries can be used to flavor some broths, soups, and meat dishes. But the whole berries are removed before serving. In Medieval times, folks burned juniper branches in their homes to ward off bugs, as well as negative spirits around Christmastime. In parts of Switzerland, boys still parade through the streets carrying Juniper branches on New Years Eve. Use juniper berries to flavor your Christmas dishes, or burn juniper bundles to spiritually cleanse your home at Yuletide. 6. Spruce: The Yule Tree A plentiful tree in Northern Europe, Spruce has been a popular choice for Christmas tree for centuries. But even more so in recent years. We could imagine our ancient Germanic ancestors decorating giant Spruce trees in centuries-past. And possibly clipping off branches and bringing them inside to keep the hope alive through the Winter holidays. 7. Rose of Jericho: Christmas Resurrection Herb In modern times, a plant called the Rose of Jericho has become a popular Christmas and Yule herb. It’s actually not an herb, per se, but a type of spike moss that’s native to the deserts of Mexico and the Southwest United States. The amazing thing about this plant is that it goes into a period of hibernation when it’s source of water is gone. Once you place the balled-up dry plant in an inch of water, it springs back to life within 24 hours. Both pagans and Christians have come to recognize this plant as a symbol of resurrection and life after death. It brings hope for the sun’s return after a long Winter. And reminds some of the death and rebirth of Jesus of Nazareth. It’s common to bring […]

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20 Samhain Herbs & Crystals for Your Autumn Spells & Rituals

kitty fields — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 00:10:02 +0000

The black cat scratches. The bat flies overhead. Witches twist and turn, excited in their beds. Samhain, Halloween, All Hallows Eve is nearly here. It’s time to plan our celebrations, feasts, and rituals. If you’re looking for ingredients for your Samhain sabbat spells, rituals, and festivities, you’ll find them here. Our 20+ favorite Samhain herbs and crystals to connect with ancestors, ward off evil, and bring prosperity for this enchanted Hallowe’en. Our 10 FAVORITE Samhain Herbs for Ancestor Work, Warding and More Samhain is the Celtic last harvest and was once considered the beginning of a New Year. The “veil” between the spirit world and our world is at its thinnest. Or rather, the doors between our realm and theirs are open during this time. You’ll hear people say Samhain is a liminal time, which means it’s neither here nor there. It’s “between” times or a bridge from one season to the next. And liminal times equal mischief and magic in every sense of the terms. It’s a great time for divination, protection rituals, charms to draw in prosperity, to connect with the ancestors, to release old habits and much more. Without further adieu, here’s our recommendations for Samhain herbs to include in your spells, rituals, and festivities this sabbat: 1. Mugwort for Dreams and Ancestor Work Mugwort is one of those well-known and loved Samhain herbs in the witchcraft community. It is mostly known for inducing lucid and prophetic dreams when drank as a tea or stuffed into a dream pillow. But it can also be beneficial when working with your ancestors this Samhain season. Ancestors often come to us in our dreams and through psychic visions, so mugwort is an essential herb in connecting with our beloved dead. Some paranormal investigators burn mugwort to attract ghosts. In addition to being attractive to the ancestors, it also carries protective qualities to ward off negative entities. NOTE: do not take mugwort internally if you are pregnant or nursing! 2. A Samhain Herb for Baking & Magick-Making: Cinnamon I don’t know about you but I love cinnamon. I don’t just use it on Samhain, I use it on Yule and basically year-round. The scent is evocative of Autumn and the herb itself packs a powerful punch in the kitchen AND in spells of all kinds. Cinnamon’s magic properties include protection, money, strength, love, amplification, divination and connection to the ancestors and the spirit world. Remember, you can use cinnamon in the kitchen in your pumpkin pies, hot apple cider, mulled wine, and cinnamon rolls. AND in your magick by adding to spell bags, bottles, jars, candle workings, oils, etc. 3. Bay Leaves for Samhain Divination If you’re the kind of pagan who loves to divinate on Samhain, bay leaves might be the perfect Samhain herb for you. Bay leaves have been known for centuries to enhance psychic abilities. Ancient Roman priests chewed on bay leaves to acquire messages from the gods. And the Oracle at Delphi was said to inhale the steam from brewing bay leaves in order to acquire her visions. You likely already have this herb in your kitchen pantry. 4. Rosemary for Warding and Purifying on Samhain If you’ve followed us for awhile, you’ll know how big of an addiction I have to rosemary in my kitchen and practice. I will literally recommend it for everything, including as an essential Samhain herb. It’s just one of those heal-all, do-all, amazing kind of herbs. If you plan to cast some powerful protection rituals around your house this Samhain, include rosemary in your warding, banishing, and cleansing rituals. It’s a purifying herb but doesn’t just remove negative vibes – it replaces the negative with positive vibes. 5. Tobacco for Ancestor Work A must have herb in spirit work, tobacco is used in Voodoo and Hoodoo traditions as offerings to the spirits. To many Native Americans, tobacco was smoked as an initiation to many things including friendships, alliances, and at the beginning of a long journey. But if you’re not of either of those traditions, that’s okay. Tobacco is a link to the otherworld, therefore to our ancestors, whoever they may be. In addition, giving tobacco to the ancestors we know enjoyed it during their lives is effective and a common practice. 5. Pumpkin Seeds for Prosperity I know pumpkin seeds aren’t exactly an herb, but just roll with me here. Pumpkin is indeed an inseparable symbol of the Autumn Samhain season. So why not use it in our magick? Kitchen witches may choose to collect the seeds from their carving pumpkins to roast in the oven with magical herbs and spices. Then eat for prosperity and protection in the coming Winter season. 6. Roses for Ancestor Work Rose petals, rosebuds, and rose essential oil tends to be a favorite among my maternal ancestors. The rose’s power is frequently underestimated. Not only is the rose potent for beauty rituals, it’s also powerful for protection spells AND for ancestor work, particularly with communication. Drip rose essential oil on your ancestor candle, spritz rose water around your ancestors’ altar space, and make rosebud tea in their honor. They’re also particularly beautiful scattered over your altar. Look for black and orange roses to amplify the Samhain vibes! 7. Rue: A POWERFUL Banishing Samhain Herb If you’ve ever grown rue or even had a whiff of fresh rue, you’ll know why it’s been used for centuries to banish evil, illness and the like. It has a pungent aroma you won’t find with any other. That’s why it’s a perfect Samhain herb. Since the spirits are out and about on Samhain, it’s best to protect your home and yourself from any negative influence. Keeping rue on your person or hanging by the front door wards off mischievous and evil spirits. It can be used in small quantities to flavor pork and beef dishes, too. But use in moderation. 8. Wormwood If burned, wormwood summons the dead. Be careful if burning – the fumes may be toxic. […]

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The Meaning of Roses: Each Color Rose’s Properties and Magick

kitty fields — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 15:10:26 +0000

When I was a little girl, walking through my grandmother’s garden was one of my favorite pastimes. Not only was there a patch of tulips hidden in the woods behind her house, but there was a section of beautiful roses. And maybe my memory serves me wrong, but I swore there were roses of nearly every color. At least that’s the imprint on my mind – magic and beauty growing in a patch of earth next to grandma’s house. And even then, to me, there was an inevitable true meaning of roses. First, Some Amazing Facts About Roses The rose plant, or Rosa, is one of the most popular flowers in the world. It gained popularity in Victorian times, when the language of flowers was all the rage. But its origins are so old, we aren’t sure where it originates. Some scholars believe in Ancient Persia. We have archaeological evidence of roses from nearly thirty million years ago! The Rosa plant is also called the Queen of Flowers. From Victoria Zak’s 20,000 Secrets of Tea, “according to a Christmas legend, the moment the Christ Child was born, every rose in the world bloomed.” There are at least ten thousand different cultivars of roses in the world today. Roses can be as tiny as 0.5 inches or as large as 7 inches! Most have a beautiful fragrance, but ALL are beautiful and unique. This is why we’ve attached attributes to the meaning of roses. The Language of Flowers and the Meaning of Roses The Language of Flowers is a system of symbolism assigned to each type of flower. One that was all the rage in the Victorian Era. If you loved a lady and wanted to show it, you’d send her flowers. If you had a friend who was ill, you’d send them a certain flower to show your concern. The language of flowers became a way of sending messages when you couldn’t be there physically. A way to brighten someone’s day with beauty (mostly, as there were some flowers that brought a more sinister message). Roses were probably one of the most popular flowers in the Victorian Era, and surprisingly, they’ve kept their popularity alive all these years. So let’s learn the actual meaning of roses in the language of flowers and modern times! What is the Meaning of Roses? Broken Down By Color What the meaning of roses is to you might be completely different than the symbolism I’ve personally assigned to these gorgeous flowers. And different from the next person. Our understanding of what things mean symbolically is mostly based off our own personal experiences. With that being said, here’s Otherworldly Oracle’s beliefs in the meaning of roses by color: 1. Red Rose Meaning: True Love, Beauty, and Mourning Most people today know if you receive a dozen red roses, it means someone loves you in a romantic way. Love comes in many forms, but RED = true love. The love that stands the test of time – just like the red rose’s meaning has all these years. The language of flowers breaks red roses down even further by shade: Deep red: the sender is bashful or thinks you are bashful; alternatively, deep red rose means someone is in mourning. Burgundy: you aren’t aware how beautiful you are True red: you are beautiful; a heartfelt congratulations; a “job well done”; passion; protection 2. The White Rose’s Meaning: Purity, Youth, and Secret Love There’s something otherworldly about a white rose. Maybe it reminds us of Alice in Wonderland. The white rose’s meaning to a witch or mystic might mean purity and cleansing. And interestingly, the language of flowers says the white rose could mean “exorcism”. But also charm, heavenly looks and temperament, innocence, youthfulness, love in secret, as well as a lover who pines away for another. I find the meaning or roses in lighter shades to be inextricably linked to spirits of the newly departed, as well. 3. Yellow Rose’s Symbolism: Friendship and Happiness (But Also Dying Love?) When I was a teenager, my mom used to say receiving yellow roses from a boyfriend wasn’t a good thing. So I remember thinking, I hope my boyfriend never sends me yellow roses! In magick, yellow means self confidence, joy, and vitality. But in the language of flowers, the yellow rose means dying love or that the sender is apologizing to you for something he/she did. However, if you send a yellow rose to a friend, it shows a strong friendship. And otherwise could mean good memories and a welcome back. 4. Black Rose Meaning: Death and Beauty Have you ever seen a black rose? They are rather exquisite. To the typical goth, a black rose is something of beauty. And in the language of flowers, black roses also mean beauty. But they can have a more somber meaning, as well including: death, farewell, and hatred. Though, I’m not sure why anyone would take their time and money sending black roses to someone else just to prove their hatred towards them. 5. Peach Rose’s Symbolism: Closing Deals and Appreciation I guess I should start keeping peach rose petals on hand for money spells. This color rose could mean the “closing of a deal”. Something we think about often in our house since my husband is in sales! In addition, the peach rose means appreciation and invites the recipient to a get-together. Particularly if it’s someone you haven’t seen in a long time. 6. Pink Rose Meaning: Grace and Self Love Pink roses are a perfect color flower to give to a daughter, sister or friend. They symbolize grace and sweetness, but also friendship and happiness. This color in the metaphysical world means self love and femininity. This may be my favorite color of rose. 7. Orange Rose Symbolism: Creativity and Enthusiasm Again if we look at the color orange in metaphysics, it means creativity, life force, and health. In the language of flowers, the orange rose means someone desires you. […]

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Lotus Flower Meaning, Symbolism and Spiritual Significance in Your Life

kitty fields — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 15:06:45 +0000

If I could whisk you back to a time when all of the flowers in the world meant something spiritually significant, I would. But, luckily, I don’t have to. Because we can rebuild that world! If you’re looking to find the lotus flower meaning, we introduce you here. The lotus is a beautiful blossom that emerges from the muddy depths of ponds, lakes, and bodies of water almost worldwide. It’s been known to ancient cultures for centuries for its spiritual symbolism and medicinal qualities. And today, you’ll learn its significance to your spirituality and life. First, What is the Lotus Flower? Nelumbo nucifera, also known as the Lotus Flower, is a water-dwelling plant in the Nelumbonaceae family. They are often mistaken for water lilies (including the “Blue Lotus” which is actually in the water lily family). The Lotus Flower is also referred to as the Sacred Lotus, Baino and Indian Lotus. It grows everywhere from Northern China and parts of Southern Russia to India, Vietnam, and even in Australia. The way in which the lotus grows is rather remarkable, including the seed preservation and germination process. The seeds are typically deposited on the bottom of a riverbed, pond or lake, laying dormant for up to 1500 years. Then, when conditions are right, they take root in the bottom of the waterbed and bloom at the surface. And check this out, scientists have found the lotus flower has the innate ability of regulating its body temperature like human beings do! Interestingly, the seeds germinate in cooler water temperatures but the plant itself requires a warmer temperature to survive and thrive. The Lotus Flower Meaning in Asia and Egypt The Lotus has been revered for centuries in Asian, Middle Eastern, and Egyptian traditions. In China, it represents longevity. This is no doubt due to its seeds ability to lie dormant in the mud then unbelievably spring to life after thousands of years. This is likely the same attribute that earned the lotus flower it’s sanctity in Hinduism, Buddhism, as well as in Ancient Egypt. The dormancy of the seeds giving way to life from the muddy abyss, then blossoming into something majestic like the lotus flower was linked to the death and rebirth process in many cultures. And therefore to reincarnation. In Hinduism, the beloved goddess Lakshmi is often depicted as sitting in or rising from a pink lotus flower. Lakshmi is a fertility goddess, and so the inseparable link between her and the lotus flower makes perfect sense. The Lotus Flower is seen in Hinduism as the symbol of creation – how life is rooted in the primordial waters. In addition, Lakshmi’s lotus represents purity and divinity. In Ancient Egypt, the blue lotus flower was actually the water lily, not the same species as the Nelumbo nucifera. But for the sake of symbolism, we will include it here since they’re often regarded as the same. To the Ancient Egyptians, the lotus flower meant eternal life and was used as an offering to the gods. This symbol is commonly seen etched into temple walls and tombs, and the Egyptians were also known to use the lotus medicinally for pain relief. “Just like the lotus, we too have the ability to rise from the mud, bloom out of the darkness and radiate into the world.” ~ Unknown What is the Lotus Flower Meaning Today? Rebirth and RenewalTransformationSpiritual GrowthLongevity and HealthA Time to Meditate, A Time for Peace In modern magical traditions, the Lotus Flower carries properties of protection and is known to open locks, according to the late author Scott Cunningham. He also says the scent of the lotus flower can be breathed in to receive its protective powers. This special flower bridges the gap between the water and earth elements – keeping us grounded in times of great emotional turmoil. If you’re seeing the lotus flower everywhere lately, it’s a sign you’re getting ready to go through a big transformation. You’ve been feeling down in the dumps lately or you have reached rock bottom. Just like the seed and seedling of the lotus, it’s time to rise from the depths and bloom in the open air. How to Weave the Lotus Flower In Your Spiritual Practice Your spirituality is unique to you. So if the lotus flower is a symbol that keeps making its way into your day, the way in which you choose to acknowledge its presence is up to you. But one thing is for sure – if you choose to work with the lotus flower spiritually, there are many benefits. 1. Visit a Garden With Lotus Flowers While you might not be able to grow the lotus flower in your backyard, you may be able to see one growing in a local garden. Check your local area for botanical gardens, particularly gardens with ponds or with an Asian or Indian theme. You’ll be more likely to see the Lotus Flower in its natural habitat in warmer places growing in ponds and lakes. 2. Surround Yourself With The Symbol Even if you can’t see a Lotus Flower in its natural habitat, you can surround yourself with the symbol. Draw it, paint it, or print out a picture and tape it to your mirror. This way, you see the symbol every morning when you wake up and right before you go to bed every night. You can also wear the lotus flower symbol to absorb its message and vibrations throughout your day. 3. Learn the Lotus Flower Lessons The Lotus Flower meaning teaches us important lessons in life and specifically in spiritual growth. If you take anything away from this article, let it be this: learn the lotus flower’s lessons above anything else. This symbol has come to your attention for a reason: the Universe wants you to focus on yourself and your spiritual growth at this time. 4. Meditate In Lotus Position As the Lotus Flower has had meaning to the people of India for thousands of years, it has […]

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Lavender Magical Properties & 8 Powerful Lavender Magical Uses

kitty fields — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 19:03:47 +0000

Ahhh lavender. It’s one of those aromatic herbs that you either love or hate. But I believe most of us love it. The herb of beauty was known all over the ancient world and was once used as a form of currency. In today’s society, lavender is found in everything from lotions to tea. And it’s particularly a favorite in the magical community. In this article, we explore lavender magical properties and give you detailed ideas for lavender magical uses. What is Lavender? Lavender, Lavandula, are a species of flowering herbs in the mint family. It grows native in parts of Europe, Asia and Africa and was brought to the New World centuries ago. It now grows in gardens worldwide and is a favorite of herbalists. The plant itself is an annual or perennial that lives for a short period of time and can be a small herb or large bush. The flowers jut out above the plant in whorls and are typically purple, light purple, lilac, bluish or even blackish purple. Lavender is used in culinary pursuits, as well as aromatherapy, medicinal remedies and magical spells. The flowers are the favored part of the plant but the leaves may be used as well. They just have a different scent. Lavender Lore and History In ancient Rome, lavender was so loved that it was once used as currency. Roman soldiers bathed in it and used it to perfume their clothing. Prostitutes used lavender as a perfume to hide bad aromas and to attract customers. Therefore lavender is long associated with seduction and love. Ancient Egyptians were no strangers to the power of lavender – they used this aromatic herb in the mummification process. The name lavender actually comes from the latin word Lavare, meaning “to wash“. Therefore lending to the purifying qualities of the plant. Lavender is mentioned in the Bible as spikenard and has been used as a means to ward off evil for thousands of years. During the Plague, people wore it on their person to protect from contracting the illness. “Lavenders” were washerwomen in Medieval times who washed clothes using lavender water and scented linens with it. I could go on and on about lavender’s history and folklore! Lavender Magical Properties Depending on the tradition and region, lavender magical properites will vary. Here we give you our understanding of it. But take what serves you and leave the rest as you see fit. Planets: Neptune, MercuryEnergy: FeminineElement: Water, AirGods/Goddesses: Selene, Hecate, Medea, Circe, Saturn, Mother MaryLavender Magical Properties: Beauty, Love, Purification, Peace, Healing, Sleep, Relieve Anxiety, Vitality, Protection, Seduction, Death Process (transitioning) Medicinally, lavender tea eases nausea, relieves headache, enhances appetite and aids in falling and staying asleep. Lavender Magical Uses In addition to learning lavender’s amazing magical properties, it’s helpful to learn the various ways in which to use lavender in your magic. I always make sure to have a stock of lavender in my herb cabinet. This herb is extremely versatile in magick and is truly a staple for any witch or magical practitioner. I’m sure in addition to lavender’s magical uses here, you’ll come up with your own the longer you practice. 1. Lavender Candle Spells There’s nothing as simple and as powerful as a candle spell. Use lavender in candle spells for love, beauty, healing, anxiety, and more. I’ve even found that candles scented with lavender are a boon. Dip your candle in a little bit of oil, then gently roll the candle in a pinch of lavender. Or lightly sprinkle a pinch of lavender over the top of a large candle. Loading the inside of candles with a bit of lavender is also effective. 2. Lavender Tea Magic One of my favorite magical things in the kitchen is making tea with intention. Lavender is edible and medicinal and can be infused in hot water for various purposes. As it has an incredibly floral taste, I like to mix it with other herbs like rosemary or chamomile. But essentially you’re drinking lavender’s magical properties in a warm, soothing beverage. Drink it on a New Moon to cleanse your aura, on a Full Moon to increase beauty, or on a Waning Moon to release anxiety. 3. Lavender Oil for Magical Spells Infuse a little lavender into a bottle of olive, jojoba or sunflower oil. Allow it to sit for 2 weeks in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Then strain the lavender and voila! Lavender oil for magical uses including: beauty, love, cleansing and more. I love using my lavender oil to rub on candles for healing, love and peace. In addition, anoint your goddess statue with a little lavender oil to consecrate and bless it. Bless your windows and doors with lavender oil to bring peace and harmony into the household. 4. Lavender Magical Uses As Cleansing Soap Purchase or make lavender soap or body wash. Wash away negativity and invoke inner and outer beauty every time you bathe or shower. Lavender is a beautifully purifying herb used since ancient times to not only wash but perfume away any nasty aromas. It will do the same for magical practitioners in modern times. It’s particularly powerful on New and Waning Moons in cleansing rituals. 5. Lavender Simmer Pot and Spray In the Spring and Summer, I love making simmer pots on the stove. It’s an easy way to cleanse your space and set a mood throughout your house. Put a small pot of water on the stove and add a pinch or two of lavender and rosemary. Sometimes I also add a lemon slice. Then let the water simmer gently and allow the herbs to diffuse throughout the kitchen and your house. It’s purifying, invokes peace, and smells divine! When you’re done with the simmer pot, strain out a bit of the herbs, put the remnants in a spray bottle and spritz around the rest of the house. It gently raises the vibes in your home! 6. Lavender Spell Bags Another great […]

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Herbs for Protection: 20 of Our Favorites to Keep Negative Energy Away

kitty fields — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 01:20:42 +0000

Whether you’re dealing with a creeping ex, an intrusive ghost, or just plain want to block negative energy, spiritual protection is a must-do. On Otherworldly Oracle, we preach often about having a personal protection magick routine. Cleansing, invocation, sealing and warding are all essential steps to protecting your home and yourself. Salt, powders, oils, symbols and herbs are all helpful in securing your safe, sacred space. So, in this article, we focus on our favorite 20 herbs for protection. And hope that you can use them in your practice too! Herbs for Protection There are literally hundreds of herbs for protection on the market, growing in gardens, and growing in the wild. Walk out your front door and I guarantee there’s at least one tree or plant with protective properties growing near your home. Walk down the spice aisle at your grocery store and you’ll find a plethora of helpful herbs right at your fingertips. Here’s just a few of our favorites: 1. Rosemary: My FAVORITE Herb for Protection! Rosemary, Salvia rosmarinus, is one of my personal all-time favorite herbs for protection. As the Aunts in Practical Magic say, “keep rosemary by your garden gate.” There’s a reason for this – it protects your garden from pests and your home from spiritual intrusion. Rosemary is purifying and when burned in the home acts to banish negative energy and unwanted spirits. Add rosemary to the bath to cleanse your aura. According to Scott Cunningham, “place rosemary beneath the pillow to ensure a good sleep and drive away nightmares.” 2. Thorns While not necessarily one particular herb, thorns from any plant or tree are great for protection spells and charms. The thorn itself physically protects its plant from harm. Therefore when thorns are used in magick, they have the same effect. Add thorns to witch bottles, spell jars, bags and amulets. Harvest your thorns from rose bushes, bougainvilleas, cacti, honey locust trees, citrus and hawthorn trees. 3. Oak The oak tree is strong and is regarded as protective by many cultures. The Druids are named for the Oak and believed it to be sacred. Use oak tree bark, leaves, and acorns in your protection magick. Three oak leaves added to the bath will cleanse away negative attachments and bring wisdom. Place three acorns in a small bag and tie to your front door to protect the home. This herb for protection also wards off illness and bad luck. 4. Rose Witches love roses, as do muggles. They are beautiful, seemingly fragile flowers that produce a lovely aroma. But, surprisingly, the rose is also a potent herb for protection. Think of the thorns that grace the stems on either side, protecting the bush itself from pests and the elements. The rose will do the same for you and your magick. Add rose thorns, hips, or petals to your workings of all kinds. Drink rose hips and buds in a tea for protection of self. Add rose thorns to bags, bottles, amulets, etc. 5. Black Pepper: An Unexpected Herb for Protection Black pepper is often overlooked as an herb for protection. Heck, it’s overlooked as a magical herb in general. But here’s the thing – black pepper is just as potent as red pepper with keeping spirits and negative energy at bay. It’s connected to the fire element and to the planet Mars. Traditionally, peppercorns have been used to ward off the evil eye. Add pepper to your home protection powders and sprinkle over your thresholds and windowsills. 6. Salt While technically not an herb, salt is one of the most powerful ingredients to use in your protective magick. Witches use salt to encircle their property, mark the boundaries of a magical circle, and more. Salt sprinkled over your threshold is a powerful way to absorb negativity and ward off spirits. There’s a reason grandma threw salt over her left shoulder if the salt was spilled. Pink, red, and black salt are all effective for protection spells and rituals. Learn more about salt magick here. Listen to our PROTECTION Magick Podcast here: 7. Red Pepper: HOT Herb of Protection Red pepper is a powerful warding herb for protection. This includes red pepper flakes, chili powder, cayenne pepper and whole chili peppers. A string of red peppers hung by the front door wards off negative energy and brings prosperity. Encircle your protection candle with chili powder to send negative spirits away. Mix red pepper into home protection powders, add it to spell jars, and add it to your meals for extra protection. 8. Rue I’ve grown rue in my garden for a few years now and never regret having it on hand. Ruta graveolens, also called herb of grace and rue, which has been used medicinally and in cooking for centuries in ancient Rome, Greece and Africa. In mythology, rue was the only plant the basilisk couldn’t destroy. Rue can be harmful to the skin, so be careful if you plan to use it topically. It can cause lesions if applied and then going out into the sun. Rue is powerful in banishing rituals to rid yourself of unwanted spirits and attachments. 9. Agrimony I’m not kidding when I say I go agro for agrimony. One of my absolute favorite herbs for protection, agrimony is a powerful warding herb when sprinkled around the property. Traditionally, agrimony protects the wearer from malevolent fairies, tricksters, and evil of all kinds. This herb for protection is also great to use in reversal spells, when a witch has sent a spell on you, send it back to them. 10. Angelica: Angels’ Herb of Protection Connected to and named for the angels, angelica is another herb for protection that’s effective in ritual and spellwork. It’s been used for centuries in good luck workings including for gambling, and in doing so wards off bad luck. Grow it on your property to keep negative energy at bay. Add to the bath to break hexes and cleanse the aura. 11. Dragon’s Blood Dragon’s […]

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Herbal Sprays: How to Make Sage Spray & More Magical Spray Recipes

kitty fields — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 18:27:37 +0000

Wouldn’t you like to have an herbal spray that makes negative vibes disappear? Sure, you can buy sprays in a store or online, but what about making your own? Making your own herbal concoctions for magical purposes makes the effect that much stronger. Here we learn how to make sage spray, as well as magical herbal sprays for intentions including peace and harmony, money and love. What Is A Magical Herbal Spray? Essentially, just what it sounds like: a spray made of herbal-infused water and/or other liquids then sprayed in the air or elsewhere for magical intentions. There are different ways to make magical herbal sprays – the difference comes down to intention, ingredients, and preservation. I’ve found they work best for the following intentions: cleansing, bringing peace and harmony, love, and prosperity to a household. Using this method of cleansing is often a lot better for people who have allergies to smoke from herb bundles. Or if you set off your fire alarm too much! How to Make Sage Spray For Cleansing Your Space Let’s get down to it. Here’s how to make sage spray to cleanse negative energy and entities from your space. This type has alcohol as a preservative so it should last some time. What You’ll Need: A spray bottle (small or medium sized) Distilled water 1-2 tsp vodka (or 20%+ grain alcohol) Sage (fresh or dried, a handful depending on how much water you’re using and how big your spray bottle is. You’ll have to eye it. If you use fresh sage, use your mortar and pestle to gently press on the leaves to release their oils before use. Note: I use culinary sage instead of white.) Sea or Himalayan Salt: a pinch What To Do: Put a small to medium sized pot on the stove and add your distilled water. Make sure it’s enough to fill your bottle, whatever size you choose. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat to a simmer and add the sage leaves. As you’re making this herbal concoction, tell each ingredient it’s job. Talk to the spray and tell it your intentions. This activates the ingredients. Let simmer for 6-10 minutes then remove from heat. Add a pinch of salt. Allow to cool then strain the herbs out. Add your vodka. Pour into spray bottle, cap and shake gently. Open the windows and spray around your home to remove negative energy and entities. Label and keep somewhere dark and cool (cabinet or pantry works great!) Use within a few weeks to a month, preferrably. Magical Herbal Spray for Peace and Harmony in the Household If there’s been any discord in the home, first I cleanse then I spray for peace and prosperity. It works almost instantly! This kind of spray doesn’t last long so you should use it the day you make it. A small bottle is best so you don’t waiste as much. What You’ll Need: Small pot Moon water (up to 1 cup) Lavender (1 tsp) Passion flower (1 tsp) Small spray bottle What To Do: Set your pot on the stove and pour in the moon water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer. Add your lavender and passion flower, all the while visualizing and/or speaking your intentions. This method serves as a simmering potpourri too! Double the power! Simmer for 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain the herbs. Pour herb-infused water into the spray bottle. Spray around the home or your space to promote peace and harmony. Use this spray as soon as you make it, as there is no preservative in it. How to Make An Herbal Spray for Money Money Money This is a great recipe for increasing the money and prosperity in your home or in your business. If you want to make a big batch and preserve it, add 1-2 tsp of vodka (like with the sage spray recipe above). It’s also much easier to make because there’s no stove or pot involved. What You’ll Need: Small to medium spray bottle (if you make a larger batch, add your vodka!) Distilled water Basil Essential Oil (3-5 drops) Rosemary Essential Oil (3 drops) Peppermint Essential Oil (3 drops) 2 tsp Vodka (if you’re making a large batch that you want to preserve) What To Do: Add your water to the spray bottle. Then add your basil, rosemary, and peppermint oils while visualizing money pouring into your bank account. Like the flood gates have been opened! Next add your vodka if you’re making a batch you want to preserve. Shake gently and continue visualizing that money, Honey! Spray around your home or business and say, “money flow freely to me, for the highest good of all, so mote it be!” Label and store if you made a big batch and used vodka as a preservative. Make Them YOUR OWN: Experiment! My favorite part of my magical practice is experimenting and making my own recipes. You should do the same. Try out different herbs for various intentions. Rose and lavender for love. Rue for banishing. Lemon balm for relieving anxiety. Try different methods of making sprays including infusing herbs into water on the stove and simply using essential oils. Experiment with different kinds of water if you’re not preserving your mixture, for example moon water, sun water, or water from rivers or the ocean etc. Record the results and any faux-pas in your grimoire so you can tweak your recipes as needed.

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How to Make Your Own Tea Blends in 4 Easy Steps

kitty fields — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 01:12:28 +0000

Teavana is expensive and Celestial Seasonings is boring. So why not learn how to make your own tea blends? When I first had interest in making my own tea blends, I couldn’t find much on the topic. Then I decided to figure it out on my own. It wasn’t difficult, but it took me some time and practice. I will share my process with you here. How to Make Your Own Tea Blends 1. Identify Your Base Ingredient First, when learning how to make your own tea blends, decide on your base (main) ingredient. The base ingredient will be the main flavor of your blend…the main character in your play, so to speak. It should be what you taste most prominently. Base ingredient options: Black teas: English Breakfast, Assam, Earl Grey, Irish Breakfast, Darjeeling Green teas: Dragonwell, gunpowder, Matcha, Green snail spring, Tie guan yin Red teas: red rooibos, honeybush, honeyroo Herbs: peppermint, lemon balm, blackberry leaf, raspberry leaf, marshmallow Do your research on base ingredients and play around with different ones. Don’t use a base ingredient that you know nothing about or have never tasted before. The base ingredient is the foundation for your tea blend…so choose a good one. Put a handful of your base ingredient into a medium sized bowl. A wooden bowl is best, if you have one, but glass/porcelain works well too. 2. Add Complimenting Flavors Next, add complimenting ingredients/flavors. The amount of complimenting flavors you add is up to you; however, I typically go with at least 2 and up to 4 ingredients. Remember to choose ingredients you’re already familiar with and think about how they would compliment your base ingredient. You want these flavors to support, not overwhelm your base ingredient. Like the supporting characters in a play. Great Complimenting Herbs to try: chamomile and cinnamon chamomile and lemon balm hibiscus and rosebud mint and cacao catnip and mint rosehips and lavender elder flower and vanilla bean thyme and lemon verbena rosemary and lavender cornflower and hibiscus basil and mint Pour your complimenting flavor(s) in with the base ingredient. Blend carefully with your clean hand or a spoon. You’ll want less of the complimenting ingredients than your base ingredient. I honestly just eye it! A tablespoon per ingredient should do it. 3. Taste Test Your Tea Blend After you’ve blended the base ingredient with complimenting flavors, taste test your tea blend! Get your water boiling and test out your first tea blend. When learning how to make your own tea blends, it’s important to sample your creations. If you find one of the complimenting flavors overwhelms the tea, repeat steps 1 and 2 but add less ofthat ingredient. There are no measurements when I craft my teas, I simply go off of what feels right! So don’t stress out over measurements, just eye it! Crafting the perfecttea blend is all about finding that heavenly balance between the base and complimenting ingredients. 4. Add Fruits, Nuts, & Sweeteners Now it gets really fun! When you’ve crafted your perfect tea blend, time to add the finishing touches. Time to get creative! In addition to herbs and teas, add different fruits, nuts, legumes, and sweeteners to make your tea blend one of a kind. As far as fruit, dehydrated fruits work the best because you can mix them right into your tea blend. And your entire tea blend will stay fresh for months. Dried fruits to try in your tea blends: lemon peel orange peel grapefruit peel blueberries raspberries strawberries rosehips banana slices apple chunks/slices peach chunks goji berries Try these nuts and legumes in your blends: almonds pecans walnuts salted peanuts hazelnuts And last but not least, if you have a sweet tooth, add a sweetener of your choice. You can do this with each cup or blend it right into your tea blend to save yourself time. Try these sweeteners: sugar (powdered or cubed!) organic raw sugar brown sugar stevia leaf sweetened cacao nibs chocolate chips honey monksfruit My Personal Tea Blend Recipes I’ve been blending my own teas for many years now and have a few that are my favorite. I’ll share them with you here. Oolong (base) with Hibiscus and Lemon (complimenting and fruit) Lavender and rosemary (equal parts) Black tea (base) with Cinnamon and Apple pieces (complimenting and fruit) Chamomile (base) with Cinnamon pieces (complimenting) Hibiscus (base) with pink rosebuds (complimenting) English Breakfast (base) with Anise and Vanilla Bean (complimenting) Peppermint (base) with Spearmint and Strawberries (complimenting and fruit) Lemon Balm (base) with Marjoram and Catnip (complimenting) Red Rooibos (base) with Bee Balm and Almond slices (complimenting and nut) Where to Purchase Herbs & Teas There’s a few ways to purchase your base and complimenting ingredients. I prefer to buy herbs and teas in bulk through Mountain Rose Herbs. Their products are organic and affordable. In addition, I grow some of my own herbs at home including rosemary, mint, lemon balm, oregano, thyme and bee balm (to name a few). I harvest and dry my homegrown herbs and use them often in my tea blends. How to Drink Your Teas When I first became interested in loose leaf teas, I had no idea how to properly brew or dispense the tea! Sounds silly but if you’re never worked with loose leaf tea, you might be stumped. There’s a few ways to do it: you can add your tea blend to a tea ball, re-useable tea bags, OR use a tea dispenser/diffuser. I prefer the tea diffuser most, because the tea floats around freely inside and flavors the infusion thoroughly. And if you really want to make the best tea in your neighborhood, research the right temperature and steeping times for your tea blend ingredients. NOTE: The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Seek the advice of your healthcare professional before going on any herbal or tea […]

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Mugwort Magic Properties & 6 Powerful Uses

kitty fields — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 17:55:49 +0000

Mugwort is one of this witch’s favorite magical herbs. I know I’m not alone as a mugwort fanatic! Witches have used mugwort for centuries magically and medicinally for a multitude of reasons. Learn all about mugwort, mugwort’s magical properties and 6 witchy uses. What is Mugwort? Mugwort, species Artemisia vulgaris, is a flowering perennial herb with a long history in the medical and magical realms. Notice anything special about the genus name Artemisia? Artemis-ia. Artemisia is a popular Greek name for girls and means “Gift of Artemis”, tying this powerful herb to the Wild Goddess of the Hunt herself. Mugwort grows wild throughout Europe, Asia and North America and has been used for culinary, magical and medicinal purposes for centuries. Mugwort As Food & Medicine In Europe, mugwort is used to flavor the Christmas goose. It has a bitter taste that is typically used to flavor heavy meat dishes. In Japan and Korea, mugwort flavors soups, stews and traditional desserts. Too much of mugwort is not a good thing, though. Then again, I don’t think you’ll want to eat it in high quantities! Medicinally, mugwort is used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine for various ailments including cardiac complaints and Prenatal care. The indigenous tribes in North America used mugwort for various medicinal purposes, as well. Mugwort oil is effective as a pesticide and has been used as such for years. Mugwort Magical Properties We’ve talked culinary and medicinal properties of mugwort, now let’s talk about the mugwort’s many magical properties! The most popular magical property of mugwort is dream work. Mugwort contains a constituent called thujone, which is also present in Wormwood. Wormwood is the Mildly psychoactive ingredient in absinthe. WARNING: thujone is toxic in high amounts or over a prolonged period of time! Drink mugwort tea before bed and you’ll receive vivid and sometimes prophetic dreams. In addition to mugwort being a dreaming herb, it is also effective for the following: opening the third eye/psychic abilities, attracting and ridding ghosts, divination, protection and cleansing. 6 POWERFUL Mugwort Magical Uses How you use mugwort in your personal practice is entirely up to you! However, if you need ideas, here are 6 powerful mugwort uses for magic: 1. Burn Magic Mugwort for Spirit Work One of the most potent mugwort magic uses is to burn it in a bundle to attract spirits. This is a particularly favorite method for paranormal investigators and mediums alike. Burn the bundle and use it to smoke-cleanse yourself before spirit work. Then when you’re done with spirit contact, cleanse yourself again and step over the burning bundle (carefully!) This ensures no spirits follow you home. Mugwort has long been associated with spirit contact. 2. Drink Mugwort Magic Tea for Dreaming Drinking a bit of mugwort tea before bed will often provide lucid and prophetic dreams. Mugwort is well-known in the magical community for being a dream-inducer. Personally, it sometimes also induces waking spiritual visions. Be careful with mugwort tea, though: don’t drink it too often and if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding do not drink it at all! 3. Mugwort Magic Uses: Protection Spell Bag Mugwort is not just an herb for psychic abilities and piercing the spiritual veil, it is also protective when used with intention. Add mugwort to a small sachet or muslin bag and hold it between your hands. Visualize the bag acting as a protective amulet. Then charge the bag in the moonlight and keep it on your person to protect against negativity. 4. Mugwort Divination Hand Wash Our good friend and blogger here at Otherworldly Oracle, Allorah Rayne, gave me this idea recently in our latest podcast. Make a magical mugwort hand wash to use for divination purposes. Set a small pot of water on the stove and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of mugwort (fresh or dried). Let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes then remove from heat. Allow to cool. Prior to a divination session (particularly helpful when reading cards or pendulum work), wash your hands in the mugwort magic infusion to increase the energy flow. 5. Mugwort Magic Spray to Cleanse Just as you made the infusion for the mugwort hand wash above, make another infusion for a different use. Set a small pot of water on the stove and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of mugwort (fresh or dried). Let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes then remove from heat. Allow to cool. This time, add the mugwort infusion to a spray bottle. Gently spritz the mugwort magic spray around your home or sacred space to cleanse of negative energy and entities. 6. Mugwort Magic Dream Pillow We’ve already discussed how potent mugwort magic is for dream work. Yes you can drink the mugwort tea if you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding, but if you want to try a different method, try this: make a mugwort dream pillow. This is as simple as cutting two equal squares of fabric (can be new from the store or from an old t-shirt, etc.). Turn the fabric insides out then sew almost all the way around, leaving an inch or two at one corner open. Then flip it right-side out. Fill with dry mugwort herb matter. Adding lavender or mint is an aromatic addition. Sew the opening closed. Then sleep with the pillow nearby to increase dreams. More Magical Herbs: Basil Magic: 10 Powerful Ways to Use Basil in Your Craft Chamomile Magic: 8 Ways to Use Chamomile in Your Craft Spanish Moss Uses, Legends and Magic Properties

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