Winter sleep

The figs, this being their first year staying out side for the winter, are all wrapped up in their winter coats. Next year I think I'm going to put them in the ground, instead of pots, because they are growing too big!





The small Fairy town of Herbage... that is situated between the Chive forest, and the peppermint valley... is covered in mulch for the winter. Even Fairy's have to keep warm.




And the pond lays deserted and leaf covered in the fall sunshine. When I went to empty it, I found the fish that lived there during the summer months had DISAPPEARED! I fear a cat or just hungry fairy's got the poor dear. I'll add more in the spring.

Banishing Spells

MAGIC HEMATITE GROUNDING
Hematite is the all-purpose grounding (energy-balancing) stone, not to mention a beautiful ornament.
Tell, or charge all your troubles to or into the rock, then put it on the ground overnight, so that the
negative energy will soak into the Earth and become neutral.

MAGIC HEALING CHARM TO BANISH SICKNESS
Another charm to banish sickness is make by placing a gold coin in a glass of red wine.
Put this beneath the stars and waning moon for three nights, and each night drink one
third of the wine to shrink your sickness until it's gone. This originated in rural Welsh regions,with some similar spells appearing in Scotland and England.

BANISHING SPELL
If this one has hurt this other one, let him be wracked with the same pain.
If this one has cheated, lied, let him be cheated and be slandered.
If this one has made this place uncomfortable for this other,
let him now depart this place in health and whole, but not return.


SPELL FOR BANISHING AND NEEDED CHANGES
Instructions: Sit in a quiet place that is special to you.
Hold a white or cream candle in your hands and visualize the area of your life that this
candles energy is needed in. After you light this candle the energy will come to you.
It may come right away or when you lease expect it.
When you are ready recite the spell or use your own words of power.

This candle I see before me, its color so bright,
Holds my needs of change in its light.
I call in the forces higher than I
To release the energy that is held inside
May it work for me in the most correct way,
Harming none and helping all as it leaves my stay.
I call on thee in perfect trust and love sending me guidance from above. This I make happen and so be it will. Take away this thing that brings me ill.
So mote it be.3x3x3


SPELL TO AVERT EVIL
You will need:
* three small pine branches, a few feet in length (or three fern fronds)
The Spell:
To banish evil that has come, go into your garden at night.
Cut three small pine branches, a few feel long, or three fern fronds.
Circle your garden with these slowly and call forth all the powers and spirits of your garden
in whatever words feel good to you. Express your hurts and fears and ask for help from the
Earth Mother. Then "sweep" the house with these branches or fronds, pushing all the
dark energies out the front door forcefully, saying:
OUT! OUT! AVERT! AVERT! EVIL OUT IS
Throw the branches away, off your property.

SPELL FOR SENDING BAD STUFF AWAY
To the Goddess, I do pray
Grant me power, strength to flay
This one's curse
With these words, I hold thee at bay.


SPELL TO RID ONESELF OF A BOTHERSOME SPIRIT
Say "What is dark be filled with light, remove this spirit from my sight."


TO BANISH NEGATIVE THOUGHTS
Draw a picture of yourself with the negative thoughts affecting you
(could be a black cloud, or your own interpretation of how they are affecting you).
Charge a red candle with healing energy, light it, and hold the tip of the picture in the flame.
After it's lit, drop it into the cauldron.
Now, with the red candle still burning, draw another picture of yourself without the negativity.
Place this under the red candle and let the candle burn out. You are done.


SPELL TO MAKE SOMEONE LEAVE YOU ALONE
This is a variation on a popular spell used to stop someone from harming or bothering you.
This must be performed during a waning moon.
On a piece of parchment or recycled paper, write the name and birthdate of the person
you are wishing "away".
Now fill an air-tight container (like a baby food jar or Tupperware container) with water.
Add a pinch of one or more of these magical herbs: ash tree leaves, clover, lovage, lilac, garlic.
Take the paper with the name on it and fold it three times.
Tie a black string or thread around it and drop it in the water.
Seal the container up and bury it in a safe spot in your garden, yard or flower box.
Once the person has left you alone or no longer poses a problem to you, open the
container and empty it to the earth. Keep the container instead of leaving it to Mother Earth.

SPELL TO BANISH POVERTY
The moon should be dark or waning. You should perform this on a Saturday.
Take 7 sheets of toilet paper and write: "I banish poverty" On each sheet.
Flush them all down the toilet saying:
I banish poverty.
With each one. Do this every day from the full moon à the dark moon.

SPELL TO DRIVE AWAY EVIL
Take an iron nail - rusty and old. On a dark night - moonless and cloudy, set upon
a smallish flat stone. With an iron hammer strike it thrice. At each stroke say:
Clavus Ferreus
Malleus Ferreus
Ferrum Refilum
Ferrum Nobilis
Score the stone three times across with the nail's point, then take the stone and
bury it far from the house. Carry the nail with you always as a charm.

SPELL TO BANISH ILLNESS
Ingredients: A Handful of Salt
Cast the salt into the flames of a fire. The flames will turn blue.
Gaze into the blue flames and with as much feeling and imagination as you can muster,
visualize the illness leaving the person while incanting:
Sickness burn, Great good health return.

SPELL TO BANISH ILL HEALTH FROM ANOTHER
This is a very short, quick and simple spell to do.
It can be done anywhere at any time (though during the waning period of the
moon is best as that is the time for banishing magic).
All you need is yourself, an intent, a person in mind (it helps to have a picture of
them if it is difficult for you to visualize them) and your finger Draw a banishing pentagram in the air with your index finger. This is done by drawing a five
pointed star backwards (the opposite direction you would normally draw it, not upside-down) Draw it while saying:

Let this pentagram banish all ill health and negativity from (the persons name).
There is no specific number of times you repeat this process, it becomes as many as you feel is enough.

SPELL TO BANISH PAIN
Write on a small piece of paper:
Flee! Pain can not find me I am free!
Calm is drawn to me I am free! Wrap this with a dark blue ribbon and carry with you or wear it.

SPELL FOR BANISHING SICKNESS FROM YOURSELF
Take an Athame or wand (or use your index finger) and repeat the banishing
pentagram ritual while saying:
O malady, disappear into the heavens;
Pain, rise up to the clouds;
Inflamed vapor, fly into the air,
In order that the wind may take thee away,
That the tempest may chase thee to distant regions,
Where you came from where you did no harm So mote it be!


GOOD RIDDANCE SPELL
Here is another good spell for getting rid of an unwanted suitor.
Take a small square of paper and write on it the name of the annoying would-be lover.
Use black ink for this. Many Gypsies also say that it is best to use one of the old "dip" pens and ink,
rather than a modern ballpoint, but you could experiment. Let the ink dry; don't blot it.
Then light a white candle and burn the piece of paper in its flame while thinking of the person running away from you. Catch the ashes in something

(burning the paper over an ashtray is a good idea) and carry them out to a hillside (you can do this by putting them in a small plastic bag, similar). There you must

place the ashes on the upturned palm of your right hand and hold it up, saying:
Winds of the North, East, South and West,
Carry these affections to where they'll be best.
Let her/his heart be open and free,
And let her/his mind be away from me.
Then blow on the ashes so that they scatter to the winds.

OMG!!!!! LOVE THIS!!!!

It's a Kitty Zombie Award!!!!!! Who wouldn't love it!!!

My friend at http://canwehaveanewwitchoursmelted.blogspot.com/ sent it over to me.

Not only is it a Zombie, but a kitty too!!! And the bestest thing??? You can pass it on, and you don't have to do ANYTHING!!! I love awards that don't make me work for it!!! LOL

All you have to do is pass it on..... and I'm passing it to:

http://hauntjaunts.net/blog/ Crazy lady at Haunt Jaunts

http://strangelittlegirlblog.blogspot.com/ My friend at Frog on the Pumpkin

http://octoberfarm.blogspot.com/ My friend at the wonderful adventures at October Farm!!!!

http://rueandhyssop.blogspot.com/ she's busy I know, but come on it's a kitty! GIGGLE

Remember, you don't have do a thing, but pass it on!!!

UPDATE

OK, just a quick update on the all natural thing.

One thing I kept up with was the apple cider vinegar. Every morning, I wash my face, grab a cup of coffee, and then go and dab on the apple cider vinegar on my face.

I only put it on the problem area's.... around my eyes (even though the fumes make them water for a while) my forehead, brackets around my mouth, and a few dark age spots on the side of my face.

The first time it didn't burn, but repeated applications sting like a bitch for a few minutes.... I endure for 10 - 15 minutes, then wash it off, and put on a moisturizer!

The result, after less the a week.....

FANTASTIC!!! Not only is the skin on my face FIRMER!!!!.... but the age spots have almost totally DISAPPEARED!!!!... and I do notice a difference in the fine lines.... they seem to be fading away.

I guess it's sort of like a chemical peel that the doc's use.... it's not comfortable, but the results are totally WORTH IT!


I'm going to keep doing it each morning, and on the weekend I'll do the honey facial etc.... but if the vinegar keeps working like it has been.... I'M IN HEAVEN!!!

Mad Experiments!

I'm a great believer in cosmetics! I love makeup, and seem to buy new stuff every month!

But my complexion has never been a problem. I don't have much wrinkles, and nary a pimple or blemish mared my face.

Until now. I have noticed as I grow closer to the big 60, and after losing 50 lbs of unsightly fat.... that my face has been changing.

I notice more wrinkles, bags, black circles etc.... so where did I go....THE COSMETIC CENTER!!

YeeeeeHaaaaa, gonna fix my face!!!!! (trotting off to the drugstore, finding the section for skin care.... reading the box's... checking the price's..... fainting dead away!!!!)

Have you seen the prices on the stuff that guarantees to fix you!!!!!!! I don't CARE if it's going to make me look 10 years younger!!!!! I either buy that cream... OR EAT FOR A MONTH!!!!

And, really, how many times have you bought something "guaranteed" to do something, and.... nada, nothing, maybe a mysterious rash, but no change?

So when I found the article printed below, I said.... WTF!!!!

Here I pride myself in being a "Mother Earth" gardener...... compost, all natural, no herbicides etc... and when it comes to my own face.... I SLATHER ON THE CHEMICALS LIKE A MAD WOMAN!!!

Did you know: That cosmetic company's are not forced to check their cosmetics for TOXIC chemicals??? That's right... our food, toys, toilet paper is checked, but the stuff we put on our face's is NOT!!!

So I decided, after reading the article about kitchen beauty, to forgo the chemicals you buy at the cosmetic counter, and try a new approach

And I'm gonna let you all know how it goes!!!! (aren't you all overly excited???)

1st: I used the sugar scrub. Oh YUMMMMM, not only did it feel good, but I had the uncontrollable urge to lick my face! But, scrub it did!! The trick is to just wet your hands, add the sugar, and scrub away!

2nd: after washing off the sugar, I used a cotten ball to apply apple cider vinegar all over my face!
(Note: my eyes watered for like 5 minutes from the vinegar fumes, but then it wore off and my eyes were fine.)

I walked around the house for 45 minutes smelling like an Easter egg!!! My cat refused to come near me! (how rude!)
But I experienced none of the burning I've found from other products I've bought... so smelling funny for a while seemed the better of the two!

3rd: Didn't make it to 45 minutes!!! The smell was getting to me... so I washed it off after 30 minutes. My face felt SMOOTH!!!! REALLY SMOOTH! Baby butt smooth! NICE!

4th: After washing the vinegar off my face, I applied a mask of honey! Kinda sticky, and I had to rub a bit, since it seemed to bead up instead of soak in, but then I let it sit for 30 minutes.... (yeah, occasionally licking my lips, and forcing myself not to lick it all off!!!!

5th: again washing it off. NOTE: must use warm water!!! GIGGLE, but after towel drying it.... mmmmmmmmmm, my skin NEVER FELT SO SOFT! UNBELIEVABLE!!!

6th: Went into kitchen for the olive oil. Hummmmmm, yuck, not sure if this is a good idea.... Olive Oil is like impossible to get out of pans and stuff.... do I want to put it on my face????

7th: put a tiny bit on my hands... I mean just a dab, rubbed my hands together, and slathered it on my face!!! All the time thinking I probably smell like a chiefs salad!!! But, no smell, and the Olive Oil that is impossible to get off Tupperware, just seemed to be sucked in by my skin!!!! leaving no oily sheen on the surface!!!!

HOW DO I LOOK?

Duhhhh, the same.... but this was my very first time, and I did notice how INCREDIBLY SOFT my skin was, and it actually was GLOWING!!!

Cool, OK, this may be the way I'm going to go. One time is not a test.... so while I will do the scrub, vinigar, and honey 2 times a week at first, the olive oil will go on every day..... I'll let you know if I see any improvements over the weeks!

Kitchen Medicine

Apple Cider Vinegar:

Exfoliating is one of the best things we can do for our skin. Chemical peels done at your dermatologist's office are highly effective, though often expensive. But a simple application of apple cider vinegar works, too. Soak a cotton ball in it and apply all over the face, keeping away from the eyes; leave on for at least 45 minutes. After you rinse, follow with a light application of olive oil.

Green Tea Bags:

Green tea is one of the best things you can drink (along with lots of water, and red wine in moderation). For a great de-puffing eye treatment, try soaking a few bags in water and sticking them in the freezer. Place on your eyes, lower the lights and ... relax.

Parsley and Mint:

Bad breath is common, and usually avoidable. Steer clear of the store-bought mouth rinses and gargles, as they tend to make matters worse. Simply brush your tongue when you brush your teeth, drink lots of water to keep your mouth hydrated and chew on a few sprigs of parsley or mint, since studies have shown that these freshen breath instantly. Keep a plastic bag filled with the sprigs in your purse at all times.

Yogurt:

Yogurt is a highly effective treatment for the common skin condition rosacea. It has the ability to soften the skin while calming the redness — especially after eating something spicy or enjoying a little too much heart-healthy red wine. Simply apply it as a mask, and leave on for about 15 minutes. Rinse, and apply a light layer of olive oil.

Crisco (or some other vegetable shortening):

Crisco is a surprisingly effective makeup remover, and it’s also highly effective in treating eczema. Apply the shortening to infected areas, and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse, and apply a little olive oil.

Lemon Juice:

There are so many things you can do with lemon juice (preferably freshly squeezed). Soak your nails in them (without polish) to reduce yellowing, and brush your teeth with a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice for whiter teeth. And best of all, take a tablespoon or two of freshly squeezed lemon juice and mix into a tall glass of warm water. Drink it before ingesting anything else, first thing in the morning. It’s a great way to hydrate and jump-start your system.

Honey:

Who knew that honey is equally effective for treating colds and improving your looks? Applying honey all over your face is beneficial, since it contains vitamins and moisturizes. It's also a natural antibiotic that can kill bacteria. Add a little white sugar and exfoliate with it in the shower, too.

Olive Oil:

The ancient Romans knew what they were doing when they slathered olive oil on every part of their bodies, saving a little for their hair. Keep a plastic ketchup bottle (the kind you see in old diners) filled with olive oil in your bathroom. Add a few drops of lavender oil (or whatever fragrance you prefer). After exfoliating, pat your skin until it’s almost dry, then massage a small amount of oil all over your body. Result? Skin like velvet. After your hair is dry, massage a few drops of oil in your palms and, bending over, scrunch a bit of it into the ends.

White Sugar:

According to Dr. Patricia Wexler, exfoliating is one of the most important things we can do for the health of our skin. Best-selling author and makeup artist Carmindy reveals that plain old white sugar is one of the best exfoliators around. Keep a jar of it in your shower. Take a handful and gently massage your entire body with it, using a soft washcloth. Rinse and the sugar crystals simply melt away down the drain. So much better than eating it!

Food Allergys

Having food allergy's is like living in a "fun house", everything is out to trick you (hay, ever try to read the ingredients on a small candy bar?) And you get lost in a Maze of all those extra ingredients, that could kill you.... Like "Food Starch" Is it wheat, corn, soy, potato? It drives me nuts!!!!!!

Sometimes I get really tired of it.

This morning I was IMing my son at collage

Me: What do you want for Thanksgiving?
Boy: I don't know
Me: I could make you a Turkey
Boy: but you can't eat Turkey
Me: So? I can eat salad and cranberry sauce
Boy: I don't want to eat something you can't eat!
Me: well I can't do a pork roast, cause you can't eat pork
Boy: True. how about beef?
Me: Beef isn't really a Thanksgiving food :(
Boy: how about Lamb? can you eat Lamb?
Me: Yes! perfect, I make a mean Leg of Lamb!!
Boy: this is a pain you know. LOL
Me: I know, that's why I asked so early




Now what I didn't tell him is that I haven't tried Lamb yet?

I mean Really? How do you add Lamb to an allergy diet??? It's like, and uncommon food! But I can eat beef, so I'm hoping Lamb is cool! I won't eat a lot of it, and I'll take benadryl before hand, just in case!

Now, side dish's???? I can't eat potatoes... make me swell up..... Should I make some for him? Or not? And spinach, asparagus, artichokes, and broccoli are out, for me.... so how about string beans?

So if I make him mashed potatoes, I have to have gravy..... I can't eat gravy cause of the flour in it, but he can.

And so on, and so on and so on.....COOKING SUCKS ANYMORE!

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!

AND THE WINNER IS............ VintageSage!!!!!!!!


Please e-mail me with your address at witchbythesea@gmail.com, and I'll send it out to you!!!!!

Now, I'm checking around, and I may have another Jewelry give away before the big one when I hit 100.... so keep checking back!

Telling tales

Now, I wasn't going to say anything.

A lot of people love this woman's blog.... I won't tell you the name... Just call her Mrs. X.

I love her blog also, she has great articles, and crafts and her own etsy store.... but then the trouble happened....

I befriended her on facebook. And I saw a whole new side of her that's not posted on her blog.

She was going after other bloggers like a rabid dog!

Heaven forbid you made something even "close" to what she makes.... or in one case have a picture that is even similar to hers... and you are dead meat!!!

Now the other blogger had a similar pic on her blog... NOT THE SAME ONE...OR EVEN THE SAME PERSON.... BUT JUST SIMILAR!!!

Considering that she STOLE her picture from the web... well, she went ballistic and is trying to get the woman's blog deleted!!!!! WTF!!! You STOLE YOUR PICTURE... it's not of you, or yours.... but someone else's... BUT NO ONE CAN HAVE A SIMILAR PICTURE OR THEY ARE DEAD?????

Well, excuuuuuuuuse me your Majesty!

And the same thing happened to some poor lady on etsy that had a SIMILAR craft that she did!!!! She went insane, and smoked the poor lady!!!!

She insists that she's going to copyright her stuff, but that takes years, and most of her "designe's" are stolen from other people, so I doubt the copyrights will take!!!!!

And I'm pretty sure if she reads this, she will know who she is, and come after me.... but I don't really care, the truth is the truth!

Some people get blogs, and get semi-famous, and their heads blow up to the size of a rotten pumpkin! They think they are "THE" blogger queen... and no one better get in their way!!!!

If this ever happens to me... SHOOT ME!!!

Great Lables

I found some great labels on line! Now, as far as I can tell, these aren't copyrighted, but I would use it for your own use, and not to sell.....Just in case!

You can "LEFT" CLICK on the picture to blow it up.... you might have to hit alt and click at the same time, and then right click to copy.

After that its just a game of trying to find the right size to print out.... some of them I had to adjust the size a few times to get the best print.... but I managed.... and this is the result!

Cute huh? Oh, I used regular Elmer's glue to stick them on nice clean bottles I collected!

Pumpkins

I know some of you grow pumpkins, so when I found these hints from a man who grows GIANT pumpkins..... I figured I'd pass them on.

He only does two things!

1. as the vines grow, BURY THEM! this gives the pumpkin a super superior root system

2. and tons of organic fertilizer

That's it!!!

Unfortunately my "Magic pumpkin" seeds did not produce any pumpkins...sigh.... but it was worth a try!

End of summer....HELP!

during the spring and summer, all my house plants go outside. And the house is uncluttered for a while..... then in fall I have to bring them all inside!!!

This palm tree my girlfriend Barb gave me is freaking HUGE! Takes up most of my dinning room!




And then my kitchen counter starts to get turned into a tropical forest!





And my kitchen table? No one can eat there during the winter! Besides the plants, and the hanging bar for my herbs and stuff.... the garden statues have to come in also! I've lost to many of them because of the cold, so they come in and camp out for the winter!




Either I need a new house... with more windows.... or maybe I should cut down on the plants? And more are coming in this month!!! YIPES!

AWARD

As you all know, I don't usually post awards, mainly cause the make you do stuff.... like answer questions, or pass them along... sort of like a chain letter.

But, come on!!!! A ZOMBIE RABBIT!!!! Who could resist it!!!!! It's he sooooo cute???

When http://banteringsofabasketcase.blogspot.com/ sent it on to me I couldn't resist!!!! Check out her blog!

And now, I'm gonna be a meanie.... and this award doesn't make you do it, but I'm gonna anyway...so there!.... I'll pass this cute little dead bunny to a few Friends!

http://canwehaveanewwitchoursmelted.blogspot.com/ Here's a bunny for you

http://abadgerandaoneeyedtoad.blogspot.com/ one for you too (hay! it's not a spider!)

http://rueandhyssop.blogspot.com/ and for you too, maybe the cats can keep him in line!

GIGGLE (Uhhhh mmmmm yack yack... I mean "Cackle!")

Herbs to lose weight

From yahoo health



Although we’re inclined to scour the Web in search of the best diets and meal plans, the truth is, some of the tools to weight-loss success are already on your spice rack! Here are five ingredients that not only add flavor to your favorite dishes but can help in your battle against the bulge.

1. Cinnamon
A 2003 study published in Diabetes Care showed that as little as one teaspoon of cinnamon per day can boost the body’s weight-loss ability by reducing blood sugar and promoting healthier processing of carbohydrates. It also lowers LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) by seven to 27% and total cholesterol by 12 to 26%. Plus, cinnamon has been shown to prevent the metabolic syndrome commonly seen in pre-diabetics. But before you go on piling the spice by spoonful, note that cinnamon contains a chemical called coumarin, which can lead to liver damage if consumed in very large amounts.


Ohhhhhh Cinnamon toast here I come!!!!!

2. Cayenne
The main ingredient in spicy cayenne—capsaicin, which is also found in other hot peppers—has long been studied for its fat-burning abilities and thermogenic properties (the stimulating of the central nervous system to produce heat in the body, leading to an increase in calorie burning). In fact, Nicholas Perricone, M.D., cites several of these studies in his wildly popular The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet and concludes that capsaicin acts as an appetite suppressant. Many think that cayenne pepper promotes weight loss because it’s simply difficult to overindulge in spicy food. However, later studies performed by the Journal of Obesity also found that the spice increases fat oxidation, “ramps up energy expenditure, and stimulates activity by the sympathetic nervous system”—all which help the body to shed excess weight. Not a fan of fiery cuisine? Not to worry! Research has found that cayenne’s ability to reduce appetite is equally effective whether ingested as food or in capsule form.




3. Black Pepper
Among the dozens of health benefits of this common household ingredient is its ability to improve digestion and promote the absorption of nutrients in tissues all over the body. Plus, its main component—piperine (which gives pepper its pungent taste)—boosts fat metabolism by as much as 8% for several hours after ingesting it. If you want your pepper to pack the most punch, use freshly ground pepper, which has the most concentrated amounts of piperine.




4. Mustard Seed
Like the other hot ingredients on this list, spicy mustard helps boost metabolism and allows you to burn fat more quickly, thanks in part to its thermogenic properties. Scientists at England’s Oxford Polytechnic Institute recently found that eating just one teaspoon of hot mustard can “boost metabolism 20 to 25% for several hours after eating, resulting in an additional burn of about 45 calories if a 700-calorie meal is consumed.”




5. Ginger
Long used for its medicinal properties, ginger is also an effective diuretic (a substance that increases the elimination of urine). It improves gastric mobility (i.e. it pushes food and waste through the digestive system) and hinders the absorption of cholesterol. Although according to the Mayo Clinic, more study is needed, preliminary evidence suggests that this versatile spice helps to increase metabolism.

Give a way

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER THE GIVE A WAY.... PICKING ON OCT. 13TH!!!!!

Rite of the Fall

This one isn't one of my spells, but I use it every year because it's just perfect to welcome the Fall


Decorate your altar with symbols of the season -- a basket of gourds or small pumpkins, colorful fall leaves, acorns, vines, grapes or blackberries.

also a pair of orange candles to symbolize the harvest, a cup of cider or wine, and an apple.



Light your harvest candles. Face the altar and hold the apple in both hands. If you can do this rite outside, raise the apple up to the sky, and feel the wisdom and energy of the gods coming to you. Say:

The apple is sacred, a symbol of the gods,
and holds the knowledge of the ancients inside.
Tonight I ask the gods to bless me with their wisdom.

Slice the apple in half across the middle. Where the seeds are, you will see a five-pointed star. Place the two halves in the center of your altar.

Say:

Five points in a star, hidden inside.
One for earth, one for air, one for fire,
one for water, and the last for spirit.

Turn to the north, arms raised to the heavens, and say:

The world passes from light into darkness,
and the golden fields of the earth bring the promise
of food and nourishment through the winter.


Face east, and say:

I stand on the threshold of the darkness,
and know that the summer breezes give way to autumn chill,
which bring forth the blazes of color in the trees.


Next, turn to the south and say:

I call upon the wise ones, the ancient gods,
as the sun moves away and fire fades,
to be replaced with the chill of the night.


Finally, face west, and say:

I will reflect on the guidance of the gods,
and let the cool autumn rains wash over me,
cleansing my heart and soul.


Raise the cup of wine or cider to the sky, and toast the Goddess. Say:

The wild god returns this night to the belly of the Mother.
The mother goddess tonight becomes the Crone.
As the Wheel of the Year turns, the earth dies a bit each day.
I willingly follow the old gods into the darkness,
where they will watch over me, protect me, and keep me safe.


Sip from the cup, and as you drink your wine or cider, think about the power and energy of the Divine, in whatever aspect you choose to honor.

Extinguish one of the candles, and say:

The wild god has gone to rest in the Underworld.
I look to the darkness for renewal and rebirth.


Extinguish the other candle, and say:

The mother goddess has entered her most powerful stage.
She is the Crone, the wise one, and I ask for her blessing.


Stand in the darkness for a moment. Reflect upon all the changes that are to come, and those things that will stay constant. Feel the energy of the Goddess as you connect to her, and understand that even though winter is coming, the light will return again.

When you are ready, end the ritual.

Charms with Jars

MAGIC PROTECTION CHARM

If you feel in danger or threatened, prepare this charm.
Fill one jar small enough to carry with you with fennel seeds, marigold, bay leaves,
nutmeg and mustard seed. Whenever you feel threatened, inhale the charm deeply.
You will be protected.

A Word Of Caution: This charm doesn't exactly smell like a spring breeze.



MAGIC WITCHES BOTTLE (PROTECTION FROM ALL HARM)

Take a mason jar and put pins, needles, razor blades, cactus spines, rose thorns, broken glass, etc. in it.

Prick your finger and let at least 3 drops of your blood into jar
(this binds the jar to you). While making the bottle concentrate your thoughts on what you are doing.

Urinate in the bottle and seal it well. Dig a hole and put it in it and say:

"Lord of Life, Lady of Light - Join me here for this rite
I have made this bottle for my protection
According to ancient ways and tradition.
Direct all harm sent my way - To this grave I make today.
Return it three fold to the send - And let my life ever be better
Open my ears to hear and my eyes to see, As I will, So Mote It Be!"



MAGIC PROTECTION BOTTLE

Find a large bottle and stuff it with small pieces of thread of many colors (expect black).
This project will probably take you many weeks, since only small pieces of thread (one to three inches in length) should be used, and each must be introduced into the bottle separately.

As you add each piece of thread, say something like the following:

TANGLE THE BANE UP!
TANGLE THE BANE UP!
TANGLE THE BANE UP!

When the bottle is full, cap and place it in a window, in the attic or in a cupboard.



MAGIC LUCK JAR

If you are unlucky enough to break a mirror, collect all the pieces, put in a glass jar and stand on you window sill, the shards deflect all the bad luck away from the house.