Samhain Blessings, Happy Halloween and a Blessed Beltane to my friends in the Southern Hemisphere!
Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
Archive for the ‘Site Updates’ Category
Happy Samhain
Wednesday, October 31st, 2012Historic Jordan Springs Investigation
Friday, October 12th, 2012
Historic Jordan Springs has been documented as far back as 1549, when the Catawba Native Americans discovered the sulfur springs. They believed it had healing powers, for almost two centuries the Native Americans visited annually for ceremonial rituals.
Since then; three hotels have stood on the property, as well as a hospital during the civil war, a brothel, a school, a rehab for children, a monastery and a resort for the Washington Elite.
Since 2008, Jordan Spring’s chief investigator and Director of Paranormal investigations, John Rossi, has done extensive research of the building and the Devil’s Backbone (where the cold water sulfur springs are located). He leads overnight investigations, as well as paranormal tours of the property.
One ghost that can be found in the building is a little girl who likes to play games. She can be seen in the main attic, where she loves to play hide and seek. There is an EVP recording where John asks her if she wants to play hide and seek. You can clearly hear her saying, “Seeeeek!” In the grotto, which is part of the Devil’s Backbone, EVPs have been captured in Native American language. John feels this area is very unsettled due to the fact that it was a spiritual site used by both Native Americans and later Catholics when it was a monastery, there may be a bit of spiritual disharmony.
Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
Friday’s Food For Thought – Apple Harvest Bread
Friday, September 14th, 2012Apple Harvest Bread
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Flour
- 1/2 cup Packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Ground cloves
- 1 1/2 cups Sugar
- 3/4 cup Butter softened
- 2 Eggs
- 1 pound Pumpkin, cooked and mashed or 15 oz can
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 3-4 apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup Raisins
- 1/2 cup Walnuts
Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 350, grease 1 small loaf pan.
- Combine flour, brown sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder and spices in a bowl.
- In another bowl, sugar and butter. Beat in eggs, pumpkin and vanilla. Add the flour mixture, stirring until just moistened. Stir in apples, raisins and walnuts. Spoon the batter into pans.
- Bake the loaves for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Place all the topping ingredients in a small bowl and stir to blend.
- When the bread comes out of the oven, sprinkle with the topping.
- Let sit for 15 minutes, remove from the pans and let cool on a wire rack.
Can also do in muffin tins. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
Hump Day Herbal Magic – Thyme
Wednesday, September 12th, 2012Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Folk Names: Common Thyme, Garden
Powers: Health, Healing, Sleep, Psychic Powers, Love, Purification, Courage
Thyme is a perennial shrub, and a member of the mint family. With over a hundred varieties, the most common being garden and lemon thyme.
The Greeks used Thyme “to make a burnt offering.” In the Middle Ages, Europeans placed it under pillows to promote sleep and ward off nightmares. Women would also give the leaves to knights to bring courage. Thyme was also placed on coffins and burned as incense during funerals to send one into the next life.
Deities: Ares, Fairies, Mars
Gender: Feminine
Element: Water (Dreams, Fidelity, Friendships, Healing, Love, Meditation, Prophetic Dreams, Purification, Sleep)
Planet: Venus (Beauty, Fidelity, Friendships, Good Fortune, Love, Money, youth)
Magical and Ritual Uses:
- To stop nightmares or have prophetic dreams: Place beneath your pillow, or burn on charcoal and take in the aroma. (it is also great for meditation)
- For Money: Plant THYME in the garden. Fold a dollar bill around THYME leaves, then fold again to make a packet, tie it up, and bury it on a full moon at the middle of a crossroads.
- Growing various types of THYME: Encourages the devas to be lively.
- To see Fairies: Carry in a amulet or sachet.
- Money-Protection: Combine THYME, MINT, and BAYBERRY.
- For purification: Burn prior to a ritual to cleanse the area. In spring, make a cleansing bath composed of MARJORAM and THYME to ensure all the sorrows and ills of the past are removed.
- THYME is also carried and smelled to give courage and energy.
- For good health: Thyme is burned or worn in an amulet. It is excellent in healing spells.
- It is also used to communicate with friends and relatives who have passed. THYME can be a most useful on SAMHAIN.
References:
- Catherine Yronwode: Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic
- Paul Beyerl: A Compendium of Herbal Magick
- Paul Huson: Mastering Herbalism: A Practical Guide
- Scott Cunningham: Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of magical herbs
Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the herb listed above.
Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
In Remembrance – September 11, 2001
Tuesday, September 11th, 2012
It’s pretty hard to forget 9-11, probably one of the scariest days of my life. I was getting ready to leave for work when I saw on the news the trade center had been hit. Five minutes later, I HEARD the Pentagon get hit. Next, all lines were down and I couldn’t get through to anyone. My mom was working at the Navy Yard and Husband on Ft. Belvoir. I didn’t know if I would talk to them again. Not a great memory. Honestly, I DON’T like to think about it.
Thank you today and everyday for all that responded; fire, EMS, police, military, and the many helpful hands.
Today, my heart goes out to all the families and victims of 9-11.
Not everyday is guaranteed. Blessings to you all. x Lisa
Medicinal Monday – Tea Tree Oil
Monday, September 10th, 2012Tea Tree Oil
Australian aborigines relied on the leaves of the tea tree to fight infections, it has been used for centuries as an antiseptic and anti-fungal agent. Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. Today, it is used throughout the world at an antiseptic. Scientist have confirmed that it combats harmful bacteria and fungal infections.
What it does:
- Used topically to treat a variety of infections.
- Once applied, the oil makes it impossible for many disease-causing fungi to survive.
- Studies show that it fights various bacteria, including some that are resistant to antibiotics.
- Tea tree oil mixes readily with skin oils, allowing it to attack the infective agent quickly and actively.
Benefits:
- Tea tree oil’s antiseptic properties are excellent for treating cuts and scrapes, as well as insect bites and stings.
- The oil promotes healing of minor wounds, helps to prevent infection and minimizes scarring.
- Tea tree oil fights the fungus Trichophyton, which is the main cause of athlete’s foot, jock itch and certain nail infections.
- It can also be effective against Candida albicans and Trichomonas vaginalis, two of the organisms that cause vaginal infections. These infections can be hard to treat, in this case, your doctor will have to prescribe a more potent antifungal medication.
- Tea tree oil may be beneficial in the treatment of acne.
- It is sometimes suggested as a treatment for warts. Although, studies have not confirmed this use.
Forms:
- Oil
- Gel
- Cream
- Vaginal suppository
Common Uses:
- Disinfects cuts and scrapes
- Minimizes scarring
- Insect, spider bites and stings
- Athlete’s foot
- Fungal nail infections
- Yeast infections
- Dandruff
- Acne
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
How to take it?
Athlete’s foot, skin wounds/irritations or nail infections:
- Apply a drop or two of pure, undiluted tea tree oil to affected areas of the skin or nails two or three times a day. Tea tree oil creams and lotions can also be used.
Yeast infections:
- Insert a commercially available tea tree oil vaginal suppository every 12 hours, for up to five days.
Acne:
- Mix 5 parts tea tree oil to 95 parts water and apply to area.
Dandruff:
- Mix 10 drops of Tea Tree oil for every 8 oz. of shampoo.
- Apply a few drops of Tea Tree oil directly to your scalp before you shampoo your hair. Shampoo as normal and then rinse thoroughly.
Shopping Hints:
- There are a number of commercial shampoos, soaps and other skin-care products that contain tea tree oil, but they generally have such a small amount that that there is little or no bacteria-fighting effect.
- When buying commercial products be sure it’s derived from Melaleuca alternifolia, as there are several types of tea tree. Oil from other species can be high in cineole content.
Warning:
- Tea tree oil is for topical use only. Never take tea tree oil orally.
- Before using the oil for the first time, dab a small amount onto your inner arm with a cotton swab.
- In undiluted form, it can irritate the eyes and mucous membranes.
References:
- The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the oil listed above.
Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
Friday’s Food For Thought – Strawberry Shortcake
Friday, September 7th, 2012Strawberry Shortcake
Ingredients:
- Non-stick vegetable spray
- 1 1/2 cups cake flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 2 pints fresh strawberries
- 1 recipe whipped cream frosting
- Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 1 teaspoon gelatin
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350, place rack in the middle of the oven. Lightly coat 2 (9-inch) cake pans with nonstick vegetable spray. Line the bottoms with a circle of baking parchment.
- In a large bowl, sift the flour, baking powder and salt together, 3 times. Bring the milk and butter to a boil (in a small saucepan. Remove from the heat and add vanilla and lemon extracts.
- In separate mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until pale yellow, fluffy and doubled in volume. While still beating, drizzle in the hot milk mixture.
- Fold in the flour mixture. Spread the batter in the pans and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden, make sure cake tester comes out clean.
- Set the pans out to cool. Run the tip of a knife around the edges of the cakes to loosen them, then turn out of the pans.
Whipped Cream Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the gelatin and 1/4 cup of the cream. Let stand for 5 minutes to soften, then place the bowl over barely simmering water until the gelatin has completely dissolved.
- Remove the bowl from the heat and let cool to lukewarm.
- In a mixing bowl, whip the cream until slightly thickened. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla and whip to the consistency of shaving cream.
- Fold 1/2 cup of the whipped cream into the gelatin mixture, then fold in the rest.
Strawberries:
- Wash and dry the strawberries, pick out 12.
- Stem and slice the rest. Mix with 3 tablespoons sugar and refrigerate while juices develop, at least 30 minutes.
- Spoon some of the strawberries with their juice onto each shortcake bottom.
- Spread a 1/2-inch layer of whipped cream on top.
- Place the second cake over the first. Frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream.
- Top with the 12 whole berries.
Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
Hump Day Herbal Magic – Sage
Wednesday, September 5th, 2012Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Folk Names: Garden Sage, Red Sage, Sawge
Powers: Immortality, Longevity, Protection, Wisdom, Wishes
“SAGE make green the winter rain, Charm the demon from my brain.”
SAGE is a member of the Mint family. and is closely related to MUGWORT, WORMWOOD, and SOUTHERNWOOD. Native Americans use Sagebrush for blessing, cleansing, and purification and burn it during religious and personal ceremonies.
Native sages are Artemisias, but when used for spiritual purposes the two are treated by most people as relatively interchangeable. Salvia is used by many peoples to fumigate or cense a sacred space, bringing purification and cleansing.
Deities: Cadmus, Census, Jupiter, Zeus
Gender: Masculine
Element: Air (Mental Powers, Physic Powers, Visions, Wisdom)
Planet: Jupiter (Money, Prosperity, Legal Matters, Luck, Protection)
Magical and Ritual Uses:
SAGE enhances wisdom, purifies the air, gives strength to women, and is a good addition to any reversing mojo bag or candle spell.
- For Wisdom: Burn SAGE leaves on your altar when praying for guidance and clarity, or mix it with King Solomon Wisdom Incense as an aid to making wise decisions in career and business and family matters.
- Add SAGE to mojo bags to impart wisdom and give the power of discernment to those who are faced with the need to make decisions in career, financial, and family matters.
- To make a wish come true: write it on a sage leaf and hide it beneath your pillow for three nights. Once you dream of what you desire your wish will be materialized, if not, bury the sage in the ground so that no harm comes your way.
- Utilized to ensure a long life—sometimes even immortality. Eat part of the plant every day, or in May. “He who would live for aye Must eat sage in May.”
- Use the leaves in healing and money spells.
- Wear a small horn filled with SAGE to ward off the evil eye.
- SAGE may be used to purify one’s self, removing negative energy and providing a healthy attitude toward life.
- Eat fresh SAGE leaves nine mornings in a row, timed with either a new or full Moon.
- SAGE is excellent for the Autumn Equinox/Samhain, as well as Yule, to help remain bright when the days are at their shortest..
References:
- Catherine Yronwode: Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic
- Paul Beyerl: A Compendium of Herbal Magick
- Paul Huson: Mastering Herbalism: A Practical Guide
- Scott Cunningham: Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of magical herbs
Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the herb listed above.
Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
Happy Friday!
Friday, August 31st, 2012
Medicinal Monday – Black Elder
Monday, August 13th, 2012Black Elder
Botanical Name: Sambucus Nigra
Photo by Vietnam Plants & America plants
This European plant also known as “bourtree”, has Pre-Christian documents attributing protective and healing powers to the black elder. In England, it was believed bad luck to cut its branches for fear of showing disrespect to the mother elder, who was thought to inhabit the tree.
Plant Facts:
- It is a member of the honeysuckle family and can grow to a height of 33 ft.
- The Elder is sweet smelling and spicy, but the somewhat bitter tasting flowers produces blackish-purple fruits with an aromatic, tart taste.
- The stalk and branches contain a white, fluffy pulp.
Origin:
- Native to Europe, North Africa and western and central Asia, it thrives throughout lowland forests and along roads and fences and often found in farmhouse gardens.
Parts Used:
- The flowers and ripe berries are used medicinally.
- Harvest as the plant begins to blossom.
Components:
- The black elder flowers contain flavonoids, rutin, mucins and tannins and a large portion of organic acids and calcium.
- The berries contain fruit acids, vitamins B and C and folic acid, as well as essential oils.
Indications:
- Also described as a “complete medicine chest”, black elder induces perspiration.
- Take in the form of a hot drink when you have a feverish cold.
- Elder also promotes expectoration, which makes it a good treatment for coughing and bronchitis.
- The pulps of the berry and the freshly pressed juice have a diuretic and laxative effect on the body.
- Avoid the red berry species of elder, as it can irritate the digestive system and make you feel nauseous.
Types of Applications
Tea flowers:
- Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 large tsp. of dried elder flowers.
- Strain after 10 min.
- Drink 1-2 cups of freshly prepared tea several times, daily.
Tea from berries:
- Add enough cold water to cover approximately 2 large tsp. of dried elder berries and allow to stand for several minutes.
- Slowly bring the water-berry mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer for 10min., strain and drink.
Juice, syrup:
- Take the stems from 2 lb. of ripe berries.
- Squeeze the juice from the berries into a saucepan, add about 1 lb. of sugar.
- Boil for 5 min.
- Skim the foam from the surface, fill canning jars with the syrup and seal white hot.
- Prepared syrup is also available from pharmacies and health food stores.
- To prevent or to treat a cold, drink the heated juice or syrup dissolved in hot water.
Puree:
- Boil about 1 lb. of ripe elderberries with 1 cup of water and 2 diced apples.
- Put through a sieve and sweeten to taste.
Tip: An old folk remedy for burns is a paste made of elder and milk. Boil freshly picked, chopped flowers in enough milk to make a thick paste. Allow to cool and apply to the affected part of the skin.
References:
- The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the herb listed above.
Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all, have a great day!
