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News & Submissions 8/07/2012

Tuesday, August 7th, 2012

Archaeology:

A ROMAN SHIPWRECK IN THE ANCIENT PORT OF ANTIBES
A team of archaeologists from Inrap have uncovered a Roman shipwreck in southern France, in what was once part of the bustling ancient port of Antibes.

Antibes was known as Antipolis, a Greek colony originally founded by the Phoenicians of Massalia. The date of its origin is uncertain, but situated on the coast of Provence, Antipolis occupied a privileged position on the sea routes linking Marseilles to the Italian coast and contained a natural harbour – Anse Saint-Roch – which protected shipping from prevailing winds. Read full story from pasthorizonspr.com

News:

Possible da Vinci painting found in Scottish farmhouse; could be worth $150 million
Fiona McLaren, 59, had kept an old painting in her Scottish farmhouse for decades. She reportedly didn’t think much of the painting, which had been given to her as a gift by her father. But after she finally decided to have the painting appraised, some experts are speculating that it may in fact be a 500-year-old painting by Leonardo da Vinci and potentially worth more than $150 million. Read full story from yahoo.com

Paranormal:

Witch Claims That The Loch Ness Monster Is Actually A Ghost
Kevin Carlyon, a ‘white witch’ and official ‘Protector of Loch Ness and the Loch Ness Creature’ is planning on holding a mass seance at the famous Scottish site in order to make contact with ‘Nessie’ who he believes is a ghost.

Carylon named himself as protector of Nessie after he cast a spell over Loch Ness which would prevent Swedish ‘monster hunter’ Jan Sundberg from capturing the mythical beast when he visited the Loch in 2001 on a Nessie hunt. The pair have since traded insults via email in an ongoing feud which lead to Sundberg threatening to cut Carylon an extra “asshole” and shove his head through it. Carylon responded by outing Sundberg as a convicted child molester. Read full story from themorningstarr.co.uk

Former owner of haunted Oaklands Mansion identifies himself in EVP
Oaklands Mansion in Laurel, MD, dates from 1732 and was once a prosperous plantation on over 1,000 acres. Through the years, it’s sheltered a number of different families. The Staggers family purchased it in the 1920’s and it’s still owned by a descendant today.

This once magnificent mansion, which now sits in the middle of a modern housing development in Price George’s County, has fallen into disrepair. Restoring it to its former glory is a labor of love for the owner, who has boyhood memories of visiting the house. His memories include imported Persian rugs on the gleaming hardwood floors, the elegant flocked velvet wallpaper and crystal chandelier in the dining room, and the large working fireplaces. In its day, Oaklands Mansion must have epitomized the opulent lifestyle of the southern aristocracy. Read full story from Examiner.com

Media:

Explaining Sikhism (Source: CNN)

Pat Robertson Blames Atheists for Sikh Temple Shooting (Source: YouTube – RWWblog)

Close-knit mosque community shaken by fire (Source: CNN)

Blogspot:

Feel free to leave comments regarding the articles posted.

If you’re interested in guest blogging or would like to submit an article or event, contact me at pagansworld.org@gmail.com.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all, have a great day!

Lisa

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Medicinal Monday – St. John’s Wort

Monday, August 6th, 2012

St. John’s Wort

Botanical Name: Hypericum perforatum


Photo by Hunda

St. John’s Wort is native to the United States and Europe, and is a perennial plant that grows beside country paths and on sunny edges of woodlands. The use dates back to the ancient Greeks, Hippocrates recorded the medical use of St. John’s wort flowers. It was given its name because it blooms around June 24th, the birthday of John the Baptist. The medicinal benefits of the plant stem from a high concentration of hypericin, a red pigment that exudes from the flowers, and from pseudohypercin. Hypercin is thought to be responsible for the known antidepressant effect of St. John’s Wort. In addition, the plant has antibiotic and antiviral capabilities and has long been used to help heal wounds.

Characteristics:

  • Its small, bright yellow flowers consist of five petals with long, feathery stamens at the center. The slender, oval leaves grow in opposite pairs. If held up to the light, the leaves often appear to be perforated

Uses:

  • The fresh flowers can be used to make an oil that has proved particularly curative for skin problems, bruises and rheumatic ailments.
  • St. John’s wort extracts improves mood, and decreases anxiety and insomnia related to depression.
  • Some research shows that a combination of St. John’s wort, plus black cohosh can help improve menopausal symptoms.
  • It may also decrease alcohol intake. The constituent hyperforin, has been said to decrease alcohol consumption.
  • When the oil is rubbed onto the belly and breasts during pregnancy it can help prevent stretch marks, and is useful to treat hemorrhoids and aching, swollen veins that can occur during pregnancy.
  • The aerial parts of the plant can be cut and dried for use in herbal tea.

Gardening tips:

  • Plant in a sunny, warm location, but will grow in partial shade.
  • Likes well drained soil, not too moist, with high humus content.
  • Depending on water and nutrients it will reach a height of 2-3 ft.
  • Harvest between June and august, traditionally around June 24, near the time of the summer solstice.
  • The summer solstice can be a magical day. St. John’s Wort can be used to ward off fears, ghosts and nightmares; it is also known as the  ”witches herb”.

Care:

  • Fertilize St. John’s wort with compost in the spring and feed it with organic fertilizer as necessary.
  • It does not thrive in waterlogged soil, but tolerates dryness well.
  • Cut back the stems to just above ground level in the fall.

Harvesting and processing:

  • You can harvest from June to August, the fresh plant contains the highest active constituent contents at the end of June.
  • For tea, gather the upper non-woody parts and hang them in a dark place with the flower heads down.
  • Use only the flowers to make herb oil.
Tip : St. John’s wort can be identified by pinching the leaves or flowers, which will turn red due to the release of hypericin. The red pigment was said to represent the blood of St. John the Baptist.

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!

Lisa

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Happy Lughnasadh!

Wednesday, August 1st, 2012

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Hump Day Herbal Magic – Rose

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

Rose (Rosaceae)

Powers: Healing, Love Divination, Luck, Protection, Psychic Powers

ROSE buds and petals are a symbol of love, romance and sexual attraction, as well as to draw good fortune in matters of the heart. ROSE hips are symbols of overall luck. ROSE oil appears in many love formulas and in some for luck.


Photo by alfaneque

Deities: Aphrodite, Adonis, Aurora, Cupid, Demeter, Eros, Harpocrates, Hathor, Hulda, Isis, Venus

Element: Water (Dreams, Fidelity, Friendships, Healing, Love, Meditation, Prophetic Dreams, Purification, Sleep)

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus (Beauty, Fidelity, Friendships, Good Fortune, Love, Money, youth)

Magical and Ritual Uses:

  • Roses represent all aspects of the Goddess, and may be used in rituals to honor the Goddess or used when Drawing Down the Moon.
  • For Luck and Protection, rose hips can be used as bringers of good fortune. They can be dried and placed in a green conjure bag with PYRITE and a selection of other money-drawing herbs. They can also be placed in a red flannel bag with FLAX seeds for protection from harm.
  • The rose is also associated with Hand-fastings and rituals of union. They are often worn by the participants and guests, and are strewn to bring divine blessings to the couple’s love.
  • Rose petals bring luck in love affairs and remove any kind of love-jinxing. Scatter fresh or dried ROSE petals on your altar when burning candles and praying, this will increase sexual passion, bring back a lover, enhance marital happiness, or for aid in breaking a jinx in crossed love affairs.
  • To make a Love-Drawing mojo bag, keep a whole QUEEN ELIZABETH ROOT in a red conjure bag with ROSE petals, LAVENDER, RED CLOVER, DAMIANA, and CATNIP, and dress it with Love Me Oil.
  • Select any nine non-toxic love herbs, being sure to include ROSE PETALS, RED CLOVER, and CATNIP. Steep the herbs in hot water for nine minutes, as you pray.
  • A rosewater soaked clothe laid on the temple will help relieve headache pain.
  • Rose petals are said to attract Fairies, and are best when stolen.
  • Drink a tea of rosebuds before sleep to induce prophetic dreams.
  • Spread rose petals around the house to calm stress, or any problems that may have manifested in the home.
  • When consecrating jewelry, set with an emerald or empowering stone for magickal work, the emerald/stone should be dressed with rose oil.
  • Roses are often brought into sabbat rites, usually white for the Autumnal Equinox, yellow for Eostara, red for Midsummer and any color for Beltane!

References:

  • Catherine Yronwode: Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic
  • Paul Beyerl: A Compendium of Herbal Magick
  • 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 fruit listed above.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all, have a great day!

Lisa

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Ivy Cliff Plantation Investigation

Friday, May 25th, 2012

Ivy Cliff began as a modest two story home built in the 1790′s by Henry Brown In Bedford County VA near the town of New London. There were at least four additions through the 1860′s. Henry became very wealthy through business and land ownership and eventually owned approximately 3400 acres including Ivy Cliff. He served in the militia during the revolutionary war, was wounded at the battle of Guilford Courthouse, N.C., and eventually made captain many years after the war. Henry served as President of the Board of Trustees of New London Academy, Sheriff of Bedford County, and county tax collector. He even collected taxes from his neighbor, Thomas Jefferson.

Henry Brown’s descendants were activly involved in politics throughout the 1800′s and his grandson, Colo. John Thompson Brown died at the Battle of the Wilderness in 1864. JTB’s Frock coat he died in has survived all these years and was sold at auction in 2007 for over $100,000! Brown descendants lived at Ivy Cliff until 1923 when the house was sold at auction to the Miles family who lived here until 2005.

Today, Ivy Cliff is comprised of 17 acres, original chicken and carrier pigeon coup, corn crib, servants cabin, water well, early 20th century cow barn, tobacco barn, and chick brooding pen. Since Jefferson was a neighbor, It is the belief of some architectural historians that the triple hung windows were designed by Thomas Jefferson.

Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful weekend!

Lisa

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Hump Day Herbal Magic – Quince

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012

Quince (Cydonia Vulgaris)

Powers: Happiness, Love, Protection

Quince is a member of the genus Cydonia and native to Asia in the Caucasus region. It’s a small, deciduous tree, growing 5–8 m tall and 4–6 m wide. Related to apples and pears, and like them has a pome fruit. When mature, it is bright golden yellow and pear-shaped, ranging about 7–12 cm long and 6–9 cm broad.

Quince is sacred in many cultures, the Greeks believed it to be sacred to Aphrodite, and Pliny the Elder recorded that it warded off the evil eye. The Roman counterpart to Aphrodite, Venus, is often shown holding a quince, it is said, it was given to her by Paris to show his love. This association was later transferred, in some areas, to Mary, mother ofJesus. In Pompeii, the quince was often found in artwork and tile mosaics, and frequently shown in a bear’s paw. The oldest record of it’s religious use is with Hebrews. Grieves believed it sacred to these peoples and writes in A Modern Herbal that many ”consider that the Tappuach of Scripture, always translated apple, was the Quince. It is also supposed to be the fruit alluded to in the Canticles, ‘I sat down under his shadow with great delight and his fruit was sweet to my taste.’”


Photo by Public Domain Photos

Deities: Aphrodite, Venus

Element: Earth (Employment, Fertility, Healing, Money, Prosperity)

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn (Endings, Exorcisms, Longevity, Visions)

Magical and Ritual Uses:

  • Carry seven Quince seeds in a flannel bag, hang around your wrist to protect from harm.
  • A desirable fruit to bring into a Handfasting, it has a history for blessing a union. It can be part of the feast and layered into the cake. The sprigs with flowers can be included in the ritual flowers. The sharing of the fruit before the Great Rite and removing the chord (once alone) would be appropriate to affirm the vows.
  • Use quince to repel negative energy from others. When a target of other’s negative energy, spread Quince on your morning muffin to keep their negation from manifesting in your life.
  • Quince is sacred to the bear to certain Romans. It you use a bear as your totem, keep a jar of quince preserves on hand.

Medicinal Uses:

  • Quince is good for weight loss, being rich in fiber.
  • It has antioxident properties, which helps the body fight free radicals and reduces the risk of cancer.
  • It has been found, Quince is helpful to those suffering from gastric ulcer.
  • Aids in digestion and helps lower cholesterol.
  • The potassium in Quince helps maintain blood pressure.
  • The presence of Vitamin C reduces the risk of heart disease.
  • It is said it is beneficial for those suffering from tuberculosis,  hepatic insufficiency, diarrhea and dysentery.
  • It is also beneficial to those suffering from liver diseases and eye diseases, if consumed on a regular basis.

References:

  • Catherine Yronwode: Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic
  • Paul Beyerl: A Compendium of Herbal Magick
  • 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 fruit listed above.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all, have a great day!

Lisa

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The Ferry Plantation Investigation

Friday, May 18th, 2012

The year is 1826, The Walke Manor House has visitors that stay on the Plantation from time to time, mostly cousins. To set the scene, a huge brick Manor House, a race track, acres of fruit trees and a bounty of legendary oysters in the bay. The men indulged in gambling, drinking and card parties that ran into the early hours of morning. The women on the other hand enjoyed the beautiful countryside with games on the glorious green.

Tragedy strikes and a Lady in White is found at the bottom of the staircase, her lifeless body never to enjoy the fresh sea air on her face or hear the laughter of children that she governed for many years. Psychics have reported that her neck was broken and she died instantly. Some say her heel was caught on the hem of her dress, others blame the children at the top of the stairs for her fatal fall. It is rumoured that in her day she enjoyed the race track as she is seen even today wandering the fields where the cloud of dust and pony hooves were embedded for many years. She has also been seen riding on a two wheeled bicycle which cannot be mistaken for a modern bike as one wheel is much larger than the other. The whiskful layered light remnents of her clothing catch the breeze as she rides as if floating on air in the old roadway which was recently uncovered. This Lady in White has been seen by many.

Many visitors come and go from the Ferry Plantation House each year, but when some leave they have lasting memories they take with them. It cound be at any time of the day when visiting the historic Ferry Plantation House. You enter any room and get the feeling that you are not alone. Shortness of breath, heavieness on your chest, signs that some one from the past is trying to contact you. The owner calls them visitors “soul prints of the past”. They just want their story to be told.

Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful weekend.

Lisa

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Friday’s Food For Thought – Mediterranean Potatoes

Friday, May 11th, 2012

Mediterranean Potatoes


 Photo by I Believe I Can Fry

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium red potatoes
  • 2/3 cup fresh pearl onions
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 small tomato, seeded, chopped
  • 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons chopped black olives
Preparation:
  • Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and then crosswise into pieces. Toss potato pieces and onions with oil in small bowl until thoroughly coated. Place potato pieces and onions in 11/2-quart soufflé dish. Add Italian seasoning and pepper. Mix well. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  • Tear off three 18 × 3-inch strips of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Lay the strips on a flat surface, cross the strips so that they resemble wheel spokes.
  • Place soufflé dish in center of strips. Pull foil strips up and over dish and place dish into slow cooker, using foil strips as handles.
  • Pour hot water to about 11/2 inches below top of soufflé dish. Cover and cook on LOW 7 to 8 hours.
  • Use foil handles to lift out dish from slow cooker. Stir tomato, feta and olives into potato mixture.

Enjoy! Have a great weekend!

Lisa

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Medicinal Monday – Herbs & Spices

Monday, May 7th, 2012

Borage

Botanical Name: Borago Officinalis


Photo by madlyinlovewithlife

In the late Middle Ages, Physicians recommended Borage; they believed it supplied courage, confidence, cheerfulness and restoring life. Today, we know that it stimulates the production of adrenaline, which prepares the body to handle stress (the medieval beliefs were well founded). Other names for Borage: “good cheer”, “dear friend” and “sparkling eyes”. This reflects borage’s ability to brighten the mood. Rich in a polyunsaturated fatty acid, Borage seed oil is used to address metabolic problems from obesity to premenstrual complaints. It also promotes lactation, helps break a fever by inducing a sweat and breaks up phlegm while easing sore throats and coughs.

Help for viral infections:

  • A Borage and Echinacea tea have a calming effect.
  • Reduces fever and induces sweating.
  • Helps combat measles, mumps, chicken pox, colds and flus.
  • Mix equal amounts of fresh borage leaves and powdered Echinacea root. Brew in hot water, steep for 10 min. and sweeten with honey. Drink 1 cup 3 times per day.

Therapeutic Effect:

  • Borage leaves are diuretic, it increase sweat and urine.
  • It acts as an adrenal stimulant, useful for countering stress and lingering effects of steroid therapy.
  • Tea made from Borage soothes sore throats and irritated coughs.

Components:

  • The seed oil contains gamma linoleic acid. Found primarily in vegetable oils and used as a dietary supplement for treating problems with inflammation and auto-immune diseases.
  • The acid is used to to treat metabolic disturbances, including obesity, premenstrual syndrome, eczema, high blood pressure and alcoholism.
  • Recent evidence suggests Borage may be useful for treating heart disease and cancer.
  • The leaves are a good source of vitamin C, organic calcium and potassium, essential oils, tannins and mucilages. It’s also has saponins that strengthen resistance and flavonoids that prevent infection.
  • The silicic acid in Borage stimulates hormone production and balances mood swings.

For lactation:

  • A Borage tea will help promote healthy milk flow while you’re nursing.
  • Add a generous handful of fresh Borage leaves to ½ gal. of lemonade, or to the same amount of a mild hot tea, which ever flavor you enjoy – chamomile, fennel, nettle and violet blossoms are Excellent choices.
  • Let steep for at least 20 minutes, then strain through a paper filter. Drink a cup 3-4 times a day for best results.

From your garden

  • Borage is hard to find commercially. If you plan to make it a regular part of your diet, plant it in your garden. It attracts honeybees, ensuring pollination of other plants.
  • Plant the herb in sandy soil in which water drains rapidly. Sow in mid-or late spring, in full sun or partial shade, and again in early and midsummer.
  • Borage is an annual, it will die at the end of the season, but self sown seedlings germinate for replacement plants.
  • For medicinal use, the leaves are best gathered before the flower buds appear. The plant is easily bruised, so handle gently and use right away. The young leaves have a prickly texture that are edible.

Kitchen Hints

  • Preserve Borage in vinegar or in an alcohol tincture. It does not dry or freeze well.
  • Capture the flavor of Borage over the long term by making a blue vinegar from the blossoms or an emerald green vinegar from the leaves. These vinegars make wonderful gifts in decorative bottles.
  • “Cucumber herb” is another name for borage, and complement plain and pickled cucumbers. It adds flavor to salads, soups and summer stews. Try with eggs and fish.
  • The pretty blue blossoms are also edible. Remove the green sepals on the undersides before using, then sprinkle the flowers over soups and salads.
  • Freeze the flowers in ice for a garnish for punches and other summer drinks.
  • For cooking, use young leaves that are no larger than a half dollar. For teas, the bigger leaves are fine.
  • Borage is an essential ingredient to many Italian dishes. Borage risotto is very popular, as is ravioli stuffed with borage.
  • To enhance the flavor of dishes, sprinkle Borage leaves or stir them in before serving. It loses much of it’s flavor and aroma, once cooked.

Tip: Cut borage leaves into thin strips and mix into strawberry punch. Strain the punch through a paper filter before serving.

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!

Lisa

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Friday’s Food For Thought – Moroccan Chicken

Friday, March 30th, 2012

Moroccan Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast meat – cubed
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
  • 1 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 (16 ounce) can garbanzo beans
  • bay leaves 2
  • butternut squash

Preparation:

  • Prepare the couscous according to package directions.
  • Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat, and cook onion, (until tender)
  • Mix in onion, bay leaves, cumin, paprika, cloves, garlic, cinnamon, turmeric, lemon juice and cayenne pepper. Simmer about 10 minutes.
  • Place chicken in the pot, and cook until well browned.
  • Pour garbanzo beans, chickpeas, celery, tomatoes, and broth into the pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer 25 minutes.
  • Mix carrots and zucchini into pot. Season with salt. Continue cooking 10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
  • Serve stew over cooked couscous.

Enjoy! Have a great weekend!

Lisa

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