Hairy Problems “Dearest granddaughter, come close and look into my eyes.” Grandmother Growth beckons and her voice grows deeper and more resonant. “Look deep into my eyes and acknowledge the beauty there. “Yes, my skin is wrinkled. My face is the face of age, and to many, that is fearful. But my beauty, like my wise blood, now resides inside of me. Can you see it? Can you feel it? Can you look beyond the hair on my chin?” she says grinning, flicking her fingers under her chin in a most unladylike manner. “Can you forgive the places where my scalp shines through? Can you find the truth of my…

Guy Fawkes Celebrations in the UK In 1605, thirteen young men planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Among them was Guy Fawkes, Britain’s most notorious traitor.  After Queen Elizabeth I died in 1603, English Catholics who had been persecuted under her rule had hoped that her successor, James I, would be more tolerant of their religion. James I had, after all, had a Catholic mother. Unfortunately, James did not turn out to be more tolerant than Elizabeth and a number of young men, 13 to be exact, decided that violent action was the answer. A small group took shape, under the leadership of Robert Catesby. Catesby felt that violent…

Rose essential oil [Rosa Centifolia]   Rose water can be used for conjunctivitis. The oil of love. You can use this oil and a carrier oil with Rose Quartz in love meditations.   Correspondences of Rose; Planet~ Venus Element~ Water Deity~ Aphrodite, Antheia, Cloris, Ceres, Cerridwen, Diana, Flora, Frigg, Hathor, Hulda, Isis, Lada, Maia, Pomona, Rhea, Sita, Themis, Venus, Zillah, Adonis, Baal, Bes, Cupid, Eros, Vishnu, and St. Francis of Assisi. Archangel~ Haniel and Anael. Colours~ pale yellow or reddish orange. Other uses~ broken capillaries, dry skin, eczema, herpes, mature and sensitive skin types, wrinkles, palpitations, poor circulation, asthma, coughs, hay fever, cholecystitis, liver congestion, nausea, irregular periods, leucorrhoea, hemorrhagic,…

The Shift into Ascension   There is no doubt that in the past month it has made the previous months seem like a walk in the park. Clearly we are going through a shift but not just any shift. Some may think this is to do with 2012 and whilst not completely incorrect it actually has more to do with the 31st October, the veil between planes and dimensions being thinner as well as the push into ascension.   What is different about this shift is the extent of the separation between the lower and higher vibrations. What has been happening is that due to the higher vibration getting ready…

 “Haunted Hotels”     Most fans of horror know that the backdrop of Stephen King’s classic The Shining was prompted by the wordsmith’s stay at the famous Stanley Hotel. Contrary to popular belief, King was living in Boulder at the time and did not write the novel while staying at the hotel- unlike the character of Jack Torrance, immortalized on screen by Jack Nickolson. He had the idea after staying in room 217 of the almost-empty hotel on the night before it closed for an extended period. The legend continues, though, and many believe it to be haunted, reporting any number of ghostly encounters- primarily in the ballroom- during their stay.…

Glass                 Fugalite and Fulgarite are it’s other names.  In addition to the man-made variety, the cycles of nature make glass by fusing silicates and other minerals.  It varies in color and shape since it is not crystalline.  Besides the specific color healing which can be accomplished by back -lighting the mineral and taking 10-20 treatment, the mood of a meditation can be advanced.  Chakras vary with color.   Goethite                   Goethite can be likened to blue/green tourmaline, the power and majesty of the ocean revealing to man a great sense of quietude and peace…

The Healing Power of Gratitude     In this month’s meditation, we are going to fill ourselves with love and let it spill from our lips in the form of  “Thank you.”   Find a comfortable place where you will not be disturbed.  Turn off the phone, lay down or sit comfortably, and take three slow, deep breaths.   On the next inhale, breathe in love, and breathe out stress.  Continue to breathe in love and breathe out stress until you feel fully relaxed.   Imagine your heart chakra glowing a vibrant healthy green in the center of your chest.  With each breathe in, your heart chakra swells, growing larger…

Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris-photo by Louise Harmon 2012 It seems long-overdue for our column’s namesake to be the center of attention. So this month’s herbal star is Mugwort-Artemisia vulgaris.   Mugwort is well known for its magickal properties. Added to a dream pillow with other herbs such as Hops and Lavender, Mugwort can enhance prophetic dreaming and astral projection. An infusion of Mugwort is often used to wash crystal balls and other divination tools. It can be added to fluid condensers: complex mixtures which include gold flakes or tincture of gold that help attract and hold energies.  A small pillow stuffed with Mugwort is an excellent cushion on which to rest…

The name is derived from Novem, the Latin word for nine, as November was the ninth month in Rome’s oldest calendar. THE SNOW MOON The ninth month in the old roman calandar. In Celtic traditions it is the beginning of the new year, considered a month of beginnings and endings. Astrological Signs: Scorpio, Sagittarius. Nature Spirits: Banshees and other beings who carry messages between worlds. Herbs: Ginger, hops, wormwood, hussop, patchouli, mugwort, nutmeg, star anise. Colors: Black, white, purple. Flowers: White lily, dahlia, chrysanthemum. Scents Rosemary, dragons blood, lilac, pine, wisteria. Stones: Topaz, obsidian, onyx, Apache tear. Trees: Pine, cypress, yew, elder. Animals: Bat, wolf, sow, dog, snake. Birds: Owls,…

My oldest daughter is very happy to know that we are witches. She isn’t really all sure what that entitles her to, but she is happy to tell the world about it. I often find myself telling her that it isn’t the best to tell people we are witches. It isn’t like the Halloween witches she is used to. People aren’t all nice and friendly. To her, witches are like mommy. They are special people in your life that have the ability to kiss away the bad things and know how to bake sweet treats to ease the rest of the pain.  They are healers and magic beings that can…