MAGICK'S ALL AROUND

Merry Meet to all of you!

I'm finally back from my holidays in Germany and getting used to being back to the grind :-).

While I was out there, I came across something in my mum's garden, which showed me that Magickal places are to be found everywhere, even in the most benign setting.

The picture at the top is a witches circle, which was growing at mum's and which I used for meditative moments and reflection.

So, even if you live in a town or city, keep your eyes open and your heart responsive and you will find natural Magick around you.

Hope you all had a nice summer and enjoying the coming autumn!

Bright Blessings,

Ilona

LITHA - A REFLECTION

Merry Meet to All of You!

Here's a lovely video from You Tube as a reflection on Litha.



Hope you all had a great Midsummer's Eve/Day!!!

Summer Blessings,

Ilona

P.S. For another great clip click here

MAGICKAL LITHA

Merry Meet to All of You!

Midsummer is here!

Wishing you all a happy and magickal Litha and a great summer to come!

Midsummer Blessings,

Ilona

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

Merry Meet to All of You!

With Midsummer rapidly approaching, the best night of the year for connecting to the Faerie Realm is nearly upon us.

Here is a lovely spell you can perform to encourage the appearance of Faeries in your dreams.

'A Midsummer Nights Dream Spell'

To perform this spell to connect to the Rock Faeries on Midsummer Eve, you will need:

A lantern, a tea light, four rose quartz crystals (or any other stones will do if you have none to hand, even normal pebbles you have collected, as they still fall under the dominion of the Rock Faeries), a saucer of milk

Go in the garden on Midsummer night's Eve at dusk and cast a circle, marking the four cardinal points with the crystals.Sit in the middle of the circle, light the tea light, placing it in the lantern before you.

Now say:

Faeries I call you,as dusk follows light,

Walk into my dreams on midsummer's night,

Teach me your secrets and fill me with light,

And lend me your gift of second sight.

Stay in the circle as long as you like, enjoying the beauty of the summer evening around you. Then carefully leave the circle, leaving the crystals and lantern undisturbed and the saucer of milk as an offering to the fairies.

Go inside and go straight to bed. The rock fairies should be visiting your dreams within the next three nights.

I hope you will all have a great Midsummer and pleasant, faerie-blessed dreams.

Summer Blessings,

Ilona

PS. For Midsummer events, click:

http://www.ukpaganlinks.co.uk/articles.php?n=29&page=1&sort=readed_m&direction=
and

http://www.pfnw.org/News.php

RECIPE OF THE WEEK - MIDSUMMER GOODIES

Merry Meet to All of You!

Midsummer and the festival of Litha is nearly here, as I pointed out in my blog over at the Richmond Chalice ( http://richmondchalice.blogspot.com/2009/06/wheel-of-year-litha.html)!

Here are some easy made goodies you can take along if you are planing an outside picnic or such - kids approval guaranteed!!

1. Home-made Lemonade

3 lemons

6oz sugar

1,5 pint water

Wash the lemons and peel the rind thinly. Put the rind and the sugar in a heat-proof pitcher. Bring the water to the boil and pour over. Cover and cool, stirring occasionally. Then add the juice of the same three lemons. Strain and serve chilled.

2. Honey and Ginger Ice Cream

170g (6oz) sugar

430ml (3/4 pt) double cream

60g (2oz) stem ginger, finely chopped

Whip the honey and cream together until thick, fold in the stem ginger. Pour into a rigid, plastic container. Freeze for one hour or until almost frozen, then whip or blend in a food processor. Return to the freezer until ready to serve. 10 minutes before serving, put ice cream in the fridge to slightly soften it. Ice cream keeps in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Have a great Midsummer celebration!

(To find more background and tips, go to the link above or look up Midsummer: Magical Celebrations of the Summer Solstice

Summer Blessings,

Ilona

THE FULL MOON SPREAD

Merry Meet to All of You!

As the Full Moon is here, Lisa and me thought about what we could do to harness its power magickally (our first ever proper ritual - exiting!).

I also devised a new Tarot spread for the night of the full moon, hence 'The Full Moon Spread'.
The aim of this spread is to see what you would like to manifest in your life and how you can go about it physically and spiritually. It also pays attention to the long term effects of such manifestation.

This is a sixteen card spread, which goes as followed:

1. The current Inner You - where you are right now in yourself
2. The current Outer You - how you are perceived by and project yourself onto the world
3. Desired outcome - what you would like to manifest in your life

4. The South Node - roots in the past, how your current status came about
5. Inner Influences - your own contributions
6. Outer Influences - contributors/-ions from the outside world

7. Western Shores - physical manifestation
8. Outer Influences - what you can harness from the outside world in order to physically
manifest your desired outcome
9. Inner Influences - what you can do in yourself to achieve manifestation

10. Wisdom of the East - spiritual manifestation
11. Higher Pathways - positive steps toward manifestation
12. Lower Pathways - inner blocks to overcome

13. North Node - the projected outcome
14. Manifestation in yourself - how the outcome affects you on the inside
15. Manifestation in the world - how the outcome affects the world around you

16. The North Star - how this manifestation may affect your further life path / long term future

The layout goes as followed:

*****************************************************16*

************************************** *13*

***********************************14*******15*

******************************8******************11*

***************************7**********(1)3(2)********10*

******************************9******************12*

**********************************5**********6**

****************************************4*

Lisa and me tested the spread for each of us and it worked really well, both of us didn't even ask a specific question, so you may use it for general guidance as well as specific needs.

So if you like to celebrate the Full Moon, feel free to use this spread and have as much fun with it as we had (feedback on how you got on with it would be very welcome!)!!!

Full Moon Blessings,

Ilona

KITCHENCUPBOARD MAGICK

Merry Meet to All of You!

Have a good rumage through your kitchen cabinets and you will be suprised how many 'magickal' ingridients you already have at hand.

The most incongruous of herbs can be a powerhouse of healing properties and magickal abilities. Here is a a sample collection of common kitchen staples, with their magickal and medicinal uses as well as their relations to the elements, planets and star signs.

Basil
Jupiter
Sagittarius
Fire
Love, Wealth, Prosperity
Indigestion, Bloating, Inflamed throats

Bay
Sun
Leo
Fire
Success, Achievement, Divination, Dreamwork
Stomach disorders, Inflammation of the mouth, Mouth ulcers, Rheumatism, Aches and pains

Fennel
Mercury
Leo/Virgo
Fire/Earth
Courage, Fertility Spells, Protection Spells, Magickal Mastery
Digestive aid, Stomach problems, Babies and toddlers

Juniper
Pluto/Mars
Scorpio/Aquarius
Fire/Air
Purifies aura, Memory,Consecration, Mental Clarity
Urinary problems, Digestive problems, Muscle pains, Rheumatism

Marjoram
Venus
Libra
Air
Psychic enhancement, Love divination, Peace, Healing
Asthma, colds & flu, nervous disorders, Hay fever, headaches

Oregano
Mercury
Gemini
Air
Tranquillity, Protection, Happiness, Good Luck, Health
Abdominal wind, Stomach upsets, Bronchitis, Rheumatism, Headaches

Rosemary
Jupiter/Sun
All Fire Signs
Fire
Protection, Purification, Healing, Friendship, Positivity
Ear, nose & throat infections, Rheumatism, constipation

Sage
Uranus/Earth
Taurus
Earth
Purification, Crone Work, Protection Spells, Samhain Celebrations
Fatigue, Menopausal problems, Sore gums & throat

Thyme
Venus/Mercury
Libra/Gemini
Air
Rejuvenation, Overcoming Addiction, Psychic abilities
Coughs, Sluggish digestion, Aching muscles, Wound treatment

MAGICK USE

Divination Tea: 3 tsp rose petals, 1tsp jasmine flowers, 2 crushed bay leafs, 1 pinch nutmeg, 1pinch cinnamon
Drink this tea 1 hour before undertaking any form of divination (continue to sip it through, if you like)

Healing Tea: 1 tsp rosemary, 1tsp rose hips, 1,5 tsp sage, 1.5 tsp thyme
Drink this tea to promote healing or before undertaking healing magick

To remove negative influences bath sachet: 4tsp rosemary, 2tsp lavender1 tsp crushed juniper berries, 4 crushed bay leaves, 1tsp salt
Put the sachet under the tap while running your bath, you can also add a clear quartz crystal for added mojo

MEDICINAL USE

Inflamed Throats: Basil boil 2tsp of basil leaves in 250ml water for 10-15min, strain and leave to cool. Use as a gargle 2-3 times a day.

Muscle pains: Juniper make an infusion of 2g of berries and a cup of water, leave to infuse for 10min and add to your bath water

Ear ache: Rosemary 2-4g rosemary to 1 cup of boiling water, let infuse for 10min. Drink three cups a day after meals

Of course, this is just a brief sample of what's lurking in your cabinets, so if you want to learn more, there are some good books and websites around, e.g.:

http://www.gardensablaze.com/
http://www.alchemy-works.com/

http://www.herb-magic.com/

http://www.anniesremedy.com/astrology.php

Nature’ Medicines, Reader’s Digest 2006

Herbs in Magic and Alchemy, C.L. Zalewski, 1999

The Master Book of Herbalism, Paul Beyerl, 1998

The Real Witches Kitchen, Kate West, 2002

So, next time you are slaving away in your kitchen, why not whip up something magickal and/or healing while you're there? Have fun!!!

Warm Blessings,
Ilona

TIP OF THE WEEK - MAGICK ELDER

Merry Meet to All of You!

Have you been out yet, to start foraging for elder flowers?

Well, you really should this month, because apart from being really tasty in cooking (see Elderflower Champagne blog) they have many health benefits, which I have elaborated over at the Richmond Chalice blog:

http://richmondchalice.blogspot.com/2009/06/tip-of-day-elderflower.html

On top of that, elder is a plant steeped in magic and folklore, and is said to help opening the doors to the Faerie realm, especially on Midsummer's Eve.

If you would like to see the Fairies reveling, it is said you just have to stand under an elder tree at midnight on Midsummer's Eve (with it just being around the corner, test it out if you like). Alternatively, drinking wine made from elderberries is said to be a facilitator to see into the Faerie realm.

Elder also possesses the magickal power to cleanse and purify, so write your worries or annoyances on a piece of paper and bury it under an elder tree. The tree will absorb your worries and cleanse them out.

For all of you eager to get married, English folklore gives us a 'get engaged spell', for which you simply create an infusion of elderflower, add it to wine and beer (after its cooled down) and contrive your chosen spouse to take drink with you out of a shared cup.

Sprinkling elder flower around the corners of your house is also a protective charm.

So, why not go out there and get your dose of this magickal (and tasty!) plant this month?

Summer Blessings,

Ilona

RECIPE OF THE WEEK - ELDERFLOWER CHAMPAGNE

Merry Meet to All of You!

Summer is nearly here, and with the beginning of June start to look out for the white splendour of Elderflower.

Common in country lanes and even around abandoned dwellings, Elderflower are often overlooked as the delicious ingredient for cooking and especially drinking they are!

There are many ways to use Elderflower to create drinks and cordials, I just picked one example, Elderflower Champagne (sorry to everyone getting excited, it's non-alcoholic, the name is in the sparkle).

You'll need:

7 Elderflower heads

5 ltr of water

600g sugar

2 sliced lemons

2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar

Bring the water to the boil and add the sugar; stir until dissolved.

Allow to cool, then add the flower heads, sliced lemons and vinegar.

Cover and leave to stand for 24 hours.

Syphon it off and fill into sterilised bottles to let the natural fizz develop.

Recipe taken from: Marian Green 'A Calendar of Festivals' (1991)

It couldn't be easier really, could it?!

For a nice Elderflower sorbet go to: http://www.pshm.org/recipe_elderflower_sorbet.shtml

So, get out there enjoying the glorious weather and get foraging!

Sunny Blessings,

Ilona

TIP OF THE WEEK - A MAGICK BREW

Merry Meet to All of You!

Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine as we are closing in on Misummer?!

I know, the lovely wheather makes you crave cold drinks more tham anything, but I found this tea recipe I want to share with you regardless.

It's called 'Magical Working Tea' and helps you with your preparation and mindset before undertaking, well, magickal work.

It is dead simple, just make an infusion out of:

2 teaspoons rosemary

1 teaspoon lavender

grated peel of 1 orange

let it infuse for 10 minutes and drink about an hour before your magickal workings.

Rosemary stimulates the brain while lavender relaxes you and orange is linked with solar energies, thus this tea can help putting yourself in the required mindset for your purposes.

(Recipe taken from: 'The Real Witches Kitchen' by Kate West, page 141; see:

http://theherbalchalice.blogspot.com/2009/05/tip-of-week-kitchen-magic.html)

So, even in this warm weather, the right cup of tea can still work wonders (my next tip will probably be a cold alcoholic bewerage, sunshine permitting)!

Enjoy this lovely summer weather and make the most of it outdoors,

Sunny Blessings,

Ilona

TIP OF THE WEEK - KITCHEN MAGIC

Merry Meet to All!

You might have noticed that the main theme of our next chalice meeting is "Kitchen Cupboard Magick", e.g. using everyday kitchen ingredients for magic and/or healing purposes, so if you would like to find out more, pop along!

If you haven't got the time here is a good book for you to read, which shows you how to utilise your kitchen for magick purposes.
It's called:

The Real Witches' Kitchen: Spells, Recipes, Oils, Lotions and Potions from the Witches' Hearth">http://The Real Witches' Kitchen: Spells, Recipes, Oils, Lotions and Potions from the Witches' Hearth

So, if you have chance, take five, make a cuppa and bury your noses in some kitchen Magick!

Warm Blessings,

Ilona

RECIEPE OF THE WEEK - DAISY MUFFINS

Merry Meet to All!

As I have mentioned in the blog about Daisies, the make lovely decorations for cakes, so here is an easy recipe for Daisy Muffins.

You need:

115g soft, unsalted butter

115g sugar

2 eggs

115g flour

1 TS baking powder (TS = teaspoon)

10ml lemon juice

To decorate:

115g icing sugar

1 Tbs water (Tbs = Tablespoon)

2-3 Daisy Flowers

1. pre-heat the oven to 180C; prepare the muffin form with paper cups.

2. put the butter sugar and eggs into a mixing bowl, topped by the sieved flower and backing powder. Add the lemon juice and mix, until the dough is light and creamy.

3.fill the paper cups with the dough and bake for ca 15 minutes, until golden brown. Set to cool.

4. mix the icing sugar with the water and decorate the cakes with the icing. Top with flower petals of the Daisies anyway you like (you can do a circle, to imitate the form of the flower).

These muffins are easy to make and a treat to eat, so get baking!!!

Spring Blessings,

Ilona

FLOWER OF THE MONTH - DAISY

Merry Meet to All of You!

May is in full bloom and don't the meadows look just lovely with all the different wild flowers, like Dandelion and Bluebells?

In all this splendour, have you ever spared a thought for the humble Daisy?

As we are astrologically in Taurus at the moment, I would like to write about the Daisy, as it is linked to this star sign.

The Daisy is also a flower linked to the planet of Venus and therefore Aphrodite, the goddess of love. In magick, Daisies are a good-luck charm and are used with spells or in potions to bring purity, innocence and loyal love. You may prepare a balm from Daisies, to anoint the person for which you wish these things.

To prepare a balm of Daisy flowers, simply put fresh, slightly crushed (or dried and powdered) Daisies in a pan, together with Vaseline (or lard/unsalted butter, if you like). Bring to the boil slowly, so the Vaseline has time to melt evenly. Once boiling, stir and take of the heat, sifting out the residue via a tea towel or muslin cloth, giving the leftover residue a good squeeze. Finally leave to cool and bottle the balm.

(Information of planetary and zodiacal correlations taken from:

'Herbs in Magic and Alchemy'; C.L. Zalwski; 1990 : http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1853270466?ie=UTF8&tag=therichchal-21&linkCode=xm2&camp=1634&creativeASIN=1853270466 )

As well as for magickal uses, the Daisy can also be a colourful ingredient in your kitchen, as young leaves and flowers can be used in salads (country folk in old Italy and Spain used to eat the roots as well) and the flower petals make lovely decorations for puddings, biscuits and cakes.

So, next time you want to bake for your other half, why not make some muffins decorated with one of the flowers of Venus?

As you take your next walk, why not spare a little thought for the lovely little Daisy, and the innocence, love and good luck it stands for?

Spring Blessings,

Ilona

TIP OF THE WEEK - DOWN TO EARTH

Merry Meet to all of you!

I recently read Marian Green's book 'The Gentle Art of Aquarian Magic' and really enjoyed it.
Here is a little quote from the chapter about Earth Magic, which stood out for me, as it sums up my feelings perfectly.

"...you don't need artificial, modern written sources to lead you to the Goddess of Earth, Mother Nature [...] Any walk among trees, over wild countryside or along a wintry, deserted beach will bring you far closer to the roots of the oldest religion of all than muttered rites in a man-made house, or words read from a page by guttering candle light."

(Marion Green; The Gentle Art of Aquarian Magic; The Aquarian Press; London; 1987)

I feel this is so true, how can you be closer to the magick of the Earth than when you are surrounded by it?!

Next time you want to connect to Earth Magick, why not take a long walk, and open your eyes and soul to what is around you.

You could collect a stone, which you find while out, one which spoke to you through it's patterns or shape, and take it home with you. There you can take some quiet time, just holding the stone, reaching out to it, feeling it's energy. In time you will develop a relationship with your special stone, and in time of need, just holding it can give you a sense of comfort and peace. This is one very simple way of letting the magick of the Earth into your life.

So, next time you take a walk, open yourself to the beauty and spirit of Mother Nature around you!

Warm Blessings,

Ilona

WELCOME TO THE HERBAL CHALICE

Merry Meet to All of You!

Welcome to The Herbal Chalice, I hope you will enjoy my blog and find useful information and inspiration here.

As mentioned in the description above I am a member of the Richmond Chalice, for which we have our own blog (see links) and have decided to launch this branch off blog to concentrate mainly on all things natural: herbs, natural remedies, cycle of the seasons, natural and Fairy magick, as these are of special interest to me.

So, come with me and delve into the mysteries of Mother Earth, to share, learn, listen and, most of all, to have fun!

Warm Blessings,

Ilona