"Gather round the hearth, my children,
and let me tell you tales of the old days,
when life was simple and everyone believed in magick."
and let me tell you tales of the old days,
when life was simple and everyone believed in magick."
Social life, in a way, began around the lapping flames of the communal fire. For this was a place of safety and warmth where all would gather to listen to the stories told by the elders as they shared a nourishing meal. Within the plumes of smoke rose the wispy shadows of the ancestors and spirit guides that protected the clan. And if one listened closely, their ancestral wisdom could be heard in the cracking and popping of the coals. And the role of the hearth keeper was one of empowerment. For those who kept the fire knew the secrets held in plants that grew along the hedgerows and in their gardens. They were the healers, the counselors, the brewmasters and the midwives. They forgaed for food and weaved the cloth, all the while, whispering their charms and chanting to the moon- adding a touch of magick to the mundane.
Fire is still an important element in our magickal lives. Its transformative powers are used to cast spells of empowerment, to ritually destroy bad habits, and for purification. As modern hearth keepers we can still keep the magick alive by adding herbs and spices that correspond to your magickal needs; whipping up delicous recipes using foraged greens; or trying your hand at simple herbal salves. Here are few recipes, charms, and rituals to get you started.
Fire is still an important element in our magickal lives. Its transformative powers are used to cast spells of empowerment, to ritually destroy bad habits, and for purification. As modern hearth keepers we can still keep the magick alive by adding herbs and spices that correspond to your magickal needs; whipping up delicous recipes using foraged greens; or trying your hand at simple herbal salves. Here are few recipes, charms, and rituals to get you started.
Kitchen Witchery Rhyme
A fun rhyme for your Witchlings as they learn to cook. "I dice and stir and chop and sift. Learning to cook is an ancient gift. With a dash of magick and a pinch of love, as the Goddess wills- cooking is fun!" Blessed Be |
Hearth and Home Cleansing
Open front door and using a lighted smudge stick, work deosil, directing smoke in every cranny. As you do this repeat, "This is a home of love. This is a home of peace. This is a house of joy." When you reach the open door, use a pushing gesture through it and say, "Negativity is not welcome here." Follow up with a yellow candle lit near your hearth (heat source). Thank the spirit of your home in your own way. |
Bay: These leaves when added to your smudge bundle add a big punch- known for their protective, purifying, calming and healing smoke- they are also a mood booster. Element: Fire Planet: Sun Masculine
Cedar: provides a wonderful purifying, protective and sweet-smelling smoke that burns slowly- which makes it great for ritual use- especially for beginners. Element: Fire Planet: Sun Masculine Eucalyptus: provides an energizing boost to your smudge bundle- great for healing and protection. Element: Water Planet: Saturn Feminine Lavender: The purifying, protective smoke of this fragrant herb also lends a sense of peace and harmony to your smudge bundle. Element Air Planet: Mercury Masculine Lemon Grass: provides an energizing and refreshing smoke that also encourages clarity and focus. Element: Air Planet: Mercury Masculine Rosemary: the smoke of this Mediterranean herb encourages a sense of peace, purifies and is excellent for removing negative vibrations. Element: Fire Planet: Sun Masculine Sweet Grass: provides a sweet-smelling smoke that is excellent for blessings or for attracting good spirits- but only after smudging with an herb that is meant to repel. (never mix this herb with your smudge bundles meant for purification and cleansing- it defeats the purpose) Sage: Cleansing, healing and protective, the smoke of sage is the ultimate purifying herb. Element: Air Planet: Jupiter Masculine |
Time to Unwind (blend for calm or meditation)
2-parts frankincense 1-part lavender buds 1/2-part cedar Heart of a Dragon (blend for courage) 2-parts dragon’s blood 1-part cinnamon bark 1/2-part Thyme Love Spell (blend for loving vibes) 2-parts Sandalwood 1-part rose petals 1/2-part cinnamon bark A few drops of ylang-ylang essential oil Lucky Me (blend for luck) 2-parts dried orange peel 1-part rosemary 1/2-part ground nutmeg A few drops of vanilla essential oil Altar Blend 2-parts cedar 1-part rosemary 1/4 part lavender 1/4 part patchouli |
You will need: Wide mouthed pint jar with lid Cheesecloth Amber tincture bottles with glass pipettes (available online) 100 proof vodka or grain alcohol Plant material (dried or fresh) For fresh leaves and flowers: Enough chopped fresh herbs enough to fill a pint jar 3/4 full (pillow packed) For dried herbs: Enough dried herbs to fill approximately half of the jar For dried roots, barks and berries Enough finely cut material to fill 1/4 to 1/3 of pint jar *** Chop your fresh herbs or grind your dried herbs. If using fresh herbs pillow pack your jar to approximately 3/4 full. If using dried herbs, fill approximately half the jar. If using bark, roots or berries, fill approx. 1/4 -1/3 of jar. Pour your menstruum over the herbs to the top of the jar (cover plant material completely) and secure the lid. Shake well. Label your jar with the name of the plant (botanical and common) and the date. Set aside in a warm place and shake once daily for four to six weeks. Using the cheesecloth, strain the liquid and transfer to amber glass jars in a cool, dark place. |
You will need: 50 ounces olive oil (try infusing it with herbs 4-6 weeks before making soap) 15 ounces distilled water 6.30 ounces of lye (use protective eyewear, gloves and facemask when working with lye) essential oil (optional) Measure out ingredients in seperate containers. Carefully pour lye into water and stir. Let rest until the temperature drops to 110 degrees. Carefully pour mixture into olive oil and blend to trace. If using essential oil, add at this time. Pour into 3.5 or 4 lb. molds. Leave in molds at least 24 hours. remove and allow to cure on a shelf for 4-6 weeks before use. |