Friday, February 22, 2013

Dragon's Blood


The Dragon's Blood tree is very unique, because it does not have the look that most trees usually do. 


This tree produces blood-red sap, the sap out of the trunk, and the sap was touted as the dragon's blood. Dragon's blood has been used as medicine and dye since the 1st century by the ancient Roman society, ancient Greek, and Arabic. Then, around the 18th century, used as a varnish for violins in Italy. Today, dragon's blood is still used as a varnish violin and used in the photographic process.



When burnt, Dragon's Blood creates a strong herbal and spicy fragrance. It's so earthy, dark, spicy and  is very pleasing to me, I love it!

Magickal Powers of Dragon's Blood when burned are Love, Protection, Exorcism,Courage and Sexual Potency. Use for Courage, Energy, Strength, Purification, Changes, Determination and Cleansing.  Carried for good luck.

A pinch of Dragon’s blood added to other incenses increases their potency and power. 

In folk medicine, dragon's blood is used externally as a wash to promote healing of wounds and to stop bleeding. It is used internally for chest pains, post-partum bleeding, internal traumas and menstrual irregularities.
Here are some other Folk Names for Dragon's Blood: Blood, Blume, Calamus Draco, Draconis Resina, Sanguis Draconis, Dragon's Blood Palm.

Dragon's Blood's scientific name (Daemonorops draco, D. propinquos)

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@Padhopper... Your Welcome! and thank you.  The burning candle is for my Mother and all others who have passed on. Many Blessings!

Friday, February 15, 2013

Dandelion


When most people think of the term “dandelion,” the first thing that probably pops up is the weed that grows in their backyards. Dandelions, however, are much more than that. If used properly, you can use dandelion root and extract to help solve many minor health problems with natural and inexpensive methods.Dandelions have much more going for them than spotting your lush green grass with small yellow flowers.

Dandelions may not be found in the Southern Hemisphere, it is at home in all parts of the North... in pastures, meadows, lawns and on waste ground. So plentiful that farmers everywhere find it a troublesome weed.

Dandelions are often used as a culinary dish in several different cultures. In fact, many world-renowned chefs will use dandelion root or dandelion extract in their soups and salads because they are so tasty. You can do the same thing, too. By using the young dandelion leaves, you can add a raw addition to your favorite salad with new and unopened buds. Cook older leaves and eat them with your next meal. Dandelion is versatile in that it can either be served alone or it can add a tangy flavor to your favorite dish.



The root, when dried, roasted and ground like coffee, is used to make a tea.  This infusion will promote psychic powers.  The same tea, steamed and placed beside the bed,  will call spirits.
Not only is dandelion one of the more popular weeds that you can use for both medicinal purposes and cooking purposes, but dandelion root contains several vitamins. You can find a good amount of vitamin C, vitamin A and calcium in this “weed” that grows wild in your backyard. They are also high in iron. In fact, a dandelion root contains more calcium and iron than a dose of spinach, which just goes to show that dandelions are a great addition to any well-balanced meal.
Magical folklore surrounding the Dandelion includes blowing the seeds off a ripened head to carry your thoughts (or magical energies) to another; Love revelation (blowing all the seeds off with one blow indicates passionate love, seeds remaining indicates the love is fickle) and how many children you will have (the number of seeds left on the head after one blow).

Scientific name:  Taraxacum officinale 


Folk Names: Blowball, Cankerwort, Lion's Tooth, Piss-a-Bed, Priest's Crown, Puffball, Swine Snout, White Endive, Wild Endive.

Friday, February 8, 2013

American Crow


In North America, the American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) is a common sight. The Crows is an all-black bird, even on the legs and bill and has a short tail that is rounded or squared off at the end.  Crows are members of the corvid family which includes magpies, blue jays and  ravens. Crows are generally smaller and not as thick-billed as ravens, which belong to the same genus. Crows can be found worldwide.


These noisy birds live throughout North America in summer, except for the extreme north and very deep south. In winter, they vacate the colder regions, ranging throughout the United States, southern British Columbia and Atlantic Canada. They are common in both urban and rural areas, taking advantage of both road kill and garbage. If you see a large black bird, about 48cm (19in) long, especially in the city, it is probably an American Crow.  When they molt, the old feathers can appear brownish or scaly compared to the glossy new feathers.

These highly intelligent birds can be masterful mimics and great problem solvers. Crows have loud, hoarse, cawing voices.  The crow is now considered to be among the world's most intelligent animals.

Crows are very social, always found in flocks and are rarely found alone. Living in large, close-knit families, and like social mammals, they not only hunt and forage together but also defend territories and care for the young together. Common sights in treetops, fields, and roadsides, and in habitats ranging from open woods and empty beaches to town centers.

American Crows usually feed on the ground and eat almost anything – typically earthworms, insects, other small animals, seeds, fruit, garbage, carrion and chicks they rob from nests. Their flight style is a unique pattern of methodical flapping, that is rarely broken up with glides.

They’re also aggressive and often chase away larger birds including hawks, owls and herons.

Commonly found in fields, open woodlands, and forests. They thrive around people, and you’ll often find them in agricultural fields, lawns, parking lots, athletic fields, roadsides, towns and city garbage dumps.

Crows generally lay from 3 to 7 eggs, with 4 or 5 being the most common number. The coloration and pigment pattern of the eggs can vary widely even within a single clutch. Eggs may be bluish-green to pale olive and variously marked with brown and gray and can vary from almost unmarked sky blue, to very heavily blotched or spotted dark green.  Young crows may spend up to six years with their parents before breeding on their own. As winter approaches, northern crows gather into large night-roosting groups. These flocks can include tens of thousands of birds and occasionally hundreds of thousands. Possible reasons for this seasonal gregariousness are warmth, protection against predators such as owls, or information exchange. A crow may live 13 years in the wild and more than 20 years in captivity.


Folklore
The crow was sacred for the Celts and meant the flesh torn by fighting.  The major meaning of this black bird is to be a guide and the Gods' messenger.
In Celt Lore the belief was that Crow was an omen of death and conflict. Crows were associated with death transitions. Another belief was that the birds were faeries who shape-shifted to cause troubles. Magickal qualities included bringing knowledge, shape-shifting, eloquence, prophecy, boldness, skill, knowledge, cunning, trickery and thievery.

In the Middle Ages, people believed that sorcerers and witches used the symbol of Crow’s foot to cast death spells.

In Irish mythology, crows are associated with Morrigan, the goddess of war and death. The god Bran the Blessed, whose names means 'crow' or 'raven' is associated with corvids and death. His severed head is said to be buried under the Tower of London facing toward France, a possible origin for the keeping of ravens in the Tower, which are said to protect the fortunes of Britain. In Cornish folklore crows and particularly magpies are again associated with death and the 'otherworld', and must always be greeted with respect. The origin of 'counting crows' as augury is British; however the British versions rather count magpies - their black and white pied coloring reflecting the realms of both the living and the dead.

So we can say that the crow is a creator, a guide and a divine messenger. Guiding souls through their last travel and goes through the darkness without moving away from the road.



Friday, February 1, 2013

Catnip

A favorite magickal herb - Catnip tends to have a sedative effect on humans. It is commonly used in sleeping potions.
Grown near your home
 or hung over a door, 
catnip attracts
 good spirits and great luck.
Powers of Catnip are Cat Magic - Love - Beauty and Happiness
Use catnip in conjunction with rose petals to create Love Sachets.  Use catnip in spells to enhance beauty and happiness.
Add it to dream pillows to promote sleep.


Given to your cat, catnip creates a psychic bond between the two of you. A cat usually sniffs it, rubs against it, licks it & finally eats it.
Grow some for your cat and enough for your sleeping potions and spells.
Catnip is not harmful to your cat. They won't overdose on it.  Most cats know when they've had enough & will refuse any further offers.


It is most often drunk as a tea. It is also useful for settling an upset stomach. Harvest fresh  using both the flowers and the leaves or use dried catnip. How much you use is going to depend upon how strong you like your tea. Let it steep to your desired taste. If you like mint in your tea, you'll like catnip, though to me it is more pungent.

Tea Blend... for Aiding in Sleep
1 teaspoon of the tea blend makes 1 cup of tea.

  • 1 part lavender
  • 1 part catnip
  • 1 part verbena
  • 1 part chamomile
  1. Blend dry herbs in a small jar.
  2. To brew, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of the herbal blend.
  3. Steep 5 to 7 minutes. Strain and drink.
  4. Enjoy - peace, harmony, healing, love, happiness

Dry Catnip by tying stems together and hang upside down in a warm, dry, shady spot.  When completely dry, crumble leaves into a jar with an airtight lid and store away from sunlight.

Scientific name: Nepeta catariasually is a perennial from the mint family of herbs.  Other Folk Names include   Cat, Catmint, Catnep, Catrup, Cat's Worth, Field Balm, Nepeta, Nip.

 fairly easy to grow - see your local garden center. It likes light sandy soil, and grows best in full sun.