Faeries

Faeries

How to tell if a faerie is near by:

Feeling a warm tingles across your skin.

Things go missing and then reappear somewhere else in your home. 

You see things out of the corner of your eyes.

Finding yourself participating in child like activities like skipping or swinging on a swing set.  

You come across random floral scented breezes. 

You make a habit of bringing nature inside. 

You find yourself admiring insects and when you find one in your home you set it free instead of squishing it. 

You find yourself stumbling over faerie circles. 

You are followed by a crow or raven.

You hear mysterious giggling. 

You find large patches of four-leaf clovers.

Offerings for the fae:

Milk and Honey

Anything small and shiny

Rings

Beads

Rocks

Crystals

Cream

Sweets

Cakes and Cookies.

Clean water

Some Favorite Faerie Rocks:

Tigers eyes

Peridot

Jade

Volcanic Rock

Fluorite

Emerald

Plants that attract faeries:

Common yarrow

New York aster

Shasta daisy 

Western giant hyssop or horsemint 

French lavender

Rosemary

Thyme

Fountain butterfly bush

Orange-eye butterfly bush 

Summer lilac

Shrubby cinquefoil

Common garden petunia

Verbenas

Pincushion flowers

Cosmos 

Common zinnia

Foxgloves

Pansies

Clover

Toadstools

Bluebells

Rowan

Oak

Alder

Willow

Birch 

Apple trees

Sources: earthenergyhealing.com, mysticfamiliar.com, and earthwitchery.com. 

==Moonlight Mystics==

Day 215: Tincturing Workshop

I’m leading a tincturing workshop this Sunday, so I thought it might be nice to share the packet I’m going to be handing out. It includes some tips on alcohol and vinegar tincturing, as well as recipes and some local Ozark yarbs to work into your herbal preparations. Enjoy!

Recipe Sheet – Tincturing Workshop

Brandon Weston ozarkhealing.com facebook.com/MountainManHealing [email protected]

Alcohol Tinctures

Fresh Herb:

Finely chop or grind clean herb to release juice and expose surface area.

Fill jar 2/3 to ¾ with herb. ~ OR ~ Fill jar ¼ to ½ with roots.

Pour alcohol over the herbs.

Jar should appear full of herb, but herb should move freely when shaken.

Dried Herb:

Use finely cut herbal material.

Fill jar ½ to ¾ with herb ~ OR ~ Fill jar ¼ to 1/3 with roots.

Pour alcohol over the herbs.

Roots will expand by ½ their size when reconstituted!

Alcohol Percentages*

40% – 50% (80-90 proof vodka)

“Standard” percentage range for tinctures.

Good for most dried herbs and fresh herbs that are not juicy.

Good for extraction of water soluble properties.

67.5% – 70% (½ 80 proof vodka + ½ 190 proof grain alcohol)

Extracts most volatile aromatic properties.

Good for fresh high-moisture herbs like lemon balm, berries, and aromatic roots.

The higher alcohol percentage will draw out more of the plant juices.

85% – 95% (190 proof grain alcohol)

Good for gums and resins.

Extracts aromatics and essential oils that are bound in the plant and do not dissipate easily.

The alcohol strength can produce a tincture that is not quite pleasant to take.

Often used for drop dosage medicines.

Will totally dehydrate herbs.

*information comes from the Mountain Rose Herbs blog

Macerating

Maceration is the process by which the active chemical compounds are leached into the solvent solution. This is usually done by shaking the jar that contains the alcohol or vinegar and the herbal plant matter. 

Alcohol tinctures need to be left to macerate for at least 2-3 weeks depending upon the ABV. The higher the ABV the less maceration time is needed.

Vinegar tinctures need to be left to macerate for at least a month before straining and bottling.

Easy Alcohol Tincture Recipes

Sarsaparilla Tincture: Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic (do not take if you have kidney problems)

Sarsaparilla root

Vodka

Wild Cherry Tincture: Antispasmodic, expectorant, sedative

Wild cherry bark

Vodka

Herbal Bitters (simplified): Tonic, diaphoretic, colds, flu, febrifuge, chills (contains thujone, may cause drowsiness)

1 quart jar

¼ c. thyme

¼ c. oregano (or dittany)

¼ c. chopped fresh ginger

¼ c. hyssop

1 cinnamon stick

1 tbsp. cloves

Vodka

Stomach Bitters (simplified): Stomach issues, cramps, urinary issues, digestive issues

1 quart jar

4 tbsp dried dandelion root

2 tbsp fennel seed

2 tbsp fresh ginger

2 tbsp dried peppermint leaves (or mountain mint)

Vodka

Vinegar Tinctures

Measurements and instructions are the same as with the alcohol tinctures at the beginning of the packet. Remember: vinegar tinctures need to be left longer to macerate, at least a month.

Easy Vinegar Tincture Recipes

Fire Tonic: Colds, flu, chills, general tonic

1 32 oz. bottle apple cider vinegar. I like to use unfiltered, it seems to taste better and it’s easier on the stomach.

5-10 cloves of garlic, crushed

3-5 hot peppers, as hot as you can stand

1 3 inch knob of ginger, crushed

1 medium onion, peeled and diced

¼ c. chopped mullein

¼ c. chopped rosemary

¼ c. chopped thyme

¼ c. crushed star anise or green sweetgum balls (sources for shikimic acid which helps fight the flu virus)

Take all of this and combine it in large mason jar, all the herbs and vegetables are going to take up a lot of room. Let this stand in a dark place for about two months. Shake everyday. After it’s finished macerating strain off the liquid, add about a half cup honey, bottle.

Alternate Ozark yarbs to use: Dittany, Self-heal, Plantain, Horsemint

Vinegar Oxymels

Also called “sipping vinegars” these mixtures are basic vinegar tinctures sweetened and thickened with honey to make them more palatable.

Basic Oxymel:

1 part herb : 3 parts honey and apple cider vinegar  

Quart mason jars: fill up ¼ jar with herb, ¼ with honey, then the rest with vinegar. Macerate for a few weeks.

Easy Oxymel Recipes

Colds and Immune System Oxymel:

1 part elderberries

1 part ginger root (dried)

Another for Colds with Cough Oxymel:

1 part Mullein

1 part Horehound

Stomach Complaints Oxymel:

2 parts ginger

1 part peppermint

1 part fennel seed

Sinus Congestion Oxymel:

2 parts garlic

1 part cayenne pepper

1 part thyme

1 part rosemary

Beginners Ozark Medicinal Plants

Caution should always be taken when looking for medicinal plants out in the wild. Do not consume or use any plant that you are unsure about. The internet is a wonderful resource for plant identification. Look up photos and identification information for plants from reputable sources before collecting any plant out in the wild. NOTE also that many Ozark medicinal plants are endangered and should not be harvested out in the wild.

When wild-harvesting take only what you need at that time. DO NOT STOCKPILE! Chances are the plants will go bad before you can use them. A good rule of thumb for any plant is to count three plants then take one, that way there are plants left behind to go to seed. Leave the roots intact unless the root is being harvested, then try and leave a piece of the root or any seeds/berries behind in the soil.

Responsible harvesting means these medicinal plants will be around for many more generations.  

I’m not including photos of plants on purpose! I want folks to go look up the plants and find as many identifying photos and identifying information as they can. Do the work! Google is an amazing resource for plant identification.

+ means the plant is not native but is common in the Ozarks

Black-Eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta: Flowers, roots:

Root infusion used for dermatological needs. Used to wash snakebites. Decoction of whole plant taken to aid with heart disease. Decoction of root taken for colds and chills. Cold infusion of flowers taken for headache and as a febrifuge. Similar properties to other coneflowers (Purple coneflower, Missouri coneflower, etc.) Some say the active compounds are not water soluble. Better used as a tincture or extract.

*** Cautions: Asteraceae family ***

Cinquefoil, Five Finger Grass, Potentilla simplex: Leaves, root:

Leaves taken for colds and as a febrifuge. Root astringent, infusion taken for dysentery, diarrhea, and as a mouthwash for sores and thrush.

+Cleavers, Galium aparine: Leaves:

Strong infusion as laxative. Externally as a dermatological aid. Has been linked to aiding with lowering blood pressure.

*** Cautions: Laxative ***

Common Dittany, Cunila origanoides: Leaves, stems, flowers:

Related to Oregano and Marjoram and can be used in similar ways. As an infusion it’s good for colds and to help open up the sinuses. Boiled strong it helps the body sweat and can aid in lowering fevers. Infusion used to help aid a painful birth. Used as a stimulant and tonic. Contains trace amounts of thujone, an active chemical also found in wormwood, mugwort, and yarrow, and may cause drowsiness or headaches. Use only in small amounts and with caution.

*** Cautions: Contains trace amounts of thujone ***

Elderberry, Sambucus nigra or Sambucus canadensis: Berries, flowers, leaves, bark:

Berries used in formulas against chills and cold. Helps support the immune system. Infusion of berry used internally for rheumatism. Flower infusion used as a febrifuge and to sweat out a cold. Leaf infusion used to wash sores and prevent infection. Bark poultice used on sores, wounds, rashes, and other dermatological needs.

*** Cautions: Berries mildly toxic when unripe, foliage toxic in large quantities ***

Goldenrod, Solidago: Leaves, Flowers:

There are many different varieties of goldenrods, all of which have very similar medicinal uses. Topically the plant has traditionally been used in salves to help with sore muscles and arthritis. Internally it has traditionally been used as a diuretic to help bladder and kidney issues and to help break up “stones”. It is also a good diaphoretic that can help reduce a fever, and an astringent that can aid in remedying diarrhea. The flowers also make a wonderful yellow dye.

*** Cautions: Asteraceae family, may cause skin irritation ***

Horsemint, Monarda bradburiana: Leaves, flowers:

Infusion used for colds, chills, as a febrifuge, and for bowel complaints. Can be used externally in oils and salves for dermatological needs. Used in many of the same ways as Monarda fistulosa.

Jewelweed, Impatiens capensis: Leaves, stems, flowers:

Sap produced by the leaves and stems used for poison ivy, rashes, burns, and other dermatological needs. Cold infusion of leaves as a febrifuge. Infusion whole plant taken internally for stomach cramps.

*** Cautions: Seeds toxic ***

+Mullein, Verbascum thapsus: Leaves, flowers, root:

Leaves and flowers can be used to clear chest congestion (smoked or as an infusion), as an analgesic for rashes, aches and pains. Leaves can be wilted and used in poultices for swollen glands. Roots can be used in decoctions for gynecological issues.

+Plantain, Plantago major “Broadleaf Plantain” or Plantago lanceolata “Ribwort Plantain”: Leaves, roots, flowers:

Leaves used in poultices for bug bites, inflammations, rashes, cuts, bruises, stings, and other skin complaints. Whole plant infusions for colds, fever, upper respiratory complaints, rheumatism, hypertension, regulating blood sugar, bladder problems, kidney problems. Root used as a gentle expectorant and in helping sinus issues. “Snake Weed” because of the belief that the plant can help draw venom out of a snakebite. It was also thought that a person could carry the plant to help ward off snakes.

Self-Heal, All Heal, Prunella vulgaris: Leaves, flowers:

Infusion is an analgesic used to wash sores, wounds, and used in salves for many dermatological needs. Used to flavor other medicines. Infusion used as a febrifuge and against colds. Used for sore throats. Mild sedative. Helps with stomach and bowel complaints. Antidiarrheal. Respiratory aid.

Spicebush, Lindera benzoin: Leaves, Bark:

The red berries of the spicebush have long been used as a substitute for cinnamon or allspice in mountain recipes. The leaves can be made into a pleasant infusion for colds and headaches while the bark can be brewed strong for fevers and chills. The leaves can also be used topically for skin irritations, rashes, and bites. 

Sumac, Rhus glabra “Smooth Sumac” or Rhus typhina “Staghorn Sumac”: Berries, Leaves, Bark:

The berries are used in a tasty beverage I’ve heard called “sumacade”. It’s lemony taste is quite pleasant, and the drink is high in vitamin C. The berries and bark are astringent and can be used as an effective gargle for a cough or mouth sores. A decoction of the bark can also be taken internally for diarrhea. In the Fall the red leaves can be dried and smoked to induce dreaming.

Sweet Everlasting, Rabbit Tobacco, Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium/Gnaphalium obtusifolium: Leaves, flowers:

Decoction whole plant used as a sedative and to aid sleeping. Analgesic for sores, pains, aches, wounds, and many other dermatological needs. Antirheumatic (internal). Decoction for colds and chills. Smoked and used in infusions to clear chest congestion. Chewed for sore mouth and throat. Used in sweat baths against many illnesses. NOTE harvest leaves in the Fall when they start to turn brown.

*** Cautions: Asteraceae family ***

Sweetgum tree, Liquidambar styraciflua: Leaves, bark, gum, balls:

Leaves can be used in poultices for several dermatological issues, cuts, and bruises. Gum and inner bark used for diarrhea and flux. Infusion of bark taken for “flooding” (gynecological). Infusion of bark given as a sedative. Sweetgum balls, when green in the Spring before seeds have formed can be soaked in alcohol then given for colds and the flu (antiviral, antibacterial due to contained shikimic acid).

White-Leafed Mountain Mint, Pycnanthemum albescens: Leaves, Flowers, Stems:

As an infusion, can be used to help treat headaches, stomach complaints, and colds. Brewed strong it can help to reduce fevers.

Wild Bergamot, Beebalm, Monarda fistulosa: Leaves, flowers:

Infusion used for coughs, colds, and sore throats. Carminative for stomach complaints. Diaphoretic, febrifuge, and diuretic. Mild sedative. Abortifacient, so caution should be taken. Externally an analgesic used in poultices for pains, aches, cuts, and rashes.

Witch Hazel, Hamamelis vernalis (Ozark Witch Hazel) and American Witch Hazel, Hamamelis virginiana: Leaves, bark:

Leaves and bark astringent used externally as a skin toner and for many dermatological issues. Infusion taken for colds and as a febrifuge. Antirheumatic. Decoction of bark taken as an emetic.

*** Cautions: Bark emetic***

+Yarrow, Achillea millefolium: Flowers, leaves:

Leaves astringent, used in bowel complaints and with dermatological needs. Foliage infusion used for colds, as a febrifuge, upset stomach, and as a mild sedative. Leaves can be smoked to loosen phlegm and clear chest congestion.

*** Cautions: Asteraceae family ***

Tea (and such)

MAKE YOUR OWN TEA

Design and order your own tea 

52 herbal tea recipes 

Happy hippie tea creator

My tea blending room

Starbucks Chai Tea Recipe

Copycat Starbucks Passion Lemon Tea

52 DIY herbal tea recipes (list of links from a blog)

Bubble/Boba Tea Recipes

Healthy Matcha Green Tea Milkshake

treehugger-8 ways to spice up tea/coffee

youtube diy blooming tea

Using Wild/Local Herbs

(please don’t go eating/drinking random things you’ve found in your yard or park, do the research and save yourself a hospital trip; a lot of these require special preparation so please look into that before potentially harming yourself)

offthegridnews- tea from you backyard

eattheweeds- edible flowers

Walkingtimes- 52 wild plants you can eat

Freebies

Freeleaf

Fitness And Freebies

Herbal roots zine

80 natural/organic companies that send free coupons

Tea Supplies

Set of 50 muslin reusable bags $8

Strawberry tea infuser $1

Deep sea diver infuser $7,50

Buddha elephant tea pot

Abundant Health (not much to do with tea but they’re all about essential oils, and their bottles and containers are a steal)

Tips for buying thrifted china

Strawsome BPA-free Straws

Lolli Cup Store (also Teas, Boba, Flavorings, ect)

Cuppow!-Turn canning jar into Mug/Lunchbox/Pour-Over-Brewer

DiY and Upcycling

Make TeaBags out of Recycled Fabric

Turn Mason Jar Into Spill Proof Cup

Buy Herbs/Tea/Dried Flowers/Ect

Mountain Maus Remedies Easy Store

Herbs, Spices, Teas, in Bulk

Dried fruit in bulk

Edible flower shop UK

Mountain Rose Herbs

Spirit Apothecary Botanicals & Findings (sold for magic mainly)

Bulk Apothecary

Iherb trials (not really tea but supplements, soaps, ect)

yunomi (Japanese, also sells tea ware)

golden tips tea (indian)

Tea box (all over world)

Spiritual

Magickal Properties of herbs and flowers

A-Z Herb use

Health

Herbs and Health Benefits

Web MD teas and their health benefits

150 herbs uses and health benefits

Dandelion Benefits-roots greens teas

ASASP Thought Coffee vs Tea

12 Green Tea Recipes For Weight Loss

Water

Wiki how to make cucumber water

The yummy life naturally flavored water (tips&recipes)

4 ways to make drinking water even healthier

Add fruit/herbs/flowers to ice!

Misc.

Preserving pumpkin

Wikihow to Dry Flowers

7 Basic Recipes For Preserving Edible Flowers

Wild herbs

Waterbath Canning

TEA BEER!?

youtube- how to make tea the British way

Tea-rriffic: tea infused ice cream

This is what has come out of saving websites to my drafts for later use. 

A masterpost based off of tea.

Persian Rose “Love Spell” Cookies

What cute valentines day kitchen witchery inspo!

Why Aren’t my Spells Working?

A break-down of why your magickal intent may not be taking effect in your life

Hi there! So, if you’re reading this, you’ve probably had this problem at one time or another; in fact, almost all witches experience a ‘fizzled’ spell every once in awhile… but what happens when you’ve been casting multiple, and they all just won’t take? Here are some reasons why this could be happening:

⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜⧜

The spell was not transferred enough energy to take effect. Think of this as filling up a balloon with helium ~ If you don’t put enough in, the balloon with just roll around or float a few inches above the floor, rather than floating high in the air like you intended for it to do. This can also happen with spells! There needs to be enough energy transfer (The energy you put in, the energy you’ve taken from something/someone else, etc.) to allow the spell to ‘take hold’ and manifest strongly and in the way you preferred. 

You’re not helping the magick along when it requires you to do so. For many spells, such as magick geared towards jobs, people, physical events, etc. there needs to be more than just one magickal variable working towards your intent to manifest. You need to work for it; If you cast a spell for a job, you also better be turning in that application and resume along with it ~! A spell can increase your chance, luck, and appeal, but it cannot contact your employer and set up an interview. 

(A break-off from the above reason) Your conditions just don’t allow the magick to materialize easily. This is the most possible to happen in weather spells, such as those to bring heavy rain to a dry climate area, or magick for something that your life/area just cannot manifest. For example, imagine somebody trying to cast a spell to ‘make one of their friends fall in love with them’ whilst having not a single friend in their life; the spell is incapable of materializing, because their are no variables for it to work with! It is a sad thing to think about, certainly, but this example shows how casting a spell that is wrong for your life situation can cause it to work improperly or not at all. (Tip: This person should have cast a spell for new friends first! This also shows how you may be casting spells that are wrong for the situation) 

Your wording was not the best. Similar to how people will often word things in a positive or future-tense manner (EX: ‘I AM BRAVE’ / rather than ‘I WILL BE BRAVE’) during spellwork or how in some fairytales the genie will grant a wish in a horrible way according to the wording of a wish, you must be careful to be clear and concise in what you’re wanting! Stay away from vague or general wording; You’ll wish you had when you try to cast a spell for a person to love you romantically, and later find that they love you like a sibling or best friend ~ 

You forgot to/incorrectly grounded after a spell. Grounding is not only important to maintain your own energies, but it is also a good tool for assuring that the energies of your spell don’t simply go on floating ‘up in the clouds’, failing to come down to earth and manifest! Grounding after a spell also increases the chances that it will work faster. 

Your focus/energy was off during the spell. Common for those with a low rate of focus, who’s mind wanders easily, or with low/confidence and doubt (which can especially put off your energies) you might have broken the intent of the spell while casting it. Not to worry, for spells can be re-cast and focus can be sharpened, but be sure to have a strong mind when performing visualization or transferring your intent into a spell! This can lead to a spell manifesting in a different way than you intended (which may not always be a bad thing) or just all-together not working.

(For people-directed magick) The person on the other end of your spell has a protection ward. If you’re simply trying as hard as you can to curse, heal, bless, cast upon another witch without their knowledge, there’s a chance that they have up some magickal barriers of their own. Be cautious with curses on other witches especially, since there are wards to reflect curses back upon the sender, and you never know! This can also be so if you are casting magick upon somebody to improve an aspect of their life; they may unknowingly be mentally/spiritually guarding, or ‘closing’ their energy, making it difficult for the magick to attach to them. 

Further tip: Have patience! Some spells take a while to manifest or come to be, and if you’re becoming discouraged after them not working within a week, you need to have a bit of patience.

Keep in mind that these are things anybody can do without knowing; they do not at all make you a bad or incapable witch, but it is important to know and accept why they may not be working. I hope for those that experience it, these reasons can provide some insight ~ This post was inspired by all of the anons who have been asking this question frequently

Send me a message if you have any questions or comments ♡ Thank you!

~Rainy

Essential oil blends for witches

*please remember to dilute properly with a carrier oil

Sea witch blend🌊

-rosemary, lemon, jasmine

Air witch blend☁️

-lavender, sage, lemongrass

Fire witch blend🔥

-cinnamon, clove, ginger

Water witch blend💧

-geranium, bergamot, eucalyptus

Earth/green witch blend🌳

-cederwood, patchouli, tea tree

Floral witch blend🌹

-ylang-ylang, lavender, chamomile

Herbal witch blend🌿

-sage, oregano, basil

Kitchen/hearth witch blend🏠

-rosemary, black pepper, cinnamon

Lunar witch blend🌙

-lemon, sandalwood, lavender

Solar witch blend☀️

-grapefruit, orange, frankincense

Love witch blend💖

-geranium, cinnamon, rose

Ice Witch blend❄

-pine, peppermint, eucalyptus

Cosmic witch blend🌟

-lemongrass, bergamot, thyme

Storm witch blend☔

- tea tree, lavender, black pepper