Waxing Moon

The Waxing Moon phase occurs approximately 3 days after the New Moon and lasts about 14 days.

The Moon appears to be growing larger each day making this a great time for magick involving gain and bringing things toward you such as spells for: Abundance, Artistic creation, Career advancement, Divination, Energy raising, Fertility, Friendship, Garden planting, Goals, Good luck, Growth, Harmony, Happiness, Health, Judgement, Inspiration, Love, Money, Obtaining, Power, Protection, Real estate (buy), Sexual desire, Strength, Travel, Unions, Weather working (bring forth), Weight gain, Wisdom and Wishes.

Happy Casting!

Daily Ingredient - Honey

Honey

Honey is definitely a food of the Gods. More than just a sweet treat, it has been used in health and beauty for centuries.

Honey contains a variety of antioxidants and its antimicrobial properties have been effective in the treatment of wounds and burns. It has shown promise in inhibiting the growth of a range of bacteria and fungi and is also successful as a cough suppressant in children over 12 months of age.

Widely used in the beauty industry, it does wonders for the skin and is my favorite facial. It is a humectant meaning it attracts and retains moisture, it evens the skin tone particularly redness, it is an anti-irritant, making it suitable for sensitive skin and baby care products and is a gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin cells leaving your skin glowing.

Honey Facial

After a shower spread a layer of honey (not too thick or thin) over your entire face.

Sit back and relax for 10 minutes. Place a towel on your chest to catch any drips.

Rinse with warm (not hot) water. It rinses off surprisingly well!

Pat dry.

*Use no more than 3x per week as it may slightly lighten skin if used more than that.

Honey's magickal uses include: fertility, purification, romance and attracting happiness.

Daily Ingredient - Lemons

Lemons

It is hot on Canada's East coast. So hot in fact, I am fantasizing about a tall glass of ice cold lemonade. While regular lemonade is delicious, it's also packed full of sugar which isn't such a good thing. So while hunting for a less sweetened version, I stumbled upon this recipe for lemonade sweetened with agave nectar.

Since I already use agave in my baking recipes and have some in the cupboard right now, it works out perfectly.

Agave comes from the agave cactus which is the same plant tequila is made from. Agave nectar, unlike tequila, is non-alcoholic and very low glycemic, meaning it will not cause blood sugar spikes making it suitable for diabetics. It can be found in many grocery stores' natural food sections or specialty natural food stores. It does taste a little different than sugar and is about twice as sweet so a bit of tweaking might be necessary when you first try it.

On to the lemonade recipe!
From http://weelicious.com/2009/06/09/agave-lemonade/
Agave Lemonade (Makes 4- 1 Cup Servings)
1/2 Cup Lemon Juice
1/3 Cup Agave
3 Cups Water
Ice
1. Combine the lemon juice, agave and water in a pitcher.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Pour over ice and serve

Lemons can also be used in many ways around the house. To remove stubborn food from your microwave, place a microwave safe cup or dish of water and a couple of lemon slices on Cook for 1 minute. After it is finished, leave the door closed for a few extra minutes. The steam will loosen the stuck on food making it a cinch to wipe off and the lemon will leave the microwave smelling fresh and clean.

Lemons are also a very magickal ingredient and are often used in spells for Cleansing, Purification, Love, Blessings and Happiness.