Ingredient of the Day - Ginger

One of the most medicinal foods found in the modern kitchen is ginger root. Ginger root is the underground rhizome of the ginger plant and can have flesh that is yellow, white or red, depending upon the variety. The yellow variety is what is commonly found in North American supermarkets.

Ginger is widely known for its healing properties, especially its anti-inflammatory properties and effect on inflammation based pain such as that from arthritis and menstrual cramps.

At this stage of my life I do not use prescription or OTC drugs (with the exception of vitamins and supplements) so ginger tea has become my "drug" of choice in relieving menstrual cramps. It takes about an hour to kick in but its effects last at least 3 or 4 hours. Having a cup or two the day prior to your cycle will get the ginger into your system possibly preventing the cramps from becoming as severe.

There have been tests conducted on the effect of ginger extract on cancer cells but I won't get into that here. For more information visit the World's Healthiest Foods article on Ginger here.

Ginger's other medicinal uses include: relieving nausea and vomiting (including motion and morning sickness- see below cautions), reducing intestinal gas, relaxing/soothing the digestive tract, detoxification and boosting immunity.

For nausea - Steep one or two 1/2-inch slices of fresh ginger root in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes.
For inflammatory pain (arthritis, menstrual cramps etc.) - Peel a 2 inch piece of ginger root and slice into thin slices. Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, add the ginger. Cover and reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea. If it's too spicy, dilute with a little fresh water until tolerable.

To store unpeeled: Wrap in paper towel and store in its own plastic bag in your fridge's crisper drawer for up to 3 weeks. It can be frozen for up to 6 months.

Magickally speaking ginger is associated with power, love, money, healing, and success (including enhancing the success of spell work). It can be used in an amulet, mojo or medicine bag to promote healing and protection. Eating some ginger before working magickally with ginger helps to slightly raise your energy level in turn helping the spell.

In aromatherapy the uplifting and energizing scent warms the heart and cold, dull or fearful emotional states. It helps to open up feeling and improve communication, improve memory, sharpen the senses and stimulate energy.

Cautions:
Ginger in all forms is usually very safe however it should not be taken in the 4 days prior to surgery as it can make blood platelets less sticky, affecting bleeding time. It's fine to take the day after. Those on blood thinners should also consult with their doctor.
Do not take ginger for the first 2 months of pregnancy.
Ginger increases bile flow so people with gallstones should consult their doctor prior to taking.
250g or 1 cup of tea, 4x a day is the safe recommended dose.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. This information is not intended to be medical advice. As with all herbs and drugs, research is a must and consult with your health care professional before using medicinally.

Moon in Gemini

From August 15 - August 17 at 2:19 p.m. EST the Moon is visiting Gemini.

Now is a good time for magick involving Communication, Change of residence, Writing, Public relations, Travel and Healing for the shoulders, arms and hands. The corresponding color is mauve and the nature spirits of Gemini are the airy Sylphs.

Happy Casting!
~

Corn Moon

On August 5 we celebrate the Corn Moon.

The Corn Moon and the month of August in general is a time for harvesting, gathering, sacrificing unwanted influences, appreciation vitality, relationships and spiritual and physical health.

Corn Moon Correspondences:
Colors: Red, Yellow, Orange
Herbs: Basil, Chamomile, Rosemary, Rue
Gemstones: Tiger's Eye, Carnelian, Garnet, Red Agate
Element: Fire

Corn Moon Ritual

Decorate your altar with a cloth of yellow, gold, orange or red, ears of corn and a chalice of wine. Have a cauldron ready in which you can burn paper and a black candle.
Cast a circle and create sacred space.
Light the candle.
Prepare a list of things you are ready to remove from your life. Focus on letting go of the unnecessary things or habits in your life that you wish to be free of.
Touch the paper to the flame and when it ignites, drop it into the cauldron. Offer the list to the spirit of the first harvest.
Affirmation of the Corn Moon: I sacrifice that which is no longer useful in my life.

(Ritual adapted from Llelwellyn's Witches Date Book)

~

Moon in Saggitarius

From July 30 - August 2 at 1:42 a.m. EST the Moon is in the sign of Saggitarius. The Saggitarian Moon is harmonious with workings for: Horses, Travel, Legal matters, Sports and Truth. Healing for the liver, thighs and hips are best done at this time. The corresponding colors of this Moon are dark blue and purple and
the governing spirits are the fiery Dragons and Fey who watch over the South.
Happy Casting!
~

Moon in Scorpio

From July 28 to July 30 at 8:54 a.m. EST the Moon is in mysterious Scorpio.

This is a good time for magick involving: Sexual matters, Power, Psychic growth, Secrets and healing for the reproductive organs. The corresponding colors of this Moon are red and black and the governing spirits are the Undines, water spirits of the West.

Happy Casting!

~

Mojo Bags

Mojo bags are known by several different names: Conjure bags, charm bags, gris gris bags; but they all refer to the same thing. They are pouches filled with various magickal items such as herbs and crystals. The term Mojo bag most likely came from the word "mojuba," which is a West African word meaning a prayer of praise. A Mojo bag is like a "prayer in a bag" or a spell you can carry.

Depending on the spell, Mojo bags are used in different ways such as worn on the person, slept with under the pillow, buried in the earth or thrown into a flowing body of water. For example, to draw money you could wear the Mojo bag on your person or make a minature version to fit in your purse or wallet. To banish sickness from yourself, you would wear the Mojo bag for a time to absorb your energy then either bury it in the earth (in a place where you will not return) or throw it into a body of water that is moving away from you. For us Witches in the city, burying things and finding moving bodies of water can be difficult, so improvise! If there are no rivers nearby, make a makeshift pouch out of bathroom tissue, hold it for a few minutes, pour your energy and sickness into it, then flush it down the toilet visualizing your ill health going along with it, never to return.

To make a Mojo bag you will first need a pouch or fabric in the appropriate color. I prefer to sew my own pouches because more of my energy gets put into the spell, however, when I need something quick, the ready mades are perfect.

You can then add one or more of the following. Don't forget to charge each item with your intent before adding it to the bag.

-Herbs to fit your purpose (Ex: Dill for money, Ginger for health etc.)
-Crystals or tumbled gemstones to fit your purpose
-A written incantation or prayer
-Anything else you wish to add

One Mojo bag I made for a friend (with permission) consisted of a green pouch I sewed myself with a $ sewed on the front, dill inside for money, and a written request to find a job quickly. While I constructed the bag I visualized him getting a job. He carried the Mojo bag with him while he handed out resumes and to job interviews. Within 2 weeks he had his first job and was making $10/hr. Would he have gotten the job without the Mojo bag? Possibly. Did the Mojo bag help? Probably. It didn't hurt to give the Universe an extra push in the right direction.

Happy Casting!

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!

Moon in Virgo

The moon has 4 major phases; waxing, full, waning and new. However,
every 3 or 4 days the moon moves through the minor phases of each zodiac sign. From July 23 to July 26 at 1:25 a.m. EST, the moon is in Virgo.

Moon in Virgo is a good time for workings related to Employment, Intellectual matters, Health and Dietary concerns. If you plan to do healing work, the areas of the body that will benefit most from this Moon's energy are the intestines and nervous system. The corresponding colors are navy blue and rust orange. The governing spirits are the Gnomes, who rule the earth element which also rules Virgo.

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 - Basil

Basil

No Kitchen Witch's pantry is complete without basil. A staple in any kitchen, basil is one of the most versatile herbs in cooking and magick. It can be used for spells involving: Love, Removing negativity, Wealth, Protection, Sympathy, Fidelity, Healing relationships and Courage to name a few!

Basil and many other herbs can be used in a variety of ways such as herb sachets (mojo bags), herbal baths, teas, infusions, incense and of course added to your cooking after being magickally charged.

Simple Basil Spell:

Decide what your goal is going to be out of the above list. For our purposes we will say courage.

Make a dinner recipe containing basil.

Before adding the basil to the dish, hold the quantity you are going to use in your dominant hand and close your eyes. Clear your mind as best as possible as try to become aware of the herb's energy. You may start to feel the basil tingle in your hand. If you don't that's okay, it will come with practice.

Next, visualize the color you would associate with courage. To me, it is a strong orange but there are no rules here, whatever color speaks to you will be most powerful.
Visualize this color filling your body while at the same time visualizing yourself feeling courageous and facing whatever issue it is you need the extra courage for.

Mentally transfer the color and images to the basil. I visualize the color flowing from by body, down my arm, into the hand holding the basil then into the basil itself. Picture the basil glowing with not only the color but the strong, courageous feelings you invoked.

Add the basil to the dish, confident that by ingesting it you have given yourself the extra courage you need to face your issue.

Magick isn't a "ZAP!" but it gets the wheels of the Universe turning and sets the stage for some major change to take place. The spell is just the first step. The next step is working toward the goal on the physical level. In this case it might be to face whatever issue you need to face instead of shying away and putting it off.

This spell could just as easily be used for any of the above mentioned purposes simply by changing the color and images you visualize.