If you were wondering if you can still join us THIS AFTERNOON for my Herbs and Magickal Gifts from the Garden workshop, the answer is — YES! There are still seats for you (maybe even a friend or two).Join us from 1 to 5pm TODAY at Dancing Moon Books in Raleigh as we: Create Sacred … Read more
Everyday Elsie by Lora Craig-Gaddis Hot lavender, mints, savory, marjoram;The marigold, that goes to bed wi’ the sun,and with him rise weeping. — The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare Here are a couple of lavender recipes you might like to try this weekend. I have to admit I have not made the tart yet, so … Read more
The Love Potion – Evelyn de Morgan, 1903There are some things after all that Sally Owens knows for certain: Always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder. Keep rosemary by your garden gate. Add pepper to your mashed potatoes. Plant roses and lavender, for luck. Fall in love whenever you can. — Practical Magic, by … Read more
Ladies fair, I bring to youLavender with spikes of blue;Sweeter plant was never foundGrowing on our English ground.— Caryl Battersby, 1896 The medicinal properties of lavender are well-known, tried and true for many centuries. But I also love it for its more subtle, equally powerful gifts. I know lavender to be an intimate friend, teacher … Read more
Hanged up in houses,it doth very well attemper the aire,coole and make fresh the place to the delightand comfort of such as are therein. — John Gerard, 1597 As our days fill with the gift of Summer’s lush ripening, beloved Thalia, the Grace of Mirth and Flowering, continues to teach us. In the hot, summery … Read more
The air was fragrant with a thousand trodden aromatic herbs, with fields of lavender, and with the brightest roses blushing in tufts all over the meadows. . . — William Cullen Bryant As the Wheel of the Year turns now to the fullness of Summer’s lush ripening, we continue on our Graceland journey — that … Read more
I must go seek some dewdrops hereAnd hang a pearl in every cowslip’s ear.Farewell, thou lob of spirits;I’ll be gone: Our queen and all our elves come here anon.— From A Midsummer Night’s Eve, by William Shakespeare Today is the last day of Spring. Today, go outside, taste the rich fruit that has come of … Read more
I gather thyme upon the sunny hills,And its pure fragrance ever gladdens me,And in my mind having tranquillityI smile to see how my green basket fills.And by clear streams I gather daffodils… — from Immalee by Christina Rosette To enhance the fresh, clearing energy of Spring, I like to make a magical dry potpourri (as … Read more
The young maid stole through the cottage door,And blushed as she sought the Plant of pow’r; —“Thou silver glow-worm, O lend me thy light,I must gather the mystic St. John’s wort tonight,The wonderful herb, whose leaf will decideIf the coming year shall make me a bride.”— Old German St. John’s Eve divination spell Today is … Read more
Amazing Grace, how sweet the EarthThat birthed a Witch like me.I once was burned, now I surviveWas hanged, but now I’m free. T’was grace that drew down the MoonAnd grace that raised the sea,The magic of our people’s willWill set our Mother free. Rejoice! Rejoice! Blessings of Litha! May the children of Earth awaken, rise … Read more