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Medicinal Monday – Birch

Monday, June 6th, 2011

Birch

Botanical Name: Betula Pendula

The silver birch was  regarded as a symbol of spring – a tree of life and fertility. Folklore has honored it as a protector against demons, and the trees leaves, bark and sap have long been used to fight illness such as bladder infections, kidney stones, eczema and rheumatism.

Plant Facts: A member of the Betulaceae, or birch, family. It grows to a height of 100 feet and is recognized by its grayish-white, peeling bark and dark cracks at the base. The bark and leaves have an organic, bitter taste and act as an astringent.

Origin: Birch is usually found in the thickets and in dry deciduous and evergreen forests of North America, Europe and the temperate zones of northern Asia.

Plant parts: In the United States, branches and bark of the birch tree are used medicinally to make teas through dry distillation.

Components: The leaves contain diuretic flavonoids, anti-inflammatory tannins and saponins, as well as a great deal of vitamin C. The plant juice contains sugar, phytohormones and protein; the bark contains resins and the camphor like compound betulin.

Indications: Birch leaves have diuretic properties because of the flavonoids they contain; they increase urinary excretion without irritating the kidneys. A tea made from the leaves can be used as a flushing agent for urinary tract infections and to help prevent kidney stones. Traditional medicine uses preparations of birch teas for treating gout, abscesses and rheumatism. Hair rinses with birch as an added ingredient are thought to promote growth.

Methods of Administration

Tea infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp. of dried birch leaves. Steep for 10-15 min; then strain. Drink 1 cup up to 3 times daily.

Tea decoction: Heat 1 cup of water to boiling; reduce it to a gentle simmer and then add 1 tbsp. of birch bark. Simmer for 15-20 min. and strain. Drink 1-2 cups of the tea daily. The decoction can also serve as the basis for a skin lotion that can be applied to warts or areas with psoriasis or eczema.

Tincture: Pour 1 cup of vodka over 2 tsp. of birch bark in a clean glass jar. Cover; shake. Steep for 3-4 days. Take 1 tsp. of the tincture 2-3 times a day.

Extract: Many teas for the bladder and kidney contain a powder of birch tea or dried extracts of birch bark or leaves. These are sometimes blended with other medicinal plants that have similar diuretic and disinfectant effects.

Lore: Native Americans made a tea with silver birch bark that was used for treating lower back pain. The bark contains mthyl salicylate, a substance that may have effects similar to aspirin.

References:

  • The Complete Guide To Natural Healing

Note: Consult with a Physician if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the information listed above.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all and have a great day!

Lisa

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Tarot Journal – The Intuition & Basic Ethics of the Tarot

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

The Intuition & Basic Ethics of the Tarot

Lesson 2: Intuitive Tarot Certification Course

All I can say is, WOW! So much useful and interesting information in this course. I learned about 2 very influential men, Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell.

Just a brief overview:

Carl Jung was a Swiss psychologist and founder of Analytical psychology, also called Jungian psychology. Originally he had no plans of studying psychology as it was frowned upon at the time. He later read that psychoses are personality diseases, which was of great interest to him. Jung had many childhood memories that left life long impressions, and realized this is what he was searching for. He was convinced as a boy he had 2 personalities; 1. A typical schoolboy living in the era of the time, 2. A dignified, authoritative and influential man from the past.

He was the first psychologist to say the human psyche is “by nature religion”. Jung was a practicing clinician, but most of his work involved the studies of Eastern and Western philosophies, such as alchemy, astrology, sociology, as well as art and literature. All of which are related to the human psyche found in dreams and the unconscious.

Jungian psychology (aka analytical psychology) is wholeness through the integration of unconscious forces and motivations underlying human behavior. It is the model of the unconscious mind as the source of healing and development in an individual. Jung saw the psyche as mind, but also admits the mystery of soul, and used as empirical evidence, the practice of an accumulative phenomenology around the significance of dreams, archetypes and mythology

Joseph Campbell was an American mythologist, writer and lecturer, known for his work in comparative mythology and comparative religion. Best known for his philosophy: “Follow your bliss.” After visiting The American Museum of Natural History in New York as a boy, he became versed in numerous aspects of Native American society, primarily in Native American mythology. He then became very passionate about myth and the study of and mapping of the cohesive threads in mythology that appeared to exist among even disparate human cultures.

Campbell was highly influenced by Sigmund Freud, but in particular on the work of Carl Jung. In his book The Mythic Image, Campbell quotes Jung’s statement about the Bardo Thodol, that it “belongs to that class of writings which not only are of interest to specialists in Mahayana Buddhism, but also, because of their deep humanity and still deeper insight into the secrets of the human psyche, make an especial appeal to the layman seeking to broaden his knowledge of life.

He had a big influence on pop culture. George Lucas credited Campbell’s influence. Lucas stated following the release of the first Star Wars film in 1977 that its story was shaped, by ideas described in The Hero with a Thousand Faces and. Campbell was further reinforced when reprints of Campbell’s book used the image of Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker on the cover.Lucas discusses this influence the authorized biography of Joseph Campbell, A Fire in the Mind.

On to Archetypes, I was asked What is an archetype? Describe five examples of archetypes and their meanings which have not already been discussed in the lecture material (for instance a heart = love, red= stop, etc.)

An archetype is a symbol recognized universally that can trigger emotions or memories. It can take on different forms (e.g. a color, a sign, person, or place). It’s an idea or image from the unconscious. Also an original idea in which similar things are patterned.

Examples:

  • Tiger: Very warm, loving. Independent minded. Pays scant regard for others feelings while pursuing fun and freedom.
  • Monkey: Wily and cunning. Ignores regimented rules. Free spirit.
  • Rooster: Brave and enthusiastic. Notoriously picky. Highly intelligent. Rarely has wool pulled over its eyes.
  • Dog: Honest, loyal, sincere. Believes in justice for all. Fights for principles. Sometimes bad tempered, self-righteous.
  • Dragon: Charismatic and colorful. Wants to be center of attention. Very arrogant.

I had to pick 2 cards from my deck and explain my perception of them:

Death was my first card. To me I find it an end and and beginning. It doesn’t necessarily mean psychical death, perhaps the end of an era. I can relate to this card in many ways, I had to let many things in my life end in order to have new and stronger beginnings. I believe a lot of people see this card and it scares them, to me it’s like saying “One door closes and another one opens.”

Second card is Temperance. Like the death card, I also see it as an end. There maybe disaster ahead, but these things too will pass. We must find self control and use everything in moderation, or it will lead to something unfortunate.

Tarot cards help you find deeper levels of emotion, through your connection with spirituality. There is something that lies deeper, the unconscious. Tarot reflects hidden aspects of your own life, It a helps you to communicate what you are actually seeing and mentally analyzing.

As far as The Tarot and destiny go, I believe destiny is what you make it. If you do a reading and it may not be positive, that can always be changed. I don’t believe anything is set in stone. I had the choice last year to lay down and die or get up and fight, I chose to fight. Our life is what we make of it. Sometimes we need help along the way and I see the Tarot as a great tool for that.

First and four most we need to realize while doing a reading, nothing is set in stone, as said before our destiny is what we make of it. The cards help show many possibilities in ones life, it just depends on how you chose to use the information you’ve received. People are coming to you for help, so be careful of the information you pass on. You never know one’s personal state of being. Never give anyone a scare, be sure to try and talk to the person and ask them questions. Make sure you have good communication.

Staying positive is important, you want a good connection not only with the person you are reading for, but also with your cards. I believe people, whether you know them or not can always feel negative vibes. That’s not going to make for a good reading and the cards may also reflect what you are feeling. I sound like a hippie.

I’ve been using the Witches tarot and The Rider Deck, I’ve found that I really like The Rider Deck. I just purchased the Dali and The Legacy of the Divine Tarot, I think the cards are beautiful. Does anyone else have these decks, and what do you think?

Feel free to post your thoughts, opinions and comments.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!

Lisa

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Friday’s Food For Thought

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

Indian Grilled Chicken


Prep time: 21 minutes
marinating time 12 hours
grilling time 16 minutes Servings: 6
Partner: Rice & Pasta Pilaf

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon water
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon each cardamom, ginger, cumin and black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 (3-pound) chicken
  • Lime wedges, optional for garnish

Preparation:

  • Combine water and dry mustard in a medium bowl and mix well. Stir in yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, cardamom, ginger, cumin, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Pour yogurt mixture in a large resealable plastic bag.
  • Cut the chicken into 6 pieces and remove the skin. Place chicken in the plastic bag. Turn bag to coat chicken.
  • Marinate in the refrigerator, turning occasionally, for 12 hours; drain well.
  • Preheat a charcoal grill. Place the grill rack 5 inches above the coals. Arrange chicken on grill rack. Grill over medium-hot coals until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of meat registers 180°F, about 8 minutes per side. Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with lime wedges, if desired.

Tip: Used the extra cardamom for spiced tea. Bring 3 cups of water to a boil with a cinnamon stick, a whole clove, 5 coriander seeds and 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom. When the water boils, add 2 teaspoons of loose tea and steep for 3 minutes. Strain the tea through a coffee filter into  a teapot and add 1/2 cup milk and 1 tablespoon sugar. Serve hot or cold.

Enjoy! Have a Great Weekend!

Lisa

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Medicinal Monday – Vitamin Deficiency

Monday, April 18th, 2011

Vitamin Deficiency


Important Vitamins:

  • Pantothenic acid for the brain.
  • Vitamin D for the bones.
  • Vitamin B12 for the blood.
  • Vitamin A for the heart and circulation.
  • Thiamin for the muscles.

Every cell in the body relies on a sufficient supply of vitamins to do its metabolic work. Vitamins perform many functions, they promote blood formation and healthy skin, hair and vision, as well as the maintainability of  nerves and muscles. Most vitamins must be obtained from foods or supplements because the body cannot produce them.

Vitamin deficiencies are common to many groups of people: dieters, pregnant or nursing women, the elderly, people under stress, and those taking medications (such as cortisone or antibiotics). Cigarettes, coffee, alcohol and birth control pills all rob the body of vitamins. The first signs of a vitamin deficiency are fatigue, irritability and anxiety. Over time, the immune system will weaken.

Recent research suggests that some vitamins can help prevent certain disorders. (e.g. cancer, cataracts, arthritis and heart disease)

Preserving Vitamins:
A healthy diet of fruits, grains and vegetables are necessary to avoid vitamin deficiency. It could take weeks or months of intake below recommended levels to show signs. Air, light, long storage, and overcooking vegetables diminish vitamins.

  • Buy fresh grown produce.
  • Frozen fruit, over canned vegetables have more nutrition.
  • Don’t buy precut produce. Wash and cut fruits and vegetables just before serving.
  • Eat skins on apples and pears.
  • Choose organic fruit.
  • Steam, rather than boil vegetables.

Fat-soluble vitamins:
To increase fat-soluble vitamins, cook with olive oil.

Vitamin Functions RDI Supplied by
A Healthy skin; heart 5000 IU 1 medium carrot
D Bone formation 300 IU 3 ½ oz. avocado
E Cell protection 30 IU 1 tbsp; wheat germ oil
K Blood circulation 80 mcg. ¼ cup parsley

Water-soluble vitamins:
Water-soluble vitamins are not stored by the body, a daily dose of them are listed below.

Vitamin Functions RDI Supplied by
B6 Strengthens nerves 2 mg 2 large bananas
B12 For red blood cells 3 mg 3 ½ oz. salmon
C For immune system, wound healing, cell protection 60 mg 2 cups fresh raspberries
Folic Acid For cell formation, fights heart disease, birth defects 450 mg. 2 cups asparagus
Niacin For energy metabolism 20 mg. 5 oz. chicken breast
Pantothenic acid For the central nervous system 10 mg. 10 cups skim milk
Riboflavin Fights fatigue 1.7 mg. 3 cups nonfat yogurt
Thiamin Strengthens muscles, heart, nerves 1.5 mg. 5 oz. pork loin

Multivitamin Preparation:
Not a substitute for a healthy diet, a multivitamin that supplies no more than the reference Daily for each nutrient can provide extra insurance. Except for vitamin E, which may be safely taken in dosages upto 400 IU by people not using anticoagulant drugs, taking supplements of individual vitamins is generally not a good idea, because sometimes very high doses are harmful.

Antioxidant power:
Beta-carotene (found in dark green vegetables and orange fruits and vegetables), vitamin C (found in citrus fruits and broccoli) and vitamin E (found in nuts, vegetable oil and dark leafy greens) are all natural antioxidants. These substances help neutralize free radicals, which in turn help prevent accelerated aging and fight disease, such as cancer and heart disease.

Vitamin-rich cocktails:
The best source of vitamins are raw fruits and vegetables. Use a juicer to make the cocktails below.

To boost the immune system
2 carrots, ½ lemon, 1 stalk celery, ½ red beet, 1 handful wheatgrass

To guard against cancer
3 carrots, ½ apple, 1 handful broccoli florets

To renew cells and fight the aging processes
3 carrots, 1 handful spinach, 1 orange, 1 tsp. olive oil

To improve vision
1 apple, 1 kiwifruit, 1 handful mache, 1 tsp. olive oil

Tips: Smoking destroys vitamin C, 100 mg a day is needed to supply this amount. Excessive caffeine can also lead to a vitamin deficiency.

References:

  • The Complete Guide To Natural Healing

Note: Consult with a Physician if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the information listed above.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all and have a great day!

Lisa

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Tarot Journal – History, Mystery & Basic Structure

Saturday, April 9th, 2011

History, Mystery & Basic Structure

Lesson 1: Intuitive Tarot Certification Course

So begins my journey into the world of Tarot. I will be using The Rider-Waite and The Witches Tarot decks. I picked up The Witches Tarot a while back, the artwork is what drew me to it. It has been used a lot in my photography, but never for divination. The second deck purchased was the Rider-Waite deck, honestly a store owner told me that this would be a great deck to learn on, so I bought them. I actually really like this deck now, and pleased that I have it. I’m sure I will purchase a few more decks throughout this course, right now I have my eye on the Dali deck.

An older deck I really like is The Gumppenberg Neoclassical Tarot, circa 1807-1816. The obvious reason I chose it, was that it grabbed my eye. I like the dark and sleek design. It is a 78 card deck, printed on metal engraving plates and hand colored. The Major Arcana is different from traditional tarot, it has Roman numerals and Italian titles. The Minor Arcana are numbered in Arabic in the upper left and right corners. The pip cards in the suit have Spanish type that don’t interlace. The deck has a repeating border throughout, with an alternating oval and round shape. The cards are polished and have a repeating star design with rays alternating around a single dot on the back. Gumppenberg’s name appears on the ace of cups. There was a reprint of the deck in 1980 by Edizioni del Solleone under Vito Areinti’s direction. It was limited to 1500 decks.

I was asked to pick out a card from the Major Arcana that I felt most represented me. I didn’t even have to look to pick out my card. Strength has been something I’ve needed for a long time now. I feel that it represents my life significantly over the past 12 months. Not only have I risen above and beyond so many hardships, I’ve seen my entire family do the same. They are a part of me as well. Honestly, I didn’t know I had it in me until last year. I’ve seen death, pain and struggle. I know I have more obstacles ahead, but today I stand strong!

The next two question kind of go hand in hand, which suit and card in the Minor Arcana call to me and why? The Swords seem to call out to me the most. I see a fight to be had, whether it be my mental or physical ability. I see a defense mechanism popping up, always on the lookout for what’s to come. I will welcome anything, but will fight off anything negative. With that said I feel most connected to The Queen of Swords. Again, I feel a lot of fight and strength in this card as well as being defensive.

Another question was, Do the Swords represent Fire or Air? I would have to go with Air. Air is something that is all around us, It connects us with all the elements. I see the swords as being the same way, I find it the strongest of the suit. I live day to day looking for what mother nature is going to send me, based on the wind. If I’m golfing or wakeskating, air could screw it up with a nice gust of wind. This is how I’ve lived for a long time and is also when I feel the strongest. This may change as I learn and grow with the Tarot.

On a final note, there’s much controversy in the world of Tarot where The Fool (0) should be placed. One theory by French occultist Eliphas Levi wrote in his book The Dogmna and Ritual of Transcendental Magic place it between 20 and 21, some occultists still follow this sequence. In my opinion, I would place it as the first card in the Major Arcana.

I’m looking to find out how other people view Tarot, feel free to post your thoughts, opinions and comments.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all and have a great weekend!

Lisa

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Hump Day Herbs – Garlic

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011

Garlic

Botanical Name: Allium Sativum

Folk Names: Ajo, Clove Garlic, Poor Man’s Treacle, Stinkweed

Native to Central Asia, garlic is a species in the onion family Alliaceae.

The ancient Greeks placed garlic at cross-roads as a supper for the goddess Hecate, or for protection to ward off demons. Greek midwives would hang garlic cloves in birthing rooms to keep evil spirits away. Athletes would take large amounts of garlic before competition, and soldiers would consume garlic before going into battle. Roman soldiers ate garlic to inspire and give them courage. Egyptian slaves were fed garlic to keep up strength. Tibetan monks were forbidden from entering monasteries if they had eaten garlic. Nicholas Culpeper, (botanist/herbalist/astrologer) linked garlic with the planet Mars. A fiery planet also connected with blood. Dreaming that there is “garlic in the house” is known to mean you will discover hidden secrets.

Deity: Hekate

Element: Fire (Courage, Exorcism, Health, Lust, Protection, Strength)

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars (Courage, Exorcism, Hex-Breaking, Lust, Protection, Sexual Potency, Strength)

Powers: Anti-Theft, Healing, Exorcism, Lust, Protection

Medicinal Uses: Garlic has been used to prevent health problems including colds, flu, menstrual pain, high blood pressure, coughs, gastrointestinal problems, atherosclerosis, and bronchitis. It has been proven to kill various fungal infections, viruses, bacteria, and intestinal parasites. Also labeled as an antioxidant, garlic may help prevent certain cancers such as colon cancer and can improve the effectiveness of the immune system. Most popular, garlic is used for its effectiveness of cardiovascular wellness, as well as treating atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, respiratory infections, and triglyceride levels.

Magical Uses: Garlic is known to be extremely protective. It is excellent in a new home, hang braids of garlic to ward off thieves and evil. For protection while sleeping,  place under a pillow or make into a wreath placed above the bed.  Eating and wearing garlic is said to improve agility, courage, and physical endurance.

Ritual Uses: The bulb, stem, and flowers can be used in spells and as an amulet for protection. Burn the powdered herb to break spells and curses. Place with silver in a sachet of leather to bring money. Scatter around the home to promote lust.

Other Uses: Studies have found that concentrated garlic kills ticks within thirty minutes. Dehydrated garlic is used as a nutritional supplement in pet food to repel fleas and ticks.

References:

Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the herb listed above.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all and have a great day!

Lisa

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Hump Day Herbs – Fennel

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

FENNEL

Botanical Name: Foeniculum vulgare

Folk Names: Samar, Sheeh, Sweet Fennel

Fennel is a Perennial herb from the Apiaceae family. Native to the Mediterranean and Southern Europe, it grows to the height of 2-6 feet.

Fennel was hung above doorways and on rafters in order to ward off  evil in the Middle Ages. The seeds were placed inside keyholes to prevent ghosts from entering the house. In 470 b.c. the Greeks defeated the Persians at Marathon. They fought on a field of fennel and this led to the belief that fennel inspired courage and strength. Greek and Roman soldiers chewed fennel seeds before entering battle.

Deities: Dionysus, Prometheus

Element: Fire (Courage, Exorcism, Health, Lust, Protection, Strength)

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mercury (Divination, Mental Powers, Psychic Powers, Wisdom)

Powers: Healing, Protection, Purification

Medicinal uses: All parts of the Fennel plant are used. Fennel is known to relieve digestive problems, increases lactation, relax spasms and reduce inflammation with expectorant, carminative and aromatic properties. Sweet Fennel oil is used in aromatherapy (it contains anethole, fenchon, limonene and a-pinene, while the seeds contain various flavonoids and furanocoumarins ).

Magical Uses: Hang over doors and windows with St. John’s Wort to repel evil spirits. Grow around the house, scent soaps and perfumes to ward off negativity and evil.

Ritual Uses: Use in spells and sachets for protection, healing, and purification. The oil can be used to enhance personal courage and strength, as well as love.

Other Uses: Syrup from fennel juice was given for chronic coughs. It is known to drive away fleas, powdered fennel has been used in kennels and stables.

References:

Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the herb listed above.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all and have a great day!

Lisa

During the Middle Ages, fennel was hung above doorways and on rafters in order to ward off the devil. Fennel seeds were also placed inside keyholes in order to prevent ghosts from entering the house; In 470 b.c. the Greeks defeated the Persians at Marathon. They fought on a field of fennel and this led to the belief that fennel inspired courage and strength. Greek and Roman soldiers chewed fennel seeds before entering battle.

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Hump Day Herbs – Echinacea

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

ECHINACEA

Botanical Name: Echinacea Augustifolia

Folk Names: Black Sampson, Coneflower, Rudbeckia

Echinacea is a Perennial plant from the the daisy family, Asteraceae. Native to North America, it grows to a height of 2-3 feet.

It was widely used by the Plains Indians for its medicinal qualities as a treatment for symptoms caused by the common cold. In the 1930s it became popular in both Europe and America as a herbal medicine.

Deities: Athena, Venus, Cerridwen

Element: Earth (Employment, Fertility, Healing, Money, Prosperity)

Gender: Male

Planet: Mars (Courage, Exorcism, Hex-Breaking, Lust, Protection, Sexual Potency)

Powers: Healing, Strengthening Spells

Medicianl Uses: Studies suggest that Echinacea contains active substances that enhance the activity of the immune system, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and have hormonal, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. Professional herbalists may recommend Echinacea to treat urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections, ear infections, athlete’s foot, sinusitis, hay fever, as well as slow-healing wounds.

Magical Uses: Echinacea is often used to strengthen the power of spells. It was also used by the Native Americans not only to strengthen their spells, but as an offering to spirits.

Ritiual Uses: Echinacea can be used to strengthen the power of charms, blends or sachets and burned as incense. It’ s also an excellent root to use in money magic.

Other Uses: It has been used as a general immune system enhancer, as well as treating various ailments (poisonous insect and snake bites, toothaches, mumps, small pox, blood purifier, measles). Research has shown that taking Echinacea at the first sign of a cold can decrease the duration and intensity.

References:

Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the herb listed above.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all and have a great day!

Lisa

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Hump Day Herbs – Datura

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

DATURA

Botanical Name: Datura Stranmonium

Folk Names: Devil’s Apple, Devil’s cucumber, Devil’s Trumpet, Ghost Flower, Jimsonweed, Love-Will, Mad Apple, Madherb, Manicon, Moonflower, Stinkweed, Sorcerer’s Herb, Thornapple, Toloache, Witche’s Thimble, Yerba del Diablo (Spanish herb of the Devil)

Datura is an annual herb from the Solanaceae (nightshade) family. It is believed to be native to Asia or South America, origins are unknown. It grows to a height of 2-4 feet, reaching a diameter of 4-6 feet.

Native Americans used Datura to induce trance-like states and enlightenment, often this was served as a right of passage. In l676 in the Jamestown Colony, a group of English soldiers believed the leaves of the Datura to be suitable pot greens. They boiled and and consumed  it, the effects lasted for eleven days.

Deities: Hades, Hecate, Saturn

Element: Water (Fidelity, Friendships, Healing, Love, Meditation, Prophetic Dreams, Purification, Sleep).

Gender: Feminine.

Planet: Saturn (Endings, Exorcisms, Longevity, Visions, ).

Powers: Hex-Breaking, Protection, sleep

Medicinal Uses: Datura has been used as an alternative medicine in treatments for various diseases. Seeds are the most active medicinal part of the plant. Flowering tops, Leaves and  seeds have anti-asthmatic, anodyne, hypnotic, hallucinogenic, mydriatic and narcotic properties.

Magical Uses: Datura can be used in amulets for insomnia, breaking spells and to ward off evil spirits. Sprinkle it around the house for protection. (If placed in incense, it may cause nausea and does not have a pleasant smell)

Ritual Uses: Datura was used by Shamans to transcend the physical world and embark on magical flights to the spirit world. The entire plant was used for divination, prophecy, initiation ceremonies, ritual intoxication, diagnosis and healing.

Other Uses: It is said to protect neighboring plants from insects. To cure dandruff and falling hair, the fruits of the juice are applied to the scalp.

Health Hazards: Poison!.  Datura is considered toxic.  It  should only be used under Physician’s supervision. (handling it may cause skin irritation)

References:

Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the herb listed above.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all and have a great day!

Lisa

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A Pop Culture Nightmare’s Journey to Paganism…(Guest Post By Wendy Chiles, the NOT so good Witch)

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

Everyone has an event that changes their perception of the world.  Be it a death in the family, war or an older sister chasing bullies with a broom, everyone goes through this process.

I had two, and oddly enough, they both had to do with my mother.  That never happens to anyone else, right?

The first started off simply enough.  I was in the car with my mum; I pulled out a book and began to read.  I was about seven years old and I had just discovered my love of reading.  I read anything with the voraciousness of a starving line backer.  Shakespeare, Blume, King, pretty much anything not nailed down.  The book I was reading that day was “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” The simple, innocent Christian allegory was fabulous, until my overly zealous Roman Catholic, Latin service mum saw the title, THE TITLE, and threw it out of the car window.  She then proceeded to run over it, not ,once but twice, with the car.  She then looked at me, with mildly validated eyes and said, “That will drive the devil out of it.”

The second was a film protest.  The evil film “Monty Python’s The Life of Bryan” came out when I was eight.  I wasn’t the big movie nut yet, that started at 12 when I saw “Some Like It Hot” and “The Misfits” in a double feature at the Byrd Theatre.  However, even at that age, I knew something was special about “Bryan”.  My mum never let me play on the sidewalks in Richmond City.  That night, she had bought me a new hula hoop and great comic books to handout to passers by.  I loved these comics, which I later found out were called Tracts.  I gave them out happily until one of the older kids told us about the movie and how funny it was.  I walked up to my Mum, not understanding why she would be so against a comedy.  She looked down at me and in her fervor shouted, “It’s blasphemous.” The like-minded non-thinkers shouted in approval.  I asked her what that meant and she explained that anything against God was blasphemous and evil.

I looked at her and asked innocently, “Have you seen it?” “I would never watch such FILTH.”

I decided at that moment never to judge anything until I had experienced it for myself.  I also decided to actually pay attention to the world.  I read even more and lived even more.  At thirteen, I decided to start down my current path of The Craft.  I thank my mother now for the moments of insanity she shared with me.  They shaped me into the wacky Witch you see before you now.

“Always look on the bright side of life…”

W
http://apaganslifeforme.blogspot.com/
www.apaganslifeforme.com


Thanks for a great read Wendy!

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all and have a great day!

Lisa

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