SECTION IV - ONLINE RESOURCES
Herb Corner - Dor
Planetary Ritual for the Seasons: Autumnal Equinox: September 22nd, 2000 - © 1999 Sarolta
DeFaltay-Bell
Herb Corner
By Dor
Hi Friends
This issue I've chosen a very versatile herb used in cooking, rituals, healing and
aromatherapy. An herb I grew up knowing about because it was used by my mother in alot
of her cooking - Rosemary. Rosemary used in tomato based dishes, on meats and in
stews. Such a yummy way to eat your way to good health.
Rosemary (Rosemarinus Officinalis) also known as: Dew of the Sea, Sea Dew,
RosMaris, Rosmarine, Rosemarie, and Guardrobe. This is a hot herb with the sun as it's planet and
fire as it's element. The parts used are the fresh leaves, dried leaves and the
essential oil. The basic powers of Rosemary are: purification, memory, love,
intellectual, protection and longevity.
Rosemary is added to all purification bath sachets, love incenses, exorcism mixtures and
protection incenses and charms. Wear a chaplet of rosemary for aiding your memory or
dab a little of the essential oil on your notebook or computer. Hang rosemary up over
doors and windows to ward off thieves. It is used in all sea rituals. Put rosemary in
sachets designed to ensure safe and easy passage over water - a boat or ship protective
sachet for passengers would be made of rosemary, garlic (to stop storms), and mistletoe
to guard against lightening storms. Make a simple for cleansing the hands before doing a
ritual if there isn't time for the normal ritual bath. A purification bath blend
sachets would be: equal parts of vervain, garden mint, basil, thyme, fennel, lavender,
rosemary, hyssop and valerian. Tie in a 4" x 4" square of cheese cloth and keep in an
air tight jar until you use it. Drink rosemary tea just before an exam or test to make
the mind fully awake and functioning. Rosemary can be used in forming protective
wreaths. Burn rosemary and juniper as a healing or recuperation incense.
The health benefits of rosemary are varied and in lots of cases documented. The
Nestlé's Research Center in Switzerland did laboratory tests on sleep inducers
recommended in herbal lore. Rosemary got high scores along with catnip, chamomile,
lettuce, orange flower, poppy seeds, almonds and valerian got the highest scores.
Rosemary is also a good cholesterol fighter. Add it to your meals as seasoning or it
can be taken as pills, teas or tinctures. Rosemary is good for raising low blood
pressure. In Europe, rosemary infused in white wine is a centuries old treatment for
low blood pressure and the headaches that seem to come with it. Even today European
pharmacists sell a rosemary ointment designed to be rubbed over your heart to increase
your blood pressure. To make your own version of this ointment see the 'rosemary heart
oil' recipe below:
Rosemary Heart Oil
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup dried rosemary leaves
*Pour the oil over the leaves in a clean jar. Place the jar in a warm
location (in the sun or on a radiator) for 2 days. Strain the leaves out.
Use this infusion as a massage oil to rub the chest.
There is also a preparation that can be taken as a tincture: 1/2 teaspoon each
tinctures of hawthorn berries and flowers, ginger rhizome, rosemary leaves and Siberian
ginseng root. *combine the ingredients and take 1/2 dropper full 2 to 4 times per day.
Flavonoids have been proven to improve liver function and rosemary is one of the herbs
that these are found in. It helps to protect the liver from damage and increases the
production of beneficial liver enzymes so the liver can do a better job.
Rosemary can also help in the treatment of kidney stones. Urease is increased by the
bacteria and the alkaline urine they produce and the herb rosemary can help. During a
study made in Paraguay, where rosemary is an important folk medicine, it was proven that
rosemary almost completely inhibits urease. This herb can also be used to help a cold
or flu and also inhibit infection caused by Staphylococcus and strep.
Rosemary is also an ingredient used to treat lice.
Lice Treatment
2 ounces vegetable oil
20 drops tea tree essential oil
10 drops each essential oils of rosemary, lavender and lemon.
*combine ingredients. Apply to dry hair and cover with a plastic bag or shower cap.
Wrap the head in a towel. Leave the mixture on for 1 hour. Put shampoo on the dry hair
to help cut the oils. Work the shampoo into the hair, rinse, shampoo again and rinse
completely.
The eggs of lice are more resistant than the lice so you will probably need to repeat
the treatment after a week to eliminate the newly hatched eggs. *****WARNING***** The
essential oils used are very strong, do a skin test before using on your whole head.
After giving birth, a sitz bath containing rosemary can be used to promote healing.
Rosemary in olive oil has been used by both men and women to keep their hair lush and
healthy. They massage the oil into their scalps. The massage itself is just as
important as the oil, it stimulates circulation and encourages hair roots to grow.
Rosemary Hair Oil
1/2 teaspoon rosemary essential oil
1/2 ounce jojoba oil (or castor oil)
*combine ingredients. Dab a small amount on your fingertip and rub it into your scalp
using circular motions. It will make you hair oily but use it 2 times per week and
leave it on for a few hours before washing it out.
Hair Formula
1 cup aloe Vera gel
4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon nettle tincture
1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
1/2 teaspoon of rosemary essential oil
*combine ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Massage a small amount into
your scalp every day or whenever you wash your hair. If you can't find nettle tincture,
make the recipe without it or make your own nettle tincture from the plant.
Rosemary is also excellent for improving circulation which is essential for helping to
reduce an inflamed prostate. An herbal sitz bath with rosemary will improve pelvic
circulation. You can also make an anti-inflammatory oil made of Saint John's Wort and
rosemary and lavender, that when applied behind the scrotum will increase circulation,
reduce inflammation and relax muscles.
Anti-Inflammatory Prostate Oil
1/8 teaspoon each lavender and rosemary essential oils
4 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil (optional)
2 ounces Saint John's Wort oil
*combine ingredients. Rub on the skin under the scrotum once or twice a day.
Among the culinary herbs used to fight intestinal parasites is Rosemary. It not only
kills many types of intestinal worms but also decreases intestinal inflammation.
Intestinal Parasite Tea
1/2 teaspoon chamomile flowers
1/2 teaspoon each elecampane root, ginger rhizome, rosemary leaves and thyme
leaves
3 cups water
*combine herbs and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, turn off heat and steep for at
least 30 minutes. Strain the herbs out. For a 50 pound child give at least 1 cup per
day until the parasites are gone.
Europeans used sage, clary sage and rosemary to help them overcome grief. Rosemary was
carried to funerals then thrown into the grave. These fragrances can also be used
during an emotional or stressful transition in ones life, such as a job change or while
ending a romantic relationship.
Anti-sorrow fragrance
4 ounces sweet almond oil
10 drops marjoram essential oil
5 drops each clary sage and cypress or rosemary essential oils
1 drop hyssop essential oil (expensive so it is optional)
1 drop melisa (or lemon) essential oil
*combine ingredients. Put on a handkerchief and sniff as needed.
Bath oil: to make this into a bath oil follow the same formula but use 2
ounces of almond oil instead of 4.
Rosemary has long been known to increase memory, concentration and even creativity.
Modern research conducted in Japan confirms that rosemary is a brain stimulant. Workers
in Tokyo can visit Club Harry's for a 30 minute aroma session of rosemary and lemon
designed to improve their concentration for the rest of the day.
Memory Stimulant Oil
4 ounces sweet almond oil
10 drops each lavender and lemon essential oils
5 drops rosemary essential oil
1 drop cinnamon essential oil
*combine ingredients. put on a handkerchief and sniff as needed or dab a little on your
notebook or whatever/wherever you need to stimulate memory.
I hope you enjoyed this herb as much as I did!
Blessings and much love till the next issue
Dor
Planetary Ritual for the Seasons:
Autumnal Equinox: September 22nd, 2000
© 1999 Sarolta DeFaltay-Bell
Every planetary alignment holds an opportunity for growth and expanded awareness, and
contains symbolism that is universally shared. By meditating on current
planetary themes, we can tune in to the archetypal energy inherent therein, and
apply it experientially to our lives, through ritual, meditation, and the
gradual unfolding of our own personal myth.
The Autumnal Equinox is the season of the harvest, when the Sun enters Libra, the
sign of harmony, balance and beauty. Equinoxes are times of equilibrium, when
the hours of daylight are equal to the hours of darkness, and this equinox
represent a time of rest after labor.
Spring represents initiation, but Autumn represents repose, when we look back over the
season behind us, and give thanks for the blessings and abundance of this year's
harvest.
The astrological charts of the Solstices and Equinoxes have been read by astrologers
since ancient times for news of the upcoming season, especially as it pertains
to the well-being of nations, their leaders, and the condition of the people.
Ingress charts (as they are called) are drawn for the exact moment the Sun
enters one of the four cardinal signs: Capricorn, Aries, Cancer and Libra
(Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn). Cardinal energy is initiating, and an
excellent time for magickal workings, as practitioners of earth spirituality
have known for a long, long time.
The eight Sabbats of the pagan year correspond to the eight phases of the Moon, and
the seasonal cycles are also reflected in the symbolism of the waxing and waning
Moon. The Autumnal Equinox corresponds to the Last Quarter phase of the lunar
cycle, a time of reorientation, when we begin to prepare for a gradual change in
our current cycle. This has been called a "Crisis in Consciousness",
when we know it's time to move on to something new, and begin to evaluate what
we'll hold onto, and think about what we need to release once and for all.
Mabon Herbal Lore
Benzoin: Herb of purification. Combine with basil or cinnamon to attract business.
Blessed Thistle: Energy and strength.
Caraway: fidelity, longevity; made into bread for this holiday.
Honeysuckle: enhances psychic abilities; attracts prosperity.
Marigold: encourages prophetic dreams.
Myrrh: enhances contemplation and meditation; use it to bring peace, healing and
blessing.
Passion Flower: Used as a powder or incense, increases understanding. Peaceful home,
protection.
Solomon's Seal: Use in altar incense for cleansing and consecration.
Sage: wisdom, immortality, clearing.
These herbs can be utilized in ritual by making an incense, or annointing candles with
essential oil. They can be sewn into a charm bag and consecrated (dedicated to a
single purpose), and worn when needed.
Ritual Bath: Blessed Thistle, Hyssop, Lavender, Sage. Place any or all herbs in
cheesecloth and tie well; run under tap. You can also make a strong tea ("Harvest
tea") from the herbs, and strain into the bath. Light orange or gold candles
annointed with frankincense oil or Harvest tea, and imagine a golden glow in your bath
and around your aura.
Bathe yourself in the herbs and the solar energy, clearing away anything you no longer
need to hold on to. After your bath, bring your candles with you to the circle,
and place on the altar or at the quarters.
The Altar: Decorate with pine cones, grains, dried ears of corn, acorns and autumnal
fruits, flowers and leaves. Red poppies are symbolic of the Corn Goddess Demeter, and
they can be offered to Her on your altar. The symbol of the cornucopia signifies the
wealth of the harvest, as we take this time to thank the Earth Mother for her
bounty.
You will need three candles: pale green, white and gold.
Ritual: Cast the circle by visualizing white light encircling you in a clockwise motion.
Honor and invite the four elements into your circle: East for Air, South for Fire, West
for Water, and North for Earth.
Incense: Benzoin, Blessed Thistle, Myrrh or Sage.
Bring any or all of the above ingredients into your ritual circle and add each herb
one at a time, while grinding by hand with a mortar and pestle and focusing on
the properties of each herb as it is added.
Consecrate your incense by dedicating it to the Demeter, or one of the Harvest Goddesses,
and charge it with thanksgiving. When the incense is prepared, burn some on a charcoal
as you focus in on your goal.
Candles:
The pale green candle represents Moon/North Node in Cancer, representing nurturing and
early chilhood/karmic lessons. Write down what you are grateful for, and focus on how
you can better be more giving and nurturing to your "spiritual' family..
Light your candle as you say your goal aloud, or meditate on its meaning. Repeat with
the following:
The white candle represents truth, acceptance and balance. If there is a specific issue
you want more clarity about, write down your question, and ask for an answer. Ask for it
to be made clear to you... focus intently as you light your candle.
The gold candle represents success and self-empowerment, with enough energy to see your
goal through. Imagine yourself infused with golden light, inhaling it into your body as
you affirm truth, magnetism and true spiritual purpose... focus intently as you light
your candle.
When you feel the ritual is complete, thank the Mother Goddess, and burn each paper
as you focus once again on the intention of the goal, releasing the energy to
the wind and elemental helpers. Thank the nature spirits, Deities or elementals,
and close your circle, allowing the candles to burn all the way down, or
instead, burn them for a little while for the next several days as you reaffirm
your commitment to your vision of the future.
I always like to "charge" a few candles during a Sabbat ritual; I use
the large glass-encased candles, annoint them with oil, light them during ritual
as above with full intent, add appropriate herbs, and consecrate. I always use
them later when I need to focus or bring in some extra energy. You can burn
these candles to help you focus while you¹re working on a goal, or whenever you
need a little inspiration and energy. Blessed Be.
©1999 Sarolta DeFaltay-Bell
This article is an excerpt from the book: http://www.enteract.com/~deepsky/order.txt The
Magical Astrology Guide for the Year 2000 by Sarolta DeFaltay-Bell.
Sarolta is an astrologer and tarot consultant, and works with clients to create
personal rituals based on individual needs and astrological cycles.
(Questions sent by subscribers to the Moonspells Newsletter for Sarolta)
Q) Should certain types of candles be used in the magic circle? If so, what kind and any
idea where they could be purchased?
A) I like to use the glass encased candles (called 7-day candles) since they are
large, and unlikely to tip over. I use one for each direction, and re-use them
whenever I cast a circle. They can be found at BOTANICAS (Latin herb/magic
shops) here in Chicago... but you can use any kind of candles that are available
if you can't get these. We'll soon be offering supplies on our site as soon a we
get e-commerce going!
Q) I was told by two different people last year (in person), one an astrologer, the other,
a psychic, that a woman has placed an evil curse on me which will prevent me from love,
happiness, and wealth in my life. I was told she paid a lot of money to do this and it
was done by someone very old and wise from another country. Is this a possibility?
Right now, it sure seems like it. If so, can this curse be removed? I am a very
positive person, but the last year has been so sad and difficult for me. I would
appreciate any input or direction you might suggest on this?
A) First off, did these so-called spiritual practitioners tell you they could take
the curse off for a fee? This is the oldest scam in the book, and it gives
legitimate practitioners a bad name.
If you believe you are cursed, then you'll eventually create it by your own fears.
Sometimes the negative thoughts of others can negatively affect others... so I'd
recommend spiritual cleansing practices and building psychic shields.
A good book I'd recommend: Psychic Self-Defense and Well-Being- by Denning &
Phillips (Llewellyn Publishing)
Someone "wise" would never put a curse on someone, since magical practitioners
believe that whatever you do, for good or ill, will return to you threefold, so why
would they do it? Those that do are power hungry, and not working within the true laws
of the universe. Many eventually go insane from their own delusions of power.
Unfortunately, anyone can CALL themselves an "astrologer". Try to go to
someone who is certified by a reputable organization such as NCGR or AFA, or call your
local Metaphysical bookstore to get a recommendation.
========================
LUNAR CYCLES Made Easy!
NEW MOON
The time to begin new projects; whatever house it transits in the birth chart will be
the prominent theme for the month. Usually, the twelve houses are "visited" by
the New Moon around the same time each year, and when the New Moon transits the First
House, it signifies the querent's Lunar New Year, and the beginning of a new cycle.
It is a good idea to look ahead for your year... if the New Moon is in the FIRST
HOUSE this month, then it will be in the SECOND HOUSE next month, and so on.
WAXING MOON
(from New growing to Full)
A time of INCREASE - focus daily on projects begun at the New Moon, building energy
until it peaks at the next Full Moon
FULL MOON
Peak intensity; heightened spiritual and ritual energy
The energy is in effect about 3 days before and 3 days after the exact day (most
intense right before the exact time)
WANING MOON
(decreasing from Full to New)
A time of LETTING GO - Cleansing, Purging, Clearing - Making psychic room for the next
waxing cycle!
SOLAR ECLIPSE
All eclipses signify TRANSFORMATION
New Moon initiating energies amplified; very intense - Energies in effect for the entire
year - sometimes signifies sudden or far reaching changes in the house it transits in
the birth chart.
LUNAR ECLIPSE
FULL MOON energies are amplified and the house it transits will be a major focus for at
least six months - sometimes signifies emotional changes in the house it transits in the
birth chart - All eclipses signify TRANSFORMATION
=======================
Astrology has been used for centuries as a tool for prediction, and a simple and
practical way for anyone to follow their own cycles is to observe where the New Moon
falls in their chart. Following the path of the New Moon through the natal or
progressed houses can give an indication of where the focus will lie, not only as far as
external events, but also what to expect on a psychological level as well.
By observing the lunar cycles, you can attune to the spiritual aspects as well as the
practical, following the moon as it passes through each of the twelve houses.
Each one of the astrological houses represents a particular domain in the querent's
life, and by focusing on the energies of that house, it can be an auspicious time to
start new projects or deal with the everyday issues of that house.
THE ASTROLOGICAL HOUSES
FIRST HOUSE : Beginnings, the personality, the physical body, personal affairs and
ventures.
SECOND HOUSE : personal income, finances, resources, security issues., needs.
THIRD HOUSE : siblings and neighbors, communications, writing, speaking,
everyday transportation, written tests, study, short trips.
FOURTH HOUSE : home life, parents, remodeling, relocating, clearing old
business, plans for the future.
FIFTH HOUSE : romance, arts, entertainment, creativity, children, investments,
gambling, fun.
SIXTH HOUSE : health, habits, routines, jobs and employment, diet, service to
others.
SEVENTH HOUSE : personal and business partnerships, learning cooperation,
teamwork; marriage.
EIGHTH HOUSE : joint resources, financial dealings with others, legacies,
inheritance; merging, death, sex, surgery.
NINTH HOUSE: travel, religious or intellectual learning, teaching, philosophy,
legal activities, publishing.
TENTH HOUSE: authority figures, parents, career, honors, busines, public
acclaim.
ELEVENTH HOUSE : group activities, networking, friends, hopes and wishes, earned
income, goals, community.
TWELFTH HOUSE : solitude, introspection, research and investigation, therapy,
the subconscious realm, psychic abilities, dreams.
©2000 Sarolta DeFaltay-Bell
ladysarolta@yahoo.com
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Sarolta is an astrologer and tarot consultant, and works with clients to create
personal rituals based on individual needs and astrological cycles. She also
writes Daily Horoscopes and New Moon Magic for every sign at http://www.i.am/deepskies
... call 773.227.1066 for more information.
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