~10 Kinds Of Magical Books~

NORTH NODE PROBLEMS

1st house- STOP looking for people to give a fuck. The world doesn’t owe you anything. Focus on yourself only and you’ll find it’s not so bad to be alone.

2nd house- STOP looking for ways to combind money. Acquire this on your own. Sometimes money isn’t meant to be thrown around/away. Learn to save.

3rd house- STOP thinking you know so much about life and beliefs. Arrogance will only result in humility. Be open to new experiences.

4th house- STOP trying to impress everyone with some “image” of yourself. Look within to find peace. Focus on your roots and family.

5th house- STOP looking for groups and cliques for comfort. Learn to embrace your own creativity and independence. Individuality can bring a new kind of freedom.

6th house- STOP thinking you know everything about spirituality. You are not perfect. Actively work on self improvement.

7th house- STOP isolating yourself. Learn to accommodate and compromise. It’s “we” this time, not “I”.

8th house- STOP hoarding money for yourself. Share with the people close to you and your relatives. Know that it’s okay to take advantage of inheritances.

9th house- STOP living just day by day. Form some values for yourself. Look into beliefs and be able to find the best ones.

10th house- STOP hanging onto the past and your roots. Embrace your adult self. Learn how to be away from your family and people that drag you down.

11th house- STOP secluding yourself and thinking the only way to do things is alone. Groups and organizations can help you. Find something that is worth fighting for together.

12th house- STOP pretending to be something you’re not to fit in. Being too focused on self improvement can create a selfish person. You are not exempt from this.

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Mabon * urban witchcraft * some tips from traveling mystic *

Autumn is a special time for me when I stay in the mountains - at remote villages, wandering in the forest and climbing mountains to gather last herbs. And now to find myself in the heart of chaotic Hanoi, it’s completely different experience… 

These are the ways to celebrate autumnal transition, Mabon while staying in the chaos of city life:

***share the blessings*** 

open free tarot readings at your favorite coffee shop

volunteer your skills for project \ organisation which inspires you

invite your friends to sit together in autumnal moon light and share some food and stories

give away things  

***slow down and turn your mind towards meditation***

don’t rush for new projects

cut off senseless noise (music, small talks and messaging)

drink more water and keep healthy diet, enjoy the fruits of the season

walk with awareness, breath with awareness

burn candles in the evening while drinking your tea and reflecting on your accomplishments, goals, approaches to the things, journal about that

***do magic***

sigils on balance, healing, letting go old things, get rid of blockages  

do shadow work with tarot cards, journaling or create shadow altar and explore its opportunities

to dive into the energy of this time, pray, dream, visualize and do other witchy things - create a space filled with autumnal leaves, fruits, sweet gifts of nature, put there some ancestor photos, add symbols of death and old age

***have  long walks in parks and around city lakes, watch old people and kids***

***de-clutter your house or backpack, finish old projects***  

***share stories with travelers you meet on the road***

***drink local tea***

***use crystals: carnelian, lapis lazuli, tiger eye, amber, serpentine, amethyst, clear quartz 

and herbs: rose hips, chamomile, yarrow, marigold, sage, saffron***

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Books and Resources (Paganism, Witchcraft and More)

This list has been updated over the years and will continued to be updated over time. If you re-post this elsewhere, kindly credit me because it’s taken a long time to compile what I feel are useful resources on the following topics. The very basics are covered in my FAQ.

Last updated: 6/20/2015

Paganism:

A Pagan Primer — For Those New to Paganism

Paganism: An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions by River and Joyce Higginbotham

Pagan Spirituality: A Guide to Personal Transformation by River and Joyce Higginbotham

Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America by Margot Adler

Connecting to the Power of Nature by Joe H. Slate

Exploring the Pagan Path: Wisdom from the Elders (a collection of articles, essays and general commentary from various pagan authors)

ChristoPaganism: An Inclusive Path by River Higginbotham and Joyce Higginbotham

Myths and Symbols in Pagan Europe by H.R. Ellis Davidson

Wicca:

Wicca for the Rest of Us

Wicca Resources

Wicca for Beginners by Thea Sabin

Witchcraft Today by Gerald Gardner 

The Meaning of Witchcraft by Gerald Gardner

The Spiral Dance by Starhawk (most recent edition only, old editions have inaccurate info that has since been updated)

Elements of Ritual: Air, Fire, Water & Earth in the Wiccan Circle by Deborah Lipp

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner and Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner (Scott Cunningham) – note that this book is somewhat outdated, due to it being written in the 1980s.

Witchcraft (non-Wiccan):

The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft by Judika Illes

Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells by Judika Illes

Crone’s Book of Charms & Spells by Valerie Worth

Witchcraft: a History by P.G. Maxwell-Stuart

Mrs. B’s Guide to Household Witchery by Kris Bradley

Candle Magic for Beginners by Richard Webster

Master Book of Candle Burning by Henry Gamache

A Grimoire for Modern Cunningfolk by Peter Paddon

Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways by Gemma Gary and Jane Cox

Non-Wiccan Witchcraft Reading List

Witch of Forest Grove: Sarah Anne Lawless

Welcome to Witchcraft - A Post for Beginners

The Salem Witch Hunt: A Brief History with Documents (The Bedford Series in History and Culture) by Richard Godbeer

Witchcraft by Type:

Hedge Witchery Resources

Traditional Witchcraft Resources

Historical Witchcraft Books

Sea Witchcraft Resources / Sea Witchcraft Tag

Cottage Witchcraft Resources

Kitchen and Green Witchcraft Resources

Green Witchcraft: Walking the Green Path

Kitchen in the Cottage

Urban Witchcraft Resources

College Witchcraft/Tips

Chaos Magic:

What is Chaos Magic?

Resources for Sigil Magic and Crafting

World Mythology:

www.sacred-texts.com (free archive of online books about religion, mythology, folklore, and the esoteric)

Mythology: Myths, Legends and Fantasies by Alice Mills

Illustrated Dictionary of Mythology: Heroes, Heroines, Gods, and Goddesses from Around the World by Philip Wilkinson

The Oxford Companion to World Mythology by David Leeming

World Mythology: The Illustrated Guide by Roy Willis

Hellenic Polytheism and Greek Mythology:

www.hellenion.org

www.theoi.com

neokoroi.org

baringtheaegis.blogspot.com

Hellenic Recon Beginner’s Guide

Reconstruction of Hellenic Polytheistic Practices

Hellenic Calendar

An Outline for a Presentation on Hellenismos

Hellenic Resources by Bayoread

Hellenic Resource Download Bundle 1 by Elaphos

Hellenic Resource Download Bundle 2 by Elaphos

Orphic Incenses

Hellenic Terminology

Treasury of Greek Mythology: Classic Stories of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes & Monst​ers by Donna Jo Napoli

D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths by Ingri d’Aulaire

Old Stones, New Temples by Drew Campbell

Greek Mythology and Prehistory by W. Harris

The Gods of Reason by Timothy Jay Alexander

A Beginner’s Guide to Hellenismos by Timothy Jay Alexander

Hellenismos Today by Timothy Jay Alexander

The Complete World of Greek Mythology by Richard Buxton

Did the Greeks Believe in Their Myths? by Paul Veyne

Kharis: Hellenic Polytheism Explored by Sarah Kate Istra Winter

Homer’s Iliad, The Odyssey and Homeric Hymns

The Homeric Hymns (PDF) and The Orphic Hymns (PDF)

Homer’s Odyssey (PDF)

Homer’s Iliad (Theoi.com)

Hesiod: Works and Days (PDF version here)

The Theogony of Hesiod (PDF version here)

Magic in Ancient Greece:

Magic in the Ancient Greek World by Derek Collins

Magic, Witchcraft and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds by Daniel Ogden

Arcana Mundi: Magic and the Occult in the Greek and Roman Worlds by Georg Luck

The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation (PDF)

Magika Hiera: Ancient Greek Magic and Religion

Greek Folk Religion by Martin P Nilsson 

Curse Tablets and Binding Spells from the Ancient World by John G. Gager

Magic in the Ancient World by Fritz Graf

Magic and Magicians in the Greco-Roman World by Matthew W. Dickie

Roman Polytheism:

Click Here for Books and Resources

Kemeticism and Ancient Egyptian Mythology:

www.egyptianmyths.net

Kemeticism by The Twisted Rope

The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt by Richard H. Wilkinson

Symbol & Magic in Egyptian Art by Richard H. Wilkinson

Egyptian Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Goddesses, and Traditions of Ancient Egypt by Geraldine Pinch

Celtic Recon and Myth:

Celtic Folklore on Sacred Texts

The Celtic Recon FAQ

The Religion of the Ancient Celts (Sacred Texts)

What is Celtic? 101

Carmina Gadelica by Alexander Carmichael

The Celts: A Very Short Introduction by Barry Cunliffe

The Mabinogi and Other Medieval Welsh Tales by Patrick Form

Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend by Miranda Green

Gods and Heroes of the Celts by Marie-Louise Sjoestedt

The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles by Ronald Hutton

Early Irish Myths and Sagas by Jeffrey Gantz

Druidry/Druidism:

druidry.org

druidnetwork.org

Druidry - A Mega List of Resources

Non-Wiccan Witches: Modern Druidry

Irish Druids and Old Irish Religions (Sacred Texts)

Asatru, Heathenism and Norse Mythology:

www.thetroth.org

grumpylokeanelder.tumblr.com

“Alright, I’m interested in this Norse stuff. Where do I even start?”

The Eddas: The Keys to the Msteries of the North by James Allen Chisholm

The Poetic Edda (PDF)

The Prose Edda (PDF)

Exploring the Northern Tradition by Galina Krasskova

Norse Mythology: A Guide to Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs by John Lindow

Dictionary of Northern Mythology by Rudolf Simek

Teutonic Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie

The Nature of Asatru: An Overview of the Ideals and Philosophy of the Indigenous Religion of Northern Europe by Mark Puryear

Crystals and Stones:

The Encyclopedia of Crystals by Judy Hall

The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall

Crystal Healing by Judy Hall

Rocks & Minerals by Chris Pellant  (identification handbook)

Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic by Scott Cunningham

Crystal Grids: How and Why They Work by Hibiscus Moon

The Book of Crystal Spells by Ember Grant

Herbal (Magical, Medicinal):

The Master Book of Herbalism by Paul Beyerl

Compendium of Herbal Magic by Paul Beyerl  

The Green Mantle: An Investigation Into Our Lost Knowledge of Plants by Michael Jordan

The Book of Magical Herbs: Herbal History, Mystery, & Folklore by Margaret Picton

A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs: of Eastern and Central North America (Peterson Field Guides)

Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham (good for quick reference, but not in depth information)

The Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews by Scott Cunningham 

A List of Threatened Magical Herbs

Resources to Start Learning Local Plants

Notes: please take care before using herbs for medicinal and/or supplemental purposes. Many herbs are toxic (some authors fail to mention this!) and/or have harmful side-effects. Always do research and consult a professional before use. 

Fae and Faerie Faith:

My Masterlist of Fae Resources

Fairy Faith 101

Working with Faery (Info and Resources)

The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries by W.Y. Evans

Runes:

Futhark: A Handbook of Rune Magic by Edred Thorsson

Runelore: A Handbook of Esoteric Runology by Edred Thorsson

The Complete Illustrated Guide to the Runes by Nigel Pennick

Authors to avoid (due to misinformation, historical inaccuracies, poor research, potentially harmful advice, and/or failure to cite sources):

Silver Ravenwolf (here’s why)

DJ Conway

Edain McCoy

Ann Moura 

Ralph Blum (runes)

approach Llewellyn-published books with caution — there are some great ones, but many aren’t well researched and may contain misinformation.

if all else fails, Google the author and ask around to see what people have to say about them - many bad authors have entire pages or discussions dedicated on why to avoid them!

always fact check information (especially if it involves ingesting anything or putting anything on the skin — just because an ingredient is natural does not mean it isn’t harmful/toxic)

How do I know what to believe? Critical Thinking and Pagan Books

“my dear, we are all made of water. it’s okay to rage. sometimes it’s okay to rest. to recede.”

— Sanober Khan  (via wordsnquotes)

A Practical Guide to Herbology

Lesson Three: Soothing Salves

Salves are a simple yet effective way of applying the medicinal qualities of herbs. They’re the consistency of a cream at room temperature and portable for on-the-go topical application. By combining various herbal-infused oils, an individual can address a variety of ailments, from arthritis to asthma. Each salve can be customized to the individual to treat a specific illness or can be general all-heal tool in your first aid kit. 

Base Ingredients

Herbal-infused Oils

To craft a salve, you must start with herbal-infused oils as your primary base. For this, there are two components: your choice of herb(s) and your choice of carrier oil(s). Some commonly used carrier oils are olive, grapeseed, almond and safflower. 

At the end of this post, there will be an overview of common herbs and carrier oils so that you can make an educated decision when crafting your herbal-infused oils.

Here are two basic methods of infusion:

Solar Method (Folk Method)

Take a sterilized jar and fill ⅓ to ½ of it with your choice of dried herbs.

Cover with your carrier oil. Add around 500 IUs of vitamin E oil for every 8 oz. of carrier oil to prolong shelf life.

Cap the jar tightly and place in a sunny space - either outdoors or indoors. Shake it daily.

Allow the mixture to infuse for 2 to 3 weeks, or until the oil takes on the colour or aroma of the herb within. 

Once the oil is ready, strain using a cheesecloth and bottle into a tinted sterilized jar. Store in a cool, dark place.

Slow Cooker or Stove top (Fast Method)

Place your choice of dried herbs in your slow cooker or pot and cover with your carrier oil. Add around 500 IUs of vitamin E oil for every 8 oz. of carrier oil to prolong shelf life.

Gently heat the herbs on very low heat (100 - 140 degrees Fahrenheit) for 1 - 5 hours until the oil takes on the colour and scent of the herb. You can cook it for longer at 100 F if you would like.

Turn off heat and allow to cool. Once the oil is ready, strain using a cheesecloth and bottle into a tinted sterilized jar. Store in a cool, dark place.

Do not use fresh herbs when crafting herbal-infused oils. They contain moisture and promote the growth of mold, especially if infused via solar method.

Wax

Waxes are frequently used in making cosmetics, body care products and salves: they help to bind and emulsify ointments and lotions. They also function as a natural hydrating ingredient and alleviate itching for those with sensitive skin.

The most commonly-used wax for crafting salves is beeswax; however, vegans and those with allergies can utilize carnauba wax which is sourced from the leaves of a Brazilian palm tree.

Method

Once the herbal-infused oils are prepared, the process of making a salve only takes a few minutes. Here are the steps involved in the process:

On low to medium heat, warm the herbal-infused oil(s) in the top of a double boiler or in a small saucepan. 

Add the wax. Once the wax has melted, remove from heat.

If any, stir in any additional ingredients of your choice, such as essential oils.

Pour into your designated container(s).

Recipes

Soothing lip salve

3 tbsp beeswax

3 tbsp aloe vera gel

2 tbsp oil of choice

8 drops essential oil of choice (optional)

Salve for minor scrapes, bites and burns

1 ½ cups comfrey-infused oil

1 ½ tbsp coconut oil

¼ cup (55g) beeswax

Healing salve

1 quart (1 litre) of oil infused with equal parts St. John’s wort, comfrey, peppermint and lavender

¼ cup (55g) beeswax

Salve for backaches

1 cup ginger- and peppermint-infused oil

2 tbsp (22g) beeswax

First aid salve

1 cup St. John’s wort-infused oil

2 tbsp (22g) beeswax

Salve for rheumatoid arthritis

1 cup ginger- and licorice root-infused oil

2 tbsp (22g) beeswax

Common Carrier Oils

Almond oil, sweet: A fantastic carrier oil that contains fatty acids and vitamins A and E. It’s an effective emollient for moisturizing both skin and hair and is easily absorbed by skin.

Argan oil: This is a staple in moisturizing skin and hair care products. Argan oil contains tocopherols, phenols, carotenes, squaline and fatty acids - it’s a truly luxurious oil.

Evening primrose oil: Prized for its health and cosmetic benefits.

Grapeseed oil: A common base for many creams and lotions - it’s the go-to carrier oil since it’s especially useful for skin types that do not absorb oils well and does not leave a greasy feeling.

Olive oil: The most commonly-used oil in cosmetics and hair care.

Safflower oil: A highly-moisturizing oil that soothes troubled skin. 

Common Herbs for Health and Wellness

Aloe Vera: Excellent for treating burns, cuts and scrapes.

Arnica Montana: These flowers offer strong anti-inflammatory properties. (Do not use in open or bleeding wounds. Long-term use can cause skin irritation.)

Black Cohosh: Offers anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits. (Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Can cause gastric discomfort in some individuals.)

Blue Vervain: Relaxes the nervous system and offers reliable pain relief for rheumatism, joint pain and neuralgia. (Do not use during pregnancy.)

Chamomile: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. (Do not use if on blood thinners or if allergic to ragweed.)

Chickweed: Wonderful for making soothing poultices to treat rashes, skin irritations, minor burns and itching.

Comfrey: Alleviates pain and inflammation; works well on cuts, scrapes, insect bites, burns and rashes. (Do not use on children.)

Echinacea: Antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral. (Do not use if you have tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, autoimmune diseases, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or if you are allergic to ragweed.)

Ginkgo Biloba: Natural antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and great for treating allergies and asthma. (Do not use if you take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), or blood thinners.)

Goldenseal: Antiviral, antibacterial and excellent for dealing with minor cuts and wounds, sinus infections, respiratory congestion, sore throats and more! (Do not use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or if you have high blood pressure.)

Mullein: Great for first-aid treatment of minor wounds, burns and insect bites.

Plantain: Antimicrobial, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory; great for treating wounds, insect bites and minor aches and pains.

Sage: An excellent remedy for colds and fevers, hot flashes, painful or heavy periods, rashes and sore throats.

St. John’s wort: A strong antiviral; treats arthritis, fibromyalgia, muscle aches and sciatica. (Do not use if you take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).)

Witch Hazel: An effective remedy for acne, cuts and scrapes, insect bites, minor burns and sunburns.

–

Images are under the Creative Commons License.

Information published is from my personal grimoire and has been accumulated over the years through a variety of books and resources while residing in Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, Cuba and Canada.

For more information regarding salves and recipes, feel free to visit Hello Glow, Wellness Mama, The Herbal Academy and Monterey Bay Spice Company.

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Been taking a break from drawing over the last few months, mainly for some badly needed holiday time. However, I have been inspired along the way by the beautiful sandstone pebbles and colours found around my local coastline. As a result, I have started on a journey full of pastels colours and lines. Here are a few examples :)

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Water Houses - 4th, 8th, 12th House

The Fortresses of Cancer, Scorpio, & Pisces

In the 4th, 8th, and 12th Houses we are returned to the soothing balm of the Feminine Waters.

Water Houses are containers of ancient tonics that preserve the consciousness connecting us with spiritual perceptions. Equally paradisiacal as these realms can be terrifying, experiences in these houses usually involve some form of exile, cruelty at the hands of other’s, death and rebirth, and transformation.

These are the ‘otherworlds’ that are worlds within us. People with planets in Water Houses possess psychic and intuitive magic that comes easily to the surface. From here, the wellsprings of divine creativity and imagination provide the healing elixir of the Divine Feminine , Who Hillman stated that “We are contained within Her fantasy, not She within ours.”

Cherry

MOON PHASES

NEW MOON : Setting intentions, taking actions, moving forward, focusing in the increase, starting new ventures, exploring opportunities

WAXING CRESCENT : Redefining goals and taking first actions, consistency, gaining momentum, determination, pushing forward

FIRST QUARTER : Finding the balance between the new goals and habits, expansion, being practical, concentration on goals

WAXING GIBBOUS : Cultivating actions toward goals, improving and readjusting, intensive growth, pushing boundaries

FULL MOON : The energy of completion, gratefulness, cleansing, charging, appreciating progress, psychic work, letting go

WANING GIBBOUS : Giving thanks, decluttering, eliminating negative habits, slowing down, reevaluing goals

LAST QUARTER : Letting go, practicing forgiveness, finding time to relax, cord-cutting, get rid of unhealthy habits and addictions

WANING CRESCENT : Making room for new, rest and surrender, energizing by doing things we love, discharging the health issues

Basic Homesteading Skills

Crafts

quilting

embroidery

cross-stitch

knitting

crochet

sewing

Cooking and Baking

homemade bread

homemade butter

homemade extracts

dandelion jelly

Canning

26 canning recipes

canning jars 101

60 canning recipes

Gardening

edible trees to plant

what to plant to save the bees

cure and braid garlic

save seeds for next year

braid onions for long term storage

build a greenhouse

Animals

homemade chicken feed

raising mealworms for chickens

why to raise nigerian dwarf goats

Outdoors

starting a fire with sticks

trail signs

knotting

find true north without a compass

Medicine

homemade neosporin

all purpose healing salve

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Hi, I've been having a tough time finding good resources for Roman Polytheism, everything seems to be Hellenic. Do you have any suggestions? I'd appreciate very much!

Roman Religion

On the Nature of the Gods by Cicero

On Divination by Cicero

The City of God by Augustine

On Agriculture by Varro

Fragmenta by Verrius Flaccus

Historica Testimonia by Verrius Flaccus

An Introduction to Roman Religion by John Scheid

The Gods of Ancient Rome by Robert Turcan 

The Cults of the Roman Empire by Robert Turcan

Religions of Rome, vol. 1 by Beard, North, & Price

Religions of Rome, vol. 2 by Beard, North, & Price

Religion in the Roman Empire by John Rives

Stoicism

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Letters of a Stoic by Seneca

The Handbook by Epictetus

Roman Mythology

The Aeneid by Virgil

The Golden Ass by Apuleius

Metamorphoses by Ovid

Fasti by Ovid

Roman History and Culture

On the Latin Language by Varro

Legionary: The Roman Soldier’s [Unofficial] Manual by Philip Matyszak

Ancient Rome on 5 Denarii a Day by Philip Matyszak

Websites

www.novaroma.org

www.templumdeorum.org

www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper

perseus.uchicago.edu

(source of list)