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Midsummer

Carrot Cake

Mon, 07/28/2008 - 13:59 — kitchenwitch
Ingredients:

1-3/4 cup sugar
1-1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
2-1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
3 cups shredded carrots (5 to 6 medium)
1-1/2 cups chopped walnuts

Cream Cheese Frosting

One 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
5 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla

Heat oven to 300 degrees. In mixer bowl, combine sugar, oil, and eggs; beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir together flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.

Notes:

This is my favorite birthday cake. Since my birthday is on Midsummer, I associate this cake with that holiday too. But its warmth and heartiness lends itself well to cooler weather and harvest celebrations as well.

This cake has energy related to prosperity, fertility and lust and is particularly aligned to the sort of sweet, devoted love of an idealistic young couple eager to starti a new family making it great for a wedding cake. That also makes it appropriate for your Heiros Gamos (or Sacred Marriage) on whatever holiday it happens to fall on.

Quick Witch Tips:

Dandelion Wine

Mon, 07/28/2008 - 09:38 — kitchenwitch
Ingredients:

Here's an old favorite for Midsummer. My grandfather was famous for his dandelioni wine.

1 gallon fresh dandelion flowers (See note)
1 gallon boiling water
3-4 pounds sugar
1 lemon
1 orange
Brewer’s yeast (wine yeast?)

Take a gallon of fresh picked dandelioni flowers and place them in a large tub, pour 1 gallon of boiling water over them and let it steep for about 10 or so days stirring now and then.

Notes:

Dandelion blossoms are actually made up of many tiny yellow flowers that many folks take to be petals. Only these should be used in to make the wine, not the green bracht that holds them all together as that's very bitter. Taste the different parts and you'll see. Dandelion flowers are delicious!

This recipe has strong solar associations so it is great for use at sun festivals, such as Midsummer day! Also, try this wine as an aid to divinationi, especially in association with love.

Quick Witch Tips:

Dandelion Punch

Mon, 07/28/2008 - 08:28 — kitchenwitch
Ingredients:

If you're serving dandelioni wine for your Midsummer gathering, be sure to also serve dandelion punch for the kids and those of us that don't drink!

3 cups dandelion flowers, rinsed and separated
1 gallon orange juice
juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup of sugar
Ginger Ale (Vernors is the only popular brand that actually has ginger.)

Warm the orange juice and lemon together, then add the dandelions. Add the sugar, stirring constantly until dissolved. Let cool and then refrigerate overnight.

Notes:

Dandelion punch is a traditional beverage for MayDay and Midsummer gatherings. It has strong solar energy and strong male energy. Drink it at the beginning of a project (or season) to encourage success in your endeavors and to enhance your health and strength as you move toward completion.

Quick Witch Tips:

To speed things up, have the kids pick your dandelions for you and use pre-squeezed juice. Otherwise, this couldn't be quicker or easier to put together!

PS Make sure you only use yellow dandelioni flowers, not the green bracts or fuzzy bits!

Mugwort

Wed, 07/02/2008 - 11:11 — DawnBlack
Botanical Name:

Artemisia Vulgaris

Zones:
most
Other Names:
Common wormwood, wild wormwood, Felon herb, St. John's Plant, Chrysanthemum weed, sailor's tobacco, moxa, Artemis Herb, Naughty Man, Old man, Old Uncle Henry, Muggons

Mugwort is a member of the daisy family (Asteracea) with characteristic disk flowers in panicles,(flower made up of many small flowers, in groups, several off the same stem) very small, reddish or gre

Propagation:

Prefers nitrogenous soil, lots of sun, very hardy. Spreads by an underground root system, so care must be taken that they don't escape. Do not over water. This plant is nearly impossible to kill. Save yourself a hassle and plant it in a pot!

History and Folklore:

The name Mugwort is said to have come from the plant's traditional use of flavoring drinks- which you drink out of mugs, see?

Another theory suggests that the name came from a word meaning "moth" alluding to the plant's usefulness at keeping away pests.

"Wort" is an old term for "plant", especially one of a useful nature.

Roman soldiers put mugwort in their sandals to keep their feet from getting tired.

In Holland and Germany the plant was considered sacred to John the Baptist who presumably wore a girdle of Mugwort. The plants are gathered on St. John's Eve, made into a crown and worn to protect from possession, disease and general misfortune.

Poultry and grazing animals enjoy this plant, and it may be the same Artemisia of Pontos lauded by the ancients as excellent for fattening livestock.

In Wales, mugwort was tied to the left thigh of a woman having a difficult labor. But it was believed that if the mugwort was not immediately removed after the birth, she might hemorrhage.

Harvesting & Storage:

Harvest shortly before the plant flowers and hang to dry.

Collect the root in autumn. Wash and dry thoroughly and spread on a screen to dry. Do not let the roots touch one another or they may mold.

Household Use:

Dried mugwort added to a fire is useful in keeping it smoldering for a long time. The stalks make good kindling.

Mugwort's long stems and nifty leaves make great wreathes and garlands.

An infusioni of Mugwort, or Mugwort oil is a good all-purpose cleaner and insect repellant.

Magical Attributes:

Alli varieties of Artemesia are sacred to the Goddess Artemis who gives comfort (or death) to women in labor. Also, Diana through association and Hekate, Patron of herbalists and midwives.

It is also associated with the moon which in turn is associated with the cycles of womanhood.

Mugwort is feminine in nature, associated with the element of Earth, and either Venus or the Moon (depends who you ask) and ruled by either Taurus or Libra.

Mugwort can be used as a sacred smoking or smudgingi herb for protection or divinationi. It is safe to smoke (as safe as smoking anything is) by itself, mixed with tobacco, or other smokeables in a rituali context and enhances astral projection, lucid dreaming and altered states of consciousness. Some say that simply keeping mugwort under your pillow or in your bedroom will encourage prophetic dreams. (Try making a dream pillow stuffed with mugwort.) Others say you must burn it as incense or smoke it. Burn mugwort as you use divination tools.

Mugwort is also used in protective sachets, especially those created in relation to travel. It is said to prevent delays, and other annoyances associated with traveling, as well as to protect the traveler from accidents, thieves and other dangers associated with traveling.

Mugwort stems also make very nice wands.

Use herbal water made of mugwort to cleanse ritual tools, especially those used for divination.

Hanging mugwort over or on a door will keep unwelcome energies from passing through.

A garland or girdle of mugwort can be worn while dancing around the midsummer balefirei and thrown into the fire at the end of the night to ensure protection throughout the year.

Healing Attributes:

Mugwort is a topical anesthetic with antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Fresh, crushed mugwort leaves applied to the skin relieves burning, itching and pain and, with continued application, can help get rid of warts.

It is also said that coating your skin with mugwort juice before exposure to poison oak will prevent a rash.

It is said that chewing fresh mugwort leaves will help relieve fatigue and clear the mind. A tea of the roots was used also for this purpose.

An infusioni of fresh leaves can be used for chronic stomach complaints and to stimulate the appetite.

Mugwort has also been used in Europe to induce abortions. It helps strengthen contractions and it is used in a compress to promote labor and help expel the afterbirth. It is also used to help regulate the menstrual cycle and ease painful menstruation and the onset of menopause. Use in combination with ginger in a tea to soothe difficult menstruation.

Interestingly, it has also been used in China to prevent miscarriage and ease excessive menstrual bleeding.

It is used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to make Moxas to cure rheumatism and to correct fetal position prior to delivery. The fluff is carefully removed and rolled into a cylinder which is heated and placed near pressure points to relieve pain. This method is called moxibustion.

It has been used for centuries for disorders and epilepsy, as it has mild sedative and antispasmodic properties.

An infusion of the dried leaves and flowers helps expel pinworms.

Mix the dry herb with honey and apply to bruises to fade them (could try this on hickies too).

Infusioni - 1 ounce dried herb to 1 pint boiling water. 5-10 minutes. Do not make too strong as it is very bitter.

Tincture i- Cover four ounces of fresh herb with 1 pint 100 proof alcohol, vodka, gin or brandy. Cover and keep in a dark place, shaking several times per day for two weeks.

Do not continue to take Artemesias for more than 1 week. Break for several weeks before taking mugwort again as regular use of mugwort can cause nervous issues.

Culinary Use:

Mugwort has a slightly bitter taste. It is used to season fish and meat, especially game and is a traditional seasoning for Christmas Goose in Germany. It is also used to flavor rice cakes in Asia.

Before hops, it was used to flavor beer. For this purpose, the plant should be gathered while in flower and dried before use.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

Mugwort is considered a noxious weed in some of the United States. Check with your States laws before planting as some carry heavy fines for planting certain plants.

Mugwort should never be used during pregnancy or lactation or by anyone who has pelvic inflammatory issues as it causes uterine contractions and can be passed through the mother's milk.

Mugwort should not be used for more than one week continuously. Continued, habitual use of mugwort can cause nervous problems, liver damage and convulsions.

Some people have topical allergies to mugwort. Test some on your skin before using.

Heather

Mon, 01/07/2008 - 21:02 — kitchenwitch
Botanical Name:

Calluna vulgaris

Zones:
4-8
Other Names:
Scot's heather, Heath, Froach, Ling, Scotch heather

This is a European native common to fields, ditches and waste areas in the cooler areas of Europe and the British Isles, especially in the heath land habitats where it is an important food source for

Propagation:

Heather will do best in zones 4-8, it prefers a bright area with acidic soil and good drainage. There are a few varieties who will tolerate some shade, but not many. Young heather should be watered regularly, but established plants shouldn't need extra water unless threatened with drought. It takes 2-3 years to reach its full size. Do not fertilize, as this plant prefers poor soil. Peat or pine needle mulch can be used. Heather should not be pruned, as this causes it to dry out faster. It does well in a container as well as in the garden.

The seeds are tiny and take up to two months to germinate. They require sunlight (don't cover them) and moisture, and cold treatment before planting is very helpful. You can sow it in the fall, or in containers at midwinter.

Deer and other grazing animals love to nibble on heather, as do the heather beetle and many butterfly and moth larvae. This makes in a wonderful addition to a butterfly or nature garden, but rather high maintenance for use as an ornamental. It is also susceptible to root rot where drainage is not sufficient.

Heather releases a chemical that prevents other plants from growing near it. Keep this in mind when planning your garden.

History and Folklore:

The word Calluna is derived from the Greek meaning "to sweep"

Heather (along with thistle) is the national flower of Scotland.

In Scotland farmers carried torches around their fields before midsummer to insure good crops and around their cattle to ensure their fertility.

Harvesting & Storage:

Cut flowering stems in autumn. They don't like being cut, so it's best to do it at the end of the growing season and hang to dry for later use.

Household Use:

Heather dries well and can be used in many crafts. The branches can be woven into wreathes, baskets, mats, and are traditionally used to make brooms.

The roots can be made into musical pipes.

Heather yields a yellow dye.

Magical Attributes:

Heather is feminine in nature and ruled by Venus and the element of water. It is also associated with Gemini and, accordingly, Mercury. It is represented by the Ogham letter Ura. It is associated with the God Nechtan Mac Labraid, the Cupbearer of the Tuatha De Dannan, guardian of the sacred well of Segais and husband of Boane, after whom the river Boyne in Ireland is named. Also, Isis, Osiris, Venus, Aphrodite

Heather can be used in spells relating to new beginnings, and self-discovery, enhancing physical beauty and bringing a peaceful resolution to any conflict. It is also used at initiations.

Keeping heather about the house will attract friendly spirits and will bring peace to the household. Carrying heather will attract positive energies, general good luck and protect against rape and other violent assaults, making it useful for traveling sachets.

Burning heather together with fern will aid in magic designed to bring rain. The two plants can also be bundled together and used to sprinkle water on the ground for the same purpose.

Heather helps in summoning spirits and attracts faeries to the garden.

Heather is a good plant to use to make besoms and can be added to midsummer fires to ensure the fertility of the attendants.

Heather is said to be stained with the blood of war in Scotland, thus, white heather is the luckiest and the best for use in magic.

Heather should be part of a bridal bouquet or the decorations to ensure good luck to the couple and peace and cooperation in their household.

Healing Attributes:

Heather is useful for ailments of the genitourinary systems, including stones, kidney and bladder infections, vaginal discharge, enlarged prostate, and menstrual and menopausal symptoms. It stimulates the flow of bile and urine, making it useful in cleansingi and purifying teas.

It is also a soothing herb and is good for spasmodic complaints in any system, including stomach and intestinal cramping and spasmodic coughs. Its soothing nature also makes it good for nervousness and insomnia.

It can also be added to salves for gout and rheumatism and to soothing skin preparations.

Heather may raise blood pressure slightly, and should not be used by people with blood pressure issues.

Culinary Use:

A recipe for heather beer was found on pre-Pict potsherds dating back to 2000 BC. Heather ale remains a popular beverage in Scotland. It also makes a pleasing tea.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

Bay Laurel

Sat, 01/05/2008 - 21:03 — DawnBlack
Botanical Name:

Laurus nobilis

Zones:
Southern

Bay is an evergreen shrub (often referred to as a small tree) native to Asia Minor and areas around the Mediterranean.

Propagation:

Bay laurel requires mild climates and will only grow well outside year round in zones 8-10. It does make an attractive container plant, however, and doesn't get too big. Folklore says that growing bay laurel as a houseplant will protect your home from lightening strikes and disease. It must have 4 hours of direct sunlight a day and be kept relatively cool. The soil should be rich and well-drained and allowed to dry out between watering, but should receive a little extra water in the springtime. Bugs don't seem to bother this plant too much. It makes an excellent hedge and responds well to pruning.

The plant can be propagated easily from cuttings.

History and Folklore:

The world laurel comes from the Celtic lawr, meaning "verdant" and nobilis from the latin meaning "noble" or of high rank.

The Greek word for Bay is dhafni, after the nymph Daphne who was changed into a bay laurel tree by Gaea (or her father Peneus, or herself, depending on who's telling the story) to protect her from the unwanted advances of Apollo. The tree is sacred to Apollo and it is said that the Oracle at Delphi chewed the leaves and inhaled the smoke when seeking visions. It is also associated with honor and glory and kings, heroes, triumphant athletes, poets and other great men and women were crowned with it to signify their greatness in both ancient Greece and Rome. Garlands of bay laurel were traditionally bestowed upon the winners of the Pythian games in Greece and later the Olympic games (prior to the change, olive leaves were used).

Today, grand prix winners are given wreathes of laurel. The world laureate as in poet laureate and baccalaureate (lit "laurel berry") are additional reminders of the high status of this tree.

Laurel wreaths were worn for their protective properties. They were believed to protect against the anger of sky Gods and the Emperor Tiberius always wore laurel during thunderstorms to prevent his being struck by lightening. Doctors also wore laurel as it was considered helpful in curing nearly everything.

Harvesting & Storage:

Harvest the leaves as needed. This is one herb that's better dried than fresh, as the fresh leaves are much more bitter. They may be pressed to dry, like you would press flowers. Properly dried leaves are bright olive green. Store them in darkness in an airtight container. Throw them out after two years, or when they turn brown, whichever comes first.

Household Use:

Bay leaf is very aromatic and holds it shape and fragrance well when dried making it a nice addition to many potpourris, wreaths and other herbal crafts. It blends well in aromatherapy combinations with bergamot, cederwood, lemon, rosemary, and patchouli.

It can also be added to sachets to keep moths out of your closets. A bay leaf dropped in a bag of flour may also help keep bugs out of that.

It is also a useful addition to shampoos and is recommended for hair loss, dandruff and greasy hair.

Magical Attributes:

Laurel is sacred to Apollo and should decorate any altar to him. Its spicy fragrance, and association with the sun makes it appropriate for any festival of the sun. Bay laurel is also associated with Aesclepius, Ceres, Zeus, Fides, Hermes and Cerridwen. It is considered masculine, and is ruled by Leo, the Sun and the element of Fire.

Bay leaves can be used to sprinkle water during any rituali, a branch of many leaves may be used in a group situation. Dip the branch in the water and wave it toward the group, spraying them with water three times.

Bay leaves may be added to any spelli or potion designed to enhance psychic ability and is a great addition to a psychic dream pillow.

Laurel wreaths may be worn by healers during healing ceremonies and while treating the sick in order to increase the positive healing energy and protect against negative energy that may be hanging around the sick room. Bay leaf can also be burned in the sick room after the illness has passed to purify it and drive out any residual sickness vibes.

It is exceptionally useful as a smudge during banishing and exorcism rites, especially those involving poltergeists. Mixed with sandlewood, it is useful for breaking curses.

When you finally get rid of that roommate, ex-spouse or family member who you thought would never move, smudge the house with bay to ensure they won't return. Even if you aren't really happy about them going, if you know it's best for everyone, cleanse the home of their presence for closure.

Bay laurel may be carried to protect against any number of misfortunes and to bring luck in athletic competitions.

To ensure that you will see your lover again, and neither of you will be tempted to infidelity, go together to a bay laurel tree and pluck a leaf, break it in half and each keep one half.

Write a wish on a dried bay leaf and then burn it and your wish will come true.

Healing Attributes:

Bay laurel has verified bactericidal and fungicidal properties.

The essential oil can be added to massage oils for arthritis and muscle aches and pains. It can also be added to salves for bruises, itching and other mild skin irritations.

A poultice of the leaves and berries, simmered till soft, can be placed on the chest to relieve head and chest colds.

A tea made of the leaves and/or berries aids in digestion, helps to rid the body of impurities and makes a good general health tonic. It is particularly helpful to women who are having trouble urinating after childbirth. Pregnant women, however, should not use bay laurel beyond the little bit we might use in cooking.

Teai can also be used to calm nerves.

Adding bay laurel to your bath tea aids with vaginal infections, perineal healing after childbirth and urinary tract infections.

Never never ever use the essential oil internally.

Culinary Use:

Bay leaf is a popular culinary herb. It is slightly bitter and strongly aromatic. It shouldn't be eaten whole, however, as the leaf has sharp edges that can cut your mouth. Instead, add it to soups, stews, roasts, sauces and other dishes that simmer for awhile and remove it just before serving or add to a bouquet garni. This allows the flavor to infuse into to the dish. For a stronger flavor, the leaf can be crushed and added to dishes. It also makes a good pickling spice.

Laurel berries have a robust flavor all their own and can be used to flavor meats and sauces.

While most herbs should be added at the end of cooking for the best effect, bay imparts the best flavor when simmered for a long time. The leave should be removed before serving.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

There are many plants that are called laurel or bay that are not. The California bay tree Umbellularia californica is not the same plant, but has a similar flavor and can be used just like common bay laurel in many cases. It is also called California laurel, Oregon myrtle or pepperwood. Indian bay leaf Cinnamomum tejpata looks quite similar, but tastes more like cinnamon. West Indian Bay leaf is allspice.

Some similarly named plants are poisonous and should not be used under any circumstances. Mountain laurel, Kalmia latifolia, is one of these.

Always check the botanical name of any plant you use and never use one you aren't absolutely sure isn't exactly what you want.

Arnica

Sat, 01/05/2008 - 15:54 — kitchenwitch
Botanical Name:

Arnica montana

Zones:
5-9

Arnica is a member of the Asteraceae (or Compositeae) family along with sunflowers and dandelions. It is a hardy perennial native to the mountains and pasturelands of Central Europe.

Propagation:

Arnica enjoys a well-drained, slightly acidic soil. To increase drainage, if needed, add some sand to the soil. To increase acidity, you can add some peat moss. If using potting soil, mix equal parts sand and peat moss and combine that mix with equal parts potting soil.

You can propagate by root division or by seed. Roots should be divided in the spring, and seeds collected in the fall. Plant as early as you dare in the spring; ideally starti them in a cold frame and set them into the ground in May. This plant requires full sun and does grow well in a pot. It prefers high altitudes.

Arnica is a great addition to a rock garden.

Collect the flowers as soon as they bloom and hang upside down in a dark place to dry. The root may be collected in the fall after the flowers die down. The root can then be dried in the oven.

History and Folklore:

The word arnica comes from the Greek arnikis which means lamb coat. This refers to the flower's furry sepals.

The German name for arnica is Wolfsblume, or Wolf Flower. In ancient times, the people believed that the spirit of the Corn Wolf wandered among the cornfields adding his strength to the coming harvest. Arnica was placed around the fields to prevent him from escaping before the corn was ready to be harvested. His spirit then entered the final sheaf that was cut and it was later carried to the village in honor. (Note: Corn then was not what we think of corn now, but grain in general.)

Arnica has been wildly popular in Germany for centuries where it claims over 100 medicinal uses for everything from heart disease to anemia. The American variety was used by Native Americans and the early settlers for a variety of uses as well.

Harvesting & Storage:
Household Use:
Magical Attributes:

Arnica is masculine in nature and associated with Midsummer, the harvest and harvest spirits. It is sacred to Freya, Ra and Apollo. It is aligned with the sun and the element of fire.

To drive away thunderstorms (why you would want to, I don't know) burn arnica and say "Set arnica alight, set arnica alight, thunderstorm take flight."

Arnica can be used in general protective rituals as well as rituals for fertility of crops.

Arnica can be planted around an area to keep a spirit from entering or leaving. It will only work until the plant dies back in the fall.

Healing Attributes:

Arnica is topically soothing and aids healing in bruises and sprains and should be applied as quickly as possible after the injury occurs to aid healing. The essential oil can be added to massage oils for use before and after strenuous physical exercise to prevent muscle aches and strains. It is great for muscle aches of all sorts (including PMS) as it reduces inflammation and sooths pain. Arnica actually reduces clotting, however, and does not speed the disappearance of bruises, merely soothes the pain.

It should never be applied to open wounds, rashes or any broken skin. However, a compress of the flowers and roots can be applied in a compress over a bandaged wound to relieve pain and aid in healing. A hot compress can also be applied to aching, arthritic joints and wrists afflicted with carpal tunnel syndrome.

A good salve mix for bumps, bruises and sprains is witch hazel, comfrey and arnica.

Some people are allergic to this plant and repeated or continuous use can cause some people to develop an allergy to it. Use with caution and only for first aid purposes. Use something else for daily maintenance.

If you are allergic to any other member of the Compositae family (ragweed, for example) you are probably allergic to arnica! If you allow yourself to develop an allergy to arnica through overuse, you will most likely develop allergies to other members of the Compositae family as well.

Do not take arnica internally. It can cause intestinal irritation, inflames the mucus membranes, and affects blood pressure and heart rate. Even a small amount can kill you or, failing that, cause permanent damage to your heart.

Homeopathic arnica is safe.

Culinary Use:

Arnica should never be eaten as it is bad for the heart and can cause severe gastrointestinal upset.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

A. montana is threatened in the European wild. If you must use this species, do not use those collected in the European wilderness!
In the US, however, it's a weed!

St John's Wort

Sat, 12/29/2007 - 12:07 — kitchenwitch
Botanical Name:

Hypericum perforatum

Zones:
5-9
Other Names:
Saint John's Wort, St Joan's Wort

This is a bushy little perennial and very winter hardy. It grows to about one to three feet tall. Leaves are small, stalkless, opposite and pale bluish green growing up long brown stems.

Propagation:

Propagate by runners in the autumn or by seeds in the spring.

Average soil, partial to full sun.

Plants will need to be replaced after 5 years or so, but will spread if not checked. It is a very vigorous grower, spreading by both seeds and runners and should be kept in a pot or raised bed.

History and Folklore:

St. John's Wort has been used in medicine for over 2.400 years. It was used in ancient Greece and prescribed by Hippocrates and others for insanity, among other problems. It was also used in the Crusades to treat battle wounds.

It is associated with St. John the Baptist. It was gathered on St. John's Day and soaked in olive oil to create an anointing oili called the "Blood of Christ". It is said that the red sap "bleeds" in August on the day when St. John was beheaded.

There is much folklore about this plant.

The ancient name Fuga Daemonum (Scare Devil) and the Latin name Hypericum ("over" + "apparition") attests to its usefulness in driving away evil spirits. The latter may also refer to the fact that it was hung over religious icons. It was hung in the home, and carried as a talismani. It was also used to protect from lightening strikes.

On legend says that if you step on a St. John's Wort plant, you will be stolen away by a faerie horse.

St. John's Wort was also used for divinationi of romance and longevity. St. John's Wort was hung over the beds of the members of a household. The sprig that was most wilted indicated who would die the soonest. Keeping a sprig under your pillow is said to grant you a vision of St. John, who will promise that you will live another year. If no such vision comes, however...expect you will soon die.

Alli of these should, of course, be done on Midsummer or St. John's Eve.

It is traditionally burned in the Midsummer Fires. Flowers brought into the house on Midsummer Day are said to protect the household from a myriad misfortunes, including invasion by evil spirits, the evil eye, illness and fire.

Harvesting & Storage:

It is traditionally harvested on St. John's Day (June 24th) or Midsummer's day, early in the day after the dew has dried. Harvest soon after flowering.

Otherwise, harvest flowers and leaves as needed.

Household Use:

Flowers are used to produce a yellow dye. Stem produces a red dye.

In the garden St. John's Wort attracts bees. It does not produce nector so few adult butterflies are attracted to it. The Grey Hairstreak butterfly's larvae feeds on its seeds and the the Gray Half-Spot moth's larvae feeds on its foliage, so it may still be a useful addition to a butterfly garden.

The flowered stems are great for weaving into wreathes.

Magical Attributes:

St. John's Wort is linked with the Sun and Leo, Midsummer's Day, or St. John's Day.

St. John's Wort can be added to the fires for Midsummer celebrations and used to make garlands. The infused oil might be useful for an anointing oili for Midsummer rituals and exorcism. It's bloody red color also lends it well to death and rebirth rituals and celebrations of women's mysteries.

It can also be used for smudgingi during rituals of exorcism, especially of poltergeists.

Healing Attributes:

The most popular use of St. John's Wort medicinally is for depression. Studies of various constituents of this herb suggest that there is indeed something to the claim of its effectiveness against mild depression. It does not seem to be at all effective against severe depression.

St. John's Wort tea is also used for rheumatism, neuralgia, sciatica, shingles and symptoms of menopause. It is also a soothing muscle relaxer for when you overdo it (not for chronic problems).

The oil rubbed into joints may ease rheumatism. It is also used for minor wounds, burns and to help fade scars.

Infuse olive oil for topical use by stuffing a wide-mouthed jar with herb, then covering with olive oil and sealing. Place in a sunny window and shake a few times a day for six weeks. It will be bright red when done.

Culinary Use:

Makes a pleasant, slightly bitter tea.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

St John's Wort can render birth control pills and similar forms of contraception useless. Do not rely on these methods of birth control if you are using St. John's Wort!

St. John's Wort should also not be taken by patients using Indinavir, a drug often given to AIDS patients, Cyclosporin, an immunosuppressive drug given to transplant patients, and Warfarin, an anticoagulant.

Side affects of St. John's Wort may include dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, gastrointestinal discomfort, skin rash and photosensitivity. When using St. John's Wort, take extra care with sun protection.

If you are using St. John's Wort for depression, it is prudent to also seek therapy. Do not combine it with pharmaceutical anti- depressants.

Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should not use St. John's Wort as it may cause miscarriage and side affects for nursing infants are unpredictable.

Blueberry Dumplings

Thu, 11/29/2007 - 15:01 — kitchenwitch
Ingredients:

Fruit
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1/4 cup sugar (or to taste)
1/2 cup apple juice
1 tbsp cornstarch

Dumplings
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
dash of salt
1/2 tsp sugar
3 tbsp shortening
3/4 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350

Notes:

You can use any fruit with this recipe. Try it with apples, add some cinnamon and nutmeg to the fruit mixture. You'll have to simmer the apples a bit longer.

This is great for dessert or breakfast! Serve hot with cold milk for breakfast. Yum!

This recipe contains energy for sexual energy, potency and fertility and is also very protective.

Quick Witch Tips:

You can use pre-made canned pie filling and Bisquick or Jiffy baking mix to make this a superquick dessert.

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