Book of Shadows
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Written by Madame Aradia
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Saturday, 20 June 2009 14:48 |
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Fireflies twinkle in the garden like little stars, crickets sing their tireless songs, white flowers glow eerily in the darkness of the night. And for some on this Midsummer Night, a bonfire blazes nearby. Commonly known as Summer Solstice and less commonly known as Litha, this is the longest day and the shortest night of the year.
Since ancient times, many countries of Northern Europe (mainly the Scandinavian countries, but also Ireland and northern England) celebrated Midsummer. Traditionally, a bonfire would be built on a hilltop as representation of the sun and the now shortening days. It was also believed the bonfire would provide protection from evil spirits. The midsummer celebration would also include a picnic dinner consisting of fish, sausages, potatoes with parsley, and fresh fruit. For those living near water, there would be boat or swim races in the afternoon. Singing and dancing would take place around midnight when the bonfire was burning strong and bright.
According to ancient lore, herbs gathered on Midsummer would have miraculous healing properties. It was believed fern seeds gathered on this day could make one invisible. Flowers were also harvested and made into garlands and wreaths to bring health and provide protection from evil. Unmarried woman would gather nine different types of flowers, form a bouquet, and place it under her pillow. Legends says she would dream of her future husband.
To celebrate Midsummer, plan a picnic with a simple menu consisting of fish and fruit. Decorate your home with blue, green, and yellow candles and gather fresh flowers to create wreaths and bouquets. Take a moment at midnight to burn a candle (if a traditional bonfire is not optional) and reflect on the season. |
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Written by Madame Aradia
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Sunday, 31 May 2009 16:03 |
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With long purple or blue fragrant flowers, the wisteria is hard not to notice. Depending on the variety, wisterias bloom from April to June. Wisterias need lots of support as they grow, even a wisteria tree may need support for its heavy flowers and branches; so grow your wisteria over an arbor or trellis or fence. Wisterias can be planted in partial shade, but prefer full sun. You won’t get many flowers if you plant it in partial shade.
Though wisterias are common all over the globe, the varieties from Japan and China should probably be avoided....Latin names: Wisteria Sinensis and Wisteria Floribunda These varieties are evasive and could even be destructive to other trees it is planted near. The variety native to the Americas is smaller and slower growing and is much easier to control.
Wisterias are a symbol of friendship and welcoming in strangers and those new friendships...”I cling to thee” and “Meeting you means so much to me”. |
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Written by Madame Aradia
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Saturday, 09 May 2009 15:12 |
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 Tucked away in dark shady gardens, you may find bleeding-hearts. Oh, it’s not a hard flower to find...their name describes what they look like. Another less common name for the bleeding heart is dutchman’s trousers. These delicate little flowers don’t last long...blooming late spring and only lasting a few weeks before they die back and go dormant for another season. You can encourage the bleeding heart to stay green through the season by watering it often during the hot summer months. Bleeding hearts look beautiful along side hostas and ferns. Bleeding hearts are native to North America and Japan. It grew wild in lush, shady forests where the soil was rich and the shadows deep. Years ago, it was believed you could tell if your love loved you by crushing the flowers. If the juice was red, he/she loved you. If it was white, well, perhaps it was time to move on. Other legend advises on not growing bleeding-hearts indoors as the flower might bring a negative spirit into your home. However, you can calm the plant by placing a stone or coin in the soil. |
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Written by Madame Aradia
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Tuesday, 21 April 2009 15:35 |
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One of the first flowers you will be able to buy at your neighborhood nursery is the “sunny-faced” pansy. Though this little flower can handle light frosts and cold temps, the summer heat can wipe them out. Try planting them in the shade so they have a better chance of surviving the harsh summer sun. You can get pansies to re-seed themselves by letting the flower heads go to seed in the autumn and covering them with mulch. The pansy has many names including heart’s ease, kiss-me-at-the-garden-gate, Johnny jumper, and garden violet.
In the early 1800s, an English gardener began cross breeding violets. In just a few years, the modern day pansy was born. In less than 50 years, the pansy made it to America; and by 1888, much of the world was enjoying pansies every spring.
The pansy is a symbol of love, happiness, and friendship...perfect for chasing off those late winter blues. There is also some lore surrounding the pansy. Some believe if you pick a pansy flower early in the morning when the dew is still on them, it will bring rain. This could be quite useful if there is a drought. Other lore says pansies blooming in autumn will be followed by famine or a plague.
Believe it or not, the pansy also has medicinal uses. The flower contains vitamins A and C, so try adding them to a fresh garden salad or a fruit salad. Pansies also contain anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to treat nearly any inflammation from lung problems (such as asthma and pleurisy) to skin irritations. Also remember to use fresh pansy flowers. The flowers lose their medicinal properties when dried. |
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Written by Madame Aradia
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Saturday, 21 March 2009 20:50 |
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The vernal equinox...you can breath a sigh of relief for winter is over (at least for most states now). Oh, you might suffer a few chilly days and frosts until May, but at long last spring is really here. The promise of spring has been everywhere for weeks now. Robins spotted in February. Snowdrops, crocuses, anemones, and other early flowers have come. The trees have red in their young branches....a sign of the sap rising.
The name “vernal equinox” is Latin meaning “equal night”, for now the days and nights are the same length. Light and darkness are equal. The first of spring happens on or around March 21st.
Through the years, many cultures (particularly the Germans, Anglo-Saxons, and Romans) have celebrated the vernal equinox as a holiday known as Ostara, or Eostre (this is where the Christians derived their name for the holiday, Easter). Ostara is the name for an Anglo-Saxon/Norse goddess of life, fertility, and rebirth. Her symbols are, of course, the bunny, eggs, and spring flowers.
To celebrate the holiday, go for a long walk (reflecting on the young, budding nature around you) or plant seeds for your garden (indoors, of course! A frost could kill all your young plants before May). Decorate your home with fresh cut flowers, statues of rabbits or hand-woven bird’s nests, and candles (suggested: green, white, purple, or yellow). Color eggs to decorate your home or garden with....of course, if you want long lasting eggs, you must use "blown" eggs. Hard-boiled will become smelly fast! |
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A Sign of Spring:The Anemone |
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Written by Madame Aradia
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Saturday, 07 March 2009 18:25 |
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Late February or early March, if you were to pay me a visit, you will find me crawling around the dead leaves and faded mulch in the flower beds in desperate search for something green...to find that first little sign of spring. Along with snowdrops and crocuses, you may be lucky enough to find the anemone peaking its little purple (well, red is the most common color, but it comes in a wide variety) head out.
The anemone, also known as the pasque flower, meadow anemone, or wind flower, is a member of the buttercup family and closely resembles the poppy. You can find anemone growing pretty much anywhere...the forest, open fields, along shady rocky shores. Some say the anemone received the name “wind flower” because the flowers won’t bloom unless the wind blows. The anemone (particularly the red) is both a protect and healing herb, so it is beneficial to grow in your garden. Carry the fresh flowers to protect yourself from illness.
Medicinally, the anemone is use to relieve nervous headaches and asthma symptoms (as it contains anti-spasmodic properties). As an ointment, the flowers can be used to reduce inflammation of the eyes. In years past, a bath of the anemone was also used to cure leprosy. |
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Written by Madame Aradia
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Friday, 23 January 2009 18:19 |
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Originating in South American and Mexico, the amaryllis has become a popular houseplant. Early in the 19th century, the Dutch horticulturists began to cultivate the amaryllis and is now be developed all over the world. It is also called spider lily and magic lily.
According to the poems by Virgil, this lovely flower is named for the Greek nymph Amaryllis, or Amarysso meaning “to sparkle”. The story tells of a beautiful nymph who falls in love with a rather stone-hearted shepherd. The shepherd declared the only thing he wanted was a new flower...a flower never seen before in this world. Determined to melt his cold heart and earn his love regardless the cost, Amaryllis visited an oracle. So as instructed, Amaryllis visited the shepherd’s doorstep for 30 nights, each night piercing her heart with a golden arrow. On the last night, her blood soaking her white gown, the shepherd discovered a beautiful red flower growing from her heart.
The Amaryllis is a fairly easy flower to grow. It needs a sunny window and moisture during the winter. After it has flowered, trim back the long flower stalks. Late in May, move the pot outdoors to “harden” (in other words “get use to”...you don’t want to shock the plant) for a week. Then plant the amaryllis in a partially shady place in your garden. Be sure you plant it in a place where the afternoon sun will not burn the leaves. After the first frost, dig up the bulb, place it in a paper bag, and store it in a dry place for about 2 months. Trim the roots to about 4 inches before you plant the amaryllis. It will still fit in the same pot. Water it thoroughly and set it in strong light. |
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Written by Madame Aradia
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Friday, 09 January 2009 21:38 |
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Poinsettias are lovely symbols of Christmas. Mexican lore tells of a little boy who was too poor to bring gift, an offering, to the Christ child. So, he pulled some weeds on the road and took them to church. When he entered the church, his humble weeds turned into a beautiful red poinsettia. Because of this story, many call the poinsettia the “Christmas flower” or even “Christmas Star”.
Ancient Aztecs cultivated the poinsettia and considered it a treasured flower. It became a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and purity. After the fall of the empire, Franciscan monks found the flower and brought it back to Europe. They noted the leaves of the poinsettia would turn red during the holiday season and thus it because a symbol of the winter holidays.
Like me, if you love poinsettias for the holiday, but hate throwing them out after the holidays, follow these simple month-by-month steps to keep the poinsettia all year:
January to May- Be sure the poinsettia gets strong light all day and fertilize every two weeks. Keep the plant moist, but remember not to drown it. Poinsettias like to dry a bit between waterings.
April- Prune the poinsettia so it is about 6 to 8 inches tall.
June to September- Repot the poinsettia and move the plant outside. Place the plant where it can receive morning light, but will be sheltered from the hot afternoon sun. Be sure to keep it moist and fertilize every week.
Mid September- Bring the poinsettia indoors and make sure it still gets strong light all day. Continue to fertilize weekly.
October to November- During the short daytime hours, be sure the plant stays warm and in a bright place, but at night, place the poinsettia in a cool dark place....a closet works well. Make sure the plant is getting more dark than light time now. Continue to fertilize weekly.
Mid November- Discontinue the light/dark treatment and put it in bright light.
December- Poinsettias don’t need strong light all the time this month, so put it anywhere you like when you are decorating, and from time to time, put it in strong light. |
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Written by Madame Aradia
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Sunday, 07 December 2008 17:44 |
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The holly has long been used as decoration for Yule and other winter holidays and events. Of course, the ancient Celtics tell stories of a Holly King who defeated the Oak King and rules from midsummer to midwinter. He is depicted as a “Santa Claus” character, giving and kind. Some believe he is the inspiration for the stories of Santa Claus. The chinese decorated with it during their February New Year’s celebration. Ancient Romans used the leaves during Yule, exchanging boughs as gifts for the celebration.
Though not use much today for medicinal purposes, the holly leaves were used to produce sweating for treating fevers, rheumatism, and even smallpox. The berries are poisonous, but was once used to purge the body of “gross and clammy phlegm”.
Other common (and uncommon) names for the holly include holy tree, hulver bush, Christ’s thorn, and bat’s wings. So if you see an old “witch’s spell” with bat wings in the ingredients, they were referring to the holly leaves. Old legend says as Christ was carrying the cross and his blood was dripping on the ground, holly trees sprang from the soil. They, of course, bore thorny leaves and blood red berries...and thus earned the name “Christ’s Thorn”.
Holly is a protective plant...protective against poison, evil spirits, and even lightning, and as such is very beneficial to have planted near your home. Some even sprinkled holly water on infants to protect them from evil. Holly is a “male” plant (ivy being the “female” plants as they are magically bound) and is therefore very lucky for men to carry with them. |
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Written by Madame Aradia
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Sunday, 16 November 2008 23:08 |
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Ancient Japanese cultures hung pine branches over their door ensure lasting happiness in the home...for pine needles are evergreen... They thought the pine was a symbol of youth and longevity. Rich in amino acids and protein, the pine nut was as valuable to some Native American Tribes as Buffalo were to others. Pine needles were even used to make baskets and sometimes even clothes..that doesn’t sound very comfortable! It is even thought that very ancient cultures burned pine wood in their campfires because the resin the the wood make it burn longer and a smoking pine log would quickly start burning again if a few dry branches were thrown on it.
During the dreary winter months, burn pine needles to cleanse, purify, and refresh your home. Use them in a bath for the same reasons. Ancient cultures believed hanging pine branches over your bed would keep illnesses at bay and forming a cross of pine branches over your fireplace would keep evil from entering your home. Some believe carrying a pine cone with you will increase fertility. It is also said it is best to gather pine cones on the Midsummer when using them for magical purposes.
Believe it or not, pine trees are used for medicinal purposes as well. The needles of some evergreen is used to ail in the recovery from scurvy (which is pretty rare these days). Pine tar is used in the recovery of lung illnesses, such as bronchitis, as well as in lotions and ointments to treat eczema, psoriasis, sciatica, and other skin diseases. The young shoots of the pine trees have been used in making liquors and beers. |
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What is a "Book of Shadows"?
Originally, the "Book of Shadows" was a term that referred to a coven's collection of spells and secrets. In modern culture, the term is used to refer to a witch's personal diary and/or journal. The purpose is to keep a record of everything the witch learns and discovers. While usually kept private, I have decided to make mine public in the form of a blog. I have done this in the hopes of helping other find magic in everyday life, and especially in the practice of gardening.
My Latest...
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Spider Plant
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Mottled Rose
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Borage
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Bee Balm
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Gray Man
madamearadia posted a photo:
According to Irish folklore, a spirit called "Far Liath" or "the gray man" was in the fog. It was said this spirit would use his cloak of fog to hide rocky shorelines and ships would wreck on the rocks; or he might obscure cliff-side paths so some unfortunate soul might walk off the cliff....
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