I've recently been studying a lot about home remedies and natural cures. Nature has so much to give us in terms of achieving balance and wellbeing, but we often lose sight of this, particularly if we live far away from the countryside. But even then, so much knowledge about healing plants and other home remedies is being lost. Drug companies are keen to make lots of money from us, and whilst modern medicine is certainly an important development in human history, kinder and more natural cures have so much to offer us, and can heal us in a way that minimizes the nasty side effects often caused by western medicine.
Anyway I've found a great site which has tons of useful and effective home remedies, and have been trying a few out, with good success! It turns out that some honey and apple cider vinegar are the best investments for anyone looking to try natural cures for things, those two ingredients are amazing! I've always suffered from tonsilitus and things so I was really intrigued to try out these sore throat remedies that I found. The propolis sweets have been working really well for me, especially with the ACV and honey mixture.
I'm also keen to try out some helpful info about improving your skin and getting rid of acne and zits, and also some skincare products that you can make at home, including the delicious sounding brown sugar face scrub, i'll have to make sure not to lick it off though!
So if you want to try to cure yourself the natural way, take a look at these great remedies that you can do at home!
Sunday 14 August 2011
Thursday 25 March 2010
Adding Mandrake Root to Your Wiccan Supplies List
In witchcraft and occult practices, mandrake root is a very common and potent herb that witches use as an ingredient to various spells, oils, potions, and ceremonial offerings. Mandrake root is said to come in male and female "shapes" where male mandrake roots resemble the shape of a human male and the female root resembling the body of a human female.
In particular, the mandrake root is the most powerful herb of love magick, and certainly one of the most deadliest. Ones that resemble a phallus are believed to possess great aphrodisiac qualities and were, at one time, the main ingredient used in Witches' love philtres(potions) despite their highly toxic properties.
A mandrake root that is soaked every Friday in a bowl of white wine and carried in a charmbag made of red silk and velvet will give its possessor great sexual potency and make him or her attractive to the opposite sex. A mandrake root placed underneath a bed pillow will arouse passion between two lovers, even if one is indifferent.
Both male and female fertility is promoted by eating mandrake (males eat the male mandrake root and females eat the female mandrake root) or by carryin one as a charm, according to legend.
A tiny particle of powdered female mandrake leaf added to a cup of red wine (for passionate lovemaking) or white wine (for romantic love) is said to be a powerful Witch's aphrodisiac.
In addition to love magick, mandrake roots have long been believed to possess the power to divine the future. More than one book on medieval Witchcraft and sorcery states that the human-shaped roots (both male and female) shake their heads to answer yes or no when questions are put to them. With the proper incantations, mandrakes can also be made to speak out loud or through telepathy.This is another way in which they can prophesy the future and reveal secrets. Mandrakes have been used by many modern Witches in spells and rituals that increase the psychic powers. They are carried in mojobags or worn on necklaces as powerful charms to attract good luck, and it is said that money placed in a box with a mandrake root will double overnight.
Mandrake root can also be used in exorcisms as it is believed that demons cannot tolerate mandrake root and it is poisonous to them. It is not uncommon during ancient exorcisms that whilst a priest was under going an exorcism on an individual that he place a tiny piece of mandrake in their mouths under the tongue. The potent mandrake was meant to help drive out the demon essence from within the individual.
Extreme caution should always be exercised when using any part of the mandrake in potions, brews and philtres. It is a highly toxic plant, and misuse of it can result in sickness, delirium, or a slow and agonizing death.
According to the legend, when mandrake root is dug up it screams and kills anyone who hears this. Literature includes complex directions for harvesting a mandrake root in relative safety. For example Josephus (c. 37 AD Jerusalem - c. 100) gives the following directions for pulling it up:
A burrow must be dug around the root until its lower part is exposed, then a dog is tied to it, after which the person tying the dog must then run away. The dog is then enticed to follow him, and by doing so easily pulls up the root, but the dog dies suddenly instead of his master. After this the root can be handled without fear.
Mandrake is one of the traditional ritual herbs of the Samhain (Halloween) Witches' Sabbat and is sacred to the following Pagan deities: Aphrodite, Diana, Hecate and the legendary Teutonic sorceress known as the Alrauna Maiden.
If you are in need of mandrake root, you can visit this website: http://www.moonslightmagic.com
Or here for a wide range of Wiccan herbs and supplies
Joseph is an author and reviewer for many different websites. He is an expert in the occult, witchcraft, paranormal, and Wiccan practices and beliefs. You may view his blog here: http://www.moonslightmagicblog.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Barresi
Saturday 20 March 2010
Healing Power of Crystals
Crystal Therapy - Healing Crystal Therapy - Healing Properties of Amethyst
by Mercedes Aspland
In this article we are going to look at what crystal therapy is, as well as the properties of amethyst. Once we have explored the properties of amethyst we will consider ways in which you can use it to your advantage and the conditions that can be helped by amethyst.
What is Crystal Therapy?
The principle behind crystal therapy is that each crystal has a specific energy. This energy acts on the body and the mind of a person and can result in a change of mental and physical health. The way in which crystals are used can very quite significantly but the basic idea is that a person comes into close proximity with a crystal on a regular basis. It is important to fully assess the situation to ensure you find the right crystal for your particular condition.
What are the Properties of Amethyst?
Amethyst is a crystal that belongs to the quartz family and can be found in places such as Brazil, Canada, Sri Lanka and East Africa. The stone is usually purple in colour however the shade can vary significantly from a very deep violet to light lavender that is almost translucent. It has been used in jewellery for a very long time and in particular can be seen in the Crown Jewels in England. It has also been worn by every pope since the sixteenth Century.
Healing Properties of Amethyst
When looking at the healing properties we can consider a number of different elements. In this section we will look at the general healing properties as well as folklore and what it has been used for in the past. Finally we will also consider how amethyst can be used in Feng Shui.
Amethyst is thought to be a stone of spirituality and can help with contentment and meditation as well as strengthening psychic abilities. Amethyst can also help with trust, flexibility and common sense. These are quite grounding properties that help a person to deal with a variety of changes they experience. In addition amethyst is associated with dream recall. It is also thought to be a stone of humility helping us to see ourselves in context and see the bigger picture. Due to its direct connection to the mind amethyst is actually the stone that is most recommended for people suffering from stress and it could also help with anxiety.
In terms of folk remedies it is also thought to strengthen the metabolism, immune system and circulatory system as well as bolstering production of hormones. In addition it is thought to be a useful remedy for headaches and also for balancing blood sugar levels in the body. One of the properties it is thought to have is that of sobriety meaning it can be useful for addictions such as alcohol, food and others. It can improve motivation and help people to achieve their goals and see them more clearly. Its properties are useful for people who have sleep problems including insomnia. Emotionally it is useful at getting rid of emotions such as anger, fear and anxiety.
In Feng Shui, amethyst can be used in a variety of different ways to bring you benefits. The main use is to bring about change and it can be used almost anywhere for this benefit. When used in the centre of the house or room it can be used to help bring balance in improve spirituality. When used in the North East it can help to bring about wisdom and knowledge.
Conclusion
If you are looking to use amethyst you can get a number of different benefits. However it is important to get your crystals from a reputable source to ensure they are genuine and have the effect that you are looking for.
This article has been supplied by alternative therapies directory. You can also find more information on our Crystal Therapy page.
For a great selection of crystals for healing take a look at my shoop StormJewel's Gifts
Article Source: NewAgeArticles.com
Pagan Sabbats and Wiccan Calendar
The eight Sabbats by Amethyst Hawke
The turning of the seasons along with the monthly cycle of the Moon had a massive impact on pagan ceremonies. The Moon was seen symbolic for the Goddess and ceremonies of adoration and magic took place in the light from the Moon. Wiccans still celebrate the Full Moon and the changes of seasons. The Wiccan calender has 13 Full Moon celebrations and 8 Sabbats. Sabbats are major events in the Wiccan world and are represented as the days of power.
4 of these Sabbats are Solstices and Equinoxes which are the beginnings of the astronomical seasons. The other 4 are based on old folk festivals but are still regarded as important in the Wiccan year. The 8 Sabbats keep order and structure to the year, reminding us of the life cycle which will remain long after we have gone.
Probably associated with agriculture and the life bearing cycles of animals, the 4 Sabbats which have been observed for the longest time are:
- Imbolc - February 22nd
- Beltane - April 30th
- Lughnasadh - August 1st
- Samhain - October 31st
Many Wiccan traditions survived for example:
- May Day
- Hallowe'en
- Ground-hog Day
- Thanksgiving
The Sabbats are solar rituals which make up half the Wiccan year with the yearly cycle of the Sun. The Esbats are the Wiccan Full Moon celebrations. There are 12 or 13 Full Moons every year, 1 every 28 1/4 days. The Moon is not only a symbol of the Goddess but a source of energy and Wiccans believe the energy is greater at this time making the Esbat an ideal time to practice magick.
Unfortunately, Christianity have taken over some of the great Pagan sacred traditions and festivals and left them nothing more than a money making claim. Samhain replaced by candy and hideous costumes. Yule was replaced by a Christian birth but even that pails into insignificance to what we now know as $ ka-ching $ ka-ching $.
Wiccans still celebrate these great sacred nights and the old magick remains.
Yule - December 21st
The Goddess gives birth to son at Yule. The Winter Solstice is recognized for births of great importance including Mithras. The Christians also adopted this time of year for their use in 273 C.E. Yule has the shortest day of the year and is a time of the greatest darkness. Since the God is the Sun, this is when the Sun is reborn. Wiccans light candles to welcome the Suns return. Meanwhile the Goddess rests after her delivery. Yule was celebrated for the return of spring who was just around the corner, ready to supply food once again.
Imbolg / Imbolc - February 2nd
The Goddess recovers after giving birth to the God. This is a Sabbat of purification with the renewing of the Sun. It is a festival of light and fertility which was once celebrated in Europe by the lighting of huge fires to represent light and warmth. Initiations and self dedication rituals are often performed at this time either solitary or in a coven. Imbolc is also known as:
- Feast of Torches
- Oimelc
- Lupercalia
- Feast of Pan
- Snowdrop Festival
- Feast of the Waxing Light
- Brigid's Day
Spring Equinox - March 21st
Ostara marks the first day of the true spring. The days and nights become equal as the Goddess and the God work in unison. The Goddess fresh from Her sleep covers the Earth with fertility, while the God who grows into maturity delights at Mother Nature. They together urge animals to reproduce. Ostara is the time of new beginnings. Ostara is also known as:
- Spring
- Rites of Spring
- Eostra's Day
Beltane - April 30th
The God now is fully matured into manhood. The Goddess fall pregnant. The Wiccans celebrate Her fertility in ritual. Beltane also known as May Day is full of tradition of feasts and rituals. May poles were phallic symbols of the God and many people woke at dawn to decorate their May pole with flowers and green branches which represented the Goddess.
Midsummer - June 21st
The Summer Solstice also known as Litha arrives when the powers of nature are at their highest. The Earth is covered with fertility from the Goddess and God. Magick of all kinds can be performed at this classic time, Midsummer.
Lughnasadh - August 1st
The time for the 1st harvest has arrived. The God loses His strength and the Sun rises farther in the South and the nights become longer. The Goddess watches the God dying with sorrow and joy, but still lives on in Her as Her child. As summer begins to pass us by, each meal reminds us of the bountiful array of wonderful crops while realizing that nothing in the universe is constant. Lughnasadh can be known as:
- August Eve
- Feast of Bread
- Harvest Home
- Lammas
Autumn Equinox - September 21st
Mabon is the completion of the harvest. The God begins to ready Himself for the end of His physical body. Nature prepares for winter and draws back its bounty to allow for rest. The Goddess acknowledges the weakening Sun but can still feel the presence of God in Her womb as He wanes.
Samhain - October 31st
We say goodbye to the God knowing He will be back. He is still visable but is getting ready to be reborn. Samhain once marked a time to sacrifice animals who were slaughtered to ensure food throughout winter. Now is the time to reflect over the past year and to contemplate death. The Wiccan belief is that the separation between the physical living and the spiritual dead is at its thinnest during Samhain which helps us remember our ancestors and loved ones who have moved into the spiritual world.
After Samhain, we are back to Yule again to celebrate the complete year.
You must realize that the story with the God and Goddess is not incest but is purely symbolic. By observing the Sabbats, Wiccans can best understand the Earth and its deities and celebrating these Sabbats and Esbats offers real symbolic power.
Visit wiccan-rede.com
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill - an' it harm none, do what ye will.
Blessed Be
Amethyst Hawke
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amethyst_Hawke
Why choose Paganism as a religion? by Tracy Falbe
Pagan images create feelings of freedom, excitement, and intimacy. A ring of fires blazing in the night as the moon rises...drums beating as people dry off from a ritual bath...flesh is bared and a sword is raised...Any such scenes could come from a pagan ritual, or none of them because paganism summons diversity and encourages creativity.
Paganism as a religion has proven difficult for academics to define in narrow terms. Essentially a common element among people who practice pagan rituals is that very little restriction is placed upon imagination. Different groups of pagans devise their own ways of performing rituals according to their tastes, region, and ways of thinking about their sacred realms. Paganism has no strict rule book or laws laid down by prophets that must be obeyed by followers.
Because paganism tends to allow its practitioners to explore their own visions of how to worship the sacred, it can be said to allow people great freedom within the religion. Pagan religions make spaces where their members can be imaginative in their philosophies and rituals. This element of freedom in paganism has been identified as a factor that attracts some people to the religion. Wiccan priestess and NPR correspondent, Margot Adler in her classic book "Drawing Down the Moon" described paganism as a "religion without converts" because people decide individually to seek pagan spirituality. Pagans rarely proselytize their faith, and, Adler noted, that a pagan group might even be quite selective about accepting new members.
During her extensive research about paganism, Adler conducted interviews with people who identified religiously as pagans. When asking people what they liked about it, she discovered several prominent reasons.
Environmental Alignment: Paganism, whatever its methods and philosophies, is always rooted in Nature. Pagans revere Nature, and their attraction to paganism is often motivated by the environmental destruction of Nature that is going on everywhere. They see that they need to connect with the natural sacredness of all creation. They want a religious expression of ecological truths that are becoming increasingly apparent.
Feminist Alignment: Unlike the monotheistic patriarchal religions that are hostile to women and all that is female, paganism embraces both the feminine and masculine. Women are accepted within paganism as powerful, creative, and beneficial forces. Mother Earth worship and Goddess worship occur throughout paganism. Women play crucial roles as priestesses or witches. Unlike most religions, paganism gives women a respected place. To put it simply, the feminine is part of paganism. Therefore, some women come to this religion because of its ability to support feminist thought.
Intellectual Stimulation: Pagans often report that they find pagan subjects, esoteric knowledge, and ancient practices interesting and that they like to learn about many things, especially on spiritual subjects. Because they find that paganism is open to learning about new subjects, people who crave to continually expand their outlook fit in well. This makes sense because paganism sees sacredness in all of creation and learning more simply means knowing more about the sacred.
Adler noted many times in "Drawing Down the Moon" that pagans are avid readers, and this appetite for reading was not related to education level or socioeconomic class. Pagans regardless of education or profession read books frequently. Some of them even cited their extensive reading as what led them to accepting paganism as their spiritual guide.
Because they read many books, pagans often include books in the fantasy genre on their shelves. This can be explained because fantasy books frequently are set close to Nature. Characters exist within a world that has a low technology level, as in most high fantasy books like "The Lord of the Rings." Another aspect of fantasy fiction that fits in well with pagan tastes is the conceptualization of magical powers that are derived from realms other than technology.
Although pagan religious groups are decidedly out of the mainstream, they can be found throughout the world in one form or another. Paganism, so often reviled throughout history as large state-allied religions asserted themselves throughout much of civilization, has never been completely abandoned. People seeking spiritual expression come to it from many directions and practice pagan rituals in many ways that are constantly updating as paganism continues its quiet existence within larger societies.
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About the Author
This article about paganism was written by Tracy Falbe, who is the author of The Rys Chronicles. She invites book lovers to visit http://www.braveluck.com and discover the pleasures of epic fantasy. Book I of her series is a free fantasy ebook. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tracy_Falbe
Find out more about Paganism and Pagan news here
Performing Self Hypnosis to clear your mind and heal yourself
Hypnotherapy is increasingly being regarded as a legitimate tool for therapeutic change. In 2001, the Professional Affairs Board of the British Psychological Society concluded that "Enough studies have now accumulated to suggest that the inclusion of hypnotic procedures may be beneficial in the management and treatment of a wide range of conditions and problems encountered in the practice of medicine, psychiatry and psychotherapy." In other words hypnotherapy has been proven in many studies to help with many mental and physical problems.
Hypnotherapy can help with almost any aspect of our lives. It can help with issues such as stress, relaxation, anxiety, phobias, addictions, weight loss, and confidence issues. It is a wonderful resource for relaxation. Even when I am treating patient s for issues such as smoking cessation, they often report what a wonderfully relaxing experience they had.
Hypnosis can be expensive, and a good hypnotherapist can sometimes be difficult to find for people in some areas. There are many professional and well trained hypnotherapists around, but unfortunately there are also a few charlatans that are inadequately trained. If you want to relax, then why should you stress yourself out trying to find a competent hypnotherapist?!
Finding a competent hypnotherapist need not be a problem because it is entirely possible to hypnotise yourself. You do not actually need a hypnotherapist. A hypnotherapist does not actually hypnotise you. They guide you, they help you to go into a hypnotic trance. However it is up to you to actually go into a trance, it’s you that ultimately makes it happen. It is perfectly possible to guide yourself into a hypnotic trance, and I will show you how.
First let’s discuss what a hypnotic trance is. The best way of describing it is like daydreaming. When you daydream you are actually going into a hypnotic trance. A hypnotic trance is a perfectly natural and normal state of mind that most of us slip into several times a day. We slip into a trance when we are engrossed in a book or TV, where people try to talk to us, or significant things happen around us that we remain blissfully unaware of because we are so deeply absorbed.
There is also the phenomena of ‘highway hypnosis’. This is where we slip into a hypnotic trance when driving. This is actually not as dangerous as it sounds. In fact we are probably better drivers when we are in this state of mind as it accesses our powerful subconscious mind. This is similar to the mindset that sportspeople often experience when they are ‘in the zone’. Have you ever driven a journey and daydreamed to the point of not being able to remember a significant portion of the route? If you have, then you will have slipped into a hypnotic trance. It is actaully quite common, and perfectly safe.
With practice your skills of going into trance should increase. With a little patience and persistence you should soon be able to go into a hypnotic trance quickly and effortlessly.
Here are some tips on how to hypnotise yourself.
It is important to make sure that you will not be disturbed for about an hour. Turn off all phones, and tell family and friends not to bother you. If you don’t do this, then the possibility of you being disturbed may prey on your mind. Find a comfortable place. Subdue the lighting if this helps. You can be seated, or led down, whichever you prefer. Make sure that your legs are not crossed, as you could end up going numb after some time.
Now take your time, and follow these 5 simple steps.
1) Relax and close your eyes.
2) Take 5 slow deep breaths in through the nose, and out through the mouth. Say to yourself the word ‘Relax’ on each out breath.
3) Imagine yourself at the top of 10 steps with a door at the bottom. With every slow step you take down, feel yourself becoming deeper and deeper relaxed, until you finally reach the door.
4) When you reach the bottom open the door to your ideal place of relaxation. It could be a beach, a garden, anywhere you want. It could be somewhere real, or imagined – your own unique special relaxing haven.
5) Use as many of the senses as you can. Take a good look around. Pause and listen to any sounds. Perhaps you can hear the call of a bird, or the breeze gently blowing. Maybe you can smell the sweet scent of flowers, or the salt from the sea? Touch objects and make the experience as real as you can.
6) Explore your personal relaxation haven, and enjoy it for as long as you wish.
This is a great technique to help relaxation, and your ability to relax will improve the more you do this. Most of us do not relax anywhere near enough, and this can damage our health in many ways.
If you are struggling with this technique, persevere. Getting into a hypnotic state is a skill that will improve over time. Don’t expect too much. Hypnosis is not the ‘magical state’ that the media often portrays at as being. You will probably still be aware of what is going on around you, and may well think ‘is this it?’. However you will notice the difference when you wake up. It may be worthwhile visiting a clinical hypnotherapist, or buying a recording at least once, in order to experience the feeling of a trance. When you have experienced a trance a few times, you will be more informed as to what the state of mind is that you are seeking. Enjoy!
Author Resource:- Jon Rhodes is one of the UK’s leading clinical hypnotherapists. Click here for a large selection of powerful therapeutic hypnosis downloads.
Healing Purposely with Reiki
Healing Purposely with Reiki by Samantha Hall
Reiki can be a powerful tool for personal growth and healing. The energy of Reiki originates from the ultimate spiritual source. As such, it creates only the best results. Reiki is used to heal the spirit, mind, and body. It is also used to guide one’s life.
Use it to develop your talents. Improve yourself and everything else around you. These are just some of the practical applications of Reiki the moment you choose to be attuned to it.
Learning Reiki’s self-healing program requires practice. You also have to master several techniques. Know that each technique you learn may move you towards your goal or away from it. You have to use the right Reiki strategy all the time to attain self-healing. It is also possible to create a personal Reiki healing system that would benefit you entirely. Better results are expected if you work this way.
Use Reiki for self-treatments by allotting 30 minutes of your time to give treatments for yourself. You can use hand positions or the scanning technique. Focus on the areas that need healing most. You will be guided to those spots accordingly when the session starts. Feel the vibration as the energy goes up from your body. Contemplate your life’s activities while in this process of self-treatment. This way, the healing will have a fuller effect on you. This technique is mostly used to develop healthy attitudes. The procedure would also leave you with many creative ways and ideas on how you can possibly deal with your problems.
It is also possible to heal yourself in the company of others. Try to form a personal healing alliance with other Reiki self-healers to compound the effect of the treatment sessions. By healing yourself and others at the same time, the practice becomes more effective. Find somebody to be your healing partner. Add other healers to the group and convene regularly. Heal each other. In time, all of you would experience complete healing. And that’s primarily due to the support and energy sharing that transpires during each session.
As a group, discuss your needs and the particular areas that have to be healed. Meet every week or at least use distant Reiki to each other. Take every meeting seriously and just focus on its real purpose. Not only that this procedure is quite powerful. It also gives you a deeper meaning Reiki and its healing levels.
Use Reiki to enhance your prayers and affirmations. Repeat your prayer or affirmation to give thanks, especially if the goal that you’ve been hoping for has already been achieved or if healing had already happened. Pray or affirm with conviction everyday. This would help you greatly in your life’s endeavors.
To make sure that self-treatment occurs, go against the issue that you are trying to heal. Then use Reiki as required. The fear of doing something is an example of an issue. To go against it, overcome your fear. And do that by performing the very thing that you fear the most. This way, you can heal purposely and effectively through the energies of Reiki.
TrainingReiki.Com – Find the best Reiki classes and become a Reiki master. Find out how you can obtain a Reiki certification.
Find a plethora of Reiki and other alternative Healing tools, crystals, jewellery, music and incense for healing here
Article Source: NewAgeArticles.com
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