R – A Little Book of Candle Magic
Posted by Morrighan on June 1, 2000 at 9:10 am | Last modified: June 1, 2000 9:10 amBy Jodi Lee
Originally Published 2000
(see author/copyright info below)
Title: A Little Book of Candle Magic
Author: D. J. Conway
Publisher: Crossing Press
ISBN: 1-58091-043-2
Copyright/Release: 2000 D.J. Conway
Ms.Conway’s first release following her move from Llewellyn Worldwide to Crossing Press is another star amongst her titles. Although the size of the book is deceiving, it is quite an interesting read, with many tips and ideas for the practical candle magician.
The format is one I haven’t personally seen for years, at least not for adult books. It is 5 1/2″ by 6 1/4″ in size, which, while it is small, makes it an excellent fit in most knapsacks, hand bag, or what ever you may carry. The cover art is picturesque – five lit candles gently glowing against a dark background with varying shades of blue in sky patterns framing the image.
Inside, I found a wealth of information on the history of wo/man, fire and worship.
“Shamans kindled their fires in specific ways with special woods. They used this fire to light mysterious caves and sacred power sites that only certain people entered for mystical rituals. These holy fires helped the shaman and other initiated participants connect with the spiritual worlds where they received messages and first learned healing and magic.” (pg. 1 p2)
Descriptions of candle types, colors, planetary, zodiac and daily correspondences follows. The types and colors are varied, quite a large listing and very detailed in description. The usage’s of oils, stones and incenses combined with candles is written of in depth, and from there, the subject moves to when. Ms. Conway has included within the book an area practical magic books tend to leave out – which is a grand gesture here. I was thoroughly impressed when I saw her chart – separated into easy to read and understand days with AM and PM hours on two charts. Bravely using the symbols for each ruling planet, it is an excellent reference.
Chapter 6 brings us to the Candle Spells. A large collection, with very detailed steps, this was a surprise bonus. I enjoyed reading through each spell, taking notes here and there on particular oils and herbs to be used in conjunction with candles. The healing section is wonderful. These are spells I will most definitely be trying in rituals.
Excerpt from Chapter 6 – pgs.. 103-104 General Healing 2
“Candles – Straight or votive candles in the colors of one gold (healing, happiness), one green (renewal, balance), one pink (spiritual awakenings, healing), one purple (drive away evil, healing), one red (energy, courage, good health), one silver (neutralizes a situation, remove negatives), one yellow (confidence, healing), and one white (wholeness, balance the aura).
Oils – Clove or gardenia.
Herbs – Myrrh.
Incense – Jasmine or myrrh.
Stones – Beryl and fluorite.
Other Supplies – Placket with photo of sick person.
Timing – On the full moon or waxing moon cycle.
Day – Sunday (health, healing), Thursday (good health), Monday (medicine), or Wednesday (medicine).
Advice – Always make sure the person for whom the healing is done actually wants to be healed. Some people subconsciously do not want a healing. Their illness gives them leverage to control those around them. With such a person, no amount of healing will take effect.
Spellwork – Light the altar candles and the incense. Place the placket containing the sick person’s photo or a paper with their name in the center of your working space. Set the beryl to the left side of the placket and the fluorite to the right. Anoint the candles from the wick to the end. The candles go in a doubled square around this. On the upper left corner of the square, arrange the gold and white candles, the upper right, the pink and green. On the lower right, set the red and purple candles, and on the lower left, set the yellow and silver ones. Light the candles, beginning with the upper left ones and working clockwise around the square.
Say the chant. Let the candles burn out completely. Dispose of the wax afterward.
Chant -
I call in the Light of healing,
To fill the body, mind, and spirit of (Name).
The Light cannot be denied it’s healing powers,
No one and nothing can stop it from its cleansing path.
I draw down the Light! I draw down the Light!”
Finally, I want to comment on the diagrams from pages 147-174. Although many books include altar lay-out diagrams, I have rarely seen a book with altar lay-out specific to each spell. All in all, I was once again fascinated by Ms.Conway’s work. I recommend “A Little Book of Candle Magic” highly!
–
Jodi Lee – is a freelance writer/editor living in southern Manitoba, Canada.
© 2000 – present All Rights Reserved; Republish notice excluded.
This article can be republished elsewhere in its entirety so long as the author is notified (see contact information), a link is provided to the website, and this notice is left intact.
Categories: Healing Alternatives, Reviews | Comments Off | PermalinkR – Tree Medicine Tree Magic
Posted by Morrighan on at 2:01 am | Last modified: June 1, 2000 2:01 amBy Jodi Lee
Originally Published 2000
(see author/copyright info below)
Author: Ellen Evert Hopman
Publisher: Phoenix Publishing
ISBN: 0-919345-55-7
Published: 1992
Pages: 176
Most people don’t often think to turn to trees when in need of healing. And yet, when thinking of it – where did he basic chemical for Aspirin come from? The Willow (Salix purpurea). Holly berries, although they should never be taken internally, are a wonderful old-time remedy to stop bleeding from cuts or wounds (dried and ground berries placed on the injury). The knowledge our great – great – grandparents held when it came to using what was at hand and in plenty is stunning.
Ellen Evert Hopman’s book is informative and definitely worth reading, and keeping on hand, just in case. It is best suited for those in North America, as that is the main part of this book – trees found in N.A. There are a few quotes given to Tree Medicine in Europe and Asia, but the trees described best are those found here.
Ms Hopman gives in depth descriptions of each tree, followed by a brief, personal comment. Practical uses, healing methods, and finally magickal uses are examined. Each section is on a species of tree, and there are beautiful illustrations by Diana Green. Often there are recipes for infusions, decoctions, salves and even jams, wines and pickles interspersed with the information.
I include here some comments found within each section. They are not directly quoted, just bits I found interesting whilst reading through it.
Oak – I knew that Oak had many purposes, but one I didn’t know was a tea/wash made of Oak bark to soothe scalp irritations and eliminate dandruff.
Pine – Pine resin, when chewed, will soothe sore throats.
Ash – Ash bark can be used for boosting immune systems.
Willow – Poultices for gangrene can be made from powdered bark in cream.
Holly – In Germany, the leaves were often used as a substitute for tea.
Hawthorn – Young Hawthorn leaves can be smoked for a nicotine-free cigarette for those wishing to quit the habit.
Hazel – The nuts are rich in many essential nutrients.
Birch – Use a tea of fresh leaves to help heal mouth sores.
Rowan – The fresh juice of the Rowan berry can be used as a throat gargle for bronchitis and hoarseness.
Apple – Apples can neutralize toxins in the blood.
Eucalyptus – Used properly it may aid digestion and appetite.
Elm – For babies who cannot have cow’s milk, Slippery Elm makes a wholesome substitute.
Maple – Decoction of the leaves is good for boils.
Chestnut – The dried bark of the Horse Chestnut can be used for a fever remedy.
Cedar – Cedar salves are great for rheumatic conditions.
Poplar – Poplar is similar to the Willow in therapeutic use.
Larch – Needles and shoots of the larch are simmered and strained for a stimulating bath additive.
Walnut – Boil green husks with honey and water for a sore throat gargle.
Elder – Elderberry wine is flavorful and a remedy for neuralgia.
**NEVER take any herbal remedy without supervision of a Doctor or Homeopathic practitioner**
Here I would like to add a meditation that I have used many times since reading this book. In the past few months, as some of my readers know, I have beecome very busy with volunteer work and my writing, and a loss in the family devasted me. I through myself into writing, and although my book has many new chapters, I felt the stress of not sleeping or relaxing properly. This meditation is an excellent remedy!
“This meditation works best any place where trees are growing. It is most effective within a circle of like-minded friends. Begin by orienting yourselves with the positions of the sun and moon. Note the four directions (north, east, south and west) and their relation to your circle. Send a blessing and a prayer to the spirits of the four directions and thank them for their help and guidance.
When you feel you are attuned to the energies of the space in which you find yourselves, close your eyes. A spokesperson verbally guiding the process will help to keep everybody focused.
Start by becoming aware of your feet. Notice how they are resting on the earth. Begin to visualize them as extending and burrowing down into the soil. See clearly the taproots and tiny root hairs that curl and reach to anchor themselves in the soil. Notice your new awareness of earth energies, currents of magnetic power, and light. Notice also your awareness of the presence of water and of all the tiny organisms that feed and grow beneath you.
Leaving your “roots” firmly anchored, begin to raise your awareness to your trunk. Feel the sap coursing through your living wood and feel your sensitivity to the wind and sunlight. Now become aware of your highest branches. Feel your leaves turn and seek the light. The guide may direct the circle to raise their arms and wave their hands in sensitive, graceful motions to further capture the awareness of breezes and sun.
At this point some very startling things can occur. On a windless day in mid-winter, I saw the trees around me begin to twost and move. There was a distinct crackling sound and I KNEW they were communicating with us. Try it for yourself.
To end the meditation you simply reverse the process, retracting your leaves and branches and finally your roots.
Give thanks to the four directions and bless them for their help and presence.
Then, go forth with a new sensitivty to your friends, the trees.”
–
Jodi Lee – is a freelance writer/editor living in southern Manitoba, Canada.
© 2000 – present All Rights Reserved; Republish notice excluded.
This article can be republished elsewhere in its entirety so long as the author is notified (see contact information), a link is provided to the website, and this notice is left intact.
Categories: Reviews | Comments Off | PermalinkR – The Master Book of Herbalism
Posted by Morrighan on at 1:56 am | Last modified: October 13, 2006 1:59 amBy Jodi Lee
Originally published 2000
(see author/copyright info below)
Author: Paul Beyerl
Publisher: Phoenix Publishing
ISBN: 0-919345-53-0
Published: This edition published 1996 – Copyright is Paul Beyerl 1984
Pages: 415
In the Introduction to this massively informative book, the author states -
“It is far from complete, being the first attempt at taking my own, personal herbal which I have assembled through these years and making it available to the general public.”
If this book is not complete (and I seem to recall seeing a new, updated version at Phoenix Publishing), I would dearly love to sit at Mr.Beyerl’s knee and learn what is not included in the book. From abdominal pain to wounds, Aconite to yarrow, potions, lotions, oils and balms – it’s covered in the book. Sections are marked for easy reference, and there are may tables of correspondences to cross reference bits of information. Even crystals and stones to work with the herbs are covered.
I was amazed. I have to admit that after reading other herbals over the last few years, I was expecting much the same information as the rest – and this book is definitely above the rest! It is easy to see that Mr.Beyerl put a great deal of time, love and experience into this project, it shines through. His usage of both Anglican and American English with variant spellings of words adds such character to this book….it’s like stepping in and out of a time machine, seeing the healer of the past blended with the healer of the present.
Section 4 (beginning on page 171) is the Dosage Guide for The Remedial Herbal. I begin my excerpt with paragraph four, and although I cannot list every herb he has described with their respective usage and dosage, I will pick one or two from each alphebetical listing and include them here.
**NEVER take any herbal remedy without the supervision of a Doctor or Homeopathic/Holistic Practitioner**
Infusion
Strong
1 ounce herbs
1 pint water
steep 20 minues
Moderate
2/3 ounce herbs
1 pint water
steep 20 minutes
Weak(tea)
1/2 ounce herbs
1 pint water
steep 15 minutes
Decoction
Strong
1 ounce herbs
2 pints water
simmer 10 minutes
steep 15 minutes
Moderate
2/3 ounce herbs
2 pints water
simmer 10 minutes
steep 15 minutes
Weak(tea)
1/3 ounce herbs
2 pints water
simmer 8 minutes
steep 15 minutes
Poultice
1/2 ounce herbs
1/2 cup boiling water
steep 20 minutes
Ointment
1 ounce herbs
16 ounces fixative
heat on & off 24 hours
Wash
Strong
1/2 ounce herb
1 pint water
steep until lukewarm
Moderate
1/3 ounce herb
1 pint water
steep until lukewarm
* * *
Aconite -
Internal use; in extreme emergency only; moderate infusion. Administer no more than 1/2 cup while awaiting emergency medical assistance and report herbal dosage to medics.
External use: decrease amount of herb to 1/2 ounce and macerate into ointment. Apply once or twice daily.
Anise -
Internal use: all conditions: moderate infusion, as needed.
External use: antiseptic: use commercial oil, dilute in three parts fixative oil, use as needed. To clean fresh wound, use pure oil.
Balm -
Internal: moderate infusion, as needed not to exceed one pint per day.
Benzoin -
Internal: use commercial tincture, administer as needed via vaporizer.
External: use one part tincture to two parts sterile water, use as needed. If you must use the herb, make a weak decoction.
Catnip -
Internal use, for all conditions: moderate to strong infusion, depending upon taste. Take as needed.
Cloves -
Internal, for the stomach, etc: weak infusion as needed.
External, for toothaches, pain: apply commercial oil being careful to avoid skin.
Dandelion -
Internal: moderate infusion of leaves, or moderate decoction of roots. Take 1/4 cup three times daily, and monitor condition for aperient effects.
External: fresh juice applied as needed is best; strong wash may also be used as needed.
Docks -
Internally for diarrhea, etc: moderate decoction of root. Internally for liver, etc., weak infusion of ground root. Take no more than 1/3 cup three times daily.
Elm, Slippery -
Internally: strong decoction, use as needed.
Externally: strong decoction or poultice, as needed.
Eyebright -
Internally: moderate to strong infusion, taken as needed. Do not continue for more than four days.
Fennel -
Internally: weak to moderate infusion, as needed.
Feverfew -
Internally: moderate to strong infusion. Take as needed, but monitor for aperient effects.
Garlic -
Internally: moderate infusion, as needed.
Externally: use fresh juice as needed.
Golden Rod -
Internally, moderate infusion as needed. Monitor for aperient effects.
Externally, poultice ointment or fresh herb as needed.
Hawthorn -
Internal use for all conditions: moderate infusion, 1/3 cup three times daily.
Hyssop -
Internal use, all conditions: moderate to strong infusion, taken as needed.
Ivy -
Internal use, avoid berries: moderate infusion, 1/3 cup daily, not to exceed three days.
External use: make liniment at same strength as ointment strength, and use as needed.
Kava Kava -
Internal use: decoction at mderate strength, take 1/2 cup three times daily, and monitor system for effects. Lower does if necessary. Discontinue after three days.
I am leaving off here, as I am running out of word space (grin). However, I will be working on seperate pages for the articles, and will continue on and post the URL in the discussion board at a future time. Do go and find the book though, it is an excellent reference!
–
Jodi Lee – is a freelance writer/editor living in southern Manitoba, Canada.
© 2000 – present All Rights Reserved; Republish notice excluded.
This article can be republished elsewhere in its entirety so long as the author is notified (see contact information), a link is provided to the website, and this notice is left intact.
Categories: Reviews | Comments Off | Permalink