Even if you follow all the garden manuals like a new parent following Doctor Spock and feed your leafy greens the caviar of fertilizer, sometimes they just don't blossom. Before you commit any plants to the Great Compost Heap in the Sky, try placing a clear quartz crystal, amethyst, or rose quartz stone near the plant on a sunny day. Place a hand on the stone, and see your love for the plant as a living thing sinking into the soil for the plant to absorb and rising up through stem, leaf, ...
Historically, this was an occasion when Slavic people honored their ancestors; today is sacred to Karna, the goddess of crying and wailing. She watches over the ancient ones who have gone before. For this holiday, gather up the dry branches, leaves, and other yard waste left after the winter. Build a bonfire and make the traditional declaration: Walking here near this fire, the spirits have warmth. Set a bowl of fresh water on the altar to refresh the spirits as they pass by. If you ...
In many regions, the soil can now be worked in the garden. It's not too early to plant cool-weather vegetables-lettuce, onions, and spinach are good choices. While you're in the garden, this would be a good time to perform this simple blessing. Begin by crumbling some soil in your fingers and inhale its earthy scent. With deep reverence, begin hoeing and loosening the soil. Let your hoe serve as your wand. Direct your energy down the handle of the hoe and into Mother Earth. Silently thank her ...
The forbidden fruit is the fruit of wisdom. When Eve took a bite in the Garden of Eden, after being tempted by the serpent, her (and Adam's) delusions-illusions of the nature of reality-came crashing down. Naïveté was lost. Whether or not you resonate with Judeo-Christian mythology, you may wish to perform this spell in order to see what is "hidden" in your own sphere of consciousness. Are you ready to invoke true wisdom, even if it may be unpleasant? Situate yourself in a magical circle. The ...