Magickal Use Of Cinnamon

Magickal Use of Cinnamon

Planet: Mercury/Sun/Mars/Uranus

Element: Air/Fire

Folklore: First cultivated and used in the East, Cinnamon was burned to purify the temple. It also promotes health, vigor and libido.

Main magickal uses: Clairvoyance, consecration, divination, energy, good luck, love, money, passion, peace, prosperity, protection, psychic development, success Other magickal uses: communication, happiness, harmony, healing, inspiration, knowledge, meditation, purification, spirituality, tranquility, wisdom Lore: Paul Beyerl suggests that cinnamon be paired with tourmaline for best effect. Cinnamon is important as a purification incense in China. Do not use externally on the body, as it irritates the skin.

Protection The sun is typically seen as representing male or active energy and since cinnamon is a sun-related ingredient it is thought to be useful in protection magic. For a simple cinnamon protection amulet, tie nine cinnamon sticks together and hang the bundle above your door to protect your home from from unwanted people and energies. Laying cinnamon sticks along your window sill will serve the same purpose.

Prosperity Financial and personal prosperity are also related to the sun’s active energy. Cinnamon sticks combined with other “prosperity” ingredients such as whole cloves, ginger and orange sections can be used as a simmering potpourri to help boost your efforts in job hunting, getting a raise or making general improvements to your financial status.

Love Because of its hot, fiery nature, cinnamon is a natural ally for love and sex magic. Try turning up the heat in your love life by grinding cinnamon sticks into a chunky powder and burning the powder as incense along with equal parts of red sandalwood and myrrh. Or simply place a stick of cinnamon under your lover’s pillow and see what happens.

SPELL:  Money Talisman

YOU WILL NEED: 

Five pumpkinseeds 

Three Cinnamon sticks 

One dollar bill 

Green cloth 

Green candle 

Cinnamon or basil oil 

Green ribbon

SPELLWORK

On a Friday during the waxing moon, assemble all your ingredients at dusk. Take the candle and rub (prosperity, basil, or cinnamon) oil into it while focusing on your bills and debts being paid, see them being paid, picture your self writing checks and smiling all the way to the bank. Light the candle and take the green cloth, add the pumpkin seeds, Cinnamon sticks, and the dollar bill and fold three times, tie with ribbon. Chant while you work and focus on money coming towards you;

Dollar bill, work your will. Pumpkinseeds do your deeds. Cinnamon sticks, do the trick, Bring needed money & bring it quick

Repeat three times burn candle for nine minutes. Keep Talisman near your wallet or purse, and bills to be paid. Expect money to come, know it will and it shall be.

Public Sigils for the Urban Witch

One great way to add protection or an enchantment to your home when you live in a city is through sigils. On the sidewalk, near the doors, in alleys, by the mailboxes, on the gates… there are countless places you may need to place a spell and don’t feel like you have to use a sharpie and just hope you don’t get caught. There are lots of stealth/cheap alternatives to spray paint or paint markers. 

1. Chalk - cheap and cute, this may only work in a dry climate where you don’t experience much rain, or you will have to refresh it quite often. But if you live in a neighborhood with a lot of children, chalk can be a great stealth option.

2. Oil/chapstick/wax - especially w/ a meaningful scent, these greasy markers can last a lot longer and be almost undetectable. Depending on where you put it, it may only need to be refreshed every 6 months which is a LOT better than the chalk. 

3. Paste-ups - Sugar+flour+water painted over a printed graphic will stick to an outdoor surface for a very long time. If small, this street art technique an be utilized without angering landlords or residents. Especially when placed under the mailbox, or on top of a gate or the like. Keep in mind if you live in a neighborhood with snails, they will eat the paste. Also some water-based inks will run when applying the paste, so be mindful of the ink you are using. 

4. Duct tape/Electrical tape -  w/ sharpied sigil can be placed in unseen locations and blend in easily. 

5. Chewing gum - Stealth as hell, as no one will suspect a wad of chewed gum as witchcraft, and very unlikely anyone will want to try to pry it off, this may be an option depending on the kind of place you live in. I don’t suggest sticking your nasty gum on the side of your building, but in the alley, on the sidewalk, road, or parking lot may be a perfectly reasonable option. Just be sure to remove it when you move out because otherwise, that’s kinda just like litter, dude. Chewing gum can be extra powerful since it is saturated w/ your personal saliva and can have extra empowerment from color or flavor (cinnamon being great for banishing/empowerment, mint for good fortune, bubble gum for happiness etc…) Once stuck, you can press your magic mark into it, or just say/think your spell into the gum with each chew before sealing it to an object. 

Tips:  1. Take some time and scope out your location before you decide where exactly you are going to place your spell. It is going to be doing an important job and it is worth your time to consider all the various factors that may result in its failure or success. Be sure to consider: sun, wind, rain, if it is at eye level or not, if it is at the level of kid’s hands, in the way of the mail worker, or maintenance worker, behavior of neighborhood wildlife, bike or car traffic, what is visible from windows near by…. 

2. Practice. Practice your sigil with any incantation at home with nonmagic* materials over and over before you go out to place your spell. It will come out better and you will feel more confident in it. Practicing will also help build power in the spell before it is unleashed. Try setting a specific number of times to practice. Is your magical number 7? Do you associate the number 4 with protection and you are going to place a protection sigil? Explore numerical meanings even if you aren’t used to using them, as you may find them empowering. 

3. Place your spell during the day. I know it may feel exciting and more stealthy to do it at night but if someone DOES see you, you’ll look suspicious as hell. Also in the light of day, it’s easier for YOU to see if someone noticed you or not, and you can always pretend to have dropped something and walk away if need be. Where as at night, if you don’t notice someone is watching, you are a bit more likely to get caught. 

4. Keep an eye on the mark. You will likely need to give it a refreshing to keep it working and don’t forget to thank it for its service when you pass by.  *Lol I mean like what object is even mundane, right? One that YOU know to be mundane or at least not empowered with the same level of purpose as your more “official” tools.

One Simple Exercise to Increase your Intuition

Intuition: the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning.

We are all intuitive beings and we are all born with the same intuitive abilities, it is just that some people have had more practice.

Your intuition already lives within you, it is already strong, and it is already willing to guide you.

Learning to develop your intuition is truly an invaluable tool that can help you make decisions and can bring you clarity when logic alone is not enough.

You need not acquire any skills to enhance your intuition except a little patience and trust.

Meditation is one of the best ways to put you in the space of receiving intuitive guidance. This is because when your mind is still, you have the ability to filter out unnecessary thoughts in order to access that quiet, still, intuitive mind.

Another great exercise for increasing your intuition however, is a technique that is called Blind Reading.

Here is what to do:

Part 1

Take three blank cards and write: Yes, No & Maybe on one side. Turn them over and shuffle them around so you have no idea which card is where.

Still your mind, then ask a question that you know the answer to such as- “Is my name is Judy”. Close your eyes and place your hands over the cards one at a time.

Notice the different energy or feeling your receive when your hand is on top of each card.

Select the card that you felt the strongest pull to. Keep practicing until you learn what is your intuitive voice, and what is just your mind.

Part 2

When you feel that you have a good understanding of what your intuitive voice sounds and feels like, you can begin asking questions that you do not know the answer to.

Got something that is bothering you? Take the cards and write down three possible situations- one on each card.

Turn them over and repeat the exercise, see which possibility you are more drawn to- perhaps your intuition is trying to tell you something?

Blind Readings are a great way to develop your intuition and to discover what your intuitive voice sounds like. Again, with more practice you will soon become a natural at learning what your intuition is trying to tell you.

By: Tanaaz

Very useful table. Keep it.

Use in recipes to promote healing, protection, success, illumination, magical power, physical energy, and to end legal matters.

From Scott Cunningham’s The Complete Book of Incense, Oils, and Brews

original image here

Day 215: Tincturing Workshop

I’m leading a tincturing workshop this Sunday, so I thought it might be nice to share the packet I’m going to be handing out. It includes some tips on alcohol and vinegar tincturing, as well as recipes and some local Ozark yarbs to work into your herbal preparations. Enjoy!

Recipe Sheet – Tincturing Workshop

Brandon Weston ozarkhealing.com facebook.com/MountainManHealing mountainmanhealing@gmail.com

Alcohol Tinctures

Fresh Herb:

Finely chop or grind clean herb to release juice and expose surface area.

Fill jar 2/3 to ¾ with herb. ~ OR ~ Fill jar ¼ to ½ with roots.

Pour alcohol over the herbs.

Jar should appear full of herb, but herb should move freely when shaken.

Dried Herb:

Use finely cut herbal material.

Fill jar ½ to ¾ with herb ~ OR ~ Fill jar ¼ to 1/3 with roots.

Pour alcohol over the herbs.

Roots will expand by ½ their size when reconstituted!

Alcohol Percentages*

40% – 50% (80-90 proof vodka)

“Standard” percentage range for tinctures.

Good for most dried herbs and fresh herbs that are not juicy.

Good for extraction of water soluble properties.

67.5% – 70% (½ 80 proof vodka + ½ 190 proof grain alcohol)

Extracts most volatile aromatic properties.

Good for fresh high-moisture herbs like lemon balm, berries, and aromatic roots.

The higher alcohol percentage will draw out more of the plant juices.

85% – 95% (190 proof grain alcohol)

Good for gums and resins.

Extracts aromatics and essential oils that are bound in the plant and do not dissipate easily.

The alcohol strength can produce a tincture that is not quite pleasant to take.

Often used for drop dosage medicines.

Will totally dehydrate herbs.

*information comes from the Mountain Rose Herbs blog

Macerating

Maceration is the process by which the active chemical compounds are leached into the solvent solution. This is usually done by shaking the jar that contains the alcohol or vinegar and the herbal plant matter. 

Alcohol tinctures need to be left to macerate for at least 2-3 weeks depending upon the ABV. The higher the ABV the less maceration time is needed.

Vinegar tinctures need to be left to macerate for at least a month before straining and bottling.

Easy Alcohol Tincture Recipes

Sarsaparilla Tincture: Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic (do not take if you have kidney problems)

Sarsaparilla root

Vodka

Wild Cherry Tincture: Antispasmodic, expectorant, sedative

Wild cherry bark

Vodka

Herbal Bitters (simplified): Tonic, diaphoretic, colds, flu, febrifuge, chills (contains thujone, may cause drowsiness)

1 quart jar

¼ c. thyme

¼ c. oregano (or dittany)

¼ c. chopped fresh ginger

¼ c. hyssop

1 cinnamon stick

1 tbsp. cloves

Vodka

Stomach Bitters (simplified): Stomach issues, cramps, urinary issues, digestive issues

1 quart jar

4 tbsp dried dandelion root

2 tbsp fennel seed

2 tbsp fresh ginger

2 tbsp dried peppermint leaves (or mountain mint)

Vodka

Vinegar Tinctures

Measurements and instructions are the same as with the alcohol tinctures at the beginning of the packet. Remember: vinegar tinctures need to be left longer to macerate, at least a month.

Easy Vinegar Tincture Recipes

Fire Tonic: Colds, flu, chills, general tonic

1 32 oz. bottle apple cider vinegar. I like to use unfiltered, it seems to taste better and it’s easier on the stomach.

5-10 cloves of garlic, crushed

3-5 hot peppers, as hot as you can stand

1 3 inch knob of ginger, crushed

1 medium onion, peeled and diced

¼ c. chopped mullein

¼ c. chopped rosemary

¼ c. chopped thyme

¼ c. crushed star anise or green sweetgum balls (sources for shikimic acid which helps fight the flu virus)

Take all of this and combine it in large mason jar, all the herbs and vegetables are going to take up a lot of room. Let this stand in a dark place for about two months. Shake everyday. After it’s finished macerating strain off the liquid, add about a half cup honey, bottle.

Alternate Ozark yarbs to use: Dittany, Self-heal, Plantain, Horsemint

Vinegar Oxymels

Also called “sipping vinegars” these mixtures are basic vinegar tinctures sweetened and thickened with honey to make them more palatable.

Basic Oxymel:

1 part herb : 3 parts honey and apple cider vinegar  

Quart mason jars: fill up ¼ jar with herb, ¼ with honey, then the rest with vinegar. Macerate for a few weeks.

Easy Oxymel Recipes

Colds and Immune System Oxymel:

1 part elderberries

1 part ginger root (dried)

Another for Colds with Cough Oxymel:

1 part Mullein

1 part Horehound

Stomach Complaints Oxymel:

2 parts ginger

1 part peppermint

1 part fennel seed

Sinus Congestion Oxymel:

2 parts garlic

1 part cayenne pepper

1 part thyme

1 part rosemary

Beginners Ozark Medicinal Plants

Caution should always be taken when looking for medicinal plants out in the wild. Do not consume or use any plant that you are unsure about. The internet is a wonderful resource for plant identification. Look up photos and identification information for plants from reputable sources before collecting any plant out in the wild. NOTE also that many Ozark medicinal plants are endangered and should not be harvested out in the wild.

When wild-harvesting take only what you need at that time. DO NOT STOCKPILE! Chances are the plants will go bad before you can use them. A good rule of thumb for any plant is to count three plants then take one, that way there are plants left behind to go to seed. Leave the roots intact unless the root is being harvested, then try and leave a piece of the root or any seeds/berries behind in the soil.

Responsible harvesting means these medicinal plants will be around for many more generations.  

I’m not including photos of plants on purpose! I want folks to go look up the plants and find as many identifying photos and identifying information as they can. Do the work! Google is an amazing resource for plant identification.

+ means the plant is not native but is common in the Ozarks

Black-Eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta: Flowers, roots:

Root infusion used for dermatological needs. Used to wash snakebites. Decoction of whole plant taken to aid with heart disease. Decoction of root taken for colds and chills. Cold infusion of flowers taken for headache and as a febrifuge. Similar properties to other coneflowers (Purple coneflower, Missouri coneflower, etc.) Some say the active compounds are not water soluble. Better used as a tincture or extract.

*** Cautions: Asteraceae family ***

Cinquefoil, Five Finger Grass, Potentilla simplex: Leaves, root:

Leaves taken for colds and as a febrifuge. Root astringent, infusion taken for dysentery, diarrhea, and as a mouthwash for sores and thrush.

+Cleavers, Galium aparine: Leaves:

Strong infusion as laxative. Externally as a dermatological aid. Has been linked to aiding with lowering blood pressure.

*** Cautions: Laxative ***

Common Dittany, Cunila origanoides: Leaves, stems, flowers:

Related to Oregano and Marjoram and can be used in similar ways. As an infusion it’s good for colds and to help open up the sinuses. Boiled strong it helps the body sweat and can aid in lowering fevers. Infusion used to help aid a painful birth. Used as a stimulant and tonic. Contains trace amounts of thujone, an active chemical also found in wormwood, mugwort, and yarrow, and may cause drowsiness or headaches. Use only in small amounts and with caution.

*** Cautions: Contains trace amounts of thujone ***

Elderberry, Sambucus nigra or Sambucus canadensis: Berries, flowers, leaves, bark:

Berries used in formulas against chills and cold. Helps support the immune system. Infusion of berry used internally for rheumatism. Flower infusion used as a febrifuge and to sweat out a cold. Leaf infusion used to wash sores and prevent infection. Bark poultice used on sores, wounds, rashes, and other dermatological needs.

*** Cautions: Berries mildly toxic when unripe, foliage toxic in large quantities ***

Goldenrod, Solidago: Leaves, Flowers:

There are many different varieties of goldenrods, all of which have very similar medicinal uses. Topically the plant has traditionally been used in salves to help with sore muscles and arthritis. Internally it has traditionally been used as a diuretic to help bladder and kidney issues and to help break up “stones”. It is also a good diaphoretic that can help reduce a fever, and an astringent that can aid in remedying diarrhea. The flowers also make a wonderful yellow dye.

*** Cautions: Asteraceae family, may cause skin irritation ***

Horsemint, Monarda bradburiana: Leaves, flowers:

Infusion used for colds, chills, as a febrifuge, and for bowel complaints. Can be used externally in oils and salves for dermatological needs. Used in many of the same ways as Monarda fistulosa.

Jewelweed, Impatiens capensis: Leaves, stems, flowers:

Sap produced by the leaves and stems used for poison ivy, rashes, burns, and other dermatological needs. Cold infusion of leaves as a febrifuge. Infusion whole plant taken internally for stomach cramps.

*** Cautions: Seeds toxic ***

+Mullein, Verbascum thapsus: Leaves, flowers, root:

Leaves and flowers can be used to clear chest congestion (smoked or as an infusion), as an analgesic for rashes, aches and pains. Leaves can be wilted and used in poultices for swollen glands. Roots can be used in decoctions for gynecological issues.

+Plantain, Plantago major “Broadleaf Plantain” or Plantago lanceolata “Ribwort Plantain”: Leaves, roots, flowers:

Leaves used in poultices for bug bites, inflammations, rashes, cuts, bruises, stings, and other skin complaints. Whole plant infusions for colds, fever, upper respiratory complaints, rheumatism, hypertension, regulating blood sugar, bladder problems, kidney problems. Root used as a gentle expectorant and in helping sinus issues. “Snake Weed” because of the belief that the plant can help draw venom out of a snakebite. It was also thought that a person could carry the plant to help ward off snakes.

Self-Heal, All Heal, Prunella vulgaris: Leaves, flowers:

Infusion is an analgesic used to wash sores, wounds, and used in salves for many dermatological needs. Used to flavor other medicines. Infusion used as a febrifuge and against colds. Used for sore throats. Mild sedative. Helps with stomach and bowel complaints. Antidiarrheal. Respiratory aid.

Spicebush, Lindera benzoin: Leaves, Bark:

The red berries of the spicebush have long been used as a substitute for cinnamon or allspice in mountain recipes. The leaves can be made into a pleasant infusion for colds and headaches while the bark can be brewed strong for fevers and chills. The leaves can also be used topically for skin irritations, rashes, and bites. 

Sumac, Rhus glabra “Smooth Sumac” or Rhus typhina “Staghorn Sumac”: Berries, Leaves, Bark:

The berries are used in a tasty beverage I’ve heard called “sumacade”. It’s lemony taste is quite pleasant, and the drink is high in vitamin C. The berries and bark are astringent and can be used as an effective gargle for a cough or mouth sores. A decoction of the bark can also be taken internally for diarrhea. In the Fall the red leaves can be dried and smoked to induce dreaming.

Sweet Everlasting, Rabbit Tobacco, Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium/Gnaphalium obtusifolium: Leaves, flowers:

Decoction whole plant used as a sedative and to aid sleeping. Analgesic for sores, pains, aches, wounds, and many other dermatological needs. Antirheumatic (internal). Decoction for colds and chills. Smoked and used in infusions to clear chest congestion. Chewed for sore mouth and throat. Used in sweat baths against many illnesses. NOTE harvest leaves in the Fall when they start to turn brown.

*** Cautions: Asteraceae family ***

Sweetgum tree, Liquidambar styraciflua: Leaves, bark, gum, balls:

Leaves can be used in poultices for several dermatological issues, cuts, and bruises. Gum and inner bark used for diarrhea and flux. Infusion of bark taken for “flooding” (gynecological). Infusion of bark given as a sedative. Sweetgum balls, when green in the Spring before seeds have formed can be soaked in alcohol then given for colds and the flu (antiviral, antibacterial due to contained shikimic acid).

White-Leafed Mountain Mint, Pycnanthemum albescens: Leaves, Flowers, Stems:

As an infusion, can be used to help treat headaches, stomach complaints, and colds. Brewed strong it can help to reduce fevers.

Wild Bergamot, Beebalm, Monarda fistulosa: Leaves, flowers:

Infusion used for coughs, colds, and sore throats. Carminative for stomach complaints. Diaphoretic, febrifuge, and diuretic. Mild sedative. Abortifacient, so caution should be taken. Externally an analgesic used in poultices for pains, aches, cuts, and rashes.

Witch Hazel, Hamamelis vernalis (Ozark Witch Hazel) and American Witch Hazel, Hamamelis virginiana: Leaves, bark:

Leaves and bark astringent used externally as a skin toner and for many dermatological issues. Infusion taken for colds and as a febrifuge. Antirheumatic. Decoction of bark taken as an emetic.

*** Cautions: Bark emetic***

+Yarrow, Achillea millefolium: Flowers, leaves:

Leaves astringent, used in bowel complaints and with dermatological needs. Foliage infusion used for colds, as a febrifuge, upset stomach, and as a mild sedative. Leaves can be smoked to loosen phlegm and clear chest congestion.

*** Cautions: Asteraceae family ***