grimoire of a catholic folk magician virgo ☆ / libra ☉ / scorpio ☽
959 posts
Mercurycore - In Saecula Saeculorum - Tumblr Blog
Christian Classical Texts: A List of Resources
CatholicLibrary.org: Contains 27 centuries worth of mostly Catholic Christian, but also influential pre-Christian, texts. Many are provided in English translation.
NewAdvent.org: Contains non-canonical scriptures, writings of the Church Fathers, Council documents, and liturgies, all in English translation.
CCEL.org: Contains writings from the Church Fathers, Protestant Reformers, and other prominent Christian writers from the first century to as late as 1990.
EarlyChristianWritings.org: Contains a variety of non-canonical scriptures, Gnostic texts, writings of the Church Fathers, and at least two reconstructions of theorized sources for canonical Christian Scripture.
If I don't follow any Gods or Goddesses, then who do I call to when a ritual or spell says to call to your God(dess) / a specific God(dess)?
Whenever I come across a spell or, more commonly, a ritual that I want to do there is usually some mention of calling to a God or Goddess of some kind. Sometimes the wording leaves it open for you to call to whatever God(dess) you are wishing to work with and other times the author of the spell or ritual names a specific God(dess) or two.
Now, I don't worship any God or Goddess, nor do I currently plan to do so. I don't pray to any, call on any, or even really think of them because it just isn't something that currently interests me. I am open to the idea of this changing in the future for me, but at my current place in life it doesn't look like it will.
So... what do I do when a spell or ritual asks for me to call on a God or Goddess?
I will take the time to look into the deity and their various associations, call on one of their associations if it is related to the planets or elements.
Examples of this:
Venus instead of Aphrodite The Sun instead of Bastet The Moon instead of Cerridwn I feel like this still aligns with the energy that the original author intended and I, honestly, have yet to have it fail me.
Remember: Your craft is yours, you are more than able to adjust things from spells and rituals that you find elsewhere to better fit your personal beliefs!
FAQ: how to use astrology
artwork by frederic edwin church
disclaimer: there are, of course, many branches of astrology going back many hundreds of years, all with many uses depending on who you ask. location matters hugely too! different cultures and areas have, and do, use astrology differently. i have no experience outside of the uk so can't comment on this however. in this post, i'm talking about modern tropical astrology. as always, take what works and leave the rest <3
traditionally, astrology has been used for everything from academic research, medicine, informing politicians and farmers alike, and was considered an important science. nowadays, it has a poor reputation in some circles but is still a useful tool for lots of people, if used very differently. these days, it's mostly used on a personal level; astrologers still study carefully and make predictions about various sectors and generational changes, but the 'general user' is more likely to see astrology as some of the following:
a tool for psychoanalysis and self-development: this is how i got into astrology properly, as someone with a budding interest in psychology and a desire to improve my self-knowledge. learning about your natal chart, what the placements mean and how they interact with each other (and even with the placements of other people in your life) can be a really valuable tool for introspection and reflection, and ultimately, self-development and growth.
a tool for divination: this could be a post in and of itself, but to keep it quick, using astrology as a divination tool can be really helpful. keeping track of certain transits, like retrogrades, lunar transits, returns or just the daily movements of the planets and points around us can help us plan our time better, perform more effective rituals, be aware of when the time is (and isn't) right to make a big move, and feel more confident in our decisions.
part of a spiritual practice: this could be witchcraft, a religious or spiritual path you're on, or you just like to work with the moon. for example, you might want to incorporate elements of your placements in a spell, or perform a ritual during a certain lunar transit. you might use astrology in more of an 'old-fashioned' way in the form of an almanac, or avoid certain practices during mercury retrograde.
how i use astrology myself: i use it daily, as both a divination and a psychoanalytical tool. every month i consult my transits and jot down all the major/interesting ones in my planner, along with lunar transits as i love the moon lol. i use those transits to plan out certain activities, for example, a house clean every new moon, allowing extra travel time during mercury retrograde, carving out some time to relax and rest during certain lunar transits. i also feel i 'know what to expect' a bit, having done this (not as consistently as i'd have liked) for years, so for example i'm aware of how mercury retrograde affects me personally and can tailor my advice to myself a bit by now. i also consider astrology an integral part of my own spiritual practice, and i use it 'academically' to inform my tarot studies. never mind using it for this blog and for readings etc... it's definitely an important part of my daily life :-)
at the end of the day, whatever works for you, is what works for you. how do you use astrology day-to-day, if you aren't an astrologer? is it a big part of your life, or a bit of fun? how did you get into astrology, and was it a 'gateway' for you?
🌿 Here's a list of nice advice for medicinal teas users (with links to medical resources provided):
Lemon balm has a sedative and calming effect.
Yarrow might help with stomach cramps.
Mint leaves are good for your digestive health.
Chrysanthemum tea is used to lower blood pressure.
Chamomile is a known sleep-inducer.
Elderberry flowers are good for cold and flu.
Nettle leaf tea is a great source of calcium.
Ginger tea calms down nausea and relaxes muscles.
Sage is rich in minerals and vitamin K.
To make simple tea, wash your herbs, pat them dry, put them in a strainer, place it in a cup, and pour over hot water; give it 3-5 minutes, stir. Drink with honey or sugar if you'd like.
P. S. I am not a licensed medical professional. Herbal remedies are not replacement for medicine. Please, mindfully check if you are allergic to any of the aforementioned herbs. Do not use my dividers.
Types of 'Gods'
The concept of gods varies across different cultures, mythologies, and belief systems.
Here are some broad categories or types of gods that can be found in various religious and mythological traditions:
Creator Gods: Creator gods are often associated with the creation of the world or universe. They are believed to have brought existence into being and may hold significant power and authority. Examples include Brahma in Hinduism, Atum in Egyptian mythology, and Elohim in certain interpretations of the Judeo-Christian tradition.
Mother Goddesses: Mother goddesses represent fertility, nurturing, and the life-giving aspects of the divine feminine. They are associated with creation, birth, and the cycles of nature. Examples include Isis in Egyptian mythology, Demeter in Greek mythology, and Gaia in ancient Greek cosmogony.
Sky Gods: Sky gods are associated with the heavens, celestial bodies, and the realm of the sky. They often possess powers related to weather, lightning, or cosmic order. Examples include Zeus in Greek mythology, Thor in Norse mythology, and Indra in Hinduism.
War Gods: War gods are associated with warfare, battles, and military prowess. They often embody strength, courage, and strategic abilities. Examples include Ares in Greek mythology, Mars in Roman mythology, and Huitzilopochtli in Aztec mythology.
Wisdom Gods: Wisdom gods are associated with intellect, knowledge, and spiritual insight. They are often revered as divine teachers or possessors of divine wisdom. Examples include Athena in Greek mythology, Thoth in Egyptian mythology, and Saraswati in Hinduism.
Trickster Gods: Trickster gods are mischievous and often unpredictable figures who challenge conventions and bring about change or disruption. They may embody chaos, humor, or transformation. Examples include Loki in Norse mythology, Hermes in Greek mythology, and Anansi in West African folklore.
Love and Beauty Gods: Love and beauty gods embody qualities of love, romance, beauty, and desire. They are often associated with fertility, attraction, and the pursuit of aesthetic pleasure. Examples include Aphrodite in Greek mythology, Venus in Roman mythology, and Freyja in Norse mythology.
These categories are not exhaustive, and there are countless other types of gods and divine beings found in different belief systems. The characteristics and roles of gods can vary greatly, reflecting the unique cultural and religious contexts in which they are worshipped.
{This post is just for educational reasons}
i have a dilemma. i’m wondering if some of y’all can help? i’m religious, i believe in God, the trinity, Jesus, the saints, and i believe that good deeds can get you into Heaven. i hold a very Catholic belief system but at the same time the church feels suffocating. i’m queer and non binary and i feel like i don’t have a place in the church because of my gender. i feel like i’ll never be fully welcomed in the church or by any Pope in my lifetime. am I still a Catholic if i don’t go to church and follow the pope?
I really will never get how some people make ai generated images for their deities.
It's so weird. Sometimes, I'll see ai images of Hypnos when I'm looking for things related to him, and it always ends up making me feel super uncomfortable.
You're letting an ai take away the beauty in making something for your deity? Letting a soulless machine put zero love into it and steal from others? And you think the gods would like it?
Sorry for how ranty this is. I really hate ai "art," and seeing people use it as an offering is so off-putting to me.
'What if my X house is empty?'
I feel like no matter how much we say 'look at the house ruler', people are still very concerned with empty houses, so I'll give more perspective on the matter
The ruler of a house is more important than the planets placed in it
The primary energy of any house, regardless if it's empty or occupied, is always the house ruler.
When it comes to occupied houses, the ruling energy of the house will have more influence on the planet placed in it, not viceversa. In other words, the house itself will have more impact on the planet than the planet will on the house, cause houses are the scenario where planets act on.
Obviously planets will add undertones and energies to a house, however they're just visitants, planets are like guests in a house, but they don't CARRY the house. Imagine inviting a people to live at your house. Certain people being there will ADD factors to your house dynamics, but the house will run anyways regardless if they're there or not. How the house is being run is dictated my the house ruler
Therefore, houses being empty literally doesn't matter
Day of the Week Magickal Correspondences:
Monday
Planet: Moon
Tarot: High Priestess, Moon
Color: white, light blue, gray
Stones: moonstone, pearl, fluorite, amethyst, quartz, sapphire
Herbs: moonflower, jasmine, gardenia, white rose
Influences : astral realm, clairvoyance, creativity, dream work, emotions, family, fertility, healing the home, illumination, inspiration, intuition, love, prophecy, protection, psychic ability, travel, truth
Tuesday
Planet: Mars
Tarot: Strength, Wands (5, 6)
Color: red, orange
Stones: carnelian, ruby, bloodstone, garnet, red jasper
Herbs: basil, ginger, blak pepper, patchouli, holly, dragon’s blood, nettle, thistle, thorns, wormwood, hawthorn,
Influences : power, war, courage, agression, revenge, hexes and curses, distruction, ambition, sexual identity, sex magick, self confidence
Wednesday
Planet: mercury
Tarot: The Magician, Wheel of Fortune, Pentacles (8)
Color: blue
Stones: Agate, citrine, aventurine, sodalite, lapis, hematite, emerald
Herbs: lavender, rosemary, fern, cherry, licorice, poppy, mugwort, plantain, apple, fennel
Influences : communication, arts, change, mental power, education, divination, psychic power, divination, wisdom, knowledge, traveling, spiritual enlightenment, mischief
Thursday
Planet: jupiter
Tarot: Pentacles (ace, 9, 10)
Color: royal blue, green and purple
Stones: amethyst, sapphire, turquoise, lepidolite, sugilite
Herbs: cinnamon, sage, nutmeg, melissa, clove, honeysuckle
Influences : money, business, manifestion, justice, healing, abundance, luck, fidelity, honor, justice (legal matters), leadership, loyalty, prosperity, relationships, well-being, success
Friday
Planet: Venus
Tarot: Empress, Lovers, Cups (2)
Color: pink
Stones: rose quartz, pink tourmaline, moonstone, jade, peridot, emerald, ruby
Herbs: red hibiscus, rose, lavender, rosemary, jasmine, blue lotus, violet, birch, sage, ivy
Influences : beauty, emotions, fertility, friendship, happiness, love, passion, pleasure, sexuality, wisdom
Saturday
Planet: Saturn
Tarot: Temperance, Swords (knight, 2)
Color: Black, Gray (dark), Indigo, Purple (dark)
Stones: onyx, obsidian, smokey quartz, jet, pumice
Herbs: myrrh, moss, thyme, basil, hemlock, nettle, peppermint, pomegranate, hyacinth, mallow, juniper
Influences : banish, binding magick, death, protection, freedom, justice, karma, banishing, uncrossing magick, hexes and curses
Sunday
Planet: Sun
Color: yellow, gold
Tarot: Chariot, Sun, Wands (ace)
Stones: citrine, sunstone, pyrite, gold, goldstone, carnelian, orange calcite, tiger’s eye, amber
Herbs: sunflower, chamomile, calendula, marigold, bergamot, oak, rosemary, oregano
Influences : accomplishment, action, ambition, attraction, authority, beauty, confidence, creativity, energy (solar), fame, freedom, friendship, goals, personal growth, healing, hope, illumination, justice, leadership, light, protection, spirituality
kinda niche but does anyone here use any catholic cookbooks? i see a lot of witchy/magical potential in them and i would to love hear your experiences with them.
Astro Notes Pt. 2
- IN DEFENSE OF LIBRAS. I often hear people say that Libras are pick-mes, but that’s only the underdeveloped ones. I think Libras do get along with the opposite sex really well. The mature ones genuinely connect with the other side because they’re a good balance of both masculine and feminine energies.
- However, I do see SOME Libra men take advantage of this ability and be quite promiscuous. Libra SUN in particular since it comes so naturally to them. Libra Venus men, on the other side, prefer to be monogamous and just pour all their romantic energy into one person. If they have grounding placements like Venus/Saturn positive aspects or earth placements, they’re definitely the type to look for THE ONE™️
- Scorpio and Capricorn placements humor is so under appreciated. People often see these placements as intense alpha males who never show emotions like they’re just 😐. Mfs have perfected dry humor and comedic timing.
- Aries Sun have an easier time maturing than Aries Moon. Since the Moon is such a primal and sensitive place for Aries to be in, the impulsive side of Aries is amplified. Meanwhile, Aries Suns can channel its aggressive fire energy more consciously.
- Leo Suns with 12th house moons can create a lot of internal conflicts. The natural inclination to shine versus the need to completely hide your nature and be intensely introspective.
- Mars in 6th house people really benefit from incorporating exercise into your routine. Everyone does, but Mars in 6th house people in particular can accumulate a lot of stress and tensions so they need to move their bodies often to avoid burn out (speaking from personal experience 😭)
- Scorpio placements are lusted after, but CANCER placements are often desired both physically and emotionally. People want to have a taste of Scorpio placements but often become overwhelmed by their intense nature. Cancers, on the other hand, seem more gentle even though they’re equally insane intense. That’s why Scorpio is often associated with seductresses/siren archetype while Cancer is the “wife”/divine feminine.
- Again, Cancer placements are underrated because the moon energy seems more familiar compared to the mysterious and ethereal nature of outer planets like Neptune and Pluto. But the moon quite literally controls water and has the most direct impact (night vs day) on the actual functions of Earth. Plus, the moon is also a symbol of mystique, beauty, and literally the ‘dark side of the moon’ as a metaphor for human psyche. I can do a whole post about why Cancer placements are really the beauty indicator/archetype in astrology if you guys want 😭
Thank you for reading! Let me know if you guys enjoy these notes and I’ll do more 🤍
Sympathetic Magic
What is sympathetic magic?
Sympathetic magic is "a magic based on the assumption that a person or thing can be supernaturally affected through its name or an object representing it" [Merriam-Webster] with the term most likely originated in James George Frazer's book, The Golden Bough in 1889. Though the book, sympathy-enchantment by Richard Andree was written in 1882. The idea of some form of sympathetic magic has existed since prehistory.
What are the types of sympathetic magic?
🦋Similarity: Something that can represent or substitute that thing Example: Mandrake root and the human body
🦋Contact: Something that comes in contact with something that can represent or substitute that thing Example: Moon water
🦋Imitation: Something close to similarity but it's specifically created to look like that ting Examples: Poppets, idols
🦋Correspondence: The idea that something can influence another thing due to their resemblance or relationship Examples: Apple cider vinegar and fertility
WITCH TIP: use that ugly ass jar for making moon water. Tools don’t have to be aesthetically pleasing to be effective. Buying unnecessary things that you already have a version of is pushed too much in witchcraft.
I’ve fallen victim to this very mindset!
Sturgeon Supermoon - August 19 2024
Buckle up, witches - we've got supermoons on the horizon and August begins the wild ride!
Sturgeon Supermoon - August 19, 2024
The Sturgeon Moon is the name given to the first full moon in August. The name comes from the plentiful numbers of sturgeon which appear around this time of year.
Sturgeons are living prehistoric relics, examples of which appear in the fossil record as far back as 200 million years ago. Today, they are endangered due to overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss, but giant sturgeons growing up to 12ft (3.65m) long were once a common sight in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain in North America.
Other North American Indigenous names for this moon include Flying Up Moon (Cree), Corn Moon (Algonquin and Ojibwe), Harvest Moon (Dakota), Dry Moon (Catawba), Mountain Shadows Moon (Tlingit), and Black Cherries Moon (Assiniboine). European names for this moon include Haymaking Moon (Norse), Lightning Moon (English), and Grain Moon (Anglo-Saxon).
It's also interesting to note that in China, the seventh full moon of the lunar year is called the Hungry Ghost Moon, during which spirits of departed ancestors visit their relatives and homes, and trickster spirits may cause mayhem among the living if not properly appeased. Food offerings and incense are put out for ancestor spirits, families visit gravesites to offer prayers and site maintenance, and festival dances and floating lanterns celebrate the honored dead.
What Does It Mean For Witches?
The August full moon is the first of FOUR CONSECUTIVE SUPERMOONS for the 2024 calendar year. So if you've got a lunar magic inclination and the patience for a long-term working, this a great time to start making things happen!
Peak illumination will occur at 2:26pm EST so tonight's moon will be big and bright and full of potential.
August's full moon is technically both a supermoon AND a seasonal blue moon. A blue moon is the second full moon occurring in a calendar month. A seasonal blue moon is the third full moon in a season when four full moons occur. September's full moon falls before the autumn equinox this year.
Both blue moons and supermoons are particularly advantageous times for spellwork, especially that which involves the fulfillment of goals, desires, and wishes, or the culmination of long-term plans. It's also a great time to start new projects and set new goals for the fall and winter.
Supermoons carry your magical workings forward with a little dash of extra strength and vigor, and may provide extra clarity during divination or reflection. It's also the perfect time for spells related to wishmaking and abundance, drawing in the appearance of something long-awaited or extra bit of luck or prosperity you've been needing. And with three more supermoons coming our way in September, October, and November, this is a particularly advantageous time to begin a long-term working that will culminate toward the end of the year.
What Witchy Things Can We Do?
In August, we harvest one set of crops and sow another, reaping the rewards of our previous efforts and planting the seeds of future success. Look back on the magical workings you've done so far this year - how are they working out? Have any of your spells produced especially notable results? Go back and add to your notes, making sure to record anything that worked particularly well. (And also anything that DIDN'T work well. Remember that failure is a learning experience too.)
Evaluate your progress and reflect on what you want to carry forward and what you might need to put on hold or just let go for the time being. If you're partial to divination, a reading may help to provide some additional clarity on your current status, as well as some perspective on the possibilities for the near future.
Celebrate the harvest of grain and corn with your favorite recipes or a summer picnic. But don't just limit yourself to corn and wheat! Late summer fruits are also ripe and make a tasty addition to any table.
Set your intentions and your goals for the latter part of the year and start preparing for the autumn and winter. It may seem silly to prepare for the cold when the weather is still blazing hot, but it will be here before you know it. Take time for one more summer beach trip or camping excursion before the hustle and bustle of the fall sets in.
The observation of blue moons and supermoons as magical occasions are a modern addition to witchcraft, but the lack of antiquity doesn't mean there's any shortage of metaphysical potential!
Prepare for a bountiful fall season with lots of opportunities to make things happen. Set yourself up for success by making your wants and needs clear in your spellwork. Attend to practical matters to remove whatever obstacles you can and clear the way for your hard work and magical endeavors to pay off.
Set out a big jug of potable water each month to catch the light of the supermoons between now and November - it will be great for cleansing, protection, wish-making, and drinkable potion bases later! If you've got wildcrafted or garden-grown herbs with a lunar alignment, or which correspond to prosperity, success, and strength, harvest a few this evening and keep them specially labeled for future workings. And remember to put out your moon jars!
All in all, this month's full moon is supercharged with lunar energy and primed for magical workings, so make your spells count!
Happy Sturgeon Moon, witches! 🌕🐟
Further Reading:
Additional Lunar Calendar posts by Bree NicGarran
2024 Witches' Calendar post by Bree NicGarran
Supermoon in August 2024: The First of the Year!, The Old Farmer's Almanac.
Hooked on the Magic of August’s Full Sturgeon Moon, The Peculiar Brunette.
Hungry Ghost Festival, China Travel, June 20 2023.
Sturgeon, Wikipedia Article.
Everyday Moon Magic: Spells & Rituals for Abundant Living, Dorothy Morrison, Llewellyn Publications, 2004.
Image Credit: "Leaping Gulf Sturgeon," by Dawn Witherington
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Astro Notes: Degree Theory Part 3 ⭐️
✰ Often people who have a nickname can have Gemini degrees (3°, 15°, 27°) particularly on their Sun, Mercury, and/or Ascendant.
✰ Having a Scorpio degree (8°, 20°) on your midheaven can mean having a parent that works in finance
✰ Those with Virgo degrees (6°, 18°) on the 4th house cusp usually have neat and organized homes and bedrooms. They’re the type of person to say “my bedroom is my sanctuary.” They could be focused on wellness and light candles, burn sage, have self-help books, and overall have a clean and minimalistic living space.
✰ If you’re a fan of crystals you may have some Capricorn degrees (10°, 22°) in your chart, particularly Neptune or Uranus or any placement with a water sign at a Capricorn degree.
✰ Those with Taurus (2°, 14°, 26°) and/or Cancer degrees (4°, 16°, 28°), particularly in the personal planets, often have a love of cooking and baking. They can enjoy the feeling of making food for others. If the degree is on the Moon, perhaps their mom and/or grandmother(s) enjoyed cooking and baking or had a career involving it.
✰ People with a Leo degree (5°, 17°, 29°) on their Mercury are usually really good at word play and are overall creative in the way they communicate. An example that comes to mind is Sabrina Carpenter and her double entendres in her ‘nonsense’ outros. She has Mercury at 5°.
✰ A lot of people with Venus and/or Jupiter in a Taurus or Pisces degree (12°, 24°) can have big music collections of cds and records
✰ I’ve found that many people who are trendsetters have Uranus or Neptune at 0°, 1° (Aries), 12° or 24° (Pisces) or 29° (Leo).
To all my fellow Christopagans/Christian Witches/Heretics
Mary Gardens and Saintly Plants
Hello my fellow Catholic witches! So while I was looking through stuff to do for May, I came across Mary Gardens and I thought they sounded like something full of potential witchery.
What is a Mary Garden?
A Mary garden is a garden dedicated to Mary. It is full of plants relating to Mary and her son, Jesus. They also contain a statue of Mary and sometimes have benches and candles for prayer. Some people also add plants relating to other saints. Sometimes they are dedicated to a certain aspect of Mary (such as Our Lady of Sorrows). They can be as big as a park or as small as a flower pot.
Plants for a Mary Garden
Relating to Jesus
Grapes- His blood
Wheat- His Body
Hyssop- Used at the Crucifixion
Begonia- Heart of Jesus
Geranium- Heart of Jesus
St. John’s Wort- Jesus’ Blood
Snapdragons- the Child Jesus’ shoes
Passion flowers- Christ’s Passion (the stamens and pistils look like the nails and the crown of thorns)
Red Roses- Christ’s Passion (as the crown of thorns and the five petals are Christ’s five wounds)
Plants with thorns- the crown of thorns
Dogwood- the Crucifixion
Relating to Mary
All flowers are associated with Mary but here are some that have more specific associations.
Roses- The Marian flower. Said to be found in her tomb, and appear in most of her apparitions. Used during May Crowning. Their colors symbolize her as follows:
White - Mary’s Purity
Red- Mary’s Sorrow
Gold- Mary’s Glory
Lilies- Said to be found in her tomb and given to her by the angel Gabriel at the Annunciation
Forget-Me-Nots- Our Lady’s Eyes
Baby’s Breath- Our Lady’s Veil
Bachelor’s Buttons- Our Lady’s Crown
Bleeding Hearts- Mary’s Heart pierced by swords
Iris- the swords that pierced Mary’s Heart
Marigolds- Mary’s gold
Violets- Our Lady’s Modesty
Lavender- one legend says this plant got its scent when Mary laid Jesus’ clothes out to dry on it
Lily-of-the-Valley- Said to have grown from Mary’s tears as she stood at the foot of the cross
Damask Roses- the roses Our Lady of Guadalupe told St. Juan Diego to gather
English Daisy- Mary’s Love
Maidenhair Fern- Mary’s Hair
Field Bindweed- Our Lady’s Cup (from a German legend that Mary freed a wine seller’s cart after giving her a drink. Because he did not have a cup, Our Lady used the flower of Field Bindweed instead)
Morning Glory- Our Lady’s Cloak
Hawthorn- traditionally used during May Crowning
Honeysuckle- Our Lady’s fingers or Our Lady’s stick
Hydrangea- Ave Maria
Jasmine- Mary
Larkspur- Mary’s tears
Moonflower- Our Lady of the Night
Primrose- Mary’s candlestick
Juniper- Our Lady’s Shelter, said to have hidden the Holy Family during the flight to Egypt
Snowdrops- used at Candlemas
Sweet Alyssum- Blessed by Mary
Tulip- Mary’s Prayer
Water lily- Our Lady of the Lake or Stella Marius
Parsley- Our Lady’s Little Vine
Sage- Mary’s shawl
Thyme- Mary’s humility
Fennel- Our Lady’s Fennel
Spearmint- Mary’s mint
Horehound- Mother-of -God’s tea
Dandelion- Mary’s bitter sorrow
Catnip- Mary’s nettle
Valerien- Our Lady’s Needlework
Chamomile- Maiden’s weed
Other plants
These relate to saints or to God.
Columbine- the Holy Spirit (because they look like doves)
St John’s Wort- Named after one of the many St. Johns
Chicory- the Heavenly way
Coriander- St. John’s head
Dill- Devil away
Tarragon- Named for St. Martha’s dragon
Shamrock- St. Patrick
Lilies- St. Joseph’s staff
Peony- Pentecost Rose
Nasturtium- St. Joseph’s flower
Tritium- the Holy Trinity
Ivy- Where God has Walked
Hollyhock- St. Joseph’s staff
Gladiolus- 12 Apostles
Grape Hyacinth- St. Joseph’s bells
Basil- St. Anthony of Padua
Cosmos- St. Michael’s flower
Aster- Michaelmas daisies
Chrysanthemum- All Saint’s flower
Cherry- used on St. Barbara’s feast day
Pussy willow- used on Ash Wednesday
Palm- used in Palm Sunday
Pansies- the Holy Trinity
Blackberries- last gathered on Michaelmas
What does this have to do with witchcraft?
Well, many of these plants are commonly used in witchcraft. They can be used to call upon a certain saint for help (doing a protection spell, use Cosmos- St. Michael’s flower). Or they can be used based on their association (Maidenhair fern for beauty spells because it’s associated with Mary’s hair).
For the witches and pagans who need to hear it, connecting with nature is supposed to be about like, actually observing nature over long periods of time, not doing stuff like hoarding endangered bird feathers and beach sand, or just meditating out in aesthetically-pleasing locations. Can you tell me exactly when your wildflowers and weeds start blooming? When do your bugs come out of hibernation? When do migratory birds come and go? How does the air feel during different times of year? If you can't do stuff like that, you aren't connecting with nature.
symbols and their meaning (bug edition)
🌸moths- transformation, healing, endings, death, rebirth (pluto/ scorpio energy !!)
🌿butterflies- freedom, beauty, hope, transformation. in chinese culture it’s also said to symbolize the human soul !
🌸beetles- prosperity, luck, wealth, growth (mainly from chinese & native american cultures)
🌿ants- unity, team work, power of collaboration and cooperation. in native american culture they can also represent allies
🌸bees- dedication, prosperity, fertility, focus, team work, hard work, kindness, success, positivity. in christianity it can represent forgiveness
🌿scorpions- protection, independence, intelligence, solitude, transformation, sex, lust, fertility, defensiveness
🌸spiders- patience, persistence, omens, fate. native american culture also believe they represent creation, protection, and wisdom
🌿ladybug- positivity, good luck, spiritual guidance, trusting the universe, protection, past lives, wishes being fulfilled, abundance preying
🌸mantis- clairvoyance, meditation, stillness, awareness, balance, peace. christian’s believe it symbolizes piety or that angels are watching you
🌿dragonfly- rejuvenation, unexpected, self realization, mental & emotional maturity, fantasy, adaptability, joy, courage. in buddhism, they believe that dragon flies represent overcoming illusion, through the transformation of your perceptions.
🌸firefly- attraction, self illumination, hope, unity, harmony. the ancient japanese also thought that they were to represent love and war
🌿centipede- healing, hidden things, doubts. although in other cultures such as chinese and african, they believe centipede’s bring wealth, and prosperity
Do you ever go for a walk and everywhere you look you see God? In the leaves, the gravel, the clouds, the grass. In the people walking by, and in their dogs who strain their lead trying to greet you. In the puddles left by rain, in the lingering petrichor, in the cool air flowing into and out of your lungs. Everywhere, everything- all Him.
random astro observations pt.3
I'm not an astrologist, I'm only an observer. These are my personal observations.
Sun/5h- these people make great directors, producers, actors, and writers too. Could be a talent here in sport activities and sometimes they attain fame and a huge amount of wealth if they turn professionals. Sun in 5h makes the native strong. Can manipulate things in order to remain in the focus of the public. Tendency to have financial difficulties because of their excessive calculative nature and over-confidence.
Jupiter in 9th and 12th house will destroy any of their enemies
I feel like cancer moons naturally have the more developed characteristics of a cancer than a cancer sun. Every cancer sun I've met had more negative characteristics of the cancer such as being secretive, sneaky, cold. moody, and manipulative. The cancer moons I've came across had more of the positive traits of the cancer such as being nurturing, gentle, soft, and kind. Empaths. Cancer suns are most definitely empaths as well. Personally i just think that cancer is uncomfortable placed in the Sun, leading them to feeling uncomfortable being vulnerable. Similar to Scorpio, they can be skeptical, quiet, closed off, and have the "get them before they get me" kind of mindset. I believe they choose to have sympathy for others, only when they want to or actually feel for them. They are more closed off than cancer moons in my opinion.
Virgo Risings are very meticulous about everything, but one random thing their usually very OCD about is their bed. Their the types to make their bed, you lightly sit on the edge right after, and they start freaking out on you. Very detailed orientated, they pay close attention to people and are also very focused on themselves. Huge critics of themselves and sometimes others.
Mercury in Virgo are excellent writers and poets. They are phenomenal even at a young age in ELA/writing classes. They know how to express themselves perfectly, and they're highly analytical people. They know just what to say, and exactly how to say it. Excellent problem solvers as well.