paganisms:

Common name: Peppermint
Latin name: Mentha x piperita
Family: Lamiaceae
Part used: Leaf

Commonly used forms: Tea, tincture, oil capsules, lozenge, and essential oil

Side Effects: Relatively none. Coated peppermint-oil capsules may open in the stomach, causing heartburn. Do not apply the essential oil directly to mucous membranes. Peppermint should be avoided by individuals with gallbladder or bile-duct problems, as well as by those allergic to menthol.

Medicinal Uses: Gastric, digestive, and tension disorders, and insomnia

Spell Craft: Physic ability, love, visions, healing, and sleep.

Growing & Care

•  Mints should be planted where they will not encroach on other plants, as they spread so readily that, unless curbed, they are likely to become a pestiferous weed. Peppermint plants should be spaced 18 to 24 inches (45 - 60cm) apart.
• Peppermint and spearmint grow to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 - 45cm).
• Seed germination period of 12 to 16 days.
•  Seeds are toxic if ingested.
• Water on a regular schedule, beware of over watering.
•  Mint plants prefer full sunlight; however, it will grow under fluorescent lighting.
• Start seed indoors 8 to 10 weeks prior to last spring frost. Or, sow directly outdoors in partially shaded, moist soil. Propagates best through softwood cuttings.

(Source: )

paganearth:

By definition the Wheel of the Year is a Wiccan and Neopagan term for the annual cycle of the Earth’s seasons. It consists of eight festivals, spaced at approximately even intervals throughout the year. These festivals are referred to by Wiccans as Sabbats.

Samhain
Other Names: Witch’s New Year, Summer’s End, All Hollow’s Eve
Date: October 31 (Greater Sabbat/Cross Quarter)
Celebration of: The Lord dies and awaits his rebirth at Yule
Related Holiday: Halloween
Colors: Orange & Brown
Symbols: Fall fruits
Notes: This is the day that the veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead is at its thinnest. This is a good time for divination. At dinner, remember to set a place for your loved ones that have past this year. Leave an offering of food and drink on your door step for those souls that may still wander.

Yule
Other Names: Winter Solstice
Date: December 21 (there about)
Celebration of: The Goddess gives birth to the God
Related Holiday: Christmas
Colors: Purple or Dark Green
Symbols: Holly, mistletoe, pine branches, pine cones, wreath
Notes: Shortest day of the year. Yule log is decorated with evergreen & holly strands before being lit at sunset and is burned until sunrise. Celebration of family and friends. Celebration of peace, love and positive energy.

Imbolc
Other Names: Imbolq, Olmeic, Candlemas, Brigits Day, Bride Day
Date: February 2 (Greater Sabbat/Cross Quarter)
Celebration of: The God is a young child growing in size and strength
Related Holiday: Valentine’s Day
Colors: Pink or Pale Green
Symbols: The Candle Wheel, Evergreens, Willows, Grain Dolly
Notes: First planting of spring. Ritual fires are burned. A time for birth, healing and inspiration. This is a popular time for vows of dedication or consecration.

Ostara
Other Names: Spring Equinox, Eostre
Date: March 21 (there about)
Celebration of: The God and Goddess begin their courtship
Related Holiday: Easter
Colors: Light Green
Symbols: Spring flowers
Notes: Light overtakes the dark. Rebirth of life. Contemplate new beginnings and fresh ideas. Serious mediation on your hopes and dreams for the coming year. Solar festival of fire, light, and fertility.

Beltain
Other Names: Beltane, May Eve, May Day, Samradh
Date: May 1 (Greater Sabbat/Cross Quarter)
Celebration of: The Lord and Lady consummate their relationship
Colors: White, Red and Pink
Symbols: Spring flowers (especially the rose).
Notes: Fire and fertility festival. Jumping over the balefire was said to insure protection. Dance around the May Pole. Ring bells to scare away bad spirits. Time for appreciation and affection for all that you have been given in your life. End of spring planting. A time for new beginnings, concepts and ideas.

Litha
Other Names: Summer Solstice, Midsummer
Date: June 21 (there about)
Celebration of: The Goddess is pregnant with the God
Related Holiday: Feast of John the Baptist
Colors: White and Pale Yellow
Symbols: Spear (God) and Cauldron (Goddess). Summer flowers, St. John’s Wort, birch, white Lilly’s
Notes: Longest day of the year. The God is at his peak strength. Midpoint of the year. Light large bonfires after sundown. Peak of magickal power. Remember that nothing lasts forever. Celebrate abundance, fertility, virility, beauty, and the bounty of our earth. Good time for handfasting, workings for empowerment and consummation.

Lughnasadh
Other Names: Lammas, Lughnasad, Lugnassad, Lunasa
Date: August 1 (Greater Sabbat/Cross Quarter)
Celebration of: A Festival of not only life and bounty, but of harvest and death, the complete cycle of life.
Colors: Gold and Bright Yellow
Symbols: Summer flowers, nuts and grains
Notes: Fire and light festival. First grain harvest. Feast dedicated to Earth Mother. Count your blessings.

Mabon
Other Names: Autumn Equinox, Harvest Home, Pagan Thanksgiving
Date: September 21 (there about)
Celebration of: The God now sleeps within the womb of the Goddess
Colors: Dark Brown and Red
Symbols: Harvest Foods
Notes: Second harvest festival. Celebration of thanks for the crops that were harvested. Dark overtakes the light.

(Source: )

designingtheenemy:

When: Full Moon

Need:
1x Red Candle
1x Purple Candle
1x White Candle
1x Silk Rope (any length and thickness)

Procedure:

Cast your circle
Light the candles and lay the rope on your altar
Chant as you tie a knot in the rope:

“With this rope I bind thine power,
to be mine…

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