Category Archives: Samhain

July 14, 2024 · 1:33 pm

Interview with horror author Brian Smith )O(

Merry meet all,

Welcome, everyone, to a very special blog post. Today we are discussing horror with successful author Brian Smith. Brian has agreed to chat in my dark cobweb ridden corner of the web, so let’s get started. 

Why horror? Do you have a favorite subgenre in horror?

As a kid who grew up in the 80’s, as a part of Generation X, horror was everywhere. Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees and slasher films in general but I was mostly interested in bug movies like Kingdom Of The Spiders, Island Claws, Frogs and such.

It’d have to be a supernatural horror because there’s so many things ghosts can do some really fucked up shit like change your Wi-Fi password or chase you up the stairs after turn off all the lights in the house.

Which other horror authors influenced you the most and why?

Edgar Allan Poe got to me first, then Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Robert McCammon, Richard Laymon, Jack Ketchum, Brian Keene, Edward Lee, Bentley Little and H.P. Lovecraft. 

What inspires you to write horror?

On top of growing up with slasher and bug movies, I also grew up with Stephen King movies. I checked out Stephen King’s Night Shift from the local library when I was twelve and then I fed myself every Dean Koontz book I could get my hands on. I’ve always enjoyed the fact that authors can turn the everyday lives of an everyday person by throwing them into a panicked and harried situation.

Tell me about your writing/ editing process

My writing process is as fucked up as my editing process because I’ll sit down and get the bare bones of the story out of my head and then I’ll print it out and go through it as best as I can and edit the entire book by adding new paragraphs and scenes into the book and as the meme says, “I do all of my best editing after I hit SEND”.

Which is your favorite horror movie or book? Which movie or book impressed and inspired you the most?

Everyone goes through a horror at some point in their lives whether its an abusive spouse or family member or some life-altering shift in their young and impressionable life at one time or another.

I write horror because it’s real. I write horror because we welcome unknown horrors every time we change our lives for the better and yet we don’t realize that until it’s too late. It’s how we overcome them that matters. We have more free range when it comes to indie publishing. We can put whatever we want in our books, publish them whenever we want and make them as long as we want them to be.

The original Night Of The Living Dead and Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot. They inspired me to write horror and although I haven’t done a vampire novel yet but the former inspired me to write my novel “Dead River”.  It depends upon what I’m writing.

Is there any music that helps you to write?

If I’m writing horror, I listen to a dark lo-fi hip-hop playlist. If I’m writing a crime noir, then its’s something like jazz noir or dark noir music.

Do you have any special projects you want readers to know about?

I’m writing the second book of a trilogy featuring two “supernaturalists” who investigate supernatural locations. I’ve written the outline of a body horror novella and I’m always writing short stories.

Where can readers find you on social media?

Facebook under Brian J. Smith

 Threads and Instagram under horrorauthor9

About the author

Brian J. Smith is the author of Dark Avenues, 1342 Lindley Road, The Tuckers, Consuming Darkness Abbie’s Wrath, Bad Allergies and Dead River. His short fiction has been published in The Horror Zine, Dark Horses: The Magazine Of Weird Fiction and The Drabblecast. He resides in southeastern Ohio has too many books and buys more, thinks that Valentine’s Day should be replaced by Second Halloween and doesn’t drink enough coffee. He is an affiliate member of The Horror Authors Guild and can be found on Facebook under Brian Smith, Twitter under BrianJS913 and on Instagram under horrorauthor9.

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November 11, 2023 · 4:14 pm

Witches in the Lime light )O(

Merry meet all,

I love the dark half of the year. Technically, here the weather constantly switches between overcast and rainy to sunny then overcast. I was busy today straining herbs and oils. I conjured a bottle of calendula oil and I combined lavender with mugwort into an amber coloured glass jar. I plan to use the oils for beauty recipes and witchy things. 

Speaking of witches… I want to post about a topic that deals with witches. I am familiar with the history of the Burning times, a dark stain on the history of Witches. We survived. We survived the searing burning pain of the flames and we are here now. We will never go away. We never left…We are essential. We are the bringers of light, healing, magic and the impetus for change. Witches are the movers and the shakers. Our cauldrons glow and pulse with magic and our brooms cause rains or cleanse a home of negative energy. 

I really want to post about something related to witches and witchcraft. But for the sake of all involved, I am not naming names here in this post. I just can’t resist the itch to post this but I do want to protect the privacy of those included here. It is professional that way. Ok so now that that is out of the way, here we go. I participated in an online course recently about parapsychology and demonology. I am so sad that I am not included any longer. I hope to continue the studies elsewhere. 

The director whose name I will not mention here has crossed a fine line. I mean he was able to obtain medical records from a person who I will not name. But then after obtaining the records, he violates the privacy of the person involved to discuss the person on his podcasts and workshops. I think that is a violation of privacy but that is only my opinion. It is certainly not carved in stone. I am sure the person involved never gave the director permission to discuss her predicament and mental health publicly and online. That is such a violation. Is she aware of that violation? I sure hope so. 

Just because one person doesn’t agree with a person’s religious or spiritual path doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with that person. I am relieved to have removed myself from the courses. I am sad that I can’t attend the Symposium next year. When I reflect on it, I have to ask myself why would I ever be interested in attending? If you are Catholic or Christian or a total bible thumper, then you would have the best time ever. I saw a person in the audience wave a cross in the air. I wanted to just whip out my pentacle and swing it at him rather briskly. Or sit next to him and get all witchy in his face. But I didn’t. I am glad I didn’t because then I was just giving them what they wanted and I am better than that. I would be no better than them and that is not the point here. 

The persecution will never end. It has left a dark mark in history and the recent events prove it will never go away. Now I know what parapsychology means. Now that I am aware of the meaning, I will be even more of a Witch. I mean we don’t belong in the ghetto. We are out of the ghetto now and we are never going back there. Those so called pompous self-righteous bigots who want to damn every single life form on earth that isn’t exactly like them and should then be damned for that. That is why I keep this blog. I believe that religion has its place and science does too. I like science not as much as I like art but I am sure science has its place. I don’t want to be that mean to a person and treat them like paranormal phenomena is all in their head. 

We witches have our place. We are out of the ghetto and in the lime light, the spotlight where we belong. We are not going away. We will stand strong against those who oppose us. The world is changing and the really religious people like Christians, Catholics and fundamentalists don’t have much choice in it. We all have to keep pace with the change. The world religions have their place and if it makes people happy, then power to you. Satanism and witchcraft – now don’t get me wrong or get bent out of shape by my words here – I am not lumping the two together at all in any shape and form – I am just saying it’s our turn. The other world religions while perhaps valid- had their turn. Now it’s ours. Let’s make it good and memorable and magical! 

The director blocked me from the courses and the paranormal page on his Facebook group. Fine. Let him. I have other roads to stroll down and other fields to frolic in. And every single road has lots of cauldrons, cats and broomsticks for me. I am free to be me there. I skip and cuddle my cat and ride to the moon. But following my own path means more room for me to be me, instead of being judged and persecuted. I just wish I could talk to that woman whose privacy was violated but if she handed her own medical records over, then maybe she was aware of what would transpire. One can only hope. 

I had hoped the world had become more accepting of those who are different, on the fringe. Well change is never easy. Yet change is the only constant. I hope the change is the one most desired and results in the most positive, most accepting change. Where people of all faiths and paths embrace each other and there is no wars over it. But that is a pipe dream and a naive way to view it, I know. 

I can still hope and dream. Be strong, dream. Be aware, be magical. Shine bright starlight

Blessings, Spiderwitch )O(

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October 2, 2023 · 12:03 pm

Samhain Celebrations

Samhain is almost here. The energy of autumn crackles in the air. Today’s post is from another fellow Witch and she shares many ways to celebrate Samhain. Dust off your cauldrons!

Write a Samhain Journal Entry

Take a few minutes from your day and write down the changes you would like to see moving forward. What things are you ready to let go of and what goals are you ready to really tackle?

Many consider this the Witches New Year and it’s a perfect time for planning new beginnings.

Make a Witchy Bucket List

Make a list of all of the things you would like to accomplish in your spiritual practice in the days, weeks, and months ahead. Perhaps you want to learn more about herbs, kitchen magick, start a Grimoire/BOS, or begin connecting with a deity. Maybe all of those things!

Write them down and check them off throughout the year as you accomplish them. I don’t know about you but checking things off a list always makes me feel accomplished.

Have a Nature Walk

A wonderful way to celebrate Samhain, and any other Sabbat really. Take a few minutes from your day, go outside, and connect with nature.

Autumn is such a glorious season. As you are walking clear your mind and really take in your surroundings,the trees, the colours, the scents of fall, the way the air feels on your face. And during your walk give thanks to mother earth for all that she does for us.

Do a Meditation to Honour Your Ancestors

A meditation doesn’t need to be an hour long. Even if you can only spare 10 minutes from your day for this you will feel good that you took the time to make it happen. 

Sit somewhere quiet and take these few minutes to remember your loved ones who have passed on, think of happy memories, their smile, their favourite things and let them know they are in your heart and with you always.

Honouring those who have passed on is an integral part of Samhain and shouldn’t be forgotten.

Do a Quick Tarot Reading for Yourself

Even just a little three card reading can be beneficial to see a glimmer of what may be in store this year and give you a bit to think about in terms of you path and the directions and changes you will make moving forward.

Celebrate Samhain & Halloween with Decorations!

Embrace the symbols and colours of the season.

Surround yourself with pumpkins, skulls, ghosty things, and maybe carve a pumpkin. Decorating is a hugely fun part of the holiday, and a fun activity to do with the little ones if you happen to have any running around.

Bake a Halloween Treat Symbolizing New Beginnings

There is always some baking going on in my house for Samhain and Halloween. No reason not to infuse a little magick into your  treats this year.

Enjoying some special goodies is also a staple part of the season. Most holidays have food involved and Samhain is no different.

Light Candles for Your Loved Ones

Light candles for your loved ones as a sign of remembrance. 

You can place them in the window to help guide them on their journey this night where the veil is thinned and spirits roam.

Light a Candle for Yourself

Light a candle and recite affirmations for yourself.

Things you would like to see yourself accomplish in the coming weeks and months. Candle work is a mini fire ritual on its own, no huge bonfire required.

Have a Ritual Bath

A peaceful bath with some candles, maybe some oils and salts, to release negativity is a timely activity to perform on Samhain.

Releasing any negative energies that you have built up in order to enter this new year feeling cleansed and refreshed.

Cleanse Your Space

We don’t want to forget about our homes as well!

Simply burning appropriate herbs and walking through each room of your house will do the trick. Walk throughout your home slowly, focusing your energies and visualizing any negativity lifting away out into the aether.

It’s Not Halloween Without Costumes!

We usually have a party at our place and costumes are required lol. Alas, this year there will be no gathering of friends but that’s no excuse to not really have some fun and get into costume!

And it’ll be fun for the trick or treaters, if trick or treating is still happening in your area. And if not, just get dressed up and have a photoshoot, because let’s be honest that is always a good time!

Tell Ghost Stories

Samhain is steeped in lore about ghosts, ghouls, demons, and the like. All of these otherworldly creatures are said to walk the earth during Samhain when the veil between worlds is at it’s thinnest.

Embrace the spookier side of the season, make a hot bevvy and tell some stories. If you’re brave enough that is!

And you can check out this article from Reader’s Digest to get you started: The 13 Most Haunted Places in the World.

Watch a Scary Movie

What would this season be without some good jump scares. ‘Halloween’ anyone?

Charge Your Crystals

This Samhain is also a Full Moon. Take advantage of that energy and set your crystals outside to charge.

Charging your crystals under a Full Moon is a powerful way to re-invigorate their energies, and doing so under a Samhain Full Moon will be doubly so.

Host a Dumb Supper

During your evening meal leave a place setting empty for your loved ones who have passed and eat your meal in silence. 

If you don’t want to do the silent part you can still leave out the empty place setting. This literally takes no extra time out of your day.

Add Some Samhain Pages to Your BOS or Grimoire

If you keep a Book of Shadows or Grimoire add some info in there on Samhain.

If you already have pages on the Sabbat there is always something new you can add in. Some facts you maybe didn’t know or a new ritual perhaps. Be creative!

Keeping one of these is a wonderful outlet for both your practice and your creative spirit.

Create a Space to Honour Your Ancestors or Loved Ones

You can add these things to your altar if you have one but if not, you can simply set up a little space for them somewhere in your home.

You can put pictures, flowers, foods, and some of their favourite things. A simple and wonderful way to show remembrance.

Let Your Hair Down and Dance 

Dance has long been associated with celebration and life.

Crank up your favourite seasonal tunes and let yourself go. Dancing is a wonderful way to release energies from the body and can have you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Just what the new year called for.

Make Moon Water

Fill a glass jar with water and focus your intentions on what the water will be used for, take your time with this process so that your focus is clear. Leave the jar outside over night to soak up those awesome Full Moon energies.

Celebrate Life

While this can be a somber day when we are missing our loved ones, it is also a day that should be filled with life and celebration. 

This can mean anything that you feel is celebrating and honouring life. Indulge in your favourite foods, read a book, dance around your house, have sex…whatever it may be cherish the moments and really LIVE.

There you have it! 

These ideas, especially some of them, should be fairly easy to incorporate into your day if you are crunched for time.

Pick one or two that really call out to you and do them with vigour. Really enjoy the moments, take them in, and savour them.

You can of course do as many of them as you wish or spend more time on any of them if you have it. Take a long luxurious bath, do an hour-long meditation, perform a lengthier ritual, or dedicate your whole day and do 15 different things lol. You do what resonates with you and what your schedule will allow.

If you feel you got the most out of your day and are happy with how you celebrated, that is what truly matters.

You can also check out my full post on Samhain Celebrations and Correspondences for some more ideas and inspiration if you wish.

Your turn! Tell me your Samhain wishes!

Do you normally celebrate Samhain,  Halloween, or both? How will you be celebrating this year? I always love to hear your thoughts, so please leave a comment or drop me a line. There are lots of ways for us to connect

And if you enjoyed the post, remember you can SUBSCRIBE, receive your Mini Autumn Grimoire Bundle for FREE, and be the first to know about new content and exclusive freebies!

Blessings, Spiderwitch 

Credit to: https://www.thewholesomewitch.com/ways-celebrate-samhain-halloween/

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September 21, 2023 · 7:19 pm

Mabon Fashion Magick )O(

Merry meet all,

Mabon is almost here. The leaves are turning. Last night I roasted pumpkin seeds and spotted more pumpkins at the grocery store. A chill hovers in the air, and those are the sure signs of fall. My favourite time of year is here and I am under its spell. I froze the rest of the pumpkin and gave half of it to my Mom who stored some in her freezer. I can’t possibly use it all and sharing is good. 

That is the gift of the fall season. The abundance that we receive in the fall.  The month of October is already scheduled for me. The much anticipated Paranormal Symposium occurs on October 7th and my demonology course begins on October 16th. Also October means Samhain. I have my herbal courses and preparing for Samhain. I will be busy! I just successfully completed Unit 4 of the Advanced Herbalism course. I am so relieved to have gotten this far. Unit 4 was very difficult. Now on to other news…

I am obsessing right now on what I want to wear at the Paranormal Symposium. The hotel where the Symposium is taking place is very prestigious. My witch boots are at the repair shop waiting for when I am finally rich enough to pay for them. I mended the maxi black lace skirt. I want to look amazing. I mean the hotel was swanky and classy. I felt like a hoodlum when I came in asking if that was the correct location for the hotel. It was. OK I need to get dressed!

I spent hours studying witchy outfits on Google and Pinterest. I can waste hours doing that. I have no desire to buy something new to wear. Instead I took my inspiration from Mori Goth and such. The outfits look so complicated, inspired from nature and so effortless. Right. I have cool black clothes from Killstar. I am sure I can put an outfit together for the big day! I shall dive deep into my closet! 

I want to wear an outfit inspired by what I saw on Pinterest. I love Pinterest, it’s one of my guilty pleasures. I have a few options: I mean, black goes with everything. 

#1 My black blouse with drapes sleeves paired with the black lace maxi skirt, a black corset I wore with a black cardigan and wear the blouse and black cardigan under the bodice. I want to show the long lovely drapes sleeves but have the cardigan sleeves pushed up to help with the reveal of the sleeves. I sewed the bodice myself so I will feel comfortable in it. I have a short sleeve black tie front top I can wear with the dress. I think I am liking option #2 more:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#2 I wear the black lace dress over the black lace maxi skirt and a cardigan. I want to look alluring, haunting, bewitching. I would still wear the bodice and belt with it. I want to look like I can handle prestigious while being true to myself. I have chosen a few accessories for these outfit options: a witch hat (of course), the black lace up boots, my spider choker, pentacle belt, a shawl, the skull ring and spider tattoo. Oh yeah I can’t wait. I want to paint my nails both silver and black. I have waited months for this so I want to make it all worth the wait. I can get some perfume from the drugstore and I want makeup that doesn’t wear off fast. The black lace dress has pentagrams on it. I love it, so meant for me. I may even add the black lace gloves. Or it may be too much, I will know soon. Or I could wear the gloves there then remove them when I arrive. I have a lovely silver crescent moon necklace to wear too.

#3 I wear the black lace maxi skirt and the black blouse with the lovely drapey sleeves and the short sleeve tie front top. I think I like this option too. I can bring in all the above elements. I think that lace is so bewitching, and best in black. I would still include all the accessories. 

Then I will put my intention into the outfit and empower it with my energy. I have to feel comfortable but alluring at the same time. I have never attended a symposium before but I am sure I will have fun. The photo above depicts my backyard. It conveys the image, like the mood I am in. I have seen videos of women who traded in their signature goth dreads, tattoos and goth clothing look and sacrificed their individuality to look all princess. I know in my heart that is a decision I could never make. I can’t even feel comfortable in a business suit. I need my bohemian witchy look or nothing. It is how I feel my best. October is not a warm month but I will be indoors most of the day. I have to consider that factor too.

I have no issue with telling someone flat out what I think of them. I am sure it won’t come to that. But I have fought long and hard for Witches to be accepted. We are not the monsters depicted in Hollywood movies or deserving to be burned at the stake. We are the healers, the midwives, the lovers, the tarot readers, the herbalists, and the moon worshipping badasses. 

I’ll polish my boots, mend the fishnet tights, and I sprayed a preserving oil on the black purse I am bringing.  It only costs cents to repair something yet it can take you so far. Clear nail polish repairs tights and it is good to have a sewing needle and thread at hand. I may even make a new black slip to accompany the shirts and dresses. Yes I plan to forgo the backpack for a purse. This hotel is ritzy so I want to look as pulled together as I possibly can. This is going to be amazing! I can’t wait. 

Here is a blog link with more helpful tips for you and your costume! https://livinglesh.com/stylish-witch-halloween-costume/

Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Blessings, Spiderwitch

 

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August 13, 2023 · 9:11 pm

Herbs are my Teacher

Merry meet all,

I saw the movie The Last Voyage of the Demeter the other night. It was a great movie. I thoroughly enjoyed it.It has been a long time since there was a real monster. I believe they perfectly captured the vampire essence. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Voyage_of_the_Demeter

A green pepper is growing in my garden. Tiny tomatoes are growing in my garden too. The nasturtiums are blossoming. The purple coneflower blossomed. My garden is so beautiful and always reduces my stress. I have harvested so many raspberries I can soon make a jar of jam. The blueberries are ripening. The lovage is growing back, the lemon balm patch is huge, the apple mint is flowering, the spearmint has grown nicely, the squash vine is getting bigger, and my celery stalks are not that thick yet but they will ripen too. The black petunias look velvety. They are so beautiful. The astilbe is in flower. The nettle has grown well and will soon flower. Everything is in bloom and very fruitful. I love August. The elecampane didn’t flower this summer. It may flower next year. 

I have to complete my Materia Medica. I have so many pressed leaves, flowers etc., in the thick Jane Austen book. They have to be placed in the Materia Medica. I have to write the monographs and I will get after that soon. I have to complete the big monograph project too. I have to get more serious -well, it was very hard to learn the material. I mean Lesson 1 in Unit 4 of Advanced was very difficult to read. I bought a medical dictionary and had to ask for lots of help. I pressed through but I did succeed. 

I received the beautiful book Botanical Skin care Recipes. I intend to use and enjoy the book. I want to try all the recipes.  I am so happy to report that the big, big book The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive plants by Christian Rasch. I do plan to enjoy that book! It cost me $150! I need the book that did indeed cost me an arm and a leg for research, to protect myself and others, and for general interest. I wanted the book because I want to make a flying ointment and include mandrake. I added 1 tablespoon of mandrake in the herbal oil mixture. I also want to not include poisonous herbs if I do end up selling herbal teas. I want to know what is bane and what is balm. The book was expensive but necessary. 

I love the beautiful herbal books I have acquired. They are amazing and are chock full of wonderful herbal wisdom. I shall treasure and keep the books for years. I mean one thing that makes me sad is that eventually my lessons at the Herbal Academy will come to an end, and I really don’t want that. The teachers and students are super nice people, and I will value the lessons from the school. I never want the lessons to end. I am glad the courses are self-paced. I am trying to stretch the lessons for as long as I can. 

I am fortunate to get the chance to study the lessons. I’n drying lovage, mugwort, lemon balm, St.John’s wort and yarrow in the kitchen. I love herbs. I will use the herbs for teas. Now is the time to dry herbs for teas, tincture making, syrups, poultices. Some herbs can be gathered before they flower, as they can be more potent. I love to let the bees get their share of the nectar before I harvest. It has never made too much difference to me if they have flowered or not. I know St.John’s wort, queen Anne’s lace, burdock, coltsfoot and other herbs have flowered, and been bee pollinated on the nature trail. That would not stop me from harvesting them. I just have to come up with an intention of how I intend to use them. I am sure I will think of something. 

We all know the best teachers I have are the herbs themselves. Yes, the best teachers are the herbs. They have taught me what I know. That ranges from protecting them from pest insects, to how important it is to water them, whether to grow them in containers or in the ground, when to harvest them, when to dry them, how to grow them. I learned how to appreciate the sun shining on the herbs- whether they need tons of sun or partial sun, how to support them as they grow, where to plant and when to plant. I could go on and on. The volatile oils they contain, the room that their roots need to grow, how to harvest dandelion roots, the shapes of the roots, how to use the roots once they are harvested. I learned how to use herbs in teas, tinctures, syrups, and cordials. I love herbs and they are my teachers, my companions, and they protect my health. I have harvested elecampane roots, dandelion roots and burdock roots. They all grow roots and the roots all grow in their own predetermined way and in their own space. Plants need room to grow, need tons of sun and they need nutrients. I know now to offer just enough fertilizer, to store roots, bark, seeds, and leaves in bone dry jars. I have a dehydrator and a drying rack. I use both. I intend to use the dehydrator a lot this fall. Yes indeed. I grow herbs that go from a seed to a full fledged plant. I will always treasure the moments I have experienced in my garden that have left me speechless. I was so enthralled with the beauty I witnessed. I tell ya, my garden must be located on a place of power. I am convinced it is in a place of power. I have seen beautiful elecampane flowers, beautiful purple coneflower, watched bees pollinate comfrey, and helped earthworms tunnel through the fresh soil. I have watched rain replenish the parched soil and seen my garden withstand fierce storms. That can’t be beat. I hope I get to live here a lot longer. Most of the plants in my garden are happily establishing themselves. It is how they grow. 

The asters have blossomed. It saddens me but fall is coming with its ‘scythe’. I know many people are excited about Halloween. I want to help my garden grow first. Then I will be excited. It will then be time for ciders, cordials, syrups and tincture making. More on that later. 

Blessings, Spiderwitch 

 

 

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August 8, 2023 · 11:29 am

Witchy Creativity )O(

Merry meet all,

I am suffering from another burst of awesome creative energy. The stars must be aligned! I hemmed and mended my black wool cloak. I also finally added this beautiful silvery and blue Celtic dragon trim to the cloak. It’s not finished but the trim does look truly cool on the cloak. I hope to finish sewing the cloak this weekend. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The trim goes over the hood and down the opening sides of the cloak- both left and right. I love how it looks. It is so cool. I added the trim to enhance the cloak. The dragon trim is turned toward me, facing inward to protect me. I have had enough of the negative energy sent my way. As I pinned the trim to the cloak to be sewn in, I projected a protective energy for the dragons to protect me. I am sure the dragons will protect me while I wear it this fall. I finished the cloak today. I completed the lining hem and sewed on the trim. I am so happy, and the cloak looks so beautiful!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dragons are powerful creatures and a strong symbol in many cultures. Tolkien loved dragons as do I. I have dragon bookends, dragon pen holders, dragon trinkets, dragon candlesticks, dragon censers, you get the picture. I love dragons. Dragons are an important symbol in China. Yup I love dragons. I leave gemstones next to my dragons too to keep them well fed and have something to protect. They get bored otherwise.

I plan to repair a treasured book titled Tales of Magic and Enchantment. I love the book so much. I had this book since my childhood. The book is falling apart due to wear and tear and age. I have a large piece of davy board to glue onto the back of the book. I scanned a picture in from the book which I shall glue onto the back cover. It will look great. 

I love witchy gowns! I love to wear witchy gowns in black of course! I love the dresses and gowns online but I am not rich by any means. I have a black swishy dress that is very Arwen- ish and witchy! I want to add more fabric near the hem as godets to make the hem way witchier and swishier! It will look great. I like to enhance what I already own. It saves me a lot of money, with the exception of the Viking Nordic apron dress I ordered. There is no way I could recreate that on my own. It would cost a fortune too. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My next creative project will involve spiderweb lace and black goose feathers. I have a black spiderweb lace shawl and I want to order goose feathers from Amazon. Then I want to adhere the feathers to the shawl. I can’t wait to do that project and I just know it will look cool. That should keep me busy!

In a few days, I am off – or should I say, on board for the movie The Last voyage of the Demeter. I can’t wait to see it. I am in the midst of writing a short story, though it may be longer, about a murderous mandrake root ghoul. I am editing my novella Queen of the Arachnas for submission as well. I have gathered a few herbs for drying and pressing too. I love summer. Enjoy every minute of it. It doesn’t last, not in the Maritimes. I am ready for fall!

Blessings, Spiderwitch 

 

 

 

 

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October 24, 2022 · 1:04 pm

Samhain celebrations )O(

Merry meet all,

Today I harvested the remaining scarlet runner beans that the slugs hadn’t devoured. I cut the vines and left the roots in. The roots have good nutrients that will benefit the soil. Who knows? Maybe they will regrow next year. 

Samhain is almost here. Yesterday I baked a cake. I haven’t frosted it yet. I want to share a secret ingredient idea I had with my dear readers. I made candied walnuts. I soaked the walnuts in brandy before drying them and grinding the walnuts to a powder. The powder is a little clumpy. I added it to the blender in small batches and then froze it. I added it in to the cake batter. I can’t wait to see how the cake tastes. Today I am going to frost the cake and I promise to post about that too.

It has rained a lot today. It had better not rain on the most notorious, magickal night of the year, October 31st. I have plans as do the many other millions out there with hopes high in their hearts. Samhain/ Halloween is not just for kids- adults have joined in on the dark revelry. There are many rituals and  fun activities to try. Read on to learn more. 

Samhain is a time to honour the dead and our ancestors. We often perform many rituals in celebration of the season of death. The leaves trickle to the earth, bedecked in fiery heartwarming colours. A special dinner is prepared and enjoyed to celebrate the harvest. 

I love a long nature walk in the fall. I encourage you all to go on a nature walk outdoors. Observe the colours, the brown seedbeds, and the aromas of leaves, the sounds of crisp leaves falling. Gather some nature objects such as pinecones, seedbeds of your favourite flowers, dried leaves to dip in beeswax, acorns, flowers still fresh. An herbal tea can be made and enjoyed from goldenrod, scentless mayweed (wild chamomile) and asters. Dry the herbs then store them in a jar. Use them to adorn your home. 

Set up your altar. I purposely bought a lovely new altar cloth at one of my fave alternate stores, The Black Market. I love going there. The black cloth has a cool astrology circle on it with white stars and the astrological symbols. Use grave rubbings, images of ghosts, images of your ancestors, acorns, oak leaves, squash, root vegetables in a cornucopia. 

Perform a Samhain ceremony. A dumb supper is performed with one single person or the whole family present (more fun that way!). First, gather everyone around. That can be your coven or your family. Go outside, find yard trimmings or dead plants- remember those seed heads? Use them to make a straw man or woman. I go with the Goddess more so I plan to make a straw doll to represent the Goddess. This will go nicely with my Samhain offering of honey, milk and cornmeal. 

You can bring the doll inside and decorate the doll with antlers for the male God or a dress for the Goddess. Offer the straw deity doll bread and cornmeal. (I wish I had some tobacco). Then everyone else partakes of the meal. Just be sure to serve your deity doll first. 

Leave crumbs for the birds. You can return the doll outside to watch over the garden on a pole to stand guard over next year’s seedlings and burn the doll at the Beltane celebration. When you are finished with the meal, take the leftovers outside as an offering for the dead. 

Make an ancestors altar. Collect photographs, mementos, of deceased loved ones and pets. Arrange them on your altar and light candles. Light the candles in their memory and quietly sit and reflect. Pay attention to any messages you receive. Heed your dreams. You can keep the ancestor altar up as long as you want. 

Guide the Spirits. I like to light a white candle and set it at a window. You could use a seven-day candle. When you light the candle say these words: “O little flame that burns so bright, be a beacon on this night. Light the path for all the dead, that they may see now what’s ahead. And lead them to the Summerland and shine until Pan takes their hands. And with Your light, please bring them peace, that they may rest and sleep with ease.” 

Perform a seance. Samhain is the perfect time to hold a tradition. Hold a bonfire. I plan to do this one! Well yes a seance but I just love to sit out on my back step on a chilly yet dry October evening, with a fire raging in my toddler sized cauldron. Did you see what I did there? lol. Use tarot, runes, and or scrying to divine your future or find a future mate!

Invoke your chosen deities. Honour and call on the Gods such as the Crone Goddess and the Horned God of nature. Invite them in to your circle and to aid in your understanding of life, death and rebirth. 

Herbs of Samhain There are many herbs to use to celebrate Samhain. I want to bake a loaf of rosemary bread this Samhain. Rosemary is for remembrance. For more guidance, sage, pine cones, straw, mugwort, mullein, oak leaves, acorns, hazelnuts, allspice, elderberries, catnip (save some for kitty!). For more guidance on this, review my previous posts. I have been harvesting dandelion, burdock and elecampane as much as I can. 

Be sure to leave your carved pumpkin once you are done with it outside. I always toss my spent pumpkins in the garden. Trust me, the crows and other critters will thank you. It is cold for them and they love every bite they can get. It benefits the soil by leaving valuable nutrients in the soil for next year’s spring plantings. 

Happy Samhain! I wish you all a good celebration!

Blessings, Spiderwitch

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October 13, 2022 · 12:53 pm

Halloween Horrors

Merry meet all,

Samhain creeps closer and closer! Our most cherished time of year is almost here. Pumpkins appear on front porches and skeletons ward off unwary children. I am busy preparing for Samhain. 

Elderberries chill in my freezer, dandelion roots dry out in pumpkin shaped bowls, and chrysanthemums fill glass dishes with their sunny petals. To see my kitchen is to understand a herbalist lives here. Jars and jars of dried herbs clutter the shelves. Empty jars waiting to be used fill baskets. A true herbalist lives here. My kitchen is small and cluttered, but I have it down to a system. Elderberries, chrysanthemums and dandelions are good herbs for Samhain. The elderberries and dandelion roots are good for combating illnesses during cold and flu season. 

How to Harvest Dandelion Roots:

The best time to dig up roots is in the autumn and spring. I prefer the autumn, as I like to leave the flowers for the bees. Dig around a dandelion plant under the leaves. I never wear gloves while I’m gardening. I loosen the soil and dig under the plant, feeling for the long root. The root resembles a carrot, both are taproots. As you dig, that loosens the soil and as you feel for the taproot, you can tell if it is long. Give a very gentle pull and it should all come loose in your hand. Then pull the root out and shake off the soil. Wash the roots outside in a large dish full of clean cold water. Empty the water out and scrub the roots clean with an old tooth brush, then chop and dry them. If dried properly, they should keep for a year. It is very easy to do! 

My blog post is up and haunting the Horror Writers Association annual Halloween blog event! I posted about how writers can portray their characters, either a witch or a warlock, use the most deadliest herbs in a scene accurately. In other words, how to write about them using the herbs and make it really believable. Wolfsbane, belladonna  or mandrake are potent and deadly. If a character ingests the herb whether by incense smoke or not handling it properly, then gets sick then is expected to be fine, it is then not believable. I am helping the writers to write about their characters using these notorious herbs the correct way. Here’s the link: https://horror.org/halloween-haunts-bane-herbs-in-fiction-by-heddy-johannesen/

I wrote a short story (2000 words) about a night of trick or treating gone all wrong for a publication. I hope they want to publish it. The story was a lot of fun to write. 

Here is the blog post for you to read and enjoy!

Bane Herbs in Fiction

Heddy Johannesen

Do you want to write about bane herbs in your stories? Let me navigate that dangerous territory with you. I will discuss how you can write about bane herbs in your novellas and horror novels accurately. This post tells how to have your character using these herbs, if that character is a witch, warlock or one of the cunning folk, you can portray your character using these herbs the right way if you read this.

Bane herbs mean poisonous or toxic herbs. The most beautiful plants are often the deadliest. The plants listed below fall in that category. That is the illusion they cast. Never ingest the plants listed below in any shape or form. The symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, faintness or difficulty breathing, even death. Surprisingly, most of the following herbs also contain medicinal qualities.

If you have a character possibly using one or more of these plants and think that character won’t be affected, whether they’re fighting off a horde of werewolves or zombies, you’re wrong. Just in case a savvy reader calls you out on your error, that is why I am here. Don’t let this scare you. Again, never ingest the plants on this list. Use caution and common sense. The plants listed below all have varying degrees of toxicity.

*Flying ointments don’t make a person fly. It is an ointment prepared with the intention to make a person feel like they are flying, usually applied to a person’s skin while performing a meditation. It’s not advised that said person doing the meditation operate heavy machinery afterwards.

Now, grab a coffee and your herbal basket and stroll with me.

Belladonna (atropa belladonna)

Belladonna is known for Atropos, one of the three Fates who cut the threads of life with her shears. Indeed, this plant lives up to its reputation as it provides a deadly poison which causes hallucinations. Belladonna contains the alkaloids tropane, hyoscine, hyoscyamine and atropine.

The berries are sweet but deadly. The symptoms include difficulty in swallowing and speaking, vomiting, drowsiness, slurred speech, hallucinations, confusion, and agitation. The root has the highest concentration of toxins but the berries are most potent.

Magical properties and uses: inducing visions; aiding astral projection incense; oils; flying ointment

Datura (datura stramonium)

Datura is known as thorn apple. The tropane alkaloids are similar to deadly nightshade and henbane. They can cause confusion, delirium, and hallucinations, drowsiness, coma and pupil dilation.

Magical properties and uses: reversing hexes; protection; astral travel; invisibility; enchantment; and magical power

 

Elder (sambucus nigra)

Respect your elders! Elder is a large shrub to treat with respect due to its’ dual natures to heal and poison you. The berries contain cyanide yet this plant can boost your immune system. Elder contains cyanide inducing glycosides. Once cooked or used in a dehydrated form, the sweet purple berries can be made into jams, syrups and tinctures. Yet it is advised to treat Elder with caution.

Magical properties and uses: banishing; exorcisms; protection; healing; prosperity; peace; beauty; love

Foxglove (digitalis spp)

Foxglove is a stately plant. It can be deadly even in small amounts. Foxglove contains cardiac glycosides called digitoxin, digitalin,  digitonin, digitalosmin which produce aglyconen and a sugar. The aglycones affect heart muscles. It causes slowing of the heart, and/ or massive heart attack as the heart tries to get enough oxygen to the brain. Foxglove is an emetic herb.

Magical properties and uses: protection; communion with the Underworld; faery connection; courage; heart healing

Mandrake (mandragora officinarum)

Mandrake is a magical plant. It is a stemless perennial with a coveted fleshy taproot. Witches love growing mandrake in their witchy gardens. The root is notorious for having special powers. Lore says that the root emits a terrible scream when it is uprooted. The lore also tells that a dog was tied to the plant, the dog was offered a bone then the dog would uproot the root to get to the bone. The root would be removed from the soil and the poor dog suffered the terrible maddening scream and possibly be driven mad. The root has aphrodisiacal powers and is reputed to be shaped like a man.

Mandrake belongs to the nightshade family of plants. It contains the constituents of tropane alkaloids, hyoscine and atropine. The effects of those compounds are hallucinogenic, narcotic, emetic and purgative. The effects are similar to deadly nightshade and henbane.

Magickal powers and uses: protection; prosperity; fertility; exorcising evil; love; health

Rue (ruta graveolens)

Rue is known as an herb o grace. Rue is grown in many gardens as an ornamental plant and as a medicinal herb. Rue contains the rutine constituent, a glycoside that has furocoumarins alkaloids, tannins and essential oils. If one rubs it on their skin, they can contract dermatitis. Rue can cause vomiting, diarrhea, acute gastroenteritis, and liver failure.

Rue is used in folklore to guard the home and prevent evil spirits from entering the home. It was worn on a belt to keep witches away.

Magical properties and uses: health and mental powers; encourages peaceful vibrations; reverses hexes; guarding the home

Wolfsbane (aconitum napullus)

We now come to the most beautiful, oldest and deadliest of all the bane plants. Wolfsbane’s principal alkaloids are aconite and aconitine, aconitine being the most toxic compound found in the plant. Even accidental ingestion can result in severe gastrointestinal upset and slowing of the heart rate. Wolfsbane has an unpleasant bitter taste. The entire plant is poisonous.

Magical properties and uses: protection from evil and werewolves; predators; invisibility

I hope you enjoyed reading about these ‘notorious’ herbs, their many properties and uses. Just don’t forget to read the warning labels.

Blessings, Spiderwitch )O(

 

 

 

 

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October 2, 2022 · 3:33 pm

Herbal Allies

Look at these lovely dandelion roots!

Merry meet all,

Oh shiver me timbers. It’s cold here today. It’s also finally October! (so, who cares about the cold?) Pumpkins rest on the front decks and porches of many homes. People turn up the heat and dig out their winter woollies, in anticipation of the cold weather fall brings. My cat is napping under the blankets, and I’m sipping hot tea. I’m wearing a wool cardigan and a pair of slippers. I even wear wool cardigans with my pyjamas. That is how we Maritimers do things here. 

Now is the time for preparing soups, stews and other hot meals. We can use certain herbs and spices to keep us healthy through the fall and winter too. Since I have been studying at the Herbal Academy, I have become acquainted with a few amazing herbs. Astragalus, liquorice root, Eleuthero root, elecampane, elderberry, echinacea. I am of course familiar with lemon, ginger, white onion and these are very potent and very good to have on hand through the cold season. The other herbs above are powerful allies in fighting colds and flus in their own right. 

I’m brewing a jar of hawthorn cordial. The ingredients are steeping in a jar. The ingredients are hawthorn berries, an apple, ginger, cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, lemon zest, hibiscus, honey and brandy. I didn’t have any pomegranate and the strawberries went sour. I know the other flavours will lend a rich taste to the cordial. Hawthorn is well known for being a good heart medicine. I added all the ingredients, stirred it well with a wooden spoon and it will now steep for four weeks. The fruits, herbs and spices are powerful aids for easing digestion at the end of a day. 

Confession: I was just out on a walk. Hurricane Fiona tore up a lovely elderberry shrub. I walked along the trail to help the shrub. I was saddened to discover the shrub lay dead on its side. I found a patch of dandelion and dug it up, roots and all.  I cleaned the roots and chopped them up then left them to dry with the other root pieces. The day before I also harvested dandelion & burdock root. The roots loaded with medicinal properties are  drying out in my kitchen. I plan to make a dandelion and burdock root tincture. I will savour every drop! Dandelions are best harvested in the fall and spring. The energy of the plant returns deep down to the roots, and then the roots contain more inulin and less fructose. 

I also harvested plantain seeds, astilbe seeds and lady’s mantle. They are drying in open jars. I just collected about 4 seedpods from my beautiful witch hazel. The leaves are turning green to gold. Such a magical tree! The witch hazel flowered too. I shall do my best to produce a photo of the golden spidery flowers. 

I stored a big harvest of lavender in a big brown paper bag, sage and hyssop from my Mom’s garden. I made a sage wand with some of the sage. I have a recipe for a sage oxymel and I may try that with it or save the garden sage for cooking. I hope I got seeds! The sage is growing well in my garden. 

I harvested LOTS of elderberries before the hurricane. Some of the elderberry shrubs survived the hurricane, much to my relief. They look wilted now. However, they have all fall, winter and into spring to recover, provided there are not more storms like Hurricane Fiona! I hope not. I plan to make elderberry syrup and elderberry mead! I bought a fermentation kit. I can’t wait to get started but I have to get some champagne yeast first. 

I harvested some purple aster, goldenrod, more German chamomile, and wild chamomile from the trail. It is not true chamomile but it is not poisonous. They will make a nice autumnal tea, rich in health boosting properties. When I come home from the trail, I am usually covered in burdock seeds! Fortunately, they are easy to remove. I leave the seeds outside. They may grow into a beautiful burdock plant! The nettle is growing well in my kitchen thanks to the grow lights. It stings my fingers sometimes.  

I harvested a huge amount of lemon balm from my garden. I am sure I can find something to use it for!

Now, I will go in more detail about the herbs to demonstrate their potency. 

Astragalus is best prepared as a decoction. You simmer the herbs in water in a pot then if you choose to, let it cool.  Astragalus mongholicus aids the respiratory system. It can be used in decoctions, infusions, soups and stews. 

Burdock is a good herb/ tonic for the liver. 

Chamomile is an excellent nervine and adaptogen. The tiny flowers right down to the roots are potent! Chamomile is usually consumed to relax and release the stresses of the day. 

Dandelions are loaded with nutrients. I can’t understand why people are so hellbent on getting a plant brimming with medicinal properties out of their yards. I made a lovely Scandinavian dandelion syrup with the yellow flowers. This fall, I shall make a tincture! Dandelions contain vitamins A, C, K D, E & B. They also contain potassium. Dandelions detoxify the liver as does burdock. Dandelions slow down aging, reduce blood pressure and lowers cholesterol. What is there to complain about? I plan to add dandelions as a serious addition to my diet for as long as I can. I will save some for the bees!

Ginger root is fiery and spicy. I drink ginger tea to ease nausea and stomach problems. It also acts at least for me as a nervine. A nervine helps support the nervous system. Other herbs that are nervines are chamomile, oat tops, skullcap and lemon balm. 

Elderberry is fickle. Elderberries are poisonous to the unwary traveller. I am studying at the Herbal Academy. I know that the tiny dark purple berries and in fact, the whole shrub from the berry to the root contains cyanide. Never eat them raw! It is best to cook them and/ or dry them then add them to tinctures, jams, meads and syrups. That removes the toxin and then they boost your immune system. 

Elecampane roots contain inulin. I saved the seeds in a jar. I am waiting till mid-October to harvest the roots. That will be a post here of its own. The roots of elecampane contain the most inulin in the fall. The energy of the plant travels downward to the roots.

–Medicinal Action and Uses—Diuretic, tonic, diaphoretic, expectorant, alterative, antiseptic, astringent and gently stimulant. It was employed by the ancients in certain diseases of women, also in phthisis, in dropsy and in skin affections. Its name ‘Scabwort’ arose from the fact that a decoction of it is said to cure sheep affected with the scab, and the name ‘Horse-heal’ was given it from its reputed virtues in curing the cutaneous diseases of horses.

In herbal medicine it is chiefly used for coughs, consumption and other pulmonary complaints, being a favourite domestic remedy for bronchitis. It has been employed for many years with good results in chest affections, for which it is a valuable medicine as it is in all chronic diseases of the lungs asthma and bronchitis. It gives relief to the respiratory difficulties and assists expectoration. Its principal employment as a separate remedy is in acute catarrhal affections, and in dyspepsia attended with relaxation and debility, given in small, warm and frequently repeated doses. It is, however, seldom given alone, but most frequently preferred in combination with other medicines of a similar nature. It is best given in the form of decoction, the dose being a small teaspoonful, three times a day.

The root used not only to be candied and eaten as a sweetmeat, but lozenges were made of it. It has been employed in whooping-cough. It is sometimes employed in the form of a confection for piles, 1 OZ. of powdered root being mixed with 2 OZ. of honey.

In the United States, it has also been highly recommended, both for external use and internal administration in diseases of the skin, an old use of the root that has maintained its reputation for efficacy.

Externally applied, it is somewhat rubefacient, and has been employed as an embrocation in the treatment of sciatica, facial and other neuralgia.

Of late years, modern scientific research has proved that the claims of Elecampane to be a valuable remedy in pulmonary diseases has a solid basis. One authority, Korab, showed in 1885 that the active, bitter principle, Helenin, is such a powerful antiseptic and bactericide, that a few drops of a solution of 1 part in 10,000 immediately kills the ordinary bacterial organisms, being peculiarly destructive to the Tubercle bacillus. He gave it successfully in tubercular and catarrhal diarrhoeas, and praised it also as an antiseptic in surgery. In Spain it has been made use of as a surgical dressing. Obiol, in 1886, stated it to be an efficient local remedy in the treatment of diphtheria, the false membrane being painted with a solution of Helenin in Oil of Almond.

Credit given to A Modern Herbal website about elecampane.

Goldenrod is a beautiful yellow flower. I dyed fabric with goldenrod this summer. It is an ideal herb for helping support your sinuses. It’s drying on a rack in my kitchen. I have never tried goldenrod tea before. It is good for helping urinary tract infections, treating or preventing kidney stones, and acts as a diuretic. 

Today I also embarked on yet another creative project. In the past, I made a Summer Solstice lantern. This fall I made an Autumn Equinox lantern (even though it’s October). I painted the jar brown. I had previously dried flowers, leaves etc, that were associated with fall. I selected fiery red stag horn sumac leaves, a lovely white daisy, an oak leaf, red maple leaves, gorgeous golden tickseed, a golden maple leaf, and a lovely dandelion flower. The warm autumnal colors of fall shine on the jar. I coated the jar with a deep brown paint mixed with Mod Podge to make the paint adhere to the jar. I left it to dry overnight. This morning I added the pressed leaves and flowers. I coated them with Mod Podge to make them stick. I wound a brown twine wire cord to the jar to make the handle. I secured the wire with a hot glue gun. 

These herbal allies will support you all fall and winter with their health boosting properties. I can’t wait to get started using these herbs this fall. I hope you all find your own herbal allies. Tell me all about it. 

Blessings, Spiderwitch

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September 21, 2022 · 1:01 pm

Autumnal garden activities )O(

Merry meet all,

Tomorrow is the Autumn Equinox. It surprised us all  here in Halifax. The leaves are showing those famous fiery colors. The elderberries ripen on the stems, the queen Anne’s lace, goldenrod and burdock slowly go to seed. The sky is overcast here, and everyone is scrambling to get ready for hurricane Fiona. 

I was out in my rain soaked garden this morning. Slugs clung to leaves while wasps sipped pollen. This is a bittersweet time for me. The squash and tomatoes are setting fruit late this season, I am not sure why. It could be because we had a heatwave this summer. You would think that heatwave would have been beneficial for sun loving tomatoes but no. The tomatoes are growing now. Ah well. 

I have to put my garden to sleep for the cold winter ahead and I am sharing how I plan to do that in this post today. My witch hazel flowers late in the year. I love my witch hazel. I plan to buy a huge bag of soil and arrange the soil around the trunk, then I will add a big bag of worm castings into the soil to leave nutrients for the witch hazel. I might even buy some wood chips to act as mulch. I am trying to think of what else I can leave there as a nutrient rich compostable mulch for the roots to feed on all winter. I would have to remember to remove the wood chips because the lungwort blooms wonderfully under the witch hazel in the spring. 

The leaves cascade to the earth every autumn. I usually just keep the leaves there all over my garden all winter. They act as a natural mulch/ blanket that protects my garden during the harsh winter. I rake them away in the spring. I may sprinkle worm castings, bonemeal, eggshells and coffee grounds all over my garden. 

The leaves of the plants, the vines, flowers and whatever I don’t harvest naturally dies back. This is the most free natural compost ever. I have a wooden compost box. I will store the faded dead leaves, branches, stems in the box. Most of the foliage I leave where it is to act as a natural compost and soil nutrients all winter. I spread the soil I used to grow the potatoes over my garden. The soil was amazing! The soil was loose, loamy, obviously nutrient rich and dark black. I loved it and I am sure the garden did too. The rain washes away the soil so it was nice to add rich soil to the garden. 

I still have to harvest the celery, lemon basil, raspberry leaves, mint, tomatoes, healthy disease free witch hazel leaves and beans. The red flowers of the scarlet runner beans are growing so well now. The pollinators are busy. The beans also grow overnight it seems. The leaves I keep on the soil are a nice refuge for hardworking insects too. I’m letting the purple coneflower go to seed. The bees love purple coneflowers. The nasturtiums are still blooming, and I watched as a wasp visited one fiery nasturtium bloom this morning. The wasps built a nest on the inside of the shed door. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I harvested the beautiful Chinese lanterns in the photo above. I am amazed at how rich the colours are. I’m waiting and hoping the calendula blossoms soon. I have no idea why it takes so long. I harvested and pressed the lovely yellow heliopsis and I have pressed many other flowers. I want to make a Samhain/ autumn candle lantern like I did with the  Summer Solstice lantern. I want to paint the jar a rich deep Burgundy colour so the autumn colors really pop out. Yup I think it will be gorgeous. 

Pressed purple coneflower

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I still have to harvest the elecampane roots, seeds and flowers. The stalk is turning brown. I will harvest in October. 

I have recipes to make elderberry mead, hawthorn cordial, elderberry syrup, cranberry sauce . They are perfect for guarding the health of your immune system all winter. Winter is known for the time when colds, flus and illnesses spread. Those recipes are sure to boost your immune system! Elecampane has inula in the roots. I can’t wait to harvest elecampane and feel like a true herbalist. I have harvested mullein root, and I want to harvest dandelion and burdock after a cold snap. The winter squash has a flower now. I don’t understand why it waited till now but plants follow their own calendar, not the calendar we impose on them. 

Elecampane

 

What to Forage in Fall: 30+ Edible and Medicinal Plants and Mushrooms

I’ve included the recipes here for your own convenience. I hope you try them and let me know in the comments below how it went. I am available here if you have any questions on how to make herbal remedies to guard your health and your family’s health this coming fall season. Now is the time to stock up on ginger, onions, elderberries ( remember: they are not edible raw!), echinacea tinctures, etc. But more on that later! Blessed Mabon to everyone! Or, if you prefer, Happy Autumn Equinox! 

Blessings, Spiderwitch

How To Clear The Garden In The Fall – What To Do With Your Plants & Soil!

How to Make Elderberry Mead

https://theherbalacademy.com/homemade-bug-bite-salve/

https://theherbalacademy.com/homemade-fire-cider/

https://theherbalacademy.com/herbal-cough-syrup/

https://theherbalacademy.com/foraging-goldenrod/

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