Mel's Weekly Challenge
Every week Mel gives us food for thought, inspires us with her words of wisdom, and challenges us to acknowledge our strengths, weeknesses, or simply think about our old ingrained habits.
|
|
|
|
This week sees my 10 year wedding anniversary to my amazing wife. I clearly remember the day, including the random song that came on the TV as we were getting ready – Knocking on Heavens Door – which reminded me that my Stepdad was absolutely in support of us in his new existence.
|
|
|
We spent some time looking back at pictures and reminiscing about that day. Talking about who was there and how the ceremony went, and sometimes repeating the vows we made. So we’re looking back. I know I’ve written a few times about looking backwards, but sometimes it’s healthy to look back and see where we have come from.
Where we were then and where we are now! It’s healthy to look back and see how far we have come in our journey, but the important thing is not to keep looking back and wishing that was where we were now.
We move, grow and learn for a reason. Sometimes when we look back to the past, we genuinely wish we were there (me, I still wish I was the size I was when I first thought I was fat!), but life and events happen to teach us something
|
|
|
Even in the darkest darkness, there will be a glimmer of light to grasp hold of and guide us into the dawn of the new morning. Looking backwards can also give us fresh resolve.
|
|
|
For us, looking back to our wedding makes us remember how we felt, and how we still feel. And give us more determination to get through anything that comes our way.
So this week my challenge is to allow a wee look backwards and give yourselves a massive virtual medal for what you’ve overcome and what you’ve achieved! And now.....I hear a small distant voice in the distance. I think it’s Prosecco calling! With love and light and a myriad of blessings Mel xx
|
|
|
Taylor Made Holistics
If you’d like more information on how to use essential oils safely at home, book a treatment or have a particular ailment you would like a blend for please drop Claire an email taylormadeholistics@gmail.com.
*Remember essential oils are highly concentrated & recommended dosage should never be exceeded. Always follow the safety information & never take internally. Treat as medicines and keep out of reach of children*.
|
|
|
Yarrow – Achillea Millefolium – Asteraceae (Compositae) Family
|
|
|
|
Yarrow is an age-old herbal medicine used to treat fevers, digestive issues & respiratory infections amongst other ailments. It is said that the great warrior Achilles used it to treat battle wounds until he was shot by Paris in his weak spot (his heel). It is used to flavour Vermouth.
|
|
|
Properties:
With its fresh, green, herbaceous & camphoraceous odour, Yarrow is a deeply relaxing oil with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent & sedative properties. It blends well with Cedarwood, Pine, Verbena, Vetiver & Chamomile.
Get your Witches Web 100% Pure Essential Oils here
|
|
|
Mental Health/Nervous System Benefits
Yarrow is good for hypertension, insomnia & stress-related conditions
Physical Health Benefits
In skincare, Yarrow is useful for treating acne, burns, cuts, eczema. It helps fight colds, fevers & flu and can help to relieve the symptoms of constipation, indigestion and flatulence and is helpful with irregular & painful menstruation. It improves circulatory disorders such as varicose veins & haemorrhoids
SAFETY – never massage directly over a varicose vein, light massage above the affected vein only.
How to use:
Massage - Mix with a carrier oil such as grapeseed for massage (as a general rule use 1 drop of essential oil to 2 mls carrier oil based on a healthy adult.
Bath - Add 5-10 drops to a full bath and agitate well, the oil can be dissolved first in a teaspoon of bubble bath, carrier oil or full-fat milk.
Vaporisation - Add to a diffuser or oil burner. Alternatively, add a few drops to a small bowl of water and place on a radiator or pop a few drops on a tissue and inhale.
Steam Inhalation - Add around 5 drops of oil to a bowl of hot water, cover the head and bowl with a towel and breathe deeply for a minute - then repeat. Always remember to close the eyes when using this method.
Skin Lotion - For skin issues oil can be added to a plain skin lotion for topical use. Or to a more nourishing oil such as Jojoba or Apricot Kernel oil. Follow the same dilution guidelines as massage.
Compress – put 4 drops of oil into a bowl of hot or very cold water, take a flannel/facecloth and soak up the oil floating on the surface without fully immersing the cloth. Wring out the excess water and apply to the affected area.
SPECIAL CAUTION
Do not use during pregnancy. May cause sensitization in people with sensitive skin.
**Remember essential oils are highly concentrated & recommended dosage should never be exceeded. Always follow safety information and never take internally. Treat as medicines and keep out of reach of children. Some essential oils are not suitable for certain medical conditions – always seek advice if unsure**
|
|
|
A Word from Momma Witch
Salt
|
|
|
Where would we be without salt, yeah I know its great on chips and everything else, but did you know that salt supports a healthy nervous system, improves sleep, helps you stay hydrated, promotes good vascular health, balances electrolytes and prevents muscle cramping, and there's more...
Consecrated Water
A blend of salt and water can consecrate and cleanse your sacred space and sacred tools. It can be used for working in circle, for blessing your home and garden to ward off negative energy, or in a bedroom to help eliminate night terrors or bad dreams.
I knew an old lady who was terrible trouble with sleepless nights and believed that spirits were visiting her while she was sleeping. I made her a bottle of consecrated water and gave her instructions how to make it for herself. She sprinkled it round her bed and in the corners of her room and came back a week later to tell me how wonderfully well it worked for her.
|
|
Stand by a window or outside and put three pinches of salt into a bowl of water then raise your dominant hand above your head pointing at the Moon.
Imagine that you are drawing energy from the Moon into your hand. You may feel nothing at all, but it is better if you can feel a tingle in your arm or your body. Place your pointed figure into the bowl of salted water and stir three times whilst repeating the words below.
|
|
|
Salt is life here is life, sacred be without strife,
Salt is life here is life, sacred be without strife,
Salt is life here is life, blessed be without strife.
You can make more than you need and store it in a glass bottle among your magickal accessories, or you can make it fresh each time you cast a circle.
|
|
|
This Weeks Recipe - Stuffed Peppers
|
|
|
4 bell peppers
For the stuffing
1 pound of minced lamb (beef also works well)
8 ounces of basmati or long grain rice (uncooked)
4 ounces of butter
Salt & black pepper
4 cloves of garlic
Half a teaspoon of cinnamon
1 tablespoon of fresh mint (finely chopped)
|
|
|
Method
Carefully remove the centre stock and core from each pepper, but save the stalk to use as a lid when the peppers are stuffed. Rinse the inside of the pepper to remove any loose seeds and set them to one side. Prepare your stuffing by placing the rice in a jug or bowl then cover with boiling water. Let this stand for a minute whilst you put the minced lamb, mint, spices and seasoning into a large bowl.
Grate or cube the butter and add this to the bowl of meat. Strain the rice through a sieve and add this to the meat while it’s still hot and thoroughly mix all these ingredients together with a fork or better still, with your hands.
When all the ingredients are combined loosely stuff each pepper with the mix. Add 1 clove of garlic to each pepper and place each stalk on each pepper.
|
|
Stand the peppers in a pot so that they are upright. If the pot does not hold your peppers tightly in place you can scrunch up some baking foil to support them.
If there is stuffing mix left over and all your peppers are filled, you can loosely sprinkle the excess stuffing around the peppers (before you add the foil).
Pour cold water into the pot so that it comes half way up the peppers. Bring to the boil covered with a lid then turn the heat down to a simmer. Cook gently, topping up with a little boiling water to prevent them from burning. The loose stuffing will swell and cook before the peppers so be careful, keep the lid on tight and don’t let it burn.
|
|
|
Serve with sour cream dressing
A half cup of double cream
The juice from half a lemon
Salt and pepper
Place the double cream, lemon juice, and seasoning into a bowl and whisk until the cream thickens. Taste and add more seasoning or lemon juice if required.
|
|
JOIN ME FOR A SPELL
The Power is in Your Hands
|
|
|
Lammas Greater Sabbat - July 31st
|
|
|
Lammas is also known as Lughnasadh is named for the God Lugh. The Goddess as Mother Earth is worshipped for the rich bounty that she has bestowed us with.
The Sun God weakens at this stage and is slowly dying as the days grow shorter and we move towards winter, but she is full with child and confident in the knowledge that the God will be born again at Yule.
Some of our herbs and vegetables should be ready to harvest and these can be dried and stored in airtight containers or if appropriate chopped and frozen. Jams and flower syrups can be made and stored for the coming winter.
The main symbols at this celebration are corns and grains and Corn Dollies are made to decorate our altar or house as we celebrate the first harvest.
|
|
|
Gather a bunch of wheat and fold the sheaves in half and keep the fronds to the top as the dollies head.
Tie this tight at the waist and neck and then take a shorter bunch and tie them across where the arms would be, or you can be really creative and make a Corn Witch.
Be as creative as you like.
|
|
|
A Witch's Bottle for Protection
Use a lidded glass jar and paint the runic symbol Eohl on the front and back of the jar.
Fill it with old rusty needles, pins, nails or screws, and any broken glass or pottery.
Bury this near the doorway of your home or in a large plant pot sat outside your front door to keep harm away from you and yours.
|
|
|
|
|
