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Halo Quin

~ Author, storyteller, witch

Category Archives: Herbology

Equinox Blessings!

21 Sunday Mar 2021

Posted by Haloquin in Enchanted, Herbology, Reflections, Witchcraft 101

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Aberystwyth, Adventures, beauty, Blodeuwedd, Ceredigion, Change, Craft, cycles, Diary of an Adventuress, Druidry, earth, Enchantment, Faery, Garden, gratitude, growing things, Healing, Herbalism, Land, learn magic, learn witchcraft, Magic, Pagan, paganism, Plants, process, Roses, self acceptance, Self Care, Self Empowerment, summer, Wales, Welsh Magic, Welsh pagan, Witch, witchcraft

Happy Equinox!

As spring is here I’m thinking about the allotment I’ll be working on this summer, and that reminded me of my indoor plants and of course the thought train then got all metaphorical…

ID: Roses, back-lit in a window, next to a barely recovering mint plant.

People tell me that indoor roses are fussy and mint is impossible to kill… But roses were the first plant I managed to keep alive for more than a season, and this is the first potted mint plant that has recovered from meeting me… And trust me, I’ve tried many times!

Perhaps those of us that are “fussy”, “difficult”, “sensitive”, or “too much” are simply in the wrong environment… And the apparently hardy ones are mostly just getting more of what *they* need? I’ve heard it before, but it bears repeating…

Plants are tenacious, and so are we. But we all need different things. Look for your magic, your relationship with the world, your rhythm and home, in the places that make sense to you. Don’t treat yourself like mint if you’re a rose, or rose if you’re a mint.

But remember, either way, to breathe, rest, bathe in the growing sunlight, and drink your water!

I’m learning to do better with mint, at least. And I’ll be repotting both (separately!) soon.


(Oh, and there’s a meditation up for my Patreons for the Equinox – Spring or Autumn – use whenever you need a moment of calm before a change.)

Treelore; Beech

28 Monday Dec 2020

Posted by Haloquin in Herbology, Magic, Poetry, Stories, Treelore

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Bardic, Beech, Druidry, learn witchcraft, Magic, ogham, Treelore, Witch, witchcraft

While we are in the strange limbo, just waiting for one year to properly end and the next to begin, and we have finished the first five ogham trees but not yet started the second, let me deviate from the traditional order and (re)introduce you to the beautiful Beech tree.

Golden Queen of ancient word,
your decree is wholly heard,
strong your shelter, far your reach,
sensitive, shining, bright, is Beech.
~ by Haloquin

A Story

There is a spirit in the Beech on campus. Into her pale bark is carved a heart and the names of lovers long moved on to other lands together, or so she likes to dream. They stopped visiting cycles ago. Most move on swiftly from this university town, coming for knowledge, sheltering from the hot sun under her densely packed summer leaves, and then, just as suddenly, disappearing again carrying what they’ve learned far away. 

Backs against her bark they sit, light on the pages of their texts softened by her green, and she reads over their shoulder. Poetry, philosophy, business. Geographic tales speak of far off places, historical texts remind her of other times. She learns pieces of the world as the students bring their treasures on printed page and she whispers back to them, sharing her long memory in return. 

They love to sit in her care, this pale queen beside the library who makes the bright sun soothing and tips the rain away from their seat. And those that accept her soveriegn care find themselves leaving more inspired by her stories that weave together words gathered over many, many years of delighting in the thoughts that have been gifted to her by her subjects.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Beech Meditation;

Sit at the base of a beech tree (either physically or in your imagination) and notice the space she holds. Lean your back up against her trunk and feel the smoothness of her bark. 

Notice the thickness of her canopy. In the spring her leaves are bright, lime green. In the summer they deepen, like a cathedral canopy of emeralds, in the autumn they dry and become russet brown, rustling in the wind. 

Notice the space beneath the canopy. She holds court and keeps her boundaries, taking up the space she needs in the world, providing shelter for visitors.

Feel the pulse of life from her roots, through her trunk at your back, up to the tips of her branches. 

Feel the flow of sunlight filtered through the leaves and back down to earth.

Allow yourself to be aware of the strength that flows through the Beech tree against which you rest your spine.

Imagine you are becoming part of the tree and feel that strength, that life, that light, flowing up and down your spine. 

Spend some time being aware of what the Beech tree knows about holding space. About maintaining boundaries and accepting what is right for you. About living. What does the Beech tree know?

After a little while, allow yourself to separate from the tree, allow the sense of that flow to fade, and send a little gratitude to the Beech for the experience. Listen for a moment. What does the Beech tree want you to know?

When you are ready, leave the space, or allow it to fade from your mind, and pay attention to your body again, returning you to where you began.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Latin Name: Fagus sylvatica (European)

Edible Components: Beechnuts/mast, nut oil (best cooked, not for horses)

Herbal Properties: Leaves are antibacterial, can be made into a poultice for burns. Brings on menses.*

Contraindications: Abortificant, avoid during pregnancy.

Magical Properties: knowledge, queenship, awareness, sensitivity, divination (for gaining information/shedding light on a situation), shelter from harshness, the ability to moderate boundaries.

Historical Notes: Name comes from Teutonic word for “book”. Wood once used for carving runes. Beech was once known as the Queen of the Forest, though she was usurped by the Oak King… Beechmast was often food for pigs in the autumn.

Practical Properties: Mostly used for small items as wood is brittle, or as firewood as it heats well. Makes good charcoal. Good for the soil (air circulation and adding potash?) and leaves stay on during winter so good at sheltering other plants. The smooth, pale bark of the Beech is more sensitive to sunlight than for other trees so the thick foliage protects the trunk. 

* Please check with a qualified herbalist before self medicating with plants, they can be very powerful. This information is just to give inspiration for magical workings. I am not a qualified herbalist!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Originally posted on Patreon. Thank you to my Patrons for your support! If you like what I write then please do consider supporting me as a Patron here. Your support means I can write more for you! And you get the posts early… *tempts*

You can also tip me via ko-fi, it all helps!

You can also Follow the blog, Share this post, and find me on Twitter to join in the conversation for free!

Over to you in the comments. What stories do you have of Beech? What have you found the trees know?

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Treelore: Ash

16 Wednesday Dec 2020

Posted by Haloquin in Herbology, Magic, Poetry, Stories, Treelore

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Bardic, Druidry, Heathen, Herbalism, learn witchcraft, ogham, Treelore, Valkyrie, Witch, witchcraft

Ash! Ash! Reaching for the sun!
The light of the gods falling down down down
Ash! Ash! Holding up the worlds 
carrying our voices to let them be heard.
Luck in your sap and light in your keys
spear of healing and destiny.

~ Ash song fragment by Haloquin

Latin Name: fraxinus excelsior (European Ash)

Clues for Identification: Will grow tall and straight up, branches reaching for the sun, with smooth, pale bark that roughens with age. The tips of the branches in winter grow little black buds like spearheads, which blossom into petalless flowers in late spring. The leaves are formed of 4-6 pairs of leaflets (similar to Rowan), with a final one at the tip. Its seeds are keys, or spinners, hanging heavy and bright green in the early summer and ripening in the autumn to spin away on the wind early the following year.

Edible: Apparently you can pickle the young keys, I haven’t tried it yet though!

Herbal Properties: Anti-inflammatory and soothing, eases digestive issues. Leaves have a diuretic and laxative effect (ash leaf tea, may be a gentle laxative). Bark is astringent and a decoction may help with rheumatism and arthritis, and as a tonic. May help with gout, constipation, and fever.  The ash after burning is sometimes used to make a soothing poultice for skin ailments. 

Mythology and Magical Associations: Ruled by the Sun, and associated with the element of fire. The Norse god Odin was described as having a spear made of Ash, and he and his brothers made the first human man from the ash tree (and the first woman from elm). Yggdrasil, the World Tree which holds all the different realms/worlds in Norse mythology is commonly thought to be ash, though others interpret it to be yew. Ash is thought to be a great healer, especially of children. Use in workings for protection, victory, healing and luck.

Historical Notes: Once commonly used for spear making, bows, tool handles, boat frames, axles, and even wheels. Ash syrup was once thought to be lucky when given as a baby’s first food. 

Practical Properties: Makes brilliant firewood, leaving a fine ash which is good for the garden. Leaves are freshest around June, so gather them then. Ash actually belongs to the same family as the Olive tree. The wood is strong, durable, and flexible, and the tree grows large, and coppices well. 

Ogham: Associated with the fifth ogham stave, named “Nion” which means “fork” or “loft”, for the letter “n”. In R. Graves’ model Ash is the third tree, and rules the third “Lunar Month” or 18th February – 17th March. 

* Please check with an actual herbalist before self medicating with plants, they can be very powerful. This information is just for inspiration. I am not a qualified herbalist!

Originally posted on Patreon. Thank you to my Patrons for your support! If you like what I write then please do consider supporting me as a Patron here. Your support means I can write more for you! And you get the posts early… *tempts*

You can also tip me via ko-fi, it all helps!

You can also Follow the blog, Share this post, and find me on Twitter to join in the conversation for free!

Over to you in the comments. What do you know of the tall ash tree? How are you seeking victory in your life?

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Treelore: Alder

11 Friday Dec 2020

Posted by Haloquin in Herbology, Magic, Poetry, Stories, Treelore

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Bardic, Druidry, learn witchcraft, Mabinogian, Magic, ogham, Pagan, paganism, Treelore, Welsh pagan, Witch, witchcraft

The Raven calls, watching, waiting,
shield raised and spear tip bright,
blood river flows, tumbling, turning,
from the darkness to the light.

Pass my weapons, hexing, healing,
teach me truly I ask you and pray,
walking in both worlds, softly, safely,
to bring to each the brightest of days.

~ by Haloquin

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Cad Goddeu tells of Bran being known for the alder leaf on his shield. Bran, whose body formed a bridge for his army to cross in order to rescue his sister. Bran, whose head continued to prophecy after his death. Bran, whose ravens guard Britain yet.

Bran, if you’re listening, I could really use your help right now…

The whispered wish melted into tears turned inward. He was drowning in them, barely holding onto thoughts for the grief that was washing him away down the river at his feet. 

A rough cough intruded.

He raised his head. 

No-one in sight.

The cough repeated.

He looked higher. There in the branches of the riverside tree a great black bird peered down. 

For a moment, time stood still and all was peaceful. 

Then, a single thought; the door is not locked, there is always a path ahead.

The raven clacked its beak and launched itself into flight, a single feather falling in its wake as time clicked into place. It landed in the river and span, caught in an eddy, until he scooped it out from between the alder catkins.

For the first time, Gwern felt strong enough to leave.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Latin Name: Alnus glutinosa

Clues for Identification: Smooth leaves shaped like a shield with an indented tip and serrated edges. It has male (long, smooth) and female (round) catkins. The female catkins become tiny cones in their second year. The bark is dark brown/grey. It is often found by rivers as it spreads its seeds by floating them downriver.

Herbal Properties: The leaves are antibacterial and, fresh, may repel insects. A bark decoction may treat burns, wounds and inflammation. (Reminder; I’m not a herbalist. Please check for details and contraindications before self-medicating!)

Interesting facts: Alder fixes nitrogen into the soil and its roots prevent erosion of the riverbank, so it literally heals and protects the land! When cut it turns an orange colour, as though bleeding… A proper wounded healer thing going on there.

Practical Properties: It will not rot in water, but burns with an intense heat if seasoned well. Its bark will make a red dye, the twigs will make a brown dye, and its flowers will make a green dye, said to have been the dye that colours the clothes of both Robin Hood and the Fair Folk as it was used by outlaws.

Magical Properties: Unlucky to encounter on a journey in Ireland, but the fresh leaves are lucky when placed in a traveler’s shoes. (Perhaps because he seeks difficult situations, but will lend you his shield?) It is said that you can divine prophecy from the smoke and the flickering flame. Alder is associated with both fire and water, and thus balance. The warrior-king connection leads to associations with sacrifice and defense, and I associate alder with fatherhood and the divine masculine as a protective principle, as well as endurance, particularly emotional. 

Originally posted on Patreon. Thank you to my Patrons for your support! If you like what I write then please do consider supporting me as a Patron here. Your support means I can write more for you! And you get the posts early… *tempts*

You can also tip me via ko-fi, it all helps!

You can also Follow the blog, Share this post, and find me on Twitter to join in the conversation for free!

Over to you in the comments. What is your shield? Where is your strength? What do you know of the riverside alder?

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Treelore: Willow

04 Friday Dec 2020

Posted by Haloquin in Enchanted, Herbology, Magic, Stories, Treelore

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Bardic, Druidry, emotional healing, learn witchcraft, Magic, ogham, Treelore, Willow, Witch, witchcraft

willow leaves with spikey catkins
Willow in late spring with spiky catkins…
 Tendrils swaying in the flow
 spirit dancing, grief let go,
 the wish of weaving, healer's hope,
 time's sweet mistress, help me cope. 

~ by Haloquin

Underneath the willow boughs I sit, salt-streaks on my cheeks. The moonlight glints on the ripples below, each flash reflecting the slight pounding in my skull. I knew this time was coming, this moment when I would have to rise and shed the cloak of the familiar, but precognition is no protection from heartache. Still. I held on for as long as I could. 

The pale green surrounds me, the catkins flowering in the darkness, and that which was is no longer. My shelter from the open water downstream; gone. I push aside the gentle curtain and emerge, her song soft in my soul washing away the tensions and easing the pain, though I’ll feel that loss for years to come. When something has been part of the weaving of your life for so long it shapes the banks of your spirit, but the water still flows down to the sea.

As the sky turns dusky pink I step from the banks and let the river wash the tearstains away. One chapter is over, but another is just beginning.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Latin Name: Salix alba

Herbal Properties: Willow bark tea; tonic, astringent, antiperiodic, analgesic. Reduces fever, may ease rheumatism.

Contraindications: Aspirin allergies or conditions where aspirin is contraindicated, such as bleeding disorders, pregnancy, or if you are taking other medications as they may interact.*

Magical Keywords: Deep dreaming, balancing emotions, initiation/bursting forth, healing grief, flexibility, letting go, moon, underworld travel, learning to change. Visions/seership. Water divining. Keeping secrets.

Historical Notes: If you knock on a willow tree it was said to send away bad luck, if you tell the willow your secrets it will always keep them. 

Practical Properties: Willow weaving – baskets etc. The branches weave well and can be shaped into baskets, sculptures, and fences. Cuttings will root in water, and release a rooting chemical to encourage other plants to root too. Will grow really easily and fast… so if you shape a fence from fresh branches and plant it, it will very likely grow! 

Clues for Identification: There are many varieties of willow, the most iconic being weeping willow with its long leaves and drooping branches. The leaves are often long and narrow, the branches are pliable, and it loves damp places.

* Please check with a qualified herbalist before self medicating with plants, they can be very powerful. This information is just to give inspiration for magical workings. I am not a qualified herbalist!

Originally posted on Patreon. Thank you to my Patrons for your support! If you like what I write then please do consider supporting me as a Patron here. Your support means I can write more for you! And you get the posts early… *tempts*

You can also tip me via ko-fi, it all helps!

You can also Follow the blog, Share this post, and find me on Twitter to join in the conversation for free!

Over to you in the comments. What stories of Willow would you like to share?

(Comments are moderated for spam so may take a day or two to appear.)

Treelore: Rowan

27 Friday Nov 2020

Posted by Haloquin in Enchanted, Herbology, Magic, Poetry, Stories, Treelore

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Bardic, Druidry, Herbalism, learn witchcraft, Magic, ogham, Poetry, story, Treelore, Witch, witchcraft

Have you ever seen...
you must have!
That flash of flame
at water's edge.
Bird-loved berries 
burning delicate frame.
There was no hiding
from the heat
which so swiftly came.
And through the walls 
between the worlds,
I heard my name...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Perched on the edge, their stick slender and strong beneath their hand, black cloak tattered along the edges by the winds, flame-haired Quickbeam watched over the traveller approaching the gate below.

“Why?” They called out. The traveller looked up, startled.

“Why what?” He replied.

“Why are you travelling?” Quickbeam clarified.

Quickbeam always asked, before unlocking that gate between the mountains. Only one reason sufficed, from any traveller, one and only one was acceptable; that they had a purpose. It didn’t matter which, as long as there was something. 

And there always was. 

To find healing, knowledge, adventure. To escape hardship, or success. To discover one’s self. To simply move and breathe and be. There was always a reason. And better, knew Quickbeam, if it were a guiding spark that offered hope when the going got tough. 

“I… I don’t know.” Replied the traveller.

Quickbeam grinned, beckoning him to sit upon the ledge beside them awhile, berry-tinted mead at the ready.

“Then you’d better stay with me until you do.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Latin Name: Sorbus aucuparia

Other Names: Mountain Ash, Quickbeam.

Edible: Berries contain vitamin C (dried or cooked, do not eat fresh berries.)

Herbal Properties: Astringent, Antirheumatic, Diuretic, Laxative, Antiscorbutic, Emmenagogue, Aperitive, Hypoglycemic. Used to treat for candidiasis, kidney disease, sore throat, period pains, diarrhea and hemorrhoids. Also reducing inflammation, especially of respiratory system, and increasing metabolism.

Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy. Excessive use may cause vomiting, do not eat fresh berries. (Ask a professional before use… I am not a doctor!)

Magical Properties: Strongly protective, especially of the home. Rowan and red thread together are a traditional protective charm against magic and bad luck. Psychic power, divination and healing, an all-round magical booster. Creativity, success and transformation through its association with fire. Opens the gateway to otherworlds. The second tree in the Ogham tree alphabet. 

Historical Notes: There were often taboos against using the wood, or cutting it with a knife. Twigs were bound into an equal armed cross for protection woven with thread (Brigid’s Crosses), or used to divine for metals. Rowan berry jelly is traditionally eaten with game meats in Scotland, and the berries are used in various alcoholic drinks.

Physical Properties: Red berries have a pentagram on the base. The wood is resilient and its strength lends it to making good walking sticks. As the trees are small it is used accordingly, for handles, spindles and spinning wheels, traditionally. The bark and berries can make a black dye.

Clues for Identification: Clusters of flowers in spring, bright red berries in autumn. Leaflets in sets with pairs opposite each other and one at the tip (similar to ash). Small tree, can grow in silly places like cliff ledges.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Originally posted on Patreon. Thank you to my Patrons for your support! If you like what I write then please do consider supporting me as a Patron here. Your support means I can write more for you! And you get the posts early… *tempts*

You can also tip me via ko-fi, it all helps!

You can also Follow the blog, Share this post, and find me on Twitter to join in the conversation for free!

Over to you in the comments. Tell me why you’re travelling… And what do you know of the Quicksilver tree?

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Treelore: Silver Birch

20 Friday Nov 2020

Posted by Haloquin in Herbology, Magic, Poetry, Starlore, Stories, Treelore

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Bardic, Birch, Druidry, learn witchcraft, Magic, OBOD, ogham, Ovate, poem, story, Treelore, Witch, witchcraft

birch leaves in sunlight
 Ghostlike,
 we begin.
 Skin stretched paper-thin,
 act two nears its end.
 A Wisp carried us here,
 a wind-wish winding 
 ever onwards,
 blown by whispered promises,
 secrets, 
 declarations
 of love and longing.
 We settled.
 Our roots are deep enough,
 nestling in blown soil,
 but leaves turn 
 and winter carries our wishes far from here. 
                                                                                                         ~ By Haloquin

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Silver Birch, the tree of beginnings. First sign of the forest, carried by the wind, bright bark peeling and waiting for wishes to be inked on its curls. White lady watching over the keys to the otherworld, she keeps her counsel. Her footsteps across the threshold lead the way into lands beyond the everyday, wherever we wish to go, she has been there before. Her delicate fingers point the way, gusts whipping her pale green shawl about her shoulders as she turns back to her current craft, carving a love spoon to stir fresh flying ointment, bubbling over the bright fire.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Latin Name: Betula pendula

Edible: (In moderation) Sap can be made into syrup/wine, full of vitamins and minerals. Steep leaves in apple cider vinegar for a few weeks to extract nutrients. Buds are high in vitamin C.

Herbal Properties: Anti-inflammatory, astringent, laxative/stimulates digestive system, diuretic. Buds are antibiotic and diuretic. Steep leaves in water to make an astringent skin wash. 

Contraindications: Contains methyl salicylate, as in aspirin. Avoid if allergic to aspirin, using medications containing aspirin or blood thinning meds, if elderly, or have blood related issues. Use with caution if pregnant or nursing.

Magical Properties: Linked to the Norse rune Berkana and the Ogham letter Beith, beginnings, renewal, courage. Psychic protection from spirits or on (astral) journeys. Resilience. Love and fertility, particularly inception. 

Historical Notes: Once used to flavour chewing gum and soft drinks! 

Practical Properties: Pale wood, used in handicrafts, furniture making and to make paper, good kindling/tinder. Used to make besom brooms. Resin makes a waterproof glue. It grows fast, spread by the wind, and is a pioneer species, often one of the earliest trees to grow in an area, and one of the first to leaf in spring… A hardy tree, even though it appears fragile.

Clues for Identification: White birch that peels like paper in young trees, catkins in spring, small, smooth, triangular leaves with serrated edges, visually delicate branches. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Please consult a qualified herbalist if using medicinally, this information is shared for inspirational purposes only!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Originally posted on Patreon. Thank you to my Patrons for your support! If you like what I write then please do consider supporting me as a Patron here. Your support means I can write more for you! And you get the posts early… *tempts*

You can also tip me via ko-fi, it all helps!

You can also Follow the blog, Share this post, and find me on Twitter to join in the conversation for free!

Over to you in the comments. Please share your tales of Silver Birch… your memories and imaginings… I’d love to hear them.

(Comments are moderated for spam so may take a day or two to appear.)

Trees, Ogham and Mirrors

15 Wednesday Aug 2012

Posted by Haloquin in Following Delight, Herbology, Magic

≈ 1 Comment

I’ve been learning about trees this past month.

Ogham Altar

The first five trees begin with Birch…

The fantastic Ms. Raven of Greenwoman Crafts periodically offers online classes in one of her specialities – Ogham. I’ve had an Ogham set for over a decade and have started teaching myself about the trees commonly considered to be signified by the sticks every few years but starting with Hawthorn has meant I’ve never gotten past the next tree. Thinking about it now, perhaps I struggled to move past the stillness of the Oak without external motivation or perhaps I find overcoming Holly’s defences tricky…

Let me explain; for some reason when I’ve approached Ogham before I’ve begun with Hawthorn, after Hawthorn comes Oak, then Holly. Apparently I should have started with Birch! This time, under Raven’s guidance, I began with Birch and have continued on… through Rowan, Alder, Willow, Ash and on past Hawthorn and Oak.

Noticing this tells me something about myself… I’ve been thinking that I’ll learn about the trees this way but, of course, the world around us mirrors our selves. In learning about the trees I’m learning about myself. I’m reminded that I don’t like to move into stillness (Oak) because I’m unsure how to handle it, though I’ve gotten better and I was able to properly engage with Oak this time because I’ve begun to cultivate stillness internally by working with the other trees first. I’m also reminded that I avoid discomfort (Holly) and that this means I’ll miss some of the benefits hidden in difficult places! But I also know that I will face it eventually.

It intrigues me how clearly that which is absent can teach us as much about ourselves as that which we encounter and that the world around us is such a direct mirror of our internal processes. The world we live in is made of our relationships to the beings around us and can therefore do nothing but reflect to us ourselves.

I am grateful to the trees for mirroring my self back to me and I look forward to continuing to learn from them!

Photo of Birch on Campus

Thank you Birch, opener of the way!

 

Herbology – Holly

09 Friday Jul 2010

Posted by Haloquin in Herbology

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

growing things, Joy, Otherworlds, Plants

A flash of colour in the grey,

A splash of light to lead the way

Spines to hold the gash of light

Berries brighten up the night…

A Tree in Your Pocket* tells me that Holly was loved for its ability to bring cheer to winter nights, and that is why it decorates our homes at midwinter. That and it protects us, Human and Fey alike, raising spirits and soothing sadness with its cheerful optimism.

Holly-spines are sharp, a deterrent to any that try to steal its pure-white wood… a deterrent to those who would cross the boundaries holly watches over.

Approach Holly with respect, it stands as a guardian of joy, and as a joy-bringer itself.

Holly, the Holly King, the ruler-twin of the dark half of the year. As such, Holly holds the light in the dark, light to warm our hearts in the long nights.

It seems an odd time to draw this tree from my ogham sticks, when the sun is at its height, and yet it speaks clearly to me right now. Firstly, there is always hope. I have left my chosen home and found myself without a clear path ahead. The everlight of the holly will hold my heart safe as I am buffeted through this summer. Secondly, I’ve been worrying over my art, hoping it will give me a way to earn a living, make me less dependent (in some respects) on location for financial security. Holly suggests that perhaps I should focus on shining, and worry about what the world reflects back when it does…

*Jaqueline Memory Paterson, A Tree in Your Pocket (Thorsons, 1998)

Herbology – Sage

18 Tuesday May 2010

Posted by Haloquin in Herbology

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Garden, growing things, learning

With a name that means wise-one, and a history of purification, sage seems a good place to start my herbology endeavour.

Salvia officinalis – a grey-ish, wooly-branched shrub.

Traditionally used in Native American Indian smudging ceremonies, so the smell of it burning reminds me of the moment before the magic begins. Therefore, as incense: focussing, purifying, cleanses the space, opens the senses, dedicates the moment.

James Wong’s Grow Your Own Drugs tells me that its good for dealing with coughs, colds and congestion, and hot flushes. My book on Herbal Teas reveals that this last is because sage contains oestrogenic substances.

Herbal Teas also says it is good as a general tonic, is antiseptic, and a general nourishing stimulant.

The booklet accompanying a deck of cards called The Flower Speaks describes sage as a white lion, a teacher, and a cleanser.

I acquired a packet of sage, its scent is familiar from drying bunches years ago and I remember that it is a regular ingrediant in stuffing at Christmas. I pour a small pile into my palm and pour blessing energy into it before placing it into an incense burner. This week I have singed it most days to purify and bless the space and day I am living in.

I made it into tea, and it certainly has wake-up properties, though I’ve found the taste has swiftly become unpalatable (I tend to grow sick of something if I ingest it too often over a short period) so I’m revising my original idea of a cup of herbal tea each day.

Magically it seems well suited, then, to cleansing and stimulating… adding a boost to a spell… or preparing the space/ground for work. Clearing the way.

It has been easy to involve the dried herb in my day, through tea, devotional burning and adding it to cooking. Later I would like to find a live sage plant and engage with it directly!

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Snow Pixie

Welcome to my world!

Halo Quin is an author, a storyteller, and a practicing witch with a lifelong relationship with the spirit realm (faeries, deities, and the primal powers of land, sea, and sky, specifically) who aims to share magic through experience. Halo lives in wild West Wales, right by the roiling sea, and loves to sing, dance, and otherwise enchant through performance. She also runs the local storytelling circle, and an ADHD resource centre, and ultimately encourages self-knowledge, self-acceptance, self-healing, and self-enchantment through everything she does... leading to:

Beauty ~ Magic ~ Delight

Re-enchanting the world, one story, one song, one spell, at a time.

Upcoming Books!

Toss a Coin to your Witch

If you like my work, you can help with costs (and keep me fueled with tea & cake) with a tip via ko-fi, it all helps! Thank you!

If you like what I write then please do consider supporting me as a Patron here.

Thank you to my Patreon Patrons for your support!

Courses at The Enchanted Academy

TEA with Halo

Contact Me

I'd love to hear from you! Email me at haloquin@gmail.com Or find me on Twitter!www.twitter.com/haloquin

Recent Posts

  • Imbolc Inspiration
  • OUT NOW! Crimson Craft – sexual magic for the solo witch
  • Happy 2023! (and where I was in 2022)
  • The end of a chapter
  • Book Review: Sekhmet
  • Book Review: Intuitive Magical Practice
  • Book Review: The Bird Atlas
  • An Ode to Books
  • Still a Witch
  • NEW HOME FOR TEA!

I’m on Facebook!

I’m on Facebook!

Birdsong

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angel Art Craft and Beauty Bardic beauty Beginnings book challenge choice Commitment Completion Craft Creation creativity Determination Devotion Devotional Dreams Druidry Enchantress Faeries Faery Faery Queen fairies Fears Feyhearted path Garden Goddess gratitude growing things Healing Heart Honesty hope Imperfection inspirations Intent Iron Pentacle Journalling Journey learning learn magic learn witchcraft life Living Life Love Magic moment musings ogham oracle cards Pagan paganism Painting Pearl Pentacle Philosophy Poetry Pride process project questions reasons Reclaiming Ritual Solstice Stories story Strangeness of Life Suggestions Tarot Tools Treelore Wales Witch witchcraft writing

NSFW – Twisted

And for the over 18s… My alter-ego, Ms Quin, writes erotica, kinky poetry, on sacred sexuality and the like. You can explore some of Her writings and poetry readings, and find her sexy book of poetry via links at Twisted Ms Quin.

Archives

Connections

You can...
Email me at craftyhalo@gmail.com
Follow me on Twitter
Find me on Facebook

Blog at WordPress.com.

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