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Halo Quin

~ Author, storyteller, witch

Tag Archives: Druidry

5 ways to do magic when you feel disconnected

18 Friday Jun 2021

Posted by Haloquin in Magic, Witchcraft 101

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Druidry, learn magic, Living Life, Magic, Witch, witchcraft

Last month I had one of my “I’m not quite feeling it” phases, where the sparkle just kinda gets ironed out of the world. I wasn’t unhappy, just not sparkly. It happens sometimes, and I often get to a point where I worry that it’ll last forever… it’s the “but what if I never get that magical, enchanted feeling again” or worse “what if the magic is gone?””. That’s normally the thought that kickstarts me into using my tools and finding the magic very quickly. It wasn’t gone, just out of sight for a little while. And these always help me, so I thought I’d share them because maybe they’ll help you too.

1. When I’m tired it’s really hard to *feel* the magic, but that doesn’t mean it is gone. It just means my senses are tired! Instead of trying to push myself and work harder at feeling it, I trust that it is there and look for ways the universe and my spirits are supporting me. What signs are they sending me that I am not alone? So look for those signs. The white feathers that appear when you think of your ancestors, perhaps, or the unexpected tip…

2. Rather than pushing my personal energy at these times, I lean into kitchen witchery. Add ginger to your meals for a bit of extra fire. Soothe your nerves (and your stomach) with peppermint tea. Let the plants support you.

3. A daily practice can help ground you and carry you through rough times. Even something as simple as a prayer at bedtime for restful sleep and sweet dreams can help nourish your spirit and strengthen the relationship between you and those you pray to.

4. Candles. Fire is magic. Light a candle (safely) and let the fire warm your spirit and light your way. Using the aesthetic aspects of magic engages our senses and gets more of us in alignment with magic again. If you’ve got the energy, make a ritual of your candle lighting and let it be an act of magic that brings the sense of magic back.

5. Go and sit with a tree, or a river, or the ocean. Spend some time outside with one of the bigger beings that hold a steady connection to spirit. Let the waters, or the woods, hold you for a little while and wash away the muck of daily living. It’s good for you on all levels.

And as a bonus:

6. Rest and refill your creative well. Read something that inspires you, doodle or play with something creative, or have a cuppa with a friend (in person or over a video call). Magic is hard when you’re depleted so refuel, sleep well, and trust that things will feel better soon.

How do you recover that spark of enchantment when life starts getting grey? What advice would you give to someone struggling to reconnect to their magic? Let’s support each other in the comments and remember our way home together.

In delight,

~ Halo x


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.

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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.)

On Earth, and a Free Class

23 Tuesday Feb 2021

Posted by Haloquin in elemental magic, Magic, Witchcraft 101

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Belly dance, Breathing, Community, Craft, Dancing in Wales, Devotion, Druidry, earth, elemental magic, elements, Empowerment, Energy, fire, Fire Magic, Herbalism, learn magic, learn witchcraft, Magic, Meditation, neo-paganism, Neopagan, occultism, online course, Pagan, pagan workshop, paganism, Reclaiming, Ritual, Self Empowerment, Spell, Spellwork, Spirit work, Witch, witchcraft

I’ve been working a lot with Earth this past winter, getting into my body, experimenting with herbal medicine, grounding the magic. Focusing on the practical, manifest steps of the day by day, and the sensual nature of living as an embodied creature of the earth.

Physically embodying divine aspects of myself as Priestess.

Growing up I spent a long time in the realm of air, escaping into imaginary landscapes and worlds woven of words. I even studied philosophy, a subject known for residing firmly in the domain of the mind. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love words and the space in which air manifests, but coming back down to earth has its own pleasure and gifts… And I struggled with it!

Dance helped me with enjoying being in my body a lot, but working with the element of earth has been key to really getting into a healthy relationship with the physical realm. Each time I return to this work, I feel more at home in my body and in the land, and my material life improves. (Yes, by this I mean money, home, and physical health!)

Literally feeding your body is earth work…

I’m looking forward to starting the elemental magic course on 10th March, and I thought it’d be nice to share some pointerd with you lovelies before that kicks off, so 7:30pm (GMT/UTC) next Wednesday, 3rd March 2021, I’ll be hopping onto discord and hosting an introductory chat on the elements of magic and my relationship with them, including a guided meditation for you to tune into them and hints for getting started with them (or revitalising your practice!) Sign up to my mailing list for the invite!

Sign up to my email list below to get the invite to join the conversation. You’ll get access to a forum for chatting with other like minded souls too. And there are still spaces on my Elemental Magic course starting Wednesday 10th March if you’d like to join us for 10 weeks packed with practical magic!

Elemental Magic course includes weekly materials, Fortnightly chats, group support, theory & practice.
Sign up to my mailing list here!

New Course: Elemental Magic!

25 Monday Jan 2021

Posted by Haloquin in elemental magic, Magic, Witchcraft 101

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Druidry, elemental magic, elements, learn magic, learn witchcraft, neo-paganism, online course, paganism, Witch, witchcraft

Note: Images in this post are decorative versions of extracts from the text, over a background image of golden light through a dark forest that forms a tunnel.

Periodically people tell me they’d love to learn magic, but they don’t know where to start so last month I wrote up a little introduction to the Elements of magic as many neopagans (and occultists) in the “Western World” view them. They are both foundational and ever present in my magical practice and yet, even after over two decades I still find my relationship with them evolves and deepens the more I return to them. So I’d love to share some of that with you.

Enter; Elemental Magic! A 10 Week Online Course – Cycle 2 starts 10th March 2021

10 Weeks of magical theory & practice, working with Earth, Air, Fire, Water, & Spirit. Conjuring cash, increasing inspiration, flowing with intuition, and more. Learn and practice foundational skills for spell working, ritual crafting & deepening your practice by building on your understanding of the elements in yourself and the world.

Course Includes:

*Weekly materials via email

*Fortnightly chats online (video optional)

*Group discussion board so you can support each other

*Support from me to answer any questions you have (I’m told it’s 42)

If you’ve ever wanted to learn magic in an inclusive environment, from a witch with 20+ years of experience, now’s your chance.

To reiterate: this practice is inclusive and these practices are not limited by sex, gender, orientation, race, dis/ability… Any accessibility or other concerns? Ping me: Haloquin@gmail.com. I will do my best.

Course starts 10th March 2021

Fees are on a sliding scale, pick what you can afford from £69 – £99

A guideline: (skint-ish) £69 – (doing ok) £85 – (finances are good, actually) £99.

No proof required. I trust you to choose what is right for where you are now. If £69 is still too high for you, then please, absolutely, drop me an email. If I get enough people on the higher end of the scale I’ll be able to offer a couple of bursary places for this or a later course.

I want to be able to support you properly so places are limited to keep the class size small… email me if you’ve got questions and I’ll send details of how to reserve your space with a deposit.
Email: Haloquin@gmail.com

Find all this written out in more detail here!

And if you’re not on my mailing list do hit the sign-up button below to join my mailing list for updates on new course dates, courses, and more.

Sign up to my mailing list here

Elemental Magic; Air

18 Monday Jan 2021

Posted by Haloquin in elemental magic, Magic, Reflections, Witchcraft 101

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Druidry, elemental magic, learn witchcraft, Magic, paganism, witchcraft

Extract from my upcoming course, Elements of Magic… Cycle 2 Starts in March! Find out more and enroll here!

I am a firm believer that your breath is your most powerful and fundamental magical tool. You can breathe yourself into a trance – as you found last week and as centuries of specialized breathing techniques in paths such as yoga attest – breathing fuels and energizes your body, calms your mind and brings you towards health and you can use your breath to direct energy within yourself and out into the world in working magic.


Every morning and evening I use a simple breathing technique to bring myself back into my center and into connection with the earth below and the sky above. In reconnecting with these directions and powers I tap into more energy and open myself to receiving guidance. In bringing myself to center I bring myself firmly into my own power and awareness of who I am and where I’m at. I highly recommend doing this every morning for the next month and see how you feel! This is often described as “Grounding” but the variation here also includes connecting to the power of the stars so can help in increasing your energy levels as well as finding personal stability.


Stand if you can or sit comfortably if you’d prefer. Feel your weight in your feet, the earth beneath you. Take a moment to feel your body resting on the earth.

Take a slow, deep breath – not so much it feels forced but enough to fill your lungs completely.
As you do, imagine all the parts of yourself that are scattered around you, all your attention, your wandering thoughts, the pieces of yourself still left in bed, the energy you’ve left scattered from the previous day and night. Imagine and intend that they all are coming back to you, collecting in your belly and merging back into the light that you are, becoming clean and bright again.
You don’t need to imagine each individual part, simply intend for them to be collected with each breath.


Repeat this for 3 breaths – or more if you feel you need to – and really feel your self coming back to you.

On your next breath imagine yourself reaching down, sending down a root of energy into the earth. I like to bend down and touch the earth at this point. For the next 3 breaths or so imagine that root reaching deeper and stronger.

Through your next few breaths imagine the earth’s energy flowing up your root and into your body, filling you up from feet to crown and then, once you are feeling full, flowing up like a column of light to the stars. You can reach up with the energy if you like, stretching towards the heavens.

Allow the energy of the stars to pour down into your body, breathing it in to your center and mingling with the earth energy. Again, around three breaths is good here but take as many as you need. Placing your hands over your heart or belly can feel good while you do this.


Feel your connection to the earth beneath you and the sky above you and feel yourself firmly in the centre of your world.

Breathe this energy in and out, up from the earth and down from the sky, filling you, charging you, bringing you into the here and now. Feel yourself resting in your body, filled with energy that is accessible to you at any moment, with only a thought. Allow it to settle at a level that feels comfortable to you.


Whenever you feel distracted or scattered throughout the day, repeat this exercise. As you get used to it you’ll find you can do it much quicker, using just one in-breath to bring yourself to center, the out-breath to send down a root, the next in-breath draws the energy into you, breathe out and send the connection to the stars before breathing in the star-energy in to your core. And breathe into your center for a moment. You can also use this practice to raise energy for spellworking, to calm yourself when anxious, and to shift yourself into trance for divination. All that with just a few breaths!

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. How did that exercise feel?

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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?

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

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?

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

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*

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Meet Halo

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:

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