Bright Blessings,

The long awaited summer will finally be arriving on June 21st. This winter was a particularly hard one for us weather-wise and we are all eagerly anticipating warm weather.

This is my favorite time of year - I love working in the garden, going on picnics with friends - just being outdoors. Working in the garden is not only therapeutic by relieving stress, it also is way for us to embrace, connect with and honor Mother Earth. We plant our flower and herb seeds, nurture them along and harvest when it's time. Spring and summer is also a time for us to take time to relax under a tree - connecting with the energies all around us by meditating.

Take a look at the many events, groups, and activities throughout New York and bordering states. Find something that resonates with your spirit and join in. This summer can be an exciting time of growth and community building for us all!

Blessed Be,

Linda Hanley, Executive Director
Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A.

SEASONAL OBSERVANCES
Summer Solstice / Litha - June 21st
Beth Jasinski and Todd Herriott
© 1998 Hecate's Broom Coven

Litha is about joy. It is about being completely alive, as the earth is at its zenith. Everywhere you look, it's green. Weave flowers into your hair - dance and frolic, take a big, deep cleansing breath of summer air. Bake fresh bread and let the smell fill your house. Realize that you are special and have a purpose. We are the Goddess's children and the Earth is our home.

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SEASONAL OBSERVANCES
Lughnassadh / Lammas - Aug 2nd
 © 2000-2001 Llewellyn's Witch's Calendar

Lughnassadh (loo nus uh) means "the commemoration of Lugh." It is the first day of the Celtic autumn and the beginning of the harvest. Also known as the Bread Harvest and Lammas, it is the first of three harvests. The plants of spring wither and drop their fruits or seeds for our use as well as to ensure future crops. At this time we focus on the Celtic God Lugh and the harvest of grain. Symbolically when we cut down the corn and harvest in the wheat, Lugh, (the Corn God or John Barleycorn) is sacrificed into the Crone's waiting arms that we might live. The Goddess watches in sorrow and joy as She realizes that the God is drying and yet lives on inside Her as Her child. We are reminded that for there to be life, there must also be a death.

The God personifies the spirit of nature that dies each winter, while the Goddess is the eternal life. The Corn King is the spirit of the corn and he is a dying and resurrecting God. As the corn is cut down, so the Corn Spirit dies. As summer passes we remember its warmth and bounty in the food that we eat. Every meal is an act of attunement with nature. We are reminded that nothing in the Universe is consistent.
 
Some rituals and ceremonies have evolved over time including that of the burry man and the wicker man. Both have been associated with Beltane, but are most often correlated with Lughnassadh. The burry man served as a ceremonial "scapegoat." Peasants would bring bundles of burrs and grasses to represent their troubles. They would affix these to the burry man, then drive him out of the village amidst shouts and threats. As he ran into the field and/or forest, the villagers thought of him carrying away the problems from the township. He would shed their trouble in the woods by removing the burrs and grasses, thereby relieving the people of their woes. This custom is so old no one truly knows its origin, though it is agreed that the ritual was for good fortune.

The wicker man, also associated with Beltane and Lughnassadh, represents the concept of sacrifice. The wicker man was originally a towering effigy made of wicker and wood. These structures took the shape of a person and were used to house sacrifices, both human and animal. This may be possible, since it is known that the Druids practiced ritual sacrifice. Today we can incorporate both the wicker man and burry man into our ceremonies. Choose a person to represent the burry man. Have each participant in circle write down his or her troubles and worries. Give or tie all of the pieces of paper to the burry man (add some grasses to the bundle of papers) and drive him out of circle. When he had shed the papers and grass, have him return and greet him as an honored guest and reward him with food and drink. If you choose to use the wicker man in ceremony, plan for sacrifices to remove impediments in your spiritual and personal growth. Build a little wicker man and fill him with charms and paper on which you've written those things you willingly sacrifice from your life to create a void. Without creating space in our lives, we cannot attract new situations.
 
This is a good time to let go of the past, weak and unstable conditions and people in our lives. We can relate this to our lives. If we choose to spend our time doing nothing, then what has to "die" is our hope of achievement. If we are ambitious we know we have to give up leisure time if we are to get anywhere. For to achieve anything life one, there is always sacrifice -- "make way for the new." The purpose of sacrifice is transformation of some kind, and "paying the price" is a reality that underlies all pleasure. This is not meant to be gloom and doom, rather it enables us to enjoy our accomplishments, realize our goals -- and place for value upon our pleasures.

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Make your children part of your rituals if they show interest in the Craft. You will need to simplify rituals somewhat so that your children will understand what is happening. Explain to them before each Sabbat what is being celebrated so that they can offer suggestions for decorating the altar and celebrating. Children love to dance, chant, sing and play instruments. Teach them these for rituals. Make up chants together. You can also make musical instruments together such as shakers and drums.
Involve your children in spell casting. Their energies really help when doing simple spells. As they get older they can use spells to help them complete school assignments, find jobs, and they can also help them achieve a good end to a difficult situation in their life.

Part of teaching Children the Craft is teaching them the history of it. Tell them about our ancient traditions, our dark history during the burning times (although that's a topic for older children) and our rules. They must understand that the Craft is not to be abused for their material gain or to hurt anyone or anything.

Let your children enjoy the Craft and answer their questions. Children often perceive things we do not because of their strong psychic powers. Unfortunately adulthood can somewhat dull our senses at times. Be patient with your children and have fun with them. You will learn a lot from each other.

Discovering the Earth Mother - Take your children for walks in the park, in the country, along the beach, wherever you can be close to the Earth Mother's beauty. Let your child explore Gaia's world and point out to them what makes her beautiful. Tell them why the environment is important, show them different trees and plants. Sit quietly with your children and let them sense the energy in nature. It is the Goddess' energy represented in the cycles of birth, growth and death. If your child sees a gift sent by the Goddess (i.e. a pretty stone, seashell, flower) let them take it home (providing it's not illegal to pick the flower- some plants are protected), but not before thanking the Goddess for it. It can be added to the family altar or to their own small personal altar. Have the child explain why Gaia's gift is special to him/her. 

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Divination with Frankincense: Livanomancy
 
Using a good powdered frankincense incense, you will want to obtain a piece of charcoal self igniting the best, a good incense burner, a piece of parchment paper (if unable to locate, use Onion skin paper also known as India paper) Black ink and a lighter or match. You will light the charcoal, sprinkle some of the frankincense on it, and write your question on the parchment. As the incense begins to rise, pass the parchment over the incense three times and then sprinkle a little of the incense on the center of the parchment and fold over twice. Now, light the parchment and allow it to burn together with the frankincense incense. You will observe two things.... How quickly or slowly the parchment is consumed and how the incense smoke reacts.
 
Observe the Parchment:
If the parchment is consumed very quickly, this is an indication that you will obtain your goal, but that it will not be a lasting situation. If the parchment is consumed very slowly, or partially and then goes out, this is an indication that there is an obstruction to your goal and you might wish to consult an oracle such as the Tarot, the Runes or I Ching in order to determine the cause of the obstruction. If, on the other hand, the parchment is consumed at a steady pace, neither too quickly or too slow and the flame does not go out, this indicates that you will reach your goal without delay of any sort and it will be a permanent situation.
 
Observe the Incense Smoke:
As the parchment is consumed, observe the shape of the incense smoke as it is combined with the burning paper. If the incense smoke rises in a wide column then you can expect to attain your goal within a short period of time If, however, the column of smoke is thin then there will be many delays before you will attain your goal. If the smoke rises in a straight line, your desire is true and there are no ulterior motives. If, on the other hand, the smoke curls, this is an indication that your heart is not really set on this goal and you may wish to reconsider what your true desires are.

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I want to talk to you about Safety. There are a lot of common misconceptions out there regarding herbal healing, and I hope with this article to be able to clear some of those up. Safety with any treatment is essential for overall health and well being, whether it is allopathic or alternative in nature. Yes, herbs are natural, but natural things can hurt you too, i.e. tornadoes, poisons, avalanches, rattlesnakes, etc. You must understand something about the power of herbs, even if all you ever do is use them for magickal or religious purposes.

Herbs Are Medicine!!
They should be treated with the very same respect that most of us give to prescription drugs. Many herbs can be harmful in large or prolonged dosages, as can most anything in this life, I might add. Many herbs can be addictive after long term improper use. Some are poisonous. Some can have toxic side effects if not properly balanced with herbs that counteract those effects. They should not ever be used indiscriminately without the proper guidance of a health care professional. They should not ever be used on a daily basis without the proper guidance of a health care professional. Many people feel that just because herbs are natural, they can't be hurt by them. Nothing can be further from the truth.

More Is Not Better!!
Many people feel that if a little makes me feel better, a lot will make me feel fantastic. This is not the case with herbs. Dosages need to be carefully controlled, as with any medicine. You wouldn't swallow a whole bottle of antibiotics at one time to kill a bacterial infection. Apply the same caution to herbal medicines. It is possible to overdose! Herbs work slowly, with the body and its own natural defenses. You must give herbs time to work before changing your dosages. In this modern world of a "pill for everything", folks have come to expect instant cures, instant relief. You should note that with chronic illness, even prescription drugs take time to work. The same applies with herbal medicines. Give them time to work. Support them with a proper diet, with exercise, and with proper attention to yourself. If the herbs aren't working for you, then you either have the wrong combinations, the wrong dosages, or you aren't adhering to a proper healing regimen. Contact a health care professional for guidance as to what works for you.

One Dose Does Not Fit All!!
You wouldn't give a small child the same amount of cough syrup you give an adult. The same applies with herbal medicines. The dose must fit the individual. The dosages need to be based on the illness treated, your past and present medical history, your age, your weight, and several other factors. Combinations must be chosen so as not to interfere with any specifics with your particular body, and so as not to further aggravate that which is being treated. A health care professional can help you choose the proper combinations and dosages for your unique body and health concerns.

Tell Your Doctor What You Are Taking!!
You wouldn't hide the fact that you are a smoker or a drinker or have a heart condition from your physician. You shouldn't hide the fact that you are using herbal medicines, either. Some herbs can have serious adverse reactions when improperly mixed with prescription drugs. Just because they are natural doesn't mean there can't be reactions! Many chemical drugs are derived from healing plant constituents. So you could be causing a serious problem for yourself if you are getting far too much of something that is supposed to be helping you. There is no reason to hide. Herbal healing is becoming much more mainstream today, and many physicians are learning about herbs as medicine. If yours isn't, then help educate him or her. Or find a doctor that can help you work with your herbs. Most communities have herbal professionals, naturopathic doctors, Chinese Medicine practitioners, and other professionals that are trained in the proper uses of the healing herbs. Seek one out before you make some major mistakes with your precious body.

But The Drug Companies Are Recommending Herbs!!
Indeed, there are growing numbers of drug companies that are jumping on the natural health bandwagon. However, this does not give you license to just use whatever you see in hopes that it will improve your condition. Again, most herbs should not be used on a daily basis over the long term. That can actually do more harm than not using an herb at all. Educate yourself before reaching for that one-a-day herb. You may not need it for what you think you do. Just because it has a "name" behind it does not make it safe for continued daily use. Seek guidance if you are confused or unsure of what to do with these new products.
Following these guidelines will help you to get the most from your herbal treatments. You will be healthier and happier if you don't fall for media hype. Stick to what is known. Don't indiscriminately choose an herb without knowing exactly what to expect from it, good and bad. Always treat your herbal medicines with respect, and they will do the same for you.
Now, you started reading this article hoping to find information regarding magickal uses of herbs. So, here is the part that deals with that.

Think Before You Use!
Some herbs are dangerous to burn. Others should not be placed on the skin or in a magickal potion that you are going to drink. Many of the old "flying ointments/potions" contain herbs that are dangerous, so these should not be tampered with unless you know exactly what you are doing. These kinds of herbal applications are definitely not for the beginner!!!

Think Before You Choose!
Just because you walk into a metaphysical store and see herbs or herbal products available next to the altar items, do not assume that they are safe for you. Do not assume that the proprietor of the store (or the mail-order firm) has any idea how to properly and safely use or handle those herbs. A good indicator that you need to go somewhere else is the person has to read a book to answer your basic questions. Or the person has displays of herbs, but no real knowledge of what is in the package nor how much or how often you should use the product. This should signal to you that the person is not trained, and you should shop elsewhere, or go in with your own researched information in hand. You'll be able to tell, so follow your instincts. If all you are ever going to do is use the herbs in your spells and potions and blessings, it is still important to know how not to use them.

Respect!
Always treat healing herbs with respect. Always treat them as if they are precious - more is not better, including in magick! Always treat them as if they could harm you, then you won't be tempted to overindulge. Always try a small amount of a new herb first; if it is to be ingested by you, try a small amount and be alert for reactions. Immediate serious allergic reaction includes anaphylactic shock, although this is a rare occurrence. You may get headaches, upset stomach, rashes, etc. so a little is the best way to start. One reaction does not fit all, so the recommendations of your neighbor may not be what is necessary for your specific needs. Certain herbs should never be mixed with certain prescriptions, even when it is only applied topically or burned. Remember that your skin is the largest organ of your body, and things applied to it will affect you internally. Keep that in mind when mixing your potions, as some herbs can test you positive for drug use, even when applied on the skin. When in doubt, see someone like me, a certified Naturopathic Doctor, or a certified Master Herbalist, or someone similarly qualified.

Test First!
When using an herb for magickal purposes, try a small patch test first if it is something that you will apply, i.e. an anointing oil, a salve, etc. The best place for a patch test is in the tender skin in the area where your forearm and upper arm come together. Check for reaction over a day or so, if none, then go ahead and use but do keep an eye out for later reactions. If burning herbs as incense, try a small amount first, and see if it irritates you before going ahead. Some herbs can cause serious headaches when burned; some can irritate the lungs, especially for asthmatics. There are so many herbs, and so many that are interchangeable for various magickal uses, that if you are allergic to something or have a negative reaction to something, there is always a substitute herb that you can use.
 
Medicinal Herbs in healing is a very complicated subject. I have been working with medicinal herbs for over 16 years, have a national Naturopathic Doctor (ND) certification, and am still learning something new nearly every day. Obviously this is not something that can be covered, even in basics, in an article or two. The same applies to the magickal uses of those same herbs; I'm still learning after all of these years of spiritual use. There is always something more to learn. Make it your mission to thoroughly research anything you are going to use in your workings to be certain you won't harm yourself or someone else, and in so doing, you will discover what will help make your workings more powerful and special.

Blessings and Good Health!
As with any herb, never use it without thoroughly researching its medicinal value and properties and proper instruction. Never use any herb over a long period of time. Remember that everything must be kept in balance and herbal remedies are no exception.
 
Source - Real Magick: The Occult Library

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