Word Magick: Courage - What Does it Mean?

Today’s topic is “courage”, which is defined as “the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain etc. without fear; bravery.”

But what else is courage? I spent some time thinking about this in relation to my life and craft.

I decided that, for me, courage is:

Being your authentic self.

Acting in accordance with your beliefs, especially in the face of criticism.

Being honest with yourself, and others.

Stepping out of your comfort zone; trying new things without fear of failure.

Commitment to the development of oneself; undertaking Shadow Work.

Dedication to your path.

Having integrity.

Knowing and accepting there aren’t enough lifetimes to learn all is there is to know, and being ok with that.

Loving, honouring, and respecting yourself, the way we do others.

What do you think courage is?

Magickal Correspondences for Courage

Herbs: 

Borage, Rosemary, yarrow

Crystals:
Carnelian, bloodstone, aquamarine

Colours:
Red, dark red

Flowers:
Edelweiss, protea, thyme

Deities:
Athena (Greek), Bellona (Roman), Inanna (Sumerian)

Animals:

Buffalo, lion, wolf.

NEXT - Word Magick: As Above So Below
NEXT - Simple Magick: 45 Colour Correspondences For Crystals 

Simple Magick: The Wisdom of Land Wights

Today I wanted to talk about finding and identifying herbs and plants, and gaining other local wisdom, in relation to land wights.

Land wights are the unique spirits that reside in each herb, plant, rock, crystal, mineral, animal, and stone. Collectively, they form the genius loci; the living, breathing, spirit of a place.

I moved to this area a year and a half ago, and felt instantly connected from Day 1, despite growing up several hours away. A recent genealogical DNA test has revealed that despite no family living here, my ancestors originate from here. Now here’s where it gets interesting.

Since moving here, I am being imparted with wisdom. Whilst I am fascinated by foraging and herbalism, I am by no means an expert. Weirdly, when I am travelling through the countryside I am being magnetically pulled to certain plants, which I am intuitively identifying. When I get home and research I find out I‘m correct! This has happened twice in the last week alone. I am also getting ‘the feels’ that a particular herb or plant is nearby, and sure enough it is. Last week we came across a small body of water which I was ‘told’, by some inner knowing, was a Canal. My husband who grew up here insisted it wasn’t, but my research revealed that this stretch of water was the last part of a Canal that was built in 1802, and has since been filled in except for the part we had found.

I feel like the land, and the spirits that reside within the land, are revealing themselves to me, furthering my education. It is a truly magical feeling.

Is this wisdom coming from the land wights? I know I am totally honoured if that’s the case, but it does feel that way.

Have you ever felt instantly connected to a place? Did it reveal its secrets to you? Have you experienced what I am?

NEXT - Simple Magick: Cleansing The Home Using The Element of Air 

Fabulous Folklore: Meadowsweet

A couple of days ago I shared a meadowsweet foot soak, and promised to write more about this ultimate self-care herb.

Known as the Queen of the Meadow, Brideswort, and Meadwort, its name refers to its favourite place and most obvious characteristic.

It is a plant high in aromatic oils, and the flower heads were strewn on the floors of churches and houses before proper floors; such is its sweetness. Culpepper tells us that meadowsweet “makes a merry heart”, and so it does, such is the beauty of its scent. Whilst a favourite of the Druids, old folklore insists that bringing meadowsweet into the house also brings death.

As well as glorious foot soaks and mentally uplifting aromas, meadowsweet is rich in iron and magnesium, essential for the production of red blood cells; so a daily meadowsweet-infused water is perfect for women who are anaemic due to childbirth or menstruation. It also makes a lovely tea.

It is said that many witches will dry the flowers in the garden shed, but will not be tempted to bring a living spray into the house, in case it puts one into a death-like sleep.

I think she is beautiful. I’ll take my chances. 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Bittersweet

NEXT - Natural Remedies: Meadowsweet Foot Soak

Natural Remedies: Meadowsweet Foot Soak

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), also known as Meadwort, hars been used for its medicinal purposes since the Bronze Age.

Today, its job was to soothe my tired, aching feet, and lend some comfort to my frazzled nerves ahead of a busy week.

I’m going to share a bit more about Meadowsweet over the coming days, including a photograph of this wonder herb, but today I want to share with you my recipe for a foot bath.

Fresh Meadowsweet Foot Soak:

Take ten heads of Meadowsweet and place in a large pan. 

Cover with 1.5L of water.

Bring to a boil, then leave to steep for 15 minutes.

Strain into a basin. Add some cool water if needed.

Soak your feet, and relax!

Whilst this recipe is simple, it is super-refreshing, and my feet always feel like new afterwards. They are soothed, softened, and moisturised. The fragrance and time out has made me ready, mentally, for the week ahead.

Do exercise some caution as the Meadowsweet stains some materials yellow. 

NEXT - Natural Remedies: Stinging Nettle & Rosemary Hair Rinse
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Meadowsweet
NEXT - Simple Magick: The Wisdom of Land Wights