Mardi: Herbal-Wise

Ah, gossip. That malicious form of harassment that is rarely considered bullying but actually can be. Particularly among the young, gossip can ruin a life. Teenagers have committed suicide over it and in our hyper-cyber world, it can spread five thousand times faster than it could just a short twenty years ago. Progress? Hmm.

Among the curendaros and curendaras of the U.S. and Mexico boarder, there is a simple and fortunately not fatal solution for the problem. A simple working involving a candle, oil and the seed of the chia plant will work even in our social media environment. You can find chia seeds in many Latino markets, particularly in the greater Los Angeles area. Check online as well if you're not in Mexico or the southwestern U.S. Do this working with intention and even the most persistent gossip will shut up.

Using a pin or small knife, carve the gossip's name seven times on each knob of a white, seven-knob candle. If you cannot get a seven-knob candle, which are sold at most magickal supply stores as well as online, use a white taper and section it, using your pin, into seven fairly equal parts, then follow the above process. The six equidistant lines you carve into the candle will help you know when to put the candle out each day.

Anoint your candle with olive oil or, if you can obtain it, Protection Oil, and then, while the oil is still wet. roll the candle in a tray or bowl of chia seeds. Stand the candle in the tray (using a safe candle holder) so that it is surrounded by the remaining seeds.

Burn one knob, or section, each day beginning on a Saturday and preferably in the hour of Saturn (see this chart of planetary hours by day) to aid in banishing the problem. Burn the candle until it extinguishes itself on the seventh day and put any remaining wax in the back of your freezer to seal the working.

The nasty bully should cease and desist by then end of the week and, particularly if that candle wax stays frozen, never trouble you again. Bonne chance ~

Header: Interior d'un Cafe by Juan Luna c 1892 via Old Paint

Mardi: Herbal-Wise

The unusual sounding Master Root (known in European horticulture as Master Wort) is a fairly hardy plant in most temperate areas whose roots, stems and leaves are used in magick for luck, power, protection and aid in psychic pursuits.

In hoodoo, people are advised to grow Master Root in their gardens to draw luck to their homes.  Legend has it that collecting rain water, pouring some over the plant each morning and then washing your hands with the water that drips from the leaves will bring you respect and advancement at work.  Master Root is added to tricks and mojos to give a person presence, power and command over a specific situation and/or person.  Put a leaf under your pillow to assist in lucid and prophetic dreaming.

Wiccans say that wearing a piece of Master Wort as a charm will strengthen health and stamina.  This is particularly true for men (Angelica root is more effective for women).   The root is also said to calm strong emotions when held in the non-dominant hand and to keep away evil spirits.  Scott Cunningham recommends sprinkling chips of Master Wort around a magick circle or in a garden to make spirits appear.  In ancient European lore, Master Wort was believed to serve as a home for fairy folk.

Master Root should not be confused with woodruff or sweet woodruff which is often referred to as Master of the Woods.  These plants can be used together as they have similar magickal properties, but they have different botanical backgrounds.  Bonne chance ~

Header: Spring in the Gardens of Villa Borghese by Lawrence Alma-Tadema

Mardi: Herbal-Wise

Licorice root (not the black candy) is often used in root work, most probably because it is said that – when used correctly – licorice can give a person command over others. The use of the root may have come to hoodoo through Native American culture but it could just as easily have come to the U.S. through Afro-Caribbean associations.

An incense for dominance is made with equal parts licorice root chips and frankincense. These should be burned on charcoal either before the situation where command is required or while performing workings to increase a person’s power. To improve chances of success in a court case, substitute tobacco for the frankincense. Carrying a piece of licorice root is also said to improve confidence and aid in success when speaking in public.

Licorice is also added to mojo bags for love in cases where a person wants to dominate the lover. This is said to work particularly well if a “personal concern” of the intended lover’s, such as a lock of hair or nail clipping, is added to the bag. Even a used tissue, though not very appealing, will help the working along.

In Wiccan practice, licorice is used to engender fidelity, attract love and stir lust. Scott Cunningham suggests that chewing a stalk of the licorice plant will make one more passionate. He also recommends it to help stop smoking. For these purposes it is important to note that licorice should not be ingested in large doses by anyone and should be avoided by those with diabetes and high blood pressure all together. As my grandmother used to say, a word to the wise is sufficient. Bon chance ~

Header: An Oleander by Lawrence Alma-Tadema