Holly , Sacred Druidry plant

Hoodoo makes use of Holly, most often, as sort of doorway guardian amulet and in incenses for blessing dwellings. It is believed that the use of the very plant is “imported” from European lore, perhaps through Christianity. Therefore it is important that we understand the “original” plant’s lore. Conjurers also say how this plant is reputed to attratct helpful spirits into the household.


Old Northern European legends speak of continuous rivalry , and an annual battle for dominion over the Nature between Oak and Holly. Two sacred trees, that Celtic Druid saw kind of twins like, with Holly being like black Oak. Being equal in power , they would defeat one another periodically, and their dominion would be divided on equal parts throughout the year.[1]
That way Oak would rule nature from Winter Solstice to Summer Solstice, and the darker, evergreen Holly would rule the nature from Summer Solstice to Winter Solstice, when most of the trees are bare, leafless and fruitless. Considering that fact, it is only logical that people use branches and loops as protective botanicals against spirits of Darkness and against misfortune. It was also believed by cunning folk to have power to peace the beasts, and invoke kind and helpful spirits to household. It is also said to be powerful guardian against poisons , thunder and evil spirits [1]

In Christianity, Holly became an very important plant often symbolizing Lord Christ ( respectfully ). It is very possible that the reverence of the plant in Christianity , was adopted from celebration of Yule and Roman Saturnalia. Be it so or not, the Holly was even included in paintings depicting Saints and their life, one fine example being painting of the anonymous author, known as “Master of the Holy family” , who painted seven leafs ( ! ) of Holly on triptych painting depicting life Virgin Mary, called "Seven joys of Virgn" . Christians see pale white flowers of Holly as symbol of Christ’s birth and innocence, it’s red fruits as symbolic of Blood of Christ, and finally it’s thorny leaves are symbolic of Lord’s thorny Crown.


In occultism, Holly represents masculine principle and it Mars/Fire correspondent plant, which can explain its reputation as powerful exorcism agentIvy is said to be its female counterpart, often assisting it in spiritual fights and empowering It , while often entwining it’s trunk as well. It’s even used in some beauty spells , such as Winter Queen water, of which I wrote here :http://shadowsmagickplace.blogspot.com/2011/07/conjure-beautiful-you.html

Now , briefly on the botanical information. Despite the fact we will commonly call Holly a tree, it’s actual ecological form ( life form ) is an evergreen shrub. In magck we use three species mostly , one of which is not commonly called Holly
- Ilex aquifolium, common ( European ) Holly with thorny edged leafs
- Ilex opaca, which differs botanically from the previous by only one taxonomic marker, leafs edges here do not have spines, and those two species are used interchangeably.
- Ilex parguaruensis known also as Yerba Mate, indigenous to Southern USA, used largely into Santeria and Palo, known also as Palo Espanta Muerte, and despite being another species of same gender, does not share magickal correspondences with common Holly, it’s a separate magickal plant , with its proprietary uses and will not be discussed in this post

Holly leaves are used in herbal medicine as analeptic, analgetic , anti-rheumatic and have few other minor uses.

Here are a few of recipes ( ideas on how to use Holly )

Door Guaradian

Make a loop out of braches of Holly or on a branch of Holly hung a piece of Angelica root and three De**l shoestrings. Such door guardian, form of Gris Gris, will secure the entrance where hung on door lintel so no evil may cross the protected threshold [2]

Blessed home condition oil

• Holly leaves
• Cumin seeds
• White rose , or white rose petals
• Frankincense resin
• Benzoin resin
All to base of preferably Olive oil or Almond oil, with a Capsule of Vit.E capsule. If You have, You could use Frankincense and Benzoin essential oils instead of resin. Or , optionally You could a dd Sandalwood and/ or Rosemary essential oils to scent condition oil and bring about peaceful vibration ( as they often ingredients of Peaceful home products ).

Beast calming powder

Combine

• Holly leafs
• Horehound
• Lavender

Pulverize, sprinkle in front, or blow at animals and beasts, to subdue them to peaceful and calm state.

NOTES: This article was written and composed by myself, therfore should You desire to use any part of it elswhere, feel free but do add credits Shadow of Shadows magick place or Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post.
CREDITS: [1] According to Cunningham Scott, stated in his "Encyclopedia of magic(k)al herbs"
[2] Inspired by Catherine Yronwode's entry ( about Holly ) in her "Hoodoo herb and root magick" book
Images, came from www.wikitionary.org , tribe.tribe.net and finally Ogham symbol for Tinne ( or Holly ) was a common picture edited by myself. Pictures used here are without ill will and for illustrative purposes only

Many light Blessings, Shadow !

Prophet's supper

Here is something I have recently came up with, inspired by an entry on cinnamon in a certain book on herbal magick. The entry, among other, suggested eating toast bread with honey, sprinkled with cinnamon, prior to sleep to inspire precognitive dreaming
So I said it to myself, why not make it slightly more elaborated, and here is a simple “menu” I came up with
What You’ll need :
Toast bread with honey or jam ( If using jam, perhaps the Wild rose jam would be most suited )
Some cinnamon, some Mace powdered
Tablespoon of Rose petals, teaspoon of Mugwort, teaspoon of Yarrow , Spring water, Honey and some nice stylish glass

Instructions


1.Bevrage/Drink/Potion

Make a tea ( infusion ) using the following herbal mixture
• Tbs of Rose petals
• Ts of Mugwort
• Ts of Yarrow flowers
Pouring a 2-3dl ( 6-8 oz’s ) of Spring water ( If You happen to have it, use Lunar Slime ) . You can optionally add a pinch of Cinnamon as well. Leave it to sit for about 13mins, strain, and sweeten with Honey If You wish, and/or some Orange juice.
Serve in a fine vine glass or even Your chalice.

2. Meal

Smear some honey over Your toast bread. Sprinkle it with some Cinnamon powder and just a small pinch of Mace , powdered or grinded.


3. Bless, Serve and Enjoy

Some might feel inclined ( those legal people I hope lol ) to have some Absinthe with this, but I composed the “menu” targeting different age groups, and considering some , let’s call it “universal” taste. So this could be seen as “eclectic” , universal recipe, with simple sweet flavor that should be acceptable to most people.

NOTES: Written and composed by myself, so feel free to use elswhere ( online ) as long as You provide credits, Shadow of Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post. Pictures were taken by myself


Bon appetite and many Blessings , from Shadow ! :)

Orthodox Christian’s ( folk ) magick and Mother Mary

The spell ( rather custom ) suggestions are made according to folk magick, as practiced ( here, where I am ) in Balkan. This does not mean they are reserved only for Christians ,or Balkan people, by no means that’s so. If You do not mind, the Christianized versions of these folk spells, You can use them , regardless on Your spiritual path and preferencess. These spells ( let’s call them that ) are before all folk spells, originating from Balkan peninsula folk magick, and have attained Christian elements later, but with good reasons, as experience has taught Eastern European cunning folk , how very proficient is to include Christianity in their magickal practices. I should just add here , that ( in short ) the folk magick of Balkan Penissula and most of the Eastern Europe is based on Slavic paganism, Magick of Vlasi ( tribe called Volos by Romans that had once inhabited southern Balkan peninsula, and some still do ), old ( not clearly defined ) magickal system associated with Druids that had once lived along the river Dunav, and folklore of Celt s and Romans that had lived there at certain point. In the very south of Eastern Europe ( Central and Southern Montenegro , Southern Croatia ) there are archeological findings of earliest form of Viking runes and certain spells, that are saved from oblivion by what’s now nearly lost oral tradition. With the Christianization of Balkan peninsula, ( being ) highly practical cunning folk of Eastern Europe, saw the power of Christian religion, and included it in their rituals, so You can find incantations calling both power of such chthonic creatures as Destinies ( org. in Serbian language Sudjaje, literarily ; those that judge )and Holy Trinity. So called “red letters” ( Orthodox Christian Saints feast days , dates in calendar when they are venerated ) became like Solomonic time and Hour correspondences in Western occultism, honoring both Saints and sometimes also chtonic spirits or even animals. These ( along with the eight holidays of the wheel of the year ) were/are seen as time of power, a opportunity to tap into the source of powerful and useful spiritu al energies. Folk of Balkan saw the amazing power of Christian G’d and Saints, and incorporated these in their spirituality, both for empowerment and social acceptance. See, in Balkan peninsula church has never executed a single witch ( or alleged witch ) but people did, and many of them. Furthermore Orthodox Christian ( as prevalent on most of Balkan ) church was highly against burning or drowning of people, accused of witchcraft. Acknowledging and respecting G’d and Saints meant that such practitioner is kind and practices magick for healing and uncrossing purposes mostly, so such people were left alone by ignorant and enraged villagers, seeking someone to blame for calamities that would happen form time to time.

I aimed to make a brief post with few suggestions, but as usually got sidetracked, by discussing historical ( folkloric , anthropological ) backgrounds of folk magick and or ethics and reason of/for the same. Sorry about that, I just wanted to help those who might be unfamiliar of occult practices in the Eastern Europe ( and Balkan ) to get a better idea of ways of beliefs of locals there . And without further ado, here are spell suggested to be performed on 28th of August, a day associated with The Most Holy Virgin Mary in Orthodox Christian calendar :

Midnight and Noon prayers

It is customary ( especially by women ) here on Balkan, to go out in Mindinght between 27th and 28th of August, and in secluded place pray to Mother Mary to guide them and aid in resolving of any problems. Then on noon ( Midday ) of 28th of August they repeat the prayer.
It is believed that on this day Mother Mary had fallen asleep, and that her soul had ascended miraculously to Heaven, leaving the room where she was illuminated, and odorous with scents from beyond physical world. So Eastern European keep this day in mind, as miraculous, with extremely strong wish energy, and as such, a brilliant chance for prayers directed to Mother Mary to be “heard” and answered. Some people visit up to 50 churches dedicated to Mother Mary, leaving prayers written on paper addressed to “Virgin Mary” or “Theotokos” , seeking healing, deliverance or simply some good fortune.
Catholics on Balkan peninsula venerate this day on 15th of August ( difference between Gregorian and Julian calendar ), and they have a custom to go herb gathering on this day, as they believe each herb gathered on this Holly day is even more powerful medicine, and charm.

Onion peel uncrossing water

On this day, Christian folk would ( early in the morning ) get out , and search in gardens ( their own or neighboring ones lol ) and pull red onions . And not any onion, the first onion plucked from garden for that year. Some would additionally pluck nine more onions , after that first one, to use in making some sort of uncrossing oil. The first onion plucked, is than peeled, and the peels are boiled in water for half an hour ( I use about a liter of spring water ). Then the infusion is left to sit for 3 hours. After that “Prayer to the Venerable Cross” is read over the pan with water, above which Cross signs are made with hand, often, as prayer is spoken/read. The water is then strained to bottle, through a cheesecloth, and kept in cool and dark place until needed. Some people also read prayers to Virgin Mary, as the onion bulbs are considered to be ( among some other plants ) sacred to Mother Mary, hence why plucking them on this very day. This water is therefore considered sort of “Holy water” , used for healing, warding off evil and blessing.

It’s used to wash heads those afflicted with unnatural ( magickaly induced )conditions, added to baths, or used as house sprinkle ( white walls might get stained though ). If the dwelling was heavily afflicted with bad energy, harmful magick or hauntings , some of that water would be poured in a vessel ( let’s say a bottle , I myself use few teaspoons of Onion water on 1/2l bottle ) and 3 pinches of salt, sugar and garlic ( preferably powdered or finely chopped of grinded ) were added to it, over that tap water was poured to fill the vessel, and the resulting potion was used to kill the power of evil conjuration targeting that particular house /dwelling/room. Such “spiced” onion water was considered to be among the best “cures” for Haunted and demonically y or poltergeist infected houses.


"Triple power" Basil

The following custom is most likely to be originating from Greek Orthodox church. Basil is believed ( by Orthodox Christians ) to be a Holly plant, that grows in paradise along with Roses in astonishing amount. It’s also a sacred plant to Virgin Mary, and by one of ( many ) myths associated with it, started to grow on Virgin Mary’s grave. Be it how it was, on 28th of August, Basil is taken ( potted or in sprigs ) to Churches, which are are decorated with it, but folk will have some to hold in hand during the service , and to take home with them afterwards. The priest will bless all the Basil plants present in the church during the service, meaning, ones used for decoration and those that faithful people brought with them. Such ( blessed ) Basil was/ is believed to have apotropaic powers, that could ward of or destroy even the most powerful malignant forces, and strengthen highly any love or prosperity spells, charms or incantations. Some people place it in small red pouches and carry on themselves or hung in and about the house for ongoing protection. If potted it may be kept in pot in room, to secure no evil may remain place hollowed by plants presence.

Prayer candle

A large beeswax candle can be afixed to the bottom of some fireproof vessel, then the spring water is poured inside, Basil leafs crumbled, St John wort as well and finally, Lilly flower is added. Then one prayes for Blessings, protection and fortune. Prayers or hymns to Mother Mary can be used too, such as

"It is truly meet and right to bless you, O Theotokos,
Ever blessed and most pure, and the Mother of our God.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim,
Without defilement you gave birth to God the Word.
True Theotokos, we magnify you!" [1]

Then the candle is left to burn itself out, and the water used to sprinkle house and to wash people, and the remaining wax and plants are left somwhere in Your own yard.


NOTES: This article was written and composed by myself, based on folklore and beliefs of people where I live , and with some help of Anthropologic literature available to me ( authors such as Dr Kazimirovic, Jasna Jojic Pavlovski , local authors highly respected ) among which „Kalendar za srećne dane – verovanja i obi-čaji evropskih naroda" by mentioned Jasna Jojic Pavlovski, which was the source for Onion water information and custom of Midnight and Noon prayers information. Otherwise text was composed by myself, and reflects my own experiences and ways I was taught by cunning folk I've been fortunate to speak to ( or rather interview them lol ) or is result of my own insight and inspiration. Therefore should You desire to use any part of this text elsewhere, feel free but do give credits ; Shadow-333@hotail.com or direct link to this post.
[1] The Hymn and the image are from http://orthodoxwiki.org/Theotokos , with no ill will used, presented here for educational purposes.

Many Blessings, Shadow

Mars and warrior spirit magick

Some people are born warriors, be them physically, or mentally strong. Some rely on their leadership qualities and/or their power of persuasion. Others chose to be pacifists and go through life following that maxima how nice ( magickal ) word opens the iron doors. No mental ( physical even less ) profile of human being is perfect, and will not guarantee victory over other , as such. Yet we are faced with so many enemies, drawn willingly or unwillingly into so many fights, verbal, physical, magickal etc. Where does it all ends, if it ends at all ? Both Charles Darwin and Sigmund Freud ( with smaller differences ) claimed humans are by nature selfish and lead by self-preservation instinct before all. Freud called that “idd” . Oddly enough, in the age when human mind is supposed to had already evolved above profanity of animal behavior, we find ourselves growling on each other, threatening with “fangs” and claiming absolute possession over partners, or territory. The fact that our behavior is “wrapped in pink wrap with pretty ribbons” does not make it any less animalistic. Because of all that, those of more kind nature, those lunatics, leanin g towards servility,  might find themselves faced to  the roar of some large gnarly beasty human, and forced into “survival of the strongest” cliché.
This is why ( where, when, read as You like lol ) magick designed to empower oneself, boost our courage, physical strength or stamina, defeat opponents, is needed and very much alive even nowadays. Liked it we or not, world is a jungle, and in jungle strength is an imperative. When faced to any type of battle/s, or frightening mission with uncertain outcome, Mars magick can come quite handy indeed. Drawings depicting hunt, dating to prehistoric times and stone age, are perhaps the very simple examples of sympathetic, warrior type magick. Before actually hunting down an animal, cave man would “conjure” the event on the walls using charcoal or whatever worked as a fine drawing tool at that point. But instead of further pseudo-phylospohic rambling of mine, let’s rather “get down on the business” as people from States would say 

Magick of empowerment and correspondences

Warrior magick , as I coved the name ( yeah, not that good at name coving :/ lol ) is not the same as battle, war magick or offensive magick. It’s the magick of self empowerment and increasing our chances to win.
Corresponding element would be fire ( action, power among other attributes ), corresponding planet Mars, corresponding day Tueseday , noon as the time of day is most preferable for such operations,  or during hours of Mars, while colors include red and purple, and symbols anything from swords to pentacles of King Solomon.
The symbol from the above pictur e is brilliant for such Mars/empowerment type of magick and can be inscribed to candles  or used as a part of talisman

Additionally Saturn correspodneces can be used, particularly if we are to deal with offensive magick, or unjust and cruel opponent .

Fiery warrior spell

This spell should be used when we want to attain fiery, and strong qualities, prior to some important battle, confrontation and alike. Should it be a debate or rhetorical type of “battle” rather try some Mercury spell. I wrote this spell, as typical fire spell, hence the effect is like the spell, powerful, abrupt and temporary

You will need

• The fourth pentacle of Mars drawn on piece of brown paper, If possible in  Dragon's blood ink
• Some Borage
• Red Onion peals
• Ginger rhizome,  small piece of
• Few cloves
• Pinch of black pepper
• Your own personal concern ( a single hair will do )
• Red candle with inscribed with appropriate symbol/s
• Fireproof dish, and some ignitable spirit ( cologne for example )
Best if all the herbs are very dry, and the best time to start the spell is Midday or in the hour of the Mars. Light the candle, and place the dish with charcoal ( larger censer could do ) in front of it. Now place the personal concern of Yours ( or party’s You are performing spell for ) on a paper with Pentacle drawn on it, add herbs, as much as You see fit, and then wrap it all in small package ( a sachet maybe ), folding towards oneself f as You do. Pour the ignitable spirit into dish, and then set the sachet alight, release it into the dish , and say the words :

“This timid soul craves for courage and strength,
To carry the sword of any length
Spirits of Mars, aid and ignite this charm,
Inflame my/this spirit for one day time
Turn me/him/her/them into fiery knight
Until once again, morn/day defeats the night !”

Sprinkle some of the resulting liquid or ash, on the sole of Your shoes.

Warrior’s mojo bag

In New Orleans Voodoo Hoodoo, for empowering and giving power to fight off enemies, especially to meek and timid, Papa Gator gris gris, is suggested as suitable charm. I can only assume the ingredients of such gris gris, and I think it’s safe to assume it contains alligator’s teeth among other .
In terms of Hoodoo You can compose a brilliant mojo combining some ( or all ) of the following:
• Masterwort
• Master of the Woods
• Dev*l’s shoestring
• High John TC root
• Sampson snake root
• Bay laurel leaf/s

In purple or red mojo bag. A small sword charm could be added as well. Feed with spirit ( whiskey ) that had Red hot chili peppers dipped in, or perhaps some suitable oil, such as “I can You can’t” , “High John TC oil” , “Victory oil” etc.

If You’d like to make, more of a charm bag type of “mojo” , combine any of the following into red pouch bag : High John TC root, Master of the woods, Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger, Black pepper, Sampson snake Black cohosh, Thyme, Borage, Red Onion, Iron nail, Garnet, Ruby, Aventurine, Carneol, Sun stone, Mars symbols, Dragon blood resin, Sword charms etc., and of course carry on Your behalf, for steady and graduate effect .

Warriors ointment

I wrote this formula based on Indian herbal lore, for if anyone knows their warrior magick, native American Indians do

• Ointment base ( shortening, Vaseline, equal mixture of oil and wax warmed in double boiler, scentless ointment or crème etc )
• Dev*l shoestrings ( oil infusion or powdered roots )
• Bay Laurel
• Sampson snake root ( powdered, or even tincture should do in a pinch )

Combine to make ointment, used to give one better strength, stamina and empower muscles. Use to anoint  oneself , very good for sport competitions.

Potions and magickal elixirs of bravery and strength

Be them ingestible or baths and sprinkles, potions for courage and strength, can be very diverse. They can be used to ,  almost instantly , energize, and for such You may combine equal parts of ginger rhizome infusion with orange juice and solar honey.
Or they can be used to give courage to meek, and ward off that paralyzing fear. Simple Borage infused in red wine will do that. Or tea made of pinch of Black cohosh and some Thyme, and spring water.
Velerie Worth suggests combining apple cider with cloves, and cinnamon as a potion to make someone “strong as steal”, enchanting the potion by means of a very cunning rhyme, in one of her brilliant books [1]
Catch some of the waterfall  wate r ( or substitute with spring water ) and pour in a vessel that you will place  on  the “Helm of Awe” bindrune, exposed to rays of rising Sun . Simply sprinkle Yourself, or/and drink small amount to be “invincible” in battle [2]
A nice bath made with Master of the Woods, should enable one mastery over adverse conditions.
A simple "Four thieves vinegar" as salad dressing, when used with intention of course will empower and ward of malice at same time. Same can be achieved by disolving a spoon of it in a glass of water to drink.


NOTES : This article and spells and formulas given here, were written by myself, which means, if You'd like to use it elswhere, feel free, but add credit/s Shadow of Shadows magick place, or Shadow-333@hotmail.com or provide a link fof this post.
CREDITS : [1] Valerie Worth's "Book of Words" , for complete formula
[2] Helm of Awe can be found in bindrunes section of www.sunnyway.com/runes

Hope You find this helpful, to go and kick some ...well something lol :)
Many Blessings, Shadow :)

St. Cosmas and Damian

PLEASE NOTE First of all, this article deals with the practical spiritual work with Saints that are not normally petitioned in Hoodoo tradition, meaning; Hoodoo as a system of magick, seems to have , what may be seen as a  “list of Saints” that are used in magickal work, and technically speaking, working with any other Saint  is unofficial. I’d love to “beg the difference”, but I’d rather just suggest that If You see some Saint as familiar, close to You, or potentially kind(red)  and “cooperative”, You should include it in your own, personal devotions and practice. Besides, if enough Hoodoo people would do the  same, would that not make Saint a part of “official Hoodoo pantheon” ? The terms that are between quotation marks, are written so, as  I do not want do mislead anyone, deviating from official practice as some might see that .


St Cosmas and Damian Icon

But should You ask a Santerian, or Obeah practitioner they might tell You they work with Saints which You will not find on “Hoodoo lists”[1] but they might ( and usually will ) call it Hoodoo. This is a large, and debatable issue, but I  just had to mention it here, because otherwise, some self proclaimed know-it-alls, might call me out, and become offensive.

St Cosmas ( or Kosmas as otherwise spelled ) and Damian ( or Damianos ) are Christian martyrs and Saints, also Faith healers that healed many people, of/from various medical and mental conditions.
They are venerated by both those of Catholic and Orthodox Christian faith denomination. And for a good reason too. Their martyrdom had been epic and utmost commendable, as well as was their life and work.
They were raised and lived in Rome ( according to most accepted / acknowledged version ) in the III century.

Cosmas and Damian were brothers, miracle-workers, who were according to the Christian folk able to heal any condition, most often by laying hands over the patients, curing them almost instantaneously. One of their most miraculous achievements was the transplantation of the leg of recently deceased Ethiopian to an patient with ulcerous leg. This very “operation” is a theme of many medieval ( and latter ) paintings and works of art. Perhaps the most famous depiction is from 16th century, though by an unknown author. They are often depicted ( in artwork ) as being helped by Angels in their work, likewise is the case with the mentioned artwork.

     Orthodox iconographers often depict brothers standing one besides another, with Damian often on the right, shown much younger than Cosmas. They are depicted holding
medicine bottles, medicine boxes and spoons for dosing cures. They often hold plants too, one specie in particular.

     Among the Eastern Orthodox folk and Mediterranean people, they enjoy great, almost cult like respect, but more profound and sincere. They are somewhat of  “folk Saints” If they can fit the category, being that Church did acknowledge them as Saints, and  canonized them in first place. Christian people pass on tales of their wisdom, kindness and miracles.

     They were said to have known the most guarded secrets of herbal medicine and faith healing as well as that they were often helped and guided by Angels. People often address to them as “silverless” as they refused to take money for healing, instead they just asked people to believe in Christ the Lord, and according to some myths even the certain emperor himself was cured by them and consequently, acknowledged Christian G’d and Christ his son as his own Lord.

     They died as martyrs. In one version the very teacher of theirs, a pagan physician killed them, by cunningly assuring them he needed their help with herb collecting. After leading them to a certain hill, he stoned them. In another version they were arrested by the order of Perfect , crucified, stoned and tortured, hit with arrows, all in attempt to make them refuse their faith. As splendidly devoted Christians, they firmly declined, stating how their only G’d was not made, but instead he is a Creator, unlike artworks ( sculptures ) Romans worshiped , and were finally decapitated.

     It appears to be most likely that they suffered martyrdom in Syria during the Roman persecution of Diocletian, around 303, meaning the second version.

     They are considered Patron Saints of surgeons, as well as protectors of children in Brasil, where on the 27th of September ( their feast day in Catholics ) children are given candy bags with effigies printed on them. In Orthodox Christian tradition they are considered patron saints of doctors, healers and medicine-men. Folk in Balkan peninsula often refer to them as “Sveti vrachi” ( literally translates to "Holly medicine man", or "Holly witch-doctors" ) . They could be petitioned for healing, protection from evil spirits ( one legend speaks of them defending some poor men from such ), curing unnatural illnesses,  and  expelling  the "live things in You" , as they have saved a men's life to whom snaked had sneaked inside, as he has been sleeping with his mouth open, driving the snake out.

Plants associated with Silverless

     European myths associate three plants with these Saints. According to legends of Eastern European, Italians, and folks of Mediterranean, the Saints particularly praised and used three plants, most of all Sanicule ( Sanicula  europaea ) which they are sometimes depicted holding. Other two plants associated with them are Allheal ( Prunella vulgaris ) and Wood Betony ( Stachys officinalis , syn, Stachys betonica ). Common folk had no precise botany knowledge, yet identified these three plants , as those Saints praised in legends , passed often orally from ancestors to Young people, Incidentally or not Sanicule, is famed in old European tales of magickal herbs and folk fairytales. Like the one about the girl, who goes in woods searching for  the cure for her sick mother, finds a tortoise , and saves her life ( tortoise was on the ground, overturned, laying helplessly on her armor ) , and after falling asleep from fatigue dreams of the amazing mystical plant that is a “cure-all” and can easily heal  even the deadliest diseases. The girl searches the woods yet is unable to fin the plant and eventually the tortoise she previously saved appears holding the plant in her mouths. The girl take s  the plant with her, makes an infusion from it and some Nettles and saves her mother's life, for she was dying.


     The colors that would be associated with them, are usually pale green and pale celestial sky-blue. So I can assume that candles of such colors would be correspondent to them.

     And here is a soothing prayer, as used in Catholic Christian practice, to ask for their intercession, in healing an illness or to help being successful in any endeavor, or deliverance from evil ( according to Orthodox Christian writings, they preformed Miracles even after death, and they have also saved certain man from evil spirit, so they can be petitioned for such problems as well ) :

Oh glorious martyrs of Christ,
Saints Cosmas and Damian,
you gave your lives for the love of God,
benefiting your fellow man,
and crowning your martyrdom with an open and loyal profession of your faith.
You taught us to love God above all things,
and to love our fellow man as ourselves,
professing always,
and without fear,
the religion of Jesus.

Augmenting amongst the faithful populace many miracles,
you are glorious indeed.
Through your intercession,
which brings about deliverance of these miracles,
we pray to you for your aid in all things.
May your patronage never be far from us in the illness of our body and soul.

Oh great protectors,
Saints Cosmas & Damian,
assist us with your love and free us from all evils.

Amen. [2]

Giving thanks

Simply express Your gratitude and fiath to Lord, as You give donation to the Churh, maybe a church built in their name, or before their icon in the church.

NOTES: This article was composed by myself , and correspondences mentioned ( herbs, colors, giving thanks ) are suggested by myself, meaning being my personal idea based on research of the Saint’s life and folklore associated with them. Therfore should You desire to use any part of this post elsewhere feel free, but do give credits Shadow of Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post, and If You wish to use it in non-digital ( outside online space ) media like magazine or book, contact me via given e-mail address for approval before You do.
CREDITS: [1] One of such “Hoodoo lists” can be found here http://www.luckymojo.com/patronsaints.html
[2] This prayer is from http://www.catholicdoors.com/prayers/english3/p02159.htm , without any ill will, for educational purposes only
The first image is Orthodox Christian iconography, and is from www.wikipedia.com edited by me, for posting here, all rights to whom due. The second is botanical illustration of Sanicule and same saidth for the first image goes here as well.

If You wish, You can comment on wether or not should Hoodoo Saint's list be expanded
Hope this was informative many Blessings , Shadow

Conjure the beautiful You



showing section ( head )from "Birth of Venus "
by Botticelli, Venus with impeculate tan,
 amazing face features and golden radiant hair

shows part of ceiling art from
 Sistine's chapeln by great master
Michelangelo, showing beautiful naked Young man,
with a haircut that set's him before his time,
 regarding hair styling I'd say lol

These two images are example of depiction of  idealized Beauty in art(work)
Many other examples of beauty, made eternal in arts ( some slightly too explicite to be hosted here ) include Goya's "La Maya nuda " and "La Maja vestida " , than perhaps Gustave Corbert's "Sleep" , the famous "Discobolus" even "Death of San Sebastian" or perhaps some of many depiction of tahitian ( women ) by Paul Gaugain

A neglected topic in occultism, even in the modern practical magick , is beauty magick. Internet provides little, and honestly, most of that “little” is either junk or some bad glamour. And host of popular eye-changing spells, and most of them are but poor attempt to mimic glamour spell from certain witchcraft movie, with which most of us are quite familiar with . Now, while beauty spells and glamour are naturally connected and often intertwine, the clear difference exists. Glamour is magickal ( not magical ea scene magic ) illusionism, and encompasses all magickal acts ( spells, rituals, incantations etc . ) designed to make something appear different, invisible or otherwise altered, be it living being or object, or even just space. More often than not,  glamour spells are of very short “life span” . Therefore, it’s a very wide category, with beauty spells, of some kind, as one of it’s subcategories.An  actual beauty spell is designed to create a real, if needed be, physical, toften permanent,  change of human appearance, and is strictly targeted and very practical. Old ( or to say ancient ) wizards, despite having the most powerful charms and spells for beauty ( at least that is what occult community generality believes, and  what many esotery expert s agree ) would find such spells reserved “just for clients”, those vain and of profane ( not to use shallow ) mind.

Well, let me say that they would not think so If they lived in today’s world. Today, everything revolves around beautiful people, and anything less than near perfection ( in terms of morphologic beauty concept ) is ugly, and consequently, discarded due to being unworthy. Many might argue this statement, but let’s be honest and practical, beautiful people do not need particular effort to find or maintain some good  job, heck, they might hardly even need degree.
The SAD TRUTH is that we live in community that is decadent in virtues and has a tendency in progressive downfall in same. Meaning , If You are spiritually and mentally aware enough to see behind physical appearance, most of other people , and “accidentally” those who’s opinion maters, are not.
Well not to ramble any longer on that, those are some reasons that inspired me to write this article, as I consider the topic needs some refreshing information, from eclectic perspective. Besides I did , as I am sure I’ve mentioned before, indented this blog to deal with practical information ;)

Hoodoo and Conjure

It’s only expected that Hoodoo does not pack that much of a punch in beauty spells, knowing it’s historical background. Seduction and love attraction, money-love attraction and love dominations, seem to have been  more important and practical for slave people, who had more practical needs than modeling :D Nevertheless Hoddoo still provides some immensely powerful procedures to help increase the physical beauty and show the hidden, inner beauty, that mysterious glamour that makes people liked and pretty even if their facial or other antropo-morphological measurements do not follow beauty “codex” of measurements.

So we have brands such as “Seduction”, “Look me over” , “Glamour” etc. Herbs used in Hoodoo to “become” beautiful include ( but most likely are not limited on )
- Rosemary , often soaked in water and then used to wash the face, to make one more beautiful [1]
- Lemon balm , to cut ties with all the bad and provide Youthful, healthy and fresh look, especially when, worn out or stressed out look appears . Mostly used in form of bath ( body wash ) or infusion
- Solomon’s seal root – for beauty and wisdom of King Solomon , carried as charm, in conjure bags or used in incenses and baths
- Goldenseal root threads - used by those that seek physical beauty and pretty appeararance
- St John TC root – for masculine beauty
- Angelica root and Orris root – for feminine or sage-like beauty
- Rose – Red and pink are usually used by female, while white and yellow inspire , that look, of nice, slightly smug, appealing gentleman
Additional, and useful botanicals may include neroli essential oil or Bergamot essential oil, or Jasmine and/or Vanilla if female ( to “sweeten up” the looks )

Hoodoo beauty jar spell

Write the attributes You wish to draw, or changes You wish to make, or simply “beauty” , “good looks”, whatever inspires sense of good looking and appealing appearance to You, and place it inside a jar, place a fed lodestone on it, then add pinch of brown sugar, some Rose hips, few branches of Rosemary, small piece of Solomon’s seal root, pinch of Goldenseal root threads, and cover with lid. You may wish to add some personal concern of Your , such as hair or nail clippings . Atop the jar, place a purple candle that is scented with Bergamot and Lavender essential oil ( diluted in base oil ) or some Florida water. Light the candle, and say something along the lines ( I composed this simple prayer,
You can use Your own words of power ) :

“Lord , we ask You humbly, bless us with beauty as outwards so inwards. Let our heart be pure and pretty to You, and let our appearances be pretty to other human. Make us as trees planted near streams, those that do not wither . And like the lilies of the field, may the beauty of the righteous always grow Lord, so that when those that judge us by physical , look at us, see the Glory of Your Creations, in our hearts and in sight of us. And to us give heart free of vain, one that radiate beauty from within, and we’ll always praise You, Oh Lord !”
Then this Psalm139th line 14th
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well !

Conjure bag for beauty

In a pretty,  purple, or white mojo bag add the following ingredients :
• Solomon’s seal root piece
• Goldenseal root threads
• Rosemary branch
• Tumbled Quartz or a piece of Petrified wood, or piece of Snake skin sheds ( either of three )
• And First pentacle of Mercury


Dress with some Florida water, or Orange hydrosol, or few drops of “Look me over” or “Glamour oil” or “Enchantment oil”, blow three times on mojo, close I, bless , and carry on Your behalf, whenever You wish to look good.
Female practitioners might add Erzule Freda’s Veve too, and Amber makes a good addition for males and females on this mojo.

Doll baby spell for beauty

With the bare mention of doll babie and/or poppet, most people will get associations of Voodoo, but this particular spell I wrote, is however, quite undefined in terms of tradition, and might be seen as simple folk witchcraft spell, and obviously could be adopted and used by Voodooists as well
Under a New Moon create the doll or poppet, out of some sweet cookie like dough, and to the batch add Rosemary and Rose petals . Scent it with few drops of Lemon balm tincture,  or use Lemon balm tea instead of the water   in/for  the batch. When the batch is ready, light a white, orange and purple candle and place the dough between them. Then shape the poppet, picturing Yourself pretty and beautiful. Bless the poppet and sprinkle it with some Florida water. Let the candles extinguish themselves out.
Place it at a bottom of plant pot, or in a hole You’ve dug up in Your garden ( or in some forest , bellow some nice long-lasting tree ) . Plant some nice, pretty looking plant over it, and as You are buring it say :

The cookie may turn to dust,
The dolly may wither,
But my beauty will last,
And with Moon shall grow better
Nature spirits hear my plea, as I wish
So mote it be !

If You can, for each day until the Full Moon water the plant, under that poppet is planted.

There, those were some spells as I  wrote/composed  them, and as You can probably notice, my love towards   folk magick is prevalent in those. Here is another spell, indented to be used by European witches and perhaps Wicca as well , and a few nice formulas

Witchcraft spell for beauty

On a night of Full Moon, place a bowl of spring water on Your altar, between two green tapper candles .If possible, set it so it reflects Moon on the sky. Now place some Maidenhair fern, Rosemary , Rose petals, Lemon balm and a Green opal stone in the bowl with water. Light the candles , and stir the water with Your fingers, few times chanting :

Blessed may this essence be, Precious beauty bring to me, Moonlight and spirits converse together, make my face and figure prettier !

Then let it stay awhile while You think about beauty and how You wish to look, while watching Your reflection in the water. Finally , wash Your face and sprinkle You body thrice with the water saying :

Pulchritudo capiam , et pulcher ( man ) / pulchra ( women ) fiam ! 3x

Use the remaining water in bath, or pour in Your Yard, and save opal to keep it as beauty charm.
Other stones that are reputed to bring beauty to the wearer include : Cat’s eye, Amber, Jasper, Opal, Orange Zircone [2] and Jade and Clear and Rainbow Quartz.

Winter Queen water :)

This fairly simple formula evokes old fairy- tale scents of cinnamon and apple cakes, nearside fireplace with snowing out, at winter don’t You think ? And is fairly simple , all You need is :
• Melted first snow, or first icicle
• Holly leaves
Make it into infusion and use to wash face for beautiful tan, and enticing , charming appearance, pale and mysterious [3]

Hungary water

It’s an old European cologne like recipe, form late 13th early 14th century, allegedly given to Hungary queen by certain Monk or according to some sources Alchemist. Either way, it’s used to restore and retain beauty and youthfulness , and as the legend says Queen Isabella or Saint Elisbateh of Hungary ( different source attribute it to different queen ) thanks to the water looked as If she was 30, when she was 70
The recipes are as debatable and mysterious as the history of the very cologne, but the oldest surviving recipes claimed how certain fresh herbs and spicesw should be soaked in brandy, or in vinegar/ Herbs that appear in most recipes I’ve been able to find are:
• Rosemary
• Lemon Balm
• Thyme
• Lavender
• Mint
• Sage
• Lemon
• Orange flowers
• Basil and
• Marjoram
So experiment  You could of course use essential oils in ethanol ( 70% ) and distilled water ( 30% )

Finally, let’s mention a few tricks that are originated from Balkan penniuslla folk magick, simple but very effective

Face of sparks and hair of Sun

In Balkan cunning folk advise Young female to wash their face with water in which they have boiled Nettle , collected when the Sun is rising, in the dawning of the new day, as it will make their face appear bright, and “sparkling” so to enchant men and wards off any unwanted competition. Thought the infusion must be enchanted, with the cunning rime

I washed my face with Stinging nettle
Other’s beauty compared to mine will be fable !

Young lads that collect the Nettle in same manner, will make a ring or a loop out of it, and place it in their right pocket to induce desire in girl/s

An old cunning women once taught me that to make one’s hair and face shine like “from the other world” , one must make infusion of onions peels and wash their head with it. It’s supposed to draw the inner beauty of the spirit out, and “make the soul’s crown shins brighter” , as the old women told me. Now I must comment, that this is very surprising, that she would say that, as old Balkan folk in rural place, though keepers of many old secrets, were not familiar with chakras, and this infusion could technically “boost” crown chakra’s work.
I’d say ( additionally ) why not combine the two tricks :D
There are specific times of year when Balkan folk would perform rituals to ensure beauty. Despite not having Solomonic day/hour – planetary correspondences, time in magick, certain days or Moon phase in particular have essential role in many magick spells of Balkan folk witchcraft. To illustrate this here is a quote from text I am working on :

On the religious ( Christian ) holiday of Palm Sunday ( that falls on Sunday before Easter according to Orthodox Gregorian calendar ) , or better yet in even ( as night ) before it, water is collected in larger container ( any, even tap water will do just fine ) and placed outside, preferably under a flowering tree. Flowers of Lilac, Roses, and Fruit blossoms ( often used Cherry, Orange, Plum or Peach blossom but it does not really matters which blossom , of which tree/fruit ) along with Rosemary twigs and Lemon balm , are placed in this water , freshly plucked, to represent health and beauty. They are left outside over night, and In the morning, as the Sun rises the container is taken into house ( meaning on the morning of the Palm Sunday ) and all house members, that would like, wash their face and sprinkle their body with this water, making sign of Cross and saying : “In the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit” , and leaving the water to air dry. This is said to ensure beauty and to make ageing insignificant and almost unnoticeable if preformed regularly each year. For children, which are highly suggested to take participation in this ritual, it ensures growing into beautiful and healthy Young man and women.

NOTES: This article was written and composed by me, and I have written all the formulas except the Winter Queen water ( check credits bellow ), therefore If You wish to use it elsewhere, You must provide credits Shadow of Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post
CREDITS : [1] Suggested to be used in such manner by Catherine Yronwode in her book “Hoodoo herb and root magick” [2] Five crystals, first five mentioned are suggestions by Cunningham, Scoot from his “Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem and Metal magick” [3] recipe for Winter or Snow Queen water can be found in Judika Illes’s “Encyclopedia of 5000 spells” in original form, as it was edited by me in this post , and ALL CREDITS TO THE AUTHOR, I posted it here with no ill will, as a sample, for educational and review/discussion purposes , then, image first, and second show idealized examples of beauty in art, the two here being sections of “Birth of Venus” by Renaissance master Boticelli, here showing head of Venus and Naked man from Sixtine chapel’s ceiling showing naked man, of course by Michelangelo, picture three shows botanical illustration of goldenseal root and it was in public domain, I edited it for posting here , The first two images came from www.wikipedia.com and are used here merely for illustrative and explanatory purposes, without ill will or any bad intentions

Hope You find this interesting, but before all helpful as that's the reason I wrote the article in firstplace
Lots of love and light, Be Blessed, Shadow

Reicpes and Formulas : Infusions and philtre type potions

While I was “digging” through my personal library the other night, a book that I have rarely had chance to read, hit me in the head. Well, to be honest quite a few felt on me, but this one seemed to have targeted the head lol

It was a print of a rare magickal text called “Ars Philtron” by amazing, intelligent and very interesting occultist Dr Schulke. After skimming briefly, I felt the need to write down few outburst ideas about recipes for potions, in form of infusions or as “old mages” called them philtre. Now this is a misnomer really , as philtre as a term for potion became popular in middle ages, when the two most common type of potions vere death and love potions/waters , that were most often nothing more than aphrodisiac drinks and poisons, though made in a manner that would confuse even the modern day organic chemist, or pharmacist. Nevertheless, their effect was astonishing and was considered act of magick.

Still the name evokes nice ancient/old/vintage or even gothic magick - style sceneries in mind, hence is often used in occult community. Anyhow, it has been awhile, since I have shared some recipes, raw , without any particular topic assigned to them ( recipes and formulas label section ) so I decided to share these :

Sanctuary potion

This potion is meant to be used indoors, or to be more precise in Your home, or dwellings or even just Your room. Formula is indented for that “special” place of Yours, should it, at certain point, become disturbed by vicious spirits, be them mere ghosts or even demons, or bad energies and vibrations. So the formula will restore the sanctity and peace of the place by driving everything that is bad out and invoking luck ( hence the White Heather and Rosemary ) and good energies to take its place.

· St John’s wort, best If plucked on a sunny midday

· Rosemary branches, very small three of those

· Cayenne pepper, one whole, to move out, send away evil

· Basil, a nice sprig

· White heather ( Calluna vulgaris, Erica arborea )

· Blessed salt in a small pinch

· Sprig water or blessed tap water as a base

· OPTIONAL : Spoon of Holly water into colleen ,strained potion

Keep water in vessel until it nearly boils, then add herb by herb, preferably whispering to each ingredient what You want it to do, and praising it’s G’d given powers. Bring it to boil and stir steadily for seven or thirteen heartbeats. Then remove from heat, and dye the potion with some blue dye, be it laundry blue, indigo or common blue food dye. Cover and let it sit from 30mins, if You are in a hurry , or best for 3 hours. Strain, and If You have add a spoon of Holy water, Water of Notre damme, Marie Leveaux peace water or Sun infused water even. Stir once again, bless, bottle and it’s ready to use.

Such potion is brilliant to be used as floorwash, or If You find Your “sacred place” suddenly and heavily disturbed and You feel that You have to act instantaneously, pour it in small, fragile bottles ( 20-30ml,very thin glass ) and toss them on the floor of the affected place, shouting some exorcism incantation, prayer or alike words of power ( for example latin phrase: Extra domus ! which translates to Out of home ! ), after which You are normally to clean the floor, and place remainings somewhere in Your own yard, or on a bottom of a plant pot.

Regarding the quantities, I myself am not a strict follower of quantities, in magickal herbalism, as it’s not apothecary, as long as You use herbs safe to ingest or use externally. And if You use toxic plants, hallucinogens and /or irritants, You’d better know Your pharmacopeia material, otherwise go learn and then come back and dabble with physiologically ( or better said biochemically ) dangerous plants .

Aquaeum Mantia

This formula comes from an enticing and original magickal text called “Ars Philtron” by Dr. Shulke , who is a member of Cultus sabatti. Among other, many of his formulas give a way scent of old, arhaic and slightly gothic formulas, focusing on green gnosis, power of minerals, magnetized and infused waters as well as bodily fluids. Concoctions of a true magickal value, as presented in old Grimoires such as texts of Paracelsus, or Clavicula solomonis, which with no difficulty suggested using of all sort of materials besides botanicals, many of which toaday would be probably be illegal to attain and use J

The formula I chose to host and present here ( for educative and purposes of discussion and review only ) is all herbs J a nice, common, yet powerful infusion, drunk prior mantic work or divinations and scrying or even visions and dreams inducing. The author suggests combining:

· Petals of red rose, fresh and slightly bruised , 30g

· Borage fresh leaves and flowers 18g

· Chamomile 18g

· Mugwort 5 leaves

The author further suggests dipping ( infusing ) herbs ( all but rose petals ) in a liter of boiling water and covering and letting them steep for 2 hours, after which the Rose petals are added, and the infusion is left for another hour covered , then strained and drunk “on a empty stomach” prior to oracular work or divination.

To me personally seems as decent formula, based on herbs that strengthen second sight and ESP, such as Mugwort, and those that inspire, animate and uplift spirit, so it can ascend from bounding of the fable flesh ( Borage ) as well as those that illuminate ( Chamomile ) , with the traditional Clairvoynace formulas ingredients and a blessing agent in form of Rose petals.

Possible additions, for sake of “personal touch” may be in from of Lunar infused honey or a pinch of cinnamon or few Poppy petals, maybe a Yarrow flower head, but the above formula is more than sufficient and brilliant as it is, these may, as I said, be merely additions to personalize formula or improve taste.

Aquaeum Vocis Spiriti

This is my personal formula, for a quick potion that repels evil spirits, especially those that might appear at night, to torment sleepers mind and body. It can be aspersed lightly over the room or drunk to provide strength, cleanse the affected mind and ward spiritual attacks. It’s based on herbs reputed to repel evil, throughout various cultures and for centuries. Furtehrmore, some of those ingredients have a strong reputation and Mind clearing agents and magickal peace bringers, such as Basil or Mint, while Vervain is long associated with exorcism, longlivity and wisdom and allegedly ingredient of “Cedriween’s brew” , which according to lore, in just few sips may reveal all sort of magical secrets and instill vast magickal knowledge to one that drinks some

· Vervain , teaspoon

* Mint, in half a teaspoon

· Rue, in a good pinch

· Basil in a teaspoon

· 2-3dl of water, sprig or Blessed ( 7-10 fl oz’s app. )

Bring the water to boil and pour over the botanicals, then stir three times, cover and leave to sit for some good hour or more. Strain, and If sweetening, sweeten with Solar-infused honey, or Linden honey . Bless with soothing prayer or incantation, and asperse or drink prior to bedtime, or even in case of sudden awakening by some nasty spirit.

Due to containing Rue and Basil it may come handy as addition in anti evil eye baths.

NOTES: The first and the third formua/s were composed ( written ) by myself, while the second formula "Aquaeum Mantia" can be found, in original, unedited form in text "Ars Philtron" by Dr Shulke, and it was posted here for sole purposes of education and discussion of the formula , with NO ILL WILL intended, ALL CREDITS TO THE AUTHOR. If You wish to use my own formulas elswhere online , feel free but do add credits : Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post. Should You wish to use them in some printed media, send me an e-mail, so I can see if I can allow You to. The first image shows the painting "The love potion" by Evelyn Morgan and is from www.wikipedia.com, used here for ILLUSTRATIVE purposes only. The second is a photo of Calluna vulgaris, edited by myself.

Abundance of Blessings ,from Shadow to You :)