Gather St. John's Wort This Summer...

...For Luck and Prosperity!

St John's Wort is a well known herb with a long magical history. It grows in Europe and can now be found in the United States, often by the side of the road. The plant's yellow flowers bloom in the summer and the plant itself grows up to about 3 feet tall. For medicinal purposes prepared tinctures, teas, and suppliments of St John's Wort can be purchased or grown although for traditional magic charms the plant should be found wild. As with most Celtic herbal magic the plant is most powerful when found at a specific time, in this case on the day of a full moon, at noon in bright sun (Wilde, 1991).

Medicinally it's main use is in treating depression. St John's Wort is so effective at reducing depression that in Germany it is by far the preferred treatment (Foster & Duke, 2000). Clinical trials have supported its effectiveness, although it is only used to treat mild or moderate types of depression (Foster & Duke, 2000). Be aware though that this herb interferes with the effectiveness of birth control pills and other methods should be substituted to avoid pregnancy. St John's Wort can also be used externally to treat ulcers, sores, bruises, and cuts as well as taken in a tea for bladder problems and diarrhea (Foster & Duke, 2000). As always, before using please consult a trained herbalist.  

Magically St John's Wort is said to protect against fairy enchantments, and grant luck, prosperity, and blessing. In Irish tradition St John's Wort is one of the 7 herbs that cannot be effected by anything supernatural (Wilde, 1991). In Scottish tradition it should be gathered with the right hand, dried with the left, and kept to ensure prosperity (Carmichael, 1900).

If you are fortunate enough to come across St John's Wort growing wild this charm may be recited while it is gathered. Finding it, reciting this, and keeping the herb is believed to bring luck and prosperity.

St. John’s Wort Charm 168~

Saint John’s Wort, Saint John's Wort,

I envy whoever has you,

I will pluck you with my right hand,

I will preserve you with my left hand,

Whoever finds you in the cattle fold,

Shall never be without prosperity. (Daimler, 2010)

References:

Daimler, M., (2010). By Land, Sea, and Sky

Foster, S. and Duke, J., (2000). Eastern Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs

Wilde (1991). Irish Cures, Mystic Charms & Superstitions

Carmichael, A., (1900). Carmina Gadelica

Crystal of the Month ~ Orange Calcite

I think we all can use some extra energy right now...

...and because this crystal is so full of vitality, I felt it was the perfect time to highlight it!  

Orange Calcite is an absolute powerhouse booster that can increase ambition, drive, and motivation. It helps to give a lift to your efforts in striving and achieving what you desire. 

It’s a stone that may lift up and inspire your creativity too. This crystal improves moods and positively influences your outlook and general attitude. Orange Calcite amplifies the gifts you already possess which is great if you just need a little extra focus to keep going! 

It can increase the flow of positive energies in the body which better allows the negative energies to exit. Orange calcite rids us of any of the toxins that are present in the body and auric/light body.

This stone will assist with removing old patterns, behaviors, and ways of thinking. This allows for the flow of change to do its natural thing. It helps with the acceptance of change. (Always a good thing to have help with!)

Orange-Calcite has the potential to build up our physical, emotional, and mental balance so that we can better function at a fuller capacity.  It emanates healing energies that can repair, restore, strengthen, and protect our physical bodies.

It’s a definite go to when I’m needing a push and an amplification of motivation. I like to carry or wear a piece and give it my intention with pointed words that frame my goal. It hasn’t failed me yet! 🤩💎🧡

The Veil Between Worlds Grows Thin...

...as we near Beltane (and Samhain, depending on where you live),

Many people don’t realize that Beltane is the other time of year (Samhain is also) when the distance between our world and the ancestors and the dead grows very thin. I had posted about this on social media and was surprised at how many people didn’t know this about Beltane~ so I wanted to talk a little more about this. 

On the pagan wheel of the year, Beltane and  Samhain are directly across from each other and mark the times when the spirit world really touches ours more directly. The energies are quite different though. At Samhain it’s more reflective and heavier in how it feels. Where, at Beltane, it’s more physically charged and sort of a lighter and perhaps more playful energy/time almost~ in my opinion and experience. 

Considering this, it makes both of these sacred holidays an important time to both HONOR and work with our ANCESTORS. 

Depending on your preference, this may be fancy and full of deep and intricate rituals or something more lowkey where you meditate on this and light white candles in their honor. Food offerings are certainly always a good idea~~Particularly if you cook something that is linked to your lineage. Then you can bless it and offer a plate with love, respect, and appreciation for their lives. Because, remember, without them and their lives and experiences, we would not be here ❤️

This spirit aspect of Beltane also invites us to perform some divination for the coming months ahead.  Cleanse your space, quiet your mind, and call on your guides and ancestors for their help. Then throw some cards and ask for what insights you need to know in general and where you should focus most at this time, for your best growth along spiritual journey.  Write the answers you receive in your Book of Shadows or journal so that you can reflect back on this guidance later. Make sure to give thanks afterwards. 

Wishing you all a Blessed Beltane or Samhain!