The Witching Hour

by Silver RavenWolf

  How about money? Once upon a time it was barter, not money. The ancient concept of material wealth doesn’t really equate to our modern times where money is considered wealth, but money is nothing more than a concept, a construct of moving energy predicated on what you believe to be of value to you. Just so you know, there is no real gold or silver backing your money; that went away a long time ago. Now it is just paper and ink. Traditionally, the earth element was used for money, bringing things into solid form. Today, you may find your money magick works better if you concentrate on air as your element of choice vehicle instead.

  Just as we can make a universal fluid condenser to work with all elements, so, too, we can create a universal herbal mixture or powder to work in the same way. To do this, we have two choices: use two herbs of each element signature to create the compound or use two of each classical planetary signature to create the compound. The element compound will have eight ingredients. The planetary compound will have fourteen ingredients. Use the example below for the element compound or create your own. The planetary universal compound for fluid condensers is given in chapter three. It, too, can be used as an herbal powder or blend.

  Element Universal Compound

  patchouli (earth), oak bark (earth), sage (air), mistletoe (air), ginger (fire), sassafras (fire), violet (water), chamomile (water)

  I have given you the smattering of occult historical information about correspondences and elements in an effort to show you that for thousands of years religion, science, and practitioners of the occult have been trying to understand how the sea of potential works, and in this effort they have assigned various patterns and links, hoping that by doing so they could learn and utilize the secrets of the universe. Early science tells us that matter has four states: solid, fluid, gaseous, and plasma. As we have progressed through the centuries, another state was added, then substates, etc., on into quantum physics. We learned that subatomic particles also have “states,” and so on. What we have to look at today in all the vast material the ancients have left us is their logic, their jargon, and their experiments. This is not to say that what we have isn’t accurate; it is simply that each individual has to ponder their own translation and throw out the red herrings. I believe the biggest error is the idea that a process must be complicated to work or else it has no power. Too often I have seen a variety of bells and whistles in magick and ritual that don’t need to be there and actually clutter up the process rather move it swiftly forward, needlessly costing you time and money.

  If a correspondence doesn’t appeal to you, there is a reason why. Use your own logic and intuition to consider why you intrinsically feel that the traditional association would negate rather than help your work. Advances in the study of plants today give us a plethora of information on their medicinal value as well as their growth patterns, and that analysis can tell us exactly how that herb will work in association with any given occult-related practice. When in doubt, use the traditional correspondences as your foundation, then fine-tune your enchantment with additional study.

  Matching Herbs and Additives to Your Intent

  As you learn, you will discover that a high number of herbs are of the banishing variety, yet due to color or aroma also have been employed historically to draw specific energies toward you or are used to heighten your own vibrations through scent alone. Earlier, I gave you the examples of peach, where the plant can be utilized for both drawing and banishing. An aromatic example is lavender, used to eliminate stress, promote restful sleep (by banishing unwanted energies), and raise your personal spiritual awareness all at the same time due to the aroma—stemming from the peace and tranquility you may feel as a result of wafting the scent into your field of working. Lavender is an excellent herb to use at the beginning of any rite, ritual, spell, meditation, or cleansing, as it banishes negativity and heightens spiritual awareness.

  During your selection process, are there any herbs that you should not use? I’ve learned over the years not to use an herb, flower, or root that you inherently dislike; if you are making a powder for someone else, never choose an herb, root, or flower that they don’t like. For example, let’s say you are creating a healing prayer powder or herbal blend to put in a sachet for your favorite Aunt Jean, who is currently ill. She can’t stand the scent of lavender, so although it would be a right choice as far as intent, it would be an unfortunate choice for Aunt Jean. When making blends for others, listen to their aroma likes and dislikes. Not only does this show that you care, but it also indicates you have learned that the spiritual vibrations of the plant do not fit with the energy pattern of the individual.

  The deity or spirits served during the process of making a magickal powder or herbal blend are also relevant to the overall construction of the formula. For example, I have a dark goddess blend that was created specifically for the energies of Hecate, the Morrighan, Bast, Dame Holda, and other goddesses who deal with justice, magick, and protection. It is an offertory formula that can be used as a powder or herbal blend and includes strong, aromatic herbs such as patchouli, African basil, lavender, and graveyard dirt from the gates of a cemetery (where spirits of protection were petitioned).

  In Afro-Caribbean structures (Voodoo and Santería) the ingredients used are considered to be owned by the spirits and have no planetary associations at all (though again, the knowledge of the practitioner can negate this statement). The herbs are categorized as sweet or bitter, which has nothing to do with the taste but rather with the properties and characteristics of the plant. The bitter herbs are used to remove evil, negativity, bad luck, etc., where the sweet herbs bring in the money, prosperity, love, luck, health, etc. In the European mixtures and many American practices (such as Braucherei/Pow-Wow) the planetary associations of the plant replace the cultural spirits and taboos of the Afro-Caribbean counterparts. For example, in Braucherei a highly potent formula for success and prosperity involves herbs gathered and dried under the astrological sign of Leo. This magickal recipe includes all things yellow or gold or associated with those colors such as sunflower petals, marigold seeds, chamomile flowers, and dandelion root or leaves. Even banishing herbs such as rosemary, nightshade, lemongrass, and hyssop are thought to retain greater power when harvested under the sign of Leo at noon.

  The spirit of the plants and your acknowledgment of them also plays a significant role in your selection process and ultimately in the power of your powder or herbal blend. If you have grown the herbs yourself, you may already have a connection. If not, then you will need to connect with those spirits as you select, prepare, and blend your formula. Your belief in what runs the universe and how everything fits into the design of that universe affects how you perceive plant spirits. Each and every person will have a different definition from which they work. This definition is based on their experiences, knowledge, beliefs, and intent. Over the years, as I have worked with plants and become an avid gardener, I have learned that (to me) plants are light spirits. They have energy waves that we would attribute in our world to “feelings.” They do communicate. They are affected by your actions and your emotions. Scientifically, I learned that each and every plant has its own individual DNA. Every plant, then, combined with its spirit and its structure, is unique. The more you work with herbs, flowers, and resins, the more intuitive you will become in your choices for a particular powder or magickal blend.

  As a magickal rule of thumb when choosing ingredients, hold the herb in your hand (if you can) and close your eyes. Relax and let the spirit of the plant speak to you. Tell the herb of your intent and see what flows through your senses. Is the aroma heightened? Do you feel good? Do you see beautiful lights in your mind? These are all affirmative answers to the choice of that herb for your blend. If, on the other hand, you don’t feel anything or if you feel uncomfortable or see nothing in your mind, the answer is no, this is not the herb to use for your formula. You can also use a binary divination system that employs a white stone and a
black stone in a small pouch. Phrase your questions where the answers would be only yes or no. For example, you may receive a yes that the spirit of chamomile is willing to work on your intent, but when you choose to add chamomile and nettle together for your intent, your answer may be no. This is also a good way to determine if the formula you have developed is complete. Your last question can always be “Is there something missing?” If the answer is yes, let your intuition guide you on what additions may be necessary. The binary system, once you learn to trust it, can be a convenient element in other magickal operations as well. By the way, your inane desire to choose only the white stone because you know what it feels like can be negated by using two objects of the same size but different colors such as a black button and a white button.

  What if you don’t have the physical herb and are purchasing over the internet or perhaps choosing where to go to wildcraft? Use the same type of meditation by calling the name of the herb or flower aloud first several times or turn the herbal name into a three-minute mantra. You can also hold a picture of the plant in your hand as you concentrate on contacting the oversoul spirit of the plant.

  How to Spiritually Wildcraft

  The word wildcraft means to gather plants and fungi from the natural world. Wildcrafting is also a process, a spiritual blending of yourself (mind, body, and spirit) with the natural world around you. Both exciting and peaceful, there is nothing like walking into the woods and fields in search of unique ingredients for your magickal work. A whole new level of being surrounds your soul, filling you with a universal oneness that you simply can’t experience by buying herbs from a store. Walking with Mother Nature and learning about her builds a rapport between yourself and the world around you that simply can’t be purchased anywhere.

  In talking with magickal people who wildcraft, every one of them is in agreement that herbs gathered spiritually—by honoring them, talking to them, blending with them—bring about a whole new level in their spiritual growth. They find that these herbs, when used in enchanting operations, seem to carry more power because the herbs were gathered in a sincere, communicative way. Your work, then, from start to finish, is a dynamic process that vibrates better to your chosen intention. In chapter one we talked about the Spirit Walk, which lays the groundwork for spiritual wildcrafting. The more you accept the process of wildcrafting into your life, the more exciting life becomes! When you actually agree to connect with the spirit of Nature, she will step forward and speak to you to help you with your problems; you just have to be observant and welcome the information given to you.

  The process of wildcrafting is unique to you: only you know what you think and how you feel. Only you can interpret the messages you receive from the plants. It all begins with your belief, your intent, and your willingness to open the door to communication with nature. Put your logical mind in the wings of your brain and let your intuition have full throttle. Once you actually allow the communication to flow, your personal learning curve will soar.

  Safe Wildcrafting Tips

  Dress appropriately for the weather, the terrain, and the dangers of working in the wild. If the area is new to you, do a little online research of what critters you may encounter and what gear you may need to safely navigate. Always carry water. Always have gloves and use them when handling poisonous plants or plants that are unknown to you. Be sure to have an offering for the plant; some individuals use water, some use tobacco, some cornstarch. I don’t recommend fertilizer, though, as you could kill the plant.

  Research what plants are endangered in the area, and avoid harvesting those.

  Have a field guide for the safe identification of plants. This could be a trusted friend, a book, or an app on your phone. If you are unsure of what a plant is, it may be poisonous; don’t harvest it. Return home and do more research. You can always go out again. There are several apps through which you can ask an expert if you are not sure of your own identification.

  Carry storage bags with you, as well as a pen and small slips of paper or a marker to write on the bag. You may correctly identify a plant while outdoors, but if you have several different herbs by day’s end, you may not remember what you collected, particularly if you are new to the process.

  Have appropriate tools for harvesting: bolline, heavy-duty scissors, or a type of pruning tool; you know what works best for you.

  The Process of Wildcrafting

  Wildcrafting is an intuitive spiritual process. Before you leave on your outdoor venture, you may wish to do a meditation or ritual, particularly if you have an urgent need in your life. You might like to write down your intent on a piece of paper and carry that paper over your heart or place it in a special wildcrafting magickal bag you have made. When you reach the area, take the time to sit down and do your sea of potential exercise. You might like to hold your intention paper in your hand, rubbing it softly with your fingers as you do this. Allow yourself to drink in the elements around you. Whisper to nature your intent of today’s outing. Be aware of all you hear and see. The animals, birds, and insects of the area will also speak to you. Make a mental note of both the usual and the unusual; brightly colored birds or raucous, chatty birds have a message for you. A large gathering of a particular type of insect or an unusual one also has something you need to know.

  When you reach the plant you wish to harvest, honor it with a prayer. Tell the plant what you are doing and why. Ask for permission to take a portion of the plant. If you feel good, the answer is yes. If you feel frightened, have an upset stomach, or experience fatigue, that plant does not wish to share at this time. It may be ill or it may be the last one in that area. Never take the largest, most beautiful plant or flower. That is the queen of that plant in that area—the energy matrix, the focus of the pattern, the vortex of the energy. If you are interrupted in your harvesting, that is a sign that you should move on. There is work here that you are not aware of, and you may upset the balance by taking too much or the wrong thing.

  I always leave an offering of gratitude when I wildcraft plants. This is an appropriate energy exchange that will vibrate on a higher soul level; it is not in vain. Before you leave the area, ask Spirit if there is something you may have missed. Wait a few minutes, relaxing or in meditation, then leave. On your way out you may find something that Spirit wishes to ensure you receive.

  Wildcrafting in Your Own Backyard

  Pay particular attention to what is growing around the building you live in—no weed is really a weed; it is a plant with a message. If you maintain a garden, you will notice that weeds may not be the same from year to year. Weeds are messengers of Spirit. What are they trying to tell you? Research the weed; how does its purpose and growing pattern relate to your own life? Before you remove the weeds, honor them. As all plants do have a magickal function, consider drying the weeds and using them in your enchantments during the winter months, being careful not to harvest plants that would be harmful to yourself or your family. Spirit will also send you messages with the odd flower, a plant that seems to come out of nowhere, a single bloom where there never was one before, a patch of color that for years has held only ferns or moss or another completely monocolor array. I usually don’t harvest the single plants, but I do honor it and give offerings in gratitude for its message. If there are several plants, I often make a fluid condenser from what I have gathered, as the condenser will last for years and if I dried what little is there, it would not last as long.

  When an unusual plant enters your life, take the time to sit down, hold the plant in your hands (as long as you know it is safe, meaning nontoxic or not harmful to the touch; for example, you don’t want to hold pokeberry in your hands because it can cause contact dermatitis). Relax and quietly ask why it has come into your field. Feel the color, texture, and aroma of the plant within you. Try my link, sync, and sink exercise in chapter one with all plants that are new to you or when you need assistance and you believe the plant may be able to ass
ist. Don’t forget to write down your impressions so that you can refer to them later.

  Do you actually have to physically work with the herb to internalize the message? (Meaning, must you make a powder, sachet, fluid condenser, etc.?) No. Consider the experience like communing with a particular totem animal and work with the plant or herb on a spiritual level. For example, let’s say that in a given year your property seems to be overrun by poison ivy or sumac. You wouldn’t want to handle these herbs. Take the time to think about your life in correlation with the presence of these plants. What are they trying to tell you? Should you find it necessary to rid your property of that particular plant (as in the previous example), take the time to honor the message and give an offering to Mother Earth in gratitude before removing the plant. You can even tell the plant why it must seek growth elsewhere because it is a danger to your pets or family.

  Researching Plants and Herbs for Best Performance

  The third season living in our new home presented some interesting plant energy and messages for me. Due to family circumstances, ongoing projects, and the uncompromising spring weather, I did not get outside as much as I wanted to. Something always seemed to come up when I’d planned to wrangle the property into shape. As spring moved into summer, I realized that the wildness of the plant life around me was going full strength and I still seemed to be trapped inside by choice (if that makes any sense). Every time I walked outside I would cringe because my gardens and pots were growing whatever they felt like. And then the heat hit, and I knew I wasn’t going to accomplish the regular property maintenance that year. By mid-August I had made a decision. Even though everything looked like heck from the road, I would continue to let everything grow and then actually harvest what nature had decided to bring me in the early fall. I would use those plants during the winter months in my workings. This meant that rather than relying on what I would consciously plant in my gardens (because it was too late), I would rely on Mother Nature to supply what she thought I needed. I don’t think my neighbors were too happy with my bohemian decision, but I let it stand. This choice made me go outside my comfort zone and learn about plants and herbs that I had not used before or used minimally.