Daily Insight
Mercury the Messenger, now flying backward through the sky in its retrograde phase, joins the Sun in compassionate Pisces today. This aspect aligns our words with our intentions, giving us the gift of insightful communication. However, Pisces can be indirect, so we may take a discussion on a wild goose chase before making our point. Fortunately, the solid Taurus Moon helps us to maintain a particular direction until we reach our goal.

Glossary of Wiccan Terms: Astrology is the study of the planets and stars and how they affect life on the Earth.

Here is an herb and its magickal uses: Blowball is used for love and wishes. Carry in a red bag to grant wishes. Blow to the four directions when searching for love.

Traditions of Wicca: Black Forest Clan is Silver Ravenwolf's group and is considered Euro-Wiccan, drawing from Silver's German Heritage and Pow-Wow and training she recieved from her Old Guard Wiccan Magickal teachers. The Black Forest is not a social organization and does not charge an initiation or elevation fee. The Black Forest training program is designed specifically to train Wiccan clergy, and therefore does not train individuals new to the Craft.

People In Paganism: Laurie Cabot - Some books written by Laurie Cabot are: Official Witch of Salem, Power of the Witch, Witch in Every Women, Celebrate the Earth and Love Magick.

Here is a Goddess of the World: Erishkigal(Sumerian) - (great earth) - Queen of the Underworld; twin of Inanna, wife of Tammuz. Story similar to Isis's descent into the underworld for her husband. Her journey through the 7 levels to the underworld is re-enacted in the dance of the 7 veils and is seen again in Dante's 7 levels of Hell.

The Use of Symbology in Magick: Symbols are used heavily in magickal ritual. The "tools of the trade" - the Chalice, the Wand, the Athame and the Pentacle - each represent an idea, a force or an energy which we choose to work with internally and externally. They are the suits of the Tarot, the four elements of creation and the foundations of magick. We use the Pentagram as a symbol to focus and direct the magickal energies within another symbol, the Magick Circle, which represents a sacred place, without beginning and without end. These symbols are designed to focus the mind on ideas or energies dealing directly with the ritual being performed, or in an archetypal way, to enable the magickian to effectively use the energy and ideas of an archetypal essential in a particular working.

Learning the Tarot: The overall meaning of the Tower Card is that whereas the chance symbolized by the Death Card can be either positive or negative, the Tower Card offers no such hope. Your cherished ideals and beliefs are going to fall away, and you're going to be forced to question things you've never questioned before. It's necessary for your own growth, but be prepared for some rough times.

General Daily Insight
It's a Venus kind of day as the planet of love powers her way into feisty Aries where she is more direct about getting what she wants. During the next month, we crave immediate gratification, yet it may be wiser to wait for the best possible moment. A conflict arises as the Moon slips into sensual Taurus at 3:03 pm EST, grounding our desires and giving us much-needed common sense. Since Venus is Taurus' key planet, our senses ultimately rule the day.

Glossary of Wiccan Terms: Anglican Troy - Anglicans are members of the protestant Christian faith, while Tories are people of a right wing political persuasion in British politics, also referred to as Conservatives.

Here is an herb and its magickal uses: Blood Root is used for love, protection, and purification. Steep in red wine for a full cycle of the moon to use as a "blood offering" for spells that call for this--DO NOT DRINK THE WINE. Place in windows and doorways to keep curses and evil spirits out. A favorite root for use in voodoo to defeat hexes and spells aimed against you. Also called Red Root, Red Indian Paint, Tetterwort, Indian Paint, Red Paint Root, Red Cuccoon, and Sanguin Ariat.

Traditions of Wicca: Aquarian Tabernacle Church was an American Tradition of Wicca based on English Traditional Wicca, and focused on service to the larger Wiccan and Pagan community through open worship gatherings. ATC was founded in 1979 by Pierre "Pete Pathfinder" Davis. The church is based in index, WA. ATC provides regular, open worship circles and also sponsors several annual festivals. ATC also functions as an umbrella organization, accepting affilations by Wiccan groups wishing to become recognized, open and public Wiccan churches.

People In Paganism: Laurie Cabot - Flamboyant Dresser: Some might say that Laurie Cabot's main claim to fame is that she dresses in long, black gowns when out in public. It is a little stereotypical since few witches actually dress this way outside of ritual circles, but her look has caught the eyes of many which has led to features on many talk shows. Then she gets the chance to really explain what witchcraft is and isn't to a wide-spread audience. Whether she is harming the witchcraft movement or helping it can be debated.

Here is a Goddess of the World: Nephthys(Greek version of the Egyptian name Nebthet) - twin underground sister of Isis who helped Isis bring Osiris back to life.

The Use of Symbology In Magick: Because a symbol generally has many layers of meaning and association ranging from the general to the personal, the study of symbology can be extremely complex. Sometimes personal association and/or cultural background associations with a symbol change that symbol's cannotations for a person. One example is the Pentagram. To Pagans and Witches the Pentagram symbolizes the five elements in balance and equilibrium. To some in today's society, however, the Pentagram is a fearful symbol - denoting depravity and evil forces. Likewise the Christian cross, a symbol of divine compassion and love to the followers of that faith, can be interpreted as a symbol of persecution and intolerance to Pagans.

Learning the Tarot: The overall meaning of the Devil Card is that there is nothing wrong with enjoying material pleasures, but you can easily become enslaved to them. But that bondage is only an illusion. You can free yourself at anytime. This card is about taking control of your life and not letting your impulses control you. Vanity, ignorance, greed and addiction will keep you from achieving you objectives.

HAWTHORN TEA

Hawthorn, known in latin as Crataegus monogyna, grows in sunny, warm places. In spring, this shrub's white blossoms decorate the edges of woodlands, and in fall, its brilliant red berries are visible from some distance. Hawthorn flowers, leaves and berries have long been used to prepare medicinal teas and tinctures, and in recent years hawthorn has become popular with natural healers for treating heart ailments. Traditional doctors, too, are studying hawthorn's health benefits--it has the ability to strengthen the heart muscle, promote blood flow and lower blood pressure. In fact, hawthorn may be a source of new heart drugs. It is also good for irregular heartbeats and palpitations and may help prevent heart disease in older people. Its curative effects develop over many months. Therefore, the tea should be taken daily over a long period. Even with prolonged use, no side effects have been reported.

PREPARATION OF THE TEA: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of hawthorn flowers or leaves--or a mixture of the two. Steep the tea for 10 min.; strain. Drink 1 cup of the tea every morning and evening over many months (the onset of its action is very gradual). The berries can also be used to make the tea. However, to be as effective as the flowers or leaves, the berries must soak for about 12 hours.

THERAPEUTIC EFFECT: Hawthorn's medicinal effects come primarily from pigments known as flavonoids and from the glycoside oxyacanthine. Hawthorn is often combined with other herbs to dilate blood vessels, thereby stimulating blood pressure. The herb also increases calcium concentration in the heart muscle, which has a strengthening effect. In addition, hawthorn calms the nervous system and has antispasmodic capabilities.

PROMOTES RECOVERY FROM INFECTIOUS ILLNESSES: The heart is placed under a great deal of stress by many infectious diseases, such as influenza or strep throat. Therefore, it's good idea to drink hawthorn tea during such an illness and for several weeks thereafter. The tea helps the heart recover more quickly and protects it against damage from pathogens.

STRENGHTHENS AN AGING HEART: Hawthorn may help to counteract a number of age-related changes in the heart, including angina and heart-rhythm disorders. Taken regularly, hawthorn improves blood circulation in the coronary vessels, strengthening the heart and helping to restore a regular heartbeat.

EXTRA TIP: Hawthorn tea may help to relieve palpitations, chest pains or other heart problems that can arise during menopause. CAUTION: Do not use hawthorn if your doctor has prescribed digoxin or lanoxin.

HEALING TEA MIXTURES:

FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND ANGINA: 3/4 oz. hawthorn flowers, 3/4 oz. valerian root, 3/4 oz. lemon-balm leaves. Use 1 tsp. of the herb mixture per cup of boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for 10 min., and then strain. This tea mixture lowers blood pressure and also has a calming effect on the nerves.

FOR A WEAK HEART: 3/4 oz. hawthorn flowers, 3/4 oz. hawthorn leaves, 3/4 oz. goldenrod. Use 1-2 tsp. of the herb mixture per cup of boiling water. Steep the herbs for 10 min.; strain. This tea strenghthens the heart and helps it pump effeciently. It also has a diuretic effect that helps to counter fluid retention (edema).

FOR IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT: 3/4 oz. hawthorn flowers, 3/4 oz. hawthorn leaves, 3/4 oz. valerian root. Use 1-2 tsp. of herb mixture per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 min., and then strain. This tea regulates racing heartbeats and palpitations, particularly in people with heart-rhythm disorders. It also helps to relieve nervousness.

ADMINISTRATION:

HAWTHORN-BERRY TEA: The berries of the hawthorn plant also contain a number of active ingredients that have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. The berries are available fresh or dried at health-food stores and herbal shops. To maximize the curative potential of the berry tea, prepare it as follows: 1. To soften fresh or dried hawthorn berries, soak them at room temperature for at least 12 hr. in lukewarm water. Use 2 tsp. of berries per cup of water. 2. Strain the liquid and reserve it. The liquid will retain the berries' active ingredients. 3. Sweeten the berry liquid with honey to taste and heat to the desired temperature. Drink 2-3 cups of the tea daily.

HAWTHORN TINCTURE: It is easy to make your own heart-boosting hawthorn tincture. To prepare the tincture, you will need the following ingredients: 2/3 oz. hawthorn leaves, 2/3 oz. hawthorn flowers, 3 1/2 oz. 100-proof alcohol. Place the hawthorn leaves and flowers in a jar with the alcohol. Allow this mixture to stand for 10 days. Strain the liquid and store it in a small dropper bottle. Take 20 drops of this tincture each morning and evening.

 

Many people plant peppermint in their gardens simply to enjoy its spicy fragrance on hot summer days. If you plan to grow peppermint for other reasons, be sure to choose the variety with the greatest medicinal effect (there are more than 20 species of the herb). True peppermint, Mentha piperita, has the highest number of active agents, including the essential oil menthol, which gives the herb its healing powers. Tea preparations made from the jagged green leaves of true peppermint are highly prized for their ability to help prevent convulsions and flatulence. Peppermint tea is also a useful remedy for irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, it can alleviate the symptoms of headaches (including migraines) and stimulate liver and gallbladder functions. The fresh, spicy aroma of peppermint tea can also counteract motion sickness, and sipping a cup of the tea helps to freshen breath.

PREPARATION OF THE TEA: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tbsp. of dried peppermint leaves picked from your garden, or use a commercially available peppermint tea bag. Steep for 10 min. If desired, sweeten with honey, brown sugar or maple syrup. Drink a cup of the tea in small sips after meals, up to 3 cups per day.

THERAPEUTIC EFFECT: Menthol is the primary active ingredient in peppermint. This essential oil eases nausea, colic, diarrhea, headaches, gastritis and menstrual cramps. In addition, peppermint is rich in the enzymes peroxidase and catalase, which help strengthen the immune system. It also contains potassium, calcium and B vitamins to combat bone loss.

FOR CRAMPS AND NAUSEA: The essential oil method exerts a slight relaxing effect on the lining of the stomach and intestine, thereby relieving gastrointestinal cramping. It also stimulates digestion and helps to prevent gallstones from forming. In addition, the increased flow of bile has a positive effect on the body's general metabolism of fat.

FOR THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM: The invigorating effect of peppermint can be attributed to its wealth of B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin and folic acid. These vitamins act on the nerves and brain, helping to improve concentration and performance. Opt for fresh peppermint leaves when possible; they contain more B vitamins than dried leaves.

TAKE CARE: Peppermint tea is not recommended for people with heartburn or stomach problems due to fastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It could worsen symptoms.

HEALING TEA MIXTURES:

TO RELIEVE INTESTINAL CRAMPS: 3/4 oz. peppermint leaves, 1/2 oz. camellia leaves, 1/4 oz. gingerroot. Use 1 tsp. of the mixture per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 min., then strain. This slightly bitter but soothing, warming tea helps stimulate digestion.

TO SETTLE UPSET STOMACH: 8 oz. peppermint leaves, 8 oz. lemon-balm leaves, 8 oz. fennel seeds. Use 1 tsp. of the mixture per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 min., then strain. This combination of healing plants alleviates cramps and soothes the intestinal lining.

TO CALM THE NERVES: 1 1/2 oz. peppermint leaves, 1 1/2 oz. lemon-balm leaves. Use 1 tsp. of the mixture per cup of boiling water; steep for 10 min.; strain.

MEDICINAL USES:

FOR INTESTINAL DISTURBANCES: For prompt relief of mild stomach disorders, nausea, vomiting or flatulence, drink 1 cup of peppermint tea after meals, in small sips. WARNING: Peppermint tea should never be given to infants or small children; they may have an adverse reaction to the menthol.

AS A CALMING ADDITIVE FOR THE BATH: Peppermint tea can be added to bathwater to help you relax and to treat skin eruptions that are triggered by stress. Steep 5-6 tbsp. of peppermint leaves in 1 qt. of boiling water. Pour the tea into a tub filled with warm water (about 100 F), then soak in the bath for about 15 min.

FIRST AID FOR SORE THROATS: Because of its germicidal effect, strong peppermint tea is a good preventive remedy to use at the first sign of a sore throat. Make a fresh batch of tea, allow it to cool to lukewarm and gargle several times a day.

FOR MOTION SICKNESS: Peppermint tea is the ideal remedy for motion sickness. As a preventive, drink 1 cup of tea 3 times a day 3 days before traveling by car, plane or boat. You can also take along a thermos of warm peppermint tea to sip slowly in case you require relief during your trip.

Of the three main varieties of tea - black, green and oolong - black tea is by far the most common. Included in the black tea, or Camellia sinensis, family are orange pekoe, Darjeeling and the breakfast teas. Though all teas come from the same plant, each variety is processed differently. The tea plant is actually a tree and grows only in certain climates. The world's major tea-growing areas are in the higher elevations (up to 6,500 feet) of China, Japan, India, Sri Lanka and East Africa. After the evergreen shoots of black tea are picked, they are withered, rolled, fermented and dried. An important ingredient in black tea is caffeine. Unlike the high levels of caffeine found in coffee, however, the lower amounts in black tea promote blood flow in the brain without overstimulating the heart. Black tea allso contains abundant tannins - astringent chemicals found in many herbs that have soothing anti-inflammatory effects on the digestive tract.

PREPARATION OF THE TEA: To brew the tea, use 1 rounded tsp. of black tea per 1 cup of hot water. A muslin pouch works well for this purpose. Let the tea steep for 4-8 min. This allows enough time to release most of the soothing tannins. (If you steep the tea for a shorter period, only 2 1/2 min. or so, it will contain mainly the stimulant caffeine.) Add some lemon juice to the tea for an effective cold remedy.

THERAPEUTIC EFFECT: The medicinal action of black tea is due primarily to its tannins, which exert a soothing effect on the mind and body. The caffeine in black tea sharpens mental focus and concentration, and the trace element fluoride inhibits tooth decay.

THEOPHYLLINE HAS MANY BENEFITS: Black tea also contains very small amounts of theophylline, a gentle stimulant that can benefit the heart and central nervous system. Theophylline increases blood flow in the capillaries and helps the body maintain normal blood pressure. It can also expand the airways, making breathing easier for asthmatics.

THEANINE STIMULATES BRAIN ACTIVITY: Theanine is also found in black tea. It is closely related to the amino acid glutamate, which provides fuel for the brain and stimulates brain activity. Theanine also reduces the stimulant actions of caffeine, thereby helping to prevent such side effects as nervousness.

EXTRA TIP: Black tea tastes best brewed with soft water. True connoisseurs use non-sparkling mineral water. Very hard tap water should be boiled for at least 30 sec. before brewing to reduce any unpleasant taste.

HEALING TEA MIXTURES:

PEPPERMINT ICED TEA: 3 tsp. black tea, 3 tsp. peppermint tea, Juice of 1 lemon, sugar, ice cubes. Pour 1 qt. of boiling water over the teas. Steep for 4-8 min.; strain. Add lemon juice and sugar to taste. Pour the hot tea over ice cubes for a refreshing summer thirst-quencher.

FITNESS TEA: 4 tsp. black tea, Juice of 1 lemon, sugar, ice cubes. Pour 1 qt. of boiling water over the tea. Steep for 4-8 min.; strain. Add lemon juice and sugar to taste. Enjoy this fitness tea hot, or pour it over ice cubes. It's an invigorating pick-me-up.

TEA PUNCH: 4 tsp. black tea, 1 cup dark rum, sugar. Pour 1 qt. of boiling water over the tea. Steep for 4-8 min.; strain. Add the rum and heat gently. Add sugar to taste. Enhance the flavor by adding orange juice, cinnamon or cloves along with the rum. This tea will warm you up on cold winter days.

MEDICINAL USES:

TO RELIEVE DIARRHEA: Black tea has a therapeutic effect on gastric and intestinal illnesses because of its tannins, which decrease intestinal activity and exert an antidiarrheal effect. To get the maximum benefit for the treatment of diarrhea, let the tea steep for a full 15 min. This will release a good amount of tannins. In addition, drink the tea unsweetened.

TO SHARPEN CONCENTRATION: A person's intellectual performance normally peaks between 9:30 and 11:30 A.M. and declines at about 1:00 P.M. The mental performance of someone who drinks 3 cups of black tea a day - early in the morning, just before noon and in the afternoon - is 50 percent higher than that of someone who doesn't drink black tea.

TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL LEVELS: In addition to improving circulation, the theophylline in black tea may improve cholesterol levels. To reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, drink 2 cups of black tea every day for 3 weeks.

TO PREVENT TOOTH DECAY: Fluoride, a trace element found in black tea, strengthens tooth enamel, thereby helping to prevent tooth decay. Most people get enough flouride through their drinking water, but you can supplement your fluoride intake by drinking black tea.