Love Spells: Magical Properties of Rose

Roses are primarily used in Love Spells to attract love or passion. Rose petals can be used in love spell incense or you can make a magic love attracting bath. The rose is sacred to both Venus and Aphrodite

"The Rose is the flower of love. It was created by Chloris, the Greek goddess of flowers, but of a lifeless body of a nymph which she found one day in a clearing in the woods. She asked the help of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, who gave her beauty; Dionysus, the god of wine, added nectar to give her a sweet scent, and the three Graces gave her charm, brightness and joy. Then Zephyr, the West Wind, blew away the clouds so that Apollo, the sun god, could shine and make the flower bloom. And so the Rose was born and was immediately crowned Queen of the Flowers." Quoted from Pickles, Sheila. The Language of Flowers (New York: Harmony Books, 1989).

In addition to love spells, roses are also used in beauty/glamor magic, harmony & peace spells and for good luck/fortune spells. Plant roses in your garden to attract faeries, to protect the house and those that live there.

Magical Properties of Alder Trees

The Alder Tree is the third tree in the Celtic lunar year. It's name comes from the Old English ealdoer, which means "chief,"as in alderman. The tree is known for helping those who must resolve disputes see the truth from falsehood and so be able to grant justice.

The Greek word for Alder is clethera, which means "I confine" speaking to the Alders' protective qualities. It is also a tree associated with "the sight"as it is considered to posses psychic qualities. The tree is a favorite of Bran The Blessed and his raven.

Alder wood is used effectively in weather magick. Wands of Alder wood may only be gathered as fallen branches, for to cut an Alder returns all of it's power to the ground. The Alder wand may be used to summon the winds, rain and storms to nourish the land or return balance to the area. You can make a whistle of Alder to summon the four winds.

Alder wood wands also help supplement the inner strength needed to overcome adversaries when challenged and frightened. It bestows courage and represents the evolving spirit.

A Wand or Staff of Alder is for the Warrior. In the Celtic Story Cad Goddau, the Battle Of The Trees, the Alder tooks it's position on the front lines. Since it is the tree of fire, it is the hottest in a fight. The Alder is also known as the "Battle Witch" of all woods.

Photo by halifaxlight

Wolf Moon

Have you ever thought about the Wolf Moon?

January 10th is the full moon this month. As the full moon is always in the sign opposite the of the sun, the full moon is in Cancer, (while the sun is in Capricorn). So it's a great Sabbat to create ritual around hearth, home, family, and anything sensual. Cancer is also ruled by the breast, so a health ritual for anyone suffering from breast cancer would be appropriate.

It is also known as the Wolf Moon. Wolves, Jackals and Dogs have been associated with death, reincarnation, and funerary customs and often guarded the gates to the underworld. Dormarth the wolf was the Celtic guardian of Death's Door. In Ireland, two dogs guarded the gate of Death, the Moonland Emania. Since so many died in the dead of winter when survival depended on your hearth fire and your food stored from the harvest, naming this full moon the Wolf Moon makes sense.

So, honor the wolf. Howl at the moon. And give thanks for your family, home and all that you have. You have survived the winter, the days are getting longer and spring is on it's way.

Lunar Botanicals

The following is a helpful list of plants associated with the moon:
Adders Tongue, Aloe, Lemon Balm, Bladderwrack, Buchu, Cabbage, Calamus, Camelia, Camphor Resin, Chickweed, Club Moss, Coconut, Cotton, Cucumber, Dulse, Eucalyptus, Gardenia, Gourd, Grapes, Honesty, Irish Moss, Jasmine, Lemon, Lettuce, Lily, Loosestrife, Lotus, Mallow, Mesquite, Moonwort, Myrrh, Papaya, Poppy, Potato, Sandalwood, Purslane, Turnip, Willow, Wintergreen

Magical Properties of Rowan

Valued throughout the Celtic countries for it's powerful magic, the Rowan in called "The Wizards' Tree."

• It's ruler is the Sun.
• Branches, leaves and berries are all magical.
• Leaves and berries can be placed along window ledges to protect your home.
• For serious protection, take two twigs and tie together with red string in the shape of a cross. Hang the cross over doors and windows.
• A rowan wand or walking staff will protect you from harm on a journey and bring spiritual enlightenment on your path.