ד' ניסן תשס"ט
Raven 4
Certain herbs and spices like cloves, rosemary, oregano, sage, vanilla, peppermint, allspice, garden thyme and lemon balm have natural antioxidant properties, which sometimes can be quite strong. Adding these herbs and spices to magical recipes may naturally work to extend the shelf life of your preparation.
From the Publication: Journal of Nutrition. 2003 May;133(5):1286-90 :
Herbs are usually considered as plant with aromatic properties and are mainly used spice foods and for preparation of herbal teas. Herbs also contain many phytochemicals including antioxidants. The aim of this study was to determine the daily intake of antioxidants present in culinary and medicinal herbs. To determine the level of antioxidants in herbs use was made of the FRAP (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma) method. The results show that there are large differences in antioxidant levels: the herb with the highest level of antioxidants contains 1000 times more antioxidants than the herb with the lowest level. The herbs with the highest levels of antioxidants are oregano, sage, peppermint, lemon balm, clove, cinnamon, Cinnamomi cortex and Scutellariae radix.
The levels of antioxidants found in culinary herbs were influenced by crop year and season of harvesting. These are some levels of antioxidants in common culinary herbs grown and harvested in Norway, (expressed as mmol/100g):
Oregano 138
Sage 102
Peppermint 79
Thyme 75
Lemon Balm 75
Marjoram 56
Hyssop 38
Tansy, leaves 37
Purple Coneflower, flowers 23
Roseroot, stem 18
Chamomile 18
Angelica, leaves and stem 15
Roseroot, root and leaves 6
Angelica, root 5
Coriander 3
These are antioxidants levels found in dried commercial herbs (expressed as mmol/100g):
Clove 465
Allspice 102
Cinnamon 98
Rosemary 67
Thyme 64
Marjoram 54
Bayberry leaves 24
Ginger 22
Nutmeg 20
Mustard 10
Cayenne 6
Garlic 2
Coriander 2
The researchers also tested some medicinal herbs, mainly Chinese and Japanese herbs. These were the levels of antioxidants found (expressed as mmol/100g):
Cinnamomi Cortex 120
Scutellariae Radix 112
Cimicifugae Rhizoma 64
Paeonaiae Radix 55
Glycyrrhizae Radix 12
Angelicae Radix 3
The researchers concluded that the intake of herbs contribute significant to the overall daily intake of antioxidants. Intake of 1 g of culinary herbs may contain 1 mmol antioxidants. Culinary herbs are even a better source of antioxidants than other foods such as fruit, vegetables and cereals.
Autors of the article: Dragland S, Senoo H, Wake K, Holte K, Blomhoff R
Research Institute: The Norwegian Crop Research Institute, Apelsvold Research Station Div. Kise, Nes (Norway)
More information:
Herbs And Spices And Their Antioxidant Properties
Antioxidants Isolated from Herbal Spices
Antioxidant Properties Of Several Culinary & Medicinal Herbs
Antioxidant Activity Of Traditonal Chinese Herbs
Nature's Gift, The Goji Berry (Wolfberry)
European Bilberry
Rosemary, The Herb Of Remembrance
Bloodroot Medicinal Properties
Hawthorne Medicinal Properties
Antioxidant Blackthorn
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Sabbath Light Blessing Candle
ד' ניסן תשס"טRaven 4
Now available at WITCHCRAFTS by Liorah Lleucu - the Sabbath Light Blessing candle.
ברוך אתה יהוה אלהנו מלך העולם אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו להדליק נר של שבת
Blessed are You, Great Ancestor of All, Who communicates to us the Teaching which brings forth the Sabbath Light.
So mote it be.
Simply amazing magic.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Beltane Fire Ritual Oil
א' ניסן תשס"ט
Raven 1
Coming March 29th to WITCHCRAFTS by Liorah Lleucu - Beltane Fire Ritual Oil, a blend of rue, cinnamon bark, blood root, dragon's blood, cedarwood, juniper berry, frankincense and blackthorn berry oils in a pomegranate seed base oil, all prepared under the blessing of the Dark Moon. Each vial charged with a garnet gemstone inside.
So mote it be!
Raven 1
Coming March 29th to WITCHCRAFTS by Liorah Lleucu - Beltane Fire Ritual Oil, a blend of rue, cinnamon bark, blood root, dragon's blood, cedarwood, juniper berry, frankincense and blackthorn berry oils in a pomegranate seed base oil, all prepared under the blessing of the Dark Moon. Each vial charged with a garnet gemstone inside.
So mote it be!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Draw Down The Moon With Red Thread Witch Tea
י'ט אדר א' תשס"ט
Keolwulf 20
I've made the first blends of Red Thread Witch Tea. The first one is for my own use and is the one I used to perfect the exquisitely delicate recipe. The second one will be available for purchase March 29 at WITCHCRAFTS by Liorah Lleucu.
All of the ingredients of Red Thread Witch Tea are 100% certified organically grown and include: red saffron threads (stamens), cloves, cardamon pods, coriander seed, sweet cinnamon, stevia leaf and ancient forest black tea. The completed blend was burgundy wax-sealed during the planetary hour of the Moon in a 100 mL clear corked wide mouthed port jar, stamped with a gold brocade ink-highlighted pentacle, and adorned with a pewter spiral charm, a bronze 'shalshelet' charm, black tulle and red threads. Pictures of the finished product can be seen when it is listed for purchase at my etsy shoppe.
From the first blend (my own personal experimental blend), I earlier today had made myself a cup of Red Thread Witch Tea (using a black infuser tea cup, of course). Hours later, not knowing of the mad mysteries going on in my laboratory, my mother walked into the house exclaiming, "what is that smell!" She absolutely loved it and designated it excellent.
Keolwulf 20
I've made the first blends of Red Thread Witch Tea. The first one is for my own use and is the one I used to perfect the exquisitely delicate recipe. The second one will be available for purchase March 29 at WITCHCRAFTS by Liorah Lleucu.
All of the ingredients of Red Thread Witch Tea are 100% certified organically grown and include: red saffron threads (stamens), cloves, cardamon pods, coriander seed, sweet cinnamon, stevia leaf and ancient forest black tea. The completed blend was burgundy wax-sealed during the planetary hour of the Moon in a 100 mL clear corked wide mouthed port jar, stamped with a gold brocade ink-highlighted pentacle, and adorned with a pewter spiral charm, a bronze 'shalshelet' charm, black tulle and red threads. Pictures of the finished product can be seen when it is listed for purchase at my etsy shoppe.
From the first blend (my own personal experimental blend), I earlier today had made myself a cup of Red Thread Witch Tea (using a black infuser tea cup, of course). Hours later, not knowing of the mad mysteries going on in my laboratory, my mother walked into the house exclaiming, "what is that smell!" She absolutely loved it and designated it excellent.
Friday, March 13, 2009
A Gift For The Land
י'ח אדר א' תשס"ט
Keolwulf 19
The first master batch of Black Goddess Underworld Initiation Ritual Concoction has begun its first step of preparation.
The herbs were blended with the waning gibbous moon 90% full, on this auspicious Friday the 13th, during the planetary hour of Mars, with the Sun in the 22nd degree of the sign Pisces and in the 1st degree of the constellation Pisces. Kabbalistically, Pisces links to mysteries of the hidden world, brings forth into reality the 'sweet miracle' of laughter, and supports "expropriation of Divine lifeforce by the material realm" [ק].
Basic herb Master Batch recipe:
1 oz. blackthorn berries*
1 oz. hawthorne leaf/flower
1 oz. bloodroot pieces
1/2 oz. sweet cinnamon pieces
The next step (to be done on the Dark Moon on the 26th of March) will consist of soaking the herbal mixture in heated pomegranate seed oil to make an herbal infusion, and then allowing it to cool naturally. After cooling, portions of the master batch will be placed into smaller containers along with a naughty touch of lampblack. The container will then be sealed for purchase.
As a Black Goddess Underworld Initiation Ritual concoction, the liquid 'extract' of the concoction can be decocted by the purchaser for use as a ritual oil, while the remaining herbal material can be used as a gift to the Land during a Black Goddess Underworld Initiation ritual.
My concoction contains blackthorn berries which have a large very hard woody seed inside. Purchasers of the concoction may wish to harvest some of the whole seeds for other ritual uses.
Black Goddess Underworld Initiation Ritual Concoction will be ready for purchase March 29 at WITCHCRAFTS by Liorah Lleucu.
*This hard to find ingredient, imported from the UK, was not sold to me as a certified organic product. All other ingredients are certified organic.
Keolwulf 19
The first master batch of Black Goddess Underworld Initiation Ritual Concoction has begun its first step of preparation.
The herbs were blended with the waning gibbous moon 90% full, on this auspicious Friday the 13th, during the planetary hour of Mars, with the Sun in the 22nd degree of the sign Pisces and in the 1st degree of the constellation Pisces. Kabbalistically, Pisces links to mysteries of the hidden world, brings forth into reality the 'sweet miracle' of laughter, and supports "expropriation of Divine lifeforce by the material realm" [ק].
Basic herb Master Batch recipe:
1 oz. blackthorn berries*
1 oz. hawthorne leaf/flower
1 oz. bloodroot pieces
1/2 oz. sweet cinnamon pieces
The next step (to be done on the Dark Moon on the 26th of March) will consist of soaking the herbal mixture in heated pomegranate seed oil to make an herbal infusion, and then allowing it to cool naturally. After cooling, portions of the master batch will be placed into smaller containers along with a naughty touch of lampblack. The container will then be sealed for purchase.
As a Black Goddess Underworld Initiation Ritual concoction, the liquid 'extract' of the concoction can be decocted by the purchaser for use as a ritual oil, while the remaining herbal material can be used as a gift to the Land during a Black Goddess Underworld Initiation ritual.
My concoction contains blackthorn berries which have a large very hard woody seed inside. Purchasers of the concoction may wish to harvest some of the whole seeds for other ritual uses.
Black Goddess Underworld Initiation Ritual Concoction will be ready for purchase March 29 at WITCHCRAFTS by Liorah Lleucu.
*This hard to find ingredient, imported from the UK, was not sold to me as a certified organic product. All other ingredients are certified organic.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Passover Protection Ritual Oil
י'ב אדר א' תשס"ט
Keolwulf 13
Limited edition item to be added to my opening line-up of products for WITCHCRAFTS by Liorah Lleucu - Passover Protection Ritual Oil.
The Lost Passover Herb. Passover Protection Ritual Oil is a blend of Hyssop (hyssopus officinalis) essential oil and premium Gold Seal Dragon's Blood (daemonorops draco) in wildharvested certified organic through CCPB extra virgin olive oil, sold in a 2 mL (0.5 drams) corked spell bottle with a star of David charm, charged with a rainbow moonstone inside.
"... take a bunch of hyssop, and immerse it in the blood from a liminal place .."
Shemot 12:22
On the threshold! Coming soon! to WITCHCRAFTS by Liorah Lleucu, witchcraft on the edge and beyond the hedge.
Passover 2009 begins with the first seder (ritual meal) the evening of April 8 and continues through April 16.
WITCHCRAFTS opens for business March 29.
Keolwulf 13
Limited edition item to be added to my opening line-up of products for WITCHCRAFTS by Liorah Lleucu - Passover Protection Ritual Oil.
The Lost Passover Herb. Passover Protection Ritual Oil is a blend of Hyssop (hyssopus officinalis) essential oil and premium Gold Seal Dragon's Blood (daemonorops draco) in wildharvested certified organic through CCPB extra virgin olive oil, sold in a 2 mL (0.5 drams) corked spell bottle with a star of David charm, charged with a rainbow moonstone inside.
"... take a bunch of hyssop, and immerse it in the blood from a liminal place .."
Shemot 12:22
On the threshold! Coming soon! to WITCHCRAFTS by Liorah Lleucu, witchcraft on the edge and beyond the hedge.
Passover 2009 begins with the first seder (ritual meal) the evening of April 8 and continues through April 16.
WITCHCRAFTS opens for business March 29.
Faery Finger Tea
י'ב אדר א' תשס"ט
Keolwulf 13
Another new product I'll be adding to my opening lineup of items for WITCHCRAFTS by Liorah Lleucu - Faery Finger Tea.
Deeply penetrating faery magic! Faery Finger Tea is my unique blend of certified organic Chinese Foxglove (nonpoisonous Rehmannia Root), certified organic and fair trade Ancient Forest black tea (made exclusively from stands of protected ancient growth tea plants in the Yunnan province of China, all of which range in age from 500 to 2,700 years old) and other secret ingredients. Exclusively from WITCHCRAFTS, you won't find this unique blend anywhere else.
Rehmannia Root (also known as Chinese Foxglove and Sheng Di Huang) is a nonpoisonous version of Foxglove (faery fingers, witches' bells) and a traditional herb of Chinese medicine, where it has been used for thousands of years to replenish the vital force, treat autoimmune diseases, increase potency, balance blood sugar, promote healthy blood and circulation, relieve fever, and counter the effects of aging. It is also a mild diuretic.
Keolwulf 13
Another new product I'll be adding to my opening lineup of items for WITCHCRAFTS by Liorah Lleucu - Faery Finger Tea.
Deeply penetrating faery magic! Faery Finger Tea is my unique blend of certified organic Chinese Foxglove (nonpoisonous Rehmannia Root), certified organic and fair trade Ancient Forest black tea (made exclusively from stands of protected ancient growth tea plants in the Yunnan province of China, all of which range in age from 500 to 2,700 years old) and other secret ingredients. Exclusively from WITCHCRAFTS, you won't find this unique blend anywhere else.
Rehmannia Root (also known as Chinese Foxglove and Sheng Di Huang) is a nonpoisonous version of Foxglove (faery fingers, witches' bells) and a traditional herb of Chinese medicine, where it has been used for thousands of years to replenish the vital force, treat autoimmune diseases, increase potency, balance blood sugar, promote healthy blood and circulation, relieve fever, and counter the effects of aging. It is also a mild diuretic.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Red Thread Witch Tea
ח' אדר א' תשס"ט
Keolwulf 9
Another new unique creation for my etsy shoppe WITCHCRAFTS by Liorah Lleucu - Red Thread Witch Tea. Until it's debut, it's magical ingredients are a secret! Oh, but it's so incredibly and powerfully witchy, both the tea and the 'red thread' running through it (you can't guess, it's so cool!)- I am giddy with excitement!
I am having so much fun doing this! I've ordered shipping materials, figured out how to take photos on my cell phone and how to get them onto my computer for editing, and am ordering all kinds of supplies. I've got so many witchy ideas for more unique products. I'm so in total love with being a witch right now!
My certified organic pomegranate seed oil won't arrive until the end of this month, near my shoppe's opening date, but I've decided not go for anything less than certified organic pomegranate seed oil or another kind of oil. My products are going to be of superb quality, even if I have to wait a few more days to bring some items online for purchase.
I am also going to to write a kabbalistic profile of the point in time each small batch of big magic was prepared, and other things to 'tell the story' of each product's enchantment. So much to do ... and I'm loving every moment of it!
Goddess is smiling with me!
Keolwulf 9
Another new unique creation for my etsy shoppe WITCHCRAFTS by Liorah Lleucu - Red Thread Witch Tea. Until it's debut, it's magical ingredients are a secret! Oh, but it's so incredibly and powerfully witchy, both the tea and the 'red thread' running through it (you can't guess, it's so cool!)- I am giddy with excitement!
I am having so much fun doing this! I've ordered shipping materials, figured out how to take photos on my cell phone and how to get them onto my computer for editing, and am ordering all kinds of supplies. I've got so many witchy ideas for more unique products. I'm so in total love with being a witch right now!
My certified organic pomegranate seed oil won't arrive until the end of this month, near my shoppe's opening date, but I've decided not go for anything less than certified organic pomegranate seed oil or another kind of oil. My products are going to be of superb quality, even if I have to wait a few more days to bring some items online for purchase.
I am also going to to write a kabbalistic profile of the point in time each small batch of big magic was prepared, and other things to 'tell the story' of each product's enchantment. So much to do ... and I'm loving every moment of it!
Goddess is smiling with me!
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Black Goddess Underworld Initiation Ritual Concoction
ו' אדר א' תשס"ט
Keolwulf 7
The third item I am planning to add to my line of magical enchantments for WITCHCRAFTS by Liorah Lleucu is Black Goddess Underworld Initiation Ritual Concoction. It is my own unique blend of blackthorn berries, hawthorne leaf, bloodroot and other secret ingredients concocted into pomegranate seed oil, and charged with a small onyx gemstone.
My etsy shoppe opens March 29.
Keolwulf 7
The third item I am planning to add to my line of magical enchantments for WITCHCRAFTS by Liorah Lleucu is Black Goddess Underworld Initiation Ritual Concoction. It is my own unique blend of blackthorn berries, hawthorne leaf, bloodroot and other secret ingredients concocted into pomegranate seed oil, and charged with a small onyx gemstone.
My etsy shoppe opens March 29.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
True Petrified Amber & Dragon's Blood In Pomegranate Seed Oils
כ"ח שבט תשס"ט
Imbolgen 28
I've just purchased some supplies for items I will be carrying in my new etsy store WITCHCRAFTS by Liorah Lleucu. My first two creations will be true Dragon's Blood-Pomegranate Seed oil and true Petrified Amber-Pomegranate Seed oil. These oil infusions are going to be made with premium ingredients - not the cheap stuff you can buy anywhere at one of a million metaphysical shoppes.
The dragon's blood (daemonorops draco) resin I've purchased is select Gold Seal Dragon's Blood from Sumatra. This is the best on the market.
Most amber oils and incense on the market are not made from real petrified or semi-petrified amber resin at all, but rather are blends of benzoin, styrax or copal resins only. My amber oil will be made with true petrified amber (succinum sp.) from Russia and true semi-petrified amber (succinum sp.) from China, touched with a naughty bit of extra dark India amber (a combination of liquid benzoin or styrax resin with a touch of vanilla and chocolate notes in a beeswax base).
Both my dragon's blood oil and amber oil will be infused into a pomegranate seed (punica granatum) carrier oil. This is a very exquisite premium ingredient - four ounces of it can cost $30-$50 or more. The pomegranate seed oil I am using is certified organic through OTCO, cold pressed and originates from Turkey in the Mediterranean. Pomegranate seed oil from the Mediterranean region is considered to be the most desirable of the pomegranate seed oils on the market because it contains higher concentrations of antioxidants and other beneficial properties acquired due to the climate, soil and traditional farming methods of the Mediterranean. The pomegranate oil I'll be using is a soft amber color, virtually odorless (unlike most carrier oils), and has a shelf life of 14-16 months.
My handcrafted premium oil infusions will be sold in 4 dram (0.5 ounces) amber vials, sealed with professional burgundy (dragon's blood) or black (amber) wine-bottle sealing wax, wax-stamped on the top with either a pentacle (dragon's blood) or a star of David (amber) with inset areas highlighted with gold brocade metallic ink, and hung with a red or black ribboned charm and other unique beautifications (such as beads, ragged fabric threads, etc.). Charms to choose from at this point include a welsh dragon, celtic knot, star of David or a key. All charms are made of copper. Before each vial is sealed, a very small natural clear quartz crystal will be intentionally introduced into it, to magnify the magic each oil infusion contains.
This is only the beginning of WITCHCRAFTS by Liorah Lleucu. Opens March 29, 2009.
Imbolgen 28
I've just purchased some supplies for items I will be carrying in my new etsy store WITCHCRAFTS by Liorah Lleucu. My first two creations will be true Dragon's Blood-Pomegranate Seed oil and true Petrified Amber-Pomegranate Seed oil. These oil infusions are going to be made with premium ingredients - not the cheap stuff you can buy anywhere at one of a million metaphysical shoppes.
The dragon's blood (daemonorops draco) resin I've purchased is select Gold Seal Dragon's Blood from Sumatra. This is the best on the market.
Most amber oils and incense on the market are not made from real petrified or semi-petrified amber resin at all, but rather are blends of benzoin, styrax or copal resins only. My amber oil will be made with true petrified amber (succinum sp.) from Russia and true semi-petrified amber (succinum sp.) from China, touched with a naughty bit of extra dark India amber (a combination of liquid benzoin or styrax resin with a touch of vanilla and chocolate notes in a beeswax base).
Both my dragon's blood oil and amber oil will be infused into a pomegranate seed (punica granatum) carrier oil. This is a very exquisite premium ingredient - four ounces of it can cost $30-$50 or more. The pomegranate seed oil I am using is certified organic through OTCO, cold pressed and originates from Turkey in the Mediterranean. Pomegranate seed oil from the Mediterranean region is considered to be the most desirable of the pomegranate seed oils on the market because it contains higher concentrations of antioxidants and other beneficial properties acquired due to the climate, soil and traditional farming methods of the Mediterranean. The pomegranate oil I'll be using is a soft amber color, virtually odorless (unlike most carrier oils), and has a shelf life of 14-16 months.
My handcrafted premium oil infusions will be sold in 4 dram (0.5 ounces) amber vials, sealed with professional burgundy (dragon's blood) or black (amber) wine-bottle sealing wax, wax-stamped on the top with either a pentacle (dragon's blood) or a star of David (amber) with inset areas highlighted with gold brocade metallic ink, and hung with a red or black ribboned charm and other unique beautifications (such as beads, ragged fabric threads, etc.). Charms to choose from at this point include a welsh dragon, celtic knot, star of David or a key. All charms are made of copper. Before each vial is sealed, a very small natural clear quartz crystal will be intentionally introduced into it, to magnify the magic each oil infusion contains.
This is only the beginning of WITCHCRAFTS by Liorah Lleucu. Opens March 29, 2009.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Dark Forest Divination
כ"א שבט תשס"טImbolgen 21
In further development of my hedgecraft in the manner of a witch of the wild wood, I've added another piece into the atmosphere of my magical practice - this stunningly handmade Dark Forest tarot pouch.
So exquisitely earthy, it's knitted from handspun animal friendly and environmentally sustainable fibres, has an embroidered felty leaf, a lavender jewel and laced sides. It's perfect!deep within the winter forest
among the snowdrift wide
you can find a magic place
where all the faeries hide
I absolutely adore handmade things.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Hedgecraft
כ"א שבט תשס"טImbolgen 21
This recently acquired pendant is made from the wood of an elder tree, the witch tree. Elder symbolizes the Elder Mother, Crone and Matriarch of hedgerows and the wild wood. She guards liminal places and blesses with powerful sweetness handfastings and magic rituals.
Sweet Wicked Witch Of The Wild Wood
כ' שבט תשס"טImbolgen 20
I've added nine (ט) wicked blackthorne spikes to my magical curios collection. Extremely strong and very sharp, blackthorne spikes provide strong protection against malevolent magic.
Blackthorne blossoms, usually white with red-tipped stamens, have toothed edges (ש) and cluster in star-shapes.
The dark blue-black berries (sloe berries) of the blackthorne tree are used to make ink, a strong red dye, sloe gin and jam. Medicinally, blue-black red-producing blackthorne berry cleanses the blood and has both astringent and diuretic properties. Sloe berry sweetens after the first frost of winter, magically representing the essence of sweetness brought forth from the experience of adversity. I've acquired 100g of these charmingly holy berries.Sweet! Like the sloeberry jelly soon to be on my biscuit.
Esoterically, the blackthorne tree is known as the Mother of the Woods and Dark Crone of the Woods.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Pathworking With The Ancestors
ט"ו שבט תשס"ט
Imbolgen 15
Since I anticipate doing a significant amount of pathwork with the Ancestors and Old Ones, I've purchased a small smokey quartz crystal skull for my altar. May the Ancestors and Old Ones bless me with their guidance and goodwill. So mote it be! אמן
Imbolgen 15
Since I anticipate doing a significant amount of pathwork with the Ancestors and Old Ones, I've purchased a small smokey quartz crystal skull for my altar. May the Ancestors and Old Ones bless me with their guidance and goodwill. So mote it be! אמן
Sunday, February 01, 2009
To All My Pagan & Witch Friends - Blessed Imbolc!
May this sabbat of Imbolc be a blessing for all and may we all meet with omens for good.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Blue Dream
ה' שבט תשס"טImbolgen 5
Just acquired - my newest music CD - Blue Dream by Fiona Joy Hawkins. Pure mystical magic! לחיים
Reviewer Kathy Parsons writes - "Blue Dream" is stunning. Calling the musical style "World Fusion Piano," the music ranges from quiet and dreamy piano to full orchestrations. Instrumentation includes Didjeribone, a variety of percussion instruments, flugel horn, mandolin, voices, and many conventional instruments as well. Many of the tracks have vocals, but most are wordless. Those with lyrics are sung in either Gaelic or Luganda (from Uganda). There is a total of twenty-two tracks, but the longer pieces are connected by "Interludes" and other shorter pieces, creating a single (68-minute) suite of music.
"Blue Dream" has no weak points at all.
Related entry - The Four Sisters
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Different Little Red Chest
כ"ח טבת תשס"טGrael 29
Little red chest I've acquired for storing small craftwork supplies, painted barn red with dry brushed distressed 'vintage' finish. Measures 10" x 9.25" x 5".
It's just different and I like it.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Odyssey Of Rapture
כ"א טבת תשס"ט
Grael 22
My newest music CD - Odyssey of Rapture, vol. 1 with amazingly creative contributions by various experimental classical music artists. Astonishingly beautiful, mystical, magical, sensuously ethereal. A truly stunning collection which "fuses contemporary classical music, ambient music, and world fusion elements to create an otherworldly and mystical dream world."
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Magical Inventory
Ongoing Inventory of Herbs, Resins, Oils, Curios & Other Supplies
HERBS & RESINS (*Mountain Rose Herbs)
acacia
acacia gum*
aloeswood
amber
amber, extra dark from India
amber resin, petrified from Russia
amber resin, semi-petrified from China
amber, EZ powdered
ancient forest tea*
angelica
anise
anise star
anise star powder*
arabic, gum
arrowroot
balm of gilead
basil
basil, dark opal (purple)
bay leaf
benzoin
black sesame
blackberry leaf
blackthorn berry (100g)
blackthorn leaf
blood root
blood root*
blood root powder*
broom, scotch
buchu leaf*
burdock root
calamus root
calendula, marigold
caraway
cardamon
chamomile*
cinchona, ten bark
cinnamon
cinnamon, sweet*
cloves
cloves, whole*
comfrey leaf*
copal, black mayan
coriander seed*
cornsilk*
daffodil
damiana
damiana leaf*
dandelion root
dittany of crete
dragon's blood
dragon's blood, Gold Seal from Sumatra
elder flowers
elder flowers*
fennel
flax seeds
frangipani
frankincense
galangal root
galbanum
gall nut
ginger root
ginger root*
ginger, crystallized
hawthorne leaf
hawthorne leaf/flower*
hawthorne powder
heal all
heather flowers*
horehound
jasmine flowers*
jezebel root
juniper berry
kelp leaf
kelp leaf, whole
labdanum
licorice root*
lobelia
lotus root
mace
marjoram
marshmallow leaf*
meadowsweet*
milk thistle
mistletoe
mugwort
mugwort*
mulberry fruit
mullein
mullein flower*
myrrh
myrrh gum powder*
nettle
nutmeg
oak bark, white
oakmoss
onycha
opononex, sweet myrrh
orris root
passion flower
patchouli
patchouli leaf powder*
peony root, white*
peppermint
pine resin
pinon pine resin
pomegranate
rose, red petals*
rose, whole buds
rosemary
rosemary powder
rue
saffron
saffron stamens*
sage
sage, white ceremonial*
sandalwood, white
sassafras
scullcap
sloe berries (blackthorne berries, 500 g)
spanish moss
stevia leaf*
thyme
uva ursa
uva ursa*
vanilla bean
vervain, blue
vervain, european
vetiver
wahoo root pieces
walnut, black leaf
willow, white
witch grass
woodruff
wormwood
SMUDGES
desert sage, juniper and sweetgrass
juniper
sweetgrass braid
white sage
OILS (Essential & Absolute)
amber
amber aroma*
benzoin
bergamot
cedarwood
cinnamon bark
dragon's blood
dragon's blood - handcrafted
eucalyptus
fir, balsam
frangipani, absolute
frankincense
ginger
gingergrass
guiacwood
lemon oil
hyssop
jasmine, Egyptian, absolute
juniper berry
lavender
mimosa, absolute
mugwort
myrrh
nutmeg
oak moss, absolute*
orris root
petitgrain
rehmannia root (chinese foxglove)
rose, damask
rose of jericho
rue
sandalwood
spikenard
vanilla, absolute
vetiver
yarrow
zanthoxylum
OILS (Intention Blends)
altar consecration
witches' brew
OILS (Fragrances)
bluebell
cotton
dragon's breath
foxglove
frankincense
gardenia
heather
jasmine & sweet pea
leather
lilac
night queen
sandalwood
vanilla
OIL BLENDS (Personal Handcrafted Ritual)
beltaine
bewitching
ceridwen
feminine clarity
sabbat
OIL PERFUME BLENDS (Personal Handcrafted Perfumes)
magical Jericho
PHEROMONE OILS
amber (w/ amber, jasmine absolute, tuberose, sandalwood) pheromone
moon dance (w/ sandalwood and neroli) pheromone
CARRIER OILS
almond
grapeseed
jojoba
linseed
olive
pomegranate seed, premium certified organic from Turkey
safflower*
van van
TINCTURES
blue vervain
INCENSE BLENDS, commercial / handcrafted
abramelin
absorb negativity
Celtic EZ
Celtic Resin Blend
Faery EZ
Rowan & Dragon's Blood
Turtle Island Blend
Witches Brew Dark Mysteries
Witches Brew Original
INCENSE STICKS
amber
amber moon
benzoin
cedar
cinnamon
dragon's blood
eye of newt
frangipani
frankincense
frankincense & myrrh
goddess
nag champa
nutmeg
royal sandalwood, handrolled
sandalwood
spellcaster
witch's brew
INCENSE CONES
amber, old world handrolled
divination, handrolled
dragon's blood
nag champa
patchouli
patchouli, handrolled
queen of the night
sandalwood
PERSONAL HOMEMADE INCENSE BLENDS
delight
gevurah-daat-chesed
kabbalistic name
mugwort-frankincense-myrrh
samhain 8-night crystal ball consecration
satisfaction
PIGMENTS & INKS
lampblack, pigment
red ochre, pigment
black india ink
brown india ink
dragon's blood ink
raven's ink
violet india ink
OTHER CURIOS
acorns, whole
ash, midsummer balefire
ash, shabbat incense
blackthorne spikes, 9
blood, dried menstrual
blueing balls (Anil)
cat's whiskers, 3 white
charcoal
desiccant, silica
faerie wings
fava beans, 9
florida water
gold flecks
herbal offering stones
nine sacred woods, chips
nine sacred woods, twigs
peace water
pentagram coin
porcupine quill
reckitt's crown blue squares
rue water, special handcrafted enhanced recipe
salt, black
salt, premium celtic sea
salt, dead sea israel
silver dimes, 1961 and 1951
silver dime, Mercury
skeleton keys, 8 vintage
snake skin
sparkles, fine of various colors
sparkling spells casting powder, charm
sparkling spells casting powder, dark moon
sparkling spells casting powder, full moon
TEAS
ancient forest
blue dahlia
chickory root
divination
ginger twist
hawthorne berry
lady's choice psychic
nettle leaf
rosehip
wiccan women's blend
GEMSTONES
agate, blue lace
agate, deer creek fire
agate, green moss
amber, natural specimen (large)
amber, natural specimen (small)
amber, tumbled square
amethyst, natural point (2)
amethyst, tumbled
angelite
apache tear
apatite
aqua aura quartz
aqua aura quartz - triplet
aventurine, yellow
azurite
bloodstone (heliotrope)
carnelian
carrollite in dolomite
chrysoberyl cat's eye
chrysocolla
chrysoprase
citrine, natural honey cluster, untreated
coral, agatized
coral, oxblood red natural branches, 15 pcs 15-20mm
creedite on fluorite
dumorterite
emerald
flint
garnet, blood red
garnet, granules
hag stone
herkimer diamond
jade
jasper, red
jet
infinite
labradorite
lapis lazuli
lodestone, green
lodestone, red
moldavite
moonstone, rainbow
moqui stone
obsidian, black
peridot crystal
petrified wood
pyrite
quantum quattro
quartz, clear, tumbled
quartz, smokey crystal skull
quartz, smokey
quartz, white tourmalated
quartz, white tumbled
rhodochrosite
salrose with cobaltian calcite
sapphire, blue
sodalite, royal blue with white calcite veins
spirit quartz
tektite
tiger's eye, gold
tigers eye, red
turquoise
unakite
witch's finger
SMALL GEMSTONES FOR CHARGING CANDLES
amber
amethyst
black obsidian
black onyx
chrsocolla
garnet
iolite
lapis luzali
moonstone
moonstone, rainbow
onyx
peridot
quartz crystal
quartz crystal, medium
rose quartz
turquoise
GEMSTONE (Natural Points & Wands)
quartz, clear
CRYSTAL BALLS
amber
black marble
clear quartz
garnet
moonstone
obsidian, black
wine jasper
ORACLES
celtic mythology tarot, llewellyn
hebrew letter deck
hidden path deck
ogham fews, 2 handcrafted sets
well worn path deck
SOAPS & LOTIONS (Handcrafted)
amber body butter
druid heart soap
lavendar soap
neroli cedar body wash
neroli patchouli body wash
sandalwood body wash
witch's garden soap
STATUARY & TAPESTRIES
bast
ceridwen
spiral goddess
tree of life tapestry
TIMEKEEPERS
witching hour pentacle sand timer, 5 minutes
WAX STAMPING TOOLS
bottle sealing wax, black
bottle sealing wax, burgundy
gold brocade highlighting ink
melting spoon
non-stick pad
wax stamp, pentacle ring
wax stamp, star of David
updated 09/21/09
HERBS & RESINS (*Mountain Rose Herbs)
acacia
acacia gum*
aloeswood
amber
amber, extra dark from India
amber resin, petrified from Russia
amber resin, semi-petrified from China
amber, EZ powdered
ancient forest tea*
angelica
anise
anise star
anise star powder*
arabic, gum
arrowroot
balm of gilead
basil
basil, dark opal (purple)
bay leaf
benzoin
black sesame
blackberry leaf
blackthorn berry (100g)
blackthorn leaf
blood root
blood root*
blood root powder*
broom, scotch
buchu leaf*
burdock root
calamus root
calendula, marigold
caraway
cardamon
chamomile*
cinchona, ten bark
cinnamon
cinnamon, sweet*
cloves
cloves, whole*
comfrey leaf*
copal, black mayan
coriander seed*
cornsilk*
daffodil
damiana
damiana leaf*
dandelion root
dittany of crete
dragon's blood
dragon's blood, Gold Seal from Sumatra
elder flowers
elder flowers*
fennel
flax seeds
frangipani
frankincense
galangal root
galbanum
gall nut
ginger root
ginger root*
ginger, crystallized
hawthorne leaf
hawthorne leaf/flower*
hawthorne powder
heal all
heather flowers*
horehound
jasmine flowers*
jezebel root
juniper berry
kelp leaf
kelp leaf, whole
labdanum
licorice root*
lobelia
lotus root
mace
marjoram
marshmallow leaf*
meadowsweet*
milk thistle
mistletoe
mugwort
mugwort*
mulberry fruit
mullein
mullein flower*
myrrh
myrrh gum powder*
nettle
nutmeg
oak bark, white
oakmoss
onycha
opononex, sweet myrrh
orris root
passion flower
patchouli
patchouli leaf powder*
peony root, white*
peppermint
pine resin
pinon pine resin
pomegranate
rose, red petals*
rose, whole buds
rosemary
rosemary powder
rue
saffron
saffron stamens*
sage
sage, white ceremonial*
sandalwood, white
sassafras
scullcap
sloe berries (blackthorne berries, 500 g)
spanish moss
stevia leaf*
thyme
uva ursa
uva ursa*
vanilla bean
vervain, blue
vervain, european
vetiver
wahoo root pieces
walnut, black leaf
willow, white
witch grass
woodruff
wormwood
SMUDGES
desert sage, juniper and sweetgrass
juniper
sweetgrass braid
white sage
OILS (Essential & Absolute)
amber
amber aroma*
benzoin
bergamot
cedarwood
cinnamon bark
dragon's blood
dragon's blood - handcrafted
eucalyptus
fir, balsam
frangipani, absolute
frankincense
ginger
gingergrass
guiacwood
lemon oil
hyssop
jasmine, Egyptian, absolute
juniper berry
lavender
mimosa, absolute
mugwort
myrrh
nutmeg
oak moss, absolute*
orris root
petitgrain
rehmannia root (chinese foxglove)
rose, damask
rose of jericho
rue
sandalwood
spikenard
vanilla, absolute
vetiver
yarrow
zanthoxylum
OILS (Intention Blends)
altar consecration
witches' brew
OILS (Fragrances)
bluebell
cotton
dragon's breath
foxglove
frankincense
gardenia
heather
jasmine & sweet pea
leather
lilac
night queen
sandalwood
vanilla
OIL BLENDS (Personal Handcrafted Ritual)
beltaine
bewitching
ceridwen
feminine clarity
sabbat
OIL PERFUME BLENDS (Personal Handcrafted Perfumes)
magical Jericho
PHEROMONE OILS
amber (w/ amber, jasmine absolute, tuberose, sandalwood) pheromone
moon dance (w/ sandalwood and neroli) pheromone
CARRIER OILS
almond
grapeseed
jojoba
linseed
olive
pomegranate seed, premium certified organic from Turkey
safflower*
van van
TINCTURES
blue vervain
INCENSE BLENDS, commercial / handcrafted
abramelin
absorb negativity
Celtic EZ
Celtic Resin Blend
Faery EZ
Rowan & Dragon's Blood
Turtle Island Blend
Witches Brew Dark Mysteries
Witches Brew Original
INCENSE STICKS
amber
amber moon
benzoin
cedar
cinnamon
dragon's blood
eye of newt
frangipani
frankincense
frankincense & myrrh
goddess
nag champa
nutmeg
royal sandalwood, handrolled
sandalwood
spellcaster
witch's brew
INCENSE CONES
amber, old world handrolled
divination, handrolled
dragon's blood
nag champa
patchouli
patchouli, handrolled
queen of the night
sandalwood
PERSONAL HOMEMADE INCENSE BLENDS
delight
gevurah-daat-chesed
kabbalistic name
mugwort-frankincense-myrrh
samhain 8-night crystal ball consecration
satisfaction
PIGMENTS & INKS
lampblack, pigment
red ochre, pigment
black india ink
brown india ink
dragon's blood ink
raven's ink
violet india ink
OTHER CURIOS
acorns, whole
ash, midsummer balefire
ash, shabbat incense
blackthorne spikes, 9
blood, dried menstrual
blueing balls (Anil)
cat's whiskers, 3 white
charcoal
desiccant, silica
faerie wings
fava beans, 9
florida water
gold flecks
herbal offering stones
nine sacred woods, chips
nine sacred woods, twigs
peace water
pentagram coin
porcupine quill
reckitt's crown blue squares
rue water, special handcrafted enhanced recipe
salt, black
salt, premium celtic sea
salt, dead sea israel
silver dimes, 1961 and 1951
silver dime, Mercury
skeleton keys, 8 vintage
snake skin
sparkles, fine of various colors
sparkling spells casting powder, charm
sparkling spells casting powder, dark moon
sparkling spells casting powder, full moon
TEAS
ancient forest
blue dahlia
chickory root
divination
ginger twist
hawthorne berry
lady's choice psychic
nettle leaf
rosehip
wiccan women's blend
GEMSTONES
agate, blue lace
agate, deer creek fire
agate, green moss
amber, natural specimen (large)
amber, natural specimen (small)
amber, tumbled square
amethyst, natural point (2)
amethyst, tumbled
angelite
apache tear
apatite
aqua aura quartz
aqua aura quartz - triplet
aventurine, yellow
azurite
bloodstone (heliotrope)
carnelian
carrollite in dolomite
chrysoberyl cat's eye
chrysocolla
chrysoprase
citrine, natural honey cluster, untreated
coral, agatized
coral, oxblood red natural branches, 15 pcs 15-20mm
creedite on fluorite
dumorterite
emerald
flint
garnet, blood red
garnet, granules
hag stone
herkimer diamond
jade
jasper, red
jet
infinite
labradorite
lapis lazuli
lodestone, green
lodestone, red
moldavite
moonstone, rainbow
moqui stone
obsidian, black
peridot crystal
petrified wood
pyrite
quantum quattro
quartz, clear, tumbled
quartz, smokey crystal skull
quartz, smokey
quartz, white tourmalated
quartz, white tumbled
rhodochrosite
salrose with cobaltian calcite
sapphire, blue
sodalite, royal blue with white calcite veins
spirit quartz
tektite
tiger's eye, gold
tigers eye, red
turquoise
unakite
witch's finger
SMALL GEMSTONES FOR CHARGING CANDLES
amber
amethyst
black obsidian
black onyx
chrsocolla
garnet
iolite
lapis luzali
moonstone
moonstone, rainbow
onyx
peridot
quartz crystal
quartz crystal, medium
rose quartz
turquoise
GEMSTONE (Natural Points & Wands)
quartz, clear
CRYSTAL BALLS
amber
black marble
clear quartz
garnet
moonstone
obsidian, black
wine jasper
ORACLES
celtic mythology tarot, llewellyn
hebrew letter deck
hidden path deck
ogham fews, 2 handcrafted sets
well worn path deck
SOAPS & LOTIONS (Handcrafted)
amber body butter
druid heart soap
lavendar soap
neroli cedar body wash
neroli patchouli body wash
sandalwood body wash
witch's garden soap
STATUARY & TAPESTRIES
bast
ceridwen
spiral goddess
tree of life tapestry
TIMEKEEPERS
witching hour pentacle sand timer, 5 minutes
WAX STAMPING TOOLS
bottle sealing wax, black
bottle sealing wax, burgundy
gold brocade highlighting ink
melting spoon
non-stick pad
wax stamp, pentacle ring
wax stamp, star of David
updated 09/21/09
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Perfume Making
ו' טבת תשס"ט
Grael 7
Alcohol Perfume Bases
Everclear beverage
Vodka
Everclear has a higher ethanol to water ratio than Vodka, so essential oils will go into solution faster and the final blend will not be as cloudy using Everclear.
General Purpose Fixative For Use With Everclear Base
To one bottle of Everclear, add:
3 tablespoons of Orris Root
several chips of Benzoin (Styrax)
2 crushed Vanilla Beans
several chips of Sandalwood (optional)
Shake bottle every day for at least 3 months (the minimum length of time it takes the fixative properties to emerge). Other resins may be also be used, experiment - advanced fixative recipes are part of the secret of proprietary perfumery.
Shelf-Stable Oil Bases
Jojoba
Avocado
Moringa
Almond
References: Wavelengths Natural Health; Moringa Oil
Grael 7
Alcohol Perfume Bases
Everclear beverage
Vodka
Everclear has a higher ethanol to water ratio than Vodka, so essential oils will go into solution faster and the final blend will not be as cloudy using Everclear.
General Purpose Fixative For Use With Everclear Base
To one bottle of Everclear, add:
3 tablespoons of Orris Root
several chips of Benzoin (Styrax)
2 crushed Vanilla Beans
several chips of Sandalwood (optional)
Shake bottle every day for at least 3 months (the minimum length of time it takes the fixative properties to emerge). Other resins may be also be used, experiment - advanced fixative recipes are part of the secret of proprietary perfumery.
Shelf-Stable Oil Bases
Jojoba
Avocado
Moringa
Almond
The highest concentration of essential and absolute oils in your blends should be no more than 20% in proportion to base alcohol or oil, the classic French parfum concentration. This is approximately 20 drops total (adding up all drops of various essential oils) for every 4 mL base. However, this is too high a concentration for sensitive skin. I recommend a final solution of 20-30 mL base for the recipe – you may want to start with 10 mL of base in a 30 mL glass container, add the perfume components, and then fill to the top with base.
The components of will marry over time and thus I urge you to wait at least a few weeks before making adjustments to the recipe. For more advanced perfume making, you want to let your blend rest for a month, mixing once a day (if you can remember), and then finalizing the components. In this case, only fill your container 2/3 of the way, so you have room to change the composition later. You can also split the blend into two containers, change one version, and dilute to the top of each container once it has been perfected.
References: Wavelengths Natural Health; Moringa Oil
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