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HEALING..A WITCH'S POINT OF VIEW!

Witchcraft has always been a part of the healing arts. In the earliest times healers used herbs and auras, hands and minds in addition to physical surgery and manipulations to cure diseases and heal the sick.

The ancient methods fell out of favor as medicine advanced and the methods to use herbs, auras, hands, and mind/body/spirit went unused.

Today the ancient methods are all coming back into favor. These older and often safer methods are having a rebirth as more and more people turn to the pagan religions and many Christians are also returning to the old ways of healing.

Take one look into any old magickal grimoire from any land or culture and you will find a preponderance of spells and charms.

These have survived through the years of persecution because they were spells that worked so the people refused to let go of them even under threat of death.

Witches have been healers always. Some are more gifted than others, but it remains one of our most basic practices. They know how to raise and direct healing engeries, and which herbs and plants can be distilled into medicines to back up these magickal efforts.

They are part of the universal power that animates all life. Knowing how to manipulate them, coupled with a commitment to the ethical use of will, makes the only difference between so-called white and black magick.

Pagan ethics teach us that all people are responsible for their own well-being. Once we do fall ill, we have the right to decide for ourselves whether we will accept healing treatments, what kind, for how long, and from whom..

It has always been a Pagan custom to obtain a person's express permission for a healing ritual to take place. Anything less is a violation of free will, a slap on the face of our Rede.

One of the great "mysteries" of the Craft is that the energy with wich you heal is not your own so it doesnt wear you out, take your strength, or put you at risk of getting the same illness you are trying to drive out.

We are merely a channel or medium, a means of focusing and directing the power. Like the energy used in spellwork the energies raised for healing are drawn from either Mother Earth or the universal diver.

As with any magickal operation, healing is work, and it takes effort to make it happen.You know you have expended effort so you are a bit fatigued but are also invigorated.

Healing magick can be done from a remote place. This is called ABSENT HEALING and is a method of sending healing energy to a person at a distance.

The easiest method of healing is LAYING ON OF HANDS. This custom is almost as old as humanity itself and the practice can be found in almost all spiritual systems. Having the person who needs the healing present is the most direct way to heal. The visualizations can be backed up with the hands-on effort that always make the healing energies stronger.

Healing rituals can and should be tailored to meet the needs of the person who is sick.

One final thing that must be done after a healing is to give yourself total health clearance. This not only reinforces the healing magic in yourself but also makes sure that you don't temporarily assume some of the symptoms even though you can't catch the illness itself...

HERBS:

Acacia : Protection, Psychic Powers, Money, Love Spells

Adam & Eve Roots : Love, Happiness

Adders Tongue : Healing

African Violet : Spirituality, Protection

Agaric : Fertility

Agrimony : Protection, Sleep

Ague Root : Protection

Alfalfa : Prosperity, Anti-Hunger, Money

Alkanet : Purification, Prosperity

Allspice : Money, Luck, Healing

Almond : Money, Prosperity, Wisdom

Aloe : Protection, Luck

Aloes, Wood : Love, Spirituality

Althea : Protection, Psychic Powers

Alyssum : Protection, Moderating Anger

Amaranth : Healing Heartbreak, Protection, Invisibility

Anemone : Health, Protection, Healing

Angelica : Exorcism, Protection, Healing, Visions

Anise : Protection, Purification, Youth

Apple : Love, Healing, Garden Magic, Immortality

Apricot : Love

Arabic Gum: Spirituality, Purify Negativity and Evil

Arbutus : Exorcism, Protection

Asafoetida : Exorcism, Purification, Protection

Ash : Protection, Prosperity, Sea Rituals, Health

Aspen : Eloquence, Anti-Theft

Aster : Love

Avens : Exorcism, Purification, Love

Avocado : Love, Lust, Beauty

Bachelor's Buttons : Love

Balm, Lemon : Love, Success, Healing

Balm of Gilead : Love, Manifestations, Protection, Healing

Bamboo : Protection, Luck, Hex-Breaking, Wishes

Banana : Fertility, Potency, Prosperity

Banyan : Luck. Happiness

Barley : Love, Healing, Protection

Basil : Love, Exorcism, Wealth, Flying, Protection

Bay : Protection, Psychic Powers, Healing, Purification, Strength

Bean : Protection, Exorcism, Wart Charming, Reconciliation, Potency, Love

Bedstraw, Fragrant : Love

Beech : Wishes

Beet : love

Belladonna : Astral Projection, Visions **TOXIC**

Benzoin : Purification, Prosperity

Bergamot, Orange : Money, Success

Be-Still : Luck

Betony, Wood : Protection, Purification, Love

Birch : Protection, Exorcism, Purification and Cleansing

Bistort : Psychic Powers, Fertility

Bittersweet : Protection, Healing

Blackberry : Healing, Money, Protection

Bladderwrack : Protection, Sea Spells, Wind Spells, Money, Psychic Powers

Bleeding Heart : Love

Bloodroot : Love, Protection, Purification

Bluebell : Luck, Truth

Blueberry : Protection

Blue Flag : Money

Bodhi : Fertility, Protection, Wisdom, Meditation

Boneset : Protection, Exorcism

Borage : Courage, Psychic Powers

Bracken : Healing, Rune Magic, Prophetic Dreams

Brazil Nut : Love

Briony : Image Magic, Money, Protection

Bromeliad : Protection, Money

Broom : Purification, Protection, Wind Spells, Divination

Buchu : Psychic Powers, Prophetic Dreams

Buckthorn : Protection, Exorcism, Wishes, Legal Matters

Buckwheat : Money, Protection

Burdock : Protection, Healing

Cabbage : Luck

Cactus : Protection, Chastity

Calamus : Luck, Healing, Money, Protection

Camellia : Riches

Camphor : Chastity, Health, Divination

Caper : Potency, Lust, Luck

Carawy : Protection, Lust, Health, Anti-Theft, Mental Powers

Cardamon : Lust, Love

Carnation : Protection, Strength, Healing

Carob : Protection, Health

Carrot : Fertility, Lust

Cascara Sagrada : Legal Matters, Money, Protection,

Cashew : Money

Castor : Protection

Catnip : Cat Magic, Love, Beauty, Happiness

Cat Tail : Lust

Cedar : Healing, Purification, Money, Protection

Celandine : Protection, Escape, Happiness, Legal Matters

Celery : Mental Powers, Lust, Psychic Powers

Centaury : Snake Removing

Chamomile : Money, Sleep, Love, Purification

Cherry : Love, Divination

Chestnut : Love

Chickweed : Fertility, Love

Chicory : Removing Obstacles, Invisibility, Favours, Frigidity

Chili pepper : Fidelity, Hex Breaking, Love

China Berry : Luck, Change

Chrysanthemum : Protection

Cinchona : Luck, Protection

Cinnamon : Spirituality, Success, Healing, Power, Psychic Powers, Lust, Protection, Love

Cinquefoil : Money, Protection, Prophetic Dreams, Sleep

Citron : Psychic Powers, Healing

Cloth of Gold : Understand Animal Languages

Clove : Protection, Exorcism, Love, Money

Clover : Protection, Money, Love, Fidelity, Exorcism, Success, Luck

Club Moss : Protection, Power

Coconut : Purification, Protection, Chastity

Cohosh, Black : Love, Courage, Protection, Potency

Coltsfoot : Love, Visions

Columbine : Courage, Love

Comfrey : Safety During Travel, Money

Copal : Love, Purification

Coriander : Love, Health, Healing

Corn : Protection, Luck, Divination

Cornflower : Psychism

Cotton : Luck, Healing, Protection, Rain, Fishing Magic

Cowslip : Healing, Youth, Treasure Finding

Crocus : Love, Visions

Cubeb : Love

Cuckoo-flower : Fertility, Lover

Cucumber : Chastity, Healing, Fertility

Cumin : Protection, Fidelity, Exorcism

Curry : Protection

Cyclamen : Fertility, Protection, Happiness, Lust

Cypress : Longevity, Healing, Comfort, Protection

Daffodil : Love, Fertility, Luck

Daisy : Lust, Luck

Damiana : Lust, Love, Visions

Dandelion : Divination, Wishes, Calling Spirits

Datura : Hex Breaking, Sleep, Protection

Deerstongue : Lust, Psychic Powers

Devils Bit : Exorcism, Love, Protection, Lust

Devils Shoestring : Protection, Gambling, Luck, Power, Employment

Dill : Protection, Money, Lust, Luck

Dittany of Crete : Manifestations, Astral Projection

Dock : Healing, Fertility, Money

Dodder : Love, Divination, Knot Magic

Dogbane : Love

Dogwood : Wishes, Protection

Dragons Blood : Love, Protection, Exorcism, Potency

Dulse : Lust, Harmony

Dutchmans Breeches : Love

Ebony : Protection, Power

Echinacea : Strengthening Spells

Edelweiss : Invisibility, Bullet-Proofing

Elder : Exorcism, Protection, Healing, Prosperity, Sleep

Elecampane : Love, Protection, Psychic Powers

Elm : Love

Endive : Lust, Love

Eryngo : Travelers Luck, Peace, Lust, Love

Eucalyptus : Healing, Protection

Euphorbia : Purification, Protection

Eyebright : Mental Powers, Psychic Power

Fennel : Protection, Healing, Purification

NOTE:

Please be responsible when using herbs. Please consult your

Medical Practioner before ingesting any type of herbs.

Herbs: Spiritual Uses

Anise- use under your pillow to prevent nightmares. used to drive off negativity, to restore lost youth, and used in purification baths. place around the magick circle to keep out negativity.

Apples- put on altars for Samhain (it is considered to be a food for the dead). symbolic for immortality. use in love spells (use blossoms for love sachets, brews, and incenses). cute an apple in half and share it with your loved one to ensure happiness in the relationship. to have your love returned by the one you love, warm an apple between your hands and give it to your intended. use to banish illnesses (cut the apple in three pieces, rub each on the infected area, then bury. do in the wanning of the moon). use apple wood to make magickal wands for love rites.

Barley- use to keep out negativity.

Basil- use to end fights, arguments, etc. between two lovers. used to attract love (rub fresh leaves on the skin or add to a bath before a ritual involving love). use in love divinations. use to attract customers to a business, to drive off negativity (place in rooms of a house for protection from negativity), and use in rituals to protect a new home.

Bay- put under your pillow to induce prophetic dreams. burn to cuase visions. use in team form to increase physic powers. use to ward of negativity, use a sprig to sprinkle water in purification ceremonies, wear at the time of an athletic match for strength. write wishes on bay leaves and burn to make them come true.

Birch- use for protection and purification.

Blackberry- bake a blackberry pie on Lughnasadh to symbolize the death of the God. use leaves in spells of wealth.

Blueberry- put blueberries under a doormat to warn off negativity and unwanted guests.

Cabbage- plant in the garden after a couple is married to ensure a happy life together.

Cactus- use indoors to protect from burglaries and to absorb negativity. use outside to protect the home.

Camellia- place in water on the altar during money and prosperity spells and rituals.

Carnation- use in protective spells. use in healing spells. make into sachets or use as incense in healing.

Carrot- eat to promote lust and fertility.

Catnip- give to your cat to increase the bond between the two of you. use with rose petals in love sachets. use to attract luck and good spirits (good to grow near the home or to put over the door of the home). use in love, beauty, and happiness spells.

Celery- eat to aid in concentration (great as a snack when studying or doing homework). use under the pillow to induce sleep. burn celery seeds to increase psychic powers. eat stalk wtih seeds to induce lust.

Chamomile (German)- use in tea form or incense for calming or for sleep. also use to attract money.

Chamomile (Roman)- use as a handwash to attract money. burn for sleep and in meditation. add to the bath to attract love. sprinkly around the home (outsite) to remove curses and spells against you.

Cherry- use to attract love.

Chicory- carry to remove obstacles from your life.

Cinnomon- use (as an inscense, oil, in a sachet, cinnamon flavored teas, etc.) to raise spiritual vibrations, promote success, in healing, for increasing lust, for protection, to attract money, and for love. a common use is to sprinkle a little in the purse, or the wallet for attracting money.

Clove- use as incense to attract money, drive away negativity, and to purify an area. wear or carry to attract lovers.

Cucumber- eat to promote fertility (the seeds).

Cumin- brides should wear it to keep negativity away on their happy day. use in love spells. give to a lover to promote fidelity.

Cypress- carry or wear at funerals to ease your mind and heart. a symbol for immortality (the wood). make a cypress wood wand for healing purposes (cut the branch slowly over the course of three months).

Daffodil- put on the altar during love spells. place in the bedroom to promote fertility. wear the flower by the heart for good luck.

Daisy- wear to attract love. put the root under your pillow to bring back a lover that was once there but is now absent.

Dandelion- blow to send a mental message to a loved one.

Dill- carry a sachet or put over the door for protection. put in a babies cradle for protection. add to your bath to become irresistible.

Elder (American)- put over the door to keep off negativity. carry the berries to protect yourself from negativity. place sticks around the home for protection from robbers. use at weddings for good luck for the bride and groom. have a pregnant woman kiss the tree for good luck for the baby. place the berries under the pillow for sleep.

Fern- put inside and outside the home for protection.

Fig- women should carry to increase fertility. men should eat to help cure impotency. place a branch at the doorstep of the home to ensure that you will return home safe and happy from a trip. grow in the home for protection of the family.

Flax- use the seeds in money spells. put in the wallet or purse to attract money.

Foxglove- grow in the garden to protect it.

Frankincense- burn (or use incense) to warn off negativity and for protection, purification, and consecration. burn during meditation. add to sachets for luck, protection, and spiritual growth.

Gardenia- put the flowers (fresh) in the rooms of the sick. put flowers on altars during healing works. add dry petals to healing incense. scatter dried flowers around theroom for peaceful vibrations. use in love spells.

Garlic- carry or wear for protection. place beneath children's pillows for protection during sleep. brides should carry for good luck and to warn off negativity on her wedding day.

Geranium- for protection in a garden or in a home. red geranioms are used for protection, pink for love, and white to increase fertility. use the rose geranium in protection sachets.

Ginger- use in love spells. sprinkle the powdered root on money to attract more. use in success spells. use to ensure the success of a magickal operation.

Ginseng (American)- carry the root to attract love, to guard one's health, to draw money, and to ensure sexual potency. carry for beauty. burn to ward off negativity. use in tea form to induce lust.

Grape- eat to increase fertility and to strengthen mental powers. place on the altar for money spells.

Hazel- give a batch to a bride for her good fortune. eat the nuts for wisdom and to increase fertility. carry the nuts for fertility. use hazel wood for all-purpose wands.

Holly- sprinkly holly water on newborn babies to protect them. carry for luck (especially men). hand around the house at Yule for good luck.

Honeysuckly- place around green candles to attract money. put in a vase in the home to attract money. lightly crush fresh flowers and rub on the forehead to increase psychic powers. grown near the home for luck.

Iris- use for protection. use to induce wisdom and faith.

Ivy- women should carry for good luck, especially brides. grown near the home to guard against negativity or disaster.

Jasmine- use in sachets to attract spiritual love. carry, wear or burn to attract money. burn in a room for prophetic dreams. smell the flowers to induce sleep.

Juniper- use incense for protection. males can carry the berries to increase potency.

Lavender- Used in love spells and sachets. Place a flower on your clothing to attract love. Rub lavender on a love letter. Wear to protect yourself from spousal abuse. Burn to induce sleep and rest. Sprinkle/scatter the flowers around the home for peacefulness. Use in spells to get rid of depression, because lavender aids in bringing about happiness and peacefulness.

Lemon- use, along with water, to purify magickal/spiritual objects. add to a purification bath before ritual. Serve lemon pie to a spouse to promote faithfulness. Place a fresh lemon slice under a friend's chair to ensure that the friendship will last.

Lemon Grass- Plant around the home to warn off snakes. Use in the form of an infusion to promote the development of psychic powers.

Lettuce- To induce sleep, rub the leaves on your forhead, then eat them. Eat to prevent seasickness.

Lilac- Plant to drive away negativity.

Lily- Plant around the house to warn off negativity and to keep unwanted visitors away. Wear a lily to break a love spell that has been cast upon you.

Liverwort- put in a sachet and carry the sachet to secure your man's love.

Magnolia- To ensure that your loved one remains faithful, place a magnolia near or underneath the bed.

Maple- Use the leaves in love and money spells and rituals. Use the branches of the maple tree for magickal wands.

Marigold- Place marigolds around the door to stop negativity from coming in. Place the lowers under a bed for protection while sleeping, to make dreams come true, and to enduce prophetic dreams. Add the flowers to a bath to gain the repect and admiration of those you meet. Carry in the pocket for help with legal matters.

Mint- Rub the fresh leaves on the forhead to help cure headaches. Wear on the wrist to ensure that you will not get ill. Use mint in spells to promote lust. Use in money and prosperity spells. Place a few leaves in your wallet to increase the flow of money into it. Keep around the home for protection. Chew to cure the hic-ups or a cough.

Mistletoe- Use for protection against lightening, disease, misfortune, fires, etc. Place mistletoe in the crib or room of a small child to protect them. Carry or wear for goodluck when hunting. Women can carry or wear the herb to aid in conception. Put under the pillow for a restful sleep and pleasant dreams. Kiss a loved one under the mistletoe to ensure that you'll stay in love. Burn to banish negativity.

Mulberry- can be used to make wands

Oak- Make a fire of oak wood in the home fireplace when a person inside is sick. Carry the acorn to drive away illnesses and pains, and to preserve youthfulness. Also, carry an acorn to increase fertility and to increase sexual potency.

Orange- Add the blossoms to a bath to make yourself more attractive. One can drink orange juice, instead of wine, during ritual.

Orchid- Carry the root to draw money, financial security, and popularity.

Pansy- Wear or carry to attract love.

Parsley- Eat to promote lust and fertility.

Peach- Eat to induce love and to gain wisdom.

Peppermint- see mint.

Pine- carry the cones to promote fertility. Burn the pine needles during the winter to purify the house. Scatter around the house to warn off negativity.

Raspberry- hang the branches on the door and/or window for protection of the home. Pregnant women should carry to alliviate the pains of pregnancy and childbirth.

more to come...

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