This is a mask that my sister gave me the recipe for, she’s in school to become a skin care specialist. I told her I needed a mask to shrink my pores and get rid of my black heads and she sent me this. It’s all natural which is why I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to make it into a spell.
Things you‘ll need:
Raw virgin coconut oil (make sure it’s non-gmo)
Raw honey
Turmeric
A lemon
A bowl & a spoon
What to do:
Put 2 tbs. of coconut oil, 1 tbs. of honey, 1 tsp. of lemon juice, and ½ a teaspoon of turmeric into a bowl and mix.
Charge with intent
Apply to face (it gets kind of runny)
Wait 10 minutes or more before washing off
I took a ritual bath with a bath bomb I made and put a spoonful of this into the water. The bath bomb had purification powder in it, and this mask’s ingredients are heavy with purifying properties. My skin feels amazing and I smell pretty amazing also. I don’t know where she got the recipe from, so I’m not claiming to have made it up on my own. I may put instructions for the ritual bath!
I suggest storing it somewhere cool, so the coconut oil stays solid.
I charged the mask with the intent of purification and to draw in a lover (the honey).
This is also a super low-key spell for witches who are in the broom closet.
*EDIT* Lemon is a natural toner / astringent, and it also lightens skin. So if you are darker complected and don’t want your skin to lighten. (though I don’t think that would happen with this) Replace the lemon with something that would appeal more to your skin tone! :)
OK, so one thing that often comes up in Q&A sessions about witchcraft is herbalism. It’s extremely complicated in some parts, and this isn’t helped by the fact that there’s often a lot of new and complicated terminology that can really obfuscate the techniques used to people who aren’t used to it.
This post is therefore meant to clarify a few things about terminology to help people decipher what the hell is going on. It does not go into the effects of herbs (like what the difference is between a sedative and a hypnotic), that’s for a later post. This one talks about actual techniques used to MAKE a herbal preparation.
NB: The terminology I use is the most common terminology and definitions used in Western tradition herbalism. Some terms have different definitions in biochemistry or in other herbalism traditions to the ones they have in Western tradition herbalism (WTH). If a term is likely to cause confusion, I’ll try to put an asterisk (*) beside it.
—
Acetum* – A tincture
that uses vinegar as its menstruum.
The plural is aceta.
Active
ingredient – The medicinally
active component chemical(s) of a plant; these are what you’re trying to
extract.
Aqueous* – An extract that is prepared with water is called an “aqueous extract”,
or simply an “extract” (though this
is correct, it is vague and therefore should always be clarified as an aqueous
extract).
Aromatic* – A chemical that has an
easily-discernible fragrance or smell, e.g. menthol from peppermint
Ayurveda
– Literally “science of life”,
this is a form of Indian herbalism. Included because people often ask what it
is and I’m sick of answering.
Cold
infusion – A form of herbal preparation in which a herb is steeped
in room temperature water overnight as a means of extracting active ingredients.
Constituent
– Any component chemical of a
plant, regardless of activity.
Decoction
– A herbal preparation in which plant matter is
simmered in water without boiling until half the liquid has been evaporated.
Double
decoction – A form of decoction where the water is evaporated
down to a quarter of its original volume, rather than a half.
Elixir* – Any liquid preparation that contains both alcohol-extracted and aqueous-extractedcomponents.
Ethanol
– An alcohol with the chemical
formula C2H4OH, also known as drinking alcohol and ethyl
alcohol.
Extract* – Any liquid preparation in which plant matter is
left in a liquid solvent for several weeks. The word “extract” can also refer
specifically to aqueous extracts.
Filtrate
– The liquid retrieved from a
physical filtering separation process.
Fluid
Ounce – Also known as an ounce
by volume, this is a measurement of fluid equal to 1/16th of a pint
by volume, or approximately 0.03L metric. Weight-to-Volume
ratios measure volume in fluid ounces most commonly. Symbolised as fl. Oz.
Folkloric
extract – A herbal extract prepared without measuring
weights or volumes of the marc or menstruum. Much more variable in dosage
than measured extracts, and therefore
more risky.
Glycerine
– Also known as glycerine and glycerol. A chemical with the formula C3H5(OH)3,
often used in the preparation of sweet-tasting extracts.
Glycerite
– Any extract prepared using glycerine as the solvent. Glycerites should be a minimum of 55% glycerine by volume
in order to preserve their contents against bacteria.
Hot
infusion – A herbal preparation made by steeping plant
matter in boiling or boiled water for at least 10 minutes. Less than 10 minutes
forms a tea instead.
Inactive
ingredient – Any molecule in a
plant that does not have medicinal or biological value. A plant will always
have more than one inactive ingredient, but a herbal preparation could theoretically have only one (although it never
will).
Liniment
– An extract, most usually a tincture,
which is used topically on the skin rather than taken orally. Also known as
an embrocation.
Lipid
– Any fat. Often used as a solvent when dealing with fat-soluble
compounds, for example cannabinoids.
Lozenge
– A herbal preparation in which the active ingredient is made into a thick syrup, heated until candying occurs, and
then allowed to cool and harden. Often used to make unpleasant-tasting
medications more palatable, such as for children.
Marc –
The solid matter in an extract or tincture.
Menstruum
– The liquid component of an extract or tincture.
Ounce
– A measurement of weight,
1/16th of a pound, and just under 30g metric. Symbolised as Oz.
Pastille
– A herbal preparation similar to a lozenge, but unheated and therefore
preserving many of the medicinal compounds that are otherwise heat-sensitive.
Made by grinding herbs into a powder, and then mixing them with sugar and a
binding agent. Maple syrup or honey is often used.
Preparation
– Any herbal remedy, of any
kind.
Poultice
– A herbal preparation formed by mashing fresh, solid
plant matter into a mash, and then directly applying it to the skin. Sometimes
also involves wrapping the plant matter in gauze or fabric to prevent it coming
apart.
Precipitate
– The solid matter that forms
from the marc when making a tincture or an extract of some kind.
Proof* – As it related to alcohol,
this is a measurement that is equal to either two times the alcohol percentage
(US definition) or is equal to 1.75
(4/7th) times the percentage (UK definition). Almost all sources use
the US definition, but all sources
will also use the alcohol-by-volume (ABV)
metric, which is a simple percentage.
Residue
– The solid matter left in the
filter after a physical filtration separation.
Solubility – The ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent.
Succi
– The preserved juices of a plant. Alcohol is the
most common preservative.
Syrup
– A decoction that has subsequently had sugar added to it, and is then
simmered down further until it forms a thick, sweet liquid. Mostly used for
making herbal preparations that are
unpleasant-tasting easier to swallow.
Tea –
When boiling water is added to
plant matter and is left to steep for no more than 10 minutes. If it is left
for longer than 10 minutes, it is described as a hot infusion.
Tincture* – Any liquid extract in which
alcohol is the solvent. The word tincture is often used interchangeably with extract in herbal sources, but they are
actually different things.
Weight-to-volume
extract – Any extract in which the marc and menstruum are actually measured out before manufacture. This is a
little more complicated, but makes the dosage much less variable and therefore
much safer to use.
—
This took bloody ages to write, so I hope like hell that someone finds it useful!
1. DIY Elderberry Thyme syrup – elderberry has been used for centuries in healing because it provides immune support (and has long been thought to banish negative energy). Can be taken both preventatively and to shorten the course of a cold.
2. DIY Cough Drops – these cute cough drops are made with tea and honey to sooth an irritated throat. The original blogger chose hibiscus tea for the taste, but consider using one of the herbal teas she lists at the bottom for a more healing herbal remedy.
3. Lemon, Honey, and Ginger in a Jar – a traditional and internet favorite, this mixture turns into a jelly for when your throat needs serious soothing. Honey has been used for millennia to heal a variety ailments, just be sure to keep this away from infants.
4. 30 Herbs for Cold and Flu Season – for those that like to have options, here is a long list of healing herbs with suggestions on how to use them during cold and flu season.
*UPDATE: It’s been a while since I reissued this, so here you go!* Hello
weirdos! A lot of folks seem to be a little lost when first setting
foot into the goth subculture and don’t know where to go for band
recommendations. Here’s a list of important, influential bands that
contributed to the goth subculture - along with several favs - I put
together with Dean (angry punk pictured above) and the help of you lovely Fab Bats.
In
order to avoid classification issues, they’re categorized by sound
rather than specific genre. So, here we go:
Sounds dead or undead:
Bauhaus (1978-2008) “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” is a national anthem. Lead singer Peter Murphy has really pointy cheek bones.
Peter Murphy (1983-present) his solo work, not as angular as his facial features.
Love and Rockets (1985-present) Peter Murphy got stuck hanging upside down on stage and the Bauhaus members formed a band without him.
Joy Division (1976-1980)
Ian Curtis was an energetic dancer, to say the least. “Love Will Tear
Us Apart” and “Transmission” are famous songs.
The Southern Death Cult(1981-1983) has a song called “Fatman”. Ian Astbury teamed up with Billy Duffy from Theatre of Hate to create Death Cult which later became The Cult, another band worth checking out.
Play Dead(1981-1985) doesn’t like being called goth. Musicians that don’t like being labeled? Unheard of.
Corpus Delicti(1993-1998) name means “body of crime”. Just saying.
Nosferatu(1988-present) actual vampires making music.
Tones on Tail (1982-1984) Daniel Ash’s (Bauhaus) illegitimate child side project.
Curve
(1990-2005) Toni Haliday’s seductive alto voice against a backdrop of
layered guitars and drum loops; fans of Curve generally regard Garbage
as having stole their shtick and made it pop-friendly.
Leæther Strip (1988-present) with forays into industrial/ebm; Highly Recommend “Serenade For The Dead” and “Self-Inflicted”.
Love Like Blood (1989-2011) the Sisters of Mercy and Type O Negative’s German child.
The Merry Thoughts (1983-1998) another German band that sounds like the Sisters of Mercy.
A Pale Horse Named Death (2011-present) another
Type O Negative offshoot, this band has the original drummer on vocals
and their drummer on drums. Very dark and devoid of Type O’s black
humor, but still a great listen.
The Cruxshadows (1992-present) an alternative musical start for many. The important thing: spiky hair.
Christian Death (1979-present)
founded by Rozz Williams, but faced several line up issues (a second
Christian Death featured Valor Kand rather than Rozz Williams). Known
for “Romeo’s Distress”. Start with “Only Theatre of Pain” then
“Catastrophe Ballet”.
Specimen(1980-present) features the cofounder of the Batcave. Best known for “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” and Johnny Slut being awesome.
Cinema Strange(1994-present) listen to the album of the same name. Known for their acts on stage.
The Deadfly Ensemblesimilar in feel to Cinema Strange with the same “story telling” aspect.
Misfits(1977-present)
1950s horror told by crazy guys with guitars and muscles. Personal
favorite album: “Static Age”. Singer Glenn Danzig went on to create Danzig. Also make your day better by listening to the “Monster Mash” cover.
The Cramps(1976-2009) originators of “psychobilly”. Highly original and sleazy with class.
Alien Sex Fiend(1982-present)
husband and wife that sound like legit extra-terrestrials. Proof that
there is no such thing as taking yourself seriously.
The Damned (1976-present) lead singer, Dave Vanian, is a vampire.
Blood and Rosesunderrated. Listen to “Your Sin is Your Salvation”.
The Birthday Party(1977-1983) pretty jazzy. Nick Cave, vocalist, likes to wear suits and release bats from caves.
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds(1984-present) this guys is so interesting he is set apart from the Bad Seeds and he has a movie.
Virgin Prunes(1977-1986) known for “Baby Turns Blue”.
The Psychedelic Furs(1977-present) remember the movie “Pretty in Pink”? Well there. Try the album “Psychedelic Furs”!
Anorexic Dread(1983-1985) short lived but worth knowing.
Siouxsie and the Banshees(1976-2002)
pronounced “Suzy”. I know you know, but I didn’t at first. “Spellbound,
“Happy House”, “Cities in Dust”, plenty to listen to. And, Siouxsie
Sioux rocks.
Killing Joke(1978-present) where
do I begin? Do I begin at all? You know what, it doesn’t matter if you
skip this entire list and just listen to this one band. I’ll spare you
the essay and recommend the album of the same name, “Laugh? I nearly
bought one!”, “Democracy”, “Extremities, Dirt and Various Repressed
Emotions” and “Pandemonium”. More than the sound are the lyrics, the
members and the message.
1919(1980-present) underrated to the extreme. Similar to Killing Joke in sound and vibe.
Nina Hagen(1971-present) she’s wicked cool, in sound and style. And also she’s German.
Type O Negative(1990-2010) American metal band with widely respected singer/bassist, the late Peter Steele.
Public Image Limited aka PIL
(1978-present) John Lydon’s [aka Jonny Rotten of Sex Pistols] post-punk
band that created gems like “The Order of Death” and “Rise”.
Life of Agony (1989-present) Alternative
metal band from Brooklyn. Had Type O Negative’s original drummer after
he left. Slightly thrashy, but sludgy and dark as well.
Witchy, “psycho-delic” or heavily historical:
Switchblade Symphony (1989-1999) would recommend the album “Serpentine Gallery”.
The Velvet Underground & Nicothe album is known for the songs “Venus in Furs” and “All Tomorrow’s Parties”. Check out Nico, another wicked German artist.
16 year old Gynnya McMillen was found dead early Monday morning at a juvenile detention center near Elizabethtown, according to the Kentucky Justice Cabinet. A spokesperson told WDRB she couldn’t give any details, except that it happened early Monday morning, Jan. 11.
According to the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet’s statement, the girl was found unresponsive. Officials did not say where she was found and her autopsy reads that she has “no cause of death,” leaving a lot of people asking questions like how a completely healthy teenage girl was found dead without any cause?
“I’m asking that everyone repost and share my sisters story on your pages and in any groups that will help us get it out there. My 16yr old sister died in custody of a detention center but they’re not giving out any info on how she was found and they’re saying her autopsy shows no cause of death. The news channels only played her story one time. We want justice and Kentucky isn’t giving it to us! Thanks for all the prayers and help. Gynnya McMillen”
The family of the victim is saying police won’t give them any information and not a single media source is covering this story.
Police in the area are said to be “investigating the death.” Which we all know what that means…
