Broom Lore
(Collected from numerous sources) A broom dropping in front of the door means company before the day is over. Always pick up, for luck, a broom that is lying on the floor or ground. Always sweep dirt out the back … Continue reading →
Category Archives: Sticks and Stones
Trees
By Walter De La Mare Of all the trees in England,Her sweet three corners in,Only the Ash, the bonnie AshBurns fierce while it is green. Of all the trees in England,From sea to sea again,The Willow loveliest stoops her boughsBeneath … Continue reading →
Song of the Forest Trees
(The Irish Ossianic Song of the Forest Trees is to be found in Standish O’ Grady’s translation in Eleanor Hull’s Poem Book of the Gael is a listing of trees to be found on Dartmoor. Fortunately, the whole text of … Continue reading →
Dartmoor Wood Poem
More suggestions on woods for burning, this from traditional English lore. Several versions of this poem exist with multiple variants. I learned it first from Paul Huson‘s Mastering Witchcraft, which he calls “The Dartmoor Verse”. Oak logs will warm you … Continue reading →
The Burning Properties of Wood
Below is a list of the most common woods for burning, there are more. It is worth remembering that ALL wood will burn better if split. There is an old saying, “before starting a fire – collect the right wood.” … Continue reading →
Herbal Salves (method #2)
This method uses essential oils instead of fresh/dried herbs, and the method is slightly different. First, here are three recipes for a salve base to which you will add your essential oils. Again, proportions are in parts, so if you … Continue reading →
Herbal Salves (method#1)
Salves are used to treat itchy skin, dry skin, boils, infections and even aches and pains depending on the herbs used. That lip balm in the little tin or tube? That’s a salve. Making salves at home is relatively simple … Continue reading →
The Star in the Orchard
A European folk tale. There are many variants of little red house with no windows and no doors, and a star inside, wherre either a boy or a girl is the seeker. I have a fondness for sparrows, so this … Continue reading →
Herbal Invocation
INVOCATION ‘Earth, divine Goddess, Mother Nature who generates all things and brings forth anew the sun which you have given to the nations; Guardian of sky and sea and of all gods and powers….through your power all nature falls silent … Continue reading →