Of the Birthday March 7

Crystal

Serpentine

Red, Green, Brown-Red, Brown-Yellow, Black-Green, White

Mottled, dual appearance, can be waterworn

Easily obtained from specialist stores

Britain (Cornwall), Norway, Russia, Zimbabwe, Italy, US

Serpentine is an earthing stone that aids meditation and spiritual exploration. Clearing the chakras and stimulating the crown chakra, it opens psychic abilities and helps you to understand the spiritual basis of life. 

Infinite Stone (Light-Green Serpentine) is a gentle, tender-natured stone that brings you into contact with angelic guidance. It accesses and integrates the past, present and future and is excellent for past-life exploration, as it promotes compassion and forgiveness for yourself and what you went through. 

Herb

Golden Seal

Parts Used: Root and rhizome

Collection: Unearth the root and rhizome from three-year-old plants in teh fall, after the ripening of the seeds. Clean carefully and dry slowly in the air.

Golden Seal is one of the most useful herbs available to us. It owes most of its specific uses to the powerful tonic qualities shown toward the mucous membranes of the body. It is thus of service in all digestive problems-- for example, in gastritis, septic ulceration, and colitis. Its bitter stimulation gives it a role in loss of appetite. All catarrhal states benefit from Golden Seal, especially upper respiratory tract catarrh. The tonic and astringency contribute to its use in uterine conditions such as menorrhagia (excessive menstruation) and hemorrhage. With the additional stimulation of involuntary muscles, it is an excellent aid during childbirth, but for this reason it should be avoided during pregnancy. Externally, it is used for the treatment of eczema, ringworm, pruritis (itching), earache, and conjunctivitis. 

CAUTION: As Golden Seal stimulates the involuntary muscles of the uterus, it should be avoided during pregnancy. 

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1/2 - 1 teaspoonful of the powdered herb and leave to infuse for 10 - 15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. 

Birthdays

Pisces ( February 19 - March 20)

Element: Water

Ruling Planets: Jupiter, the philosopher and Neptune, the speculator

Symbol: Two Fishes

Tarot card: The Moon (intuition)

Number: 7

Favorable colors: Green, Silver, violet

Key phrase: I uncover hidden depths. 

Love Matches: Cancer, Scorpio, and Capricorn

March 7

"Today I will ask for what I desire"

The birthday of extraordinary vision

Your greatest challenge is learning to assert yourself

On the Dark Side: Detached, isolated, secretive

At Your Best: Thoughtful, generous, intelligent

Birthstone

MAGIC MAIL!

Purchase the subscription box here-- http://www.inkedgoddesscreations.com/

Lil' Witchy's Challenge

I normally do one challenge for every day I have missed. However, the days are getting nice and I want to encourage you to do things out doors. :) So, as long as I want to be outside, I will be doing only one challenge per day I post. You know unless it's blue balls cold and I need a reason to stay in the warmth :P

Write

Write a short story in which you are the villian.

Draw

A water tower

Of the Birthday March 3-6

Crystals

Sapphire

Blue, Yellow, Green, Black, Purple

Bright, transparent when polished

Some sapphire colors are rare but most are easily obtained as uncut stones

Myanmar, Czech Republic, Brazil, Kenya, India, Australia, Sri Lanka

Sapphire is known as the wisdom stone, each color having its own particular wisdom. It focuses and calms the mind and releases unwanted thoughts and mental tension. 

Black Sapphire is protective and centering. It imparts confidence in one's own intuition.

Blue Sapphire is a seeker after spiritual truth, traditionally associated with love and purity.

Green Sapphire improves vision, both inner and outer, and improves dream recall.

Pink Sapphire acts as a magnet to draw into your life all that you need in order to evolve.

Purple Sapphire awakens. It is helpful for meditation, stimulating the kundalini rise and the crown chakra and opening spirituality. 

Royal Sapphire eliminates negative energies from chakras, and stimulates the third eye to access information for growth. 

Star Sapphire has a five-pointed star-shaped formation in its depths. This rare stone draws you into its depths and opens intuition

White Sapphire has an extremely pure  energy. Opening the crown chakra, it takes spiritual awareness to a very high space, opening cosmic consciousness.

Yellow Sapphire attracts wealth to the home and can be placed in cash boxes to increase prosperity and earnings. 

Sardonyx

Black, Red, Brown, Clear

Banded, opaque

Easily obtained from specialist stores

Brazil, India, Russia, Asia Minor

Sardonyx is a stone for strength and protection. It invokes the search for a meaningful existence and promotes integrity and virtuous conduct. 

Black Sardonyx absorbs negativity

Brown Sardonyx grounds energy

Clear Sardonyx purifies

Red Sardonyx stimulates

Selenite

Pure White, Orange, Blue, Brown, Green

Translucent with fine ribbing (Satin Spar) or coarser ribbing, fishtail, or petal-like (Desert Rose) 

Easily obtained

US, Mexico, Russia, Austria, Greece, Poland, Germany, France, England

Translucent Selenite has a very fine vibration and brings clarity of mind, opening the crown and higher crown chakras and accessing angelic consciousness and higher guidance. 

Orange-Brown Selenite earths angelic energies and aids earth healing.

Blue Selenite placed on the third eye quiets the intellect, facilitates shutting off mind chatter during meditation, and quickly reveals the core of a problem

Green Selenite assists in working toward the highest good. It makes you feel good about yourself and helps to overcome the effects of aging on the skin and skeleton

Fishtail Selenite provides deep healing for the nerves. It is extremely calming, stabilizing emotions and defusing tension. 

Desert Rose Selenite helps to dissolve self imposed programs that have been running for too long. It releases the program and assists in finding an appropriate replacement. 

Seraphinite

Green

Silvery feathers within the darker stone

Available in specialist stores

Siberia

Placed on the third eye or meditated with, Seraphinite is a stone of spiritual enlightenment and is excellent for accessing self healing 

Herbs

Ginseng

Parts Used: Root

Collection: Ginseng is cultivated in China, Korea, and northeaster U.S.A.

Ginseng has an ancient history and as such has accumulated much folklore about its actions and uses. Many of the claims that surround it are inflated, but it is clear that this is a unique plant. It has the power to move a person to their physical peak, generally increasing vitality and physical performance. Specifically, it will raise lowered blood pressure to a normal level. It affects depression, especially where this is due to debility and exhaustion. It can be used in general for exhaustion states and weakness. It has a reputation as an aphrodisiac. Occasionally, the use of this herb may produce headaches.

The root is often chewed or a decoction may be made. Put 1/ teaspoon of the powdered root in a cup of water, bring to boil, and simmer gently for 10 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. 

Goat's Rue

Parts Used: Dried aerial parts

Collection: The stalks with the leaves and flowers are gathered at teh time of flowering, which is between July and August. Dry in the shade

Goat's Rue is one of many herbal remedies with the action of reducing blood sugar levels. Its use is thus indicated in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. This must not replace insulin therapy, however, and should occur under professional supervision. It is also a powerful galactogogue, stimulating the production and flow of milk. It has been shown to increase milk output by up to 50% in some cases. It may also stimulate the development of the mammary glands. 

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoonful of the dried leaves and let infuse for 10- 15 minutes. This should be drunk twice a day. 

Golden Ragwort (AKA Life Root)

Parts Used: Dried aerial parts

Collection: The herb should be collected just before the small flowers open in the summer.

As a uterine tonic, Golden Ragwort (aka Life Root) may be used safely wherever strengthening and aid are called for. It is especially useful in cases of menopausal disturbances of any kind. Where there is delayed or suppressed menstruation, Golden Ragwort may be used. For leukorrhea, it can be used as a douche. It also has a reputation as a general tonic for debilitated states and conditions such as tuberculosis. 

Infusion: Pour a cup  of boiling water onto 1-3 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10 - 15 minutes. This should be drank three times a day. 

Golden Rod

Parts Used: Dried aerial parts

Collection: Gather stalks at the time of flowering, which is between July and October, preferably from plants not yet blooming. Dry in the shade or not above a temperature of 100 degree F

Golden Rod is perhaps the first plant to think of for upper respiratory catarrh, whether acute or chronic. It may be used in combination with other herbs in the treatment of influenza. The carminative properties reveal a role in the treatment of flatulent dyspepsia. As an anti-inflammatory urinary antiseptic, Golden Rod may be used in cystitis, urethritis, and the like. It can be used to promote the healing of wounds. As a gargle, it can be used for laryngitis and pharyngitis. 

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 - 3 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10 - 15 minutes. This should be drunk 3 times a day.

Birthdays

Pisces ( February 19 - March 20)

Element: Water

Ruling Planets: Jupiter, the philosopher and Neptune, the speculator

Symbol: Two Fishes

Tarot card: The Moon (intuition)

Number: 7

Favorable colors: Green, Silver, violet

Key phrase: I uncover hidden depths. 

Love Matches: Cancer, Scorpio, and Capricorn

March 3

"My self-belief will inspire others to believe in me too." 

The birthday of the proposal

Your greatest challenge is building your self-esteem

On the Dark Side: Moody, compulsive, lazy

At Your Best: Generous, intelligent, determined

March 4  

"I can always learn something from others."

The birthday of the inspired aloneness

Your greatest challenge is learning to express your feelings.

On the Dark Side: Impersonal, self-involved, shy

At Your Best: Tenacious, independent, ingenious

March 5  

"I acknowledge my spirit at the start of each day."

The birthday of agony and ecstasy

Your greatest challenge is staying calm and in control when things don't go your way.

On the Dark Side: Insecure, unreliable, negative

At Your Best: Entertaining, intelligent, witty

March 6

"Today I will appreciate others for who they are and not as I want them to be."

The birthday of refinement

Your greatest challenge is to avoid searching for perfection.

On the Dark Side: Naive, lazy, confused

At Your Best: Youthful, refined, sensual

Birthstone

Fairy Treat- Fairy Clothes

There's all kinds of neat things in this book. I recommend it. :D
(P.S. If you have an interest in it I recommend all books really)

    Clothes are no small matter to fairies, who realize that clothing says a great deal about the wearer and has symbolic meanings. Some fairies prefer to remain naked, in the same way that some modern-day pagans, within closed rituals, prefer to be "sky-clad." They feel this is a sign that we are all naked before the gods, and shows respect for Nature.

Clothes as a sign of power

    By contrast, other fairy folk are very fussy about clothing, preferring the beautiful and the costly. In many cultures, clothes define the status and occupation of the wearer, and so are an outward sign of inward reality. We are freed from such constraints in the modern world, but fairies are well aware of the symbolic nature of all things. Some fairies, robbed of their clothing, are doomed to remain captive in the mortal world until they recover it. The good Persian fairy, the Peri, is one example, whose clothes signify magical power. 

    One story tells of a weary merchant's son, who rested from his travels by the shores of a lake. Four doves flew down and turned in to Peries before his eyes. They then shed their robes and bathed in the waters. The young man hid the clothes and, when they realized what had happened, the Peries were distraught. One of them agreed to marry him in order that the others might escape, whereupon he gave three Peries back their clothes, taking the fourth with him as his bride. They lived together for ten years, after which he went on his travels again, leaving the precious clothes with an old woman. When he was gone, the Peru persuaded the old woman to let her put her clothes on just for a minute--whereupon she immediately vanished from sight. 

    Many fairies are intentionally ragged in appearance, such as the brownies. However, if they are given clothes, they are so offended that they often disappear for ever. This idea is echoed by J. K. Rowling in the Harry Potter books, in which a house elf is freed by the gift of clothes. To traditional house fairies, clothes are an empty gift conforming to human standards, not to those of Fairyland. 

The Significance of color

    Color is also an important consideration, with red and green being favorites. Both of these colors speak of the power of Nature: red being the color of blood (and of death, with which some fairies are linked), and green the color of leaves and grass. Irish Leprechauns usually wear green, (This is wear the book and I disagree. Leprechauns traditionally wore red, green is a new age thing) along with leather aprons, silver buckled shoes, and three cornered hats, on which they may turn upside down and spin. In fact, in Ireland green is so much the property of the Fair Folk that it may be unlucky for mortals to wear it. Some fairies even have green skin. Nature spirits are the types of fairy most closely linked to green and the world of vegetation.

    Red has magical connections, and witches are believed by some to have red hair and to wear red cloaks or caps. Red is also linked with death, and in prehistoric times corpses were often smeared with red ochre, to give them renewed vitality. And the sun, when it "dies," goes down in a blaze of red. Many fairies have red caps, or are entirely red in color. Red caps may also be associated with shamanism and with the fly agaric mushroom, which induces a trance.

Clothes as symbols

    Human clothes can also be used as a weapon to break fairy enchantment. When led astray by fairies while out walking (that is, "pixy-led"), the best thing to do is to take off your coat and turn it inside out, thus distracting the fairies long enough to escape. This may also be a way of marshaling all the powers of your conscious mind so that you can think logically.

    If troublesome fairies are disturbing your nights, place your shoes by the bed with the toes pointing outward and put your socks beneath them. Gloves are even more important as symbols. A glove thrown into a fairy ring will stop all the revelry, and one Cornish tale describes how a farmer called Noy threw down his glove at a fairy assembly, whereupon the entire company disappeared, along with the house and orchard. Many customs feature gloves, as a sign of intention or authority--"throwing down the gauntlet," for instance, was a medieval challenge, accepted if the gauntlet was picked up. The human hand has been the tool that has wrought many changes in the natural world--small wonder that the fairies are alive to the meaning of the glove.

    Nothing is just what it seems: All things have a meaning beyond their purpose, and naught more so than clothes. If humans will not realize this, the fairies will teach them.

Lil' Witchy's Challenge

Write

Write a review of a novel or memoir you've never written.

I didn't know what was happening at the time. 

Your city in 100 years from now.

Draw

A crystal Ball

A synthesizer

A paper airplane

Of the Birthday Feb 28 and March 1-2

Just a note here, if I can find a Birthstone that isn't the commonly sold birthstone jewelry at Zale's or any other jewelry store, that is the birthstone I'm going to use for my blog. A few month's have more than one stone. I want to use the least commonly known. I want you to learn something here not just have a bit of fun reading it.

Also, the power went out on me yesterday as I was doing this blog. :( So, I had to add to it today!

Crystals

Rhodonite

Pink or Red

Mottled, often flecked with black

Easily obtained

Spain, Russia, Sweden, Germany, Mexico, Brazil

Rhodonite is an emotional balancer that nurtures love and encourages the brotherhood of humanity. It has the ability to show both sides of an issue. 

Rhyolite

White, Green, Light Gray, Red

Banded or spotted with crystal inclusions
Available from specialist stores
Austrailia, Mexico, US

Rhyolite ignites the potential and creativity of the soul. It facilitates change with out enforcing it, assists in fulfilling quests and facilitates knowing from a soul level.

Ruby

Red

Bright, transparent when polished, opaque when not

Uncut Ruby is readily available, polished gemstone is expensive

India, Madagascar, Russia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Kenya, Mexico

Ruby is an excellent stone for energy. Imparting vigor to life, it energizes and balances but may sometimes overstimulate in delicate or irritable people.

Herbs

Gentian Root

Parts Used: Dried rhizome and root.

Collection: The underground parts are dug up in the fall, sliced, and dried slowly. It is during the drying process that the odor, color, and taste develop.

Gentian is an excellent bitter that, as do all bitters, stimulates the appetite and digestion via a general stimulation of the digestive juices. Thus it promotes the production of saliva, gasttic juices, and bile. It also accelerates the emptying of the stomach. It is indicated wherever there is a lack of appetite and sluggishness of the digestive system. It may thus be used where teh symptoms of sluggish digestion appear, these being dyspepsia and flatulence. Through the stimulation of the digestion it has a generally fortifying effect. 

Decoction: Put 1/2 a teaspoonful of the shredded root in a cup of water and boil for five minutes. This should be drunk warm about 15-30 minutes before meals or at any time when acute stomach pains result from a feeling of fullness.

Geranium (AKA American Cranesbill)

Parts Used: Rhizome

Collection: The rhizome is unearthed in September and October, cut into pieces and Dried.

Geranium is an effective astringent used in diarrhea, dysentery, and hemorrhoids. When bleeding accompanies duodenal or gastric ulceration, this remedy is used in combination with other relevant herbs. Where blood is lost in the feces, this herb will help, though careful diagnosis is vital. It may be used where excessive blood loss during menstruation (menorrhagia) or a uterine hemorrhage (metrorrhagia) occur. As a douche, it can be used in leukorrhea. 

Decocion: put 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the rhizome in a cup of cold water and bring to the boil. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Ginger

Parts Used: Rootstock

Collection: The rootstock is dug up when the leaves are dried. The remains of the stem and root fibers should be removed. Wash thoroughly and dry in the sun. 

Ginger may be used as a stimulant of the peripheral circulation in cases of bad circulation, chilblains, and cramps. In feverish conditions, Ginger acts as a useful diaphoretic, promoting perspiration. As a carminative, it promotes gastric secretion and is used dyspepsia, flatulence, and colic. As a gargle, it may be effective in teh relief of sore throats. Externally, it is the base of many fibrositis and muscle sprain treatments. 

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoonful of the fresh root and let it infuse for five minutes. Drink whenever needed. 

Decoction: if you are using the dried root in powdered or finely chopped form, make a decoction by putting 1 1/2 teaspoonfuls to a cup of water. Bring it to boil and simmer for 5- 10 minutes. This can be drunk whenever needed 

Birthdays

Pisces ( February 19 - March 20)

Element: Water

Ruling Planets: Jupiter, the philosopher and Neptune, the speculator

Symbol: Two Fishes

Tarot card: The Moon (intuition)

Number: 7

Favorable colors: Green, Silver, violet

Key phrase: I uncover hidden depths. 

Love Matches: Cancer, Scorpio, and Capricorn

February 28

"I celebrate what I have, and I meet new challenges with open arms"

The birthday of the original charmer

Your greatest challenge is learning to rein in your impulses

On the Dark Side: Thoughtless, melodramatic, reckless

At Your Best: Charming, original vibrant

February 29 

"I am perfect just as I am"

The birthday of wistful vivacity

Your greatest challenge is to believe in yourself

On the Dark Side: Immature, unfocused, moody

At Your Best: Youthful, intuitive, offbeat.

Birthstone

March 1

"It is myself rather than my worry which will change things"

The birthday of the practical visionary 

Your greatest challenge is learning to cope with feelings of worry and anxiety

On the Dark Side: Controlling, selfish, impatient

At Your Best: Refined, artistic, ambitious

March 2

"I will always ask for the help that I need"

The birthday of personal vision

Your greatest challenge is dealing with confrontation

On the Dark Side: Inflexible, escapist, needy

At Your Best: Loyal, trusting, purposeful

Birthstone

I have both stones here, but this will be the only March blog with both ;)