Articles — materials

A member of the Parsley family, Angelica is known in magickal herbalism as a powerful guardian. It is said to banish negativity and attract positive energy. Angelica grows in tall, blossoming stalks—but typically only the root portion is used in spellwork. Angelica is a staple of American folk magick or rootwork, but it probably acquired its holy reputation hundreds of years ago, in medieval Europe. Angelica was used to ward off disease, cure poisoning, and bring blessings upon the home. Culpeper’s 17th century herbal almanac recommends making a candy of the roots and stalks to be eaten when ill or...

Agrimony is a tall, perennial herb with yellow flowers. It grows abundantly in England, Europe, and parts of North America. Agrimony is the common name for several different species of Agrimonia. The folkloric name is Cocklebur. All are distantly related to the Rose. Agrimony was known to the ancients as a heal-all tonic, easing everything from cataracts to sore feet. The herb was steeped in baths or consumed as a tea. Nicholas Culpeper's Complete Herbal (1653) recommends cleansing sores with an infusion of Agrimony. Agrimony tea is sometimes taken as a refreshing Spring beverage. The occult legacy of Agrimony is...

Mugwort is one of the most popular herbs for the Witch’s pantry. It’s known as a psychic/Lunar herb that’s also strongly protective. This article describes Artemisia vulgaris, common Mugwort. Mugwort’s magickal virtues (combined with its low cost) make it our best-selling loose herb. But how did this unassuming ditch-weed become the Witch Queen of the herb aisle? It started as long ago as the Iron Age, when early farmers gathered wild plants to fancy up their bland, grain-based diets. Certain plants became favored for their ability to prevent spoilage and repel insects—a seemingly magickal power. Almost every beer made today...

A chakra stone set is a small collection of gemstones, in which each stone corresponds to one of the body's subtle energy centers. You've probably seen them for sale in metaphysical shops and online. Chakra stones are used in energy healing and meditation. Witches and Pagans may also use them for spellwork or divination. To the well-practiced crystal user, a chakra set is like a painter's palette. Handling the chakra stones allows the practitioner to focus on a particular vibration (or "color" of energy), quickly accessing it to achieve his or her aims. Making your own chakra set is an...

Magickal stuff is all around us, and some of it doesn’t cost a thing. The thrifty Witch knows that successful magick doesn’t need to be expensive. Here are nine easy ways to stock your altar without even touching your wallet: 1. Scrap paper Paper has endless magickal uses. Filling a Book of Shadows, recording affirmations, automatic writing, and drafting sigils are just a few examples. Every time you mark an empty page, you are performing a magickal act—the creation of something from nothing. Store-bought paper is inexpensive, but re-purposed paper is free! Try saving scrap paper at home or collecting...