"The Garden Witch Digs into Herb Magic".
A 2006 Llewellyn New Worlds article by Ellen Dugan

The Garden Witch Digs Into Herb Magic
New Worlds Isse: NW063 By: Ellen Dugan
Hello, it's your friendly neighborhood Garden Witch. I've got a wonderful new book for you to dig into this year, and it's popping up just in time for the gardening season. It's entitled Herb Magic for Beginners. This newest book in Llewellyn's For Beginners series is a hands-on primer into the world of magical herbalism.

I first became interested in herbal magic as a new gardener. I still remember the day I was walking around my gardens, comparing what plants I had growing to the plants listed in a magical encyclopedia. To my amazement many of the plants I had in the perennial gardens were classified as magical herbs. The only problem was, while I adored the reference book, there were precious few spells in it and no real information on how to practically combine the herbs with my spellcraft.

Many of us are captivated by the topic of herbs and herbal magic. However, there are few books available on the topic of actually working magic with the herbs besides those in basic encyclopedic format. There are even fewer books that offer practical spells and herbal enchantments for any level of experience. Herb Magic for Beginners will take care of that omission. There is plenty for you to learn, experiment with and discover. Plus I have included dozens of herbal spells, and they are all straightforward and ready to go.

Down-to-Earth Enchantments
I admit it, I have a passion for the natural world and a love affair with green growing things. As a Master Gardener I often lecture on the topic of herbs and plant folklore. The very word herb has always seemed fascinating to me. After all, there is something mysterious about herbs, their uses, aromas, tastes and textures. Their history and folklores are captivating, and for many Witches, Wiccans and Pagans, the topic of magical herbalism is an irresistible one. I believe that Herb Magic for Beginners will be an excellent addition to your magical library.

So, let's dig in! I'll just bet you are wondering what you will uncover in this down-to-earth paperback. The first two chapters of the book break down how herb magic works, and then neatly segue into an explanation of astrological timing, tools of the trade and plant and herbal terminology. After that, the book is divided up into four chapters. Each of these are chocked full of practical charms, spells and rituals revolving around the chapter's specific topic. There are 48 common herbs featured in this book. And all of the herbs will be easy for you to get your hands on, and to work with. Most importantly, each individual herb has an accompanying spell, charm or ritual to go along with it. I wanted to make sure there was plenty of magic in this book.
Also, just as you'd expect, I have included a spell worksheet and several herbal correspondence charts. These will come in handy for you as you begin to compose your own herbal spells and charms.

Herb Magic Is a Major Magic
Now, for those of you who are wrinkling up your nose at the mere thought of reading a book with the word beginner in the title, sit tight for a moment. Here is an interesting fact for you to ponder. The truth is, herb magic is considered a major magic. And a major magic is defined as a type of enchantment that requires more knowledge and the combination of several other magical practices, such as astrological timing, candle and color magic.

However, by tackling the topic of herb magic from a beginner's point of view, it allows any Witch, or magic user (no matter what their level of experience), to dive right in and start experimenting with herb magic. It also gives you the opportunity to refresh different magical techniques, or even to add some new ones into your repertoire.

Herb magic is a sensory type of enchantment. The scents, colors and textures of the plant materials offer immediate gratification. They also lure magical practitioners outdoors and into the natural world to experience the plants growing in nature and in the garden. (Yes, it is my goal in life to get you off the couch and outside.) Working with plants is fun! Tending and utilizing herbs for magic is even more enjoyable. It links you to the cycles and seasons of the Earth and keeps you intimately connected to the sacred side of nature. Herb Magic for Beginners will demonstrate, in a down-to-earth manner, just how to go about creating your own variety of herbal magic with humor, style, and most importantly, with heart.

"The Magick of Meow".
A 2006 Llewellyn New Worlds article by Ellen Dugan

The Magick of Meow

Cats, more than any other creature, have been linked to magick and Witchcraft over the centuries. The feline is a fascinating animal. Its history is full of divinity, mystery and enchantment. The Enchanted Cat is a captivating and practical guide to the wonder and magick inherent in the domestic feline. Within this enjoyable book, you will find mythology, deity information, folklore, cat astrology, spells and simple charms all revolving around the enchanted cat.

We’ll start our search for information in Egypt, and take a fresh look at the mythology of cat goddesses, so you can understand how the feline became so wrapped up in feminine mystique. Then we’ll trail into Rome and discover the links between the Egyptian goddesses and the Italian goddesses, Diana and her daughter Aradia. From there we’ll go deep into Europe and visit with Freya, a Norse goddess also famous for her association with the cat.

Next the book delves into cat folklore and legend, and the magickal qualities of the domestic cat. Gaze into feline divination techniques, weather predictions and elemental spells, all based on the tradition of feline folklore. In this cat-a-log of enchantment you will learn to work cat-charms for hearth and home as well as dozens of other practical and affirmative spells for love, protection and healing. As you read The Enchanted Cat, you will begin to identify with feline familiars and learn how to successfully work magick with them. Cats, by their very nature, are in tune with the subtle energies of magick. They make wonderful working partners, so long as you respect their independence and unique personalities.

Cat Magick, Astrology and More
Cat magick is an older and more traditional variety of spellwork, and learning to successfully work with cats in a type of psychic partnership gives you a chance to expand your magickal expertise and to learn something new. For example, did you know that your enchanted cat can help you to gauge the psychic mood or energy level of your home? It’s true.

In this book I’ll introduce you to a little feline feng shui, all with the help of our fascinating and graceful cat friends. These practical magicks and psychic techniques are to be worked together with your enchanted cat companion, and will feature simple and inexpensive magickal supplies that you probably already have on hand. Interested in a little cat astrology? Well, look no further, my cat-loving friend. If you’ve ever wondered how the different zodiac signs affect your cat’s personality, this will be right up your alley. You will also find a chapter featuring feline animal powers. As you study the symbolism, energies and magick of the domesticated cat and its wild cousins, you will learn how to incorporate these positive lessons into your life with meditation and psychic spellwork. In the closing chapter, you will discover the art of naming (as choosing a name for an enchanted feline companion is a serious matter indeed).

Once you have gained all this knowledge, you’re going to want to pick out a new, special magickal name for your pet or pets. This section will feature a list of enchanting feline names for queens and toms, their meanings, plus a naming ritual for a kitten or cat. And, of course, there will be even more bewitching spells and charms for a cat’s collar and ID tag.

The Enchanted Cat also features a journal section that allows you to take notes, jot down your experiences from the meditations and provides a place to write your own feline fascinations. The journal allows you to personalize this book and make it uniquely yours. In the journal I have also included a spell worksheet and correspondence charts for cat magick. This will allow you to conjure up your own custom-made variety of enchantment and provide an at-a-glance correspondence section for you to refer back to.

In the Company of Cats
With cats in our lives, we have the opportunity to take some quiet time to discover our own courage, and to nurture our spirit. From cats we learn the value of grace and silence. We learn to look within. At home, in the company of cats as we observe their intuitive and captivating qualities, we begin to appreciate our own inner magick. No matter what your magickal tradition, whether you are male or female, young or old, we all need to have a sense of divine spark within ourselves. In that quiet place where visions are born, our imagination flourishes and magick begins. By taking the time to focus our attention inward and learning to work with a feline companion, wisdom and witchery may be achieved.

"Practical Psychic Protection".
A 2005 Llewellyn Magical Alamanc article by Ellen Dugan

Practical Psychic Protection
Here is a topic that winds up magick users and psychics alike, psychic protection. For the life of me, I do not understand why folks tie themselves up into a knot over this very normal and practical idea. For those of you who have natural psychic abilities, such as clairvoyance or psychometry, learning how to shield yourself, is a necessary thing. A natural and untrained psychic is like a little psychic sponge. They soak up atmosphere and vibrations from people, places and objects, often feeling overwhelmed, or angry, sad or depressed for no physical reason at all. A basic principle of psychic protection is the ability to turn off psychic impressions or to block what is upsetting you.

If you are a magical practitioner, learning psychic protection is a useful thing as it will help you to shield yourself from negativity, keep your aura clear and it will help keep both your magick and mental health on track. It will also protect you from the magical dabbler who is drawn to you because they heard you were a Witch or a psychic and decided that you, and only you, were the one to listen to all their imagined problems.
Now, before you start to hyperventilate wondering if it is safe for you to venture outside of your homes without proper psychic protection, relax. I sincerely doubt that psychic vampires are lurking in the produce section of the grocery store just waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting psychic or Witch. So, let’s go over some everyday scenarios and ways to handle them using a bit of practical psychic protection.

Practical Protection for the Sensitive
Some people are very sensitive to psychic impressions. They may or may not be clairvoyant- they see past, present or future, or empathic meaning they sense things (typically emotions) by touch. But they are sensitive to the energies around them. They get “overloaded” or overwhelmed and exhausted in social situations very easily. These folks might try experimenting with a bit of color or crystal magics, to keep themselves grounded at all times.

Try a little color magic. Wear colors in deep greens and blues for healing or black for boundaries, and to ward of negativity. Turquoise, is a magical mix of green and blue. It is a cheerful, dynamic and healing color all at the same time. Try deep dark purple, to bolster your self confidence and to strengthen your shields. Switch from silver jewelry to gold. Why? Well, silver is receptive- it helps you receive psychic impressions, and gold is a projective type of metal as it helps protect, strengthen and guard your health.

With crystals, try carrying a small piece of obsidian, jet or turquoise. Also, sensitives tend to be drawn towards moonstone jewelry set in silver. Here is a tip, if you are easily overwhelmed by other people’s emotions, then lay off the moonstones. They only increase your sensitivity to psychic impressions and if you are already a sensitive, moonstones only compound the problem. Yes I know, I love moonstones too, but from time to time, I take a little vacation from them. When I found myself constantly wearing turquoise and jet jewelry, and picking up outfits in turquoise blue (all the time) this summer, I knew it was time to take off my moonstones.

For subtle, herbal- aromatherapy remedies, ladies you can try using lilac or lavender scented soaps and perfumes, as these are cleansing and keeps negativity at bay. Also try sandalwood, bay, or pine fragrances for the guys or for those of you who don’t care for floral scents. Any of these scents will increase your protection and keep you from picking up on other people’s emotional garbage.

The Psychic Vampire
Psychic vampirism is much less dramatic than folks would imagine. A psychic vampire is at worst, an energy leech. They try to attach themselves to you and drain away all your enthusiasm, good mood and energy. Signs to watch for is a person who constantly has to touch you or always wants a long hug, whether it’s appropriate or not. I’m not talking about, the hey I haven’t seen you in forever type of one armed hug. Followed by the pat-pat on the back as they let go and smile. I mean the kind that hangs just a bit too long and you are always the one who tries to get out of the hug first.(Ladies, If your boobs are getting squished, you’ve got a problem.) And this scenario doesn’t just apply to a woman trying to extricate herself from a guy’s over exuberant hug. Men in social situations can be victims of a female psychic vampire as well.

How do you know for sure when you’ve encountered a psychic vampire? Physical contact makes you vaguely uncomfortable, a bit sick to your stomach and you find yourself mentally braced before they get a hold of you. If this person always has to touch you when they speak to you, your mind races as to how you will politely get away from them, then you have a couple of choices on how to deal with the offender. And no, none of these involves a sharpened wooden stake or a rope of garlic.

· Step One: Make up an excuse. Say, I have a cold or I have a sunburn on my back, I pulled a muscle, whatever. Move back and fold your arms across your chest. Yes this is a defensive posture, but it also closes down your energy charkas across your chest and solar plexus. Those are huge sources of emotional energy and that’s what they (the psychic vampires) are after- whether they realize it or not doesn’t matter. Close those charkas down and put your game face on. Look the offender square in the eye and smile. It confuses them and breaks the link.
· Step Two: Move back and distance yourself. Stand up if they are sitting, cross your arms over your chest, or sit down if they are standing. Put a table between the two of you if you are both seated. Put your hands in your lap, well away from theirs, and cross your feet and put your toes on the floor so you stay grounded.
· Step Three: Send the offender a mental push. No, that’s not manipulative, it’s defensive. Look them square in the eye. And concentrate hard on the image of them backing away, or that you are separated by thick frosted glass. Once that image is built in your mind. “Push” it back to them. Then remove yourself from the situation.
· Step Four: And this is really obvious, Don’t let them put their hands on you. Say, “I am not comfortable with that.” And step back. Most psychic vampires have to touch you to really drain you. So don’t let them.

The “Haunted” House
This is an everyday problem for me anyway, as it is often the first question that is thrown at me when folks find out that I am both a Witch and a clairvoyant. If you think there is a presence in your home that does not belong there, well then it’s time to clean house. I do not recommend that you attempt a séance or to communicate with the ghost. Sometimes ghosts are just plain ornery . Bless the house with incense, or sweet grass, salt water and candle light. Draw stars or equal armed crosses on every door, mirror and window in the house, with the salt water. Announce that, “I bid all energies not in alignment with myself to be gone.”

Typically what you are sensing is old left over emotions and memories that the house has held onto. If you are sensitive to older homes and vibrations, then keep yourself grounded by carrying hematite in your pocket or try wearing amethyst jewelry, for it’s protective and calming purposes. Set out clusters of crystals within your house and perform a cleansing regularly, the day after the full moon. That ought to keep things under control. Another idea is to fill the house up with laughter and love. A home filled with friendship, laughter and happiness is hard to drag down with old negative energy.

The Best Protection
Overall, the best sort of psychic protection is a great sense of humor. If you can laugh at yourself and at all the other ridiculous things in your life, then you are already several steps ahead of the game. When confronted with someone you believe is a psychic vampire, try to picture them standing there in a cheesy, Halloween-costume style black cape. Now imagine them trying to walk up to you, but instead they go tripping on the hem. You’ll be so busy snickering to yourself that they won’t have time to cause you any problems. So when confronted with difficult people or unpleasant circumstances and psychic environments, take a deep breath, put up your shields and smile. It works like a charm.

"Magic, 7 days a Week". A 2004 Llewellyn Journal article by Ellen Dugan

Every day of the week is a magical day, Sunday through Saturday. Each of the seven days of the week has its own magical correspondences such as deity associations, colors, crystals, and herbs. Each individual day also carries its own bewitching specialties. The trick is finding a way to apply these correspondences in a practical and fresh way to your Witchcraft.

You may feel like you don’t have much room in your schedule to add to your magical practice. Between your job, hauling the kids to soccer practice, walking the dog, and doing the laundry you’ve got maybe 20 minutes to spare for magic … no problem. Magic doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. The most powerful works of magic are those that are simple, practical, and come from the heart.
And whether you are an old hand at the Craft or a new practitioner, you’ll always feel the desire to learn something new. Taking a fresh and realistic look at the daily correspondences gives you an opportunity to expand your skills.
Each day of the week has its own magical associations. These energies, associated deities, colors, scents, crystals, herbs, and Tarot cards all have the same sort of vibrations. This means they work well together, in harmony with one another. Correspondences are much simpler to work with than you think. Learning to combine these various related items together in spell-work strengthens your magic and unifies the punch of your charms. As you begin to focus on daily correspondences, you’ll understand that by working with these accessories in a new way, you are allowing yourself more creative ways to personalize your Witchcraft.
So, let’s dive right in and take a look at all of the days of the bewitching week. Don’t panic now, I’m not going to bombard you with huge correspondence charts, or expect you to memorize massive amounts of information. What I am going to do is try to inspire you to look at daily correspondences in a whole new, practical, and fun way. I want you to use your imagination and look around you to see what sort of accessories you may already have on hand -- or growing in your own backyard. It’s actually very simple when you break down the daily correspondence information and look at it from a different perspective. Sometimes, we all need some no-muss no-fuss magic.

To do this, we start at the beginning. By taking a look at Sunday, our first day of the week.
Sunday: Sunday corresponds to the sun, our closest star. This day is full of wonder and all sorts of magical potential for success, wealth, and fame. Sundays are for personal achievements of any kind such as working towards a promotion at your job, seeking fame and wealth, or being acknowledged for a job well done. All of these goals fall under the golden influence of the sun. Some suggestions for Sunday enchantments would include: - Sitting outside at sunrise and calling on the goddess Brigid for illumination and inspiration - Wearing gold jewelry or clothing that is gold or sunshine yellow to pull some color magic into your life - Arranging a few sunflowers in a vase and empowering these “flowers of the sun” for fame and ambition - Gathering up the common marigold flower and scattering it’s petals about to encourage prosperity - Baking up a batch of cinnamon rolls for the family and enchanting them for health and success - Snacking on a solar fruit, the orange, and enjoying the magical boost it brings to your life

Monday: This day of the week is dedicated to the moon and all of her magic and mystery. Mondays are for women’s mysteries, illusion, prophetic dreaming, emotions, travel, and fertility. Some suggestions for Monday enchantments would include: - Getting outside and looking for the moon in the heavens. Sit under her light and absorb a little glamour. Call on the moon goddess Selene for practical help in magical issues. - Invoking the god Thoth for wisdom and insight - Empowering your silver jewelry under the light of the moon. Wear moonstone or pearl jewelry today to add a lunar and magical shimmer to your outfit. Be mysterious and subtle and wear moon-associated colors such as white, silver, and blue. - Working spells for safe travel with a simple moonstone - Gathering bluebells, jasmine, gardenias, or white roses to create a little garden witchery with the flowers that are associated with the moon - Setting up a lunar Tarot spell today to increase your psychic powers - Eating a lunar fruit such as a melon to be healthy, serene, and at peace - Brewing up a cup of chamomile or mint tea and enchanting it for sweet dreams and restful sleep.

Tuesday: Tuesday is a Mars day, and just like the god of war, this is the time to tap into magics to call for strength and courage. This day of the week is for rebels and warriors. If you are facing a challenge of any kind, need a boost to your courage, or want to enhance your passions, Tuesday is the day of the week for you. Some suggestions for Tuesday enchantments would include: - Wearing the fiery colors associated with this day: scarlet, red, black, and orange. Don some of the more daring and bewitching colors of your wardrobe on Tuesdays and turn a few heads - Carrying a bloodstone in your pocket or wearing garnet-studded jewelry to reinforce your convictions - Working with protective and fire-associated plants such as the snapdragon, thistle, and holly to boost your shields and bravery - Burning spicy-scented energy-enhancing candles to add a little magical aromatherapy to your home - Cooking up a hearty meal featuring carrots, peppers, and garlic (all Mars foods and spices) to empower yourself for victory and success.

Wednesday: Wednesdays are wild and wacky days. They are for communication, change, cunning, and the arts. This is a Mercury day, and just its patron god this day is full of contradictions, change, and excitement. Some suggestions for Wednesday enchantments would include: - Pulling a little Wednesday color magic into your life by wearing purples or orange - Carrying a multi-purpose agate with you and tapping into its various charms - Working with magical plants such as the fern for protection. This plant will also boost the power of any other magical plants with which it is arranged. - Incorporating lavender into charms and spells for transformation - Using the charming scent of lily of the valley to improve your memory, or working with the aspen tree for communication - Calling on Athena, patron of arts and crafts, for inspiration for a new project - Fanning out a Tarot spell to increase you creativity - Calling on Hermes on a Wednesday night to bring movement and good luck into your life.

Thursday: Thursday is a Jupiter day. Here is the day of the week for prosperity, abundance, and good health. Thursday’s are “Thor’s day.” This Norse god gave the day his name and many of his attributes, including strength and abundance. Some suggestions for Thursday enchantments would include: - Wearing a regal and royal shade of blue to see how it affects your mood and your magic. Other colors for the day include purple and green. - Carrying a turquoise tumbled stone in your pocket to draw a little protective and healing energy your way - Incorporating honeysuckle blossoms and cinquefoil foliage into prosperity charms - Calling on Thor for abundance, or on the Roman god Jupiter for the ability to peacefully referee a fight - Adding a few oak leaves -- which are sacred to these Thursday gods -- to your charms to see how much better your spell works out - Casting a charm with wheat stalks for prosperity, and calling on Juno Moneta to bring wealth into your life - Baking up some whole wheat bread and blessing it for abundance. Be sure to thank the gods for your family and your good health.

Friday: Friday belongs to Venus, both the planet and its namesake Roman goddess of love. This day is sacred to many other gods and goddesses of love such as Eros, Venus, Aphrodite, and the Norse goddess that gave the day it’s name, Freya. This day of the week is for magical topics such as love, birth, fertility and romance. Colors for today include pink and aqua. Some suggestions for Friday enchantments would include: - Carrying a rose quartz with you today to send out some gentle and loving vibes to those crabby co-workers - Working a loving Tarot spell to charm a friend’s pregnancy with good health and safety - Working a little flower magic to enchant a single pink rose for friendship and inner beauty, and setting it on your desk. Or try empowering a red rose for passion and placing it in your bedroom. - Burning rose-scented candles to encourage the same effect. Call on Eros to “bring a passion for life” to your days. - Sharing a romantic snack with your partner. Feed each other ripe, red strawberries. Those strawberries are love-inducing food, and are sacred to many love goddesses, including today’s patroness, Freya.

Saturday: This day of the week got it’s name from the god of karma and time, Saturn. This day is obviously associated with the planet Saturn and is our last day of the week. Traditionally Saturdays are great days for protection, banishing a negative situation, and generally a good time to clean up any magical messes that you have been ignoring. Some suggestions for Saturday enchantments would include: - Wearing the colors of the day, black and deep purple. Here’s your perfect excuse to be dramatic and witchy. Empower these dramatic pieces of your wardrobe for protection and strength. - Burning black candles to absorb negativity and burning purple ones to increase your magical wisdom and boost your spirituality - Adding a touch of garden witchery to your Saturday spells by working with the pansy (in black or purple of course), the morning glory flowering vine, or the cypress tree. - Carrying an obsidian, hematite, or jet tumbled stone in your pocket to reinforce your personal protection and to ward off bad vibes and sour feelings. You can also add these crystals to a candle spell on a Saturday night to really increase the punch of your spellcasting. - Cleaning your house and cleansing it while you are at it. Tap into those obstacle-removing vibes and the positive, concluding energies. - Closing up the final day of the bewitching week with a bang by calling on Hecate for protection and guidance

Every day is a magical day. Just how enchanting of a day it turns out to be is completely up to you. For more detailed information on all the featured correspondences mentioned here and more, read my new book 7 Days of Magic. You’ll find flower fascinations, daily spells, crystal, color, and candle charms, and daily Tarot spells. There is plenty of information there to keep you busy and to inspire you to create your own personal brand of magic. Just imagine what fascinating and incredible things you can achieve each and every day of the bewitching week!