This had been the site Slogan since day one when Breeze thought of the site and we have held true to that idea every since. Empowering people to come above all that came at them in Life. To help guide them to a more peaceful resolution in dealing with the daily life chaos it can present on us. There are ways to help manifest a healthier more positive direction and happiness with following a few steps in doing so and on Enchanted Forest is what we do along with its members which many have been with us since the beginning. Takes time and little patience and dedication to truly want it and thats when the Real magic comes in. Thanks to all who have supported us through time and all these years with their help we couldnt had done it. Breeze and Shadow
Mobile pages for those who use Mobile to visit Enchanted Forest!! Ning Mobile Upgrade Redesigned mobile version goes live this week
This banner will appear on your phone and will update you on latest activities on site, blogs and latest activities in groups.
Have also added "My Page"
This is in Beta stage so if you have any questions or problems let us know so we can report it..
Thank you
Shadow and Breeze
Enchanted Forest Magazines
These are magazines we put together from articles posted on site by all members. These magazines are Free!! We have done these since almost the beginning and have over 70 in our Scribd Library. On the right side of the Forest pages you will see current magazine covers shown.. Just click on those and they will take you to the magazine.. no sign up required and Free download. If you would like to submit an article please check out our magazine group tab on site menu. There will have the instructions on how to send in your article and want to Thank all those who have supported our magazine through the years.. great read with allot of helpful information. Thank you Shadow and Breeze
We at the Enchanted Forest are honoured to support and host the live chats given by Susun Weed on a monthly basis. Susun is an expert in her field of Herbs and this is a great opportunity for all to increase their knowledge and skills by learning from Susun FREE !!!
To come along to these chats join http://enchantedforrest.ning.com/group/herbswithsusunweed (classes held in the Susun Weed Group)
Times of classes below
USA Central - 6 pm Eastern - 7 pm Western 4 pm Moutain Time 5 pm Australia (Melbourne) - 11 am UK - Midnight
Posted by Mabon-Witch
To make Herbal honey is not hard it just takes a little time.
I like to make lavender honey or chamomile honey, ginseng honey, elderberry honey , or you could make some cinnamon honey it all depends on your taste or intentions. Honey can be used as a medicine, a sweetener or to bind a spell together.
To make lavender honey or rose: fill the jar with flowers, cover with honey, cover tightly, and sit it in the window for about a week. Warm the honey ( I sit the jar in a pan of hot water for a few minutes) then strain. For a stronger honey, just repeat the process. For cinnamon only fill the jar half way, the stronger the taste (of the herb) the less you need.
This can be used in teas, potions and cereal (LOL). The honey can be used to bind a spell together (not the person) But it could be used to sweeten a sour person, maybe sweeten an enemy.
Use your imagination.................... Never give honey to a child under 3.
Enjoy! Kitchen Blessings
by Whitefeather
1 jar honey of choice with 2-3 tablespoonfuls removed. To the jar add ;- 1" piece of ginger, bruised 1 lemon chopped, skin etc., left on 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 5 cloves of garlic, sliced
Leave to steep for several months. It is potent stuff but at the first sign of a cold or flu, take 2 teaspoonsfuls in a cup of hot water ( a dash of brandy may be added if desired), drink as hot as possible 3x daily. Will stop a cold in its tracks !!!!
Posted by Ha-nu
Colours vibrate at different frequencies. Our energy, as human-beings, also vibrates - what level we vibrate at, says a lot about the state of our mind, body and soul. We can go up and down vibrations, depending on how at peace we are with ourselves and what lessons we need to embrace.
Look at the candles below. Which one are you most attracted to? The candle you pick is the one that most closely matches the frequency you are currently vibrating on (like attracts like).
White
Karina Says: The colour of the moon, this white candle reflects lunar energy. It means your soul is vibrating on a high level, it has a purity and sense of purpose. You came into this life to do something significant, and you have been granted spiritual gifts to empower your progress. Your intuition is advanced, to the point of being highly psychic (medium-ship even). You instinctively know when your behaviour is not worthy of you - that is because you are an advanced soul whose job it is to lead by example. Others will follow you when you accept you are meant to lead - you are supposed to be the driving force that makes things happen (at work or in the community). But first you must ignite the lunar energy within you, if you struggle to do so, meditate at night to make your connection (just for 5 minutes, close your eyes and visualize a white light and hold that thought). Traditionally in Wicca (witchcraft), lunar energy is used to put some serious power behind spells, so you have a powerful Light within. Ps: If you were also attracted to another candle, it means you are also trying to embrace the energy of that candle (the lessons).
Purple
Karina Says: Purple is the colour of Jupiter, which is the planet of expansion. By choosing this candle your vibration is rising to a positive frequency, and in so doing will attract luck and abundance. People will start to enter your life and talk to you of new possibilities, you must listen and act on their words, they are sent in guidance. The frequency you are entering will make you more aware of injustices in the world - you may feel angry when you see others being treated unfairly, and you will feel the need to act in some way. Justice, generosity and spirituality are the key messages with this frequency. The more you vibrate purple, the more you will spend time righting wrongs (no matter how small). You are acting out your purpose in doing so (and in response for your selfless acts the Universe responds with abundance). Ps: If you were also attracted to another candle, it means you are also to embrace the energy of that candle (the lessons).
Red
Karina Says: Red is the colour of passion and courage. By choosing this candle you are preparing either for love or war ... your spirit is vibrating and waiting for action and advancement. Sometimes in life we must be brave to push forward with life, to stretch ourselves for spiritual growth. This is one of those moments my dear friend! Some of you need to do battle, to be brave and let go of what (or who) no longer works for you. This will leave space, a sort of cosmic vacuum which the Universe will fill with new opportunities. Others of you are ready for love. For some that means embracing a future with a new partner,
it may also mean welcoming a new love into your life - a child, an animal or even a new job, study or hobby. The key is passion, to feel inspired and alive by the love you feel for someone or something. In Wicca, red candles are used to attract true love (be that a person or area of passion). A life without passion is a life half-lived. Ps: If you were also attracted to another candle, it means you are also to embrace the energy of that candle (the lessons).
Yellow
Karina Says: Yellow is used to represent Mercury, the planet of the mind and communication. By choosing this candle your vibration is moving to an 'intellectual' level. Your mind wants to learn, to study ... to absorb new things. Yellow is associated with movement and new beginnings. No matter what age you are, you are urged to keep learning - that is how your spirit grows and your vibration continues to rise to the next level. If you chose this candle it is a sign you currently have one foot on Earth, and one in the spiritual realm. This means you feel the connection of the spirit world around you in your daily life (some of you are more advanced in this awareness than others). You are guided, by the yellow vibration, to study or read about subjects that allow you to make a difference - that may be to teach, heal, look after animals, tend nature, counsel ..... It is never too late to learn, as long as there is breath in your body. Absorb the power of this vibration and expand. Ps: If you were also attracted to another candle, it means you are to embrace the energy of that candle (the lessons).
Green
Karina Says: Green is associated with the heart chakra, it is symbolic of feeling whole, healthy and emotionally balanced. By choosing this candle your vibration is reaching out to the Universe, to attract balance into your life. Green is associated with nature, fertility and growth. This is a time of earthly abundance, to live more simply and appreciate the simple pleasures of life. It is only when you truly appreciate what you have (the lesson of this vibration) can you move onto a higher frequency. From time to time, we all lose our way in this often challenging world, and we return to this frequency to regain our balance. It is like going back to the womb for renewal. It is where the birth of new and exciting ideas originate. It is a creative time - for some it literally means babies, for others it means eating healthy, taking care of your body, 'me time' - or indulging in simple creative expression - cooking, gardening, crafts, writing ... Ps: If you were also attracted to another candle, it means you are to embrace the energy of that candle (the lessons).
Blue
Karina Says: Your vibration is rising to an enlightened level. Blue is associated with water, and consequently healing, psychic abilities, dreams and developing intuition. It is linked to the mystical planet Neptune which rules psychics and healers. If you are not ready to 'rise' with your vibration you are likely to experience mood swings, highs and lows with a few weepy moments (for no reason at all). Your sixth sense is being activated, and it can be confusing to those who are not aware they are intuitively gifted. Embrace the energy shift around you - trust your instincts, trust the signs you are receiving ... they are leading you to a New World Order in which you are to play a lead role. Accept you are gifted and move forward with it. Ps: If you were also attracted to another candle, it means you are to embrace the energy of that candle (the lessons).
Black
Karina Says: Contrary to popular belief, black is not the colour of 'evil', but the colour of self-protection and introspection (looking inward). We need to know ourselves before we can advance in this earthly world. We need to know what we want before we can go after it. By choosing this candle your vibration is saying 'stop and think'. In Wicca black candles are used to summon the Goddess Hecate because she illuminates the path ahead. This is a powerful time because that inner voice (your soul) has all the answers you crave - your life purpose, knowledge on relationships and much more. It's already within you, so use the power of this black vibration to go within and retrieve the answers you seek. This means spending some quality time alone, go for a walk in nature, sit in a cafe and watch the world go by, daydream ... be aware of the thoughts that pop into your head out of the blue when you 'zone out' of your daily life. That is your inner voice. Be prepared for a few surprises! But also be prepared to follow the guidance. Ps: If you were also attracted to another candle, it means you are to embrace the energy of that candle (the lessons).
Posted by Teresa Hamilton
Autumn leaves blow and spin so slow, As Autumn Winds begin to blow, Blowing north to south, the winds will rise, Autumn leaves change color before my eyes, Autumn Winds they bring change in time, And all my thoughts begin to Rhyme, Autumn Winds blow gentle with song and grace, Autumn Winds a Goddess Kiss upon my face, Autumn Winds blow and winter will sing, The Winds will blow constant, and in will blow spring.
~Teresa Hamilton~
Posted by Stacy-of-Umpqua
This potpourri blend can be used in a small bowl to diffuse the scent in a small room. Alternatively, try using a small mesh or cloth bag with a decorative tie. This makes a lovely bathroom scent!
Makes: One sachet of aromatic potpourri
Ingredients: 1/2 cup dried herbs (such as dried lavender, dried rose petals) 4 drops Rose otto essential oil 15 drops Orange essential oil
Tools (Optional): Small mesh or cloth bag with tie opening
Directions: Add drops of essential oils to dry herbs. Stir and mix to spread oil around evenly.
Source: Aromahead Institute
Posted by OneCrow
God of forest Fire, and light The daytime fades To longer night Thank you for the harvests bounty For lending your light to the land Blessed be, now, as youre fading Find rest and strength in Summer Land Winters blanket Shall cover the Earth We await Yuletide And your re-birth God of sunshine Field and glen Merry meet, merry part, Merry meet again.
Posted by Rev. Carol A. Ingle (Raven)
by Madisyn Taylor
Water is life and meditating with water can create a profound experience.
Our bodies are over fifty percent water, so it makes sense that human beings have always considered water to be a sacred source of life and healing. It is literally half of who we are, and well over half of the earth's surface is water. Water cleanses and hydrates, contains and produces nourishment, and when we enter it, holds us in an embrace that leaves no part of us untouched. Meditating with water can be a powerful way of aligning ourselves more fully with this support system that makes life both possible and pleasurable on so many levels.
We may wish to conduct our meditation while in physical contact with a body of water, whether in the intimacy of our bathtub or the vast container of an ocean. We might float on our backs in a swimming pool or sit with just our feet submerged in a pond or creek. On the other hand, we may simply close our eyes and choose a location based on our imagination.
Whatever we choose, we can begin by closing our eyes and listening to our breathing. At the same time, we tune in to the particular music of the water we have chosenthe loud rushing of a river or waterfall, or the surreal silence of the world beneath the surface of the ocean. We might consider how the type of water we choose reflects what we seekthe peace beneath the hectic surface of life, the cleansing power of a river racing through a canyon, or the mood lifting, melodic bubbling of a lively creek.
As we move between awareness of our breath and awareness of the water in which we find ourselves, we can begin to release the things we no longer need into the rushing river, or release ourselves completely into the water's embrace as we float, in our minds, in the watery womb of an ocean or a lake. When you feel you are ready to return to more solid ground, ease your body back onto earth, in your mind or in reality, and lie flat on your back, allowing the water to bead and roll off your skin, soaking the earth and evaporating into the air, leaving you cleansed, healed, and renewed.dailyom.com
Posted by Ha-nu
By: John Elliott aka Oaky Wood
Since ancient times our ancestors harvested the many herbs and spices that grew wild around them, mixed potions, and treated ailments. Man was after all a hunter-gatherer, and an omnivore, (an organism which gets its food energy from both plant and animal material).
The humble herb and spice rack in your kitchen today need not be just a decorative feature, although they look quite pleasing to the eye hanging on the wall, in both modern and old fashioned styled homes. They can in fact hold a plethora of natural healing ingredients that can also add great taste to the foods you eat every day.
Of all the herbs and spices you can choose from for flavor, there are 15 that are more powerful than the rest. Below is the list and you may well be surprised to learn of the many diverse conditions for which theyve proven so very useful.
1. BASIL - Basil is an herbal carminative, that is, it can relieve gas and soothe stomach upsets. One possible explanation for its calming effect is a compound called eugenol, which has been shown to help ease muscle spasms. Research is still preliminary, but laboratory studies also suggest that compounds found in basil may help disrupt the dangerous chain of events that can lead to the development of cancer.
2. CAYENNE Cayenne pepper is a hot red powder made from tropical chili peppers. It contains alkaloid capsaicin, which relieves pain by blocking the chemicals that send pain messages to the brain. If you eat cayenne at the first sign of any type of headache, with plenty of water as a chaser, this spicy herb may be an effective alternative treatment. Added to food, cayenne perks up appetite, improves digestion and relieves gas, nausea, and indigestion. The herb also thins phlegm and eases its passage from the lungs, thus helping to prevent and treat coughs, colds and bronchitis.
3. CINNAMON Cinnamon bark contains an oily chemical called cinnamaldehyde that kills a variety of illness causing bacteria, including the dreaded E.coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureas. Research shows that cinnamon is also able to stop the growth of the Asian flu virus. Herbalists report that cinnamon bark also helps regulate the menstrual cycle and checks flooding during menopause. Also cinnamaldehyde has a tranquilizing effect that helps reduce anxiety and stress.
4. CLOVES Oil of clove is 60 to 90 percent eugenol. A potent pain deadening antimicrobal. Clove has earned the official endorsement of the FDA as an effective stopgap measure for tooth pain. Clove is also among the spices that can help the
body use insulin more effectively, thus lowering blood sugar somewhat. In one lab study, clove was also found to speed healing of the dreaded cold sores.
5. DILL Dill has been used to soothe the digestive tract and treat heartburn, colic and gas for thousands of years. In fact, the word dill comes from the Old Norse word dilla, meaning to lull or soothe. The herb has an antifoaming action that suggests why it might help break up gas bubbles. Like parsley, dill is rich in chlorophyll, which also makes it useful in treating bad breath.
6. FENNEL Rich in volatile oils, fennel is whats known as a carminative herb, meaning that it can ease bloating, gas pains, and digestive spasms in the small and large intestines. Fennel can also reduce bad breath and body odor that originates in the intestines. Women who are breastfeeding may find that fennel, which works in a way similar to the bodys hormones, increases milk flow.
7. GARLIC Intact garlic cloves contain an odorless, sulphur-containing amino acid called alliin. When the garlic is crushed, alliin becomes allicin. Research shows that allicin helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure and also helps prevents blood clots. Garlic can also reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Compounds in this familiar bulb kill many organisms, including bacteria and viruses that cause earaches, flu and colds. Research indicates that garlic is also effective against digestive ailments and diarrhea. Whats more, further studies suggest that this common and familiar herb may help prevent the onset of cancers.
8. GINGER When it comes to quelling the queasiness of motion sickness, ginger has no equal say herbalists. In fact, researchers have demonstrated that ginger beats dimenhydrate, the main ingredient in motion sickness drugs such as Dramamine, for controlling symptoms of seasickness and motion sickness. ginger stimulates saliva flow and digestive activity, settles the stomach, relieves vomiting, eases pain from gas and diarrhea, and is effective as an anti-nausea remedy. This aromatic herb also helps lower cholesterol. Herbalists have also found it to be useful as a pain reliever.
9. MINT Herbalists the world over use mint, as a premier stomach tonic, to counteract nausea and vomiting, promote digestion, calm stomach muscle spasms, relieve flatulence, and ease hiccups. Menthol, the aromatic oil in peppermint, also relaxes the airways and fights bacteria and viruses. Menthol interferes with the sensation from pain receptors, thus it may be useful in reducing headache pain. Scientific evidence suggests that peppermint can kill many kinds of micro-organisms, and may boost mental alertness. In one study, people who inhaled menthol said they felt as if it relieved their nasal congestion, although it didnt increase their measurable air flow.
10. OREGANO Oregano contains at least four compounds that soothe coughs and 19 chemicals with antibacterial action that may help reduce body odor. The ingredients in oregano that soothe coughs may also help un-knot muscles in the digestive
tract, making oregano a digestive aid. This familiar spice also contains compounds that can lower blood pressure too.
11. PARSLEY Diuretic herbs such as parsley prevent problems such as kidney stones and bladder infections and keep our bodys plumbing running smoothly by causing it to produce more urine. They also relieve bloating during menstruation. Also theres a reason for that parsley on the edge of the diner plate, its not just there for fancy decoration; its an effective breath freshener because it contains high levels of chlorophyll.
12. ROSEMARY Rosemary is one of the richer herbal sources of antioxidants, which have been shown to prevent cataracts, and contains 19 chemicals with antibacterial action that help fight infection. Traditionally used to ease asthma, this common culinary ingredient has volatile oils that can reduce the airway constriction induced by histamine, that chemical culprit of asthma and other allergy symptoms. Herbalists think that rosemary may also help ease breast pain by acting as a natural drying agent to fluid filled cysts.
13. SAGE The oils found in sage are both antiseptic and antibiotic, so it can help fight infections. Sage is effective for symptoms of menopause, night sweats and hot flashes, because of its estrogenic action and because its tannins can dry up perspiration. Theres also compelling evidence that sage may be of value to people with diabetes for whom the hormone insulin does not work as efficiently as it should. Lab studies indicate that sage may boost insulins action.
14. THYME Thyme contains thymol, which increases blood-flow to the skin. The warmth is comforting, and some herbalists believe that the increased blood-flow speeds healing. An anti-spasmodic. Thyme relaxes respiratory muscles and is endorsed for treating bronchitis by Commission E, the expert panel that judges the safety and effectiveness of herbal medicines for the German government. Aromatherapists say that thymes scent is a mood lifter.
15. TURMERIC Many clinical studies agree that curcumin in turmeric has anti- inflammatory effects, including a significant beneficial effect in relieving rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Curcumin, which gives this spice its familiar yellow pigment, may also lower cholesterol. Turmeric is also packed with antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, which have been shown to prevent cataracts.
Passed down to us by our forefathers and countless generations throughout the world, these 15 food additives and enhancers are just a selected few that are currently known to have medicinal and beneficial properties, yet represent the more commonly used. By including these herbs and spices into your daily cooking or diet on a regular basis, you will greatly enhance your quality of life, and reduce the need for those expensive, and often damaging pharmaceutical drugs.
Posted by Tammy Kohlman -' RUE "
Brigid of the Mantle,encompass us,
Lady of the Lambs,protect us,
Keeper of the Hearth,kindle us.
Beneath your Mantle,gather us,
And restore us to Memory.
Mother of our mothers,Foremothers strong.
Guide our hands in yours,
Remind us how to kindle the Hearth.
To keep it bright,to preserve the Flame.
Your hands upon ours,Our hands within yours,
To kindle the light,Both day and night.
The Mantle of Brigid about us,
The Memory of Brigid within us,
The protection of Brigid keeping us
From harm,from ignorance,from heartlessness.
This day and night,
From dawn till dark,From dark till dawn.
Posted by Rev. Carol A. Ingle (Raven)
An important part of physical existence is participating with one's own feelings or emotions. A balance between thought and emotion is essential in the creative process.
Emotions are a wild card to many. One often feels that by even participating in a small part of their feelings they are opening themselves up to a whole world of uncertainty. By far most have a better understanding of their thoughts than their feelings.
It is important to investigate the emotions to see what the trigger is. Often a reluctance to do so comes from a negative past experience, not necessarily from the current life.
Physical participation offers great opportunity to evolve. The whole package does include emotion. Whenever possible extend yourself out of your comfort zone. Explore the ranges of emotion within. It is actually a sign of great strength to boldly move into an emotional moment. We realize that some cultures state otherwise, however, true advancement is only achieved through thought and emotion.
Let yourself examine the probabilities.
You can control how much in your own sense of comfortable timing. Without allowing your thoughts to mingle in your feelings, the process of evolution will take longer. Give it a try. Your feelings are unique unto you. Full participation will result in a recipe of your evolvement.
... Posted by Mab SoulTamer
Samhain (pronounced Sow-wen), also called Hallowmas, is the final festival in the Witches' year. It is celebrated on October 31st. The word Samhain means 'Summer's End'. It is the first day of Winter and the Witch's New Year. In earlier agricultural societies, Samhain was also the end of the Harvest, the time to put aside the seed corn for the coming Spring.
It was a time for feasting, too, as the weaker animals were culled and killed. Only the livestock most likely to make it through the hard Winters were spared. Feasts consisted of any parts of the animal that couldn't be salted and preserved. It was also considered by the Celts to be one of the Spirit Nights.
It was a time to remember the ancestors and tell stories about them. At this time, when the Veils are thin, we honor our ancestors and invite them to attend our celebrations. Decorate your altar with family photos and heirlooms.
Celebrate with a feast that includes lots of bread, apples, fall vegetables, and a jug of cider or wine. Set your dinner table, with a place for each family member, and one extra plate for the ancestors.
And as the evening comes, I will greet the Trick or Treaters in my witch costume with plenty of good treats and lots of Halloween decorations
Share how you will celebrate Samhain.
Posted by BZ
Posted by Wind in Trees
HONEY PARTY PUNCH
2 cups boiling water 3/4 cup honey 4 cups cranberry juice 2 cups orange juice 1 cup lemon juice 1 quart ginger ale Ice cubes Sliced lemons, limes, oranges, and or strawberries, optional
Combine the boiling water and honey. Stir to dissolve honey. Chill mixture. In a large punch bowl, combine the juices. Stir in the honey water. Just before serving add the ginger ale and ice cubes. Float fruit slice garnishes on top, if desired.
Yield: Serves 12
Pear Brandy Champagne Cocktail
ingredients
* 1/4 C. sugar * 1/4 C. plus 4 tsp. French pear brandy (Recommended: Poire William) * 2 2/3 C. chilled champagne * 1 Seckle or small Bosc pear
Directions
In a small saucepan, heat sugar and 1/4 C. pear brandy over moderate heat until sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat and cool syrup. Spoon 1 1/2 Tbs. syrup into each of 4 champagne glasses and add 1 tsp. pear brandy to each glass. Add 2/3 C. champagne to each glass and stir well. Cut pear lengthwise into thin slices and add 1 slice to each cocktail.
Yield: 4 cocktails From: Gourmet Magazine
Irish Vanilla Coffee
Ingredients:
* 1 1/2 oz Baileys Irish cream
* 1 1/2 oz vanilla vodka
* 4 oz coffee
* 1/2 1 oz whipped cream
Preparation:
Pour into a coffee mug 4 oz. of coffee. Add 1 1/2 oz. each of Baileys Irish Cream and Absolut Vanilla Vodka. Stir lightly and top, if desired, whipped cream.
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