Understanding Leland’s Aradia

Introduction

One of the key texts in the history of Wicca is Leland’s Aradia, or the Gospel of Witches, 1899.

First my disclaimer: I confess I do not read or speak any dialect of Italian and thus have to depend upon translations from Italian about Italian folklore. In particular, I have depended upon a text by Mario Pazzaglini, Ph.D. and Dina Pazzaglini, which gives Leland’s original translation and a new translation of the Italian. If anyone is interested in studying Leland’s Aradia, I suggest s/he track down a copy of Charles G. Leland’s Aradia, or the Gospel of the Witches, A New Translation by Mario Pazzaglini, PhD and Dina Pazzaglini, 1998. Alas, the book is out of print, but a copy may be obtainable from Amazon. All page numbers for Leland’s Aradia in this discussion are from the Pazzaglini A New Translation.

In the late 1800’s, Charles G. Leland received some folklore, allegedly a "Vangelo, " from an Italian woman, Maddalena, which he published under the title of Aradia, or the Gospel of Witches.

Opinions were divided on it since its publication. The Folk-Lore Society (Great Britain) in Folk-Lore Society, Quarterly Review on Myth, Tradition, Institution, & Custom, Vol. XL, 1900 (p. 309) gave it a positive review.

…the book contains cosmic myths about Diana, or incantations for winning love, good luck, or prosperity, with a few miscellaneous legends. Diana as queen of the witches is known to us from antiquity, but it would be impossible to produce classical authority for most of the lore of this book. Having regard to the wild nature of the incantations, we have no doubt that the substance of the book is ancient; and we see no reason why it should not be, as Mr. Leland claims, a genuine relic of ancient belief, part of that secret lore which existed side by side with the poetical or systematised mythology. …

The question arises, how closely Mr. Leland has adhered to his authorities. A great part of the book is made up of charms, which are given in the Italian, and if the prose translation be as literal as the verse, we have no cause to complain. We wish, however, that the whole text of the Vangelo had been given in full; it would have been but a few pages added to the book. And we wish Mr. Leland would always tell us, when he departs from his text in briefest words what the text is. …In spite of this drawback, we heartily welcome his new book.

There are many questions about the text of Leland’s Aradia. Was Aradia actually an ancient Etruscan or Italic Goddess? Did this Vangelo or "Gospel of the Witches" truly represent evidence of a surviving 19th century faction of la vecchia religione? Was a garbled form of Paganism woven in from ideas resurrected during the Italian Renaissance? What Roman or Classical influences can be found in the text? Did Leland collect, via his informant, some rare pieces of authentic Italian folklore? Did this unusual collection of stories and spells represent fragments of a secret document of the streghe or witches? Was Aradia a 14th century Witch Queen and leader of the Society of Diana? Were other influences part of the pattern of ideas found in the text? What influences are due to Italian Catholicism and Italian Christian heresy? How should we judge Maddalena’s original material, the Vangelo, to the extent we can recover it from Leland’s book? Was Maddalena providing Leland with some family legends along with her personal interpretation of them?

Leland’s Aradia had a definite impact on the development of Wicca. Both Gerald Gardner and Doreen Valiente had independently read this book. Portions of Leland’s Aradia influenced the Gardnerian BOS, especially the "Charge of the Goddess." Alex Sanders invoked Aradia as a Moon Goddess in the 1960’s. Janet and Stewart Farrar used the name Aradia in their Eight Sabbats for Witches and The Witches’ Way. Hence Leland’s Aradia is an important text for someone studying the history of Wicca and witchcraft.

Leland was a 19th century amateur folklorist, among many other things. One of the premises of his book was that there was a surviving, though hidden, cult of Goddess worship into the 19th century.

The following is an over-simplistic narrative summarized in a walnut shell of the Vangelo of la vecchia religione.

The Goddess Diana, containing all things in herself, was created before all creation. She divided herself into light and darkness. The light became her son and brother, Lucifer, the "light-bearer," who was the God of the Sun.

Attracted to the light, Diana eventually transformed herself into a cat and tricked Lucifer into sexual intercourse. From this union of opposites, Aradia or Herodias, daughter of the Moon and Sun, was born. Due to the woes of humanity and oppression of the poor, Aradia/Herodias descended to earth and became a messiah of la vecchia religione. Aradia/Herodias thus became the patroness of Diana’s people, descending to Earth to teach them the witchcraft of Diana.

Certain critics speculated that Leland, a satirist, had simply pulled an elaborate joke. Some claimed he had invented his informant, Maddalena, as well as the Vangelo. Others speculated that his informant duped him by concocting the whole thing.

Leland did explain that Maddalena hadn’t given this Vangelo in one text. Some of the materials had been written fragments. Some pieces she had explained to him orally.

In any case, Leland did not produce any of Maddalena’s original notes or Maddalena herself for examination. Hence, critics have often been quick to point out that there is no solid proof that Leland’s Aradia constituted evidence of the continued existence of an Italian witch cult worshipping a pre-Christian Goddess into the 19th century. Critics have also stated that the Vangelo should not be viewed as proof that a woman referred to as Aradia ever caused a revival of the old religion. Some critics even insisted that Leland’s Aradia contained no genuine Italian folklore.

A hundred some years later, Leland’s Aradia still elicits mixed opinions from historians, folklorists, Wiccans, Neo-Pagans, Italian-American folk magic practitioners, scholars, and critics alike. However, in studying Leland’s Aradia, Mario Pazzaglini’s and Dina Pazzaglini’s text, A New Translation, is invaluable. The Pazzaglini translation also contains Leland’s original text in full and a line by line analysis with commentary by the authors. It has additional material, including evidence that Leland’s informant, Maddalena Talenti, was not a fictitious person created by Leland.

Since we know Maddelena existed, did she defraud her patron by making up the Vangelo? Field researchers in anthropology and folklore will occasionally find a local who will eagerly supply the researcher with exactly the sort of item or information the researcher was hoping to find. Unfortunately the item or information was simply a recent creation. So perhaps Maddalena did. Perhaps she didn’t.

Yet, we aren’t required to dismiss the whole text without a careful examination of it simply because it could have been created by Maddalena.

Examination

In his commentary, Leland speculated that some of this material was very ancient. Certainly folklore is often a palimpsest, tales that contain dim impressions of earlier beliefs, customs, and stories. Interestingly, identifying Lucifer—as a sun God—with mice may be such a palimpsest. The Greek sun God, Apollo, was adopted into the Roman pantheon. Apollo Smintheus, "Mouse Apollo," was associated with white mice.

Some have pointed out certain portions of the material in Leland’s book simply do not date back any further than the 1700’s. They may be referring to a spell in Chapter XV to Laverna, the ancient Roman Goddess of thieves, which involves "40 cards." (p. 222) This particular bit of spellwork does invoke an ancient Goddess, but the practice described probably is not any older than the 1700’s. Tarot cards were invented in 13th century Italy, but they were not widely used for divination and such until the 17th century.

Though Leland thought this spell and story of Laverna must belong to the same cycle or series of legends connected with la vecchia religione of Diana, Leland himself explained: "The following curious tale [of Laverna] with the incantation was not in the text of the Vangelo…" (p 215)

Certainly some parts of Leland’s Aradia do have counterparts in Italian folklore.

For example, other versions of the Chapter V "Lemon and Pins Charm" can be found in Italian folk practices.

However, the material in Chapter V, "The Charm of the Stones Consecrated to Diana," seems like a collection of diverse chants from different sources.

The material in Chapter II "The Sabbat—Treguenda or Witch-Meeting" describes how to consecrate the witch supper, with invocations of Cain, Diana, and Aradia. This chapter also seems to be a collection of diverse chants pieced together. Careful reading of the formula provided, "Conjuration of the Salt" (p. 137), indicated this blessing of the salt was not really part of a witch meeting night assembly. This formula was clearly for a divination, which was performed at noon while standing in a river.

It must be noted that if Maddalena was purposely defrauding her patron with a fake ceremony, she would have invented a better "Conjuration of the Salt."

In Chapter VI, "A Spell to Win Love," the "Invocation to Diana" asked Diana to send her daughter, Aradia, to perform the magic. I wonder if anyone has found another historical version of a spell similar to the one in Chapter VI, which invokes Herodias/Herodiade and Diana. This particular chapter reads more like a faery tale.

In Chapter VIII "To Have a Good Vintage and Very Good Wine by the Aid of Diana," there is evidence of old Roman influence. Diana, the "Queen," was invoked to protect the grapes.

…from when the bud is born
Until it is a ripe and perfect grape, (p. 72)

Leland noted that Diana as the Moon Goddess was sometimes connected with Bacchus, yet there is another ancient Roman connection here.

Diana, Goddess of the Moon, was associated with rain in Italy--particularly she was petitioned in ancient Roman times to keep the crops from being destroyed by storm. This historical link is critical in understanding Diana's connection with wine.

Grapes grow well in the dry, warm regions of Italy. Different areas of Italy produce excellent wine. Grapes grow well in those certain regions of Italy that have both warm and dry weather. Frost is bad for grapes, but so is a lot of rain. Many varieties of grape are susceptible to rot. Just a few too many showers during harvest time could potentially destroy a good part of the vintage.

Diana's feast day was on August 15, at which women would offer thanks in Diana's sacred grove and request the Goddess's continued aid and a harvest free of storms. (In modern Italy, August 15 is a feast day of the Virgin Mary, as Queen of Heaven. The feast is known as the Ferragosto.)

Historian Robert Mathiesen, in his essay in the Pazzaglini A New Translation, stated that in Leland’s Aradia there were pieces of genuine, authentic Italian folklore arranged in an atypical way. For example, Leland included a number of Italian nursery rhymes that are slightly different from Italian versions found elsewhere. These nursery rhymes are strung together in odd places.

It does seem that Leland gathered beautifully colored bits of potsherds from different pots, attempting to complete a pattern. In other words, Leland did collect some beautiful fragments of genuine Italian folklore—but he used them to make an entirely different mosaic. To truly understand the roots of Leland’s Aradia, it may be necessary to examine each potsherd separately.

Perhaps both Leland and Maddalena may have been trying to piece together fragments in order to reassemble what they perceived was an older Pagan tradition, which had been diluted by practices of Christianity or diabolism. A 19th century folklorist, Leland was swept up in the romantic vision of an ancient culture fading away in the face of modern change.

Leland did clean up the translations of verses to make them more palatable to a Victorian audience, as well as weaving in comments that affected the whole. Leland identified Herodias with Lilith, the Semitic winged night spirit with clawed feet. I wonder if Leland identified Lilith with the strix, the night-flying bird whose name evolved into the Italian word for witch, strega.

Leland in his preface to Aradia used the metaphorical image of uncovering ancient lore buried inside pieces of contemporary folklore—like relics and fragments from Pompeii buried under the ash of Vesuvius. If Leland and Maddalena assembled pieces of genuine folklore together in an atypical way, they may well have created an entirely new mosaic without intending to.

Maddalena was certainly a fortuneteller whose family probably had practices of various magical charms and blessings. Quite likely she knew a lot of traditional stuff tinged with Catholicism. Perhaps Maddalena herself had speculated most of this material had pre-Christian origins. Maybe Maddalena was providing Leland with unique family legends, probably from her own family and likely from other families, and/or her personal interpretation of some such legends.

Perhaps Leland told Maddalena that he was searching for folklore with pre-Christian material embedded within it. Historian Ronald Hutton, author of Triumph of the Moon, suggested that some of Leland’s identification of Herodias with Lilith may have been derived from Jules Michelet Satanism and Witchcraft, first published as La Sorciere in 1862. It is true that Leland apparently accepted the concept of medieval witches as rebels against the tyrannical social order of feudalism. He does seem to have imposed some ideas from Michelet upon the materials Maddalena provided him with.

What about the core material of the Vangelo relating to the story of Aradia (Herodias)? References to Herodias, known either as Herodiade or Erodiade, did appear in other collected Italian folklore. For example, J. B. Andrews in his Neapolitan Witchcraft article in 1897 recorded this folklore involving Herodiade. Two voices were heard crying, "Mamma, mamma…" and "Figilia, figilia…" meaning "Mother, mother…" and "Daughter, daughter…" during Herodiade’s flight on St. John’s eve. See article. www.users.erols.com/jesterbear/notes/Neapolitan.html

According to Rosemary Ellen Guiley, The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft, 1989, the biblical Herodias or Herodiade became, in Christian folklore, a condemned spirit like the Wandering Jew. Herodiade was condemned to wander the sky until the end of time. One story said she was only permitted to rest in treetops between midnight and dawn.

It does seem apparent that around circa the 10th or 11th century Herodiade got attached to the lore of Diana’s train of nymphs, women, and spirits who flew by night across the Italian countryside. There were several references to this night flight with these two spirits together. (Other female names attached to the night flight of Herodias included Minerva and Noctiluca.) Erodiade is the more common Italian pronunciation of Herodias. (In late Latin, the letter "h" is mute.)

Nevertheless, Chapter I "How Diana Gave Birth to Aradia (Herodias)" does not seem to have a specific counterpart in other recorded Italian folklore. Is it possible that the bit of folklore about two spirits calling "Mother, mother…" and "Daughter, daughter…" could have caused Herodiade to be identified as Diana’s daughter in some Italian folklore?

Perhaps, yes.

If so, that would imply that the story of a daughter of Diana and Lucifer is simply a variant legend of Herodiade/Erodiade which was not collected by anyone else.

This brings up the question, has any contemporary folklorist or historian found the name Aradia in Italy?

When Mario and Dina Pazzaglini were doing research for A New Translation, they traveled around Italy. Mario Pazzaglini wrote:

In traveling in northern Italy, many practitioners [of folk magic] and non-practitioners were asked if they had heard of "Aradia"—the word itself. No one had heard of it, even when they were familiar with Diana and with the chants connected with the old religion.—Mario Pazzaglini as quoted in Charles G. Leland, Aradia or the Gospel of the Witches, A New Translation, by Mario Pazzaglini, Ph.D., and Dina Pazzaglini, 1998, p.93

His statement raises an interesting possibility about this name Leland said he collected via Maddalena.

The name of "Aradia" itself is intriguing.

In both Italian and Latin, the word ara means "altar." In Italian it is used as a combine name in both male and female names.

The dia could be a different spelling of dea, meaning in both Italian and Latin, "Goddess."

Hence, Aradia could be translated as "Altar of the Goddess."

Maybe. Possibly. I have to be honest. No one I’ve contacted who speaks Italian has agreed with me that this incredibly brilliant insight of mine has much significance. I suppose dia could be an abbreviated form of Diana, or could be related to another ancient Roman Goddess, Dea Dia, "the Goddess Dia."

To my knowledge, no one has found the name of "Aradia" written in some independent source prior to the publication of Leland’s Aradia in 1899.

It would be really interesting if someone found in the dig of an 18th century ruins in the region of Tuscany a spell sealed in a bottle, penned in Tuscan Italian, "I curse the fever in the name of Aradia and tell her to take it away with the moon."

In any case, the name "Aradia" might have been derived from the Italian Herodiade or Erodiade. We might speculate that Aradia was the name used by Maddalena or someone else she spoke to, in certain conjurations. We might alternatively speculate that Leland thought this name Aradia, "Altar of the Goddess," was her true name.

Maybe. Possibly. This is a lot of speculation.

It would be nice if someone discovered another source which refers to a variant of Herodias’s name recorded as either "Erodia" or "Aradiade."

If someone ever found a bottle in the dig of a 17th century ruin which said in Italian, "I conjure Aradiade to fly away with her sisters and the fever," that would be something to really speculate over.

In Italian folklore, Herodias was believed to fly through the air with or without an attending train of spirits—probably including streghe (witches). In popular Italian folklore, Diana supposedly led a procession of such spirits as well. This popular Italian folklore about Diana probably harked back to classical Roman mythology, which described Diana traversing the countryside on moonlit nights with a train of attendant nymphs. In Roman mythology, Hecate, another lunar Goddess, was supposed to lead a troop of ghosts and spirits at night. There was also a minor Roman Goddess, Abundantia, who personified abundance. Abundantia was credited with entering households of people at night to bring prosperity.

We simply do not have a record of an ancient Etruscan Goddess who visited her followers at night or led a train of attendant spirits. There were surviving inscriptions to Artini, who was the Etruscan counterpart of the Greek Artemis.

Some speculate a few of the "pre-Christian classical Roman influence" could date back to the Italian Renaissance, when Italians embraced their ancient heritage. Classical Roman writings influenced sculpture, paintings, and literature. Certainly some influence from the Italian Renaissance could be remaining in 19th century Italian folklore. Diana was a favorite Goddess of the Renaissance. However, legends about Diana leading the night flight were in circulation in the 10th century. The Italian Renaissance began in Tuscany in the 14th century. Hence the legends of Diana pre-dated the Renaissance.

I recently stumbled across a wonderful article by Sabina Magliocco, Who Was Aradia? The History and Development of a Legend, The Pomegranate: The Journal of Pagan Studies, Issue 18, February 2002.



Magliocco explored the legend about Diana, Herodiade/Erodiade, and Bensoria in Italy. She also revealed that Herodiana, which combines Diana and Herodiade, was indeed a name found in a 14th century ecclesiastic encyclical as one of the female leaders of the night assemblies. Irodeasa was a name used among the Romanians to describe a similar figure. In the region of the Italian Alps, the lady who travels at night between Christmas and the Epiphany is known as Rododesa, Redosa, or Redosoia.

In France, the night flying queen of a troop of spirits, faery, and/or women was known as Satia and Domina Abondia (Dame Abonde). In Germany, Holde or Holda or Bercha led the night flight. [Magliocco didn’t mention it, but Frau Bercha is often said to lead a nighttime procession of the "Cricket Folk" between Christmas and Epiphany.]

Magliocco stated such a wide dispersal of this legend of Herodiade and the Society of Diana probably indicated an early diffusion of the story—which in turn may hark back to the classical myth of Diana and her attendant nymphs roaming the Italian countryside at night.

Magliocco’s entire 16-page paper is just too long to condense here. I urge you to read this article.

Quite interestingly, while no one has found the name of "Erodia" or "Aradiade," yet since having written the above-mentioned article, Magliocco has found the name, "Araja" in Sardinian folk legend. She is known as S’Araja Justa, "the just Araja," the female leader of the night assembly which enters into homes, rewarding the thrifty and punishing the lazy. The spirit S’Araja Demoniu,"the demon Araja," rides at night at the head of the train of the restless ghostly dead. In private correspondence, Magliocco states, "‘Araja’ is very close to the name, ‘Aradia’, and represents a common linguistic transformation that occurs in similar words as they transfer from Italian to Sardinian; so it does seem likely that a legendary character by the name ‘Aradia’ existed at some point in Italian folklore." (from private correspondence, October 2, 2007)

I have already pointed out that the text of Leland’s Aradia has some definite pre-Christian elements. It clearly has some Catholic influences from the 10th to 12th century, including the presence of the legend of Herodias/Herodiade.

There also seems to be a definite Cathar or dualist influence. The Italian Cathars were a heretical Christian sect which according to Carol Lansing in Power and Purity, 1998 (p.5) "…enjoyed considerable popularity in many Italian towns in the 1240s and ‘50s."

The Cathars were dualists who believed in a good God of light and evil God of darkness. They viewed the physical world as a veil of tears created by Lucifer. Lansing translated a Latin text describing Italian Cathar belief:

In the beginning, there were two principles, good and evil….The devil, termed the great dragon, and Lucifer, together, created the world in six days, with the God of light permitting them to do so.
-–13th century document quoted by Carol Lansing in Power and Purity, 1998, pp. 84-85.

The text explained also that Lucifer created Adam from earth. Lucifer, using trickery and violence, trapped one of the angelic spirits, who was loyal to the God of light, in this mortal, human body. This theology thus explained that humans have a basically good or angelic nature; however, they are deceived about their angelic nature and about the corrupt nature of the physical world.

I do not claim that Leland’s Aradia represents a lost Cathar text, simply that the Italian folklore in Leland’s Aradia apparently preserved some elements of this Cathar dualism.

Diana, the primary deity, divided herself into the two principles of light and darkness. Darkness tricked the light into having intercourse and thus created Aradia/Herodias.

In an interesting twist, Lucifer, the light-bearer, was identified with the light, and clearly identified with the pre-Christian sun God, Apollo. However, Lucifer remained something of a minor figure. For example, no incantations were addressed to him. (There is one invocation to Cain in Chapter II for the witch meeting night assembly.) Lucifer primarily served as agent for Diana’s pregnancy. Aradia/Herodias was not created by parthogenesis, but by a dualistic union of opposites.

These similarities point to a possible Cathar influence, which Leland seems to have been unaware of. Robert E. Chartowich, Enigmas of Aradia, in the Pazzaglini A New Translation described something in the text which appeared to indicate a Gnostic influence in Chapter I, lines 30-34.

And when the priests or the nobility
Shall say to you that you should put your faith
In the Father, Son, and Mary, then reply
Your God, the Father, and Maria are
Three devils… (p. 131)

Chartowich observed that the Holy Spirit was not cursed. Indeed, the Holy Spirit was not even present in these three lines, which is odd in that the Trinity is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Curiously, the Virgin Mary is cursed along with God the Son (Jesus), and God the Father.

Chartowich also observed that according to Gnostics the Holy Spirit was Sophia, the spirit of Gnosis. Thus he stated that a Gnostic would never curse the Holy Spirit.

This observation and Chartowich’s accompanying speculation about the verse as evidence of Gnostic influence is certainly interesting.

What is an even more interesting speculation is that likewise a Cathar might not have wanted to curse the Holy Spirit either.

The 13th century document, quoted earlier by Lansing, also stated that the Holy Spirit "…and none other has salvation." Power and Purity, 1998, p. 86.

Admittedly such speculations are highly speculative. To be honest, we can’t be certain that any Cathar would have been willing to curse Jesus, God the Father, and Mary either.

The Italian Cathars did revile the Catholic cult of saints, which claimed the physical body of a saint remained incorrupt in death and performed miracles. The Cathar Perfecti maintained the entire physical world, including bodies, were corrupt.

If this passage does represent a Cathar influence, it might represent a twisting of Cathar doctrine by Catholic propaganda.

Conclusions

Was Aradia actually an ancient Etruscan or Italic Goddess? What Roman or Classical influences can be found in the text? Aradia has several connections to ancient Goddesses. Diana was an Italic Goddess of great antiquity. Hecate had been adopted into the Roman pantheon. Abundantia was a minor Roman Goddess. Another Goddess, Dea Dia, who had similarities to Diana, was certainly one of the early Goddesses of Italy.

Aradia’s name may only date back to the 19th century. Alternatively, the name Aradia may be a variation of Erodiade, which is from the 10th century. It is also possible Aradia’s name derives from the figure in Sardinian folklore, "Araja." From the lack of information about the Etruscans, any links to an Etruscan Goddess are at best tenuous.

Other Roman or classical influences in this text may include Lucifer’s association with a mouse, which may be related to Apollo Smintheus, "Mouse Apollo." Apollo had been adopted into the Roman pantheon. In Roman times, Diana was particularly petitioned to protect crops from damage by storm.

Did this Vangelo or "Gospel of the Witches" truly represent evidence of a surviving 19th century faction of la vecchia religione? Did this unusual collection of stories and spells represent fragments of a secret document of the streghe or witches? Leland stated he was never shown an old manuscript and explained that Maddalena had given him written pieces and explained the rest orally. Hence there is no proof that there was an intact secret document of the streghe.

Without question, there were pre-Christian survivals in Italian culture. However, many survivals seem to be part of an under layer of folklore, not an organized surviving 19th century faction of la vecchia religione.

Was a garbled form of Paganism woven in from ideas resurrected during the Italian Renaissance? It is possible that some influences from the Italian Renaissance became woven into Italian folklore, which Leland later collected in the 19th century. Some certainly may have, but not all. The Italian Renaissance began in Tuscany in the 14th century. Legends about Diana and the night flight and the night assembly were circulating in the 10th century.

Did Leland collect, via his informant, some rare pieces of authentic Italian folklore? How should we judge Maddalena’s original material, the Vangelo, to the extent we can recover it from Leland’s book? Was Maddalena providing Leland with some family legends along with her personal interpretation of them? Leland, via his informant Maddalena, did collect and record some rare pieces of genuine, authentic folklore. He assembled these fragments in an atypical way. Likely, Maddalena had purposely searched out pieces of folklore with items she believed contained pre-Christian elements.

Was Aradia a 14th century Witch Queen and leader of the Society of Diana? There is no proof that there was a living woman who took the name Aradia, Erodiade, or Herodiana and acted as a Witch Queen in the 14th century. There were many historical references to a Society of Diana and/or cult of Herodias. However, whether stories refer to pure legend or anything factual remains unknown.

What influences are due to Italian Catholicism and Italian Christian heresy? Surprise, there are a number of Catholic influences in the text. Aside from the names of Cain and Herodias, which are Biblical, Diana’s only daughter, Aradia, was presented as a female messiah who brings the salvation of practicing her mother’s witchcraft to the people.

There is also a dualistic element which points to a possible influence of the Italian Cathars.

Were other influences part of the pattern of ideas found in the text? Leland’s own pre-conceived ideas about witchcraft, some of which were influenced by Michelet, also affected how Leland reassembled the pieces of folklore Maddalena provided him with.

A great deal more could be written about Leland’s Aradia. I have pointed out a few pieces of potsherds from this powerful mosaic in order to examine the whole.

Copyright October 2007 Myth Woodling

J. B. Andrews, Neapolitan Witchcraft, 1897.

Folk-Lore Society (Great Britain), Folk-Lore Society, Quarterly Review on Myth, Tradition, Institution, & Custom, Vol. XL, 1900.

Rosemary Ellen Guiley, The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft, 1989.

Carol Lansing, Power and Purity, 1998.

Charles G. Leland, Aradia, or the Gospel of the Witches, A New Translation by Mario Pazzaglini, PhD and Dina Pazzaglini, 1998.

Sabina Magliocco, Who Was Aradia? The History and Development of a Legend, The Pomegranate: The Journal of Pagan Studies, Issue 18, February 2002.

Jeffrey B. Russell, A History of Witchcraft, 1980.

Myth's Notes

Yes, I am writing a Myth' Notes comment upon my own article.

In "Understanding Leland's Aradia" I made a point of not speculating on the nature of Aradia, Diana, Hecate, etc. in Wicca. That was not within the scope of a brief historical look at Leland's text and the possible influences that contributed to the materials collected in that text.

There was a quote from Bonewits’ Essential Guide to Witchcraft and Wicca (2006). I can’t find the darned book right now, so I’ll paraphrase from memory.

The Neo-Pagan/Wiccan movement was created by poets, dreamers, storytellers, romantics, and rascals.

According to Leland, poets, dreamers, storytellers, romantics, and rascals all belong to the moon.

My personal concept is perhaps when Leland took fragments of Italtian folklore he reassembled them attempting to reconstruct an older patturn. He assumed that ancient lore was buried inside pieces of contemporary folklore. He was picking out the older pieces and attempting to put it back together. This type of reconstruction by 19th century folklorists was very common. Metphorically speaking he saw the fragments collected for him by Maddalena as parts of a larger and older whole like relics of Pompeii burried under the ash of Vesuvius. Leland, therefore, was attempting to complete a pattern using potsherds from different pots. If Leland and Maddalena assembled pieces of genuine folklore together in an atypical way, that without intending to they created a new mosaic.

I do not say this to discredit Leland. On the contrary, I think Leland managed to record some rather intriguing ideas and pieces of lore. In assembling the fragments in an atypical way, he created a distintily poweful mystical mosaic.

It is my suspision that Leland may have, himself, belonged to the Moon, being born on Diana's feast day (August 15) as well as being a romantic.

In any case it is my theological opinion that he tapped into something very real while assembling this mosaic, and that in doing so he gave us an important message from the Goddess. Such opinions belong to theology, not history. Hence, they are not discusted in "Understanding Leland's Aradia."

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Many doctors in today’s society discredit the use of natural supplements and other alternative medicines. In fact many believe that it is all a pack of lies. A prime example is quack.com.
“Naturopathy, sometimes referred to as "natural medicine," is a largely pseudoscientific approach said to "assist nature", "support the body's own innate capacity to achieve optimal health" , and "facilitate the body's inherent healing mechanisms." Naturopaths assert that diseases are the body's effort to purify itself, and that cures result from increasing the patient's "vital force." They claim to stimulate the body's natural healing processes by ridding it of waste products and "toxins." At first glance, this approach may appear sensible. However, a close look will show that naturopathy's philosophy is simplistic and that its practices are riddled with quackery.”
I am assuming that Stephen Barrett, M.D. has never witnessed the beneficial results of a homeopathic healer. He has probably only witnessed what people have done to themselves trying to use these remedies on their own without the many years of study that is necessary to make a working remedy. Many modern doctors are ignorant and stubborn when it comes to alternative therapies because they were not taught them. People feel uncomfortable when something changes, but I believe that it is a time for a healthier change in medical practices.
These discredits are not only for Homeopathic healers but chiropractors, acupuncturists, aroma therapists, energy healers, hands on healers, massage therapists, and practitioners of Ancient Chinese medicine. These are only a few examples of the many healers that the medical community discredits. Yet many of these practices were here long before “traditional” medicine was even thought of. In fact many of the medicines that are prescribed today were discovered by herbalists centuries ago. A few examples of these are digitalis, which is found in the foxglove, salicin in white willow bark, and penicillin which is found in a mold. Digitalis is used to treat heart conditions and is in many of today’s medicines. Salicin is the active ingredient in aspirin and has been used since the ancient Egyptians discovered it, and penicillin is a wonderful antibiotic which was found in a mold that grows on certain breads and fruit. Not only have some of the most useful drugs come from nature but they are also much healthier for your body if taken as a whole plant, seed, leaf, etc.
Harnessing the chemicals in plants and making them more concentrated in pills seems like a wonderful idea, but in isolating the chemical wanted they have left out the other chemicals that nature put in the plant to help balance it. White willow bark does not cause stomach discomfort or wearing away of the mucosal layers of the stomach as aspirin does. This is because of the balance that Gaia put into every one of her creations. This however does not mean that you can eat anything you want in nature. In the right –or wrong perhaps- dose anything can be detrimental to your health if not deadly. In fact just handling some plants can cause rashes and even poisoning. That is why we need professionals who know what they are doing.

These facts have led me to think that it is high time that alternative healers got their due. Although there will still be complaints from regular doctors, it is time to move forward and establish a health agency just for natural medicine, and although there are colleges that do teach forms of natural medicine, there should be med schools that cater only to the natural healer. The “traditional” doctors can deny credit for only so long.

~SilverThorn

References
Barrett M.D., Stephen. "A close look at Naturopathy." naturowatch.com. 23 12 2003. 10 Feb 2009 .

Medicinal Oils & Remedies

by Mother Oak



Essential Oils for Cold and Flu

Here are the some of the best choices in anti viral oils.

# Ravansara
# Eucalyptus Radiata
# Tea Tree

They help fight viral infections and support the immune system. Mix 10 drops in 1 Tablespoon carrier oil and massage upper chest and back. or Place 3 drops on a tissue and inhale, pause and inhale again.

Essential Oils for Congestion

# Eucalyptus Globulous
# Eucalyptus Radiata
# Rosemary
# Lavender Spike
# Tea Tree

They loosen congestion, help fight viral and bacterial infections while lifting the spirits. Mix 10 drops in 1 Tablespoon carrier oil and massage upper chest and back. or Place 3 drops on a tissue and inhale, pause and inhale again.

Cold and Flu Fighter

# 4 drops Sweet Eucalyptus (unrectified is best)
# 4 drops Scotch Pine
# 3 drops Lemon

Add to a large bowl of steaming water. Covering your head lean over the bowl and inhale deeply for 2-5 minutes. May also be added to a diffuser or vaporizer. For Children Use Eucalyptus Smithi, a mild Eucalyptus for children and the elderly.

Essential Oils for Headache

# Peppermint
# Lavender
# Roman Chamomile

Put 1 drop of essential oil on each temple and at the nape of the neck. or mix 5 drops of Lavender and 1 drop of Peppermint into 1 Tablespoon carrier oil or lotion and massage neck and shoulders.

Essential Oils for Body Aches

# Lavender
# Roman Chamomile
# Sweet Marjoram

Help to soothe aches and pains. Mix 10 drops of essential oil in 2 Tablespoons of carrier oil or lotion and massage areas of discomfort.

Cellulite Blend

This mixture stimulates circulation.

# Eucalyptus Citriodora 2 ml
# Lemon 2 ml
# Cedarwood 2ml
# Sage 2ml
# Cypress 2 ml
# Niaouli 2ml
# 100 ml Hazelnut oil

Apply 2-3 times per days for 30 days.

Holiday Bath Salts

# 2 C epsom salts
# 1/2 C sea salt
# 4-6 drops peppermint oil
# 2-3 drops red food coloring

Place 1 C of epsom salt and 1/4 C sea salt in a bowl. Add 2-3 drops peppermint oil. Place the remaining ingredients in a second bowl. Mix all ingredients well. Layer the red and white salts in a clear bottle or jar. I placed the lid on the jar and then put a paper doily over the lid, tied a red ribbon and a candy cane around the lid/doily. With the red and white layering, it makes an attractive presentation. Since peppermint is an energizing scent perhaps it's a good one to use at this busy time of year.

A homemade inhaler

It is very easy to stick in a pocket or purse is made by simply saving an empty chap stick tube. Wash out with hot soap and water to remove all traces of chap stick and let air dry. Next put a piece of cotton in the inhaler and measure the drops of essential oils for your blend directly on the cotton.

Menstrual cramps

Menstrual cramps respond to essential oils especially when used in a warm bath with Epsom and Sea Salt.

Essential Oils useful for cramps are:

# Chamomile
# Cypress
# Basil
# Carrot Seed
# Frankincense
# Clary
# Sage
# Juniper
# Jasmine
# Lavender
# Marjoram
# Nutmeg
# Peppermint
# Rosemary

For leg discomfort

# 5 drops Lavender
# 2 drops Cypress
# 2 drops Nutmeg
# 2 drops Peppermint

add to bath salts, soak for 20 min. Rest afterwards, elevating your legs.

Vaginal Dryness

Mix 2 parts Jojoba Oil with 1 part melted Cocoa Butter to make 1 ounce. Add, 3 drops Sandalwood and 1 drop Geranium. Stir while warm to an even mix. Allow to cool to solidify. Smooth the mixture with fingers over the tissue two times a day and before intercourse. You may use 1 drop of Neroli in place of Geranium. Completely Safe.

Aromatherapy oils Recipes that soothe the mind, body, and soul

by Mother Oak

Relaxation

This blend is for relaxation and stress relief. It will induce a deep relaxation of the tissues, muscles and joints, and re-establish a good energy balance. Blend the following essential oils into one ounce of carrier oil of your choice; Massage as desired. May also be used as a bath oil.

# 3 drops Lavender
# 3 drops Tangerine
# 3 drops Marjoram
# 1 drop Chamomile

Control Pet Odor

Try this natural and aromatic spray. Pour the essential oils into a 1-oz spray bottle filled with water. Shake very vigorously several times before each use. Spray directly onto your dog, holding the bottle about 10 inches from him. Avoid spraying on the head and eyes.

# 10 drops Lavender
# 10 drops Geranium
# 6 drops Lemon

Bath Mush

# 1/4 cup aloe gel (the pure kind from the health food store)
# 1/4 cup honey
# 1/4 cup sea or rock salt
# 1/4 cup heavy cream or powdered milk
# 2 t. jojoba oil (optional)
# 5 drops essential oil

Sounds like a gooey mess, doesn't it? But it works wonders on your skin. It leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth. This is a blend made right before the bath. I guess it could be stored in the refrigerator for abut a week, but that sounds a little yucky to me. All measurements are approximate since I usually just "eyeball" it. You have to stir it well when you pour it into the bath water to make it disperse, but it's worth it.

Rosemary Mist

Brace yourself This sense-stimulating mist is a superb post-shower, after you've toweled off but skin is still a bit damp. In spray bottle place:

# 5 ounces distilled water
# 1 tsp olive oil
# 6 drops rosemary essential oil
# 1 sprig fresh rosemary

Shake well to mix -- spritz on as desired.

Eucalyptus oil

An effective analgesic and often used to relieve muscle, nerve and joint pain. Apply a massage oil to the affected area before a warm bath, then massage the area again after your bath. I like a blend of Lavender and Eucalyptus for even better results. When massaging small areas like a shoulder you can double the amount of essential oils used. ex. 20-30 drops per 1 oz. carrier oil

Holiday Bookmarks

If you're giving a book as a holiday gift why not add a bookmark to which you've added a few drops of essential oils. Try to choose something that will appeal to most folks like Orange or maybe a blend of Lavender and Tangerine. The Orange is great for kids. Create a bookmark for students adding oils to help them study, Peppermint, Rosemary and Basil will help keep them alert. Add a bottle of the essential oil so they can refresh their bookmark. Maybe spice oils for a cookbook. The possibilities are endless.

Fall & Holiday Blends

Frankincense is a great essential oil to use this time of year however it is best used in a blend with other oils as it's scent will remind you of being in church! Use 1 drop of Frankincense with perhaps Orange (Clementine would be great!) and Spruce ( Pine or Fir). Add some spice oils, Cinnamon, Nutmeg or Clove. Experiment with other oils. Use in a diffuser or aroma lamp.

Homemade Skin Toner

# 2 oz. Green Tea
# 5 drops Lavender essential oil
# 5 drops Geranium essential oil

Mix up this bottle of tea and essential oils to balance the pH of your skin after cleansing. It's easy... it's cooling... and it leaves your skin feeling refreshed! Place the ingredients in a glass bottle. Essential oils do not dissolve in water or tea so be sure to shake this mixture well before each use to make sure the essential oils are dispersed. Use a cotton pad to apply to face and neck area after cleansing. Yum!!

Bath Melts

# 2 parts cocoa butter
# 2 parts baking soda
# 1 part citric acid
# powdered herbs color (optional)
# EO(s) or FO(s) (your preference)

Melt the cocoa butter add EO(s) and color if you wish. then add powdered ingredients, stir then pour into molds. Let sit in fridge or freezer until set then pop out of molds and let sit for a day or two.

Fragrant Bath Fizzies

# 1 cup baking soda
# 1 /2 cup cornstarch
# 1 /2 cup citric acid
# 15 drops essential oil
# food color, 10 drops (optional)

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Add food coloring to a small amount of the mix in a separate bowl. Add colored mix to remaining mix and blend. Mist the salts with a mister enough so that they hold together but not enough to start fizzing. Pack these salts into a soap mold. Flip over onto a piece of waxed paper and allow molded fizzie to dry overnight.

Fizzy Bath Kisses

# Cocoa Butter
# 2 oz Baking Soda--2 oz
# Citric Acid--2 oz
# Oatmeal, powdered--3 Tbsp
# Food Color--10 drops (optional)
# Bergamot--10 drops
# Rose--5 drops
# Ylang-Ylang--10 drops

Melt cocoa butter (microwave is fine). Add food color and essential oils. Mix well. Add baking soda, citric acid and powdered oatmeal. Stir thoroughly. Pour into molds. Put into freezer to set. (This takes about 10-20 mins.) Remove from molds when set.

Note: Use 1-2 per bath or 3-4 for extra moisturizing.

Aromatherapy Body Powder especially for the feet

# 1 Cup Cornstarch
# 1 Tablespoon Baking Soda
# Essential oils of your choice

In a jar with a tight fitting lid. Add 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oils. Shake well

Buttermilk Bath Salts

# 1 cup Buttermilk Powder
# 1 cup Sea Salt
# Up to 24 drops of essential oils

Blend well, keep in a sealed jar. Use 1/2 cup per bath. This makes enough for 4 baths.

Ginger Body Scrub

Use this one in the morning as the essential oils are invigorating.

# Sea Salt 1/4
# Cup Cornmeal 1/4
# Cup Olive Oil 1/3
# Cup or another base oil
# Ginger 2 drops
# Peppermint 4 drops
# Rosemary 3 drops

Mix salt and cornmeal. Combine warmed oil and essential oils then mix with dry ingredients. Use in the shower or standing in the tub. Apply in circular motions, working from the extremities inward, working towards the center of the body and the heart. Rinse with warm water. Gently pat dry. Your skin will feel smoother and have a nice glow.

Spritzers

Use 4 oz. of distilled water To make a facial mist use 8-10 drops of essential oils per 4 oz. of distilled water. 30-40 drops per 4 oz. for a body spray 80-100 drops per 4 oz. for a room spray

Hot Rock Massage

This is a spa treatment from the Arizona desert. Select a large, flat smooth stone, the size of your palm Heat stone in a low temperature oven until warm but not hot. Rub some scented massage oil into the stone and use this heated rock to give your partner a soothing massage. The heat from the stone relaxes and penetrates the muscles. Use up to 15 drops of essential oil per 1 oz. of unscented oil. Start with less drops, you can always add more. Try Sweet Almond, Grapeseed or Apricot Oil.

Peace and Love Massage Oil

# 3 drops Patchouli
# 3 drops Sandalwood
# 1 oz.Unscented base oil

So Easy to Make Bath Salts

# 1 cup Sea Salt
# 1 cup Epsom Salt
# 1 cup Baking Soda Your favorite essential oils

Try French Lavender, Rose Geranium and Ylang Ylang Extra You'll want about 6 drops of essential oils per 1/4 cup salt blend Use 1/4 cup per bath. This makes enough for several baths.

Germ Fighter Spray

We've all been told to wash our hands more frequently. Here is an antiseptic, germ fighting spray to use on cuts and scrapes. May also be used as a room spray.

# 12 drops Tea Tree
# 6 drops Eucalyptus Unrectified
# 6 drops Lemon
# 2 oz. distilled water

Combine ingredients and add to spray bottle. Shake gently before use.

Rose Otto

The intoxicating aroma of Rose-Otto oil makes it an effective aphrodisiac. Rose-Otto oil exerts its effects on both mind and body. It acts to both relieve stress and relax the spirit. For a relaxing bath, mix three drops of Turkish Rose-Otto in three and a half Tbsp. of heavy cream and add to the bathwater. For a truly sensuous scent, add a few drops of Sandalwood or Jasmine.

Scented Beeswax Heart

Scent a room with this decorative accent. Use a cookie cutter to cut a heart shape from a sheet of natural beeswax. Wrap the heart in cheesecloth and infuse it with a few drops of Rose Otto. Place the wrapped heart in a plastic bag for a week. Remove and discard the cloth and glue a ribbon hanger to the back of the heart. You can even decorate it with dried flowers and a bow. Hang it in the kitchen or even the bath!!

Relaxing Lavender Honey Bath

Did you know that Honey has a calming effect? Combined with pure essential oil of Lavender it's a yummy bath treatment. Why not try it tonight!
# 2 oz. of Honey
# 5 drops Lavender

Combine in a jar. use 1 -2 Tablespoons per bath.

Vanilla Rose Bath Fizz

Blend one half cup baking soda and one fourth cup each cornstarch and citric acid in a glass bow. Add one teaspoon each melted cocoa butter and Vanilla essential oil and one half teaspoon Rose Otto oil. Mix well. Slowly blend in one teaspoon rose water. Pack mixture into molds, turn out on waxed paper to dry for 24 hours, then store in airtight container. Add one fizz to a warm bath and Enjoy!

Ice Candles

Melt one pound of paraffin in a double boiler. Cut a milk carton to height desired, center a taper candle inside, then fill with crushed ice. Add six drops Spearmint essential oil and a sprinkling of glitter to the cooling paraffin.....pour the paraffin into the carton. Let cool, then pour off the water and tear away the carton to reveal a candle that glistens like ice

How to Make Scented Rocks

Place rocks in a bowl or dish to scent a room. A nice alternative to potpourri!

# 1/2 cup plain flour
# 1/2 cup salt
# 1/4 teaspoon essential oil (your favorite scent)
# 2/3 cups boiling water
# Food coloring, if desired

In bowl, mix dry ingredients well. Add essential oil, and boiling water to dry ingredients. (Scent will be strong, but will fade slightly when dry.)

For colored stones, blend in food coloring, one drop at a time until desired shade is reached. Blend ingredients, and form balls into different shape and sizes to look like stones. Allow stones to dry.

Lemon Citrus Soak

Lemons have been used for hand and nail care for centuries. Lemon Juice and the essential oil of Lemon whitens nails while stimulating healthy growth. Try this Refreshing Citrus Soak

# 8 oz. spring water
# 1 Tablespoon Aloe Vera Gel
# 10 drops Lemon Juice

Mix and soak fingertips for 10 minutes.

Fireplace Oils

When making Holiday logs use 1 drop of essential oil per log and only one log per fire. After applying the essential oil to the log be sure to let it sit for enough time that the essential oil soaks through the log. Some choices are Sandalwood, Frankincense, Myrrh, Cypress, and Cedarwood.

Cornmeal Face Scrub

Essential Oils can be incorporated into many facial products. A facial scrub to try includes:

# 1/4 cup yogurt
# 1/4 cup cornmeal
# 5 drops Lavender essential oil
# 5 drops Patchouli essential oil
# 5 drops Grapefruit essential oil

Mix together and refrigerate a couple of hours before using. Store in the refrigerator.

A CHRISTMAS POTPOURRI

# 3 c Fresh juniper sprigs -with berries
# 2 c Red rosebuds
# 1 c Bay leaves
# 1/4 c Cinnamon chips
# 2 tb Cloves
# 10 Drops rose oil
# 3 Drops pine oil
# 6 Drops cinnamon oil
# 1 tb Orrisroot chips
# 5 Whole dried rose blossoms
# 3 Three-inch cinnamon sticks
# 20 Assorted pinecones, -painted gold

Combine the juniper, rosebuds, bay leaves, cinnamon chips, cloves, and cones in a big ceramic bowl. In a separate dish, mix the oils with the orrisroot. Stir this mixture into the first one and put into a closed container to mellow for a few weeks, stirring occasionally. Place the potpourri in a dish and scatter the roses blossoms and cinnamon sticks on top.

Christmas Spice Potpourri

# 2 cups dried pink rose petals and buds
# 1/2 cup dried bay leaves, crumbled
# 1/2 cup dried orange peel
# 1/2 cup dried pomegranate slices, chopped
# 1 Tablespoon grated nutmeg
# 1/2 cup small pine cones
# 1/2 Tablespoon orris root power
# 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
# 1/2 teaspoon mixed spices, lightly crushed: mustard seed, black, green and white peppercorns, red spindle berries, juniper berries
# 10 drops frankincense essential oil
# 5 drops clove essential oil
# 20 drops orange essential oil
# 5 drops myrrh essential oil

Frankincense Soap

Wrap unscented purchased soap with cheesecloth, then sprinkle the wrapped bar with a few drops of frankincense essential oil. Place the soap in an airtight container for a month, then discard wrapping. You can decorate the soap with silver or gold leaf applied in a random pattern. Dampen the soap before applying metallic leaf! This makes a gorgeous gift!

Scented Holiday Cards

Make your Christmas/Holiday cards extra special this year. Place 1 drop of any holiday blend on the inside corner of each card. Seal and send as usual. What a nice surprise for the recipient! Some oils to use: we like our Celebration blend with Cinnamon, Orange Clove but a Evergreen blend is also nice.

Frankincense and Myrrh Soap Balls

Making your own soap can be a complicated process. However......this is a very simple way of introducing your favorite smells to a basic, fragrance-free soap, using a combination of nourishing vegetable oil, oatmeal as a natural exfoliant and healing and nourishing honey!! The soaps are scented with the heavenly combination of frankincense and myrrh. The spicy, woody scent of frankincense is uplifting, while the balsamic, must scent of myrrh is known to be anti-fungal and healing.

# 9 ounces of pure, unscented soap
# 4 fl. ounces water
# 1 tablespoon honey
# 1 tablespoon finely ground oatmeal
# 1 teaspoon sweet almond or apricot kernel oil
# 12 drops myrrh essential oil
# 8 drops frankincense essential oil.
# Cheese grater (fine)
# Bain-Marie(double boiler with a ceramic insert to evenly disperse gentle heat)
# Wooden Spoon
# Dried herbs (optional)

Grate the soap with a fine cheese grater. Place the soap in the bain-marie with the water. Gently heat over a low least. Gradually the mixture will form a thick and fairly sticky paste. When the soap has melted, add the honey, oatmeal, oil and dried herbs(optional) and mix in well. Transfer to a clean bowl and then add in the essential oils. Mix very thoroughly! Have a bowl of water on hand to wet your hands. Then take a small handful of the mixture and mold into round balls. You will be able to make approximately 2 large balls or 5 or so of the smaller ones. Place on a sheet of grease-proof paper and leave it to harden for a week or so. Or.......you can put the mixture in a shaped mold!

Soap of the Magi

# 5 Ounces Glycerine Soap
# 1/8 teaspoon Myrrh Oil
# 1/8 teaspoon Frankincense Oil
# Bronze and Gold Mica Dust
# Ultra fine gold fabric glitter
# Oval soap mold

Melt 1/2 of the soap. Stir in the Frankincense oil and Gold mica dust. Pour into 2 molds filling only half way. Melt the other 1/2 of the soap. Stir in Myrrh oil and Bronze mica dust. Spoon over 1st layer of soap. Set, unmold. Give the bars a light dusting of the gold glitter and you have a soap of gold, frankincense and Myrrh the gifts of the Magi. If you've frozen the soap allow it to thaw and dry before adding the glitter or wrapping.

Cover-all scent

A blend of equal parts of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary oils.

Developed according to the legend about the four thieves in 15th century England who used these and other aromatics to protect themselves while robbing plague victims.

Bath Cookies

Do not eat these!
# 2 Cups Rock Salt
# ½ Cup Baking Soda
# ½ Cup Cornstarch
# 2 Tablespoons Almond Oil
# 1 Teaspoon Vitamin E Oil
# 1-2 Eggs
# 6 Drops Essential Oil

Mix together and then cut out with cookie cutters in the shape you want. Bake at 350 degree 10 - 12 minutes Allow to cool. Use 1-2 per bath keep in an air tight container. These are perishable because of the eggs so use them up or give as gifts.

Essential oils for aromatherapy What can a smell do?

by Mother Oak


Below is a list of some of the more common oils and their properties. These can be ordered quite easily from any essential oil distributor.

CEDARWOOD (Cedrus atlantica)

# Character: confident, firmly rooted; spiritual strength.
# Cedar wood (also called Libanol) is distilled from the wood of the cedar tree. it is one of the oldest essential oils, used in North Africa as a perfume and medicine. In Ancient Egypt it was used both for preserving mummies and as massage oil. In the nineteenth century it was found to have antiseptic properties.
# Aroma: Harmonious, woody, soft.
# Properties: Antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, emollient, fungicide, harmonising, insecticide, sedative, tonic.
# Physical conditions: Eliminatory system: cystitis, relieves burning pain; kidney tonic
# Respiratory system: helpful with asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs
# Musculoskeletal system: may ease chronic arthritic and rheumatic pains
# Nervous system: relaxing and calming
# Skin: good for acne, oily skin, irritation
# Scalp and hair: dandruff, seborrhoea.
# Mental/emotional conditions: Focuses attention when lacking concentration; for scattered thoughts, day-dreaming, living in future. Calms anxiety and nervous tension.
# Other uses: Combine with Sandalwood for room fragrance for meditation.
# Applications: Bath. Inhalation. Massage. Room fragrance.
# Blends well with Sandalwood.

CHAMOMILE (Anthemis mixta)

# Character: Soothing yet strong.
# Chamomile oil is distilled from the white flower heads of the Chamomile herb. There are many types of Chamomile, including Roman, German, and Wild or Moroccan Chamomile. Some are anti-inflammatory, containing azulenes or bisabolene. Wild or Moroccan Chamomile has long been used in the medicine of North Africa.
# Aroma: Fresh, herbaceous, tea-like, ardent.
# Properties: Antispasmodic, calming, cicatrisant, comforting, febrifuge, sedative of nervous system, warming.
# Physical conditions: Digestion: colic, colitis, diarrhoea, gastritis, ulcers
# Eliminatory system: bedwetting, cystitis, irritable bowel
# Hormonal system: decongestant, good for hot flushes
# Musculoskeletal system: used for low back pain, rheumatism, sprains
# Nervous system: helpful for depression, headaches, insomnia, when feeling fragile.
# Mental/emotional conditions: For the highly strung and perhaps over- enthusiastic; impulsiveness in helping others; living on nerves and straining energies to their limits.
# Applications Bath. Face oil/lotion. Facial steaming. Footbath. Inhalation. Massage. Room fragrance.
# Blends well with: Geranium, Lavender, Ylang Ylang

CLARY SAGE (Salvia sclarea)

# Character: Benevolent.
# Clary Sage is distilled from the lilac flowering tops of a biennial herb with large wrinkled leaves, growing in England, Europe, Russia and the USA. It is related to, but different from, the common sage used in cooking. The name Salvia derives from the Latin for 'good health' and the word 'clary' meaning 'clear'; the seeds were once used in a remedy to clear particles from the eyes. Clary Sage can have euphoric effects, and from the 16th century was added to beer by some brewers.
# Aroma: Light, spicy, like drying hay.
# Properties: Antidepressant, antiseptic, carminative, deodorant, sedative, tonic. Regulatory and balancing. Strongly sedative, but sometimes with euphoric effects.
# Physical conditions: Hair: encourages growth.
# *Hormonal system: regulates hormones, helpful for premenstrual tension and painful periods, also frigidity. Encourages labour.
# Musculoskeletal system: relieves cramp, muscle spasm
# Nervous system: exhaustion; insomnia from over-work; headaches; migraines
# Respiratory system: asthma, throat infections
# Skin: excessive perspiration
# *Use with caution: can cause excessive bleeding.
# Mental/emotional conditions: Particularly indicated for times of change, domestic, occupational and biological, and when having difficulty in adjusting to changes in life.
# Other uses: Aphrodisiac. Restorative when convalescing.
# Applications:* Bath. Hair oil/rinse. Massage. Room fragrance 'Can cause drowsiness; best not used before driving or drinking alcohol.
# Blends well with: Rosemary, Ylang Ylang.

CYPRESS (Cupressus sempervirens)

# Character: Solemn, firm, upright, astringent.
# Cypress oil is distilled from the wood of the majestic cypress tree, which grows in Europe, particularly around the Mediterranean. The tree has been venerated since ancient times, and gave its name to the island of Cyprus. It has also been associated with burial grounds since Greek and Roman days, and is traditionally believed to have supplied the wood for Christ's Cross. Known for its astringent properties, the oil is often used today in perfumery, especially men's cosmetics.
# Aroma: Refreshing, woody, spicy.
# Properties: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, deodorant, toning, vasoconstrictor
# Physical conditions: Circulation: haemorrhoids, nosebleeds, varicose veins; cellulitis
# Eliminatory system: bedwetting; frequent urination; excessive perspiration
# Hormonal system: hormone imbalance; PMT; heavy periods; painful periods; menopause Hair and scalp: dandruff with oily scalp
# Musculoskeletal system: cramps, rheumatism
# Nervous system: warms coldness in nervous system
# Skin: can benefit mature, oily and sweaty skin. Helps heal wounds.
# Mental/emotional conditions: For fear of what others think; inability to with-stand pressure from others of more dominant personality.
# Other uses: Insecticide; deodorant; male toiletry.
# Applications: Bath. Face lotion. Facial steaming. Hair oil/rinse. Inhalation. Room fragrance.
# Blends well with: Frankincense, Juniper, Lemon.

EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus globulus)

# Character: Harmonising, vigorous, deeply grounded.
# Eucalyptus, or Blue Gum is one of the most widely used essential oils; a constituent of cold remedies and inhalants, and strongly antiseptic. The oil is distilled from the blue-green leaves of the Eucalyptus tree, which grows to a great height in warm regions. A native of Tasmania, its leaves were used by the Aboriginals as a dressing for wounds. It was introduced to Europe in the eighteenth century.
# Aroma: Resinous, camphorous, clear, powerful.
# Properties: Analgesic, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, decongestant, deodorising, energy balancing, insecticide.
# Physical conditions: Eliminatory system: cystitis; diarrhoea
# Musculoskeletal system: muscular aches and pains; rheumatism (combined with Lemon and Juniper); sciatica
# Nervous system: neuralgia
# Respiratory system: asthma; bronchitis; catarrh; colds; cold with headache; sinusitis
# skin: burns; inflammatory conditions; insect bites; skin eruptions
# Mental/emotional conditions: Cools heated emotions; balances extreme moods, highs and lows occurring for no apparent reason; aids concentration.
# Other uses: Insect repellent.
# Applications: Bath. inhalation. Massage
# Blends well with: Rosemary, Cedar, Marjoram.

FRANKINCENSE (Boswellia carterii)

# Character: Inspiring and contemplative.
# Frankincense, or Olibanum is distilled from the resin of a small desert tree growing in the Middle East and North Africa. Famous as a birth gift to the infant Jesus, it has had religious and therapeutic uses for centuries. The Ancient Egyptians burned it in religious ceremonies, and also used it in massage and to rejuvenate the skin. Today it is used as an incense in many religions.
# Aroma: Spicy, resinous, balsamic, almost lemony.
# Properties: Antiseptic, calming, cooling, drying, fortifying, revitalising, stimulating, tonic; uplifting.
# Physical conditions: Circulation: haemorrhoids; nosebleeds
# Digestive system: indigestion
# Eliminatory system: cystitis
# Nervous system: chilliness
# Respiratory system: asthma; bronchitis; catarrh; congested lungs; shortness of breath
# Skin: acne scarring; ageing; cracked; oily; wrinkles.
# Mental/emotional conditions: For over-attachment to the past; burn-out, with no conditions: reserves; depression; exhaustion and mental fatigue; fears; insecurity; nightmares; panic.
# Other uses: Aid to meditation and spiritual development.
# Applications: Bath. Face oil/lotion. Facial steaming. Inhalation. Massage. Room fragrance.
# Blends well with: Cypress, Orange, Tangerine, Sandalwood.

GERANIUM (Pelargonium roseum)

# Character: Adaptable; strong when pure, sweetens with dilution.
# Geranium, or Rose Geranium is distilled from the fragrant leaves of the Pelargonium, a herbaceous plant with pink flowers. The oil is often obtained from France, Madagascar, and Morocco and other warm climates. Geranium was once used as a general healing herb for wounds, fractures, cholera, etc. The oil has beneficial effects on most skin conditions and stimulates the lymphatic system. It is widely used in soaps and perfumes. It is one of the balancing oils; harmonising extreme conditions, both physical and emotional.
# Aroma: Sweet, fruity, rose-like.
# Properties: Analgesic, antidepressant, astringent. balancing, diuretic, harmonising, insecticide, tonic, vasoconstrictor.
# Physical conditions: Circulatory system: a tonic, helps relieve fluid retention and lymphatic congestion
# Eliminatory system: a tonic for the liver and kidneys
# Hormonal system: regulatory, useful for PMT, painful breasts, irregular or heavy periods, menopausal symptoms
# Hair and scalp: balances sebum; helps clear head lice
# Nervous system: cases neuralgia and fatigue
# Skin: good for all types of skin condition including dermatitis, blotches and eczema, and in skin lotion. Effective in mouth and throat infections. *N.B. May irritate some skins; patch-test first.
# Mental/emotional conditions: Anti-depressant. Quells acute fright, when totally rigid with fear; escalating anxiety when an emergency arises. Balances extreme moods.
# Applications: Bath. Face oil/lotion. Facial steaming. Hair oil/ rinse. Inhalation. Massage. Mouthwash. Room fragrance.
# Blends well with: Most oils, particularly Cedar, Cypress, Lavender, Rosemary.

JUNIPER (juniperus communis)

# Character: Rough, bitter but consoling.
# Juniper is distilled from the berries or twigs of the juniper tree, a grey green leafed tree which grows in many parts of the world, thriving in Arctic conditions. Juniper oil has traditionally been used as an antiseptic by many cultures, and in the past was a constituent of herbal medicines for the plague, cholera, typhoid fever and even diabetes. It has also been noted for its reviving qualities, and today is well-known as an ingredient of gin.
# Aroma: Green, herbaceous, refreshing.
# Properties: Antiseptic, anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, cleansing, detoxifying, diuretic, insecticide, stimulant, tonic.
# Physical conditions: Circulation: a blood-purifier
# Digestive system: generally beneficial; detoxifying, cleanses liver after rich food and too much alcohol
# Eliminatory system: decongestant and diuretic, good for cystitis, painful urination, kidney problems, cellulitis and fluid retention
# Musculoskeletal system: good for arthritis, cramps, rheumatism, sciatica
# N.B. Prolonged use may over stimulate the kidneys Avoid in casts of serious kidney disease.
# Mental/emotional conditions: Helps to lift guilt, despondency, lack of self-worth; for feeling undeserving of love, and dissatisfied with physical form. Strengthens and supports: good for people in the caring professions.
# Other uses: Hangover; hay fever.
# Applications: Bath. Footbath. Massage. Room fragrance.
# Blends well with: Frankincense, Rosemary.

LAVENDER (Lavandula officinalis, vera

# Character: Mellow, peaceful.
# Lavender oils are distilled from the blue flowering spikes of the lavender bush, just before opening. The plant is widely cultivated in Europe and a hybrid called Lavendin grows wild in the Mediterranean area. The lavender plant has been used in medicine since ancient times, and was introduced to England by the Romans. It has long been known as an antiseptic and an insecticide, and was known for clearing head lice in the 17th century. It is also well known for its skin-healing properties. Lavender oil is invaluable in a home first aid kit, particularly for insect stings, cuts and burns. It is the first choice for insomnia and anxiety, and also boosts the immune system. It is also, of course, a popular constituent of perfumes and cosmetic products.
# Aroma: Clean, balsamic, light, herbaceous.
# Properties: Analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, anti-viral, carminative, deodorant, detoxifying, fungicide, insecticide, restorative, sedative. Healing for mind and body.
# Physical conditions: Circulation: relieves chilblains
# Eliminatory system: for pain when urinating
# Hormonal system: helpful for hot flushes
# Hair and scalp: kills head lice; helpful against hair loss
# Immune system: stimulates when below par (indicated by chronic or recurrent infections)
# Musculoskeletal system: relieves arthritic pain, painful joints and sprains
# Nervous system: relaxing and sedative, excellent for insomnia, tension headaches and migraine, and exhaustion
# Respiratory system: relieves sore or dry throat
# Skin : healing and antiseptic for abscesses, acne, dermatitis, eczema, burns, sunburn, cuts, insect stings and bites.
# Mental/emotional conditions. Excellent for all forms of anxiety and tension. For apprehensiveness with vague fears; nightmares and feelings of panic and inner trembling; fear of the dark.
# Other uses: Helpful with tinnitus when sensitive to noise, Counteracts travel sickness.
# Applications: Bath. Face oil/lotion. Facial steaming. Footbath. Hair-rinse. Inhalation. Massage. Room fragrance. A drop or two can be dabbed direct on insect stings; use dilute on burns.
# Blends well with: Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Geranium, juniper.

LEMON (Citrus limonum)

# Character: Fresh, strong, versatile. Adds character; harmonises well.
# Lemon oil is pressed from the lemon rind. Several varieties of lemon tree are grown in warm climates; originating in India it was first brought to Europe by the crusaders, and is widely cultivated in Italy. It has long been used as an antiseptic, particularly for bites by disease-carrying insects. Today it is used as a flavouring in foods and drinks. Aroma: Fresh, clean, refreshing, lively, Properties: Anti-infections, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, detoxifying, diuretic, insecticide, laxative, stimulating, styptic, tonic, refreshing, uplifting. Acts on the physical, mental and spiritual defence systems.
# Physical conditions: Circulation: a good tonic, helps to lower high blood pressure; stems nosebleeds and external bleeding
# Digestion: improves digestion, balances acidity
# Eliminatory system: helpful for cellulitis and fluid retention; generally cleansing and detoxifying
# Hair and scalp: cleanses greasy hair
# Immune system: stimulates when below par (indicated by chronic or recurrent infections)
# Musculoskeletal system: helps relieve aches and pains
# Nervous system: soothes neuralgia
# Respiratory system: relieves colds, sore throats, influenza and coughs
# Skin: clears corns, warts and verrucas; broken veins; clears skin of dead cells.
# Mental/emotional conditions: Refreshing and clarifying; good for feelings of resentment or bitterness about life's experiences; touchiness; when grudging of others' luck or success.
# Applications: Bath. Face oil/lotion. Facial steaming. Footbath. Hair oil/rinse. Inhalation. Massage. Room fragrance. Apply direct to corns, warts and verrucas.
# Blends well with: Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Juniper, Lavender, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang.

MARJORAM, WOOD OR SPANISH (Thymus mastichina; Majorana sylvestre)

# Character: Gentle, comforting, warming.
# Wood or Spanish Marjoram is distilled from the small, white flowers of the herb which grows in southern Europe and is widely used in flavouring food. The oil is physically and mentally calming and pain-relieving, useful in rheumatic and back pains, and in promoting the circulation.
# Aroma: Warm, herbaceous, with Eucalyptus notes.
# Properties: Analgesic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, calming, carminative, digestive, laxative, restorative, sedative, tonic.
# Physical conditions: Digestion: soothing, may help with indigestion, flatulence and constipation
# Eliminatory system: a decongestant
# Musculoskeletal system: a muscle relaxant; relieves aches and pains, especially when cold and stiff; for stiffness after sport.
# Nervous system: headaches, migraines, insomnia
# Respiratory system: good for bronchitis, chest inflections, colds, sinusitis; clears head congestion.
# Mental/emotional conditions: Soothing and relaxing, good when feeling hostile or withdrawn. For those who find it hard to display emotions. Also for mental strain, hyperactivity, irrational thoughts.
# Applications: Bath. Facial steaming. Footbath. Inhalatiori. Massage. Room fragrance
# Blends well with: Lavender, Lemon.

MINT (Mentha arvensis)

# Character: Hot and cold; stimulating.
# Mint is distilled from the whole herb, an invasive herbaceous plant. There are many species, including Peppermint and Spearmint, all of which are used widely in medicines and in flavouring confectionery, toothpaste, etc. In Greek mythology, Mentha was a nymph, who was pursued by Pluto, the god of the underworld. His jealous wife trod her into the ground, but Pluto ensured her survival by transforming her into the herb. Mint has been used for centuries for digestive problems; in warm climates mint tea is commonly drunk after meals. The oil is also good for aches and pains, and respiratory congestion. It is rich in menthol, often used in imbrications and inhalants. While best known for digestive and respiratory conditions, it has other lesser known but very useful applications.
# Aroma: Minty, fresh, slightly sweet, powerful.
# Properties: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, clarifying, cooling, detoxifying, deodorising, pain-relieving, refreshing, stimulating, vasoconstrictor.
# Physical conditions: Digestion: useful for bad breath, colic, constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence, food poisoning, gastritis, indigestion, nausea, nervous dyspepsia, vomiting.
# Eliminatory system: irritable bowel; encourages perspiration
# Musculoskeletal system: anti-inflammatory for muscle aches and pains. Excellent for aching feet
# Nervous system: pain-relieving, cases headaches, migraines
# Respiratory System: clearing for colds, flu and sinus congestion, laryngitis
# Skin: cooling for inflammation, sunburn, irritation; can help dermatitis and ringworm. Balances greasy skin, helps remove blackheads.
# Mental/emotional conditions. For shyness and hypersensitivity to many things; for those dominated by strong likes and dislikes.
# Other uses: Travel sickness; shock, faintness, vertigo.
# Applications: Bath. Face oil/lotion. Facial steaming. Footbath. Hair oil/rinse. Inhalation. Massage. Mouthwash. Room fragrance.
# N>B*: Use with caution and dilute well, as this oil is extremely powerful and could cause irritation of skin and mucous membranes.
# Blends well with: Best left alone as it overwhelms other essences.

ORANGE (Citrus aurantia)

# Character: Mellow, warming, soothing.
# Orange oil is expressed from the zest of the orange fruit; the tree originated in China and today is grown widely in hot climates. It was probably brought to Europe by the Crusaders; later it was taken to California by the early missionaries. The oil is used in perfume and for food flavouring. It works well on the emotions, lifting gloom and depression and encouraging a hopeful outlook.
# Aroma: Mellow, fruity, sweet.
# Properties: Anticoagulant, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, detoxifying, digestive, sedative, tonic.
# Physical conditions: Digestion: calms nervous stomach, dyspepsia, gastric spasm; also helpful for both constipation and diarrhoea
# Eliminatory system: helps sweat out toxins from skin
# Musculoskeletal system: stimulates body tissue repair, relieves muscular aches and pains
# Nervous system: a balancing oil, calming and relaxing as needed; can help insomnia
# Respiratory system: good for bronchitis, colds
# Skin: good for ageing, dry skin, and dermatitis.
# Mental/emotional conditions: Very good for depression, hopelessness, sadness, and lack of joy; energises when apathetic, resigned and unable to make necessary changes. Good during periods of hard work.
# Other uses: Aids absorption of Vitamin C; brings down temperature; energises.
# Applications: Bath. Face oil/lotion. Inhalation. Massage. Room fragrance.
# N.B. Dilute well as high dosage may irritate skin or cause photosensitivity.
# Blends well with: Rosemary, Ylang Ylang.

ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis)

# Character: Vigorous, penetrating, stimulating.
# Rosemary is distilled from the needle-like leaves of the evergreen bush, which is also a popular kitchen herb. Originating in Asia, rosemary now grows in Europe, particularly the south, and is cultivated for oil in France and Tunisia. Its Latin name Rosmarinus means 'sea-dew'. Rosemary was sacred to the ancient Greeks and Romans who used it in incense and as a symbol of regeneration; in 14th-century Europe it was believed to have rejuvenating powers and was an ingredient of Hungary Water, a very popular toilet water. Rosemary oil is known as a blood and lymph stimulant; since it stimulates the local blood supply it is excellent for aches and pains. It has also long been valued as a brain stimulant; the ancient Romans wore rosemary sprigs behind the car to aid concentration and memory. It has also been used with some success to treat baldness and failing hair; while it may not affect all cases, it is certainly worth trying.
# Aroma: Strong, woody, camphoraccous, refreshing.
# Properties: Analgesic, antidepressant, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, Cleansing, clearing, digestive, diuretic, invigorating, stimulating, tonic.
# Physical conditions: Circulation: boosts circulation, heart tonic and stimulant, normalises low blood pressure. Relieves chilblains and chilliness
# Digestion: stimulates digestive process
# Eliminatory system: boosts liver and kidney function; good for constipation, cystitis - and hangovers
# Hormonal system: may relieve menstrual pain and fluid retention
# Hair and scalp: excellent tonic, may be helpful for baldness andfalling hair; good for dandruff and oily scalp
# Musculoskeletal system: very useful for aches, pains, sprains, muscle fatigue, and rheumatism
# Nervous system: clears headaches, mental fatigue, migraine; stimulates brain and memory
# Skin: good for oily skin; boosts circulation.
# Mental/emotional conditions: Clearing and stimulating for feelings of disorientation, indecision and lethargy' feelings of inadequacy; feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities.
# Applications:* Bath. Face oil/lotion. Facial steaming. Footbath. Hair oil/rinse. Inhalation. Massage. Room fragrance.
# *N.B. Use with caution if suffering from high blood pressure, hypertension, and/or insomnia, or epilepsy.
# Blends well with: Cedar wood, Frankincense, Geranium, Juniper, Orange, Tangerine.

ROSEWOOD, (Aniba parvijlora)

# Character: Soft sweetness with body, balancing.
# Rosewood, or Bois de Rose is distilled from the wood of a South American tree. Its main uses are psychological; it has a balancing effect, uplifting when lethargic and overburdened, soothing anxiety, irritability and inner tension. It is believed to be beneficial to mature skin as a cell stimulant and tissue regenerator and can be helpful with problems of ageing.
# Aroma: Floral with spicy undertones.
# Properties: Antiseptic, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, balancing, calming, deodorant, grounding, regenerative, stabilising, stimulating, uplifting.
# Physical conditions: Digestion: nausea with anxiety
# Eliminatory system: deodorant
# Hormonal system: may be helpful for loss of libido, frigidity, impotence
# Immune system: boosts body's defence system: helpful for chronic complaints
# Nervous system: balancing and stabilising; neurotonic; sedative; may relieve headaches accompanied by nausea
# Respiratory system: good for throat infections
# Skin: cell and tissue stimulant, rejuvenating for dry skin, and ageing skin pigmentation. Relieves insect bites.
# Mental/emotional conditions: Good for rigid attitudes, when over-critical of others, lacking empathy, unyielding to others or to circumstances; for inner tension and rigidity.
# Other uses: Aphrodisiac. Insect repellent.
# Applications: Face oil/lotion. Footbath. Massage. Room fragrance.
# Blends well with: Cedar wood, Frankincense, Geranium, Rosemary, Tangerine, Ylang Ylang.

SANDALWOOD (Santalum album)

# Character: Persistent, sensuous.
# Sandalwood, or Bois de Santal is distilled from the heartwood of an evergreen Indian tree which is parasitic on other trees. Sandalwood has been popular for centuries in furniture and casket making, as well as incense, and was used to build Indian temples. The ancient Egyptians used Sandalwood oil in embalming and medicines. It is valued as incense today in India, China and Japan. In India it has strong spiritual connotations, being burned at weddings and funerals; it is also used medicinally for genito-urinary problems. Believed to encourage self-expression, Sandalwood is very helpful for laryngitis and sore throats. it is exceptionally long-lasting, and is used as a fixative in perfumes.
# Aroma: Warm, rich, sweet, woody.
# Properties: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, diuretic, healing, regenerative, relaxing, soothing, tonic.
# Physical conditions: Eliminatory system: alleviates cystitis; lymphatic decongestant
# Hormonal system: a sensual stimulant, it can be helpful with sexual problems
# Immune system: boosts immune deficiency, characterised by persistent infections
# Nervous system: very relaxing for nervous tension
# Respiratory system: useful for laryngitis, chest, throat and lung infections, bronchi tic and dry cough
# Skin: good for ageing, dry skins; relieves itching, inflammation and dry eczema. Antiseptic for acne, boils cuts and wounds.
# Mental/emotional conditions: Balancing for people who are possessive and manipulative, who like their own way; for difficulty in forgiving; for those who do things for others but fear a lack of return. Helpful with obsessional attitudes, worry about past and future, feeling unsupported. Brings peace and acceptance. May be helpful for sexual anxiety.
# Other uses: An aid to meditation, and spiritual development, associated with the 'third eye' and development of intuition.
# Applications: Bath. Face oil/lotion. Facial steaming. Inhalation. Massage. Room fragrance.
# Blends well with: Cypress, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Ylang Ylang.

TANGERINE OR MANDARIN (Citrus reticulata)

# Character: Refined, soft, cheerful, uplifting, sweet
# Tangerine or Mandarin oil is expressed from the zest of the citrus fruit, which originated in China and is now cultivated in other warm climates, including the USA and Sicily. Tangerine and Mandarin trees come from the same botanical source. Tangerine oil is a yellow-gold colour, with a light-blue fluorescence in the best quality oils (quality depends on the time of the Harvest). Like many oils, Tangerine can be both relaxing and tonic, according to needs. Its medicinal properties are similar to those of Orange.
# Aroma: Sweet, fruity, tangy.
# Properties: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, cheering, sedative, soothing, stomachic, tonic, unwinding, uplifting.
# Physical conditions: Cardiovascular system: calms excitation and cardiovascular crethisr which often goes with indigestion.
# Circulation: tonifies the peripheral circulation in the extremities; revives tired and aching limbs.
# Digestion: a digestive tonic, good for gastric complaints including constipation, diarrhoea and flatulence,; stimulates bile excretion, thereby activating the stomach and liver
# Nervous system: sedative, hypnotic; soothes and relaxes; good for insomnia
# Skin: a useful skin tonic, encouraging circulation.
# Mental/emotional conditions: Good for dejection, depression, emotional emptiness; regrets for ageing and loss of the past; feeling watered down.
# Other uses: Cheering and uplifting; popular as a room fragrance in hospices.
# Applications: Bath. Face oil/lotion. Footbath. Massage. Room fragrance.
# Blends well with: Chamomile, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender Lemon.

TEA TREE (Melalcuca alternifolia)

# Character: Vigorous, revitalising, regenerating.
# Tea Tree oil is distilled from the leaves and branches of the Tea Tree, a small tree belonging to the myrtle family, and a native of the marshland of New South Wales. It acquired its name when Captain Cook's sailors used it to brew up a substitute for tea. Tea Tree oil is a powerful antiseptic and fungicide and boosts the depleted immune system. Its wide range of medicinal uses have been verified by research. In the 1920s and'30s, laboratory research in Australia confirmed that it was not only a very strong antiseptic but non-toxic and non-irritant. A report noted that it dissolved pus, leaving infected wounds clean. During World War 11 it was issued in army tropical first aid kits, but the development of antibiotics led to a decline in its use. A 1972 study showed that Tea Tree oil was effective in many foot problems, including athlete's foot, corns, bunions and other fungal infections. It has also been used by practitioners to treat ringworm and thrush and more recently it has been found helpful with Candida albicans and chronic cystitis. It is an ideal first aid home remedy; for serious chronic conditions readers should consult a qualified practitioner.
# Aroma: Medicinal, penetrating.
# Properties: Powerful antiseptic, anti-viral, bactericide, cleansing, detoxifying, fungicide, insecticide, purifying, stimulating.
# Physical conditions: Eliminatory system: used to treat urinary infections, cystitis and Candida
# Hair and scalp: impetigo, head lice; dry scalp and dandruff
# Immune system: activates the white blood cells to fight infection
# Respiratory system: combats infections of the throat, lungs and ears; bad breath
# Skin: very cleansing; antiseptic for acne, boils, cuts, wounds, bites; effective with corns, warts, verrucas; fights fungal infections (e.g. athlete's foot, ringworm) soothes and heals irritating/itchy conditions - chicken pox rash, psoriasis, impetigo,nappy rash, genital itching, pruritis; treatment for mouth ulcers, and mouth/gum infections
# Mental/emotional conditions: Refreshing and revitalising; for feelings of uncleanness; for over-preoccupation with detail.
# Applications: Bath. Face oil/lotion. Facial steaming. Footbath. Hair oil/rinse. Inhalation. Massage. Mouthwash. Room fragrance.
# Blends well with: Best used alone.

YLANG YLANG (Cananga odorata)

# Character: Voluptuous, exotic, yet reassuring.
# Ylang Ylang, 'The Flower of Flowers' is distilled from the yellow flowers of a tree growing in Indonesia and the Philippines. It is also known as the 'perfume tree'. In the South Seas women combine the oil with coconut oil to dress their hair, and in Indonesia the blossoms are spread on the beds of honeymoon couples. The oil is used in expensive perfumes. While Ylang Ylang has physical properties, its main effects are on the emotions, and it is known as an aphrodisiac. It is also reassuring and confidence-building.
# Aroma: Heavy, sweetly narcotic, floral.
# Properties: Antidepressant, aphrodisiac, calming, euphoric, sensual, sedative, uplifting.
# Physical conditions: Circulation: calming for tachycardia, reduces high blood pressure; regulates adrenaline flow
# Hormonal system: balances the hormones; a uterine tonic. May help keep breasts firm. Helpful for sexual problems.
# Hair and scalp: tonic, promotes hair growth
# Nervous system: has relaxing effect
# Skin: balances both dry and oily skins.
# Mental/emotional conditions: Calms anger, fear, frustration, irritability. Is believed to act on the emotional heart centre, healing feelings of guilt, jealousy, resentment and selfishness. Also helpful in times of change.
# Applications: Bath. Face oil/lotion. Hair oil/rinse. Massage. Room fragrance.
# Blends well with: Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Orange.

Candles 101 All you really need to get started

by Mother Oak


Early candles were made of vegetable waxes produced from plants such as bayberries, candelilla leaves, candletree bark, esparto grass, and various varieties of palm leaves such as carnauba and ouricury. They were also made of animal tissue and secretions, such as spermaceti(whale oil), ambergris, and beeswax (insect secretions). Sometimes entire animals such as the stormy petrel and the candle fish of the Pacific Northwest were threaded with a wick and burned as candles. Tallow candles were made of sheep, cow, or pig fat. All these candles were rather crude, time-consuming to make and smoky.

Of the two kinds of candle fuel, beeswax was considered the better since it burned cleaner than tallow and had a lovely odor compared to tallow's rancid, smoky smell. Being scarce, beeswax was expensive. Only churches and the wealthy could afford beeswax candles.

By the 17 th century, European state edicts controlled the weight, size and cost of candles. In 1709, an act of the English Parliament banned the making of candles at home unless a license was purchased and a tax paid.

Matches were invented in 1827, using poisonous phosphorus but were improved by the end of the century, eliminating the need for sparking with flint, steel, and tinder, or for keeping a fire burning 24 hours a day.

Probably most important of all, Paraffin was refined from oil around 1850, making petroleum based candles possible. The combination of paraffin, which burns clean and without odor, and stearin's, which harden soft paraffin, with new wick technologies developed in the nineteenth century, revolutionized the candle industry, giving us the tools and materials we still use for candle manufacturing.

Candle Shapes
# Container: Any candle that is poured into a container and intended to be burned in the container is a container candle. These candles are often made of soft wax and would not be able to stand on their own outside their enclosures. The container also prevents soft wax from dripping. Since these candles are safely contained in a vessel, they are often used in restaurants and in religious rituals that require long-burning candles.
# Pillar: A thick candle with a geometrical cross section such as a circle, oval, or hexagon is called a pillar. It is usually referred to by its diameter followed by its height. For example, a 3-by 6-inch pillar would be 3 inches in diameter and 6 inches high. Some pillars come in standard sized for commercial and religious use but you can make many variations of pillars by using molds.
# Novelty: These are irregularly shaped candles made by molding, sculpting and/or pouring.
# Taper: These are the long cylindrical candles that kindle memories of historic candle-dipping. Tapers can be made by dipping wicks into melted wax, by pouring wax into a mold, and by rolling wax around a wick. No matter the method, the result is always candles made to fit into a holder. Tapers are generally made 1/2 inch or 7/8 inch in diameter at the base because most holders are designed to fit these two sizes. There are, of course, exceptions, such as birthday candles (3/16 inch) and Danish tapers (1/4 inch). Some specialty candle holders are designed to hold a taper larger than 7/8 inch.
# Votive and Tea Lights: Although these candles originated in the church, the term now refers to small plug-type candles that are 1 1/2 inches in diameter by 2 to 3 inches high. This shape has become popular for scented candles because their small size allows them to fit easily into small rooms, such as bathrooms. As votive's melt and become liquid in their containers, the wick uses up all the liquid fuel. If you burn a votive on a plate, the burn time will be shorter because the wax will drip and the wick will be unable to use it.
# Tea lights are small votive's used to warm pots of potpourri and to heat foods. They fit in smaller-than-standard votive cups.

CANDLE COLORS
# WHITE: --Self; Protection; Purification; Full Moon Magic; Purity; Innocence; Centering; Truth; Sincerity; Meditation; Peace; Power of a Higher Nature; Greater Attainments in Life; Spirituality.
# RED: -- South; Protection; Strength; Blood; Passion; Courage; Health; Power; Fire Elemental; Sexuality; Vigor; Energy; Enthusiasm; Will Power; To conquer fear or laziness.
# LT. BLUE: --Healing; Patience; Happiness; Psychic Awareness; Quests; Intuition; Opportunity; Tranquillity; Understanding. Ward Depression; Safe Journey; Harmony in the Home; Peace.
# DARK BLUE: --The Goddess; West; Water Elemental; Inspiration; Truth; Dreams; Protection; Change; Impulse; Fidelity; Deep Emotion; Peace; Meditation; Changeability; Psychism.
# GREEN: --North; Money; Fertility; Growth; Employment; Earth Elemental; Herb Magic; Luck; Healing; Balance; Prosperity; Courage; Nature type Faerie-magic; Garden blessing; Abundance; Generosity; Renewal; Marriage.
# YELLOW: --East; Air Elemental; Intellect; Creative Work; Learning; Changes; Confidence; Attraction; Harmony; Clairvoyance; Charm; Imagination; Power of the Mind; Gentle persuasion; Action.
# BROWN: --Earth Elemental; Animal Health; Endurance; Steadiness; Houses & Homes; Physical Objects; Overcoming uncertainty and hesitancy; Attract Money and Financial Success; Concentration; ESP; Intuition; Study.
# PINK: --Love; Peace; Femininity; Friendship; Honor; Morality; Emotional Love; Affection; Romance; Spiritual Awakening; Healing of the Spirit; Togetherness.
# ORANGE: --The God; Attraction; Stimulation; Energy; Healing; Vitality; Encouragement; Adaptability; Luck; Pulling things to you; Clearing the Mind; Dominance, Sudden Changes; Change Luck.
# PURPLE: --Power; Dignity; Spiritual Development; Meditation, Spirituality; Intuition; Ambition; Spirit Communication; Tension; Business Progress; Healing Severe Diseases; Occult Wisdom; Success; Idealism; Higher Psychic Ability; Break Bad Luck; Drive Away Evil; Honors.
# GOLD: --The God; Solar Energy; Physical Strength; Power; Success; Mental Growth; Skill Sought; Healing Energy; Fortune; Divination; Creative Work; Intuition; Money; Fast Luck; Attracts Higher Influences.
# SILVER: --The Goddess; Lunar magic; Removes negative forces; Opens astral gates; Conducts Energy; Meditation; Creative Work; Protection; Money; Psychic Development; Success; Balance; Ward Negativity; Remove Negative Energy; Stability; Victory.
# VIOLET: --Self Improvement; Intuition; Success in searches; Creative Work.
# BLACK: --Endings; Closing of Doors; Psychic Work; Death; Ward Negativity; Remove Hexes; Protection; Spirit Contact; Truth; Remove Discord or Confusion; Reversing; Releasing; Repel Dark Magic and Negative Thought Forms.
# GREENISH-YELLOW: --To Negate; Discord, Sickness, Anger, Jealousy, Cowardice, Anger.
# INDIGO:--Meditation; Spirit Communication; Karma Working; Balance; Learn the Ancient Wisdom; Neutralize Another's Magic; Ward Slander, Lies or Undesirable Competition
# GRAY: --Non-Nature Faerie Magic; Travel to Otherworld; Vision Quests; Veiling; Cancellation; Hesitation; Competition.
# LAVENDER--Spiritual Development; Psychic Growth; Divination; Sensitivity to the Otherworld; Blessings.
# MAGENTA: --Very High Vibrational Frequency that tends to work fast so usually burned with other candles; Quick Change; Spiritual Healing, Exorcism.

CANDLEMAKING METHODS
# Cast and Molded: These candles are made by pouring wax into a preformed mold or shape. Molds can be made of disposable materials such as milk cartons and sand, purchased in metal or plastic, found at garage sales and on the beach, or created by you out of rubber, latex, or silicone rubber. You can make any of the candle types mentioned in the previous section with the molding and casting method.
# Dipped: These candles are made by repeatedly dipping a piece of wick into melted wax in a container, or dipping can. The results are called tapers because this is the natural shape that occurs as a result of dipping.
# Drawn: This is an old method made new by modern technology. It involves pulling long lengths of wick (thousands of yards) through melted wax. This method works well for making small diameter candles such as birthday candles, or the long waxed wicks used to light multiple candles called wax matches. In earlier times, some lamps were designed to hold wound lengths of waxed wick, which were unwound as they burned down. This method allowed a long burning candle without a thick wax product.
# Extruded: This is a machine method that pushes wax out through a shaped template, much like making cookies with a cookie gun. Once they're extruded, these very long candles are then sliced into their proper lengths. This method requires accurate heating and cooling of the wax in order to ensure that the intended shape holds as the wax comes through the die.
# Poured: This term refers to an old-fashioned method of pouring wax repeatedly over a wick to build it up to candle size.
# Pressed: This is a newer method of making commercial candles in which wax is atomized onto a cooling drum, forming wax beads or granules. These beads are then compressed into molds, where they bind to form a candle. The commercial advantage of pressed candles is that they can be removed from molds much more quickly than molten-poured molded candles.
# Rolled: These candles are made by rolling sheets of wax around a wick. Tapers, pillars, and novelty candles can be made with this method.

CANDLE MAGIC

Candle magic can be quite a complicated procedure, but these steps should help make it a little easier.
# Choose an appropriate color: The color of the candle you use is your first concern. You must correlate color with the goal you have in mind.
# Cleanse the candle: Now that you've chosen the appropriate color of candle, your next task is to remove energies infused into the candle during the manufacturing process (Unless you made the candle yourself with a particular goal in mind). Saturate a tissue with rubbing alcohol and, holding the candle in your hand, cleanse its surface, moving from bottom to top. This expels energy from the candle(If you are working with a glass encased candle, clean the exposed wax and the glass with the alcohols.
# Consecrate the candle: Next, dedicate the candle to your purpose. There three methods in which to do this, any or all may be used
# Carve symbols into the candle: Take a sharp object (Such as your Athame or a toothpick) and carve appropriate symbols into the side of the candle(or the top if glass-encased). If you are working for prosperity and dollar sign may be appropriate, if the goal is romance a heart would work. Astrological signs, runes, element signs, or personal signs may also be used. Think intensely of your goal while you carve. Even better is to repeat a verbal formula, such as an incantation or affirmation.
# Oil the candle: Most metaphysical stores carry a wide range of oils for sale, some pre-mixed for particular goals, choose one of these or mix your own. Dip your fingers into the oil and anoint the entire surface of the candle with it. If you want to attract good, oil the candle from the top to bottom. If you want to expel something from your life (such as a bad habit, illness, or an unwanted situation) oil the candle from bottom to top. If you can't decide which direction to oil from, try an alternative method; begin at the center of the candle and apply the oil upward toward the top, then from the center down. If working with a glass-encased candle, oil the exposed wax: clockwise (deosil) to draw good, counter-clockwise (widdershins) to expel negativity. It's important to use a verbal formula while you oil the candle, for this focuses your mind on the work at hand.
# Spray, sprinkle, or anoint the candle with water Purchase or create your own water (such as Prosperity, Love, Success or Healing Water) from a metaphysical store, and pour some into an atomizer or plant mister. Spray the entire surface of the candle as you repeat your affirmation or incantation. If you don't have an atomizer or plant mister, simply sprinkle the candle, or dip your fingers in the water and anoint the candle as you would with an oil.

A cleansed and consecrated candle should be used for one purpose only. If you prepare a candle for prosperity purposes, don't use it for anything else. You should decide how often and for how long a time your are going to burn your candle. Choose your candle size according to your purpose. If your goal is very important, you may wish to burn your candle every day for several days, which means you must use a very large candle. An alternative is to use several smaller candles and burn one each day. If you choose to use smaller candles remember to cleanse and consecrate each one before use. When you light your candle, do so consciously. Be aware that fire has an affinity with the spiritual plane.