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Saturday, May 1, 2004
6:32PM
Manannan
Now as to Manannan the Proud, son of Lir, after he had made places for the rest of the Tuatha de Danaan to live in, he went away out of Ireland himself.
And some said he was dead, and that he got his death by Uillenn Faebarderg, of the Red Edge, in battle. And it is what they said, that the battle was fought at Magh Cuilenn, and that Manannan was buried standing on his feet, and no sooner was he buried than a great lake burst up under his feet in the place that was a red bog till that time.
And the lake got the name of Loch Orbson, from one of the names of Manannan. And it was said that red Badb was glad and many women were sorry at that battle.
But he had many places of living, and he was often heard of in Ireland after. It was he sent a messenger to Etain, mother of Conaire the High King, the time she was hidden in the cowherd’s house.
And it was he brought up Deirdre’s children in Emhain of the Apple Trees, and it was said of that place, "a house of peace is the hill of the Sidhe of Emhain." And it was he taught Diarmuid of the Fianna the use of weapons, and it was he taught Cuchulain the use of the Gae Bulg, and some say it was he was Deirdre’s father, and that he brought Conchubar, king of Ulster, to the place she was hidden, and he running with the appearance of a hare before the hounds of the men of Ulster to bring them there.
And it is what they say, that the time Conchubar had brought the sons of Usnach to Emain Macha, and could not come at them to kill them because of their bravery, it was to Manannan he went for help.
And Manannan said he would give him no help, for he had told him at the time he brought Deirdre away that she would be the cause of the breaking up of his kingdom, and he took her away in spite of him.
But Conchubar asked him to put blindness for a while on the sons of Usnach, or the whole army would be destroyed with their blows. So after a while he consented to that. And when the sons of Usnach came out against the army of Ulster, the blindness came on them, and it was at one another they struck, not seeing who was near them, and it was by one another’s hands they fell.
But more say Manannan had no hand in it, and that it was Cathbad, the Druid, put a sea about them and brought them to their death by his enchantments.
And some say Culain, the Smith, that gave his name to Cuchulain afterwards, was Manannan himself, for he had many shapes.
Anyway, before Culain came to Ulster, he was living in the Island of Falga, that was one of Manannan’s places. And one time before Conchubar came into the kingdom, he went to ask advice of a Druid, and the Druid bade him to go to the Island of Falga and to ask Culain, the smith he would find there, to make arms for him. So Conchubar did so, and the smith promised to make a sword and spear and shield for him.
And while he was working at them Conchubar went out one morning early to walk on the strand, and there he saw a sea-woman asleep on the shore. And he put bonds on her in her sleep, the way she would not make her escape.
But when she awoke and saw what had happened, she asked him to set her free. "And I am Tiabhal," she said, "one of the queens of the sea. And bid Culain," she said, "that is making your shield for you, to put my likeness on it and my name about it. And whenever you will go into a battle with that shield the strength of your enemies will lessen, and your own strength and the strength of your people will increase."
So Conchubar let her go, and bade the smith do as she had told him. And when he went back to Ireland he got the victory wherever he brought that shield.
And he sent for Culain then, and offered him a place on the plains of Muirthemne. And whether he was or was not Manannan, it is likely he gave Cuchulain good teaching the time he stopped with him there after killing his great dog.
Manannan had good hounds one time, but they went hunting after a pig that was destroying the whole country, and making a desert of it. And they followed it till they came to a lake, and there it turned on them, and no hound of them escaped alive, but they were all drowned or maimed.
And the pig made for an island then, that got the name of Muc-inis, the Pigs Island afterward; and the lake got the name of Loch Conn, the Lake of the Hounds.
And it was through Manannan the wave of Tuaig, one of the three great waves of Ireland, got its name, and this is the way that happened.
There was a young girl of the name of Tuag, a fosterling of Conaire the High King, was reared in Teamhair, and a great company of the daughters of the kings of Ireland were put about her to protect her, the way she would be kept for a king’s asking.
But Manannan sent Fer Ferdiad, of the Tuatha de Danaan, that was a pupil of his own and a Druid, in the shape of a woman of his own household, and he went where Tuag was, and sang a sleep-spell over her, and brought her away to Inver Glas.
And there he laid her down while he went looking for a boat, that he might bring her away in her sleep to the Land of the Ever-Living Women. But a wave of the flood-tide came over the girl, and she was drowned, and Manannan killed Fer Ferdiad in his anger.
And one time Manannan’s cows came up out of the sea at Baile Cronin, three of them, a red, and a white, and a black, and the people that were there saw them standing on the strand for a while, as if thinking, and then they all walked up together, side by side, from the strand.
And at that time there were no roads in Ireland, and there was great wonder on the people when they saw a good wide road ready before the three cows to walk on. And when they got about a mile from the sea they parted; the white cow went to the north-west, towards Luimnech, and the red cow went to the south-west, and on round the coast of Ireland, and the black cow went to the north-east, towards Lis Mor, in the district of Portlairge, and a road opened before each of them, that is to be seen to this day.
And some say it was Manannan went to Finn and the Fianna in the form of the Gilla Decair, the Bad Servant, and brought them away to Land-under-Wave. Anyway, he used often to go hunting with them on Cnoc Aine, and sometimes he came to their help.
Source: Lady Gregory - Gods and Fighting Men, first published 1904.
republished by Colin Smythe Ltd. 1970.
( Read more... )
Thursday, May 29, 2003
12:03AM - Elder flower face cream
Elder flower face cream
Women have used elder flowers for years to bleach freckles and enrich the
skin giving it a fine texture and blemish free appearance. An elder flower
infusion is a great toner after washing your face and before applying a
moisturizer. Elizabethans believed eating the elder flower increased their
salutary effect. Try some in a spinach salad or make some elder flower tea.
Because of their softening qualities elder flowers are a great addition to
face cream. This cream is made of all natural ingredients without
preservatives, so it is important to use sterilized jars and make the cream
in small batches. The tincture of benzoin and wheat germ oil help to
stabilize and pre-serve the cream for a few months. You shouldn't have any trouble finding the following ingredients at your local pharmacy or herb shop.
Ingredients:
1/ 2 oz beeswax
1/ 2 oz lanolin
1/ 2 oz honey
3 oz almond oil
1 oz wheat germ oil
1 oz elder flower infusion
6 drops tincture of benzoin
3 drops of rose oil (optional)
In the top of an enamel or stainless steel double boiler melt the beeswax and
lanolin over hot water. Using a wooden spoon stir in the honey. Stir
continuously, gradually adding the almond and wheat germ oils. Remove from
heat, stirring continuously and slowly add the elder flower infusion.
Continue stirring cream until it is no longer hot to the touch. Add the
tincture of benzoin and rose oil string until blended. Then pour into
sterilized jars. This recipe should yield approxi-mately 6 1-oz jars of elder
flower cream.
Tuesday, May 27, 2003
7:56AM - Beltane Salad
Beltane Salad
1 3oz package lemon gelatin
1 3oz package lime gelatin
3 cups boiling water
1 No.2 can crushed pineapple, undrained
1 cup pecans, chopped
24 large marshmallows
1 teaspoon vinegar
Two (2) 3 oz packages cream cheese Cut marshmallows into small pieces. Pour water over gelatin and marshmallows; stir until dissolved. Chill. Blend cheese with vinegar until smooth. Add un-drained pineapple and lgend; add pecans. Chill. When gelatin is ready to thicken, combine the two mixtures and mold as desired.
Source~ Witches Way Newsletter, April 2003
7:32AM - Crystals/Stones: Marble
Crystals/Stones: Marble
Marble is a stone made up of calcium carbonate and is composed of many different types of minerals such as quartz, mica, talc, graphite, plagioclase, and ilmenite, to name a few. This stone is found world wide. Certain types or colours of marble are known from different places around the world such as the famous white marble found in Carrara, Italy. This stone is used in building materials, furnature, ornaments, jewellery, beads, decorations, flooring material, tombstones, and countless other uses. Stone lore says that if you have a peice of marble furnature or a marble accessory in your home, it will bring protection to your home. Marble is considered by some as a sacred building material because it was often used for bural tombs an tombstones. Marble can come in any colour and in any variation imaginable.
Properties:
1) Symbolizes the beauty and diversity within nature.
2) A protection stone for the home.
3) Increases longevity.
4) A calming stone.
5) A balancing stone.
7:15AM - Apricot and Bourbon Grilled Free Range Chicken
Apricot and Bourbon Grilled Free Range Chicken
Yield: 4 Servings
Marinade:
1/4 cup Dijon Mustard
1/4 cup Dark brown sugar
2 Tbsp. Soy sauce
2 Tbsp. Bourbon
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 Chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
Basting Sauce:
1/4 cup Apricot Preserves
2 Tbsp. White wine vinegar
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. Dijon Mustard
2 tsp. Honey
1/4 tsp. Red pepper flakes, crushed
Almonds, sliced, toasted, as needed for garnish
Combine the marinade ingredients and transfer to a shallow, stainless steel pan.
Split each chicken breast into two halves by removing the cartilage that divides the halves. Place the chicken in the marinade and turn several times to coat it well. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 3 hours.
Combine the basting sauce ingredients in a small saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors. Strain if desired and refrigerate until needed.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on a preheated grill. Grill for approximately 2 minutes, brush with basting sauce, turn and brush with more basting sauce.
Continue to baste frequently and grill until done. Garnish with toasted almonds at service time.
6:52AM - Six Herbs for Hay Fever
Six Herbs for Hay Fever
Adapted from *Hay Fever: The Complete Guide* by Jonathan
Brostoff, M.D. and Linda Gamlin (Inner Traditions, 2002).
Spring heralds the return of pollen season, which brings
discomfort to so many of us. Find out which herbs have been
tested and shown to alleviate the congestion, sniffling, and
sneezing of hay fever, so you can enjoy the warmer weather and
longer days.
Here are six herbal allies that can help you find n*atural
relief from your seasonal allergies.
Simple Solution: Do be aware that just because something is natural doesn´t
mean it can´t cause side effects in some. Always proceed cautiously with any
medication, herbal or otherwise.Most of these herbs may be found at your
local natural foods store, or go online to find an herbal purveyor.
Butterbur may be a very effective treatment for hay fever. It was recently
compared to an antihistamine and did just as well in controlling hay fever
symptoms, but did not produce drowsiness. This plant contains substances that
are known to affect the immune system, and it has also been used to treat
asthma.
Stinging nettle was thought to be as good as, or better than, previous hay
fever medications by half of the patients tested. The dose used was two 300
mg capsules taken whenever the symptoms were experienced. This is not a
conclusive study, but it does suggest that stinging nettle might be a useful
treatment. It is probably a safe herb.
Ginkgo may decrease the body´s reactions to allergens. (For those with pollen
asthma, it could also help by calming the inflammation of the airways.)
Luffa complex (also marketed as Pollisan) contains extracts of several
different plant products, including the sponge cucumber. (Also called a luffa
or loofah, this is better known as a scratchy cylinder used to scrub the ski
while showering. ) Unpublished results of a trial carried out by the
manufacturer suggests that 75% of hay fever sufferers find benefit from this
mixture.
Quercetin is found in red wine, apples, onions, and other foods and is
therefore likely to be safe as long as you don´t overdo the dose. It has been
tested in the laboratory with mast cells taken from the noses of people with
allergic rhinitis (mast cells are responsible for starting off the allergic
reaction.) Exposure to quercetin made the cells less likely to respond to
allergen. Although we are not sure if quercetin is as effective when taken by
mouth as it is in a test tube, if you want to give it a try, the dose usually
recommended is between 250 mg and 600 mg, taken 5 to 10 minutes before meals.
Perilla 6000, which is marketed as a treatment for hay fever and other
allergies contains Perilla frutescens, a Chinese herb with a long folk
tradition of treating allergy, plus Coleus forskohlii. The latter has been
tested for asthma and has definite benefits, but it can also cause soreness
in the mouth and nausea. Perilla itself has only been tested in animals, but
did show promising results in blocking allergic reactions. (Unfortunately,
this mixture also contains alfalfa, which is harmful to some people with
autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus.) Perilla 6000 is
not yet sold in the United States, but can be found via the Internet.
http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/self/732
Monday, May 26, 2003
6:42PM - Winter Incense
Winter Incense
3 parts lavender buds,
3 parts cloves,
3 parts cinnamon,
4 parts Orris root
4 parts Storax
3 parts eucalyptus
3 parts rose
7 parts cedar wood
Grind to a fine powder. Add green dye until light green (not too dark)
5:14PM - Showers of Fire Incense
Showers of Fire Incense
8 to 10 parts potassium nitrate
2 parts sulfur
2 parts charcoal and
7 parts fine powdered iron fillings.
Combine and mix well. Ignite in special vessel or on flat plate or dish.
Stand back and watch it erupt like a volcano. Be very careful!
6:10AM - Full Moon Incense
Full Moon Incense
2 parts sandalwood
2 parts frankincense
1 Part gardenia petals
1 Part rose petals
Few drops ambergris oil.
Sunday, May 25, 2003
12:03PM - Born Again Incense
Born Again Incense
3 parts frankincense
1 part mullein
1 part chrysanthemums
Burn when distraught over the passing of friend or loved one.
11:04AM - Autumn Incense
Autumn Incense
3 parts frankincense
2 parts myrrh
1 part rosemary
1 part cedar
1 part juniper
9:33AM - Adversity Incense
Adversity Incense
Purple lavender
Bay and hyssop
Mix equal parts. Used to overcome adversity and aid in gambling.
8:22AM - D a i l y R i t u al
D a i l y R i t u al
To reduce the appearance of cellulite, it is very important to drink
plenty of water each day. This helps to flush wastes from the blood, reduce
constipation and prevent toxins from building up in fat cells.
Anticellulite Oils
Spicy
¼ cup hazelnut oil
¼ cup jojoba oil
10 drops cinnamon-leaf essential oil
10 drops juniper essential oil
10 drops rosemary essential oil
10 drops cypress essential oil
5 drops orange essential oil
Fruity
¼ cup hazelnut oil
¼ cup jojoba oil
10 drops cypress essential oil
8 drops grapefruit essential oil
7 drops Cedarwood essential oil
5 drops orange essential oil
5 drops lemon essential oil
5 drops lime essential oil
Pour the oils into a sealable glass bottle, and mix them thoroughly.
Store in a cool, dark place; use the oils within 6 months. Shake thoroughly
before using. (I prefer to roll the bottle in my hands to mix the oils AND if
you energize the mixture with Reiki energy, the intensity of the oil is
heightened.)
C a u t i o n:
The fruity anticellulite oil (above) has citrus oils, which cause
photosensitivity when skin is exposed to sunlight. This can lead to unsightly
brown spots on the skin, which can take a long time to fade. Never use this
oil prior to going out in the sun.
Exercise
Cellulite is a chronic condition requiring continual maintenance. It
responds well to vigorous exercise, but reducing it is a long process.
Several types of exercise can lessen cellulite. Bike-riding, walking,
stair-climbing and in-line skating all work the lower body the most, where
cellulite tends to develop. In addition, weight training is extremely useful:
it strengthens and tones the muscles and, when done every other day, can show
results in just a few weeks. Yoga is also a great way to strengthen the
muscles and joints, using your own body for resistance. Exercise at least 30
minutes a day, progressing to longer workouts. Be sure to drink plenty of
water, too. And, a good deep massage is also helpful.
Hazelnut oil for softer skin
Due to its light consistency, hazelnut oil deeply penetrates and softens
the skin.
Cinnamon-leaf oil for strengthening:
The essential oil produced from the leaves and twigs of the cinnamon tree
helps to strengthen connective tissue and stimulate blood flow.
Juniper and rosemary oils for circulation
Both juniper and rosemary oils are stimulating and refreshing. They help
increase circulation, decongest sluggish and under-active tissues and
stimulate the body's metabolism.
Citrus oils for astringency
Lemon, lime and grapefruit essential oils have a potent astringent
effect. They strengthen the capillaries, tighten skin tissue and reduce water
retention in cells. Since they also increase the circulation, they prevent
lymph accumulation. Orange oil is slightly less astringent, but it has the
same general properties and is gentler on the skin. It also has a calming
effect.
Jojoba oil as a preservative
Though jojoba oil is expensive, it doesn't go rancid, and even helps
preserve other oils; it also makes them easier to apply. Jojoba oil softens
skin and balances sebum production.
7:29AM - Cypress oil for detoxification
Cypress oil for detoxification
Cypress essential oil, distilled from cypress needles and cones, is a
strong astringent that reduces water retention, stimulates circulation, firms
tissue and detoxifies blood. This spicy oil, which smells like pine or cedar,
helps treat varicose veins and is also an excellent anticellulite oil.
Application:
Take a warm bath or shower; then finish with a cold rinse. Using a sisal
brush, gently rub the cellulite areas, starting with your feet and moving UP,
until your skin is slightly red. Vigorously massage in one of the
anticellulite oils (below), also starting from the feet and moving up,
(always toward the heart), until the skin has completely absorbed the oil.
While there is no quick fix to eliminate cellulite-a collection of fat, water
and waste that's trapped beneath the skin-there are plenty of steps to reduce
it. Numerous essential oils, such as lemon, juniper and grapefruit, serve as
anticellulite oils, increasing circulation and strengthening connective
tissue. When fat cells expand, they become waterlogged, squeezing the
capillaries and decreasing circulation. Vigorous daily massages with
anticellulite oil, along with exercise and a balanced diet can cut down on
cellulite and improve the appearance of your skin. The massages and the
astringent essential oils tighten tissue, reduce water retention and help to
detoxify the blood. Also, avoid caffeine, reduce salt intake and drink lots
of water to prevent cellulite.
4:24AM - Oily Skin Care
Oily Skin Care
If your skin tends to be on the oily side
try the following toner.
2 drops Geranium
4 drops Orange
5 drops Lavender
1 Tablespoon witch hazel
Mix the add enough spring water to make 8 oz.
Use after cleansing your face.
2:15AM - Blackberry Wine
Blackberry Wine
1 gal. blackberries
1 gal. spring water, lukewarm
5 lbs. sugar
2 slices toast
1 package yeast
In a very large wide-mouthed container, crush the berries and add water.
Mix in half of the sugar and stir until dissolved.
Float toast on top and sprinkle with yeast.
Cover container with cheesecloth and let stand for 5 days.
Add remaining sugar and leave for another 2 days.
Stir well.
Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 3 more weeks.
Strain through cheesecloth to remove seeds from wine.
Bottle and serve when desired.
--
author unknown
2:07AM - Cauldron Bath Salts for use During the Waning Moon
Cauldron Bath Salts for use During the Waning Moon
1 cup salt.
3 drops vervain oil.
3 drops synthetic musk oil.
6 drops cypress oil.
Taken from D.J. Conway's Moon Magick
Friday, May 23, 2003
5:29AM - SATIN DOLL PERFUME
Personally I hate the name of this.. and I think it would work with better smelling oils than sweet almond.. but since it would be useful upon alteration....
SATIN DOLL PERFUME
2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil
2 drops of rose fragrance oil
4 drops of sandalwood essential oil or fragrance oil
1/2 tsp. of beeswax
Melt the beeswax and oil together. add your scents and then pour into
a container.
Keep in a cool place. Dab on when you want to feel like "Satin Doll".
Howls
Ravenwolf
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