Jojoba is rich in vitamin E and can be made into a high-antioxidant paste used to treat burns. Jojoba oil is bright golden and is a popularly used carrier oil for the making of essential oils. It has a very long shelf life.
Jojoba Skin Benefits
Jojoba seeds create a wax that is very similar to the composition of natural skin oil. The seed’s oil has a high level of ceramides and, when applied to the skin, can help the skin retain moisture.
Jojoba Oil for Acne
Jojoba Oil is a very effective acne treatment, as it is absorbed deeply into the skin and protects it from harsh climate conditions. The oil can slow the aging process and promote hair growth.
How Native Americans Used Jojoba
Native Americans would suck on Jojoba seeds to soften them and then use a mortar and pestle to turn them into a salve. This salve was used to heal skin conditions, condition hair, and preserve animal hides.
Jojoba As An Appetite Suppressant
Pregnant Native American women ate Jojoba seeds to help with childbirth. The seeds also contain simmondsins, an appetite suppressant, which explains why Native Americans used them to suppress hunger.
FDA Disclaimer
The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and do not render medical or psychological advice, opinion, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a medical or psychological problem, you should consult your appropriate health care provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Links on this website are provided only as an informational resource, and it should not be implied that we recommend, endorse or approve of any of the content at the linked sites, nor are we responsible for their availability, accuracy, or content.
Dates are an ancient fruit, and due to their long history in the human record, it has come to be connected with much magic, fable, and lore. Its storied past has led it from the tombs of pharaohs to the mythology of gods, and where there is a myth, there is much magic. Dates are no exception to the rule. Both dates and the tree that bears this fruit …
It’s no secret that the Native Americans had a robust and powerful understanding of the natural world. They taught early settlers, illiterate of the wonders and magic they had happened upon in this brave new world, how to use Mother Nature’s incredible bounty to survive and thrive. And in the treasure trove of tried and true herbal knowledge that was gifted to these settlers, Echinacea was …
In Singapore, there is a fascinating tradition that Chinese people who reside there engage in called “Pineapple Rolling.” Newly-minted homeowners, before first stepping foot into their new home, roll a pineapple into the house. As the pineapple rolls along the floor, they shout the phrase “huat at!” — a Hokkien phrase that means “to prosper.” This is because pineapples are intimately tied to …
Thyme’s magic is…well, timeless. In Ancient Greece, thyme was infused into baths, and in Greek temples, the smoke from thyme incense was used to spread courage. Egyptians would embalm their dead using thyme, and the Europeans would place it in coffins to help the …
Elderberry is a fruit of opposites. It has been used for protection from evil, as well as to summon evil in. An elderberry tree’s roots are shallow, yet the plant is robust. Elderberry is a potently magical fruit used for healing and blessings, but it also finds itself used for curses, summoning ghosts and evil spirits, and banishing.
Elderberry Represents Holle, Goddess of Death and Regeneration
Elderberry has the power to bridge the divide between the physical and the spiritual realm. It represents Holle, Goddess of Death and Regeneration, who protects the life cycle and those transitioning into death and the Underworld.
Holle, Gatekeeper of The Underworld
Holle is a gatekeeper of Death and the Underworld. She resides in a cold, dark residence at the bottom of a well, but she is considered a kind, benevolent goddess who is generally not feared and even loved. Holle is also a goddess of life and vegetation. Anyone who traverses into her realm will be rewarded justly, either good or bad, depending on the reward they deserve.
Elder Twigs for Holle’s Protection
Elderberry and the elder tree are associated with death and the Underworld. Elder twigs were often placed in coffins or buried with loved ones to beseech the protection of the Goddess Holle and grant them safe passage into the Underworld.
The Dryad in the Elder Tree
Some cultures believe that a tree dryad inhabits the elder tree. This dryad is viewed as a kind and benevolent spirit when treated with honor and respect who protects those who care for the elder tree.
The Merciless Elder Tree Dryad
The dryad in the elder tree shows no mercy to those who use the elder tree improperly. The dryad will hunt them down and curse them with bad luck. To please the dryad, the materials from the elder tree were only to be used for medicinal or protective magic and charms and only after garnering the permission of the dryad.
The Elder Tree Protects
Elderberries and the elder tree carry protective energies and do well to ward against evil energies. Bundles of elder twigs around the home can also protect the household, and it is believed that where an elder tree grows, lightning will not strike.
Harnessing The Elder Tree’s Protective Magic
Keeping elder leaves and branches hung over doorways and windows will also stave off negative energies and entities. Crowns also made of elder twigs can help with seeing spirits and reverse evil magic, and a cradle made of elder wood was said to protect the baby that lay within.
Using Elder Branches and Berries in Blessings
Elder branches and berries can be used in blessings. The oil can be used in blessing rituals, scattering elderberry and elderberry leaves to the winds while naming the person or object you wish to bless, then scattering leaves on that object or person will grant a blessing.
Marital Blessings and the Elder Tree
The elder tree is considered a sacred symbol for marriage as well. In some cultures, it is believed that elder twigs can bring good luck to newlyweds, and in Britain, it is said that if a man and woman drink ale infused with elderflowers, they would be married within a year.
Crafting Magical Tools with Elder Branches
Magical tools made with elder branches can ward off evil from magical practice. Elder branches have a soft, malleable core that is easily removed while remaining soft and sturdy on the outside. This makes them ideally suited for woodwind instruments, the music said to be loved by the spirit world. Wands and flutes made from the elder tree can even be used to summon spirits.
The Elder Tree Stimulates Vivid Dreams
Elderberry is known for its ability to stimulate vivid dreaming. It is said that falling asleep under an elder tree would inspire dreams of faerie lands.
Identifying Elderberry
You can identify the Elder tree by the white or yellow flowers it produces that bloom all year. The flowers eventually turn into dark, blue elderberry. They usually grow about 25 feet high, and 1 foot in diameter, and the tree has light gray or brown bark. The trunk is characteristically short, and the branches form a rounded crown at the top of the tree.
Where to Find Elder Trees
Elder leaves are slightly thick with sawtoothed edges and have a leathery texture. Elder trees can usually be found in the woods along the path of streams and in desert and desert grasslands. More locally, one can find elderberry at times growing along a roadside. Elderberry is a member of the honeysuckle family, and red elderberry is generally toxic.
Is Elderberry Edible?*
It is important to note what parts and kinds of the elder tree and berries are edible. Black or deep purple elderberries when ripe and elderflowers are edible. If there are lingering concerns about the toxicity of elderberries, boiling and baking can take care of any toxic properties.
Parts of the Elder Tree Can Be Toxic
It is not safe to consume raw elderberries as they are poisonous. They contain a trace of cyanide that can cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Because they are also toxic, steer clear of consuming elder roots, leaves, bark, and stems. Do not make teas from the leaves and branches of the elder tree, and raw red elderberry can also cause nausea.
The name “elder” is believed to come from the Old English word ailed, which means “fire.” Its genus, Sambuca, is also the name of a musical instrument made from branches of the elder tree. The elder tree was seen as the tree of witches, and as Christianity began to rise, so did the persecution of tree worship.
Christianity’s Initial Suspicion of the Elder Tree
Christians feared the elder tree and viewed it as a symbol of sorrow and death. It was believed to be the tree that Judas Iscariot hung himself on, as well as the wood used for Jesus’ cross, a belief that has contributed to Christianity’s wariness of the elder tree.
How to Elder Tree Became A Part of Christian Tradition
Due to the prevalence of folklore and magic in Europe in the Middle Ages, Christian and pre-Christian beliefs soon merged to create new traditions and rituals. The elder tree and elderberry magical rituals started to assimilate into Christian practices. A Christmas Eve ritual involving the stems of the elder tree was created to reveal witches.
FDA Disclaimer
The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and do not render medical or psychological advice, opinion, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a medical or psychological problem, you should consult your appropriate health care provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Links on this website are provided only as an informational resource, and it should not be implied that we recommend, endorse or approve of any of the content at the linked sites, nor are we responsible for their availability, accuracy or content.
For centuries, elderberries have been used worldwide for medicinal purposes. Their storied health benefits include being an antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory fruit. They have been shown to contain more vitamin C than any other plant besides black currants and rosehips. Most prominent among elderberry’s health benefits is …
The ubiquitous banana tree is anything but ordinary. Its characteristic, bright green fruit emerges like fingers reaching upwards towards the sky as if desiring to brush the underside of heaven. And it may just succeed in this pursuit. Bananas are prone to prosper. This prolific plant has spread its fruit to every …
Cherry Blossoms are ephemeral and ethereal. They are the gentlest flowers, encouraging us to be inspired by the future and things to come, but also tragedy, as their fleeting beauty is short-lived and transient. Cherry blossom’s energy is shy and delicate, quiet and gentle, and overwhelmingly …
Raspberry is the essence of the Feminine. Tantalizing with her sweet taste and evoking crimson flush, she is also potently powerful, with a piquant aftertaste that surprises and delights the most delicate of senses. It was the raspberry fruit that took a lowly handmaid and thrust her into …
Dates are an ancient fruit, and due to their long history in the human record, it has come to be connected with much magic, fable, and lore. Its storied past has led it from the tombs of pharaohs to the mythology of gods, and where there is a myth, there is much magic. Dates are no exception to the rule.
Dates Storied History
Both dates and the tree that bears this fruit — the date palm — have much significance throughout history, as it has lined the walls of churches, been held in the hands of kings, and named after the Mighty Phoenix; and both dates and the date palm tree have strong spiritual power.
The Fertile Power of Dates
The date palm tree yields an abundance of fruit and, as such, is considered potent in terms of fertility magic. Dates and dried pieces of palm can be worn to harness this energy. This magical property extends to males as well — dates are a known aphrodisiac and can help with male potency and virility.
Attracting Abundance with Dates
Dates can be used to attract abundance as well as good luck. Keep a bowl of dried dates at your altar, and when you have guests, gift them with the fruit. This will strengthen your friendship, as well as bring you good fortune.
Dates are Ruled by The Sun God
Dates are symbolic of the resurrection of the soul and, as such, are connected to the Phoenix. They are also ruled by the sun, and the Ancient Egyptians connect it to the Sun God Ra. To protect your home, keep a date palm leaf at the entrance, warding off evil energies.
The Healing Power of Dates*
The healing properties of Dates are expansive and cannot be ignored. It is said that eating a date a day is necessary for overall health, as dates contain a myriad of beneficial vitamins and minerals.
Dates for Constipation
You can use dates to treat constipation, as the nicotine content helps with intestinal disorders. A natural remedy for constipation is to soak dates in water overnight. The following day, eat the soaked dates as a syrup for effective relief.
Are Dates Good for Hangovers?
Rub and soak dates overnight to treat a bad hangover, and they are also good to sober you up after drinking alcohol. Dates contain estradiol and flavonoids, which can increase sperm count and sperm motility, reducing sterility.
Dates and Abdominal Cancer
Studies have shown that dates can have a substantial impact on abdominal cancer and, in some cases, yields better results than traditional medicines.
Rituals and Traditions Surrounding Date Fruit
Let me take you back to a time when pyramids stood proudly, a time when pharaohs ruled, and the Sun God was worshiped and feared, a time when Egypt was in its full glory. Dates were an essential part of Ancient Egyptian culture.
Dates and Their Connection to the Dead
Excavations have uncovered mummies robed in date palm leaves, and tombs were decorated with them. Loved ones offered dates and palm leaves to their dearly departed, and date beer was even used to embalm corpses.
Ancient Uses of the Date Palm Tree
When not being used in mummification, dates were turned into beers and wine, like Araqe wine, which can still be found today in rural areas of Egypt. Date Palm trees yielded materials suitable for roofing homes, as well as making sandals and baskets.
Date Palm and the Pharoah’s Jubilee
When a Pharaoh King reached his thirtieth jubilee, he held a bundle of date palm leaves – the number of notches in its rib was an omen from god telling how many years that king had left to rule and live.
Palm Sunday and Date Palm Leaves
More contemporarily, date palm leaves are used to decorate Christian churches for Palm Sunday. Christianity has a notable link with date palm trees and is mentioned in Jesus’ chronicles several times.
The Lore and Mythology of Date Fruit
Dates and the date palm tree were essential to ancient civilizations and led to them being linked to revered mythical beings like the Phoenix. The origin of where this connection came from is uncertain, but some historians believe that Theophrastus (370-285BC), a famous botanist created the connection.
Thoth, the Egyptian God of Letters and The Date Palm
The Egyptian God of Letters and Learning, Thoth, is also linked to dates. He is often pictured in the act of writing and counting the years by using the notches on the back of a date palm branch.
Dates and the Phoenix
The Phoenician region was plagued by a particular type of purple-colored shellfish, and this purple color reminded Theophrastus of the shade of ripening dates. In the Phoenician language, the word for purple was also the word for Phoenix, and as the Phoenix is symbolic of resurrection and rebirth, so are dates.
Dates Predate Hieroglyphics
Dates are an ancient fruit and are believed to have predated hieroglyphics, but interestingly enough, the hieroglyphic symbol for the word “year” is the date palm branch.
FDA Disclaimer
The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and do not render medical or psychological advice, opinion, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a medical or psychological problem, you should consult your appropriate health care provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Links on this website are provided only as an informational resource, and it should not be implied that we recommend, endorse or approve of any of the content at the linked sites, nor are we responsible for their availability, accuracy or content.
It’s no secret that the Native Americans had a robust and powerful understanding of the natural world. They taught early settlers, illiterate of the wonders and magic they had happened upon in this brave new world, how to use Mother Nature’s incredible bounty to survive and thrive. And in the treasure trove of tried and true herbal knowledge that was gifted to these settlers, Echinacea was …
Jojoba is rich in vitamin E and can be made into a high-antioxidant paste used to treat burns. Jojoba oil is bright golden and is a popularly used carrier oil for the making of essential oils. It has a very long shelf life. Jojoba seeds create a wax that is very similar to the composition of natural skin oil. The seed’s oil has a high …
In Singapore, there is a fascinating tradition that Chinese people who reside there engage in called “Pineapple Rolling.” Newly-minted homeowners, before first stepping foot into their new home, roll a pineapple into the house. As the pineapple rolls along the floor, they shout the phrase “huat at!” — a Hokkien phrase that means “to prosper.” This is because pineapples are intimately tied to …
Thyme’s magic is…well, timeless. In Ancient Greece, thyme was infused into baths, and in Greek temples, the smoke from thyme incense was used to spread courage. Egyptians would embalm their dead using thyme, and the Europeans would place it in coffins to help the …
The cherry tree is magical from top to bottom, fruit to root. Its beautiful fruit — deep, red, and sweet — is the basis of countless desserts and delicacies. When the cherry tree blossoms in the Spring and permeates the air with a delightful, sensual aroma, it is a time of enchantment and wonder. The bright pale pink flowers are Mother Nature’s confetti decorating the streets in celebration of the arrival of Spring.
Cherries Exude Youthful and Playful Energy
We liken the color of cherries to the effusive blush in a child’s cheeks, and as such, there is youthful and playful energy we associate with cherries. Blood-red is also the color of burning passion, so we connect it to love and romance. Moreover, we can use the cherry’s pit in fortune-telling and divination, so we connect cherries to psychism and mystery.
The Magic of Black Cherry
Black cherries captivate our imagination and intrigue us with their deep, mysterious color. The tree can live for centuries and is ancient and almost immortal. Black Cherry is the yin to the red cherry’s yang — dark and enigmatic, while the latter is bright and flirty.
The Magic of Cherry Wood
Cherry wood indulges our senses with its intense hue, ambrosial scent, and the relaxing coffee shop ambiance it creates. The wood’s remarkable sturdiness, coupled with its versatility of color — from blonde to mahogany brown. As such, cherry wood lends itself to stunning furniture, carvings, and adornments.
Cherry’s Sweet and Timeless Magic
Cherry’s magic is universal and timeless. For ages, cherries have inspired us with their impossibly rich red hue and sweet, succulent fruit. Cherry’s enchantment is profound and wonder-inspiring, and every encounter we have with its bounty is a gift we should not take for granted.
Love, Sex, and Cherries
Some overtly sexual connections many observe with cherries are hard to avoid discussing. For instance, cherry’s blood-red color is the color of love and passion. Additionally, we sometimes use cherry as a nickname for genitalia.
Cherry Fruit is Connected to Sexual Innuendo
To illustrate, the slang phrase “pop your cherry” is another way of communicating the breaking of the hymen, signifying the loss of virginity. However, this phrase is only a more recent instance of cherries as a sex symbol, as we’ve used cherries to communicate sexual innuendo since the 16th century.
Why Cherries Remind Us of Sex
There are many sexual references involving cherry fruit to go into detail here without the risk of becoming vulgar. Regardless, the fruit resembles aspects of male and female genitalia if you use just a smidge of imagination. Perhaps one takeaway is safe to make in the connection between cherry fruit and sexuality on full display in that iconic cherry red color.
Cherries Are The Color of Love
After all, finding pleasure during sex results from our blood flow increasing in rhythm with our excitement. It engorges our sexual organs, making our bodies more sensitive to sensual stimuli. Likewise, when aroused, a red flush like that of cherries paints our cheeks and neck. Studies have even shown that wearing red makes you appear more attractive.
Cherry fruit has associations with Venus, the Love Goddess, and draws on love energy. Cherry wood, oils, and incense can make love spells especially powerful. There is a simple Japanese love spell — the practice of tying a single strand of hair to a blossoming cherry tree to attract love.
The Magic of Cherry Stones
Cherry fruit houses what some call “cherry stones” and acts as the womb and cradle of this seed. Thus, cherry fruit has long been associated magically and metaphysical with love and fertility.
Spirituality, Divination, and Cherry Fruit
A caveat of cherry magical power is its power within the realm of divination. Some use cherry pits in divination, foretelling, and tapping the pit’s energy for psychic pursuits. Cherry fruit connects with water, air, and emotional, spiritual, and mental practices. Cherry juice is also an ample substitute for blood in rituals and magical workings.
Cherry Fun Fact: The Cuckoo’s Fruit
Wild cherries specifically have associations with the cuckoo. There is a myth that the cuckoo cannot stop singing until consuming three good-sized meals. Some also consult the cuckoo in the wild cherry tree to find out how long one’s life will be.
Cherry Symbolism and Meaning
Cherry trees are almost synonymous with Japanese culture and are believed to have originated in that country. As ancient Chinese lore recounts, the Goddess Xi Wang Mu had a beloved garden full of the cherries of immortality which would ripen every thousand years.
The Sweetness of Cherries
Traditional Chinese herbalists viewed the cherry’s energy and characteristics as warm and sweet, as well as the emblem of femininity and kindness. Cherry fruit’s plush, red color resembles the gentle blush in a child’s visage and reminds us of cherry’s connection with youthfulness and innocence.
The Cherry Tree Symbolizes Immortality and Feminity
By natural extension, cherries have come to symbolize immortality and youth. Perhaps because of Xi Wang Mu, the Chinese consider cherries to represent femininity and beauty.
Japanese Culture and the Cherry Tree
The Japanese have long cherished the cherry tree, which symbolizes good fortune, beauty, and the cycle of life in Japanese culture. However, there is much to discuss on the Japanese and their appreciation for the cherry tree and its fruit and blossoms, which is covered in greater detail here.
What is a Weeping Cherry Tree?
Weeping cherry trees are mostly ornamental trees you can find in temple gardens in Japan, where they refer to the trees as shidare zakura or “weeping cherry.”
Why is it Called Weeping Cherry?
Weeping cherry trees get their name from weeping willow, which it closely resembles. The tree has characteristic white and light pink blossoms on its low-hanging branches. The most common types of weeping cherry trees are Higan, Shidare Yoshino, and “snow fountain.”
Does the Weeping Cherry Tree Bear Fruit?
The weeping cherry tree produces fruit, but the fruit is essentially inedible,being too sour and small for enjoyment. However, birds enjoy the fruit and make nests within the tree branches close to their delicacy.
Classic Cherry Cheesecake
Sugar Geek Show
This Classic Cherry Cheesecake from Sugar Geek Show is the perfect way to harness the magic of cherries (and black cherries) to create something enticingly sweet and wonderfully delectable. As far as cheesecake recipes go, this one is relatively easy. The notes will instruct you on the steps necessary to prevent your beautiful Classic Cherry Cheesecake from cracking. Bon appetit!
32ozfresh cherriespits, removed can substitute with black cherries
8ozgranulated sugar
8ounceswater
1tbspfresh lemon juice
1tbsplemon zest
5tbspclear jelor 3 tbsp cornstarch
2ozcool water
1/4tspsalt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°
Move one oven rack to the bottomost spot of your over, then place the other oven rack in the middle of the oven.
Graham Cracker Crust
Combine crush graham crackers, sugar and melted butter in a mixing bowl.
(Optional) Cut a piece of parchment paper in a circle the same size as the bottom of your springform pan. This will help prevent the cheesecake from sticking.
Pour graham cracker mixture evenly on top of the parchment paper in the springform pan. Compress the crust by pressing it down with the bottom of a flat measuring cup.
Bake the crust for 5 minutes at 350°, then set it aside and let it cool.
Cheesecake Filling
Place a sheet pan on the bottom rack in your oven, then fill it 3/4 of the way with water. Reminder: Your cheesecake will bake above it on the middle rack.
Beat the cream cheese in a mixing bowl on a low setting until its extra smooth and no lumps remain.
Delicately sprinkle granulated sugar into the cream cheese while mixing it with the mixer on low setting. Smoothly blending the cream cheese and sugar together will help ensure that your cheesecake is extra creamy.
Continue to mix on low as you incorporate the heavy cream and sour cream.
While mixing on low speed, proceed to add your eggs one at a time. Be sure not to add the next egg until the previous egg is fully incorporated. Add salt and vanilla extract as well.
Once the eggs have been fully incorporated into the cheesecake mixture, stop mixing. Overmixing can introduce excess air into the mixture, which can lead to cracking.
Pour cheesecake mixture onto the cooled graham cracker crust.
Bake cheesecake at 335° for 60 minutes, making sure not to open the door while it bakes to prevent cracking. Afterwards, open the over door slightly, allowing the cheesecake to cool within for another 60 minutes.
Remove the cheesecake and allow it to cool in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours (overnight for optimal results).
Cherry Topping
Combine cherries, water, sugar and salt in a large saucepan and simmer at a medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Make a slurry by combining Clear Jel, 2 oz water, lemon zest and lemon juice.
Add Clear Jel slurry to the simmering cherries and stir consistently for 1 minute until it thickens.
Let the cherry topping cool before decorating your cooled cheesecake. You can also add whipped cream and other toppings as you so desire. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
How to Ensure Your Cheesecake Doesn’t Crack
Use a mixer on a low setting to avoid too much air being introduced into the batter.
If your oven is too hot, your cheesecake will inflate too much, which will cause it to shrink too much once it’s cooled, causing cracks. To avoid this, ensure your oven is set at the proper temperature, and bake your cheesecake as far away from the top heating element as possible.
Cooling the cheesecake slowly helps to avoid dramatic temperature changes which can cause the cheesecake to crack.
The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and do not render medical or psychological advice, opinion, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a medical or psychological problem, you should consult your appropriate health care provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Links on this website are provided only as an informational resource, and it should not be implied that we recommend, endorse or approve of any of the content at the linked sites, nor are we responsible for their availability, accuracy, or content.
The mysterious energy and deep purple beauty of Black Cherry are mesmerizing and hint at its latent magical potential. Black cherries are the yang to red cherry’s yin, as Black Cherries vibrate with psychic and divinatory power. Symbolically, the tree and its fruit and flowers represent duality and balance. Black Cherries have a connection to …
Cherry Blossoms are ephemeral and ethereal. They are the gentlest flowers, encouraging us to be inspired by the future and things to come, but also tragedy, as their fleeting beauty is short-lived and transient. Cherry blossom’s energy is shy and delicate, quiet and gentle, and overwhelmingly …
Both tart cherries and sweet cherries are full of health benefits. However, if you can tolerate a sour pucker, you won’t want to sleep on tart cherry’s myriad healing properties. Have a hard time getting restful sleep? Tart cherries contain melatonin, which can improve sleep quality. Moreover, studies have shown that tart cherries can lower the risk of …
Cherry wood contains wonderful energies that can be used in magical practice. It is majestic and beloved for its deep, rich reddish hue and sturdy capabilities. Burning cherry wood incense and oils can bring good fortune and warm energies into the home. Cherry wood’s aroma is captivating and can blend well with …
I had never heard of Bilberry before. I was researching the grain harvest festival of Lammas when I ran across this peculiar fruit. I had initially mistaken the name for another coinage of blueberry, but it is not. It is a very different fruit altogether.
I sniffed around online and found the reason I had never heard of bilberries…is because bilberries are not native to America. Bilberries are found in Europe and are most prevalent in Sweden. They have enjoyed much popularity in European regions, being baked in cakes and pies, and even fermented into wines, much like blueberries and blackberries are here in the United States.
The Healing Power of Bilberry*
As for healing, like blueberries, bilberries are an incredibly potent healing fruit. Due to the copious amount of Anthocyanins and other powerful vitamins found in bilberries, they contain more antioxidants than cranberries, strawberries, plums, and raspberries.
The antioxidants in bilberries make them excellent for the skin and collagen health. They can also prevent premature aging and wrinkles and do well in fighting against cellulite. Any unsightly bruises? Bilberries can also help with that by helping them heal faster and make your skin more resilient to bruising in the future.
The Japanese have often referred to bilberries as “the vision fruit” because of their unique ability to improve night vision. Studies have shown that bilberries can help the eyes adjust quickly to darkness and even reverse the effects of macular degeneration.
Bilberry Rituals and Traditions
There is a myriad of rituals and traditions surrounding bilberries in Europe. In Iceland, wild harvesting of bilberry is very popular during the berry season. The Finnish like to eat bilberries fresh and bake them into Mustikkapirrakka –bilberry pie.
In Ireland, you can find a festival called Fraughan Sunday on the last Sunday in July, where bilberries, or as the Irish call it fraughan are gathered, and they also gather bilberries during Lammas. The Polish call bilberries jagody and make jagodzianka by putting bilberries in sweet buns as filling. Bilberries can even be found in the De-Militarized Zone of North Korea – where they have bog bilberry brandy.
Bilberry Lore and Mythology
According to myth, bilberries were created by Hermes when he turned his son Myrtillus’ body into a berry shrub after it washed onto shore. Œnomaus, the son of Aries, has an attendant named Myrtillus. Œnomaus was quite proud of his ability as a chariot racer and decided to challenge his daughter’s suitors – whoever could beat him in a chariot race could have his daughter’s hand in marriage.
Pelops, to secure his victory, asked Myrtillus to take the linchpin out of Œnomaus’ chariot. Sure enough, during the race, Œnomaus’ chariot overturned, mortally wounding him. With his dying breath, he petitioned Pelops to seek out his murderer and avenge him. Pelops in turn, threw Myrtillus into the sea. Coincidentally, bilberries are often found growing along the sea shore, and “myrtillus” is the classification for bilberry.
Magical Ways to Use Bilberry
Bilberries have a close link to Lammas and harbor protective magical properties.
You can dry bilberry leaves, powder them and sprinkle the dust around the house to protect your household.
Burning bilberry as incense will also help you to this end and steer off negative energies.
Foods that contain bilberry are good for de-hexing enchantments.
A satchel containing bilberry can improve your luck.
Bilberry leaves are helpful when pursuing material wealth and gain.
*FDA Disclaimer
The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and do not render medical or psychological advice, opinion, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a medical or psychological problem, you should consult your appropriate health care provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Links on this website are provided only as an informational resource, and it should not be implied that we recommend, endorse or approve of any of the content at the linked sites, nor are we responsible for their availability, accuracy, or content.
The scent of fresh lavender can transport us to a place of utter serenity and refreshing calm. For centuries, many a culture have taken the opportunity to use this herb of tranquility to invite soothing, peaceful energies and usher in a cleansing air. Lavender’s power, like its penetrating and piercing periwinkle …
It’s Halloween night. A certain fresh briskness fills the air as children dressed as goblins, ghouls, superheroes, and witches scanter excitedly from house to house, pillaging the neighborhood for treats. In the backdrop of the dark of night is the Autumn leaves, providing a certain fiery orange glow that seems to …
Valerian is powdered and used in sachets for protection and purification and can be placed under the pillow as a sleep aid. When hung in the home, it can guard against lightning strikes, and powdered and sprinkled along the threshold it can deter unwanted guests. It is believed that if a woman pins a sprig of Valerian …
Apples have a deeply-rooted magical history and are a richly symbol-laden fruit. They are known as the “Fruit of the Gods” in Celtic Mythology, and the Irish revered “The Silver Branch,” a magical artifact said to be needed to enter the Underworld before one’s time. Apple is also known as the “Fruit of the Underworld,” and some have believed …
Apples have a deeply-rooted magical history and are a richly symbol-laden fruit. They are known as the “Fruit of the Gods” in Celtic Mythology, and the Irish revered “The Silver Branch,” a magical artifact said to be needed to enter the Underworld before one’s time.
The Fruit of the Underworld
Apple is also known as the “Fruit of the Underworld,” Some have believed it to be the fruit that binds Persephone to the Underworld during the Winter.
Magical Ways to Use Apple
Apple wands are perfect for love, fertility, and emotional magic. Apple candles made with infused melted pink wax are often used at hand-fastings as a symbol of eternal and immortal love. Moreover, apple blossoms are wonderfully fragrant and make good additions to love satchels, brews, and incense.
“Apple-Bobbing,” is a Samhain tradition that symbolizes Apollo’s “Quest for the Golden Apple,” in which he sent Andrei across the water to retrieve his three golden apples from the beast there – Rinosark.
Samhain Divination with Apples
Samhain is also a powerful time for apple divination, a popular one being to peel an apple to see how long one’s life will be. The longer the unbroken peel, the longer life will be.
Wassailing the Apple Tree
Wassailing ceremonies also involve apples. There is a century-old English wassailing custom of going out to the apple orchard, picking the largest apple tree, and “hailing” its branches and roots with cider. Cakes are also gifted to the tree as well. This is to wish you good health and a bountiful harvest in the coming year.
Apples in Lore and Mythology
Apples have an interesting vein throughout mythology. It was an apple that is said to have started the Trojan War. Eris, the Goddess of Discord, was displeased with not being invited to a wedding party that a host of other gods and goddesses were invited to. She crashed the party anyway and threw an apple amid the party gatherers, with words etched onto it that said: “For the fairest.”
The Goddesses Fight Over the Apple
Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite were all in attendance, and upon seeing the apple, each goddess assumed that the apple was meant for her. A quarrel ensued, and Zeus sent the most handsome mortal on the planet – Paris, Prince of Troy – to settle the matter.
A Golden Apple “For the Fairest”
Zeus gave Hermes a golden apple to deliver to Paris, who was, in turn, to give the apple to whichever goddess he considered the fairest.
The Goddesses Promises
The goddess’ all made promises to Paris to try and gain his favor and receive the apple. Hera offered to make Paris King of all of Europe and Asia.
Paris Gives the Golden Apple to Aphrodite
Athena offered him wisdom and skill in battle, and Aphrodite offered to allow Paris to elope with the beautiful Helen of Troy. It was Aphrodite’s promise that won Paris over, and he gave the apple to her.
The Apple of Discord Leads to the Fall of Troy
This caused much discord between the goddesses, and Hera and Athena, in retaliation, assisted the Greeks in the Trojan War, resulting in the fall of Troy. As a result of this myth, the phrase “apple of discord” came into being.
The Healing Power of Apples
Apples have exceptional healing properties. They are high in fiber and can relieve constipation. Apple pectin has been known to help treat heart disease, and crushed apples are a remedy used to help prevent infection in fresh wounds.*
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The scent of fresh lavender can transport us to a place of utter serenity and refreshing calm. For centuries, many a culture have taken the opportunity to use this herb of tranquility to invite soothing, peaceful energies and usher in a cleansing air. Lavender’s power, like its penetrating and piercing periwinkle …
It’s Halloween night. A certain fresh briskness fills the air as children dressed as goblins, ghouls, superheroes, and witches scanter excitedly from house to house, pillaging the neighborhood for treats. In the backdrop of the dark of night is the Autumn leaves, providing a certain fiery orange glow that seems to …
Valerian is powdered and used in sachets for protection and purification and can be placed under the pillow as a sleep aid. When hung in the home, it can guard against lightning strikes, and powdered and sprinkled along the threshold it can deter unwanted guests. It is believed that if a woman pins a sprig of Valerian …
I had never heard of Bilberry before. I was researching the grain harvest festival of Lammas when I ran across this peculiar fruit. I had initially mistaken the name for another coinage of blueberry, but it is not. It is a very different fruit altogether. I sniffed around online and found the reason I had never heard of bilberries …
