MUGWORT

Make an infusion tea of mugwort: Do not boil the herb. Instead, in a non-metal container, bring the water to a boil, turn off the heat and add the dried or fresh herb. Stir, cover with a lid, and steep for at least 30 minutes, stirring the infusion several times. Strain and then use or store in a glass container, with a lid, in the refrigerator. This is an excellent wash for cleansing magic mirrors, crystals, and crystal balls. Witches choose the full moon as the time to consecrate a magic mirror because moonlight has the effect of charging it with power. When not in use, wrap your mirror in a black velvet or silk cloth and keep it in a special box, away from the light.

For those playing around with making candles (whether from scratch, crayons or from leftover candles), and also for those who want to celebrate Imbolic with lots of them (Lheanna), I offer the following:

a) For gift giving (I give the gift of candles to many) - I have added silver charms, herbs, scented oils to the mix. The silver charms are great -- as the candle burns away -- charms come out -- and if you don't tell the receiver of the gift -- it's a great surprise!

b) to make the layers, be very careful about not letting the under layer not cool enough (or it will seep) or be too cool. It takes some practice -- but to be honest, even the mistakes are pretty.

c) for swirls -- well, these are the easiest. Just swirl the colors with something that you don't mind getting all yucky.

d) I have used several different things for molds. Everything from glass bottles to even durable plastic chocolate molds. Be careful about using the chocolate molds. I buy mine from a professional chocolate maker so they are really strong and can withstand high temp. I have also purchased at thrift shops and garage sales funny looking vases and glass containers. Sometimes I have to break the containers to get the candle out -- but they usually only cost me a dime or so.......

PAST LIFE

1. Cast a circle in your regular fashion. In addition to your usual set-up, you will need a mirror (hand-mirror or something you can set on the altar) and a low candle that can be placed in front of it. (NB: =not= a scrying glass).

2. Settle yourself comfortably in front of the mirror. The candle should also be in front of the mirror so you are looking through the flame at the mirror. As you stare into the mirror, do a simple self-induction (clouds of color, staircase, whatever you like best) and keep your eyes fixed on the flame and the mirror. Do not look away. This is your first time, so be very passive and wait for what comes.

3. Soon you should see your reflection begin to morph into the face you wore in one of your past lives. It may speak, or you may just get intuitions about your previous life. When you think you've got everything, reverse the induction, blow out the candle, and end your circle.

Do not try for more than one past life per night. Once you start getting any response from the mirror, you can try setting specific goals, such as seeing a particular time or life. Don't be disappointed if it doesn't work the first time: this particular psychic talent is like a muscle, and takes work to make it strong. Be patient. The images will come.

Absinthe

Ingredients:

1 pint vodka
2 tsp. crumbled wormwood (dried)
2 tsp. anise seed
1/2 tsp. fennel seed
4 cardamom pods
1 tsp. marjoram
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
2 tsp. chopped angelica root
1 2/3 cups sugar syrup

Preparation:

Place vodka in a large jar with a tight fitting lid. Add wormwood and shake well; steep for 48 hours and strain out. Crush seeds and pods in mortar. Add them and all remaining herbs to vodka and steep in a warm place for 1 week. Filter and sweeten. Pour into a bottle and enjoy a piece of history.

Suggestion: Pour a half glass of water into a half glass of Absinthe for authenticity.

Note: This drink will be very bitter even with the sugar syrup in it. Wormwood is a bitter herb.

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