HOLIDAY SURVIVAL KIT
Simple but effective uses of herbs/essential oils to beat the winter blues.

DEPRESSION/ANXIETY

Frankincense—Johns Hopkins University did a study in 2016 that proved burning frankincense helps to alleviate anxiety and depression. The essential oil can also be used but it’s not as effective. Frankincense can be burned on charcoal in an incense burner, either whole or ground. Use sparingly. A little goes a long way. I’m not aware of any contraindications for frankincense. The essential oil can be used in spray form [Sacred Soaps “Grounding Spray” is a good choice, available at Asheville Raven & Crone] or in a diffuser.

Ares Incense (David Taliesin, adapt. from Scott Cunningham)
2 parts frankincense resin
1 part juniper berries
1 part cedar leaf tips

Burn as a personal altar or household incense to increase your own powers. I crushed the frankincense with a mortar and pestle. I did the same with the juniper berries which remain a bit clumpy. I broke the cedar lead tips by hand into fine pieces. Even with my pine allergy, I had no allergic reaction to this blend.

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PROTECTION

Hyssop—Hyssop is the most widely used purification/protection herb in magic. It is added to baths, in sachets, infused and sprinkled on objects or persons to cleanse them, and hung in the home to purge it of evil and negativity. The extracted oil may be used for all forms of spiritual healing. As well as imparting healing to the patient, it protects the healer.

Protection Incense (David Taliesin)
1 part hyssop
1 part rosemary

Protection for magical and visualization work inside the circle.

Protection Oil (David Taliesin)
7-9 drops of Hyssop essential oil
1/4 cup olive oil

A simple, basic protection oil.

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PEACE/HEALING

Lavender—Used in love spells and sachets. Scent on clothing attracts love. As incense, it induces sleep. It’s scattered around the house to maintain peacefulness. The odor is conducive to long life. It is used in healing mixtures. Essential oil is included in health, love, peace and conscious mind-oriented formulas.

Sacred Soap’s “Healing Spray” or “Healing Soap” is a good choice, available at Asheville Raven & Crone. You can also use the essential oil in a diffuser.

Relax & Recharge Tea (David Taliesin)
1 part ginger root
1 part chamomile
1 part lemon verbena
1 part lemon balm
1 part nettle leaf
1 part St. John’s wort (Optional. Don’t add this to the tea if you are already on a na anti-depressant.)

Place 1 tablespoon of herb mix in a tea ball. Pour a mug of boiling hot water over it. Let it steep for 20 minutes before drinking. (You can also bring the water to boil in a stainless steel pot, add the herbs, and then cover the mixture while steeping.) Adjust the amount of herbs you use to suit your taste for a lighter or stronger tea. Drink 1-3 cups daily.

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FEELING BLAH/LOW ENERGY

Peppermint—Magically, peppermint oil has a long history in purification spells. Its presence raises the vibrations of the area. Medicinally, peppermint has often been called “a blast of green energy.” It’s not that there aren’t stronger stimulants, but few make you feel as renewed and refreshed as peppermint does. Peppermint is most commonly used as a digestive aid. It is also effective for easing nausea and stomach cramps and for freshening breath.

Clarity and Focus Essential Oil Blend (Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine)
12 drops lemon essential oil
10 drops lime peel essential oil
4 drops peppermint essential oil
6 drops fennel essential oil

Use this in a diffuser.

I also highly recommend Asheville Raven & Crone’s Strengthening Tea. It’s really wonderful stuff when you just feel blah!

Copyright ©2017 by David Taliesin, www,sabbatsandsabbaths.com