Witches Cabinet on DeviantART

Hello my pretties! I have some wonderful news,
I finally got around to creating a DeviantART for my arts and crafts. Eventually, (when I get up the money and the energy) I will be selling my crafts (to order). To get to my DeviantART page click here

I will be adding a permanent Link to it on my directory to the left.
<<<<

Don't laugh at it! It's only a baby :[

Also, Don't forget to follow me on twitter!
(I'm not quite sure why it is posting updates from this blog on there twice..you'll have to forgive me...I'm a newbie at Social Networking Services...I need a techie >.>)

Witches Cabinet on Twitter

Happy Wednesday!

Blessed Be,
Fae

Herb of the Week: Alfalfa

This Week, the Herb is Alfalfa. This information comes from this site: Here
There was A LOT of information, so I didn't want to make a too big of a post. Click the above link for the rest of it!

What is Alfalfa?

Alfalfa is a plant which sends its roots down twenty to thirty feet into the ground and brings up the minerals that are not available on the surface. For this reason, the Arabic word Alfalfa means "father of plants". Alfalfa is rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that play a vital role in the strength and growth of our bones and in the maintenance of a healthy body. It contains protein and vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K. It also contains calcium, potassium, carotene, iron, and zinc. It can be taken in the form of seeds, leaves or tablets.

What are the Benefits of Alfalfa?

Alfalfa has been used by the Chinese since the sixth century to treat several health conditions. It is considered the richest land source of trace minerals. Rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients Alfalfa makes an amazing herbal remedy. Its specific benefits include:

• Curing kidney problems, and relieving fluid retention and swelling.
• Curing auto-immune disorder.
• Healing arthritis.
• Nourishing the digestive, skeletal, glandular and urinary system.
• Cleansing the blood, liver and bowel.
• Lowering cholesterol levels.
• Preventing strokes.
• Healing whooping cough.

Vegetarian Eating: Not so healthy some days

Don't get me wrong my pretties, Vegetarian Life Style has made me feel so much better. (I've also cut out all unnatural and processed foods in my diet) But Unfortunately, being a Teenage witch comes with some trials. Like...the Trial of living 'at home'. I would love more than anything than to simply have a perfect diet with a nice cozy amount of everything and feel wonderful all the time and maintaining that perfect weight (hey, a girl can dream can't she?). However, much to my dismay, the rest of my family that I live with isn't so keen of jumping on the band wagon to a healthy, and green way of life. My house is over flowing with unhealthy junk food, processed food, MSG, and an absolute lack of a completion of essentials my diet/life style choice requires. I take a multi-vitamin every night and try my best to avoid the temptation of my grandmothers poorly hidden stash of Three Musketeers Bars and the other various assorted comfort foods and synthetic poisons.

So, what is a Girl suppose to do?
She (and like the good little Pisces I am) makes the best of the situation and Looks forward to the day the river stops bending and there is a stretch of water that she is free to gracefully swim (until the next bend mind you..also, I now have "Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas stuck in my head)

Let me share some of my tricks to trying your best to maintain a healthy diet while being able to fit in the confines of some of life's restrictions.

• Exercise daily.
  

This is one of the things that I notice almost NO one does regularly enough, but is vital in maintaining a healthy body, even I am guilty. A ten minute walk a day is all it takes to be able to maintain your body's stamina. It's good for the heart, and helps to ground a center. Exercise releases endorphins and If you're walking alone you can use this as quality time to commune with the Earth Goddess.

• Eat Protein

Every day, I eat two eggs. Most vegetarians would scoff at this but then...most vegetarians aren't in a confined situation like mine (stubborn Irish blooded relatives) Protein is wonderful, it helps curb hunger so that you can eat less and help to maintain that girlish figure, and for the men readers, it helps to build muscle.

• Eat Proper Portions

They say a proper portion is about the size of your fist. And, you should prolly eat a Balance of one portion per-food-choice depending on what your weight requirements are per day. As an Example I weigh 115-130 and I need about 75 grams of Protein per day (average vegetarian foods may only contain 8-10g of protein per serving..meaning I have to eat more). You can easily find out all your nutritional needs and requirements per weight by doing a simple Google search.

• Eat as many Natural Low Fat products as you can

For example, All Natural Low in Fat Vanilla Yogurt. No added anything, while still being great tasting and healthy. You can add bits of fruits and get a healthy serving of fruits into your snacks as well!

• Instead of Junk food Eat Fruits and Vegetables
  

Don't get me wrong, every now and then a little comfort or secret pleasure is completely acceptable. DON'T deny yourself your favorite junk food...and if that so happens to be a high fructose laced dipped in sugar filled with caramel desire (Twix Bars >.>) than so be it. Denying yourself something you love...just makes eating healthier harder for everyone. Because, the more appealing it becomes over time..and the more you'll feel bad (and prolly eat more) once you finally cave in. Simple Moderation is all I'm suggesting.

As you can see being a Witch involves a Lot more than the spells and charms. In my personal opinion, I think that being healthy is a Vital part of the craft. Respect your OWN personal Divinity by treating yourself the best you can. Balance of the Mind, the Body, and the spirit is an important part of witchcraft. But I feel like in so many cases, "the Body" aspect of that trinity is allowed to slip threw the cracks.

Blessed be,
Fae

Long Week, harder Time ahead: Update

Hello my pretties!

I'm exceedingly sorry that I haven't posted since monday, neither here, or Confessions of a Teenage Witch. It has been a pretty long week. I do promise that I am keeping up with The Domestic Witches Spring Cleaning and I am trying my best to stay as healthy as I can. Yesterday, a friend of mine was in an accident and I have been very busy since. I've also had a bit of a head cold myself. I promsie however that I will return posting regularily as soon as everything calms down in a day or two. Brightest Blessings to you and your all.

Fae Kieran

Herb of the Week: Dandelion

If you look at my expansion of links and pages to the left you will see I added something particularly Interesting and Noteworthy. I've Decided to post a "Herb of the Week" Section. This Section will post one Beneficial Herb a week (unless I change it to Daily) And A Link to A web page with the Holistic Value of the Herb. Every time I update the Herb, I will also post a Corresponding Entry

This Week, Dandelion More than just a Weed. The Following Information comes from this site here

Dandelion

The humble little Dandelion has remarkable nutritional value, being very high in vitamins A and C, with more beta carotine than carrots and more potassium than broccoli or spinach, not to mention healthy doses of iron and copper for good measure. Medicinally, Dandelions are considered very safe and effective as a general tonic that helps strengthen the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and intestines, improving bile flow and reducing inflammation in cases of hepatitis and cirrhosis. Dandelions also help to dissipate gallstones and are believed to improve kidney function, thereby improving overall health and clearing skin problems.

Dandelion tea is the perfect choice for those with the above problems or those who lead relatively sedentary lifestyles and who experience discomfort associated with this, such as constipation, digestive disorders, indigestion, and general sluggishness and fatigue. Just one cup per day will yield noticeable results within the first few months. Tea may also be of benefit for many of the problems associated with diabetes and low blood sugar.

Externally, the white sap from the stems or roots can be applied directly to ease the pain of sores and bee stings, and is useful in the elimination of warts, acne, and calluses.

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Blessed Be,
Fae Kieran

Home Repairs. Big Things & Slightly smaller

So, Today, I went around and took a few choice pictures to go along with The Domestic Witches First week of cleaning, so, I figured I'd share them with you and go threw my checklist.


First things, They are small projects that I can do by myself and for little or no money.

Outside

• Clean Porch
• Clean Driveway
• Clean out Gutters

Inside

• Fix Dining Room Edging
  
• Plaster Stairwell
• New bathroom Doorknob
• Put Doorknob on Den Door
• Paint Bedroom Ceiling
• Hang Blinds/Curtains

(missing Plaster in hallway) (Doorknob in the Den...or rather lack there of)


The Next Projects are slightly bigger and will require me to save up funds, I won't be able to do them alone, and it will take time to fix.

Outside

• New Roof
• Repair Balcony
  
• Busted Garage Window
• Water damage to Laundry Room

Inside

• Living Room Ceiling
• New Dishwasher
• New Light Fixture in Altar Room
• Hang Altar Room Door

(Ceiling Damage) (Rotted Outside Laundry Wall)


So! Now that we've got the plan laid out we should have a MUCH easier time getting to the chores now. As I complete the tasks, I'll check them off and prolly post updates on twitter!

Follow me on Twitter Here

Thanks to The Domestic Witch for her idea! See Her Page Here.

Blessed Be!
Fae Kieran

Spring Cleaning w. The DW: Week 1 Health & Fitness

For Spring Cleaning week one w/ the Domestic Witch, she is having us focus on Home Maintenance and Repair/ Health and Fitness.

For More Information on Health and Fitness see her post here: Spring Cleaning Week 1 Health
For My Post on Maintenance and Repair See: Spring Cleaning Week 1 Maintenance
For Her Post on Maintenance and Repair See: Spring Cleaning Week 1


For this segment of her series, Everyday (starting Tonight) I'm going to be Keeping a Health Journal on Livejournal. To Get to Confessions of a Teenage Witch Click here

I will post Over there, a regular diary of my health, things I'm doing differently, how much exercise I get, what I eat and how much of it. Improving our health is not only a practical thing but also a Magickal one as well. I have found, that in many cases when someone comes to me and asks for healing that their answer is not in any spells I have or any of my remedies; But in improving their individual health. And THAT is Truly Magickal.

A Healthy Body, Is a Healthy Mind and Spirit. As Witches, I feel that we are obligated to take care of ourselves just as much as we take care of others.


The Following Is A checklist (Created by The Domestic Witch) Of things to Focus on doing year round for better health:

Daily

• Get enough sleep
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Exercise
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid excessive caffeine, sugar, fat, drugs, etc.
• Take drugs as prescribed
• Maintain hygiene

Weekly

• Find time for fun and to relieve stress
• Engage in safe, fulfilling sexual activity
• Weigh yourself

Monthly

• Prevent or treat PMS symptoms
• Take body measurements (for those wishing to lose weight or gain muscle)
• Vacuum mattresses to remove bed bugs and skin cells
• Vacuum upholstery

Seasonal

• Dress for the weather
• Spend more time outdoors in warmer weather
• Wear sunscreen
• Check home for toxic substances (such as mold or pests)
• Clean air ducts, air conditioner, radiator, and change air filters
• Use a humidifier
• Steam clean carpets

Yearly

• Get an annual check up
• Clean expired medications out of medicine cabinet
• Get vision and/or hearing check up

Blessed Be
Fae Kieran

Spring Cleaning w. The DW: Week 1 Home Matinence and Repair

For Spring Cleaning week one w/ the Domestic Witch, she is having us focus on Home Maintenance and Repair/ Health and Fitness.

For more information On Maintenance and Repair and to see her post click here:
Spring Cleaning Week 1


The Following things Is a List of things around my house that need fixing up:

~Outside~
-Bad Roof
-Water damage

• Laundry Room
• Balcony
• Living Room

-Clean Porch and Driveway
-Busted Garage Window
-Clean gutters
-Busted fence

~Inside~
-Kitchen

• New Dishwasher

-Dining Room

• Fix Molding

-Bathroom

• Doorknob

-Stairwell

• Plaster

-A/C Room

• Plaster

-Upstairs Hallway

• Hang Door

-Living Room

• Water Damage

-Craft Room

• Broken Light Fixture

-My Bedroom

• Paint
• Curtains
• Water Damage

Soo..This week, I'll focus on the little things, like cleaning the Porch and Driveways; Painting, getting new doorknobs and nailing up the molding in the dining room. The other stuff, like water damage and Roof Repairs, will have to save up the fiances for.

For Saving up money, what you can do is go to a bank and open up a savings account (Preferably one with Free Savings Accounts) And every paycheck put aside a decent amount of money, while still giving yourself enough for the necessities. Every time you deposit money into it say this handy little Charm as you do to spread your desire for a better home with Light and to remind yourself that each time you do, you're getting closer to a home you are happier with.

"I add a pinch to watch it grow,
Into the things I need as so,
to fix my house, to fix my home,
and my hard work shall be shown!"

Blessed be!
Fae Kieran

Spring Cleaning with The Domestic Witch

I've decided, that Cleaning is the perfect thing I need right now!

If you follow the link Here you will learn more.

Here is a quick over view of The Domestic Witch's Spring Cleaning Series:



Week ~ Area of the Home ~ Area of Life
Week 1 ~ Home Exterior and Repairs ~ Health and Fitness
Week 2 ~ Front Porch/Entryway ~ Personality and Self-image
Week 3 ~ Kitchen and Dining Room ~ The Heart of Your Life
Week 4 ~ Living Areas ~ Entertainment and Social Life
Week 5 ~ Your Bedroom ~ Love Life and Relaxation
Week 6 ~ Kids' Bedrooms ~ Fertility and Parenting
Week 7 ~ Bathroom ~ Beauty and Hygiene
Week 8 ~ Home Office/Den ~ Career and Finances
Week 9 ~ Back Yard ~ Connecting with Nature
Week 10 ~ Front Yard ~ Living Green
Week 11 ~ Garage/Attic/Basement ~ Emotional and Mental Clutter
Week 12 ~ Laundry Area and Closets ~Your Shadow Self

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As I've said before, Witchcraft is more than just magick and spells, and Integration into your life is necessary. To be able to call yourself a "Witch" you need to BE a witch. And this is just another Fantastic Idea for Life Integration!

Blessed be!
Fae

Testing: Success!

Alright Pretties, my Blog is also linked up to my twitter feed.

If you on this side don't have a link its

http://twitter.com/WitchesCabinet


Blessed Be,
Fae Kieran

Testing:

Test post To see if it linked up with twitter account.

=]

Ostara Spell Work

Ostara is a prime time to work on setting goals for yourself that progress and increase over time. Ostara marks when the sun is in one degree Aries, prime for using force and intention to actually make solid goals and plans. Ostara is a ceremony celebrating the rebirth of the world from it's winter-depths and being filled with the vibrant new youthful energy. Let's use Ostara as a chance to work on short-to-long term goals. For this spell, you will need White Candles or Pastel Greens and Pinks; A list of goals that start of small, but each goal allows you to then set a larger goal (i.e Start a diet, loose 5 pounds, loose 10, loose 20, Fit into that small black dress!)

This spell is best done in the early dawn hours, preferably sunrise. But it can be done at any time during the day. Take your candle(s) and your list out to a cozy corner of your garden or at the base of a good strong and old tree. Dig a little hole (with your hands or small hand shovel if you can't get your nails dirty!!) Light the candle and read aloud the following spell:

"I plant the seeds,
to which will grow
and by Fall I shall
Be ready to then Sow.

Strong or weak,
my fragile dreams,
are warmed in earth,
and kissed by sun beams

I plant and ask for the best,
so when autumn is hottest
all my goals to be
ready for harvest!"

Read your list of goals

Blow out the candle and make sure the wick is cool. Rap the list around the candle and bury them both. Try to remember to water them with love and light every chance you get! When autumn has come, and if you've completed the list remove the parcel from it's hole and reap the rewards of what you grew for yourself!

Blessed Be,
Faewynn

A quick look at Ostara!

According to Pagan Lore, Ostara is the Festival of Rebirth. Celebrated when the sun is in 1 Degree Aries, usually occuring someitme around the 21st of the March (this year it's the 20th). Following in the traditional cycle of Life, Death, and Rebirth; Ostara is celebrated as the time when The Goddess (Mother Earth) is Reborn, and is the youthful and innocent Maiden aspect. She falls meets with her Lover, The God (Father Sky). This is where the idea that Spring is the season of love comes from. Traditional Pagans celebrate Ostara by sowing the seeds they will harvest at the later equinox in fall. This can be done Literally (gardening) or metaphorically (setting personal goals for yourself to be completed by Fall). The Following is an excert from a site that explains the details of Ostara:




"Ostara is also another name for Easter the Pagan Goddess of Spring. Yes that's right the Christian holiday remembering the day Jesus assended to heaven after being crucified still today bears the name of a pagan fertility goddess. Many of the Christian holidays fall on or very near to the old Pagan celebrations mainly because the Pagan people were so unwilling to relinquish their own festivals. Failing to totally wipe out the Pagan traditions the Church simply began to give different Christian meanings to the Pagan ritual days. Why Easter still retained it's name is unknown (at least to me anyway) but I can tell you what the deal is with the colored eggs and the chocolate bunnies.

The egg is a symbol of new life about to be manifest. The tradition of painting Easter eggs began as a way of manifesting wishes. A single fertile egg was taken from a nest and painted with a representation of a wish one wanted to manifest be it for prosperity, a good harvest, new love, or such. It was then hidden or buried in the ground the idea that the life of the unhatched chick would be transferred to the wish that was painted on the shell. Since then this practice has now been abandoned and transferred to hard boiled eggs which are then eaten. The Easter bunny refers to the March Hare which is also the symbol of the spring time Goddess. For in March the grass is not yet tall enough to conceal the hare's "boxing matches" for a mate. We are witness to their mating ritual and so enhances the fertility aspect of the season. In addition the Goddess is also associated with the moon and so is the hare for while we now see the image of a man's face in the shadows of the moon our ancient ancestors saw the image of running hare."

SFAWC Now on Twitter

Follow me, and get updates when I..well update my blog! How Exciteing!

http://twitter.com/WitchesCabinet