Risk vs Reward
A first(ish) draft of the introduction to the chapter on etheogens and hallucinogens in that book I’ll never finish writing.
“Blind as a bat, mad as a hatter, red as a beet, hot as hell, dry as a bone, the bowel and bladder lose their tone, and the heart runs alone.” ~ A teaching mnemonic device about the effects of Datura stramonium
Like many young and inexperienced Witches I had a craving for a deep, mystical and powerful spiritual experience, similar to the tales I had heard the Elders in my community share. I wanted something akin to the tall-tales the other young Witches and Pagans told each other when not within earshot of the Elders. I wanted something special, something that would make me special, some great nugget of lore or wisdom that would impress people. I was envious… and a little bored.
My first attempt at working with flying ointment had been something of a disappointment to me, yet also a temptation. Being careful and cautious as I was advised, I had made a very simple and weak blend. Then I rubbed it on a few pulse points before stretching out on a blanket in my living room… Continue reading
Musings About the Land: Wells Gray Provincial Park
I took the day off, loaded up my bike and headed out into the backcountry yesterday.
I had a wonderful day at Wells Gray Park, it is one of the largest provincial parks in BC and it’s so beautiful. It has many waterfalls of all shapes and sizes; I only saw a couple of them.
First I just drove through the park along the main road all the way to the very end, as far as you can drive a car into. Which stops along Clearwater Lake, it really has clear water! It also falls into a stunning waterfall and is like a mini Niagara Falls; especially the view from the top, the lake just suddenly DROPS, falls and then becomes a river, its awesome.
Then I headed back about half way through the park to a trail that had stood out to me while looking at the map. It is a loop trail that runs through what used to be an old settlers farm back in the day but was donated to the park ages ago.
You can go past the old barn and farm house that have been left to go back to the land, and see where… Continue reading
Some Interesting Reads
A Field Guide to Otherkin by Lupa
Plant Spirit Shamanism: Traditional Techniques for Healing the Soul by Ross Heaven, Howard G. Charing, and Pablo Amaringo
Irish Witchcraft by Lora O’Brien
Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants in Wild (and Not So Wild) Places – Steve Brill
Peterson First Guides: Trees – George Petrides, Olivia Petrides , Janet Wehr
The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety – Simon Mills
The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism: A Comprehensive Guide to Practical Herbal Therapy – Simon Mills
The Magical Garden: Spells, Charms, and Lore for magical Gardens and the Curious Gardeners Who Tell – Sophia and Denny Sargent
The Elements of Natural Magic (Elements of) – Marian Green
The Complete Book of Herbs: A Practical Guide to Growing and Using Herbs – Lesley Bremness
Green Pharmacy: The History and Evolution of Western Herbal Medicine – Barbara Griggs
The Healing Power of Celtic Plants: Their History, Their Use, and the Scientific Evidence That They Work – Angela Paine
The Nature Path – Starhawk
Natural Magic – Doreen Valiente
Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth James Lovelock
The Wild Plant Companion: A Fresh Understanding of Herbal Food and Medicine – Kathryn G. March
Leechcraft:… Continue reading
To Fly By Night
Hoofprints in the Wildwood
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