Bust Of Satyr, 1621, Jacob Jordaens

Juniper

Juniper is known for its stimulating and mind-clearing properties and its cleansing and purification of the atmosphere. Its also known for its calming and relaxing effect on the nerves, and its sharpening of mental awareness and alertness.

When burned Juniper clears negative energies but it can also create a safe, protective, positive and healing space when that negative energy is removed.

In Scottish folk magic juniper was used to sain (bless, purify) objects, people, places and livestock. This purification process was there to remove influences that might be overlooked or to remove negative spirits. Juniper is the most used plant to sain with but Rowan was also used regularly. They would usually sain a new house by burning juniper in every room enough to fill the whole house with smoke and they would sit in the house until they coughed from the smoke, this was also done every new year as well.

Cedar

Recently I found myself drawn to the magical power of the cedar tree. By recently, I mean for the past 3 years. Something about cedar just spoke to me and I didn't understand why, but I new that it was my protector and mentor.

It wasn't until today that I remembered that I was introduced to the cedar tree in elementary school. Going to a school called Cedarmere, named after the surrounding trees. It was probably the first tree I learned about outside of the pine tree. I remember getting to know the trees and thinking it was so cool how big they were. I can't believe I forgot about these small moments of connection with this tree. It kinda explains this need to reconnect. I'm sure there is more ancestral reasons to love this tree, but today, I will remember our past friendship.

Cedar properties

Protection

Cleansing

Healing

Mind-opening

Communication

It can be used to cleanse your space as well as protect from negative energies. It has a multitude of healing properties for the body. It can help with spiritual healing and will as communication magic. Great plant to get to know.

Cedar magic tea

2 Cedar tips

1 tsp chaga

3 black peppercorns

A sprinkle of Cinnamon

1 orange slice

1 tbsp maple syrup

Steep for 10-15 mins in 1 cup of hot water and enjoy.

If you have any specific questions about cedar feel free to ask. I love you're questions.

Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix, Antonio Canova

Galleria Borghese, Rome

Brother, believe me.

Lugh Lamhfada

Lugh is a god of every skill and many domains, I was determined to make this the most accurate depiction of Lugh possible, based on Celtic mythology, history, and archaeology, with the generous help of Kevin MacLean, a master of mythology and Lugh in particular.

Every detail has symbolism, and his weapons and attire are historically inspired.

Lughnasa Blessings!

Please check out my kickstarter and share it around, it would help me out a lot! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ireao/lugh-lamhfada-the-many-skilled-celtic-god

Waterfall from rain created in the cave by the Forty Steps <3