Herbal Profile - BASIL

 Hello dear friends and welcome back to my blog.

This week we are looking at the wonderful herb ~ BASIL ~ a herb that has been a mainstay herb in everyone's pantry since the dawn of using herbs (you thought I was going to say time then didn't you hahaha).

I remember long ago having it in the herb & spice rack in the pantry, using it for Italian dishes that my family loves, never really knowing all the benefits it has - and boy, has it got heaps of benefits.

So grab a cup of tea, coffee or whatever your poison is - and join me for another mini-deep-dive into the lusciously smelling B A S I L.

Basil from my garden Summer 2025

BOTANIC NAME ~ Ocimum basilicum

AKA ~ American dittany, Alabahaca, St Joseph's Wort, sweet Basil, Witches' herb, our herb.

GENDER ~ Male (Hot)

ELEMENT ~ Air & Fire

DEITY ~ Krishna, Vishnu, Erzulie

PLANET ~ Mars

CRYSTAL ~ Green Jade

NOTED ~ Basil's fresh scent stirs fidelity in love and opens the heart to forgiveness.  Basil is revered for it's Divine essence.

FOLKLORE ~ Used as a funeral herb in ancient Egypt. 
It was hung for protection from bad luck in the middle ages. 
It was used as an aphrodisiac in Italy. 
Referred to as the "witches' Herb" it was once used to detect witches (now all of us use it 😳 hahaha).. It was said that the ancient Greeks would burn the herb whilst speaking the name of a suspected witch out loud - if the Basil crackled in the flames, the person mentioned was confirmed to be a witch!!

USES ~ It is very beneficial for your health in that it improves digestion, has a calming affect and strengthens the immune system.  It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial aspects.  It also helps balance blood sugar, good for mental clarity and wonderful for health heart.
Can be used in many culinary dishes, and also can be made into a tea.
You can also use it as pest control in your garden.

ALLERGIES ~ Whilst uncommon for there to be an issue with Basil, it has been rarely known to cause mild to severe reactions in those who are allergic to the mint family of plants.  Oral itching/swelling, digestive issues and sometimes even anaphylaxis - so if you are one of those unfortunate people - I would keep away from ingesting this herb, or even putting it on your skin.

IN THE GARDEN ~ Basil prefers well drained soil which is rich in organic matter and likes to grow in full sun, however it can tolerate part shade as well.  It prefers to grow in moist soil, but not waterlogged.
It grows best in warm conditions (ie, summer) and is very sensitive to the cold.
It can be grown from seed, seedling from the nursery, or even cuttings.
To encourage the growth of your plant (to make it bushier) snip off or pinch off the leaves regularly.
Use a liquid fertiliser like Seasol (which is a seaweed fertiliser sold here in Australia) every 2 - 3 weeks in the early growing period.

WITCHCRAFT USES ~ Used in spells, sachets, spell jars, incense mixes, bath mixes to do with Love, abundance, Luck and success, purification, protection and exorcism.  Dry the leaves and powder them to use with the essential oil in anointing working candles.

A card from the Green Witches Deck of 
Magical Herbalism

Used in floor washes to add purification and protection when you wash your floor.                                                                               

Use Basil in a money bowl to attract wealth.

It is said that witches drank 1/2 a cup of Basil Juice before flying off into the air!!!

My entry into my little book

Do you use Basil?  If so, how do you use it and do you find it beneficial?

Let me know in the comments below....

Thank you for being with me today and looking at this fabulous herb.

Until next time, take care ☺️

Blessings to you all,

Annette )O( xxx

Herbal Profile ~ Flower Power ~ ROSE

 Hello to all seekers of plant knowledge,

I hope you are all keeping well ~ it's summer here in Australia, and I must admit that I do not do well in the heat.  So instead of being outside in the garden, I am under a fan in my office doing this blog instead.

Today I bring to you a mini-deep-dive into the most beautifully romantic flower in all of history - the ROSE.  I know that some people absolutely love roses - whether they be in their garden, or gifted 30 long stemmed red roses from a loved one - and some people hate them completely.

I have 6 rose bushes growing in my garden, ranging from light pink, dark pink, red & white, lilac and orange.

                                    ROSE

BOTANIC NAME ~ Rosa spp / Rosa Rugosa

AKA ~ Dog rose, Rosie, Rosetta

GENDER ~ Female (Cold)

DEITY ~ Venus, Isis, Eros, Cupid, Adonis, Aphrodite, Demeter

PLANET ~ Venus

CRYSTAL ~ Amazonite

NOTED ~ Roses are noted for use in enticing a lover.  It's intoxicating scent is good for enhancing the mood and is used in stress relief.

FOLKLORE ~ Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, was seen as the creator of the rose.  Adonis her lover was mortally wounded by a boar while hunting.  She hastened to his side, and from the mixture of his blood and her tears grew the most fragrant red rose.

USES ~ Roses have a calming affect, they are anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic and antispasmodic.  Rose tea can be a good digestive aid and immune support.

Rose water can be used in sweets and deserts (as can the petals themselves).  The rosehips are high in Vitamin C and can be made into a syrup to keep your immune system functioning. Used in weddings to line the path of the bride's walk to the altar.

ALLERGIES ~ Roses are pretty much allergy free, some people can get hey fever from the pollen, and some people can get contact dermatitis when handling the plant.

WITCHCRAFT USES ~ Rose is used in spells and sachets to do with love, healing, conciliation restoration and self-love.
Petals can be used in attraction spells.
The thorns can be used in banishing spells, as they are potent guardians against negativity.

The oil can be used in salves/balms and has a nurturing aspect for the skin.
The dried petals can be used in herbal incense mixes, and used to clear negativity away before ritual.

My little book of herbal info

With a little flip up bit :)

DECODING A ROSES COLOUR ~

  BLUE: desire, mystery

  GREEN: abundance, peace

  IVORY: charm, elegance, thoughtfulness

  ORANGE: desire, enthusiasm.  

   PEACH: gratitude.              

  PINK:  admiration, gratitude, thanks

  PURPLE-DEEP : celebration, splendour

  PURPLE-LILAC: enchantment, love at first sight

  RED: love and passion

  WHITE: purity, remembrance, youth

  WHITE & RED: union

  YELLOW: friendship, joy

I must admit that I love roses, they were my Father's favourite flower.  He used to grow them in every garden that we had - either in England, or here in Australia.

I remember him taking pride in his rose bushes, attending to their every need, pruning them, sorting out issues like black spot (though in those days he used chemical sprays, which I try not to use today).  He would research as much as he could (didn't have internet in those days), and he would make notes in a diary of what he did and how it turned out.  I would love to have those diaries now - I don't know what ever happened to them, which is a shame.

So there you have it - a compact version of the Rose.  I hope it encourages you to delve a little deeper into this luxurious, wonderfully scented plant.

Do you have roses growing in your garden?

What do you like about them? (or dislike about them).

Let me know in the comments below.

Thank you for reading this far - have a lovely week ahead and I am sending you many blessings my friend.

Until next time,
Annette )O( xxx

Herbal Profile ~ Flower Power ~ Calendula

 Hello my plant loving and mighty magical buddies,

I thought I would start the HERBAL new year off with a flower this time, even though us herbalists use it as a very revered herb.

I have grown these in my garden for years and use the flowers quite regularly in oils, balms and mixed into herbal teas and incenses - they are superb little flowers for skin irritations (hence I use them in salves and balms) plus the bees just love them.  They always remind me of summer with their bright colours.  So let's do a mini-deep-dive into the majestic

            CALENDULA                       

Orange Calendula from my garden 2025

 

BOTANIC NAME ~ Calendula Officinalis.
AKA ~ Common Marigold, Pot Marigold, Gold bloom, Holligold, Mary bud, Marygold, summer's bride, spousa solis, bride of the sun.

GENDER ~ Male (Hot)

ELEMENT ~ Fire
DEITY ~ Apollo, Brigid, Freya, Ra, Virgin Mary.

PLANET ~ Sun

CRYSTAL ~ Citrine.

FOLKLORE ~ Ancient Egyptians used Calendula to rejuvenate their skin from the harsh Egyptian sun.  In India, garlands have Calendula mixed in them for weddings and religious rituals and ceremonies.

NOTED ~ Calendula is noted for it's soothing properties, especially if used in salves or balms.  Bathing in a Calendula infusion is thought to give one a healthy, sunny glow that would draw attention and respect from one's community.

USES ~ Add fresh flowers to salad greens to promote good health and strengthen the immune system.  Calendula is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and is good for pain relief... BUT BE WARNED... over consumption will cause issues with your tummy...
Can be used in herbal tea blends.

ALLERGIES ~ If you are allergic to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds or any plants related to the Asteraceae or Compositae species ~ best avoid this one as well....

Another from my garden..

  IN THE GARDEN ~ Plant Calendula or Marigold (which has the same properties) in between your vegetables to protect them from unwanted pests.  They are a beautiful start to any summer garden as they are as bright as the sun and come in many different shades of orange, yellow, apricot and cream - some even have pink tinges... However, they do self seed prolifically so it is best to trim the flower heads once they are spent - this promotes more flowers and stops the seeds from going everywhere (unless that is what you want).

 

My little book of Herbal Notes....

WITCHCRAFT USES ~

Place a flower beneath your head at night (maybe in the pillowcase) to induce prophetic / clairvoyant dreams.

Can be added to love sachets.

Place a pot of Calendula outside your front door to repel enemies from entering your home

Used to influence legal matters - brighten your lapel with one to attract good outcomes.

Can be used (dried) in incense blends for protection from evil.

HARVESTING ~ Calendula or Marigold should be harvested at noon when the sun is high in the sky and the morning dew has had time to evaporate.

I like to dry mine naturally over a few weeks to make sure there is no moisture left - then I store them in a glass jar until I get to use them.                       

SO there you have it, my mini-deep-dive into the beautifully sunny Calendula.

Do you like this flower?

Do you use it, or just have the flowers placed in a vase within your home to bring the sunshine in?

Let me know in the comments....

Until next time, have a lovely week ahead.  Catch you with another mini-deep-dive next week...I'm thinking ROSES....🌹

Blessing to you all,
Annette )O( xxx

Herbal profile ~ Lavender

 Hello my lovelies,

Well I am sneaking in one more Herbal profile into my last day of my week off, especially for you - this time it is the wonderfully scent filled, calming LAVENDER... I will be working with this beautiful plant in the coming week.

BOTANIC NAME ~ Lavendula officinale / L vera

AKA ~ Spike, Elf leaf, Lavender angustifolia, English lavender, French lavender.

GENDER ~ Male (Hot).

ELEMENT ~ Air & Water.

PLANET ~ Mercury.

DEITY ~ Artemis, Hecate, Isis, Freya, Hermes, Quan-Yin, Virgin Mary.

CRYSTAL ~ Moonstone.

NOTED ~  For its sense of calm, it also conjures happiness and can transport the mind to a sunny mediterranean type field all abloom.  Lavender's message is of Loyalty.                                                               

FOLKLORE ~ At one time Lavender was carried with Rosemary to preserve chastity.  Many a young girl's "Hope Chest" had little sachets of Lavender amongst the linens, to keep them fresh until the young lady was married.  Lavender was also used during the War when surgical supplies were scarce, for cleansing and purification.

USES ~ Can be used in baths, bath bombs, oils and salves.  Good for healing of the skin.  It is a relaxant, calming, sleep inducing, antibacterial plant - can be used in tea mixes for pain relief.  Often used to enhance tranquility. Also used as a disinfectant to purify and cleanse areas within the home.

You can also use the flowers in baking - steep the flowers in milk and add it to baked goods.

WITCHCRAFT USES ~ Used for Protection, purification and Love.

Thrown onto a Midsummer fire by Witches as a sacrifice to the ancient Gods.

Lavender is a frequent addition to healing sachets, and especially bath mixtures and added to incense to cause sleep.

Carry the herb to visualise ghosts.

Used in purification sachets, incenses and spell bags.

Used widely to attract men for sexual favours!!!

Can be added to smoke blends to enhance the meditative state.

And YES - I did add a couple of pages to my book:

I even added a little secret panel, which lifts to reveal a pressed lavender plant.

GARDENERS ~ Lavender likes a chalky alkaline soil, so use plenty of dolomite or lime mixed into the soil  - work one or two handfuls into the soil just under the roots as well, plus sprinkle it through the topsoil as well, forking it in slightly.  They also need plenty of water plus good drainage.  Trim the flowers to encourage the plant to get bushy and produce more flowers.  If planting in the soil, just watch out because it can go feral and spread.  

Can be kept in a pot, but will need constant care:

I hope you enjoyed this little deep-dive into the life of Lavender ~ there is still many, many things to learn about this plant, this is just what I have come to learn in a couple of days. 

Thanks for reading and until next time ~ take care of yourselves and those you love ❤️ 🧡 🫶 🥰 

Blessings to you all,

Annette )O( xxx

Herbal Profile - SAGE

 Hello my lovelies,

I hope you are all enjoying this Herbal Profile series this week whilst I am on holidays ~ I hope it gives you an insight into what I have been doing over the past few weeks ~ getting to know herbs and flowers that I have growing in my garden.  This is going to be the last one for the week, as it is a herb that I am working with whilst on holidays.  Today I bring you the wonderfully wise SAGE.

BOTANIC NAME ~ Salvia Officinalis / Salvia spp.

AKA ~ Common Sage, Garden Sage.

GENDER ~ Male (Hot).

PLANET ~ Jupiter & Moon.

DEITY ~ Jupiter, Venus, Artemis, Diana, Huggeia.

CRYSTAL ~ Clear Quartz.

NOTED ~ For its wisdom - hence the saying "wise old sage". Sage is well named coming from the Latin salvere, to save.

Used by Native American Indians in smudging ceremonies.

FOLKLORE ~ The Chinese drank sage tea as often as possible, and their records show how high a value was placed on the health giving properties - 4lb of china tea was exchanged for 1lb of sage by the merchants of the time.

Sage was used in the Middle Ages to treat many maladies including fevers, liver disease and epilepsy.  It was a common belief that sage strengthened one's memory.

USES ~ Sage can be used for any culinary purpose and is usually mixed with Rosemary and Thyme to be put on meats, pies, baked goods etc.  In a tea, it improves digestion, supports cognitive function and helps with anxiety.

WITCHCRAFT USES ~ Sage is used for Protection, Purification, Wisdom, Longevity & Health, and Prosperity.

Add to healing and prosperity sachets, incenses and amulets.

Sage is used to cleanse a magical space via burning the herb.

It is used to ease grief from the loss of a loved one.

Burn a black candle that has been dressed with sage essential oil for cleansing negative energies from your home.

White Sage was the most common sage used by Witches for these purposes, but due to the unethical over harvesting of white sage, it has now become very hard to get and very expensive.  I have had mine for years and use it sparingly (see picture to the right) I find normal garden sage is just as powerful.

Yes - I did another entry into my little book too...

(My writing is not getting any neater LOL)

GARDENERS ~ Sage needs an alkaline soil, so put plenty of dolomite into the soil and throughout the topsoil when planting.  Sage loves hot sun and dryness so it will give you a sturdy little bush in no time.  She doesn't like wet feet - so make sure drainage is excellent.  She can be a bit like a spoilt child at times and can turn up toes overnight without any apparent reason if the weather or the soil condition is not to her liking.  Talk to her gently, whisper how lovely she is, keep an eye on her needs, and she will love you back.

So this ends my week of blogs on Herbal Profiles.  I will be doing more as I do them, just not all in one week hahaha.... I hope you have enjoyed this brief interlude into the flowers and herbs in my garden and what they are used for.

Until next time, please take care (especially as we are in the Silly Season...),

Blessings to you all.

Annette )O( xxx

Herbal Profile ~ YARROW

 Hello again for the fourth time this week (can you tell I am on holidays???).  

Today I am bringing you another herbal profile - this is another plant that I have growing in my garden, and I am currently drying - it is YARROW.

BOTANIC NAME ~ Achillea millefolium

AKA ~ Herbal Militaris, The Soldier's herb, Seven year's love, sanguinary, thousand seal, woundwort, stench weed, ladies mantle, milfoil, field hops and many, many more..

GENDER ~ Female (cold).

ELEMENT ~ Water.

PLANET ~ Mars & Venus.

DEITY ~ Achilles, Venus, Quan-Yin.

CRYSTAL ~ Bloodstone.

NOTED ~ For its healing properties both internally and externally.  It is a herb of peace and friendship.

FOLKLORE ~ It was used on battlefields during times of war and conflict to stop wounds from bleeding out.  The Druids used yarrow stems to divine the weather for each coming season, and according to the ancient writings, they were more accurate than those of our satellite pictures today. Used by Chiron the Centaur to cure the heel wound of Achilles

USES ~ Internally it has a calming affect and can also increase perspiration.  Yarrow tea can be taken to relieve all bodily weaknesses caused by infectious diseases like colds and flu, or any other prolonged debilitating illness, it is often mixed with other herbs to speed up its work.  Externally it is an antiseptic and speeds up wound healing.  Can be used in oils and salves for a healing balm.  Great for men who cut themselves shaving - just go out to the herb garden, grab some Yarrow leaf and press it firmly against the spot - the bleeding will stop.

WITCHCRAFT USES ~ It is used in workings for Healing, Courage, Friendship, Psychic abilities, Hex breaking, Love, Clairvoyance, Exorcism and keeping negative energies at bay.

Used in Love sachets and marriage charms.

If worn as an amulet it will ward off negativity.

A tea of Yarrow drunk before divination will enhance one's powers of perception.

Can be added to incense blends to keep evil at bay.

FOR GARDENERS ~ it is a great thing to mix Yarrow and Comfrey into your compost bin to speed up the compost activation.  All you need is a few leaves chopped up and mixed in to your compost.  Yarrow will also enhance the flavour, strength and health of any other herb gown near it (but beware - it spreads like the mint family does, so be careful where you put it in your garden).  I have a white variety (as seen in these pictures) growing by my Sage and WOW - that sage (& Yarrow) is potent..  I would love to find the pink or red variety to grow as well - but I haven't seen any for sale yet.

YES - I did another entry into my little book of Mischief,

even has a little secret addition:

Yarrow pressed onto the page from my garden..

Yarrow has to be one of my favourites in the garden, not only is it handy to have, but it looks pretty with its feathery leaves and stems of flowers in the spring and summer.

So there you have it - a run down on the wonderful YARROW.

Join me next time when I will be looking into another herb from my witches garden.

Until then, take care of yourself and those you love,

Blessings to you all.

Annette )O( xxx

Herbal Profiles ~ ROSEMARY

 Hello there you mighty bunch of lovely people,

Today I am doing a herb profile on ROSEMARY....

BOTANIC NAME ~ Rosemarinus officinalis

AKA ~ Dew of the sea, Sea dew, Rosmaris, Rosemarine, Rosemarie, Guardrobe, Libanotis.

GENDER ~ Male (Hot).

ELEMENT ~ Fire.

PLANET ~ Sun.

DEITY ~ Jupiter & Hecate.

CRYSTAL ~ Aventurine.

NOTED ~ For remembrance, for it's unique taste and smell, as a "clear all" for your health.

FOLKLORE ~ Rosemary evokes sweet remembrance, and is often used at funerals, also ANZAC day parades (Australia) to remember those who fell in the wars.  It is believed that it grows where the sea can be seen, where the righteous abide, or where a woman rules the house.

USES ~ Rosemary is an all purpose herb which can be used in all sorts of culinary dishes from seasoning meats, to adding to bread, stews, soups and seasonings.  It makes a wonderful tonic and is great for both hair and skin.  Using a Rosemary toner will tighten up your skin and heal it of any acne nor skin irritations.  Rosemary can be made into an oil and put into salves, skin creams, soaps, shampoos and conditioners.  The parts used are the leaves ~ dried, powdered and fresh.

WITCHCRAFT USES ~ Can be used to cleanse your work or ritual area.

(Smoke stick like in the picture here -------->)

It is used for purification, love, protection, to improve the intellectual aspects.

Add to all purification workings, bath sachets, love incenses, protection incenses.

Wear a sprig of Rosemary to aid memory, use in Sea rituals or in sachets to ensure sage passage whilst travelling.

Use Rosemary soap to wash hands before a ritual.

Burn a Rosemary & Juniper mix as a healing/recuperation aid.

Use in baths to sooth the body.

Drink Rosemary Tea to help your liver function, and open up the mind for meditation.

Again here is what I wrote in my book with my scruffy writing LOL (Hopefully one day my writing will be neat and tidy....but don't hold your breath haha).

Rosemary is very easy to grow and is always a handy herb to have on hand.  I have two plants growing, one in my front garden, and one in a pot out in my back garden - it grows well in either the ground or a pot, so it's easy to grow if you don't have a yard, or if you live in an apartment- just grow some on your window sill or balcony if you have one.  It loves a good prune every now and again, but be sure to only take about a quarter of the plant so as not to kill it.  It also loves a good soak of SEASOL fertiliser every now and again.

AND as always, please consult your medical practitioner before you use ANY herbal remedy as they may have contraindications to any medications you may be taking.

I hope you enjoyed this little delve into Rosemary.

Let me know in the comments below how you use Rosemary - what is your favourite thing to do with it (be it culinary or Witchy..)

Until next time, please take care of yourselves and each other.

Blessings to you all,

Annette )O( xxx

Vlog - 23 July to 2nd Aug 2025

Hi My lovelies,

My latest video is up on YouTube....

Don't let the thumbnail scare you to death - it's all good, not scary at all - YouTube just wouldn't let me change it...

Enjoy...

Imbolc Blessings to you all

Annette )O( xxx

Gloomy's Garden & Witchery - Garden Vlog # 18 26 31st May 2025

Hi my Little Lovelies,

Wow - what a week it has been.  Not the best week to end my holidays on, but there you go:

As I say in the video, I don't know when I will be able to do another garden video due to work - but we will see, you never know!!

I hope you enjoy it my lovelies - ALSO there is a herbal remedy one up as well if you want to take a look at that one - all to do with Four Thieves Vinegar...

Have a great week and I will catch you next time!!

Blessings to you all,

Annette )O( xxx

Gloomy's Garden - Vlog # 14 - Easter

Hello my lovelies,

HAPPY EASTER if you are celebrating..

I have another Garden Vlog Catch-up thingy video on my YouTube channel...

I hope you will enjoy it!!

Catch you next week,

Annette )O( xxx

Tea & Chat - Herbal Remedies - Gut Health

Hello my lovelies,

I have another video up on YouTube all about Gut health, and what I use to help my IBS.

I hope you will enjoy this little "different" video!!

Take care and have a great week!

Blessings,

Annette )O( xxx

Gloomy's Garden - Vlog 11 - End of Summer Catch-up

Hi Everyone,

Just another Gloomy's Garden Vlog for end of summer...

I hope you enjoy it!!

Looking back at 2024 and what is new for 2025, (Last BLOG of the year)

 Greetings all,

Merry Christmas Eve 🌲🔆🌟🔥

What a year 2024 has been!!

I was going to write about what a crap year it has been, but I didn't want to leave a whole bunch of negativity here, there is so much of it in the world these days that I don't want to encourage it here on this platform, so I have taken a "well needed" step back to reflect on the year that was, and found that there were a few things that threw the curve ball at us - like losing our beloved Rudy boy, ongoing health issues, work issues etc - but there were also good things as well, like enjoying nature, the garden and adopting our Mavis from the Animal Welfare League...

Mavis and I doing a selfie...

Whilst work has given me the absolute heebee-geebees (I cleaned that up pretty nicely!!!), I was blessed  to have a whole month off in September - part of my long service leave - and in that month we redecorated parts of the house, did some planting in the garden, relaxed and just enjoyed life.

My home life has been great, we have it good, and are very grateful for what we have as we know we are in a good position financially and do not want for anything in particular (we haven't always been there so we know it is a hell of a good place to be in) and what with my garden coming to life in spring and summer, good food and also benefitting from a daily witchcraft practice. 

We do all have our moments of depression or sadness, which has only been so predominantly around us since we have had the C Virus shots in 2022 (I know, I sound like a broken record - but honestly, if I knew then what I know now - I would NEVER have got them).  We all struggle on a daily basis - sometimes we feel good - other times we feel ill, and very, very exhausted (we can have a good night's sleep and wake up SO tired) but it's nothing you can put your finger on and honestly - the Doctors are no good in this situation because they do not know anything but taking a guess at what's wrong and loading you up with pharmaceutical drugs, which cause more harm than good - and we do not want to go down that Merry-Go-Round.  Most of the time we all suffer from varying issues - differing body aches and pains, headaches, earaches, itches, migraines, constipation, diarrhoea and just an overwhelming sadness that prevails even when things are going splendidly.  It feels as though your very soul is too heavy to carry around - Sometimes it is very hard just to get up of a morning...

We are trying to keep off of junk food, sugary items, salty items and cooking things with too many oils - eating healthier foods and getting adequate exercise and rest to see if we can combat these issues and bring in a change of good health.

To try to conquer these feelings -most mornings I light my candles on my altar, light some nice incense to cleanse my space and pull an oracle card for the day.  It has been very insightful, and has helped me gain a wee bit of confidence in my abilities as a witch.  It helps me focus for the day and gives me some sort of calmness before all the madness begins (especially my work day!)

I have also started to 'craft' things and was able to make a few witchy items for a friend that was moving interstate - I made her a goodie spell bag with lots of things in it, like a protection jar spell, a protection sigil, some herbal tea, some bath salts and soap (all crafted by me), some seeds for her garden when she gets established (Sunflower and Calendula from my garden) - she was so happy with it all....

I have been making more of a connection with my plants and insects in my garden too (yes I talk to them hahaha) - which shows as the garden is looking very lush and green

Looking through the portal....

I purchased a new greenhouse this year as my old one kind of got demolished in the very strong winds we have had this year (and continue to do so):

Gloomy's Greenhouse....

I will be doing a product review of the new greenhouse on my YouTube channel in 2025 - so stay tuned for that one if you are thinking of getting one of these types of greenhouses - (there have been many learning curves with this one) - so maybe you will learn some tips and tricks!!

Speaking of YouTube and my channel, I started uploading Gloomy's Garden Vlogs in 2024 - something I spent many years wanting to do but didn't have the courage, I thought I was too ugly, fat, old etc and could think up any excuse not to do videos.  Then one day I thought "why not", other people do it and they are just themselves, I could do that too... I have started out doing a VLOG every so often and am up to #9 at the moment.

I wish to keep doing more videos in 2025, but expanding the repertoire to not only do garden vlogs, but to do other things such as monthly herbalism posts, Q&A's, Product reviews, Herbal Remedies, Health Tips and Tea & Chat type scenarios.  So if you are interested in any of this - please hop over to my YouTube channel and Hit that SUBSCRIBE button and the bell notification so you are advised when I put a new video up - Hopefully I will get a few more followers, I think I have around 20 at the moment.  I have to wonder how people get hundreds of thousands of followers!!!???!!!

Gloomy's YouTube Channel

I will also be doing a book give away in late January 2025 - as I received a book from a relative for my birthday, but I already have it, so I thought a nice give away would be great.  I will advertise it on Instagram and YouTube - the proviso is that you have to like and subscribe to my YouTube channel to go into the draw.  After a month, I will do a video of the drawing of the name - hopefully with my trusty Super-Hubby sidekick, and then make someone feel good about themselves for getting a free book!  I will advise when I have that all organised so you can follow the links and put your name in if you want 😁

So there are a lot of plans for the future of my YouTube channel in  2025!!

In the meantime, I have two weeks annual leave and we still have around 7 days left in 2024 - Christmas Day is tomorrow - we will have our own little celebration as we are not Christians, so we will do something Witchy and make good food and just be together with our pupster Mavis.

What ever you are doing or celebrating, I hope you have a wonderful time and feel very blessed that you made it through another year, looking forward to the new year ahead.

Until next year my friends,

Blessings and Good Health to you all,

An Irish Blessing

Cheers,

Gloomy )O( xxx

GLOOMY'S HERBALS - A RECIPE FOR BITTERS

In today's society there are a LOT of illnesses that can be prevented by having good gut flora.  The so called "Foods" we eat today are making us very sick (and surely killing us quicker than normal).  To prevent getting ill, we need to get our gut flora in check, and to do this we need to stay away from processed and packaged foods, junk food, excessive sugar, flavourings and colourings.

Look at the list of ingredients packaged foods in the supermarkets and you will notice a load of numbers and words that you don't even know what they are - this is wrong, so very, very wrong.  You should be able to tell what is in your food.

Herbal Bitters can really aid the digestive system and it is a good practice to take them just before a large meal - (like the sort we eat at Christmas time, where we stuff ourselves silly and then can't move...hahaha).  

Herbal Bitters can also have a very positive effect on all the body systems, as there are bitter receptors throughout the body and it will help to stimulate these systems.  

This herbal concoction can be used all year round if required - before any large meal, greasy fried meal, or a rich meal, (though it does pay to limit these kinds of meals) to help in the digestion of such foods through your body.

 

INGREDIENTS:
Dandelion Leaves and Roots,

Yarrow, 

Chamomile, 

Calendula/Marigold Flowers, 

Wormwood,

Elecampane (can be fresh or dried), 

Fennel Seeds,

Peppermint, 
Brandy.

 

METHOD:

Simply chop them all up and place in a Kilner/Mason jar.  Cover with brandy, stir to remove any bubbles then leave to infuse for 3-4 weeks in a cool, dark cupboard. 

 

You can also use Vervain, Agrimony, Ginger, Hops, Burdock Root, Dock Root, Stinging Nettle and many others.  

 

When infusion is complete, strain out the herbs and put the bitters into a dark bottle, and store in a dark pantry or cupboard.

 

 

DOSE:

 

 Take 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon about 15-20 minutes before eating (work your way up to a tablespoon full if you do not like bitters).  It is best to take bitters straight on to the tongue but perhaps add the bitters to a little drop of water until you get used to the bitter taste.  

This concoction will last up to 6 months. 

 

NOTE:

 

You can either grow these herbs in your garden or purchase them dried online from a reputable source.  But I prefer to grow my own herbs so I know that they are fresh and have not been sprayed with any pesticides or other nasties.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER:

If you are under a Health Practitioner's supervision, always check with them first before embarking to take anything herbal, just to make sure there are no herbs in the mix that might be contra-indicated for you (will clash), with the prescription medication you are already on. Better to be safe than sorry!

I hope you found this helpful in your quest for a healthy gut flora.

Keep well my friends.