Ostara

 Easter is celebration of the parousia, the manifestation of Indestructible Life.

Wild horse or mustang. Windfire warrior. The Spirit of a Horse.

Tricksters

Drawing on myth, folklore, fairy tales, and the everyday enchantments of the natural world, Sister Fox (a most beguiling little Trickster) presents poems dedicated to the daily vocation of writing: the rigours and the pleasures, the sweat and the magic, the practical craft and the numinous art. Storytellers, poets, and Tricksters alike are liars whose lies speak truths.

Sister Fox

I'm a writer, artist, and book editor interested in myth, folklore, fairy tales, and the ways they are used in contemporary arts. Like many American children, I was raised on the myths and fairy tales of Europe -- on stories of wolves lurking in the woods, boys who pull swords out of stones, girls who travel on the backs of bears or swans or the fierce North Wind. I never out-grew these "children's" tales; rather, I seemed to grow into them, discovering their hidden depths as I grew older -- for just as nightly dreams reflect the realities of our waking life, the symbols to be found in folklore and myth (the collective dreams of entire cultures) provide useful metaphors for the journeys, struggles and transformations we experience throughout our lives. - Terri Windling.

Bulbos de otoño, flores de primavera - Bulbos, Rizomas y Tubérculos

Plantas bulbosas - Azucenas, Tulipanes, Gladiolos, Dalias, etc. Se trata de plantas muy duraderas, muchas de ellas perennes, cuyas flores vuelven a aparecer un año tras otro, alegrando nuestra casa o jardín. Su belleza radica en la vivacidad y atractivo de sus flores. 

Tubérculos - remolacha, rábano, yuca, patata, boniato, apio, nabo, apionabo, hinojo o anís dulce, cebolla, zanahoria, etc. Son llamadas raíces carnosas, raíces reservantes o raíces de almacenamiento (raíces suculentas si la proporción de agua es muy alta). En general, se reconocen por su aspecto engrosado.

Rizomas - jenjibre, cúrcuma, bambú, etc. Es un tallo subterráneo con varias yemas que crece de forma horizontal emitiendo raíces y brotes herbáceos de sus nudos.

cúrcuma

jenjibre

Wild Horse Spirit

Extrovert. Independent. Free-spirited. Kind. Stamina. Sensitive.

Wise Wild Woman (Witch) crossing the gateway to the Otherworld (hedge witchery).

Shaman Flight

http://puakaihealing.com/animal-totem-wild-horse/

http://www.horsespiritconnections.com/horse/spiritual.html

The Healer

1. Koroit Opal

You are naturally gifted, yet few ever recognize the treausres that you contain within. A lightworker, You often struggle to adapt to Earth changes, and strive for inner balance and being accepted for your advanced beliefs. Your sense of wellbeing is often affected by stressful circumstances and negative people - you are cautioned to use protection through the form of your guides or crystals, and to be conscious of others influences. If you often feel misunderstood, know that your purpose on this earth is to understand and have compassion, and that the more you open your awareness, the more self-acceptance you will develop.

2. Rutilated Quartz

Ever perceptive and philosophical, you are the deep thinker, the one whose waters run clear to the core. Often the sparkling spirit, too much negative energy can easily displace your goals and purpose, here you should refocus and redetermine your efforts in both the physical and spiritual worlds. Your unique soul is one of a kind, and you have ties to the ancient civilization of Atlantis, you are intuitive and a bit quirky. Your sensitivity often finds you looking too deeply into what other people mean and while you are empathic, often you overestimate the depth or intention of others who are simply having a bad day.

3. Malachite

An intelligent and thoughtful person, you are a great thinker who spends a lot of time thinking about what is right, even if the majority of society does not agree with you. You know for yourself what you need to do and not do, and you want to create a life in accordance with your own ideaology. You are trying to establish an independent sphere of your own. You are an old soul who has come here to learn a specific lesson that likely has to do with a karmic relationship. Trust your instincts and your heart, and watch for patterns which repeat themselves over and over again on this timeline.

4. Rose Quartz

You are romantic and an eternal optimist who believes that life is a gift and you try to achieve as much as possible and put this gift to the best use possible. As an advanced soul, you are loyal to those that you care about through thick and thin, and use every opportunity to forgive, learn, and grow because you believe that life is too short to do otherwise. You are being asked to open your heart and spirit to the energy of unconditional love in all forms - self-love, platonic love, spiritual love and romantic love. Take time to reflect on the abundance that the universe has bestowed upon you. You are here to teach and to love, look for a sign from your guides to help show you the way.

5. Herkimer Diamond

You are mysterious and possess the gift of natural magick, and unafraid to explore the deeper meaning and mysteries of life. Your ideal is to be free of the repression of limited and uninspired thinking, and to help others to do the same. You have a link to the lost continent of Lemuria, and should consider a trip to Mt. Shasta at least once in your lifetime. Avoid contact with people who would dissuade you from your natural proclivity towards the mystical, while allowing them to learn their own lessons in this existence.

6. Rhodochrosite

Again and again, you are drawn towards love and relationships, but have not always had success in these areas. This is a karmic agreement which you entered into willingly prior to this incarnation, which will enable ultimately your soul's growth and potential. You have a natural ability to heal, although this may have been largely untapped in you up to this point. Search for ways and means which allow you to enjoy life without care and spend more time devoting yourself to the things that bring you a sense of joy.

7. Apatite

A sensitive spirit, you can be determined and motivated towards anything which benefits mankind. You were trained in the classical mysteries in an earlier incarnation, possibly having something to do with Egyptian or Native American magic. Thanks to your determination and force of will, you often achieve what you plan to do, but you also run the risk of paying too little attention to the needs of other people and to isolate yourself from them. You want to be able to fulfill your dreams even when they seem unrealistic to others. Realize that you fully need to apply thought and energy if you wish to reach your goal.

8. Red Tiger's Eye

An inner urge drives you to obtain the sensual pleasures of life. You are charming and magnetic, and love to make people laugh, but strive to maintain harmony with the cosmos.Spontaneous and enthusiastic, you never say no to an adventure and have unexplored gifts in shamanism. Often, you end up surprising and even shocking people. Your past life has an impact on your present, and you were sent here to perform a specific task which you may even now not be wholly aware of, although there are clues in your life which underscore its existence. You have many interests and if something proves of interest to you, you will not rest until you acquire a profound knowledge of this area.

9. Chrysocolla

A natural healer, you prefer to retreat to a quiet place undisturbed by problems and worries when things and people upset you. Others do not often understand your need for reflection and solitude, but these attributes and aspects are necessary for you to fulfill your purpose here. When you are in a more social mode, you are charming, given to deep emotions and have a highly-developed sense of intuition. Trust your instincts more, and your thoughts and purpose will follow.

Myers Briggs Personality Type

http://www.truity.com/view/types
http://www.typefinder.com/view/types
http://www.scoop.it/t/being-an-infp-is-like
http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/
http://www.bridges.com/usa/support/teachtls/resources/dwya/handbook.pdf
http://www.personalitypathways.com/type_inventory.html
http://www.mypersonality.info/personality-types/
http://www.personalitypage.com/html/portraits.html
http://understandmyersbriggs.blogspot.com.es/2012/12/myers-briggs-types-as-animals.html
http://www.buzzfeed.com/summeranne/whats-your-animal-personality-type

Witch Cards

My favourite Witch Card... A crush on this good green witch!

“The Healing Witch reveals unfailing support and guidance, influencing your romantic heart while presenting truthful knowledge. She nutures others with warmth and comfort.

A situation that heightens your intuition and renews your willpower soon makes some one you know feel better. Your own life will be bright because you seek the light and face the sunshine.”

Also like a lot...

I've been thinking about making further steps into my Forest - encouraged by the Forest Witch. I'm thinking about planting bulbs, flowers and even some edible root vegetable such as radish. And of course, to grow some medicinal and culinary herbs such as rosemary, origan, sage and peppermint. I have been experiencing what it means to be a caretaker of such a space, and I also think that I am beginning to understand where my path -both magical and mundane, since I cannot live but a holistic life that integrates the physical and the spiritual realms - is meant to go.

"She drinks of her own brew, happy to imbibe with her own creations and attain higher intuition through the magic and medicine of her own making. Her dedication to her life plans and aspirations brings changes, growth and happiness. Her recipe is a perfect wholesome one for body, mind and spiritual success."

"The Treasure Witch brings precious gifts more beautiful than jewels."

- Source: http://thecountrywitchscottage.blogspot.com.es/

Easter Colors

http://pixiedusthealing.blogspot.ca/2011/04/easter-colors.html

http://pixiedusthealing.blogspot.ca/2012/04/easter-full-moon-in-libra.html 

http://pixiedusthealing.com/april-foods-day-or-crazy-wisdom/

http://pixiedusthealing.blogspot.com.es/2013_04_01_archive.html(April 2013)

The two colors associated with Easter are yellow and purple.

- Source: http://pixiedusthealing.blogspot.ca/2011/04/easter-colors.html

Spring Equinox Witch

Spring Solstice Witch breathes in the fresh fragrant spring air, a time when the earth blooms in its renewal. She is surrounded by delicate apple blossoms, rabbits, tulips and daffodils as well as delicate lil robin eggs tucked in carefully crafted nests. On the standing stones is a symbol for life emerging from the earth and she has tucked under her hat a red Anemone in honor of Persephone.

http://www.etsy.com/es/listing/161396769/spring-solstice-witch-by-artist-jane?ref=shop_home_active

Spring herald in my neck of the woods wears a robin's red* breast, the yellows and purples of April's harlequin fool... (violets, crocus and daddofils are the first to leave the gate) and the starry undeniable presence of the Orion over head in the early evening sky. (*this wonderful bird is traditionally a herald of spring, a time of new spurt of growth and new beginnings, and the red coloring of its chest is, of course, connected to the kundalini) 

- Source: http://www.symbolic-meanings.com/tag/spring

It turns out the Fool is considered to be “spirit in search of experience”.  It is considered mystical cleverness without reason, sort of “crazy wisdom”.  If you look at the card, it’s obvious that this guy is about to walk off the edge of a cliff without any real concern.  In fact, he seems oblivious to his impending plunge into the abyss.  No worries there; ultimate trust and unconcern. The sun clearly shines on the Fools back though and that signifies divine nature. That seems to me to speak to real Crown Chakra, the knowing that you’re protected, and “peaceful in the knowing” type attitude.  He also has a dog with him that is said to represent animal* desires (*instinctual nature). He’s gently holding a flower which is interpreted as an appreciation of nature. So it seems to me he’s got both a connection to the beyond, at the same time he’s very in tune with earth and nature.  A nice balance* (*or chaos in balance, according to the astral meaning of the Libra Full Moon, Sun in Aries, or the Libra/Aries axis/polarity: the main target of those born under this full moon is achieving balance between your inside and outside) there in my opinion.  The Fool is also carrying all his possessions with him in that Hobo style stick/backpack.  He’s ready for whatever adventure comes up.

- Source: http://pixiedusthealing.com/april-foods-day-or-crazy-wisdom/

In the Victorian language of flowers, the Daffodil speaks to us about forgiveness, trust, honesty and true love. The flower looks like a trumpet to me, and I like to think the energy of the Daffodil announces the arrival of spring. The spiritual symbolism of the Daffodil is clear, bright, and it blasts away all illusion with simple childlike honesty and love. What better time than the oncoming Spring to be reminded of such heartwarming concepts.  Use this time of the impending full moon to let go of what no longer serves you, seeking the balance that Libra offers and use the bravery of Mars to be courageous in your forward momentum, shooting forth from the Earth, spreading your joy and love to the universe.  If we are to flourish, then we must be courageous in finding our inner wisdom and letting it shine. Happy Spring!

- Source: http://wildflowerwomen.wordpress.com/2013/03/21/springtime-courage/

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage. ~ Anais Nin

Full Moon in Libra:

Sun in Aries (fire sign)

yellow - daffodils, trumpets announcing Spring

red - robin redbreast, a traditional herald of Spring "the first robin of spring

These two colors mix into the orange reddish coloring of the fox's fur (Celtic animal totem linked to the Alder Full Moon) (Psychopomp or spiritual guide into the Otherworld, like Persephone)

Moon in Libra (air sign)

blue - robin's eggs

pink - first full moon after the vernal equinox is the Pink Moon, Vernal Full Moon, Spring Full Moon, Ostara Full Moon, Aphrodite/Venus/Persephone Full Moon, April Full Moon, Alder Moon, Egg Moon, Seed Moon, Budding Trees Full Moon, Sprouting Grass Full Moon, Full Moon in Libra (Sun in Aries). The Mars Warrior and the Libra Maiden (Persephone and Hades/ Aphrodite and Hephaestus/ Venus (Aphrodite) was married to Vulcan (Hephaestus), the skilled artisan/craftsman).

These two colors mix into purple or violet, a mystical color assisting those who seek the meaning of life and spiritual fulfillment. No doubt it is the Fool's (fool sage, wild wise) color :)

Fox - The Fool Tarot Card

She starts her journey at dawn, fresh and unknowing.  There is a risk of falling or being nipped by the fox, but also endless possibility and beauty surrounds her.

- Source: http://kleiosbelly.wordpress.com/category/paper-and-wood-crafts/page/2/

This magic stings! - Herbal Nourishing Infusions

Stinging nettle is traditionally used as a wonderful spring tonic: nettle’s iron content makes it a wonderful blood builder, and the presence of vitamin C aids in the iron absorption.  As a hemetic (an herb rich in iron), this is an excellent herb for anemia and fatigue, especially in women.  It “promotes the process of protein transanimation in the liver, effectively utilizing digested proteins, while simultaneously preventing them from being discharged through the body as waste products.”

- Source: 

http://herbmagik.blogspot.com.es/2013/03/this-magic-stings.html?m=1

WOW! Really? Entre la miel de bellotas y el té de ortiga verde me voy a poner fuerte como una Osa :)

Tea Drinking Medicine Bear

Apicultura Ecológica - La Magia de la Naturaleza

Las Mil y una Mieles...

 Miel del Bosque o de Montaña: Miel de Roble, Miel de Encina o Miel de Bellota. 

La bellota es el fruto de algunas especies arbóreas tales como el roble, la encina, el alcornoque y el quejigo. Este mielato de encinas y robles es la única miel que no procede del néctar de las flores, sino de la savia del árbol que rezuman los frutos de éste, en este caso las bellotas, y que liban las abejas para elaborar este mielato, miel de mielada o miel elaborada a partir de melaza de bellotas. Entre las mieles, la miel de mielada o mielato es la mejor, pues es la que contiene mayor cantidad de antioxidantes naturales, que limpian los radicales libres que libera el organismo, y se cree que protegen contra enfermedades como el cáncer, los transtornos cardiovasculares, las enfermedades neurodegenerativas y el envejecimiento. De color negro intenso y sabor a cebada tostada. Altísimo contenido en sales minerales: hierro, fósforo, calcio, magnesio, etc. Muy adecuada para anomalías que requieren adición de hierro: anemia, o para otras situaciones en las que se producen grandes pérdidas de sangre, como en las menstruaciones demasiado abundantes (metrorragia) o cuando se pierde habitalmente sangre por la nariz (sangrado nasal). Una deficiencia de hierro puede ser causa de fatiga y debilidad general. Usar la miel de espliego nos ayudará a recuperar energía. La miel de bellota se recomienda también en casos de diarrea, artritis o gota. Contra hemorroides, aplicándola directamente. Regeneración muscular. Si la mezclamos con azúcar y limón, es un excelente exfoliante natural que hidrata y limpia, y el limón produce un efecto blanqueador en la piel.

- Mielerías:
http://www.apiculturaecologica.com/es/nuestras-mieles/14-miel-de-bellota.html**
http://mieldelamata.com/tienda/miel-de-montana/miel-de-montana-250-gr/
http://www.lamilagrosa.net/productos_miel.php
http://www.laalacenademalaga.com/index.php/miel-del-bosque-la-milagrosa-500-gr.html
http://www.sierraflor.es/03_productos/mieles-tradicionales/clases-de-miel-venta.htm
http://miel-antoniosimon.com/es/14-miel-ecologica-de-roble.html**
http://miel-antoniosimon.com/es/content/18-propiedades-de-la-miel
http://ecotenda.net/es/mermelada-y-miel/5644-miel-de-roble-a-simon-500g.html
http://www.mieldelapuela.com/info/15/miel-de-roble/
http://www.agroterra.com/blog/actualidad/beneficios-de-los-diferentes-tipos-de-miel/63748/
http://www.enterbio.es/mieles-ecologicas-miel-ecologica-de-roble-500-gr-antonio-simon**
http://laabejafeliz.es.tl/MIEL-DE-ROBLE.htm
http://www.directodelcampo.com/miel-antonio-simon--prd--1jjimg8a8/**
http://www.elobradordetom.com/tienda/miel-ecologica/38-miel-ecologica-de-roble-pet-dosificador.html
http://soria-goig.com/Etnologia/pag_0819.htm**
http://www.templete.org/2012/05/el-vinamell-que-ha-enamorado-ferran.html
https://www.upm.es/e-politecnica/?p=1481 (vinagre de miel de bellota, elaborado a partir de melaza de roble)

Melaza de bellota. 

Es la única miel que no procede de las flores sino de las mismas bellotas de encinas y robles.

Miel de bellota

Kitchen Witchery ~ The Green Witch

One of the most common places to begin your journey as an herbalist is right inside your own kitchen. 

- Source:

http://witchyredrose.m.webs.com/site/mobile?dm_path=/kitchenwitch.htm&fw_sig_tier=0&fw_sig=3bbb6f9b0964c368359bc51be4c123da&fw_sig_locale=en-US&fw_sig_premium=0&fw_sig_social=1&fw_sig_permissions=none&fw_sig_session_key=0abc939b8148fc67c85e606303d672c273b90d13a4cdafedb440e35a169b6f11-6886081&fw_sig_is_admin=0&fw_sig_api_key=522b0eedffc137c934fc7268582d53a1&fw_sig_access_token=ceab9201df502a2893f651ae48bd06cb346a7d90&fw_sig_url=http://witchyredrose.webs.com/&fw_sig_permission_level=0&fw_sig_potential_abuse=1&fw_sig_time=1390079130061&fw_sig_site=6886081&fb_sig_network=fw#1201

Alchemy Under the Moon - www.evelyndeanarts.com

Easter Bunny Shaped Rolls

These are so cute and would be fun for Ostara yes? x

Easter Bunny Shaped Rolls

How adorable are these Easter Bunny Shaped Rolls? The secret to shaping the ears is Kitchen Shears! Use your favorite rolls recipe to bake these bunnies or try the one below. Your family will love to see these cute bunnies on the Easter dinner table this year.

**Please note that you will probably want to practice the ear shaping technique ahead of time because the photo above is from a professional chef. Your results may vary. Also please note that the recipe below is NOT the recipe used in the picture you see above.**

Ingredients:

2-1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons sugar

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons butter

1 egg

Directions:

1. Put the butter, the sour cream and water in a small saucepan and heat, but do not cook. Cool to tepid then add the remaining ingredients. Put in a kneader (or use your kneader attachment on your mixer if you have one). If thick add more water.

2. Let it rise double and cut into 16 equal parts.

3. Baking tray lined with baking paper or a silicone baking mat and cut the ears with kitchen shears. When the dough is STILL SOFT, Make sure you smooth the edges around, so you do not end up with gremlin shaped horns.

4. The eyes can then be put in, use pepper grains or similar.

5. Bake at 375° for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Looking for easy Easter table decor? Check out my blog post about DIY Easter Centerpieces with Peeps and Tulips.

Hinojo o anís dulce

Se acerca la primavera, y seguimos con los bulbos. Porque no todo en el campo serán narcisos y tulipanes :) También hay Apio, Nabo, Apionabo, Rábano, Remolacha, Cebolla, Hinojo o anís dulce... Los bulbos son raíces hinchadas que contienen muy poca cantidad de fécula o almidón, y en cambio, grandes cantidades de vitaminas y minerales. Auténticos saquitos (pouch) de Medicina.

Hinojo o anís dulce Regar con aceite de oliva y vinagre de miel, y hornear a 200℃ aprox 40 minutos.


Celery

The writings of Jakob Böhme (1575–1624) spread the doctrine of signatures - Böhme suggested that God marked objects with a sign, or "signature", for their purpose.  A plant bearing parts that resembled human body-parts, animals, or other objects were thought to have useful relevance to those parts, animals or objects. The "signature" may also be identified in the environments or specific sites in which plants grew. Well known examples include the following:

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function—and they look exactly like human kidneys.

Walnuts looks like little brains, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop brain function.

The cross section of a Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye. Science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to the eyes and aid in the general function of the eyes.

Celery looks just like bones. Celery specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23 percent sodium and these foods are 23 percent sodium. If you don’t have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. Foods like celery replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Fried Celery Root (Apio nabo)

El apio nabo (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum), perteneciente a la familia de las Apiáceas, se cultiva para aprovechar su raíz grande y bulbosa, contrariamente al apio común (Apium graveolens var. dulce), del que se aprovecha la penca y las hojas.

Sedano Fritto or fried celery root (serves 4)

Ingredients:

1 large celery root, peeled

1 egg

1 1/2 cups bread crumbs (I used panko)

3 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter

salt

1. Cook the celery root in salted, boiling water for 10 minutes, then drain and let cool slightly.

2. Beat the egg with a pinch of salt in a shallow dish and spread the bread crumbs out in another shallow dish.

3. Cut the boiled celery root into 1/4 inch slices and dip them first in the beaten egg and then in the bread crumbs.

4. Heat the oil and butter in a skillet, add the celery root slices, and fry until light golden brown. Remove with a slotted spatula and drain on paper towels, the sprinkle with a little salt and serve.

Avocadoes target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female—they look just like these organs. Avocadoes help women balance hormones, shed unwanted birth weight, and deter cervical cancers. It takes exactly nine months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit:

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Slice a Mushroom in half and it resembles a human ear. Mushrooms have been found to improve hearing, as mushrooms are one of the few foods that contain vitamin D. This particular vitamin is important for healthy bones, even the tiny ones in the ear that transmit sound to the brain.

Ginger, commonly sold in supermarkets, often looks just like the stomach. So its interesting that one of its biggest benefits is aiding digestion. The Chinese have been using it for over 2,000 years to calm the stomach and cure nausea, while it is also a popular remedy for motion sickness.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Women, Bear Medicine and Shamanism

Shamanism: The Shamanic tradition has prevailed in humans for tens of thousands of years in cultures from all over the ancient world. As well as having a knowledge of the medicinal qualities of plants, other roles of the Shaman required them on occasion to communicate with the otherworld.

Hedge Witch or Hedge Craft: Witchery + Shamanism

In some shamanic cultures (Pawnee, Siberian...), the name used to designate women shaman is the same as the word "bear" or "bear woman". Other examples from the mid-20th century include "Woman Riding a Bear" by Cecilia Arnadjuk. Hedge Witch. The Bear Shaman Woman or the Woman Shaman Carrying the Bear Medicine pouch, where to contain the herbs and plants for her Herb Craft.

- Sources:

http://www.spiritanimal.info/bear-spirit-animal/

http://shamanicvisions.com/02workshops/genbear.html

http://www.crystalinks.com/bears.html

http://www.bearshaman.com/bearmedicine.html