Kitchen Witch Beauty - Lip Balm

OK so via Youtube and Pintrest I have discovered many DIY beauty products and since I am trying to live a more natural life I decided to try and make my own lip balm. I found it to be easier than I thought it would be, and it only take a few ingredients.

What I used:

2 tbls coconut oil
2 tbls beeswax
1 tbs grape seed oil
10 drops peppermint oil

Method  I used:

I took a quart sized pot, added a cup of water, when it was close to boiling I added a smaller metal bowl (use like a double boiler) - The I added the coconut oil, beeswax, and grape seed oil - After all the ingredients where melted together I took the bowl out and added the peppermint oil - I then pored it into the container I chose to use, and let it cool.

I used an old pressed powder container That I had
This is without the lid.

This is with the lid.

 I had more mixture than this I cooled it in two medicine cups then put in a plastic bag and refrigerated it for future use. I am looking forward to making some different flavors and tweaking my method a tiny bit, but so far I am very happy with it.

Here is a great video from my friend Krista of Pyperhs Pagan Path showing her technique for making lip balm. You can also Google homemade lip balm to find many different recipes. If you decide to make your own lip balm or other beauty products I would love to here about it.

Mercury In Retrograde

Mercury is going retrograde tomorrow, this is the first of 3 retrograde cycles for Mercury for 2013. This cycle starts on 2/23/1013 and last till 3/17/2013.

What does this mean? 

It means for the next few weeks while Mercury is in retrograde or going in a backwards motion, there will be much confusion. Delays and frustrations, basically it's Murphy's Law in full affect - Meaning, if it can go wrong it will. 

What Not To Do During Mercury Retrograde:

Start anything new, Make important decisions, Buy computers, appliances, TVs, radios, etc., Travel without back-up plans, Sign contracts, Buy a car, Negotiate a contract, File a lawsuit, Start a new job, Begin a new class, Go on a “first” date, Expect things to move quickly, Take anything for granted.


What To Expect:
Angrier people, Crazy drivers, More accidents, Miscommunication, Quarrels, Computer problems, Delays, More mistakes, Slow mail, Games of phone tag, Wrong directions, Missed appointments, Dead cell phone batteries.


What You Can Do To Make It Through Mercury In Retrograde:
Do anything that has a positive affect on you and your life, laugh, dance, sing, eat a healthy diet, keep your thoughts positive, what ever you do make sure it is something you like and that makes you happy. Oh! I almost forgot sage your home before Mercury goes retro and after to keep the negative away.


What Mercury Retrograde Means To Me:
I personally love, love love when Mercury goes retrograde, unlike most people I have a positive time during Mercury in retrograde. I am not sure if this has anything to do with me being born under Mercury or if it has to do with Him being one of my Patron Gods, I'm just glad that he blesses me during his reversed days. 

What are your experience with Mercury Retrograde?  

Kitchen Witch Beauty

I have recently been reminded that it's not only what goes in my body that can be potently harmful, but what I put on my body, such as shampoos, lotions etc. So I decided after watching this video my friend Krista made on making your own rosemary hair rinse, I would give it a try.

And....... I love it, my hair is so soft and shiny; I  can't stop running my hands through it :) Now Krista and a few others have talked about going "No Poo" or "No shampoo" I'm not sure when I am going to try this, but I am going to do it. Along with the hair rinse and no poo, I am also going with the if you can't say/pronounce it it does not go on or in the body. I have already started this when it comes to medicines other than my diabetes medicine that I have to take, I only use all natural/herbal remedies.

I am trying to live my life healthier and more naturally. What do you do to live a more nature based life? Would love to hear your idea's and recipes.

   

More Craftyness

OK a while back I created a altar tile and wanted to share how I made it and how it turned out.

First I got a few of these black tiles from Michaels, I then traced the triquetra pattern onto the tile.

Next I went over the outline with a dark green paint, then painted the rest red. 

Below is the finished product.

When I am creating any type of art be it for my practice or just for fun, I feel very connected to deity. I'd love to know if you have experienced this and if so how does it influence your practice and/or art. 

Moon Phase (Esbats) Correspondence

Esbats are Day for honoring the Goddess in her 3 forms Maiden(New Moon) Mother(Full Moon) and Crone(Dark Moon). On these days we do magical workings that correspond to each phase of the Goddess(Moon). Below is a list of the phases and the workings that can be done one those days.

New Moon

A time for the recognition of the Goddess in her phase as an Infant

The time of the New Moon (the first two or three days the new crescent is visible) is a good time for celebrating new beginnings or doing magic, which involves growth (starting a diet, beginning a new course of study, etc.). Here the first light in the cycle of the moon begins and the Goddess is in her phase as a very young maiden ready to explore the new world.


Waxing Moon

A time for the recognition of the Goddess in her phase as a maiden

As the Moon grows in light, the energies of growth come with her. The day of the Full Moon and the day or two just before the calendar day of the Full Moon are the best times for doing magic to bring something to you (a new job, prosperity, good luck, etc.). During this time, we recognize the Goddess as the young maiden who searches for a partner with whom she can become a new mother. The maiden is full of fresh energy and is anxious to sing and dance throughout the world.

Full Moon

A time for the recognition of the Goddess in her phase as mother and a time to celebrate the Goddess

The full moon is when the moon’s energy is at its peak. The Full Moon is the best time for consecrating tools, charging jewelry, working magic to bring something to you, and for raising energy for the Earth or other Healing. It is also traditionally the time when Witches gather to celebrate the power of the moon through an Esbat ritual. It is during this time that the Goddess becomes the strong mother figure who cares for the earth and all its creatures. This is truly a joyous time for celebration.

Waning Moon

A time for the recognition of the Goddess in her phase as Crone

The Waning Moon, especially the days just before the Dark of the Moon, is best for doing magic to remove something from your life (bad habits, stress, etc.) or for clearing out negative energies. This is the time when the moon’s energy is becoming weaker and the strength of the light of the Goddess is diminishing. This is a time of great wisdom for She has learned much in her journey from infant to wise crone and it is a time to learn from this wisdom by going within and communicating with Her. This is a time of personal reflection and inner guidance. Soon the light of the Goddess will fade completely before the cycle will begin again.

Dark Moon

The Dark of the moon is the time when the moon appears to be completely covered in darkness. This is a time of the Crone, the Dark Goddess Hecate, and a time to banish negative energies from our lives. We gather together during the Dark Moon Esbat to honor and understand the darker mysteries of the Goddess. We accept that we do not know all the answers and that those things we need to learn will be revealed in time. The Dark of the Moon is also a good time for scrying and other methods of divination.