Celtic Tree Lore - Medical and Magical Uses of Vine

ictures of grapes were once drawn or painted on garden walls as a symbol to promote fertility in one’s garden. It was also thought that if one at grapes or raisens that this act would increase fertility.

Intoxication from wine was thought to be the possession of the self by the spirit of the vine. It is often used in spells for grounding, working with the faery realm and reaching deeper levels of consciousness.

Dreaming of blackberries or grapes on the vine are said to speak of abundance to come. If the vine has green leaves it means one will have success soon. If you are walking through a vineyard in your dreams it indicates coming prosperity.

When it comes to medical used of vine there are many. A common cure for burns was to dress the wound with nine bramble leaves which had been dipped in spring water. Each leaf had to be dipped three times to make it work. The Greeks used blackberries as a remedy for gout . They were also used to treat insect bites, sore throats and teeth issues. The bark and root of the blackberry is still used for their astringent properties.

In reference to grapes the medicinal uses are even more. Grape juice is said to have restorative powers that aid well in cases of exhaustion and anemia. The cuttings of the grape vine in spring can be boiled with sugar into a syrup and then taken. This syrup is good for pregnant women and their longings.

The grape is also a good source of laxative and diuretic. Fasting using grape juice and grapes has been suggested by naturopathes to help with chronic diseases.

Early Sunday Mornings - Autumn in the Air

Fall  is most definitely in the air.  Finally mornings where I can actually enjoy my morning coffee once more on the back porch as the sun comes over the  horizon.  Early morning temperatures in the 50's with just that touch of coldness that the hot coffee seems to divert so nicely.  I love it.  I keep telling everyone that fall is going to be early this year and they look at me as if I am crazy.

Yet I am holding to my prediction.  I see far too many signs to not think so.  The birds are gathering much sooner than usual as well as the neighborhood squirrels.  Even the trees seem to be showing me signs that the heat of summer is taking an early exit.  I am eager for the cooler times... the slower times... the times that I can putter around in my kitchen cooking all sorts of goodies and what not.  I love the smells of a busy kitchen.  You all know what I am talking about... It brings back memories of grandma houses, family gatherings and so on.  It seems that a busy kitchen can always make one smile.

Believe it or not I am already busily working on my Christmas/Yule gifts and it looks to be another year where I will be done early with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the season properly... in the kitchen of course.  I love when that happens as it gives one the chance to really enjoy the festive time as it should be enjoyed; without stress and in a relaxed manner. 

Yet even before Yule there is Halloween and Thanksgiving.  Another good excuse to be in the kitchen or busy working around the house.  I am of course looking forward to Mrs. B's 30 days of Halloween as I am sure many others of you are.  There is the Practical Magic Party on September 25th and the all the other goodies that come up between now and then.  This always seems to be an active time in blog land or at least with all the ones that I seem to be connected with.  So much going on.. so many great ideas to be found... and so many wonderful things to just be a part of.

And to think it is all just beginning.... enjoy

PS:  Don't forget about the wonderful giveaways over at Ewitch - Winners will be chosen this next week. 

A Thought to Ponder - Listen

When was the last time you listened

 to that still small voice

 (or possibly it is a roar)

 that speaks to you?

And The Winner Is...

I can hardly believe it is the first day of September. Fall is but a mere 22 days away. Already the signs of it are everywhere. The birds are already preparing themselves for the colder times. I have been tending to my feeders a bit more than usual. I still hold to my prediction that it will be an early fall and winter. The signs are far too apparent.

Today is also the day that I choose the winners to my latest giveaway. Yes I did say winners. When I went to purchase the book “Eat Pray And Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert I was frustrated to find that the book on the shelf had received a new cover. It was a clip from the movie. I have to be honest and say that this somewhat upset me as it was not the movie that drew me to the book and I loved the previous initial cover. I quickly found a clerk and asked her if they were still able to obtain the book with its original cover.

Upon checking her data base she assured me that it was possible. She continued to tell me how the hardback books were actually on sale. The price was too good to pass up. I purchased me a new one so I could finally give the one which had been loaned to me over a year ago back to its original owner. Then I purchased two more and decided to have two winners instead of just one.

And now for the moment you have all been waiting for; the announcement of the winners. I carefully wrote each ones name out and placed them in my trusty little Autumn planter. Shook them around nice and good and also mixed them thoroughly myself.

The first name I drew was no other than Mary from Moontides (which is just one of her many blogs). A wonderful woman whom I have been blessed by so many times...

The second name to be drawn was Leila from Tatoo Tales. A tremendously talented young woman whose work you truly do need to check out if you have not already. 

I will be sending both of you an email to get just a bit more info from you so that I can personalize the boxes a bit more. Congrats to you both, I hope you enjoy your goodies.

I will be posting the details to my next giveaway in the next few days. You may also want to check out another site I contribute to, Ewitch. This week we have three giveaways; #1 – digital art from Sparrow #2 – A new book by Scott Cunningham given by Luna and #3 – A set of the Gilded Tarot  with companion book and handmade Tarot bag by myself.