Tonight is a new moon, and the perfect time to relax. Things have been so hectic lately, it feels as if I haven't even had the chance to breathe. Everyday is filled to the brim with one thing after another, and there is not even a moment to comprehend. I'm tired of this daily routine. I'm tired of having to squeeze in time to talk to my husband (as we work opposite shifts due to childcare). I'm tired of putting off creative outlets because I don't have a moment to myself. I'm just plain tired, and unhappy, and it's time for that to change. Today I did something I have been procrastinating to do for several weeks now; I composed my two week notice. I have been so scared to end this tedious, yet safe routine. I have just continued to say to myself "You've got plenty of time, and you don't even know a date yet..." Poppy-cock. Today I decided on a date. Today I wrote that letter. I haven't turned it in just yet, as Friday will be the day for that, but I am prepared and determined...and loving it. SO, let's all say YAY for change, and BOO for pointless routines! I hope a wonderful something new visits everyone this week, and brings a breeze of fresh air to all stale things that have been lurking around!

L and I took a trip to the river last week to gather some rocks and flowers. Being there really makes me feel alive and refreshed....despite the "river smell". When I was a child, I would spend summers with my grandmother and play in the river most of the day. My cousins and I would build Tee-pees on this huge rock in the middle of the river, and have sandwiches and snacks in them. We would collect rocks and shells, and smooth colored glass that you'd find every now and then under the rocks. It is one of my very favorite childhood memories, and although my grandmother passed away several years ago, it is still so fresh in my mind. I have dreams about being with her all the time, and living those days again. It is one of the happy places I go when things get bad, and I feel it will always be a magickal place for me.

A Cool Find...

The other day my husband found this cool dude in his truck at work. He placed him in this cup and took him home to set him free in our yard. This guy is a Hercules Beetle, and is the largest and most famous of the rhinoceros beetles. This one looks like a baby compared to how large they can get! The larger ones are able to carry 850 times their body weight! They are clean, easy to maintain, and safe to handle, therefore many people keep them as pets. They love to eat rotting wood and fruits....mmmmmm. Anyway, I thought I would share since he is just so cool!

Does this picture look familiar? It's Chicory, and it's everywhere! This plant grows anywhere from regions 3-9, especially along roadsides. July-September is the best time to harvest the flowers, and it's best to gather it at night under a full moon (like most things). Chicory is carried to remove obstacles, and bring a positive outlook on life. It can also aid in divination when burned. Annointing your body with the oil of the plant will allow you to gain special favors from important people. The root is an alternative to coffee, and can help strengthen digestion. It is best to harvest the root between October and November. For more information on how to make a chicory tea check out the site below:

http://en.heilkraeuter.net/herbs/chicory.htm

In With the New...

It’s a great time to do simple spells! I don’t know about you, but during the summer my witchy side slacks off. I become lazy, and only feel like doing simple spells and tributes; although I do a lot of magickal cooking, YUM. Since the moon is currently waxing, it would be a wonderful time to cleanse doorways and bring love into your household! Use whatever herbs feel right for you; I personally gather 1 part calendula flowers (for protection), 1 part white rose petals (for love and healing), and 1 part red rose petals (for passion). Hyacinth would be a great flower to add for love and happiness. I put them all in a dish I use for such an occasion, grab the broom and walk outside! Sweep the porch, “out with the old”. Face the door, and sprinkle the herbs in front of you while thinking about the wonderful things summer brings, “in with the new”. Take a breath, and go inside, walking over the herbs on the ground. So easy, and it works like a charm ^.~

Today is the longest day of the year, Litha, and L and I decided to smell the flowers in celebration! This is one of her FAVORITE things to do, and after a good whiff she'll say "Awww it's nice!" The sun didn't set until after 9, and we enjoyed the cool evening together. Today is also Father's day! L and I decorated some terracotta pots for Daddy, and put some mum's in to finish the look. There was one large pot, and one baby pot; on the large pot, I wrote "Dad, I hope you're always there to help me...", and on the smaller pot I wrote "GROW"...we also traced her hand on the large pot. It was VERY cute. It's hard for me to believe that her little hand won't always be that size. She grows so quickly, I just hope I can take it all in during the process.