Mystical Minis

When people think of magic, they often think a complex ritual of spells.  I am here to say that is not always true.   For example, these mystical minis are a simple dessert that can bring a touch of magic into your life.  With a little love, a dollop of creativity (or whipped cream), and a pinch of whimsy (or salt), you can have delightful delicious desserts that can do wondrous things for you and those around you.

MARVELOUS MYSTICAL MAGICAL MINIS

 Preheat oven to 350 F. Bake for 18 -20 minutes. Use mini tart pans lined with mini cuplets or 1-2” foil and paper cups (a good place to find them is Michaels). Makes about 60 -72 tiny bite sized desserts. I often divide the recipe in half but the mini cheesecakes do freeze very well.

·         1¼ cup graham wafer or Oreo  crumbs

·         ¼ cup melted butter

Mix together and press about 1 tsp. into each cuplet.

• 2- 8 oz. pkgs. of brick cream cheese
• 1 cup white sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 tsp. of lemon juice

Beat well and fill each liner about ¾ full. Bake until tops look set and have a touch of golden color. Cool completely.

  Magical Touch

There are a variety of things you can do to add magic to these tasty treats.  It would take forever to list them all but here are four to get you started.
Apple Cinnamon Caramel - Attracts love and passion and calms anxiety. Apple
Cinnamon
White sugar

Caramel sauce (make your own, melt soft caramels, or use sundae topping)

1. Core and pare apple and cut into little tiny pieces.
2. Mix in cinnamon and sugar to taste.
3. Put in the microwave and cook for one minute.
4. Spoon your apple mixture into the center of the mini.
5. Pour the caramel sauce on top.

Sea Salt Chocolate - Cleanses the soul.  Milk Chocolate bar
Pinch of Sea Salt

1. Cut the chocolate into small pieces.
2. Add 2-3 drops of vegetable oil.
3. Put in the microwave for 20 second intervals. Stir after each interval until melted.
4. Spoon the melted chocolate into the center of the mini.
5. Take a pinch of sea salt and sprinkle on top.

Lemon with Berries - Gives a surge of joyous energy. Lemon Pie Filling
Raspberries and Blueberries

1. Spoon lemon pie filling into the center of the mini.
2. Place one blueberry and one raspberry in the center.

Mint and Basil:  - Protects against negativity. Mint Jelly
Pinch of dried Basil

1. Spoon mint jelly into the center of the mini.
2. Sprinkle the basil on top.

Simple right?  But what makes them so magical?  The beginning of all magic comes from intention.  Arrange the desserts on a pretty plate, and play a little music.  Concentrate, wave your hand over the minis, and put your energy into them.  When you put in love and joyous energy, they instantly become magical. 
I hosted a Boxing Day Party and served the desserts. They were big hit and everyone was happy and having a great time.  Of course, I also served wine and cocktails.

Dragon Fire Tonic: Fights a Cold and Flu

Got a cold?  Or a flu?  It's can be miserable when you get sick with these two ailments.  That's why I have a recipe here from the Nether Realm that will help.  It is a very simple recipe and a surprisingly tasty one too.  According to all the best wizards, witches and witch doctors it is the best tasting medicine in all of the Nether Realm and fast acting too.  It has been developed and adjusted over centuries and with a little help from the dragon's fire, we got the best medicine we could ask for.  Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

1 cup of Orange juice
1 teaspoon of Lemon juice
1 squirt of Honey
1/8 teaspoon of Ginger
1/8 teaspoon of Turmeric
1 tiny pinch of Cayenne Pepper
1 stick of Cinnamon

Instructions

1. Mix the first six ingredients together.
2. If you are in the Nether Realm and have a dragon present or have access to a dragon's den, have the animal breath fire for about 2 seconds to heat the concoction.  If you are in the Earth Realm, put the mixture in a microwave safe container and heat for 2 minutes.
3. Pour into a cup, add the cinnamon stick to stir.
4. Wave your hand over the concoction while focusing on its power to heal.  This will transfer your positive energy into it and therefore making it more potent.
5. Drink it slowly and enjoy! 

*Helpful tips:

·         Try to do this as organic as possible.  It works better this way.

·         Watch out!  It may be hotter than hellfire!

You may never find a dragon in the Earth Realm but that doesn't mean you can't have a spicy tonic inspired and perfected by them.  It will fix you right up and have you feeling great in no time.  To quote the witch doctor that first gave the recipe to me, “The heat of the dragon energize thee." 

 

How did this recipe work for all of you?

Apple Peel True Love Reveal

Who wants to find out a little something about your future life partner?  There is a spell we use back home to find out who our mate for life is going to be.  The humans in the Earth Realm like to do this on Halloween but you can do this anytime in the autumn.   It is very simple. You take an apple and peel its skin off in one long piece with a paring knife.  As you do this, say:
 

This apple that I peel
My true love's letter I reveal
As it finds its way to the ground
Help my love mate's name be found
 

When you drop the peel it will land in the shape of the first initial of your true love’s name.  It is only a clue but now that you know the first initial all you have to do next is find your soulmate. 

At least you will be able to keep this in mind when you meet new people or look at your friends in a new way.  Now go on and have a glass of wine with your apple and cheese to celebrate. 

Black Magic Smoothies

Feel like you are in a spell? Feel like you are in a web that is weaved so well? Like the song written in 1942 and sang by Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, and even Marilyn Monroe in the movie “Bus Stop” says, it must be that Old Black Magic. As many of you know, I believe in kindness, compassion, joy and light. I am no fan of black magic. But with Halloween just around the corner and winter fast approaching, it makes good sense to take measures to improve your own health and strength.

So I have a solution for you. This “Black Magic Smoothie” will smooth over any spells or curses and help you avoid colds and flus. The recipe makes 4 servings but I like it so much it is really about 2 servings for me.

Ingredients

1 cup of black cherries

1 cup of blackberries

1 cup of blueberries

1 cup of greens (try spinach, kale, or Swiss chard)

2 cups of pomegranate juice

1 tablespoon of chia seeds

1/3 cup of black beans (optional)

Throw everything into a blender and blend really well. Drink and enjoy.  Put leftovers in a jar for the next day.

Hints

I highly recommend frozen fruits and vegetables. Unless they are in season where you live, frozen is a more economical and nutritional option. Less preparation and waste too. I often buy mixed fruits and pick out just what I want for a specific recipe.

The black beans are optional but they are the “secret” ingredient because they are magical. And not in the sense of “Beans, beans, the magical fruit.  The more you eat, the more….” well, you know the rest. More relative to the fairy tale about Jack and the Beanstalk. Beans provide a wealth of fiber and protein and help you feel full. And let's face it, they are delicious!

Remember that in the Earth Realm, we are more susceptible to illness and injury. We are approaching a season of superstition, cold weather, and change. Be aware, keep fit, and stay strong.

Protection against Nightmares

Everyone has nightmares and they can be very frightening.  Luckily, there is a magical way of getting rid of them with out any risk, little expense and no big bang that shakes up your house.  It works for all ages and is completely safe. 

You will need:
A Dream Catcher
Chrysoprase Stone
Lepidolite Crystal


Why will you need these items?

A Dream Catcher = This is crucial in getting rid of nightmares.  Have you heard of an Ojibwe enchantress named Asibikaashi?  She makes all the dream catchers in the Nether Realm. She is a beautiful Native American woman who many have dubbed "the Spider Woman."  I know it sounds dark but she is actually a very warm, wonderful and welcoming woman.  She weaves these enchanted webs, puts them on hoops made of willow and decorates them with various feathers, crystals and colorful ribbons.  She began doing this because the children of her tribe were suffering from terrible nightmares and she needed to help.  The dreamcatchers trap the nightmares and only let the good dreams come through and trickle down the feathers into a sleeping person's mind.    So there you have it and that is why you must have a dream catcher.  If at all possible get a Native American shaman or medicine woman to bless this for you.  It will strengthen its powers, make it last longer and help out a great deal.


Chrysoprase = This stone is used to combat restlessness and bring joy, hope and peace of mind to its owner.  A great detoxification stone, it helps relieve anxiety-provoking images and to cope with them.  If you or your children are having reoccuring nightmares or night terrors, this is the stone you need. 


Lepidolite = This lovely crystal will calm a hostile enviroment and get rid of any negativity.  It's a good preventitive for nightmares, releasing the fear of unknown and slowing a person's mind enough so that they just live in the moment. 


What you will do:

1. Hang your dream catcher over your bed
2. Charge your crystals with sunlight for at least 8 hours
3. Place your stones underneath your pillow
4. Sit on your bed and meditate.  When you first see an animal (of any kind) that will be your spirit animal.  Focus on your spirit animal and ask it to guide you to that peaceful place in your mind where you are completely safe. 
5. Once you make it to that place, slowly open your eyes, and lie down on your bed.
6. Keep your spirit animal and peaceful place in your mind as you allow yourself to drift off to sleep.

I have found that this really works whether you are in the Earth Realm or the Nether Realm.  If it is your children having nightmares please explain the powers of the dream catchers and crystals.  Assure them that they are safe and protected.  So you can't go wrong with this one.  Sweet dreams my dear readers and please let me know if this has worked for you. 

Interview with A Unicorn

Most people would recognize a unicorn if they saw one but do they truly know what a unicorn is? 

The word unicorn comes from the Latin term unicornis which literally means one-horn. This majestic creature resembles a white horse with a single spiraling horn coming from the center of its head. The unicorn is a symbol of grace, beauty and purity.

On a working visit to the Nether Realm, I wandered into Elfin Forest in the hope of contacting the wood elves where they live. I planned to write a piece about them describing how they track down a precious silver known as Argentum Lucis. That idea blew away like a leaf picked up by a hurricane when I came across an extremely rare sight even for us mystics.

A unicorn was lying in the middle of the forest with a pillar of light shining on top of him through the trees.  Slowly, I approached the creature, trying to show him that I meant him

no harm.  Suddenly, I heard a voice say, "Don't be afraid."  I was slightly taken aback because there was no one else there with me in the forest except this unicorn. 

He stood up and looked at me without any fear, almost as though he was expecting me. As I drew near, I noticed his mouth moving and heard him say, "I was sent to speak with you.  I am pleased to meet you Oracle."  I was in shock.  I didn't even know that these creatures could speak.  My curiosity got the best of me and before I knew it, I was interviewing him.

Where are you from?
I come directly from the light that creates life.  All unicorns do. 

Meaning?
The creator of all living things took light energy and molded it to give us life. We do not have parents. Instead we have magic and we are able to store the magic in our horns. This magic is based on goodness, purity, love, and light and is the most powerful magic of all.

I have heard that you frequently speak in riddles.  Is this true?
Why yes. You cannot expect things to be easy can you? For example, if asked if we are male or female, we may respond “yes”. If asked our name, we may tell you that we do not have one. Essentially, we do not need labels.

You have to look at world and see the magic already in it if you want to find answers. We cannot always give a straight answer because you are meant to find magic for yourself and in yourself. We can point you in the right direction. And some questions are just not meant to be answered. 

You are very mysterious.
Thank you.

Why did you appear to me?
I want you to tell our story.  Part of our purpose is to inspire and give hope to others.  We are a lot like guardian angels or spirits.  Everyone needs something to believe in and we want people to believe in magic again.  So by talking to you and sharing our stories we hope to rekindle people's faith in the light.  We want to bring light to all worlds.

But it's always been told that only innocent and virginal maidens can communicate with you?
That was a bit of an exaggeration. I think that myth came to be because everyone always associated light with virginity and obedience but it is really all about intentions. Anybody who is pure of heart, kind in soul and has a mind that is strong can communicate with us. 

What is it about pure-hearted souls that draws you?
Their passion to make all of our worlds a better place.  Our magic may have come from our creator but it stays alive through the goodness and light of other beings.

How can I find other unicorns?
You can’t find us unless we want you to. If you happened to stumble upon us, we would hide our horns and you would mistake us for ordinary white horses. We have been given specific instructions on who we appear to and why and would only reveal ourselves when we were confident that you are one we are seeking.

Are there other animals like you with a singular magical horn?
There were but unfortunately they became extinct.  The magic that we carried was too much for them.  They couldn't handle it so it eventually destroyed them. 
How did you keep yourself safe?

We are able to become invisible so we cannot be detected by any means, magical or non-magical.  That is very important for our survival.  As for getting around, we can not only teleport but levitate ourselves. We are not fighters but we do protect ourselves vigorously.

What kind of magic do you do?
We can do many things.   As creatures of light we can brighten even the darkest of places so the lost can find their way. We can heal ourselves and others.  We can guide others even if they cannot see us.  But the most important thing that we do is ensure that the magical life force in all living things is alive and protected. 

Thank you for speaking with me today.
You are welcome.  I will see you again in the near future. 


This is one of the most amazing things that has ever happened to me.  I am in awe of this beautiful, wise and magnificent creature.  As I have said before, this is a rare occurrence.  I did a little checking and it turns out that only about 30 (I guess 31 now) out of millions of mystics have reported contact with a unicorn.  I hope to see my new four-legged, horned friend again sometime soon.  Maybe even learn a little more from him.  Has anyone else seen a unicorn lately?
 

Elemental Lanterns

I can't believe that I found some elemental lanterns!  They are very hard to come by in this realm yet here they are.  I find them by chance as I visit Vancouver Island.  Isn't that funny?

We all know that elementals are very special creatures that need some very special attention.  They need these beautiful lanterns in order to recharge their energy and rest for at least twenty-four hours.  These lanterns are a marvelous piece to have in your home.  To watch your favorite elemental light up inside these lanterns is like watching magic come to life.  The elemental will glow in a particular color depending on what kind of element that this spirit is associated with. 

It is important to remember that there are eight elementals altogether.  The common misconception is that there are only four. The basic four elements which everyone knows are earth, wind, fire and water but the secret elements (or not-so-secret to enchanters) are light, dark, wood, and moon/metal.  The next thing you have to remember is what element is affiliated with what elemental.  Here is a list of the elements, the elemental that is in charge of it and the color it glows to help you remember:

Fire = Salamanders
Water = Undines
Wind = Slyphs 
Earth = Gnomes
Light = Wisps
Dark = Shades
Wood = Dryads
Metal/Moons = Lunas

Now how do you get a particular elemental to come into your lantern?  To do that you have to put the elemental's symbol on the bottom of the lantern.  I can not show you these symbols because it is against the law in the Nether Realm to post, show off or otherwise describe these sacred emblems.  You will have to ask someone from the mage clan or find a grimoire that specializes in such things.

When you have the symbol in the right spot, be patient and elemental will come.  When it does, enjoy what you see.  It is brief but beautiful to watch the luminous glow of an elemental recharging itself.  After it has run it's course, the elemental will leave and take it's symbol with it.  Make sure you keep it clean so an elemental can return.  Has anyone else found one of these lanterns?  Please comment and let me know. 

WARNING:  You may look at it but don't otherwise disturb the elemental.  When frightened they can be very fierce and cause a horrific disaster that can lead to severe injury or death to yourself and others in close proximity. 

The Legend of the Blue Moon

Do you all remember that old saying, "once in a blue moon?"  Well we officially had one last night.  A blue moon is when there are two full moons in one month. For us (Mystics) it is a few hours where everything becomes entirely different, some would say insane.  I remember seeing a vampire put his pants on his head and his shirt on his legs.  It was freaking hilarious!

But that is what happens during this rare occurrence.  Our behaviour becomes erratic but it is not in a harmful way.  For one day our behaviour becomes a little uninhibited due to the changes in the moon and the tides.   I remember the last blue moon when I put on Angelica's (the angel) fancy gown and did a handstand.  I was trying to be a bellflower.

In the Earth Realm, it is more subtle than that. My behaviour didn't change but my circumstances did.  I had just arrived to Vancouver Island and I saw the moon was bright, beautiful and so blue. It was true proof that the mystical and magical can exist in this world. 

We stop at is this whimsical little place off the road called "Ice Cream Mountain".  It's not really a mountain made of ice cream (I checked) but it is a romantic little spot worthy of first dates and moon magic. 

I got a huge surprise when I saw that they have the same ice cream flavors in this place as they do in our favorite market town of Merkiva in the Nether Realm.  So, I decided to order a scoop of  "Moon Mist" and a scoop of "Rainbow Sherbert."  I had forgotten the flavor of Moon Mist but it was very yummy.  The Rainbow Sherbet was just as I remembered; bright and lively to the taste.  These ice creams are from a company called "Island Farms."  I am curious if they are from the Nether Realm because of the names of some of these ice cream flavors.  I'd like to meet them and find out.

So there I am, enjoying my delicious moon-a-licious ice cream, admiring the view and appreciating the blue moon in a beautiful calm spot.  Come to think of it, not being wild and being serene is very unusual for me.  I guess that was my blue moon oddity.  Everyone has a weird night where the unexpected happens on a blue moon.  What happened on your blue moon last night?

What Those Wily Wildflowers Can Do For You




Photo by Kenneth Fung

In my opinion, the best flowers are wildflowers.  Wildflowers are a rainbow of colours that bring us both surprises and magic.   They hold the purest of all light magic because they are free and untouched by any negative being.  In fact, they often repel evil forces and attract all the good ones.  But keep in mind that they're magic can be very unpredictable.  Still for that reason, they are a favourite of mine and many other mystics. 

Photo donated by a woman named Debbie

These plants can do many great and unexpected things but the is best of what they can do is grant wishes.  However, they can't do this alone, they need a little help from a crystal.  Not just any crystals though.  You have to get a specific crystal to do a specific wish.  Crystals have always been used like beacons for manifestation by the Mystics.  Here are five examples of what crystals to use.

1. Clear quartz - is to be used if you want to learn something new or expel something negative. 
2. Citrine - is for money, success or prosperity related wishes.
3. Rose quartz - is for when your wishes have to do with love.
4. Green aventurine - is best for when it comes to health related wishes
5. Amethyst - is to be used if you want to know something about the future.

To make your wish, here's what you have do.  Find a wild patch out in the wilderness or grow a wildflower garden of your own (which is even better).  Put your crystal between your hands in a prayer position and meditate for ten minutes on your wish.  Gently place your crystal pointing up to the sky in the centre of the garden.  Breath in the cool, crisp, clean air as you keep your wish on your mind.  Imagine that you have your wish as you leave your crystal there.  Be patient and before you know it, your wish will come with a whoosh. 

When your wish comes true you can retrieve your stone. If you find that it is gone then it means that you had some help and they needed to keep that crystal.  If it is still there then all you needed was your own faith and trust in yourself.

Photo by Kenneth Fung

WARNINGS : Watch out for weeds.  They often create obstacles.  It doesn't mean he won't get your wish it will just take more time.  Keep your distance from all poisonous plants.  Harm to yourself is harm to your wish.

Have you made your wish yet?

The Peculiar Portal of Ptarmigan Cirque

The entrance of Ptarmigan Cirque

The Nether Realm

 Good news mystics!  If your feeling homesick, I found a portal just outside of Ptarmigan Cirque.  It is a little area in the Kananaskis that is used for hiking.  I have heard some good things about this beautiful place so I decided to explore it for a day.

I walk the trail until I come to an elevated path.  This is a very steep hike, so I mentally prepare myself for it.  After walking up this slope for a while, I decided to stop and catch my breath.  I felt like my lungs were set on fire by a salamander (fire elemental).  Out of the corner of my eye, I see what looks like a blue star.   I walk over to it and to my surprise, I had bumped into a portal.  Before I knew it, the star turns into a big blue mass that swallows me whole.  It sounds scary but portals tend to do that.

The Golden Stones that house the Gate

The first thing I saw was the Golden Stones and I knew that I was back in the Nether Realm. The purple clouds were out that day which tells me that the sorcerers were brewing the anti-demon shields again.  So it's a dead give away at what realm this was.  Then I was greeted in a formal manner by  the guardian of the gate.  It's a comforting feeling to know that this enchantress is still there day and night but I can't help but wonder...doesn't she ever take a break? A nice vacation away from making sure that only mystics come through to the Nether Realm?  Well all I know is she can be a real tight-ass.  She lets me take pictures of the scenery but not of her.  She really needs some time off!

She is still lovely though but the Golden Stones were more so.  These rocks are real gold and no you can not just take them.  Only dwarfs or leprechauns can access them.  Anyone else who tries often meets with some terrible luck but they are still wonderful to watch when the sun hits them.  They sparkle like an angel's halo.
  

Winding road down a fairy forest

So after I paid my respects to the guardian, I walk through the glen, down the winding road and into the fairy forest.  There is so much to see that I could write a novel about it all.  Since that would take a little longer, I will save you all of that and skip to the best part.

It was just about sundown when I saw a sight that I haven't seen in a long time.  The sprites emerging for their nightly flight.  Sprites are little wisps of light similar to will-o-the-wisps but smaller and pure magical energy.  They look like beautiful little orbs.  I always love to watch them flit through the air.  

Sprites emerging at Sundown

 
I could not stay to watch these lovely little lights for long because I had a date waiting for me in the Earth realm. But at least, I got a picture to remember them by.   So, I propped out my wings and flied out of the forest faster than a bat escaping from a giant's fart.  I wave good bye to the guardian and pass through the gate. 

It was nice to see the Nether Realm again.  Even I miss it and I travel all the time. To all those who are suffering from homesickness... don't worry, we have all been there and I have a couple of little tips that I got from a witch doctor to help you get over that.  The first thing you do is make yourself a nice cup of wild orange blossom tea and sip it slowly.  The second thing you do is take a piece of sugilite (aka dream stone) and put it under your pillow as you sleep.  Both of these items will relieve any sadness you have and open up your heart to happiness.  What do you all do when you are homesick?

The Jade Elephant

There are many marvelous and mysterious things in the world that have magical powers. Many people ask me:  “How do you find a magical object? How do you know it is magic? How do you find out what powers it has?”  If an object comes to you by some strange coincidence or odd circumstance, chances are it has found you. It is magical for you and you alone. As soon as you hold it, you will feel a connection and your mood will change. The change will be subtle; it is unlikely the object will glow for example. But if your world seems a bit lighter and brighter the object is worth keeping. If there is a feeling of dread or darkness, quickly put the object down and walk away.

A jade elephant with a raised truck is magic for many people. Jade is a lucky and protective stone that embodies both strength and beauty. It held great significance to the Mayan, Aztec, Maori, Egyptian, Indian, and Chinese people. In some cultures, jade is considered more precious than gold. In the Nether Realm it is admired as a symbol of justice, inner peace, courage, love, and balance. The elephant is known for its beauty, wisdom, power, and kindness. When the jade is lovingly carved into an elephant by an artist who possesses talent, good health, and a kind heart the result is a magical treasure with a powerful spirit. The upturned truck showers the room with beneficial and protective energy.

I keep my elephant near the front door of my condo where I work, play, and live. If someone or something that means me harm passes by the elephant, it alerts me with a trumpeting sound. It causes the evil entity to feel uneasy and unwelcome and the feeling intensifies until they leave my property.
I am not a hermit so I do leave my home to go out and about where I am not protected. There is a big world to explore and what fun is life without a little risk? But I know I am safe in my own home with the protection of my elephant, a good solid door, and a deadbolt lock. Has your magic object found you yet?

Magical Herb Garden

You thought they didn't exist in this world did you?  Well good news my fantastical darlings, They do!  It takes some work but you can get a lush and lovely little garden to nourish your mystical bodies. The herbs here work a little differently.  We have the same ones humans do back home but the ones that are native to our world will not grow in this realm.  On top of that, the herbs here require a lot more care and harvesting.

I know what you're thinking.  Isn't it enough just to have them?  The answer is no.  In the earth realm we can't just summon an individual rain cloud that fits in your garden or bring plants to life with your touch.  You have to take water from the hose, well, sink, whatever and water them.  Also you have to take a small knife or a pair of scissors and cut the herbs where it's safe to cut them. Oh!  And don't forget to fertilize these herbs because they need that here.

Now what are good magical herbs to have here?  Here is a list and what they're for.  The red is for the name of the herb, green is for the uses in our world, and blue is for its uses in the earth realm.

Basil:   In our world, basil is used for clarity especially with important things.  So if you lose something, one bite from these leaves and you will remember where it is.  For magical uses in this realm, basil is used for love, exorcism, wealth, flying, protection and courage.  Pretty cool yes?  Practically speaking it helps prevents cancer, heal cuts and aids digestion.  Best to cook in sauces, salads and teas.
Chamomile: What is this little herb good for?  In our world we use it to keep us from getting lost in dreams and to keep nasty demons out of the house.  In the Earth Realm however, it is used for meditation, centering, peace, protection, healing and money.  For practical uses, it is good as a sleep aid, relieves fevers and stomach aches, and is a good strengthener for blond hair.  Best as a tea.
Chives:  In our world we use this as a "gauge" in how undead a person is.  Mostly in the Earth Realm, this is to keep diseases and evil spirits away.  For practical uses they are mildly anti-septic.  This is best in any kind of cooking from pastas, soups and salads.
Jasmine:  We mystics love to use this as a way to lure the object of our affection.  Humans however use this for love, sensuality, money, meditation and prophetic dreams.  Practically speaking it's good for headaches, lifting your mood and calms anxiety.  The best way to ingest it is through teas. 
Lavender:  The magical uses of lavender is many and varied.  In our realm, we mostly plant this in our gardens for luck but in the earth realm it has more powers.  This includes love, chastity (when used with rosemary), sleep, protection, purification, peace, longevity and happiness.  This is a herb that can be cooked or steeped in tea but I'll be frank.  It tastes like soap.  Better to just use it as a scent only. 

Lemon Balm: Lemon balm makes a very nice healing slave in our world.  In this world it is used for love, success, and healing.  It's not that different since both mystics and humans use it because it's good for the skin, kills viruses and calms your nerves.  Another plus is they attract bees and butterflies.  Best to drink like a tea.
Oregano:  Like lavender, oregano has many magical uses.  We use it for medicines, anxiety relief and (for shape shifters) the ease to deal with transforming.   Humans use it for happiness, tranquility, health, protection and letting things go that piss them off.  Unlike lavender, oregano is delicious and is good in just about everything.  You can make it up in sauces, soups and yes salads too. 
Parsley:  This lovely, bushy herb is used to keep zombies from decaying and going all crazy.  Magically speaking (for the earthlings), parsley is good for travelling and gaining wisdom.  For practical uses, parsley is good for your skin, blood and hair.  Once again, this is good for almost any dish you wish to have. 
Peppermint: This is like catnip for fairies.  We love the smell.  So if you are looking to attract a fairy, this is how to do it.  In this realm, it's used for healing, psychic abilities, meditation, and purification.  That is what peppermint does best.  For practical uses it helps you sleep, digest food and headaches.  If you are looking to make something with it, I recommend using it as a tea or dessert. 
Thyme: Like it's name, we in the Nether Realm use this for controlling time (freezing or speeding it up) and for alchemical purposes.  Thyme’s associations in the Earth Realm include: healing, love, psychic knowledge and purification.  All of which are needed.  Now the best way to cook with thyme is usually with potatoes, soups and a cheesy casserole. 

Those are just some starters.  If you would like others, I would also recommend rosemary, sage, catnip, rose hips and coriander.  Everything you need is here in these plants.  Does anyone have any other herbs to add?

 

The Magic of Orchids

Orchids.  They are a fascinating flower.  Beautiful, sensual, exotic and yes even magical.  These magnificent flowers can do a great deal of things.  It will balance the male/female energies, control your own energy but the best and most fun one is heightening sexual energies.   Oh yeah, I said it!  Orchids are a favorite amongst elves, fairies and other nature spirits when it comes to possessing the knowledge and spirituality of sex.  Sexuality is the source of our creative forces and it is important to tap into it once in a while. 

Here is a little something to spice up your sex life.  Not that any of you need it but it would be a fun little experiment. 
You will need:

 1 fresh orchid blossom
7 drops of vanilla essential oil
1/8 of a teaspoon of cardamom
1 drop of honey
1 sachet bag
1 red candle

What to do:

1. Light your red candle and through this whole exercise visualize your sexual partner. 
2. Take the orchid and put it in a small bowl.
3. Put the vanilla drops as close to the center of the blossom as you can.
4. Sprinkle the cardamom on top of the flower.
5. Put a drop of honey in the center of the blossom.
6. Cover the bowl and shake everything together
7. Pour the contents into the sachet bag.
8. Put the sachet bag into your underwear drawer and blow out the candle.

Now when you and your partner are ready for your "little alone time" light the red candle again.  When the erotic feeling takes you over, your partner will notice your glow almost immediately.  When this happens, you will know it's time.  Have fun lovers! 

Picnic in the Plaza - Out of this World

Can anyone imagine a better way to spend a beautiful Sunday than being out and about?  Especially when that out and about happens to be in the East Village of Calgary where a lively event, Picnic in the Plaza, is taking place.  What happens there is that many food trucks are spread out by the River Plaza.  These trucks are looking to sell some food and make their presence known. They are similar to the food carts in our world that you see  most in the market town of Merkiva.  There is also a small stage with the "Bass Bus."  Live musicians and deejays played some hot beats and chill melodies.  Sounds like heaven right?  And it's just by the river, so it was paradise.
 

 I came to this event with an old Naga friend that I made in college.   We haven't seen each other for a year and she happened to be in my neck of the realms.  She asked me not to write her name for privacy reasons and I have to respect that.  Many of us know Nagas are half human, half snake creatures from the Hindi/Buddhist regions and are a part of the Siren Clan.  They are similar to mermaids, as they can change their tails into legs. The difference is that they can reside on land and not be affected when water touches their legs.  They still have to be careful because their transformation can happen when they are the most relaxed.  Now being water creatures, they are often the most relaxed when close to water.  We decided that we would go check this thing out and I am really glad that we did.  
 
Our adventure began when we paid our $5.00 at the door and went inside.  The first thing we saw was a small caravan that sold clothing and jewelry. Their clothing was of the more vintage, bohemian, casual type but the jewelry, I lost my heart to it.  It is made locally from recycled material and made to look as if it came from another time.  My friend could not leave without a blue stone necklace that reminded her of home. I don't blame her.  And you know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say these items came straight from the Nether Realm. 

After we had finished admiring the clothing caravan, my friend and I explored and sampled a little of this and a little of that.  I think my favorite was either the mango bruschetta or the triple chocolate cupcake.   Both were so delicious that I could not decide which was better.  I must warn everyone though.  Do not buy the "Love Potion".  My friend and I both agreed that all it would stir up is divorce.  One taste of this would ward off all kinds of human contact.  So naturally, we kept it for protection.  No offense to those who made it but you can't win them all.  



  

But we felt like we won.  The ebb of the river and the eclectic music made the whole event more joyous.  We decided to eat our unusual tacos out by the river since there is an opening at the fence right by it.  My friend, being a Naga and so drawn to water, was very pleased that we did this.  As we ate, we dipped our feet in the river. To me the water was ice cold and damn frigid.  Not so much fun for me but for my friend, she loved it.  To a Naga any water, especially if water is hard to come by, is sacred no matter how cold.  
 
We were listening to the music.  It had some good pulsing beats but it was mellow enough to just enjoy.  The sound of the music seemed to match the look and flow of the water.  I wonder if these musicians and deejays knew this. To be serenaded that way while we chilled out by the water was like we were back in the Nether Realm.  Because she was a little to relaxed, my friend's snake trail showed a bit causing a little concern.  But I covered it with my jacket until her legs came back and luckily no one noticed.  So all is well.

If there is another food truck event like Picnic in the Plaza, I recommend you check it out.  If you have a good friend, good food, good music, water and a warm spring day, you will have a splendid time.