What is Shadow?

"Shadow" is the negative aspects of ourself and all that they involve; the scars on our body and soul from past traumas and the negative emotions felt from self perceived failures. These scars can be created by beating ourself up for mistakes we believe we may have made, for things that we don't like about ourself, or feelings of inadequacy foisted on us by other people. We all have parts of our lives, parts of ourselves that we do not like. These can be things we hate, things we're embarrassed about or simply things we're taught to be wrong. All of these things make up our Shadow. Healing and accepting our Shadow can help us move forward, aleviate stress and depression, even anxiety. By accepting the things that have happened to us, the issues, we become more whole. From  Ravens Wyrd 2010

Wyrd

Wyrd is Anglo-Saxon in origin and means ‘to become’ or ‘to turn’; literally meaning ‘that which has turned’ or ‘that which has become’.  Wyrd can be thought of as becoming something new, on a new path, while still being able to see that which has passed before back to the beginning and incorporating that into the present. From Ravens Wyrd 2010

Wild is Wonderful

This spring I planted a few wildflowers which are native to this part of Ontario. At the far end of my garden, an area has been created which mimicks a woodland setting; the perfect spot for my wildflowers. In order to remember what they are (beuing that I am well over 50 now), I thought I would log them here in my blog. Enjoy!

The Cherokee Indians used Violets for medicinal purposes. The leaves were used to make a poultice to relieve headaches. The violet flowers were soaked in water and the water was then used to relieve dysentery, colds, coughs, and used as a spring tonic.Violet roots were crushed and used as a poultice to aide in skin aliments. Perhaps the most interesting to me-Violet roots were soaked in water-then the water was used to soak corn seeds prior to planting-this was said to repel insects from the corn.

Source: American Violet Society

 

The May Apple was once called the witches umbrella and thought to be employed by them as a poison. The English version of this plant has much lore told of it, being called Mandrake and believed to be alive. Its screams when pulled from the ground would render a man permanently insane.

These plants can be found in the woods carpeting the forest floors. Sometimes they grow in open fields as well.

Source: Alternative Nature Online Journal

According to one legend, (European-angelica) Angelica was revealed in a dream by an angel to cure the plague (hence the name Angelica or Archangel). All parts of the plant were believed effective against evil spirits.

Angelica is used magically as an herb for protection and exorcism.  Grow it in the garden to protect the home.  Make necklaces of the leaves, or carry the root in your pocket for protection.  The dried leaves are burned in exorcism rituals. 
To ward off evil spirits inside the home, sprinkle in all four corners of the house.  This, and the burning of the leaves within the home,  is also said to give a joyful outlook to the residents of the home.

Barrenwort also known as Horny Goat Weed and Fairy Wings

Erythronium also known as Fawn-lily, Trout-lily, Dog's-tooth Violet, or Adder's-tongue.

 
Jack in the Pulpit