Dream Pillows

It seems as though the dream world has been very active lately. In fact, most conversations I've had with friends and acquaintances recount the wonderful or disturbing experiences we fall into as we sleep. I'm not particularly a dream interpreting expert, but when it comes to controlling, or rather consciously taking charge of your dreams, I'm more than willing to share some secrets.

When I was younger, I had incredibly vivid and frightening dreams, some which would reoccur more than once. Of course, I wasn't sure what to make of these dreams--I only knew that I was eager to rid myself of them. I began experimenting with lucid dreaming to face my fears; before bed I would tell myself what I wanted to dream about, how I wanted to resolve the situation, and what I wanted to remember. In the beginning, this approach seemed to work... but as I got deeper into my dreams and more comfortable with "wandering", I began to lose control again. Falling asleep was no longer a pleasure, it was my nightmare.

Dreaming finally got easier when I discovered the magick of dream pillows. The beauty behind a dream pillow is that you can prescribe yourself any kind of dream, so long as you blend the right herbs together. Rose hips can induce dreams of love, chamomile kindles dreams of relaxation and comfort, mugwort encourages astral projection, and so on. All you need do is simply place the herbal pouch near your head or pillow; as you sleep, inhaling the scent of the flowers or herbs creates your desired dream scenario. Even when awake, I tend to pack a small dream pillow in my purse or pack and inhale its fragrance whenever I'm feeling especially troubled. 

There are countless recipe's for dream pillows. My favorite and most comforting blend has a handful of herbal scents, all of which I believe inspire the most pleasant sleep. Though these pillows do not always guarantee dreams, they most certainly will leave you feeling relaxed and well rested.

What you need:

A cloth pouch

1 part dried lavender

1 part dried rose hips/petals

1 part dried hops

1 part dried calendula

1 part dried chamomile

1-2 drops lavender oil

I do hope you discover the magick of the dream pillow. They make wonderful Samhain gifts. 

Moonwater

Last week I attended my first Spiral Dance in celebration of the Spring Equinox. It was a beautiful gathering and I was glad to have been a part of it. Since we've been experiencing very little rainfall, the purpose of the dance was to invoke the spring rains. Starhawk, a very well known and respected figure within the spiritual community, led the dance recounted the story of Persephone. We all sang and danced round and round until we came to the center and then spiraled back out. It was quite entrancing.

Anyway, you can't imagine how much rain we've gotten since then (thank the goddess, we needed it!). Lucky for me, I've also been running short on moonwater, so the rains were just the thing I needed to replenish my supply.

Simply put, moon water is water that has been set out under the light of the full moon. It is said to have certain healing properties and promotes growth.

Moonwater can be used in all sorts of ways:

• Sprinkled atop my herb garden, the rejuvenating properties of the moon intensify the properties of each plant. The plants tend grow healthier, heartier, and have increased healing abilities. 
• Many people also like use it as an offering upon altars. It's a meaningful way to keep water upon your altar in lieu of the four elements (water, earth, air, and fire), or to represent the three realms (sky, land, and sea).
• Some like to use it for scrying as it holds a much higher vibration than does most water and has thus been "touched" by the gods.
• Legend says that moonwater even has the power to attract certain garden faeries to keep watch and tend your plants while you are not looking. I certainly believe they do!

So how does one acquire moonwater? Well, it's quite simple really. All you need is a little rainwater... or a lot depending on how much you wish to use. I usually collect the rainwater in a large goblet, but you can use anything really. Even a plain bucket works! Store your rainwater in a glass bottle or jar. Whence the full moon graces the sky, leave your bottle of rainwater under her gleam and watch as the she bestows her blessing unto you. You may collect your bottle of water the next morning. Voila, moonwater! Happy collecting!

Cleansing Your Crystalline Children

Back from a LONG hiatus, my dears. I do hope that you're all still with me!

Anyway, although we seem to blog about plants and herbal remedies for the most part here on The Wildcraft Chronicles, we mustn't overlook the power of crystals.

Crystals and rocks are not merely decoration to admire, though they certainly are mesmerizing to look at. They are the children of the earth, and they have been listening to us patiently for millions of years. We can share our deepest desires, our fears, and sorrows with these crystalline beings. It’s no wonder we develop interest in them at such a young age. I’m sure, you and I alike, took to collecting these pretty rocks as children, knowing they were capable of much, much more than just being.

With that said, it’s best to take care of these beaming children, in hopes that they can bring us comfort and protection. So how exactly does one “care” for a stone? It’s simpler than you think.

Cleansing your stones is an easy process practiced in a multitude of ways. You ought clean them upon acquiring, whether it be a gift, a find, or a personal purchase. In any other case, do as you wish as often as you like.

If you choose to smudge your stones, you may do so with a bundle of sage, sweet grass, palo santo, or any other cleansing herb you see fit for the deed. Upon lighting the bundle, I usually wash the smoke over the stone while visualizing it’s specific purpose, to which I choose.This is also called “programming” your stone. For example, the sole purpose to which I program my fluorite wand is for the healing touch.  By whispering your intentions to your crystalline child, you not only clear it of it’s previously energy, but it wholly becomes connected to you, an extension of your magick. 

Other ways to cleanse stones includes submerging them in water (be it fresh or moon water), submerging them in a bowl of salt, leaving them to the surrender of the sun (though be weary! some stones may not be placed in direct sunlight for loss of color), leaving them under the gaze of the full moon, placing them in a velvet bag with either a smokey quartz or a citrine cluster (both are self cleansing), or burying them in the earth for three days.

Well, I hope this guide helped. My crystalline children have been crooning for the attention. And whoever said stones can’t talk is most certainly wrong; we must hush our own voices to hear the children of below.