Readers’ Questions Answered - Studying Wicca, Witch's Bottle, and Herbal Toner
This month,
our readers asked...
Hello. I am a 20 year-old seeking to further my studies of Wicca, besides the books I’ve read. How does one seek a teacher? How can you check someone’s credentials if they claim to be a High Priest or Priestess? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
–Robert J. Taylor, TX
There is an old adage that states something to the effect, “when the student is ready, the teacher shows up.” Basically this means that when it is time for you to move to the next level, a synchronicity will occur where fortunate “coincidents” will bring you closer to that goal.
One suggestion is to visit the nearest occult shop in your area if you should happen to have one and check out their bulletin board. Online, you can also check visit
www.witchvox.com which is one of the most in depth sites for anything Wiccan that you may require.
Let me know how you do!
Can you help settle an argument I’ve been having with my friend? We’re trying to determine what a witch’s bottle is. I think it is meant to protect against evil, but she thinks otherwise. Who’s right here?
–Vera, Dublin, PA
Actually, you are both right. Many years ago, some folks used to hang colored glass balls that were common in fishing areas. These were “alleged” to protect one from Witchcraft. i.e. evil. Due to the negative propaganda at the time, people felt the need to protect themselves from the hags that flew on their brooms in the midnight hour. This may have come about from the incorrect rationale that Witches were said to be fearful of water. All of this was based on misinformation and myth drummed up by the patriarchs who were desperately trying to convert “heathens” by torturing and killing people. History is always the victor, sad to say.
On the other hand, some practicing Witches have used bottles for all sorts of things from holding dried herbs and/or herbal remedies, incense, oils, or spell magic. Usually Witches will collect an assortment of dark colored glass bottles because the sunlight will kill the potency of herbs, oils and the like. ( Ever notice that milk is also in a translucent plastic instead of clear glass? That was because the sunlight depleted the vitamins from the milk.)
In my home there is always a bottle of some herb or another soaking to make herbal tincture remedies. There are also assorted colored bottles that hold home made incense because the potency of oil will eat through plastic.
Melissa W. of Hamilton, Ontario wrote to us to share this recipe for an herbal refreshing toner to help normalize the skin’s pH level, especially if you have oily skin:
1 cup apple cider vinegar
5 tablespoons rose petals
4 tablespoons sage leaves
3 tablespoons raspberry leaves
2 tablespoons rosemary
3/4 cup rosewater
Heat the vinegar and pour it over the herbs. Place mixture in a quart jar and cap it. (Do not use a metal lid) Shake daily for 10 days. Strain. Add rosewater to vinegar. Store, covered, in jars with nonmetallic lids.
This recipe is originally by Linda Gannon of The Magick Garden, 5703 Country Walk, McFarland, WI 53558. Send SASE for brochure of available products.
Do you have a question about the pagan community or a personal recipe for a all-natural favourite? Please be sure to pass it on to
me.
