Category: Resident GE Blog Columnists

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Herbalism For Your Day: Yerba Santa

By Katrina Rasbold

Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon californicum), also known as the “Holy Herb” or “Sacred Herb,” is a powerful plant with deep roots in both magical and healing traditions. Indigenous to the southwestern United States, particularly California, Yerba Santa has been used for centuries by Native American tribes for its potent healing abilities and its spiritual significance. Known for its protective, purifying, and healing properties, this sacred herb is a favorite for both spiritual practitioners and herbalists.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the magical and healing properties of Yerba Santa and offer practical ways to incorporate this potent herb into your spiritual and wellness practices. Continue reading Herbalism For Your Day: Yerba Santa

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Tarot Talk: Nine of Wands

Pamela Colman Smith’s Nine of Wands  is a compelling visual representation of resilience, persistence, and guarded strength. The card depicts a wounded man gripping a staff, standing amidst eight other wands planted firmly in the ground. His wary yet determined gaze encapsulates a wealth of symbolic meaning, making this card a potent source of reflection for tarot readers. More personally, this card aptly reflects how I feel rolling into the last breaths of 2024. Continue reading Tarot Talk: Nine of Wands

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Stone Magic: Cross Stones/Chiastolite

Chiastolite, also known as the “Cross Stone” due to its distinctive cross-shaped markings, is a crystal steeped in mystery, spirituality, and protection. Its unique patterns naturally form a cross-like symbol, making it a powerful talisman for spiritual seekers, healers, and those looking for protection from negativity. Throughout history, this stone has been revered in folklore and magical practices for its strong grounding energies, protective properties, and connection to ancient wisdom.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the magical and spiritual properties of Chiastolite, uncover the fascinating folklore behind this mystical stone, and discover how you can incorporate it into your spiritual and magical practices. Continue reading Stone Magic: Cross Stones/Chiastolite

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Herbalism For Your Day: Vetiver

By Katrina Rasbold

Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides), often called the “oil of tranquility” or “the fragrance of the earth,” is a powerful herb and essential oil known for its deeply grounding, calming, and protective properties. With its rich, earthy aroma, vetiver has long been used in magical and spiritual practices to promote stability, emotional balance, and protection from negative energies. In herbal medicine, vetiver is prized for its healing effects on the body and mind, particularly for its ability to ease stress, soothe the nervous system, and promote restful sleep.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the magical and healing properties of vetiver, along with practical ways to incorporate this sacred plant into your spiritual and wellness practices. Continue reading Herbalism For Your Day: Vetiver

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Tarot Talk: 9 of Pentacles

By Katrina Rasbold

The 9 of Pentacles depicts a woman dressed in a luxurious golden robe adorned with floral motifs, standing in a lush garden. She is surrounded by nine pentacles embedded in the foliage, symbolizing material wealth and prosperity. Her hand rests lightly on a falcon, a creature associated with discipline, refinement, and control. In the background, a grand estate or vineyard reflects the fruits of her labor. Continue reading Tarot Talk: 9 of Pentacles

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Herbalism For Your Day: Valerian

By Katrina Rasbold

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), with its earthy and pungent aroma, is a powerful herb revered for centuries for its calming and healing properties. Known as “nature’s tranquilizer,” valerian is widely used in herbal medicine to promote relaxation, alleviate stress, and support restful sleep. However, valerian’s magical uses are equally potent, making it a staple herb in witchcraft and spiritual practices. It is associated with protection, dreamwork, and enhancing psychic abilities.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the magical and healing properties of valerian and how you can incorporate this ancient herb into your spiritual and wellness practices. Continue reading Herbalism For Your Day: Valerian

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Stone Magic: Sugilite

By Katrina Rasbold

Sugilite, often referred to as the “Stone of Divine Love”, is a rare and precious gemstone with a deep purple hue. This mystical crystal is highly regarded for its powerful spiritual energy and its ability to connect the wearer to higher realms of consciousness, making it a sought-after stone in both metaphysical and magical practices. Known for its protective and healing properties, Sugilite is a crystal that offers profound support for those on a spiritual journey, seeking healing, protection, and a deeper connection with the divine.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the magical, spiritual, and metaphysical properties of Sugilite and discover how this powerful crystal can transform your spiritual practice and personal growth.

Continue reading Stone Magic: Sugilite

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The Magic of Not “Being Nice”

By Lady Saoirse

Bright Blessings,

I don’t know about you, but I’m sick to death of seeing people make stupid decisions, get screwed for it, and then say that they were just “trying to be nice.” I hurt for people who have been taught from the time that they were children that they have to accommodate everybody to their own detriment. It also makes me sad to see people who don’t know the difference between self-sacrifice and lack of self-love. Continue reading The Magic of Not “Being Nice”

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Tarot Talk: The Queen of Cups

By Katrina Rasbold

Each week, “Tarot Talk” explores a card randomly drawn from the Rider-Smith-Waite deck to guide us in our energetic focus for the week. This week’s shuffle leads us to the court of the Queen of Cups. The Queen of Cups, one of the most evocative cards in Pamela Colman Smith’s classic Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck, is a luminous symbol of emotional depth, intuition, and compassion. Rooted in the watery realm of feelings and creativity, this card holds a profound message for those who encounter it in a reading. Let’s delve into its rich symbolism and explore its interpretations. Continue reading Tarot Talk: The Queen of Cups

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Herbalism For Your Day: Skullcap

By Katrina Rasbold

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), often known for its calming and soothing properties, is a powerful herb that has been used for centuries in both magical and healing practices. Revered for its ability to promote peace of mind, protect against negative energies, and support spiritual work, skullcap is a beloved herb for healers, witches, and those seeking a deeper connection with their inner selves.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the magical and healing properties of skullcap, its rich history in herbalism and magic, and how you can incorporate this versatile herb into your spiritual and wellness practices. Continue reading Herbalism For Your Day: Skullcap

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Stone Magic: Calcite

By Katrina Rasbold

Calcite, a crystal found in a wide range of vibrant colors, is often called the “Stone of Amplification” due to its powerful ability to enhance and magnify energy. Its gentle yet potent vibrations make it an essential tool for spiritual growth, healing, and transformation in both witchcraft and metaphysical practices. Whether you’re seeking to boost your energy, cleanse your aura, or elevate your consciousness, Calcite is a versatile crystal that offers powerful support. This post explores the magical and metaphysical properties of Calcite and discusses how it can transform your spiritual journey.

Continue reading Stone Magic: Calcite

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Tarot Talk: 9 of Wands

By Katrina Rasbold

Each week, “Tarot Talk” explores a card randomly drawn from the Rider-Smith-Waite deck to guide us in our energetic focus for the week. This week’s shuffle leads us to the 9 of Wands card. The 9 of Wands is a card that resonates deeply with themes of resilience, persistence, and the battle-worn wisdom that comes from overcoming life’s challenges. Truly, after the past few months, aren’t many of us feeling this way? The 9 of Wands conveys a rich tapestry of symbolism and insight that can offer guidance in moments of struggle and reflection. Continue reading Tarot Talk: 9 of Wands

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Stone Magic: Fluorite

By Katrina Rasbold

Fluorite, with its mesmerizing array of colors, is one of the most powerful and versatile stones in the metaphysical world. Known as the “Genius Stone” due to its ability to enhance mental clarity, focus, and intuition, Fluorite is cherished by spiritual seekers, healers, and witches alike. Its diverse colors—from deep purples to soothing greens—each carry unique energies that make Fluorite a prized tool in witchcraft, energy work, and meditation. Let’s explore the magical, metaphysical, and witchcraft properties of Fluorite and discover how this stunning crystal can empower your spiritual practice.

Continue reading Stone Magic: Fluorite

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Herbalism For Your Day: Rue

By Katrina Rasbold

The Magical and Healing Properties of Rue: The Herb of Protection and Purification

Rue (Ruta graveolens), often referred to as the “Herb of Grace,” is one of the most powerful and ancient plants used in magical and healing practices. Revered for its protective, purifying, and healing qualities, Rue has been used for centuries by witches, healers, and spiritual practitioners. This hardy plant has a long history in folk magic and herbal medicine, with its ability to ward off negativity, break curses, and bring physical and emotional relief.

In this blog post, we will explore the magical and healing properties of Rue, its rich history in folklore, and how you can incorporate this powerful herb into your spiritual and wellness practices. Continue reading Herbalism For Your Day: Rue

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Sacred Fire: Ruby Blossom Tea to Channel Anger with Purpose

By Tatiara

I’ve been sitting with anger lately—the kind that rumbles low and deep, born not from trivial irritations but from witnessing wounds too big to bear. It’s a flame that demands attention, one that could easily scorch the edges of my spirit if I don’t treat it with care. Anger, I’ve come to learn, is not the enemy. It’s a messenger, a fiery sentinel of boundaries crossed, values ignored, or pain too long unspoken.

Yet the question remains: what do we do with it? How do we honor anger without letting it consume us?
Continue reading Sacred Fire: Ruby Blossom Tea to Channel Anger with Purpose

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Getting What You Want

By Lady Saoirse,

Bright Blessings,

From new witches to seasoned practitioners, many of us want to know one thing- how can we use magic to get what I want in life? It’s simple.

You have to learn to wait for it.

What? We often think slinging a spell should give instant results! I mean, we paid $12.99 for that candle and $8.99 for that oil. All we should have to do is burn the candle and anoint ourselves with the oil we paid good money for and our result should be ours immediately, right? Continue reading Getting What You Want

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Tarot Talk: The Emperor

By Katrina Rasbold

Each week, “Tarot Talk” explores a card randomly drawn from the Rider-Smith-Waite deck to guide us in our energetic focus for the week. This week’s shuffle leads us to The Emperor card. As illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith for the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, this card is one of the most iconic representations of authority, structure, and stability in tarot symbolism. Its rich imagery provides a layered exploration of power, leadership, and the establishment of order, making it a cornerstone of the Major Arcana. Continue reading Tarot Talk: The Emperor

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Stone Magic: Aquamarine

By Katrina Rasbold

Aquamarine, with its mesmerizing sea-blue hue, has long been associated with the calming energies of water. Its name comes from the Latin word for “water of the sea,” and it has been revered for centuries for its soothing, cleansing, and spiritually enhancing properties. Known as the “Stone of Courage” and the “Stone of the Sea,” Aquamarine is beloved by healers, mystics, and spiritual seekers for its ability to bring clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual awakening. Let’s explore the magical, spiritual, and healing properties of this beautiful gemstone.

Continue reading Stone Magic: Aquamarine

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Herbalism For Your Day: Periwinkle

By Katrina Rasbold

The Magical and Healing Properties of Periwinkle: A Symbol of Protection, Love, and Immortality

Periwinkle (Vinca minor), with its delicate blue or violet flowers, is a charming and potent plant steeped in magical and medicinal traditions. Also known as “witch’s violet” or “violet of sorcery,” periwinkle has long been associated with protection, love, and immortality in European folklore and herbal practices. Its evergreen leaves and enduring blooms make it a symbol of life and resilience, often used in spells to guard against negativity, enhance love, and promote healing.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the magical and healing properties of periwinkle, along with practical ways to incorporate this versatile plant into your spiritual and wellness practices. Continue reading Herbalism For Your Day: Periwinkle

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Tarot Talk: Strength

By Katrina Rasbold

The Strength card, part of the Major Arcana in the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck, is a deeply evocative and symbolic image designed by Pamela Colman Smith under the guidance of A. E. Waite. First published in 1909, the card’s striking imagery and subtle details have inspired countless interpretations, making it one of the most iconic representations in the world of tarot. Let’s dig a bit deeper into the symbolism and meanings of the Strength card. Continue reading Tarot Talk: Strength