Moon Magick Teas


Many mystical and magical uses have been found for the thirteen trees
which symbolize the months of the Celtic lunar year, and it is likely,
considering the popularity of Celtic Paganism, that many more will be
discovered.

However you choose to observe the lunar months, it can be helpful to
first imbibe a magical brew designed to attune your body and spirit to the
occasion.

Following are the recipes for thirteen teas which will accomplish just
that.

The measurements given are approximate, and for making one eight-ouncemug
full you should use no more than a single heaping teaspoon of dry herbs
placed inside a tea ball or cheesecloth strainer. All liquid measurements
should be added to taste. Allow the tea to steep at least two minutes,
longer if you prefer a stronger flavor. As always, when ingesting untried
substances, be sure to test for any allergic reactions first, and
remember that no herbal preparation should ever be taken over the long term
without consulting an expert pharmacologist or botanist.

Though very few of the recipes actually contain any part of the trees to
which they are attributed, they work quite well because their ingredients
rely on using herbs and juices which share magical affinities with the
properties of the tree. These properties are listed after the name of
each tree so that, if you choose to, you can make substitutions based upon
this knowledge.

Depending upon the particular Celtic tradition you follow, the lunar year starts with either the first new moon closest to Samhain or the one just before Yule.

BIRCH MOON
> > Matters of beginnings and children; purification.
> > 3 parts ginger
> > 1 part lemongrass
> > Pinch of dill
> > Splash of lemon juice

ROWAN MOON
> > Empowerment, clairvoyance, air magic, exorcism.
> > 1 part valerian root
> > 3 parts peppermint
> > Pinch of eyebright
> > Pinch of ginger

Valerian is a powerful sedative that affects each person differently. You
may wish to use a very small amount of this herb
at first to determine how it affects your body chemistry

ASH MOON
> > Matters of the intellect; magic, healing.
> > 2 parts angelica
> > 1/2 part sage
> > 1/2 part black cohosh
> > Pinch of rosemary

ALDER MOON
> > Spirituality, wholeness of being.
> > 1 part linden
> > 1 part hibiscus
> > 2 tablespoons of cream or milk
> > Splash of cranberry juice

WILLOW MOON
> > Matters of the Otherworld; healing, love, water magic, feminine
mysteries.
> > 2 parts willow bark
> > 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
> > 1/2 part dried apples or a splash of apple juice
> > Pinch of rosemary

HAWTHORN MOON
> > Peace, sleep, dreams, prosperity, happiness.
> > 1 part hawthorn
> > 1 part catnip
> > 1/2 part rue
> > 1/2 part chamomile

OAK MOON
> > Lust, strength, energy, endurance, fertility, fire magic, male mysteries
> > 1 1/2 parts white oak bark
> > 1/2 part mint
> > 1/2 part orange peel
> > Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg

HOLLY MOON
> > Matters of animals; magic, prophecy.
> > 1 part kelp
> > 1/2 part rose petals
> > 1/2 part raspberry
> > Pinch of yarrow

HAZEL MOON
> > Manifestations, protection, healing, fertility.
> > 2 parts ginseng
> > 1/2 part mugwort
> > Pinch of savory
> > Splash of any noncitrus juice

VINE MOON
> > Earth magic, sex magic, overcoming difficulties.
> > 1 part blackberry
> > 1 part dandelion
> > Splash of currant wine or grape juice
> > Pinch of hibiscus

IVY MOON
> > Healing, cooperation, binding.
> > 1 part mullein
> > 1/4 part eucalyptus
> > 1/2 part barberry

REED MOON
> > Fertility, love, protection.
> > 1 part red clover
> > 1 part hyssop
> > 1 part boneset
> > Pinch of slippery elm

ELDER MOON
> > Exorcism, prosperity, astral travel, finding faeries.
> > 1 part ginko
> > 1 part mugwort
> > 1 part valerian -- (see note under Rowan Moon)
> > 1 part spearmint
> > Pinch of anise (may substitute extract)
> > Pinch of allspice