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Discover the Magical, Medicinal, and Culinary Properties of Star Anise

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Discover the history, folklore, and uses of star anise. Star Anise at a Glance Common Name : Star anise Botanical Name : Illicium verum is the Latin name for star anise Plant Family : Schisandaceae Alternative Folk Names : Chinese star anise Chinese anise Ba jiao hui Badian Eight horns Eight-horned anise Aniseed stars Star Anise Facts and Information The Latin name for the star anise plant is Illicium verum. Star anise, which is sometimes called Chinese anise, is a member of the magnolia family. Physical Description : Star anise is a medium-sized evergreen tree with lance-shaped leaves and olive green fruits that turn a rusty brown color as they dry in the sun. The fruit of the Chinese anise plant looks like a six to eight-pronged pointed star, hence the name star anise. The prongs are usually split open and contain a single seed. The dried seed pod and seeds are aromatic and have a pungent, strong, yet mildly sweet taste. Habitation and Cultivation : Mature star anise trees can grow ...
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Halloween's Herbal Legends: From Broomsticks to Magical Flying Ointments

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Behind every broomstick and cauldron lies a story steeped in old plant lore. The folklore and historical uses of plants are popular areas of study with many herbalists, gardeners, Wiccans, and witches. Folklore focuses on the legends and myths associated with various plants as opposed to the scientific knowledge associated with the fields of study such as botany and horticulture. Image by No-longer-here from Pixabay Note: Magical Broomsticks and Flying Ointments is an expanded version of an article I originally wrote for the Fall 2003 issue of the Herb Quarterly magazine. As the Herb Quarterly is no longer in business, and the copyright has reverted to me, I've decided to post this new article version to the Craft of the Wise blog.  All Hallow's Eve All Hallow's Eve, or Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival day, traditionally marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter. Long before modern-day Halloween costumes and candy overtook the proceedings, the final day of O...
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Unlock Your Inner Spirituality with the Magical Power of Water

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Note: This article originally appeared in Llewellyn's 2016 Magical Almanac. As of 12/31/2018, the copyright has reverted back to me. I have added additional new content at the end and am reprinting the expanded version here on Craft of the Wise.  Image by  Karl Egger  from  Pixabay Working with the Magical Power of Water Water is one of the four elements along with earth, fire, and air. The correspondences associated with this element are dusk, west, fall, taste, female, and moon energy. Invoking the magical power of water causes an emotional awakening and spiritual purification of your body, mind, and soul.  Invoke the power of water when working spells and rituals dealing with love, friendship, healing, peace, divination, intuition, dream work and psychic awareness. Learn how to unlock your inner spirituality using the magical power of water. Water Personality Types and Animal Totems My sign is Scorpio, which along with Pieces and Cancer, is one of the 3 wate...
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Discover the Healing Power of Drumming

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In recent years, researchers and addiction specialists have come to recognize the value of  music therapy  in the treatment of substance problems. This form of treatment is often grouped together with a range of non-medication-based options known as sound therapies, creative arts therapies or holistic therapies. One of the most promising options in this developing field of  health and wellness  is drum therapy. When it forms part of a larger course of drug or alcohol treatment, drumming can provide a powerful incentive for people in recovery. Music Therapy Basics Music can have a positive or negative impact on people with substance problems. Outside of a treatment setting, it sometimes serves as a reinforcement for existing patterns of substance abuse [i] . In fact, many people with drug or alcohol abuse/addiction report an increase in their substance cravings when listening to certain types of music. Factors that help explain this reaction include: The association o...
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