Herbal Solutions and Young Wiccans
I’d like to start out by saying thank you to all of our readers for your wonderful compliments, suggestions and questions. Now, on to this month’s questions and comments!
Helena asks:
I have been trying to grow my own herbs indoors, like basil and parsley, however, I always seem to end up attracting aphids. Do you have any suggestions for indoor gardening, so I can have fresh herbs all year round? I live in an apartment without a backyard, so it makes it tricky to grow things on the fire escape without my landlord getting on my case!
I mostly use dried herbs in my remedies, so I don’t have that
much experience with indoor gardening, so I went to The Garden Helper for some advice.
Their suggested methods of preventing pest on house plants includes starting with clean pots and sterile soil. Regular care and maintenance of your house plants is also a good idea, be sure to remove any dead leaves and flowers and keep the plants healthy with proper feeding and plenty of air. They recommend keeping lady bugs in the house to keep aphids away, but if you don’t want that, then there are a few pesticides that may be used, but be sure to read the directions and use caution when working with potentially dangerous chemicals that
may harm you or your plants. For more information, check out their section on pest prevention for house plants. There is a section on aphids on that page, and you will also find plenty of information on how to grow house plants.
I hope this helps, and happy gardening!
Cameron asks:
Hello, Witch Hazel.
I’m having trouble trying to quit smoking and i was wondering if there might be any herbal remedies that you thought might help. Thank you much.
Previously the San Francisco Herb company carried a tea that was a smoker’s blend which helped to cut the cravings of nicotine withdrawal. It may help to contact them online and inquire if they still carry this item. Many who have used it reported that it did help to take the edge off.
You can also find a wealth of information in The Herb Book by John Lust, which has been worth its weight in gold for many homeopathic seekers over the years.
Mandy wants to know:
I am a witch, and my parents know and agree with it. But I can’t seem to find anyone in my area that is also a witch, or who has the same beliefs. I practise it as often as possible, but I don’t think that
“they” work. What do I do? Oh, and I know all the meanings of everything, so I’m using the right materials. HELP!
If you are under 18, the chances of finding a legitimate coven that will welcome you will be tough, even with parental approval. It isn’t that anything “bad” takes place, however religious zealots being what they are could make a whole mess of trouble for you, your family and the sponsoring coven. The only way a coven would take on a member under 18 is if the parents are also actively involved with it.
However, if you seek out a local occult supply shop, there usually are bulletin boards which post various messages from advertising for products and services, to covens welcoming new members.
There is a saying in Wicca though, that when the student is ready, the teacher will come. Be patient, the Goddess works in mysterious ways and when you are ready, it will present itself to you.
Anna inquires:
Hi, I’m a newbie to Wicca and was wondering if you could maybe give me something like an outline. I’m very interested in Wicca, but since I’m coming out of a Christian home, I can’t get all the facts and know what Wicca is all about. Thanks a million!
This is a touchy situation simply because if you are living with family and are under 18, your religious belief system is pretty much dictated by your family until you are on your own and able to make your own decisions.
With that disclaimer duly noted, you may want to seek out some books by Silver Ravenwolf, particularly Teen Witch, that may help give you a better understanding of Wicca. If you can’t purchase it, try the local library.
There are many sources of online to research as well such as witchvox.com where many links to a variety of traditions can be found.
One reader asks:
What would you say is “being Wiccan”? I don’t worship gods or goddesses –
in fact I’m an Atheist – but I’m into the whole aromatherapy, color therapy, hand reading, and
tarot reading... and I keep something that could be a Book of Shadows containing the above interests.
I know more history than most Wiccans I know who are actually in covens; they come to me asking questions.
I know that the god/goddess aspect of the Wiccan history is huge, but is it really all that important if I’m into all the other stuff? I don’t really care for myself, but I have friends who are asking, and I dont know what to tell them. I hate not being able to help them out.
Wicca is a religion, very much like Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism and the like. It has its roots in many branches such as Saxon, Minoan, etc., which delve into the historical components of Gods and Goddesses as well as the changing of the seasons.
The things you mention are really the growing tide of psychic and psychological consciousness raising that is supposed to be ushered in with the Aquarian Age. Much of this came out of the inner sanctum of the occult circles and now is more a part of the “new age” theory than actually anything belonging to any one
particular religion in its entirety.
Although it is quite possible to have an abundant knowledge with many of the subjects that are interrelated to the Craft, it by no means makes it a form of religion. Many things such as aromatherapy, homeopathy, tarot, etc., are the outer portions of esoteric knowledge that is starting to gain some ground in popularity. It is not unusual to see Christian women consulting the tarot, the I Ching or drafting astrological charts.
As with any type of “religion,” faith is a part of it. There is a ceremonial component that integrates the divinity within as well as outwardly towards the universe.
However, the fact that you are open minded enough to learn about these various subjects simply indicates that you are travelling your own path. You need not explain it to anyone because it is a personal choice. If and when the time of faith and questioning becomes an issue for YOU, your inner mind will guide you on the path you need to seek.
One reader commented on a past column, stating:
Hi, I hate to butt in, but on the “Heathens” question, but some Norse Pagans (Asatru) I know occasionally call themselves “Heathens” or “Norse Heathens”. Given the number of alternative names most paths have, maybe that’s what Rebecca had heard about. Just a thought.
Perhaps that is the case. Interesting observation. Or as our editor, Mistress McCutchan suggested, perhaps some pagans are reclaiming that word as a positive rather than a negative, derogatory comment, like women who proudly refer to themselves as a “bitch”.
Katherine wrote in and shared with us:
I saw your article with the Anti Acne mix. I bet you have heard this but I didn’t see it so I thought it may be helpful to mention it. I use witch hazel extract for face cleaning, it gently dries skin and kills germs. It is also good for cleaning piercings, cuts, scrapes, minor burns. It comes in fairly large
bottles for about 1-2 dollars just about anywhere. Thanks.
Thank you for the suggestion!
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