Aquamarine Magic in My Vicinity As I sit here by the sea, I am mesmerized by the beauty of the aquamarine hues that stretch out before me. The water glistens and sparkles in the sunlight, beckoning me to come closer and immerse myself in its enchanting embrace. There is something truly magical about this particular shade of blue-green. It evokes feelings of calmness and tranquility, washing away all my worries and stresses. The aquamarine waves seem to hold a secret power, a unique energy that only reveals itself to those who are open to its enchantment. I can't help but feel a deep connection to the sea and its aquamarine magic.
Many herbs, including vervain (Verbena officinalis), sage (Salvia apiana), elder (Sambucus nigra) and, of course, St John’s wort (Hypericum) are believed to reach the peak of their powers on the feast of St John. Counterintuitively, it is recommended to cut weeds on the full moon nearest 22 June as they will be at their weakest. Rain on St Swithin’s Day, 15 July, will bless the apple orchard – though, traditionally, if it does rain that day, it will continue to rain for 39 more.
Rain on St Swithin s Day, 15 July, will bless the apple orchard though, traditionally, if it does rain that day, it will continue to rain for 39 more. Wise women, apothecaries, witches, herbalists whatever you call them, those who cultivate plants for their fabled mystical and healing properties have existed for thousands of years.
I can't help but feel a deep connection to the sea and its aquamarine magic. It is as if this color has imprinted itself onto my soul, influencing my emotions and thoughts. I find solace in the vastness of the ocean, knowing that its depths are filled with mystery and wonder.
Witching Herbs and their Lore
When I started my herbal adventure many years ago, I was drawn to unusual herbal topics. Oh, I made my vinegars (still do) and my wreaths. My cooking was much improved. But as my herbal interests broadened and my library grew and grew and grew, I became fascinated by the history and lore of herbs.
With fall comes the witching season. What better time to explore some of the witching herbs? While many of the plants in our gardens can be used for charms and spells, some are truly sinister plants that every self-respecting witch needs.
Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) … In ancient times this plant was used as an aphrodisiac and treatment for infertility. It was mentioned in Genesis when the childless Rachel asked Leah for some of the mandrakes (likely the fruit) she has gathered. It must have worked since she subsequently gave birth to Joseph. Pieces of mandrake were found in the Egyptian tombs and it was mentioned in the Ebers papyrus. How is came to be associated with magic may be lost in the mists of time but someone noticed the resemblance of the root to the shape of a man and a new charm was born.
Recall from Harry Potter how the plant screams when removed from the ground. This ear-piercing scream was said to be able to kill whomever tried to remove it. So, a special procedure was devised. Three circles were drawn around the plant for protection. Then, the soil was loosened around the plant and a black dog was tied to the plant. The witch stepped out of the circle and called the dog which pulled up the plant. In some telling of the tale, the dog would live if it stayed in the first circle but in most the dog was sacrificed to obtain the plant.
As if it wasn’t difficult enough to obtain a mandrake, a special procedure was needed to maintain it. It must be bathed in wine, wrapped in white silk then covered with a black velvet coat. Each week it should be bathed and the bedding and silk changed.
Perhaps all of this was worthwhile since mandrake was believed to contain the red earth of paradise which was necessary to produce the philosopher’s stone. Oh, and it also made one invincible in battle.
Wolfsbane (Aconitum lycoctonum) … Closely related to monkshood (Aconitum napellus), wolfsbane contains aconitine, a deadly poison, and was considered the most dangerous of all the magical herbs. This baleful plant was made by Hecate from the foaming mouth of Cerberus the three-headed dog who guarded the gates of the underworld.
If you have a stray lizard around, you can bind wolfsbane with the skin of your lizard and you will become invisible. Then think of all the candy you could snatch on Halloween. If you are plagued by vampires and werewolves this is the plant for you since it is an effective deterrent.
Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) … The plant looks and smells of death, perhaps because its favorite home is graveyards. Legend has it that henbane seeds were smoked by the Oracle of Delphi to increase his prophetic powers. Meanwhile the Celts considered it sacred to Bel, their god of prophecy.
Henbane contains atropine, scopolamine and hyoscyamine which in large doses increase the heart rate. They also cause dry mouth, dilated pupils, weakness and agitated excitement. The herb can produce the sensation of the soul separating from the body and flying through the skies. It can also produce a sense of body dissolution and erotic hallucinations. Then, when it wears off the person remembers nothing of what has happened.
(It is interesting to note that atropine is used in medicine to increase the heart rate and scopolamine was a component of “twilight sleep” formerly administered to women in labor so they did not remember childbirth.)
Deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) and Jimson weed (Datura stramonium) and mandrake all contain atropine, scopolamine and hyoscyamine. The plants and sometimes a bit of opium and fly agaric were included in flying ointments. This was a dangerous brew indeed. Undoubtedly some witches got to the other side in a way they never intended.
If all this seems a bit frightening, just remember that you can keep witches away by throwing a yarrow leaf into the fire or by rubbing your floor with rue.
Andrea Jackson, R.N., is a master gardener with a certificate in sustainable horticulture. She has more than 30 years’ experience studying, lecturing and loving herbs. She belongs to the Herb Society of America, American Herbalist’s Guild and Piccadilly Herb Club, and the American Botanical Council.
Every time I visit the shoreline, I am greeted by a sense of awe and reverence. The aquamarine waves crash against the rocks, creating a symphony of sound that resonates within me. I can almost hear the whispers of the sea, as if it is trying to communicate its secrets to the world. But it is not just the ocean itself that holds this aquamarine magic. It is also present in the creatures that call the sea their home. The fish, with their shimmering scales, seem to embody the essence of this enchanting color. They glide through the water effortlessly, reminding me of the grace and fluidity that can be found in embracing the magic of aquamarine. Even the sandy beaches seem to hold a hint of this mystical power. As I walk along the shoreline, I can feel the softness of the sand beneath my feet, grounding me in the present moment. The grains of sand sparkle with hints of aquamarine, a reminder that this magic is not confined to the water alone. In my everyday life, I try to carry this aquamarine magic with me wherever I go. I draw inspiration from its calming energy and use it as a guiding force in my actions. It serves as a reminder to be gentle and compassionate, just as the sea is with its waves. The aquamarine magic in my vicinity is a constant source of inspiration and wonder. It reminds me to appreciate the beauty that surrounds me and to embrace the unknown. Whether I am perched on a cliff overlooking the sea or simply gazing at a photograph of aquamarine waters, I am transported to a world of tranquility and enchantment. This magic is always there, waiting to be discovered and embraced by those who are willing to open their hearts and minds to its power..
Reviews for "The Aquamarine Hunt: Exploring the World's Most Prized Gemstone Mines"
1. Megan - 2/5 - I was really excited to read "Aquamarine magic in my vicinity" as the synopsis sounded intriguing. However, I found the book to be incredibly slow-paced and lacking in depth. The characters felt one-dimensional and the plot was predictable. I didn't feel emotionally connected to any of the characters and the magical aspect of the story was underdeveloped. Overall, I was disappointed and would not recommend this book.
2. David - 1/5 - I struggled to finish "Aquamarine magic in my vicinity" and found it to be a complete waste of time. The writing style was awkward and the dialogue felt forced. The author spent too much time describing trivial details that didn't contribute to the overall story. The plot was confusing and poorly executed, leaving me feeling confused and unsatisfied. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it fell short in every aspect.
3. Lisa - 2/5 - I had a difficult time connecting with the characters in "Aquamarine magic in my vicinity". The protagonist was unlikeable and made questionable decisions throughout the story. Additionally, the romance felt forced and lacked chemistry. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. I was also disappointed with the ending, as it wrapped up too neatly and didn't leave much room for interpretation. Overall, I found this book to be underwhelming and wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Michael - 3/5 - "Aquamarine magic in my vicinity" had an interesting concept, but it fell short in execution. The plot had potential, but it was bogged down by unnecessary subplots that didn't add much to the overall story. The pacing was slow, and I found myself losing interest multiple times. The characters were fairly forgettable, and I didn't feel invested in their struggles. While there were some enjoyable moments, the book as a whole didn't leave a lasting impression on me.