Ex Penna

As we come up on the holiday season, I feel it only fitting to share one of my favorite herbs traditionally associated with various aspects of fall and winter festivities: Nutmeg.

Not only is nutmeg magically powerful, it's also strong in scent, texture, and color, making the whole, crushed, and ground spice a perfect fit for any application from potions to hotpots.  It will definitely make your formula come alive!

Whole nutmegs are good for carrying in your pocket as a talisman, no bag necessary.  Of course, because of nutmeg's reputation for getting things heated up, adding it to other herbs and curios can make for some incredible combinations!  Try it for bringing good luck, especially in money magic and gambling, or guarding yourself from illness.  Chopped or crushed, it keeps the peace at home and ensures faithfulness in your beloved.  Powdered, you can add it to food, powders, or incense to heighten goodwill among family or friends, intensify magical ability, and increase focus.

No matter what your situation, one or more of these intentions surely sparked with you as being the perfect spell right now.  So, as you bake pumpkin pies and stir eggnog this year, add a dash of power to your nutmeg to send your season in the direction of success!

Modern Sealing Wax Recipe

Medieval Sealing Wax Recipes


I am a big fan of wax seals.  Though it is becoming increasingly rare to find people using the completely unique and one-of-a-kind seals of old, they are still a useful and decorative way to ensure that a message gets where it's going without being switched or spoiled.

Or, if you're like me, they are the perfect touch to binding spells.  Because no one can tamper with a seal without it being obvious, wax seals are a constant reminder of the security of your magic intent.  Use them to cover knots around objects, bind scrolls, when signing your name to a piece of magic, or to keep spell bottle lids covered (be it permanent or temporary).

As a note, though convenient, modern wax sticks are not the proper choice if you're going to use your seal often or on any item to be buried.  They are made from plastics, stiff and non-biodegradable.  Instead, follow these links for great alternatives. The first is simple and easy for a modern practitioner and the other is the traditional Medieval methods for purists (or just for fun).