Herbs/Food/Plants By Purpose

Myths, Creatures, and Folklore

Want to create a religion for your fictional world? Here are some references and resources!

General:

General Folklore

Various Folktales

Heroes

Weather Folklore

Trees in Mythology

Animals in Mythology

Birds in Mythology

Flowers in Mythology

Fruit in Mythology

Plants in Mythology

Folktales from Around the World

Africa:

Egyptian Mythology

African Mythology

More African Mythology

Egyptian Gods and Goddesses

The Gods of Africa

Even More African Mythology

West African Mythology

All About African Mythology

African Mythical Creatures

Gods and Goddesses

The Americas:

Aztec Mythology

Haitian Mythology

Inca Mythology

Maya Mythology

Native American Mythology

More Inca Mythology

More Native American Mythology

South American Mythical Creatures

North American Mythical Creatures

Aztec Gods and Goddesses

Asia:

Chinese Mythology

Hindu Mythology

Japanese Mythology

Korean Mythology

More Japanese Mythology

Chinese and Japanese Mythical Creatures

Indian Mythical Creatures

Chinese Gods and Goddesses

Hindu Gods and Goddesses

Korean Gods and Goddesses

Europe:

Basque Mythology

Celtic Mythology

Etruscan Mythology

Greek Mythology

Latvian Mythology

Norse Mythology

Roman Mythology

Arthurian Legends

Bestiary

Celtic Gods and Goddesses

Gods and Goddesses of the Celtic Lands

Finnish Mythology

Celtic Mythical Creatures

Gods and Goddesses

Middle East:

Islamic Mythology

Judaic Mythology

Mesopotamian Mythology

Persian Mythology

Middle Eastern Mythical Creatures

Oceania:

Aboriginal Mythology

Polynesian Mythology

More Polynesian Mythology

Mythology of the Polynesian Islands

Melanesian Mythology

Massive Polynesian Mythology Post

Maori Mythical Creatures

Hawaiian Gods and Goddesses

Hawaiian Goddesses

Gods and Goddesses

Creating a Fantasy Religion:

Creating Part 1

Creating Part 2

Creating Part 3

Creating Part 4

Fantasy Religion Design Guide

Using Religion in Fantasy

Religion in Fantasy

Creating Fantasy Worlds

Beliefs in Fantasy

Some superstitions:

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Tea to Relieve Periods

Hey guys! Recently I had tried this tea I made on my own. It worked so so well the next day to relieve my cramps. The recipe is made by me so I send lots of love and positive energies along with this recipe. I hope this relives your period

Ingredients:

❣️ Dried rose petals/buds to help relieve cramps, acne, and constipation created by the inflammation of the uterus

❣️ Dried rosemary leaves to reduce inflammation of the uterus and breasts

❣️ Dried mint leaves to relive nausea

❣️ Cinnamon stick/powdered cinnamon to relive inflammation and increase blood flow which will increase bleeding but shorten your period 

❣️ Honey to increase energy and sweeten tea

Side Note: Cinnamon will only increase bleeding and shorten your period when drank on a daily basis during your period. If it was drank only once throughout your period, only the day that it was drank will affect your bleeding.

Directions:

1.) Put about 2-3 cups of water in a pot and bring it to a boil

2.) After brought to a boil, turn off the burner and place it on a non-used burner

3.) Throw in your ingredients and place a lid on the pot. If you are using powdered cinnamon, stir that in after the steeping and straining takes place. Let the ingredients steep 5-10 minutes or however long you wish

4.) Strain the tea into a cup and you’re ready to drink!

8 Things No One Tells You About Being An Extroverted Introvert

Are people confused whether you’re an extrovert or introvert? When you’re out enjoying your social life the world buzzes around you. You have fun and you do what excites and stimulates you with friends. Everyone likes to unwind after a long day, but your mind and body require it more than most.

Keep reading

A Basic Glossary of Herbalism Techniques

Image credit: Sage and Smudge

OK, so one thing that often comes up in Q&A sessions about witchcraft is herbalism. It’s extremely complicated in some parts, and this isn’t helped by the fact that there’s often a lot of new and complicated terminology that can really obfuscate the techniques used to people who aren’t used to it. 

This post is therefore meant to clarify a few things about terminology to help people decipher what the hell is going on. It does not go into the effects of herbs (like what the difference is between a sedative and a hypnotic), that’s for a later post. This one talks about actual techniques used to MAKE a herbal preparation.

NB: The terminology I use is the most common terminology and definitions used in Western tradition herbalism. Some terms have different definitions in biochemistry or in other herbalism traditions to the ones they have in Western tradition herbalism (WTH). If a term is likely to cause confusion, I’ll try to put an asterisk (*) beside it.

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Acetum* ­– A tincture that uses vinegar as its menstruum. The plural is aceta.

Active ingredient – The medicinally active component chemical(s) of a plant; these are what you’re trying to extract.

Aqueous* – An extract that is prepared with water is called an “aqueous extract”, or simply an “extract” (though this is correct, it is vague and therefore should always be clarified as an aqueous extract).

Aromatic* – A chemical that has an easily-discernible fragrance or smell, e.g. menthol from peppermint

Ayurveda – Literally “science of life”, this is a form of Indian herbalism. Included because people often ask what it is and I’m sick of answering.

Cold infusion – A form of herbal preparation in which a herb is steeped in room temperature water overnight as a means of extracting active ingredients.

Constituent – Any component chemical of a plant, regardless of activity.

Decoction – A herbal preparation in which plant matter is simmered in water without boiling until half the liquid has been evaporated.

Double decoction – A form of decoction where the water is evaporated down to a quarter of its original volume, rather than a half.

Elixir* – Any liquid preparation that contains both alcohol-extracted and aqueous-extracted components.

Ethanol – An alcohol with the chemical formula C2H4OH, also known as drinking alcohol and ethyl alcohol.

Extract* ­– Any liquid preparation in which plant matter is left in a liquid solvent for several weeks. The word “extract” can also refer specifically to aqueous extracts.

Filtrate – The liquid retrieved from a physical filtering separation process.

Fluid Ounce – Also known as an ounce by volume, this is a measurement of fluid equal to 1/16th of a pint by volume, or approximately 0.03L metric. Weight-to-Volume ratios measure volume in fluid ounces most commonly. Symbolised as fl. Oz.

Folkloric extract – A herbal extract prepared without measuring weights or volumes of the marc or menstruum. Much more variable in dosage than measured extracts, and therefore more risky.

Glycerine – Also known as glycerine and glycerol. A chemical with the formula C3H5(OH)3, often used in the preparation of sweet-tasting extracts.

Glycerite – Any extract prepared using glycerine as the solvent. Glycerites should be a minimum of 55% glycerine by volume in order to preserve their contents against bacteria.

Hot infusion – A herbal preparation made by steeping plant matter in boiling or boiled water for at least 10 minutes. Less than 10 minutes forms a tea instead.

Inactive ingredient – Any molecule in a plant that does not have medicinal or biological value. A plant will always have more than one inactive ingredient, but a herbal preparation could theoretically have only one (although it never will).

Liniment – An extract, most usually a tincture, which is used topically on the skin rather than taken orally. Also known as an embrocation.

Lipid – Any fat. Often used as a solvent when dealing with fat-soluble compounds, for example cannabinoids.

Lozenge – A herbal preparation in which the active ingredient is made into a thick syrup, heated until candying occurs, and then allowed to cool and harden. Often used to make unpleasant-tasting medications more palatable, such as for children.

Marc – The solid matter in an extract or tincture.

Menstruum – The liquid component of an extract or tincture.

Ounce – A measurement of weight, 1/16th of a pound, and just under 30g metric. Symbolised as Oz.

Pastille – A herbal preparation similar to a lozenge, but unheated and therefore preserving many of the medicinal compounds that are otherwise heat-sensitive. Made by grinding herbs into a powder, and then mixing them with sugar and a binding agent. Maple syrup or honey is often used.

Preparation – Any herbal remedy, of any kind.

Poultice – A herbal preparation formed by mashing fresh, solid plant matter into a mash, and then directly applying it to the skin. Sometimes also involves wrapping the plant matter in gauze or fabric to prevent it coming apart.

Precipitate – The solid matter that forms from the marc when making a tincture or an extract of some kind.

Proof* – As it related to alcohol, this is a measurement that is equal to either two times the alcohol percentage (US definition) or is equal to 1.75 (4/7th) times the percentage (UK definition). Almost all sources use the US definition, but all sources will also use the alcohol-by-volume (ABV) metric, which is a simple percentage.  

Residue – The solid matter left in the filter after a physical filtration separation.

Solubility – The ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent.

Succi ­– The preserved juices of a plant. Alcohol is the most common preservative.

Syrup – A decoction that has subsequently had sugar added to it, and is then simmered down further until it forms a thick, sweet liquid. Mostly used for making herbal preparations that are unpleasant-tasting easier to swallow.

Tea – When boiling water is added to plant matter and is left to steep for no more than 10 minutes. If it is left for longer than 10 minutes, it is described as a hot infusion.

Tincture* – Any liquid extract in which alcohol is the solvent. The word tincture is often used interchangeably with extract in herbal sources, but they are actually different things.

Weight-to-volume extract – Any extract in which the marc and menstruum are actually measured out before manufacture. This is a little more complicated, but makes the dosage much less variable and therefore much safer to use.

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This took bloody ages to write, so I hope like hell that someone finds it useful!

– Juniper

Gryffindors are bright mornings, leaves dripping in gold. They’re the trailblazers, unafraid of the road ahead. They’re laughing so loud your stomach hurts, the knowledge that your friends are right behind you wherever you go. They’re ice skating with someone you love, clinging on to them for dear life. They’re make-believe games with quests and dragons and swords pointing at the sky. They’re rosy cheeks, winter winds and freezing hands. They’re the adrenaline when a plane takes off, the drop at the top of a rollercoaster. They’re delighted screams and freedom, the wind through your hair. They’re panting, pillow fights, feathers bursting into the air. They’re finger painting and festivals and burning sunsets. They’re the burn in your lung after chasing something you’ll never be able to catch. 

Hufflepuffs are honey and flowers and the soft autumn sun. They’re knitted jumpers and scarves and soft tan boots. They’re fresh air and nature, the sound of birds singing. They’re rolling down a hill in the spring, grass stains on your knees, daisy chains in your hair. They’re waving at someone across a crowded room, bright smiles and laughter. They’re coming home after a long day and seeing your family. They’re playing fetch with your dog, your cat weaving between your feet. They’re fluffy socks and song birds and kraft notebooks with hand drawn patterns. They’re throw cushions on a bed, a tiny cottage surrounded by wilderness. They’re the ground beneath your feet, the air that you breathe. They’re the light you chase when you thought you’d never see the morning. 

Ravenclaws are leather bound books and overstocked libraries. They’re waking up at two am to google that thing that’s bugging you. They’re journals with half the words crossed out, scribbles and ink stains and missing pages. They’re stretching when you’ve been hunched over all day, rolling off the edge of a bed, burrowing in blankets. They’re torch light and held breaths and reverent whispers. They’re the entire night sky and everything beyond it; the embodiment of the universe. They’re desperate searches and hidden castles and ghost stories by firelight. They’re the mystery of a dark corridor, the force of a whirlwind. They’re the excitement of discovery, the rustle of crunched up paper. They’re the last whisper before you fall asleep. 

Slytherins are foggy hillsides and picturesque landscapes. They’re hand written love notes and subtle glances across a classroom. They’re black boots, long coats, buttons done up to the top. They’re tipping your head back to breathe the air, kicking up stones on a deserted path. They’re mirrored lakes, everything below the surface. They’re the confidence to get something right, the feel of magic in your fingertips. They’re holding your breath underwater, pretending to be a mermaid when you swim. They’re finding that one song that makes you want to create a storm. They’re the chill in the breeze, the force in the tide. They’re enchanted forests and lingering glances and long drives. They’re the lightning and the thunder and everything in between. 

Can you suggest any really good shoujo anime? Nothing specific, just worth watching

Oh goodness. Guys I’m a shoujo manga blog, not an anime blog. Whenever you guys ask for animes to recommend, I swear, I haven’t watched any in years, so its hard coming up with recs. /sobsHmm… here are a list of shoujo animes I’ve watched:

Amnesia

Arcana Famiglia

Bokura ga Ita

Chihayafuru

Daa! Daa! Daa!

Diabolik Lovers

Earl and Fairy

Full Moon wo Sagashite

Fushigiboshi no Futagohime

Gakuen Alice

Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun

Glass Lip

Gokujou!! Mecha Mote Iinchou

Hakuouki Shinsengumi Kitan

Hanasaku Iroha

Hanayaka Nari, Waga Ichizoku

Heart no Kuni no Alice

Hiiro no Kakera

Inu x Boku SS

Kaichou wa Maid-sama

Kaleido Star

Kamichama Karin

Kamigami no Asobi

Kamisama Hajimemashita

Kimi ni Todoke

Kirarin Revolution

Kodocha

Kyoukai no Kanata

Lilpri

Mamotte Lollipop

Marmalade Boy

Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch

Nagi no Asakura

Nana

Ookami Shoujo to Kuro Ouji

Ore Monogatari!

Ouran High School Host Club

Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream (1st Season)Prety Rhythm: Dear my Future (2nd Season)

Red Data Girl

Shugo Chara!

Skip Beat!

Special A

Starry Sky

Sukitte Ii Na yo

Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun

Ultra Maniac

Uta no Prince-sama

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge

Yumemiro Patissiere (1st Season)Yumemiro Patissiere Professional (2nd Season)

Zombie Loan

Untie the Wind

Of the diverse powers of the witch, control of the weather is one of the most mysterious, and feared, perhaps, by the Christian masses. It is claimed by the Christian theology that their god gave the power of the elements unto Satan; indeed, this is why he is called “Lord of the World”. It was believed that witches, who were in league with the Devil, could control the rains, the winds, and the seas with their magic. 

Sailors would purchase knotted cords from witches. When the knots were untied, the wind would pick up. The more knots one untied, the more wind there would be. 

This can still be applied today using either ones own breath, or the wind itself. 

On a windy day, take yourself to a high place where the wind blows more strongly. Take with you a red cord to be knotted in three places. Breathe in the wind. Become the wind. Be in all places at once. One and Separate by the Mystery. 

Tie the wind into the knots. The first knot should be closest to the left end, the second knot closest to the right, and the third knot to be in the middle of the cord. Accompany your actions with a charm such as:

“Each knot I make And then untie Will stir the wind To fill the sky.“ 

Return to your home, and keep the knotted cord in a high place within your home. When you need to change the wind, take the cord outside and untie the knots in reverse order. 

“This knot is untied, So the cord is free. As the cord if freed, The wind shall be.“ 

For a strong gale untie all three knots. 

If there is no wind to tie into the cord, simply use the breath. Whistle three times for a wind, and give a blast of air into the first knot. Into the second knot, give a slightly smaller stream. And into the final knot, give merely a breeze of your personal wind. 

Why do you live?

Because I have something worth living for. 

I made these as a way to compile all the geographical vocabulary that I thought was useful and interesting for writers. Some descriptors share categories, and some are simplified, but for the most part everything is in its proper place. Not all the words are as useable as others, and some might take tricky wording to pull off, but I hope these prove useful to all you writers out there!

(save the images to zoom in on the pics)