A wakened by birdsong, her incandescent eyes flutter open to behold the verdant forest, lush and damp with newly fallen rains. Sweetly scented moss tickles her nose as the welcoming rustle of branches beckon her away from the seclusion of her winter’s bed. She stretches in languor toward the sun, smiling hello to her forest friends once again. Rested and renewed, the nymph prepares for the growing season, abundant in the richness of her surroundings—nature is the ultimate femme vitale.
After a long winter’s slumber, the cauldron of dreams begins to stir. Spring, in all its green beauty, holds the promise of those dreams taking form, somehow always arriving as if for the first time. All of nature must rise, for there is work to be done! Replenished by resting deep within our spirits, we reach outward once again, ready to nurture the growth of seeds planted carefully, lovingly within the richness of the earth.
A forest nymph certainly knows how to align with the beauty of nature. Working closely with the wisdom of trees, the varied treasure of wild flowers and herbs, and the high vibration of pure water, she concocts potions that enhance her natural beauty, attunes to nature spirits, and skillfully rouses the magic of heaven and earth.
And so, gorgeous nymphs, it is time to arise. Pop open from your buds and embrace spring and all her riches with these powerful offerings: three inspired potions to detoxify, nourish, and promote fresh new growth to your cells and your dreams. A mélange of woodland treasures mingle with timeless beautifiers in the thick of the forest to bestow their gifts upon you:
Nettles These wonderful little harbingers of Spring are Mars-ruled symbols of protection, their powers having been used in magic for ages. A favored herb of Thor, they also carry tremendous energy for banishing, healing, and sexual fire. When ingested, nettle provides nutrients, antioxidants, and minerals which support the entire system, including the skin and hair. It is an excellent tonic for libido, as well as an all-around healing herb for both female and male health. Nettle revs circulation, improves digestion, and helps with seasonal sniffles and bronchial woes. Used topically, it gently detoxifies and provides nourishment to skin, while helping to grow strong, thick, glossy new hair.
Pine Pollen Beloved pine trees are also fiery symbols of protection, healing, and fertility. Excellent for creating, they also gift us with their special faerie dust—pollen. Pine pollen acts as a superior supplement as it contains an astounding amount of active vitamins, minerals and nutrients in each serving that is easily absorbed by the body. It also increases collagen and elastin production, delivers antioxidants, and promotes youthful skin texture. *If you have an allergy to pine, simply omit. The potions will still be brimming with beauty and magic!
Spinach This bright green gift of Jupiter is simply packed with vital nutrition for cleansing and feeding your body. Full of powerhouse vitamins and minerals, spinach is an easy route to glowing skin both internally and applied to the surface. As a facial masque, it lessens the appearance of fine lines, adds elasticity, softens, and protects from UV damage. Used in hair, spinach soothes the scalp, promotes hair growth, and leaves a gorgeous shine. Added magical feature? Spinach attracts money!
Avocado As a high priestess of beauty, avocado is a force to be reckoned with. A rich, sensual fruit of Venus, avocado does wonders for the skin, hair, and the entire body. Ripe with a high concentration of fatty acids, it conditions hair from the scalp all the way down to the tips, bidding adieu to dry, frizzy, unmanageable strands. It also treats your skin by smoothing lines, plumping and hydrating while bringing love and peace magic straight to you.
Jasmine This precious moon flower gifts love, beauty, and riches in all forms. Its sweetly seductive aroma is an ancient aphrodisiac, and indeed sprinkles a bit of stardust into everything it touches. Jasmine is a light but potent hair oil that stimulates growth, detangles, and imparts a glossy sheen. Used on the skin, it moisturizes without clogging pores, evens skin tone, and wards off the signs of premature aging.
Almond is a fantastic beauty addition to the retinue above, as a non-abrasive exfoliant with the anti-aging benefits of vitamin E which repairs cells, protects from environmental damage, and fortifies skin. Taken internally, almonds provide protein and fiber, helping to lower blood sugar and keep you full without bloating. Magically, almonds bring healing and abundance.
DRYAD DREAMS HAIR MASQUE
Per treatment
A gorgeous treatment to bring in spring, this masque leaves your scalp revitalized and your strands smooth, glossy, and full of life. No more dryness, tangles, or dull strands tolerated!
½ avocado, very ripe
1 cup spinach, finely chopped
1 tablespoon nettle
½ cup unsweetened almond milk
20 drops jasmine absolute
Combine avocado, spinach, nettle, and almond milk in a high-speed blender, and pulse until very smooth. It’s important to get the avocado and greens to resemble a smoothie as best as you can. This assures an even coating and an easier application. When you get the consistency you like, spoon the mixture into a small bowl, adding the jasmine just before using. Working with dry hair, begin at the scalp, applying the potion and massaging in as you go along, all the way to the ends. As you work the potion through, bring the beauty in and all the joy that comes with it. (Remember, there’s money and passion in there too!) Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse very well with warm water. (Hair masques tend to get everywhere, so make sure to do a thorough cleanup afterward.) Wash with a gentle shampoo—you don’t want to undo all this exquisite conditioning—then follow with your everyday conditioner. When your hair is dry, it will be gorgeous.
This fresh masque is best for one use. The recipe is based upon hair length and thickness, so if you have extra, share it!
WOODLAND WITCHERY
FACIAL EXFOLIANT AND MASQUE
Makes approximately 6 treatments
This glowing green magic masque cleverly exfoliates and cleanses, then drapes your skin in a veil of bright, beautiful hydration. Prepare to dazzle!
½ cup spring water
½ cup spinach
1 teaspoon nettles
¼ ripe avocado
1½ teaspoons pine pollen
2 tablespoons almond flour
13 drops jasmine absolute
First, combine the water, spinach, and nettles in a high-speed blender, and pulse until completely smooth. This will make a paste. Add the greens to a ceramic or glass bowl, then mash in the avocado. Make sure the avocado is as smooth as you can get it—the back of a small spoon works well—so you have as few lumps as possible. Add pine pollen and almond flour, mixing well. As you concoct, bring forth the energy of beauty and confidence! Drop in the jasmine oil just as you are about to use the masque. Apply a layer to clean skin, lightly massaging in a circular motion. Add another layer and pat it in well. Allow it to work its magic for 10 to 20 minutes, then remove with a warm cloth. Rinse thoroughly, then apply your serums and moisturizers as needed. This makes a nice amount of potion, so share some with friends, maybe with a little witchy spa party!
The masque will keep refrigerated for three days.
BEAUTY WITCH SECRET:
With both masques, add in the jasmine oil just before using, as all that green goodness can absorb its intoxicating scent when left sitting. If you have potion left for subsequent treatments, add a few refresher drops just before use.
FOREST FAERIE TONIC
Per serving
This bright, refreshing tonic delivers both cleansing and nutrient-dense power to you in an easily digested potion that will bring you back to life after a long winter’s slumber. Get ready to take on the world!
1 cup spring water
1 tablespoon nettle
13 leaves fresh mint
1 to 2 teaspoons raw coconut nectar, or to taste
1 cup spinach
1 teaspoon pine pollen
Juice of half a lemon
Pour the spring water into a high-speed blender, then add in the spinach, nettle, pine pollen, mint, and lemon. Blend until very smooth. Now pour in the coconut nectar, and adjust to taste. (Stevia can of course be substituted.) As you are concocting and sipping, visualize clearing away the seasons past. As you feel strong and clear, bring in the strength and new growth needed to achieve your dreams in the coming months.
Mint Cooling, aromatic mint bears gifts of purification and healing. Ruled by Mercury and air, it encourages ease of communication while stimulating the intellect. (Interestingly, it also carries the magic of sex!) Mint cleanses the system, eases digestion, strengthens eyesight, and is full of antioxidants.
Lemon Moon-ruled and a powerful purifier, bright and cheerful lemon holds a hefty dose of love and happiness magic. It cleanses the system and balances pH while providing vitamin C and a host of beautifying minerals.
Coconut Nectar The lunar coconut tree gives us this sweet, low-glycemic, mineral-rich sap that makes a lovely plant-based alternative to honey. Tinged with citrus, it has a delightful flavor enhanced by the magic of spirituality and psychic awareness.
BEAUTY WITCH SECRET:
Conjure these potions at the new moon or any time during the waxing-to-full phase. Though they contain detoxifiers, which work best during the waning phase—their energy is present to clear the way to fully receive the magical and beautifying properties. The cleansing is simply there to create the space, so the emphasis on absorbing becomes the dominant energy.
Enjoy the sorcery of spring, my beautiful woodland sprites! May you be cloaked in her magic, and may all your wishes come true.