Ensnared by Destiny Giveaway on Goodreads

Hi everyone! Anyone remember my last post and how I mentioned there would be a giveaway on Goodreads for copies of Ensnared by Destiny? Well, guess what? The giveaway is set up and good to go. Just click on the link and enjoy!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Ensnared by Destiny

by A.C. Harrah

Giveaway ends August 07, 2015.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to Win

Book 3 of the Turning Curse Series Gets a Release Date

It's official! The Turning Curse Series has its third book coming out this August! You know what that means: marketing time!

If you're on Goodreads keep a look out for Read & Review offers in the upcoming months to get your chance to read the book for free. I'll also be looking into doing another giveaway on Goodreads over the next couple of weeks. 

Also, if you are someone who has read and reviewed Turning Curse or Royal Theft in the past feel free to contact me to ask about reading and reviewing the latest novel in the series. I would be happy to give out a copy of Ensnared by Destiny for review.

Herb Notes: Violet

Violet

Folk Name: Blue Violet, Sweet Violet

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Deity: Venus

Powers: Protection, Luck, Love, Lust, Wishes, Peace, Healing

(Directly taken from Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs)

Protection: Carrying violets protect against evil spirits (1). Carrying a leaf will protect against all evil (3). To create a charm with violets, gather three of its leaves and several flowers, and bind them with a purple ribbon. Do during the waxing moon to increase protection, or preform during the waxing moon push away negativity (4).

Luck: Carrying violets also brings luck (1, 3).

Love & Lust: When mixed with lavender, violets enhance love and lust (1).

Wishes: Picking the first violet in spring will grant your deepest wish.

Healing: Said to cure headaches and dizziness, especially if made into a crown. If put in a green sachet, violets are said to cure wounds (1, 3). 

Violets are also said to help calm tempers and induce sleep (1, 3). They may also lead to prophetic dreams (3). 

Sources:

1.) Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

2.) The Wiccan Way
3.) Herb Grimoire -The Magickal Cat
4.) Cottage Witchery  

Herb Notes: Ivy

Ivy

Folk Name: Gort (1)

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn

Element: Water

Deities: Bacchus, Dionysus, Osiris (1, 4) -- Mythology states the planet was named after a girl who danced for Dionysus until she died. He was so moved by her performance she put her spirit in the plant (4).

Powers: Protection, Healing, Love (1, 2, 3, 4)

Ivy is considered the feminine counterpart to holly. (1, 4)

Ivy is carried/worn by women for luck (1).

It is said where Ivy grows there is protection from negativity and disaster (1, 2, 4). In addition, if grown by the front door it will discourage unwanted guests (2, 3). It is also used for fidelity and love (1, 2, 4).

Ivy leaves are poisonous (4).

Pair it with holly for a wedding gift to offer protection to the new couple. Also burn with a yellow candle on Tuesdays to see who is casting magic against you (3).

Sources:

1.) Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

2.) The Wiccan Way
3.) Herb Grimoire -The Magickal Cat 

4.) Cottage Witchery

Herb Notes: Bleeding Heart

Bleeding Heart

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus 

Element: Water

Powers: Love

Bleeding Hearts bring love, but they also can be used to indicate/predict the feelings of your paramour. If they bleed red when you crush the flower, then you love returns your feelings. If they bleed white, then your feelings are not returned.

Interestingly,  growing these flowers in your home bring bad vibrations, but sticking a coin in the soil can help prevent that (1).

Sources:

1.) Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

2.) The Wiccan Way
3.) Herb Grimoire -The Magickal Cat

Herb Notes: Devil's Bit

Devil's Bit

 Folk Name: Ofbit

Gender: Masculine (1)

Powers: Exorcism, Love, Protection (1,3), Luck (1), Lust (3)

Devil's bit is supposed to be worn around the neck to drive away evil spirits (1). Wearing it is also supposed to provide general protection it seems.

Devil's bit is specifically used to attract women.

Sources:

1.) Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

2.) The Wiccan Way
3.) Herb Grimoire -The Magickal Cat

Herb Notes: Mugwort

Mugwort

Folk Names: Artemis Herb, Artemisia, Felon Herb, Muggons, Naughty Man, Old Man, Old Uncle Henry, Sailor's Tobacco, St. John's Plant

Gender: Feminin

Planet: Venus

Element: Earth

Deities: Artemis, Diana

Powers: Strength, Psychic Powers, Protection, Prophetic Dreams, Healing, Astral Projection

(Directly taken from Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs)

Prophetic Dreams: Pairs well with Agrimony for sleep sachets (3). A sachet of Mugwort under your pillow will cause prophetic dreams (1, 3)

Protection/ Lust: Carry to increase lust and fertility (1, 2, 3,). Carrying it will also keep you safe from poison, wild beasts, or sunstroke (1), prevent back aches (1, 3). 

Psychic Powers: Drink an infusion sweetened with honey for divination (1). Burn with sandalwood or wormwood when scrying. Put near bed to aid in astral projection (1, 3). 

Healing: Cures disease and madness by carrying (1, 2, 3). 

Mentions of evil spirits being kept at bay (1).

Use an infusion to clean crystal balls and magic mirrors (1, 3).

 

Sources:

1.) Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

2.) The Wiccan Way
3.) Herb Grimoire -The Magickal Cat