Equinox 
House Blessing Jars

by Silver RavenWolf
copyright 2011

Spring Equinox!  Truly a powerful holiday, especially for starting new projects particularly those involving the home.  Kick start this quarter energy with the amazing full moon energy available this weekend, and you can make a truly magickal house blessing jar!  This article has instructions for two types of magickal jars -- the more ornate Herbal Jar or the super easy Spring Equinox Jelly Bean Jar.

The House Blessing Jar is both a protective and blessing vehicle tuned to the type of herbs you select for inclusion.  Generally, the herbal jar will last approximately one year if re-empowered either by sunlight or moonlight every three months, particularly on High Holy Days or days of heightened astrological significance.  The contents of the Jelly Bean Blessing Jar is meant to be consumed within a three month period, and is a perfect fast and easy gift for a family member or circle mate.  Your intent and focus while constructing either jar makes all the difference in how well the jar will work. 

Let's run through the general supplies used in the pictured House Blessing Herbal Jar, and the Jelly Bean Blessing Jar so that you can determine which project is right for your needs:

Herbal Jar Supplies
1 one-quart canning jar with lid
2 Design Motifs -- one for lid, one for inside jar
2 Gold Safety Pins -- one for protection of home and one for protection of family wealth
Your House Key -- this ties the jar directly to your home or apartment
1 thirteen-inch-long red ribbon tied onto the key -- ribbon is knotted seven times to hold your intent
3 small bells -- to clear away negativity
2 currency bills (one, ten, or twenty denomination)-- to encourage growth of finances
3 or more Bulk Herbs to fill jar -- your choice (see herb discussion in article)
2 or more Signature Herbs to fine tune the energies you desire (see herb discussion in article)
1 teaspoon dirt from your property -- to carry the vibrations of the jar throughout your entire living area (inside and outside)
1 pipe cleaner -- to make the money fans shown in picture
A closed packet of sugar -- to attract the sweetness of life
Glue
Decorative ribbon
Scissors
Tin punch (optional -- this is if you want to aroma of the herbs to circulate in the room)
Pen

Here are the Supplies for the Easy Jelly Bean Blessing Jar

One large bag of jelly beans
One jar with lid
Two pictures (one for lid, one for inside of jar).
Glitter
Ribbon
Jingle Bells -- the more the merrier
Pen
Glue
Scissors

Ritual Supplies for either Project
Blessed Water
Fire -- Candle flame or other

Note:  You can use other supplies if you so desire.

First, we're going to work through the House Blessing Herbal Jar.  Once you have read through those instructions, you'll see how easy the Jelly Bean Blessing jar would be to construct, as the only contents of that jar are the jelly beans and the picture you choose.  I'll mention the Jelly Bean Blessing Jar along the way where specific information applies.

How Either Jar Magickally Works
Think of your House Blessing Jar as the center of a vortex of energy that once blended by yourself, circulates out from the jar itself and fills the area around it with peaceful, happy vibrations.  Think of it as a glowing ball of energy that pulses like a heartbeat.  To put the jar in full throttle mode after construction (let's say you're having an unhappy day and you know your feelings are upsetting your family) tap the top of the jar three times and brush the bells with your hand.  If the day is a particularly bad one, repeat the process at least twice more or whenever you walk by the jar, saying: "I know everything will be fine."

Choose Your Theme for Either Jar -- Yes, we already know this is a house blessing jar; but, what type of theme would you like for the blessing card or design within and on the lid?  Do you like a specific God or Goddess?  Fairies?  Plant motif to match your selected herbs?  Or, maybe you are more the ceremonial type and would prefer a planetary or angelic seal.  Country prim?  Then crows or ravens for you -- messengers to bring good fortune and take away negativity.  Cows, Ox, or Bull -- all have great family representations.  Cow for sustenance, Ox for Good Fortune, and the Bull for passion or creativity (especially if you are trying to have a child).  The theme of your jar will, in some ways, dictate the choice of your herbs and color focus of the herbal jar.  The jelly bean jar attunes specifically to color magick and the ingredients of the jelly beans -- the bright colors and sugar in the jelly beans can create a powerful attraction vehicle.  For example, for either jar, you may not wish to choose a battle god with a legend of quick temper if you want the energy in your home to carry a sweet, serene lotus feel.  Angels are also a good choice, particularly if you wish to focus on your personal guardian angel or spirit.  And for those of you who wish to call on the beloved dead?  They like herbs and generally adore sweets -- no problem there!  Whatever you believe in will work, as long as you truly believe in it.

You might also want to consider the season in which you make the jar and the upcoming astrological energies.  Right now, in the Northern Hemisphere, we are heading into Spring Equinox.  We could make the herbal jar to cover just the next three months, and then refill the jar with more glamorous herbs delighting the eyes with brighter color at Summer Solstice.  For those of you on the other side of the world who are heading into the Fall Equinox,  your choices of theme and herbs may be a bit different, moving more in tune with your current seasonal energies.  Astrological energies, too, will affect your project.  You might want to consider what sign the moon is in when you construct (or empower) the jar.  Typically, for home, family and marriage the moon in the signs of Cancer (home), Leo (Success), or Taurus (Stability & Affluence) are often chosen; but, if that doesn't feel synchronistic to your personality, or the current timing doesn't fit with those signs, that's okay.   Your barometer isn't what I say -- it is how you feel. 

The upcoming full moon (Virgo Moon/Pisces Sun) may not be your first choice of timing when it comes to home and family as Virgo is considered a barren sign; but, think again.  Where Virgo is analytical, Pisces is very creative -- this is actually a good match for those of you who are looking to see clearly (Virgo) and solve problems creatively (Pisces).  This can work extremely well for family and home strategies.  Look at it this way -- who hasn't bribed a child to eat their dinner with a scrumptious dessert waiting in plain view, hmmm?  The partnership of Virgo and Pisces can be a wonderful dynamic duo for a variety of family issues -- you just have to think outside the box.  There is something else very special about the upcoming full moon (Saturday, 19 March 2011 -- 2:10 PM EDT /11:10 AM PDT).  It will be closer to the earth than it has been in 18 years.  Many folks are already remarking that they can feel the increased power.  My thought has always been -- if it is there -- use it to your best advantage!  The Sun enters Aries (Spring Equinox) at 7:21 PM EDT / 4:21 PM PDT on Sunday, 20 March.  You may also be feeling the heightened energy of the sun (which will move into Aries) cojoining Uranus in Aries on the 21st of March.  Any of the above aforementioned dates may be chosen for their individual power -- or, you could make the jar during the full moon, empower it on Spring Equinox, and then tap it to work in a small, special ceremony on the 21st.  Just remember to keep in mind what each planet and the sign they are visiting represent, and consider whether or not this energy is what you wish to access.  Again, let your intuition be your guide.

Measuring Your Design -- The flat surface of the jar lid used in the example is 2.5 inches wide.  For the Herbal Blessing Jar I used one of my own designs that incorporates many magickal elements for good fortune and happiness, and printed the design twice -- one copy for the lid and one copy for inside the jar.  You can choose two different designs, if you like.  On the back of both copies I wrote the family name and the address of the house.  These days the designs I use are called ethnic (imagine that) because I incorporate elements from my Pennsylvania Dutch German heritage.  On the herbal jar, this would include the tulip/lily, the 12 point rosette (good fortune for the next twelve months), stars (success), a scalloped border (smooth sailing in life), and a stylized bluebell flower (for family happiness).  Unlike the traditional ethnic art, I used ravens for my good fortune birds in keeping with Odin's ravens of Thought & Memory and their Morrighan ability to send and receive messages and gifts and carry negativity away.  The circle border sets the design and guides the melded energies into the focus I desire.   For the Jelly Bean Blessing Jar I chose a far simpler design -- the 12 point rosette with Spring colors for the petals.  To add a bit of eye-spice I incorporated glitter on the lid image, and glued a bit of matching glitter on the outside purple ribbon.  For both projects I used a four-cup jar; however, you may wish to use a smaller or larger jar.

Choosing the Herbs for Your Herbal Blessing Jar
Herbs grown locally heighten the solidity of the jar.  The spirit of the herbs can easily adjust to your manipulation and to your home.  Exotic herbs can add a special kick and fine tune your intent.  I live in South Central Pennsylvania.  Herbs native to this area include Lavender (for happiness and removal of stress), Chamomile (for success and happiness), Rosemary (for cleansing), Cinquefoil (called the Blessing Plant or Five Finger Grass that includes love, money, good health, protection and happiness), and Marigold (success and money).  Lavender, Chamomile, and Rosemary are highly aromatic.  To enjoy these scents I could use a tin punch (or nail and hammer) to punch small holes in the lid of my jar.  If you choose this option, you may want to reconsider the size and placement of your design on the lid of the jar.

As I grow all of the herbs mentioned above in my garden in the summer, I have already worked with their individual energies and spirits from seeds (or small plants) to maturity, so I am comfortable with using all of them or only a selected few to fill the jar.  What I choose includes the energy of the plant and the color, as the jar will be on display and therefore I want something pleasing to the eye.  You may think differently, and that's just fine.

At this point you may say -- well, you grow all this stuff so you already have it, just how much is this jar gonna cost me?  I don't grow herbs, so what do I do?  Actually, I only had one of these herbs on hand -- the cinquefoil, because it is one of those must-have's for a Braucher (so they say).  I gave most of the garden's bounty away last year, and what I saved is long gone.  That means I had to make a trip to a local supplier of dried herbs.  Keeping cost effectiveness and quality in mind, I chose only three bulk herbs -- lavender, rosemary, and chamomile.  Cinquefoil can be ordered; but is extremely expensive because it isn't considered a common choice for potpourri or other herbal endeavors.  Marigolds, unless you've dried them yourself, are not particularly colorful from suppliers.  Once you've chosen your bulk herbs, spend a little time with them.  Smell them.  Touch them.  Connect with them.  Allow yourself to feel the energy of each one.  Think about the intent of your jar.  Your bulk herbs are the hearbeat of your jar.  These are the herbs that will work together to represent your intent.  The combined cost for the bulk herbs to fill the jar ran about $10.00.  Don't pour them into the jar, yet.  We have a bit more consideration in the herb department to do.  Now, it is time to fine tune those bulk herb energies with some signature herbs or plants.

The Signature Herbs -- You only need a bit of any signature herb to add to the power of your jar.  Think of your signature herbs like spices when you cook.  Just as the spices flavor the food, so signature herbs create interesting blends and overtones to your magick.  Just like in mixing a perfume with a variety of scents, so too, your signature herbs are the "notes" that may heighten the vibration.  Since this is a family blessing jar, we want to make sure there is always an abundance of food in the house to feed our loved ones.  I chose wax bean seeds -- beans for the abundance of food and the golden wax color for success and prosperity (even though you can't see the color in the seed -- you know it is still there).  A fall jar might contain pumpkin seeds, as they are known in the magickal herbal world for their good fortune energy.

What else might I choose to add?  Sunflower seeds match the Pennsylvania Dutch German design I'm using as sunflowers were considered (magickally) a powerhouse plant with the ability to bring great fortune and happiness.  Ruled by the sign of Leo, they promise loyalty, golden opportunities, and of course, that flair of powerful spirit.  When grown and left to dry on the stalk, they entice numerous birds, particularly goldfinches into the flower garden.  The goldfinch is also considered to be highly propitious and a harbinger of good fortune to the home and property.  Keeping ingredient numbers in mind, I count up what I have so far -- Lavender, Chamomile, Rosemary, Cinquefoil, Bean Seeds, and Sunflower Seeds.  Six.  That's the number of balance.  Would I prefer a different vibrational number, or should leave it at that?  Keeping in mind our rule of To Know, To Dare, To Will, and To Be Silent -- and as I'm gabbing profusely about the jar I already made, I think I'll just keep those other herbs and number I added to myself.  So, when someone asks you what all is in the jar?  Leave out an ingredient or two in your explanation and instead, add that if they wish to make one, their herbs can be a delightful, personal choice.

Just as you did with the bulk herbs, take time to aromatically savor (given you didn't choose asafetida) and handle your signature herbs.  Connect with their spirit and contemplate the intent of your jar while you hold them.

The Other Stuff in the Herbal Blessing Jar -- Yes.  You're right.  Those other things?  The key?  The safety pins?  Braucherei and for those who have studied Hoodoo -- looks like that as well, doesn't it?  The two systems are close, only cultural differences keep them apart.  Let's go over the other items in the jar.  None of these items will go in your Jelly Bean Blessing Jar because we don't want to mix them with a food item.  Spirit forbid some dummy pops a safety pin in their mouth instead of a jelly bean! 

The House Key -- your house key.  A new copy is fine as long as you have tried it in the lock at least once.  Spit on the key.  Yeah, I know.  Do it anyway.  Now, the key is yours and tied to you.  DNA, epithelials -- no kidding, provide the physical and energy link to you.  Isn't it amazing how science explains magick?  (Cock eyebrow here.)  Moving on. 

The 13 inch red ribbon -- red is a primary color for both Braucherei and Hoodoo magicks.  Affix the key to the ribbon.  Tie seven knots in the ribbon.  As you tie each knot repeat an affirmation that matches your intent, or choose a particular chant or song you enjoy.

Two Gold Safety Pins -- this is Braucherei -- the safety pins are to protect you, your family and your wealth (which is why we chose gold).  They should be closed, not open.  I learned this from Preston Zerbe all those years ago.

Two Dollar Bills -- You can use any denomination from your country.  These represent the money you already have and the money you want to receive.  Fold them accordion style and quickly stabilize with a bit of pipe cleaner that matches your color theme.  Then spread out the fanned ends by gently bending.  I glued the ends together to keep the bills in disc shape, holding together the ends with paper clips until the bit of glue dried.  Took me three minutes to make, tops!  Dress these two money flower shapes with your favorite money oil.  You could also use honey -- only if the jar will remain closed.  If you put air holes in the lid, you could attract insects, which isn't what we want at all.   Using real money in your magickal work is thought to connect you to the flow of fortune on this plane, and the practice can be found in both Braucherei and Hoodoo.

The Teaspoon of Dirt -- if you or your family owns the property, take a teaspoon of dirt from the most fertile area (a garden is good if you have it).  If you don't own the property, choose new, fresh dirt or potting soil from the store.  The soil serves several functions -- earth to meld with earth energies,  fertile soil to enhance the fertility of your work, and if the property belongs to you, this is another way to set the work firm with the surroundings.  Using dirt is both a Hoodoo and Braucherei practice.

The Bells -- 3 of them -- are tied to the ribbons on the outside of the jar.  The bells are to ward off negativity and keep the area around the jar harmonious.   The Jelly Bean Blessing Jar has far more bells because you only have the jelly beans inside.  More bells, more kick.

The Ribbons -- on the outside of both jars.  Color choice, number and size of ribbons is entirely your own.  I picked light blue, dark blue, and purple -- higher vibrational colors that match my intent as well as the design on the lid and in the jar.  The ribbons' function?  They are the last item added to the jar, and therefore used to seal the jar itself and lock in the magick.

Constructing the Herbal or Jelly Bean Jar -- takes only minutes if you have all of your supplies laid out and ready to go.  Therefore, the process works well if you are trying to catch a special, astrological energy.  For the Herbal Jar, begin by spooning the fertile earth into the jar.  Glue your lid design onto the outside lid of either jar.  Set aside.  For the Herbal Jar -- Herbs are next.  Here is where you will decide if you wish to layer the herbs in the jar for a more unique design, or if you will mix all the herbs together in a bowl, and then pour them into your jar.  Bless all items that will go into either Herbal Jar or Jelly Bean Jar (as well as the jar and the lid with design) by passing them over blessed fire and water.  You can use the simple Braucherei chant:

This water and this fire,
This water and this fire,
This water and this fire,
This is a good thing.

or choose a consecration or blessing chant or song of your choice.  This is your jar -- you decide what suits you best.

When the Herbal Jar is partially full, slip your design card, key and safety pins into the jar so that they can be seen.  Add a little more herb mixture, then stuff the sugar packet in the center of the jar, followed by slipping in the money so that at least one money flower rests on top of your design card in the jar.  This pulls the flow of good fortune into your herb mixture and then into the pictorial representation which has your name and address on it.  Think of it this way -- Money Crowns You.  Top contents of jar with your signature herbs (if you were keeping your herbs separate), or mix in layers throughout the jar while filling.

For the Jelly Bean Jar -- fill the jar half full and then slip your blessing card into the jar along the clearest wall.  If you don't want to put the blessing card in with the food product you can do the following: 

1.  Glue the Blessing Image to the outside of the jar.
2.  Punch a hole in the Blessing Image, run a ribbon through the hole, and tie later to the outside of the jar.  You might also wish to add a himmelsbrief for extra blessings as this jar only contains the jellybeans.

When all items have been placed in the herbal jar, blow into the jar three times (your holy breath mixed with thoughts of divine spirit).   If you are making a Jelly Bean Blessing Jar, don't blow into the jar -- that germ than again.  On either jar, next draw three equal-armed crosses in the air over the open jar, then again, after you have affixed the lid tight, over the closed jar.  Tie the ribbons to the outside of either jar and affix the bells to the ribbons.  Again, one last time, draw the equal-armed cross in the air three times over the entire jar.  Your jar is now ready to empower.  You can continue on, or set the jar aside under a black or white cloth (either will do), until you are ready for that process.

Empowering & Blessing Your Jar

It is recommended that you do this process within a magick circle and call the quarters.  This method gives you a jump-start on a clean energy field in which to empower your jar. (1)  You can also empower and bless the jar in sacred space if that feels more comfortable to you.  Some Brauchers use what is called The Golden Circle and Hoodoo practitioners may have their own methods.  Regardless, once again run the entire jar over a flame and a bowl of blessed water, intoning the Braucherei chant I already gave you, or one of your own.  Then, hold the jar with both hands and breathe deeply.  Imagine Spirit or white light entering your body at the top of your head and moving out from your heart chakra into your hands, and then into the jar in a nice, smooth flow.  Breathe in collecting spiritual energy that comes down through the top of your head, and then push the energy out into the jar several times until you feel it is just right.  The jar might tingle or appear to glow in your hands.  That's a very good thing.  You can stop here, seal the jar again with the equal-armed cross motion in the air over the jar, or you can continue with this Haus Segan (House Blessing):

Bless the four corners of this house,
And be the lintel blest;
And bless the hearth, and bless the board,
And bless each place of rest.
And bless the door that opens wide
to stranger as to kin;
and bless each crystal windowpane that lets the moonlight in;
and bless the roof strong overhead, and every single wall
The peace of love, the Peace of Spirit, and the peace of joy on all.
(anonymous)(2)

Kiss the bottom of the jar.  Dismiss the quarters and release the circle.  Your jar is ready for action!  Place either in a central area of the home, or where the family most gathers for heightened use. 

Not into herbs or jelly beans?  I'm sure you can come up with a unique house blessing jar!  For example, one of my students constructed a jar filled with nuts, bolts, and screws and tiny mirrors to bless his garage!  May you have the brightest and best Spring (or Autumn) Season! 

Silver!

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(1)  If you are unsure how to cast a magick circle or call the quarters (not the corners!) please see my book, Solitary Witchcraft -- The Ultimate Book of Shadows.  This volume will give you a wide range of magickal information including casting the circle, calling the quarters and astrological timing information.

(2) Hartung, Ruthanne. Fraktur -- Tips, Tools and Techniques for Learning the Craft.  Mechanicsburg, PA:  Stackpole Books, 2008, page 17.