Herbs, Bath Salts, Bath Herbs, and Incense

Interesting question, growing herbs inside. As you noted, the grapefruit did well in summer but remained in stasis in winter. If you want to raise herbs in door year round, you can do it, the issue is one of proper light. As we all know, florists force blooms on poinsettias and other plants for certain seasons. They do this by fooling the plant into thinking it's the real time to bloom, grow, whatever through the process of putting them into dark places, and then lots of light. If you use a grow light, you can give the plants plenty of light so they can successfully grow in the fall and winter. If you do that to your grapefruit tree on a regular basis, you can force growth in the winter for it too. Since your herbs have magickal qualities and are infused with the energy of the Earth Mother, you would be wise to follow these procedures for harvesting them if you want to reach the full potential of their power. As the Moon waxes and wanes, she influences not only the seas and tides, but all living things as well. During the waning Moon energy flows down to the roots of the plants. During the waxing Moon, this energy flows upward, through the stems, leaves and flowers. Therefore, to use this energy to your advantage, pick leaves, flowers, stems and seeds during the waxing Moon. Harvest root portions during the waning phase. I harvest my herbs after sunset during the appropriate Moon phase and during the particular plant's planetary hour. Is this absolutely necessary? Of course not. As a matter of fact, none of these procedures must be followed in order to work magick. But, since anything worth doing is worth doing well, why not put in the additional effort? The one guarantee I can make is that if you are not willing to follow the Basic Principles of Magic, you are more likely to fail than not. You should fast prior to collecting your herbs. You will need your bolline, a cloth bag in which to carry your harvest and some bread, coins, crystals or stones for offerings. Prepare yourself with a cleansing bath. Sometimes I wear a robe, but you can also wear regular street clothes. Just be sure they are absolutely clean. Wear no jewelry, gloves, or shoes or socks. You may wear simple sandals, but these should be removed before you actually reach the herbs. With your bolline in your primary hand and the bag and offering in the other, approach the herbs and with the tip of the knife draw a clockwise circle in the soil around the plant. Stand, touch the tip of the knife to the plant and say: Thou hast grown by favor of The Sun and The Moon. I ask of Thee to be of benefit to me and my Craft, for Thou art the light of the Sun and the glory of the Moon, and the mystery of the Earth. I purify Thee so that what is wrought by me with Thee will, with good and speedy effect, have success. By my prayer, be purified and powerful. After finishing the incantation, cut the amount you need with the bolline. Be gentle and be sure you never cut more than 25% of the growth from the plant, or it may die. As you cut, you should recite a phrase or poem reinforcing your purpose in harvesting the herb. After harvesting your herb, bury your selected offering near the base of the plant in payment to the Earth for what you have taken. Place the herbs immediately in the cloth bag. Take care that they not touch the Earth or their energy will be lost.