Drops Of Jupiter

fact sheet: israel and palestine conflict (october 2023)

live updates - intense israeli bombardments strike gaza as the war rages on

live updates - israel plans to step up attacks on the gaza strip

little light, no beds, not enough anesthesia: a view from the 'nightmare' of gaza's hospitals

what international law has to say about the israel-hamas war

a dangerous new phase in the israeli-palestinian conflict - expert commentary by the foreign policy research institute (FPRI)

the global conflict tracker (israeli-palestinian conflict)

the arab-israeli war of 1948

the 1967 arab-israeli war

the 1973 arab-israeli war

dr. ghassan abu sitta is a doctor on-site who's also been reporting about the atrocities transpiring in gaza.

also some palestinian aid orgs to donate to. if you have some money to spare/know anyone who does, please consider donating/spreading the word:

palestine children's relief fund

palestine red crescent society

medical aid for palestine

gaza emergency appeal

donate to arab.org with one click

the middle east children's alliance gaza emergency fund

EP. 2

Bay leaves are one of my absolute favorite herbs when cooking with intention. They are delicious and very common in tons of food cultures. On top of this, they are quite easily accessible.

Properties: Protection, healing, success

Uses in the Kitchen

Bay laurel, more commonly referred to as Bay leaves, is a very versatile plant. I often use it in cooking to flavor stocks or pickled goods. With such an aromatic flavor, it tastes great in hearty or acidic dishes. Tying a bunch together with bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme is a great way to add flavor to stock.

Uses in Healing

Bay leaves have a number of benefits when used in herbalism. Bay leaves do have many digestion related benefits. They can help with bloating and gas, in this case I usually use them to make a tea along with peppermint. The leaves are also good for treating certain skin ailments that do not involve broken skin, such as dandruff! Adding bay leaf oil into your hair care routine would be a good option.

Uses in Witchcraft

Bay leaves, particularly in witchcraft, are extremely versatile. One of the most common uses is setting intentions. The easiest way I have found to do this is to use a marker or candle wax to write out your intentions or a sigil onto the Bayleaf itself. I will often use this in simmer pots or cooking (if you are cooking with it, make sure it is a safe marker for that use). Some other ways to use this is burning they leave or putting it in your shoe to carry with you throughout the day.

Tips for Growing at Home

Bay leaves come from a tree called Bay Laurel. They can be grown inside and pruned to be kept at a certain size, but because they are a slow growing tree they can ultimately reach very large sizes when grown outdoors. If you are attempting to grow it inside the most important things are well draining soil, the right amount of humidity, and lots and lots of sunlight. 

Bay leaf tea

In order to make this tasty and beneficial tea, you only need a few things: 2 bay leaves, 1 cinnamon stick, and hot water. Steep the ingredients as you would any tea and enjoy while hot. I drink this when I'm having stomach issues or I'm feeling a bit on edge.

EP. 4

Fun fact! During World War I, garlic poultices were used to treat wound infections because of its strong antiseptic and antibiotic properties.

Properties: Protection and cleansing

Uses in the kitchen

Garlic is far from a rare ingredient in most peoples' kitchen. Using extra garlic in your recipes can provide protection or banishment. Making fire cider for fall/winter is one of my favorite ways to use garlic for both emotional and physical protection.

Uses in healing

Garlic has been used in herbalism for centuries, but it is still used by herbalists today to improve hypertension and to help with high cholesterol. Using garlic for its anti-septic properties is another common way to incorporate it into your herbalism practice.

Uses in witchcraft

Putting a braid of garlic above your door can be a good way to banish jealous people. You can also use crushed garlic to pull out negativity by putting it under someone's chair or your bed for 24 hours and then burn it. It is also associated with the goddess Hecate and can be used as an offering.

Tips for growing at home

1. Split the head of garlic and plant the larger cloves with the pointy side up.

2. Depending on your climate, different types of garlic may be better.

3. Keep it moist!! Garlic has a pretty long growing period and it needs to stay watered.

Recipe

One of my favorite uses for garlic is garlic syrup. It is great for helping respiratory problems.