Ditch Witch Herbiary

05/01/2026

The upcoming Full Moon on May 1, 2026—known as the Flower Moon—arrives in powerful Scorpio and coincides with the sacred Beltane Sabbat, creating a rare and deeply charged energetic gateway. This is not just a lunar event—it’s a meeting of two potent forces: the emotional intensity of the Full Moon and the passionate, fertile fire of Beltane.
Scorpio’s energy invites truth, transformation, and emotional release. It illuminates what has been hidden beneath the surface—old wounds, limiting beliefs, and attachments that no longer serve your growth. Under this moon, clarity can arrive suddenly, asking you to shed what is outdated so you can step more fully into your power.
What makes this lunation even more significant is its alignment with Beltane, the ancient fire festival celebrating passion, abundance, sensuality, and new life. Beltane is a time of blooming energy, creative awakening, and manifestation—when the veil between desire and reality feels especially thin.
Together, this Full Moon and Beltane create a powerful balance of release and renewal. One calls you to let go; the other urges you to ignite what you truly want to grow.
This is the perfect moment for rituals centered on love, empowerment, abundance, and transformation. Honor what is ending, celebrate what is awakening, and trust that this cosmic convergence is guiding you toward a more aligned and vibrant chapter. ✨

Full Moon May 2026 Times and Dates
Los Angeles – May 1, 10:23 am
New York – May 1, 1:23 pm
London – May 1, 6:23 pm
Delhi – May 1, 10:53 pm
Sydney – May 2, 3:23 am

01/04/2026

The first Full Moon of 2026 is also a Supermoon! This spectacular sight occurs on the night of Saturday, January 3. Why do we call January’s Moon a Wolf Moon? (It’s not because wolves are hungry.) What makes it a Supermoon? Find out what’s special about this month’s Moon—as well as folklore and best days by the Moon.

When to See January’s Full Moon
January’s Full Wolf Moon reaches peak illumination on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 5:03 A.M. EST.

Because it is a Supermoon—occurring when the Moon is at perigee, its closest point to Earth—it will appear noticeably larger and brighter than a typical full Moon.

The Full Moon names used by The Old Farmer’s Almanac come from a number of places, including Native American, Colonial American, and European sources. Traditionally, each Full Moon name was applied to the entire lunar month in which it occurred, not just to the Full Moon itself.

The Wolf Moon
It’s thought that January’s Full Moon came to be known as the Wolf Moon because wolves were more likely to be heard howling at this time. It was traditionally believed that wolves howled due to hunger during winter, but we know today that isn’t accurate.

Howling and other wolf vocalizations are heard in the wintertime to locate pack members, reinforce social bonds, define territory, and coordinate hunting.

Another fitting name for this Full Moon is the Center Moon. Used by the Assiniboine people of the Northern Great Plains, it refers to the idea that this Moon roughly marks the middle of the cold season.

Other traditional names for the January Moon emphasize the harsh coldness of the season: Cold Moon (Cree), Frost Exploding Moon (Cree), Freeze Up Moon (Algonquin), and Severe Moon (Dakota). Hard Moon (Dakota) highlights the phenomenon of the fallen snow developing a hard crust.
Canada Goose Moon (Tlingit), Great Moon (Cree), Greetings Moon (Western Abenaki), and Spirit Moon (Ojibwe) have also been recorded as Moon names for this month.

This Full Moon calls you to release what no longer serves you, calling you home to yourself, and taking care of your well-being.
✨️🌕✨️

12/24/2025

The cool air and warmth of the season have inspired me to try making my own herb-infused cordial! To make it, combine your chosen ingredients in a mason jar, cover them with vodka, and add sugar or honey - that's it! Let it sit in a dark place for up to a month, shaking occasionally. You can add this to bubbly water or sip it on its own. The wintery spices and citrusy flavor of white pine will be a beautiful addition to any holiday drink. Plus, it's literally a tincture, so not only is it enjoyable to taste, but it's medicine too! Plants are amazing, and once you start to get to know them as more than just food, but as medicine, it deepens your connection and appreciation for them! ✨❤✨

12/23/2025

Elderberry syrup's main benefits come from its antioxidants (like anthocyanins, that's what gives them that deep purple colour!)
They, along with the addition of rosehips are high in Vitamin C, primarily supporting the immune system to potentially shorten and lessen cold and flu symptoms. Elderberry syrup can help reduce fevers, headache, and fatigue when taken early. It also offers anti-inflammatory effects, and tastes amazing!! 👏
It's a yummy soothing wintertime elixir. You can take it by the spoonfull, or pour some into hot water as a tea or into sparkling water with some rosemary and cranberries to make a festive cocktail!
Reach out if you'd like a bottle, I have two available 🙏💗

12/22/2025

Happy Solstice everyone!
We got out into the forest today to enjoy nature, although it was wet, I needed some white pine and usnea for some projects in the apothecary today..
Making a winter spiced Cordial, and Elderberry syrup to soothe our winter colds 🤧
May you enjoy the longest day 🌙 ✨️ 🤍
With love, and blessings from our home to yours.

12/17/2025

Making Milk Thistle capsules today!
Medicine making takes many different forms around here.
A well-respected liver protector, milk thistle is considered useful in stoking the digestive fire of the liver, which is key in overall digestive function (Dass, 2013; Kent-Stoll, 2019b). The spiky purple blooms house a multitude of nutrient-rich seeds. These may be added to foods on a regular basis or taken as a supplement in tincture or capsule form, like you here!
I also have lots of Moringa powder capsules if anyone is interested, message me! 🌿💚🌿

12/16/2025

Wishing you and yours a Blessed Yule 🙏💖💫

12/11/2025

11/30/2025

A sneak peak into where all the magic begins ✨️🪄🌙

11/26/2025