Hello everyone and welcome to my very first Herb Blurb! Here we will talk about all different subjects about growing herbs. The problems we run into and the cool ideas we find out.
I know I am not alone in my interest with herbs. Is it the tradition of the Green Witch with her potted herbs and forest aplenty that she alone knows the uses of these powerful green spirits that draws us? Is it the existence of so many complex plant names in the magical teachings, and in the descriptions of seasonal Sabbats? I think that herb knowledge is something that we ought to know. There isn't anything more natural than mother earth and herbs as well as all living creatures are part of it in so many ways. Go outside and see what I mean. :)
Since Lughnasadh is here, I thought I would chat about a couple of herbs that represent this 1st Harvest holiday. There are many herbs that help make this occasion jubilant. The first one I will chat about is Heather.
Heather's origin is Ireland, Scotland, Russia and North America. Its flower is used in wines, ales, and teas as well as in some potpourris. Some of its magickal properties are good fortune, inner beauty, long life, protection. The deities associated with Heather are Isis (Egyptian), Aset (Egyptian), and Venus (Roman). For the local witches and Pagans of central Florida I would suggest not using Heather this year, as another magickal property for Heather is making it rain, and honestly we are already drowning here ! :)
The next herb I will talk about is Calendula. I am a proud Garden mother of newly growing Calendula, and can tell you from experience, this herb is one of the easiest herbs to grow. I will even venture to say even my black thumbed witch sisters that say they cant grow weeds (they know who they are! lol) could even grow Calendula!
Its magickal properties are very extensive from healing oils & creams for wounds to eating it in salads cakes and cookies. If Calendula is not available a good alternative is Chickweed. The Persian and Greeks used Calendula to decorate their altars as well as using it as garnishes for food usually in stews and soups. Calendula has wonderful skin healing properties and was used in the American Civil War to treat wounds. Guess we could say Calendula helped us win the war! :)
Hope you enjoyed my Herb Blurb, please email me and tell me what you think or any questions or subjects you would like to hear email me at juno@instantmagick.com . I would love to hear from you! I mean, you are the reason I am writing!
See you next month!
Basil Blessings,
