Yew
Taxus baccata: Poison
Family: Taxaceae
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Saturn ( In Capricorn)
Element: Water
Powers: Raising the Dead
Magical Uses:
This plant first and foremost is poisonous!. This plant has been used to raise the spirits of the dead.. It's not used
much in modern magic due to it toxicity. The branches
were also used as wands.
Since ancient times the Yew has been viewed as a protector of the dead. The Yew tree has become a common feature in graveyards across Europe as a guardian against evil and negative forces. Some people even believed that the removal or cutting down of the tree would result in misfortune and dire consequences. The location of churches has often been associated with Yew as with Pagan sites of worship, and perhaps this is one reason why so many are found together. The tree is also a symbol of immortality, with the tree being able to live to considerable age. This could also be a reason for the proximity of church and tree.
The Yew tree is the symbolic tree of the Fraser clan (Scotland UK). The Highlanders believed it brought them good luck and kept evil spirits at bay. It is also poisonous to cattle!
In Norse Tradition it's Yggdrasil ( life egg or egg spring) the tree of life the joining point of the multiverse which sustains all the worlds, and only followed by ash fir and oak. The wands are used for communications with the dead and with the creatures of utgardh..it is a wand of transient thought permitting mind travel through the world similar to astral. It is also used in commanding of others through their own weaknesses. Stave's are for use in galdr and portent work and are particularly usely is communication with the aesir and protection against the thurses and svartalves. When used in a weapon runes are cut upon them..they are used in the making of spear and arrow hafts and in making cudgels and bows...all of which are of magical prowess in battle .In either the use of the staff or wand the base power relates to the ability to link to the various world through Yggdrasil or close the gates and these also include the psychological equivalents within the user himself or in others.
(My thanks to my friend Ron on Norse Tradition)
Other uses and Lore:
Currently they are investigating the importance of Yew in
cancer tenements for it's Taxol, a substance that prevents
human cell division.That is found in the Pacific Yew ( Taxus brevifolia) Although the identical compound is not found in T baccata work is being done to create it from this species. Smoldering smoke from the wet leaves create an insecticidal smoke that repels gnats and mosquito's.
Family: Taxaceae
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Saturn ( In Capricorn)
Element: Water
Powers: Raising the Dead
Magical Uses:
This plant first and foremost is poisonous!. This plant has been used to raise the spirits of the dead.. It's not used
much in modern magic due to it toxicity. The branches
were also used as wands.
Since ancient times the Yew has been viewed as a protector of the dead. The Yew tree has become a common feature in graveyards across Europe as a guardian against evil and negative forces. Some people even believed that the removal or cutting down of the tree would result in misfortune and dire consequences. The location of churches has often been associated with Yew as with Pagan sites of worship, and perhaps this is one reason why so many are found together. The tree is also a symbol of immortality, with the tree being able to live to considerable age. This could also be a reason for the proximity of church and tree.
The Yew tree is the symbolic tree of the Fraser clan (Scotland UK). The Highlanders believed it brought them good luck and kept evil spirits at bay. It is also poisonous to cattle!
In Norse Tradition it's Yggdrasil ( life egg or egg spring) the tree of life the joining point of the multiverse which sustains all the worlds, and only followed by ash fir and oak. The wands are used for communications with the dead and with the creatures of utgardh..it is a wand of transient thought permitting mind travel through the world similar to astral. It is also used in commanding of others through their own weaknesses. Stave's are for use in galdr and portent work and are particularly usely is communication with the aesir and protection against the thurses and svartalves. When used in a weapon runes are cut upon them..they are used in the making of spear and arrow hafts and in making cudgels and bows...all of which are of magical prowess in battle .In either the use of the staff or wand the base power relates to the ability to link to the various world through Yggdrasil or close the gates and these also include the psychological equivalents within the user himself or in others.
(My thanks to my friend Ron on Norse Tradition)
Other uses and Lore:
Currently they are investigating the importance of Yew in
cancer tenements for it's Taxol, a substance that prevents
human cell division.That is found in the Pacific Yew ( Taxus brevifolia) Although the identical compound is not found in T baccata work is being done to create it from this species. Smoldering smoke from the wet leaves create an insecticidal smoke that repels gnats and mosquito's.
Red berries, with the seed in the middle. The seeds come along late summer, early fall
*Interesting fact! The wood from the branches were used for ax handles and bows. Both of these items were found on the 5,000 year old "Ice Man" in the European Alps
I personally would mush up the berries and feed them to my trolls as a youngster haha.
Also from what I can find the differences in the leaves ( or needles) and seeds are very little in each species from the layman's eye. The differences seem to lie in the roots and bark, and the height in which it can be grown. One is a bush, the other a tree.
My mother started two plants by clipping them at the elbow, and putting them in water. Once the roots grew strong she planted them.
Hazel
Corylus spp.
Folk Name: Coll
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun/ Mercury ( in Virgo)
Element: Air
Deities: Mercury, Thor, Artemis, Diana
Powers: Luck, Fertility. Anti-lighting, Protection, Wishes
Magical Uses:
You can string the nuts and hang in the house for luck, or present a batch of them to a bride to wish her good fortune The nuts eaten , give wisdom and fertility. .For protection draw a circle in the dirt with a hazel twig, around yourself or a plant.
Weave hazel nut branches into a crown, and make a wish. Hazel crowns were worn to induce invisibility. Twigs are placed around window sills to protect against lighting. Three pins from a hazel tree will protect your house from fire.
From the branches you can make wonderful wands (cut no more then ones years growth,with a single stoke of a consecrated knife at sunrise on Wednesday)
and was the best twig for water divining. In Ireland, it was the tree of knowledge and in medieval England was a symbol of fertility. Hazel nuts were carried as charms or to ward off rheumatism in some parts of England.
Maybe used to invoke Mercurial energies. The nuts (or filberts) make an excellent communion food of that planet. Any part of the plant can be used for wisdom.
Other uses and Lore:
Hazel Nuts are eaten raw and used in candy , cakes, and liqueurs. The edible nut oil is extracted and used in cooking perfumes, massage oils, soaps and lubricants. The nuts are ground into a powder for facial masks.
Now I'll tell you a little something I know. We have this tree growing and it never had any nuts, they say it takes a mild winter where we are for them to grow. The thing got so big we cut it way back and it has had nuts ever since. Make sure you do cut it back when you can, the branches break in the slightest wind storm. Also don't wait till the nuts mature to pick them or the animals will get to them first.
Folk Name: Coll
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun/ Mercury ( in Virgo)
Element: Air
Deities: Mercury, Thor, Artemis, Diana
Powers: Luck, Fertility. Anti-lighting, Protection, Wishes
Magical Uses:
You can string the nuts and hang in the house for luck, or present a batch of them to a bride to wish her good fortune The nuts eaten , give wisdom and fertility. .For protection draw a circle in the dirt with a hazel twig, around yourself or a plant.
Weave hazel nut branches into a crown, and make a wish. Hazel crowns were worn to induce invisibility. Twigs are placed around window sills to protect against lighting. Three pins from a hazel tree will protect your house from fire.
From the branches you can make wonderful wands (cut no more then ones years growth,with a single stoke of a consecrated knife at sunrise on Wednesday)
and was the best twig for water divining. In Ireland, it was the tree of knowledge and in medieval England was a symbol of fertility. Hazel nuts were carried as charms or to ward off rheumatism in some parts of England.
Maybe used to invoke Mercurial energies. The nuts (or filberts) make an excellent communion food of that planet. Any part of the plant can be used for wisdom.
Other uses and Lore:
Hazel Nuts are eaten raw and used in candy , cakes, and liqueurs. The edible nut oil is extracted and used in cooking perfumes, massage oils, soaps and lubricants. The nuts are ground into a powder for facial masks.
Now I'll tell you a little something I know. We have this tree growing and it never had any nuts, they say it takes a mild winter where we are for them to grow. The thing got so big we cut it way back and it has had nuts ever since. Make sure you do cut it back when you can, the branches break in the slightest wind storm. Also don't wait till the nuts mature to pick them or the animals will get to them first.
Curry
Murraya; Koenigii
Gender; Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Power: Protection
Magical Uses;
Burn curry (a specific plant, not the mixture used for cooking) at night fall to keep evil influences away.
Other uses and Lore:
The leave gives a curry flavor to soups or casseroles, but should be removed from the dish before eating, as it can upset the stomach.
This plant yields the essential oil used in aromatherapy for bacterial and fungal infections, lethargy, and depression.
What I did not know for the longest time was there was a difference between the spice curry and the plant. This plant is not even used in the spice curry. Do not cook with Curry the plant. If you do make sure you educate yourself on the plant first.
Gender; Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Power: Protection
Magical Uses;
Burn curry (a specific plant, not the mixture used for cooking) at night fall to keep evil influences away.
Other uses and Lore:
The leave gives a curry flavor to soups or casseroles, but should be removed from the dish before eating, as it can upset the stomach.
This plant yields the essential oil used in aromatherapy for bacterial and fungal infections, lethargy, and depression.
What I did not know for the longest time was there was a difference between the spice curry and the plant. This plant is not even used in the spice curry. Do not cook with Curry the plant. If you do make sure you educate yourself on the plant first.
St. Johns Wort
St. Johns Wort
Hypericum perforatum
Folk Names: Amber, Fugaa daemonum (Latin: Scare-Devil), Goat weed, Herba John, Johns's Wort, Klamath Weed, Sol Terrestis, Tipton Weed
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun (in Leo)
Element: Fire
Deity: Baldur
Powers: Health, Protection, Strength, Love, Divination, Happiness
Magical Uses;
Okay folks. there is so much to know about this herb it's going to be a long one!'
St. Johns Wort has always been thought to banish demons. It was hung in the stables to protect livestock from sorcery, and some by their chamber windows to keep evil from entering. It was thought it had the power to undo spells thus called "Devil's Banisher" Chase the Devil and flight of the Demons. (fuga daemonum) It was said that the Devil himself perforated the leaves of St. Johns Wort because he was worried about the power it had for healing.
Throw a wreath of it on your roof to protect it from lightning Throw some on the fire to chase away a thunderstorm...One story states a voice from heaven as a thunderstorm raged....
"Is there not an old wife who could pick some "hard Hay (St. Johns Wort) so that the thunder might be blocked?"
Any part of the herb placed under a pillow allows unmarried women to dream of their future husbands. Used in rituals to detect other magicians: At one time it was held to the mouth of accused witches to attempt to force them to confess.
St. Johns wort, always associated with the summer solstice, carries the secrets of this day. Oh this day of the union of day and night, light and dark, and the spirit within this. This herb has always been symbolic of this day, It an herb of the sun. The solstice marks not only the sun at it's highest point, but a turning point at which it's strength diminishes.
Germanic mythology talks of it in the story of Baldur, the God of light, whose head radiated light as if by the sun itself. Fatally wounded by his blind brother Hodur, who was the God of time, Baldur later became St. John,since remembered for being beheaded on this day.
The Pagans seeing the five petaled blooms saw a resemblance to their sacred pentagram, while Christians felt it symbolized the five stigmata of Christ
Other uses and Lore:
The leaves are used in salads and to flavor liqueurs. Extract of the flowering tops is antiviral, astringent, and sedative: it treats inflammation, wounds, and diarrhea: and it improves blood flow. It is applied to cuts, burns , hemorrhoids, and varicose veins. Taken internally, it calms nerves and treats depression. It is Under research for AIDS treatment.
To much St Johns Wort, can make your skin sensitive to the sun, this could also be said of drinking it in tea. While on treatment with St Johns Wort you should avoid to much direct sunlight, it can cause a rash.
St. Johns Wort's appeal for helping with depression is nothing new even Paracelsus proscribed it for melancholy. Today there is no doubt that is does effect the brain, and is widely used for mental exhaustion, anemia, and recovery from any illness. It's best gathered when it's in full bloom, for tea use all but the root, it's said early in the morning between solstice and St. John's Day (June21- 24) Paracelsus says
"If one wants to use Perforatam against the phantasmas of which I earlier spoke, gather it according to the course of the celestial orbit. This is so that its influence can be also against those ghosts mostly in Mars, Jupiter, and Venus, and by no means according to the Moon, but contrary to it. Also not in the afternoon or at night but in the sun's rising Toward the Sun in aurora (sunrise) or in diluclul (dawn). the best plants stand near other good plants or grow among them- and the longer the better. the more with flowers the better and at the time when flowers are at their highest."
Homeopathy calls this herb a "Arnica for the nerves, and is one of the best nerve remedies.
I was so bummed when we moved. I transplanted my St Johns, it didn't come back. Out of nowhere it reappeared!
Ground Ivy
Nepeta glechoma
Folk Names: Alehoof, Cat's Foot, Gill-Go-Over-The-Ground, Haymaids, Hedgemaids, Lizzy-Run-Up-The-Hedge,Gundermann(german for Puss Man) Robin-Run-In-The-Hedge,Tunhoof, Wreath Herb, Earth Wreath. Powers: Divination Magical Uses; Use ground Ivy to discover one who is working negative magic against you. Take Ground Ivy wrap it around a yellow candle and burn it on Tuesday. The person will be revealed. (Or you could just not give that person any thought and give them no ammo, haha My opinion) Wreaths of Ground Ivy were worn about the head to show connection to the gods and the power of nature. Also it was said in the Saxon tradition that a wreath of ground Ivy could help you recognize witches. There is a strong belief that ground Ivy banished demons ....an old spell that became a Christan blessing "Ground Ivy, I gather you, In the name of Our Dear Lady and in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Abby of Blasien 1617 It was believed if you picked Ground Ivy under this blessing you would be protected from evil and disease. Ground Ivy was also used as a charm for producing milk in cows if they should happen upon some sorcery. So if your cow wasn't giving milk, or the quality was bad, evil forces could be blamed. Here is a spell they used When someone steals the milk, sprinkle holy water in the stable. Then take Ground Ivy, Duckweed and salt and recite: "Today I give you Ground Ivy, Duckweed and salt, Rise up through the clouds And bring me lard and milk and whey" Reichenau Manuscript Other uses and Lore: Ground Ivy was also held up for it's healing properties. The name "Puss Man" came from the way Ground Ivy could help heal wounds with Purulent discharge or sputum. The oil from this plant can help elevate this. To extract the oil you should: Gather the Ground Ivy (June and July said to be the best time) wipe off the dirt don't wash. Fill a jar (One that has a fitted lid,) One third of the way. Tightly pack the leaves and place it in the sun after a few days , at the bottom a light-colored liquid will collect. Strain this into a dark glass or vial and store in a cool place. The young leaves are used in salads and brewed into aromatic "gill" tea. And put in traditions soups. This Traditional blood cleanser, tonic and diuretic is given for gastritis, kidney stones, cystitis. and tinnitus and as an expectorant for phlegm. The leaves reduce bruises and inflammation. In the first century A.D. The Greek physician Dioscorides taught that a leaf tea was a remedy for sciatica; so, later did the 16th century English herbalist John Geraard also mentioned that boiled in a mutton broth, the plant was good for weak backs. But his highest praise for this plant was for the plant's defectiveness in treating eye ailments, declaring that , mixed with celandine, daisies, sugar, and rose alter, it removed "any grief what so ever in the eyes.. it is proved to be the best medicine in the world." Because of it's high content in vitamin C they used it for treating scurvy. They used the sap in tea to treat asthma, coughs , consumption, and ulcers in the lungs, and recommended the plant for intestinal gas and fever. Other uses included tea for painter's colic or lead poisoning. Here at home it's treated like a weed you can more then likely find this herb right in your own back yard. |
Valerian
Valeriana Officinalis
Folk Names: All-heal, amantilla, Bloody Butcher, Capon"s Trailer, Cat's Valerian, English Valerian, Frafrant Valerian, Garden Heliope, Phu, Red Valerian, St. George's Herb, Sete Wale, Set Well, Tobacco Root, True Wild, Vandel Root
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus ( or Mercury in Scorpio)
Element: Water
Powers: Love, Sleep, Purification, Protection
Magical uses:
Hung in the home to guard against lightning, Placed in pillows to induce sleep. "A sprig of the Valerian pinned to a woman's clothing will cause men to follow her like children." It's also used in love sachets. It is said to calm areas of negative energy. "To create good friendship among men and women, take Valerian, grind it into powder, and give it to drink in wine" The Greeks used it to charm away evil.
Valerian Root is used in place of graveyard dust.
It was said that Valerian was used to guard against the plague and other epidemics. They say the fairy mistresses of the woods supposedly told the secret during a time of plague, A secret even the birds would sing..
"If you eat Valerian and Saxifrage
You will not grapple with the plague
Had you drunk Valerian and Pimpernel
You would not be dead, but well."
It is also said water nymphs, and fairies are to dance around it on moonlit nights, giving it the name "moonwort" or "Elfherb".
Valerian was called Baldrian, perceiving in him the favor and radiant energies of Balder, the god of light, purity and kindness. Balder means most helpful.
Nordic myth. This time in the gentle hands of the goddess Hertha, who used him as a riding whip when racing through the forest on her Hops-bridled stag. Valerian symbolized the appeasing powers that could tame a wild beast, for the calming properties of the good woodland spirit who could tame wild tempers and soothe agitated nerves.
Cats have a certain attraction to this herb hence given the name "Cat Herb" or "madcap" or Catwort"
Other uses and Lore:
I have a contradiction on the uses of this. Some books say it's not addictive others say don't take it continuously. I myself am of the mind no one should get used to anything as a sleep aid. I would use it only as needed.
I use this a lot to help me sleep or to relax my neck to not get an oncoming migraine. I buy it in pill form, but let me warn you these stink! haha So don't open it and smell it !
Valerian is used in stews and perfumes and un-skinned root is a tranquilizer. This herb treats headaches, muscle cramps, and irritable bowel syndrome and is used topically for wounds, ulcers and eczema. Laboratory test show anti tumor activity.
It has been said Valerian can strengthen the eyes as well.
Eye Strengthening Tea
2 parts Valerian flowers
1 part eyebright
1 part rue
Pour one cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon of the herbal mixture. Let it steep, covered, until the tea cools to body temp. Strain off the liquid and use it in an eye cup to bathe the eyes. You may also soak a small compress in the tea to place over strained reddened eyes.
Folk Names: All-heal, amantilla, Bloody Butcher, Capon"s Trailer, Cat's Valerian, English Valerian, Frafrant Valerian, Garden Heliope, Phu, Red Valerian, St. George's Herb, Sete Wale, Set Well, Tobacco Root, True Wild, Vandel Root
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus ( or Mercury in Scorpio)
Element: Water
Powers: Love, Sleep, Purification, Protection
Magical uses:
Hung in the home to guard against lightning, Placed in pillows to induce sleep. "A sprig of the Valerian pinned to a woman's clothing will cause men to follow her like children." It's also used in love sachets. It is said to calm areas of negative energy. "To create good friendship among men and women, take Valerian, grind it into powder, and give it to drink in wine" The Greeks used it to charm away evil.
Valerian Root is used in place of graveyard dust.
It was said that Valerian was used to guard against the plague and other epidemics. They say the fairy mistresses of the woods supposedly told the secret during a time of plague, A secret even the birds would sing..
"If you eat Valerian and Saxifrage
You will not grapple with the plague
Had you drunk Valerian and Pimpernel
You would not be dead, but well."
It is also said water nymphs, and fairies are to dance around it on moonlit nights, giving it the name "moonwort" or "Elfherb".
Valerian was called Baldrian, perceiving in him the favor and radiant energies of Balder, the god of light, purity and kindness. Balder means most helpful.
Nordic myth. This time in the gentle hands of the goddess Hertha, who used him as a riding whip when racing through the forest on her Hops-bridled stag. Valerian symbolized the appeasing powers that could tame a wild beast, for the calming properties of the good woodland spirit who could tame wild tempers and soothe agitated nerves.
Cats have a certain attraction to this herb hence given the name "Cat Herb" or "madcap" or Catwort"
Other uses and Lore:
I have a contradiction on the uses of this. Some books say it's not addictive others say don't take it continuously. I myself am of the mind no one should get used to anything as a sleep aid. I would use it only as needed.
I use this a lot to help me sleep or to relax my neck to not get an oncoming migraine. I buy it in pill form, but let me warn you these stink! haha So don't open it and smell it !
Valerian is used in stews and perfumes and un-skinned root is a tranquilizer. This herb treats headaches, muscle cramps, and irritable bowel syndrome and is used topically for wounds, ulcers and eczema. Laboratory test show anti tumor activity.
It has been said Valerian can strengthen the eyes as well.
Eye Strengthening Tea
2 parts Valerian flowers
1 part eyebright
1 part rue
Pour one cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon of the herbal mixture. Let it steep, covered, until the tea cools to body temp. Strain off the liquid and use it in an eye cup to bathe the eyes. You may also soak a small compress in the tea to place over strained reddened eyes.
Sun Flower
helianthus annuus
Folk Names; Corona Solis Maragold of Peru, Solo Indianus
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Powers: Fertility, Wishes, Health, Wisdom, protection
Magical uses:
Sunflowers are eaten by women who wish to have a child. If you cut a sunflower at sunset, and make a wish, the wish will come to pass before the next sunset.
Sleep with sunflower under the bed, and the truth will be known to you. Good luck to those that plant it in their garden.
Bath in sunflower to bring about happiness, or bring about joy.
Use the oil to consecrate ritual robes.
Sunflower keeps the soul safe against harmful energy, and is used to consecrate gems, and stones used for healing. Corresponds to the Sun card in Tarot.
Other uses and Lore:
Sunflower was a religious herb of the Aztecs. They carried the flower and adorned themselves with them in honor of the Sun God. Sun flowers are often around temples in Peru.
Sunflower is an herb of immortality, and carries the virtues of adoration, and worship. It's the patron Herb of Leos and Virgos. It is favored by the Goddess Demeter, and by me!
The seeds are eaten raw, and contain zinc. They were used by the Native American warriors as "energy cakes". The flower buds give a yellow dye, and are cooked like artichokes. Seeds are used as a diuretic, and expectorant, and treat coughs, dysentery, and kidney inflammation. The root is a laxative and treats stomach pain. The stem pith yields potash and fibers for textiles and paper, and it's cellular lightness is used for microscope slide mounts. Also seeds are used to feed birds in winter.
There are many shapes and sizes. I prefer the Mammoth, because I eat the seeds. They will brighten any garden.Make sure you have space for the Mammoth. The root system is large and intrusive. Well worth it to at least have one of these in your garden.
Folk Names; Corona Solis Maragold of Peru, Solo Indianus
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Powers: Fertility, Wishes, Health, Wisdom, protection
Magical uses:
Sunflowers are eaten by women who wish to have a child. If you cut a sunflower at sunset, and make a wish, the wish will come to pass before the next sunset.
Sleep with sunflower under the bed, and the truth will be known to you. Good luck to those that plant it in their garden.
Bath in sunflower to bring about happiness, or bring about joy.
Use the oil to consecrate ritual robes.
Sunflower keeps the soul safe against harmful energy, and is used to consecrate gems, and stones used for healing. Corresponds to the Sun card in Tarot.
Other uses and Lore:
Sunflower was a religious herb of the Aztecs. They carried the flower and adorned themselves with them in honor of the Sun God. Sun flowers are often around temples in Peru.
Sunflower is an herb of immortality, and carries the virtues of adoration, and worship. It's the patron Herb of Leos and Virgos. It is favored by the Goddess Demeter, and by me!
The seeds are eaten raw, and contain zinc. They were used by the Native American warriors as "energy cakes". The flower buds give a yellow dye, and are cooked like artichokes. Seeds are used as a diuretic, and expectorant, and treat coughs, dysentery, and kidney inflammation. The root is a laxative and treats stomach pain. The stem pith yields potash and fibers for textiles and paper, and it's cellular lightness is used for microscope slide mounts. Also seeds are used to feed birds in winter.
There are many shapes and sizes. I prefer the Mammoth, because I eat the seeds. They will brighten any garden.Make sure you have space for the Mammoth. The root system is large and intrusive. Well worth it to at least have one of these in your garden.