Author: A Solitary Pagan
Orris root
Orris root (rhizoma iridis) is the root of Iris germanica and Iris pallida. It had the common name of Queen Elizabeth Root. Constituent chemicalsThe most valued component of orris root is oil of orris (0.1–0.2%), a yellow-white mass containing myristic acid. Oil of orris is sometimes sold as orris butter. Other components include fat, resin, starch, mucilage, bitter extractive, and a glucoside cal...
Chamomile
StatusAmber – Vulnerable and Near-ThreatenedBest Time to SeeJune, JulyColourYellow, WhiteHabitatGrassland A SMALL, ATTRACTIVE, CREEPING PLANT WITH DAISY-LIKE FLOWERS AND FEATHERY LEAVES. This perennial wild plant is low growing and spreads by rhizomes. It has a fresh apple scent when crushed and for this reason, Elizabethans planted Chamomile lawns and seats. WHERE TO FIND CHAMOMILE. It used to be...
Moss
Powers: Luck, Money Magical Uses: To carry moss (any type) taken from a gravestone in your pocket is a good ensurer of luck, especially financial luck. Moss is used to stuff general-purpose poppets
Herbal Incense
Incense composition and use is an art form in itself. Basically, an incense is any combination of plant materials, perhaps combined with essential oils and a base, which are mixed together and burned or smouldered on charcoal. (This type of incense is known as “raw” or “granular.” It is usually used in magic, rather than the stick or cone forms.) In magical use, incense is burned for its vibration...
Enchanting Herbs
Prior to actually using herbs in magic, they can be enchanted. Enchantment (in a magical context) aligns the vibrations of the plants involved with your magical need. Thus it is a process that increases the effectiveness of the herbs. Enchantment may be performed on a single herb or a mixture, but should not be done until moments before the herb is to be used. When several herbs are needed for a s...
Powerful Healing Herbs in Your Kitchen
The humble herb and spice rack in your kitchen today need not be just a decorative feature, although they look quite pleasing to the eye hanging on the wall, in both modern and old fashioned styled homes. They can in fact hold a plethora of natural healing ingredients that can also add great taste to the foods you eat every day. Of all the herbs and spices you can choose from for flavor, there are...
Wolfsbane
(Aconitum napellus, Arnica latifolia, Arnica montana) Poison Folk Names: Aconite, Cupid’s Car, Dumbledore’s Delight, Leopard’s Bane, Monkshood, Storm Hat, Thor’s Hat, Wolf’s Hat Gender: Feminine Planet: Saturn Element: Water Deity: Hecate Powers: Protection, Invisibility Magical Uses: Wolf’s bane is added to protection sachets, especially to guard against vampires and werewolves. This is quite fit...
Herbal Ointments
An old form of herb magic as well as medicine, an ointment is simply any fatty substance to which powdered herbs and/or oils have been added. A good example of this is found in the text under Mallow. In the past, lard was generally used as the base, but today vegetable shortening is usually substituted. It certainly smells better. To a cup of shortening or lard, add three tablespoons of the enchan...
Herbal Baths
Baths are often used in herb magic, for they are an easy way to spread an herb’s power over the entire body.There are two methods; one, make a sachet (use about one-half to one cup of the appropriate enchanted herb) of cheesecloth. Drop this into the warm bath water.A better method entails the preparation of an infusion. Add the strained liquid to the tub.Essential oils are also sometimes added to...
An Explanation of Herb Magick
In the practice of magical herbery, the collections of what might be considered “herbs” is far greater than in the study of medicinal herbology. Magic can encompass so many thing, the possibilities are virtually endless. The following are generally considered “herbs” when dealing with most forms of herbal magic. All leaf varieties of plants, both edible and non-edible. All fruits and vegetables. S...
Sacred Herbs of the Saxons
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris): Mugwort is well known as the premier herb for dreamwork. The silver on the underside of the leaves shows an affinity for the moon and the female reproductive system. Mugwort tea and essential oil help ease PMS symptoms. The essential oil also helps to relax the brain, improve circulation and aids in delivering nutrients to brain cells. It is a stimulant which hel...
Funeral Herbs
Since ancient times herbs have played a part in funerals. They’ve been used toscent graves and cremation fires, to fill amulet bags and in making wreaths todecorate burial places. BASIL: Protection, LoveBAY LAUREL: – Communication with the dead, protection, triumph, used infuneral wreaths.BIRCH: Rebirth.CEDAR: Prosperity, Purification.COMFREY: Healing.CYPRESS: Endings.ELDER: TransformationFRANKINC...