Author: A Solitary Pagan
Willow Herb Epilobium
Epilobium, commonly known as willowherb, is a fascinating and diverse genus in the evening primrose family, Onagraceae, boasting nearly 200 species found across the globe. These resilient plants thrive in a wide range of habitats—from the cool, damp meadows and riverbanks of the subarctic and temperate regions, to the misty highlands of the tropics, where they seek out the cool embrace of montane ...
Herbal Oils
For centuries, herbal oils have played a vital role in magical traditions and healing practices around the world. Ancient civilizations, from Egypt to Greece and beyond, prized these fragrant extracts for their spiritual, medicinal, and ritual uses. Traditionally, oils were painstakingly extracted from plants through methods like steam distillation or enfleurage—a process so labor-intensive that p...
Lavender
(Lavendula officinale orL. vera) Flower: G Folk Names: Elf Leaf, Nard, Nardus, Spike Gender: Masculine Planet: Mercury Element: Air Powers: Love, Protection, Sleep, Chastity, Longevity, Purification, Happiness, Peace Magical Uses: Lavender has long been used in love spells and sachets. Clothing nabbed with fragrant flowers (or lavender placed in drawers with clothes) attracts love. A piece of pape...
Cherry
(Prunus avium) Seed and wilted leaf: X Folk Names: Sweet Cherry, Mazzard Cherry Gender: Feminine Planet: Venus Element: Water Powers: Love, Divination Magical Uses: The cherry has long been used to stimulate or attract love. A beautiful Japanese spell to find love is simple: tie a single strand of your hair to a blossoming cherry tree. More complex is the following love spell. This is the type of ...
Ratio of Fresh Herbs to Dry Herbs
When cooking with fresh and dry herbs, there is a general rule when it comes to the ratio of fresh to dry. Because dried herbs are generally more potent and concentrated than fresh herbs. 1 tablespoon fresh herbs = 1 teaspoon dried herbs If you are working with dried ground herbs like ground ginger which is going to be even more potent than the dried flaky herbs, the general ratio is 4 to 1&n...
Herbs Used in Hair Care
Herbs for Dry Hair:Burdock root, comfrey, elderflowers, Lavender , marsh mallow, parsley, sage, stinging nettle. Herbs for Damaged Hair:sage, rose, calendula, chamomile, burdock, thyme, rosemary Herbs for Oily Hair:Calendula, horsetail, lemon juice, lemon balm, lemongrass, lavender, mints, rosemary, southernwood, witch hazel and yarrow. Herbs to Prevent and Treat Dandruff:burdock root, chamomile, ...
Plant and Herb Magick
Plant magic is an age-old tradition dating back to ancient Egyptian times, where it was revered for its potent healing and protective properties. Throughout history, various cultures have harnessed the power of plants for a multitude of purposes, such as healing, self-empowerment, love spells, and protection. Each plant possesses its own unique magical properties and strengths, making it a versati...
Herbal Cures for anxiety: Passionflower
Similar to valerian, passionflower is recognized for its calming and sedative actions which are effective in helping to combat anxiety, fatigue, and sleep issues. It contains alkaloids, glycosides, and steroids, with alkaloids being the main active ingredient. What you need to know before taking passionflower: • It should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding. • It can be combined with va...
A Witch’s Glossary of Herbs
A handy key to the herbs of witchcraft. Each of the herbs listed has its own character and magickal properties. They are revealed to the Witch through study, meditation, and practice. For this glossary, we’ve limited the description of each herb to a few words. Many herbs have their own articles with more in-depth information, in case you wish to learn more. Here are the suggested meanings and use...
Some Reasons Herbs May Not Work
More and more people are turning to herbs because there is a growing disappointment with using pharmaceuticals for chronic illness. Many people are getting fed up with taking a pill that never really cures their illness and gives them awful side effects. Maybe they are concerned about acetaminophen giving their young child asthma (1) or they see the growing evidence about the risks associated with...
Dill
(Anethum graveolens) G Folk Names: Aneton, Dill Weed, Dilly, Garden Dill, Chebbit, Sowa, Keper, Hulwa, Buzzalchippet Gender: Masculine Planet: Mercury Element: Fire Powers: Protection, money, Lust, Love Magical Uses: The herb is protective when hung at the door and carried in protective sachets. Placed in the cradle it protects children. If it is placed over the door, no one ill-disposed or enviou...
