Herbology 101

We begin our nature arc with a discussion about herbology and different correspondences thereof.

Herbology 101


Herb applies to a wide range of plants, including: grasses, trees, shrubs, weeds, roots, barks, and the flowers of any plant used for healing, magic spells and rituals, witchcraft, Wicca, or other purposes. Resins are concentrated, partially dehydrated derivatives of the liquid or sap of trees and plants and are commonly used in the same manner as herbs. Animal products like musk and ambergris are used similarly to resins and herbs, but primarily for their scents.
Herbs and their by-products have been used for thousands of years by humans and other animals for healing. Even lower life forms are familiar with the benefits gained through the ingestion or application of certain plants. Likewise with the magical aspects of herbs, only this use is limited to humans. For thousands of years humans have used herbs and herbal concoctions for with the intent of altering their world.
Herbs have many possible uses:

Charms and Sachets
Incense
Bath
Oils
Teas

And that's only to name a few. The magickal correspondences associated with herbs and their kin are almost limitless, but some are virtually universal and have powerful medicinal uses. The most important part of working with a plant is to forge a relationship with it. You wouldn't ask a stranger for a favor, would you? If a stranger approached you and asked you to help him lower his blood pressure, I doubt you would go very far out of your way for him. Respect the herb in question. Meditate with it. Go on an astral journey with it, ask it to show you its benefits and dangers. Make nice. Ask the plant for its wisdom—you may be surprised at what you'll find. The following page has a few correspondences that are common with a few herbs often used in magick and holistic healing.

Angelica: Protects from evil.
Ash (wood): Invincibility.
Balm Melissa: All healing. It's reputed to repel illness.
Betony: Protection against evil spirits.
Borage (flowers): Gives courage.
Bracken: Fern seeds gathered at midsummer are golden and were user to make the wearer invisible and also bring gold.
Briar Rose: Protects from bites of dogs or snakes.
Clover (flowers and leaves): Brings good luck and assists with clairvoyance.
Daisy: Innocence and love.
Dill: Love.
Eglantine (sweet briar): Pleasure.
Elder (use only twigs, do not cut tree): Revered by the Ancients; Elder brings wisdom, joy and delight.
Elm: Childbirth (it is associated with Embla, the first woman in Norse mythology).
Fennel: A sacred herb held in great respect by the Ancients. Wards off evil spirits, bestows strength, courage, and prolongs life.
Harebell: The flower of witches, who used its juice as part of their flying ointment. It is associated with seeing fairies, goblins and earth spirits. It was also thought to bring bad luck..
Hawthorn: Marriage and fertility (not a very attractive smell).
Hay: Pregnancy and fertility.
Hazel (use wood): Sacred in Celtic mythology for fertility and immortality. Wards off rheumatism. This is one of the most popular woods for making sorcerer's wands and dowsing rods.
Heather: Luck.
Honeysuckle: Fidelity and affection. Those who wear it will dream of their own true love.
House Leek (chicks and hens): Keeps evil away and the wearer will never be struck by lightning.
Hyssop (hyacinth): Purifying, cleansing.
Jasmine: Attraction.
Lady's Mantle: For women's problems. Use the pearl of dew that gathers on the leaves at dawn. Causes change in your life, brings luck. Aids spirituality.
Lavender: relaxing and stress relieving.
Lilac: Luck, love.
Lily of the Valley: Counters spells, attracts fairies.
Marjoram: Peace, happiness, joy.

May flowers: The base of the old wild magick. May flowers bring both adventure and chaos into your life.
Mint: Sharpens the mind.
Mistletoe: Energy, fertility, immortality.
Mulberry: Headaches.
Mullein: Asthma, protection from evil.
Nettle: One of the nine sacred herbs of the Anglo Saxons. Protection against demons and evil spells.
Oak : A sacred plant. Protection by the gods, strength, long life.
Onion: Protection against lung illnesses, colds, flu, and the plague, fends off evil spirits.
Orchids: Desire.
Peony wood: A powerful charm against evil.
Poppy: A charm to assist those bewitched into love.
Primrose: Used by the Ancients to see fairies.
Rose: Pure love.
Rosemary: Good memory, friendship, fidelity.
Rue: Luck and protection against the evil eye, freedom.
Saffron: Aphrodisiac.
Sage: Longevity, prosperity (do not cut this plant with metal).
Snowdrop: Used to quicken the passing of sorrow.
Sow Thistle: Increases strength and stamina, repels witches, invisibility from enemies.
St Johns Wort: Considered the most potent of herbs for driving away evil spirits and spells.
Strawberry: Sensuality.
Sweet pea: Good fortune.
Thyme: Relives giddiness and nightmares.
Violet: Love, humility, honesty, virtue.
Walnut: Robs an evil spirit of mobility, repels insects. It is the tree of Jupiter and brings the Gods' blessings.
Wheat: Gaia's blessings, as it contains the spirit of the earth and harvest. Used for growth and fertility.
Willow: To ease sorrow and the loss of a love.
Yew: A sacred tree. Protection against evil. Do not cut the tree, gather only from the ground.

this week's homework is to find and connect to a plant. explain why that plant is so special to you, and bring it to the next class.