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sayings
sayings
Bee balm
Latin name: Monarda didyma
This herb was traditionally carried to church where it received its other name, bibleleaf.
Apple
Latin name: Malus spp.
It is the sacred fruit of the Celts. The mythological holy hand was Avalon, Isle of Apples. Fairy tales and religious stories are filled with the magic of apples. Many love charms use apples for conjuring up a lover.
Angelica
Latin name: Angelica archangelica
Angelica is believed to have a heavenly origin; its powers are greatly revered. Poets make crowns of it for inspiration.
Roots of the herb hung around the neck will protect against evil and enchantment.
Blackberry
Latin name: Rubus spp.
The magical associations with the blackberry are often the same as for the grapevine. It is bad luck to eat blackberries after the September feast of St. Michael, when the devil spits on them.
Borage
Latin name: Borago officinalis
This herb imparts courage to those who carry it, or drink tea or ale in which it has been steeped. "I Borage give Courage" is an ancient phrase of renown. The herb also encourages cheerfulness. It was traditionally used to decorate houses for weddings.
Calendula
Latin name: Calendula sp
This pretty flower is sometimes called the mistress of all flowers on earth. It is also called marigolds or golds. Dedicated to the virgin Mary, Calendula represent shields carried into battle. They are also the symbol of jealousy. Dreaming of Calendula fortell of wealth, success, and a rich and happy marriage. To gather calendulas, one must be free of deadly sin, and recite three Pater Nosters and three Ave Maria.
Carnation
Latin name: Dianthus caryophyllus
Also known as clove gillyflowers, this herb is the symbol of gentleness. It will fade if the master or mistress of the house dies.
Chamomile
Latin name: Anthemis nobilis
This herb's flowers are bright yellow, as they were in Egypt, where it was dedicated to the sun.
Peter Rabbits' mother (from the tale-Peter Cottontail) is one of many who used chamomile tea to settle an upset stomach and ease sleeplessness.
Early herbalists recommended it to drive away nightmares. Chamomile represents the ability to bounce back after adversity.
Chives
Latin name: Allium schoenoprasum
Chives have a lineage of over 5000 years. A plant sacred to ancient Egytians, chives are pictured on their monuments.
King Oberon's elfin troupe puff on tiny pipes made of hollow chive stems, and gypsies tell fortunes with the dried stalks by casting them into patterns.
Coriander
Latin name: Coriandrum sativum
Biblical references cite the seed as "like manna", the devine food.
It is used as an aphrodisiac and by sorcerers to conjure up mischief and evil spirits.
Endive
Latin name: Cichorium intybus
This is one of the most well-known herbal aphrodisiacs. The seeds are used in love potions.
Feverfew
Latin name: Chrysanthemum parthenium
It carries the folk name of bridesbutton. Our foremothers carried it in their bridal bouquets. It will cleanse the air, ward off disease, and purge a siege of melancholy. Feverfew in the garden will entice fairies to dance there.
It is often recommended to alleviate the troublesome symptoms of menopause.
Foxglove
Latin name: Digitalis
This plant should always be gathered with the left hand from the north side.
Garlic
Latin name: Allium lalaeae
This herb is the most potent folk symbol against evil. Sacred to the ancient Greeks and Egytians, garlic was said to have sprung up from the footprint of the devil.
Garlic was sacred to the ancients. Homer credits garlic with saving Ulysses from being turned into a pig by Circe.
Hemlock
Latin name: Water Hemlock-Cicutaria palustris, Evergreen hemlock-Conium maculatum
Water hemlock is a poisonous herb used to subdue lust. Evergreen hemlock is grown in cemeteries; and grown outside the home will keep the family healthy and sound by absorbing any evil which might be about..
Hens and chicks
Latin name: Sedum spp
This herb gives protection from evil and mischance. Its folk names are fascinating: Jupiter's Beard, old man and old woman, stonecrop, wall pepper, sengrene, and welcome-home-husband-though-never-so-drunk. It will protect a home from lightning when grown in the garden or on a wall. It was used in an old charm to catch fish.
Holly
Latin name: Ilex sp.
This evergreen is associated with Midwinter festivals, and represents the male element. It is hung for good luck because it survives when even the mighty oak loses its leaves in winter.
Honeysuckle
Latin name: Lonicera sp
The scent of this twining vine is known as an aphrodisiac. Parents forbid young girls from sleeping in a room with honeysuckle, because it will inspire lustful dreams
Ivy
Latin name: Hedera helix
this twining evergreen represents the female element. Its leaves have five points, a number sacred to the earth goddess. Ivy symbolizes retirement, concealment, and protection. It is also thought ot prevent drunkenness. Therefore, ivy is often seen on tavern signs or around the punch bowl.
Lavender
Latin name: Lavandula officinalis
Lavender is the symbol of truth and purity. Lavender flowers quilted in a cap comfort the brain. Strewn in churches on holy days, lavender is also thrown into bonfires on Midsummer's Eve to protect the family all year. In Italy, it protects children from the evil eye.
Lovage
Latin name: Lovage
This herb is dedicated to the sun.
Mint
Latin name: Menta
In mythology Mintha was a beautiful nymph who loved Pluto, god of the underworld. In a jealous rage, Persephone changed her into a little mint plant. Mint still grows in dark, damp places. It is an important strewing herb described as "causing the rejoicing of the heart." Mint's scent relaxes the nerves, stimulates the brain, and causes lustful dreams in the night.
Mistletoe
Latin name: Phoradendron serotinum
When found growing in the top of an oak or apple tree, mistletoe must be cut with a golden sickle and dropped upon a white cloth--never tohe ground. Mistletoe is most magical when found growing on a hawthorn. When hanging mistletoe at Christmas time, one should use whole bunches, not just small twigs. It is considered a powerful aphrodisiac (hence kissing beneath it), therefore called "all heal." An old recipe for a cure called for: "as much mistletoe as would lie on a sixpence early in the morning in black-cherry water or beer, for a few days near the full moon.
Monkshood
Latin name: Aconitum mapellus
Also know as wolfbane, this pretty (but very poisonous) herb was used on the tips of paralyzing arrows. Elfbolt is another common name.
Nightshade
Latin name: Atropa belladonna
Deadly nightshade is to be avoided at all costs. The adage says she appears as a beautiful woman by the side of the road.
Oak
Latin name: Quercus
This tree is an ancient symbol of strength and protection. It is the most sacred to Celts, and its leaf is often used as an emblem.
Oregano
Latin name: Oreganum vulgare
This is another strewing herb. It is used in washing waters and is a symbol of honor.
Parsley
Latin name: Petroselinum crispum
Purification on all levels.
Never transplant parsley or bad luck will come. The seeds are said to go to the devil and back nine times before they will germinate. Traditionally, to plant parsley meant a death would come to the family within the year. Therefore, seeds were often placed so the wind would sow them. Parsley was often planted on graves. An old saying meaning one is at death's door was, "He is in great need of parsley." Ancient Greeks, however, used parsley for athletic victory garlands
Pennyroyal
Creates a shield of protection. Repels negativity.
It is traditionally put in the crèche at Christmas because it will burst into bloom at midnight. In Italy it is protection against the evil eye. When warring spouses offer one another sprigs of pennyroyal, peace will prevail
Poppy
Latin name: Papaver somniferum
Although the foliage is used medicinally, the seeds are emblems of good fortune.
Primrose
Latin name: Primula sp
Puck's face is often seen peeking out of the primrose blossom. Its petals are used to see if a lover is in fact in love. It is an ancient restorer of lost beauty.
Rose
Latin name: Rosa sp
This is the queen of flowers. Associated with Venus and Aphrodite, the rose is the flower of women. Flora, the Goddess of Flowers, was overcome the the death of her favorite nymph, and implored all the other gods and goddesses to turn her immortal essence into a mortal flower. Apollo gave the rose the power of the sun; BAcchus bathed it in nectar; and Flora gave it beauty and color.
Rosemary
Latin name: Rosmarinus spp.
Rosemary is a symbol of frendship, love and remembrance. Enclose rosemary sprigs in your Christmas cards, birthday cards, etc., for a fragrant reminder.
Although it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was cherished long before Christianity. Rosemary twigs were tied on a baby's cradle to ensure sweet dreams. Grandfathers still drink rosemary tea to grow hair on shiny heads. It is customary to distribute rosemary sprigs to mourners at funerals and to drop the sprigs into the grave. Judges will sometimes put rosemary on the dock at court to comfort the heart and help a weak memory. Rosemary dipped in scented water was carried at weddings as a sign of wisdom, love, and loyalty.
Sage
Latin name: Salvia sp
Permeates the environment and creates a barrier of protection while neutralizing the existing negativity. Sacred to Native Americans as a "smudging" herb. Attracts well-being and prosperity. Brings what is needed.
Sage promotes a happy home. Where sage thrives, the woman rules. Toads love to sit under sage. Once upon a time, only those old and wise could use sage.
St. Johnswort
Latin name: Hypericum perforatum
This plant is associated with the summer solstice near the feast of St. John. Used to exorcise evil spirits, St. Johnswort gives great protection. Its botanical name actually means "over an apparition" in Greek.
Thyme
Latin name: Thymus sp
This plant is an ancient symbol of energy and magic. Almost every old charm to see fairies includes thyme. Fairies lay their sleeping babies in thyme blossoms when they go dancing at night. To encourage the wee folk back into your garden in the Spring, set out little bowls of thyme on May Eve. Just to wear a sprig of thyme renews the spirit. Its fragrance has been called "dawn in paradise."
Courage and confidance. Brings calm and balance to the 6th and 7th chakras
Tobacco
Latin name: Nicotiana sp
Tobacco has diverse uses, including being grown as a decorative plant with fragrant white flowers. It is greatly favored by Puck, and growing it will entice the sprite into your garden.
Vervain
Latin name: Verbena officinalis
It is crushed and worn a sa charm against evil sorcerers. Legend reputes vervain was used to staunch the wounds of Christ. It is used to divine the future by looking through its blossoms to see visions of things to come.
Ancient and sacred even to the Egyptians, Persians and Druids, Vervain is said to be a purifyer of the physical and spiritual body. Attracts and brings luck in love and prosperity. Calms the body and nerves while stimulating the mind. Can promote lucid dreams and out of body travels.
Yarrow
Latin name: Achillea millefolium
This decorative herb is used for conjuring and to detect sorcerers. It will tremble when one with evil intentions comes near it. It is used in many good luck and love charms.
Attracts love and calm, self confidence. Courage. Soothing to the heart.
Yew
Latin name: Taxaceae sp
This tree offers powerful protection. It is traditionally grown on the southwest side of the home. The fruit and needles of the evergreen are poisonous to ingest. Legend says you will become invisible if you hide in a yew tree
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