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snake-bites, tarragon has now become associated with rituals and decisions
involving shedding what is redundant, as a snake sheds its skin. It is good for
regeneration and helps the user to focus on new targets.
Ruled by Mercury.
Thyme
Thyme brings good health, improves memory and mental abilities and has powerful
antiseptic properties.
It is said to aid recall of the past and allow glimpses into the future and to give
courage and strength. In a sleep pillow, it keeps away bad dreams and may bring
happy, prophetic ones.
Ruled by Venus.
Valerian
Valerian is a relaxant; it reduces tension, anxiety, all stress-related conditions
and insomnia, and offers effective pain relief for tension-related conditions
including migraines.
A herb of reconciliation, it can be placed in poppets, which are then tied together
to bring harmony to a relationship or reunite those parted by anger or
circumstance. It was used by the Ancient Greeks to keep away all harm and is still
primarily regarded as a herb of protection and peace.
Ruled by Venus.
Vervain
Vervain is a natural strengthener of the nervous system, reducing tension and the
effects of stress. It eases depression, especially after illness.
It also offers protection against all negativity; a sachet hung above an infant's
bed drives away nightmares, and brings both happiness and intelligence to the very
young. A sprig can be exchanged with a friend or lover as a promise of truth at all
times.
Ruled by Venus.
Yarrow
Yarrow lowers blood pressure, slows the heartbeat, speeds the healing of wounds and
reduces fevers.
A herb of love, yarrow is said to keep a couple together for at least seven years,
and so should be given to newly-weds and used in love charms. Married couples keep
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the herb in a special sachet and replace it just before seven years is over,
continuing to do so throughout married life. This can be made into a ceremony of
renewal. It also repels hostility and banishes fear.
Ruled by Venus.
Herbal Infusions
As well as magical sachets, you can make herbs into infusions. Add one level
teaspoon (5 ml) of coarsely chopped dried herbs or two level teaspoons (10 ml) of
freshly chopped leaves or flowers to a cup of boiling water; leave it for five
minutes and strain. Once the liquid has cooled, you can sprinkle it round rooms,
furniture and personal property or add it to a bucket of water for washing floors.
The roots and bark of some plants can be used to make a decoction. Crush and powder
two tablespoons (30 ml) of the herb and add to one pint (500 ml) of cold water.
Simmer the mixture until the quantity of water is reduced by half and then strain
the mixture.
Fresh herbs or flowers can be added to your bath in the following way: place them
in a net or a piece of muslin - you could even use an old pair of tights - and hang
them under the hot tap while you run a bath. Alternatively, allow the bag of herbs
to float in the bath for 10 minutes or add a strained infusion to the water.
Of course, you can always drink herbs as tea or burn herbal incenses or oils. All
these are valid ways of getting the medicinal as well as magical properties from
herbs, though you should still charge them magically. However you use them, always
bear in mind that herbs are very potent so before you begin you should seek the
advice of a trained herbalist or homeopath or read carefully a reliable herbal book
(see page 299 for a list of those I would recommend). Pay particular attention to
any quantities and medical contraindications that are given.
Cautions
It is inadvisable for anyone to use any herb in large quantities or over prolonged
periods without first taking medical advice to ensure that it is safe. This applies
particularly if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, when I would recommend that you
avoid the following in any form, including baths, inhalation and teas:
Aloe vera, angelica, anise, autumn crocus, barberry, basil, bay, black cohosh,
caraway, cayenne, elder, fennel, feverfew, golden seal, hyssop, juniper, male fern,
mandrake, parsley, penny royal, poke rosemary, root, rue, sage, southernwood,
tansy, tarragon, thuja, thyme, wintergreen, wormwood, yarrow.
This is not comprehensive list and during pregnancy you should check with a trained
herbalist or pharmacist before taking any herbal preparation - as you should with
any medical preparation at all. It is advisable to avoid all herbs during the first
three months of pregnancy.
There are many medical conditions that preclude the use of certain herbs. These
include asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy and heart disease.
Generally, of course, it should be safe to use your herbs in sachets or poppets,
but you must avoid inhaling the herbs. Mild herbs, such as rose, lavender and
Chamomile or hops, are safe options for use in sleep pillows. However, in all
cases, you should consult a qualified medical practitioner before using herbs in
any form.
A Healing Ritual For An Absent Person
This simple healing ritual is for someone who has a virus or other debilitating
condition. The virus may be affecting the whole body and not responding to
treatment. The ritual incorporates the four main stages of a spell described on
page 40 and can work equally well for a solitary practitioner or a group of
witches. As the ritual is intended to stimulate the body's immune system, it is
best done on the gentle early waxing moon energies (see page 235 for the best hours
and day of the week).
Through magick, a concentrated dosage of healing power is offered, based on a
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