Magical and Medicinal Properties of Comfrey

Gender: Feminine
Planet: Saturn
Element: Water
Powers: Divination, Healing, Luck, Meditation, Prosperity, Protection, Travel
Magical Uses and History: Comfrey, whose scientific derives from the Greek symphytum which means "grow together," is native to Europe and Asia where it was historically used to treat a number of ailments, including bruises, sprains, broken bones wounds, inflammation, and stomach ulcers. The Greeks and Romans commonly used it to treat wounds, stop bleeding, and mend broken bones, giving rise to it being referred to as boneset (not to be confused with Eupatorium perfoliatum which is also referred to as boneset) and knitbone. It was commonly brought along with troops during battle for such purposes. During the Middle Ages, Nicholas Culpeper said that comfrey was able to bind wounds and sores as the boiled remains created a glue-like substance. He prescribed the plant to treat everything from cuts and abrasions to hemorrhoids and gout. Its ability to heal and mend wounds was so prominent that during World War II, comfrey was added to First Aid packs. As such, comfrey is deeply associated with healing and binding and therefore can be used in spells and rituals to mend a broken heart, heal spiritual wounds, and even bind people together to ensure fidelity.

Because of its binding nature and its use in first aid, comfrey has also been used to bring luck and prosperity, as well as protection, especially when it comes to traveling and gambling. Comfrey can be placed in your wallet or purse, kept in a cash register, or rubbed on money to ensure it comes back to you. Some people even store their gambling money with comfrey leaves prior to gambling to ensure luck and high returns. For traveling, comfrey was often carried to ensure safe travels and avoid blisters. As such, place comfrey in your luggage, create a sachet with comfrey to hang in your car, carry on your person, or place in your shoes when traveling to ensure you arrive safely at your destination and ward off unwanted negative entities. You can also include comfrey in a protection sachet while hedge riding or otherwise engaging in astral travel to ensure your safe return. Comfrey can also be planted near your doors and windows to ward off thieves. 

Finally, some sources suggest using comfrey alongside mugwort during divination to open your mind, increase focus, and aid in spirit communication. This appears to be a more modern correspondence as I cannot find any folklore suggesting this as a historical use.

Comfrey can be used in a number of spells including:

    Healing Spells
    Protection Magic

    Luck and Gambling Spells

    Prosperity Spells

    Divination

Medicinal Uses: Comfrey's impressive healing abilities are largely due to its high concentration of allantoin which stimulates cell division and growth, thus promoting healing inside and out. It's also a natural astringent, reducing bleeding and hemorrhaging and aiding in cellular repair. Furthermore, comfrey is a demulcent, meaning it creates a protective film over a mucous membrane, which makes it great for treating ulcers, hernias, and ulcerative colitis. Comfrey should not, however, be used to treat deep wounds, especially deep puncture wounds, as it can cause the surface to heal faster than the deep tissue which can result in the formation of an abscess. Furthermore, comfrey should not be used internally unless guided by a doctor, because it contains high concentrations of pyrrolizidine alkaloids that damage the liver and can lead to death. In fact, comfrey has been deemed so dangerous that the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Germany have all banned oral products containing comfrey. While you can still purchase the herb, be mindful of consuming it, especially if you are pregnant, expecting to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Preparation and Dosage: Under the supervision of a licensed herbalist or doctor, comfrey can be taken internally for a short period of time as a decoction or tincture. To create a decoction, add 1-3 teaspoons of dried roots and leaves in a cup of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Consume no more than 3 times a day. As a tincture, take 2-4 milliliters up to three times a day. Again, do not consume comfrey internally unless under the supervision of a licensed herbalist or doctor. Externally, comfrey can be used as a salve or poultice. To create a salve, combine 1 1/2 cups of fresh comfrey leaves  (or 1 cup of dried leaves or roots) with enough olive oil to cover in a jar. Store the comfrey oil mixture in a well-lit window for 2-6 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and combine the infused oil with 1-ounce beeswax in a pot. Stir until well combined and pour into tins. Allow to cool completely before use. Apply directly to minor wounds, bites, bruises, and achy joints. The infused oil can also be used as a hair treatment to promote growth or applied to minor wounds, bites, and bruises for the same results as a salve. To create a poultice, crush fresh leaves with a small amount of water until a mash forms. Place directly onto the minor cut, bite, bruise, or mild burn.

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Magical Properties of Pyrite

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Magical and Medicinal Properties of Strawberry

Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Fertility, Humility, Love, Lust, Perfection, Purity, Righteousness, Romance
Magical Uses and History: Strawberries have been a part of the human diet for centuries, their flavorful flesh, vibrant red color, and willingness to propagate contributing to their spread across the globe. The common name 'strawberry' is believed to come from one of two possible origins. Some historians believe 'strawberry' is a corruption of 'strewn berry' while others think it's because the plant is commonly mulched with straw during the winter months. Even so, some historians argue it's a reference to young people selling strawberries impaled with straw or grass in the late spring/early summer months. While the origins of its common name remain a mystery, the strawberry's popularity is not.

Throughout antiquity, the strawberry has served as a symbol of love, lust, and romance. In Ancient Rome and Greece, the strawberry was the symbol of Venus and Aphrodite, both goddesses of love and beauty. In some versions of the story, it was believed the strawberry arose from Aprodite's tears and Adonis's blood after she failed to save him after he was gored by a boar during a hunting trip. As such, the strawberry is sometimes referred to as Aprodite's tears. According to Cherokee legend, the strawberry arose after the Sun tried to calm the First Woman's anger after she and her beloved, First Man, quarreled. The Sun tried to calm First Woman's anger with huckleberries, blackberries, raspberries, and even blueberries, but none of the berries grabbed her attention. Finally, the Sun grew strawberries beneath her feet, the new fruit with its bright red color and delicate fragrance caught her attention and as she took the first bite, her anger soothed and she returned to her love with an armful of the new fruit to share with him. Needless to say, the strawberry is deeply associated with love. It was placed as an offering to goddesses of love, used to attract a lover when baked into dishes or served raw, and even used to divine future loves. It is said that if you break a strawberry in half and feed the second half to the opposite sex that they will fall madly in love with you and you with them. As such, strawberries can be used in love spells, rituals, potions, teas, and kitchen recipes to attract love to you and yours. Leave as an offering to Aphrodite or Venus, add to baths to attract love, or draw strawberries on red candles to attract love.

By the 16th and 17th centuries, the strawberry grew in popularity. Stone masons began carving the plant and berries around altars, pillars, and doorways to churches and cathedrals to symbolize perfection and righteousness. According to Symbol-Fibel, the strawberry was believed to cure depression and therefore seen as the healing power of Christ leading us to eternal salvation. Furthermore, it was said that despite its bright color and fragrant smell, the strawberry was still humble as it bowed its head before God. This is a reference to the droop strawberries commonly have as the fruit grows and weighs down the stem. St. Francis de Sales reflected that "although it creeps along the ground, and is continually crushed by serpents, lizards and other venomous reptiles, yet it does not imbibe the slightest impression of poison or the smallest malignant quality, a true sign that it has no affinity with poison." He continues to say this reminds us of the virtuous man who is not influenced by the sin around him. Later, the strawberry became associated with the Madonna to symbolize the "fruitful Virgin," humility, and purity as the strawberry remains in flower while also producing fruit. As such, strawberries can also be used in spells for perfection, righteousness, purity, fertility, and humility. You can even adorn your Grimoire with strawberry artwork to protect it from prying eyes, or use them in spells to keep your intention "pure."

Finally, the strawberry was revered for its healing abilities. The Greeks and Romans believed that the strawberry could cure melancholy, depression, fevers, inflammation, kidney stones, gout, and throat and mouth infections, as well as a host of other diseases of the blood, liver, and spleen. Culpeper claimed it was good at curing many ills, saying its cold, dry, and binding nature was good for inflammation, fever, sore throat, and indigestion. This is due to the plant being a natural diuretic, astringent, and laxative. As such, strawberries can be used in healing spells and rituals, as well as a number of herbal remedies, particularly in tea form.

Strawberry can be used in a number of spells including:

    Healing Spells
    Love Spells

    Romance Magic

    Fertility Spells

    Purification Rituals

Medicinal Uses: The leaves, fruit, and roots of the strawberry can be used in herbal remedies. The root and leaves are a natural astringent and contain tannins, making them a strong digestive. The roots and leaves are most often used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and other gastric issues such as bloating and cramps. The leaves and roots also contain ellagic acid, a compound that neutralizes cancer-causing substances and boosts the immune system, aiding in the fight against infections, especially those in the mouth. The fruit, however, contains salicylic acid and is a mild laxative, helping to relieve stomach, liver, and kidney ailments as well as mild gastrointestinal upset. The fruit can also be used to whiten teeth and lighten dark spots on the face due to it being high in alpha hydroxy acid. Strawberry leaf has also historically been used to induce labor, so if you are pregnant, use caution before drinking strawberry leaf/root tea.

Preparation and Dosage: Strawberry can be taken internally as an infusion or tincture. To create an infusion, combine 1 teaspoon of dried leaves or roots with 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 times a day. This infusion can also be used as a mouthwash or gargle after it has cured. Use mouthwash up to three times a day. As a tincture, take 6-12 drops up to three times a day. Externally, strawberry leaves can be used as a poultice. Crush the leaves with a small amount of water until the mass is soft and moist. Apply to burns, eczema, ringworm, insect bites, and small cuts to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. To treat sunburns, a cloth can be dipped into the previously mentioned strawberry leaf infusion and applied directly to the burns as needed. The berries can be used as a skin cream to treat blemishes and wrinkles. Apply mashed strawberries directly to the impacted area and leave for 10 minutes before washing off.

Interested in learning more about the strawberry? Check out my previous posts on the subject.

Strawberry Freezer Jam Love Spell

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Book Review: The Treadwell's Book of Plant Magic by Christina Oakley Harrington

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

The Treadwell's Book of Plant Magic by Christina Oakley Harrington has been on my to-purchase list for quite some time, and when Weiser announced they would be picking up the book, I was so excited. Previously, the book was only available through Treadwell's London store, making it expensive to purchase for those outside the UK. With Weiser picking up the book, it will be more widely available and cheaper to purchase. I 100% want to support authors, small businesses, and the like, but I also recognize that people are financially struggling and there is no end in sight. This new printing ensures more people have access to the information at an affordable price, and the author still gets paid. Its a win-win situation. Now, on to the review!

This is the first occult book of the year I have rated 5 stars and for a good reason. First, I absolutely love folklore, especially plant folklore, and that is what this book is all about. Harrington cites over 200 sources throughout the book, focusing on historical folklore and folk magic related to commonly found plants in Europe. This is probably one of the most extensively researched plant folklore books on the market, and among the most extensively researched occult book I have ever read. I appreciate the time and effort it took to provide accurate historical information.

Each entry includes the scientific name, folk names, planetary correspondences, a brief overview of the relevant folklore, and even magical spells and recipes incorporating the plants. While this guide is not as comprehensive as others, it covers a large number of plants, making it an excellent reference guide for new and old witches alike. Each spell/ritual/recipe is clearly outlined, with the use of the plant being bullet-pointed and bolded for easy access. For example, "Alder for protection" or "Apples for creating abundance." I appreciate that these spells/rituals/recipes are visually set apart from the rest of the text so I can quickly skim a page to find what I am looking for without slogging through pages of text. Furthermore, each herb is listed at the top of the page, allowing you to flip quickly to whatever plant you are looking for.

The only downside to this book is that it's not more comprehensive. It largely focuses on plants found in the UK and the surrounding areas, which makes sense considering the original intended audience of the book. This makes it less practical for those in widely different environments, but the information is still valuable, no matter where you live, especially those with European ancestors. It puts a lot of customs into perspective. Harrington also uses the occasional slur, referring to the Romani people (Roma) as g*psies. This may be because she is using the terms found in her research, but I can't be sure. Known that these terms are outdated and offensive.

I highly recommend any witch interested in the folklore of plants pick up The Treadwell's Book of Plant Magic by Christina Oakley Harrington. It's an incredible quick reference guide that is well-researched, masterfully laid out, and full of helpful information. The Treadwell's Book of Plant Magic by Christina Oakley Harrington is available now wherever books are sold.

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Beltane/May Day/Spring Equitherm Altar 2023

While the history and folklore behind the Spring Equinox and Ostara are limited and sketchy at best, this is not true of May Day, also known as Beltane or the Spring Equitherm. May Day is one of the most commonly celebrated pagan festivals across Europe and maybe the world, being a time of liminality when the faeries and spirits roam the Earth, lovers make vows, and people and animals are ritually cleansed with fire. Much like Samhain, the veil between our world and that of the Otherworld thins, allowing spirits to roam freely. However, unlike Samhain, most of the spirits associated with May Day tend to be more pleasant. This is the perfect time of year for spirit work, hedge riding, fertility magic, making vows, and otherwise enjoying the beautiful weather. 

1. White Candles - Beltane is characterized by the returning of the Sun, and is often celebrated with large bonfires and the relighting of the family hearth. The candles on this altar represent the Sun and his warmth, as the Wheel turns towards summer. I chose white candles to represent new beginnings and a fresh start, as many plants are now waking up and blessing us with new life. I chose pillar candles to flank both sides to represent the May Pole, a phallic fertility symbol deeply associated with Beltane. If it weren't for the lit flames, I probably would have added pastel-colored ribbons to the candles as well. The small votive candles are vanilla scented, which is a known aphrodisiac, and held in a red-patterned container, which symbolizes lust, passion, and fertility. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $5.50)

2. Lanterns- The lanterns flanking the altar represent the Sun and his masculine energies that fertilize the Earth. On May Day the Sun and Earth are officially wed, bringing forth fruitful blooms and new life. The lanterns, along with the candles, symbolize this bond and work sympathetically, to nurture the Sun's return and aid in his growth. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost: $2)

3. Ivy- The silk ivy represents wealth, abundance, and fertility, as well as the Sun or Horned God who is growing in strength during Beltane. I also felt it tied the altar together nicely. Originally I did not have ivy on this altar, but my gut was telling me I was missing a key element. I dug through several boxes of altar decorations, feeling each item and speaking with it before coming upon the ivy at the bottom. I almost begged to be placed on the altar, so here it is! (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $1)

4. Bumble Bees- The bees, which are technically carpenter bees, represent the feminine, fertility, teamwork, growth, and sweetness of life. Bees are hard at work pollinating flowers, building hives, and making sweet honey. Bees are also representative of the Sun, making them a masculine aspect as well. This duality represents the union between both the masculine and feminine to bring about life at Beltane. I picked up both of these beautiful carpenter bees last week while out for a walk with my partner. I could hear them calling to me to be brought home instead of being left for the ants. (Where did I get it: Found; Cost: Free)

5. Red Agate, Amethyst, and Carnlian- The three crystals I picked to correspond with the energy of the sabbat. Carnelian and red agate represents the Sun, strength, vitality, passion, and determination. In between the carnelian and bloodstone is amethyst. Again, Beltane is a time of liminality, allowing for easy spirit communication, especially with faeries. Amethyst is a natural amplifier of psychic abilities, therefore enhancing your abilities to communicate with the Otherworld. Its purple color also naturally attracts faeries, thus making it easier to communicate with them as well. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Stores; Cost: ~$5)

6. Wooden Acorns- The antler represents the masculine and fertility, as well as the connection between our realm and the Otherworld. Deer are said to be able to freely cross between realms to bring messages to and from the Otherworld. They are spirit walkers, and with May Day being a time of liminality, the veil is thin and spirit crossing is made easier. Furthermore, antlers are associated with vitality, strength, and fertility as male deer use their horns to win a mate, all of which are aspects associated with May Day. (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)

7. Deer Antler & Fox Skull- The antler represents the masculine and fertility, as well as the connection between our realm and the Otherworld. Deer are said to be able to freely cross between realms to bring messages to and from the Otherworld. They are spirit walkers, and with May Day being a time of liminality, the veil is thin and spirit crossing is made easier. Furthermore, antlers are associated with vitality, strength, and fertility as male deer use their horns to win a mate, all of which are aspects associated with May Day. The fox skull, on the other hand, represented my animal guide or otherworldly familiar. She has been a staunch companion and ally for many years, and this skull is used as a spirit home for her during my magical workings and spirit flights. She is honored here, during Beltane, my taking center stage on my altar. Not pictured are her offerings, which shall remain private. (Where did I get it: Found/Gifted; Cost: Free)

TOTAL COST: ~$13.50

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found, made, or purchased for around $1, although if the items must be purchased by you, then the cost will be higher. I hope you find this sort of breakdown helpful, especially for those of you looking to create Instagram-perfect altars on a budget!

Did you do anything special for Beltane this year? I, unfortunately, suffered a great loss in my household and have not been handling it well. This is why this altar is late. I originally spent the days before, during, and after Beltane mourning the very sudden loss of one of my beloved animal companions. I am still mourning and I am not sure how long it will be before my heart is able to heal. We have plans to create a small memorial in the yard for her to honor her life. I hope that you and yours have faired better this Mercury Retrograde and that you had a better Beltane than me!

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