Magical Properties of Celestite

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How to Create a Purification and Abundance Simmer Pot for Your Home

As the wheel turns and the days begin to shorten, you may notice your home's energy begins to grow stagnant and even chaotic. The weather here in Georgia is still beastly hot, thus preventing me from opening my windows to allow in fresh air without smothering all of us in the process. I hate the feeling of trapped energy but hate being hot and sweaty even more. So what's a witch to do? Enter the simmer pot!

Simmer pots are essentially boiled potpourri and are an excellent, non-toxic way to remove stagnant energy, uplift vibrations, and bring those autumnal scents everyone loves into the home without needing a candle. Don't get me wrong, I love a good candle as much as the next witch, but burning them too often can result in wax residue on your walls and furniture, reduced air quality, lung damage, and even death of your pets. Simmer pots, on the other hand, not only safely bring comforting fragrances into your space, but may also bring health benefits such as improved digestion, increased immune function, improved mood, and stress reduction! Furthermore, simmer pots containing whole ingredients are generally pet-safe, even those that include citrus. To ensure your and your pet's safety, avoid using essential oils or perfume oils.

This particular simmer pot is a wonderful way to purify your space, attract abundance, and uplift the energies in your home using the power of aromatics and intention. To top it all off, your home will smell of cozy autumn vibes in no time!

What You'll Need

• Pot of water
• 1 lemon slice
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 sprig of rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2-3 basil leaves
• 3 apple slices
• 2 orange slices
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
  

What to Do

Begin by asking the spirits of your ingredients for their assistance in fulfilling this spell. If for whatever reason they deny your request, find a different plant to work with or a different individual to work with. Once you have secured the assistance of your plant allies, fill your pot three-quarters of the way full and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to simmer. 

Add your ingredients one at a time while saying, "Lemon to clear all negativity and blockages from this space; cloves to protect and purify this home; rosemary to heal this space and clear away all stagnant energy; bay and cinnamon to draw abundance and success while protecting those within;  basil to attract wealth; apple for love and prosperity; oranges to bring joy and happiness to this family; and vanilla for peace, luck, and a home full of love."

Stir the mixture clockwise while visualizing a home full of wealth, health, and good fortune. As you continue to stir clockwise say, "With this scent, I cleanse and renew, abundance flows to me true." Let the mixture simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, adding fresh water as needed. Stir occasionally, repeating your affirmation above.

When finished, you can either strain the mixture (disposing of the whole plant parts outside) and use it to mop your floors or pour the cooled mixture outside, allowing it to return to the earth.

Modifications/Alternatives:

• If you are allergic to any of the above ingredients you can replace them with the following: hyssop (purification, cleansing), mint (wealth, abundance), lavender (protection, peace), calendula (harmony, health), pear (abundance, joy), nutmeg (luck, money), allspice (uplifting, health, strength), or star anise (luck, fortune).
• If you have no pets and would prefer to use an essential oil blend, combine 2 drops of sweet orange essential oil, 2 drops of cinnamon essential oil, 2 drops of clove essential oil, and 1 drop of lavender essential oil.

Why You Did It

Understanding the whys of a spell (or recipe) is just as important as performing it. It helps you understand the process so you can modify the spell or ritual to suit your needs and helps guide you in writing your own. It's my intention that by providing these explanations, you can build a better understanding of how spells are written and executed so you can modify and build your own spells (the goal of my Spellcrafting Series). 

This spell begins with requesting the assistance of your plant allies. I often leave this out of my spells instructions because it should be a given, but knowing that beginner witches are reading my blog, I figure I need to start adding it in or hinting at it to encourage new and old witches alike to remember we are not here to use, but instead to work with ingredients. Everything resonates with spirit and it's those spirits that lend their aid to our magical workings. Asking them for their assistance is vital in ensuring the spell goes according to plan. An unwilling participant can cause the spell to flop or backfire.

Next, the pot was filled with water, not only as a place for the spell to occur but also because water is naturally purifying and detoxing. It helps wash away negativity, sluggishness, unwanted energy, and everything else you can imagine, leaving a clean slate. Simmer the water, which releases water vapor, combines the power of water with that of fire, which is used to burn away the old, allowing the new to grow in its stead.

The plants chosen for this recipe, as mentioned in the chant, as specifically designed to purify, cleanse, protect, and attract different types of abundance into your life and home. The order in which they are placed is important as we start with cleansing and finish by attracting what we want to replace the energy in our now purified space. Lemon, cloves, and rosemary help to clear the space, removing stagnant and unwanted energies from your home. Lemon also helps to remove any blockages that may be preventing the energies from leaving or people from moving on. Cloves, on the other hand, not only purify but also protect against negative, unwanted energies from returning, while rosemary helps heal any wounds. Cinnamon and bay attract monetary abundance and success, all while protecting the home. Basil also attracts monetary wealth, while apple brings love, orange happiness and joy, and vanilla peace and luck. By chanting what it is you ask of each plant, you are telling them exactly what you want from them. All of these plants have multiple correspondences so simply adding them without declaring your intention can result in attracting or banishing the wrong things!

Once the ingredients are all added, the mixture is stirred clockwise to attract or pull things toward you, in this case, abundance, prosperity, wealth, happiness, joy, peace, love, and a cleansed space. You could also start by stirring just the lemon, cloves, and rosemary counterclockwise to banish, then follow up with the remaining ingredients and stir clockwise to attract what you desire to your home. It's completely up to you and I encourage you to modify this spell to suit your specific needs. Stirring occasionally and restating your affirmation while visualizing your desired outcome further empowers the spell as it progresses.

Afterward, you can strain the water and use it to mop your floors or clean surfaces, or you can simply pour it outside to return it to the earth, symbolizing a release of old energy and the welcoming of new abundance. Using this mixture as a floor wash is a great way to wash away the old and bring in the new, ensuring your home is cleansed and open to abundance.

Wish to break this spell? There is no way to break this spell, but it will naturally wane over time. 

Remember to record this recipe in your Book of Shadows or use my Spell/Ritual Worksheet for reference later.

***

We are officially in autumn and what better time to cleanse and recharge a space than at the beginning of a new season? Simmer pots always make me feel so cozy and bring a sense of warmth that other spells simply cannot. May your autumn be full of abundance, love, and joy as we head toward the longest night.

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Harnessing Autumn’s Magic: Herbal Allies for Health and Witchcraft

If I haven't already made it abundantly clear, working with plants is one of the key tenets of my magical practice, just like the hedge witches who came before me. The relationships I have built with the plants in my garden and around my home are precious, allowing me to cast spells, develop rituals, and create healing medicines. As the seasons change, so do the plants I work with. Part of practicing local, animistic witchcraft means shifting with the seasons and relying on what is available. That isn't to say I don't bring in some plants that aren't necessarily prevalent this time of year, but I am definitely more cognizant of my choices each season.

Seasonal plant allies are an excellent source of magic and healing, bringing a potent natural element to your work. But what is a plant ally exactly? 

A plant ally is a plant that you have a close relationship with, much like that of a close friend. Just like real friendships, your plant allies shift and change as you grow. Some will be fair-weather friends, while others will stick with you through the thick of it. They come into our lives to guide us, challenge us, and encourage us to face life's challenges and adventures.

How you connect with your plant allies is entirely personal and a topic for another post, but developing these relationships is critical for those interested in working with plants in their magical or healing practice. We are but one spirit in the cosmos, no greater or smaller than others. Respecting others is paramount to an ethical practice, and I take it quite seriously.

Like many witches, autumn is my favorite time of year. I was born during the autumn months; my legal middle name is Autumn; I love the cooler weather, the misty weather, the changing leaves, and the all-around coziness and sense of community that comes with autumn. Autumn is such a liminal time, allowing us to tap into deep wells of magic otherwise inaccessible to most. The plants I tend to work with during autumn help me do just that, while also ensuring that despite moving indoors and into crowded spaces, I remain relatively happy and healthy.

In today's post, we will journey together to get to know the plants I rely on most during the autumn months for witchcraft and healing. I have grouped the plants based on need and offered alternatives where possible. You'll notice there is overlap with the plants and ailments mentioned in Transitioning for Summer to Autumn: Herbal Remedies for the Season of Mists and Mellow Fruitfulness. After all, why wouldn't there be?

For Tending to the Future

I always associate autumn with wisdom and planning ahead as students return to the classroom and store rooms are checked to ensure a family's survival through the winter. There was nothing worse for a family than failure to thoroughly plan for the months ahead. While many of us are now privileged enough to not have to worry about stocking our pantries prior to winter, we still require the wisdom and forethought that went into such a process.

The herbs on this list are magically and medicinally associated with brain health, memory, strengthening resolve, and replenishing energy.

Milky Oats (Avena sativa): Generally gathered in August after the rye harvest, milky oats are an incredible nerve tonic, supporting the nervous system and adrenals by aiding in stress management. These actions make it especially helpful for those struggling with chronic stress and fatigue as it acts as a stimulant and relaxant. Magically, milky oats are associated with clarity, tempering reactivity, prosperity, and abundance due to their generous nature. Add to spells, rituals, and remedies to clear your mind, give you strength, and ensure a prosperous remainder of the year.

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus): Like milky oats, rosemary is a powerful nervine stimulant that clears brain fog, improves memory, and soothes depression. While generally harvested in the summer, rosemary dries and keeps incredibly well, making it perfect for use out of 'season.' Magically, rosemary is associated with wisdom, clarity, cleansing, and purification. It can rid you of blockages and aid you in developing a working plan (not just a concept of one). Add rosemary to spells, rituals, and remedies to increase focus, remove brain fog, and bring clarity and wisdom to a situation.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita): Oh peppermint...while most people associate peppermint with winter (and rightfully so), it's also a potent ally for autumn. Peppermint is incredibly aromatic, acting as a nervine tonic for anxiety, tension, and 'hysteria.' It is known to help clear brain fog, stimulate memory, and awaken the mind so you can see a clear path forward. It's incredibly energizing, giving you that push you need to plan ahead. Magically, peppermint is associated with abundance, increasing psychic powers, and overall health, making it perfect for planning ahead. Add peppermint to spells, rituals, and remedies to combat fatigue, reduce tension, and energize.

Other potential plant allies for planning ahead, wisdom, and overall brain health include sage (Salvia spp.), skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), and ginkgo (Gingko biloba).

For Battling the Growing Shadow

As summer wanes, the shadow begins to grow over the Earth, leaving us with less and less daylight as the seasons turn to autumn and then winter. Feelings of melancholy are common during this shift and while herbs alone will not cure your depression or anxiety, they can certainly help. However, there is so much more to this darkness this time of year. As the veil begins to thin, unwanted negative entities find their way into our realm, and sometimes into our homes. Dispelling, fortifying, and protecting the home becomes critical this time of year, as darkness begets darkness.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis): I adore lemon balm for its protective and uplifting nature. Harvested from June through September, lemon balm is a potent natural antidepressant, its sedative oils helping to relieve depression, anxiety, and tension. It also causes mild vasodilation, allowing blood pressure to lower and therefore reducing stress. Magically, lemon balm is associated with happiness, renewal, and cleansing. Use lemon balm in spells, rituals, and remedies to bring happiness, dispel negativity, and renew the positive energy in you or your home.

Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia): What a suiting name for an autumnal herb that fights off depression and negativity! Skullcap is a sedative, nervine tonic that helps reduce nervous tension while renewing and revivifying the central nervous system. It is often used to treat depression, especially depression that includes exhaustion and fatigue. It is commonly harvested from August through September, making it perfect for this time of year. Magically, skullcap is associated with peace, calm, devotion, protection, and exorcisms. Use it in spells, rituals, and remedies to remove negative energy and bring peace and calm to any situation.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis): Unearthed in late fall, valerian is a well-known sedative that has not only been used to treat insomnia, but also reduce tension, anxiety, and depression. It combines well with skullcap and lemon balm to create a potent antidepressant. While its most often magically associated with sleep, it's also associated with peace, relaxation, and even protection against lightning and evil. Use valerian in spells, rituals, and remedies to dispel depression, anxiety, and tension and bring peace and relaxation to your life.

Other potential plant allies for combating depression, anxiety, fatigue, and negativity include motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), vervain (Verbena spp.), and St. Joan's Wort (Hypericum perforatum).

For An Ounce of Protection

Cooler weather means more time spent indoors and therefore more opportunities for pathogens to spread. While the cooler weather doesn't weaken our immune system, changes in our environment that increase stress and fatigue certainly do. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound in cure" which is exactly what this recipe is. Preventing illness before it starts is far easier than trying to cure an illness once it starts.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra): Elderberry is a favorite among herbalists for its wide array of uses, particularly its ability to fight off and prevent colds, fevers, and the flue. The bark and berries are collected from August through September and can be easily dried or made into a syrup that stores easily through the winter months. Magically, elderberry is associated with health (duh!), exorcism, purification, and protection. Include elderberries in spells, rituals, and remedies for protection, general health and wellness, and to remove unwanted illnesses, negativity, or other unwanted entities from you and your home.

Garlic (Allium sativum): Commonly used in fire cider, garlic is a powerful healer and protector. Garlic is a natural antiseptic, helping prevent and treat infections caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and even fungi. It is used to treat and prevent colds, flu, coughs, and upper respiratory infections, reduce blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels. It being a basic component in many recipes makes it even easier to consume and there are no known downsides to daily consumption. Magically, garlic is associated with protection, exorcism, dispelling negativity, and cleansing. Use it in spells, rituals, and remedies for protection, health, wellness, and the removal of anything unwanted and unwelcome.

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus): Collected between July and October, nasturtium is a powerful antimicrobial, both topically and internally. It helps fight off and prevent the common cold and the flu as well as fight upper respiratory infections. Magically, it is associated with vitality, longevity, and balance. Use in spells, rituals, and remedies to prevent illness, strengthen your immune system or resolve, and bring balance internally and externally.

Other potential plant allies for an ounce of protection include milky oats (Avena sativa), echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis).

For A Breath of Fresh Air

With cooler weather comes drier, harsher air and respiratory infections. On top of the weather, we also see an increase in allergy symptoms as an entirely different set of plants is blooming this time of year. Supporting respiratory health becomes paramount this time of year, as does speaking our truth. Just because the sun is waning and there is a chill in the air, does not mean that our voices should be silenced. As such, these plants will not only help you breathe easy, but also find that voice of yours.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Harvested in late fall, licorice root is an expectorant, demulcent, and antispasmodic, meaning it's perfect for treating bronchial problems such as bronchitis, coughs, and other respiratory infections. Magically, licorice is associated with love and lust, but also control, domination, and increasing magical power. As such, it can be used in spells, rituals, and remedies to remove obstacles, bind negativity, and control one's breath and voice and potentially that of another.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Thyme is an extremely common and easy plant to grow. The flowering branches are best collected between June and August, and dry very well, allowing it to be used for months after harvest. Thyme is an antimicrobial expectorant, making it perfect to treat laryngitis, tonsillitis, sore throats, bronchitis, whooping cough, and asthma. Magically, thyme is used to invoke courage, banish negativity, heal, and attract happiness. Use thyme in spells, rituals, and remedies for finding and strengthening your voice, breathing easy, and removing negativity from your life.

Elecampane (Inula helenium): The rhizome of elecampane, also known as horse-heal or elfdock, is unearthed and harvested from September through October and used as an expectorant to treat coughs and bronchitis, especially among children, allowing for the removal of phlegm and catarrh. Elecampane contains chemicals that reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, and kill bacteria commonly associated with whooping cough and bronchitis. It has even been used to treat tuberculosis! It's incredibly fast-acting, reducing symptoms quickly and allowing the ill person to rest peacefully. Magically, it's associated with sustaining the spirit, protection, neutralizing negative energy, enhancing psychic abilities, and even aiding in trancework and shapeshifting. As such, elecampane can be used in spells, rituals, and remedies not only for lung support, but also to remove, protect against, and otherwise hide from illness, negativity, and other untoward creatures.

Other potential plant allies for supporting lung health, breathing easily, and finding one's voice include goldenrod (Solidago virgauria), mullein (Verbascum thapsus), plantain (Plantago spp.), and hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis).

***

As the wheel turns toward autumn, these plant allies can help ensure you are happy and healthy for the coming months. Magically, they can empower and enrich your spells and rituals, timing them with seasonal changes and encouraging a bright and prosperous future. How you work with these plant allies is entirely up to you, but remember to always ask them for their assistance and thank them for whatever they provide for you in return. Maintaining these relationships is important and worthwhile.

Is there a plant you like to work with during the autumn months that I failed to include on this list? Let me know in the comments below!

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Transitioning From Summer to Autumn: Herbal Remedies for the Season of Mists and Mellow Fruitfulness

Keats famously coined autumn the "Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness," a time characterized by the final harvests, changing leaves, cooling temperatures, and lengthening nights. Shifting from summer to autumn reminds us that all things are fleeting and that nothing lasts forever. It is a time of balance, reflection, transformation, and reaping the rewards of hard work as the final harvests are brought in. Like all in-between spaces, the transition between seasons is deeply liminal and can leave us feeling tired, drained, and out-of-sorts. This makes it a great time to work with plant allies to bolster and fortify your body, mind, and spirit for the changes ahead as well as get in touch with the magic of the season.

In today's post, I offer 3 herbal recipes to aid your transition from summer to autumn. These recipes can be used to create a variety of remedies including salves, oxymels, steams, baths, tisanes (teas), or tinctures. It's completely up to you how to use these recipes, but I encourage you to consult with the spirits of the plants, your intuition, and even your ancestors or spiritual guides to determine which preparation method is best for you. While taking it as a tisane may be best for me, you may need to use it as a steam.

For Tending to the Future

I always associate autumn with wisdom and planning ahead as students return to the classroom and store rooms are checked to ensure a family's survival through the winter. There was nothing worse for a family than failure to thoroughly plan for the months ahead. While many of us are now privileged enough to not have to worry about stocking our pantries prior to winter, we still have need of the wisdom and forethought that went into such a process. This recipe combines milky oats (Avena sativa), nettle leaf (Urtica dioica), red clover (Trifolium pratense), and rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) to create a potent tonic that clears the fog, strengthens resolve, and replenishes diminished energy.

2 parts milky oats (seeds)

1 part nettle

1/2 part red clover

1/2 part rosemary

For Battling the Growing Shadow

As summer wanes, the shadow begins to grow over the Earth, leaving us with less and less daylight as the seasons turn to autumn and then winter. Feelings of melancholy are common during this shift and while herbs alone will not cure your depression or anxiety, they can certainly help. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is well known for its ability to elevate one's mood, soothe anxiety, and even fight off minor colds. Peppermint (Menta piperita), like lemon balm, also improves mood and increases calmness, while also leaving you alert and self-confident.

1 part peppermint

1/2 part lemon balm

For An Ounce of Protection

Cooler weather means more time spent indoors and therefore more opportunities for pathogens to spread. While the cooler weather doesn't weaken our immune system, changes in our environment that increase stress and fatigue certainly do. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound in cure" which is exactly what this recipe is. Preventing illness before it starts is far easier than trying to cure an illness once it starts. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is famous among herbalists for its immune-boosting properties which not only fight off infections but prevent them as well. Combined with echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), this herbal remedy is a surefire way to ensure you and your family stave off illness this autumn. While you can take this remedy in many forms, a syrup or oxymel is best.

1 part elderberries

1/2 part echinacea root

1/4 part goldenseal root

***

As the wheel turns toward autumn, these recipes can help ensure you are happy and healthy for the coming months. If you are like me, autumn is your favorite time of the year and there is nothing worse than squandering the season sick, depressed, and in a haze. This is a time of change and final harvests, a time when we can see the fruits of our labor finally come to pass. Move toward the future with the help of these plant allies and enjoy the season to its fullest.

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Magical Properties of Blue Calcite

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Magical and Medicinal Uses of Dill

Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mercury
Element: Fire
Powers: Lust, Love, Money, Protection

Magical Uses and History: Sometimes referred to as "the magician's herb," dill has long been used in magic for a variety of purposes, most often protection. Its speculated its protective properties are due to its strong smell. In Ancient Rome, gladiators would sometimes rub dill over their bodies prior to engaging in mortal combat to ensure the user would make it out alive. It was also often added to their food to inspire courage and valor, as well as for protection against bodily harm. During the Medieval period, the saying, "Therewith her Vervain and her Dill, That hindereth witches of their will." became popular, especially among magicians who prescribed it to treat curses and protect against witchcraft. This led to numerous protection spells against witches over the centuries. It is said that drinking a cup of dill water reverses a witch's spell while placing it above the door or windows to prevent evil from entering. It was also placed under cribs to protect children and even carried on a person to prevent harm from befalling the bearer. In Germany, it was hung above the door to prevent envious people from entering your home and therefore bringing negativity and ill will inside with them. In other regions, dill was nailed to a door to trap ill-disposed individuals or negativity inside a dwelling. As such, dill makes an excellent addition to spells not only for protection but also to trap negative energy into a place or object. The Polish commonly used dill to defend against and even vanquish nightmares, further adding to dill's laundry list of protective uses. In addition to the aforementioned uses, you can also add dill to protection spells by anointing candles in dill oil or rolling them in dried dill, adding it to protection sachets, burning it as an incense, or using it in a protection bath tea. The seeds can also be placed in a sachet or pouch and worn over the heart to protect against the Evil Eye or the seeds can be scattered around your home for the same purpose.

Apart from its abundant protective uses, dill is also associated with lust and love. Dill is a mild aphrodisiac and has been used for such purposes since the time of the ancient Egyptians. Ancient Egyptians used dill oil to enhance arousal and sexual desire while later in Germany and Belgium, dill was added to wedding bouquets or affixed to wedding dresses to ensure a loving and happy marriage. However, some brides would combine both mustard and dill seeds not only to ensure a happy marriage but also to ensure the wife's dominance. The seeds were hidden within the bride's dress while she said, "I have you, mustard and dill, Husband, when I speak, you stay still." Honestly, I love this for women because historically they held very little power in society, at least on the surface. On the other hand, the ancient Greeks called dill "Herme's Semen," due to its prolific nature and abundance of seeds, and is therefore deeply associated with fertility and lust. As such, dill leaves and seeds can be used in spells and rituals to attract a lover, induce lust, ensure a happy marriage, or to ensure your spells or actions are fruitful. Bathing in dill oil or water is said to make the bather irresistible, and supposedly can turn platonic love into passion.

Its abundance of seeds also connects dill with wealth and prosperity. Carry dill seeds in your purse, wallet, or cash register to ensure you will always have plenty of money, keep a pouch of dill seeds in your pantry so your family will never go without, or add to any spells and rituals to attract wealth, abundance, and prosperity to your life. Contrary to this belief, European monks believed dill had the opposite effect, reducing fertility and hindering lust. They believed dill's potent smell could drive away incubuses who preyed on sleeping women and prevent them from becoming pregnant with a demon's baby. If you ascribe to such beliefs, add dill to spells to ward off sexual advances or prevent others from being fruitful in their endeavors.

Finally, dill derives its name from the Norse dilla or dylla meaning "lull" or "soothe." This is most commonly attributed to dill's ability to treat cramps, stomach upset, and flatulence, especially among children. Dill is sometimes called the "meetinghouse seed" as it was chewed not only by adults to keep them awake, but by babies and children to prevent them from crying, either from colic or hunger. "Gripe water," which is made from dill seeds, was also commonly given to children or adults suffering from stomach upset to reduce stomach cramps and flatulence and ensure a restful night's sleep. As such, dill can be added to spells to soothe a situation or bring calm and quiet to the home after a major upset.

Dill can be used in a number of spells including:

   Happiness Spells

   Marriage Spells

   Dispelling Negativity

   Protection Magic

   Prosperity and Abundance Magic

Medicinal Uses: While most people use dill leaves and stems in cooking, their seeds are commonly used medicinally. Dill is a natural carminative and antispasmodic, making it great at treating flatulence, cramps, and bloating (and associated colic), especially in children. Dill can also be used to stimulate milk production in lactating persons. The seeds and leaves are also anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory help to ward off infection, reduce arthritis symptoms, and even treat halitosis. Dill is also a natural diuretic so take it with plenty of water.

Preparation and Dosage: To create an infusion, combine 1 cup of boiling water with 1-2 teaspoons of gently crushed dill seeds. Allow the mixture to infuse for 10-15 minutes before enjoying. Alternatively, combine 1-2 teaspoons of freshly chopped dill with 1 cup boiling water and infuse for 20 minutes for the same effect. If treating flatulence, drink this infusion prior to eating. As a tincture, take 1-2 milliliters up to three times a day. To treat halitosis, chew on a few dill seeds.

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Book Review: Living Conjure by Starr Casas

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. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Earlier this week, I finished Living Conjure: The Practice of Southern Folk Magic by Starr Casas. Casas is a long-time Conjure practitioner, having learned from her family in the mountains of Kentucky. As a Northerner living in the South, I am fascinated by the practices of those outside of the cities, especially those in Appalachia where I live. There is something special about those mountains and the people that live there, and Casas does a great job of giving readers a glimpse into that culture.

Living Conjure is broken into five parts which build on each other. The first 2 parts lay the foundation for conjure and briefly introduce the practices conjurers use every day. Casas then goes on to introduce symbols and signs, tools such as herbs and curios, and finally how to make oils, washes, powders, and candles. It was the final part that I found most interesting because it included the actual "spells" and rituals that you can use in your conjure practice. Part 5 is full of so much useful information, unique perspectives, and practical applications that any occult practitioner can benefit from reading.

I appreciate that Casas has taken the time, despite the naysayers, to preserve this knowledge for future generations. She mentions multiple times that the Elders are dying without passing on their knowledge to others. While Conjure has largely been secretive, the need to preserve the culture outweighs the secrecy. Does this mean Conjure is open to anyone willy-nilly? Absolutely not, but that doesn't mean others can't pick up this book, learn about the culture, and develop a respectful practice of their own. Casas also does an amazing job recognizing the roots of Conjure and how struggle, perseverance, and trauma informed the practice as a whole. You cannot separate Conjure from its past, let alone the history and culture from which it arose and for what purpose. Witchcraft has always been an act of resistance, and Conjure is no different. Lately, I have been extremely frustrated with the occult community for saying things like "keep politics out of witchcraft." Anyone saying shit like this is clearly performative and has absolutely no business practicing or educating others about witchcraft because they haven't learned our history.

While there are many parts of Living Conjure that I enjoyed, I did not like the writing style. This is a personal preference as Casas writes like she speaks. This book is a conversation and I am not always a fan of conversations. It's very likely the rest of you will love the writing style, including the repetition. It just wasn't for me. Furthermore, Casas includes a list of herbs and their uses but doesn't include scientific names. She relies heavily on cultural folk names and if you are unfamiliar with these folk names, it's going to make it difficult for you to figure out which herbs to use for which recipes.

Living Conjure is a very simple introduction to Conjure, scratching just the surface to give those interested in potentially dabbling in Conjure an idea of what to expect. This is not a complete guide and should not be treated as such. Instead, it should be paired with other books such as Doctoring the Devil: Notebooks of an Appalachian Conjure Man by Jake Richards, Mountain Conjure and Southern Rootwork by Orion Foxwood, or New World Witchery by Thomas Hutcheson. Combined, these 5 books will give you an excellent foundation and provide you with everything you need to be truly successful. Living Conjure is available wherever books are sold.

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Magical Properties of Shungite

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A Complete Guide to Jera, the Harvest Rune

If you have been interested in the occult for any amount of time, you have probably heard about runes. The Elder Futhark and Younger Futhark runes are two ancient writing systems that were used by the Norse with each rune representing sounds, words, and ideas. Of the two systems, the Elder Futhark is the oldest (hence the name), dating back to somewhere between the 2nd and 8th century AD while the Younger Futhark was developed later between the 8th and 12th centuries AD. While the origins of the Elder Futhark are largely a mystery, it is believed to have been inspired by earlier Germanic and Celtic runic systems. According to the Hávamál, Odin discovered the runes after he hung from the world tree for nine days and nights while the Ynglinga Saga suggests Freyja taught Odin the runes. While these stories contradict each other, one thing is clear: After learning the runes, Odin passed down his wisdom to humankind.

The Elder Futhark is arranged into three sets of eight runes (called ættir) for a total of 24 runes. Each ætt is connected to a specific deity or concept which influences the meanings of the runes within the set. While many derive the meaning of the Elder Futhark runes from the Rune Poems, there is no poem for the Elder Futhark. It is presumed a poem once existed but has since been lost to time. By 800 CE, the Scandinavians reduced the number of runes to 16 while the Anglo-Saxons increased theirs to allow for new and different sounds to better accommodate their language. In any case, there are three different rune poems, Icelandic, Anglo-Saxon, and Norwegian, which are a recitation of the rune names and their kennings (associations/correspondences). It is believed these poems were used to aid in memorizing the runes and their meanings and acted as a way to easily transmit their lore through generations.

I'm not going to deep dive into the history of the Elder Futhark today as I will save that for a later post, but instead, focus on a single rune. Much like tarot, each rune has a specific meaning, but without all the context clues depicted on the cards. This can make runes a little more difficult to read and interpret without a firm understanding of the myth and culture surrounding the rune. Over the next several months, I will discuss each rune in detail, analyzing their portrayal in the Rune Poems, their cultural significance, modern correspondences, and modern ways to incorporate the runes into your magical practice. To kick off this series is Jera (Year-ah), the harvest rune.

Jera's Portrayal in the Rune Poems

Jera ᛃ is the twelfth rune and the fifth rune in the second ætt. It is composed of two Kenaz runes that are close together yet facing opposite directions representing opposing forces coming together. Jera appears in all three rune poems in very similar ways, suggesting it was used similarly across cultures.

Icelandic Rune Poem                                  Translation:

Ár er gumna góði                                          Ár- Plenty (Harvest)

ok gott sumar                                               Boon to men 

algróinn akr.                                                 and good summer 

annus allvaldr.                                             and thriving crops.

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem                            Translation:

Ger byÞ gumena hiht, ðonne God læteþ,      Summer is a joy to men, when God,

halig heofones cyning, hrusan syllan           the holy King of Heaven,

beorhte bleda beornum ond ðearfum.         suffers the earth to bring forth shining fruits

                                                                     for rich and poor alike

Norwegian Rune Poem                               Translation:

Ár er gumna góðe                                        Harvest (or Plenty) is a boon to men; 

get ek at örr var Fróðe.                                I say that Frothi was generous.

From each of these three poems, a pattern emerges. First and foremost, Jera ᛃ is referred to as "Plenty" or "Harvest" depending on who translated the poems. This is where Jera gets its modern English name "Harvest" and why it's associated with abundance, fertility, and growth. However, Jera is also referred to as "Summer" in the Anglo-Saxon poem suggesting that Jera may be associated with multiple times of plenty throughout the year, leading others to translate it to "Year." (They do sound the same!) The symbol itself shows opposing forces, suggesting the cyclical nature of life and the eternal dance of the two halves of the year spinning forever on its axis. This lends to its association with beginnings and endings. But who is Frothi?    

According to the poem Grottasongr, Frothi the Wise was a ruler known for the peace during his reign. "...and because Frothi was the most powerful king in all the Northern lands, peace was named after him wherever the Danish tongue is spoken, and all people in the North call it “The Peace of Frothi.” As long as it lasted, no man harmed the other, even though he met the slayer of his father or of his brother, free or bound. At that time there was no thief or robber, so that a gold ring lay untouched for three years by the high road over the Jalangr-Heath." Frothi had a mill known as Grotti which was so large only the giants could turn it. When the mill was used it could produce wealth, peace, and happiness. Seeing Frothi referred to in the Norwegian Rune Poem is no surprise as he was associated with plenty, prosperity, and wealth, the same associations as Jera.

It's important to note that the Anglo-Saxon poem is heavily Christianized, hence the reference to God as the holy King of Heaven. Even so, God is known for his generosity (depending on what part of the Bible you are reading) and prosperity.

Jera's Cultural Significance

The Norse calendar divided the year into two halves: Summer and Winter. Each season lasted for six months and contained a number of celebrations, feasts, and blóts. This two-season calendar is represented by Jera and its two opposing halves. One half represents summer and the other winter, thus symbolizing the never-ending cycle of change and its association with the year as well as balance and harmony as both sides are equal in size.

Ancient Krogsta Runestone, Sweden

Being so far north, the Norse people would have experienced long harsh winters, often in total darkness. This meant bountiful harvests were incredibly important as one bad growing season could result in the death of entire communities. To ensure a plentiful harvest, sacrifices were made to the gods, particularly Freyr the god of fertility, abundance, and agriculture, to honor and thank them as well as petition their continued blessings. Harvests were a central part of Norse culture, making the Jera rune of particular cultural significance. Archeological evidence shows the Jera rune was potentially used in rituals and inscriptions, maybe even spells, to bring about a successful harvest to ensure the community's survival.

Jera's Correspondences

It should be noted that general correspondences are not mentioned in any Nordic text. Instead, these are a best guess based on experiences from both myself and others. In fact, most of these are of modern invention, pulling inspiration from Wicca. As with all correspondence lists, you can add and subtract based on your experiences.

• Upright Meaning: harvest, year, cycles, progress, conclusion, endings and beginnings, abundance, right action, patience, reward, development, productivity, completion
• Reversed Meaning: None
• Letter: J or Y
• Element: Earth
• Zodiac: Taurus, Sagittarius
• Planet: Jupiter
• Animal: eagle, ox
• Colors: brown, light blue, green
• Deities: Freyr, Freyja, Sif, Gefjun
• Plants: rosemary, oak, maple, hawthorn, honeysuckle, cornflower
• Crystals: chrysoprase, carnelian, emerald
  
  

How to Work with the Jera Rune

Incorporating runes into your magical practice can be incredibly rewarding and bring new energies to spells and rituals. But how exactly can you use Jera in your workings?

1. Place Jera on your altar during harvest festivals to ensure abundance.
2. Draw the Jera rune or include it in spells for fertility, abundance, prosperity, and wealth.
3. Place a Jera rune or draw it in a prosperity oil on your pantry door to ensure it is never empty.
4. Use it in spells for balance, self-improvement, or growth.
5. Meditate on the Jera rune for balance and harmony or to facilitate personal transformation.
6. Create an abundance talisman using the Jera rune.
7. If your household is experiencing turmoil, draw the Jera rune around your home to bring harmony and balance back to the space.
8. Wear as jewelry to promote peace, quiet, and harmony or to attract prosperity, wealth, and abundance.
9. Create bind runes to ensure a spell has balance or only brings positive results.
   
   

Jera's Meaning in Rune Spread

What does it mean if Jera appears in a rune spread? Jera holds various meanings depending on its position and relation to other runes in the spread. Jera may symbolize that your efforts are about to come to fruition, that the seeds you planted will soon bear fruit and abundance is on the horizon. But as with all things, don't count your chickens until they hatch. Your continued work is needed to bring your goals to fruition.

Jera could also represent that change is coming, and that you need to be prepared to change and evolve as well. Jera reminds us to adapt to new situations and that all things must come to an end in order for something new to begin. Many of us often fear change, but Jera reminds us that with change comes new abundances and opportunities.

Other times Jera may represent that balance is needed in your life. Its position to other runes or the question you have asked will guide you as to where you need to seek this balance, but know that it is needed and will require effort and perseverance. However, at the end of it all, you will be blessed. Jera is a joyous rune, so no matter its placement, know it is ultimately positive, even if it doesn't feel like it at the time.

Below are some examples of how to interpret Jera when it's next to or near other runes:

• Near Uruz, it could mean strength and perseverance are needed before transformation can occur
• Near Ingwaz, growth and success are on the way; your goals are about to be met
• Next to Dagaz, it may indicate patience is needed, but hope remains
• In proximity to Laguz, it may indicate renewal and hopes being realized
• Near Tiwaz, a fair and just resolution to a problem is on the horizon
• Next to Wunjo, a joyful outcome is coming at the end of a cycle

Jera's Relationships with Other Runes

Jera, while positive, can complement other runes or be opposed by others depending on their placement. Jera compliments both Fehu and Sowilo. Fehu is associated with wealth and material success so when paired together, it shows rewards are just over the horizon and arriving very soon, especially in regard to money. When paired with Sowilo, the rune representing the sun, it shows that your efforts are working and to continue on your pursuits, just as the sun warms and feeds the crops.

On the other hand, both Isa/Isaz and Hagalaz/Haglaz oppose Jera. Isa represents ice, therefore suggesting that any progress you have made is frozen or halting. Action should be taken to ensure success. Hagalaz, which symbolizes hail aka destruction, suggests that the beneficial outcomes purported by Jera are about to be destroyed all altogether or you are going to experience setbacks. Despite these runes opposing Jera, they don't necessarily mean bad things are coming. It could be that the course you originally thought was best, isn't and that while upheaval is coming, it's required for personal growth.

***

Jera invites us to remember that everything in life is fleeting, but through change, we can grow and experience new joys. It is a reminder that growth is a natural part of life and that everything must come to an end eventually. Below you will find a printable, cheat-sheet that includes a summary of all important information that you can incorporate into your Book of Shadows or Grimoire.

Click the image below to download your free cheat sheet for your Book of Shadows or Grimoire.

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Eye of Newt and Toe of Frog: A Guide to the Folk Names of Herbs

“Eye of newt, and toe of frog,

Wool of bat, and tongue of dog,

Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting,

Lizard's leg, and owlet's wing,—

For a charm of powerful trouble,

Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.

Double, double toil and trouble;

Fire burn, and caldron bubble.”

― William Shakespeare

You're probably familiar with the above quote from the "Song of the Witches" in Shakespeare's play Macbeth. It's one of the most famous witchy quotes and mentions a variety of spooky and somewhat disgusting ingredients being added to a potion the witches are brewing. However, not all is as it appears. In fact, none of the ingredients are actual animal parts, but instead plants. 

Traditionally, plants have gone by many folk names that usually corresponded with their appearance. Many of these names include body parts, while others refer to inanimate objects the plant may resemble. Others still are named after their blooming time or their poisonous nature. Some scholars believe these folk names were to keep the ingredients of potions, brews, and remedies a secret so they couldn't be easily copied by others. However, this may not have been the case. Locals would have known commonly used folk names for plants, as there was no standard naming system in place until Linnaeus introduced binomial nomenclature as a way of classifying organisms in 1753. Either way, many of these folk names have fallen by the wayside, making decoding ancient recipes and spells difficult without a reference. That's where this list comes in handy.

Below is an A to Z list of folk names and their corresponding plant. For each entry, I have included the common and scientific name so you can be sure you are choosing the right ingredient. I have also included a list of body parts commonly used in folk names and what they refer to to guide your understanding. It's worth mentioning that some folk names were used to describe more than one plant as there were regional differences in flora. If you are unsure which to use, I encourage you to do some more digging. Where did the recipe originate from? What is the purpose of the recipe? Cross-reference these with the flora found in the area where the recipe was written and the magical correspondences of the plants being used to see which ones match the recipe's purpose.

I have done my best to provide as comprehensive of a guide as I can. If you stumble across something not on the list, please comment below so I can add it after proper research.

Plant Parts/Body Parts

• Blood- sap or juice
• Eye- the disc of a composite flower or a seed
• Foot- leaf
• Guts- roots, stalks, or tangly bits (this is less commonly used than hair)
• Hair- very stringy roots or sometimes silk or tangly stems
• Head-  lower head or seed head
• Tail- stem
• Tongue- petal or sometimes stigma
• Toes- leaf or bud
• Paw- sometimes bud but usually refers to a leaf
• Privates- seed pod (this sex organs)
• Wing- leaf
• Worm- stringy roots
• Wool- moss (any type)

As you can see, the body parts used correspond with the look of the plant or material being used. Black-Eyed Susans are so named because their black centers look like an eye. Holly leaves are called bat wings because they look like a bat's wing. Our ancestors were very straightforward in their naming of things. Now that you have somewhat of an understanding of the body parts and what they correspond with, lets just into the list of folk names!

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A

• Aaron's Rod- Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) or Mullein (Verbascum thapus)
• Absinthe- Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
• Adder’s Fork- Adder's Tongue also known as Dog’s Tooth Violet (Erythronium americanum) or Bistort (Polygonum bistorta)
• Adder’s Tongue- Adder's Tongue also known as Dog’s Tooth Violet (Erythronium americanum)
• Adder's Mouth- Chickweed (Stellaria media)
• Alehoof- Ground Ivy (Nepeta heredacea, Glechoma hederacea, Nepeta glechoma)
• Alison- Sweet Alyssum (Alyssum spp.)
• Alligator Pear- Avocado (Persea americans)
• Angel Food- Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
• Angel’s Trumpet- Datura (Datura stramonium, D. metel, D. spp.)
• Archangel- Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
• Ass’s Ear- Colt's Foot/Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) or Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
• Ass’s Foot/Bull’s Foot- Colt's Foot/Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
• Asthma Weed/Asthmawort- Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)
• Auld Man’s Bells/Old Man’s Bells- Wood Hyacinth (Hyacinthoides hispanica)
  
  

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B 

• Bad Man’s/Devil’s Oatmeal/Porridge- Hemlock (Conium maculatum)
• Bad Man’s/Devil’s Plaything- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
• Banewort- Belladonna (Atropa belladonna) or Pansy (Viola tricolor)
• Basheen- Allspice (Pimenta officinalis or P. dioica)
• Bat’s Wing- Holly (Ilex aquifolium, I. opaca)
• Bat’s Wool- Moss, unknown what kind
• Bear’s Foot- Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)
• Bear’s Grape/Bearberry- Uva Ursa (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
• Bear Paw- Ramsons (Allium ursinum) or the root of male fern (Dryopteris felix-mas)
• Bear Weed- Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon glutinosum, E. californicum)
• Beard of a Monk- Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
• Beaver Poison- Hemlock (Conium maculatum)
• Ben/Benjamen- Benzoin (Styrax benzoin)
• Beggar’s Buttons- Burdock (Arctium lappa)
• Beggar’s Lice- Hound’s Tongue (Cynoglossum officinale)
• Beggarweed- Dodder (Cuscuta glomurata, C. europaea)
• Beggary- Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis)
• Besom/Bisom/Basam- Broom (Cytisus scoparius)
• Beth/Beth Root- Trillium (Trillium spp.)
• Birdlime- Mistletoe (Viscum album, Phoradendron leucarpum, P. flavescens)
• Bird’s Eye- Pansy (Viola tricolor) or Speedwell (Veronica officinalis)
• Bird’s Foot-Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
• Bird’s Nest- Carrot (Daucus carota)
• Biscuits- Tormentil (Potentilla erecta, P. tormentilla)
• Bishopwort, Bishop’s Elder – Wood Betony (Stachys betonica, S. officinalis, Betonica officinalis)
• Bitter Grass – Ague Root (Aletris farinosa)
• Bitter Nightshade- Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens- American, Solanum dulcamara- European)
• Black Nightshade- Henbane (Hyosycamus niger)
• Black Root- Ague Root (Aletris farinosa)
• Black Sampson- Echinacea (Echinacea augustifolia)
• Black Snake/Black Snake Root- Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
• Bladder Fucus- Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus)
• Blanket Lead- Mullein (Verbascum thapus)
• Blazing Star – Ague Root (Aletris farinosa)
• Blessed Herb- Pimpernel (Pimpinella saxifraga)
• Blind Bluff- Poppy (Papaver spp.)
• Blind Eyes- Poppy (Papaver spp.)
• Blind Worm's Sting- Knotweed (Polygonum spp.)
• Blood- Dragon's Blood (Daemonorops draco, D. propinquos) or sap of Elder (Sambucus canadensis)
• Blood of a Goose – Sap from Mulberry (Morus nigra, Morus rubra)
• Blood of an Eye – Tamarisk (Tamaris spp.)
• Blood of Ares- Purselane (Portulaca oleracea, P. salvia)
• Blood of Hephaestus- Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
• Blood of Hestia- Chamomile (Chameamelum mobile, Anthemis nobilis)
• Bloodroot- Tormentil (Potentilla erecta, P. tormentilla)
• Bloody Butcher- Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
• Bloody Fingers- Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
• Blooming Sally- Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
• Blue Bottle – Bachelor's Buttons (Centaurea cyanus)
• Blue Buttons- Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
• Blue Eyes- Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
• Bonewort- Pansy (Viola tricolor)
• Bottle Brush- Horsetail (Equisetum spp.)
• Boy’s Love/Lad’s Love- Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum)
• Brain Thief- Mandrake (Atropa mandragora, Mandragora officinale)
• Bruisewort- Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) or Daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum, Bellis perenis)
• Bramble/Bramble Kite- Blackberry (Rubus villosus)
• Bread and Cheese- Hawthorn (Crataegus oxacantha)
• Bride of the Meadow- Meadowsweet (Spiaea filipendula, Dilipendula ulmaria, Spiraea ulmaris)
• Bride of Sun- Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
• Bridewort- Meadowsweet (Spiaea filipendula, Dilipendula ulmaria, Spiraea ulmaris)
• Broom- Gorse (Ulex europeaus) or Broom (Cytisus scoparius)
• Bull’s Blood – Beet (Beta vulgaris) or Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)
• Buffalo Herb- Alfalfa (Medicago saliva)
• Burn Plant- Aloe (Aloe vera)
• Buttons- Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)

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C

• Calf’s Snout- Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
• Candlewick- Mullein (Verbascum thapus)
• Cape Gum- Acacia (Acacia senegal)
• Capon’s Tail- Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
• Carpenter’s Square- Figwort (Scrophularia nodosa, S. marilandica)
• Carpenter’s Weed- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
• Cat/Catmint/Catnep/Catrup/Cat's Wort- Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
• Cat’s Foot- Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), Ground Ivy (Nepeta heredacea, Glechoma hederacea, Nepeta glechoma)
• Cat’s Herb- Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
• Chameleon Star- Bromeliad (Crypanthus spp.)
• Cherry Pie- Heliotrope (Heliotropium europaeum, H. arborescens)
• Chewing John- Galangal (Alpina officinalum, A. galanga)
• Christmas Rose- Black Hellebore (Helleborus niger)
• Christ’s Ladder- Centaury (Erythraea centaurium, Centaurium spp.)
• Christ’s Spear – Adder’s Tongue Adder's Tongue also known as Dog’s Tooth Violet (Erythronium americanum)
• Christ's Thorn- Holly (Ilex aquifolium, I. opaca)
• Church Steeple – Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)
• Cleavers – Bedstraw (Galium verum, G. triflorum)
• Clot- Mullein (Verbascum thapus)
• Clove Root- Avens (Geum urbanum)
• Cocklebur – Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)
• Cock’s comb – Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondiacus)
• Colewort- Avens (Geum urbanum)
• Colt’s Tail- Fleabane (Inula dysenterica, Corydalis spp.)
• Compas Point- Pilot Weed (Silphium laciniatum)
• Compass Weed- Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
• Cow's Grass/Cowgrass- Knotweed (Polygonum aviculare)
• Crane’s Bill- Geranium (Pelargonium maculatum, P. odoratissimum)
• Crosswort- Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
• Crow’s Foot- Geranium (Pelargonium maculatum, P. odoratissimum)
• Crown of Thorns- Euphorbia (Euphorbia spp.)
• Cuckoo’s Bread- Plantain (Plantago spp.)
• Cuckowe's Meat- Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella)
• Cucumber Tree- Magnolia (Magnolia spp.)
• Cuddy’s Lungs- Mullein (Verbascum thapus)
• Crown for a King- Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)Cupid's Car- Wolf's Bane (Aconitum napellus, Arnica latifolia, Arnica montana)

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D

• Dagger flower- Blue Flag (Iris versicolor)
• Daphne – Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)
• Deadly Nightshade- Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)
• Dead Man’s Bells- Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
• Death Angel – Agaric (Amanita muscaria)
• Death Cap – Agaric (Amanita muscaria)
• Death Flower- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
• Death’s Herb – Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)
• Deer's Tongue- Deerstongue (Liatris odoratissima, Frasera speciosa)
• Delight of the Eye- Rowan (Sorbus acuparia)
• Devil’s Apple- Datura (Datura stramonium, D. metel, D. spp.) or Mandrake (Atropa mandragora, Mandragora officinale)
• Devil's Bit- Devil's Bit (Scabiosa succisa)
• Devil’s Cherries- Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)
• Devil's Dung- Asafoetida (Ferula assa-foetida, F. foetida, F. rurbicaulis)
• Devil’s Eye- Elder (Sambucus canadensis) or Henbane (Hyosycamus niger) or Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
• Devil’s Flower – Bachelor's Buttons (Centaurea cyanus)
• Devil’s Fuge- Mistletoe (Viscum album, Phoradendron leucarpum, P. flavescens)
• Devil’s Guts- Dodder (Cuscuta glomurata, C. europaea)
• Devil’s Herb – Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)
• Devil’s Milk- Celandine (Chelidonium majus)
• Devil’s Nettle- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
• Devil's Oatmeal- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum, P. sativum)
• Devil’s Plaything- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
• Devil’s Shoestring- Goat's Rue (Vibumum alnifolium)
• Dew of the Sea/Sea Dew- Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
• Dog Bane- Oleander (Nerium oleander)
• Doggies- Toadflax (Linatia vulgaris)
• Dog's Fingers- Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
• Dog Standard- Ragwort (Senecio vulgaris, S. jacobaea)
• Dog’s Tongue- Hound’s Tongue (Cynoglossum officinale)
• Dragonwort- Bistort (Polygonum bistorta)
• Dragon’s Blood- Dragon's Blood (Daemonorops draco, D. propinquos) or Calamus (Acorus calamus)
• Drunkard- Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
• Dumbledore's Delight- Wolf's Bane (Aconitum napellus, Arnica latifolia, Arnica montana)

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E

• Earth Bark- Tormentil (Potentilla erecta, P. tormentilla)
• Earth Smoke- Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis)
• Earth Star- Bromeliad (Crypanthus spp.)
• Egyptian Thorn- Acacia (Acacia senegal)
• Elf Leaf- Lavender (Lavendula officinale) or Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
• Elf’s Wort/Elfwort- Elecampane (Inula helenium)
• Elven- Elm (Ulmus campestris)
• Enchanter’s Plant- Vervain (Verbena officinalis)
• Englishman’s Foot- Plantain (Plantago spp.)
• English Serpentary- Bistort (Polygonum bistorta)
• Even of the Star- Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)
• Eyes/Eye of Day- Daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum, Bellis perenis)
• Eye Balm- Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis)
• Eye of Newt- Mustard Seed (Brassica nigra)
• Eye Root- Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis)

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F

• Fair Lady- Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)
• Fairy Bell- Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella)
• Fairy Cup- Cowslip (Primula veris)
• Fairy Fingers/Petticoats/Thimbles- Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
• Fairy Horses- Ragwort (Senecio vulgaris, S. jacobaea)
• Felon Herb- Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
• Felonwort- Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens- American, Solanum dulcamara- European)
• Feverwort- Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) or Centaury (Erythraea centaurium, Centaurium spp.)
• Five Fingers/Five Finger Blossom/Grass- Cinquefoil (Potentilla canadensis, P. erecta, P. reptans) or Tormentil (Potentilla erecta, P. tormentilla)
• Flesh and Blood- Tormentil (Potentilla erecta, P. tormentilla)
• Flute Plant- Meadow Rue (Thalictrum spp.)
• Flukes- Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
• Foal's Foot- Colt's Foot/Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
• Folk's Gloves- Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
• Fox Bells- Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
• Fox’s Clote- Burdock (Arctium lappa)
• Frog's Foot- Bulbous Buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus)
• From the Foot- Houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum)
• From the Loins- Chamomile (Chameamelum mobile, Anthemis nobilis)
• Fruit of the Gods- Apple (Pyrus spp.)
• Fruit of the Underworld- Apple (Pyrus spp.) or Pomegranate (Punica granatum)

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G

• Gagroot- Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)
• Gallows- Mandrake (Atropa mandragora, Mandragora officinale)
• Ghost Flower- Datura (Datura stramonium, D. metel, D. spp.)
• Gillies/Gilliflower- Carnation (Dianthus carophyllus)
• Giver of Life- Corn (Zea mays)
• Gladdon- Calamus (Acorus calamus)
• Goat’s Foot- Morning Glory (Ipomoea spp.)
• Goat’s Horn- Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
• Goat's Leaf- Honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium, L. japonica)
• Goatweed- St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
• Golden/Goldy Star – Avens (Geum urbanum)
• Golden Bough- Mistletoe (Viscum album, Phoradendron leucarpum, P. flavescens)
• Gout Root- Briony (Bryony spp.)
• Grave Root- Meadowsweet (Spiaea filipendula, Dilipendula ulmaria, Spiraea ulmaris)
• Graveyard Dust- Mullein (Verbascum thapus)
• Greek Nuts- Almond (Prunus communic or P. dulcis)
• Ground Apple- Chamomile (Chameamelum mobile, Anthemis nobilis)
• Groundbread- Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.)

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H

• Hair of Venus- Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatim)
• Hag's Tapers- Mullein (Verbascum thapus)
• Hagthorn- Hawthorn (Crataegus oxacantha)
• Hare’s Beard- Mullein (Verbascum thapus)
• Harebell- Bluebell (Campanula rotundifolia)
• Hare Foot- Avens (Geum urbanum)
• Hart's Thorn- Buckthron (Rhamnus catharticus, R. frangula, R. spp.)
• Hawk’s Heart- Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
• Hay Maids/Hedge Maids- Ground Ivy (Nepeta heredacea, Glechoma hederacea, Nepeta glechoma)
• Heart Leaf- Liverwort (Hepatica nobilis, Anemone hepatic, Peltigera canina)
• Heart's Ease- Pansy (Viola tricolor)
• Hedge Taper- Mullein (Verbascum thapus)
• Hellweed- Dodder (Cuscuta glomurata, C. europaea)
• Helmet Weed- Scullcap (Scutellatia lateriflora, S. galericulata)
• Hen and Chickens- Houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum)
• Herb Bennet- Avens (Geum urbanum)
• Herb of Circe- Mandrake (Atropa mandragora, Mandragora officinale)
• Herb of Enchantment- Vervain (Verbena officinalis)
• Herb of Gladness- Borage (Borago officinalis)
• Herb of Grace- Rue (Ruta graveolens) or Vervain (Verbena officinalis)
• Herb of Mary- Pimpernel (Pimpinella saxifraga)
• Herb of the Cross- Vervain (Verbena officinalis)
• High John the Conqueror/John/Jack- High John the Conqueror (Ipomoea purga, I. jalapa)
• Holy Herb- Vervain (Verbena officinalis)
• Holy Tree- Holly (Ilex aquifolium, I. opaca)
• Honey- Clover (Trifolium spp.)
• Hoodweed- Scullcap (Scutellatia lateriflora, S. galericulata)
• Horse Tongue- Hart's Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium)
• Hound's Tongue- Hound’s Tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) or Deerstongue (Liatris odoratissima, Frasera speciosa)
• Husband's Dial/Husbandman's Dial- Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
• Hundred Eyes- Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

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I

• Innocence- Innocence (Houstonia procumbens)

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J

• Jacob's Ladder- Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
• Jacob’s Staff- Mullein (Verbascum thapus)
• Johnny Jumper/Johnny Jump-Ups- Pansy (Viola tricolor)
• Jove's Flower- Carnation (Dianthus carophyllus)
• Joy of the Mountain- Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
• Juno's Tears- Vervain (Verbena officinalis)
• Jupiter's Bean- Henbane (Hyosycamus niger)
• Jupiter’s Staff- Mullein (Verbascum thapus)

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K

• Kenning Wort- Celandine (Chelidonium majus)
• Key Flower/Key of Heaven/Lady's Key- Cowslip (Primula veris)
• King's Spur- Larkspur (Delphinium spp.)
• Knight’s Milfoil- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
• Kronos’ Blood- Sap of Cedar (Cedrus libani or C. spp.)

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L

• Ladder to Heaven- Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
• Lady of the Wood- Birch (Betula pendula, B. pubescens, B. lenta, B. alba)
• Lady's Lace- Dodder (Cuscuta glomurata, C. europaea)
• Ladies' Meat- Hawthorn (Crataegus oxacantha)
• Ladies' Seal- Briony (Bryony spp.) or Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum officianle, P. multiflorum biflorum)
• Lamb’s Ears- Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)
• Lapstones- Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
• Leather Jackets- Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
• Leopard's Bane- Wolf's Bane (Aconitum napellus, Arnica latifolia, Arnica montana)
• Lion's Foot- Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)
• Lion's Herb- Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis, A. vulgaris)
• Lion's Mouth- Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
• Lion’s Tooth- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
• Little Queen- Meadowsweet (Spiaea filipendula, Dilipendula ulmaria, Spiraea ulmaris)
• Little Stepmother- Pansy (Viola tricolor)
• Lizard's leg- Ivy (Nepeta heredacea, Glechoma hederacea, Nepeta glechoma)
• Love Apples- Tomato (Lycopersicon spp.)
• Love in Idleness/Love Idol/Loving Idol- Pansy (Viola tricolor)
• Love Lies Bleeding- Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondiacus) or Pansy (Viola tricolor)
• Love Leaves- Burdock (Arctium lappa)
• Love Parsley- Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
• Love Rod- Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
• Love Root- Lovage (Levisticum officinale) or Orris Root (Iris germanica var. florentina)
• Love Will- Datura (Datura stramonium, D. metel, D. spp.)
• Love Vine- Dodder (Cuscuta glomurata, C. europaea)
• Low John the Conqueror- Galangal (Alpina officinalum, A. galanga)
• Lucky Nut- Be-Still (Thevetia peruviana, t. nereifolia)
• Lurk-In-The-Ditch- Pennyroal (Mentha pulegium)
• Lycopod- Club Moss (Lycopodium calvatum)

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M

• Mad Apple- Datura (Datura stramonium, D. metel, D. spp.)
• Madder's Cousin- Bedstraw (Galium verum, G. triflorum)
• Mad Root- Briony (Bryony spp.)
• Madwort- Sweet Alyssum (Alyssum spp.) or Datura (Datura stramonium, D. metel, D. spp.) or Scullcap (Scutellatia lateriflora, S. galericulata) or Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
• Maiden’s Ruin- Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum)
• Male Lily- Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
• Male Shield- Male Fern (Dryopterisfelix-mas)
• Man’s Bile- Turnip Juice (Brassica rapa)
• Man’s Health- Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
• Master of the Woods- Woodruff (Asperula odorata, Galium odoratum)
• Masterwort- Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
• May Lily- Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
• Maypops- Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata)
• Meadow- Anemone (Anemone pulsatilla)
• Melissa- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
• Mother of Herbs- Rue (Ruta graveolens)
• Mother of the Wood- Sloe (Prunus spinosa)
• Money Plant- Honesty (Lunaria spp.)
• Moonlight on the Grove- Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
• Murphies- Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
• Mutton Chops- Goosegrass (Eleusine spp.)

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N

• Narcissus- Daffodil (Narcissus spp.)
• Nard- Lavender (Lavendula officinale)
• Naught Man- Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
• Naughty Man's Cherries- Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)
• Nine Hooks- Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)
• Nine Joints- Knotweed (Polygonum aviculare)
• No Eyes- Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
• Nose Bleed- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
• Nurse Heal- Elecampane (Inula helenium)

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O

• Old Lady/Old Gal/Old Woman- Elder (Sambucus canadensis) or Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
• Old Man- Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) or Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum)
• Old Man’s Flannel- Mullein (Verbascum thapus)
• Old Man’s Pepper- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
• Old Uncle Henry- Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
• Organ Broth/Tea- Pennyroal (Mentha pulegium)
• Our Lady's Glove- Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
• Our Lady's Tears- Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
• Owelet's Wing- Garlic (Allium sativum)

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P

• Paddock Pipes- Horsetail (Equisetum spp.)
• Password- Primrose (Primula vulgaris)
• Patterns and Cogs- Toadflax (Linatia vulgaris)
• Pentagram Flowers/Plant- Wax Plant (Hoya camosa)
• Personata- Burdock (Arctium lappa)
• Peter’s Staff- Mullein (Verbascum thapus)
• Pigeon's Grass/Pigeonwood- Vervain (Verbena officinalis)
• Pinks- Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
• Piss-a-Bed- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
• Pole Cat- Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)
• Poor Man's Meat- Bean (Phaseolus spp.)
• Poor Man’s Treacle- Garlic (Allium sativum)
• Princess Feather- Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondiacus)
• Priest’s Crown- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
• Pukeweed- Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)
• Purple Medic- Alfalfa (Medicago saliva)

 

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Q

• Quaker Bonnet- Scullcap (Scutellatia lateriflora, S. galericulata)
• Queen Elizabeth Root- Orris Root (Iris germanica var. florentina)
• Quick- Hawthorn (Crataegus oxacantha)
• Quickbane- Rowan (Sorbus acuparia)

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R

• Rabbits- Toadflax (Linatia vulgaris)
• Rats and Mice- Hound’s Tongue (Cynoglossum officinale)
• Ram’s horn- Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
• Red Robin- Knotweed (Polygonum aviculare)
• Ring-a-Bell- Bluebell (Campanula rotundifolia)
• Rocks- Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
• Runaway Robin- Ground Ivy (Nepeta heredacea, Glechoma hederacea, Nepeta glechoma)

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S

• Sacred Mother- Corn (Zea mays)
• Scabwort- Elecampane (Inula helenium)
• Scaldhead- Blackberry (Rubus villosus)
• Seed of Horns- Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)
• Semen of Ammon- Houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum)
• Semen of Ares- Clover (Trifolium spp.)
• Semen of Hephaistos- Fleabane (Inula dysenterica, Corydalis spp.)
• Serpent's Tongue- Adder's Tongue also known as Dog’s Tooth Violet (Erythronium americanum)
• Seven Barks- Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
• Seven Year’s Love- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
• Sheep Lice- Hound’s Tongue (Cynoglossum officinale)
• Silver Bough- Apple (Pyrus spp.)
• Silver Dollar- Honesty (Lunaria spp.)
• Silver Leaf- Stillengia (Stillingia sylvatica)
• Sleep Herb/Sleepwort- Lettuce (Lactuca salvia)
• Snake Bite- Plantain (Plantago spp.)
• Snake Grape- Briony (Bryony spp.)
• Snake's Friend- Indian Paint Brush (Castilleja spp.)
• Snake's Matches- Indian Paint Brush (Castilleja spp.)
• Snake Root- Snakeroot (Aristolochia serpentaria)
• Snakeweed- Bistort (Polygonum bistorta) or Plantain (Plantago spp.) or Snakeroot (Aristolochia serpentaria)
• Soapwort- Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) or Soapwort (Saponaria spp.)
• Solider's Tea- Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)
• Sops-In-Wine- Carnation (Dianthus carophyllus)
• Sorcerer's Berries- Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)
• Sorcerer's Herb- Datura (Datura stramonium, D. metel, D. spp.)
• Sorcerer's Root- Mandrake (Atropa mandragora, Mandragora officinale)
• Sorcerer’s Violet- Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
• Sow Bread/Swine Bread- Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.)
• Sparrow’s Tongue- Knotweed (Polygonum aviculare)
• Spike- Lavender (Lavendula officinale)
• St. Jame's Wort- Ragwort (Senecio vulgaris, S. jacobaea)
• St. John’s Plant- Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
• Star Flower- Borage (Borago officinalis)
• Star of the Earth – Avens (Geum urbanum)
• Starweed- Chickweed (Stellaria media)
• Starwort- Aster (Callistephus chinensis)
• Strangle Tare- Dodder (Cuscuta glomurata, C. europaea)
• Stepmother- Pansy (Viola tricolor)
• Stinking Nanny/Willie- Ragwort (Senecio vulgaris, S. jacobaea)
• Stinkweed- Garlic (Allium sativum)
• Storm' Hat- Wolf's Bane (Aconitum napellus, Arnica latifolia, Arnica montana)
• Summer's Bride- Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
• Sundrop- Yellow Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
• Swallow Herb/Swallow Wort- Celandine (Chelidonium majus)
• Swamp Sassafras- Magnolia (Magnolia spp.)
• Sweating Plant- Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
• Swine’s Snout- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
  
  

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T

• Tanner’s Bark- Toadflax (Linatia vulgaris)
• Tartar Root- Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
• Tetterwort- Celandine (Chelidonium majus)
• Thoroughwort- Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
• Thron- Hawthorn (Crataegus oxacantha)
• Thor's Hat- Wolf's Bane (Aconitum napellus, Arnica latifolia, Arnica montana)
• Thor's Helper- Rowan (Sorbus acuparia)
• Thousand Weed- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
• Throat's Herb/Throatwort- Figwort (Scrophularia nodosa, S. marilandica)
• Thunder Plant- Houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum)
• Toad- Toadflax (Linatia vulgaris)
• Toe of Frog- Bulbous Buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus)
• Tongue of Dog- Hound’s Tongue (Cynoglossum officinale)
• Tongue Grass- Chickweed (Stellaria media)
• Torches- Mullein (Verbascum thapus)
• Tree of Death- Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
• Tree of Doom- Elder (Sambucus canadensis)
• Tree of Chastity- Hawthorn (Crataegus oxacantha)
• Tree of Evil- Walnut (Juglans regia)
• True Love- Trillium (Trillium spp.)
• Trumpet Flower- Be-Still (Thevetia peruviana, t. nereifolia)

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U

• Unicorn’s horn/root- Ague Root (Aletris farinosa)
• Urine- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
• Unshoe-Horse- Moonwort (Botrychium spp.)

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V

• Vapor- Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis)

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W

• War Poison- Yellow Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
• Warty Foot- Bulbous Buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus)
• Wax Dolls- Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis)
• Weasel- Rue (Ruta graveolens)
• Winterweed- Chickweed (Stellaris media)
• White Man’s Foot- Plantain (Plantago spp.)
• Wishing Thorn- Sloe (Prunus spinosa)
• Witchbane/Witchwood- Rowan (Sorbus acuparia)
• Witch’s Asprin- Willow (Salix alba)
• Witch's Bells- Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
• Witch's Berries- Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)
• Witch's Broom- Mistletoe (Viscum album, Phoradendron leucarpum, P. flavescens)
• Witch's Burr- Liguidamber (Liquidambar spp.)
• Witch's Hair-Dodder (Cuscuta glomurata, C. europaea)
• Witch's Herb- Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
• Witch's Mannildn- Mandrake (Atropa mandragora, Mandragora officinale)
• Witch's Thimble- Datura (Datura stramonium, D. metel, D. spp.) or Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
• Wolf Claw- Club Moss (Lycopodium calvatum)
• Wolf's Hat- Wolf's Bane (Aconitum napellus, Arnica latifolia, Arnica montana)
• Wolf’s Milk- Euphorbia (Euphorbia spp.)
• Wood of the Cross- Mistletoe (Viscum album, Phoradendron leucarpum, P. flavescens)
• Wool of Bat- Holly (Ilex aquifolium, I. opaca) or moss
• Worm Fern- Male Fern (Dryopterisfelix-mas)
• Wound Weed/Wort- Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

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X

None at this time.

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Y

None at this time.

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Z

None at this time.

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***

And there you have it! An A to Z guide of the folk names of different herbs and their modern counterpart. While not 100% comprehensive, this is an excellent starting point when translating or deciphering old grimoires and herbal remedies. Whether it was done to keep recipes a secret or not, our ancestors were certainly creative in their naming system!

Again, if you didn't see something on this list, please let me know in the comments below so I can do some research and get it added. Until next time!

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