Magikal Herb Classes-By-HPS-Lilith

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What is Mugwort?

Scientific and medicinal info

Mugwort is a shrubby perennial that can grow up to 6 feet high and it loves direct sun. Its leaves are dark green on top and whitish underneath. Though it is closely related to tarragon, they are NOT the same plant. Mugwort is also related to wormwood (which will be covered in a future lesson). Mugwort is somewhat toxic and should not be taken internally until you have done further research on the effects it can have on your body, especially pregnant women. When it is used medicinally, mugwort isused to ease menstrual problems in women, and as a liver stimulant.


Also Known As....

Other names
Latin: Artemisia vulgaris
Common Names: Artemis, witch herb, felon herb, old man, old uncle Henry


Magickal Properties

Using mugwort in rituals
Mugwort is best known for its effect on psychic ability, astral travel and divination. It can used as an incense (on charcoal) and burned while you are scrying or meditating. Crystals or other divination tools could be stored with dried mugwort to enhance their power.
It's often used (alone or with other herbs) when stuffing herbal dream pillows. You can get more instructions for making dream pillows on this page. These herbal pillows are tucked under your pillow while you sleep to encourage psychic or prophetic dreams.

Mugwort is also considered good for protection during travel, and the ancient Romans used to put sprigs of mugwort in their shoes to prevent exhaustion on long journeys. Its also used for protection, and bundles of it are sometimes hung over doors to keep out unwanted spirits.

For most magickal purposes, the leaves and stems of mugwort are used.


More Correspondences:

Other properties
Planet: Venus
Element: Earth
Associated Deities: Diana, Artemis

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What is Chamomile?

Scientific and medicinal info
There are two different kinds of chamomile (their common names are Roman chamomile and German chamomile). They are different species but are considered to be alike in their magickal properties. The chamomile plant has fine feathery leaves, and small white flowers with yellow centers (much like tiny daisies). The dried flowers smell strongly of apple. When brewed in tea, chamomile is known to calm and relax the nerves and settle upset stomachs. Chamomile (both species) are closely related to ragweed and anyone with a strong allergy to ragweed should avoid chamomile.


Also Known As ....

Other names
Latin: Anthemis noblis or Chamaemelum noblis (Roman), Matricaria recutita (German)
Common Names: Ground apple, white star, whig plant, scented mayweed


Magickal Properties

Using chamomile in rituals
The principle use for chamomile is in rituals or teas for relaxation, peace or healing. It can also be used in love or abundance magick. Keep in mind that if you burn chamomile as an incense, it won't have that characteristic apple smell when burning.
A few chamomile flowers in your wallet can help attract money. A handful of flowers in your bath water will create a peaceful bath that could be used for pre-ritual cleansing or anytime. If you don't like herbs floating around in the water, use a cloth pouch or a tea ball.

An herbal dream pilllow filled with chamomile can help induce a more restful night's sleep and alleviate nightmares.

The chamomile flowers are typically for both medicinal and magickal purposes.



More Correspondences:

Other properties
Planet: Sun
Element: Water
Associated Deities: Apollo, Ra

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What is Yarrow?

Scientific and medicinal info
Yarrow is often considered a weed, and can be found growing along roadsides and in empty fields. The leaves are fine and almost feathery, and the white flowers grow in umbrella-shaped clusters. The dry flowers were once used to heal wounds and to staunch blood flow. When brewed as a tea, yarrow can help reduce the symptoms of cold and flu. The leaves and flowers have a bitter and pungent flavour.


Also Known As ....

Other names
Latin: Achillea millefolium
Common Names: Hundred leaf grass, milfoil, seven year love, woundwort, thousandseal, old man's pepper, devil's nettle


Magickal Properties

Using yarrow in rituals
Yarrow flowers are used in rituals involving love, courage or healing. Hanging a bundle of dried yarrow flowers over the honeymoon bed is a traditional charm to ensure a long and loving marriage.
If you are trying to re-establish contact with long-lost friends or relatives, encorporate yarrow into your spells to draw their attention to you. Carrying yarrow flowers with you will help give you courage and dispel fear. A small charm bag with yarrow might be handy before giving a speech, or going to a job interview.

In myth, yarrow was the plant that Achilles used to heal the wounds of his soldiers. The latin name (Achillea) for yarrow comes from this story.



More Correspondences

Other properties
Planet: Venus
Element: Water, Air
Associated Deities: Venus

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What is Patchouli?

Scientific and medicinal info
Patchouli is very aromatic both fresh and dried. It grows about 3 feet tall and is a tropical perennial. The flowers bloom in a spiked formation, and are white or light purple.
Though a common herb amongst Pagans, patchouli is not often used in the medicinal arena. The essential oil can be used on the skin as an insect repellent.



Also Known As .....

Other names
Latin: Pogostemon cablin
Common Names: Pucha pot


Magickal Properties

Using patchouli in rituals
Patchouli has a deep and dusky smell that clearly marks it as an herb of the Earth. It's a perfect herb for any rituals that involve sensual love, lust or passion. Patchouli can also be used for spell-breaking, fertility, money or protection as well
Though patchouli works well in sachets or pouches, you may not want to create a spell where you need to carry it with you. The smell will be quite noticeable. But if you like the smell, a bit of the essential oil on the skin can help you attract a mate.

Money spells that use patchouli and green candles are very powerful. I've had success with such spells myself.

Patchouli is sometimes considered a substitute for 'graveyard dirt' because of it's heavy earthy smell. Graveyard dirt is an ingredient in some Voodoo or Santerian magick.

Chopped pieces of stems and the leaves are used in magick.



More Correspondences:

Other properties
Planet: Pluto, Saturn
Element: Earth
Associated Deities: Gaia, Pan

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What is Carnation?

Scientific and medicinal info
Carnation flowers are as popular as roses in cut bouquets, but they can last for weeks once cut. Carnations grow in low shrubs, and are native to the Mediterranean area. These plants are quite hardy and have a clove-like aroma when fresh and growing. Colours range from white to many shades of pink, red and yellow.


Also Known As ....

Other names
Latin: Dianthus carophyllus Common Names: Gilliflower, Jove's flower, sops-in-wine, pinks, pagiants


Magickal Properties

Using carnation in rituals
Carnation is not as common an herb for spellcraft as the others we've looked at so far. At least not on it's own. Carnation is frequently used in herbal or oil blends. Carnation is usually used in oil form for healing, strength and blessings. The oil can be used for general candle annointing as well.
Traditionally, red carnation blossoms represent unrequited love, pink blossoms mean deep love and white carnations stand for purity and chastity.

Carnations are also representative of motherhood, and legend has it that pink carnations bloomed where Mary's tears landed when Jesus was cruxified.



More Correspondences

Other properties
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Associated Deities: none

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What is Orris Root?

Scientific and medicinal info
Orris root is actually the root (or rhizome, to be more precise) from the Florentine iris. The root is lightly scented, a little like violet. Ancient Romans used orris root as the base for many perfumes and decorative scents. The flowers of the iris are usually white or pale mauve. There isn't really any medicinal usage for orris root. Ideal growing conditions for the Florentine iris would be dry soil and plenty of sun.


Also Known As ....

Other names
Latin: Iris germanica var. florentina
Common Names: Florentine iris, Queen Elizabeth root


Magickal Properties

Using orris root in rituals
Orris root is typically used for one thing and one thing only: love magick. A simple orris root charm would be to just carry a piece of root with you to attract new love. Orris root powder is often sprinkled onto the bed sheets for the same purpose.
A large piece of the root strung onto a cord can be used as a pendulum, for divination into love-related matters.

As the name suggests, it's the root of the iris plant that is used in magick.



More Correspondences

Other properties
Planet: Venus, the Moon
Element: Water
Associated Deities: The root is associated with Aphrodite, but the Iris flower was sacred to Juno

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What is Lavender?

Scientific and medicinal info
Lavender flowers grow in purple spikes atop tall stems, and are common in household gardens. Sandy or even rocky soil will support lavender well. A lavender infusion can be used to relieve the itch of insect bites or to help heal small cuts and bruises. The small flowers have a subtle flavour to them and are sometimes used in baking, teas or other cooking as seasoning.


Also Known As ....

Other names
Latin: Lavendula officinalis
Common Names: Elf leaf, nardus


Magickal Properties

Using lavender in rituals
While chamomile is ingested to utilize its calming properties, lavender is simply inhaled. The strong scent of lavender is recognized by aromatherapists and Pagans alike to calm the nerves and help encourage restful sleep. Lavender blends well with chamomile in herbal dream pillows.
The ancient Romans used lavender often in baths and perfumes, mainly for the wonderful scent rather than the magickal attributes.

The flowers are used in magick, for love, peace, friendship and sometimes protection. Showing its Mercurial side, lavender is also good for encouraging mental abilities, concentration and communication. I find it helps to focus my mind before mediation.

Carrying a small charm bag with lavender is a good way to use its energy, but as with other potent herbs, the smell may be too obvious.



More Correspondences

Other properties
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Associated Deities: Hecate