GENERAL INDEX

All page numbers are refer to the print edition of this title.

Page numbers in italics indicate illustrations.

Achilles, 94–95

acne, 185, 214

Acorn Bread, 50

Acorn Cake, 49

Acorn Muffins, 50–51

Acorns, 46–48

baking with, 47–48

ADHD, 207

alcohol dependency, 115

Aldridge, Chris, x

“Allegory of Spring,” 287

allergies, 105

alopecia, 69

aneurisms, 95

angina, 86, 166

animals, magic with, 31, 103, 153

“An Saodachadh,” 274–75

antifungal, 120

antihistamine, 147

anti-inflammatory, 194, 215

antiseptic, 55, 57, 120, 134, 171, 187, 188, 198

antistress, 214

antitussive, 69

anxiety, 105, 108, 115, 207

aphrodisiac, 57, 81, 107, 216, 220, 256

Aphrodite. See Venus/Aphrodite

Apples, Fennel, and Radicchio, 34

Arabic Rice Pudding with Marigold, 109–10

arteries, 120, 121

arthritis, 80, 166, 185, 188, 195, 212

Asparagus Quiche, 296–97

aspirin, 57

asthma, 64, 95, 120, 166

atherosclerosis, 123

attacks, psychic, 108

Avalon, Isle of, 33

Baby Potatoes, Fava Beans, and Spring Garlic, 182

bannock, 277–78

Bean-Tighe, 16–17

beauty, 84, 103, 105, 165–66, 185, 210

bee stings, 69

Belenos, 292–93

Belisama, 292–93

bells, 178–79

Bell’s palsy, 123

Beltaine, 6–7

Celts and, 2–3

feast of, 294–303

magical herbs of, 29–267

origins of, 1–3

rites of, 284–93

sacred herbs and, 3. See also herbs

traditions of, 270–83. See also Beltaine traditions

Beltaine feast

banquet suggestion, 295–303

foods for, 294–303

Beltaine rites, 284–93

the God at Beltaine, 288–93

the Goddess at Beltaine, 286–88

honoring the Daghda, 290–92

Purification by Fire, 292–93

sacred water and holy wells, 284–85

Beltaine traditions, 270–80

in Britain, 270–72

in Finland, 280

in Germany, 278–80

in Ireland, 272–73

in other European areas, 281

in Poland, 280–81

in Puritan New England, 281

in Scotland, 274–78

in Sweden, 280

Benandanti, 16

bíle, 9, 60

Birch sap wine, 40–41

Black Locust Flower Soft Drink, 228

bladder problems, 66, 81, 149, 159–60

bleeding, 82, 95

blood building, 95, 118, 147

blood cleanser, 41, 66–67, 69, 73, 118, 154

blood pressure, 69, 85, 85–86, 91, 95, 120, 121, 151, 215, 218

blood sugar, 113

boils, 54, 111

bone problems, 69, 80

Booaker, 17

Book of Secrets of Albertus Magnus, 145

Borage Cordial, 193

Borage Lemonade, 193

Borage Punch, 194

Borage Sun and Moon Flower Tea, 192–93

bothies, 274

bowel discomfort, 60–61, 176, 185

Bramble Trees, 59

Bran, 32, 179–80

breast healing, 80, 105

Britain, Beltaine in, 270–72

bronchitis, 76, 80, 81, 88, 90, 95, 111, 113, 120, 123, 136, 147, 149, 176

Brownie, 16

bruises, 35, 83, 90, 91, 159, 166, 214, 224

burns, 32, 44, 56, 75, 80, 85, 215

Burry Man, 64–65, 65

Bwbach, 18

Bwcca, 16

cancer, 35, 41, 69, 91, 112, 118, 120, 121, 136, 182, 221

Candied Flowers, 99

cardiovascular health, 102

Carmelite Water, Eau de Mélisse, 207

Carmina Gadelica, 275

carpal tunnel syndrome, 44

cats, oils toxic to, 152n

caudle, 278

Cauldron of Incubation, 9

Cauldron of Motion, 9

“Cauldron of Poesy, The,” 9–10

Cauldron of the Daghda, 10–11

Cauldron of Wisdom, 9

cautions. See also in discussions of each herb

about herbs, 26–27

Celtic cosmology, 6–12

center, 12

chapped hands, 95

charms, Plant Spirit Charms, 21–22

Cherokees, story of Strawberry origins, 216–17

Cherries Jubilee, 99–100

Cherry (girl’s story), 79

chest complaints, 66, 80

Chickweed Soup, 298

Chickweed Vinegar for Salads, 103

Chieftain Trees, 58

Chinese Hot and Sour Soup, 118–19

Chloris, 286–87

cholesterol, 69, 85, 113, 118, 120, 121, 176, 218

Christmas, 114

clarity, herbs for, 191–98

Classic Waldorf Salad, 227

cleansing, 53, 66, 173, 175–76, 235, 259

Clover, four-leaf, 67, 106

Clurichaun, 17

coffee, 71

coire ansic, 289

colds, 43, 60–61, 66, 69, 73, 76, 80, 95, 121, 123, 134, 136, 147, 164, 167, 185, 187, 188, 214, 263

colic, 123

colitis, 120

compassion, 237, 267

competitions, 98

congestion, 35

Conserva Ligulae, 92

constipation, 35, 73, 105, 113, 128, 166, 224

convulsions, 66, 143

Cooked Burdock Stems, 300–301

Cormac, King, 179

cosmology, Celtic, 6–12

Cottager, 17

coughs, 35, 54, 69, 73, 88, 90, 95, 101,108, 118, 123, 136, 147, 148, 149, 185, 187, 188

cough syrup, 102

courage, 191–98, 229, 260, 267

court cases, 108

cows, 7, 274

cramps, 95, 113, 123, 140

Culpeper, Nicholas, 83, 140, 205–6, 235

Cupid, 261

Cybele, 53

Cynthia, 247

Daghda, 7, 288–93, 289

rite to honor, 290–92

Dandelion-Chicory Herbal Coffee, 72

Dandelion Mead, 72–73

Dandelion Roots, 71

Dandelion Soup, 298–99

death, 180–81

decongestant, 188

depression, 69, 95, 108, 115–16, 151, 159, 166, 185, 188, 207, 260

dew, 284–85

diabetes, 102, 120, 121, 185, 218

Diana, 184, 237

diarrhea, 35, 51, 56, 80, 81, 90, 91, 101, 110, 123, 149, 159, 176

digestion, 63, 85, 92, 111, 121, 123, 140, 164, 214

Dionysus, 210

Dioscorides, 191

directions, five, 11–12

disinfectant, 122, 173

diuretic, 187, 198

divination, 40, 81, 125–26, 136, 219, 240, 261, 291

of marriage, 36, 81, 93–94, 125–26, 136, 201–3, 216, 264

Divine Rose Cake, 251–53 doctrine of signatures, 86, 218 dosages, of herbs, 26

dowsing, 45

Dragon’s Blood Ink, 43

dreams, 13, 106, 108, 150, 244, 260

dropsy, 66

Druids, 2–3, 8–9, 12, 141–43, 178, 189, 288–90

Dundee Cake, 100–101

dysentery, 51

dyslexia, 185

dyspraxia, 185

Eames, Elizabeth J., 55

earache, 38, 123

eczema, 43, 105, 121, 171, 214, 215

Edda, 37–38

edema, 140, 166

Eggs, 301

Elderflower Lemonade, 77

Elderflower Wine, 77–78

“Elder-Tree Mother, The,” 74–75

Eleusinian Mysteries, 114

Elves, 42, 63, 77. See also Fairies

Eo Rossa, 60

epilepsy, 63, 66, 123, 130, 144, 166, 222

evil eye, 93, 131, 137, 153, 165, 240, 285

eyes, 69, 95, 105, 123, 136, 149, 154, 194

Fairies, 13-22

attracting, 83–84

bonding with, 13–22, 62, 68

Fairies and Spirits with whom you can bond, 15–21

Fairy magicians and doctors, 14–15

Fairy ring, 114, 245

favorite flowers of, 93

Oaks and, 86

offerings to, 14–15

reaching your personal, 62

sacred herbs of, 62–96

seeing, 67–68, 87, 89

“taken” by, 14

traveling to the land of, 13–14, 79

farms, protectors of, 18–21

fatigue, 120, 188

fear, 165

feet, sore, 32–33, 51, 215

fertility, 124, 202, 205, 208, 216, 223, 237, 240, 255

fever, 35, 38, 51, 54, 56, 60–61, 63, 73, 76, 91, 95, 105, 111, 123, 130, 145, 147, 164, 166, 167, 187, 222

fidelity, 224

Findhorn, 14

Finland, Beltaine in, 280

fires, 3, 30-61, 276

Fir Tip Syrup, 187

Fish with Lemon Butter Balm, 299

Flora, 286–88

Floralia, 286

flu, 76, 95, 120, 121, 123, 134, 188, 214

Folkard, Richard, 192

fomentation, how to make, 25

foods for Beltaine feast, 294–303

forgiveness, 122

Four Thieves Vinegar, 132–33

Freya, 87

fumigation, 122

gaik, 281

gallbladder, 164, 166

gangrene, 111

Gattefossé, René-Maurice, 133

Gerard, John, 92

Germany, Beltaine in, 278–80

glands, 66

Glooskap, 62–63

Glúingel, Amergin, 9–10

Gods, ix-x

the God at Beltaine, 288–93

good fortune, 79, 106

gossip, 43

gout, 32, 35, 73, 88, 102, 123, 129, 140, 151, 166

Green Ladies, 78

Green Man, 84, 271

Green Week, 280–81

Gregory, Lady Augustus, 179

Gruagach, 19

gum infections, 52, 88, 111, 149, 176

hair, 41, 69

hay fever, 76

headache, 56, 57, 63, 88, 108, 130, 160, 166, 214, 221

health, 255

heartburn, 35, 92

heart conditions, 57, 73, 85, 91, 123, 143

Hecate, 56, 60, 71

Helice, 56

hemorrhage, 95

hemorrhoids, 51, 130, 149, 164, 214, 215

hepatitis, 81, 121

herbs, ix–x, 29–267. See also under herb names

and Beltaine, 3

cautions, 26–27

for connecting to other realms, higher beings, and visions, 178–90

for courage and clarity, 191–98 dosages, 26

edible herbs for magic and ritual, 226–67

of the Fairies, Elves, and Spirits, 62–96 fomentation made from, 25

for love, fertility, and abundance, 199–225

magical herbs of Beltaine, 29–267

poultice making, 25

preparing (primer on), 23–27

of protection, 127–68

of purification, 169–77

respect for, 97

salve made from, 24

tea made from, 24

tincture made from, 25–26

where to find, 23–24

Herne the Hunter, 47

herpes, 120, 121

Hexentanzplatz, 279

Higher Beings, herbs for connecting to, 178–90

HIV/AIDS, 120, 121, 130

Hobgoblin, 17, 17

Hodson, 271

Hoffman, Alice, 173

Hogboon, 19

homocysteine, 218

house cleansing, 174–76

House Cleansing Rite, 175–76

hysteria, 66, 207

I Ching, 125–26

Imbolc, 7–8

immune system, 120, 121, 171

impotence, 106

incontinence, 222

indigestion, 57, 73

inflammation, 32–33, 43, 44, 55, 56, 79, 102, 140, 185, 194, 195, 218

insecticide, 75–76

insect repellant, 162

insect stings, 81, 149

insomnia, 41, 57, 73, 88, 105, 108, 120, 164, 166, 207, 222

invisibility, 79

Ireland, Beltaine in, 272–73

itching, 105

Jack in the Green, 84, 143

Jackson, 271

Japanese Simmered Burdock, 229–30

jaundice, 38, 66, 81, 83, 95, 113, 118, 137, 160, 166, 222

joint problems, 73, 105, 171

Jonson, Ben, 80

Judas Iscariot, 248

Juniper Gin, 138–39

Keightley, Thomas, 67

kidney complaints, 66, 73, 95, 120, 136, 166, 214

King of the Fairies, 14

Kobold, 15–16

labor (childbirth), 85, 119

Land world, 8

laxative, 38, 76, 128, 130, 154, 222, 225

Lemon Balm and Juniper Cookies, 206

LeSassier, William, 192

leukemia, 143

leukorrhea, 95, 137, 188

Lia Fail, 11

lice, 32, 214

Lilac Cookies, 238–39

Lilac Scones, 239–40

Linden Blossom Cake, 301–2

Linden Blossom Syrup, 302 Little Monk, 17

liver, 66, 67, 69, 73, 83, 113, 120, 128, 151, 164, 224

longevity, 120

lorg anfaid, 289

lorg mór, 289

love, 103, 122, 234. See also marriage

attracting, 106, 199, 202, 204, 209, 211, 220, 223, 224, 226, 233–34, 237, 250, 253, 262

divination for, 199, 201–2, 211, 216, 219, 240, 247

herbs for, 199–225

Spirit Bag for, 233–34

love charm, 161, 166, 206, 211, 261

loyalty, 260

luck, 63, 211, 213, 220, 224, 234, 237, 241, 255

Lughnasad, 7–8

lung problems, 73, 90, 105, 118

Lyme disease, 144

lymph circulation, 35, 69

magic

edible herbs for, 226–67

herbs of magic and the mysteries, 97–126

Magical Forsythia Syrup, 236

Magical Money Pot, 231–32

Magical Prosperity Cake, 162–63

Magnus, Albertus, 122

Manipura Chakra, 235–36

Marigold and Lemon Balm

Cheesecake, 110

Markham, Gervase, 173

marriage

divination for, 81, 85, 93–94, 125–26, 201–3, 216, 264

right time for, 256

May (month), 1

May Bush, 88n, 272

May Day, 1–2, 84, 188. See also Beltaine flowers of, 112

May King, 84

Maypole, 64n, 271–72

May Wine, 256–57

measles, 136

melatonin, 101–2

Melton, Sir John, 106

memory, 102, 150, 185

menopausal symptoms, 69, 166, 176, 214

menstrual problems, 81, 82, 95, 111, 113, 123, 149, 160, 176, 207, 212

Merrymount, 282–83

migraines, 88

milk, 273

Milking Song, 285

Millay, Edna St. Vincent, 67

Minthe, 241

Mint Ice Cubes, 242

Mint Parfait, 241–42

Mint Sugar, 242

mischief night, 279

Monaciello, 17

money, attracting. See prosperity

Morels with Salmon, 243

Mórrigan, 7

Morton, Thomas, 282–83

Mount Wollaston, 282

mouthwash, 51, 151

Muir, John, 52

multiple sclerosis, 123

muscle pain, 54, 56, 81, 88, 124, 171, 188

mysteries, 82, 114–15

herbs of magic and the mysteries, 97–126

Mushrooms as guide to, 114–15

need-fire, 30–31

nervousness, 66, 69, 88, 90, 159, 166, 194, 200

Nettle and Wild Onion Rice Balls, 146–47

Nettle Soup, 297

Nisse, 20

Oatmeal Bannock, 277

O’Brien, Lora, 273

OCD, 115

omega-6s, 185

Onion and Nettle Cheese Bake, 146

Osier, 55

osteoporosis, 185

Otherworld, 178, 290

Ovid, 141, 210–11

Oyster Mushrooms with Garlic, 245–46

Paclitaxel, 60

pain, 56, 81, 86, 90, 108, 113, 137, 188, 215

palsy, 91

paralysis, 88, 90

Peasant Trees, 58

Pennant, Thomas, 31, 275–76

pesticide, 131

petit mal, 144

Philyra, 240

Pine Libation, Sacred, 54

pinworms, 51

plague, 157

plague thieves, 132–33

Plant Spirit Charms, 21–22

pleurisy, 123

Pliny the Elder, 189, 191

Pliny the Younger, 129

poison oak, 66–67, 149, 166

Poland, Beltaine in, 280–81

poultice, how to make, 25

pregnancy, 34, 259

preservative, 173

Pria, 2

prosperity, 79, 90, 106, 112, 124, 162, 202, 209, 230, 232, 234, 241, 244

prostate, 222

protection, 82, 127–68, 135, 141, 145, 229

from evil, 130, 137–38, 156

from Fairies, 158

herbs of, 127–68

keeping Spirits at bay, 129

from Land, Sea, and Sky, 127

magical shield, 127

on Palm Sunday, 135

psychic, 128

from slander, 131

from sorcery, 130–31, 136, 157, 158, 162, 165, 167, 264

psoriasis, 105, 171

psychic abilities, 71, 235, 237

Psylocybin Mushrooms, 114–16

purgative, 128

purification

herbs of, 169–77

of a house, 172, 174

of ritual area, 172

of a room, 169

Puritans, 282–83

Radicchio and Fennel Salad, 248

Ramsay, John, 30

rashes, 69

realms, other, herbs for connecting to, 178–90

Redbud Capers, 249

relationships

strengthening, 103. See also love; marriage

respiratory tract, 171

rheumatism, 32–33, 35, 38, 40, 51, 56, 60–61, 63–64, 66, 73, 76, 88, 95, 102, 105, 108, 123, 130, 140, 147, 153, 200, 224

Rhiannon, 236

ringworm, 38, 51, 56, 60–61, 136, 214

rites, of Beltaine, 6, 284–93

rituals, 6

Roasted Spring Lamb with Rosemary, 300

Robin, 271

Robin Goodfellow, 19

Rose Geranium Berry Jam, 254

Rose Geranium sugar, 253

Rose Geranium Syrup, 254

Rosemary Oat Bannock, 150–51

Rose Oil, 250–51

Rose Water, 251

Rowan Berry Jam, 155

Rowan Berry Liqueur, 153–54

Rowan Berry Syrup, 156

runes, 40

sacred fires, 30–61

Beltaine fire, 31

Scottish Beltaine, 39

woods for, 30–61

Sacred Woods

for Beltaine fires, 30–61

nine kinds, 30

saliva, 176

Salmon of Wisdom, 45

salve, 75, 82, 111, 122

how to make, 24

Samhain, 2–3, 6–7

scabies, 32

Scotland, Beltaine in, 274–78

scurvy, 60–61, 154

seasons, 6–8

Sea world, 8

second sight, 93, 157

sedative, 41, 57, 101

separation, encouraging, 42–43

Shakespeare, William, 47, 63, 80, 89, 98, 150

shamrock, lucky, 91

shingles, 90

Shrub Trees, 58

sinus conditions, 45

skin conditions, 41, 43, 63–64, 66, 88, 108, 112, 123, 130, 137, 149, 159, 200, 224–25

Sky Gods, 45

Sky world, 8

slandering, 43

Smith, Elizabeth, 278

snakebites, 69, 246

Song of Summer, vii–viii

sores, 35

Spear of Lugh, 11

spells, 71

Spirit Bag for Love, 233–34

Spirits, helpful, 13–22. See also Fairies

protectors of farms, 18–21

sacred herbs of, 62–96

sprains, 79, 90, 111, 136

spring, and Beltaine, 1–3

Spring Greens Crustless Quiche, 104

Springtime Minestrone Soup, 203–4

Stado, 281

sterility, 106

stomach problems, 69, 73, 80, 90, 91, 110–11, 140, 149, 159, 161

Stone of Destiny, 11

Strawberry Mai Wein, 296

strength, 263

stroke, 218

Stubbes, Philip, 270

St. Vitus’s dance, 63

Summer has come (poem), 303

sweat lodge, 170

Sweden, Beltaine in, 280

Sweet Woodruff and Mint Forest Tea, 258

Sweet Woodruff Lemonade, 257

Sword of Nuada, 10

syphilis, 130

Syringa, 237

tea, how to make, 24

tests, 98

Thistle Flower Jelly, 259

Thor, 82

Thor’s Mantle, 64

Thoreau, Henry David, 53

throat, sore, 32–33, 35, 43, 51, 56, 85, 134, 154, 176, 212, 221, 222

Thunder Being, 170–71

tincture, how to make, 25–26

Tiwa-speakers, 186

tonsillitis, 56, 148, 214

toothache, 38, 51, 56, 69, 85, 88, 108, 149

tooth whitening, 219

traveling, 82

Treasures, Four, 10–11

trees. See also Sacred Woods

classification of, 58–59

penalties for felling, 58–59

protected by law, 58–60

sacred, 9, 60

tuath, 293

Tuatha de Danann, 10

tuberculosis, 80

tumors, 221

typhoid fever, 144

Uaithne, 290

ulcers, 51, 110–11, 111

uncrossing oil, 250

urinary tract infections, 129, 143

Valborgsmässoafton, 280

Vappu, 280

varicose veins, 81

Venus/Aphrodite, 81, 210, 215–16, 217, 220

vermifuge, 154

Vernostonus, 32

victory, 244

Violet Flower Jelly, 262–63

Violet Flower Syrup, 222

Violet Vinegar, 221

Visions, herbs for connecting to, 178–90

vitamin C, 154, 171, 187, 211, 219, 248

Walpurgisnacht, 162, 278–80

warts, 35, 38, 46, 56, 111, 134, 136

water, and Beltaine rites, 284–85

wealth. See prosperity

wells, and Beltaine rites, 284–85

Welsh House Fairy, 17

White Clover Jelly, 68–69

White Women, 15

Wild Cherry Inner Bark Cough

Syrup, 102

will, 108–9

Willow stripping, 56

Winston, David, 35

wisdom, 174, 255

Wisteria and Redbud Spring Rolls, 197–98

Wisteria Blossom Cordial, 196–97

Wisteria-Lemon-Coconut Cookies, 266–67

Wisteria Syrup, 265–66

Witches, 119, 271, 278–79

Wollaston, 283

Woodruff Wine, 295

woods, 30–61

Worlds, Three, 8–10, 97

worms, 129, 134

wounds, 44, 51, 52, 54, 75, 80, 83, 90, 95, 105, 111, 117, 134, 148, 149, 151, 159, 164, 166, 171, 176, 185, 187, 214

Yggdrasil, 37–38, 97, 180

Yronwode, Catherine, 46–47

Zephyrus, 286–87

Zulu, 213