Into the Greenwood
We are at home among the dog rose and bramble
and feel the tendrils of the otherworld tug gently at our souls.
Are you missing a child?” A tall man in his fifties, whom I vaguely recognized as a neighbor, was standing in my yard.
“What? No, I don’t think so.” I was covered in dirt and held a handful of weeds that I had found creeping between my rows of garlic.
He was dressed completely in green with a branch of elderberry sticking out from the brim of his hat. He bore a striking resemblance to a picture I had seen once of Jack in the Green, and that’s probably why I hadn’t noticed my six-year-old daughter standing behind him. A coy smile swept across his face and he stepped aside, exposing Chloe, who ran to me sobbing.
The green man smiled widely. “I’m Pete,” he said. “Your neighbor from up the road.”
I was dumbfounded. Pete … Chloe … Lost … I didn’t know how to process what he was saying.
“I was working on the water,” he said. “Glad I was too. I may not have heard her cries from the house.”
My heart was pounding in my throat and tears filled my eyes. I clung to my daughter.
“I didn’t even know she had left the yard,” I said, feeling like the worst mother ever.
He chuckled quietly. “It happens,” he said, and turned to leave.
It happens? I thought. No, it doesn’t just happen. How could I be so damned negligent? I held her tighter.
It wasn’t until after she had completely calmed down—cookies in one hand and apple juice in the other—that I asked how she had managed to get to the back of Pete and Claudia’s 150 acres.
She pointed to the bluff that rises on the south side of our property. “I was Hedge Witching,” she said. “I wanted to get some lady fern so I could become invisible.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? I would have taken you out later this afternoon,” I said, failing in my attempt to not sound like I was scolding her.
“I wanted to surprise you by being invisible. There’s a perfect spot on the hill for lady fern.” She paused. “But then I heard some crows crying out and I went to see what they were doing.” She took another drink from her juice.
“What were the crows up to?” I asked, trying to hide how completely terrified I was becoming the more the story unfolded.
“They were chasing a raven. Mama, they were beating the poor raven up, and I had to do something! So I followed it.”
“Oh, jeez!” I dropped my head.
Chloe furrowed her brow. “I was just trying to help,” she said, then looked to the ground.
“I’m not mad, sweetie. I’m just a little shocked.”
“Well, I wouldn’t have gotten lost if the stupid raven would just have listened to me. I told him to fly to me and that I would keep him safe and that he could live in my room.”
“Well,” I interjected. “I don’t know about that.”
She sighed and took another bite of her cookie. “I guess I wasn’t paying much attention because I looked around and I was lost.” Tears filled her eyes. “And that stupid raven just took off. Mama …” She looked at me. “I called for you, but you didn’t hear me.” She fell into my arms.
My heart lurched and I closed my eyes. And though I knew deep down that it wasn’t my fault, I felt that in some way I had failed my daughter. “Well.” I swallowed back my pain. “Pete heard your call and now you’re home.”
“I know,” she said. “I thought the raven would have liked my help. Why did he do that, Mama? Why didn’t he trust me?”
“The Goddess gave creatures instinct to help protect them in the wild. Besides …” I kissed her head. “It sounds like he was up to some mischief.”
“The crows were the mean ones.”
“No, sweetie. The crows were protecting their nest.” I tickled her and she began to giggle. “That big ole raven was going to try to steal their eggs.”
Chloe became serious again. “I was scared too, Mama. Was that instinct?”
“Yes,” I said. “You knew you were lost and you called for help.”
She smiled. “And the Goddess sent me my very own Green Man to help me out of the forest.”
I gave her a hug. “Pete the Green Man,” I mused.
“Oh,” Chloe said and dug deep into her jeans pocket. “I forgot something.” She pulled out a bit of mangled fern. “I found the fern. Do you want to be invisible with me?”
I laughed. “Yes! Let’s be invisible together.”
The Hedge Witch
You will hear me talk a lot about a dear friend of mine who lived between the worlds. Choosing to release a life of monetary gain, she came to the Upper Skagit Valley to walk the path of the Hedge Witch. Through exploration, experimentation, and observation, she became a skilled herbalist, midwife, and magickal practitioner. It wasn’t uncommon to find her walking near the dog roses at the river’s edge, her head tilted up to let the breeze touch her cheeks; she wore a lithesome expression that reflected a life at peace. And if someone stopped to say hello, she would smile bright-eyed, with an offering of wild chamomile to aid in sleeplessness or chickweed for swelling. Stella was a hedgesitter, or one who teeters between the mundane and magickal worlds.
In Norse mythology these wise women were known as vǫlur. They were the clan mothers who provided courage to warriors, wisdom to leaders, inspiration to poets, and healing to the sick. As both midwife and undertaker, she was a fragile link to life and death.
Under the lacy branches of hawthorn or in the cool shadow of the bramble, the wise woman would sit. This is where the spirits of the vegetation approached her in the guise of a furry woodland creature, bird, or insect. It was to her that the secrets of the nine sacred herbs were whispered. It was to her that the healing power of roots, buds, and twigs were revealed. And it was to her that the magick of the elements was shown. The hedgesitter was always grateful for her visions and would return with an offering of a bowl of milk or oatmeal in gratitude.
Modern Hedge Witches may no longer be traipsing about the forest’s edges foraging for herbal supplies, but they are exploring herbalism by growing culinary, medicinal, or magickal herbs and applying their uses accordingly. They may not be whispering inspiring words into poet’s ears, but they are inspiring friends, family, and coworkers with an infectious spirit and sage advice. They may not be providing courage to the warrior class, but they are encouraging others to believe in themselves and are a spiritual guiding light to seekers of the Craft. The hedges of today’s magickal practitioners are no longer a physical boundary between the wilderness and the homestead but a metaphorical border that connects us to the otherworld, its tangled roots helping to hold our connection to the magick and wisdom of the wise women and cunning men of old, steadfast within our souls.
A Hedge Witching We Shall Go!
Hedge Witching is a term our family uses when gathering magickal supplies from wild areas. In eastern Skagit County, nature holds true to her wild abandon, and many gardeners work nonstop to keep her tangled fingers from overtaking their yards and gardens.
Stepping off our back porch, one can easily find hazelnuts for wisdom and yarrow to repel negativity. Along the riverbank I find dog roses for love and willow for healing. Near the roadside is columbine for courage and foxglove for faerie magick. We have learned we are not separate from nature here but just one of the delicate threads that make up the earth’s glorious tapestry. So practicing respectful gathering methods is a must. Here are few dos and don’ts when gathering magickal supplies:
• Never, ever take from a plant whose identity you are not 100 percent sure of.
• Never pick plants that are endangered or protected.
• Try to connect with the spirit of the plant and ask nicely for a bud, twig, or leaf—and don’t forget to say thank you.
• If at all possible, take nuts, twigs, leaves, and so on that have already fallen.
• Don’t be greedy. It doesn’t take an armload of St. John’s wort to make a tincture.
• Avoid roadside picking where chemicals may have been used.
• Stick together, especially with your littlest Witchlings. If you do get separated, advise them to sit tight and call out so you can find them.
• Make it an educational romp. Ask your kids key questions about local flora and fauna. Be prepared with a well-illustrated plant guide.
• Bring snacks and plenty of water. Enjoy being in nature’s classroom.
An Herbal Medicine Cabinet
The Hedge Witch was not only a knowledgeable herbalist, midwife, hearth keeper, and magickal practitioner, she was also an alchemist! Practice a little modern alchemy with these basic recipes for lotions, potions, tonics, salves, and soaps. Experiment by adding herbs and essential oils for your magickal, medicinal, or beauty needs. Most are easy enough to involve the kids in the making, and they make great gifts for any occasion.
e Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Element: Air
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Energy: Masculine
Never, ever curse the bright, smiling yellow faces of the dandelions that seem to pop up every spring, much to the chagrin of most gardeners. Magickally, dandelions can be used in wish spells, for divination, or for calling spirits. Medicinally, they have been used to stimulate the digestive system, restore the mineral balance to the kidneys, and detoxify the liver for hundreds of years. Dandelions are packed with potassium, calcium, and high amounts of vitamins, which make them a highly nutritious spring green.
To capture a bit of their health benefits all year long, steep the dandelions (root and all) in apple cider vinegar. It can be taken as a tonic or used in place of other vinegars in your favorite recipes.
You will need:
Dandelion greens and roots
1-quart jar
Apple cider vinegar
Plastic lid or wax paper and a rubber band
You will need to dig enough dandelions to completely fill a 1-quart jar (approximately 10). Make sure to thoroughly rinse the greens and scrub the roots until they are free of dirt. Pack the jar with dandelions and pour the apple cider vinegar until it completely covers the dandelions. Cover the jar with a plastic screw-on lid or wax paper and a rubber band (vinegar reacts to metal lids). You may want to label and date your jar. This helps if you are making multiple batches of herbal vinegars over a matter of days or weeks. Place in a dark place in your pantry or in a cupboard for at least 6 weeks. After 6 to 8 weeks, use a sieve to drain your vinegar. You can leave it in the quart jar or use a decorative bottle to store your vinegar.
e Plantain (Plantago spp.)
Element: Earth
Ruling Planet: Venus
Energy: Feminine
This plantain is not related to the Musa ×paradisiaca plantain, a less sweet member of the banana family. It is a common weed that can be found in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, and if you check, you will most likely find this in your own backyard. Its folk names include ripple grass, snakebite, ribwort, waybroad, and Patrick’s dock. Medicinally, plantain can be taken as a tincture or tea to relieve indigestion. Externally, use plantain to relieve rashes, stings, and snakebites. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities make it great for healing minor wounds. Magickally, use plantain in spells for protection, healing, and strength. Folklore dictates that if you carry a plantain leaf in your pocket, it will protect you from snakebites.
For this spell, we will be focusing on sending out healing energy. You will need:
1 tea light
1 small cauldron or fireproof container
Ground dried plantain
Light the tea light and place it in a small cauldron or fireproof container. Whether you’re sending positive healing vibrations for a sick friend or using this as part of an earth-healing ritual, focus clearly on the fruition of your intent. Can you see your friend clearly healed or a sky clear of pollution? Good.
Now, as you sprinkle the ground plantain over the flame, say,
Healing energy within the power of plantain,
We ask for renewal and a release from pain.
Wholeness and light surround us, three times three.
As I will it, so mote it be.
Let the candle burn out in a safe place.
This is a great salve that combines the healing powers of comfrey, known for its quick healing qualities on superficial wounds; yarrow, for its properties as a mild pain reliever and antispasmodic; and plantain, for its anti-itch and anti-inflammatory qualities. With the addition of lavender essential oil’s microbial properties, it’s wonderful for stings, abrasions, rashes, and chapped or dry skin patches.
The best time to gather these herbs is around midsummer when everything is in full leaf and concentrating their healing properties to their parts above ground. Dried herbs can also be purchased through herb craft–supply companies.
To infuse oil, gather enough plant/herbal material to fill a quart jar. Bruise and tear herbs to help release their healing oils, and pack them into the jar. Pour olive oil (you can also use other oil, such as grape seed, sunflower, etc.) in the jar, cover it with a lid, and place it on a sunny window for three weeks or more. You may want to give it a shake once in a while. When your infusion is ready, pour it through a cheesecloth-lined sieve. Make sure to squeeze every bit of the oil out of the plants. Keep infused oil in a cool, dark place until ready for use.
To make the Green Man salve, you will need:
1 cup coconut oil
1 cup infused olive oil (comfrey, plantain, and yarrow)
½ cup beeswax
15–20 drops lavender essential oil
On low heat, use a double boiler to slowly heat coconut oil and olive oil. Stir in beeswax. When melted, take off heat and let set for approximately 10 minutes. Add lavender essential oil. Makes approximately 16 ounces of salve, which will make 4 4-ounce containers.
From athlete’s foot to ringworm, fungus is most definitely among us! Anyone with active kids will find this to be true. Here is a salve to help combat this pesky little problem. The secret is in the black walnut hulls, which are antiparasitic, antifungal, antibacterial, and an antiseptic. You can find them through any herbal craft–supply company. Infuse black walnut hulls in olive oil in a small container for at least three weeks before preparing salve.
You will need:
½ cup cocoa butter
1 cup olive oil infused with black walnut hulls
½ cup beeswax
50 drops tea tree essential oil
50 drops lavender essential oil
20 drops lemongrass essential oil
On low heat in a double boiler, mix cocoa butter, infused olive oil, and beeswax. Once the ingredients have melted, let the mixture set over the heat for approximately 15 minutes. Take off heat and add essential oils. Store in a cool, dark place.
Use on affected areas twice a day. If problems persist, see your physician.
The day before you make your soap, measure out your milk and freeze it in ice cube trays for 24 hours.
You will need:
4.3 ounces lye (sodium hydroxide)
10 ounces milk (goat, cow, hemp, almond, coconut, soy)
10 ounces coconut oil
10 ounces olive oil
5 ounces sweet almond oil (or substitute with hemp, avocado, sunflower, or grape seed oil)
Additives such as essential oil, oatmeal, honey, etc.
Rubber gloves
Goggles
Digital scale
Dust mask or other mouth covering
Two glass bowls (one smaller that will nest into the larger bowl)
Potato masher
Stainless steel or enamel-lined pot
Immersion blender (stick blender)
Cooking thermometer
Soap molds
Wearing rubber gloves, goggles, and a mouth covering, measure out your lye and set aside.
Place the premeasured frozen milk in a bowl and splash it with just a bit of water, which will help to kick-start the lye solution. Create an ice bath by placing ice cubes and water in the larger bowl, and place the smaller bowl containing the frozen milk inside it.
Slowly sprinkle about ¼ of the lye onto the frozen milk. Be careful to avoid contact with skin. Use a stainless steel potato masher to work it into the mixture. Continue this process until all the lye is incorporated. Replace ice cubes in the ice bath as they melt. It is important to keep the mixture cold and that every bit of lye is dissolved, so don’t rush this step. As the lye dissolves, it will most likely turn bright yellow to orange. That is normal. If the mixture turns dark brown, the lye has scorched the milk and the process must be started over. Once lye is properly incorporated, set aside.
In a stainless steel or enamel-lined pot melt the coconut oil on low heat until liquefied. Add olive and sweet almond oil and heat until 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add your milk and lye mixture to the oil mixture and use a stick (immersion) blender to bring the mixture to “trace,” when the soap is thick enough to hold an outline when drizzled across the surface.
Add any additional ingredients, such as essential oils, oatmeal, honey, and so on. Quickly pour the mixture into molds and let rest for 24 hours. Unmold and let cure for 4 to 6 weeks. Yields about 2.5 pounds of soap.
This one is easy enough for the kids to help with! You will need:
3 tablespoons cocoa butter
3 tablespoons coconut oil
3 tablespoons beeswax pastilles (or grated beeswax)
10 drops essential oil of your choice (Peppermint is a good one to start out with.)
Lip balm tubes or small containers
In a double boiler, on medium-low heat combine cocoa butter, coconut oil, and beeswax. Heat until melted. When completely melted, immediately take the mixture off heat and quickly add essential oil. Fill containers and let them firm up on the counter or in the refrigerator. Makes approximately 15 tubes of lip balm.
This wonderful cream is infused with the healing properties of calendula. You will need:
½ cup cocoa butter
¼ cup calendula infused olive oil (see page 177 for infusing instructions)
¼ cup sweet almond oil
20 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
In a double boiler heat cocoa butter, infused olive oil, and almond oil over medium-low heat until melted. Add essential oil (optional) and mix. Transfer to a bowl and let cool approximately an hour or until the oil just starts to solidify. With a hand mixer, beat the mixture until it resembles whipped cream and stiff peaks form. Transfer it to a container and use within 3 months. Makes approximately 8 ounces.
Use this orange bergamot sugar scrub to give your skin a soft glow and to promote peace and tranquility.
You will need:
1 tablespoon dried orange peel
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup coconut oil
1 drop jojoba oil
10 drops bergamot essential oil
Mix orange peel and sugar. Add the oils. Mix well. Pour into container and enjoy. Makes approximately 12 ounces.
This is an easy and very inexpensive way to deal with laundry. And because this is a low-suds detergent, it can be used in both standard and high-efficiency washers.
You will need:
4 cups borax
4 cups washing soda
2 bars organic soap (How about your own homemade?)
1 cup baking soda
25–30 drops essential oil (optional)
Cheese grater
1-gallon container with lid
Grate the soap and set aside.
In your container, mix borax, washing soda, and baking soda. Add grated soap and thoroughly mix. Add essential oil if desired; mix thoroughly. Makes about 84 ounces. Use 1 to 3 tablespoons per load.
A Witch’s Dozen of Magickal Herbs
In my pantry, tucked neatly on shelves near the lavender soap, salves, and balms, are jars of herbs that have been grown according to astrological timing, lovingly tended, dried, and stored for magickal purposes. When curious friends find our family’s personal “magickal apothecary,” they tend to be disappointed.
“Where’s the eye of newt and toe of frog?” I am asked.
I laugh. “Well, the eye of newt is in the kitchen spice cabinet and the toe of frog is presently trying to take over my pond.” I point toward my garden.
The looks I get are puzzling, but I am very familiar with old folk names for plants and can be pretty quick with the Witchy comebacks. “Eye of newt,” I know, was once a name for mustard seed, and “toe of frog” was buttercup—a plant that thrives in our temperate Pacific Northwest climate.
Since I am also a practical Witch, I only store what I know I can grow myself or what will be used consistently in my spellcrafting. So you will probably not see sorcerer’s berry (belladonna) or brain thief (mandrake) in my larder, but you will find plenty of elf leaf (lavender), ground apple (chamomile), and knitback (comfrey) that all work wonderfully for my magickal needs.
Here are a few tips and tricks for gathering and drying your own magickal herbs:
• There are many practitioners who use a ritual knife called a boline for harvesting magickal plants. You can do this, but it is not necessary. I have an old pair of scissors I have used for years.
• Most definitely use moon phase or astrological timing for gathering herbs. The full moon is a great time for harvesting magickal herbs, as are the fire signs of Leo, Aries, and Sagittarius.
• Gather your herbs in the morning just after the dew has evaporated to minimize wilting and capture essential oils.
• Pick your herbs when the blooms are budding out, but not yet in full bloom.
• If you will be gathering large quantities of plant material, keep harvested plants covered with a cloth to prevent sun damage.
• Never dry your herbs in the sun. This will damage the color, flavor, and magickal strength of your herbs.
• Less tender herbs such as lavender, rosemary, and sage can be bundled and hung indoors upside down. I hang my herbs in the pantry.
• Food dehydrators work great for drying tender plants such as basil, mints, and lemon balm. Follow the instructions on your food dehydrator.
• Tender herbs can be bundled and hung to dry, but protect their leaves by putting the bundles in paper lunch bags, open at the bottom, so air can still circulate around them.
Time to take a peek at the magickal herbs we have lining our shelves. Mind you, we do look to wild sources as well, but those are only gathered as needed. All of the herbs listed were chosen for practicality and reliability. No need for exotic plant material that requires special handling; in my experience these tried-and-true herbs that can be easily grown in most regions do the trick just fine.
e Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Element: Fire
Ruling Planet: Mars
Energy: Masculine
This annual used in many Italian dishes was once known as “witch’s herb” because it was once believed that witches drank the juice of the basil plant before flying on their broomsticks. When carried in a pocket or purse, this herb attracts money. Use basil in incense blends for astral travel and for spells concerning protection, wealth, love, and exorcism.
e Borage (Borago officinalis)
Element: Air
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Energy: Masculine
This happy herbaceous annual, with its lovely star-shaped flowers, is easy to grow and spreads like wildfire. Tuck borage into your pocket when you’re in need of a little courage, or sprinkle the dried herb around your home for protection. It’s great for increasing psychic abilities when drunk in tea. Place a bouquet near you when doing divination. Use in spells for happiness, psychic powers, protection, peace, happiness, and courage.
e Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
Element: Water
Ruling Planet: Sun
Energy: Masculine
This low-spreading plant with daisy-like flowers is most definitely a plant of calm and relaxation. Use in tea and dream pillows for restfulness and prophetic dreams. This is a great herb to add to a bath before ritual and for attracting peace and love. Place chamomile in your purse to promote wealth, and sprinkle around your property to remove curses cast against you. Use in spells for wealth, rest, love, purification, balance, and dreams.
e Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Element: Water
Ruling Planet: Saturn
Energy: Feminine
Also known as boneset for its long history as a medicinal plant, this hairy-leafed plant that grows in abundant masses is known for offering protection to travelers. Comfrey is a nice addition to charm bags for aid in healing and drawing people together. Use in spells for travel, money, bringing together, healing, and protection.
e Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Element: Air
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Energy: Masculine
I truly love this perennial shrub, a favorite of the Fae. With a scent to die for, it’s no wonder it is a successful herb in love spells. Use in smudge sticks to bring peace to your home or use in a bath for its calming effect. To see ghosts, it is said, carry lavender with you, and it can also be worn to protect you from the evil eye. Make a faerie besom from the stems! Use in spells for faerie magick, love, protection, peace, calm, happiness, purification, and longevity.
e Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Element: Water
Ruling Planet: Moon
Energy: Feminine
I love this perennial of the mint family, but if you don’t want it spreading everywhere, pot it. Use in sachets and in tea for its calming effect and to relieve the blues. Sacred to Diana, use this herb in spells for animal healing. Also use lemon balm for happiness, love, success, compassion, fertility, depression, healing, and memory.
e Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
Element: Earth
Ruling Planet: Venus (Moon)
Energy: Feminine
A traveler’s herb, mugwort can be placed in shoes to retain strength on long walks or carried in a pocket to bring one safely home. Drunk as tea, it aids in astral projection. Burn mugwort before divination practices or rub the herb on divinatory tools to increase power. For vivid dreams, add mugwort to a dream pillow or hang near your bed. Use mugwort in spells for psychic powers, protection, dreams, strength, travel, and cleansing.
e Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Element: Fire
Ruling Planet: Sun
Energy: Masculine
Grow rosemary near your home to attract elves to your property. Put it in sachets or tuck it near a desk or study area to allow rosemary’s distinctive earthy fragrance to enhance your power of thought. Before a healing ritual, rinse your hands in rosemary-infused water. Add rosemary to incense to rid negativity. Use rosemary in spells for youth, memory, purification, dreams, sleep, lust, love, and cleansing.
e Rue (Ruta graveolens)
Element: Fire
Ruling Planet: Mars
Energy: Masculine
The presence of rue in the garden is a clear indication of protection. This woody evergreen, which produces yellow flowers, can be potted and brought indoors to denote sacred space. Use rue in healing spells. It is said that placing rue on your forehead can relieve headaches. Add this herb to your bathwater to break hexes against you, or hang above a doorway to ease anxiety. Use rue in spells for anxiety, health, clarity, protection, and balance.
e Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Element: Air
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Energy: Masculine
Thought of as the insurer of long life, sage has long been connected to healing and wisdom. To cleanse your ritual space or home, smudge with sage. Carry sage in your pocket to promote wisdom, and write wishes on sage leaves and tuck them under your pillow. Use sage for spells connected with healing, wisdom, wishes, purification, and longevity.
e Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
Element: Water
Ruling Planet: Venus
Energy: Feminine
This protective member of the mint family can be stuffed in sachets or dream pillows for protection during sleep and to promote vivid dreams. Its cooling qualities aid in healing spells. Put in a charm bag for protection and wealth, or leave a few sprigs at your altar to aid in your magick. Use spearmint in spells for lust, money, protection, sleep, clarity, and healing.
e Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Element: Water
Ruling Planet: Venus
Energy: Feminine
This sweet, low-growing woody herb is a longtime garden favorite. The Romans washed in thyme-infused water to enhance their attractiveness and carried it around to ward off snakes. Burn thyme to attract good health or to purify ritual space. Use thyme in dream pillows to ensure a good night’s sleep. Use in spells for courage, healing, purification, sleep, psychic powers, love, and peace.
e Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Element: Water
Ruling Planet: Venus
Energy: Feminine
This feathery perennial with lovely heads of tightly packed pink to white flowers is one of my favorite magickal herbs. It was used medicinally for thousands of years for treating external wounds and was drunk as tea for melancholy. It was hung as wedding decor to ensure the couple’s happiness for seven years. Yarrow is an herb of attraction and can be used in spells to attract love, courage, or friendship. Drink yarrow tea to improve psychic powers, and grow plenty in your garden to attract the Fae. Use yarrow in spells for courage, love, faerie magick, psychic powers, divination, and attraction.
Tea Blends
Whether you want to relax, feel invigorated, or create a unique gift for someone special, creating your very own tea blends is a great way to get the benefits of healthful herbs, and it’s a lot less expensive.
The trick to creating your own tea blends is as simple as three, two, one.
Three: Discern the action of the tea you want to create. Are you looking for a tea to help you prepare for ritual? Maybe you want to ease an upset stomach, aid in dream work, or help calm your nerves. Use approximately three parts of this herb or herbs.
Two: Now choose an herb or two that complement the action of your primary herb or herbs. Blend two parts of this herb or herbs to your blend.
One: Time to add a little pizzazz to your blend. Use one part of an herb or herbs to increase the potency and enhance the flavor.
Homemade tea blends can be very simple or as complicated as you please. The three-two-one method is just a guideline. Enjoy experimenting with herbs and spices for their taste, health benefits, and magickal benefits. And letting the kids create their own tea blends is a fun, hands-on approach to introducing herbalism. We love to create personalized tea blends for our magickal friends at Yule. A small bag of tea, along with a pretty mug and a tea ball, makes a lovely gift. Your tea blends will keep six to twelve months in an airtight container. Here are a few simple blends to kick-start your creativity:
This tea blend was created to promote love and tranquility.
3 parts peppermint
2 parts rose hips
1 part licorice root
Place 2 tablespoons per serving in a tea ball or bag. Add boiling water and let steep for 10 minutes.
Try this blend to shut down an overactive mind and lull you back to sleep.
3 parts vervain
2 parts chamomile
1 part lavender
Place 2 tablespoons per serving in a tea ball or bag. Add boiling water and let steep for 10 minutes.
A comforting blend to ease the symptoms associated with menstrual cycles. Makes a great coming-of-age gift for a moon ritual or Red Tent party.
1 part cramp bark
1 part marshmallow root
1 part spearmint
½ part skullcap
½ part passionflower
¼ part ginger root
¼ part chaste tree berries
Place 2 tablespoons per serving in a tea ball or bag. Add boiling water and let steep for 10 minutes.
Want to know where your dreams are taking you? This blend promotes active dreaming.
2 parts mugwort
2 parts chamomile
1 part calendula
1 part spearmint
Place 2 tablespoons per serving in a tea ball or bag. Add boiling water and let steep for 10 minutes.