Basic Magical Herbs Lesson 10

Welcome to the last Basic Magical Herbs Lesson! At least for Basic Herbs 101 on Witch School (there is a 102, and yes I am taking the course).
If you've missed the last 10 lessons they are listed here
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3
Lesson 4
Lesson 5
Lesson 6
Lesson 7
Lesson 8
Lesson 9

And here is Lesson 10

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus)
This is actually an herb I've come into contact with often lately (in the form of balms, tea, and its dried form for smudging).
Pictured is Herbal Revolution's Luscious Body Butter in Lemongrass - I received a small tub of this heavenly body butter for the Solstice and I love it. Its like spreading a silky, lemony-sweet cloud over my dry skin.

Medicinal Uses: digestive problems, small fevers, athletes feet

Magical Uses: repels snakes, lust, psychic powers

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs states:
"Lemongrass planted around the home and in the garden will repel snakes. It is also used in some lust potions, as well as in an infusion to aid in developing psychic powers."

The Lucky Mojo listing for Lemongrass states:
"LEMONGRASS is a tropical plant with a lemon-like fragrance. We are told that this herb has been used by many people for the purpose of Warding Off Evil and bringing Good Luck in Love Affairs. Some of our customers tell us that they like to flavour food with LEMONGRASS to enhance Romance and Sexual Pleasure. LEMONGRASS is also a major ingredient in the celebrated New Orleans Style Van Van Oil, which is used to dress amulets, and it enhances the popular Chinese Wash that is widely used to Clear Away Evil Messes and Crossed Conditions. Many folks tell us that they make LEMONGRASS into tea and add it to their regular floor wash to Get Rid of Jinxes and Enemy Tricks laid on the door-step. We do not make any claims for LEMONGRASS, and sell as a Curio only."

Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris)

Pictured is a Mugwort smudge stick available through Wax and Wane Wands on Etsy. Product description includes:

"Mugwort is one of the most common herbs used to burn for divination. It is commonly used by neopagans to toss onto ritual bonfires at Beltane and Midsummer's Eve, and Yule, in order to clearly see the future. Burning Mugwort enhances clairvoyance, psychic dreams, astral projection, and vision quests. It is traditionally placed in the shoes to prevent fatigue (and absorb odor and moisture!) on long journeys. It is used to smudge divinatory tools such as oracles, tarot, and crystal balls. It is often used in conjunction with amethyst and quartz crystals.
It is a feminine herb, it's element is Air, and it's Deity connection is to Venus."
Medicinal Uses: depression with loss of appetite, round worm, menstrual cramps

Magical Uses: strength, prophetic dreams, astral projection

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs states:
"Place mugwort in the shoes to gain strength during long walks or runs. For this purpose, pick mugwort before sunrise, saying:
'Tollam te artemesia, ne lassus sin in via.'
A pillow stuffed with mugwort and slept upon will produce prophetic dreams. 
Mugwort is also burned with sandalwood or wormwood during scrying rituals, and a mugwort infusion is drunk (sweetened with honey) before divination. 
The infusion is also used to wash crystal balls and magic mirrors, and mugwort leaves are placed around the base of the ball (or beneath it) to aid in psychic working..."


The Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells gives a warning in regards to Mugwort:
"Even more than most plants, the different forms of the botanical are not interchangeable:

• Although mugwort is largely considered a woman's herb, it is not safe for pregnant women or for those actively trying to become pregnant. It can cause profound uterine contractions. 
• With the exception of pregnant women, the herb is generally safe for adults, in moderate doses.
• The flower essence remedy is the safest method for use, particularly when psychic enhancement is desired. 
• Mugwort essential oil, also known as armoise, its French name, is not safe for anyone. Mugwort's latent destructive powers, potential neurotoxins, are concentrated in the essential oil. It should not be used except possible under the most expert professional supervision."

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)

Pictured is Lily of the Valley oil from Rita's Spiritual Goods on Etsy.
"Rita's Lily of the Valley Spiritual Mist Spray has been designed to help you attract joy and success into your life while lifting your spirits.
If you haven't been feeling like yourself lately take a ritual bath or shower and dress your person with this beautiful scent as soon as you are out, it will help clear your energy and lift your spiritual vibrations. To invite joy and happiness into your home spray in each room daily as well as over your altar."

Medicinal Uses: congestive heart failure, and other heart complications (used in pharmaceuticals)

Magickal Uses: mental powers, happiness, memory

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs states:
"Use to improve the memory and mind. When placed in a room, these flowers cheer the heart and lift the spirit of those present."

Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells lists Lily of the Valley as used in a Spirit Summoning Spell:
Flower Fairy Summoning: Lily of the Valley
"Gather lily of the valley flowers. Dry and powder them, then burn them by themselves or in combination with lavender and honeysuckle. This fragrance allegedly summons the flower fairies. (Caution: Lily of the Valley is potentially toxic. Do not ingest.)"

Lucky Mojo

For those of you interested in updates about my goings on...

I just ordered the book
Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic by Cat Yronwode
This, and reading her articles on Hoodoo in Theory and Practice are the first steps in taking her course on Hoodoo and Rootworking.

I've been wanting to take this course since I heard about it from my friend Edward 2...3 years ago. The homework is in depth, the articles well researched, and the spells...well...seem intense.
I look forward to learning more.

To see inside Cat Yronwode's Lucky Mojo, here is a great video I found online.






After calculating...
Not counting the book, which I purchase via E-bay,
It will cost me $104 for the course (plus $12 shipping, if I read the website correctly)
Plus, the required purchased form her shop will be $157.50 (this includes the shipping cost of $10 x 4 as the purchases must be bought over time).
Here's hoping I get a lot of readings >.<
lol

Hoodoo Blessings,

HedgeWife

Magical Names

I just took the first part of a course through Witch School regarding Magical Names.
For those of you curious about what a Magical Name is and aren't sure about what it is
The lesson stated:


What is a Magical Name?

~ A magical name is a pseudonym or an alias we use for a person place or thing, in this case dealing with the magical realm. 
~  A magical name can be used to shift consciousness to our higher self. The sound and vibration of a word can help to increase power. Certain names can invoke images, feelings and even strong emotion when they are said aloud. Simply put, a magical name is anything we want to give extra energy to. 
~  A magical name is like a nickname. The names that people will come to know you by, which is not, in most cases, your given birth name. 
~   A magical name is one which we can choose for our selves that draws on our better qualities. 
~  Our names can be shared at certain times of the year or only with particular people in your temple or circle of friends. 
~  A magical name can work in the same way as a charm; to open or to close a thing, or to protect someone or something. 
~  Our magical names are, to some degree, secret names and can be kept secret if one wishes it to be. 
~   A magical name helps to protect your real identity from would-be bashers.

I like the idea of a magical name as far as a verbal or auditory key to reach head space for a ritual and the fact that it does lend a sense of anonymity when the witch may not be completely out of the broom closet/cupboard under the stairs...

While taking the class, I'm thinking about what my Magical Name could be if I choose one.
I'd like to have one calculate to my numerology number 8 as well as correlate to my legal name as well as my love for herbalism and energy work.
I was thinking Wynter Hedgerider but I don't want to sound hokey...I dunno I'll have to think about that one.

I was curious about how others in the magical community might feel about magical names. I know not everyone uses them or could feel hot or cold about the idea.
So, I started a POLL, which you can find at the top right hand corner of this blog. Please respond to the poll. It will be up until the first of February.
After that I'll probably write another post about it and some more information about Magical Names later.

Green Blessings,

The HedgeWife

Unlocking Mystic Psychic Course

Hello Readers,

I wanted to share with you all today a course that I am trying out on a limited trial basis through Unlocking Mystic. The trial is for their Psychic course and I learned about this trial through their newsletter. Here, let me show you:

Dear friends,

We've finally decided that for an exclusive time, Unlocking Mystic is giving out a special trial offer of the Unlocking Your Psychic Potential Course, for the price of only $1.

Trial members will gain entry to the exclusive psychic material, including the number one key formula to psychic ability (which is covered in Lesson 5). You will gain access to five lessons and three psychic meditation videos, which are specially formulated for transition into deep psychic states of mind. The lessons will cover the basics of psychic ability and transcending deeper mind states, and will prepare you for more advanced techniques later on such as mind reading, telepathy, future sight, clairvoyance, and spirit contact. It is important to get the basics down for a solid foundation, and then innate psychic ability will manifest as a result of those good basics.  

Why are we doing this? We want people to know more about what we do, what we teach, and what you could possibly glean from it to use in your own life. There's no hidden fees and you won't be charged for anything else other than just the one dollar. If you've wanted a small taste and feel for what the real course is going to be like, but don't want to commit to doing the whole thing just yet, this offer is for you. But the positions are filling in fast for the trial offer, and it won't last forever. 

If you're truly interested in what we have to offer, please click here.

I thought, ok, what the hell, why not? I can spare a $1 right?
So I'm signed up and starting. I wanted to give you all a heads up about what's going on, give you a chance to get in on this offer, AND I plan to review the trial course at the end of the week for you all who are curious but unwilling to dip your toe in just yet.

Blessed Be,
HedgeWife

Basic Magical Herbs: Lesson 4

Now in Lesson 4 of Basic Magical Herbs and I'm very happy you've stuck with me in these lessons.
I posted on the Basic Herbs forum on Witch School about what I was doing here, sharing a small part of my lesson and research I've done further and here is what Reverend Sherry, the course instructor and my mentor, said:

"Thats exactly what I entended for you all to do. Basic herbs 101 & 102 are starting points for your BoS. There are so many herb websites and books that you can find information on.
Good Job!!!

:) glad you are enjoying yourself. It makes me very happy.
BB
Sherry"



Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Charlotte Branca in Herbal Legacy writes of oregano:

"Oregano has a very long history of use in folk lore. It has been used for culinary purposes, medicinal reasons, and was believed to hold magical properties as well...Ancient Greeks believed that oregano was a useful poison antidote and was used extensively both internally and externally as a fomentation to treat skin irritations and infections, dropsy, convulsions, and as an antidote for narcotic poisons. Traditional Chinese healers have also used oregano for generations to treat a variety of complaints. In Shakespearean times, oregano was used for just about anything. It is said to encourage good luck and good health. It is used in spells for happiness, tranquility, luck, health, protection and letting go of a loved one. It is believed that when worn on the head during sleep, it will promote psychic dreams. Oregano symbolizes joy. It is said to banish sadness and why not with its sweet fragrance and velvety leaves...It is believed if carried in a sachet or charm it will bring good luck and good health. It has also been used in love potions and rituals to enhance an already existing love relationship. A tea or incense is used for any of the above as well as for letting go of a loved one whether it be a husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, or anyone else that it hurts to leave. Growing oregano near your home is said to protect it from evil forces. It can also been carried as a charm for the same purpose. Plant Oregano around your house for protection, and scatter it inside the house to protect it as well..."

Medicinal Uses: antioxidant, colds and flu, bacterial and viral infections.

Magical Uses: rituals, love, happiness

The Encyclopedia of 1000 Spells lists Oregano for a courage bath and a spell to forget old lovers:

Oregano Courage Bath
"Bathe in an infusion of oregano (not while pregnant!) to calm nerves, regroup scattered thoughts and emotions, and to summon courage."

Oregano Spell
"The scent of oregano allegedly helps you forget old lovers...burning the dried herb as incense or heating a few drops of the essential oil in an aroma burner are...effective."

Pictures is Oregano essential oil from Oregano World which you can order Here.

Cinnamon (Cinnamonum zeylanicum)

The herb most cooks and herbalists and witches have in their kitchen. I've seen it listed in many many forums as someones favorite herb to use for so many purposes. It makes people pep up with the spice, reminds so many of us of home, brings life to a recipe, and adds appetite to life and food.

I remember the first time I used cinnamon magically was when I was working for my tarot mentor June Wright. She taught me that cinnamon was a great prosperity bringer and would burn essential oil in an aroma diffuser to bring business.


Medicinal Uses: help with diarrhea & nausea, colds

Magical Uses: spirituality, healing, stimulate psychic awareness

The Encyclopedia lists 2 cinnamon spells:

Cinnamon
"Cinnamon casts an aura of potent protection, however derivatives of this fragrant tree bark are often too irritating to be applied directly to skin. The hydrosol is reasonably gentle. add cinnamon hydrosol (experiment to discover comfortable proportions) to bathwater to create a protection bath."

Romantic Maintenance (5) Cinnamon
"Grind pieces of cinnamon or cassia bark together with hair from your head and that of your partner's. Burn and place the ashes in a glass vial. Keep the vial in a safe place for as long as you with love to last."

Pictured is a cinnamon broom from Rita's Spiritual Goods.
"Hanging the broom on the back of your door symbolizes the sweeping away of obstacles and/or the negative influences of those who enter your home or try to. It helps you multiply earnings and draw in luck and prosperity.
It has been charmed with an I Ching coin which draws in good luck charm and also works as a protective talisman. It is also a good coin to work with for divination, so this one is perfect in the home of any reader, fortune teller or medium."
You can purchase it HERE.

Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)

The poisonous herb of the week is a very popular one in witch and magic folklore and media.
I am reminded almost immediately of this herb's use in the movie Practical Magic (1998) where Gillian Owens uses belladonna to sedate her abusive boyfriend and accidentally murders him.


Medicinal Uses: liniment, bandages, extracts, anesthesia

Magickal Uses: applied to skin an used as a sorcerers pomade in history, sacred to Hecate. Ritual oil for Dark Goddess Rites, Glamour, Astral Projection, Sex Magic, Visions, Warrior Arts
Also an herb used in the famous Witch's Flying Ointment

Basic Magical Herbs: Lesson 3

Thank you for joining me for Lesson 3 of my Basic Herbs course studies. Remember, if you want the information provided in the course, it is FREE through Witch School.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officianalis)

Medicinal Uses: bronchitis, congestion, externally on cuts

Magical Uses: purification, protection as well as healing and hex/curse breaking.

Good floor wash!
Baths, sachets, incenses and sprays.

In A Druid's Herbal for the Sacred Earth Year by Ellen Evert Hopman:
"Hyssop was a holy herb of the ancient Greeks, used to cleanse sacred spaces. Hyssop can be burned as incense, word, used in decorations, and added to the chalice. Use a bunch to ritually 'sweep' the altar as a preparation for a ceremonial rite. Alternatively, a tincture can be made...the dose is ten to thirty drops, four times a day."

Hyssop oil is said to be a more potent purifier than even White Sage (discussed in lesson 2). The oil can be used to anoint candles, yourself, charms, talismans, in spell work, or use a bit to put in a ritual bath, use it in a diffuser.
You can buy Hyssop oil at the Enchantery at Etsy HERE.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)


Medicinal Uses: soothing effect, coughs, rheumatic conditions. Said to have analgesic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, bactericidal, emetic,  expectorant, laxative, and stimulant properties.
Recommended during pregnancy for morning sickness.
 Ginger should only be used with caution under the guidance of a health professional in patients with the following conditions: taking anticoagulant therapies, with heart conditions (due to carditonic effects), in persons with gallstones, persons with diabetes and/or hyop/hyperglycemia and in people with increased or decreased blood pressure.

Magickal Uses: love, success, money.
Fast results as a love potion.

In A Druid's Herbal for the Sacred Earth Year by Ellen Evert Hopman:
"Ginger enhances all spells, especially love spells, being a spicy and 'hot' herb."

The Herbal Tarot connects Ginger with Eight of Pentacles and says:
"Stimulant. Diaphoretic. Carminative. Antispasmodic. Emmenagogue. Used for gas, poor assimilation of food, also to relieve motion sickness and spasmodic cramps. the fresh root is made into a tea for colds and fevers."
To learn more about The Herbal Tarot, see my posts Here.

Hemlock (Conium maculatum)
This week's poisonous herbs and one of my favorite poisonous herbs to this date. Hemlock grows wild where I used to live in Kentucky and Tennessee as well as here in Alaska.


Medicinal Uses: externally in ointments, dizziness, sedative, pain reliever (used in pharmaceuticals)
Has been recommended as an antidote to Strychnine poisoning, and in other poisons of the same class, and in tetanus, hydrophobia, etc.

Magickal Uses: destroy sex drive, sacred to Hecate, astral travel, hexing

Witches of the Craft shared a Hemlock Hex on their blog HERE

Pictured here is a hemlock wand created by Art Craft and Nature. Hemlock wands are used for enhancing the reflexes, and enchanting potions, but do not place the wand directly into a potion. It can also be used for anointing talismans, and destructive works. On the back of the wand you’ll find a small triangle burned into the wood for collecting, and directing energy through the wand. Plus an Amber shard for protection, and the electrical life energy within the stone, and a Quartz crystal point for affixing to your wand creating a focal point on for absorbing, storing, amplifying, balancing, focusing and transmitting the energy; should you choose to do so. You can purchase this want on Etsy HERE

The Herbal Tarot: 0 Fool Ginseng

The first card in The Herbal Tarot deck and the first card I will be studying in this introduction to the tarot with herbs is

0 The Fool Ginseng

The tarot deck pamphlet has this to say of the card:
"Ginseng is the herb of cosmic energy. It is a tonic and a demulcent. The root is used for all deficiencies and weaknesses. (Uranus)."

The Fool is the card of infinite possibilities so filled with visions, questions, wonder and excitement is he, that he doesn't see the cliff he is likely to fall over.
While it's wonderful to be enthralled with all around you, excited by all life has to offer, you still need to watch your step, lest you fall and end up looking the fool.
The Fool is always an indicator of newness; as well as the purity and open-hearted energy of a child. This is generally considered a positive card, with the caveat that it's important to take time to be sure that you are "looking where you're going."

The Fool is also the card of Primordial Deity.
This is the Deity before the making of the universe, when God, or Goddess, was One and complete in itself. Before the "Big Bang" so to speak.
This is the card of Beginnings, before even the story is laid out.
I like to think of the tarot as a story and the Fool is the decision of reading the story more than the opening or first words of the story itself.
The Primordial Deity plays into Ginseng being the "herb of cosmic energy."

Ginseng
(Panax ginseng or Panax quinquefolius)

Ruled by Uranus, Saturn and the Sun
Gender: Masculine
Element: Fire

Medicinal Properties:
Ginseng is known as the king of herbs because of its multitude of medicinal uses
Valued in Chinese medicine as a valued treatment for "yang" defficency in the spleen and kidneys, as well as for the effect it has on "Qi," or the vital force thought to be inherent in all things.

Ginseng is highly regarded as a stimulant and general tonic that promotes sexual potency, lust, vitality, and long life. Also considered to be great in aiding mind and body in adapting to stress, trauma and fatigue, as well as having some ability to increase stamina and stimulate the immune system

Drunk as a tea, Ginseng is believed to be a powerful lust-provoking aphrodisiac

CAUTION: Don't take Ginseng and Ginseng mixtures with Coffee as it will accelerate the caffeine effects on the body and can cause diarrhea.

Magical Properties:
The mystical and magical lore goes back for thousands of years.

The forked root of the plant also sometimes quite clearly resembles that of a human figure, giving rise to the aphrodisiac qualities associated with it. In fact, the most valuable roots of all are the few found with an appendage between the forked "legs" of the figure.

In modern magic, Ginseng root is carried to attract love, ensure sexual potency, enhance beauty, draw money, and promote general good health and vitality. It is also associated with protection,fulfillment of wishes, and spirituality.

Burning Ginseng root or powder as an incense is believed to ward off evil, break hexes or curses, repel negative spirits, and provide visualization fulfillment

In Hoodoo
For Male Vigor, keep Ginseng in a bottle of Holy Oil and use it to dress the penis.
To make a Gambling Hand, get a piece of Ginseng, a piece of Black Snake Root, a John the Conqueror Root slice, and three fresh seeds from a green (unripe) Red Pepper. Fold it toward you into a scrap of red flannel, soak it in Hoyt’s Cologne, sew it up, and place it in a red flannel bag.
To Control Your Mate, mix Angelica root powder and Ginseng root powder with an equal volume of white flour and scorch this in a pan on the stove, being careful not to burn it. Use it to dust the house for 9 days.

Ginseng is an effective substitute for mandrake in all spells.

Llewellyn Spell of the Day
Uses Ginseng for its cleansing and hex-breaking properties.
"For guarding health and drawing strength and courage, ginseng is very useful. It’s not for nothing that ginseng is called the “wonder of the world” root.
Carry the root with you, in pieces or whole, wrapped in a piece of red cloth and secured with gold or orange thread. Or else keep a ginseng pouch in your living room or on your altar.
Ginseng when burnt and used as a fumigant is potent for breaking hexes. For purifying home interiors, place ginseng root on your altar for three days.
Then soak it in a bowl of warm water and leave it to stand overnight. Sprinkle the water from the bowl around the rooms of your home, or on the windows and doors. Sprinkle the water in the four corners of the property for protection against entities. Store the ginseng water in a spray bottle.
Before you dress each morning, lightly spritz your body from head to foot. The ginseng spritz is especially helpful for those engaged in healing and psychic work."

Witches of the Craft also has a Ginseng Spell
Using the first dollar earned in a business wrapped around a ginseng root to bring prosperity.

The Good and Bad of Magic

The Good and Bad of Magic

“True magic is neither black nor white. It is both because Nature is both; loving and cruel.” – Lirio in The Craft 1996

Magic, the reason most people are drawn to the study of witchcraft, is the act of using the conscious mind and will power to actively control the all-pervasive energy that makes up the universe and focus it on one task.

The question of how to use this power and the ethics involved in making this decision has been a debate since mankind learned that they could harness this ability and use it for their individual purposes.

Good Magic vs. Bad Magic

Whether magic, or the act of doing magic, is good or bad is a question of morals and ethics that will change from person to person depending on his or her upbringing, culture, and background teachings and decisions.

In my opinion, the term Good Magic refers to the act of doing magic for the purpose of bettering the self and/or the world in general. Bad Magic, on the other hand, is the act of doing magic to harm others or the self. Harm is the key word in most definitions that differentiate good and bad magic.

The idea of harm and magic is where the magical practices and beliefs of the Wiccan faith refer to the Wiccan Rede, which states “Do what thou will and Harm none.” This is explained in Witch School Lesson 1 of the First Degree in that Wicca isn’t worried so much about who a person is sleeping with or if they are gambling, drinking or smoking so long as that person is not harming anyone.

The Gray Area

The gray area comes about in magic when practitioners begin to question whether their actions are indeed harmful.

The answer to this question is obvious to some when it comes to the idea of murder, however, it becomes gray area when a person is killing in order to protect family, property or the ideals of nation and religion.

Many agree love spells that force the emotions of another are wrong but do not question the ethics of spells that keep a man or wife faithful. One must ask if it is just as unethical as that man or woman having an affair.

Spells for prosperity are normally considered good magic. However, what if the spell that wins a witch a promotion at work causes another person more deserving to not reach their goal or, worse, get fired?

Then, there is the question of whether or not creating a commissioned spell or doing magic for a customer or friend that is harmful for another person reflects badly on the witch or the person commissioning the magic?

For many making these decisions, the question is not whether magic itself is good or bad but the intent of the witch, which cannot be easily judged by outsiders.

The Law of Karma

Many witches believe that when someone acts through harmful intent, magically or not, they receive their punishment through the Divine. Some witches call this reaction Karma while others refer to the Law of Three.

Karma is, in the Indian belief, an action that causes the cycle of cause and effect. This concept is that whatever person puts out into the universe with their actions, magical or mundane, there will be an effect on that person. This is the same for good magic or bad so that anyone doing bad magic will have something bad happen to them.

The Law of Three is a Wiccan belief that many witches take to literally mean that whatever a witch puts out into the universe will come back to them either in multiples of three or three times as forceful. However, many others, including the Correllian tradition, believe that three is simply a number of balance and that the actions of the witch will come back to them as many times as it takes for them to learn their lesson.

With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility

Magic is a blessing given by the Divine to people so that they can co-create the world around them. Whether the witch chooses to use this power for good or bad effects his or her reality, so that it is up to the witch to decide whether he or she would like live in a world wherein bad things continuously happen to him or her and those around them or if they will persist in using their abilities and practice to create good. 

*** This essay was written for my first lesson in my course to becoming a First Degree clergy of the Correllian Church***

The Herbal Tarot: About Tarot

In combination with my study of The Herbal Tarot, I will not only be reviewing the herbal associations but also the tarot deck itself.

I first studied tarot under reader June Wright who still reads professionally in Johnson City, TN at her shop Caravan Mystique on Spring Street. She is an excellent reader and teacher with the tarot, combining the traditional meanings of the cards and encouragement to read each spread with your intuition.
She taught me about the cards then had be apprentice with her by sitting in on readings and later doing readings under her observation. By the end of a couple of months I was reading at festivals and in her shop, which was then located a block away and under the name Unique Treasures.

To accompany my studies now, I have joined Tarot College, an online school with classes on tarot, readings, divination, specific decks, etc.
I am taking the course called Tarot which has reminded me of things I've forgotten over the last few years and taught me a things I never knew, leading me down paths in the Tarot I have never previously tread. I encourage you, if you are currently studying tarot, to give Tarot College a look.

An Introduction to the Tarot

This is a brief introduction. There are many many many books on tarot that explain the long and vague history of the deck, and I suggest that you read a few to give you a better idea of it than I can in a simple blog post.

No one really knows when Tarot cards were invented, or by whom, though people have advanced many theories over the centuries.
The Tarot supposedly made its first appearance, according to Tarot historian Tom Tadfor Little, as traditional playing cards first seen in Europe in 1375. How it got there is in dispute in most texts. Some believe it came from Egypt and the Middle East brought to Europe by the crusaders. Others hold that the Romany tribes brought it through Europe in their travels. I don't hold a strong belief either way and, though it sounds apathetic or critical, I don't really care much which one is true. Its "true" origins do not effect my studies or readings. This does not mean that I don't think that the study of the history of tarot is in any way pointless or unnecessary, just that bickering over its origins isn't helpful.

The earliest mention of the Tarot comes from an edict banning tarot in Bern, Germany issued in 1367. At this time the cards were called by the name Nahipi, and they may have consisted only of the playing cards we know today as the Minor Arcana.

The earliest description of a Tarot deck, written by Frater Johannes von Rheinfelden in 1377, describes only the four suits of the Minor Arcana. Also, the oldest surviving card deck, the so-called “Hunting Deck” of Stuttgard, dating from 1420, consists only of Minor Arcana cards.
The Major Arcana cards make their first verifiable appearance in the early 1400s, with the Visconti-Sforza cards providing the oldest surviving examples.

It does appear, however, that the first Tarot decks were created as a game. The decks were used to play a game called triumph that was similar to bridge. In triumph, 21 of the 22 special picture cards were permanent trump cards. The game spread quickly to all parts of Europe. People began referring to as tarocchi, which is an Italian version of the French word tarot, around 1530.

There does not appear to have been an agreed upon system of Major Arcana cards at first. Instead symbols were drawn from many sources; early decks include among their Major Arcana such images as the Planets, the Zodiacal signs, the Seven Virtues, the Muses, figures from Pagan mythology, etc… Some of the modern Major Arcana cards appeared from the beginning –such as the Fool- others did not make their initial appearance until much later. In particular the Devil card and the Tower were added to the Major Arcana during the era of the Reformation.

 The Major Arcana, or Trumps, are considered the fifth suit of the Tarot, but they are markedly different from the other four suits.  It is said that this is because the Major Arcana deal with spiritual things, while the other four suits, or Minor Arcana, deal with everyday situations.


The cards start with the Major Arcana and, importantly with
  0)   The Fool 

Herbal Tarot Study: Introduction

Those of you who follow me on Twitter or have chatted with me know that last month I received my new tarot deck: The Herbal Tarot. I will be studying the cards individually over time and decided to share my studies with you, dear readers. Feel free to follow my information here as if it were a free class or simply to supplement any tarot studies your are currently taking.


This deck combines my two favorite aspects of practicing witchcraft - Herbs and Tarot.
I have loved both since I was very young and just pulling down books on my head from the top shelf in the Spirituality section of my hometown library.
In this time of my life, I feel the herbal tarot will help me on my path of joining my spirituality with what I used to consider my mundane goal of becoming an herbalist or naturopathic healer.


Over a period of several months, I will be taking the card one at a time and studying not only the card itself but the herb accompanying the card. You will see posts on how to read the card, how to use the card in any spells or meditative work, how to use the herb in its culinary, medicinal or magical purposes, etc.
I hope that you enjoy these posts and learn something along with me.

An Introduction to The Herbal Tarot

The Deck was created by herbalist Michael Tierra and artist Candis Cantin. Published by U.S. Game Systems, Inc.
The book that accompanies this deck is out of print and therefore I have not seen it sold for less than $60 online. (I will not be using this book in this study as it is not logical to order it at this time with my budget).
The deck follows the sequence of the Rider-Waite Tarot and the introduction in the small pamphlet accompanying the book explains, "Anyone familiar with the Rider-Waite Tarot will be able to transcribe their understanding to the Herbal Tarot."

The herbs were assigned to the cards intuitively based on astrological correspondences, symbolism and traditional, folklore and biological uses.
Here is the reason I love this deck:
"The Herbal Tarot is designed to integrate the healing properties of traditional herbs with the tarot. Thus it is a useful introduction both to the ancient arts of herbalism and to occult mysticism...Herbs, when joined with the tarot, can provide a symbolic material manifestation to accompany a specific divination."

The Deck Itself

Candis Cantic is the artist of this deck. She worked with the art form the Rider-Wait deck and added a natural flare not only with a picture of the herb associated but with the characters in the deck itself. The Queens of the deck are near a natural body of water, the Kings enthroned with natural stone, the Page of Pentacles is gardening, etc.

On the back of the cards is a balanced design of rosemary with four blue flowers.
From my own meditations on the back of the card I believe that the four flowers are meant to assign the four corners of a sacred circle. Each flower has eight petals that resemble the Wheel of the Year with its eight sabbats. The inner red petals symbolizing the four seasons in that year.
The rosemary on the back of the card has many magical properties. The properties that I believe most influence readings with this deck include protection, mental powers and purification. These powers would benefit any deck by aiding in cleansing it between readings and grounding it before the next reading is begun.

Reviews

There are many reviews of this deck online. The following links are to some of the ones I read and liked.

The Aeclectic Tarot did a few reviews of this deck.
http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/herbal/review.shtml

Tarot Reader Jan reviews the deck on Angel Paths
http://www.angelpaths.com/tarotherb.html

Basic (Magical) Herbs: Lesson 2

Dill (Anethum gravelus)


Medicinal Uses: digestive disorders, infections, diuretic

Magickal Uses: protection, love and and aphrodisiac (seeds) as well as Money and Luck

May be hung in childrens' rooms to protect them from evil spirits and protect against bad dreams.
Use dill seeds in money spells.
Take a dill bath to make yourself irresistible


Witch in the Kitchen explains that while Dill (the plant) is an herb, the seeds are actually a spice on her blog post HERE

I think that most of us know Dill best as part of the pickling spices used for cucumbers to make Dill Pickles. However, there are many other pickle recipes that call for dill including green tomatoes and
Green Beans like those sold by Darling Delights 2012 on Etsy HERE

Etsy has many other dill recipes available including dill bread and dips.




Sage (Salvia Officianalis)


Medicinal Uses: astringent, anti-inflammatory, digestive
A drying agent in the body.
The tea can be used for night sweats, breast milk, and mucous congestion.
Benefits nerves and the menstrual cycle.
An astringent, helps with diarrhea
Use as a sore throat gargle.
A poultice for sores and stings.
Homeopathic form is used for night sweats, coughs and dry breast milk.

Magickal Uses: purification, wisdom, wishes
Tradition holds that whomever eats sage becomes immortal in both wisdom and years.
Used for wish manifestation and to attract money.

It is my personal opinion that every witch should be familiar with this herb.
It is a wonderful purifying herb whether used in an herb mix, as an incense or in smudging wands, which is probably most popular for.
I have used white sage for smudging not only in my home but for the ritual cleansing of someone dear to me who was very ill and fearful of having cancer. Sage has a wonderful smell, the smoke is a beautiful white and swirls through air, touching everything with its purifying essence.

Moma Sarah of ConjureCardea offers bundles of California White Sage
She explains "Our Native elders have taught us that before a person can be healed or heal another, one must be cleansed of any bad feelings, negative thoughts, bad spirits or negative energy - cleansed both physically and spiritually. This helps the healing to come through in a clear way, without being distorted or sidetracked by negative "stuff" in either the healer or the client. The elders say that all ceremonies, tribal or private, must be entered into with a good heart so that we can pray, sing, and walk in a sacred manner, and be helped by the spirits to enter the sacred realm."
You can buy this sage and other herbs and curios from Moma Sarahs shop on Etsy HERE

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
The poisonous herb of the week.


Medicinal Uses: used to make heart medication, digoxin
Anyone who has or has had a loved one with heart or blood problems has probably heard of the medication Digitalis, which is made from a component of foxglove or a synthesized version of the component.

Magickal Uses: to attract fairies, protection from evil as well as increases confidence and self esteem, wounds to the heart, old grief that has refused to process, ease mental turmoil, quit mind, connect to heart, releasing past life patterns. Karmic patterns.

MoonlightCrystals offers a Heart Chakra Flower Essence that includes Foxglove as well as other flower and crystal essences.
There is even a Self Healing Ceremony included that has Introspection, Visualization and Affirmation.
You can purchase this Essence elixir at MoonlightCrystals shop on Etsy HERE

Ritual Bath

In the months and year to come I will be taking a few courses on spirituality and healing/herbalism.

One of these courses is the First Degree course for Witch School. The first lesson in this degree involves a bath as the spell of the month. Sounds simple enough except when you get into the spell, it involves reviewing and releasing all the painful memories of the past. 

That being said, the spell does involve some herbs. 

In the bath or in a cheesecloth (like a tea bag) I'm asked to add a handful each of Rosemary, Sage and Sea Salt. 

Rosemary:

A sun-related masculine herb with the element of fire.

Energies include cleansing and purification as well as protection. 

This is also a great herb for mental clarity.

Used for kitchen witchery as well as ritual magic, this is also a great herb for the garden or a small potted plant. 

Other purposes- rosemary is used in incense, dream pillows, to asperge a ritual space with holy water, and was even used in wedding garlands in the past. 

On a more personal note - Rosemary was one of the herbs in the bath mix i was given for my first less on with Herbal Healer Academy. I find it suiting that it is another rosemary bath that starts me on this first degree course. 

Sage

Another masculine herb, sage has the properties of Air and is associated with Jupiter. 

Energies include purification, healing, mental clarity and amplification, and prosperity.

Sage can even be used to contact spirit guides and expand the self to reach the Higher Self. 

I am most used to using Sage as a smudging stick for ritual cleansing of a space or a person and I believe that this use most reflects is Air-like quality. 

Salt

While not an herb, salt is used in all forms of magick form High Ritual to low garden or kitchen witchery. 

Today we have access to all kinds of salt from Pink Himalayan (my personal favorite) to black to white flaky sea salt. 

For this bath purpose course sea salt or even bath salts can be used. 

Its always best to make your own ritual tools, including herbal blends, but if you wanted something ready to go, there are many stores online and off that offer a variety of herbal bath salt blends for various purposes. 

This Wicca Ritual Cleansing Bath Salt is made with quartz crystal (which you can easily add to your own bath mix if using a tea ball or cheesecloth). This particular blend was mixed on a Full Moon during a "Raging" storm, so it will also hold that powerful energy amplified by the crystals. 

Buy at The Witches Corner on Etsy

This beautiful blend I could not describe better than the words on the website so I will simply share them here with you:

"This is the "healed" blend of exclusive Sage Goddess bath salts, designed to facilitate physical and emotional wellness through purification and detoxification. This mixture of pure essential oils and organic herbs will encourage you to breathe deeply and clearly...

The mint leaves (spearmint and peppermint) are organic. The four essential oils in my blend - a mixture of rosemary, peppermint, and ruby grapefruit - are organic and pure. A combination of sea and dead salt provides texture and softens skin.

I package the salt mixture with one piece of bloodstone, which you can see in the photo; all salts are smudged with sage before shipping. My intention is that when you open the package, you will feel instantly at peace, ready to clear your mind and body of whatever illness or unwell sensations you have. Let go of what does not serve."

You can buy this exquisite blend at The Sage Goddess on Etsy

This collection of bath salts use herbs, resins and essential oils and are made individuality so that you can decide on just one herbal energy or a few to blend yourself to your discretion. 

Currently available are Dragons Blood, Lemongrass Sage, Hyssop (another clarifying herb), and the aforementioned Rosemary. 

Plus, they're available in these darling apothecary jars that I love. 

You can purchase these salts at Findias Emporium on Etsy.








*Magickal properties of herbs found in Scott Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

Magical Classes and Coursework

There are so many people in the world that want to learn to create magick. Students seek mentors, teachers, leaders, priests and more to teach them about magick, spellwork, herbs, healing, crystals, and more.
With the wonderful world wide web, finding these classes has become easier and easier with a variety of classes ranging from free mini-courses to more expensive classes that end with certifications and know-how to start your own practice.

The following are just a few of those courses that I've come across in my time looking for my own teacher.

Free:

Confessions of a Kitchen Witch offers Free Wicca/Witchcraft Lessons and, while there are already a few lessons up, they haven't gone very far and you can sign up to be part of the lessons any time.

WitchSchool is a very popular website that I usually don't feel a need to explain the site or what it offers. Amongst its many offerings is a selection of basic classes for free including Basic Herbs, Living the Wiccan Life, and Progressive Witchcraft.
While this is on the Free section of this post, if you want access to their other classes like Wicca in the Military or Intro to Animal Herbology you can pay a variety of ways - $5 a month or $99 lifetime memberships available.


Tuition Based Coursework

The Enchanted School of Witchcraft offers 3 degrees (Initiat, Adept, High Priestess) with classes like Herb magic, Craft Tools, Psychic Skills and Tarot. Their cost is $2500 or $50 a month. There is a waiting list as she only accepts a limited number of students so that each student can get individual time with their teacher.

Karmic Journey offers courses online and through correspondence. Each student receives a Practitioner's Starter Kit of sample oils and herbs. Classes include basic Wicca theory and correspondences and there are 15-16 lessons. Tuition for Internet based students is currently $10.50 with a promotion they're currently offering. Correspondence student tuition is $75.

The Magicka School offers 2 sets of courses. There is a free membership program that offers 2 set of courses - Wicca Revealed and Beginners Tarot. The Paid membership program costs $55 for lifetime membership or $33 annually and among the many benefits are the Advanced Tarot and Herbal Compleat Courses as well as various e-books, e-zines and the ability to obtain certificates for completed courses.


Oberon Zell-Ravenheart created The Grey School of Wizardry with several other well-known witches and wizards to provide classes to interested student both young and adult. Inspired by the Harry Potter classes, the school even has houses for younger students and lodges for the older students with contests between and within said groups. Classes offered include Wortcunning, Dark Arts, Performance Magick and Alchemy.
For younger students the monthly fee is $4 with a level up fee ranging form $2.50 to $15. For adult students the cost is $8 monthly with level up fee from $5 to $30.


Certified Course Work

Certified Crystal Healer Course is offered by the Hibiscus Moon Crystal Academy. It is not continuous so if you miss an opening, feel free to sign up to receive updates on the course and when it will be enrolling again.

Herbal Healer Academy offers classes for students to obtain certifications for Herbalism, Acupressure, Qi Gong, Homeopathy, Bach Flower Remedies, and Survival as well as other courses. Students can even obtain certification as a Naturopathic Healer. Herbalism courses are $20 a lesson with $8 shipping. Other courses vary in price depending on number of lessons, books and other text involved.

Susun Weed's Wise Woman University offers a variety of courses created by Susun Weed and other herbal teaching experts. Classes include Herbal First Aid, Green Witch, Intuitive Developement, Creating Altars and Creative Writing. Correspondence courses range from $450 to $550 with the ability to pay $50 monthly. Online courses range from $75 to $175 depending on how lengthy or in-depth the course is.



If you find other courses online that you have found beneficial and offer classes on herbs or magick please let me know. Thank you.

Nourishing Infusion Course by Susun Weed

Learn to create nourishing herbal infusions by the well known wise woman Susun Weed for free!

Susun is offering this course for free on her Wise Woman University - a savings of $150!

I just enrolled and look forward to the lessons on why infusions offer superior medical qualities than teas, building relationships and making lifestyle choices with herbs and infusions.

Will you join me?

Nourishing Herbal Infusions - Drink Your Way to Health