We had warm, wet weather all spring.
Now, white autumn is clear and cold.
Dew frozen, drifting mists gone,
Bottomless heavens open over this
Vast landscape of clarity,
And mountains stretch away,
Their towering peaks an unearthly
Treasure of distance.
These fragrant woodland chrysanthemums
Ablaze, green pines lining the clifftops:
Isn’t this the immaculate heart of beauty,
This frost-deepened austerity?
Sipping wine, I think of recluse masters.
A century away, I nurture your secrets.
Your true nature eludes me here,
But taken by quiet,
I can linger this exquisite moon
Out to the end. – T’ao Ch’ien (365-427)
To Grow:
Classic lavender grows to 3-4 ft high and wide. Leaves are 2 inches long, gray,
smooth on margins, and narrow. Flowers are lavender, 1/2 inch long on 1/12 to 2
ft spikes in July-August. Plant in good soil. Water regularly.
Uses:
An effective herb for headaches. Can be used in the clearing of depression,
especially when used with other remedies. It can be used to soothe and promote
natural sleep. It can help ease the pains of rheumatism when used externally as
an oil.
Part used:
Flowers. Collect just before they open in early summer and early fall. Dry
gently in a room not above 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of the dried flowers and leave to infuse
for 10 minutes. Drink three times a day.
Oil:
Do not take the oil internally. It can be inhaled, rubbed on the skin, or used
in baths.
Lovers have long used the beauty of flowers and herbs to express true feelings from their hearts. the individual meaning of each herbs, spice, and flower began in the Orient and was introduced to the West in 1716 by Lady Montague while her husband served as the English ambassador to the Turkish government in Constantinople. The language of herbs and flowers soon spread to France and reached its height of popularity in the nineteenth century. Flowers and herbs added spontaneity to romance and made flirting great fun. Some believe each herb and plant still has a silent message for each of us. As we learn to harmonize with Mother Nature, we will gain more understanding of the nonverbal communication that speaks from our hearts.
The following in-between posts are adapted from The Language of Flowers (Dover, 1965) and The Folklore of Plants (Dyer, 1889).
Magickal Uses: The peony has long been revered for its protective powers. Worn, it guards the body, spirit, and soul; place in the home it wards off evil spirits and planted in the garden it protects it against evil and storms. The seeds or roots are hung around a child’s neck to guard it from mischievous fairies and imps. A variation of this entails carving peony roots into small beads (called “piney beads”) and then stringing them. These are also worn for protection. Peony roots worn with coral and flint keep away the incubus.
Mints especially spearmint, are drunk as a tea to comfort the nerves. Mint boiled in milk is a remedy for lactose intolerance. Leaves are bruised and applied with salt to dog bites. As a culinary herb, it is boiled with fish or dried and added with pennyroyal to puddings and green peas.,
Plant: Gaillardia “Indian Blanket”
Harvest time: June
Material: Fresh flowers, leaves, stems
Vessel: Enamel or granite
Boil 1 pound of fresh material in 5 gallons of water for 2 hours. Strain; add 1/4 cup of raw alum to the water. Allow to dissolve by boiling 10 minutes before adding 1 pound of wet yarn. Mix well and boil the yarn for 2 hours. Steep overnight before rinsing several times.
Herb of the Day: Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus):
Local name: Clove Pink.
“The clove gilloflower is most used in physiche… and is accounted to be very cordiall.” John Parkinson.
Folk Names:
jove’s flower, gillies, gilliflower, sops-in-wine
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Powers: Protection, Strength, Healing
When made into a syrup (5 pints boiling water to 3 pounds flower heads; 2 pounds sugar per pint), Parkinson claimed it to be “good for disorders of the brain.” Gerard said that it help ease heart sickness.
CAUTION!! Commercial Carnations are often “DYED”. Not knowing what the dyes used are, I would NOT ADVISE you to use Commercial Carnations!!
Magickally associated with: Sun, Fire. Was once worn by Witches to prevent capture and hanging. A sachet stuffed with the flowers and inhaled deeply, is said to help you to get over heartaches. Said to produce added energy in ritual when used in incense. Use in all-purpose protection spells. Gives strength and energy to the sick. Place fresh carnation on the altar during healing spells and add dried flowers to healing sachets and incenses.
“Carnations and streaked gillyflowers, the fairest flowers of the season…” William Shakespeare, A Winter’s Tale
Blessings,
Lady Becky
‘May we live in peace without weeping. May our joy outline the lives we touch without ceasing. And may our love fill the world, angel wings tenderly beating.’
Witches Of The Craft® 