Morrigan:

Well if you will all settle down and take your seats....

Merry Meet and welcome to Wicca 101. The subject of this evening's class is herbal magic and will be hosted by Lionflower.

IbisWolf:

{ takes seat...has pen and paper ready :) }

OceansShadow:

{in my seat}

melilott:

can I take sylver's seat instead {EG}

TheMrsLDruid:

{shutting up}

Typo Deamon:

{lays down at Morrigan feet} ok IM ready

Morrigan:

I will be door ward tonight

CLASS ETIQUETTE:

1) Please keep all Blessed Be's, Merry Meet's and Merry Part's in IM until our class is completed.

2) The Doorward holds the right of EXCLUSION WITHOUT COMMENT. Should an exclusion be called, please do NOT talk to or about the excludee until class is completed.

3) In case of disaster{G}, would 1 or 2 who expect to be present for the entire class please log as back up?

Shinma4v:

logging on

melilott:

logged on

Herne1734:

flame on

Morrigan:

Lionflower, you have the floor my dear

LIONFLOWER:

Thanks!

HERBAL MAGICK FOR BEGINNERS

This is an introduction to herbal magick. The class is designed for individuals with a basic working knowledge of magickal principles. Though the content of the class has Wiccan influences, anyone may effectively use herbal magick. The class was constructed using several texts (a list will be provided at the end) and the Lionflower Book of Shadows. Here is what we will be covering: 1. How herbs are used in magick 2. Why herbs are used in magick 3. Basic herbs 4. Spell structure and construction

I will pause at the end of each section to allow for questions. Now, let's get started!

How Herbs Are Used In Magick Herbal magick is earth magick. When using earth magick your spell will have long lasting and stable effects. For instance, if you do an herbal money spell, you are not likely to win the lottery tomorrow. You are more likely to land a better paying job or promotion. Herbal magick is effective on its own, or combined with other types of magick for various results. You could combine, say, herbal and candle magick for an earth/ fire spell for money, and your outcome would be stable, but more immediate. In herbal magick, quality counts more than quantity so choose or harvest your herbs carefully and in an appropriate manner. Many people who harvest their own herbs for magickal purposes use a special cutting knife called a boleen. (Lady Nightshade held a class on magickal tools. Check the Wicca BB for transcripts.) Roots should be harvested during the waning moon, whereas foliage (when used for positive magick) should be cut during the waxing or full moon. Depending upon the complexity of the spell, you can cut your herbs upon the appropriate day of the week, (an herb ruled by the Sun would be cut on Sunday), and some people go so far as to cut their herbs at the appropriate HOUR, when the herb's planet is in the moon's house!

It's not necessary, however, to delve into so much detail when starting out. If you don't have the luxury of having a garden, herbs that are bought in bulk from your local health food store can be very effective. There are also mail-order sources for some of the hard-to-get herbs. (A list of such will be provided upon request.) I personally don't recommend the herbs in fancy jars from the supermarket... you never know what you're really going to get!

QUESTIONS?

5, 4, 3, 2...

Morrigan:

lol

Shinma4v:

Q: do you lose the potency of the herb if bought in a store??

autumn:

lol

LIONFLOWER:

Shinma, you can't be sure that the herb you get in the store is actually what it says on the package for instance, Cinnamon you buy in the store isn't really cinnamon, but another herb that is sweeter (can't remember name) but I can find out for you

Nestor:

Lionflower --where do you get the planetary attribution of the herb -- from Cullpeppers or some other text?

Shinma4v:

true

LIONFLOWER:

Yes, Nestor, as I will explain later in the class, you will find the planetary/essence info in a good book on herbal magick

Nestor:

thanks

LIONFLOWER:

any more?

Cathbad:

Q: What about packages in stores, labeled "Genuine" such and such. Especially if they are Cinnamon sticks or full leaves of whatever herb it happens to be?

melilott:

what about the so called "fresh" herbs in the produce sections

LIONFLOWER:

hang on Cath, I'm getting to that... shall we move on to the next section?

Cathbad:

That too.

LIONFLOWER:

I'll probably answer your questions there. :)

Cathbad:

OK.

Praxidice:

Lion, just a comment, even if u buy seedlings for your own planting, sometimes u don't even get what it says.. be careful.

LIONFLOWER:

If not, remind me, okay}

Cathbad:

OK. LIONFLOWER Good point, Prax; okay, let's continue

LIONFLOWER:

Why Herbs Are Used In Magick

Why use herbs at all? Why not just candles or by raising energy? Herbs are used in magick for their "vibrations" or "essences". What does this mean? Herbs, like people, have gender, are ruled by a planet, an element, and sometimes, are sacred to a certain deity. There are several texts out there that will provide you with this essential information.

Growing and nurturing herbs in a special garden provides you with the advantage of having your own energies already in the plant. Then, a plant such as laurel, ruled by the Sun will have all of the influence of the Sun and fire along with your personal energies.

Another reason to use herbs in magick is diversity. You can burn them as incense and make special incense blends to compliment your needs. You can use the essential oils in cleansing baths and anointing oils. You can even use them culinarily for special ritual foods or magickal dishes.

Let's get into some detail on basic herbs and how to use them.

BASIC HERBS

Many witches have a list of tried-and-true herbs. There are several opinions concerning the "must haves" and nobody can really agree on what is mandatory. The key is: Use whatever works best for you! Everything you need to get started in herbal magick is probably sitting in your back yard (or, okay, your kitchen)right now. Let's discuss some of these wonderfully magickal CULINARY herbs.

SAGE is a staple in herbal magick. It is commonly used by magicians as a "smudge", which means it cleanses and purifies, or, more practically, keeps bugs away. Wiccans and other magicians use sage to cense the sacred space, or circle. Though it is commonly used as an incense, it is also widely used in baths, especially the purification bath taken before working magick.

Another common herb that is often used in magick is ROSEMARY. The vibrations of this herb lend themselves well to healing magick. It's magickal properties of protection and love make it a suitable substitute for FRANKINCENSE.

GARLIC is an herb that is sacred to Hecate. This protective and healing herb can be used in a variety of ways, especially when combining culinary magick with healing magick.

Every kitchen witch has BASIL within his/her grasp. It's wonderful for tomato dishes, sure! But what about it's magickal aspects? You may be surprised at it's diversity. Basil is associated with the element Fire. Primarily, it is used for love and/or protection spells. In a crunch, basil can be used for health spells.

This is an abbreviated list of culinary herbs that can be used in magick. If you intend to pursue herbal magick, I recommend that you go out and buy a good reference book that states the magickal properties of herbs. It will include references for these "regular- everyday" herbs as well as some of the more intricate and hard to find varieties. Let's look at some of the other varieties of herbs, now.

Earlier I mentioned FRANKINCENSE. This has to be one of the most popular herbs for cleansing and protection. Burned as an incense, it has an uplifting effect on the spirit, and all negativity in the area is banished.

MYRRH is usually burned with Frankincense. It acts as an amplifier t the effects of the Frankincense. However, it has cleansing properties of its own.

Dragon's Blood is another of the basic essential herbs. On it's own it is effective in love magick (and to bring back one's potency). It is also quite good as an "amplifier" to dominant herbs in your spell.

One of my personal favorites is MUGWORT. This plant has several uses. It is infused (made into tea) and used to wash magickal tools. It can also be used to heighten psychic ability or bring visions in ritual. Experiment with this herb and learn its many uses for yourself.

QUESTIONS?

IbisWolf:

Q: Does Eye of Newt have another name?

Shinma4v:

Mandrake??

LIONFLOWER:

yes! it does!

DethDesire:

what about the deadly herbs?

LIONFLOWER:

Ibis.... remind me after class and I will look it up for you...Mandrake sounds right

IbisWolf:

ok :)

DethDesire:

....and no I'm not planning to poison my husband {VBG}

Shinma4v:

mandrake {-- deadly herb

Praxidice:

Lion, I have a comment about Mandrake...

LIONFLOWER:

Deth, If you buy a good text, it will tell you which are poisonous

Go ahead, Prax

Praxidice:

never mind, it was answered.

Cathbad:

(inserting here: Just that I have found numerous uses for Dragon's Blood far beyond love magick.)

DethDesire:

but some are useful in the right proportions

LIONFLOWER:

What have you found, Cath?

Sylverhare:

Mugwort is given as the name of several species, up here some people use it for Indian-Pipe Weed, what is the Latin name of the mugwort used in texts?

autumn:

does dragons blood have any other names?

Cathbad:

It generally charges any space.

Le Pup:

artemesia ...vulgaris

Shinma4v:

What properties does mandrake have Lion??

Cathbad:

It can heighten the power within a circle tremendously until the circle almost throbs.

LIONFLOWER:

yes, Pup, Artemesia Vulgaris

Artemis?

Sylverhare:

thanks

Cathbad:

(I've also found Frankincense (sp!) almost completely indispensable.)

Herne1734:

if burned as an incense it's billowing smoke also acts as a vehicle for manifestation Cath

autumn:

thanks

Praxidice:

Lion, have u ever had a problem with people trying to pass off Mugwort as Sage?

Cathbad:

True. Actually, I meant burned as an incense.

LIONFLOWER:

Mandrake: poisonous: Masculine, mercury, Fire, Sacred to Hecate

LIONFLOWER:

Never, Prax..... have you?

Shinma4v:

Thank you LION

LIONFLOWER:

Mandrake: protection, fertility, money

Praxidice:

Yeah, at a place in Delaware...was wondering if anyone else had that problem.

LIONFLOWER:

Mugwort, when smoked, gives very different effects than sage. {g}

Praxidice:

A good plant I have found for love spells is Lavender, I couldn't do without it!

LIONFLOWER:

..... and that's all I can say about that.

Yes, Prax.... Lavender and Rose Petals

Sylverhare:

LOL Lion

Morrigan:

interesting lion {G}

Typo Deamon:

{ has smoked many things but never mugwort {g}

LIONFLOWER:

LOL

TheMrsLDruid:

{s lol}

LIONFLOWER:

Okay, anyone else have a Q that I didn't answer?

Shinma4v:

::smiles::

Hugmeister:

I do

Hugmeister:

What's your definition of an herb?

LIONFLOWER:

The Nightshades are poisonous, also... and they grow commonly through out the US

DethDesire:

{G}

LIONFLOWER:

An Herb is a useful plant, Huggy....and all plants are useful in some way

Herne1734:

Do you limit your use of Mandrake to Talismanistic magick Lionflower?

Hugmeister:

SO ANY PLANT THAT IS USEFULL NOT JUST FOR COOKING PURPOSES

RebbelleRose:

Lion, actually, the American Nightshade is only vaguely poisoning, it's the UK variant that's truly poisonous!

LIONFLOWER:

I don't use Mandrake because I have a little one

Cathbad:

I find all plants "useful".

LIONFLOWER:

Rebbelle, still, poisonous enough to keep your kids away from... and your pets

Cathbad:

(Some of my best friends are plants. {g})

LIONFLOWER:

LOL

Praxidice:

A Comment, American Mandrake and English Mandrake are two different plants...

Typo Deamon:

LOL

RebbelleRose:

True enough Lion!

LIONFLOWER:

Okay, shall we move on? :)

Morrigan:

yes

LIONFLOWER:

True, Prax.

Okay, here we go.....

USING HERBS IN MAGICK

Okay, let's get into the fun stuff. We have a list of all kinds of cool herbs, great! Now what are we going to do with them? Well, let's start with the culinary herbs. Let's say that I've had a particularly difficult day at work.(for a change? {g}) I'm filled with all kinds of negative energy and it's bringing me down. Since I'm too tired to cook dinner and then perform a spell to get rid of my negativity, I'll combine the two activities. As the chicken is thawing in the microwave, I go to the herb closet and pick out ROSEMARY and SAGE. Remember, Rosemary is for healing and sage banishes negativity (is cleansing). I take the remainder of the time the chicken is thawing to concentrate my need INTO MY HERBS (the release of negativity), say a prayer to my deities, and set them aside somewhere clean until they are ready to add to my chicken dish. When the chicken dish is complete and I sit down to eat, I visualize with every bite the negativity leaving my body as the cleansing herbs enter it. This is a very simple form of herbal spell. It is also very effective.

Another way to use herbs in magick is as a charged incense. By focusing your need into herbs and then burning the herbs, you are releasing the energy as well as tuning with the vibrations of the herbs to work a spell. For example, as a simple hex breaking spell, hold some Rosemary in your hand and visualize white or blue light surrounding it, then permeating it, until the rosemary is one with the light. Set the charged herb on a burning charcoal and as you do chant something appropriate or pray. Your need combined with the vibrations of the cleansing herb are sent as it is burning. It is being released to the powers that be. There are many other uses for herbs in magick. You can use essential oils to dress candles for candle magick and are then using both candle and herb magick. You can stuff sachets or pillows or poppets with herbs for a small charm. If you use Faerie magick, essential oil mixed with a carrier oil can make an appealing scent for a focal point for your spells.

As mentioned before, it's not the quantity of herbs you use, but the quality that matters. Pure herbs cut for specific purposes are best because their "vibrations" are what is used in herbal magick. Some herbs, like garlic, have a specific deity they tune to. Herbs in spells can be used individually, or in a group as amplifiers, carriers, or the main herb.

QUESTIONS?

IbisWolf:

Q: Is there a difference between essential oils and oils such as "Egyptian Goddess"

DethDesire:

are essential oils just as "effective" as fresh herbs?

IbisWolf:

that you would wear

LIONFLOWER:

Oils already combined are used for specific purposes....nothing says, though that you can't use them for your own needs

Spell Jammer:

Q: Can the mixing of herbs change outcome or effect of the original (predicted) end?

LIONFLOWER:

Find out what is in Egyptian Goddess.

LIONFLOWER:

Deth, yes.

Spell, That question will be answered in the next section of class: You must charge each herb for its intended purpose

Spell Jammer:

Ok.

IbisWolf:

I'll have to write to them and ask

DethDesire:

ummmm..what about marijuana?

DethDesire:

{G}

LIONFLOWER:

Ibis: that's a good idea.... find out what the combo is, and then you can apply it to your magick

melilott:

should be listed on bottle ibis

IbisWolf:

I just checked :(

Typo Deamon:

good call Deth

Hugmeister:

Pot is not good it clouds your mind

LIONFLOWER:

Deth, actually, m.j. is a great herb for visionary quests, but Illegal. :(

Hugmeister:

And prohibits you being able to cleanse yourself.

DethDesire:

but what of other uses?

Morrigan:

for now {G}

Spell Jammer:

Not illegal if you are in a sweat lodge.

LIONFLOWER:

LOL

IbisWolf:

:)

LIONFLOWER:

Any more questions?

Sylverhare:

Oils for wear are usually also cut with something like mineral oil or olive oil too, Ibis, cause essential oils are to strong

LIONFLOWER:

comments?

Boudica:

Queen Victoria used MJ to ease the menstrual cramps

Morrigan:

LOL

Boudica:

She found it quite effective,

LIONFLOWER:

She was happy. {g}

DethDesire:

LOL

LIONFLOWER:

Okay, let's move on.......

TheMrsLDruid:

heehehe

LIONFLOWER:

Let's look now at how an herbal spell is structured.

SPELL STRUCTURE

Many workers of magick use the essence information regarding the herb to achieve peak effectiveness in their spells. Just as you would never burn incense in your chalice, you would not use ALOE (planet: moon, element: water) as a primary plant to raise someone's passion. You would probably choose DRAGON'S BLOOD (planet: Mars, element: fire) as your primary herb for a passion spell. As in all magick, you should align your spell to the days of the week and phase of the moon. (NOTE: Raising someone's passion without their knowledge or consent goes against the basic law of folk magick: Harm none. You should NEVER use your magick to interfere with the free will of another being.)

So far we have discussed using one herb in an herbal spell. However, to make a really interesting and successful culinary dish you would probably use more than one herb to season it. The same goes in magick. Many herbs compliment each other magickally. They may act as accelerators or amplifiers to the primary herb. Let's look at this in-depth.

Above we mentioned using Dragon's Blood in a spell to increase passion. Alone, this would probably do quite well, but to drive the spell home and to obtain the focus I desire, I would add CINNAMON. Cinnamon (planet: sun, element: fire) acts as an amplifier to many herbs. As you can see, it has the element Fire in common with Dragon's Blood, but adds the power of the Sun to the spell. Cinnamon, alone, has characteristics to increase passion and therefore compliments the main herb.

Just two herbs is awkward (for reasons lost to time, it is difficult to comprehend using an even number of herbs to cast a spell) so I would probably add GINGER (planet: sun, element: fire). Ginger is primarily used for love, but since this is a "carrier" herb, I would be focusing upon its "success" characteristics, and charge it with that intent.

So, my spell would consist of first, charging the Dragon's Blood with my initial intent (to increase passion), and it then becomes my "main" herb. Then I would focus upon the cinnamon (to intensify the effects of the main herb), and concentrate upon it as my "amplifier". Then I would focus upon the successful end result with the ginger as my "carrier" herb. I would combine these three herbs, in this order, and then charge them all together to create unity.

I could then stuff them into a poppet or sachet and give them to the intended party, or utilize them as an incense. You will notice that spells of this nature tend to produce results more quickly. Herbal spells can be extremely intricate, and, face it, you get out of a project what you put into it.

QUESTIONS?

Sylverhare:

Great dessert for that romantic dinner then GINGERBREAD!!!!{G}

IbisWolf:

Q: Why is using only two herbs awkward?

DethDesire:

..you mentioned aloe.. moon/water and dragon's blood mars/fire...I don't understand how dragon's blood would be used for love, doesn't moon/water rule emotions, feelings?

LIONFLOWER:

lol

Ibis: for reasons lost to time, an odd number of herbs has always been ideal for magickal use.... plus, 3 is such a magickal number

IbisWolf:

ok :)

Praxidice:

Yes, if I was doing an herbal spell to make sure a person gets a maximum jail sentence for something they did to you, would that be interfering with their free will?

Typo Deamon:

or stopping them from harming another}?

LIONFLOWER:

That's not interfering with their will,

Praxidice:

Ok, that's what I needed to know! Thanks.

LIONFLOWER:

You could always call upon Justice, however, to assist you.

Hugmeister:

Wouldn't that be interfering with the judges will or the juries?

Praxidice:

Lion, I've done that!

DethDesire:

LOL

Typo Deamon:

Lion I have a question along those lines LIONFLOWER Huggy, That's why I would call upon Justice instead of doing a spell.

LIONFLOWER:

Go ahead, Typo

Typo Deamon:

is it acceptable to use magick to prevent someone from harming another?

LIONFLOWER:

I would say it is acceptable to do a protection spell for the

Typo Deamon:

preventive detention if you will {g}

LIONFLOWER:

person who may be harmed

RebbelleRose:

While in Q period, I must go.. {sigh} Lion, could you post the list of books for this?

LIONFLOWER:

or even a binding upon the harming person

Any one have other comments as to the binding?

I will at the end, Rebbelle. :)

RebbelleRose:

{-- has to go, could you post it on the BB?

LIONFLOWER:

yes, Rebbelle

Nestor:

Lionflower what about using herbs as infusions such a basil and rosemary in vinegar for salads and tinctures like caraway seeks in alcohol in cooking and flavorings to carry your charge

LIONFLOWER:

Ibis: I will research the use of an odd number of herbs for you.

IbisWolf:

thank you :)

LIONFLOWER:

Yes, Nestor, just one more way of using the culinary herbs for magickal benefit. :)

So I can give you a better answer.

Okay, let's move on...unless there are more questions?

Morrigan:

not me

LIONFLOWER:

Finally, we will discuss a LAYERED SPELL, and with this I will give an example of a successful herbal spell I created. A layered spell is a spell within a spell. Visualize an onion and you get the idea. My sister was having trouble focusing at work and she was being inundated by co-worker's negativity. By the end of the day she was stressed and drained of her personal energies. I chose a Sunday to work the power/calmness spell because Sunday is the day of healing and employment. For this spell, I started off with a stick of cinnamon. My intent for this stick of cinnamon was one of power. I wanted it to be like a capacitor: to lend a burst of energy to my sister when she needed it most. I raised a significant amount of energy and sent it all into this stick of cinnamon. I put it aside care- fully on my pentacle (a cleansed dish or plate will do). Then I began formulating the rest of the spell. She needed a sense of calm success at work. I wove a spell including chamomile (planet: Sun, element: water, essence: money, sleep, relaxation), lavender (planet: Mercury, element: air, essence: happiness, peace) and lemon grass (planet: Mercury, element: air, essence: psychic powers). My intent was to help her calmly overcome any obstacles at work (chamomile and lavender), increase intuition which aids in problem solving (lemon grass), and give her that extra boost of energy to get through the difficult times (cinnamon).

Each herb, though working together, was charged for a different purpose. I charged each separately and added them one by one to the sachet (blue satin for healing with runes embroidered upon the face), and made sure the cinnamon stick was in the center. To finish the spell I visualized the combined intent of the herbs, raised energy, and sent that magickal energy into the finished product. So, in essence, I had 4 spells in one

DethDesire:

kewl

LIONFLOWER:

QUESTIONS?

IbisWolf:

Q: If Sunday is for Healing and Employment, what are the rest of the days for? :)

Sylverhare:

sounds like it might have made a nice tea, too, Lion

PAniteowl:

you really did do a spell "in essence" Lion ... very good

LIONFLOWER:

Glad you asked, Ibis! {g}

Could have, Sylver... :)

DethDesire:

can you throw four spells into each other without having the same intention?

LIONFLOWER:

thanks, PA

Spell Jammer:

Q: My question is still the same. Is a mixture of different herbs detrimental to the original outcome.

LIONFLOWER:

Spell: not if each is charged with a particular intent

Hugmeister:

Spell, it depends on what you are mixing

LIONFLOWER:

Ibis.... get with me after class and I'll tell you which days are good for what.... and, any good Magick reference book will tell you as well.

IbisWolf:

ok

LIONFLOWER:

Okay, let's wrap this class up.... it's getting late

Herbal magick is not only fun, but it's a diverse way to cause change. It is easily incorporated into every-day life. Herbal spells can be simple as you need, or complex as you desire. Experimentation is the key. Do your research and have fun with it. Magick is all around. Herbs are just one more tool used to initiate change.

TEXTS USED TO CREATE THIS CLASS ARE:

Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs: Cunningham, Scott, 1992 Llewellyn Publications

A Druid's Herbal: Hopman, Elen, 1995, Destiny Books

The Herb Book: Lust, John, 1974, Bantam

A Handbook of Native American Herbs: Hutchens, Alma, 1992, Shambhala

Magical Herbalism: Cunningham, Scott, 1993, Lewellyn Publications

Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft: Buckland, Raymond, 1992, Llewellyn

The Lionflower Book of Shadows: Lionflower, Morgaine, under construction

Sylverhare:

lol

PAniteowl:

LOL

Shinma4v:

::smiles::

Spell Jammer:

Hugster: Dragon's Blood, Man Drake, Ginseng, Cinnamon, and Aloe. All for a higher state of sexual feeling but yet different. Would they be detrimental?

Nestor:

Lionflower -- this was one of the finest introductions to herbology I have ever seen! Thank you so much for your work and your insight!!

LIONFLOWER:

If you would like a list of suppliers, IM me for my E-mail address and I'll get em to ya!

Hugmeister:

I was wondering if you were going to list that Native American book, Lion

DethDesire:

::::::::::::claps for Lion:::::::

LIONFLOWER:

Nestor, thanks for the compliment.

Hugmeister:

I think they would be fine, Spell

TheMrsLDruid:

Wonderful class Lion

LIONFLOWER:

LOL, Huggy. it's a good one

Boudica:

Very well done, Lion, and thank you

Shinma4v:

Well done LION excellent class thank you

Spell Jammer:

Ok. Gotcha.

LIONFLOWER:

Thanks, all.

SspnddInDsk:

{{-----pouts, regretful of his tardiness

Sylverhare:

{{{{{{{{{{LION}}}}}}}}}}} excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PAniteowl:

{{{{{{ Bows to the Lion for her good show!!

Xori:

Thank you Lion

Annwyn:

Good job lion

Hugmeister:

It's a very good one

Morrigan:

thank you Lion!

Burningwolf:

excellent job Lion

Hugmeister:

Native Americans know more about herbs than just about anyone

Le Pup:

lion, thank you for the Wonderful class! Well done!

IbisWolf:

Yae!!!! :)

melilott:

Thanks lion another GREAT! class

LIONFLOWER:

Thanks, guys, if you all got something out of it, then the work was worth it.

OceansShadow:

very good class, Lion

Spell Jammer:

Thanx Lion. Never was into Herbology before you spoke and I listened.

DethDesire:

LOL

Herne1734:

Chinese are pretty savvy Hugs

Hugmeister:

YES THEY ARE

TheMrsLDruid:

Aye.

Le Pup:

Growls and snaps at Huggy for being rude during class!!!!

TheMrsLDruid:

Lion, how do you feel about "The Green Witches Herbal"?

Le Pup:

{-----is a very interested student!!

Herne1734:

Thank you Lionflower, wonderful class and your macs turned out beautifully

LIONFLOWER:

No, TMD, I'll look for it, though... sounds like it would compliment my Herbal Library! {g}

LIONFLOWER:

LOL, Thanks, Herne... a couple typos here and there

Annwyn:

Lion...Paul Beyerl has an excellent one also

Morrigan:

could happen to anyone lion {G}

TheMrsLDruid:

humm haven't read it yet but Rowan over there in the OS suit likes it

Hugmeister:

It's a pretty good book from what I seen, Druid

******************************************************************

Blessed be, everyone!

In the Herbal Magick for Beginners class last Sunday there were a few excellent questions posed that I lacked the memory and resources to answer. (I'll be better prepared next time, promise!)

Here are the questions that were asked and the answers to them:

1. If the Cinnamon bought in the supermarket isn't really cinnamon, what is it?

ANSWER: A sweeter and more pungent herb called "Cassla".

2. Why is it recommended that you use an odd number of herbs in herbal magick?

ANSWER: The best answer I found is this: For one, the Goddess is seen by most Wiccans as a three-fold goddess, and therefore the number 3 and multiples of that number are considered sacred. Also, odd numbers like 3, 7, 9 (and multiples thereof) are considered "lucky" for spells. I have found in some BOSs that elemental spells use 4 herbs, one to represent each of the four elements... so dependent upon the type of spell you are doing, and what FEELS right, should be the number of herbs you use.

3. What days of the week are good for working what types of magick?

ANSWER: Monday ruled by the moon is a good day for Merchandise, dreams, womanly spells, and theft. Tuesday ruled by Mars is a good day for spells concerning matrimony, war, enemies, prison. Wednesday ruled by Mercury is a good day for spells concerning Debt, fear, and loss. Thursday ruled by Jupiter is a good day for honor, riches, clothing, and desires. Friday ruled by Venus is a good day for spells concerning love, friendship and strangers. Saturday ruled by Saturn is a good day for life, building, doctrine, and protection. Sunday, the day of the Sun is a good day for fortune, hope, money and employment.

If you don't see your specific need listed above, meditate upon your need and find the root of the problem, then apply it to the categories/planets you see above. This should enlighten you to which day is best for the spell you need to cast.

I hope that I have included everyone's questions. If I forgot one, please remind me!

Morgaine Lionflower ***************************************