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Saturday, January 11, 2014

Plants

Plant magic is an age old tradition dating back to ancient Egyptian times, it has been used for many purposes such as healing, self empowerment, love spells and protection.  Each plant has its own magical properties and strengths and can be used to add power to any kind of spell.  With their multiple uses, plant magic is one of the most popular arts used today.

Every herb and root has a medicinal and a magical property of some sort. Each shows its properties by its form, shape and spirit.  It is a part of the Craft to learn to hear, see, smell and feel these plants so that we may better use and understand these gifts from the Earth that are all around us.

Herbs typically have an 'essence'.  It is this essence, combined with the belief of the person, will radiate throughout the herb's use. Fresh herbs from a garden are best, if you are collecting fresh herbs from the garden then make sure you harvest in the morning on a sunny and clear day. This way you are harvesting the herbs when they have the highest concentration of the oils that will give them their flavor. You can freeze them or dry them to store them longer out of the garden. You can use these in a variety of ways such as sachets, food preparation, oil and incense.  If you use plants as medicine, see a physician first.


Aloe                                                                                                                             Water

Aloe is a genus containing about 500 species of flowering succulent plants. The most widely known species is Aloe vera, or "true aloe", so called because, though probably extinct in the wild, it is cultivated as the standard source of so-called "aloe vera" for assorted pharmaceutical purposes.  Other species, such as Aloe ferox also are cultivated or harvested from the wild for similar applications.  Most Aloe species have a rosette of large, thick, fleshy leaves.

Aloe species are frequently cultivated as ornamental plants both in gardens and in pots. Aloe vera is used both internally and externally on humans, and is claimed to have some medicinal effects, which have been supported by scientific and medical research. They can also be made into types of special soaps.

Used for protection and luck. It can be hung in the home as a charm to attract luck and protection for those who live there. It can also be grown in pots and placed around the home to provide protection from accidents within the home.


Apple                                                                                                                          Water

The apple is the fruit of the apple tree, species Malus domestica in the rose family.  It is one of the most widely cultivated tree fruits.  Apples grow on small, deciduous trees, originating in Central Asia.  Apples have been grown for thousands of years in Asia and Europe, and were brought to North America by European colonists.  Apples have been present in the mythology and religions of many cultures, including Norse, Greek and Christian traditions.

Apples appear in many religious traditions, often as a mystical or forbidden fruit.  In Norse mythology, the Goddess Idunn is portrayed as providing golden apples to the Gods that give them eternal youthfulness.  The Goddess Frigg sent King Rerir an apple after he prays to Odin for a child, Frigg's messenger (in the guise of a crow) drops the apple in his lap as he sits atop a mound.  Rerir's wife's consumption of the apple results in a pregnancy and the birth of their son—the hero Völsung.  Buckets of apples were found in the Oseberg ship burial site in Norway, and had been found in the early graves of the Germanic peoples in England and elsewhere on the continent of Europe.

Apples are often eaten raw. The whole fruit including the skin is suitable for human consumption except for the seeds, which are slightly poisonous.  Apples can be canned or juiced.  They are milled to produce apple cider and filtered for apple juice.

 

Ash White                                                                                                                Earth

Fraxinus americana (White Ash or American Ash) is a species of ash native to eastern North America found in hardwood forests from Minnesota to Florida.  The lower sides of the leaves of White Ash are lighter in color than their upper sides, and the outer surface of the twigs of White Ash may be flaky or peeling.

It is the timber of choice for production of baseball bats and tool handles. The wood is also favorable for furniture and flooring.  It is widely grown as an ornamental tree in North America as well.

The first man in Norse culture, named Ask, was created from an ash log.  Ash was commonly used to make spears because of its springiness and straight grain.

 

Basil                                                                                                                            Air

Basil, or Sweet Basil, is a common name for the culinary herb Ocimum basilicum.  Basil is originally native to India and other tropical regions of Asia, having been cultivated there for more than 5,000 years.  Basil is commonly used fresh in cooked recipes. In general, it is added at the last moment, as cooking quickly destroys the flavor.

There are many rituals and beliefs associated with basil.   Jewish folklore suggests it adds strength while fasting.  In Portugal, dwarf bush basil is traditionally presented in a pot, together with a poem, to a sweetheart.  African legend claims that basil protects against scorpions.  And in Europe, basil is placed in the hands of the dead to ensure a safe journey. 

 

Birch Paper                                                                                                            Earth

Betula papyrifera (Paper Birch, White Birch Tree of Life or Canoe Birch, b) is a species of birch native to northern North America.  It is the provincial tree of Saskatchewan and the state tree of New Hampshire.  It is a medium-sized deciduous tree reaching 60 feet tall with a trunk up to 32 inches diameter.  They live to about 140 years.  The bark is white, commonly brightly so, flaking in fine horizontal strips and often with small black marks and scars.
Its bark is an excellent fire starter, burning at high temperatures even when it's wet.  The sap is boiled down to produce birch syrup.  While a paper birch does not have a very high overall economic value, it is used in furniture and flooring.

In ancient traditions, Birch twigs were used to bring prosperity and to encourage conception. The branches represent fertility. In European folklore and tradition, Birch twigs were fixed above a sweetheart’s door on May Day, and were placed in stables and houses to promote fertility. Young men, women and cattle were struck with Birch twigs for this same purpose, and young boys would be sent out into the fields and around the town, to ‘beat the bounds of the parish’ with branches of Birch to ensure prosperity in the coming year.

Use for protection, exorcism and purification.  A birch planted close to the home is said to protect against lightning, infertility and the evil eye.  Cradles were once made from birch so that the infant within would be protected.  Burn birch for protection and to banish negative energies.

 

Cactus                                                                                                                                       Fire

A cactus (cacti, cactuses or cactus) is a member of the plant family Cactaceae.  Most cacti live in habitats subject to at least some drought. Many live in extremely dry environments, even being found in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth.  Most species of cacti have lost true leaves, retaining only spines, which are highly modified leaves.  Cacti have a variety of uses: many species are used as ornamental plants, others are grown for fodder or forage, and others for food.

Opuntias (prickly pears) were used for a variety of purposes by the Aztecs.  The Aztecs symbolically linked the ripe red fruits of an opuntia to human hearts; just as the fruit quenches thirst, so offering human hearts to the Sun God ensured the Sun would keep moving.  The very fine spines and hairs of some cacti were used as a source of fiber for filling pillows and in weaving.   The coat of arms of Mexico shows an eagle perched on a cactus while holding a snake.

Used for chastity, banishing and protection. Bury with other banishing symbols for protection. Grow in the home or garden to prevent unwanted intrusions. Place in all directions of the home (north, south, east, and west) for full protection.

 

Cedar White                                                                                                           Water

Thuja occidentalis is an evergreen coniferous tree.  It is native to the northeast of the United States and the southeast of Canada, but widely cultivated as an ornamental plant.  Common names include white cedar, swamp cedar, false cedar, arborvitae or hackmatack. 

The name Arborvitae is particularly used in the horticultural trade in the United States.  It is Latin for "tree of life" - due to the supposed medicinal properties of the sap, bark and twigs. Despite its common names, it does not belong to the cedar genus.

T. occidentalis has fan-like branches and scaly leaves.  It is only a small tree, growing to a height of 33–66 feet tall with a 1.3 foot trunk diameter. The bark is red-brown, furrowed and peels in narrow, longitudinal strips.  The cones are slender, yellow-green ripening brown with overlapping scales.  The branches may take root if the tree falls

White Cedar is a tree with important uses in traditional Ojibwa culture.  Honored with the name Nookomis Giizhik (Grandmother Cedar), the tree is the subject of sacred legends and is considered a gift to humanity for its myriad uses, among them crafts, construction and medicine.

Use in spells and charms to promote strength, wealth, protection, healing and purification.  Carry a small piece of cedar in wallet or near money to attract wealth.  Hang in the home to protect against lightning. Use in sachets to promote calmness.

 

Chamomile                                                                                                             Water

Chamomile or camomile is a common name for several daisy-like plants.  These plants are best known for their ability to be made into an infusion which is commonly used to help with sleep and is often served with honey or lemon or both. 

Used for love, healing and reducing stress.  Add to a sachet or spell to increase the chances of its success.  Sprinkle an infusion of chamomile around the house to remove hexes, curses and spells.  Burn or add to prosperity bags to increase money.  Burn as incense for de-stressing, meditation and restful sleep. Wash hands in an infusion of chamomile for luck before gambling or playing cards.  Use in bath magic to attract love.  Keep a packet of the herb with lottery tickets for luck.

 

Cinnamon                                                                                                                Fire

Cinnamomum verum, Ceylon cinnamon or Sri Lanka cinnamon is a small evergreen tree belonging to the family Lauraceae, native to Sri Lanka.  Among other species, its inner bark is used to make cinnamon.  Cinnamon has been known from remote antiquity.  It was imported to Egypt as early as 2000 BC.
Cinnamon bark is widely used as a spice.  It is principally employed in cookery as a condiment and flavoring material. It is used in the preparation of chocolate, especially in Mexico.  It is also used in many dessert recipes, such as apple pie, doughnuts and cinnamon buns.

Use in spells and charms to draw money & prosperity.  Also used to raise spirituality and promote healing, success, protection and luck.  Can be burned and an incense to promote protection, wealth and raise spirituality.

 

Corn                                                                                                                            Earth

Maize, known in some English-speaking countries as corn, is a large grain plant domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica in prehistoric times.  The leafy stalk produces ears which contain the grain, which are seeds called kernels.  Maize kernels are used in cooking as a starch.  

Beginning about 2500 BC, the crop spread through much of the Americas.  The region developed a trade network based on surplus and varieties of maize crops.  After European contact with the Americas in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, explorers and traders carried maize back to Europe and introduced it to other countries. Maize spread to the rest of the world because of its ability to grow in diverse climates.

Maize and cornmeal (ground dried maize) constitute a staple food in many regions of the world.  Starch from maize can also be made into plastics, fabrics, adhesives and many other chemical products.  It is increasingly used as a feedstock for the production of ethanol fuel. Maize is also used as a fish bait.

 

Dandelion                                                                                                               Fire

Taraxacum is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae.  They are native to Eurasia, North and South America, and are found as weeds worldwide.  Both species are edible in their entirety.  The common name dandelion (meaning "lion's tooth") is given to members of the genus, and like other members of the Asteraceae family, they have very small flowers collected together into a composite flower head.  The plant is also known as blowball, milk witch, lion's-tooth, Irish daisy, monks-head and puff-ball.

Dandelions are thought to have evolved about thirty million years ago in Eurasia.  They have been used by humans for food and as a herb for much of recorded history.  They were introduced to North America by early European immigrants.

To summon the spirits and help with divination, take the root and place it in your wish box.  If you rub the plant's sap on a wart, the wart will disappear.  Dandelion magic can also be used for healing, grounding, prosperity and cleansing. 

 

Elder Box                                                                                                                 Earth

Acer negundo is a species of maple native to North America.  Box elder, box elder maple, and maple ash are its most common names in the United States.  Acer negundo is a small, usually fast-growing and fairly short-lived tree that grows up to 33–82 feet tall, with a trunk diameter of 12–20 inches. 

This species prefers bright sunlight. It often grows on flood plains and other disturbed areas with ample water supply.  Human influence has greatly favored this species; it grows around houses and in hedges, as well as on disturbed ground and vacant lots.  Several birds and some squirrels feed on the seeds. The evening grosbeak uses them extensively. The Maple Bug (also known as the Boxelder Bug) lays its eggs on all maples, but prefers this species.

The Navajo use the wood make tubes for flutes. The Cheyenne burn the wood as incense for making spiritual medicines and during Sun Dance ceremonies.  They also mix the boiled sap with shavings from the inner sides of animal hides and eat them as candy.  In Norse mythology, the Goddess Freya chose the elder as her home.

 

Forget Me Not                                                                                                       Air

Myosotis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae, that are commonly called Forget-me-nots.  There are approximately 50 species in the genus, with much variation.  Most have small, flat, 5-lobed blue, pink or white flowers with yellow centers, growing on scorpioid cymes. They bloom in spring.  Leaves are alternate.  Popular in gardens, Forget-me-nots prefer moist habitats and where they are not native, they have escaped to wetlands and riverbanks.  They can tolerate partial Sun and shade.
In a German legend, God named all the plants when a tiny unnamed one cried out, "Forget-me-not, O Lord!" God replied, "That shall be your name".  In 15th-century Germany, it was supposed that the wearers of the flower would not be forgotten by their lovers. Legend has it that in medieval times, a knight and his lady were walking along the side of a river. He picked a posy of flowers, but because of the weight of his armor he fell into the river. As he was drowning he threw the posy to his loved one and shouted "Forget-me-not." It was often worn by ladies as a sign of faithfulness and enduring love.

 

Frankincense                                                                                                        Air

Boswellia sacra (commonly known as frankincense or olibanum-tree) is a tree in the Burseraceae family.  It is the primary tree in the genus Boswellia from which frankincense, a resinous dried sap, is harvested.  It is native to the Arabian Peninsula and northeastern Africa.  This species of Boswellia is a small deciduous tree, which reaches a height of 2-8 meters, with one or more trunks. Its bark has the texture of paper and can be removed easily.

Frankincense has been traded on the Arabian Peninsula and in North Africa for more than 5000 years.  Frankincense is used in perfumery and aromatherapy.  The charred remains of frankincense, called kohl, was crushed and used to make the distinctive eyeliner seen on ancient Egyptians.  The resin is edible and is used in traditional medicines in Asia for digestion and healthy skin.

Can be used to represent the Divine Masculine. Used as an offering at Beltane, Lammas and Yule.  Often combined with myrrh to make a temple incense. Used for protection, happiness, cleansing and purification.  Burn as an incense for protective work, consecration and meditation.  Frankincense shares an affinity with Topaz and either will enhance the power of the other.

 

Garlic                                                                                                                          Fire

Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion genus, Allium.  With a history of human use of over 7,000 years, garlic is native to central Asia, and has long been a staple in the Mediterranean region, as well as a frequent seasoning in Asia, Africa and Europe.  The well-known phenomenon of garlic breath is allegedly alleviated by eating fresh parsley.

The garlic plant's bulb is the most commonly used part of the plant.  Garlic is widely used around the world for its pungent flavor as a seasoning or condiment.  In some cuisines, the young bulbs are pickled for three to six weeks in a mixture of sugar, salt, and spices.  In eastern Europe, the shoots are pickled and eaten as an appetizer.  When crushed, it yields an antibiotic and antifungal compound.

Garlic has been regarded as a force for both good and evil.  In Europe, many cultures have used garlic for protection or white magic, perhaps owing to its reputation as a potent preventative medicine.  Central European folk beliefs considered garlic a powerful ward against demons, werewolves and vampires.  To ward off vampires, garlic could be worn, hung in windows or rubbed on chimneys and keyholes.

 

Herbology

Herbal medicine (or herbalism) is the study and use of medicinal properties of plants. The scope of herbal medicine is sometimes extended to include fungal and bee products, as well as minerals, shells and certain animal parts.  Plants have the ability to synthesize a wide variety of chemical compounds that are used to perform important biological functions, and to defend against attack from predators such as insects, fungi and herbivorous mammals.  Many of these phytochemicals have beneficial effects on long-term health when consumed by humans, and can be used to effectively treat human diseases. 

The use of plants as medicines predates written human history.  Many of the pharmaceuticals currently available to physicians have a long history of use as herbal remedies, including aspirin, digitalis, quinine and opium. 

Many believe that the energy with which the herbs are gathered is also very important, and should always be done with great spiritual awareness and prayerful thankfulness.  And others feel that herbs should be handled with reverence and respect.

 

Lavender                                                                                                                 Air

Lavandula angustifolia (lavender, English lavender, common lavender, true lavender, narrow-leaved lavender), is a flowering plant, native to the western Mediterranean and other mountains in northern Spain.  It is a strongly aromatic shrub growing as high as 3-6 feet tall.
The flowers and leaves are used as an herbal medicine, either in the form of lavender oil or as an herbal tea. The flowers are also used as a culinary herb, most often as part of the French herb blend. 

Used for protection, healing, love, sleep, purification and peace.  Lavender is an excellent aromatic, usually mixing well with other floral scents.  Lavender is strewn into bonfires at Midsummer as an offering to the Gods and Goddesses.  It will protect against cruel treatment by your spouse when worn and is placed in the ritual cup at Handfastings.  Lavender in the home brings peace, joy and healing.  Also a great addition to sleep pillows and bath spells.

 

Lemon                                                                                                                       Water

The lemon (Citrus) is a small evergreen tree native to Asia and the tree's ellipsoidal yellow fruit. The fruit is used for culinary and non-culinary purposes throughout the world, primarily for its juice, though the pulp and rind are also used in cooking and baking.

The leaves of the lemon tree are used to make a tea and for preparing cooked meats and sea foods.  Lemon juice is frequently used in the United Kingdom to add to pancakes, especially on Shrove Tuesday.  Lemon juice is also used as a short-term preservative on certain foods that tend to oxidize and turn brown after being sliced, such as apples, bananas and avocados. 

Used in cleansing, spiritual opening, purification, and removal of blockages.  Add lemon peel to love sachets and mixtures.  Soak peel in water and use the mixture as a wash for magical objects to remove unwanted negativity, especially for objects received second-hand.  Serve lemon pie to your spouse to ensure faithfulness and a lemon slice placed under a guests chair brings lasting friendship. Add lemon juice to the full moon ritual bath for its cleansing properties. Use an infusion of lemon in teas to induce lust.

 

Lily Of The Valley                                                                                               Water

Convallaria majalis, Lily of the Valley, is a sweetly scented woodland flowering plant that is native throughout the cool temperate Northern Hemisphere in Asia, Europe and United States.  It is a perennial plant that forms extensive colonies by spreading underground stems.  The flowers are white tepals, bell-shaped, 5–10 mm diameter and sweetly scented.  In the language of flowers, the lily of the valley signifies the return of happiness.

In Germanic mythology lilies are associated with the virgin Goddess of spring Ostara. The lily symbolizes life to Pagans and the blooming of lily of the valley flower heralds the feast of Ostara. The sweet fragrance and whiteness of the flowers symbolize the humility and purity of its patron Goddess.  Fortune in love, a symbol of making the right choice. 

 

Mistletoe                                                                                                                  Water

Mistletoe is the common name for obligate hemi-parasitic plants in several families in the order Santalales. These plants attach to and penetrate the branches of a tree or shrub by a structure called the haustorium, through which they absorb water and nutrients from the host plant.
Mistletoe plants grow on a wide range of host trees, and commonly reduce their growth and can kill them with heavy infestation.  Because of the scheming of Loki, the God Baldr is killed by his brother, the blind God Hodr, by way of a mistletoe projectile, despite the attempts of Baldr's mother, the Goddess Frigg, to have all living things and inanimate objects swear an oath not to hurt Baldr after Baldr had troubling dreams of his death. Frigg was unable to get an oath from mistletoe, because "it seemed too young" to demand an oath from.

 

Moonflower                                                                                                           Water

Datura is a genus of nine species of flowering plants belonging to the family Solanaceae. They are known as angel's trumpets or moonflowers.  Its precise and natural distribution is uncertain, owing to its extensive cultivation and naturalization throughout the temperate and tropical regions of the globe.  Its distribution within the Americas, however, is most likely restricted to the United States and Mexico, where the highest species diversity occurs.

Datura belongs to the classic "witches' weeds", along with deadly nightshade, henbane and mandrake.  Most parts of the plants contain toxic hallucinogens and datura has a long history of use for causing delirious states and death. It was well known as an essential ingredient of love potions and witches' brews.  In traditional cultures, a great deal of experience with and detailed knowledge of Datura was critical to minimize harm.

 

Myrrh                                                                                                                         Fire

Myrrh is the aromatic resin of a number of small, thorny tree species of the genus Commiphora, which is an essential oil termed an oleoresin. Myrrh resin is a natural gum.  It can also be ingested by mixing it with wine.  It has been used throughout history as a perfume, incense and medicine.  So valuable has it been at times in ancient history that it has been equal in weight value to gold. 

Feminine herb used to represent the Goddess. Promotes spirituality, health, meditation and healing.  Will enhance any magical working.  Increases the effectiveness of any incense blend it is added to. Often burned with frankincense as a temple incense.

 

Oak White                                                                                                               Fire

Quercus alba, the white oak, is one of the pre-eminent hardwoods of eastern North America.  Specimens have been documented to be over 450 years old.  Normally not a very tall tree, typically reaching 65–85 feet at maturity, it nonetheless becomes quite massive and its lower branches are apt to extend far out laterally, parallel to the ground.

The acorns are much less bitter than the acorns of red oaks.  They are small relative to most oaks, but are a valuable wildlife food, notably for turkeys, grackles, jays, nuthatches, thrushes, squirrels and deer.  The tree's acorns were also used for food by Native Americans.
The oak tree is the tree of Zeus, Jupiter, Hercules, Thor and other Gods.  The most sacred of all trees, its wood is often used in the making of magical tools.  Burn the leaves for purification.  Use in fertility amulets.  Hang a sprig in the home to ward of negativity and strengthen family unity.  Carry for wisdom and strength, for luck, to preserve youthfulness and to increase attractiveness.

 

Plant

Plants are living organisms of the kingdom Plantae including such multicellular groups as flowering plants, conifers, ferns and mosses.  Plants have cell walls with cellulose and characteristically obtain most of their energy from sunlight via photosynthesis using chlorophyll. 

Green plants provide most of the world's molecular oxygen and are the basis of most of the Earth's ecologies, especially on land. Plants described as grains, fruits and vegetables form mankind's basic foodstuffs, and have been domesticated for millennia. Plants serve as ornaments and, until recently and in great variety, they have served as the source of most medicines and drugs.

 

Rose Wild                                                                                                                Fire

Rosa acicularis, also known as the prickly rose, the bristly rose and the Arctic rose, is a species of wild rose with a distribution in northern regions of Asia, Europe and North America. 

The flower is so popular that it has become associated with Handfastings and rituals of union, roses fill vases, they are worn by the participants and guests and are often strewn to bring divine blessings to the couple's love.

Rose represents all aspects of the Goddess, the ability to love and nurture and to see beauty in all things.  Magical uses include divine love, close friendships, peace, happiness and lasting relationships.  Great for use in incense, potpourri or bath magic.  A tea of rosebuds drunk before sleep induces prophetic dreams.  Place around sprains and dark bruises to help them heal faster.

 

Sage                                                                                                                             Air

Salvia officinalis (sage, garden sage or common sage) is a perennial, evergreen subshrub, with woody stems, grayish leaves and blue to purplish flowers. It is a member of the family Lamiaceae and is native to the Mediterranean region, though it has naturalized in many places throughout the world. It has a long history of medicinal and culinary use and in modern times as an ornamental garden plant.

It has been used since ancient times for warding off evil, snakebites, increasing women's fertility and more.  In Britain, sage has for generations been listed as one of the essential herbs, along with parsley, rosemary and thyme.  In British and American cooking, it is traditionally served as sage and onion stuffing, an accompaniment to roast turkey or chicken at Christmas or Thanksgiving Day.

Tradition holds that those who eat sage become immortal both in wisdom and in years.  Burn for self purification and the purification of an area or ritual space.  Most traditions consider sage to be a masculine, God oriented energy.  Bundle dry leaves or loose leaves to banish negativity and negative spirits from an area or home.  Used in healing charms and incense.  Removes negative energy.

 

Sandalwood                                                                                                           Earth

Sandalwood is the name of a class of fragrant woods from trees in the genus Santalum.  The woods are heavy, yellow, and fine-grained, and unlike many other aromatic woods they retain their fragrance for decades.  As well as using the harvested and cut wood, essential oils are also extracted from the woods for use.  Both the wood and the oil produce a distinctive fragrance that has been highly valued for centuries.  In the Orient, sandalwood is a funereal herb believed to carry the soul into the next life.

Used to clear negativity from a home by sprinkling it around the property. Use as an incense during protection, healing, and exorcism spells.  Beads made from sandalwood promote spiritual awareness.  Powdered sandalwood can be scattered about a place to clear it of negativity.  The wood can be used to make healing wands. Used to help align the chakras for better energy flow. It is a good incense to burn during meditation.

 

Sunflower                                                                                                                Fire

The sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an annual plant native to the Americas.  It possesses a large inflorescence (flowering head), and its name is derived from the flower's shape and image, which is often used to depict the Sun.  The plant has a rough, hairy stem, broad, coarsely toothed, rough leaves and circular heads of flowers. The heads consist of many individual flowers which mature into seeds, often in the hundreds, on a receptacle base.

From the Americas, sunflower seeds were brought to Europe in the 16th century, where, along with sunflower oil, they became a widespread cooking ingredient.  Leaves of the sunflower can be used as cattle feed, while the stems contain a fiber which may be used in paper production.

The wild species was already being cultivated by Native Americans 3000 years BC.  Vital source of food, medicine and oil; a symbol of vitality, loyalty, pride and devotion. 

 

Sweet Grass                                                                                                            Earth

Hierochloe odorata, also known as sweet grass, buffalo grass, holy grass, sweetgrass, or vanilla grass, is an aromatic herb which grows in northern Eurasia and in North America.  It is used in herbal medicine and in the production of distilled beverages.  

Natives of the Great Plains believe it was the first plant to cover Mother Earth.  Kiowa use fragrant leaves as stuffing for pillows and mattresses.  Holy grass was strewn before church doors on saints' days in northern Europe, presumably because of the sweet smell that arose when it was trodden on.
Used for peace, unity and calling spirits.  Sweetgrass is used most often in peace and healing rituals. Many find it to be a useful aid for entering a meditative state.  Native Americans dry and braid three long grasses and burn them as incense by lighting one end, gently blowing out the flame and allowing the grass to smolder and slowly release its scent.  The three pieces of the braid signify the Mind, Body and Spirit.  Sweetgrass is a more feminine, Goddess oriented energy.

 

Vanilla Bean                                                                                                          Water

Vanilla planifolia is a species of vanilla orchid.  It is native to Mexico, and is one of the primary sources for vanilla flavoring, due to its high vanillin content.  Common names are Flat-leaved Vanilla, Tahitian Vanilla and West Indian Vanilla. Often, it is simply referred to as "the vanilla".

Fruit is produced only on mature plants, which are generally over 10 feet long. The fruits are 6-9 inches long pods (often incorrectly called beans).  They mature after about five months, at which point they are harvested and cured. Curing ferments and dries the pods while minimizing the loss of essential oils.  Vanilla extract is obtained from this portion of the plant.

Magical uses include love, lust, passion and restoring lost energy.  Carried to increase energy & strengthen mental abilities.

 

Violet Wood                                                                                                           Air

Viola odorata is a species of the genus Viola native to Europe and Asia, but has also been introduced to North America and Australia. It is commonly known as wood violet, sweet violet, common violet or garden violet.  It is the state flower of Wisconsin. 

The sweet scent of this flower has proved popular throughout the generations particularly in the late Victorian period and has been used in the production of many cosmetic fragrances and perfumes.  A symbol of innocent love, humility, modesty and spring. 

 

Willow Black                                                                                                         Air

Salix nigra (black willow) is a species of willow native to eastern North America.  It is a medium-sized deciduous tree, the largest North American species of willow, growing to 33–98 feet tall, with a trunk 50–80 cm diameter.  The bark is dark brown to blackish, becoming fissured in older trees and frequently forking near the base.  It has been used by various Native American tribes for basketry, and treatment of fever, headache and coughs.  The bark of the tree contains salicylic acid, a chemical compound similar to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).

In western tradition it is a symbol of mourning and unlucky love.  The Latin name for the weeping willow refers to the psalm in which the Hebrews mourn their captivity in Babylon by the willows.  Willow indicates cycles, rhythms and the ebb and flux.

 

Witch Hazel American                                                                                     Fire

Witch-hazel is a genus of flowering plants. The North American species are occasionally called winterbloom.  The witch-hazels are deciduous shrubs or small trees growing to 10–26 feet tall.  The leaves are alternately arranged, oval, 2–6 inches long and 1–4 inches broad, with a smooth or wavy margin.

The leaves and bark of the North American Witch-hazel may be used to produce an astringent.  It's mainly used externally on sores, bruises, and swelling. 

 

Yew Common                                                                                                        Earth

Taxus baccata is a conifer native to western and southern Europe, northwest Africa and southwest Asia.  It is the tree originally known as yew (I), though with other related trees becoming known, it may now be known as English yew or European yew.

It is relatively slow growing and can be very long-lived.  In Great Britain, there are many yews dating back around the year 1000 and some of them around 500. The Fortingall Yew is commonly believed to be the oldest one, with an estimated age between 2,000 and 4,000 years old, growing in a Scottish church yard.

Yew is the wood of choice for longbow making; the bows are constructed so that the heartwood of yew is on the inside of the bow while the sapwood is on the outside.  The yew was also historically a prized wood for lute construction.  Today European yew is widely used in landscaping and ornamental horticulture. 
Long associated with magic, death, rebirth and the runes, the yew may be the oldest-lived tree in the world.  There are some convincing arguments for it being the original 'World-tree' of Scandinavian mythology.  In Europe, yew wood was used for making bows, while on the northwest coast of North America, the yew is used by the Haida and other tribes for making masks and boxes.  The yew may be used to enhance magical and psychic abilities and to induce visions.

 

Blessed Be!


 

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