With herbalism being such a broad topic with so many entry points of study and practice, I figured we could have a baby steps thread for people like me who suck at studying herbs. This can be in tandem with Herb of the Month, though I feel we should focus on a personal relationship here with certain herbs or how we go about learning them.
Some herbs I've used (at the time of this writing)
Peppermint
Spearmint
Cinnamon
Garlic
Poinsettia (poison warning - I've only used this as an offering)
I figure that this would make it easier for me to start learning how they are used, how they can be prepared safely, what cultural ties they have, what different beliefs are involved with them as well as what can be applied to them, etc.
Re: An Herbal Journal By: TempestQueen
Post # 2 Dec 20, 2016
I tend to burn dried herbs rather than making teas, etc. I love how the intention is put into the world at large through the burning of things. I use my little cauldron :)
Here are a tips for burning herbs as they don't always want to stay lit:
First, rip small peices of paper into about 3 inch by 1 inch strips,
Then put drops of wax on it, I normally use 6 for me as it is a big nimber for me.
I tend to also put symbols or words on the paper.
You put a strip of paper with wax on it and light that, put it into the cauldron, then add the herbs.
The paper and wax keeps the fire burning the herbs :)
I add a new strip of paper with wax on it for each new herb added
.......
These herbs I have used recently for preparing for astral projecting. The meanings behind why each was picked for me doing AP are under each herb name, though there are other ways to use them.
Clove
-protection
Eysbright
-to increase psychic ability, improve memory
Horehound
-helps with mental clarity during ritual
Mugwort
-said to enhance astral projection, lucid dreaming and other altered states of consciousness
St John's Wort
-Protection, Strength, Love, Divination
Violets
-draws prophetic dreams and visions, stimulates creativity, and promotes peace & tranquility
Re: An Herbal Journal By: Agiel
Post # 3 Dec 20, 2016
I use herbs mostly when I'm casting Healing spells. I find herbs give an extra kick to whatever you're trying to manifest.
The herbs i find to be really good for healing are as followed:
St. Jhon's Wort: This is a very good herb, it's amazing for when you're casting Healing Spells. It's also good for when you are sick, have nausea, stomach aches, calming nerves, etc.. It's my go-to herb.
Verbena: This is my favorite herb. I find this herb to be really good for Protection Spells. Whenever i cast Protection spells, i always use this herb.
Mint: This herb is amazing for vitality. If you're feeling sick, low on energy, weak, this herb will help you! It tastes good and helps putting yourImmunity system back up! Also good for " fighting evil " aka casting Protection Spells.
Re: An Herbal Journal By: SilentSyren
Post # 4 Dec 20, 2016
Herbs I have worked with:
Bay Leaves: http://www.savoryspiceshop.com/content/mercury_modules/cart/items/2/7/0/2705/bay-leaves-turkish-organic-1.jpg
Bayleaves I use for Hellenic cleansing of miasma before prayer. It can never be completely cleansed but rather managed and it is respectful to do.
Poinsettia I have used in magickal workings to repell by crushing them up dried and throwing them out the window.
Chrysanthemums I have used as an offering as they represent strength. I have used them in a working to repell with the poinsettia as well.
Red Birds of Paradise I have used simply as an offering. One because it's red nd two because the birds which guarded his daughters the Amazons.
Oleander is something I used in a love working like seven years back. Then bah-bam! I did in fact get every contridicting thing I asked for in one person. #FiveYearsGoingStrong
Lantana is another poupree offering. They fall apart very easily so I don't vase them. I have used a few different colored ones. Pink, orange, and yellow ones.
Ruellia is another is another poupree offering as it is purple it reminds me of Ares priests which wore purple.
Penstemon Subulatus yet another offering 'cause they are red and pretty looking.
Desert Sunflower is a vase offering.
Pink and Red Roses I use both for offerings and for love workings. My favorite flower is actually pink roses. I love things rose scented, I used to always get pink rose white cakes for my birthday as a kid. Pink roses is what my spouse once got me a boquet of which I loved so much!
So long story short, Syren loves flowers!! I would like to get patchouli and white sage smudging sticks to work with in the new year. With budgeting issues I have only really been able to work with things I see growing near by and pick. I would like to get quite a few herb books as well. Scott Cunningham Herb Encyclepedia and a few others. I know, basic book but good for reference! Anytime I need a refresher or forget something I will have a book I can look it up in and use stickynotes to bookmark my favorite sections.
