New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
In East Anglia, this is Herb Harvesting Day. According to ancient tradition, today is the best day of the year to harvest herbs meant for healing. It’s a good time to pick herbs for magical or culinary uses too. First, plan to pick herbs around midmorning. Wait until the morning dew has evaporated and everything is dry. By noon, though, the sun begins to affect the essential oils in the herbs. So they are strongest at midmorning. Use garden scissors to cut the stems. In some cases, like ...
The woods are bursting with wildflowers at this time of year. Trillium, dogtooth violet, and trout lilies abound in my area. Wildflowers are resilient, strong, willful, and beautiful. Get outside and find some. If you live in a city, you may find wildflowers in the unexpected wild lands of urban ravines, parks, and cemeteries. Don’t pick the wildflowers that you find, but draw from their energy, knowing how much it took for them to push up through the snow, mud, and soil. Let each ...
In the Middle Ages it was not uncommon to write spells of protection around a door jamb— the portal through which the occupants of a house (or barn) came and went. For extra protection to guard against illness as the weather changes and allergy season approaches, write this spell in chalk around the inside of your front door: To all who come and go from here,Health and wellbeing shall adhere!Bring nothing back that carries ill,So mote it be, this is my will! Renew the words as needed as ...
Ordinary grasses are known for their protective qualities. When charged with magical intent, they’re excellent for protecting the garden. Early in the spring, cut some tall grasses. Just a handful will do. Tie the bunch of grass in the middle with some jute twine or a few more stems of grass. As you stand in your garden, hold the bundle of grass. Charge it with these words: Green and noble grasses,Guard this garden aseach season passes.Guard the seeds I plantwith my own hand.Protect the ...
