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Halloween Herbal Magick by helela
Halloween Herbal Magick
by Jennifer Bahney
Halloween is the perfect time of year to revisit how herbs were used
to cast spells during the Middle Ages. Since practicing Witchcraft was a
burnable offense, herbs were usually brewed, burned, infused in oil,
worn as charms, stuffed into dolls, or sprinkled about in secret or in
the presence of other like-minded magicians.
Spells were usually cast in accordance with the zodiac and the lunar
cycles while meditating and chanting. Some of the most important herbs
in Medieval magic were Henbane, Belladonna, Cowbane, Mandrake, Hemlock
and Monkshood - strong poisons that caused hallucinations and death.
Other popular spell-casting herbs included:
Angelica: Commonly grown in monestery gardens, Angelica offered
protection from Witchcraft when worn or carried.
Basil: Used as an aphrodisiac and to summon scorpions.
Belladonna: Also called deadly nightshade, devil's herb, and
enchanter's nightshade. Used to cause hallucinations, madness, and death.
Caraway: Caraway was used in love potions, to protect from the evil
eye, and to prevent robbers or evil spirits from entering the house.
Chicory: When infused in oil, Chicory was believed to make a person
more popular with his peers.
Cloves: Believed to be an aphrodisiac, Cloves were a main ingredient in love potions.
Common Rue: When carried, Common Rue was believed to protect the wearer from snake bites, poisons, and plague.
Coriander: Used to strengthen the memory and in love potions to
increase potentcy.
Dill: Offered powerful protection against Witchcraft.
Fennel: When hung over a door, Fennel was believed to repel Witches.
Garlic: Used to increase courage, as an aphrodisiac, and as protection
against evil spirits.
Ginger: Used in potions to promote youth and love.
Henbane: Used to induce hallucinations such as a feeling of flying.
Horseradish: When carried in a purse on New Year's Eve, Horseradish was believed to ensure prosperity.
Laurel: Offered protection from lightning, plague, hallucinations,
demons, and painful labour.
Mallow: An important ingredient in love potions.
Mugwort: When wrapped around a traveller, Mugwort was believed to
protect him from attacks and fatigue.
Mustard: Believed to be a powerful love potion when mixed with mint and wine.
Oregano: Believed to protect the carrier from evil spirits.
Pepper: Soldiers carried pepper in their pockets to spare them from
dying in battle.
Rosemary: Believed to preserve a woman's youth when sniffed
regularly.
Also placed over a baby's cradle for protection.
Thyme: Offered protection against Witches.
Valerian: An aphrodisiac when mixed with wine; also offered protection against evil spirits.
If you'd like to whip up your own potion for Halloween, try one of
these from Enchantments: 200 Spells for Bath & Beauty Enhancement by Edain McCoy
( Llewellyn Publications, 2001 ):
Love potion to attract romance
Mix the following and use as a body splash:
3 ounces rose infusion
1 ounce dill infusion
1 ounce columbine or orris root infusion
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ounce spring water
Anti-love potion to wash an old love out of your life.
Shampoo your hair with a mixture of:
4 ounces spring water
2 drops clove oil
1/4 cup pureed pumpkin
1/4 cup lime juice
1 Tbs sulfonated castor oil
1 Tbs liquid castile soap
http://www.bellaonl ine.com
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Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries had its humble beginnings as an idea of a few artisans and craftsmen who enjoy performing with live steel fighting. As well as a patchwork quilt tent canvas. Most had prior military experience hence the name.
Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries.
Vendertainers that brought many things to a show and are know for helping out where ever they can.
As well as being a place where the older hand made items could be found made by them and enjoyed by all.
We expanded over the years to become well known at what we do. Now we represent over 100 artisans and craftsman that are well known in their venues and some just starting out. Some of their works have been premiered in TV, stage and movies on a regular basis.
Specializing in Medieval, Goth , Stage Film, BDFSM and Practitioner.
Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries a Dept of, Ask For IT was started by artists and former military veterans, and sword fighters, representing over 100 artisans, one who made his living traveling from fair to festival vending medieval wares. The majority of his customers are re-enactors, SCAdians and the like, looking to build their kit with period clothing, feast gear, adornments, etc.
Likewise, it is typical for these history-lovers to peruse the tent (aka mobile store front) and, upon finding something that pleases the eye, ask "Is this period?"
A deceitful query!! This is not a yes or no question. One must have a damn good understanding of European history (at least) from the fall of Rome to the mid-1600's to properly answer. Taking into account, also, the culture in which the querent is dressed is vitally important. You see, though it may be well within medieval period, it would be strange to see a Viking wearing a Caftan...or is it?
After a festival's time of answering weighty questions such as these, I'd sleep like a log! Only a mad man could possibly remember the place and time for each piece of kitchen ware, weaponry, cloth, and chain within a span of 1,000 years!! Surely there must be an easier way, a place where he could post all this knowledge...
Traveling Within The World is meant to be such a place. A place for all of these artists to keep in touch and directly interact with their fellow geeks and re-enactment hobbyists, their clientele.
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