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In a Witch's Garden

By Tarish

Since before humans began to record events, perhaps back to the dawn of human development, there have been those who, by their powers of observation with all six senses, have been able to unlock and use the secrets of the Earth's bounty. These were the first Shamans, the medicine people. They took upon themselves the responsibility for their tribe's well being, both spiritual and physical, for they perceived each as part of the other, inseparable. They were the wise ones.

The species thrived and evolved, and human society gradually became more complex. The shamans and medicine people, the witches and magi, found themselves at odds with a new order which viewed our planet as a nonentity, to be subdued and dominated, rather than a whole being of which we humans were a part. We were left at the mercy of the technologies and technologists who guarded their secrets more closely than any coven.

Medicine has become a high technology, big-money business; and the spiritual aspect of our health has been sadly neglected over the past centuries. Very few have had the good fortune to have had handed down to them the recipes for simple healing and prevention, which our great grandmothers, and theirs before them, knew and used so successfully for generations. Some of us, though, are so fortunate. We, the witches, bear the legacy of the shamans and wisewomen, the magi and village healers from every culture.

Ironically, the medical community is now at odds with itself. A more holistic approach to health is once again gaining favor in the Aquarian Age. Herbs and simples, poultices and tinctures—long shunned in favor of the new, synthetic medicines—are once more gaining respectability and popularity; even leeches are being used to help post operative recovery in microsurgery patients. Of course, we knew it all along, just as we didn't need the AMA to tell us that chicken soup really is good for colds or vitamin C does help lessen their severity. No matter what humans synthesize in their laboratories, our bountiful Mother, Earth, cannot be outshone.

Obviously, I cannot go into detail about preparations of various types. If you are not familiar with a term, though I am sure that most practicing witches are, I recommend the following books for their content and accessibility: Magical Herbalism, by Scott Cunningham (Llewellyn); Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, by Scott Cunningham (Llewellyn); Herbal Medicine, the Natural Way to Get Well and Stay Well, by Dian Dincin Buchanan (Gramercy); The Herbal Handbook, a User's Guide to Medical Herbalism, by David Hoffman (Healing Arts).

I don't know of a single Witch, city dweller or country, who doesn't keep at least a small herbal garden, even if it's just a few pots on a window ledge. I would like to tell you about what grows in one witch's garden, mine.

Comfrey (symphytum officinale), also called boneset, knitbone, blackwort and bruisewort, is a wonderful herb for general healing. The leaves are used in poultices and applied to skin abrasions, sores, bruises and wounds of almost any type. Early Europeans commonly used hot compresses to aid in healing fractures, with much success. I have found that an ointment made from the root of this plant aids in the rapid healing of most common skin injuries.

This herb ruled by the planet Saturn, works very well in spells for protection while traveling. I have also used it successfully in money drawing spells, and have carried the dried root to court with me to gain a favorable verdict.

The comfrey plant is tall, often growing to three feet or more and prefers a moist, slightly acidic soil. It also tolerates some shade, and grows well in the back of my garden that gets early shade from the house. It has broad, hairy leaves and white flowers (also pink or purple) which grow in a spike and bloom in early summer.

Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis), also known as ground apple or whig plant, is a well-known tea herb. Made from the flowers, the tea is an effective aid to digestion and can handle simple stomachache and diarrhea. The weak tea is quite safe for children and is even given to infants, in small doses, to relieve colic or teething pain. It also acts as a mild sedative to aid in sleeping. The tea, once prepared, doesn't have to be drunk to be useful. Splashing the solution on face and exposed areas of the body is an excellent, and natural, way to repel insects, such as mosquitoes and gnats (after it cools, of course). A warm, damp Chamomile tea bag placed on the eyes relieves tired eyes as well as sties and minor irritations in both humans and animals. I have healed several of the neighborhood cats from runny, inflamed eyes with this solution. It is also an excellent eyewash.

This herb, ruled by the sun, has many magical applications. Every Witch I talk to has a favorite spell or charm that uses it. I find it effective to add to a bath in order to attract love. I also burn it, mixed with myrrh, as meditation incense to ease me into a trance state.

The chamomile plant grows between eight and ten inches tall. Its yellow/gold, daisy type flower has petals formed around a large, dark, slightly rounded center. It grows well in temperate climates and wants bright sun, but will tolerate a bit of shade and slightly acidic soil.

Marigold (Calendula Officinalis), often called Mary's gold, summer's bride and calendula, is a priceless and versatile addition to any garden. Planted among other herbs and plants, the marigold acts as an effective deterrent to many garden pests. The flowers are prized for their beauty as well as their tea. Used in an ointment, the marigold aids healing chapped skin, eczema and ulcerated sores. As a poultice it helps to stop bleeding. The tea, used as a mouthwash, can also be effective against abscesses and bleeding gums.

The marigold is ruled by the sun, and is often used in spells to protect one's dwelling from evil. Plant some by the front or back door to prevent negative influences from entering. Sprinkle the dried petals around your home to disperse unwanted influences.

The medicinal marigold, not to be confused with the popular dwarf marigold, grows to about twenty inches high with large, round flowers of orange/gold. They bloom from late spring into fall and may be harvested anytime after the first flowers.

Sage (Salvia Officinalis) is well known for its many culinary uses. In addition to its value as a spice, this herb is a useful medicine. Drunk in a tea, sage will help reduce fever and will promote a restful sleep. I have used it as a compress to reduce swelling and discoloration from superficial varicose veins in the legs.

Ruled by the planet Jupiter, sage is often used in general healing spells. It is said to promote wisdom and was considered the herb of the magi. I use it as a meditation and altar incense, and keep a pinch of the leaves in my son's pocket while he's at school.

There are over 700 varieties of sage, with similar healing and culinary properties, which grow wild in warm, dry, rocky places. The common variety in my garden grows, as a shrub with rough, pointed grey/green leaves and blue/purple flowers. It thrives in bright sun, and dry soil. It will tolerate somewhat sandy conditions as long as there is excellent drainage.

These are some of the herbs I grow in my garden and use in my life. They are not meant to substitute good quality medical care for serious conditions or emergencies, but we can certainly learn how to take more responsibility for our own well being without relying so heavily on synthetic, mass produced chemicals. We should all try using what nature has given to us.

Anyone can grow and use herbs, but as Witches, we have a responsibility to the living plants. Cut only what you will use from a living plant, and carefully, remembering to thank the spirit of the plant for its sacrifice. You should gather and empower herbs based on their planetary correlation. Some of the books I mentioned give excellent directions on harvesting and empowering herbs, magically.

Whether using them medicinally, or in spells, or to spice our foods, the various herbs and flowers of the Earth were placed within our reach for a reason: to help us live and enjoy our lives. I hope the power and love of the herbs is a secret humanity will never lose, for if we do, our species will be poorer for it.

Blessed Be