Midsummer/Summer Solstice

Photo from Midsummer Eve 2006.

Now summer is in flower and natures hum
Is never silent round her sultry bloom
Insects as small as dust are never done
Wi' glittering dance and reeling in the sun
And green wood fly and blossom haunting bee
Are never weary of their melody
Round field hedge now flowers in full glory twine
Large bindweed bells wild hop and streakd woodbine
That lift athirst their slender throated flowers
Agape for dew falls and for honey showers
These round each bush in sweet disorder run
And spread their wild hues to the sultry sun

~June by John Clare {read the rest here}.

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, it will be the Summer Solstice (or Midsummer as it is often called) on June 21st, which of course is the longest day of the year.

By now even for those of us more North than most, there is green and blossom everywhere, the birds are singing their tunes at all hours, and gardening season is well underway.

After the Winter we had (snow at the end of May!), I definitely feel like celebrating the coming of Summer!

I hope to spend the day wildcrafting some plants for my dwindling supply...the Tansy, Devil's Paintbrush, and St. John's Wort is ready! I will also do my rounds of leaving offerings in a couple of my secret spots, and one for our somewhat newly appointed garden project space (more about that in another post).

There are various celebrations and observences around this time such as St. John's Day, Litha, Ivan Kupala, and Golowan. And one need only look to Carrowkeel in Ireland or Stonehenge and England to see that the importance of Midsummer goes back a long way in history.

For Wiccans and other neo-Pagans this days is known as Litha, which was the Anglo-Saxon name given to the months of June/July is Bede's De temporum ratione.

The Summer Solstice has been celebrated for eons, harking back to pre-Christian times in Northern Europe, and many later were adopted by those of the Christian faith and placed in their festival calendar.

Folks waiting for a Midsummer sunrise at Stonehenge, photo from Andrew Dunn

In places like Isle of Man, the celebration and customs of the Summer Solstice was most likely imported by the Northern Europeans. This is certainly the theory A.W. Moore had in The Folk-Lore of the Isle of Man, and goes on to claim that the origins of the festival was in honour of the sun God Baldur.

As with other festivals, fire seems to play an important role in the rites of Midsummer. A reason for this is illustrated in The Worship of the Generative Powers by Thomas Wright:

The eve of St. John was in popular superstition one of the most important days of the mediæval year. The need-fire--or the St. John's fire, as it was called--was kindled just at midnight, the moment when the solstice was supposed to take place, and the young people of both sexes danced round it, and, above all things, leaped over it, or rushed through it, which was looked upon not only as a purification, but as a protection against evil influences.

In The Golden Bough, Sir James George Frazer credits the Solstice fires to the pre-Christian ancients. He suggested that when humans learnt about the seasonal cycles, they knew that once the Midsummer sun hit noontide the sunlight would be on course to recede again, so the fires were lit to "help the sun in his seeming decline".

There is also quite a bit of mention of offerings and individuals being thrown onto the pyre as well. Apparently there were sometimes sacrifices for fertility, such as a horses to the God Freyr (The Religion of the Ancient Celts by J. A. MacCulloch).

In my opinion one of the most nifty celebrations is the Cornish Golowan Festival. A more modern spin of it comes out of Penzance, where the colourful Penglaz the 'Obby 'Oss comes out to play. Check out the video below to see some of the festivities:

Not surprisingly, there are many plants that are associated with this time of year, but maybe none more so than St. John's Wort.

According to Vivian Rich in Cursing the Basil and other Folklore of the Garden (this book is turning out to be a gem!) on St John's Day morning English girls would pick St John's Wort and place it under their pillows, and if it was not wilted they would be married within the next year. She also mentions that it was considered a sacred plant in Germany because it was thought that the strong smell would keep any malignant spirits at bay.

In Popular Romances of the West of England by Robert Hunt, there is a quoted practice of women sewing hemp seeds to divine a future husband:

At eve last midsummer no sleep I sought,
But to the field a bag of hemp-seed brought;
I scatter'd round the seed on every side,
And three times in a trembling accent cried,--
'This hemp-seed with my virgin hand I sow,
Who shall my true love be, the crop shall mow.'
I straight look'd back, and, if my eyes speak truth,
With his keen scythe behind me came the youth

Other plants I have heard of that helps to divine a future spouse around Midsummer are Roses, Daisies, Dandelions, and Pansies.

If one is looking for a fitting love charm, pick St. John's Wort, Ox-Eye Daisies, Forget-Me-Nots, and Ivy on Midsummer morning and bind the stems with red ribbon. I heard if you hang it over your bed for a whole moon, your bed would be shared soon after.

A rhyme that my Grandmother used to say to me when I was a child was:

If a Faery it is you wish to see, in new summer stand 'neath the Elder tree.

I am not sure of the origins of the rhyme, nor have I yet taken her advice, but perhaps I will one day! What I can say is that the Faeries are definitely out and about this time of year, and that was the sentiment of William Butler Yeats in Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry, where he stated that on Midsummer Eve the Faeries are "at their gayest".

I think Shakespeare would have agreed. ;)

The Quarrel of Oberon and Titania {a scene from a Midsummer Night's Dream} by Sir Joseph Noel Paton, 1849.

For a Summer altar perhaps the most sensible adornments are leaves and blooms. I like making little bouquets or if one was more ambitious, you could try a wreath. Some other plants that are associated with this time of year are ferns, strawberries, peonies, vervain, lavender, honeysuckle, larkspur, chamomile, foxgloves, and mistletoe.

If you are looking for inspiration, here are some photos of other people's Summer altars:

Photo from meaduva

Photo from malpagaia

Photo from pipiwildhead

Photo from roniweb

Photo from Cosmic Void

Photo from sbpoet

Midsummer is an excellent time to sample local and fresh food. Here are a few recipes that you might want to try:

Strawberry Wine

Fruit Kebobs in Honey

Baby Spinach and Raspberry Salad

Dolmades

Solstice Herb Bread

Spinach and Feta Pizza

Stuffed Nasturtium Blossoms

Rustic Strawberry Tart

Sláinte!

Laurel

Some Updates

This is just a bit of an update post about a myriad of things.

First, I am sad to say that the Crooked Path podcast and webby are no longer. It was one of my favourite podcasts, and was a great source of information for folks who are interested in Traditional Witchcraft. Thanks to both Peter and Raven for taking the time to share your knowledge and wisdom with us, you will be missed!

Peter is behind Pendraig Publishing, which has really great selection of books. I recommend checking it out if you haven't already!

On a happier note, the Near North Locavores are *finally* incorporated. It's been a little bureacratic adventure, so thankfully that is over and done with.

And speaking of local food (or in this case, beer!), I recently found out that we have a local microbrewery in my area called Highlander Brew Company. I can't wait to check out their beer.

Right now I am reading a book called Cursing the Basil and Other Folklore of the Garden by Vivian A. Rich. I'm not finished reading it, but so far I am pretty impressed. She's packed in a lot of info for a 200 page book.

Lastly, progress is being made on the garden front, and I caught a glimpse of the cute fox kits!

Sláinte!

Laurel

Peter Dolls

No doubt I had an impish grin when I first read about 'Peter Dolls' being in my Great Grandmother's practice. I have been quite zealous in trying to track down their origin, but I have been left to guess.

A little while back, I had turned to a Traditional Witchcraft forum to see if anyone else had an idea, and one of the suggestions posted was that it could be Hoodoo. The search continues.

So what exactly are these elusive Peter Dolls? Well, I am not certain if I have seen one myself (there may have been a glimpse caught in my Grandmother's sewing room, but whatever doll it was, my Grandmother has insisted that it was not for the eyes of children!), but from what I gather, they are poppets made from fabric or wool and stuffed with wool and herbs. Their unique feature is a large phallus.

There is no mention of what types of herbs are stuffed into the doll, but colour plays an important role: red to bring virility, white to bring fidelity, and black to bring impotence. My assumption is that as the midwife of the area, that she made these for the wives of the settlement.

If anyone has heard of any similar poppets, or if you have an idea of the origin of the Peter Dolls, I certainly would love to hear your input. :)

Sláinte!

Laurel

Wortcunning: Common Comfrey {Symphytum officinale}

Artwork done by Carl Axel Magnus Lindman

Nodding gaily as Fine Folks nest
Just a leaf or two please
To bring my poor bones rest
Take over my fields
To nourish my fold
I harbour my Blackwort
More than I do gold.
~ Blackwort, dated around the late 1800's.

{The above is a rhyme I had found in my Great Grandmother's writings; I am not sure if she had wrote it or if it was passed down to her.}

Other Names: Knitbone, Ass Ear, Blackwort, Yalluc, Church Bells, Bruisewort, Consound

Description: Common Comfrey is a prolific perennial that is a member of the borage family. It is native to Europe and can now be found growing wild in many parts of North America.

It grows to about 4 feet in height and has large black roots that can go quite deep and spread, which has helped earned its reputation as a 'weed'. The leaves are oval to lance shaped that get large and hairy as it matures. The flowers are quite lovely and come in the colours purple, pink or white.

Photo from Nova

Warnings: As with all herbs, one should make sure to be thoroughly informed before ingesting them, and is best to do so under the guidance of a qualified healer.

Comfrey has apparently been found to cause liver damage when ingested in large enough amounts, and can possibly be linked to cancer when ingested as well. Several governments have banned products with Comfrey in it.

The highest amount of the problematic alkaloid in Comfrey is in the roots, and the leaves have more as they mature. If you choose to ingest it, it might be a good idea to only consume the young leaves, as they have almost none of this alkaloid.

When the plant is mature enough its leaves can be quite prickly, so wearing gloves to handle it might be necessary, especially on broken skin.

Cultivating: The natural habitat for Comfrey are river banks, hedgerows, meadows, woodland edges, ditches, and other moist areas. It can also make itself at home with very little help in cultivated beds and yards. It does well in hardiness zones 3b to to 9 and is frost resistant.

Other types of Comfrey (such as Bocking 14) are propagated by root cuttings, but Common Comfrey can be grown from seed or plants that can be easily found online or at nurseries.

Plant in full sun to part shade, once the soil is easy enough to work, in an area that holds enough moisture. Once its taproots develop, it can be quite drought resistant. It can grow in just about any soil type (it is great to grow in clay if you want to break it up!), but for best results, plant in rich and well-drained soil.

One important thing to keep in mind is that Comfrey spreads and grows quickly, so if you want to avoid it taking over your garden then plant in a well contained area! Depending on location, Comfrey flowers anytime between May to September.

Photo from Nova

Medicinal/Remedial Properties and Lore: Anodyne, astringent, demulcent, emollient, expectorant, haemostatic, homeopathic, nutrient, pectoral, pulmonary, refrigerant, tonic, vulnerary.

Comfrey is one of those herbs that has been used for so many different ailments throughout history, and still today.

Brother Aloysius recommended a cup of Comfrey tea a day for those who were prone to obesity. He also suggested its use for coughs, acne, diarrhea, cancer (funnily enough!), cholera, excessive menstrual bleeding, and dysentery (Comfort to the Sick).

Nicholas Culpeper held it in pretty high esteem; he said of Comfrey, 'This is a very common but a very neglected plant. It contains very great virtues.' He thought it was good for gout, hemorrhoids, gangrene, fevers, and (Complete Herbal).

One of its most popular uses earned it the nick 'knitbone' as an aid for broken bones. Pliny noted that when he boiled the roots in with meat, a gluey substance held two pieces of meat together.

The allantoin in Comfrey may be at the root of this healing property. It is also a pain reliever and can be placed over a sore area when prepared as a poultice. These two properties also make Comfrey suitable to help treat sprains, bruises, sores, and cuts.

Another historical and modern use of Comfrey is to help combat internal bleeding. Old Saxon texts recommended it for this use, as well as John Gerard who said it was good for 'those who spit blood and have inward wounds and burstings'. Today it is sometimes taken internally for ulcers.

Wisewoman Susun Weed sings the praises of Comfrey to help keep memory, and nourish the body. Below is a video of her showing how to make a Comfrey infusion:

Magical Properties and Lore: From the Blackroot rhyme at the top of this post, I gather that at least some folks believe that Comfrey is connected with Faeries.

I have heard that it is both associated with the elements of water and earth, as well as the planet Saturn. I have also seen several mentions that it is a beloved herb of the Goddess Hecate, and is an appropriate offering planted in a garden for Her, or a bouquet placed at on an altar for Her.

A few cultures thought that Comfrey would protect travellers, including Saxons. In England, sprigs were sometimes given to bards as well as pilgrims travelling to sacred sites; in other parts of Europe, travellers would place leaves in their shoes, wear it as a charm around the neck, or weave it into the manes of horses to protect them and their charge.

Another potential use for Comfrey is for prosperity and protection magic for the home and for land. It can be used in a ritual, or hung about the home, or planted on the land for this purpose.

I especially like honing its 'binding' properties in my workings whether for protection, to help me to 'stick' to the right path, or to heal old 'wounds'. If you are going this route, make sure you mean it, as Comfrey is quite effective!

Photo from Anneli Salo

Other Uses: Comfrey is an excellent fertilizer for the garden! You can make a liquid fertilizer out of it (it is stinky but so worth it!), mulch your garden beds with it, and use it as a compost activator. To see the fertilizer recipe, as well as get more info on its uses in the garden, click here.

Comfrey is also a great fodder for livestock, especially backyard chickens. ;)

Sláinte!

Laurel

No Man's Land: Keeping a Piece Wild

Photo from jonboy mitchell

I had gotten my earliest plant and gardening wisdom from my Grandmother, and for that I am grateful to her. She is also what some would call very 'superstitious' (or as I like to think of it, smart enough to heed old lore!), and I am pretty sure that I got that trait from her as well. There were various practices in the garden that were taboo to stray from, and while I know many were very sensible (in the material sense), others were definitely carried out for more esoteric reasons.

One of these practices was to keep a piece of her property wild, and let the plants and other wild ones do with it as they willed. This was the place for the 'Dandy Wee Folk' to stay in as long as they wished, and to hopefully protect the land around them.

At the time when I was a child, her property was a modest suburban lot, so this space set aside for this purpose was quite small. In a yard enclosed in zealously manicured cedar hedges, you found a humble but flourishing garden, and in the far South corner this little wild space nestled between a couple of old trees.

Discreet, just like my Grandmother.

I admittedly found some of her practices odd, but this was one that I had respected to the letter, and I made sure not to disturb that space and its residents (or the bread and bowls of milk sometimes left there by my Grandmother).

In my research travels I have come across similar traditions where farmers and gardeners would set aside some land and leave it be in the hopes of appeasing 'evil' spirits and Genii Loci. In England these parcels of land are often called Jack's Land, in Scotland Guideman's Field and Cloutie's Croft, and in Wales The Devil's Offering (Gardener's Magic and Folklore by Margaret Baker).

I wholeheartedly believe that at the core of superstitions, there is a practical reason for them existing, and one does not have to believe in Faeries to see how this practice is a good thing!

This is a practice that has been adopted by Permaculture, which is reflected in design zone 5:

ZONE 5 — A wild area. There is no human intervention in zone 5 apart from the observation of natural eco-systems and cycles. Here is where the most important lessons of the first permaculture principle of working with, rather than against, nature are learned.

Click on this link to find out more about the design zones in Permaculture.

In a world full of human sprawl and the destruction of wild spaces, the least we can do is set aside pieces of land just for Nature.

Sláinte!

Laurel

Bealtaine/May Day

A Bealtaine shin-dig, photo from piglicker

The month of May was come, when every lusty heart beginneth
to blossom, and to bring forth fruit; for like as herbs and trees
bring forth fruit and flourish in May, in likewise every lusty heart
that is in any manner a lover, springeth and flourisheth in lusty
deeds. For it giveth unto all lovers courage,
that lusty month of May.

~ from Le Morte d'Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory

Well, I can finally say that Spring is here! Of course, this was 'officially' the case over a month ago, but the weather is now at last complying!

In a couple of days it will be May 1st, which to many is known as May Day, and for many Pagans as well as Gaelic folks it's Bealtaine, and for Heathens it is Walpurgisnacht.

Bealtaine has its roots as a Gaelic festival that was celebrated in ancient Ireland, Scotland, as well as the Isle of Man. Many believe that it was the time that marked the light half of the year, while Samhain was the start of the dark half.

There were various rites that surrounded Bealtaine, to celebrate the coming of summer; to ensure the fertility of crops and livestock, as well as encourage the overall prosperity of the community. Many of these rites involved fire.

According to Sir James George Frazer in The Golden Bough, Bealtaine was the highest holiday of the Druids, and sometimes human sacrifices would be held on this day.

He speaks of a long tradition in the Scottish Highlands (which were still happening in his time), where bonfires were lit on Bealtaine on the top of hills. He also states that folks would put out all fires the night before on May Eve (April 30th), and all hearths would be re-lit from the sacred need fire on Bealtaine.

Bealtaine bonfire photo from M J Roberts

In Ireland fires were lit for cattle to go around (or through) for blessings, as well as people in the community. After the influence of Christianity, it was bad luck for the need fire to go out on Bealtaine, and the fire could only be re-lit from the a priest's hearth. The ashes from the need fire were sprinkled over the threshold of the homes in a community as a blessing (Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms, and Superstitions of Ireland by Lady Francesca Speranza Wilde).

Today many Pagans and secular Bealtaine festivals still involve bonfires.

Sacred wells also played a pretty important role in some areas. The online text Land, Sea and Sky (a Celtic Reconstructionist text) claims that the first water taken from a well or spring after sunrise on Bealtaine morning had curative and protective qualities, and the water from sacred wells and springs were most effective at this time.

In The Origins of Popular Superstitions and Customs by T. Sharper Knowlson, he describes a ritual done on the first of May at a sacred well near Tullie Bealtaine in Scotland:

On Beltane morning superstitious people go to this well and drink of it; then they make a procession round it nine times; after this they in like manner go round the temple. So deep-rooted is this heathenish superstition in the minds of many who reckon themselves good Protestants, that they will not neglect these rites even when Beltane falls on a Sabbath (a Christian holy day).

In the same region of Scotland (Perthshire) children were submerged into the Lady of Lawers Well on Bealtaine under the light of the sun, to benefit from the supposed remedial powers of the Creideag Bheg and Creideag Mhór springs. (Survivals in Belief Among the Celts by George Henderson).

Close up of a maypole, photo from ComeIlMare

One of the most popular customs associated with the first of May is dancing around the phallic maypole.The maypole's origins probably hark back to a more ancient time, but from what I understand, the earlies record comes from around the 16th century. It is originally a Germanic custom that later spread to other areas like England, Wales, the Scottish Lowlands, and eventually North America.

Another common sight at many May Day celebrations are Morris Dancers, especially in England, Wales, and North America. Here is a nifty little video of a Morris side on Bealtaine (although I am personally more fond of Border Morris myself):

And another for good measure!

There are tonnes of fantastic lore and superstitions surrounding Bealtaine, much of which can be found in nursery rhymes, such as Mother Goose:

The fair maid who, the first of May
Goes to the fields at break of day
And washes in dew from the hawthorn tree
Will ever after handsome be.

Besides collecting the makings of a 'beauty potion', the Hawthorn blossoms were worn by folks celebrating May Day to represent fertility and new growth, and cuttings were hung in houses to bring prosperity and protection.

Another tree that was used at this time of year was the Rowan; in places like the Isle of Man, Scotland, and Wales, Rowan branches were hung in barns and homes to protect people and livestock against the curses of witches.

In Ireland, Marsh Marigold was made into wreaths and garlands to hang in houses, and decorated cattle to keep Faeries at bay, and was also used in divination.

In Germany a May wine is made from Sweet Woodruff (see recipe below), and was thought to bestow fertility and luck to the drinker. It can also be worn in a Bealtaine ritual or to decorate a Bealtaine altar. And if you want to attract Faeries, give the Common Bluebell a try.

Hawthorn blossoms, photo from Billpowellisalive

Many thought that Bealtaine was a time when Faeries would 'wreck havoc' on the country side, and there are still folks in Ireland who would say you're nuts if you go outside on May Eve!

It's definitely a good day to collect plants to make protective amulets and for healing, as well doing prosperity magic and divination. Many people also like to get married and handfasted on Bealtaine.

I know one thing that I will be doing this year is blessing the farm.

Here is a blessing from a book that is a staple influence for my practice (sans the Christian tone):

The Bealtaine Blessing

Bless O Threefold true and bountiful,
Myself, my spouse, and my children,
My tender children and their beloved mother at their head.
Everything within my dwelling or in my possession,
All kine and crops, all flocks and corn,
From Hallow Eve to Beltane Eve,
With goodly progress and gentle blessing,
From sea to sea, and every river mouth,
From wave to wave, and base of waterfall.
Be the Three Persons taking possession of all to me belonging,
Be the sure Trinity protecting me in truth;
Oh! satisfy my soul in the words of Paul,
And shield my loved ones beneath the wing of Thy glory,
Shield my loved ones beneath the wing of Thy glory.
Bless everything and every one,
Of this little household by my side;
Place the cross of Christ on us with the power of love,
Till we see the land of joy,
Till we see the land of joy,
What time the kine shall forsake the stalls,
What time the sheep shall forsake the folds,
What time the goats shall ascend to the mount of mist,
May the tending of the Triune follow them,
May the tending of the Triune follow them.
Thou Being who didst create me at the beginning,
Listen and attend me as I bend the knee to Thee,
Morning and evening as is becoming in me,
In Thine own presence, O God of life,
In Thine own presence, O God of life.

~ Carmina Gadelica by Alexander Carmicheal

If you are thinking of setting up a Bealtaine altar, some plants that would be appropriate to decorate it with (besides the ones already mentioned) are Apple blossoms, Ivy, Lilacs, Pussywillows, Gorse, Dandelions, and Honeysuckle.

Other things that you might want to try are colourful ribbons, freshly sheered sheep's wool, a handmade nest, candles (especially green, pink, purple, white, and yellow), things that you would use in your garden (seeds, seedlings, a hand tool, or a pretty pot), and crystals (Moss Agate, Amber, Rose Quartz, Emerald and Carnelian would all be suitable).

Here are some photos for inspiration ;)

Photo from Sighthound

Photo from malpagaia

Photo from Sinjy

Photo from kightp

Photo from cronewynd

Photo from mindi64

Photo from aspenfnord

And lastly, here are a few recipes for your Bealtaine/May Day feast!

Maiwein (German May Day Wine)
Beltane Bannocks
Fertility Bread (!!!)
Candied Flowers
Wild Irish Nettle Soup
Sand Tarts
Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes and Apples
Cream Pie and Marigold Custard
Fruit Cream Tarts
Fried Mustard Greens
Capon in Honey and Milk

Sláinte!

Laurel

Wortcunning: Common Bluebell {Hyacinthoides non-scripta}

Photo from MichaelMaggs

A fine and subtle spirit dwells

In every little flower,

Each one its own sweet feeling breathes

With more or less of power.

There is a silent eloquence
In every wild bluebell

That fills my softened heart with bliss

That words could never tell.

Yet I recall not long ago

A bright and sunny day,

'Twas when I led a toilsome life

So many leagues away;

That day along a sunny road

All carelessly I strayed,

Between two banks where smiling flowers

Their varied hues displayed.

Before me rose a lofty hill,

Behind me lay the sea,

My heart was not so heavy then

As it was wont to be.

Less harassed than at other times

I saw the scene was fair,

And spoke and laughed to those around,

As if I knew no care.
But when I looked upon the bank

My wandering glances fell

Upon a little trembling flower,

A single sweet bluebell.

Whence came that rising in my throat,

That dimness in my eye?

Why did those burning drops distil --

Those bitter feelings rise?

O, that lone flower recalled to me

My happy childhood's hours

When bluebells seemed like fairy gifts

A prize among the flowers,

Those sunny days of merriment

When heart and soul were free,

And when I dwelt with kindred hearts

That loved and cared for me.

I had not then mid heartless crowds

To spend a thankless life
In seeking after others' weal

With anxious toil and strife.

'Sad wanderer, weep those blissful times

That never may return!'

The lovely floweret seemed to say,

And thus it made me mourn.

~The Bluebell by Anne Bronte (1820-1849)

Other Names: English Bluebell, Auld Man's Bells, Ring-o'-Bells, Culverkeys, Wood Bells, Jacinth.

Description: The Common Bluebell is a perennial that is native to Britain. It can now also be found growing is some parts of North America, as well as other parts of Europe such as Portugal, France, and Ireland.

It is a bulbed woodland plant that is member of the Hyacinthaceae family. The plant has leaves that are a long lanceolate shape, which are located at the bottom half of the plant. The stem rises to a curve with spikes of their signature blue, pensile bell-shaped flowers on the top; the flowers themselves give of a wisp of a sweet fragrance.

It is thought that the Common Bluebell is under threat due to hybridization, and it is a protected species in the United Kingdom under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. You can view a video here on how to identify different types of Bluebells.

Warnings: As with all herbs, one should make sure to be thoroughly informed before ingesting them, and is best to do so under the guidance of a qualified healer.

From what I understand, all parts of the Common Bluebell are considered poisonous, especially the bulb.

In a report released by the Canadian government, there are cases of both people and livestock being poisoned after ingesting the plant.

Reported symptoms of poisoning for humans included: abdominal pains, diarrhea, heart rate slowed, flushed skin. For cattle symptoms included: slowed heart rate, shallow breathing, lethargy, and depressed temperature; for horses: abdominal pains, diarrhea, moist and cold skin, absent urination, depressed temperature, and vomiting.

So I think it's safe to say not to ingest any parts of the plant, and to make sure that pets and livestock don't either.

Artwork from Deutschlands Flora in Abbildungen

Cultivating: The Common Bluebell's natural habitat is deciduous {often ancient} woodlands, hedgerows, and sometimes in shady meadows. It typically does well between hardiness zones 5 to 7. Depending on your region, it will flower anywhere from April to June.

It is an excellent plant to have in a woodland garden, or in a spot that is part sun to dappled shade. It prefers a slightly acidic soil, and it is probably best to use a fertile loam. However, I have heard that it can also grow in a heavy clay, and it can grow in 'dry' soil, providing that it gets enough shade and moisture.

The best way to start Common Bluebells from seed is to grow them in a pot for the first year, after a period of about 5 weeks of a cold-moist stratification. It can then be planted in its permanent home in the second year, once the leaves are dormant {late summer or early fall}.

Before planting it is a good idea to prepare the soil with an organic fertilizer {like compost}, and to mulch afterwards.

Some great plants to grow with it are Ferns, Daffodils, Tulips, Sweet Woodruff, and Hostas.

Medicinal/Remedial Properties and Lore: Diuretic, styptic.

The Common Bluebell is rarely used for medicinal purposed today, although there is research on its potential use for treatment in cancer and HIV.

It was historically thought by some to cure snake bites, as well as calm the effects of a bee sting if the juices from the stem were rubbed on the wound.

Sir John Hill recommended it for as a styptic for leucorrhoea, by drying the bulb and making into a powder, but he warned not to use anymore than 3 grains in a dosage.

Photo from Dave&Lynne Slater

Magical Properties and Lore: This is one plant that is strongly associated with the Fair Folk, as well as death.

In English folklore, Faeries were thought to congregate in a 'Bluebell wood'. If one were to trample into such a wood they could be cursed by the Faeries. They would leave them maimed or sick{ultimately leading to their death}, or the carry them away to never be seen again.

To hear the ringing of the Bluebell would be a harbinger of death or a signal that a troop of malevolent Faeries were near by.

For those who want to attract the sympathies of the Fair Folk, you can grow Common Bluebells in your garden. To attract them at Bealtaine, make posies of the flowers (not sure about what the law in the UK would say about picking them in the wild, but of course, this should be done respectfully!) to adorn your altar or ritual space.

Common Bluebells are a funeral plant, and some appropriate uses are planting it on graves to bring peace and blessings, or to decorate as a decoration for a funeral, as well as a ancestor altar at Samhain.

They can also be an excellent charm to sew into a dream pillow to ward off not only nightmares, but also protect someone from a potential run in with a Succubus.

Other Uses: At one time the juice from the bulb was used as a replacement for starch in the days when stiff ruffs were worn was much in request {Mrs Maude Grieve}; English herbalist John Gerard told of the juice's usefulness to set feathers onto arrows, and it was also popular at one time to create a gum to bind books.

Sláinte!

Laurel

Horse Whisperers

Whistlejacket by George Stubbs, circa 1760.

The idea of training horses in a humane way while studying and mimicking equine body language was largely popularized by horseman and author, Monty Roberts.

However, Monty Roberts is certainly not the first person to wear the title of 'Horse Whisperer'; there is a long history of training horses without the use of cruelty and brute force. One such person was John Solomon Rarey whose techniques for taming abused and dangerous horses made him famous in the 19th century. His method really took off when he came to work with one of Queen Victoria's horses.

Some of his training techniques have been depicted in the film The Horse Whisperer. He also wrote a book entitled The Complete Horse Tamer, which much of it can be viewed here.

John Solomon Rarey and his horse Cruiser, circa 1860

Going back even further, horsemen such as farriers and farmers would use more arcane methods to gentle horses.

From areas in England like Cornwall and East Anglia, as well as Scotland, there are stories of folks using witchcraft to tame and train horses, and there were even secret societies established for these horse whisperers.

One such group is The Society for the Horseman's Word, which reputedly began in the 18th century and ended in the 1930's in Scotland (although some suspect that it still may be practised in remote places in Scotland). The Society eventually made it's way down to England where the Society of Horsemen was formed.

To become a member of the Society, a horseman was invited by an established member, and the calling card was a single horsehair. He would go through an initiation ceremony and ordeals, and take a series of oaths; in return he would learn the guarded knowledge of the Society.

The actual 'Horseman's Word' was passed to members after initiation, and it probably differed from region to region. The Word was used to tame and bewitch the horse.

There were also the practitioners called the Toadmen in East Anglia, whose practices also spread out to other parts of England, like Cornwall, as well as to Wales.

The Toadman was initiated through a rather gruesome ritual that involved killing and skinning a toad (less often a frog), and retrieving a V-shaped bone (perhaps the pelvic bone) from the animal. To see details of the actual ritual, click here and here.

The bone was a charm used to 'jade' or bring the horse to a stop. Another charm was made from milt to 'draw' or attract a horse. The milt is a substance found in a foal's mouth right after birth, that looks something like liver. It was carefully removed from the foal's mouth and dried to be worn by the horseman.

There were other substances used to draw and jade a horse; oils were often smeared on the bodies of the horsemen such as a mixture of oil of origanum, oil of rosemary, oil of cinnamon, and oil of fennel (source here) to draw. Substances such as stoat's liver and rabbit's liver, dried and powdered up with dragon's blood/palm resin (source here).

Artwork by Hilary Tully, similar to found Pictish horse symbols.

In the book Pictish Warrior AD 297-841 by Paul Wagner & Wayne Reynolds the claim is made that the art of horse whispering was practiced by the Picts. They apparently used spells and wortcunning to jade and draw horses. The authors make the argument that the Picts had may in fact been the very first horse whispers, whose techniques were inherited by later horsemen such of those of the horsemen fraternities, and the Toadmen.

One may not be keen on turning to the esoteric for their horse training needs, but there is certainly enough literature out there now, as well as courses and trainers, that there is no reason to 'break' a horse to train them.

The equine are wonderful creatures and make excellent co-workers and companions, and I think it is high time that people stop practicing barbaric and cruel training methods, and go for the kinder and gentler (and in the long run more effective!) route.

Sláinte!

Laurel

Rites of Spring

Spring by Alphonse (Alfons) Mucha

Spring

Come, shell divine, be vocal now for me,
As when the Hebrus river and the sea
To Lesbos bore, on waves harmonious,
The head and golden lyre of Orpheus. Calliope, queen of the tuneful throng,
Descend and be the Muse of melic song;
For through my frame life's tides renewing bring The glad vein-warming vigor of the spring.
The skies that dome the earth with far blue fire
Make the wide land one temple of desire;—
Just now across my cheek I felt a God,
In the enraptured breeze, pass zephyr-shod.
Was that Pan's flute, O Atthis, that we heard,
Or the soft love-note of a woodland bird?
That flame a scarlet wing that skimmed the stream,
Or the red flash of our impassioned dream?
Ah, soon again we two shall gather fair
Garlands of dill and rose to deck our bare
White arms that cling, white breast that burns to breast,
When the long night of love shall banish rest.

~The Poems of Sappho by John Myers O'Hara (1910)

Boy, is this a busy week or what! St Paddy's Day & the first day of Spring! But, there's definitely no complaints from over here ;)

The birdies are finally making their pretty noises again; in the last 24 hours alone I have seen the cedar waxwings on my balcony (I am pretty sure that they're the same ones who nested in the hedges last year), a larger amount of crows, chickadees, red-winged blackbirds, and my raven and blue jay friends are back in full force. Yay!

So tomorrow is the Vernal Equinox, where we will have equal halves of daylight and night time (the only other time of year is during the Autumnal Equinox), sending Winter on her way out for us in the Northern Hemisphere. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the Equinox will officially start at 7:44 am EDT.

Tomorrow is also a holiday that is celebrated by Heathens, as well as Wiccans and some other neo-Pagans called Ostara.

I am sure many have already started their 'Spring cleaning', but if you are a talented procrastinator like me, then the Equinox might be a good day to begin. For some thrifty and eco-friendly household cleaning recipes, check out this post.

If one wanted to set up a shrine/altar in honour of Spring, some appropriate things that would be to put on it are seeds/seedlings, spring flowers (i.e. tulips, daffodils, and crocuses), painted eggs, nests, crystals (especially ones that are green, purple, pink, and yellow), artwork animals (such as lambs, rabbits, and chicks), or anything that reminds you of Spring.

Here are some photos of Spring shrines/altars to give you some inspiration:

Photo from Pip Wilson



Photos from On Bradstreet









Photo from Robbi Baba



Photo from sb poet



Photos from Lorelei Raveig







This is a day where I really like to start thinking about my garden. At this point I already have seeds and the like picked out for the growing season, and I may have even started some seedlings. The Spring Equinox is a great day to bless your garden for fertility and the like, if you are inclined to do so.

I like to use my own, but here is a neat blessings that I found online:

Garden Blessing for Ostara

The earth is cool and dark,
and far below, new life begins.
May the soil be blessed with fertility and abundance,
with rains of life-giving water,
with the heat of the sun,
with the energy of the raw earth.
May the soil be blessed
as the womb of the land becomes full and fruitful
to bring forth the garden anew.

~ by Patti Wigington

I bury moss agate tumbled stones in with my plants (one per pot) to promote a fertile and healthy garden. If you are planting in ground, you could always mix in moss agate chips, or tie one onto your hoe or a tree by your garden. Apparently Europeans did this in the Middle Ages to promote a bountiful harvest.

I have also heard of people burying eggs in their gardens for the same purpose. For a ritual involving this, and natural dye recipes for those eggs, click here.

Alexander Carmicheal in Carmina Gadelica (Volume 1, 1900) talks about farmers in Scotland consecrating seeds before planting. He says:

The ritual is picturesque, and is performed with great care and solemnity and, like many of these ceremonies, is a combination of Paganism and Christianity. The moistening of the seed has the effect of hastening its growth when committed to the ground, which is generally begun on a Friday, that day being auspicious for all operations not necessitating the use of iron.

And tomorrow happens to be a Friday!

Here is the English version of the ritual (to see the Gaelic one, click here)

I will go out to sow the seed,
In name of Him who gave it growth;
I will place my front in the wind,
And throw a gracious handful on high.
Should a grain fall on a bare rock,
It shall have no soil in which to grow;
As much as falls into the earth,
The dew will make it to be full.

Friday, day auspicious,
The dew will come down to welcome
Every seed that lay in sleep
Since the coming of cold without mercy;
Every seed will take root in the earth,
As the King of the elements desired,
The braird will come forth with the dew,
It will inhale life from the soft wind.

I will come round with my step,
I will go rightways with the sun,
In name of Ariel and the angels nine,
In name of Gabriel and the Apostles kind.

Father, Son, and Spirit Holy,
Be giving growth and kindly substance
To every thing that is in my ground,
Till the day of gladness shall come.

The Feast day of Michael, day beneficent,
I will put my sickle round about
The root of my corn as was wont;I will lift the first cut quickly;
I will put it three turns round
My head, saying my rune the while,
My back to the airt of the north;
My face to the fair sun of power.

I shall throw the handful far from me,
I shall close my two eyes twice,
Should it fall in one bunch
My stacks will be productive and lasting;
No Carlin will come with bad times
To ask a palm bannock from us,
What time rough storms come with frowns
Nor stint nor hardship shall be on us.

Foods such as leafy greens, asparagus, eggs, and edible flowers are certainly very appropriate for feasting on at this time of year. Below are links to some recipes for you to try:

Hot cross buns--these are often associated with the Christian holiday of Easter, and according to Leopold Wagner is his book Manners, Customs, and Observances (1894) are 'cakes which the pagan Saxons ate in honour of Eoster, the goddess of light, at the annual festival of Spring'.

Honey Cakes

Elderflower Cheesecake (Sambocade)

Asparagus Quiche

Chervil Vegetable Omlette

Stuffed Nasturtium Blossoms

Violet Salad

Dandelion Wine

Hyssop Tea

Sláinte!

Laurel

Wortcunning: Lady's Mantle {Alchemilla vulgaris}





Photo from Jina Lee

Our Lady's Mantle ! When I musing stray
In leafy June along the mossy sward,
No flower that blooms more fixes my regard
Than thy green leaf, though simple its array;
For thou to me art as some minstrel's lay,
Depicting manners of the olden time,
When on Inch Cailliach's isle the convent chime
Summoned to Vespers at the close of day.
Tis pleasant 'mid the never-ending strife
Of this too busy, mammon-loving age,
When Nature's gentler charms so few engage,
To muse at leisure on the quiet life
Of earlier days, when every humble flower
Was known to all, and cherished as a dower.

~To Our Lady's Mantle from Sonnets and Miscellaneous Poems By James Inglis, 1853

Other Names: Common Lady's Mantle, Lion's Foot, Copan an Druichd, Bear's Foot, Falluing Mhuire,  Nine Hooks, Frauenmantle, Pied-de-lion.

Description: Lady's mantle is a lovely perennial that is a member of the rosaceae family. It can be found growing in the wild in England, Scotland, Canada, Greenland, and in much of Northern Europe and Asia.

It could be described as a demure plant, but as Ms Grieve said 'the rich form of its foliage and the beautiful shape of its clustering blossoms make it worthy of notice'.

From Wikimedia Commons

It is a low growing plant that doesn't grow to much more than 14 inches in height, and it has pretty yellowish-green flowers free of petals. It's prize feature is the wonderfully 'scalloped' leaves, which is said to resemble the Virgin Mary's cloak, from which it gets its name.

Warnings: As with all herbs, one should make sure to be thoroughly informed before ingesting them, and is best to do so under the guidance of a qualified healer.

Lady's mantle has reportedly been linked with liver damage in some cases, and many herbalists warn to women notify their health practitioner if they are pregnant or breastfeeding before ingesting the herb.

Cultivating: The natural habitat of lady's mantle is quite vast from meadows, sunny woodlands, by streams and other moist areas, as well as mountainous regions. It is a plant that does well in cooler climates and is generally thought to be suitable for hardiness zones 3 to 7.

Growing it from seed can be sometimes difficult, so it might be easier just to by seedlings or plants from a nursery. If you are going to grow it from seed, just keep in mind that it is quite slow to germinate.

Plant in the spring once there is no more chance of frost, in a spot that is anywhere from full sun to partial shade. It will do well in just about any type of soil, just make sure it is well-drained.

Mulching is a good idea, but lady's mantle is apparently quite drought-resistant. Also keep in mind that if it is doing well, it will drop plenty of seeds and spread, so you can always dead head the flowers if you want to have some control over this.

Some other plants that looks beautiful growing with lady's mantle are poppy, iris, fleabane, phlox, lily, and catmint.

Medicinal/Remedial Properties and Lore: Astringent, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, sedative, styptic, tonic, vulnerary.

Lady's mantle has a long history of use for healing an assortment of ailments: from wounds and bruises, to vomiting and other stomach problems, as well as women's complaints.

One of the most interesting recommendations I found was from good old Culpeper who said, 'such women that have large breasts, causing them to grow less and hard, being both drank and outwordly applied'.

He also suggested its use for women who wished to conceive by drinking a tea, and claimed that it was great for wounds 'green, not suffering any corruption to remain behind, and cures all old sores, though fistulois and hollow'.

Onto Brother Aloysius, who recommended it for heavy bleeding, ulcerated lungs, dysentery, consumption, and ulcers. Like Culpeper, he also mentions in its helpfulness in the boob department, but this time for 'swollen' breasts.

Susun Weed proposes a tincture of fresh root as 'an excellent blood coagulant' and advocates its use for all types of 'female problems' {Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year}.

I can attest the helpfulness of lady's mantle when it comes to PMS and periods; I like making a tea with it paired with lemon balm {also great for these issues} because it does taste a little bitter and lemon balm has a more pleasant taste.



Photo from Aconcagua

Magical Properties and Lore:

The Latin name Alchemilla roughly translates 'small magical one', and was a plant of Alchemists who collected the dew found on the leaves for their workings.

In the book Folk-Lore of Women by Thomas Firminger Thiselton-Dyer (1906) it is said that lady's mantle 'was once in great repute with ladies; for, according to Hoffman, it had the power of restoring feminine beauty, however faded, to its early freshness'. Some women would collect dew found on the leaves on Bealtaine morning for this purpose.

Associated with the Virgin Mary, as the leaves are said to resemble her mantle, I also remember hearing a story when I was younger that the leaves were used as cloaks by the Good Folk.

Because of its use in women's health and healing, I have come to associate lady's mantle with the Goddesses Brigid {there is speculation by some folks that it is a herb historically tied to her} and Airmid.

According to some lady's mantle is connected to the planet and Goddess Venus, as well as other fertility, and Earth Goddesses. In some Swedish {and other Northern European traditions} it is placed under a woman's pillow if she wishes to dream of her future children; if worn in her hair during sex she would certainly become with child.

It was thought to ward off storms in Eastern Europe by burning it in a fire and letting the smoke go to the sky, or by hanging in windows and doors a farm would be kept safe from Nature's wrath.

In Polish-American Folklore by Deborah Anders Silverman she says that small wreaths of various types of herbs including lady's mantle are hung in homes to ward off evil spirits.

This is a herb that I like to use in tealeaf readings when the topic is one of love involving women {romantic, family, or platonic} and fertility of all types. I also think it is a splendid herb for love workings and for decorating on Bealtaine and Midsummer.

Other Uses: The young leaves of lady's mantle are edible and can be served up raw or cooked, and the roots are also edible cooked.

It can also be used in beauty treatments! Below are some links to a few nifty recipes for you to try:

Hand lotion, facial steam, and bath vinegar

Hand mask

Sláinte!

Laurel

Wortcunning: European Rowan {Sorbus aucuparia}

Photo by AND12

Oh rowan tree, oh rowan tree,
Thoul't aye be dear to me,
Entwin'd thou art wi' mony ties,
O' hame and infancy.
Thy leaves were aye the first o' spring,
Thy flowr's the simmer's pride
There was nae sic a bonnie tree,
In all the country side.
Oh rowan tree.

How fair wert thou in simmer time,
Wi' all thy clusters white.
Now rich and gay thy autumn dress,
Wi' berries red and bright
On thy fair stem were mony names
Which now nae mair I see.
But there engraven on my heart,
Forgot they ne'er can be.
Oh rowan tree.

We sat aneath thy spreading shade,
The bairnies round thee ran
They pu'd thy bonnie berries red
And necklaces they strang.
My mither, oh, I see her still,
She smil'd our sports to see,
Wi' little Jeannie on her lap,
Wi' Jamie at her knee.
Oh rowan tree.

Oh, there arose my father's pray'r
In holy evening's calm,
How sweet was then my mither's voiceIn the martyr's psalm
Now a' are gane! we met nae mair
Aneathe the rowan tree,
But hallowed thoughts around thee twine
O' hame and infancy,
Oh rowan tree.

Oh Rowan Tree, written by Lady Caroline Nairn, 1822.

I love all trees, but the Rowan is the one I feel that I resonate with most. This is probably largely in part of its beneficial properties that compliment my own spiritual workings and is a tree of my Ancestors; it is also the tree that is thought to rule over the time of year that I was born.

There are a few different species of Rowan, and for this post I am focusing on the European variety (Sorbus aucuparia).

Other Names: Mountain Ash, Luis, Wicken-Tree, Quiken Tree, Witch Wood, Rawn-Tree, Rudha-an.

Description: The European Rowan is a deciduous tree, and as its name suggests is native to most of Europe. However, it doesn't do so well in the far south, where it is pretty much only found in the cooler, high altitudes of mountains.

Although often called Mountain Ash, it is not an actual Ash, but is a member of the Maloideae family, with relatives such as Pear, Apple, and Hawthorn.

It is a rather small tree growing generally to about 9 to 14 metres in height. It has beautiful pinnate leaves that resemble that of the Ash, white hermaphroditic flowers, and bears red berries from which it gets its nick Rudha-an ('red one' in Gaelic).

Warnings: As with all herbs, one should make sure to be thoroughly informed before ingesting them, and is best to do so under the guidance of a qualified healer.

It is reputed that if one ingests too many raw Rowan berries, it can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, as well as diarrhea.

Cultivating: The European Rowan's natural habitat ranges from mountainous terrain, to open fields, and mixed woodlands. It flourishes in cold climates, and will not do so well in hot climates.

Saplings or seeds can be readily bought at nurseries and online. Plant in the spring once there is no more threat of frost. It grows well in just about any type of soil, from clay, loam or sandy. It can also be grown in acidic or alkaline soil, but make sure to keep soil moist.

Place Rowan seeds or saplings in full sun to partial shade, away from other trees. It is known to not like crowded conditions, but apparently grows nicely with Scotch Pine.

The flowers blossom usually in May, which are pollinated by insects. Berries are in their full glory in late summer.


From the book Flora von Deutscheland, 1885

Medicinal/Remedial Properties and Lore: Anitscorbutic, aperient, astringent, demulcent, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, haemostatic, laxative, vulnerary.

In Dragons and Dragon Lore by Ernest Ingersoll (1928), he claimed that 'The rowan (our mountain ash) stood among the ancient Celts as 'the tree of life' because wondrous medicinal virtues were believed to reside in its red berries'.

According to Brother Aloysius in Comfort for the Sick, Rowan sap was once used for vomiting and heavy bleeding.

Mrs M Grieve recommended 'a decoction of the bark is given for diarrhoea and used as a vaginal injection in leucorrhoea', and ripe berries for an 'astringent gargle for sore throats and inflamed tonsils'. She also noted of the ripe berries, 'For their anti-scorbutic properties, they have been used in scurvy. The astringent infusion is used as a remedy in haemorrhoids and strangury.'

On Heilkräuter-Seitin (a popular herbalist German website, which is translated into English), they list a whole slew of different medicinal uses for the Rowan, including for liver and gull problems; stomach complaints, constipation, and diarrhea; bronchitis and pneumonia, and that it is an all round good immune system builder.

Magical Properties and Lore: The Rowan tree has a rich history of folklore surrounding its magical properties.

It is reported that it was a sacred tree of the Druids, and that they would use the wood in fires of celebration and used the berries to dye their robes.

In the Ogham it is called Luis, and the symbol looks like this:



In the Celtic Tree Calender (probably just a creation of Robert Graves) Luis rules over the time period of January 21 to February 17. Because Imbolc falls within this time, many Pagans believe that the Rowan tree is sacred to the Irish Goddess Brigid.

Brigid and (apparently) the Rowan are both connected to creativity, especially poetry. In my experience Brigid loves an offering of poetry, so if you are facing some 'writers block' before making such as offering, try some Rowan gin (a link to the recipe can be found below in 'Other Uses') ;)

Rowan is also often associated with the Moon, the Irish Gods Dagda and Lugh, and the Norse God Thor.

In Survival in Belief Among the Celts by George Henderson (1911), he says, 'In Wales it was considered lucky to have a mountain ash growing near your premises. The berries brought into the house were followed by prosperity and success.'

Glennie Kindred in an old White Dragon article says, 'Its name is linked with the Norse word "runa", meaning "a charm", and the the Sanskrit "runa", meaning " a magician. Rune staves, sticks on which the runes were inscribed, were made of Rowan wood' and recommends Rowan wood for any type of tool for divination, such as a Ogham set, or for invocation and communication with the divine (Gods, Faeries, Ancestors, et. al.).

Another way to use Rowan for the purpose of divination is to use the dried berries, ground up in an incense. A local folk tradition is to throw Rowan berries in a fire to divine one's future spouse.

Perhaps one of its most potent uses is for protection, especially from Faeries with ill intent, 'evil' spirits, and from being blasted by a Witch.

In Wales sometimes women would wear the berries tucked into their bodices or girdles (Survival in Belief Among the Celts by George Henderson), and other people throughout Scotland and Ireland have been known to wear Rowan wood amulets or Rowan berry necklaces for protection against Witchcraft and the evil eye.

Other methods mentioned in Stonehenge and Other British Stone Monuments Astronomically Considered by Norman Lockyear (1906) are Rowan branches being placed in barns on the 2nd of May to protect livestock in Northern England and in the Scottish Highlands. As well, milkmaids and herders would carry branches or switches made of Rowan to protect livestock. In the Isle of Man on Bealtaine people would wear Rowan flowers in their hats and place them on around the house (especially at the tops of their doors) as 'preservatives against all malignant influences', and in Wales on May Eve farmers would place Rowan wood in their fields to protect their crops.

Robert Means Lawrence in The Magic of the Horse-Shoe With Other Folk-Lore Notes (1898) says, 'for the protection of cattle from the incursions of witches, not even the horse-shoe may assume to usurp the rowan's prestige. Branches of this favorite tree, when hung over the stalls of cows or wreathed about their horns, are potent to avert the evil glances or contact, whether of witches or malicious fairies. And their efficacy is enhanced if the farmer is careful to repeat at regular intervals the following fervent petition:--
From Witches and Wizards, and long-tailed Buzzards, and creeping things that run in hedge-bottoms, good Lord, deliver us!'

And finally, the following methods are from The Folk-Lore of the North-East of Scotland by Walter Gregor (1881):

'On bonfire night (1st May, O.S.) small pieces of rowan-tree and woodbine were placed over the byre doors inside the house. Sometimes it was a single rod of rowan, covered with notches. There is the well-known rhyme:--

The rawn-tree in the widd-bin
Hand the witches on cum in.

Another and even more effectual method was to tie to each animal's tail by a scarlet thread a small cross made of the wood of the rowan-tree; hence the rhymes:--

Rawn-tree in red-threed
Pits the witches t’ their speed.

And,

Rawn-tree in red-threed
Gars the witches tyne their speed.'


Photo by Mnemo

Other Uses: Rowan berries are well-loved by a number of birds including Waxwings, Blackbirds, and Finches.

Rowan berries can also be enjoyed by humans, and are rich in vitamin C! Follow the links for some recipes!

Rowan Berry jam

Rowan Berry Sauce

Rowan gin

Rowan Schnapps

Rowan Berry Wine

Rowan Vodka

Sláinte!

Laurel