Category: Folk Herbalism
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The Oak: King of the Forest
“I will be a giant oak in every ford and in every pass you will cross and the mark of my axe will remain in every oak forever.” Dagda, Cath Maige Tuired: The Second Battle of Mag Tuired, 9th century
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Marigold, the Shrub of Bealtaine
“No fear have I of Mother Earth; no dread, Of roots; the hidden sources of the seed. Those beauteous blossoms ranged in a bed, Of that damp underworld have primal need. Upon its chilly moist and dew they’re fed. Till in due season on their stalks they speed, Upwards with many a variegated head, Of…
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Yarrow of the Seven Cures
“Herbs gathered on May Eve have a mystical and strong virtue for curing disease; and powerful potions are made then by the skilful herb women and fairy doctors, which no sickness can resist, chiefly of the yarrow, called in Irish “the herb of seven needs” or cures, from its many and great virtues. Divination is…
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Grasp the Nettle: Greim ar an Neantóg
”Is mise neantógI haven’t always been understoodI have stung you to sustain myselfUnderneath the skin that protects meIs so much nourishment and medicineI grow so abundantly in harsh conditionsAlthough often overlookedI offer myself unconditionally to the worldIs mise neantógI have nourished the people’s since time began”. Aoife It’s that time of year again… Where the…
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Brigid’s Beloved Dandelion
“A hoop from three to four inches diameter was made of milkwort, butterwort, dandelion and marigold. This was bound with a triple cord of lint in the name of the Father, and of Son, and of Spirit, and placed under the milk-vessels, to prevent witches spiriting away the substance of the milk.” Alexander Carmichael, Carmina…