Earth Magic and Druid Lore
A Series for the Seasons
by Fran Hafey / Mysti

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This time of year, my thoughts turn to the changing seasons and the magic in the air. Mother earth is evolving as the leaves fall and the earth once again begins to rest. I love the colors and the nip in the air as the wind blows the last stalks of corn to the ground as frost paints them crystal white.
Now is not too soon, to think of what magical herbs we will plant next year. We can even plant them indoors in late winter to give them a good head start. I'm learning about good things to put in a Druid Herb Garden.
Every culture has its magical lore and a garden can be our altar or sacred space outside amid Mother Nature herself. For my Druid Herb Garden, I will be planting Queen of the meadow (Spiraea ulmaria), Primrose (Primula vulgaris), Vervain (Verbena Officinalis) and Water mint, Mentha Aquatica. These special herbs are among the Druids most cherished plants.
Queen of the Meadow, or Meadsweet,Bridewort or Lady of the Meadow has an oddity that the scent of the leaves is quite different from that of the flowers. The leaves possess an almond like fragrance. It's one of the fragrant herbs used to strew the floors of chambers. In the fourteenth century being called Medwort, or Meadwort, i.e. the mead or honey-wine herb, and the flowers were often put into wine and beer. It's still used in many herb beers.
Primrose is abundant in woods, hedgerows, pastures and is in full flower during April and May. In sheltered spots in mild winters it is often found in blossom during the opening days of the year. In the early days of medicine, the Primrose was considered an important remedy in muscular rheumatism, paralysis and gout.
The whole plant is sedative and in modern days a tincture of the fresh plant in bloom, strong strength and in alcohol, has been used with success in extreme sensitiveness, restlessness and insomnia. From the leaves of Primrose is made a fine salve to heal wounds. In ancient cookery the flowers were the chief ingredient in "Primrose Pottage."
Vervain is known as the Enchanter's Herb, believed to be the plants most fond and protective of humans. Vervain loves to grow near people. There is a legend that this herb sprang from the tears of Isis. Vervain bears the gifts of romance and protection.
- The Greeks and Romans tied it into bundles and used it to sweep their holy altars and sacred spaces.
- Vervain is an aphrodisiac, used to entice a lover. It's used in love spells all over the world.
- Bathing in Vervain-infused or even rubbing any part of the plant on your body, is said to grant prophetic power, cause your deepest wishes to be fulfilled, make your worst enemies become your friends and protect against disease and malicious enchantment.
It's a perennial bearing many small, pale-lilac flowers. The plant has no perfume, and is slightly bitter and astringent in taste. The name Vervain is derived from the Celtic ferfaen, from fer (to drive away) and faen (a stone), as the plant was much used for affections of the bladder. Because of the aphrodisiac qualities attributed to it by the Ancients, Priests used it for sacrifices, and hence the name Herba Sacra.
The name Verbena was the classical Roman name for 'altar-plants' in general, and for this species in particular. The druids included it in their lustral water, and magicians and sorcerers employed it largely.
It was used in various rites and incantations, and by ambassadors in making leagues. Bruised, it was worn round the neck as a charm against headaches, and also against snake and other venomous bites as well as for general good luck. It was thought to be good for the sight.
Its virtues in all these directions may be due to the legend of its discovery on the Mount of Calvary, where it staunched the wounds of the crucified Savior. Hence, it is crossed and blessed with a commemorative verse when it is gathered. It must be picked before flowering, and dried promptly.
Water mint has a perfume like that of the bergamot orange. It loves boggy areas and thrives in wet climate or around a water pond. If you're in a drier climate, you may want to plant one of the many other mints in its place. Pretty purple lilac flowers all summer. Leaves soft, slightly downy, mid-green in color.
The scent can vary from mint to strong peppermint. It should be planted in water or very wet marshy soil. It can be found growing wild around ponds and streams. Both peppermint and orange mint are derived from this species.
This is just one of the many gardens I'll plant to create and keep magic around me and my home. I will sit under the moon and feel the fae as they come to visit and play in my gardens.
(c) 2005 Fran Hafey, All rights reserved.