As a continuation to yesterday's post, I'll be talking more about herbs in this one. We covered a few helpful tidbits previously, and we're going to do the same thing today.
Herbs can be flexible, and that gives them great power and potency if you're wise in their use. There's a reason folks who did magical work in Europe were once called Cunningfolk....cunning and intelligent are two traits you must have if you want to be successful here. Otherwise, you're just going to wind up being a dumb patsy who can't get anything done. Nature spirits are from nature, and thus have no real concern regarding whether or not they're honest, helpful, or harmful. Sometimes interactions with humans are there solely for the sake of the game. Just something to consider.
Herbs can be flexible, and that gives them great power and potency if you're wise in their use. There's a reason folks who did magical work in Europe were once called Cunningfolk....cunning and intelligent are two traits you must have if you want to be successful here. Otherwise, you're just going to wind up being a dumb patsy who can't get anything done. Nature spirits are from nature, and thus have no real concern regarding whether or not they're honest, helpful, or harmful. Sometimes interactions with humans are there solely for the sake of the game. Just something to consider.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil is a useful herb for heart health, reproduction, skin health, stomach problems, the works. Its kind of like Arrowroot in that it can be used for a lot of things. Its a pleasant herb to work, and generally doesn't try to trip you up or cause problems. Its not a twisting herb.
It is, however, a notoriously powerful herb for seduction and the protection of one's love life. Today is Valentine's Day, so feel free to put it to good use. ;)
It is, however, a notoriously powerful herb for seduction and the protection of one's love life. Today is Valentine's Day, so feel free to put it to good use. ;)
Benzoin (Styrax tonkinesis)
Not so sexy, but plenty useful, Benzoin has long been known to be a clearing agent, useful for removing negativity and pushing obstacles from your path. In protective rootwork (or, in this case, resin-work) it is useful for making it harder for enemies to curse you. Think of it as an anti-binding agent in that respect.
Black Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger)
A noxious weed of sorts, Henbane is quite toxic, so I don't recommend ingesting or touching it. Its known, magically, to be a powerful apotropaic herb (meaning that it is effectively scarier than whatever was sent your way) kind of like Medusa's effect. It is used to ward off negative spirits, and tends to propagate additional protections if used properly.
It is the epitome of a twisting herb, however, and should only ever be used by someone who knows the spirit behind the plant intimately. If you haven't gotten both permission and schooling from Henbane's spirit, stay away. It can and will turn on you if given cause. Fair warning, it is slippery.
It is the epitome of a twisting herb, however, and should only ever be used by someone who knows the spirit behind the plant intimately. If you haven't gotten both permission and schooling from Henbane's spirit, stay away. It can and will turn on you if given cause. Fair warning, it is slippery.
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
Bloodroot is useful, on the magical end, when you need to mark a space. It it heavily pigmented, dark in color, and is thus very, very useful on that front. When a space is so marked, it can have a myriad of effects depending on how you use it. In protection, it can be used as a strong, oppressive ring intended to keep others out (or in).
Burdock (Arctium)
Burdock is a root bitter, used for soothing upset stomachs, Thus it can be used to protect yourself from the ill effects of stress.
As a result, its also a mood-changing herb that can be used to modify the way someone feels about a situation. That can be plenty positive or rather negative depending on how you use it.....There is no evil in Earth that is not created or willed by Man.
As a result, its also a mood-changing herb that can be used to modify the way someone feels about a situation. That can be plenty positive or rather negative depending on how you use it.....There is no evil in Earth that is not created or willed by Man.
 |  |