Author: A Solitary Pagan

Gods and plants go together like milk and cookies. This may seem strange for some, but there are those who understand how the gods came to be in the minds of the ancient people. The mighty gods and goddesses arose from animistic beliefs (the belief that all things have a soul or consciousness), which included trees and plants. There were certain places in nature that were considered sacred and so ...

The magical plant or herb of immortality sought by Gilgamesh, the hero of ancient Mesopotamian mythology, provides one example of how myths use plants as symbols of life and of the healing power of nature. However, because some plants yield poisons and some die in winter, plants can also represent death and decay. Various trees, shrubs, herbs, grains, flowers, and fruit appear in myths a...

To make moon planting really simple, when the moon is a new moon, this is not the time to plant anything. However, just after you see the first crescent you can start planting as this is when there is a surge of energy through the plants and the sap begins to rise through the stems. The best zodiac signs to plant during the first quarter is when the moon is in a water sign...

Hellebore is native to much of Europe and is commonly found in early spring and shade gardens in North America as well. The flowers have five petal-like sepals that surround a ring of cup-like nectaries (petals modified to hold nectar). These sepals stay on the plant sometimes for many months giving hellebores a long “blooming” time. They often flower in winter and early spring with some evergreen...

The name Salvia derives from the Latin word Salveo, “to heal” or “to save” (more like, to salve, as in, apply a salve). It has long been used in healing. An old proverb says “why should a man die who has sage in his garden?”. It was used in the Middle Ages to treat fevers, liver disease and epilepsy. In England, the tea drunk as a healthful tonic. It was also believed to strengthen the memory...

The alraun is a root that has formed in a roughly human shape. The root may grow this way naturally, or may be carved to resemble a human figure. The alraun is traditionally a mandrake root, as these have the unique habit of growing in a vaguely humanoid shape. Any root may be used, however, as it is the virtue of the cthonic properties of the root that provide the necessary magical energies. Ash ...

(Ulmus campestris) GFolk Names: Elven, English Elm, EuropeanElmGender: FemininePlanet: SaturnElement: WaterDeities: Odin, Hoenin, LodrPowers: LoveMagical Uses: Once known as “Elven” dueto its popularity among elves, elm is nowused to protect against lightning strikes, aswell as to attract love when carried.

(Citnus medica) GFolk Names: Sukake, Forbidden Fruit,Rough LemonGender: MasculinePlanet: SunElement: AirPowers: Psychic Powers, HealingMagical Uses: If eaten, the citron increasespsychic powers.It is also used in healing spells andincenses.

(Potentilla canadensis, P. erecta [G]or P. reptans)Folk Names: Crampweed, Five FingerBlossom, Five Finger Grass, Five Fingers,Goosegrass, Goose Tansy Moor Grass,Pentaphyllon, Silver Cinquefoil, Silverweed,Sunkfield, SynkefoyleGender: MasculinePlanet: JupiterElement: FirePowers: Money, Protection, PropheticDreams, SleepMagical Uses: The five points of the leavesrepresent love, money, health, power ...

(Cinnamomum zeylanicum,C. verum) +F: P LtFolk Names: Sweet Wood, Ceylon cinnamonGender: MasculinePlanet: SunElement: FireDeities: Venus, AphroditePowers: Spirituality, Success, Healing, Power,Psychic Powers, Lust, Protection, LoveRitual Uses: Cinnamon oil was used as partof a holy anointing oil by the ancientHebrews. The leaves of the cinnamon treewere woven into wreaths which were usedto decorate...

(Cinchona ledgeriana or C. succirubra)Powers: Luck, ProtectionMagical Uses: Carried, a piece of the barkgives luck as well as protection from bodilyharm and evil.

(Chrysanthemum sinense, C. spp.) PoisonFolk Name: MumGender: MasculinePlanet: SunElement: FirePower: ProtectionMagical Uses: Drink an infusion of chrysanthemumsto be cured of drunkenness.Wearing the flowers protects against thewrath of the Gods, and when grown in thegarden chrysanthemums protect it fromevil spirits.