The Witch Garden

Since its Spring/Summer, its time for many witch's to start their magical garden. There are some basic herbs to keep in your garden like mugwort, yarrow, lemon balm, and sage. All of which are helpful to the witch. Its also good to grow your own herbs, and empower them with your own energy, although some herbs can be tricky to grow from seed. You can plant your herbs in pots or if you have a yard, you can of course plant them in the ground, just make a protective barrier around your herb garden.

MUGWORT: Easy to grow from seed and is a classic herb in any witch's garden. Mugwort is associated with the moon as it is known to give prophetic dreams. You can put some dried mugwort in a dream pillow, or drink mugwort tea before bed. It is also an herb associated with the Goddess Artemis as well as divination. To plant the seeds, gently press them into the soil a little, and then put a little more soil on top to cover them, then give them plenty of water, but don't drench them as the seeds can rot. Mugwort needs sun to grow so make sure you have a sunny area to plant them.

YARROW: This herb is associated with the planet Venus and is used for divination, love magic and protection. It is also said to heal skin wounds, use it in an ointment or oil. Yarrow is associated with the Goddess Hestia and is a great addition to any witch's garden. When planting yarrow seeds, put them in the ground or a pot, then put a little soil on top and give it some water, this plant requires full sun to grow. Make sure to water your new seeds frequently if you see the soil is too dry.

LEMON BALM: Known to be loved by bees, and part of the mint family, is fairly easy to grow from seed. Requiring the same planting and caring as the above herbs. Plenty of sun and water. Lemon balm is associated with the planet Venus and can be used for love magic. It can also be drunk as a tea to help with a cold, indigestion and stress. It is also said to help with depression. Mix lemon balm in some wine or mead for a sweet drink, or put some in your bath to relieve stress. This herb was sacred to the Goddess Diana, and was used in her temples.

SAGE: This herb is essential in any witch's/Pagans practice. It is associated with the planet Jupiter and it used for purification, divination and protection. Sage was a sacred herb to the Native Americans and it was used by the Romans in a tea to help with digestion. This herb is usually rolled in a bundle and burned to purify an area. It can be mixed with Mugwort as well in a smudge stick. Cut the plants when they are tall enough, and wrap them together in a bundle when they are fresh, wrap them very tight and then hang them to dry. Sage likes sun and some sand in the soil. Water it but not too much, this plant doesn't like over flooding.

When creating and caring for your magical garden, make sure to give it love and empower them with your energies. Some plants are easier to grow than others and you will learn as you go what your plants like and don't like. You can choose to do magical work in your garden as well, and bless your plants with your energy. I hope you enjoy creating your witch'ss garden!

Photo courtesy of Metrolic.com

Vervain

**image source 7song.com**

VERVAIN

Merry Meet :)))) Today we are going to take a look at the herb Vervain, also known as Verbena. :)))) Vervain is a perennial herb that has beautiful little white or lavender flowers during the middle of summer. It generally starts to green in April. Vervain loves full sun, and well-drained soil for those of you looking to grow it in your gardens this year. :))

Vervain is a very old herb with a long history. Even Ancient Egyptians considered this an old herb and believed that it originated from the tears of the Goddess Isis as she wept for Osiris. When you research the history of the plant, you will find records of it's uses dating back to Medieval times. Ancient Druids believed the best time to harvest this plant is when neither the sun or moon are in the sky, and it is said that you should leave honeycombs on the ground in exchange for it.

It's a feminine plant associated with the planet Venus and the Earth Element. :))) So when working magick with this plant those are things to keep in mind. You will find it commonly used in love and protection spells. It can be used to consecrate and cleanse objects that you work with in ritual, as well as to remove any negative energy from yourself or your home.

In protection work it can be used many ways. If you are crafty, you can make a crown of vervain to protect yourself while working magick. You can also fashion it into a powerful amulet to carry on you during the season that it's available. Place it around the home or sprinkle it around the perimeter of your home to help provide added protection. You can wear it around your neck or keep it next to your bed to help protect nightmares.

When working with love spells vervain is very powerful in helping you find your perfect partner. It's a great herb to have handy if you are wishing to spice things up in your love life as well. If you wear the juice of vervain on you it will help attract a lover.

Vervain is believed to have broad healing powers including being an astringent, antibacterial, tonic, digestive aid, etc. However, modern science has found that it can cause vomiting. If you are pregnant, you definitely don't want to ingest vervain. I have seen it used in teas and some other places in my travels. Due to the documented adverse reactions though, honestly this is not an herb I have ever ingested. I do work with it magickally though :))))))

Much Love and Many Blessings,

Jasmeine Moonsong

"Put A Little Magick in Your Day!"Premium edition includes daily magickal correspondences, quotes, affirmations, tarot card, spell, and an article teaching you more about your path. :))) "

"HTTP://WWW.WICCANMOONSONG.COM/MOONSONG-DAILY-MAGICK.HTML"