Introduction To Herbs

• Mortar and Pestle - for grinding
• Bolline or sharp knife - used exclusively for working with your herbs
• A large non metallic bowl - for mixing
• A non metallic pot, with teflon or enamel, with tight fitting lid - for brewing
• Eyedroppers - for mixing oils
• Small funnels - for transferring mixtures to jars
• Cheese cloth,fine linen or coffee filters - for straining brews
• A large amount of jars - for storing herbs and brews

Herbs can be used in a variety of ways and in various forms. They can be made into magickal oils, condensers and balms for anointing the body, candles, tools, gemstones, amulets and pouches etc. In loose form they can be mixed with other herbs or used by themselves as incense,  dream pillows, various sachets that can be carried or used in baths for specific intentions. The seeds of some can be strung together and worn as necklaces, the flowers woven together as garlands or used to adorn altars. There's more, but you get the idea.

As you begin to read the various uses, you'll discover that just as gemstones, single herbs can be used for many different purposes. This has caused some confusion and in some cases, a bit of panic to some who have emailed me. To give you an example, I received a email from someone who was horrified to find out that one of the properties of cucumbers is chastity. This person was *not* particularly interested in being chaste and was concerned as they ate them a lot.

Any herb that is used with no intent will not cause any magickal backlash. Herbs must be charged with personal power using visualization for a *specific* purpose in order for them to be effective.  So a cucumber salad made because your hungry will not cause you to be chaste anymore than eating garlic will exorcise your home.

Other concerns people have is not being able to afford to have every herb ever created. When some see tables of herbs used for a specific purpose (protection for instance), they think that they need to have EVERY single herb listed for it to work. This is simply not the case. While it would be wonderful if we could all afford, or have the room to stock, a store full of herbs it is neither realistic or necessary. How many herbs you wish to use in your workings is a personal choice and keep in mind that rosemary, a common and inexpensive herb can substitute for any herb if need be.

Experimenting, experience and common sense are the keys to remember. Don't be afraid to experiment! The various recipes contained in these pages would not exist had someone not experimented. There is a page of tables and one of herbal substitutes that should prove helpful in doing just that. Perhaps you wish to make an herb pillow to aid in sleeping, there are a number of herbs that can be used but make sure you take certain things into consideration first.  If you are not familiar with an herb make sure you smell it before you purchase it. A smell you find offensive is not going to help you sleep. Keep your budget in mind regarding the size of the pillow and the herb/s going in it. If you aren't sure how much of an herb you will get for a certain amount of money, simply ask the person to measure it out for you. Keep in mind that just because one herb is more expensive than another, it doesn't necessarily mean that it is more powerful or effective.

If you are going to make a mixture of loose incense, try using only one or two ingredients at a time.  This gets you aquatinted with the smells of the individual herbs and can help you in creating your own mixtures as you become more familiar with them. It's also important to keep a record of your experiences (good & bad) in your book of shadows. The more details you include, such as measurements, purpose, date, time, moonphase and your personal feelings the better.

And finally, have fun with it!!

Love, Light & Laughter....Celeste Moondancer