Category Archives: Herbology

Drying Rose Petals: Now That’s Easy!

Posted on May 28, 2018 by David Taliesin

Who doesn’t love the beauty and color of roses? However, they only last for all too brief a time. Here’s a quick and easy way to preserve the petals for ritual, magical and decorative purposes. (I’ll write more on how … Continue reading →

Posted in Herbology | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Spiritual Gardening

Posted on May 3, 2018 by David Taliesin

This weekend is the big herb festival in my hometown. My general rule of thumb is that I take a certain amount of cash with me. When the money is gone, fun time is over! Then I get the joy … Continue reading →

Posted in Creation Spirituality, Herbology, Litha, Spirituality | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

DIY: Spell Candles

Posted on February 20, 2018 by David Taliesin

My working theory is that magical people are also “crafty” people.  We like to harvest and dry our own herbs, when possible.  We enjoy making our own incense blends, sachets, magical oils, etc.  I’m sure there are “supermarket witches” out … Continue reading →

Posted in Herbology, Magic, Prayer | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Holiday Survival Kit

Posted on November 13, 2017 by David Taliesin

HOLIDAY SURVIVAL KIT Simple but effective uses of herbs/essential oils to beat the winter blues. DEPRESSION/ANXIETY Frankincense—Johns Hopkins University did a study in 2016 that proved burning frankincense helps to alleviate anxiety and depression. The essential oil can also be … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Herbology, Incense, Magic, Yule | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Yarrow: Herbe de St. Joseph, Carpenter’s Weed

Posted on May 26, 2017 by David Taliesin

The use of yarrow as a healing herb and magical plant is well documented. It has been utilized by Pagans and Christians alike. The Latin name (Achillea millefolium) is derived from the Greek hero Achilles who, legend has it, carried … Continue reading →

Posted in Herbology | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rose: Love Is In The Air!

Posted on June 1, 2016 by David Taliesin

Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse’s lineage coming, as men of old have sung. It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter, When half spent was the night. Traditional German Carol, … Continue reading →

Posted in Herbology | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rising Appalachia – Medicine

Posted on March 23, 2016 by David Taliesin

As one who works with the energies and medicinal properties of plants and minerals, I LOVE this song and the vibe of this band. (Plus I live in Appalachia so how can I not love the band’s name?) Check it … Continue reading →

Posted in Herbology, Magic | Leave a comment

Myrrh: From Birth to Death and Everything In-Between

Posted on January 1, 2016 by David Taliesin

On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. [Matthew 2:11, NRSV] When most people … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Epiphany, Herbology, Incense | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Juniper Berries: Protection and Healing

Posted on December 3, 2015 by David Taliesin

Maybe it’s because of my Germanic heritage but I’ve always loved juniper berries. The best sauerkraut recipes use them as a flavor enhancer and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Juniper berries are also used to flavor gin which … Continue reading →

Posted in Herbology, Incense, Magic | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Juniper Berries: My Final Fall Harvest of the Year

Posted on November 10, 2015 by David Taliesin

We finally had a sunny day in my hometown after weeks of rain.  This afternoon I made a beeline to a stand of juniper trees whose berries were ripe and ready for harvest. I love to use these berries in … Continue reading →

Posted in Herbology, Incense | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment