Tag: materia medica
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Materia: Marjoram – Origanum Majorana
Overview Closing out our coverage of the three cleansing herbs mentioned in the Grimorium Verum, this week we’re looking at the properties of marjoram. Marjoram is a close relative of oregano, and its medicinal actions are largely similar. In terms of character, marjoram is a little less bold: lighter, sweeter, and more citrusy than its…
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Materia: Peppermint – Mentha x Piperita
Overview Continuing with our treatment of purifying herbs, our next entry is on mint. Mint is mentioned in several grimoires – such as the Grimorium Verum and the Greater Key of Solomon – among the herbs used to sprinkle holy water when consecrating implements for ritual work. While the variety of mint to be used…
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Materia: Rosemary – Salvia Rosmarinus
Overview Rosemary has a fascinating dual nature, associated both with the sun and with the sacred feminine. Like many solar herbs, it has a long history of use for protection and the banishing of baneful influences, sometimes being burned as a stand-in for frankincense. However it is energetically nurturing, rather than combative. This balanced nature…
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Materia: Frankincense – Boswellia spp.
Overview Few substances are associated as strongly with the Solar current as frankincense. Tapped from the wounded bark of desert-dwelling trees, the fiery breath of frankincense serves as both balm and offering. Physically, it soothes pain and inflammation, tightens the tissues, and combats microbial infection. Magically, it cleanses and uplifts the spirit, clears the subtle…
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Materia: Echinacea – Echinacea spp.
Overview Of all the plant medicines in my home, a tincture of echinacea is perhaps the most used. When I wake up with the beginnings of a scratchy throat, or notice that my lymph nodes are swollen, echinacea is the first thing I reach for. It is a plant of resilience and fortification, standing as…
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Materia: Lemon Balm – Melissa Officinalis
Overview Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an herb of gentle power, offering profound rejuvenation to body and spirit alike. Its cooling, drying energetics, combined with its uplifting nervine properties, make it a soothing remedy in times of turbulence. It calms the anxious mind, brightens melancholy, and eases digestive discomfort born of stress, embodying the nurturing…
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Materia: Garlic – Allium Sativum
Overview Garlic is pure Mars. Its essence is one of violent, transformative fire – a potent force that cleanses body and spirit alike. This humble bulb hides within it a warrior’s heart, driving out corruption and restoring vitality. Medicinally, garlic is a protector, its antimicrobial action expelling parasites and infections, invigorating the blood, and dissolving…
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Glossary of Herbal Preparations
This post is a counterpart to the Glossary of Herbal Actions, found here. In a previous post, we covered herbal actions, this one covers standard herbal preparations. These herbal preparations offer a range of methods for using plants to support health and magical practice. Just as different herbs hold unique properties, the ways we prepare…
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Glossary of Herbal Actions
This post is a counterpart to the Glossary of Herbal Preparations, found here. In addition to my work with magic, I’ve spent some time studying herbalism – a practice I find complements natural magic wonderfully. Herbs not only provide a source for a wide range of medicinal remedies, they also have a long history of…