"As Witches, we will take only that which we need from the green and growing  things of the Earth, never failing to attune with  the plant before harvesting, nor failing to leave a token of gratitude and respect.
We will accept, with gratitude and love, those offerings which the Lady places in our path as we walk though Her wild places."
~ from Ma'at's Book of Shadows

Remember when you were young and you watched all of those animated films with the Hollywood version of Witches stirring their evilly-bubbling cauldrons, wearing big, black pointy hats and adding eye of this or wing of that right...?  I think its fascinating that those scary ingredients did not represent actual anatomical parts of animals, insects, reptiles (or even people for that matter).  Instead, those interesting names were given to specific herbs, plants or flowers as a way of guarding the ingreedints of what the healers used in their remedies, kind of like protecting a trade secret.

All plants, whether we call them houseplants, herbs or trees, have inherent abilities and powers to heal. In this, they offer their powers and benefits to the knowledgeable Witch. Over the centuries the healing properties of plants and herbs has not changed. What was a healing plant or herb five thousand years ago is still a healing plant or herb. Because great confidence was placed in them, Witches and physicians of the ancient world were expected to know their herbs. Plants gave healing powers to those who studied them, worked with them, and respected them. In many lands and in many times, healers spent a good part of their lives in the field and forest gathering green medicines. They remembered and scribed what they learned passing it on.

Many of synthetic medicines on the market today owe their existence to natural occurring herbs, plants and trees. The original pain killer marketed just a little over 100 years ago is a derivative of White Willow Bark, what is it's name? Asprin.  I am not going to get on a soap box and spend a great deal of time throwing rocks at modern medicine or the drug industry. They have in fact provided benefits and in many cases have cured disease and helped countless thousands feel better. My point is simply that there are alternatives which are quite often easily available if we would only take the time to learn and understand Natures' cures, then take responsibility for our own health.

A final word before you continue into the following pages. Many of the herbs and plants listed here offer a proven track record of alleviating symptoms and helping with different conditions, but there are risks involved in using many of them without adequate knowledge. THIS PAGE IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE.  Frankly, you are foolish to blindly trust anyone else.  Carefully research those herbs and plants that interest you, seek the guidance of a health care professional who is competent in herbal knowledge and use common sense as you proceed.

 Plants as Offerings:
           To the Goddess:
                     All  watery and earthy flowers and seeds such a s camellia, lily, water  lily, willow stalks; those  flowers used in  Full Moon rituals; white  or purple blooms such as hyacinth, magnolia, heather and lilac; sweet-scented  herbs and flowers; those  dedicated to Venus or to the Moon; rue, vervain and olive.

           To the God:
                     All  fiery  and  airy  herbs  and  flowers  such  as  basil, chrysanthemum, snapdragon, clover,  lavender, pine;  strongly-scented, clean or  citrusy herbs and flowers; those ruled by Mars  or the Sun; yellow  or red  blooms such  as sunflower,  pine cones, seeds, cacti, thistles and stinging herbs; orange, heliotrope, cedar, and juniper.

 researched by
 Ma'at
 copyright 2000

Creating Living Circles
Herbs of the Sabbats
How to Gather
Sacred to the Goddess
Sacred to the God
Using Herbs to Consecrate Ritual Tools