RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—When many of us hear the word Wiccan, we automatically assume we're talking about witches and Halloween. The holiday is associated with Wiccans mainly because it's the time of Sanheim (the third harvest), considered a sacred holiday by Wiccans. Most followers of Wicca celebrate eight nature-based holidays, beginning with Samhain (Halloween), Yule (Winter Solstice), Imbolc (Candlemas), Ostara (Spring Equinox), Beltane (May Day), Litha (Summer Solstice), and Lammas Mabon (Autumn Equinox). "At the Halloween season, we take a hard look at our shadow selves, or the hidden part of ourselves, that might be inhibiting our personal growth," explains Jamie Wood, author of The Wicca Herbal: Recipes, Magick, and Abundance
THE DETAILS: So are Wiccans witches? And why is it a bad thing if they are? "Because both words originate from the same word, wicce, meaning to bend or shape the unseen forces," Wood explains. "It also means 'wise one,' and was used to describe a person who knew how to use herbs for healing the mind, body, and spirit," she says. The word witch, of course, has endured far more negative stereotypes, but Woods says that both self-identified witches and Wiccans adhere to the principles of "Do what you will, but harm none," and the Threefold Law of whatever you do will come back to you three times. In other words, "Watch your karma and do nothing negative," says Wood.
Because Wicca is known as the religion of ecology, and those who practice it tend to be in tune with the changing of the seasons, gardening and recipes are a big part of the creed's traditions. "The ingredients are not eye of newt or wing of bat, but come from the earth, such as basil or rosemary or even almond oil," says Wood. In the Wiccan tradition, intention is as important an ingredient as the oils and herbs. "As we create our recipes, we focus on what we want to achieve, whether that is peace of mind or silky smooth skin," Wood adds. "Wiccans believe intention is as key an ingredient in lotion as the oil you use to create it. "
WHAT IT MEANS: Even if you're not a follower of Wicca, you can benefit from some of the knowledge the religion has to offer.
Here are some recipes appropriate for this time of year that Wood recommends:
(Remember to always consult with your doctor before taking new herbs.)
Healing Calendula Salve
This salve is a perfect moisturizing and nourishing salve to combat the dryness of the fall and winter seasons. This salve will also help alleviate eczema, says Wood. Calendula has a long history among herbalists as a treatment for skin problems.
1/3 cup fresh calendula flowers
1/3 cup fresh chickweed
1/3 cup fresh St. John's wort flowers
¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup beeswax
6 to 8 drops tea tree oil
6 to 8 drops lavender or rosemary essential oil
In the top half of a double boiler set over simmering water, heat the calendula, chickweed, St. John's wort, and olive oil for one hour. Do not allow the mixture to boil. Strain the mixture through muslin or cheesecloth into a stainless steel pot. When the cloth is just cool enough to handle, wring out as much oil as possible (with the herbs still wrapped in the cloth). Slowly add the beeswax to the oil and heat until melted. Check for the desired consistency by placing a tablespoon of the mixture in your freezer for 1 minute. If it's too soft, add more beeswax; if it's too hard, add more olive oil. When the desired consistency is reached, immediately remove from the heat and add the essential oils. Pour the mixture into small dark glass jars and store in a cool, dark place. When properly stored, this salve will last for a year.
Mugwort Incense
Mugwort, an herb typically associated with Halloween, has been used in China for centuries as an herb of protection, particularly on the Dragon Festival. Native people have used a decoction of mugwort leaves for headaches, colic, bronchitis, and rheumatism. Mugwort is well-known for being an emmenagogue, meaning it aids the menstrual cycles, whether it is needed to regulate or stimulate menses flow, relieve cramps, prevent or terminate early pregnancy, promote easy labor, or restore health after childbirth, says Wood. "For centuries mugwort has also been used as a tool to aid prophecy and divination, protection, particularly during travel, and consecrating or blessing," she says.
2 tablespoons dried angelica root
2 tablespoons dried marshmallow root
2 tablespoons dried red clover blossoms and leaves
1 tablespoon dried yarrow flowers
1 tablespoon mugwort leaves
1 teaspoon dried sandalwood powder
Grind the angelica and marshmallow to the consistency of coarse coffee grinds with either a mortar and pestle, a coffee grinder, or a spice grinder. Place the herbs in the mortar and add the red clover, yarrow, mugwort, and sandalwood. Crush the mixture together with the pestle, always blending in a counterclockwise direction. Press your intention of banishment or protection into the blend. Pour the mixture into a storage container. Seal the container and allow the powers of the herbs to integrate for a few days. Burn this incense on a charcoal round to chase away unwanted or negative energy.
Sage Tea
Sage is also a popular herb to use in Wiccan recipes this time of the year. The herb has been used as a fever treatment, cough reliever, and wound healer. Herbalists use it to treat sore throat and mouth problems. Native Americans traditionally used sage smudge to clear away negative energy. Wiccan traditions use sage tea this time of the year to lift spirits, enabling you to focus on improving yourself as we head into the winter season. Here's how to make it. It's simple!
(Avoid sage tea when pregnant.)
½ cup dried sage leaves
1 cup boiling water
Add the dried sage leaves to the boiling water. Cover tightly and steep for four hours. When you drink the tea, hand your worries over to Spirit and realize that all will be well, Wood suggests.