triple herb question

[thestormrising]

A couple of herbs have been jumping out at me lately whenever I've been doing research. When reading a section on some of the "darker" herbs in a book, Rue kept getting my attention. It was mentioned as having a very paradoxical energy (simultaneously light and dark), as well as being very useful for strong purification and deep spiritual

Comments

[mama_fortuna]

I'm going to preface this by saying my interest in herbalism has really only grown in the past couple years, so I'm no expert. But rue is one of the herbs I have actually worked with often.

Personally, I do find it to be a very strong purifier. I feel it is especially good for removing deliberate negative energies - it's a jinx-breaker. As to it's energy, I can see why it would get a 'paradoxical' reputation because while it is a very helpful herb it does have an edge to it. It's a sort of... "don't fuck around" herb, I think. I've used it in both incenses and baths with no issue, although I know it can be an irritant to some, and is one of those 'avoid if pregnant' herbs.

I think if your focus is on personal change, it would certainly be a good herb to use for anything oriented towards starting fresh, or removing negative patterns. It's a good one for getting rid of old junk while at the same time setting the stage for what you want to attract.

Hope that was remotely helpful.

[thestormrising]

Yes, it was definitely helpful. It sounds like Rue does fit into the kind of energy I am looking for. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[sara_super_id]

Great post! I work with mugwort pretty often. If you can grow some, I suggest it. You can gain a lot from seeing it in person and interacting with the plant. It has an interesting leaf structure

[asteampunkwitch]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemisia_vulgaris regarding the growing of mugwort, it may already grow wild in your area. If so, you may be able to gather some. (Be cautious about pesticides, etc.) If not, I'd exercise caution about anything other than container growing. It's EXTREMELY invasive. It grows wild all over where I live in NY, and when it got into my lawn I tried (unsuccessfully) to get rid of it by digging it out - the rhizomes went nearly a foot deep. :(

[thestormrising]

I held a bit of mugwort in my hand last night before bed and I could definitely feel the pulse of its energy. I did end up adding it to my bag (one I put stones or herbs in that I want sleep with since the Self is more open to their vibrations at that time). Not nightmares but I had a series of dreams within dreams that were quite strong. A little trippy since I'd wake up from one and seriously think I was awake for real each time (I "woke up" like four different times before the real waking up this morning) and always in a different place and situation. Kind felt like going a little crazy

[gemmagic]

I adore mugwort, I used to have a plant growing (as well as a patchouli plant) but I left them behind at my mum's place and she kept them alive for a while, but they eventually died. :( It has a beautiful energy and it's very powerful to work with. To me it's a truly "witchy" and empowering energy

[thestormrising]

Ironically patchouli is also coming in the same bunch of herbs I ordered along with the rue.

Not surprised about the taste of mugwort tea, I've come to the conclusion that many of the most useful herbs (whether for physical health or magical purposes) taste awful.

I do work with stones, quite a lot. They seem to like me. I always walk out of stores with more than I intended to buy. Which seems to work out in the end. I have worked with both obsidian (black, mahogany - who is currently hiding in a corner somewhere, and snowflake) as well as malachite. Malachite is actually one of my favorite stones ever.

The experience I mentioned in an above comment with the mugwort...I kinda forgot until this morning what else was in the bag with the punch of mugwort...malachite, a rough chunk of amethyst and a piece of amazonite XD

Thanks for sharing your experiences :)

[abuja]

the little help i can offer: mugwort enhances/amplifies whatever it is with.

[thestormrising]

If that's the case, then it amplified the malachite, amazonite, and amethyst it was in the bag with -.-;; Good to know :)

[mageoflamancha]

Rue I kept reading as yew so the following should be taken with a slightly larger grain of salt than usual

[thestormrising]

Great tips, thank you. Especially about the mistletoe and the pine.

It's really good to hear people's experiences, I keep finding out more and more about plants that I'd never thought would be useful. My love affair with stones might have some competition now.

Mistletoe is also coming in the bundle with the rue and the rest. I started picking stuff on a whim because it was x number of herbs for a certain price and after choosing herbs I knew I wanted, I had slots to fill. So I just went with instinct XD

[mageoflamancha]

Sounds like fun,where did you shop?

[thestormrising]

A store on etsy, actually, that sells various witchcraft related items. Though I don't have the link handy at the moment.