The Eclectic Herbal

Grounding for dark times.

We've been quiet here on the EH account for some time now.

The world is thick with struggle and we've each been guiding ourselves and our loved ones through it the best way we know how.

Sometimes that is through quiet listening.

Sometimes through direct action.

And, sometimes, through ritual.

If you've been struggling to shoulder the weight of things lately, here is a small ritual to help you centre yourself and find your way forward.

🕯️Choose a candle - a simple tea-light will do just fine. Or, if you have a wider selection available, choose from among the following:

🤍 A white taper for pure, clear through

🖤 A black taper for protection and rooting

Light your candle and with your hands cupped together in front of you imagine the shadows of the pain, struggle, conflict and injustice gathering together, small and dense in your hands.

Then, close your hands and move them above your candle. Close enough that you can feel its warmth, but not so close that it burns or is uncomfortable.

When you are ready, open your hands so that the light of the candle shines up into them.

As the collection of shadows is illuminated, think or say to yourself:

"Let the light of healing and justice consume these shadows.
Let the the warmth of this flame cause these shadows to evaporate."

Keeping your hands over the candle, blow it out and let the smoke rise up into your hands.

Continue...

"Let the smoke from this candle cleanse these shadows to make room for peace."

Bring your hands together and give them a gentle shake to dislodge any sticky energy left behind.

Take the candle and wrap it in a cloth or clean sheet of paper. Set it in your window for one full lunation and then feel free to use it again for similar ritual work.

Medicine cabinet magic! ✨

'tis the season for elderberry syrup.

5 years ago, Jenn planted her own elderberry trees at the side of her home. They have grown and are now producing the most amazing abundance of flowers (for tea) and berries (for syrup). 🖤

Elderberry syrup may be a "folk remedy" but it has been widely adopted by healthcare practitioners - and witchy herbal healers - the world over.

It's sweet, simple and such an effective ally in the fight against anything that sniffles, sneezes or coughs.

You can make your own syrup at home (no cauldron required 👻). All you need is:

〰️ Fresh or dried elderberries
〰️ Raw honey
〰️ Cinnamon
〰️ Cloves
〰️ Ginger
〰️ Star anise (optional)
〰️ Orange zest (optional)

Cover the berries and spices in water and simmer for an hour. Cool and strain the liquid from the berries using a cheese cloth. Measure the volume of elderberry liquid you have brewed and add half the amount of raw honey. Stir until completely combined. Store in a sanitized jar with a tight sealing lid.

Have you cooked up your own elderberry syrup before? What spices do you like to include in your brew?

Light the way, Hekate. 🖤✨

When I was a young teen, I lived in a neighnourhood built in the 70s. A hamlet. All the streets were connected by substantial wood lots and paths.

It was really quite beautiful.

But, as a young woman, I was often anxious about walking home at night, in the dark, along these paths.

They felt dangerous. Or rather, the shadows that may or may not have concealled danger frightened me.

I am not sure where I learned about Hekate at that age (probably from a mythology book on my father's shelf) but as I walked along at night I would look up to the moon and pray to Hekate to keep me safe.

Even then, she was the light in the darkness.

Later, I learned the story of Persephone and how Hekate came to Demeter's aid and went down into the underworld to find Persephone armed with courage and a torch.

Hekate has many faces and many roles in lore. But, her role as torchbearer will always be special to me.

In this role Hekate teaches us to cast light on the shadows so that we can learn the truth about the world around (and within) us.

How will you call on Hekate the torchbearer in your practice this fall?

The pomegranate (AKA Carthage apple, grenadier, malicorio, Pound Garnet, Granatum) have long held an important place in mythology and magickal practice. A fruit of rich symbolic meaning, depictions of pomegranates can be found in Egyptian tombs and in Jewish decorative art.
The ancient Greeks believed that the pomegranate tree sprang from the blood of Dionysus who was the god of wine. The pomegranate was also connected to Persephone who was tricked into eating the fruit by Hades and was forced to return to the underworld for a third of each year. When she returned to earth, this signaled the beginning of spring. The pomegranate has long been associated as a symbol of regeneration and eternal life.
The pomegranate falls into the berry group as it known as a fleshy fruit that grows from a single flower. The pomegranate has long been utilized as a medicine as it is rich in vitamin C and folic acid, and it was often used in natural remedies for digestive and skin disorders.
There are many ways to use pomegranate in magickal practice. It is often used for fertility divination. If you cut open the fruit and throw it to the ground, it was said that the number of berries that fall out will equal the number of children you will have. The juice is often used as magickal ink for spells. It is also said that if you eat the seeds before making a wish, it will amplify your wish.
Do you use pomegranates in your magickal practice? Let us know in comments!

Whenever I eat a pomegranate, I can’t help but stop to think about Persephone. ❤️

Famous for her abduction by Hades, the lord of the Greek underworld, Persephone has a long history (pre-dating the Greeks) and many varied associations.

For some, she is the maiden. Associated with spring, blooms, growth and life itself.

For others, she is the Queen of the Underworld–dark and terrible. 🖤✨

Still others associate her with the grief of mothers and the changing of the seasons.

🍂 For me, Persephone is a special figure honoured at this time of the year when the shorter darker days are balanced against the bright autumn colours.

I find comfort in the darker times of the year. When we turn inward and retreat to rest and work unseen in our homes.

Because it is dark and cold, the warmth of light of candles, food and good company is more valuable and more appreciated.

Like the seed of the pomegranate that she willingly or unwittingly (depending on the story you choose to believe) accepted from Hades, Persephone comes to me as an invitation to embrace the darkness and to go bravely into the shadow for a time.

I look forward to her guidance as we walk the path into the darker months. 🕯️

Share this post with someone who has a connection with the Goddess Persephone.

The sweetness of autumn is finally upon us! Why not celebrate with some cozy candle magick!

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Did you know a Pegasus was born of Medusa's blood?

Medusa, the fearful Gorgon, is most associated with snakes thanks to her serpentine hair. 🐍 But, from her spilled blood sprang the majestic Pegasus.

The iconic Medusa brings us not only the energy of transformation, but of rebirth and creation making her a powerful ally to have.

Comment with a 🐍if anything about the Medusa resonates with you.

✨Elder Flower Tea 🌿
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Harvest elderflowers in full bloom.
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Steep 1 tbsp fresh or 1 tsp dried in a mug of just boiled water.
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Stir in a generous spoonful.of your favourite honey and cover to steep for 10 minutes.
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Enjoy hot OR place in a sealed jar in the fridge and enjoy as an iced tea later!

Have you tried elderflower tea?

A tisket, a tasket, a treasure-laden basket! 🖤✨

'tis the season of abundance. And look what the gardens have provided!

Elderflowers
Mint
Anise hyssop
Sweet grass

And more beautiful blooms and medicines are ripening daily.

Comment with one thing you've grown or foraged this season and tell us what you will use it for. ⬇️

The magick of Elder
Elder also known as Alhuren, Battree, Eldrum, Hylder, Lady Ellhorn, Old Gal, Pipe Tree, Rob Elder, Sweet Elder, and the Tree of Doom is most often connected to Celtic folklore.
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The Elder is the 13th tree in the Ogham calendar known as Ruis (November 25 to December 21) and marks the darkest time of the year.
Sacred to many goddess traditions including Hel, Venus, Hilde and the White Lady, the Elder Mother is said to inhabit the elder tree and holds the power to work magick through healing and protection. She carried the wisdom of the crone which was and is often ignored by the young or unwise. Thought to be a guardian of the gateway between worlds, we can learn and take inspiration from the crone as aged and feminine wisdom and to help us to embrace multiple perspectives.
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Elder trees were often planted in cemeteries to keep away negative spirits, and many practitioners plant them today for protection.
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The Elder also provides a cornucopia of natural remedies as all parts of the tree or shrub can be used medicinally. The berries are rich in vitamin C and can be made into jam, wine, vinegar, cordial, and syrup. The flowers make an excellent tea that is excellent for the treatment of coughs and sore throats. The bark, roots, berries, and leaves can all be used as a natural dye.
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Witchy Tip:
Elder branches are often hung from windows or doorways to protect those who lived within and as a blessing. Wands crafted from Elder branches are often used in protection or dream spellwork. Jenn will be sharing a lovely Elder flower recipe later this week!