Post by sam on Feb 22, 2006 6:23:23 GMT -5
The use of herbs is a very important part of my path and it is also an ancient art that dates back to the beginnings of mankind. Herbs are perhaps the most commonly used plants in magical workings and this is because they have an inherent strength that many other plants do not have.
As we are discussing what to use for protection tonight I have decided to talk about the magical and medicinal properties of the herb, ground ivy. Ground ivy is an evergreen, woody stemmed perennial, which, once established, grows rapidly. In magic Not only can it be used for protection but it can also be used for co-operation, exorcisms, marriage, relationships, constancy, fertility and healing. Ivy is also equated with fidelity and can be used in charms to bind love, luck and fidelity to a person. Ivy is also said to protect the home if it grows around or over it from evil and harm but should it fall off or die, misfortune is said to be on the way. A talisman of ivy would also be a good gift to give a friend since it is said to ensure eternal friendship. It is also thought to protect against drunkenness.
Ivy is also associated with the Winter Solstice and is often used for decorating at Yule-tide. In the old traditions ivy intertwined with holly was made into crowns for the bride and groom at handfastings as a good luck charm. An early church council even attempted to ban the use of ivy in church decorations because of its pagan associations.
Ivy has been used medicinally for centuries and the Anglo-Saxons valued it as a flavouring clarifier and preservative for beer – thus the traditional name – alehoof. The leaves of ivy can be used to make a douche, which in case you don’t know is when a woman squirts water or other solutions into the girl thingy, for treating female infections and can be used externally for poultices to heal nerves, ulcers and infections. Ivy taken internally as a tea can be used for the relief of congestion, flu symptoms and for many ear, nose, throat and digestive complaints. It is also believed to be of benefit in cases of colic, diarrhea, scurvy, kidney and bladder disorders, tinnitus and cystitis. Externally as an oil or ointment it can be used for piles, skin inflammations and sores and rheumatoid arthritis. When used correctly ivy is also said to heal headaches, muscle cramps and assist in the art of prophecy.
many are allergic to Ivy and can have nasty reactions to it so be wary.
As we are discussing what to use for protection tonight I have decided to talk about the magical and medicinal properties of the herb, ground ivy. Ground ivy is an evergreen, woody stemmed perennial, which, once established, grows rapidly. In magic Not only can it be used for protection but it can also be used for co-operation, exorcisms, marriage, relationships, constancy, fertility and healing. Ivy is also equated with fidelity and can be used in charms to bind love, luck and fidelity to a person. Ivy is also said to protect the home if it grows around or over it from evil and harm but should it fall off or die, misfortune is said to be on the way. A talisman of ivy would also be a good gift to give a friend since it is said to ensure eternal friendship. It is also thought to protect against drunkenness.
Ivy is also associated with the Winter Solstice and is often used for decorating at Yule-tide. In the old traditions ivy intertwined with holly was made into crowns for the bride and groom at handfastings as a good luck charm. An early church council even attempted to ban the use of ivy in church decorations because of its pagan associations.
Ivy has been used medicinally for centuries and the Anglo-Saxons valued it as a flavouring clarifier and preservative for beer – thus the traditional name – alehoof. The leaves of ivy can be used to make a douche, which in case you don’t know is when a woman squirts water or other solutions into the girl thingy, for treating female infections and can be used externally for poultices to heal nerves, ulcers and infections. Ivy taken internally as a tea can be used for the relief of congestion, flu symptoms and for many ear, nose, throat and digestive complaints. It is also believed to be of benefit in cases of colic, diarrhea, scurvy, kidney and bladder disorders, tinnitus and cystitis. Externally as an oil or ointment it can be used for piles, skin inflammations and sores and rheumatoid arthritis. When used correctly ivy is also said to heal headaches, muscle cramps and assist in the art of prophecy.
many are allergic to Ivy and can have nasty reactions to it so be wary.