Runes and Herbs

After meditating on the subject, this is my interpretation of which herbs suit which runes best, from the perspective of both the magical and medical qualities of the herbs- with a brief reasoning given.

Fehu-Fenugreek- this herb is used in charms to attract money, it is also concerned with the renewal of spiritual and material self. It is a masculine herb, under the influence of Mercury, encouraging the movement of change and flow of ideas.

Uruz-White Poppy- a transformative herb, through its hallucinatory properties, with the possible side effect of death. Definitely an initiatory journey. An herb which requires strength and courage, a doorway to other planes.

Thurisaz-Agrimony- A masculine herb under the influence of Jupiter [Thursday], Thor, in the element of air. Used for protection, tranquil sleep, to banish negative energies, on snakebites, and for defence.

Ansuz-Sage- For wisdom and clarity of thought, immortality and vitality. It is an herb of communication under the influence of the element of air. Medically it is used as a gargle for sore throats, thus aiding speech, and also to clear the bowels and menses.

Raidho-Wormwood- Protects during travel on land and sea, and helps bring any planned journey into being. Grows at roadsides.

Kenaz-Thyme- An antiseptic herb which cleanses and opens the way, and gives insight. Helps develop psychic powers, and is a remedy for nightmares. Gives courage, energy and health. Is under the influence of water.

Gyfu-Tansy- The herb for immortality- now there's a gift with a price! As a medical herb it is used as an abortificant and to expel worms- again, seems like a gift with a price to me.

Wunjo-Vervain- This herb does practically everything except make the tea! In a magical context it gives peace, protection, love, wealth, youth, health, return of stolen goods, happiness, satisfaction, premonition, and love of learning, turns enemies to friends, makes love requited. Medically, it heals colds and fevers, and treats diarrhoea. It strengthens the womb, cures jaundice and gout rids the body of kidney stones and heals ulcers. Happy happy Joy joy! It is under the influence of Venus.

Hagalaz-Mandrake- Also known as Satan's Apple. This herb represents the individuality of the left hand path, and the constant change that is self development. It is a chaotic emetic and purgative. It was also used as a witches doll due to its root shape.

Nauthiz-Ginger- A herb of fire, causing the circulation to race and the body to heat up. It is a masculine herb under the influence of Mars. It enhances the power of necessary work done. It is the herb of pre-emptive strike, and Leads to success.

Isa-Parsley- It is an herb of preservation, protecting food from spoiling, and stopping misfortune. It prevents inebriation. It is associated with death in the context of standstill, and really needs replanting from seed every year, as it tends to just stop growing. It is also associated with Persephone, and from this perspective allows time for meditation. Medically it purges the kidneys in both diuretic and anti-stone methods. After garlic has done its work, parsley cleans the breath, bringing back stasis. It helps to be still and centre.

Jera-Blackberry- This herb is harvestable/usable in some form all year round. The berries are used for food, wine and vitamins. Medically they are used against snakebites and for sores and fevers. The leaves are used as a tea, and for ulcers, sore throats. The powdered root is useful for kidney stones and diarrhoea; the flowers too are used to make wine. The bush itself is a very effective hedgerow/barrier.

Eihwaz-Yew- The yew tree constantly renews itself, and is alive even when it appears to be dead. Many yews are thousands of years old, and are a constant symbol of life in death and endurance. Some think the Yew was the world tree where Odin hung to get the runes. There are good arguments to support this.

Medically it is used against rheumatism and arthritis, which go through
flare up periods. It is also thought to be an effective cancer treatment, which is ironic as the species is almost endangered.

Perthro-Rosemary- This herb aids memory, and is recommended by aroma therapists for use in exams. It purifies, gives insight, and mental healing. It represents change through knowledge, and is ruled by the element of fire. It is also used against headaches.

Algiz-Savory- This strengthens the mind and supports frayed nerves enabling the ability to trust to receive after summoning. It also cures stomach upsets and is an aphrodisiac.

Sowilo-Pepper- Another fire herb that acts on the circulation, from the centre outwards, aiding the flow of blood. It is a purifier, ruled by Mars and the summer sun. As it snakes through the blood, it represents serpent energy.

Tyr-Onion- The Egyptians used onion during Oath taking, and Tyr is the God of oath swearing. Onion promotes judgement and choice, and also lust. Medically it clears coughs, and reduces cholesterol. It is ruled by Mars [mardi=tuesday] Tyrs day.

Berkana Goats Rue- This herb promotes the flow of breast milk. It is nurturing and anti-diabetic. Also breast fed babies are less likely to be obese and therefore diet diabetic in later life.

Ehwaz-Basil- For partnership in love and business. Witches used it as part of their flight potion= instant movement. It is also about duality, peace and harmony. Medically it is carminative.

Manaz-Yarrow- Brings people to you, meetings, sharing minds. Also brings courage. Medically it staunches nosebleeds- appropriate for the 'nose to nose' rune! The dried stalks can be collected in autumn and used as I-Ching sticks.

Laguz-Elder- This herb is under the element of water and ruled by Venus. It is used for healing and preventative medicine, healing colds, fevers and ulcers. It is a feminine herb with its own special flow of energy; legend has it that one should always ask the tree before cutting of it. Elder flutes were used to call spirits, and it is an herb connected with intuition.

Inguz-Raspberry- A herb very much connected with fertility. Medically it aids gestation by strengthening the uterus leading up to childbirth. Also it reduces labour pains if taken during pregnancy. Also it prevents miscarriage.

Othala-Rue- cleanses the home, and resanctifies space. It also clears the head and returns hexes to sender. Medically it is an antidote to toxins.

Dagaz-Dandelion- This is an herb of transition; the spring leaf is edible as spinach, the flowers are also usable both medically and as food. Traditionally the seed pods are used for communication with absent lovers. The seed pods are used as clocks and life clocks. The dandelion is infinite, because you only have to leave a tiny bit of root behind and the plant will happily regrow. It is a diuretic and helps the heart by giving back potassium. The root can be used to make coffee. Dandelion also promotes psychic powers.

Wyrd-Yucca- This herb has the power to transform someone to their spirit animal for a journey to the unknowable. It was widely used by the Native American Indians in both its Shamanistic form, and as a poison to tip darts.

Runes and Herbs,
from Moggie on Thwacked Down Group
reprinted with permission
Raven_boar
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RuneMarkofKent/

Thank You