Red Path Witches Resources

HERBS OF JUPITER

The energies of our largest planet, Jupiter, are represented and expressed in the human functions of magistrate, village elder and priest/ess. Jupiter is the planet of the All-father in many pantheons and the corresponding properties of generation, expansion and beneficence are consistently fulfilled in the herbs attributed to Jupiter. While Sage and Wood Betony wave the Jupiterian banner of royal purple in their crowns of leaves and flowers, it is in the healing, soothing functions that the herbs as a whole medicinally typify the benefic influence of their patron planet. Many of the herbs act to soothe and gently heal several conditions that are well known for causing extreme discomfort.

Wood betony is particularly useful for digestive difficulties that are (with varying degrees of aptness) attributed commonly to overly enthusiastic Jovian expressions of appetite. As a stomachic it is effective in relieving cramps, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea and dysentery. While wood betony acts to relieve the effects of Jovian excess, many of the other attributed herbs reflect the expansive, philanthropical aspects of Jupiter by acting as soothing salves, balms, tonics and emollients. Used internally, aloes is generally a purgative, but when used in an external wash it is one of the most effective of known emollients. It draws out infections and is useful as a wound wash, exerting a soothing and healing influence on minor burns, cuts, insect bites and wrinkles. Dandelion and linden, too, as teas act external astringents for skin irritations and mouth and throat sores.

Oak bark is another Jovian astringent effective on skin irritations and sores when used as a wash. As an internal astringent and digestive, it helps control rectal problems, hemorrhoids, bloody urine, varicose veins and internal hemorrhage. As the oak represented the All-father to the Druids, progenitor in the arboreal hierarchies, the strength of the tree radiates and the towering, beneficent shelter it provides to the forest have earned it by virtue of its very demeanor its attribution to Jupiter. Pine and poplar also produce healing balms. Poplar in particular produces a soothing salve for internal use and an exterior application for skin rashes, burns and scrapes non-pareil. The ascorbic acid content of pine makes it effect as a balm and liniment where a revitalization of systemic activity is needed. Pine-resin vapors, inhaled, are excellent in soothing respiratory ailments. Burdock root serves as an incredible liver tonic (the organ attributed to Jupiter) and clears the blood of hepatitis.

Jupiter herbs are expansive herbs. They bring growth, both spiritual and material. Herbs of Jupiter expand the mind, allowing for a mental understanding of the workings of the universe, the laws of nature and of humankind. Traditional Jovian herbs include Agrimony, Cinquefoil, Figs, Fir tree, Hyssop, Linden, Magnolia, Maple, Meadowsweet, Oak Sage, Sumac, Rosin and Wood Betony.

HERBS OF MARS

Mars has a bad reputation, being associated with destruction, impetuous action, strife and aggression, but these are qualities that Mars can express when it is not in balance. The energies of Mars are also those which protect and that break down and destroy in its effects of catabolism, the breaking down and clearing away of waste or dead tissue. The energies of Mars are represented in the activities of firemen, police officers and the military - all professions which can be dangerous yet protect life and, in the case of the police and military, preserve law and justice. Mars energies can be intense and uncomfortable at times when experienced in one's life yet are necessary to protecting life and health.

Red is the color of Mars which makes Martian attributions of Dragon's Blood resin and cayenne obvious. In ritual, Dragon's Blood has its uses in binding, protection and purgation, all of which fall under the dominion of the powers of Mars. Mars herbs in general are irritants, purges, stimulants and they act to build up body heat, increase energy and promote an assertive vitality. Rue is an aromatic stimulant whose energizing qualities have been known to relieve nervous heart problems such as arrhythmia and palpitation. Rue also relives colic, eliminates worms and can bring on menstruation. One quickly learns upon handling the fresh herb that the juice is a highly effective, though fortunately local, irritant.

Nettle, another herb of Mars, possesses thorns that act as hypodermics, injecting subcutaneous doses of stinging fluid. It is this same irritating juice, however, that when properly prepared becomes a powerful internal astringent, eliminating infections and blood in the urine, regulating blood pressure and flow, cleansing and relieving hemorrhoids, reducing susceptibility to colds and by virtue of its heating action, relieving rheumatic conditions.

Sulphur is another extreme irritant, being hot (in fact, flammable) and explosive - all properties that exemplify Mars. Peppercorns and cayenne share this quality of producing extreme heat (peppers being classified by the amount of BTU's -British Thermal Units - that they produce) and the efficacy of their use depends a great deal on the resilience of an individual constitution. Peppercorn and cayenne are noteworthy digestive catabolists, aiding immeasurably in the aggressive breakdown of food and waste products. Cayenne, in building up body heat, is excellent for maintaining resistance to colds and will increase blood flow to any area that it is applied to when used in a plaster (although watch out for the danger of blistering).

The internal effects of these irritants as well as the olfactory stimulus of sulphur used in incense are highly effective in the induction of a Mars temperament, especially where aggression is called for and in path-workings pertaining to the Qabalistic sphere of Geburah. Magically speaking, herbs of Mars give vast amounts of energy to projects and health. They give protection, independence, assertiveness and stimulate the passions. When mixed with in an incense or formula with herbs of other planets, Mars herbs lend their immense energies to the effects of the other herbs, thereby strengthening and vitalizing the whole. Traditional herbs of Mars include Aloes, Basil, Broomtops, Briony, Cayenne, Cumin, Galangal, Garlic, Gentian, Ginger, Mustard, Nettle, Pepper, Sanicle, Tobacco and Wormwood.

HERBS OF VENUS

The energies of Venus are those of the Arts, Music, Beauty and Balance. As such, using the herbs of Venus can help to influence and enhance creativity, self-expression in painting, writing music, dance and all acts of artistic expression. Venusian herbs are also useful in physical beauty as well when they are applied to the skin to bring smoothness, moisture and youthfulness to the face.

A key concept in dealing with Venusian symbology and attributes is harmony. The balancing force represented by one of Venus's rulerships, Libra, may be taken as a good metaphor for the playing out of the idea of harmony on every level. Thus the sense of the aesthetic and of empathy and love manifest on all levels is emphasized with the energies of this planet. It is the Qabalistic sphere of Netzach to which Venus is attributed - the ecstatic consciousness that is a wellspring of creativity. Venus is the planet of the arts - dance, music, drawing and sculpture all express the Venusian energies and can be aided by the use of Venus herbs in incense, oil blends and teas. Love and beauty also fall under the rulership of Venus. Romantic love, to be sure, but also love of family, friends, community, the planet and all other beings. It is this Love, this coming together in empathy which creates the harmony of Venus. They say 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' and so it is with the Venusian appreciation of form in harmony. Beauty is found in perfect function, proportion and balance - not necessarily just in fashion magazines.

Venus rules over the metamorphosis of the cells, the reproduction and enrichment and transformation of cells, the preservation of the body, the complexion, the reproductive system and the harmony between all the systems of the body. To access these energies through the use of herbs you may wish to consider the following: For the Skin and physical beauty a facial application of rosewater or rose oil stabilizes the skin, helps with blemishes and generally nourishes. Strawberries, as well, heal the skin when they are eaten or their fruit juice is consumed and you can even cut strawberries into slices and give yourself a healing facial by laying them on the skin. For balancing health & enhancing the function of your metabolism and cells tansy, vervain and raspberry leaf and berries can be drunk in a tea or taken in capsule form. Reproduction and sexuality are also under the dominion of Venus. Raspberry, cherry, banana and periwinkle can help to nourish and balance the reproductive system, thus influencing the male and female hormones which are key to sexual interest.

Important Announcement The MSN Groups service will close in February 2009. You can move your group to Multiply, MSN’s partner for online groups. Learn More
Red Path Witches Resources	[email protected]