Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

Each Plant has its place in the Wheel of the Year - depending on the Month it has a special meaning -
here you will fnd the Plants in the particular signifcance in each respective Month.

In this 12-part series to be published at the Beginning of each Month, I want to introduce Herbs, Bushes
and Trees, assigned by our Ancestors and their Forefathers to each Month and Festivity, following mostly
the Celtic Cultural Cycle's lore and tribal knowledge in the Wheel of the Year.
These Plants are not only to be used in the particular Month in the associated Wheel of the Year Feasts,
they also keep available special powers and attributes in the Cycle of the Year.

please note: Always consult a doctor before using healing remedies and read disclaimer at the end of my
abstract.
parsifalrain, January, 12

1 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

The Willow [Salix alba], Weide
The fowers of the Willows, the pussy willows or the catkins, are among the very frst messengers of
Spring.
They serve the Bees as early food.
Also have an incredibly high capacity for regeneration, they sprout fast and also grow very fast.
Therefore, Willows stand for the Eternal Cycle of Life, but above all for Renewal, New Beginning and
Transformation.
The Willow loves the Water and always grows close to it, thereby connecting the elements of Earth and
Water.
Since time immemorial, the Willow has also been considered a threshold Tree, as it protects the border
between the visible and the invisible World.

The Willow has always been considered a Witch's Plant.

Often the 'Witches' made their magic brooms from Willow branches, and it was thought that among the
Willows, lived 'Witches' and their allies.

Furthermore, the Willow was considered a Tree that can take on mischief and disease.
Thus, forms of disease, especially fever and gout, have always been banished by Witches and faith healers
into hollow Willow trunks.

Healing effects of the Willow

2 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

The bark of the white Willow contains the Natural salicin, which oxidizes in the body to salicylic acid.
Artifcially produced, we know this active ingredient as Aspirin.
Willow bark tea has antipyretic, analgesic, diaphoretic, and germicidal properties.
Of course, the natural active ingredient is much better tolerated and absorbed by our cells as the
artifcially produced Aspririn®, which is a by-product (waste) in paint-production.

application
1 teaspoon of the dried, small-cut Willow bark is soaked overnight in cold Water, boiled briefy in the
morning and drunk throughout the Day.

Candlemas Celebration
This Plant is used in addition to the following Plants at the Candlemas Celebratory Imbolc.

3 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

The Birch [genus Betula], Birke
The Birch is the corporeal Spring.
She stands out among all the other Trees for her delicate, graceful fgure which let shine her beauty
especially at a young age.

The Teuton name of the Birch is derived from the Germanic 'bherg', which means 'shine, glare or radiate'.
And indeed, the white, tender Birch shines very soon in the Spring.
Like the Willow, it is therefore one of the very frst Spring messengers.
Birchwood stands for a New Beginning and a Fresh Start.
The power of the Birch supports the emergence and growth and of New Things.
In addition, the Birch provides in fnding a light, confdent and cheerful attitude to oneself and Life.
The Birch Tree is also a Tree of Light and a source, a bringer of Light.
It can only grow in open, bright places, but not in the dark Forest.
The Birch is also a pioneer Plant.
This means that Birches like to settle in places as the frst Plant.

Birch is monoecious: In Spring grow the egg-shaped leaves and the spikelike fowers bloom.
The male fowers are like catkins, long and yellowish.
They hang at the top of the long shoots.
Female fowers hanging on the same Tree are green cones and grow at the end of the short side branches.

4 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

First they stand upright and later they hang down.

Healing effect of the Birch

The Birch is primarily used to cleanse and revitalize the body.
It dispels the fatigue that has accumulated in our body over the Winter.

It does exactly what our bodies long for after the long Winter Months and is therefore one of the best
plants for ours Spring therapy.

The juice which rises in the trunk in Spring and which you can tap into (caution, only if you know how
to do it) has a blood-purifying effect, invigorating, stimulating... and antidepressant.
It frees the body of all sickening slags and helps with rheumatism, gout and kidney problems.

how is the Birch tapped ?

timing: In the Spring just before fowering
location: Please only tap your own Birches or in consultation with the landowners
quantity: up to 3 liters per tree, not more !
implementation:
1. visit suitable Birch (diameter at breast height > 25cm) and ask the Tree if he is ready to acquiesce and
sympathetic to your intention
2. open up the Birch slightly diagonally upwards (about 70cm above the ground)
3. insert tube or straw and transfer the fuid to a container.
4. the entire tapping procedure should be made under closed conditions, otherwise insects, especially
ants, feel attracted to it. (So can be prevented from getting into the juice container. Since something drips
anyway, ants come but enjoy as well this valuable natural juice.)
5. take the Birch sap fresh daily and drink or steep in spirits / alcohol.
6. do not drain more than 3 liters from a Tree, as it still needs strength for the formation of fowers and
leaves.
7. then close the discharge opening. To do this, carefully hammer in a carved wooden plug into the
borehole and coat to seal with a protective resin.
8. check after one Day, if the closing has worked.
9. leave the Tree to rest for at least two Years, only then it should be tapped again.

use
In Spring, collect the young, sticky leaf buds and dry well.
For a cup of tea, scald 2 teaspoons of the dried leaves and allow to infuse.

5 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

Black Pine [Pinus nigra], [Pinus sylvestris], Schwarzkiefer, Schwarzföhre, Tree of patience
The (two-needled) Pine is a very old frugal pioneer Tree and can grow up to 5om and around 600 Years
old.
The so-called Awn Pine Trees belong with the age of over 4000 years to the oldest organisms of Earth.
For the Chinese and Japanese, Pine is considered a sacred Tree.
Even the Celts appreciate the Firetree (Pine) - as pinewood chip.

For the Romans, the Pine was considered a sacred Tree of the Rhea (Rheia) - the Pine connects Heaven
and Earth in their World of Faith.

The Sky is assigned to Uranos (father of the Rhea), the Earth is Gaia, the Mother of Rhea.
In Tyrol in Austria, Pines were planted as Wedding Trees until modern times.
Incidentally, the connection between Heaven and Earth is also attributed to the (congeneric) Cedar
[Cedrus juniperus].

Pine pitch is a well-known adhesive since the Stone Age.

It was used to connect a stone blade to the Wood shaft.
Preferably, knives and arrows were made in this way.
Later, Pine pitch was used as a sealant.
Leather workers lubricated their sewing thread with it, in boat building and in carpentry, it was also used
for sealing, or used as decay protection.
Pine pitch is produced by distilling Pinewood.

6 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

It is necessary to heat the wood up to 150°C.
The resin was also used long ago for the production of turpentine oil and rosin.
Already 4.000 years ago, the Egyptians used their knowledge of Pine resin distillation and made
turpentine oil on their freplaces.
This oil was used in mummifcation.
As another product of the resin distillation, the solid rosin, e.g. used as an adhesive agent in violin
playing.
Further products from the Pine resin distillation are tar, and paints, which were used earlier in the oil-
paint production.

in Shamanism and the magic the following attribution are handed down:
The Pine is assigned to the element Fire, the Planet Saturn, Mars, Mercury and the Rune Fa(r) as the 1st
Rune (possession, wealth).
'Beget your own happiness and you will have it'
exoteric: change
esoteric: Cosmos, Primal Fire
general: fre, lighting fre, property of all kinds, especially livestock

Pines were used in protection and healing rituals.

From Siberia, the use of the Pine as a mediator of Shamans in shamanic (air) journey.
The Moroccans call the resin of a particular Pine tree the Mother of the People.

In America, the Indians made incense - bundles of dry grass in which herbs, including
Pine Needles, had been tied in order to make contact with Other Worlds through the
smoke.
In Shamanism, the Pine is considered an assistant if you have to survive with little, and
strengthens the modesty.

smudging
If Pine resin is smoked, it is said to have warming and invigorating properties.
It is designed to strengthen the Heart and Lungs, and to recharge People who feel weak.
The smoke has a germicidal effect and promotes Blood circulation.
Pine smoke is also credited with a magical protective effect - this may come from the ancient
application in war as part of the Pine resin in so called 'Greek Fires'.

medical treatment
Parts of the pine (resin, sprouts, needles) are used for cough-irritating Natural remedies.

The Pine resin but also preparations from the sprouts and needles are regarded as
antitussive, stimulating the expectoration, antiseptic, circulation-promoting, soothing and
slightly diuretic.

It has been reported that infusions of Pine needles have been used as a remedy for scurvy
caused by vitamin defciencies on boat trips.

7 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

In the past, Pine forests were cultivated around tuberculosis sanatoriums, as the Pine Trees eliminate
Phytoncides, which are active against tuberculosis.

However, there are today application limitations of Pine products, e.g. they are not suitable for small
children, even with asthma and whooping cough one should not use some products.

Pine oil has a relaxing and soothing effect.

Pine shoots can be used as a bath additive.

Saplunara Istria, Croatia

8 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

The Hazelnut [Corylus avellana], Haselnuss
Family of the Birch, Betulaceae
The Hazelnut shrub is well known to most of us from childhood.
Its straight branches were so wonderfully suited for making canes, to build wooden walnut logs or for
other childlike buildings in the Forest.
With boring walks with the parents were often the good nuts from the Tree the only welcome change.

In the Wheel of the Year, the Hazelnut shrub (rarely a tree) is another Plant that is very noticeable in
Spring and because of its high growth and regeneration power stands for Renewal and Youthfulness.
The Hazelnut has always been very important in fairy tales and myths.
It was considered a symbol of Fertility and Sexual power.
Unfortunately, for exactly that reason, it lost much of its importance in the course of Christianization.

In the Celtic, it was said, the Hazelnut to have auguring power.

The Celts also believed that where a Hazelnut shrub grows is an entrance to the Otherworld.

Even today, the Wood of the shrub is used for the production of Dowsing rods.
It is an excellent conductor of energy fows.
It is said that if a Hazel bush grows next to the house, that would be the best lightning protector.

healing effect of the Hazelnut

A tea made of leaves and bark has antipyretic, vasoconstrictive, hemostatic and sweat-inducing
properties.
The nuts contain essential oils, vitamins and minerals.
The oil that is extracted from hazelnuts is a tasty edible oil.
However, it is also a valuable oil for skin care, because it is best suited to care for stressed, irritated,

9 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

sensitive and dry skin.
In addition, it can also counteract the formation of wrinkles.
I appreciate this oil very much.
The magic of Hazelnut in the kitchen (Scott Cunningham)
Not only the nut, but also the Hazelnut leaves are edible and unjustly forgotten.
They are rich in nutrients and were previously used in Natural medicine as a tea for many ailments.
Hazelnut leaves can also be used in the kitchen.

collecting Hazelnut leaves

The best time to gather leaves is from April to June.
Then they have a fresh, green color and are still very soft and tender.
Later picked leaves are leathery and not suitable for consumption.
Only the leaves that feel velvety when you stroke them are collected.

collecting leaves to dry

If you want to make tea from hazelnut leaves, you can pick leaves from the Hazelnut tree later in the Year.
Take only healthy leaves that feel fresh.
Hazelnut leaves with holes or eroded edge should be left on the Hazelnut tree.
Insects are often present on them, which make the leaves unusable when drying.
Lay out the collected leaves in an airy place to dry.
Direct sunlight should be avoided, as the leaves leach too much.

use of the leaves in the kitchen

Hazelnut leaves can be used in the kitchen similar to grape leaves.
The taste is a bit milder.
To make the leaves supple, they are blanched for a very short time in hot water and then, immediately
after rinsed with cold Water.

The leaves can be served with a stuffng as a snack.

They are particularly good with savory wild game dishes.
Do not taste raw Hazelnut leaves, only by blanching they get their aromatic taste.

preserving Hazelnut leaves by pickling

To preserve leaves picked in Spring for a long time, you can put them in a solution of good cooking oil
and unrefned Stone-salt.
Before doing so, you should clean and blanch the leaves well.
They can be kept in airtight glass for several months.
They taste good in the salad or as a refnement of vegetable garnishes.

tips & tricks

Not only healthy for humans are Hazelnut leaves as a tea or supplement for salads and other foods.
Even rodents like rabbits appreciate the leaves fresh and dried as a valuable supplementary feed.

back to the nuts of the Hazel

The consumption of Hazelnuts brings wisdom to us, as it stimulates our consciousness and mind in ways

10 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

that bring us closer to wisdom.
In addition, the Hazelnuts have always been considered symbols of Fertility, which is why they can also
be eaten for this purpose.

in general
When I think of Hazelnuts collected by myself, I inevitably have to remember how, as children, we always
tried to bite the hard shell of the nuts open.
When my father did that, I often thought he would destroy his teeth.
If you want to use Hazelnuts in the kitchen, it is really hard to collect them and then crack open.
And yet they are so important companions in our diet.

Of course, the Hazelnut wood is also of particular importance.

It is an excellent conductor of energy fows and has always been used in the making of dowsers.
The Hazelnut shrub should not be missing in any cottage garden - perhaps because it attracts lightning
and thus protects against dangerous stroke of lightning.

stories and myths

In the Celtic tree alphabet, the Hazel is also called Coll, which means something like 'vessel of knowledge'.
The tree was closely associated with the Goddess Brighid, (Holiday on January 31 -
February 1 - Imbolc, also known as Brigid's Day, Oimelc, Candlemass, Lichtmess) who in turn was very
closely associated with wisdom and divine inspiration.
The story tells that the Hazelnut contains all this wisdom.

The Hazelnut shrub was highly valued by the Celts.

Hazel was one of the most important Hedge Plants and was part of the Nine Magical Hedgerows.
In addition, one must also know that a Hedge used to have completely different meaning as today.
It was considered a border, a fence to the Wild Land, the jungle and uncultivated areas.
Behind the Hedge began the land of wild beasts, ghosts, gnomes, elves and fairies.
In this World, of course, dared to go only People who were magically charged - it was the world of
Druids, Shamans, Herbalists and 'Witches'.
The word Witch (Hexe) is derived from the word Hagezusse, which means 'the Woman (Zussa) in the
Hag (hedge)'.
So the Witch was a woman sitting in the Hedge, on a fence, a ZAUNREITERIN which is wrongly
translated to english as 'Fence Rider'.
This meaning (woman sitting in the Hedge, on a fence) refers to the fact that the women with healing-and
magic knowledge were able to travel between the Worlds (mortal World - Beyond, real world -
Otherworld).
The Hazelnut was therefore also an important entrance into the Otherworld - with the Hazel, the gates
open.

A Hazelnut shrub or the Hazelnut wood had the ability to protect against the chaotic forces of Nature
and the Hereafter.
It protected against lightning, storms, wild animals, snakes, evil spells, forms of disease and death.
Thus, no Hazelnut shrub around the house should lack.

11 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

The Wood was of course also used for magical purposes - wands and divining rods were and are made of
Hazelnut wood.
The Celts also believed in the prophetic power of Hazelnut.
It was said that one had promising dreams when sleeping under a Hazelnut shrub.

The Hazelnut bush was a symbol of Fertility, Procreativeness and Sexual Power.
Many a peasant may still know today the saying 'If there are many Hazelnuts in Autumn, there will be
many Children in the coming Year'.

Unfortunately, the Hazelnut was demonized by Christianization for exactly this reason.
For the church the shrub was considered a symbol of Lust and Sexuality.
No wonder the Hazel was denied all importance and healing powers.
I think it's time to give the Hazelnut its meaning back.

properties and effect

catkin - diaphoretic, so sweat-inducing
bark - antipyretic, anti-infammatory, astringent
oil - anti-infammatory, soothing, tissue-frming

medicinal purposes
catkin with fu and cold
bark is applied to wounds and ulcers as compresses
Hazelnut oil is a rich face and skin conditioning oil, wrinkling, striation of pregnancy
Hazelnuts serve to fortify, strengthen the nerves; as a healing food for diabetics, protection against
arteriosclerosis and for the promotion of concentration

occurrence
Some 8.000 - 9.000 Years ago, the Hazelnut had covered large parts of central Europe.
At that Time the climate was warmer and drier, so the Hazel could spread so far.
Today the Hazelnut mostly stands near us humans.
Hazel is not missing in any farm garden and we prefer the shrub to forest edges and in bushes.

ingredients
Bark: tannins, resin acids, favonoids
Leaves: tannins, essential oils
Nuts: unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, iron, calcium, potassium, 20% protein, vitamin A, vitamins B1
and B2

Recipes for medicinal use

Flu-tea
1 part Hazelnut catkin
1 part Elderfower
1 part Lime blossom

metabolic-tea
Mix catkins and leaves in equal parts, let tea simmer for a while.

12 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

This tea stimulates the metabolism in general and is also used successfully in obesity,
because it stimulates the internal secretory glands.

Hazelnut - care oil

50 ml Hazelnut oil
50 ml Almond oil
10 drops of essential organic Myrrh oil
5 drops of essential organic Rose oil
This oil nourishes the facial skin wonderfully - it is also helpful in wrinkles, especially around the eyes.

Hazelnut leaves as tea

The leaves of the Hazelnut Tree contain essential oils and a phytosterol called sitosterol.
It is used in Natural medicine to reduce cholesterol and intestinal problems.
For a tea, brew two grams of dried and chopped Hazelnut leaves with 100 milliliters of boiling water.
The tea is supposed to infuse for ten minutes and is then drunk hot.

Hazelnut bush image: keywordsuggest.org

13 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

The Sage [Salvia offcinalis], Salbei (Gschmackblatteln, Muskatellerkraut, Sälvel, Scharleikraut,
Zuffen, Zupfblatteln)
With more than 900 different species, the plant is considered the most species-rich Plant genus among
the angiospermous Plants.
The Sage is one of the most important cleaning Herbs.

It does not have to be the dearly sold 'White Sage' that has made such a name in the esoteric scene.

In my opinion, the Sage that grows on your own doorstep is the much more effective, simply because it
has adapted to the local circumstances most excellently to his survival.

I have a direct connection to him and we know that the Herbs that grow around our own
home, have the greatest healing powers for us.

The Sage is one of the Herbs that are native to the Mediterranean, but fourish well with us.
Planted in the Garden in the right place, it sprawls over several square meters.

His specialty is the astringent and disinfecting effect.

This makes it good for sore throats and is the Plant of choice for throat infections of all kinds.
The Sage also has a pronounced anti-sweat effect.
More precisely, the Sage has so many healing effects that one can rightly call it almost a Panacea.

The best known uses of Sage are based on its antiperspirant effect and the healing powers for sore throat.

But the Sage can do much more.

It can be used against almost all forms of disease, says at least the vernacular.

14 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

internally as tea
As a tea you can drink the Sage for throat infections of all kinds.
He also helps against cough, laryngitis and other cold symptoms.

You can also drink Sage tea in cases of whooping cough and smoker's cough.
It strengthens the function of the lungs.
Singers and speakers can apply the Sage tea for hoarseness and laryngitis.

The Sage tea also helps with digestion, it strengthens the stomach and stimulates the digestive activity.
It promotes metabolism and also helps to reduce excess weight.
If you sweat too much, Sage tea inhibits sweating.
This ability can be used, for example, during puberty, or even during menopause, when you turn to the
hormonal changes to hot fashes and sweat attacks.
Night sweat can also be alleviated with Sage tea
Since the Sage contains estrogen-like substances, it helps against all kinds of menopausal symptoms and
menstrual problems in younger years.
Nursing Mothers slow down the production of milk, which can be very useful especially in the stage
where to stop breastfeeding and helps prevent milk congestion.
Together with Yarrow [Achillea millefolium] and birch (above) [genus Betula] leaves one can drink Sage
tea in diabetes.
Although you can not heal severe cases, but you can support the other treatment and diet.

main applications:
sore throat and
sweat

medicinal properties:
astringent,
antibacterial,
hemostatic,
anti-infammatory,
diuretic,
antispasmodic,
tonifying

applications:
loss of appetite,
bloating,
bronchitis,
depressions,
diabetes (supportive in mild cases),
diarrhea,
purulent ulcers,
eczema,

15 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

colds,
erysipelas,
sweaty feet [Hyperhidrosis plantaris],
shingles,
biliary weakness,
memory impairment,
erysipelas,
gout [gouty arthritis, podagra],
hair loss [alopecia],
forms of skin disease,
hoarseness,
inhibits milk secretion,
hot fashes,
coughing,
insect bites,
catarrh,
whooping cough,
liver weakness,
lung weakness,
stomach trouble,
tonsillitis,
menstrual cramps,
bad breath (halitosis),
oral mucositis,
night sweats,
neurasthenia,
pharyngitis,
smoker's cough,
rheumatism,
slow-healing wounds,
painfully swollen breasts,
heavy sweating,
overweight,
indigestion,
constipation,
menopausal symptoms,
leukorrhea [Fluor albus],
wounds
bleeding gums,
gingivitis

used Plant parts: leaves

16 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

collection time: May or September (best before or after fowering)

So also with Sage applies, plant one (or more) Plants in the garden and dry enough of it.
For sage also serves daily smudging.
I do not need charcoal for him, you can light the dried herb directly.
He is in addition to the subtle cleaning also best suited to dispel kitchen odors, or 'discharged' rooms
after arguments to 'unload'.
He is often used in my household.

the effect of sage in smoking

clears and purifes atmosphere and aura

17 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

promotes centering and concentration
relaxes the lungs and helps us to 'breathe'
grounding

18 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

The Lavender [Lavendula angustifolia], Lavendel (Nervenkräutel, Spikatblüten, Spiklavendel)
The fragrant Lavender is reminiscent of southern France, where it thrives in large felds.
There the whole area smells of Lavender.
In medio-European latitudes, he likes to be planted in the gardens, because he not only smells good, but
also looks pretty.
The scent of Lavender soothes and purifes and has a benefcial effect on people in many ways.
He is particularly well-proven with troubled babies and their problems.
Here a Lavender pillow can effect miracles.

Plant family: Labiatae = Lamiaceae

Plant parts used: fowers
collection time: July / August

Lavender pillow
20 - 30 g of dried Lavender fowers and a piece of cotton fabric, 15 x 25 cm, or as big as you like.
You can put the Lavender pillow between the laundry so that it smells fresh, and you can put it on your
pillow to sleep well.
Sewn into small fabric cushions, Lavender pillows soothe infants so they can sleep better.

19 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

In addition, Lavender cushions dispell clothes moths when placed in cabinets.

Lavender oil extract

You can just rub it in or you can make ointments and cream with it.
You need: about 200 ml of any organic vegetable oil (Linseed oil is easily absorbed) and 1 handful of
Lavender fowers
For this cold oil extract, the Lavender fowers must be dried because they have to leave to draw for
several weeks.
Fresh Lavender fowers would spoil in this long time.
Thanks to the Lavender, this oil has a soothing effect on the skin and relieves itching.
It also calms the nerves and has a relaxing effect.
The oil lasts up to a year.

essential Lavender oil

is suitable for use in the aroma lamp for reassurance and room cleaning.
In addition, it can be used as a bath additive, cream ingredient and for skin oils.

Lavender tincture
Lavender tincture is suitable for internal and external use.
You can take the tincture for nervousness, restlessness and insomnia.
If necessary, take about 50 drops of it.
It also serves as a cream ingredient for creams against irritated skin.
ingredients: about 200 ml of double grain and 1 handful of Lavender fowers
If you want, you can use fresh Lavender fowers.
The tincture has to infuse for 2 to 6 weeks - best in Sunlight.
It is advisable to shake it daily.
The tincture lasts up to one Year.

herbal vinegar
Put 10 g. of Lavender fowers with 10 g of spirit of wine in 80 ml of wine vinegar.
Leave the batch for 5 Days and then flter the fowers.
With this herb vinegar you can rub the limbs in rheumatic complaints and gout.

Lavender cream for impure and irritated skin

Ingredients: 25 ml Lavender oil extract, 8 g Emulsan (Lipopolysaccharide), 3 g Spermaceti replacement,
70 ml water, 10 ml Lavender tincture, 10 - 15 drops Lavender essential oil, 15 drops preservative (eg
biocon) for example here or here or simply 15 drops essential organic Rosemary oil
The cream can be spread well.

The Lavender ingredients help against irritated and impure skin.

Those who would rather have the cream white, can replace the tincture with water, but then of course
lacks some of the Lavender ingredients.

Above all, I would like to introduce the Lavender only as an incense Plant in connection with the Wheel
of the Year - Imbolc Festival, as it does not bloom at this time of the Year.

20 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

However, if enough of it has been collected and dried in the past Year, it is the ideal incense Plant that fts
in with the theme of Candlemas - cleaning and new Beginnings.

the effect of Lavender when smudging

Has a mild disinfectant cleansing effect
Also dispels subtle vermin and is therefore good to drive out unwanted Winter spirits
Lavender calms and cleanses our mind and opens us to Vision
gives courage
benedictive
promotes visionary experience
promotes inspirations
puts us in a light trance
brings clarity
creates order at energetic chaos
supports new Beginnings - promotes and blesses new Beginnings

effects of lavender
reassuring
soporifc (promoting sleep)
balancing - harmonizing
works very well for migraine (lavender baths, oil on the temples)
blood pressure-balancing
antibacterial - antiseptic
analgesic - especially on the nervous system
antidepressant
stimulates digestion - helps with nervous digestive problems
cleans the blood - frees it from toxins
in case of burns
against insects

Lavender is the herb of the solar plexus - the seat of our emotional world.
It lets us react from the gut.
However, we often absorb all the incoming impulses and thereby make ourselves diffcult to canalize.
Lavender acts like a flter on the solar plexus - it can block out some of the incoming stimuli - you can
use the Lavender to better decide which emotional stimuli to be absorbed.
We can learn - with the help of the Lavender - to close the solar plexus chakra for a short time or to
absorb only the stimuli that are conducive and healthy for us.

Lavender as a medicinal plant

Counts to the labiates (mint family) [family Lamiaceae or Labiatae]
Comes from the Mediterranean
Its name comes from the Latin lavare - wash, clean, which expresses that the Lavender was used to wash,
especially as a bath additive
Is a Mercury <☿> - herb, assigned the Earth element (has an earthy, stabilizing effect) acts on the

21 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

nervous system and on the lungs
Lavender is also purifying and clarifying on a spiritual level
Lavender was used to ward off the evil eye - the 'Witches' also called it 'Elves-Leaf'

Candlemas - Lichtmess - Brigid - Imbolc

This Plant is used in addition to the afore mentioned Plants at the Candlemas Festivities at Imbolc.
Imbolc is an annual Festival of Light in the Wheel.

22 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January

 Disclaimer
This information is supplied without liability, limit or warranty.
Please note - this healing recipes may be subject to change and are without guarantee – always contact a
Medical doctor before the application !

and
The information in this article has been carefully reviewed by me.
However, I decline any liability for any damage or consequences arising from the use or misuse of the
information I have provided.

I do not give any medical advice.

If you have serious health problems, you should refrain from self-medication and seek the advice of a
Medical doctor or alternative practitioner.

Some Wild Plants are protected regionally, consult the nature conservation authorities.
Collect only individual Plants, so that the stock remains !
Remember – you can only harvest something which belongs to you !

all images from Wikipedia, Wikimedia or self-made unless otherwise stated

related in BOLE
Spring Therapy with Weeds

Festival Of Lights - Brigid - Imbolc - Candlemas

previously
Yule - Midwinter - Winter Solstice - 'Christmas Eve'

23 Plants in the Wheel of the Year - January