Hawthorne: Also known as Crataegus Monogyna, May Tree, Quickthorn or Haegthorn. It is said to be the hang out of faeries if found growing in the company of Oak and Ash. If one slept beneath one, it provided the entrance to Faery. It is one of the sacred trees we find at Avalon, with many reasons for it being placed at Glastonbury, it is the Portal herb and thus has the power of the hinge’s behind it, opening that which is shut and closing that which is open In Ireland it is a grave act to cut one down, it’s protection to land and home etc, were lost as a result. It is a positive symbol for the heart and our ability to open up for spiritual growth and love. Very useful for healing emotional as well as physical hurts to the heart. It serves as a special token of friendship and love. It is very useful at helping unblock energy centers, release fear and stress as well as aid open hearted communication and healing.

Medicinally, Hawthorne is a well known cardiac tonic. All parts of it from the leaves, flowers but especially the berries can be used in this function. It is almost intuitive in its work in that it can stimulate or relax the cardiac system depending on the need of your heart at the time it is used. It is useful for long term as well, great as a tonic but also very effective in times of need. The flowers are actually useful for a lovely spring tonic when added as parts of salads or with meals as a dried addition. Collect by hand and dry upside down and store in a dark bag. Collect fresh every season they become available. Learn to listen to Hawthorne and learn to trust it as you learn to trust yourself.

Cowslip: Also known as Primula Veris. When collected on May Day morning and given to a friend, it is a wonderful token of friendship. Known to be associated with both the Roman Goddess Venus and the Norse Goddess Freyja/Freya, it is linked to both love and sexuality. It used to grow everywhere but in the UK has become a protected plant and thus it is suggested you grow your own and if able – reintroduce it to the wild to help it repopulate. Check your local wild plant sources and local government rules before doing this to be sure it isn’t invasive to your area! This herb medicinally is wonderful for all ages, from babies to the elderly. It has uses for insomnia and headaches as well as a general nerve tonic. A wonderful lung herb it can be used to help settle a dry irritating cough. Excellent to cleanse your body of poisons and as an infusion can help to lift the spirit and ease the emotions.

Rosemary: Also known as Rosmarinus Officinalis. This plant has a long time association with magical uses and is also well know as a memory aid. A plant ruled by the Sun, it can be carried or worn to protect from magic or added to charms. It has a stimulating energy and thus is useful for fertility, marriage and handfasting ceremonies. Truly lovely and uplifting as an incense. Medicinally it has many uses from antiseptic for wounds, to easing muscle pains, bug bites and neuralgia (nerve pain). It is a whole body stimulant for sluggishness, will help to gently lift low blood pressure, low spirits, lethargy, anger, grief and bitterness. It has been used for headaches as well as it is a smoother alternative than caffeine for this problem. But be careful if you have a history of high blood pressure or if you are pregnant! If either of these, avoid using Rosemary for it could worsen the blood pressure or cause problems with the pregnancy.

Stinging Nettle: Also known as Urtica Dioica. Many I am sure are looking perplexed at this plant and wondering how it can be good, but nettles are one of the riches plants in minerals, rooted into the earth all through their lives, drinking deep from her depths and bringing that deep inner sustenance to us on the surface. It reminds us of nourishment with a bite. To grasp a nettle unprepared is to feel its sting and feel it dig deep into your skin, itching and reminding you while healthful, one must grab at everything before we learn a bit about it. Once you know its secret and how to approach it, it offers up its secrets to those willing to undertake the study and the trial. This plant is very useful for kidney, bladder and all urinary tract issues. It is a builder of the body in its own right. The word nettle comes from the Anglo-Saxon word for needle and it seems very appropriate. If you have never seen or held nettle, its stem is finely laced with hairs with a needle like bite. Very useful as an ally for those who are easily swayed or suffer from being “nice” all the time. It helps one to develop the “barbs” they need to stand strong. It should be appreciated and approached slowly with respect. It has historical uses as pot scrubbers, a topical treatment for arthritis and rheumatism by using the plant to slap the joints causing the obvious reactions locally. Nettle can help every aspect of your health and if you learn its ally secrets, you’re emotional and spiritual sides as well. It has uses as a spinning fiber once you learn to process it and has been used to make fishing nets by many cultures. The same uses for them physically, can also be used in the magical. One last thing – many are now wondering how people can stand to drink it or eat it in soups and stews. Nettles bite is neutralized by heat, so cooking it can make it “safe” for use in daily diets and as a wonderful infusion. Explore nettle!

I hope this information proved helpful and as a delightful simple introduction to the Herbs of Beltaine. This is by no means a complete list but a few of the most common. It is also by no means a total listing of the information on these herbs, but perhaps something to draw you into investigating herbs of the seasons more for yourself. As with other sources, this information is for your education and entertainment and is not intended to replace medical care, nor diagnose or treat. Please see a physician for care if you need it.

Blessings!

 

About the Author: Aauriane Veleda is Priestess Hierophant and founder of Garden of Sacred Wells Lyceum and Seekers of Sacred Wisdom Iseum. She is Grand Dame Commander of the Green Ways of the World Tree Priory and ArchDruidess of the Hearth of the Sacred Ways Grove. She currently lives in Central Florida with her husband and one fur child, a kitty called Kerridwen. In addition to the FOI, she is an active member of the Henge of Keltria, a Druid Companion of the OBOD, trained Celtic Shaman, Gythia and Seidhmather. Her personal work is focused on Irish and Scottish Druidry with its Avalonian connections through Kildare and the connections to Northern Ways (Norse). She is a full time Nursing Instructor, Master Herbalist, Naturopath and Reiki Master/Teacher.