by JF Holland
DAGAZ - D: Daylight or Dawn.
A new day begins and go to work. You become more insightful, breaking through your new ideas. Light is around you. Cannot be reversed.
OTHALA - O: Ancestral property - Inheritance
Freedom and independence through releasing ideas and things that keep you 'stuck'. You will feel 'free'. You will inherit from someone.
Reversed: Not letting go of outmoded ideas and concepts. You will feel 'stuck'.
BLANK RUNE: Sometimes called "Odin's Rune":
Anything is possible and can happen. The sum-total of who you are, what you have done, and what you have become. Choose a direction and go for it. The blank Rune was added to the others in the 1980's. It shows that as humanity has grown - the possibilities are beyond what was conceived by the original Runes. Some people include the blank Rune in a reading - while others leave it out! I prefer to leave it in as the Universe has limitless possibilities!! If you get this Rune - and you believe in yourself - you can manifest anything.
Runic Magic in History
There is some evidence that, in addition to being a writing system, runes historically served purposes of magic. This is the case from earliest epigraphic evidence of the Roman to Germanic Iron Age, with non-linguistic inscriptions and the alu word. An erilaz appears to have been a person versed in runes, including their magic applications.
In medieval sources, notably the Poetic Edda, the Sigrdrifumal mentions "victory runes" to be carved on a sword, "some on the grasp and some on the inlay, and name Tyr twice."
In early and more modern times, related folklore and superstition is recorded in the form of the Icelandic magical staves.
In the early 20th century, Germanic mysticism coins’ new forms of "runic magic", some of which were continued or developed further by contemporary adherents of Germanic Neopaganism.
Runes have been used in Nazi symbolism by National Socialists and neo-Nazi groups that associate themselves with Germanic traditions, mainly the Sigel, Eihwaz, Tyr, Odal (see Odalism) and Algiz runes. The fascination that runes seem to have exerted on the Nazis can be traced to the occult and volkisch author Guido von List, one of the important figures in Germanic mysticism and runic revivalism in the late 19th and early 20th century. In 1908, List published in Das Geheimnis der Runen ("The Secret of the Runes") a set of 18 so-called "Armanen Runes", based on the Younger Futhark, which were allegedly revealed to him in a state of temporary blindness after a cataract operation on both eyes in 1902. In Nazi contexts, the s-rune is referred to as "Sig" (after List, probably from Anglo-Saxon Sigel). The "Wolfsangel", while not a rune historically, has the shape of List's "Gibor" rune.
Modern systems of runic divination are based on Hermeticism, classical Occultism, and the I Ching.
Herbs: A -Z List:
(...The Medicinal, Spiritual and Magical Uses of...)
The following information is for reference only. Herb-lore is an art which must be respected, and several herbs can be as equally dangerous as beneficial if not used correctly.
Aloes:
General: Aloes are indigenous to East and South Africa, but have been introduced into the West Indies (where they are extensively cultivated) and into tropical countries, and will even flourish in the countries bordering on the Mediterranean. The drug Aloes consists of the liquid exuded from the transversely-cut bases of the leaves.
Medicinal Use: The drug Aloes is one of the safest and best warm and stimulating purgatives to persons of sedentary habits and phlegmatic constitutions. An ordinary small dose takes from 15 to 18 hours to produce an effect. Its action is exerted mainly on the large intestine, for which reason, also it is useful as a vermifuge. Its use, however, is said to induce Piles. From the Chemist and Druggist (July 22, 1922):
Aloes was employed by the ancients and was known to the Greeks as a production of the island of Socotra as early as the fourth century B.C. The drug was used by Dioscorides, Celsus and Pliny, as well as by the later Greek and Arabian physicians, though it is not mentioned either by Hippocrates or Theophrastus.
Spiritual Use: The word Aloes, in Latin Lignum Aloes, is used in the Bible and in many ancient writings to designate a substance totally distinct from the modern Aloes, namely the resinous wood of Aquilaria agallocha, a large tree growing in the Malayan Peninsula. Its wood constituted a drug which was, down to the beginning of the present century, generally valued for use as incense, but now is esteemed only in the East. The Mahometans, especially those in Egypt, regard the Aloe as a religious symbol, and the Mussulman who has made a pilgrimage to the shrine of the Prophet is entitled to hang the Aloe over his doorway. The Mahometans also believe that this holy symbol protects a householder from any malign influence. In Cairo, the Jews also adopt the practice of hanging up the Aloe. In the neighbourhood of Mecca, at the extremity of every grave, on a spot facing the epitaph, Burckhardt found planted a low shrubby species of Aloe whose Arabic name, saber, signifies patience. This plant is evergreen and requires very little water. Its name refers to the waiting-time between the burial and the resurrection morning.
Angelica:
General: Is used for healing, protection, to prolong life, for divine and creative inspiration and magic.
Medicinal Use: It is generally used as a stimulating expectorant, combined with other expectorants the action of which is facilitated, and to a large extent diffused, through the whole of the pulmonary region. It is a useful agent for feverish conditions, acting as a diaphoretic, though it should not be given to patients who have a tendency towards diabetes, as it causes an increase of sugar in the urine.
Magical Use: If you need a muse, call upon the essence of angelica. Grow in the garden as a protection from spirits. Burn the dried leaves in exorcism rituals.
Anise:
General: Anise seeds promotes digestion, stimulates appetite, helps with cramps/nausea; relieves flatulence and colic, helps promote lactation, insomnia. (Note: Do not take internally).
Magical Use: Its magical properties are: sleep on anise seeds to ensure sleep free from nightmares; fresh anise leaves protects the magic circle and ward off evil.
Arnica:
General: Other Names: Mountain Tobacco. Leopard's Bane. Parts Used: Root, flowers. Habitat: A perennial herb, indigenous to Central Europe, in woods and mountain pastures. In countries where Arnica is indigenous, it has long been a popular remedy.
Medicinal Use: The tincture is used for external application to sprains, bruises, and wounds, and as a paint for chilblains when the skin is unbroken. Repeated applications may produce severe inflammation. It is seldom, (if ever) used internally, because of its irritant effect on the stomach.
A homoeopathic tincture, X6, has been used successfully in the treatment of epilepsy; also for seasickness, 3 X before sailing, and every hour on board till comfortable. For tender feet, a foot-bath of hot water containing 1/2 oz. of the tincture has brought great relief. Applied to the scalp it will make the hair grow. Great care must be exercised though, as some people are particularly sensitive to the plant and many severe cases of poisoning have resulted from its use, especially if taken internally. British Pharmacopoeia Tincture, root, 10 to 30 drops. United States Pharmacopoeia Tincture, flowers, 10 to 30 drops.
Magical Use: Thought to be especially potent on the summer solstice. Bunches are gathered and set on the corners of fields to spread the power of the corn spirit and to ensure a good harvest.
Basil:
Medicinal Use: As a tea for calming the nerves, settling the stomach, and easing cramps and good for the bladder. Use as a poultice on chest for bronchitis and chest colds. All basils are antibacterial and act as good insect repellents, and as Culpepper noted, “Being applied to the place bitten by venomous beasts, or stung by a wasp or hornet, it speedily draws the poison to it”. Basil, Ocimum sanctum, was originally a native plant of India and its use only spread outwards to Europe and the West in the sixteenth century. Ocimum sanctum, or Tulsi as it is known in Hindu, is used in traditi
onal in religious ceremonies and in ayurvedic medicine for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria
Sacred Use: It is sacred to the Hindu god Vishnu and his avatar, Krishna. Magical herbals occasionally refer to it as St. Joseph's Wort. Best known for its properties to aid and strengthen love. Although known to bring about prosperity, love spells are the general domain for basil. It is used to soothe communication and heal relationships between two people. Basil is originally native to India and other tropical regions of Asia, having been cultivated there for more than 5,000 years, reached Europe in the sixteenth century. Basil brings prosperity and happiness when planted in the garden. In Europe, they place basil in the hands of the dead to ensure a safe journey. In India, they place it in the mouth of the dying to ensure they reach God. The ancient Egyptians and ancient Greeks believed that it would open the gates of heaven for a person passing on.
Bay:
General: Parts Used: Leaves, Fruit, Oil.
Medicinal Use: Use as a poultice on chest for bronchitis and chest colds. Oil of bay, the fixed oil expressed from the berries, is used to treat arthritic aches and pains, lower back pain, earaches, and sore muscles and sprains. Bay leaves are the source of an essential oil with the same analgesic and warming properties. Bay laurel contains parthenolides, the same chemical in feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) that is thought to prevent migraine headaches. Do not use Internally.
Spiritual Use: Bay leaves come from the laurel, and have a strong tradition as a Greek sacred plant. When the nymph Daphne wanted to avoid the passions of Apollo, she turned into the first laurel tree, which Apollo then adopted as his sacred tree. Wreaths were made from the leaves, which were also chewed and burned by Apollo's prophetic priestesses at Delphi.
Magical Use: is used for purification, dreams, healing, protection, psychic dreams (place bay leaf under pillow at night), psychic powers, clairvoyance, good wishes, fame or glory and change. Bay leaves were worn as amulets to ward off negativity. Wishes can be written on bay leaves and then burned to make them come true.
Calendula:
Medicinal Use: Calendula is particularly good treatment for cuts, scrapes, bruises, insect bites and minor wounds. Calendula is also antifungal and so can help to cure thrush (Candida albicans). Mabey, pp46 The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of calendula make it a good face wash for dry, irritated skin and acne. Fresh calendula petals can also be infused in boiling water and used to treat minor infections, conjunctivitis, and mouth sores. Calendula tinctures are also a concentrated and convenient way to treat sore or infected gums
Magical Use: Can bring about prophetic dreams when tucked under your pillow. Brings the ability to see fairies and for psychic powers. Work with calendula for help in making dreams come true, joy and remembrance. Calendula, called "Marygold" or "Sunbride" in the Middle Ages, was sacred to the Norse goddess Freya and was used for love magic. Claudia Muller-Ebeling, Wolf-Deieter Storl Witchcraft Medicine(1998) Marigolds are called after the Virgin Mary. In Macer's Herbal it is stated that only to look on Marigolds will draw evil humours out and strengthen the eyesight.
Chamomile:
Household Use: Known as the "plant's physician"; grow near ailing plants to perk them up. Make into an antifungal spray for tree diseases. Spray infusion on seedlings to prevent "damping off disease" and on compost to activate decomposition. Boil the flower for a yellow-brown dye. Wash blond hair with infusion for lightening. Use in potpourri and herb pillows.
Medicinal Use: Sedative, antifungal, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory. Relieves gas, heartburn and colic. Applied externally in teabags to heal burns and rest eyes. Ointment is used for eczema, and genital and anal irritation. Mouthwash heals mouth inflammation. Inhalation of steam is good for phlegm and hay fever. May get an allergic reaction from some people. The Sun is also associated with the innocence of children, and Chamomile is the safest possible herb for them, easing the pain of colic when a mild tea is mixed with mother's milk and giving them rest without the aid of allopathic drugs.
Spiritual Use: Brings energy, wisdom, drives away nightmares, helps with past life knowledge, is relaxing and promotes peacefulness. Did you know that the more that chamomile is trodden upon in your garden, the more it spreads? It is good for meditation and is a symbol of the sun. Chamomile is thought to be a garden tonic to the plants growing around it.
Traditional Magical Use: A solar plant, associated with the sun and the god Baldur. It is used to attract money, and a hand wash is used by gamblers. Use in sleep incenses (and tea!); makes the best sleep potion. Removes curses and hexes when sprinkled around the property. Used magically, it can be a powerful antidepressant.
Shamanic Magical Use: This is the plant of Asgard, the land of the Aesir. Its English name Maythen was originally pronounced Maegthen, as can be seen from the Lacnunga poem, and maeg is cognate to mage, meaning powerful. Chamomile is a solar plant, and it harnesses the power of the Sun. As the plant of golden Asgard, it can be burned in recels or scattered as a way to send your words straight to the Aesir and have them hear you. It burns away the darkness and the creeping negativity, as its medicinal nature as an antifungal demonstrates.
Fennel:
General: In Ancient Greece, fennel was the symbol of success. In medieval England, fennel was thought to make the fat thin and the blind to see.
Medicinal Use: Soothes digestion, especially flatulence, constipation, and indigestion. Promotes milk production in lactating woman and animals. The herbalist Nicholas Culpeper relates a common use of it, its seed or leaves boiled in barley water and then drunk by nursing mothers to increase their milk and its quality for the infant. Used in China for food poisoning. Infusion is used for gum disease, loose teeth, laryngitis, and sore throats. Chew to relieve hunger pangs. Fennel has a mild stimulant effect. Recently found to reduce the toxic effects of alcohol on the system. Fennel seed, bruised and boiled in water, and then added to syrup and soda water will relieve flatulence in infants.
Magical Use: Romans believed that serpents sucked the juice of the plant to improve their eyesight after shedding their skins. Greeks used it to magically lose weight and grow thin. Grown around the house or hung in doors and windows, it is protective. Carried, it wards off ticks and biting bugs. Burn for purification and healing mixtures. In Lacnunga, Fennel is used in charms against all manner of ill-meaning entities, from elves to sorcerers, and even against insanity. Take a fresh sprig of fennel and dip it into water and sprinkle that water around your home for protection.
Shamanic Use: This is the herb of Svartalfheim and Nidavellir. Together with Sweet Cicely, it is used to protect against elf-shot, and to treat cases of that remedy. Also like Sweet Cicely, Fennel aids in the Gift of Sight, but it gives the ability to see the darkness’s in life - the hidden anger and pain, the inner rot, the creeping deaths. This makes it useful in shamanic client-work when one must discern hard truths about someone's behaviour, or find hidden disease or poisoning. Drink in tea or smoke it or eat the seeds (preferably seven of them). Fennel helps you to spiritually understand, to open your heart, promotes stability.
Garlic:
General: It was beloved in most ancient societies that had it, to the extent that the builders of the Pyramids were paid partially in garlic, and at one point went on strike to get more (according to graffiti inside the Pyramids, left by the workers).
Medicinal Use: Eases tension, eases colds, and improves circulation. Can be used to disinfect wounds and soothe rheumatic pain and any common pain. Shrinks warts, relieves pain from teeth and earaches. Good for high and low blood pressure and removing parasites and infections. To ease the pain of aching joints, a toothache or an earache., place a crushed raw bulb of garlic on a piece of gauze and place over the area of pain. For joints, try using garlic paste.
Magical Use: Garlic is one of the few "herbs" whose powers have survived into modern superstition, where it gives protection against
vampires. The Greeks attributed it to Hecate, the primary goddess of magic. It is also sacred to the Great Mother, Cybele. Its use actually goes back even further to the Sumerians. Besides its strong psychic protection, it also protects health when eaten regularly.
Lavender:
General: Lavender is for ecstasy - that's what you feel when you inhale the fragrance of lavender! Lavender connects with God awareness, for meditation, to help with fears of aging, for fears in general, acceptance, helps facilitate altered states of consciousness. Wear lavender to draw love. It is a symbol of truth and parity. Pure joy.
Medicinal Use: Has strong antiseptic qualities. Mild infusions make a good sedative, headache treatment, and digestive aid, a great antibiotic, antidepressant, sedative and detoxifier Used in oil or tincture form to heal cuts, burns or scalds, bites. an excellent aromatic, usually mixing well with other floral scents. An ingredient in the Purification bath sachet, also used in purification incenses. Lavender is well regarded for its skin healing properties as well. It's effectiveness in treating burns was first discovered by French biochemist René Gattefossé when he cooled his hand in a handy vat of lavender after burning it in a lab accident.