Herbal Witchery artwork

Herbal Witchery

37 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago -

Herbal Witchery is a podcast dedicated to exploring the bountiful world of herbs and plants that are used by witches in spellwork, in rituals and celebrations. Join Lavender Moon as she shares the history, folklore, and innate energies of magickal herbs. Each episode will focus on one herb and its magickal uses. She'll also talk about ways to use each herb in your magickal workings and share a recipe that you can use to become more connected to its energies. Happy herbing! Visit the website: www.lavendermoonteas.com Visit the Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LavenderMoonTeas

Spirituality Religion & Spirituality herbal witchery witchy herbs plants magic herbs magickal herbs magick wheel of the year herbal teas witchcraft
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Episodes

Wheel of the Year: Beltane

April 28, 2021 15:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MB

In this special Wheel of the Year episode, I discuss Beltane, a sabbat that comes from the original Gaelic festival. Much like Samhain, Beltane's a time of year when the veil is thin and spirits abound.  Beltane's energies connect to passion, vitality, celebration, and life, as well as fairies and the awakening of nature. Today I'll share some of the original customs of the Gaelic festival as well as the newer Wiccan influences.  As always, I share the correspondences of Beltane, talk about...

Announcement: Beltane Blend is now available!

April 21, 2021 15:00 - 2 minutes - 1.82 MB

Just a quick update to let you know my Beltane Blend is available on my Etsy store. Check it out by clicking the link below to get some in time for Beltane coming up on May 1st. Check out my Beltane Blend. This tea is hand-blended in small batches and set with the intention to help you connect to the energies of Beltane, the beginning of the summer season, with its festive appearance and sensuous, fruity flavor. Rose brings a gentle floral flavor to the blend, with its properties of love...

Episode 27 : Rose

April 14, 2021 15:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MB

In today's episode, we are unfolding the beautiful properties of the rose. Perhaps the most beloved flower on the planet, the rose is an "herb" that dates back millions of years. It is associated with love, beauty, sensuality, as well as war and suffering. We'll be exploring a brief history of the rose, along with its symbolic associations. We'll also look at a few myths and legends surrounding the rose, and go through a fun list of songs and idioms with "rose" in the title.  Of course, we w...

Episode 26: Lemon Balm

March 31, 2021 15:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MB

Today's episode is all about lemon balm. Lemon balm is a happy, sunny herb that has been used for thousands of years. It was important to the ancient Greeks and was once called the "elixir of youth". We will be exploring the folklore surrounding this promising nickname, as well as lemon balm's association with bees and fairies. Of course, we'll touch on the herb's medicinal uses, and I'll share how you can use lemon balm when it comes to healing, love, success, and luck in your magickal prac...

Wheel of the Year: Ostara (The Spring Equinox)

March 17, 2021 15:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

In this special Wheel of the Year episode I discuss Ostara, a sabbat that combines the name of an ancient Germanic Spring goddess, with the themes and symbols of springtime. I talk about the complex history of this celebration, including how hares and eggs came to be connected to this time of year. I also discuss the lovely themes of fertility, resurrections, femininity, balance, and renewal that come with the Ostara sabbat. Although the sabbat itself is not complicated, deconstructing its h...

Announcement: Ostara (Spring Equinox) Tea is Available!

March 12, 2021 00:00 - 2 minutes - 1.94 MB

Just a quick update to let you know my Ostara Blend is out and available on my Etsy store. Check it out by clicking the link below to get some in time for The Spring Equinox coming up on March 20th. Check out my new Ostara Blend. Website: www.lavendermoonteas.com Check out my Enchanted Herbal Teas: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LavenderMoonTeas ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro & Outro Music: Midnight Tale by Kevin MacLeod L...

Episode 25: Blackberry

March 03, 2021 16:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MB

In this episode we are talking about blackberry. Blackberry is a plant with a rich history of folklore and magick, as well as a good dash of culinary sweetness. This herb can be found growing wild all the world over and has been enjoyed as a delicious treat, a source of shelter, and used in various medical treatments for millennia. We'll be exploring some of these folk beliefs about blackberry, looking at its medicinal and culinary uses, and its magickal properties connected to protection, h...

Episode 24: Clover

February 17, 2021 16:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MB

In this episode we're  in the  clover! We'll be exploring clover, both the white and red varieties. Commonly found in yards and fields across the world, clover is useful as fodder for animals and a source for nectar for bees.  We will talk about its associations with luck, protection, prosperity, beauty, healing, and even fairies, explore the historical legends surrounding  clover,  and look at its magickal properties and how to use it in our own practice.  I'll end by sharing two recipes, o...

Episode 23: Raspberry

February 10, 2021 16:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MB

In this episode we are talking about the beautiful raspberry. Discovered in Neolithic times, raspberries have been enjoyed by humans for millennia. We will be talking about both the fruit and the leaves, which have been associated with the feminine, love, self-care, beauty, and motherhood, and how they can remind us that patience and nurturing are required to bear fruit in our lives. We will also be discussing raspberry's medicinal, culinary, and mythical connections, as well as its  magicka...

Wheel of the Year: Imbolc (or St. Brigid's Day)

February 01, 2021 16:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MB

In this special Wheel of the Year episode I discuss Imbolc, the ancient Gaelic festival of welcoming early Spring. I talk about the meaning of the word Imbolc, the special energies of this underappreciated sabbat, and the female figures, the Goddess Brigit and St. Brigid, who are central to this festival. I'll also talk about why you hear so much about milk on Imbolc! Of course I share the Imbolc correspondences and give you ideas of how you can celebrate in simple ways at home. Imbolc is a ...

Episode 22: Angelica

January 27, 2021 16:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MB

In this episode of Herbal Witchery we are talking about angelica, the "Root of the Holy Ghost". We'll look at angelica's associations with the spiritual realm and angelic beings, its uses as a medicine, a food, and a sacred herb. Then we'll talk about why wildcrafting angelica is kinda risky, as it has many not-so-angelic look-a-likes, but why getting in touch with angelica's magickal properties is super awesome. Associated with mothering, spiritual beings, divine energy, and healing, angeli...

Check out Bands & Botanicals

January 18, 2021 21:00 - 1 minute - 1.3 MB

Hello! Just stopping in to tell you about my guest interview on Bands and Botanicals, an awesome podcast about health, wellness, herbs, and exercise. Paula and Danielle asked me to be a guest on their show and we had a great time talking about ancient herbs and ancient warriors. I highly recommend their podcast for the medicinal side of things and because they are just plain fun to listen to!  Link to the episode is below. Check it out. Bands & Botanicals: Herbs, tarot, and wellness with L...

Episode 21: Sage

January 13, 2021 16:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MB

In this episode of Herbal Witchery we explore the magickal herb sage.  A member of the mint family, sage is a beautiful herb which takes on a blue-greenish hue due to the silver down which covers its leaves. We will be looking at sage's associations with wisdom and immortality,  fertility, and  healing. We'll also look at sage's medicinal and culinary uses throughout the ages, and I'll put my two cents in on the sometimes heated topic of smoke cleansing with sage vs. smudging  with White Sag...

Episode 20: Thyme

December 30, 2020 16:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MB

In today's episode we explore the history and magickal uses of thyme,  a whimsical herb with a fantastical history.  We will look at  thyme's association with protection, courage, bravery, and healing, which stem mostly from the Ancient Greeks and Romans We'll also look at the Victorian association of thyme with fairies, as well as the proven medicinal and culinary uses of the herb. I finish the episode with some magickal properties and uses for thyme, and share the a recipe for Lemon Thyme ...

Wheel of the Year: Yule (The Winter Solstice)

December 16, 2020 16:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MB

In this special Wheel of the Year episode I discuss Yule, the ancient Nordic celebration of the Winter Solstice.  Beginning around December 21st and lasting into the first few days of January, Yule is a recognition of the longest night of the year and the idea that after this point, the light will be steadily growing stronger and stronger. I briefly discuss the origins of Yule in Scandinavia,  then move into the many Winter Solstice celebrations around the world. You can't talk about Yule wi...

Episode 19: Holly

December 09, 2020 16:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MB

In today's episode, we are looking at the magickal, festive holly. We will explore holly's long and magickal history, from the ancient Celts and Romans who used it during Winter Solstice celebrations, to the Christian tradition of 'decking the halls' with holly during Christmas. We'll also touch on the  figure of the Holly King, a precursor to Santa Clause, who rules with his crown of holly this time of year. We'll close out the episode with some magickal uses of holly, and talk about a sacr...

Episode 18: Mistletoe

December 02, 2020 16:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MB

In today's episode we are looking at mistletoe, a hemiparasitic plant that has an extensive magickal and mystical history. We'll explore two prominent 'myths' related to mistletoe from Druidic and Nordic cultures and look at its associations with fertility, protection, peace, love, and the Winter Solstice/Yule/Christmas as well. Of course we will talk about some magickal uses for mistletoe, and instead of a recipe, I will introduce a sacred reading practice you can do with the aforementioned...

Episode 17: Nutmeg

November 25, 2020 16:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MB

In today's episode we are exploring nutmeg, a seed with a history similar to that of  cinnamon and cloves. Nutmeg was an important commodity during the Spice Trade of the 16th and 17th Centuries, so much so, that one of its bloodiest incidents occurred over this particular spice.  We will talk about this sad history, as well as the culinary uses of  nutmeg as an ingredient in cuisines from all over the world. I'll also explore the magickal associations of nutmeg, such as luck and prosperity ...

Episode 16: Rosemary

November 18, 2020 16:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MB

In today's episode we'll be looking at rosemary,  a well-known and easily accessible herb with a long history of medicinal and culinary uses. Associated with protection, cleansing, and especially remembrance, rosemary has been used for centuries as a symbolic way to remember those who have gone, as well as to literally help with the memory. We'll be exploring all of these associations, giving us a better understanding of this beautiful herb. I end the episode by sharing  a few ideas on how t...

Wheel of the Year: Samhain

October 28, 2020 14:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MB

In this special Wheel of the Year episode I discuss Samhain, the celebration based on the ancient Gaelic festival of the same name. Samhain is the final harvest festival on the Wheel of the Year, and is celebrated around October 31st and is one of the most magickal and mysterious times of year. I discuss the origins of Samhain and talk about how the themes and customs have made their way into the modern-day Halloween. Of course, I also share Samhain's correspondences, symbols, and themes, an...

Episode 15: Wormwood

October 21, 2020 15:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MB

In today's episode we'll be looking at wormwood, an herb closely related to the mysterious mugwort. Wormwood has earned itself a place in the 'notorious' plant category due to its use as a main ingredient in the reportedly mind altering spirit Absinthe in the 19th century.  We'll take a look at this legendary drink and wormwoods supposed cause of madness, as well as its figurative use in literature, and its medicinal properties. We'll finish up by looking at wormwoods association with ancest...

Episode 14: Belladonna

October 14, 2020 15:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MB

In today's episode we'll be exploring the dark and dangerous history of belladonna. Also known as Deadly Nightshade, this herb is the femme fatal of the plant world. Associated with death, murder, seduction, and witchcraft, belladonna is extremely powerful and poisonous. We'll look at all of these elements, as well as the magickal properties of the "Devil's Cherries", and although I can't advocate the use of this deadly plant, I give some suggestions on how you can still attune to its magick...

Episode 13: Mugwort

October 07, 2020 15:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MB

In today's episode we'll explore the mysterious and magickal history of mugwort. We'll look at mugwort's connect to the goddess Artemis, nighttime and the moon, and women's 'issues', as well as its association with divination, lucid dreaming, and astral travel. I relate my own experiences using mugwort and give some information on possible side effects and psychoactive properties that the herb can effect in those who use it. I end the episode with some suggestions for magical uses, and link ...

Episode 12: Yarrow

September 30, 2020 14:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MB

In today's episode I explore one of the oldest herbs on the planet - yarrow. I talk about its  long association with spirits, protection, and healing, and how it has been used by Neanderthals and modern herbalists alike to connect with the spirit world and for many medicinal purposes, such as stopping bleeding in wounds or as a mild painkiller.  I also discuss yarrow's magickal properties and the types of magick you might use yarrow in such as love, divination, aura cleansing, and so much mo...

Episode 11: Cloves

September 23, 2020 15:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MB

In today's episode I take you through the history of cloves. From their origins in the Moluccas islands off the coast of Indonesia, to their involvement in in the Spice Trade of the 17th and 18th centuries, cloves were a sought after commodity worth more than their weight in gold. I also talk about the many uses of cloves and clove oil, from a natural analgesic to a supposed cure for the desire for alcohol. I go over some magickal properties of cloves like protection, prosperity, and raising...

Wheel of the Year: Mabon (The Autumn Equinox)

September 16, 2020 15:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MB

In this special Wheel of the Year episode I discuss Mabon, or as some prefer to call it, the Autumn Equinox. Mabon is the 2nd harvest festival on the Wheel of the Year, and is celebrated on the 21st of September. I talk about Mabon's origins in many different harvest celebrations around the world, how it got its controversial name, and touch on why this information is important for modern pagans/witches/wiccans to be aware of. I share Mabon correspondences, symbols, and themes, and share eas...

Episode 10: Apple

September 09, 2020 14:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MB

In today's episode I explore the apple, one of the most common and easily accessible fruits on Earth. I discuss its history in both the magick and mundane world, from its origins in the Tien Shan mountains millions of years ago to its modern form, as well as its appearance in myths and legends around the world. I also talk about the apple's association with wisdom, sin, sensuality, beauty, and 'the otherworld', and how this factors into the fruit's(and its tree) magickal properties. I end th...

Episode 9: Cinnamon

September 02, 2020 15:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MB

Cinnamon is an herb with quite the economically rooted background. In this episode I discuss the origins of cinnamon from the island of Sri Lanka, how the Spice Trade centered around the herb, and how cinnamon might have been unwittingly responsible for European exploration in the past few centuries. I also touch on the myth of the Cinnamon Bird, a tale used to keep cinnamon's origins a secret for hundreds of years.  I finish up by connecting this factual history to cinnamon's magickal assoc...

Episode 8: Basil

August 26, 2020 16:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MB

Basil, oh basil, such a confounding herb. Originating over 5000 years ago, basil has been tied to folklore beliefs about the basilisk, undying love, scorpions, protection, and both curing madness and causing it. In this episode, I explore several of these beliefs, the interesting myths surrounding basil's scientific name, and share a morbid, fascinating story that involves lovers, dismemberment, and basil. As always, I tell you several ways you can use basil in your craft, and give you a eas...

Episode 7: Chamomile

August 19, 2020 16:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MB

However you pronounce it,  chamomile has been a staple of the herbal scene for centuries. On this episode I explore chamomile's revered status as a sacred herb in both Ancient Egyptian and Anglo-Saxon cultures, how it got its adorable, happy name, its plethora of medicinal uses, and the calming, soothing, and positive properties that chamomile brings into our lives and magickal practices. I end with a cute little recipe for chamomile pancakes and chamomile honey syrup.  Listen and drift off ...

Episode 6: Mint

August 12, 2020 17:00 - 23 minutes - 15.8 MB

Join me this week as I talk about one of my favorites, the ubiquitous herb, mint. With its long history as a breath freshener, indigestion settler, and association with the underworld, mint is the kind of herb you can use with most anything for most any purpose. I begin with the Greek origin myth surrounding the mint plant, and discuss the many uses the plant has had throughout history. I then explore mint's magickal energies, which link it to prosperity and mental clarity. This episode fini...

Episode 5: Calendula

August 05, 2020 12:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MB

In this episode I discuss the deep and delightful sun energy of calendula, or as it's more commonly known, marigold. From its association with the Virgin Mary to its use as a pot herb in the English countryside, calendula has a plethora of medicinal, culinary, and magickal uses. Join me as I explore religious traditions and folklore surrounding the marigold, and attempt to explain why all calendulas are marigolds, but not all marigolds are calendulas! I'll also share two recipes for calendul...

Wheel of the Year: Lughnasadh (Lammas)

July 29, 2020 12:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MB

In this special Wheel of the Year episode I discuss Lughnasadh (Lammas). Often overlooked, this Sabbat is the first of the harvest festivals on the Wheel of the Year. I share a brief history of both Lughnasadh and Lammas, and talk about the special magick of this time of year. Learn a few of the correspondences, symbols, and themes of this celebration so that you can meditate on the meaning of the Sabbat. Most importantly, I share several easy, simple, and realistic ways to celebrate August ...

Episode 4: Dandelion

July 22, 2020 17:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MB

In this episode I share the sunny history of the dandelion, an underappreciated and often overlooked herb. Bright and tenacious, this herb boasts a multitude of names that reflect its appearance and medicinal uses. Join me in celebrating the dandelion, root and flower, as I discuss the plant's history, medical and culinary uses, and universal folklore that ties it to the magic of childhood. We'll look at the kind of magick that works with dandelion's energies and I'll share a recipe for Dand...

Episode 3: Lavender

July 15, 2020 12:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MB

In this episode I share the wonderful history of lavender, one of the most popular herbs on the planet. Loved for its ethereal color and calming scent, lavender has held a significant place in the world of herbs for thousands of years. From Ancient Egypt to WWI, and into the 21st century, lavender remains a versatile and magickal herb. Learn its history, magickal properties and uses, and get a moon milk popsicle recipe you can make at home to get closer to the energies of this herb. Websit...

Episode 2: The History of Herbal Magick

July 08, 2020 18:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MB

In this episode, I talk about the magickal use of herbs throughout the ages. From a possible Neanderthal shamanic burial site, through the ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations, followed by the Middle Ages and beyond, I explore how herbs have been used as medicines and in magick. I take a look at how this connects to our modern witchcraft practices and why it is important for us to embrace this magickal and mundane history of herbs. Intro & Outro Music: Midnight Tale by Kevin Ma...

Episode 1: Introductions

July 01, 2020 19:00 - 9 minutes - 6.4 MB

This episode is short and sweet. I take some time to introduce myself and tell you a little bit about my witchy path. I also talk about my vision for this podcast and why I think developing an emotional connection to the herbs we use in spellwork and ritual is so important. I clarify that I am not a homesteading herbalist who has all the answers, just a witch who wants to learn more about the magickal properties and histories of the various and sundry herbs, flowers, and spices that I have i...