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Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: VERVAIN
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 In Brittany, vervain is popularly termed the "herb of the cross,"and when gathered with a certain formula is efficacious in curing wounds. "According to a piece of Breton lore, the selago, or "cloth of gold plant" cannot be cut with steel without the sky darkening and some disaster taking place: 'The herb of gold is cut; a cloud Across the sky hath spread its shroud To war.' "On the other hand, if properly gathered with due ceremony, it conferred the power of understanding the language of beast or bird.[2] As far back as the time of Pliny, we have directions for the gathering of this magic plant. The person plucking it was to go barefoot, with feet washed, clad in white, after having offered a sacrifice of bread and wine." The Folklore of Plants by by T. F. Thiselton-Dyer http://www.archive.org/stream/thefolkloreofpla10118gut/10118. Vervain was once used by the druids for asperge (sprinkling holy water). Later sorcerers and wise women used it for magical baths. The Elizabethans mixed it in love philters and cosmetics. It is a common ingredient in good luck charms. Herbalists use it today as a febriguge, tonic and expectorant. It grows wild in meadow and hedgerows. Vervain contains a tpe of tannin that is unique to the herb. It is used as a cure for headaches, as well as a tonic. The dried tops and leaves are best to use. (Paul Huson, Mastering Herbalism) Vervain plaque created especially for the Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt by Fedelm Cruithni |
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~ Table of Contents ~
Feverfew
Lavender Ladybugs Thyme Bay Laurel Mint Answers to Spring Equinox Quix Dandelion for Spring Tonic Nettles for Spring Sun-Infused Calendula Healing Salve Fiddleheads Daffodil Quiz Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: APPLE Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: BOX SPRIGS Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: Hawthorn Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: Magical Fern Seeds Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: Mystic Mistletoe Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: EGLANTINE Beltaine Treasure Hunt '08 - GARLIC Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: FLAX BLOSSOMS Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: GREEN WHEAT EARS Beltaine Treasure Hunt '08: THE CHARM OF IVY Beltaine Treasure Hunt '08: MARIGOLDS AND MAIDENS Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: THE SACRED OAK |
