One of my favorite things to do is to go out wandering through the woods. One herb that I come across frequently in the woods is Yarrow. The flowers on it are incredibly small and they bunch together forming these little clumps that look like large blooms from a distance. That’s most often how I recognize it. When you move closer you can see the tiny white flowers with yellow centers and the leaves which also help identify it as they are quite feathery. It grows to be about three feet tall and that also helps it to stand out when you are looking for it. It’s a plant that loves the sun and well-drained soil. I must tell you that I find it most often here in New England around the edges of fields or just out of the sun on the side of the road so perhaps it doesn’t get that full Summer Sun all day. This may help you when looking for it if you live here in New England. The best time to pick Yarrow is when it’s in full bloom and first thing in the morning just after the dew dries. This helps it to retain all its helpful oils when you harvest it.
If you are looking for an ancient herb to work with that is packed with ancient energy, you will find that in Yarrow. Yarrow is the common name for Achillea millefolium. Many of you will notice that Achillea sounds a lot like the Greek God Achilles and you would be right. The herb is named for him. It is said that his mother held him by his heel and dipped him in a tea made of Yarrow when he was born. That one heel that she held would be where he was vulnerable as he was not protected there by the Yarrow.
Yarrow is a strong herb of protection. Not only is it an herb of protection but it’s an ancient herb of protection that has a rich history of use. I often find that the energy of something that is used for a long time grows powerful with time even if it may be new growth. You can plant yarrow around your property to help protect your home. You can also use it in ritual work or even drink it as a tea if you wish. Yarrow tends to have an incredibly strong taste so if you do work with it in teas you may want to combine it with something that will help make it taste more pleasant. One of my favorite stories that I have heard about Yarrow is that if you are going on a journey you should pick nine pieces of Yarrow. Leave one on your path as a tribute to the gods and take the others with you to help protect you on your journey.
When it comes to healing Yarrow has a rich history for a reason. I have heard that Achilles also helped to use Yarrow on the wounds of his soldiers. Many of you may have heard that one of the names that it is referred to is soldiers’ woundwort or staunch weed. It was used from ancient Greek times until World the first World War to help with its wounds as it is known to stop bleeding and help to heal the injuries.
Yarrow has incredibly strong roots as those roots are necessary to support the heavy clusters of flowers and thick stems. Energy-wise this herb is incredibly supportive as you will find it will help ground you, support your personal energy, heal you, and then protect you as you move forward. It’s a really strong herb in magick and I think it’s a beautiful one.
I hope that you have the most magickal day!
Much Love and Many Blessings,
Jasmeine Moonsong
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