 The Calendula symbolizes joy and protection. Wishing you both! Calendula officinalis Gender: Masculine Element: Fire Planet: Sun In January, my intention was to post an herbal collage every week, but my life changed dramatically and “life got in the way”, as the saying goes.
Zippy, my precious 17 year old puggle, passed over the rainbow bridge in mid April. Loving and supporting him through the transition was difficult. His no longer being by my side was even more difficult. Many of you sent me warm condolences and they were greatly appreciated. Preparing to sell the house in Maryland, a greatly needed escape with a dear friend to Cape Cod, and finding, purchasing and setting up a home, limited my time in the garden, art room and on line. Several things played into my deciding to sell my house and move back to central PA - most of all my two lovely daughters and my new son (in-law)! Moving closer to them has brought me great joy.! Since the calendula represents joy, it seems a perfect segue back to my illustrations, collages, gardening and herbal experience and research! It also symbolizes protection. I wish each of you good health and a feeling of safety and calm in these challenging times!
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Calendula blossoms gathered and prepared to dry.
 Red and Golden Beets and Mangos in Honey, sprinkled with Calendula Beets and Mangoes with Calendula |
 Cut lavender stems as close to the base as possible. Remove the leaves to use for potpourris or other projects. Gather and loosely tie the flowers at the base with thread. Trim the stalks to an even length.  Begin weaving the ribbon over and under each stalk. |  Tuck the end of the ribbon into the stalks to secure it. Gently turn each of the stems over the lavender flowers.  Continue weaving to the base of the flowers.Secure the ribbon in a knot but don't cut it. |
Wrap the ribbon diagonally down the stem, secure at the base of the stem with a couple of knots, then cut the ribbon.
Monarda didyma
Scarlet Beebalm
Gender: Feminine
Element: Water
Planet: Mercury
The brilliant scarlet bee balm, is a perennial herb and belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. My fondest memories are the patches that grew at Camp Arcona, a much loved Girl Scout Camp in Mechanicsburg, PA. Sadly, the camp was sold for real estate development. Our beloved camp may be gone, but our memories remain. When day camp began in June, the gorgeous crimson flowers were always there to greet us!
There are two reasons bergamot has the folk name bee balm. One is bees are attracted to it, and another is the leaves are soothing when rubbed on a bee sting.
The flowers are edible and the petals add a tangy flavor, in addition to a splash of color, to garden salads and fruit salads. Add to corn muffins or corn bread for unexpected zest! They compliment sweet as well as savory. Use your imagination and make this versatile herb a part of your welcoming summer ritual!
There are two reasons bergamot has the folk name bee balm. One is bees are attracted to it, and another is the leaves are soothing when rubbed on a bee sting.
The flowers are edible and the petals add a tangy flavor, in addition to a splash of color, to garden salads and fruit salads. Add to corn muffins or corn bread for unexpected zest! They compliment sweet as well as savory. Use your imagination and make this versatile herb a part of your welcoming summer ritual!
Salvia officinalis
Gender: Masculine
Element: Air
Planet: Jupiter
Gender: Masculine
Element: Air
Planet: Jupiter
The sage is ready to harvest so I've been making Sage Bundles. Sage and other herbs, such as red cedar, have been burned by cultures and tribes through out the world for thousands of years. Sage is most often associated with Native American Indians, yet not all tribes participate and the uses may vary, or even be taboo, depending on the time of the year and the tribe's beliefs.
Burning sage, or smudging, is purifying, cleanses the air of bacteria and repels insects, can improve your mood, the quality of your sleep, and more. I'll go into more detail about the numerous benefits and how to use them when the sage bundles have dried. This post gives directions for creating them with the sage in your garden or purchased. I like to make my own so I'm sure of the quality of ingredients.
The first step is growing the sage. It is best gathered in the early morning after any dew evaporates. Trim into 5 or 6 inch lengths, being sure to leave half of the plant so it will remain healthy. Remove any discolored or wilted leaves,
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Once the herbs are harvested, spread them out on cloth or paper to dry for 24 hours to begin the drying process. I use burlap but newspaper, brown paper or muslin will work. Turn them over several times to begin the drying process
Divide herbs into bundles. Measure pieces of natural colored twine or string 5 or 6 times the length of your bundles. Place the stem end of the sage over the center of the twine and tie a knot, wrapping several times. Cross the string in x patterns as you work up the bundle toward the top of the leaves. Tie securely. Trim the stem ends. Hang the bundles in a dark, dry area and allow to dry thoroughly, about 4 to 6 weeks. When mine are dry, I'll post on additional benefits and how to use them.
Chive blossom vinegar is a favorite and so easy to make!
You’ll need:
You’ll need:
- Chive blossoms
- A good quality white wine vinegar
- Collect chive blossoms, place in a colander. Wash gently, drain and dry the blossoms on a linen or paper towel.
- Put blossoms in a glass or ceramic bowl or jar. I have a large glass measuring cup with a spout that is ideal.
- Heat vinegar until warm but don’t allow it to boil. Pour over the blossoms.
- Let the blossoms marinate in a dark place for 24 to 48 hours.
- Sterilize the wine bottle.
- Strain the vinegar from the blossoms and pour the vinegar into the sterilized wine bottle.
- Store in a dark cabinet.
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The Queen of Flowers - the Rose
Over the next few weeks, as we approach Valentine's Day, I'll be revisiting some of the herbs associated with love and romance.. When it comes to matters of the heart, there are no limits to the human imagination in pursuing, wooing and attempting to ensure their love will be returned. Some of the uses are romantic and beautiful, elegant and sublime. Some are tender and heart warming.
Herbs can add a sensuous dimension to all aspects of life. Their beauty, aroma, flavors and touch delight. Some are showy and enticing with an distinctive and noticeable fragrance. Others you might walk by, or even step on, and not even notice! Often the greatest gifts are found in herbs you might not immediately notice. Hopefully these little snippets will entice you to learn more about the endless history and legacy of these treasures.
Our herb series continues with the Rose, the Queen of Flowers and the undisputed floral symbol of love. The Society of American Florists predicts that nearly 250 million roses will be sold for Valentine’s Day.
The rose is a perfect example of beauty, romance and sensuous living. She is a vision of delight, her petals are velvet, her fragrance is divine and her delicate flavor is sublime. i wish you all the gifts the rose offers - love, friendship, beauty, romance and sensuous pleasures.
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Salvia officinalis
Salvia comes from the Latin word “salvere”, to heal.
Officinalis refers to having been used medicinally.
Officinalis refers to having been used medicinally.
Gender: Masculine
Element: Air
Planet: Jupiter
Sage, salvia, is the largest genus of the mint family, Lamiaceae.
Sage has numerous powers. In addition to its healing properties, it is associated with wisdom, longevity and protection. It’s a delightful and healing tea, and the Thanksgiving turkey wouldn’t be the same without it. With the present concerns about the coronavirus, it seems a good time to focus on sage’s clearing, cleansing, protective qualities.
Sage has numerous powers. In addition to its healing properties, it is associated with wisdom, longevity and protection. It’s a delightful and healing tea, and the Thanksgiving turkey wouldn’t be the same without it. With the present concerns about the coronavirus, it seems a good time to focus on sage’s clearing, cleansing, protective qualities.
Sage has antimicrobial properties that keep infectious bacteria, viruses, and fungi at bay. Burning sage decreases the levels of aerial bacteria by up to 94%. It neutralizes dust, mold, and pet dander. It dispels negative energy, soothes stress, improves your mood and aides in better sleep.
My illustrated journal summary is below.
My illustrated journal summary is below.
Instructions for creating your own smudging bundles from sage grown in your garden and here. The steps to the process are in my illustrated journal, above. After the sage was harvested and wrapped it needed to dry. That process takes about 4 - 6 weeks.
We smudge for a variety of reasons. One may be a general cleansing or you may want to remove germs and bacteria. You may want to clear your space to become more open to creative ideas and beautiful thoughts.
If you are smudging because someone had violated your space or made your angry or uncomfortable, it is imperative that you center yourself and come to a more positive frame of mind before you begin. It you need support, find a friend or two to help you feel positive and loved. You are clearing negative energy and adding positive to replace it so keeping a positive frame of mind during the ritual and following are vital.
We smudge for a variety of reasons. One may be a general cleansing or you may want to remove germs and bacteria. You may want to clear your space to become more open to creative ideas and beautiful thoughts.
If you are smudging because someone had violated your space or made your angry or uncomfortable, it is imperative that you center yourself and come to a more positive frame of mind before you begin. It you need support, find a friend or two to help you feel positive and loved. You are clearing negative energy and adding positive to replace it so keeping a positive frame of mind during the ritual and following are vital.
It might be helpful to find, or write a prayer or poem to express your intentions. When I was in Stone Harbor, my friend Lisa had a book with a beautiful prayer to accompany a smudging ritual.I hurriedly copied it into my illustrated journal and will probably redo it on parchment, but for now, it gives you the words you need. I'm not sure who wrote it. I looked on line and found several people acknowledged. Thank you to who ever wrote such a lovely piece.
 Say this prayer as you guide the smoke toward your heart, over and around your body. |  Gather your materials. A feather for directing the smoke and a brass bell to awaken the energy in each room are optional but lovely if you have them. |
The next step is to gather your materials. If possible, use natural materials.
- Smudge Stick
- Candle, preferably lit with a wooden match
- Shell to catch the embers, or you can also use a pottery dish
- Feather to direct the smoke - you can also use your hand
- Brass bell to wake up the energy in each room as you move through the house
It is best to declutter each room before you begin. Open all of the doors, closet doors and windows so you can move from room to room easily and without interruption.
1. Light the candle and set your intention. You may use the prayer above or something you have written or found that expresses your personal perspective.
2. Use the candle flame to light the sage. Once the sage has caught fire, blow it out and watch for glowing embers. When you see the smoke begin to roll off of the smudge stick, it is ready.
3. Guide the smoke toward your heart, over your head and around your body to purify yourself before you begin.
4. Go the the lowest area you will be smudging. You will be working clockwise in each room. Use your feather, or your hand, to direct the smoke from the lowest part of the room to the highest as you move in a circle around the room Be certain to direct smoke into the corners of the room. Direct the smoke out the door or windows before you move on to the next room.
5. KEEP THE SHELL CLOSE BY TO COLLECT BURNING EMBERS. I tap the smudge stick on the shell when I begin in each room and usually another time or two as the leaves burn.
6. After you have completed smudging each room extinguish the sage by rubbing it onto the shell or on sand or dirt. Check to see that there are no burning red embers.
DO NOT wet the sage. If you do, you won't be able to use the sage again.
After the smoke clears and the negative energy has been released, fill the space with love. You can say prayers, meditate or journal about love, have dear friends over, read inspirational materials or do what ever feels best for you!
DO NOT wet the sage. If you do, you won't be able to use the sage again.
After the smoke clears and the negative energy has been released, fill the space with love. You can say prayers, meditate or journal about love, have dear friends over, read inspirational materials or do what ever feels best for you!
"My mission is
to help others see and cherish the beauty,
romance and treasures within and around them
that are often dismissed or completely overlooked."
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Mikell
Mikell is a writer, artist and professional treasure hunter, finding the greatest treasures in the wonderful people who enter her life!
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