There was once a time when the term "Wytch" simply referred to a person who had extensive knowledge in herbs and an understanding of the natural cycles of life. This person probably also understood the behavioural patterns of animals, and was even skilled in predicting the future (or at least identifying changing weather patterns).

A Wytch may have also even known something about astronomy, one form of divination or another, as well as being renown for having psychic visions (either naturally occurring or self-induced). It is this idea of what I term as "traditional" Wytchcraft, that which is based purely on the natural cycles and the land, seems a far cry from the various forms of Wytchcraft, usually under the modern term of "Wicca", that is practiced or read about today.

I read somewhere that the actually term of "Wytchcraft" has only been around since the 15th or 16th century, and was a term used by Christian Church to describe the above practices. However, as I do not have that source, I cannot verify the accuracy of that statement. But whatever the case, I personally feel it would be safe to say that throughout time, almost every culture had someone who could have been identified as being a "Wytch" as in the terms outlined above. Of course, each culture probably had their own specific term to describe such a person who seemed to move amongst the shadows.

Pick up a book today on modern Wytchcraft, or Wicca, and you are told that you need a list of exotic herbs, coloured candles, and specialised equipment. The reader is also often confronted with tables of corresponding ingredients that are known as "correspondence tables". There are a number of such tables available, some contradicting others, but all with a specific goal, and that is to provide various suitable correspondences for particular workings. I have to admit that when I first came across such tables, the reference to some of the herbs seemed to reflect a scene from Shakespeare's Macbeth. No doubt, some readers are familiar with the following:

"Fillet of a fenny snake
In the cauldron boil and bake
Eye of newt and toe of frog
Wool of bat and tongue of dog."

What a gruesome sounding combination. However, what Shakespeare was in fact doing was referring to various herbs by their folk names. "Fillet of a Fenny Snake", for example, refers to a fruit of a certain species of ARUM known as "Snakes meat". "Eye of Newt" simply means any of the 'eye' flowers, such as daisies, bachelors' buttons, horehound, and the like. "Toe of Frog" is another name for the humble buttercup (Ranunculus Bulbosus), "Wool of Bat" refers to holly leaves (Ilex Aquifolium), and "Tongue of Dog" is Houndstongue (Cynoglossum Officinale).

A WYTCH'S WORT

There is a general rule of thumb that any herb that has the word "wort" incorporated in its old country name is known for its healing properties. Comfrey, for example, was referred to as "bruisewort" for it was good to apply to bruises, while yarrow as "bloodwort" or "woundwort" aided the healing of wounds. However, although betony was also known as "bishopwort", this was not to protect one from bishops, but during the Middle Ages, it was grown to ward of evil spirits - hence the connection.

There are many ways in which herbs can be used within the magickal arts. They can be dried and burnt as incenses, have their oil extracted which can then also be burnt in oil burners. Herbs can be made into specialised talismans and charms, or sprigs can even be hung in certain places around the home.

In today's modern world we tend to take for granted what benefits we have over our ancestors. I doubt very much that if the British village wise woman or cunning man would have had access to incenses such as sandalwood and frankincense. Indeed, whether such ingredients would have even been heard in many places outside Asia or Africa. However, to the modern practitioner of today, these are two of the more standard ingredients used. What I would assume that the village wise woman or cunning man would have used in their magickal work would have been those herbs we readily find today in our kitchen spice racks and in the supermarkets, and which tend to be under-estimated.

ROSEMARY AND BASIL

Rosemary, for example, has many uses such as for protection, purification, healing and love. When burnt as an incense (and it is believed that rosemary is probably one of the oldest incenses used), rosemary releases a powerful cleansing and purifying vibration that is excellent in removing unwanted negativity. If a sprig is hung by the front door to a house, it is believed that the house will be protected from thieves. Rosemary also helps to increase mental powers, and therefore could be beneficial if some rosemary essential oil is burnt while you are studying for exams.

Basil is another simple herb that can be used for protection and love, as well as for wealth. Basil was strewn onto floors because it was believed that where the herb lay, no evil could live. Small amounts of the dried herb could also be placed in the corners of each room of the house to bring forth protection. When carried, basil is believed to attract wealth, and it is also used in exorcism incenses and in purification baths. One method of divining for love when using basil is to place two fresh leaves on a live coal. If they lie where you put them and burn quickly to aches, the relationship is believed to be harmonious. If the leaves crackle while they burn, this could indicate a life together disturbed by quarrels. However, if the leaves fly apart, it may be worth reconsidering the relationship.

Probably one of my favourite all round herbs is lavender, and I currently have two different varieties growing in my garden. Not only does it have a number of magickal properties, but for its safe and gentle medicinal properties as well. But with all that aside, I simply love the fragrance that the plants fill the air with. It is said that a garden should not be without a bush of lavender. And even if you do not have a garden, the scent from a few sprigs of lavender in your room will last a long time.

THE MANY USES OF LAVENDER

Lavender is known for its calming and balancing effects, often referred to as a nerve herb. The name is derived from the Latin word lavare, meaning "to wash". To the Romans, the distinctive aroma made lavender a popular bathing herb. Today, lavender is used in perfumery and aromatherapy, in potpourri and sachets.

Lavender essential oil is one of the most therapeutically versatile essential oils. It can be used to treat anxiety, insomnia, stress and headaches. It alleviates indigestion, flatulence, and nausea, particularly when associated with nervous disorders. Lavender also is said to encourage cell growth and is used to help with the mending and regeneration of all kinds of skin ailments - from insect bites and stings through to burns, stretch marks and scars.

A small bag of lavender flowers placed under the pillow at night can also alleviate sleep disorders. Indeed, when my own grandmother used to put a few drops of lavender on a handkerchief and place it under her pillow, she was, in fact, following one of the oldest remedies for insomnia in the world, whether she knew it or not.

In the magickal world, lavender is associated with Mercury and the element of Air. It has long been used to attract love, and it is said that if you rub your clothes with the fragrant flowers, that love will soon come your way. Lavender water was believed to be popular amongst prostitutes, it not only did it advertise their profession, but customers as well, for men are believed to be attracted to the scent. During the Renaissance period, however, it was said that if lavender was worn with rosemary, a woman's chastity would be protected.

Lavender can be used in the bath to cleanse and purify before any magickal working. It is also said that the ancients believed that if you carried some lavender, you would be able to see ghosts.

While I am not a trained herbalist or naturopath, I do enjoy using and being surrounded by herbs as I believe they help me to better understand the mysteries of nature - these simple, yet extremely profound, mysteries that are around us all the time, and which we are all a part of.

As we tune more into nature and our local environment, we open the doorway for nature to shape our own life, allowing me to work with the natural tides instead of against them. Something which I consider we may all find beneficial in today's high stress world.

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