Yarrow: Magical Incense & The Ancient Tea Oracle
The Eyebrow of Venus: Yarrow in Folklore
Its dried flowers were traditionally carried in a small cloth pouch as an amulet to ward off sickness. A dried root was worn as an amulet to grant clairvoyance. The Sneezewort Yarrow (Sumpf-Schafgarbe) belongs to the so-called “Beschreikräuter” (herbs used to ward off the Evil Eye or crying spells in children). In the “Nine and Seven Herb Charms” traditions, this beautiful plant always held a firm place. Among the Anglo-Saxons, it was worn dried in the belt to protect against snakes.
Folk Names:
Cat’s Herb (Katzenkraut)
Bellyache Herb (Bauchwehkraut)
Achilles’ Herb (Achilleskraut)
Cat’s Tail (Katzenschwanz)
Soldier’s Herb (Soldatenkraut)
Mother’s Herb (Mutterkraut)
Yarrow Incense: Balance and Courage
When we smoke with Yarrow, it helps us establish a spiritual and physical equilibrium. The message of Yarrow is: Moral Attention and Spiritual Justice.
If we have had to endure a sad experience or a deeply cutting realization, a Yarrow fumigation is the helper of our soul. Through its gentle Plant Spirit, we regain the courage, determination, and self-confidence that may have fallen by the wayside due to these experiences.
Effect on Mind & Soul: We view these experiences more calmly, accept them, and process them positively. And should we ever find ourselves in such a situation again, we will be better able to listen to our inner voice and trust it more. In deep concentration, one can increase one’s psychic abilities through a fumigation with this plant.
Tip: Those who wish to feel it a little more intensely can prepare a Yarrow tea before the incense ceremony and drink it sip by sip.
House Cleansing: Places or houses can be smoked out with it to neutralize bad energies and virtually “dissolve them into thin air.” Objects can also be cleansed by holding them in the smoke.
Its magical properties are:
Healing
Exorcising (Banishing)
Divining (Prophetic)
Loving
The Tea Oracle: Answers from Nature
In earlier times, when life questions arose, people turned to a Tea Oracle. Inner and secret wishes were spoken, and one waited for an answer, a sign.
Preparation: Suitable plants are Yarrow, Elderflowers, and St. John’s Wort. You should always gather these magical plants at the beginning of the Full Moon. These oracle plants are then dried on a windowsill in the moonlight. They should lie in the Full Moon light until the moon glides into its waning phase.
The Ritual:
The Brew: Once the flowers are dried, prepare a tea from them (two teaspoons for a large cup, let steep for 10 minutes). Please do not sweeten it; drink it pure.
The Place: Now find a quiet place. It is best to go out into the garden.
The Question: Speak your questions loud and strong into the rising steam of the Oracle Tea.
The Repetition: Repeat the whole process again before going to bed.
Recognizing the Answer: Now you must walk through life with great vigilance. Pay attention to your dreams and small occurrences that happen in your environment. Listen and look closely, for life is full of secrets that are only recognized if one walks through life calmly, mindfully, and observantly!
Magical Harvest Time & Mixing
In the past, the Pink-flowering Yarrow was used for men, and the White-flowering Yarrow for women. The magical harvesting time is during the Summer Solstice.
Harvest Tip: For your harvest, the flowering herb is cut a hand’s width above the ground. The flowers are dried hanging upside down in a shady place. Dried parts can then be chopped and stored in linen bags, dark glass, or porcelain jars.
⚠️ Nature Conservation Note: When foraging in the wild, please ensure that you do not harvest the Sneezewort Yarrow (Achillea ptarmica / Sumpf-Schafgarbe), as it is on the Red List (Warning List) in Germany. The same applies to the Fine-leaved Yarrow (Achillea setacea / Feinblättrige Schafgarbe – Level 3). Please protect these rare treasures.
Blends: Yarrow mixes well with Dead Nettle, Wormwood, and Marigold (Calendula) for an incense blend. Yarrow is also very well suited for making your own smudge bundles.
