Color of the day: White Incense of the day: Frankincense Incense of the day: Frankincense In Scotland, many sacred herbs were gathered in preparation for Midsummer rites. These included yarrow, vervain, elderberry, St. John's wort, and the seed from night-seeding ferns. Such fern seed had the property of making people invisible, and elderberries gathered at this time conferred magical powers. St. John's wort was widely used for protection, abundance, and healing magic. It was believed to protect against thunder (thunderstorms being frequent at this time of year), and it was sometimes burned in the Midsummer fires. St. John's wort was effective only if accidentally found. Here is a Scottish charm for gathering St. John's wort at Midsum-mer for luck, protection, abundance, and prosperity. St. John's wort, St. John's wort, I envy whoever has you. I will pluck you with my right hand And preserve you with my left. Whoever finds you, Will never be without abundance. |