Herbs of The Season
Yule
There are many uses of herbs according to the seasons. Many use herbs as incense, as decoration, as foods and to include in their ritual cup. I will try to cover each of these possibilities in turn and give as much supporting information for an herbs inclusion as I can.
Incense
(For the purposes of this discussion, 1 part is equal to 1/2 teaspoon; this should make enough incense to suit a solitary ritual or a small group. A large group, or an outdoor gathering might want to adjust the size accordingly.)
2 Parts Frankincense Herbe of Consecration, Protection, Purification and Religion, Frankincense has been used for centuries as an incense of high ritual and to invoke the aspects of Solar Divinity.
2 Parts Myrrh Funereal Herbe, Herbe of Consecration, Magickal and Religious Herbe. Myrrh is an invaluable aid in aiding us to understand the mysteries of death and rebirth.
2 Parts Pine Resin (to substitute for Pine Resin, which is not always easily available, try a mixture of : 2 Parts Rosemary, 2 Parts Juniper, 1 Part Benzoin) Countermagick Herbe, Herbe of Protection and Purification, pine lends itself to the male sexual energy which has removed itself from the procreative purpose (doubly appropriate for Gay males, and the infant Sun).
2 Parts Cedar Herbe of Consecration, Magickal, Religious and Visionary Herbe, Cedar was used by the ancients as a sacrifice to the Gods, here reminding us that the infant Sun will all to soon sacrifice Himself to be reborn.
1 Part Juniper Herbe of Protection and Purification, Religious and Magickal Herbe, Juniper is believed to be an excellent healer due to its ability to banish dark energies.
The Yule tree is obviously the descendant of the Yule log, a pine log decorated with Holly and other symbols, that was burned in the bonfire. Many modern Pagans have readopted the Yule log, substituting candles inset in the log for the bonfire. Traditional states that the candles should be lit at sunset and kept burning through the length of this longest night of the year.
Food of the Season
Fall fruits: apples, grapes and gourds would seem most appropriate; but with our modern world markets, citrus fruits would seem more representative of the characteristics of the season.
And of course, anything is appropriate for the Yule feast. Traditional in many cultures, the Yule's feast is a celebration of life amidst the cold and darkness of the winter, and should include many flavors and aspects.
The Ritual Cup
The ritual cup is another way for the practicing herbalist to draw the spirits of the season into themselves. The ritual cup often contains wine or juice, sometimes other beverages. But you can also add appropriate herbs to the liquid, making a sort of tincture.
Herbs appropriate to the season for the ritual cup include: Chamomile, a primarily Solar herb, and Sage, whose green flavor reminds of the Spring to come.
