Herbs of the Season
Ostara
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 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.)
1 Part Frankincense Herbe of Consecration, Protection, Purification and Religion The history and the combination of feminie and masculine energies lends frankincense a unique place among Magickal Herbes. It represents the divinity's ability to move into manifestation. Paul Beryel, The Master Book of Herbalism A good base herbe at this time as the God and Goddess come together to create life.1/2 Part Sage Herbe of Immortality, Purification and Religion, an herbe ruled by Venus to add love to the mixture
1 Part Cedar Herbe of Consecration, Magick and Religion The Cedar may be considered a Tree of Life, gateway to the Sacred Mysteries. An appropriate incense at baby blessings.
1/2 Part Rose Aphrodisaical, Funereal, Magickal Herbe, Herbe of Love and Consecration Another herbe ruled by Venus, the accepted "love" scent. The rose represents all aspects of the Goddess: the ability to love and nurture and to see the beauty in all things; and let us not forget that it has thorns.
Equal Parts Rose Oil and Patchouli Oil, for Rose see above.
Patchouli: Aphrodisiac Herbe, and Herbe of LoveLemon Oil Aphrodisiacal Herbe, Magickal Herbe. Add twice as much Lemon oil as Rose and Patchouli oils (if you put 5 drops of Rose and 5 drops of Patchouli, add 10 drops of Lemon)
Decoration
The earliest Spring flowers are the most appropriate decoration at this time
of the year. If you are unable to obtain seasonal flowers, any flowers will
do.
Food of the Season
Citrus fruits, bearing the abundance of the Sun and containing within the seeds of Mother Earth. And dishes made of flower petals: candied rose petals, marigold custard, etc.
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: Jasmine, Rose, Almond, Lemon, Orange and other fruits or flowers that might be pleasing to the palate.
