Herbal folklore and enchantments

I just love those old folklore myths regarding certain plants and the things that "must" be done in order to assure certain human biological functions (like successful reproduction) Much like Horoscopes; the power of authority that they convey still has a mysterious grip on many people to this day. From an historical perspective they give us a magical window into the preoccupations of our ancestors, and we see that those worries have changed very little over the centuries. Things like sex, food, illness, reproduction, death are all well represented, much as they are within the monotheistic religions that eventually took their place. The evolution of the idea that you can explain apparently inexplicable things (like fertility) through the action of undetectable and invisible (and yet uncannily human in character) forces is a clear and unbroken thread running through our past and present mythologies.

Here is an example of what must be done with Mistletoe,

In order to be effective in magical spells, mistletoe must be cut with a single stroke of a gold sickle on the Summer Solstice, the Winter Solstice, or the sixth day after the new moon. Take care not to let the plant touch the earth, lest it be rendered magically impotent. Many people continue to cling to the old belief that cutting down any mistletoe-bearing tree is a most unlucky thing to do. Some individuals who have done so are said to have met with a violent death as a result. Fairies are also said to be repelled by the sight and smell of mistletoe, a belief that unquestionably gave birth to the old custom of placing a sprig of the plant inside a child's cradle. With the protective power of the mistletoe working for them, parents who once feared that their children might be stolen by fairies and replaced with changelings could rest easier at night. In England it was once believed that if a young woman failed to be kissed beneath a sprig of Yuletide mistletoe before her wedding day, she would be forever unable to bear children. Likewise, unable to father children would be the fate of any man who never kissed beneath the yuletide mistletoe while in his bachelorhood.

I suppose modern religions in some ways represent the industrialisation of ancient "craft" superstitions like these; no longer do you need to learn about the magical powers of a hundred different plants and animals but you need only pay your money, close your eyes and let someone else worry about your worldly problems, a supermarket for our anxieties.

Here is the instruction for Willow,

In some parts of England it is still believed that willow wood should never be burned on Bonfire night. To do so invites bad luck. Driving a horse with a stick of willow brings on a stomach ache, while swatting a child or animal with one stunts their growth. Willow trees have long been valued for their natural ability to protect against sorcery and the evil eye and some individuals believe that touching them ensures good luck (touch wood). However, never reveal a secret beneath a willow, otherwise your secrets will be repeated by the wind.

You have been warned!