Viola tricolor
Heartsease
Like vervain, this magick
herb is often
incorporated into Midsummer celebrations. It has many associations
with the heart: it is traditionally used in love charms, an infusion of
the herb was said to mend a broken heart, and the flowers were once a remedy
for heart disease. For me, though, the name refers to how I feel when I
come upon one of these cheerful little guys. Just seeing them eases
the heart. In terms of how this herb works--on the heart and skin--this
is a Sun plant, but in terms of its use in love and its small but lush beauty,
it is all Venus, which is reflected in many of its common names: Love-in-idleness,
Cuddle me, Call-me-to-you, Jack-jump-up-and-kiss-me, Meet-me-in-the-entry,
and Kiss-her-in-the-buttery. This annual was a staple in medieval gardens.
It likes to grow with cultivated plants and blooms
spring through fall. Sprinkle it between other larger plants or grow it
alone in a pot. Top
How to grow Heartsease. Plant
in spring (or in fall in a cold frame). Barely cover the seed. It
will germinate in 10-14 days at 65-75F. Too much sun kills the seedlings.
This plant likes the cool weather of spring best and needs shade
and moisture in the heat of summer; a place with afternoon shade and rich
soil is good. Picking off dead flowers to get more, or leave
them on to get seeds. Mature plants are 6-10 inches high. This
plant self-seeds easily and grows well in pots. General growing
info
Top
Uses in Witchcraft & Magick:
Venus Herb
Love Magick
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