Calendula
officinalis Pot Marigold When magickal texts refer
to marigold, this is what they mean. Pot marigold, or calendula, is not
at all related to the marigolds commonly grown in gardens, although it has
been cultivated for hundreds of years. A native of Egypt, this Sun herb
was introduced into the British Isles (which is why statements that
it is sacred to the Druids are doubtful). It was a staple in medieval gardens there, and Europeans brought it to America. Colonists
flavored "sallets" (cooked greens), soups, and oatmeal with calendula,
and even made wine from it (petals are nice in quickbreads). Some say calendula
builds psychic powers and induces prophetic dreams, but that seems like
an odd job for a Sun herb. Sun magick is usually associated with protection
and gaining wealth. For instance, in Europe, pot marigold flowers were scattered
under the bed to protect the sleeper, and holding them protected the individual
from plague and thieves. In the past in Europe, the flowers were strung
and hung over doorways and windows for protection and were made into decorations
for MayDay and Beltane. Also as a Sun herb, pot marigold stengthens
the heart and thus the spirits; according to Culpeper, this herb is ruled
by Leo. He describes how its pungent, spicy flowers can be made into tea
or broth and be "a comforter of the heart and spirits, and . . . expel
any malignant or pestilential quality which might annoy them." Pot
marigold also warms our hearts toward others, so that we can be compassionate
to our fellow beings. In Hoodoo, calendula is combined with other herbs
- galangal root (Low John), yellow dock, carnation, snake root, and
bergamot - and together with Just Judge oil and a protection nail, put
into a small purple or white cloth pouch that is carried for protection during
court cases and legal matters. Another Hoodoo magickal item quite in keeping
with typical Sun magick is Gambler's Gold Lucky Seven Hand Wash, which is
a decoction of alfalfa, allspice, calendula, chamomile, cinnammon, coriopsis,
and Irish moss. Strain and use to wash hands before playing games of chance.
The pot marigold is October's flower and symbolizes endurance, which makes
sense, since this flower blooms from April till frost. Top
Herbology. Fresh
or dried, only the orange flowers are used medicinally and are considered
slightly cooling and drying. A decoction of the flowers was
drunk to bring smallpox to the surface. Pot marigold is astringent, antiseptic,
mildly diaphoretic, anti-fungal (an extract kills even Aspergillus fungus),
heals wounds, stimulates bile (the Doctrine of Signatures indicating that
yellow flowers stimulate yellow bile),
and helps regulate menstruation. A tea of fresh flowers is good for fending
off a cold. The flowers can be dried whole for decoration and make a nice
yellow dye for wool with an alum mordant. They can be used to color butter
and cheese (or anything with fat--nice in soap), and an infusion of the
petals makes a hair rinse that will lighten and brighten hair. The aromatic
petals spread their gentle Sun warmth when added to a relaxing bath or added
to dream pillows. This herb is also known as Caltha officinalis, golds,
ruddes, Mary Gowles, marygold, summer's bride, and bride of the sun. Top
How to grow Pot Marigold: Barely
cover the seeds to germinate in 14 days at room temperature. The best time to sow
is in April, but you can sow in July for fall blooms or in fall for blooms
in spring. Transplant to full sun and rich soil, planting 9"/22cm inches apart.
It gets 12-18in/30-45cm tall. This annual will reseed when it's happy. Harvest
flowers in the morning, after the dew has dried. Dry in a warm oven for
2-4 hours on pastry paper on a cookie sheet. General
growing info.
Top
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These
seeds will give mostly golden yellow flowers with a few orange. This variety has an
especially high resin content.
Calendula officinalis
Pot Marigold "Resina"
40
seeds $3.50
© 2006-2023 Alchemy Works; No reproduction of any
part without permission.
Medieval
Garden Plant
Uses
in Witchcraft & Magick:
Protection Spells Luck & Money Spells Sun Herb
Go to dried pot marigold petals
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