Re:Celtic Moon Teas

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Celtic Moon Teas Willow for Love, Oak for Strength Many mystical and magical uses have been found for the thirteen trees which symbolize the months of the Celtic lunar year, and it is likely, considering the popularity of Celtic Paganism, that many more will be discovered. However you choose to observe the lunar months, it can be helpful to first imbibe a magical brew designed to attune your body and spirit to the occasion. Following are the recipes for thirteen teas which will accomplish just that. The measurements given are approximate, and for making one eight-ounce mug full you should use no more than a single heaping teaspoon of dry herbs placed inside a tea ball or cheesecloth strainer. All liquid measurements should be added to taste. Allow the tea to steep at least two minutes, longer if you prefer a stronger flavour. As always, when ingesting untried substances, be sure to test for any allergic reactions first, and remember that no herbal preparation should ever be taken over the long term without consulting an expert pharmacologist or botanist. Though very few of the recipes actually contain any part of the trees to which they are attributed, they work quite well because their ingredients rely on using herbs and juices which share magical affinities with the properties of the tree. These properties are listed after the name of each tree so that, if you choose to, you can make substitutions based upon this knowledge. Depending upon the particular Celtic tradition you follow, the lunar year starts with either the first new moon closest to Samhain or the one just before Yule. BIRCH MOONMatters of beginnings and children; purification.3 parts ginger1 part lemongrasspinch of dillsplash of lemon juice ROWAN MOONEmpowerment, clairvoyance, air magic, exorcism. 1 part valerian root3 parts peppermintpinch of eyebrightpinch of gingerEditors note: Valerian is a powerful sedative that affects each person differently. You may wish to use a very small amount of this herb at first to determine how it affects your body chemistry ASH MOONMatters of the intellect; magic, healing. 2 parts angelica1/2 part sage1/2 part black cohoshpinch of rosemary ALDER MOONSpirituality, wholeness of being. 1 part linden1 part hibiscus2 tablespoons of cream or milksplash of cranberry juice WILLOW MOONMatters of the Otherworld; healing, love, water magic, feminine mysteries. 2 parts willow bark1 tablespoon vanilla extract1/2 part dried apples or a splash of apple juicepinch of rosemary HAWTHORN MOONPeace, sleep, dreams, prosperity, happiness. 1 part hawthorn1 part catnip1/2 part rue1/2 part chamomile OAK MOONLust, strength, energy, endurance, fertility, fire magic, male mysteries. 1 1/2 parts white oak bark 1/2 part mint 1/2 part orange peel pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg HOLLY MOONMatters of animals; magic, prophecy. 1 part kelp1/2 part rose petals1/2 part raspberrypinch of yarrow HAZEL MOONManifestations, protection, healing, fertility. 2 parts ginseng1/2 part mugwortpinch of savourysplash of any non citrus juice VINE MOONEarth magic, sex magic, overcoming difficulties. 1 part blackberry1 part dandelionsplash of currant wine or grape juicepinch of hibiscus IVY MOONHealing, cooperation, binding. 1 part mullein1/4 part eucalyptus1/2 part barberry REED MOONFertility, love, protection. 1 part red clover1 part hyssop1 part bonesetpinch of slippery elm ELDER MOONExorcism, prosperity, astral travel, finding faeries. 1 part gingko1 part mugwort1 part valerian -- (see note under Rowan Moon)1 part spearmintpinch of anise (may substitute extract) By Edain McCoy (From the 1997 Llewellyn Magickal Almanac )