Gathering

Use this portal page to find various information about Magical herbs.
The information herein is in NO WAY set in stone. It is here to give you one point of view.
Gather as much information from as many sources as possible
but in the end do what is right for YOU as an individual.
Remeber the One Rule:
"Harm None"
We are fortunate today to be able to purchase many herbs in
speciality shops or by mail. The Witch of the past had so such
conveniences, and had to gather most of the herbs she used
herself. Though store-bought herbs work well in magic
(and are often imported from other countries, thus negating the
possibility of personal collection) those which you have collected,
dried and enchanted yourself will be triply powerful.
Many of the herbs that grow wild in these lands came here with
settlers and explorers. Colonists grew familiar herbs in their
culinary gardens, and other the centuries these plants escaped
and spread out across the land, so that dozens of the sacred herbs of
Witchcraft and magic now grow wild in forests, near streams and high in
the mountains the entire length and breadth of the country.
Many bookstores sell "fieldguides" which are of immense help in properly
identifying the herbs that grow in your area. Such plants as classified in these books
as wildflowers, or simply wild plants. Get a good guide book and use it when walking your
surrounding countryside to scout future sources of herbs.
When choosing sites for herb collection, make sure they are far from highways,
polluted rivers and stagnant water. Also be certain that they have not been sprayed with
insecticides or other chemicals.
If you cannot positively identify an herb, pass it over. Mistakes can be quite serious
in magical herbalism (even if the herb is not taken internally).

Gathering

Herbs are magical substances, infused with the energy of the Earth. Specific instructions detailing the proper collection procedures have been formulated over the years and better results will be obtained if they are followed.
The Moon waxes and wanes, pulling with her the seas of the Earth and producing its tides. So, too, does this influence manifest in all living things, including herbs. During the waxing of the Moon the vital energies flow upward, into the leaves
and stalks and flowers of the plant. As the Moon wanes these energies travel to the roots.
To obtain herbs that are highly energized pick them according to the Moon's phases. Leaves, flowers, and seeds should be picked during the waxing Moon, when it is growing from New to Full. All root crops should be picked during the waning Moon, from Full to New.
As night is the Moon's domain, most herbs are picked after sunset on a clear, dry night. Some Witches pick each herb only during its own planetary hour, believing this gives the plants added power.
Determine the appropriate night (taking into conderation the Moon and, if you wish, the planetary day and hour) for your herb collection. Fast for three hours prior to your departure, and gather together you magic knife,
a cloth bag and a piece of bread ( home-made is best).
Wearing white linen robe or spotlessly clean cloth clothes take your tools and go to the spot. Remove all watches, gloves, shoes, and socks before actually approaching the herbs themselves.
In your strong hand carry your magic knife, and in the other the bag and bread. Walk to the herbs. With the tip of your knife draw a circle clockwise in the earth around the plant.
Now standing, touch the blade of the magic knife to the herb and recite such words ar these:
Thou has grown by favour of the Sun, the Moon and of the dew. I make this intercession, ye herb: I beseech thee to be of benefit to me and my Art, for thy virtues are unfailing. Thou art the dew of all the Gods, the eye of the Sun, the light of the Moon,
the beauty and glory of the Sky, the mystery of the Earth. I purify thee so what whatsoever is wrought by me with thee may, in all its powers, have a good and speedy effect with good success. Be purified by my prayer and be powerful.
(Remember, recite this incantation slowly, with emphasis, as you stand touching the herb with your magic knife.)
When finished, gently cut a few sprigs, a few branches or whatever amount you need. Never cut more than 25% of the growth (or growth from a very young plant) of the plant might not recover. As you cut, recite a little rune or simple phrase stating, in plain words,
the reason why you need some of the herb. For instance, if you are cutting a cluster of yarrow flowers for a love spell, recite a love poem or a little rune such as the following:
I cut thee, Yarrow, So that love may grow.
After removing the leaves or stalks, bury a small piece of the bread near the base of the plant. This is in payment to the Earth for the part taken.
If removing the root (during the waning Moon) dig up the earth surrounding the plant with the magic knife. This may take some time. When the root is visible and sufficiently clear, grasp the branches near the base of the plant and pull firmly, shaking it slightly
if necessary to free it from the earth. It is best to fill the hole left by the root with red wine, a piece of bread, a few pennies, a bit of dried corn and a small amount of honey, all of which can be mixed together at home and carried with you in a jar.
Cover these treasures over with the removed dirt and return the spot to a natural looking state.
Be sure that all cuttings and roots are placed in the cloth bag. They must not be allowed to touch the earth once they have been removed. They should also never be allowed to come in contact with iron, for iron destroys all magic.
Don't bother picking up leaves, blossoms or seeds that lie on the ground; these are useless in magic, and should be left to produce more plants in the future.
When finished, take the herbs back home and prepare them for use.

Magical Herbalism by Scott Cunningham