New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
| It isn’t until Christianity began to stamp out all remaining traces of pre-Christian practices that herb magic began to suffer a decline. Centuries-old practices were suddenly condemned by a Church that had grown frightened of persons with power. Herb magic went underground or was adapted. Much of the old lore was lost.
It wasn’t safe to roam the forest at night searching for rare plants. No longer could herbalists openly collect herbs at sunrise while singing incantations. Magicians dared not draw circles around plants with magic swords before digging. Herb magic was relegated to the realm of superstition: "It’s just bad luck to have that plant in the house." "That herb will bring love." "Keep a bay leaf in your purse for protection." "No, I don’t know why; my mother always used to do it. It’s a family tradition." And so the herbs patiently waited for humans to rediscover their incredible powers. |
