Color of the day: Scarlet Incense of the day: Evergreen Incense of the day: Evergreen On certain lazy August afternoons swallowtail butterflies drift among the Joe–Pye weed flowerheads in my garden. Wise herbalists once included the leaves of Joe–Pye in spells calling for protection against slanderous gossip. To do this, say these words: If you have committed no bad deed, remove three leaves from Joe-Pye weed. If what is said about you is untrue, also collect a sprig of rue. To further replace lies with fact, obtain three sunflower seeds, shiny and black. Stuff these charms into a worn sock, and say: Gossip and lies, I hereby block. Tie the sock into a knot. When the Moon begins to wane, bury it and let it rot. |