Remembrance - Lest we forget

In Australia Anzac Day is reserved for veneration of fallen service men and women during World War One - it falls on April 25th annually. While globally Remembrance Day falls on November 11th and on the 11th hour of the day, folk often stop to remember those no longer with us.

When I moved to Australia I discovered Rosemary has a particular significance for Australians, as it's found growing wild on the Gallipoli peninsula, the site where the troops landed in 1915. A symbolic sprig is worn on the lapel of jackets by veterans and those attending the Dawn services and parades across the country. It's a Herb of Remembrance and a chaplet is often left on headstones at funerals or days of veneration to honor and remember deceased loved ones. The aromatic herb is believed to stimulate the brain and thus improve the memory; since Anzac Day is a day of reflection and remembrance, it seems like a fitting choice of herb. It’s also in flower in April and May, when a small blue flower grows in the axils of the leaves.

Folklore

The woody sweet scented evergreen was often fashioned into small posies, and handed to those bereaved. A tradition that seeded funeral wreaths perhaps? On more joyous occasions it was used in Bridal bouquets as a symbol of fidelity. While in the North of England superstitious folk believe a sprig of rosemary in a buttonhole bestows the wearer with success in all their tasks; while concurring with the emphasis on memory lore.

It was considered sacred to the ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks. While Christian folklore claims the plant can live to be thirty-three years old, apparently the same age as Jesus Christ when he was crucified.

In times past Rosemary was the go to remedy, for driving away nightmares when stuffed under a pillow. Thus making it ideal for use in Space clearing rituals in rooms where a child might be sleeping.

The herbaceous herb is classified as a stimulating essential oil and perhaps the alertness linkage is enhanced when adding crushed rosemary into a barrel of beer; as it’s said, those who drink the combo will be spared intoxication! That said it’s also one of the herbs used in the making of vermouth.

Magical Folklore

Rosemary is a plant that reminds me of the Northern Hemisphere. It was always a kitchen staple in our herb garden back home and in Sydney it was one of the first plants I cultivated. A well established evergreen hedge now grows in my back garden. Druid folklore suggest a home where Rosemary thrives is a home where the lady in the house rules.... ssSHhhh!

There is much magical folklore relating to Rosemary - known also as a herb of protection, hung above a doorway, or planted outside the home to ward off negative energies. Some say it acted as a protective barrier against witchcraft itself, while in Europe it was also purported as an essential ingredient in rituals relating to banishing suspected witches!

Plants have links to planets, and rosemary is linked to the vigor of yang Sun. Not surprising given it flourishes in full sun and dry conditions. It’s name is translated as ‘dew of the sea’ and Rosemary is known to thrive best when located by the sea; to which I can vouch for. It makes a great addition to astrological magic and suitable for rituals on days when the Sun is the diurnal or nocturnal ruler- the daylight hours of Sundays and nights of Wednesdays. Rather fittingly this year Anzac Day (2024) falls on a Wednesday!

Space Clearing

When I first learned to Space Clear, you are advised to work with tools that resonate - for you and your client. Smudge sticks are one such tool of the trade. The sticks fashioned from bundles of dried herbs used for burning at purification and ceremonial rituals. Generally speaking smudge sticks are traditionally made from sage. However, sage was less abundant so I researched Rosemary and the resonance has persisted ever since. It is in fact one of the oldest forms of incense. In French hospitals it was common to burn rosemary and juniper berries to purify the air and prevent infection and promote healing - a timely note given the global COVID-19 issues.

Personal Uses

Rosemary’s uses are many - from culinary, medicinal, pest or beauty tonic, you’re sure to find a personal means to honour the herb. Revered in French grooming circles - as a darkening hair tonic to rinse your hair. While in medieval Europe it was boiled in white wine and used as a face wash! It's circulation and stimulating properties are noteworthy and thus used to aid a nervous headache. Partnered with Potatoes in culinary terms, yet in companion planting the pair should keep their distance in the veggie plot. And in the linen cupboard, a sprig or two will deter vermin.

And last but by no means least, every year I make bunches of smudge sticks from my own herbaceous hedge - organic and pesticide free. Some years lavender or sprigs of sage find there way into the mix, but Rosemary is the predominant herb. Fear not if spiritual smudging isn’t your jam, they smoulder beautifully to repel pests like mosquitoes, minus the chemicals in commercial sticks. I’m harvesting a batch soon - under strict herbal harvesting conditions, moon phase and planetary conditions which are especially good for magical uses. DM us for details. And order your smudge sticks here. (Wreaths postponed for 2024).