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From: SifGreyWillow (Original Message) Sent: 5/22/2008 8:05 AM
Calendula in Magic & Superstition
Peace is the fruit of activity, not of sleep.
Ancient Egyptian proverb

Calendula has a long history in magical lore. It is bound to Sun and Fire. It is believed to be useful for prophetic dreams, protection, respect, and psychic powers, and to be of benefit when legal matters arise.

For protection, hang garlands of Calendula over entry doors to prevent evil from entering. Scatter petals under the bed for prophetic dreams and for protection while sleeping.

For legal matters, carry Calendula petals in the pocket for a favorable outcome in court matters or meetings related to the law.

Put a mesh bag of Calendula petals under the faucet when running bath water, and you will win the respect and admiration of everyone you encounter after bathing in it (it also highlights the hair - see Calendula in Medicine).

It is said that if a woman touches Calendula petals with her bare feet, she will understand the language of the birds.

There is also an old recipe that calls for mixing dried Calendula flowers, Marjoram, Thyme, and Wormwood and grinding them into a powder. Simmer in honey and white wine, and then rub over the body to induce prophetic dreams about your future husband or wife while chanting your wishes. If the candidate is good to you in the dreams, they will make a loving spouse, but if they treat you badly in the dream, they will be disloyal and uncaring.

Medicinal Uses of Calendula
Show me your garden and I shall tell you what you are.
Alfred Austin

Calendula is not one of the major medicinal herbs, but it does have its place in the medicine cabinet. The petals or leaves can be used in a Tea to induce sweating, promote menstruation, increase urination, relieve stomach cramps, indigestion and stomachaches, and for relief from flu and fevers.

Externally, Calendula flowers and leaves can be made into an Ointment or powder for a variety of common skin ailments, including cuts, scrapes, abrasions, scalds, blisters, acne, rashes (including diaper rash), chicken pox outbreaks, and athlete's foot. For bee stings, rub the fresh flowers directly on the sting to relieve the pain.

A powder for external uses can be made by drying Calendula flowers (See Calendula), then grinding and mixing them with cornstarch or talc.

As a beauty aid, a Calendula rinse made of unsweetened tea brings out the highlights in blonde and brunette hair. Also try running bath water over a mesh bag full of Calendula flowers for a refreshing and stimulating bath that is good for the skin.

Calendula flowers or leaves can be dried and used in capsule form for situations in which it is inconvenient to make a tea for internal use.

From: SifGreyWillow Sent: 5/22/2008 8:07 AM
Calendula/ Pot Marigold

Calendula officinalis
Compositae

Folk Names: Bride of the Sun, Calendula, Drunkard, Goldes, Holigolde, Husband-Man’s Dial, Marybud, Marygold, Mary Gowles, Ruddes, Ruddles, Spousa Solis,Summer’s Bride

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Powers: Protection, Prophetic Dreams, Legal Matters, Psychic Powers

Cultivation: A hardy annual that blooms continuously. Loves a sunny place and prefers fine loam but will tolerate almost any soil. Deadhead for continuous flowering. Pick flowers when open and leaves when young. Dry petals at low temperature to preserve color, or macerate in oil.

Uses:

Decorative: Dry petals for potpourri.

Culinary: Use the flower petals as a substitute for saffron. It has a light tangy flavor, not the same as saffron, but it gives the same nice color as saffron. Use it to flavor rice, fish and meat soups, soft cheeses, yogurt, butter, omelettes, milk dishes, cakes and sweet breads. Adding 1 teaspoon of calendula petals to fish or venison is wonderful. It can also be used as a beautiful garnish. Sprinkle the leaves into salads and stews.

Household: Boil the flower for a pale yellow dye.

Cosmetic: Add petals to creams and baths for cleansing, healing and softening the skin.

Magical: To strengthen and comfort the heart, pick the flowers at noon when the Sun is the hottest and strongest. String garlands to hang on doorposts to stop evil from entering the house. Scatter them under the bed to protect you while you sleep and make your dreams come true. It is especially effective in helping to discover a thief that has robbed you. If added to your bath, it will help win the respect and admiration of everyone you meet. To strengthen the sight, look at the bright flowers. Justice will smile favorably on you when carried in the pocket when going to court. It is said that when a girl touches the petals with her bare feet she will be able to understand the language of birds.

Medicinal: Calendula flowers are soothing, healing and antiseptic. An infusion will aid in digestion and promote bile production if taken. (This is helpful for alcoholics) Makes a great healing mouthwash.

From: SifGreyWillow Sent: 5/22/2008 8:14 AM
Calendula
(Calendula officinalis)

Facts
Calendula is an essential oil that can be used for many purposes. Used externally, this herb cansoothe burns and promote healing of wounds. Applied directly to the ear, calendula oil can reduce the pain and discomfort of an earache. Taken orally, it can help break a fever, quiet an angry ulcer, and relieve menstrual cramps. It can also provide relief from eruptive skin diseases, such as shingles (herpes zoster), which is caused by a virus much like the chicken pox virus.

Possible benefits
Relieves pain and promotes healing of burns and skin wounds
Reduces fever
Quells pain from ulter irritation
Reduces menstrual cramps

How to Use It
Orally
Dried Herb: Make tea from 1 heaping tablespoon of dried herb. Drink 1 cup daily.
Extract: Mix 10 to 30 drops in liquid daily.

Externally
Apply oil or commerical preparation directly to affected area daily. Put on cotton swab and place in ear for ear ache.

Caution: Do Not Use During Pregnancy.

Pagan Daily News© http://gourps.msn.com/pagandailynews

From: SifGreyWillow Sent: 5/22/2008 8:15 AM
Calendula

Also called Marigolds. A wonderful edible flower. Flavors range from spicy to bitter, tangy to peppery. Their sharp taste resembles saffron (also known as Poor Man’s Saffron). Has pretty petals in golden-orange hues. Sprinkle them on soups, pasta or rice dishes, herb butters, and salads. Petals add a yellow tint to soups, spreads, and scrambled eggs.