Pagan Blog Project - Herbs, part 1

One of the things I most love about Wicca is the use of herbs, whether it be for incense, elixirs or cooking.  Their magical lore fascinates me.  But it has been very frustrating for me trying to grow my own.  I plant them with very mixed results - some flourish (wormwood), some die out and come back each year (sweet woodruff and yarrow), while some seem to have departed for the Summerland (rosemary).  I've tried keeping some in small pots by my kitchen window, but so far parsley is the only one that likes that locale.  Still, I am determined to have my herb garden!  My dream is to establish a little knot garden:

(Did I say little?)  But frankly, I'd be happy with this:

In the meantime, thank goodness there are dried herbs readily available for charms and spells and even such mundane magic as cooking.  My son is a new father and I want to make him a Father's Spice Pillow from The Wicca Herbal by Jamie Wood.  Clove is used for its protective and healing properties. 

2 T whole cloves

2 T whole allspice berries

2 cinnamon sticks

2 cups long-grain rice (uncooked)

1 piece of fabric, 20" x 10"

With a mortar and pestle, grind spices in deosil (clockwise) direction, focusing on the healing warmth of the sun.  (In a pinch, you could use a coffee grinder or even buy ground spices.)

Fold your fabric in half and sew up the 2 long sides.  Combine the herb mixture with the rice and pour it into the fabric pouch.  Sew up the opening.  To use, microwave the pouch for 2 minutes for a warm pillow or freeze it overnight for a cold pack.