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Beltane
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Herb of Beltane - Clover
Also called: Trefoil,
Trifoil, Three-leaved grass
(Trifolium)
By
Belladonna
Part Used: flower
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Botanical: Clover is a perennial. Bees do not find the red clover to be as interesting as white clover. Several stems can grow from a single root. The color of red clover usually ranges from a pink to purple color. Clover keeps snakes away from your property.
History and Folklore: In Ireland clover is associated with the Vernal Equinox and may be used to celebrate Ostara. It is an excellent herb with a strong association with the Elemental Earth. Clover is useful in the consecration of any ritual items made of copper.
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Herbal Uses: For most uses, the best clover is the red (T. pratense). It is a nutritive plant whose flowers can be eaten in salad, sandwiches, and teas. Red clover is known as a blood and lymph cleanser. Clover tea has been mixed with chaparral for cancer therapy. Since clover is considered an
anti-tussive, it is used to calm coughs and as a expectorant. It has also been used for fevers, arthritis, lung inflammation, and gout. To make a tea, steep two teaspoons of the flowers per cup of water for twenty minutes. A dose is a quarter cup and should not exceed four times a day. The blossoms should be gathered while they are fresh and newly opened. They can be dried in the shade and used in a tincture.
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Homeopathic Uses: homeopaths use red clover for conditions characterized by increased flow of saliva, seborrhea, with dry scaly crusts, stiff neck, whooping cough, hay fever, and chills. White clover is considered a prophylactic against mumps.
Magical uses: To make a tincture of clover blossoms steep in vinegar for three days. The vinegar is then sprinkled around the house to discourage unwanted entities. Carry some flowers in your purse or pocket as a protective charm and to attract a new love. White clover counteracts hexes and is scattered around the premises for this. Red clover added to a bath aids you in dealing with financial arrangements of every kind. It can also be infused and sprinkled to remove negative spirits.
In modern tarot magic, clover is used when studying the cards of the minor arcana.
If you are seeking a promise of fidelity you can offer a white clover bloom to your partner. It is best to gather clover for a promise when the Moon is full.
Leaves: Finding a two-leaf clover means a lover will come to you again. The three-leaf is worn as a protective amulet. The four-leaf clover brings peace of mind, psychic powers, money, and treasure. Finding a four-leaf clover brings exceptional good luck, riches, protection against sorcery, good health, a faithful lover, and the supernatural ability to see fairy-folk. The legend of the lucky four-leaf clover is believed to have originated in the country of Ireland. The five-leaf clover brings money.
Sources:
Beyerl, Paul. A Compendium of Herbal Magick. Custer, Washington; Phoenix Publishing. 1998
Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. St. Paul, Minesotta; Llewellyn Publications. 2000
Dunwich, Gerina. The Wicca Garden. New York, New York; Kensington Publishing Corporation. 1996
Grieve, Mrs. M. A Modern Herbal. New York; Dover Publications, Incorporated 1971
Hopman, Ellen Evert. A Druid's Herbal. Rochester, Vermont; Destiny Books. 1995
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