Hearken ye back to whatever was right and good in your life, and reconnect, revive, resurrect. And remember those who’ve gone before you. They had much wisdom. The door to the past awaits you.
My fascination with herbs is largely prompted by my absorption with all things historic and the thrill of seeing, touching, sometimes tasting, and above all smelling the same plants known by the ancients. Herbs have changed little, if at all, over the centuries and offer us a connection with the past that precious little does in these modern days. It’s pure intoxication to rub fragrant leaves between my fingers and savor the scent while pondering the wealth of lore behind these plants. This year consider planting an herb garden, even if it’s on your windows
I’m scheduled to give four online workshops on Herbal Lore and the Historic Medicinal Uses of Herbs for various groups in 2013–beginning with Savvy Authors in March. An autumn workshop for Celtic Hearts Romance Writers will focus on herbs and Lore of the British Isles. The main workshop features a broader range of lore and peoples, including Native American. The other groups that have invited me to give a workshop are FF&P (Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal) and FTHRW (For The Heart Romance Writers). If you’re interested in taking part, contact me or one of these fine groups.
***Do a find for Herbal Lore on this blog and you will find much to peruse.
One Writer's Way 
Hi Beth and Happy New Year!
I’ve taken a class from you in the past and loved it. In your next round on herbal lore, will you cover Celtic, American or ancient European herbal tradition? I’m hoping to fit your class in my schedule.
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Thanks Sandy. I’ve expanded my original class, so it will be even better. In the October class for CHRW, I will focus on herbs of the British Isles which will include Celtic and some European influences. There are so many traditions and sharing among these people. Unless you were in a remote part of the Highlands with no access to seeds and plants from anywhere else, you could grow those that weren’t indigenous but could survive in that climate, or you saved seed. But for purposes of those in such remote conditions, I will make note of plants they would have had access to.
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I should mention that the original class is much broader and includes Native American. But CHRW wanted a class focused on the British Isles.
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I’m glad to hear that, Beth. The Celtic class sounds very interesting.
I do love my herb garden. Though I love the history of herbs, I’m probably more interested in them as a means of survival. But then, that is why I like the history. So many ills could have been prevented if people had only known about herbs, nutrition, and hygiene, like we know today.
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Yes. Knowledge has been lost and gained and rediscovered. Thanks Julie.
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I love your time travel books!
Not only do you enjoy the herbs, but they kinda saved your health!!!
I miss the growing plants from up north. But, my rosemary grows into a huge bush!!! Smells wonderful. Tried to grow sage to burn, it didn’t smell right for some reason. Maybe it wasn’t the right variety???
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Thanks Mary. I would love to have a big rosemary shrub. Mine are small plants.True, there are different varieties of sage, but think it’s the way it burns that’s the key. It’s suppose to smolder in a small bundle of sage leaves and stems, but not go up in flames. I will ask a friend of mine, Melinda Elmore, who does NA smudging ceremonies, and get back with you.
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Happy New Year Beth. I might look into having a windowsill herb garden this next year. It would be wonderful to have fresh herbs. Is there anything you would suggest for just starting out?
Sue B
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Super Sue. That would be great. If you have a sunny windowsill you could grow parsley, basil, thyme, sage, rosemary…all the sun loving plants. You can purchase small seedlings in the spring and then shift them to larger pots when need be. If they get too large for any of your windows then you will need to seek a new home for them.
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My knowledge is limited to an article on Beth Chatto and a radio programme about medicinal gardens. That was a while ago now so I’m pretty rusty.
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It would come back to you, Maddy, and you can learn new things. We always can.
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I keep saying I need to take your NA herbal class. Maybe this will be the year I finally get to. Good luck with all your classes, Beth.
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It’s not only NA, but part of a much broader herbal lore study. I’d love to have you on board.
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How interesting that we share the same keen interests about herbs and history. I wonder if there’s some connection, i.e. IF reincarnation is true, perhaps we both had experiences in past lives where we were deeply involved in the healing arts. I meet so many other creatives (authors, visual artists, dancers) who are similarly avid herbal gardeners and history buffs.
Cool connection, Beth.
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Thanks Christine, and you never know. 🙂
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