HERBAL GUARDIANS: Oie Voaldyn Herbs for Protection

As winter loses its power, our ancestors welcomed in the season of growth and renewal at Oie Voaldyn. This ancient fire festival, marking the transition from winter to summer, is a celebration of fertility, new beginnings and optimism. Fires were lit at sunset in rites of purification to safeguard the people, their homes and livestock. At the heart of these traditions are the healing herbs that have been used for centuries to ward off illness, bring protection and safeguard against unseen forces.

For our forebears, this seasonal shift was not just symbolic, but also a time of vulnerability. The cold months would have been tough, ensuring food supplies lasted until the new growing season and with keeping disease at bay. Spring herbs, such as Nettle, Wild Garlic, Dandelion, Chickweed and Cleavers were valuable sources of nutritious fresh green leaves and all are also powerful tonic herbs, helping to detoxify and eliminate the stagnation of the winter months. Others, such as Yarrow were used to heal wounds and keep fevers at bay.

At this time of year, when the boundaries between worlds were thought to be thin, protective herbs were used around the doorways to home, carried on the person, or tied to livestock. Mugwort, deeply connected to both Norse and Celtic traditions, was known for its protective qualities, clearing away negative forces and aiding communication between the real and dream worlds. Hawthorn, which heralds May with its bountiful blossom, aids physical healing as a heart tonic herb, promotes emotional healing and is also connected with the spirit world.

Today, we can still embrace these traditions – drinking cleansing herbal infusions, crafting protective herbal sachets and working with the growth and wildness of Nature to support our health and wellbeing.

Join me for a hands-on workshop where we will explore the ancient wisdom of these powerful plants, you will craft your own herbal blend and leave ready to welcome the magic of the summer season.