Luckily some part of me was nagging at me this morning that for the past 3 years, May 1st was an extra important date emblazoned in the back of my brain ; enough to catch my attention. I'd even attached bright yellow stick-it-notes along the page edges in my favourite magical herb book months ago so that when May came, I would not forget to remember !
Why is it so important ? Today is that magical day where we can begin the ritual to achieve youth, vitality and perhaps immortality if we only remember to eat some of a sage plant every day during this entire month of May ! At least that is the ancient teaching and plant lore in Scott "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs" book. One of my all time favourite books ever written and I wouldn't hold a sacred fire without it . I'm not too proud to admit, I still have to look up the meanings and magical purposes for many of the herbs I put into my sacred fires, sachets or teas, especially with intention. I also do my best to continually develop a relationship with the elementals of the plants I grow, but considering the world we live in is busy, including mine, this book is a lifesaver!
So, here it is : the fascinating write up from Scott Cunningham, who truly gave us some of THE best ancient connections to magical history in natures plant kingdom. And... if you are reading this in time , it is still not too late to make a sage tea or grab a leaf and start your May Ritual for this month. ( I wouldn't suggest eating an entire leaf at once like I just did, even though Google suggests Sage is generally a safe herb for most of us, but It's very bitter. Just a wee pinch or sip of some tea should be enough I'd say. And for heavens sake, please research it yourself before assuming you should eat any ! )
Perhaps some of you out there have other knowledge , lore and ideas you can share or comment on around connecting with Sage as a magical plant.
I am quoting/ referencing this DIRECT from Cunninghams book , Llewellyn Publications to share with you :
"SAGE: ( salvia Officinalis)
Folk Names : Garden Sage, Red Sage, Sawge
Gender : Masculine
Planet : Jupiter
Element : Air
Powers: Immortality, Longevity, Wisdom, Protection, Wishes
Magical uses : Sage has been utilized to ensure a long life, sometimes even immortality. This is done by eating some of the plant every day, or at least in May, for he who would live for aye, must eat sage in May. Sage is carried to promote wisdom, and the leaves are used in countless healing and money spells. To guard yourself against contracting the dreaded evil eye, wear a small horn filled with Sage. There are a few curious gardening tips concerning Sage: first, it is bad luck to plant sage in your own garden; a stranger should be found to do the work. Second, a full bed of sage brings ill luck, so ensure that some other plant shares the plot. Incidentally, toads love Sage. If you desire to make a wish come true, write it on a sage leaf and hide it beneath your pillow. For three nights, sleep upon it. If once you dream of what you desire, your wish will be materialized; if not, bury, the sage in the ground so that you do not come to harm."
It would be interesting to explore and discover more ancient wisdom connected to plants that hold an affinity or correlations to the Month of May, Beltane and magic! I hope you've enjoyed this one ! MAY your month be merry and filled with peace and beauty, XX Summon (Sue)