Heather - Caluna vulgaris

Latin Name: Calluna vulgaris

Folk Name and Other Names Scot’s heather, Heath, Froach, Ling, Scotch heather

Heather is a European native common to fields, ditches and waste areas in the cooler areas of Europe and the British Isles, especially in the heathland habitats where it is an important food source for grazing animals. Heather is a sprawling evergreen shrub with hairy gray stems that spread out about three feet wide and one to two feet tall. The long, thin leaves are grayish-green. Flowers are tiny, bell-shaped and any color between pink and purple or white and appear on branching spikes in the late summer and early autumn. There are many varieties and are easily confused with Heath.

The word Calluna is derived from the Greek meaning “to sweep” Heather (along with thistle) is the national flower of Scotland.

In Scotland, farmers carried torches of burning heather around their fields before midsummer to insure good crops and around their cattle to ensure their fertility.

Heather is feminine in nature and ruled by Venus and the element of Water. It is also associated with Gemini and, accordingly, Mercury. It is represented by the Ogham letter Ura. It is associated with the God Nechtan Mac Labraid, the Cupbearer of the Tuatha De Dannan, guardian of the sacred well of Segais and husband of Boane, after whom the river Boyne in Ireland is named. Also, Isis, Osiris, Venus, Aphrodite.

Heather can be used in spells relating to new beginnings, and self-discovery, enhancing physical beauty and bringing a peaceful resolution to any conflict. It is also used at initiations.

Keeping heather about the house will attract friendly spirits and will bring peace to the household. Carrying heather will attract positive energies, general good luck and protect against rape and other violent assaults, making it useful for traveling sachets.

Burning heather together with fern will aid in magic designed to bring rain. The two plants can also be bundled together and used to sprinkle water on the ground for the same purpose.

Heather helps in summoning spirits and attracts faeries to the garden.

Heather is a good plant to use to make besoms and can be added to midsummer fires to ensure the fertility of the attendants.

Heather is said to be stained with the blood of war in Scotland, thus, white heather is the luckiest and the best for use in magic.