Leaving the mountains and myths of Greece behind, we travel north across vast ranges and deep waters, following the pathways of nomads, gypsies and Celts. We pass through the lands of the Norse gods and arrive at our final destination in the ancient world — the Celtic lands and early Britain.
Here, the people lived close to the earth. Before the Romans arrived, Britain was a patchwork of small settlements, stone dwellings and cave homes. These homes were seen as sacred shields, protecting families from the forces of nature and the powers that moved the sun and moon across the sky. Offerings of fruit and grain were made to household gods, and garlands of garlic hung at the threshold to attract positive energy and repel harm.
This was a land of druids, wise women, witches and pagans — people who lived by the cycles of the moon, the turning of the seasons and the wisdom of the plants.
The Celts held a deep reverence for the healing and spiritual properties of herbs. They believed every plant carried an inner energy — a life force that could be tapped into for healing, protection and transformation.
The village wise woman was the healer, counsellor and herbalist. She gathered plants at the correct moon phase, harvested at dawn or dusk depending on the herb’s nature, and crafted potions, salves and charms to support her community.
Among the most sacred Celtic herbs were Garlic, Mugwort, Mint and Juniper — each carrying its own magickal signature.
Folk Names: Ajo, Poor Man’s Treacle, Stinkweed
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Magickal Element: Fire
Aromatic Element: Fire
Garlic has long been a powerful protector in Celtic and folk traditions.
Magickal Effects
Exorcism • Lust • Protection • Healing • Anti‑Theft • Courage
Ancient & Modern Uses
Garlic remains one of the strongest protective herbs in modern folk magick.
Folk Names: Artemis Herb, Felon Herb, Muggons, Old Man, Sailor’s Tobacco, St John’s Plant
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Magickal Element: Earth
Aromatic Element: Earth
Mugwort is the herb of dreams, prophecy and the shadow realms.
Magickal Effects
Prophetic Dreams • Astral Projection • Protection • Strength • Healing • Psychic Powers
Ancient & Modern Uses
Important: Mugwort essential oil is hazardous — only the herb should be used.
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mercury
Magickal Element: Air
Aromatic Element: Air
Mint was a beloved Celtic herb for healing, protection and prosperity.
Magickal Effects
Healing • Protection • Money • Travel • Exorcism • Lust
Ancient & Modern Uses
Mint remains a powerful ally for clarity, abundance and energetic cleansing.
Folk Names: Enebro, Gin Berry, Ginepro, Gin Plant
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun
Magickal Element: Fire
Aromatic Element: Fire
Juniper is a sacred purifier, used across many ancient cultures.
Magickal Effects
Health • Protection • Love • Purification • Exorcism • Anti‑Theft
Ancient & Modern Uses
Juniper remains a potent cleansing and protective plant in modern practice.
In the Celtic world, plants were not simply tools — they were living allies, each with its own spirit, purpose and magick. The wise women and druids understood that healing came from working with the land, honouring the cycles of nature and respecting the energies within every herb.
Through Garlic, Mugwort, Mint and Juniper, we glimpse a world where:
This is the final chapter in our journey through the ancient world — a return to the roots of earth‑based healing and the timeless wisdom of the plants.
If you missed it click here for the previous chapter in my aromatherapy series
©Alison SpiritWeaver 2026 – www.alisonspiritweaver.co.uk