Baltimore Herb Festival - Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore Herb Festival, May 23, 2009 from 10am - 3p
@ Leakin Park

Herb and plant vendors from five states will gather for the
Herb Festival on Saturday May 23rd. In addition to plant
and garden related sales, entertainment will include two bands,
Art of Meaning and Durham Station Bluegrass, free rides on
real miniature steam trains, attending herb and gardening lectures,
touring the historic Crimea Mansion and walking in scenic Leakin Park.
Lunch with an herbal twist is also available.

To get to Leakin Park, take Exit 16 (Rt. 70) off the Beltway
(Rt. 695) toward Baltimore. Turn off on Security Blvd.
Right at first light onto Forest Park Ave. Right at next light
onto Windsor Mill Rd. You’re at the Festival! Follow signs for parking.

The Baneful Herbs

The Baneful herbs are those that are poisonous. Any herbs can be baneful herbs if used incorrectly. But the term was applied in medieval times to represent a certain group of herbs. Some of which were used in the Flying Ointments (flying referred to Astral Projection not broom riding). These are very dangerous herbs; they should not be in common use. They were the herbs credited to ‘witches’ workings!

Aconite (Monkshood), Aconitum napellus: Highly toxic with the alkaloid aconitine causing tingling and numbness of tongue and mouth and a sensation of ants crawling over the body, nausea and vomiting with epigastric pain, labored breathing, pulse irregular and weak, skin cold and clammy, features bloodless, giddiness, staggering, but the remains clear.

In late medieval times it was thought to be a key ingredient in a potion that permitted witches to fly. Aconite and Belladonna were said to be the ingredients in the witches' 'Flying ointments.' Aconite causes irregular action of the heart, and Belladonna produces delirium. These combined symptoms might give a sensation of 'flying.'

The plant was sacred to Hecate, hence its archaic name Hecateis herba, the Dark-mother's Herb, which is probably also at the base of its title Queen Mother (or Queenmother of Poisons), as Hecate was by medieval times Queen of Witches. Athena used the poison as well, sprinkling it on the head of the impious maiden weaver Arachne to turn her into a spider

Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade), Atropa belladonna: Highly toxic, may be fatal if ingested. The toxic agents are tropane alkaloids, atropine and others. Toxic poisoning is marked by red skin, dry mouth, abnormally fast heartbeat, prolonged or excessive pupil dilation, inability to focus, overheating due to reduced perspiration, difficult urination, and severe or persistent constipation. High doses lead to overexcitement and symptoms such as restlessness, compulsion to talk, hallucinations, delirium, and manic attacks followed by exhaustion and sleep. Death usually results from asphyxiation.

Named after Bellona [war goddess.] At certain times it takes the form of a beautiful enchantress whom any that look upon her will die. Plant belongs to the devil, who tends to it all year long, except on Walpurgis when he is preparing for Witches' Sabbat. Atropa comes from Greek Atropos, one of the Fates who held the scissors to cut the thread of human life.

Beauty magick. To consecrate ritual tools made of lead. Has affinity with Onyx. Lunar magick. Spell workings related to Death.

Datura ( Jimsonweed), Datura stramonium: Whole plant highly poisonous. Toxicity is caused by tropane alkaloids: atropine, hyoscine(scopolamine), hyoscyamine. Poisoning symptoms are extreme dilation of the pupils, flushed, warm and dry skin, dry mouth, urinary retention and ileus (slowing or stopping of intestinal movement), rapid heart beat, hypertension or hypotension, and choreoathetosis/jerky movements. In case of overdose the effects are hyperthermia, coma, respiratory arrest, and seizures

An ingredient in ancient witches' flying ointment. Was said to be an aid to witches' incantations. To hex or break hexes. Produce sleep, induce dreams. Divination, allow one to see spirits. Protection

Hellebore, Helleborus niger: Toxicity is caused by the glucosides, Helleborin and helleborcin. Symptoms of poisoning are tinnitus, vertigo, stupor, thirst, a feeling of suffocation, swelling of the tongue and throat, emesis and catharsis, bradycardia (slowing of the pulse), and finally collapse and death from cardiac arrest

Once people blessed their cattle with this herb to protect them from evil. Old French tales speak of a sorcerer who strew powdered Hellebore ahead of himself as he walked to make himself invisible. Banishing, necromancy. Used in incense for consecrating talismans.
Used to render oneself less visible by scattering in ahead while walking

Hemlock (Poison), Conium maculatum: The main poisonous principle is coniine, a pyridine derivative similar in structure and function to nicotine; there are also four other structurally related alkaloids. The symptoms of poisoning are rapid onset of irritation of oral mucosa with salivation, nausea, emesis and slight abdominal pain. Diarrhea is uncommon. Bradycardia, miosis and hypertension may rapidly change to tachycardia, hypotension and mydriasis. Seizures followed by ascendant muscle paralysis can be seen in severe cases leading to respiratory failure.

Given to criminals in Greece to kill them. This is what did in Socrates. Used by King Solomon to consecrate his ritual knife. Is sacred to Hecate. Is used to purify and empower ritual and magical tools. Used to arouse jealousy, for Astral projection and in banishing

Henbane, Hyoscyamus niger. N.O. Solanace: The toxic principles are alkaloids atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. They cause the following symptoms: hallucinations, dilated pupils, restlessness, and flushed skin. Less common symptoms such as tachycardia, convulsions, vomiting, hypertension, hyperpyrexia and ataxia.

The dead in Hades were crowned with Henbane as they wandered in the River Styx. In language of flowers, the Henbane blossom means defeat. Burn outside to bring rain. It is an herb of the Underworld. Used to summon spirits and relatives who have passed, love, of a binding nature, marital longevity, to stop harassment, purity, mental, happiness, and improves memory. A favorite of the Fae and nature beings

Mandrake, Atropa mandragora, formerly Mandragora officinalis: Toxicity is caused by the alkaloids hyoscyamine, scopolamine, atropine, and mandragorin. They produce the following symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, slowing of the heartbeat, causes hallucinations, is narcotic and can cause death.

The root is believed to shriek horribly when pulled from the ground, and anyone hearing it would die. Used for love poppets, money-drawing magic. Used as an incense in some black magic rites. Has power against demonical possession. Place a piece of the root on a mantle to avert misfortune and to bring prosperity and joy. Carry to attract love. It is said that a drop of blood should be put in the hole left by digging the root as payment and to insure potency of amulet. Used to invoke deities, especially Circe and Diana. Eastern belief has it that the root cures sterility. Genesis 30:14 Demons cannot bear the smell or presence of Mandrake.

Mistletoe, Viscum album: Poisoning is caused by viscotoxins. Producing these symptoms of poisoning: slow and weaken the heartbeat and constrict blood vessels, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, chills, fever, headaches, angina and hypotension, fixed and dilated pupils, diplopia, irritated conjunctiva, bradycardia, vasoconstriction, hypo- or
hypertension, seizures, and delirium

Revered by Druids, who only sought it when they had visions directing them to seek it. If a great length of time passed without the visions, or it fell to the ground, it was considered an omen of great misfortune. The Mistletoe that grew in Oak trees was the most sacred. It was harvested using a golden sickle and not allowed to touch the ground. Wear around the neck for invisibility. It was used as protection from all things astral and mundane, as an Aphrodisiac. Fights against despair, helps in hunting and conception, dreams, immortality, to ward off thieves and werewolves. Used as amulets for protection or to speed healing

Wolfsbane, Aconitum vulparia: VERY poisonous. Poisoning is caused by the alkaloids lycaconitine and myoctonine. They cause the symptoms of Severe itching and dermatitis, and the sap can be absorbed in a cut……Ingestion: even a tiny amount of this plant can be fatal: may cause hypotension (low blood pressure), irregular pulse, various arrhythmias (altered heart beats), or first-degree heart block. Aconite poisoning can cause prolonged repolarization of the myocardium, which leads to triggered automaticity and ventricular tachyarrhythmias including ventricular ectopy, ventricular tachycardia (fast heart beat), and ventricular fibrillation. Aconite has also been reported to cause nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, diarrhea, muscle cramps, retrosternal discomfort, dizziness, vertigo, variations in motor/sensory skills of limbs, ataxia (loss of coordination), paresthesia (altered sensation), "stiffness" in face, trunk and limbs, clonic convulsions, coma, leukocytosis (high white blood cell count), dimness of vision, blackouts, blurred or double vision, agitation, hyperventilation, difficulty breathing, and respiratory depression.

Said to be invention of Hecate from the foam of Cerberus, the three-headed dog that guarded the gates of the Underworld. Very magickal. Used to redirect enemies. Protection. The seed, when wrapped in lizard's skin, allows one to become invisible. To invoke Hecate.

Wormwood, Artemisia absinthum: Wormwood is classified as an unsafe herb by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because of the neurotoxic potential of thujone and its derivatives. Toxicity is caused by an alkaloid, absinthin, and thujone. The symptoms of poisoning are stomach pain, mental/mood changes, trouble sleeping, tremors, change in the amount of urine, seizures, numbness, and unusual thirst

It is especially connected to snakes: mythology tells that it grew in the tracks of the snake expelled from Eden, for instance, and it was considered a protectant against snakebites. In its association with Mars, wormwood is generally good in protection spells and also a tool for getting vengeance through sorcery

Yew, Taxus baccata: The toxic agent of the yew is the alkaloid taxane. In humans, the yew generates digestive, nervous, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, which can result in death. Symptoms include excitation, hyperventilation, and tachycardia, followed by deceleration of the heart, hypotension, nausea, stomach pains, cramps, giddiness, colic, violent diarrhea, dizzy spells, convulsions, coma and death.

It is said in Norse legends that Yew stands between two worlds and thus it can be used to trap souls within it. It was once used for arrow poison. It is one of the sacred trees of the Druids. Represents Yule because it stands between life and death, representing both. It is a symbol of stability due to its long life.

Three Sisters Gardening

In late spring, we plant the corn and beans and squash. They're not just plants- we call them the three sisters. We plant them together, three kinds of seeds in one hole. They want to be together with each other, just as we Indians want to be together with each other. So long as the three sisters are with us we know we will never starve. The Creator sends them to us each year. We celebrate them now. We thank Him for the gift He gives us today and every day.
Chief Louis Farmer (Onondaga)

For more years than the people have counted, the Three Sisters, have been planted together. These three plants were the vegetable base for native diets, they provided balance. When the Staving moons were here, and meat was scarce it saved many from death. Many eastern seaboard tribes have claimed the origination of this planting method. The Haudenosaunee (hah-dee-no-show-nee), or "People of the Long house" are just one of many.

These three plants were so important in the lives of the Native American that many rituals revolved around them. Among the Cherokee they were: In late June or July was the Green Corn Ceremony, the dates scheduled for the celebration depended upon the time the first corn ripened. It was performed when the new corn was ripe enough to eat. New corn was not to be eaten until after the ceremony took place. In August or September came the Ripe Corn Ceremony, it celebrated the maturing of the corn crop and is one of the few ancient ceremonies to last into the 21st century

Myths among the people also reflected this importance of these three plants, especially corn. Among the Cherokee there is the story of Kanati and Selu (corn). Among the Sioux we find the myth of The Forgotten Ear of Corn and The Hermit, The Origin of Corn. Among the Abenaki we find The Strange Origin of Corn.

The traditional Three Sisters garden forms an ecosystem by creating a community of plants and animals. This system creates a beneficial relationship between the three plants- each plant helps the others grow. This is a form of companion planting. Corn provides support for beans. Beans, like other legumes, have bacteria living on their roots that help them absorb nitrogen from the air and convert it to a form that plants can use. (Corn, which requires a lot of nitrogen to grow, benefits most.) The large, prickly squash leaves shade the soil, preventing weed growth, and deter animal pests. The three sisters also complement each other nutritionally.

To plant the Three Sisters wait until the soil warms in spring. Make a mound of dirt about one foot high and two foot in diameter. In the center of the mound plant 5 or 6 corn kernels, tamp down the ground well. Space the mound approximately 4 feet apart, remember you will be dodging squash vines to cultivate and harvest.

When the corn sprouts and reaches about 5 or 6 inches high it is time to plant the bean seeds, make sure they are the climbing variety. You will want to plant 6 to eight of them around the top of the mound. You do not have to plant just green beans, grow some kidney beans, or pinto beans if you like.

About 1 week later, after the beans emerge from the ground, plant the squash seeds on the flat ground around each mound. You can plant all the way around or choose to plant just two opposite sides of the mound, to possibly control some of the rambeling that the vines do. If you plant all the way around 6 to 8 plants are sufficient. If just on opposing sides then 2 or 3 per side is fine. Also consider planting diferent types of squash to make a more varied diet.

Good companions to plant either interspersed thoughout the garden or making a border around the Three Sisters are: Marigolds, to keep bean beetles away; Sage, to encourage bees; Nasturiam, to discourage squash borers; Catnip, to discourage been beetles; Summer Savory, discourages the Mexican bean beetles; Dill, French Tarragon and Basil lure bees.

To keep up tradition, plant more than you plan to consume…..first for the wild critters…..seconly, considering todays economic situation, it will give you produce to share with family, friends, less fortunate people or food banks.