Apothecary
Yarrow.
Achillea millefolium
Also known as Milfoil, Knight's Milfoil, Woundwort, Achillea
Achilles' herb of battlefield healing and the Chinese diviner's stalks for the casting of the I Ching. Yarrow is courage, love, and prophecy in a single feathered green plant — few herbs carry as many ancient roles as gracefully as this one.
Correspondences
Element
Water
Planet
Venus/Mercury
Zodiac
Libra, Aries
Chakra
Root, Crown
Parts Used
Aerial parts (flowers and leaves)
Harvest
Summer
Practice
Magical Properties
Courage, love, psychic powers, protection, I Ching divination
Yarrow stalks are the traditional divination tool for the I Ching. Carry for courage and protection. Add to love sachets to attract love that lasts seven years.
Mundane
Mundane Uses
Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, haemostatic (wound healing). Diaphoretic for fevers.
Devotion
Deity Associations
Chiron, Achilles
History
Folklore & History
Named for Achilles, who used yarrow to staunch the wounds of his soldiers at Troy. In China, dried yarrow stalks have been used to divine using the I Ching for over 3,000 years.
Safety
Safety Notes
Avoid in pregnancy. Can cause contact dermatitis in some. Possible allergy in those sensitive to Asteraceae family.
This information is provided for educational and magical reference only. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using herbs medicinally.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yarrow used for in witchcraft?
Yarrow is traditionally used in workings for courage, love, psychic powers, protection, i ching divination. Yarrow stalks are the traditional divination tool for the I Ching.
What element is Yarrow associated with?
Yarrow is associated with the Water element and the sign of Libra, Aries, and resonates with the Root, Crown chakras.
What planet rules Yarrow?
Yarrow is ruled by Venus/Mercury. In the classical planetary system, this gives the herb its characteristic energetic signature and indicates which workings it most readily amplifies and which planetary hours best suit it.
Is Yarrow safe to use?
Some care is required when working with Yarrow. Avoid in pregnancy. Can cause contact dermatitis in some. Possible allergy in those sensitive to Asteraceae family. The information here is provided for educational and magical reference only — always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb medicinally.
In Your Practice
Track your work with Yarrow.
Record spells, rituals, and observations in your private digital grimoire.
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