Notes from the Apothecary: Yarrow One of my favourite wild plants, yarrow is found right across North America, Europe and even as far east as China. The feathery leaves give way to clusters of beautiful, tiny flowers that are loved by bees and other pollinators. Most commonly they are cream or white, but there are many coloured varieties too, including some incredible bright red species that are currently adorning my local park. The plant’s formal name is achillea millefolium. The first part refers to the association with Achilles, who was taught by the centaur Chiron to use the herb to staunch the bleeding of his soldiers. The second part refers…

*The Hedgewitch lives in the space between the Village and the Forest. Between the mundane and the magical. S/He lives with a foot in both worlds. This column is dedicated to the Hedgewitches of the planet earth. The Time of Balance Shifts to Darkness: Embracing The Crone In every season, there are lessons for we observant humans. In the spring we have rebirth and renewal. The lesson of the Maiden. In the Summer hard work, followed by abundance and plenty. Lessons of the Mother. In the Fall we have dying back; the inevitable and necessary death which must come to all living things. But, also, the promise of another cycle…