Sometimes Backwards is the Right Way to Go

Beth Trissel

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Out with the new–in with the Old.

Hearken ye back to whatever  was right and good in your life, and reconnect, revive, resurrect. And remember those who’ve gone before you. They had much wisdom.

My fascination with herbs is largely prompted by my absorption with all things historic and the thrill of seeing, touching, sometimes tasting, and above all smelling the same plants known by the ancients. Herbs have changed little, if at all, over the centuries and offer us a connection with the past that precious little does in these modern days. It’s pure intoxication to rub fragrant leaves between my fingers and savor the scent while pondering the wealth of lore behind these plants.  This year consider planting an herb garden, even if it’s on your windows

I’m scheduled to give four online workshops on Herbal Lore and the Historic Medicinal Uses of Herbs for various groups in 2013, beginning with Savvy Authors in March. An autumn workshop for Celtic Hearts Romance Writers will focus on herbs and Lore of the British Isles. The main workshop features a broader range of  lore and peoples, including Native American. The other groups that have invited me to give a workshop are FF&P (Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal) in June and FTHRW (For The Heart Romance Writers) in November.  If you’re  interested in taking part, contact me (bctrissel@yahoo.com) or one of these fine groups.

“Good morrow, good Yarrow, good morrow to thee. Send me this night my true love to see, The clothes that he’ll wear, the colour of his hair. And if he’ll wed me.” ~Danaher, 1756

Lovesick? Pansies, also known as heartsease, were highly valued for their potency in love-charms and played an important part in Midsummer Night’s Dream.

“There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance…and there is pansies, that’s for thoughts.” ~ William Shakespeare

“My gardens sweet, enclosed with walles strong, embarked with benches to sytt and take my rest. The Knotts so enknotted, it cannot be exprest. With arbours and alys so pleasant and so dulce, the pestylant ayers with flavours to repulse.”

~Thomas Cavendish, 1532.

“Lavender is for lovers true, Which evermore be faine; Desiring always for to have Some pleasure for their paine: And when that they obtained have The love that they require, Then have they all their perfect joie, And quenched is the fire.” ~Lavender and Turner (Herbal, 1545)

9 Responses to “Sometimes Backwards is the Right Way to Go”

• Quilt Lady [ 14Jan13]
  

  My sister always plants a few herbs, I think she cooks with a lot of them.

   
• Beth Trissel [ 14Jan13]
  

  Lovely. Thanks!~

   
• Debra St. John [ 14Jan13]
  

  Beth,

  I tried an indoor herb garden once, but it didn’t really work out. I do grow herbs outside each summer. Some are perennials which come back year after year: mint, chives, oregano. I always replant basil and dill each spring

  I never really thought about the historical significance of herbs. Thanks for the great post.

   
• Beth Trissel [ 14Jan13]
  

  Thanks Debra. Much appreciated.

   
• Mary Preston [ 15Jan13]
  

  It is a fascinating subject. I have a ‘brown’ thumb, but I can grow herbs.

   
• Beth Trissel [ 15Jan13]
  

  Yes, Mary, very fascinating. Herbs, for the most part, are easier to grow. Thanks!

   
• Tiffany Green [ 16Jan13]
  

  Hi Beth, I would love to have fresh herbs at hand. Rosemary, basil, sage. Oh, how wonderful that would be! Unfortunately, I can kill plastic lemons. Best of luck giving the workshop.

   
• Sherry James [ 17Jan13]
  

  Great post, Beth. Very interesting. I’d love to grow some indoor herbs. They sound wonderful. Love the pix, too. Gorgeous!

   
• Beth Trissel [ 17Jan13]
  

  Thanks! A very fun post to do.

   

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