Mediterranean cultures long before Christianity arose.
Its name means "dew of the sea." The Greeks associated
it with remembrance, and students wore a sprig of
rosemary to help improve their memory. The Romans
made crowns of rosemary for their household deities
and burned it to purify an atmosphere to ward off evil.
A symbol of remembrance and fidelity, it is also useful
for exorcisms and to keep a lover faithful.
RUE In Europe during the Middle Ages, rue was strewn on
floors for its scent, a custom begun by the Greeks and
Romans, who believed it gave protection from evil
spirits. The word rue comes from the Greek word reuo,
which means "set free." Thus, this herb became a
Christian symbol for repentance. Among the Druids, rue
was used for defense against magickal spells. When
burned, it starts things moving.SAFFRON This expensive herb, which is the pollen from
crocus flowers, was highly prized from the
Mediterranean area to Tibet and India. The Greeks and
Romans used it for its scent, which was said to be
cleansing. When a worshipper brought a gift to a temple
in India, they received a dot of saffron paste on the
forehead. Because of saffron's association with humility
and purity, Buddhist monks dyed their robes the color of
saffron.SAGE A symbol of wisdom and long life to the Romans,
this herb was gathered ceremoniously, with a gift of
bread and wine left as an offering to the plant. Native
Americans use sage for smudging and cleansing.
SAINT-JOHN'S-WORT An herb sacred to the Druids, it was
worn in Ireland for invincibility and in Scotland as a