Horsetail
If you want to connect to one of the oldest green spirits of all time, get ready to meet a living fossil.
This Th-HERBS-day, we honor Horsetail, (Equisetum arvense, E. telmateia, E. spp).
It is a member of the Equisetaceae family, or simply, the horsetail family.
Its name reflects its close resemblance to a horsetail (more so the skeleton of a horse’s tail).
The species has a unique segmented stalk and shallow roots and is a mere shadow of its tree-sized ancestors.
The horsetail family is one of the oldest species of plants on earth.
Though lacking deep roots, it certainly has the deepest historical roots of almost any herb in your apothecary.
It’s a surprise that an herb this old would have so little information on its place in spiritual practices.
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The History of Horsetail
Horsetail is an elder in the plant spirit realm and is strong enough to sand down wood and polish metal.
These guys date back to prehistoric times, some 200 million years ago!
They produce spores instead of seeds and can spread very quickly, making them quite an invasive species.
Their reeds have been used as both whistles and blow darts, but they can be toxic, especially to children when grown in highly fertilized soil.
Medicinally, horsetail has been used for a wide range of ailments, particularly those related to inflammation, tendon issues, and skin elasticity.
It contains a strong source of silicates and silicic acid, which attributes to regenerating connective tissues like collagen, bones, and nails.
Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory properties and can be useful as a mouthwash to aid in gum and throat infections.
Horsetail also serves as a key ingredient for plant-based collagen supplements.
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Witchery With Horsetail
Horsetail is ruled by the planet Saturn and characteristically contains both toxic and abundant attributes.
There are a few unique uses for horsetail in ritual and spell crafting.
During Saturnalia or the season of Capricorn, you may consider arranging your altar to honor this God of tough love.
Using horsetail to polish and shine your altar tools is a good start.
The reeds can be picked and wadded up into a sort of all-natural brillo pad, then used to sand/polish your metal altar items.
Using this method to prepare your altars is highly suggested to call in and connect to the energy of Saturn.
Another useful method to embrace this old god’s energy is by using horsetail in the form of a whistle.
This whistle can raise your vibrations and send an invitation to Saturn to aid in your newest endeavors for the year.
You can also use the reeds to craft together a handle to replace the handle on a scythe and solely use it for your Saturn altar/rituals.
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Horsetail’s Energetic Properties
This list of horsetail properties is an extremely helpful guide to assist you in spell crafting and rituals.
The energy of the herb is heightened when planned carefully with corresponding days, seasons, zodiacs, etc.
Here are 18 energetic properties associated with horsetail:
1. Planet: Saturn
2. Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
3. House: 10th
4. Element: Earth
5. Gender Energy: Feminine
6. Chakra: Muladhara/Root (Red)
7. Archangel: Orifiel
8. Deity: Cronus (Greek), Skadi (Norse), Satre (Etruscan)
9. Sabbat: Yule
10. Season: Winter
11. Day: Saturday
12. Body: Knees, Teeth, Spleen, and Bones
13. Rune: Ehwaz, Mannaz
14. Numerology: 8
15. Fae: Gnome
16. Major Arcana: The World, The Devil
17. Minor Arcana: Pentacles
18. Cartomancy: Clubs
Cultivating Horsetail
Like most Saturn-ruled plants, horsetail can tend to take over the garden and be toxic.
It is nearly impossible to eradicate once established, so you may consider growing it in a separated container.
You can easily grow it by picking the stalks after they have matured and propagating their natural segments.
It reproduces using spores, so it’s important to keep it far from areas you do not wish to risk being overtaken.
However, if you are attempting to control erosion, from a lake, stream, or pond, you can plant the herb in containers just below the surface of the water along the bank.
Happy Th-HERBS-day!
