Yarrow Meaning and magickal uses
Also called Milfoil, Soldier's Woundwort, Achillea
A hardy wildflower for courage, love and opening psychic sight.
- Intentions
- Love, Confidence, Divination, Protection
- Element
- Water
- Planet
- Venus
- Zodiac
- Libra
- Day
- Friday
- Moon phase
- Full Moon
- Parts used
- Flowers, leaves, stalks
How to use it
- Courage pouch
Carry a small pouch of dried yarrow flowers when you face something daunting. Let it remind you of the old warriors who trusted it for bravery.
- Love charm
Hang a bundle of dried yarrow over the bed, a folk custom said to keep a couple's love steady and true for seven years. Refresh it each year on your anniversary.
- Divination stalks
Use dried yarrow stalks as a tool for quiet reflection. Lay them on your altar while you shuffle a tarot deck to help your mind settle.
Works well with
History and folklore
Yarrow's Latin name, Achillea, comes from the Greek hero Achilles, who was said to have used it to treat his soldiers' wounds at Troy. Dried yarrow stalks are traditionally used to consult the Chinese I Ching. In British folklore, young people put yarrow under their pillows to dream of a future love. These many uses show why yarrow became a favorite for courage, love, protection and seeing more clearly.
A hardy wildflower for courage, love and opening psychic sight.
- Intentions: Love, Confidence, Divination, Protection
- Element: Water
- Planet: Venus
- Zodiac: Libra
- Day: Friday
- Moon phase: Full Moon
- Parts used: Flowers, leaves, stalks
Safety: Toxic to cats, dogs and horses (ASPCA list). Unsafe in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, so do not swallow it then. People allergic to ragweed or daisies may react, and it can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wash hands after handling.
How to use it
- Courage pouch. Carry a small pouch of dried yarrow flowers when you face something daunting. Let it remind you of the old warriors who trusted it for bravery.
- Love charm. Hang a bundle of dried yarrow over the bed, a folk custom said to keep a couple's love steady and true for seven years. Refresh it each year on your anniversary.
- Divination stalks. Use dried yarrow stalks as a tool for quiet reflection. Lay them on your altar while you shuffle a tarot deck to help your mind settle.
Works well with: Pink Candle, Labradorite, Friday, Litha
Folklore
Yarrow's Latin name, Achillea, comes from the Greek hero Achilles, who was said to have used it to treat his soldiers' wounds at Troy. Dried yarrow stalks are traditionally used to consult the Chinese I Ching. In British folklore, young people put yarrow under their pillows to dream of a future love. These many uses show why yarrow became a favorite for courage, love, protection and seeing more clearly.
The Witch's Cabinet is a free reference for your practice. Correspondences are traditional associations, not medical advice. Always follow the safety notes, especially with herbs and essential oils around children, pets and during pregnancy.