====== Blackberry ======
<div #singlebox>
---- dataentry herbs----
latin_names: Rubus villosus
folk_names: Bly, Bramble, Bramble-Kite, Bumble-Kite, Cloudberry, Dewberry, Goutberry, High Blackberry, Thimbleberry
gender_tags:  Feminine
planet_tags: Venus
element_tags: Water
deity_tags: 
effect_tags: Healing, Money, Protection
----
</div>
<ifauth @user>
===== Ritual Uses =====
Blackberry was considered to be sacred to some of the old Pagan deities of Europe, and was used in worship. To the present day, blackberry pies are baked on Lughnasadh (August 2) by some of the Wiccans in commemoration of the harvest, seen poetically as the death of the God.
===== Magical Uses =====
A bramble bush that forms a natural arch is a great aid to magical healing. On a sunny day, crawl through the arch backward and then forward three times, going as nearly east to west as possible. This will cause boils, rheumatism, whooping cough and even blackheads to disappear.

The blackberry leaves are used in spells of wealth, as are the berries themselves, and the vines are protective if grown.

The blackberry plant is also used to heal scalds by dipping nine blackberry leaves in spring water and then laying them against the wound gently, while saying the following chant three times to each leaf (27 times in all): *Three ladies came from the east,*

*One with fire and two with frost.*

*Out with fire, in with frost.*

This is an old invocation to Brigit, the ancient Celtic Goddess of poetry, healing, and smithcraft.
</ifauth>