Thyme in bloom

A “feminine” herb, ruled by Venus and associated with the element Water, thyme (named by the Greeks from the word “fumigate” or “smoke”) is burned to attract health and promote psychic powers. It is also burned to purify an area prior to performing a magical ritual. A bath of thyme (combined with marjoram) cleanses a person of sorrows and ills, even those of long-standing. Roman soldiers would sometimes wash in thyme before a battle to increase their courage and strength. (It was probably the loss of the soldiers’ sorrows and ills which allowed their courage and strength to come to the fore.)

Thyme can also be used to bring a restful, undisturbed sleep and keeps nightmares at bay. To do this, it should be placed beneath your pillow. (I should have used this the other night when I was awakened at 3 a.m. by a nightmare in which I was buried alive by the 30 Rock character Tracy Jordan. Seriously — Tracy Jordan?!?!)

Thyme was also reportedly used in Egypt during the mummification process. “To sleep, perchance to dream….” A well-rested sleep, with good dreams that are pure and undefiled. These are the gifts of thyme, to both the living and the dead.