Plague Doctor | Loose Smudge and Saining Herbs

Named after the plague doctors who entered sick rooms during outbreaks and epidemics in the 17th century, this organic loose smudge and saining herb mix is a deeply complex mix that at first smell seems fresh and perhaps a little simple. More on that below but first, the plague doctors.
 
Plague doctors wore ankle length black or white linen gowns with beak-like masks that were filled with herbs. They were accompanied by a stick or staff, to point at items requiring cleansing or removal without touching them. They were contracted by government and this would outline their responsibilities, the boundaries of their work and the pay they would receive. This contract often included the requirement to visit neighbourhoods that were hit hard with plague and to treat the poorest of patients who couldn't pay.
 
They were often volunteers or doctors in training as the heroic and brave medical doctors at the time fled the towns and cities to private residencies elsewhere to avoid coming into contact with people and contracting plague. And so caring for the people was left to the plague doctors. They were used by authority to deal with the less savoury sides of human experience - plague, agony, death - ones that medical doctors would not go near but that a certain Goddess is more than familiar with. Often they would hear people's last words and offer comfort.
 
With their raven-like masks, cloaks and staffs, I like to think of them as masked druids, herbalists, shamans and psychopomps, embodying The Morrigan - The Crow Goddess and Guardian of Death - moving the soul through these cycles during delirious and death filled times.
 
This mix reflects this energy. It is a little of the shapeshifter, a little of the illusionist. The scent from this mix in the tin is strong, fresh and a little medicinal but when burned it has a gently herbaceous scented smoke - perhaps a little seducing and soothing - which disguises its powerful herbs, of which there are 13. Considered unlucky for some but a number of power for others. It all depends on how you perceive it.
 
I do feel this is a suitable mix to lovingly offer at places or lands that have sustained conflict and wars, but do be careful with the land in these places. Often the horrors they have seen are too great for a human to clear; I know of many therapists, practitioners and those who want to visit these sites for an Insta pic of them 'healing the land' that have received harsh lessons after making this mistake. 
 
When using this mix, be sure to have grounded yourself first and be clear on your intentions. You will need to anchor and know what world you are walking in. This is especially true if you are a practitioner, teacher or facilitator and are using it with clients or students. You don't need much, just a pinch or two; don't be seduced into adding more if you feel you can't really smell it. 
 
A little additional note for practitioners. This is an ideal smudging mix to use with clients who need a strong energetic cleansing and deep auric purification but they are of the character or delicate constitution that they would be anxious or fearful if you were to mention that. This is where Plague Doctor comes in. The smoke is so gently herbal in scent that it's a little like receiving a spoonful of tasty syrup as a child but you don't realise it's essential medicine.
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Organically and shamanically grown in my dedicated medicine gardens in Scotland. Hand harvested with respect for the land, prepared with love and care, blessed in dedicated ceremony and with reverence for the Earth - and for you.
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Both the Standard Tin and the Pinch Pot are designed to be carried in a pocket or bag to have handy for when you're out and about. They are tin and have screw on lids to reduce spillage or waste and to limit light exposure to ensure long lasting potency. They are practical - this was important to me for these mixes; craft and magick are practical. Little glass vials of herbs are lovely (and I stock these too) but they are not practical for carrying with you for outdoor offerings, saining, blessing and communing with The Land. The Pinch Pot is an ideal size to keep in a purse, to have it on hand wherever you go. And it is very handy to have these mixes on you - you never know when you'll get the calling that an area of land or a plant desperately needs a loving offering.**
The Secret Acorn is perfect as a sacred travelling vessel for this purpose and a beautiful adornment to wear. Each comes with a pinch pot of your choice of herbal mix.
 
(**Please see 'How To Use...' for one of my customers' travels to sacred sites with her specially commissioned herbal mix, now available in The Apothecary.)
 
Standard/Altar Pot: Approx 5g
Pinch Pot: Approx 2g