Seven Herbs in Haggath's Hut

The bundles hanging from Haggath's rafters are not decoration. Every summer she cuts and dries the same seven herbs, as her grandmother did.

Bylica (mugwort)

Burned slowly, mugwort smoke clears the corners where old quarrels settle. In Polish villages it was tucked under the pillow on Kupała Night for true dreams.

Ruta (rue)

The bitter guardian. Rue was once sewn into a bride's wreath to keep envy away. Haggath uses it in protection work against jealousy.

Dziurawiec (St John's wort)

Gathered at midsummer when the sun is strongest, it is used to lift a low spirit and brighten a home.

Lubczyk (lovage)

Its name comes from lubić, "to like." Village girls bathed in lovage water before a dance; it goes into Haggath's love spells.

Werbena, szałwia, koper

Vervain for calm and clear sight, sage for cleansing hands and room before work, and dill hung over a doorway to keep the unkind out.