Wortcunning

Wortcunning

The knowledge of the use of herbs in healing, both medicinally and magically. Hedge Witches, Wiccans, Pagans, Wise Men and Women, Cunningmen and women all had wortcunning, as do many of today's Witches.

Many of the healers and magical practitioners grew their own plants for healing and magical use, but others felt it was more important to find the plant growing in the wild.

The harvesting was frequently done according to the phases of the moon or by the Planetary Hours and the Planetary Rulers, depending upon the need and the use of the plant. The herbs were usually cut with a boleen, a curved-bladed knife used only for that purpose. They could be used fresh or dried for future use.