Dill

What this is

Dill (Anethum graveolens). From the Norse dilla, to lull, the soothing Mercury seed of the cradle and the kitchen, ruled by Gemini and Virgo, and also a stout protector. Therewith her witchcraft she doth still, the old rhyme says of the herb hung against the witch.

What it governs

Dill answers to Mercury and the element of Air. Its seat in the zodiac is Gemini and Virgo, and its day is Wednesday, when its virtue runs fullest. It strengthens with the waxing moon. In the old practice its office is plain: A sprig over a cradle or child's room — the old protector.

Its properties

In the Galenic reckoning dill is warm and dry, and that temperament is the whole key to its work. The part you take is the seed and the leaf. Its working colour follows Mercury, orange and shot-silk mixed hues; its metal is quicksilver, its stones are blue lace agate, agate, its number 8, and on the Tree of Life it threads up to Hod. It is gentle, safe to use as the practice describes.

Where else it appears

Calm and guard together everywhere: a sprig hung over the cradle and the door to keep harm and envy out in European charm; chewed to settle the colicky child; added to love and money work for its many seeds. To quiet and to protect, the same lulling, child and house.

Where you meet it on the Oracle

In the Green Kingdom you meet Dill on Today's Herb, Angelic Herb, and Herb of the Hour. When it surfaces it counsels you toward its one office: a sprig over a cradle or child's room — the old protector. As the Angelic Herb it stands under Raphael; read its rising as that intelligence laying a hand on your day, with Mercury's quickness of mind and word.

Why it matters

Dill lulls and wards. It is for settling what is fretful, a child, a room, a nerve, and keeping envy off it. It asks you to bring the matter down to a quiet that nothing ill can enter.

Correspondences

planet

Mercury

element

Air

zodiac

Gemini, Virgo

number

8

sephirah

Hod

day

Wednesday

colour

orange, shot-silk mixed hues

metal

quicksilver

stone

blue lace agate, agate

tarot

Page of Swords