Beware the Ides of March

I took Latin in High School because I felt it would help me with scientific names for plants and animals for my profession as an archeologist. I have used Latin in many ways since, but not one day of my career as an archeologist did I need it  -- Oh well!

One of my Latin teachers always had a party on the Ides of March, the day Caesar was killed on the steps of the senate.  The phrase  “Beware the Ides of March,” is from Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar.

So here is your Latin lesson on the origin of the Ides of March--

In the ancient Roman calendar, each month had an Ides. In March, May, July, and October, the Ides fell on the 15th day. In every other month, the Ides fell on the 13th day.

The word Ides derives from a Latin word, meaning to divide. The Ides were originally meant to mark the full moons, but because calendar months and lunar months were different lengths, they quickly got out of step.

The Romans also had a name for the first day of every month. It was known as the Kalends. It’s from this word that our word calendar is derived.

If you are worried about what might happen on the Ides of March try these herbal remedies:

• Hang a bunch of dill over a child’s bed to protect against evil fairies.
• If you’re concerned about dishonesty, plots, secrets,  and conspiracy theories, place a bouquet of borage leaves and blossoms nearby and listen in. (Borage is said to encourage people to tell the truth.)
• Wear angelica to protect yourself against evil spirits (but be aware that it may also keep you from seeing potential opportunities). Brew a tea of it and sprinkle a few drops in the corners of your house.

The Unlucky Ides of March

I had a Latin teacher in High School who held a party on the Ides of March each year.  As a result as soon as March 15 comes around I am feeling a need to say something so the Ides of March does not pass without comment.

According to the Romans the Ides, or the 15^th, of the month was considered unlucky, I am sure Julius Caesar would agree! But how does one ward off the negativity of an unlucky day?

There are many herbs you can use to ward off evil or at least bad behavior.  Here is a short list:

1. Angelica - Wear a sprig inside your lapel to protect yourself from evil, but be careful you could also keep yourself from seeing opportunities.

2. Borage (see the herb of the month post on Borage) Borage leaves or flowers placed nearby will encourage people to tell the truth so you can avoid secrets, and dishonesty.

borage about to bloom

3. Caraway – wear the seeds in an amulet to protect against disease and ill health.  And if you put some in your spouses pockets it will protect against infidelity.

4. Dill – Hang a bundle of dill over a child’s bed to protect against evil fairies.

5. Fennel – bunches hung over the door were believed to keep away witchcraft.

6. Lavender will shield you and your home from negative energy.  This can be fresh or dried lavender, lavender essential oil or perfume or even incense in a lavender scent.

7. Marjoram – long known as a protector and healing herb, you can sprinkle it by the doorjamb to keep away burglars and unwanted visitors.

marjoram

8.  Pennyroyal – this mint plant has a musky scent and can be burned to protect a home against domestic abuse or violence.

9. Rue: Wear a sprig fresh or dried in an amulet to protect yourself against illness.

rue seeds

10. Rosemary – used in a bath can protect the bather from negativity and evil.

11. Yarrow – packed into amulets to protect against blindness, robbers and barking dogs.