At a glance
- Common name
- Yarrow
- Botanical name
- Achillea millefolium
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Parts mentioned in historical records
- Aerial parts, leaves, flowers
- Traditional correspondences
- Venus / Mars; Water / Air
Historical record
Named after Achilles, who according to the Iliad used yarrow to treat his wounded Myrmidon warriors at the siege of Troy. Dried yarrow stalks have been used for over 3,000 years in China to cast the I Ching.
Folklore and mythology
Plucked with the left hand under the full moon while reciting charms to dream of one's future spouse. Tied over baby cradles to shield against fairy changelings. Known as 'Soldier's Woundwort' and 'Devil's Nettle'.
Sacred to Achilles and Chiron the Centaur. In Chinese Taoist lore, yarrow stalks act as sacred conduits connecting heaven, earth, and human destiny during hexagram divination.
Tradition: Greco-Roman & Chinese Taoism Associated figures: Achilles & Shennong / I Ching Sages
Achilles learned its wound-closing virtues from Chiron the Centaur to heal soldiers at Troy; Taoist masters selected 50 straight yarrow stalks as sacred divination wands for the I Ching.
Plucked with the left hand under moonlight to dream of future lovers; sewn into baby bonnets to prevent fairy changelings.
Mystical correspondences
Correspondences vary by tradition and source.
Safety first
Historical and spiritual associations do not establish that Yarrow is safe or effective. Do not use this page as instructions for ingesting, smoking, inhaling, or applying Yarrow.
For current safety information, check a health authority or ask a qualified clinician or pharmacist, especially during pregnancy or lactation, while taking medication, or with an allergy or health condition.