In many parts of the Highlands the yarrow is called Cathair-thalanda, which means the same as c. làir, lit. the ground chair.
“THE ENTICING PLANT” (Lus an tàlaidh).
This plant grows in soft places among heather, and has a purple flower. From the descriptions given of it, it seems to be the purple orchis or wild hyacinth. It has two roots, one larger than the other, and it is in these its magic power consists. The largest represents the man, the lesser a woman, whose affections are to be gained. The plant is to be pulled by the roots before sunrise, with the face directed to the south. Whichever root is used is to be immediately placed in spring water, taking care that no part of the sun’s surface is above the horizon. If it sinks, the person whose love is sought will prove the future husband or wife. If the charm is made for no one in particular, the root reduced to powder and put below the pillow causes dreams of the person to be married.
THE DAUGHTER OF THE KING OF ENCHANTMENTS
(Neghinn Righ Sionnach).
The daughter of Righ Sionnach was found in the hunting hill by a party of hunters, as the writer heard the story, and they took her home with them. The Chief married her, and she lived with his mother in the same house, and had three children before she was heard to utter a word. Afterwards, on the occasion of a feast being prepared, they gave her a candle to hold when she said:
“On thine account candle
Put in my hand to hold
Standing in the smoke
That was not my customary wont