Herb Magic

Herbalism in Magic

Herbs have enormous magical power, as they hold the earth’s energy within them. Each herb has unique properties that can enhance one’s magical goals. Herbs also may have medicinal properties. The magical practitioner can draw upon either aspect when performing a spell.

Following are three key herbs I use in my work, and the magical properties associated with each :

• Rosemary has many uses in magic. Rosemary from one’s garden can be used in magic, but it is also found as incense and an essential oil. The primary associations of rosemary are: healing, protection, purification, love, strength, memory, stress relief, and mental clarity. Rosemary is associated with the Sun and with the zodiac sign of Leo.
• Thyme has numerous magical properties. It is available as an essential oil, it can be burned as incense and the leaves can be made into poultices and teas. Thyme’s associations include: healing, love, psychic knowledge and purification. Thyme is associated with two planets, Mercury and Venus; with the element of water; and with Taurus and Libra.
• Lavender can be used in dream pillows, as incense and as an essential oil. Lavender’s associations include: happiness, love, beauty, protection, purification, relaxation, sleep and psychic knowledge. Lavender is associated with the planet Mercury; with the element of air; and with Gemini and Virgo.

Harvest herbs in the morning after the sun has dried the dew but before the heat of the day sets in. Use a sharp magical knife (a bolline) to cut herbs; the knife should be consecrated specifically for this purpose. Thank the plant for its gift, and offer it something in return, perhaps some water, organic fertilizer or mulch. Harvest only the amount of herbs needed, except when pruning the plants, to ensure healthy growth for the following season.

The most prevalent ingredients of magic spells are processed botanicals, especially dried plants, herbs and oils. Drying plants preserves them for extended use, allowing you to work with plants out of season and with those that are cannot be grown in your region.

Dried botanicals frequently are sold already chopped, cut or powdered. As these actions usually need to be done before spell casting, purchasing botanicals that are ready to be used can save time and effort. There is a caveat, of course. Leaves and blossoms, even chopped often retain their characteristics, such as aroma, and so are easily distinguishable. You are unlikely to confuse rose with peppermint or hibiscus! 

Roots on the other hand - often the most magically potent part of the plant - once chopped or powdered are fairly indistinguishable one from the other. It is not uncommon for unethical or ignorant vendors to substitute one root for another. If you need a distinct root, buy the whole root and grind and powder it yourself, even thought this can be difficult and time consuming. This is the only way to guarantee that you are receiving what you want. The only way to maintain control over what may be a pivotal ingredient.

Familiarize yourself with herbs and other botanicals. Know what they should look like, and what they should smell like, and you'll be less likely to be fooled.

If you grow plants or have access to fresh ones, it is quite easy to dry them yourself. Hang botanicals upside down in small bunches. Don't overcrowd them - you want air to circulate. Allow the botanicals to hang in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight until dry.