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Centuries ago, our ancestors used herbs for more than just seasoning soup.  As a matter of fact, herbs were used for healing and Magick long before they were used as seasonings.  But the Witches and the Wise Ones all knew the Magickal use of herbs.  They used herbs in potions, incenses and amulets to ward off evil, attract prosperity, protect children and women in labor, and to heal illnesses.

When herbs were added to foods, they were primarily included for their Magickal or medicinal properties, rather than for their flavor.  Much of this lore was forgotten, but fortunately for our generation, not all of it has been lost, and much that had been lost has now been either relearned through experimentation or rediscovered through research of ancient books.  This is an exciting time to be alive, because the Internet has given people even in remote areas access to books that once would be found only in a few libraries, out of reach of the average Witch.

Because of today’s awareness of Earth’s fragility, we modern Witches, Pagans and Wise Ones are once again focusing on the gifts that the Mother has given us.

Just what is Magick?  Most of us are familiar with contemporary styles of prestidigitation, sleight-of-hand, illusion, and stage-magic, performed by such greats as Siegfried and Roy, (our personal favorites.)  These performers are wonderfully entertaining, and a true delight to the mind and the eye.

Real Magick, on the other hand, is much more than illusory stage tricks.  Magick influences the environment by using the natural energy that surrounds us, focused by the disciplined will of the Mage or Witch.  Just as our minds, bodies and spirits work together and influence each other, the physical plane and the psychic or astral planes are linked. The astral can influence the physical as easily as the physical can the astral.  They all come together in beauty, within the Laws of Nature.

There are many earth-oriented, goddess-oriented and pagan religions that practice Magick, however, Magick in and of itself is not necessarily a religious practice.  Some traditions believe that Magick should always be a religious rite and there are others that use Magick as a tool for everyday living, with no religious implications at all.  We have no desire to get into a debate on the merits of these two approaches.

Unlike some others, we at Wolf Moon Coven do not believe that we have the only true path to “higher truth.”

However, our tradition holds that Magick should only be worked for good.  We believe in the Three-Fold Law that says that whatever we send out, will come back three times over. So if we work Magick for good, good will come back to you three times over!  But if our work harms another, then Goddess help us!

And, since not all of us are perfect, to say the least, some of us have had occasion to see this in action, though it is much better to learn from observing the payback to another than to experience it in person!

For example, I know of a High Priestess who became angry with another over a purely business matter, having nothing to do with the Craft.  She acted irresponsibly, making numerous false accusations against the other.  But none of this triggered the Three-Fold Law.

It was not until she, and several members of her coven, tried to attack the other High Priestess with Magick that the Law kicked in.  And trust me when I tell you that the Goddess was swift and terrible to watch as they were taught a lesson in justice, honor and keeping their oaths.

But our purpose here is not to preach, but simply to provide information.  We want to discuss the properties and uses of herbs in Amulets, Ceremonies, Charms, Potions and Rituals. 

Supplies Needed for Herbal Magick

Please Note  ~  True Magick comes from the inherent properties of the herbs, combined with the intent of the Mage or Witch.  If, for example, one is tired and lacking in energy, no matter how talented the Witch, Chamomile and Valerian are poor choices for herbal Magick to enhance alertness and wakefulness.

The traditional choices of ritual tools for herbal Magick would include:

Boline ~ The Witch’s “White Handled Knife.”  This should be a ritually consecrated knife, used only for the practice of Magick.  It can be used to harvest the herbs, to chop herbs which you would not want to grind, or for a variety of other Magickal purposes.

Mortar and Pestle ~ Used to grind herbs.  The bowl-shaped mortar represents feminine energy, just as the phallic-shaped pestle represents masculine energy.  Using the two together imparts a balance of energies, and the energy of the Witch in grinding by hand adds much Magickal energy to the herbs being ground.  It goes without saying that the Witch should be concentrating and focusing his or her intent throughout the grinding process.  Grinding the herbs while sitting on the couch watching TV just doesn’t add a thing.

Hand Scythe (Sickle) ~ For the purist, this crescent-bladed knife is considered the perfect tool for harvesting herbs.  The ancient Druids used Gold Sickles to harvest the holiest and most Magickal herb of their tradition, the Mistletoe.

It might also be nice to keep on hand a special basket to hold herbs while drying them, and a special glass or glazed ceramic container to hold your brews.

Can one practice herbal Magick (or other kinds) without special tools?  Of course we can. 

The whole purpose of using special tools is similar to the purpose for wearing ritual robes and special jewelry for celebration of Magickal rites.  From the moment one begins to prepare to perform Magick, every step brings one closer to the proper state of mind.

We have used plain, ordinary kitchen knives for cutting, slicing and chopping.  We’ve used pottery or wooden bowls and the backs of spoons for grinding.  We have even used blenders and food processors. 

But there is no question that using special implements, blessed and consecrated, enhances the effectiveness of the work.  And it must be remembered, that once a tool is consecrated for any Magickal purpose, it should never be used for anything else!

Harvesting Herbs

If at all possible, you should grow and harvest your own herbs.  But realistically, this is simply impossible for many of us.  For example, our Coven is located in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area, where it is possible to harvest a number of wild herbs, and to grow many others. 

However, there are many herbs which grow only in dry climates, or which require a cold, dormant period.

Spanish Moss and Bay leaves, for example, can be harvested in the wild here.  Mistletoe cannot.

Many of us live in large cities and sprawling urban areas where there is more asphalt than topsoil. 

The saving factor is that today’s Witch has access to dried herbs from anywhere in the world. Just be sure that the herbs are either wild-harvested or organic.  The last thing you would want is to brew up a wonderful healing potion using herbs that have been laced with pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

Herbs For Protection

The herbs that are most normally used for protection are those that have powers to disperse evil and create a protective barrier when burned, carried on your person, or hung wherever protection is needed.  Because these herbs contain positive energy they are able to repel, or bounce back negative vibrations or energy.

Protection spells should be done during a waxing moon, suggested colors are red and white. The following herbs are generally considered protective in nature (this is certainly not a complete list!):

Angelica, Balm of Gilead, Basil, Betony, Dill, Elder berries, Fennel, Garlic (of course), Horehound, Hyssop, Mistletoe, Mugwort, Mullein, Rose Geranium, Rosemary, Rue, St John’s Wort, Tarragon and Vervain. 

One of the simplest protective spells is to make a charm using three of the above herbs, mix them together and place them in the center of a red or white piece of cloth. (One made of Elderberries, Rosemary and Tarragon has a really delightful fragrance if it is to be used indoors.)  Gather up the corners, tie and charge the sachet saying words like:

"By Water, Earth, Fire and Air,

Protect that for which I care!"

Repeat the chant three times, with greater strength and authority each time.  Carry the charm with you.  To protect the home, place it in the highest point of the house or near the hearth (the kitchen if you don’t have a fireplace).  To protect you and your car while driving, place the charm under the driver’s seat. 

Herbs For Purification

Ever felt a sensation that something just wasn’t right? Your house didn’t seem like home anymore, a visitor left and didn’t take their bad energy with them? Maybe purification is in order. There are many herbs with purifying properties: Bay, Mugwort, Yarrow, Rosemary, Sage, Angelica, Basil, and Juniper to name a few.

Powder the herbs you wish to use (use 3, 7 or 9 different herbs, or multiples of these) and make a purification incense.  As you charge the herbal mix, visualize a crisp, clean breeze blowing all the negativity out of the house. Then light the incense and carrying it through every room in the house. As you go from room to room, visualize the incense driving away any leftover negativity. This should be done with all the windows open and pets and other people out of the house.

It is good to purify a new home, before you move in, just to make sure the previous tenant didn’t leave any nastiness behind.  A favorite is to brew up some rosemary tea (nice and strong) and dip a branch of rosemary, rue or yarrow into the tea and thoroughly asperge (sprinkle) every room in the house. While doing this visualize washing away of all negative influences. The rosemary is a wonderful odor-chaser as well; it leaves a clean, fresh smelling house to return to.

Many people like to purify by smudging. Sage is a very commonly used smudge. If you can gather and dry your own wild sage for smudging, do so.  Just light a sprig of dried sage (You can carry a little tray or saucer under the lit sprig, in case some burning bit drops) and carry it from room to room, visualizing any negativity being replaced by the purifying fragrance of the sage.  One can also make a protective sigil at each window and doorway, thus purifying and protecting in one fell swoop!

Follow up your purification with a new protective charm, and you should be good to go for several months. Many witches and pagans do a purification and protection sequence every full moon, others every quarter and some only when needed.

Charm Bags

Making charms for a variety of purposes is both easy and effective.  And what’s more, it is even fun!  Here are a few simple but powerful charms:  (Note:  All chants are to be said three times, and after the third, conclude with “So Mote it Be!”)

Prosperity

For a prosperity charm, for example, take a small bag of green cloth, place three bay leaves and a small piece of lodestone inside, then anoint the outside of the bag with a drop of sweet almond oil.  As you anoint the bag, say:

“Fortune smile on me this day,

May all I need come my way.”

Do this after the New Moon, and carry the bag on your person every day until the Full Moon, then bury the bag on your own property.  (If this is not possible, then in a park or even in a planter.)

Romance

To attract a romantic lover, begin with a small bag of pink or white cloth.  Add a piece of rose quartz and fill the remainder of the bag with lavender and pine needles.  Anoint the bag with sweet patchouli oil.  As you anoint the bag, say:

“By Air, Earth, Fire and Sea,

Bring my one true love to me.”

Do this while the moon is waxing, but do not try it between the Full Moon and the New Moon. Sleep with the bag under your pillow until you get results.

Passion

If you are more interested in a passionate lover than a romantic one, follow the above formula, but add a stick of cinnamon and two whole nutmegs to the bag, along with the lavender, and anoint the bag with cinnamon oil.  As you anoint the bag, say:

“Blazing passion, my desire,

Come and set my heart on fire.”

But be careful what you wish for.  You just might get it!  Remaining steps are the same asRomance, above.

Protection

To protect oneself from negative energy, take a small white bag; place a small piece of smoky quartz and one of clear quartz inside.  Take five leaves of oleander and add them to the bag, being extremely careful not to get any sap on you.  If you do come in contact with the sap, remember that it is highly toxic, so wash up immediately and thoroughly.  Handling the leaves with rubber gloves is not a bad idea.  Anoint the bag with Frankincense oil, saying:

“Minions of the Dark now quit this place,

For only Light will I embrace.”

Do this during the waning phases of the Moon, visualizing your surroundings being filled with a pure, white and golden light, driving out any darkness from every corner.  At the New Moon, burn the bag, being careful to be upwind of the smoke.  Remember:  Oleander is deadly.  Bevery careful!

Health

To attract good health, use a small blue or purple bag.  Add a small piece of amethyst, then fill the bag with lavender, white sage and a little St. John’s Wort.  Anoint the bag with Amber oil, saying:

“Keep my mind and body strong and fit,

Strengthen both my heart and wit.”

Do this during the waxing phase of the moon, and sleep with the bag under your pillow at night.  This one can be kept as long as necessary, but if you wish to dispose of it, do so with respect, either burning or burying it.

All these Charm Bags may be used in combination with Candle Magick, as well as other methods.

The Charms, Amulets and Talismans discussed in this class are only enough to scratch the surface.  If you feel called to these types of Magick, you will need both study and inspiration. And don’t be afraid to experiment.  The intent of the user is the primary source of the strength of the spells and rituals used.  When you do experiment, however, keep detailed written records of exactly what you did, the time of day (or night), the date, the phase of the moon, and your results.  Over time, you could develop a style of Magick all your own.

For help in choosing the herbs, oils and stones to use in your own charm bags, you can find a lot of help in many of Scott Cunningham’s books, including “Earth, Fire, Air and Water,” “Encyclopedia of Magickal Herbs,” and others.  Study.  Learn.  Enjoy.

Blessed Be!


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Herbal PropertiesNote:  G/P/E refers to the Gender/Planet/Element with which the plant is related.  When the information is not provided, it means that the relationships are either non-existent or unknown.  For each herb, the Magickal attributes are listed first, then the uses.  Those for which no medicinal uses are know, (such as Amaranth) list only the Magickal attributes.

ALOE--G/P/E: Feminine, Moon, Water.

Magickal attributes: Beauty, protection, success, and peace.

Uses—Aloe has always been k from the plant or in gel form for burns, sunburns, and can relieve poison ivy rash and helps to combat a variety of bacteria that commonly cause infections in skin wounds.  It is well known for its healing qualities.  For treating wounds and maintaining healthy skin. It may be applied directly to the skin from the leaf (after peeling off the spines and one side of the tough outer protective covering.  It is also an excellent additive for soaps and creams as a conditioner.  After using gel from a leaf the opened leaf will seal itself so you can store it in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for future uses.

AMARANTH (Cockscomb)--Magickal attributes: repair a broken heart.

ANGELICA (Archangelica-Angelica)—G/P/E: Masculine, Venus, Fire.

Magickal attributes: Protection, Exorcism.

Uses—Grow in the garden as a protection.  Carry the root with you as an amulet.  Burn the dried leaves in exorcism rituals.

ANISE--G/P/E: Masculine, Jupiter or Moon, Air.

Magickal attributes: Protection, purification, awareness, joy.

Uses—For treating coughs, bronchitis and a stuffy nose, it loosens bronchial congestion, making it easier to cough it up and expel it. A good breath freshener in the morning, and if kept by the bed it will prevent bad dreams. Also a digestive aid and can relieve an upset stomach and flatulence when taken as a tea, and a treatment for colic.  Also suggested that anise may be beneficial to women because certain chemicals in the plant are chemical cousins to the female hormone estrogen.  Though it is mild, anise may help to relieve the discomfort of menopause.  In traditional folk medicine it has been used to promote milk production in nursing mothers.  It's recommended dosage would be 1 teaspoonful of seeds for every cup of boiling water, steep 10-20 minutes and strain, drink 3 cups a day for maximum effect.  A good general cleansing bath is made with a handful of anise seeds and a few bay leaves. A pillow of anise keeps away nightmares. It is also a good sedative.

BASIL--G/P/E: Masculine, Mars, Fire

Magickal attributes: Protection, love, wealth (if carried in your wallet), healing relationships, courage, fertility, and exorcism.

Uses—It is good as a tea for calming the nerves, settling the stomach, and easing cramps and good for the bladder.  In tincture form, also makes a good hair rinse for brunettes. An ingredient of the Purification bath sachet. Add to love sachets and incenses.

BAY--G/P/E: Masculine, Mars, Fire

Magickal attributes: wisdom, protection, and psychic powers

Uses—DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY (except when used well-diluted as a seasoning) Use as a poultice on the chest for bronchitis and chest colds.

CARAWAY--G/P/E: Masculine, Mercury, Air

Magickal attributes: Protection, Passion

Uses—Add to love sachets and charms to attract a lover in the more physical aspect.  It is also a mild stimulant for digestion.

CATNIP--G/P/E: Feminine, Venus, Water.

Magickal attributes: Cat magic, familiars, joy, friendship, and love.

Uses—Its flowers and leaves have often been used to treat colds and insomnia. It lowers fevers, dries up postnasal drip, gets rid of bad headaches and relieves sore aching bones due to colds and flu, when taken in tea form, 2-3 times daily. As incense it may be used to consecrate Magickal tools.

CHAMOMILE--G/P/E: Masculine, Sun or Venus, Water.

Magickal attributes: Good as meditation incense, for centering, peace, sprinkle in your home for protection, healing, and money.

Uses—Is an excellent herb both internally and externally for calming.  Great for digestion, fevers, burns, ulcers, anti-inflammatory for wounds, and sedative for nervous disorders.  It is often used to relieve stomachaches and diarrhea in infants and small children (always using in diluted form). As a tea, made of 2 teaspoons of the herb steeped for 5 minutes in a cup of boiling water, it is a gentle sleep inducer.  Chamomile also makes an excellent insect repellent, simply splash some tea on face arms and feet.  It is also a good hair rinse for blondes. Plant chamomile in your garden to be the guardian of the land, and you will have certain success.

CAYENNE PEPPER--G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire

Magickal attributes:  Protection, strength, working with Salamanders (Fire Elementals)

Uses—An excellent flu fighter. Promotes fast recovery, stops internal and external bleeding, said to prevent heart attacks and also helps with depression and headaches. Also makes a fine liniment, quickly bringing blood to the surface of the skin, use either cider vinegar or alcohol as base for the liniment. Dilute with rose water or distilled water, heating the vinegar or spirits before using them.

CINNAMON--G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.

Magickal attributes: Spiritual quests, augmenting power, love, success, psychic work, healing, cleansing.

Uses—It is recommended as a skin astringent and digestive aid in tea form. Ground, or taken with milk, good balance after a heavy meal or dessert.  Also used for diarrhea, dysentery or general indigestion. It is an excellent aromatic and makes a good anointing oil for any Magickal working.

CLOVE—G/P/E: Masculine, Jupiter or Uranus, Fire.

Magickal attributes:  Protection and money; dispel negativity; incense against gossip; vision, and cleansing.

Uses—It has a mild antiseptic quality for toothaches (chew), or in tea form it is an expectorant for colds, also good foe nausea or vomiting.  It is an antibacterial, antiseptic, and analgesic, which means that helps prevent disease and infection.

COMFREY--G/P/E: Feminine, Saturn, Water.

Magickal attributes: Safe travel spells, money, healing.

Uses—Has been known to slow bleeding, aid colds, ease burns.  As a poultice or a tea, comfrey may be applied to bites, sores, rashes, broken bones, and cuts. It is a good ingredient for lotions to soothe sunburn. 

CORIANDER--G/P/E: Masculine, Mars, Fire.

Magickal attributes: Protection of home, peace, good in ritual drinks, incenses for longevity and love, security.

Uses—If added to wine, it makes a serviceable love potion for 2 consenting parties. Also used in love sachets and charms.

DANDELION--G/P/E: Masculine, Jupiter, Air.

Magickal attributes: Divination, welcoming, messages.

Uses—The ground root can act as a coffee substitute, and the flowers make a lovely wine. A superb cleansing tonic, and the milky juice is a diuretic, a tonic and a relief for common stomach problems. Use a handful of flower tops to 1 pint of boiling water, steep 10 minutes and strain.  Drink this several times a day. Use the milky latex from the stem, rub on a wart several times daily and soon it’s gone.  It is also good for night blindness.

FENNEL--G/P/E: Masculine, Mercury, Fire.

Magickal attributes: Purification, protection, healing, and money.

Uses—Sometimes employed as an appetite suppressant and digestive aid. Used in tea form to expel mucus.  Chew the seeds slowly for get rid of really bad breath, or use the fluid extract to rub on gums.

 

GINGER--G/P/E: Masculine, Mars, Fire.

Magickal attributes: Power, success, love, and money

Uses—Acts as an aid to ingestion or colds (tea form). Also in tea form, good for cramps, to stimulate the digestive organs, migraines and nausea, external stiffness.  Can be added to the bath as a way to ease pain and increase circulation, but only use a few sprinkles, not to much, like cayenne, ginger quickly brings the blood to the surface of the skin. For pain you can also soak cloths in ginger tea and apply them directly to the painful areas. Add in cooking to detoxify meat, especially chicken.  A good healing tea is made from a pinch of peppermint, a pinch of ginger and either a pinch of clove powder or 2 bruised cloves, add 1 cup of hot water and steep.

GINSENG--G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.

Magickal attributes: Love, wishes, beauty, and desire.

Uses—Stimulant, tonic, and agent for prolonged life.  Also a mild pain killer, and improves blood circulation. Reported to successfully treat asthma, bronchitis, cancer, flatulence, diabetes, weakness, fever, coughs and heartburn, and a mild stimulant.  In tea form it helps to relieve stress and moderate heart disease.

GARLIC--G/P/E: Masculine, Mars, Fire.

Magickal attributes:  Protection, healing, good weather, courage, and exorcism.

Uses—Lowers tension, ease colds, and improve circulation. Garlic vinegar can be used to disinfect wounds and soothe rheumatic pain and any common pain (made from one liter of vinegar and ten cloves of crushed garlic steeped for at least 10 days). Shrinks warts, relieves pain from teeth and earaches. Good for high and low blood pressure and removing parasites and infections. To ease the pain of aching joints, a toothache or an earache, place a crushed raw bulb of garlic on a piece of gauze and place over the area of pain.  For joints, try using garlic paste.

LAVENDER--G/P/E: Masculine, Mercury, Air.

Magickal attributes: Sleep, long life, peace, wishes, protection, love, and purification.

Uses—Has strong antiseptic qualities. Mild infusions (3 tablespoons to 6 cups of water) make a good sedative, headache treatment, and digestive aid.  Used in oil or tincture form to heal cuts, burns or scalds, bites. This also acts as a tonic and may be used for colds, chills, and the flu.  Lavender is an excellent aromatic, usually mixing well with other floral scents.  An ingredient in the Purification bath sachet and also used in purification incenses.  Witches throw it onto the Midsummer fires as a sacrifice to the ancient Gods. Lavender is a frequent addition to healing sachets, especially bath mixtures, and is added to incense to cause sleep. Lavender is a great antibiotic, antiviral, antidepressant, sedative and detoxifier.  Stimulates the immune system.

 

LEMON--G/P/E: Feminine, Moon or Neptune, Water.

Magickal attributes: Purification, love, and blessings.

Uses—Sweetens breath.  Antiseptic, antibacterial and hypotensive.  For chills and sore throat, the juice of a lemon mixed in a glass of honey and warm water, taken 3 times daily should help. For nosebleeds, apply a small piece of cotton, soaked in lemon juice.  In oil form it is used for treating warts, insect bites, tension headaches, eliminates cellulite, and is an anti-wrinkle tonic.. Stimulates the digestive system.  Also makes a good skin cleanser, hair rinse for blondes, and cleaning agent for brass and silver.

LILAC--G/P/E: Feminine, Moon, Water

Magickal attributes: Protection, beauty and love

MARIGOLD--G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.

Magickal attributes: Prophesy, legal matters, the psychic, seeing Magickal creatures, love, clairvoyance, dreams, business or legal affairs.

Uses—For internal use the flowers are prepared by infusion and recommended for the flu, fever, rheumatism, jaundice, and painful menstruation. Externally, buds are made into compresses for the treatment of burns. Marigold petal ointment can help chapped hands and varicose veins, also works wonders with eczema and inflammation.  To ease inflammation, dip a compress into a strong marigold tea combined with an equal part of apple cider vinegar.  Sprains can also be helped with marigold petals steeped in vinegar, or make a lotion with milk.  Simmer 12 heads in 2 cups milk, steep, strain and apply. Also use as an antiseptic in first aid.   Place the flower beneath the head at night to induce clairvoyant dreams.  Sometimes added to love sachets. It should be gathered at noon.

MARJORAM--G/P/E: Masculine, Mercury, Air

Magickal attributes: protection, love, healing.

Uses—Add to all love charms. Give to a grieving person to bring them happiness.

MINT  (SPEARMINT & PEPPERMINT)—G/P/E: Masculine, Mercury or Venus, Air.

Magickal attributes: Money, healing, strength, augment power, luck, travel.

Uses—Mint in tea form aids upset stomachs, flu, and can be used to ease hiccups. Inhalation of the leaves in boiling water is recommended for head colds and asthma.  Mint tea used instead of aspirin is great for headaches, particularly premenstrual headaches.  Nervous headaches can be relieved if you lie in a dark room with fresh peppermint leaves on the forehead.  Aids the respiratory and circulatory systems. An anti-inflammatory and an antiseptic.  Ideal for treating indigestion, flatulence, varicose veins, headaches, migraines, skin irritations, rheumatism, toothache, and general fatigue.

 

MYRRH--G/P/E: Feminine, Jupiter or Moon, Water.

Magickal attributes: Bless objects, lift energy, spiritual growth, focus.

Uses—Myrrh oil can act as a mosquito repellent, and in tincture form it is a good treatment for gums.

NETTLE--G/P/E: Masculine, Mars, Fire.

Magickal attributes: To avert danger, protection, healing.

Uses—Use gloves to handle so as to avoid getting pricked. High in vitamin C and iron and when in tea form can ease asthma and up your energy levels.

PARSLEY--G/P/E: Masculine, Mercury, Air.

Magickal attributes: Fresh parsley leaves in tea form are a treatment for cramps, while dried root decoctions eases urinary infections and arthritis. Externally, crushed leaves relieve insect bites, and may be applied in poultice form to sprains.

PINE--G/P/E: Masculine, Mars, Air.

Magickal attributes: Attunement to nature, centering, cleansing, healing, productivity, and purification against illness.

Uses—Pine buds prepared by decoction act as an expectorant and antiseptic. This same mixture can be used for inhalation for head colds, although it is easier to toss some needles in hot water.  Green cones and needles can be added to bath water to ease muscle pains and swelling.  For magic, pine is best suited for its aromatic qualities of bringing one back into balance, and enhancing connection with the natural world.

POPPY--G/P/E: Female, Moon, Water

Magickal attributes: Fertility, Prosperity

Uses—Use the seeds in prosperity amulets.

ROSE--G/P/E: Feminine, Venus, Water.

Magickal attributes: Love, friendship, luck, protection, psychic power and divination.

Uses—Conserves of roses or rose petals in honey are often recommended for nausea and sore throats. Roses are high in vitamin C.

ROSEMARY--G/P/E: Masculine, Sun, Fire.

Magickal attributes: Improve memory, sleep, purification, youth, love, power, healing, and protection.  Enhances intellectual activities.

Uses—Promotes healing of wounds, acts as an antiseptic, and can be a mild stimulant. Good in teas for treating flu, stress, and headaches or body aches. Mental and physical booster. In oil form, it is used for treating muscular sprains, arthritis, rheumatism, depression, fatigue, memory loss, migraine headaches, coughs, flu and diabetes.  It is an excellent remedy for acne or cellulite.  When the leaves are soaked in wine for two weeks, small glasses may be taken as a digestive aid. Oil of rosemary is excellent in hair conditioners, and the flowers of this herb may be added to lotion recipes to improve the complexion. Add to all purification bath sachets, love incenses, and protection incenses.  Make a simple of rosemary and use it to cleanse the hands before working magic, if you have no time for a regular ritual bath.  Burn rosemary and juniper as a healing and recuperation incense.

SAGE--G/P/E: Masculine, Jupiter or Venus, Air.

Magickal attributes: Fertility, longevity, wishes, wisdom, and protection.

Uses—Can be used in an infusion to aid digestion, or as part of a honey wine to fight colds and fever. When applied in compresses it can ease many skin discomforts, including dandruff. If made into cream it is good for muscular pain, and if dried and smoked sometimes gives relief to asthma.

THYME--G/P/E: Feminine, Venus, Water.

Magickal attributes: Sleep, psychic energy, courage, healing.

Uses—Powerful antiviral, antibiotic, and diuretic properties.  It helps eliminate wastes from the body. It is used in treating whooping coughs, warts, rheumatism and acne.  A strong antiseptic which when prepared by infusion is useful for poor digestion, exhaustion, colds, and infections, and with honey is an effective treatment for sore throats. Also used in tea form as a fever breaker, headache reducer and to be rid of intestinal worms, and can be used as a mouthwash.  It is a great insect repellent.  Use both the leaves and flowers.  This tea works best for headaches when taken cold.  Take a Magickal cleansing bath in the spring of thyme and marjoram (used in tea form or whole herbs). A pillow stuffed with it cures nightmares.

VALERIAN--G/P/E: Feminine, Mercury or Venus, Water.

Magickal attributes: Love, calming, sleep.

Uses—Use the dried, powdered root.  Promotes relaxation while counteracting the effects of insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, headaches, premenstrual syndrome and menstrual cramping. For sleep, before bed take 1 teaspoon of herb to 1 pint of water and simmer. Also acts as a good substitute for catnip.  Use the fresh herb in spells of love, also to get fighting couples together. Used in the Purification bath sachet.

 

WITCH HAZEL--G/P/E: Masculine, Saturn or Sun, Fire.

Magickal attributes: Protection, chastity, healing the heart.

Uses—In tincture form it is good as a mouth rinse and to ease hemorrhoids. As a compress, witch hazel can be applied to insect bites and other skin irritations.

 

YARROW--G/P/E: Feminine, Venus, Water.

Magickal Uses—Courage, love, psychic abilities, divination.

Uses— A very potent healer, it intensifies the medicinal action of other herbs taken with it. Helps eliminate toxins (good for colds).  Most useful in its abilities to staunch blood flow.  In poultice form, it is useful against infections and swelling. In magic there is evidence that yarrow was often used as a component in incantations. The tea drunk prior to divination will enhance one's powers of perception (a touch of peppermint brightens this brew up and always works better). Also drink the tea to stop arthritis symptoms such as swelling and inflammation and generally end all aching, sore muscles, or stiff joints or back pain. A powerful incense additive for divination and love spells.  Also associated with weather divination.


    Author

    Lady Hekate)0(
    Sources
    Cuninghams- Herbal Magick / Herbal Magicvk- A Witche' guide to Herbal enchantments

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