Category: Herbal This & That
Herbs for Your Witchy Brew
The Various Uses for Herbs
The Various Uses for Herbs
Most magical practices make use of herbs in various ways, often in rituals and magical workings. Often they are used as incense, when they are crushed and powdered, or as oils. Their properties mean that they create a type of force field that intensifies the vibration needed. Additionally, when the practitioner calls upon the power of the Gods and spirits, the herbs become even more effective.
Simply having particular herbs in your sacred space or having them about your person is sufficient to begin the process of enhancing the area or your personal vibration. You can use them in incense and dedicate them to the appropriate Elements and Deities. Many of the herbs mentioned can be obtained from a good herbalist, though for those of you who are truly interested it would be worthwhile creating a small herb garden or growing them on your windowsill.
Now for the Uses of Herbs
PROTECTION
Such herbs guard against physical and psychic attacks, injury, accidents and such things as wicked spirits. They usually offer protection in a general sort of way.
LOVE
The vibration of these herbs is such that they can help you to meet new people, to overcome shyness and let others know that you are open to new relationships. They put out a particular vibration so that those who are interested will answer the call. The safest way to use them is to accept that several people may be attracted to you and you will then be able to make an informed choice.
FIDELITY
Some herbs and plants can by tradition be used to ensure fidelity. You do have to have a firm belief that you have a right to another’s devotion before imposing your will on them. Using a spell for fidelity amounts to a binding spell and you must make allowances for the person’s own integrity. It should always be remembered that it is unwise, and sometimes unhelpful, to both parties to hold anyone in a relationship against their will.
HEALING
Many herbs have healing properties which can help from both a physical and a magical viewpoint. A practitioner working from both points of view can be of tremendous help in managing illness. However, always remember to advise anyone you work with in this way to seek qualified medical assistance. Never allow yourself to be drawn into being a substitute for medical help.
HEALTH
Not only the smell of herbs and plants, but also their vibration, can help to prevent illness and restore good health. So, if you are prone to illness, carry health herbs with you and make sure they are always as fresh as possible.
LUCK
Luck is the knack of being in the right place at the right time and being able to act on instinct. Luck herbs help you create your own good fortune. Once you have such a foundation, you can build upon it.
MONEY
It is sometimes easier to visualize the outcome of having money i.e. what you are going to spend the money on – than visualizing actual money coming to you. Certain herbs create an environment in which things can happen. They enable the creation of the means to fulfill your needs – perhaps a gift, a pay rise or some such thing.
ATTRACTING MEN
Jasmine, Juniper (dried berries worn as a charm), Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Lovage, Orris Root, Patchouli
ATTRACTING WOMEN
Henbane, Holly, Juniper (dried berries worn as a charm), Lemon Verbena, Lovage, Orris Root, Patchouli
BANISHING
Hyssop, Lilac, St John’s Wort
CLEANSING
Cinnamon, Clove, Lovage (powdered root), Pine, Thyme (in baths), Vervain (of sacred spaces)
COURAGE
Basil, Garlic, Mullein, Nettle, St John’s Wort, Thyme, Wormwood, Yarrow
EXORCISM
Angelica, Basil, Birch, Frankincense, Juniper, Garlic, St John’s Wort
FERTILITY
Acorns, Geranium, Hawthorn, Mandrake, Orange (dried and powdered peel), Pine, Poppy, Sage, Sunflower (seeds)
FRIENDSHIP
Lemon, Rose, Passion Flower
GOOD FORTUNE
Ash (leaves), Heather, Nutmeg, Rose, Vetivert
HAPPINESS
Anise, Catnip, Lily of the Valley, Marjoram, Saffron
HARMONY
Hyacinth, Heliotrope, Lilac, Meadowsweet
HEALING
Aloe, Ash, Camomile, Cinnamon, Comfrey, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Garlic, Hops, Marjoram, Mint, Nettle, Pine, Rosemary, Saffron, Sage, Sandalwood, Thyme, Yarrow
HEX-BREAKING
Chilli Pepper, Galangal, Vertivert
LOVE
Apple, Balm of Gilead, Basil, Caraway, Catnip, Coriander, Cowslip, Dill, Gardenia, Ginger, Ginseng, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Lavender, Linden, Marigold, Marjoram, Meadowsweet, Mistletoe, Myrtle, Rose, Rosemary, Valerian, Vervain, Violet (mixed with Lavender), Yarrow
LUCK
Apple, Ash (leaves), Hazel, Holly (for newly-weds), Ivy (for newly-weds), Mint, Rose, Rowan, Vervain, Violet (flowers)
LUST
Cinnamon, Lemongrass, Nettle, Rosemary, Violet
MEDITATION
Camomile, Elecampane, Frankincense, Vervain
MENTAL POWERS
Caraway, Lily of the Valley, Rosemary, Vanilla, Walnut
MONEY
Camomile, Cinnamon, Clove, Comfrey, Fennel, Ginger, Mint, Poppy Vervain
PEACE
Aloe, Camomile, Gardenia, Lavender, Myrtle, Violet
POWER
Carnation, Cinnamon, Ginger, Rosemary, Rowan
PROSPERITY
Acorn, Almond, Ash, Basil, Benzoin, Honeysuckle
Note: There are so many herbs suitable for the next three categories and the choice is such a personal one that we have included only a few suggestions. Your own further research will very much enhance your magical workings.
PROTECTION
Aloe, Angelica (Root), Anise, Balm of Gilead, Basil, Bay Laurel, Black Pepper, Caraway, Camomile, Dill (for children), Dragon’s Blood, Fennel, Garlic, Hawthorn, Holly, Hyssop, Lavender, Mandrake, Meadowsweet, Mistletoe, Mugwort, Nettle, Periwinkle, Rose, Rosemary, Rowan, Sage, St John’s Wort, Sandalwood, Vervain, Witch Hazel, Wormwood
PSYCHIC POWERS
Ash (leaves), Bay Laurel, Bay leaves, Cinnamon, Cowslip, Elecampane, Eyebright, Hyssop, Lavender, Marigold, Mugwort, Nutmeg, Rose, Thyme, Wormwood, Yarrow
PURIFICATION
Anise, Betony, Cinquefoil, Dragon’s Blood, Frankincense, Hyssop, Lavender, Lemon, Oak Leaves, Pine, Rosemary, Rue, Sandalwood, Thyme, Valerian, Vervain
SUCCESS
Cinnamon, Ginger, Lemon Balm, Rowan
SLEEP
Catnip, Hops, Lavender, Thyme, Valerian, Vervain
SPIRITUALITY
Cinnamon, Clover, Frankincense, Myrrh, Sandalwood
WISDOM
Peach (fruit), Sage, Sunflower
Decoctions
DECOCTIONS
Decoctions require simmering for a long time, opposed to steeping in boiled water like infusions. This means that the materials used in the tea must be crushed beforehand and cut into small pieces suitable for simmering temperatures. This method is just as simple as infusing as it only consists of a few simple steps.
Decoction – 30g herb to 750ml cold water which reduces down to approx 500ml. Bring up to heat and simmer gently for up to 30 minutes. This formula works on a standard dosage and makes approximately 3 doses. Decoctions should be made fresh each day and should be stored in the fridge. It may be sweetened and can be drunk hot or cold.
If you are using unusually hard roots then you may want to increase the simmering time until the roots begin to soften. If using fresh plant material double the quantity to dried. During this entire process you need to keep the saucepan covered to ensure the important oils and nutrients do not evaporate away. Strain before drinking.
Making Herbal Remedies (Herbology At Home)
Anke Bialas
Infusions
INFUSIONS
Herbal tea or tisanes are infusions – however a medicinal infusion is a lot stronger than a cup of herbal tea, therefore more of the herb material is needed.
Infusions are made of leaves, flowers, soft seeds and green stems. If the herb is particularly fragile you may wish to do a cold infusion. However, since this takes a long time, this method is usually reserved for the most delicate of herbs which lose their essential oils when heated.
Herbal Tea – 1 tsp of dried herb for every cup of almost boiling water. Cover and let infuse for approximately 10 minutes.
Hot Infusion – 25g dried herb for every 500 ml of almost boiling water. Cover and let infuse for up to 30 minutes. This formula works on a standard dosage of 3 times daily and makes approximately 3 doses.
Cold Infusion – Same basic ratio as for hot infusion applies, except you soak herbs in cold water for 8 hours or overnight.
Making Herbal Remedies (Herbology At Home)
Anke Bialas
The Perfect Brew
THE PERFECT BREW
As most of you will start of using herbal remedies in the form of herbal tea I thought I would write directions for what I consider the perfect pot of tea.
Warm your teapot or cup – this maintains the temperature once you add the water. It makes a lot of difference for very little effort. I like using glass or pottery. Of course you can dig out the good china too. If using metal, there are some great cast iron pots or stainless steel pots when making decoctions.
Do not over boil the water – it drains the water of oxygen. Water temperature: Use water just below boiling point – as low as 70C is perfect for fine aerial parts of the plant. If you are using a kettle, the water is ideal when it starts to make a “rumbling” sound.
Brewing time – adjust your brewing time depending on what herb you are using. Some teas can become quite bitter if left to infuse too long. Others can withstand a number of brews. As a rule of thumb use a standard of 10 – 15 minutes to infuse your herbs. You need enough time to release the active ingredients but not so much to make it too strong and unpleasant.
Sweetening herbal tea – if you like a sweeter tea you can certainly use some honey to improve the flavour. I personally use a bit of sugar as honey adds another flavour dimension which may not always be what you want. However, I would not recommend adding milk.
If you are planning to use herbs to make your own remedies at home then you will likely encounter the process of both infusions and decoctions. Infusions and decoctions are time honoured methods of delivering the health benefits of herbs.
Making Herbal Remedies (Herbology At Home)
Anke Bialas
Some Herbs Known to be Dangerous to Pregnant Women
“SOME” HERB’S KNOWN TO BE DANGEROUS TO PREGNANT WOMEN
ANGELICA Contains sterols and saponins in doses too high for safety during pregnancy. BLACKBERRY and RASPBERRY BLACK COHOSHand BLUE COHOSH Burdock CHAMOMILE CINNAMON OIK COW PARSNIP (YERBA DEL OSO) HTSSOP MISTLETOE MUGWORT PENNYROYAL Peony RUE SHEPERD’S PURSE THYME OIL UNICORN ROOT VERVAIN WORMWOOD YARROW
From the Website, Coven of the Goddess.com
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Herb Lore And Magick (NOW THE MAGICK)
Herb Lore And Magick
(NOW THE MAGICK)
Aloe Vera
Growing an aloe vera plant in the kitchen will help prevent burns and mishaps while cooking. It will also preven household accidents, and guard against evil.
Anise
Anise mixed with bay leaves provides an excellent bath additive prior to ritual. Using anise in potpourri around the house wards off evil, and anise in your sleeping pillow at night will chase away nightmares. It is believed that hanging an anise seed head on your bedpost will reestore lost youth.
Apple
Apple blossoms are used in love and healing incenses. An apple should be given to a lover as a present. It is given as an offering on Samhain to the dead, since it is a symbol of immortality. Apple wood is used to make magickal wands.
Basil
Basil protects from evil and negativity, and aids in attracting and keeping love. It is used for purification baths, and in wealth and prosperity rituals. Carrying a basil leaf in your pocket brings wealth.
Bayberry
The oil of bayberry will bring prosperity and luck.
Burdock
Used to ward off all sorts of negativity, making it invaluable for protective amulets and sachets. Add to potpourri in the house.
Caraway
Carry Caraway in an amulet for protection. Carrying caraway seeds promotes the memory. It can also guard against theft. It is said to promote lust when baked into breads cookies, or cakes.
Catnip
Use the large leaves, well dried, to mark pages in magickal books. Use in conjunction with rose petals in love satchets. It will also create a psychic bond between you and your cat. Grow near your home to attract luck and good spirits.
Cayenne
Cayenne pepper scattered around your house will break bad spells. Adding it to love powders will ensure that your love will be spicy, and can inflame the loved one with passion.
Cedar
Cedar chips used in rituals or burnt attracts money, and is also used in purification and healing. It is a symbol of power and longevity. Hung in the home it will protect against lightning. Juniper can be used in place of cedar.
Chamomile
Chamomile is used in prosperity charms to attract money. Added to incense, it will produce a relaxed state for better meditation. Burned alone it will induce sleep. Added to a ritual bath, it will attract love. Sprinkle it around your property to remove curses and bad spells.
Cinnamon
Burned in incense, cinnamon will promote hil spirituality. It is also used to stimulate the passions of the male. It should also be burned in incenses used for healing. The essential oil is used for protection.
Cloves
Cloves worn in an amulet will drive away negativity and hostility, and stop gossip. It is often carried to stimulate the memory, and can be added to attraction sachets. Clove oil is also worn as an aphrodisiac, and the buds when eaten are said to stir up bodily lusts. It is placed in sachets with mint and rose to chase away melancholy and to help one sleep soundly. Carried, it can also bring comfort to the bereaved and mourning.
Dandelion
It is a sign of rain when the down from a ripened dandelion head falls off without wind helping it to do so. To blow the seeds of a ripened head is to carry your thoughts to a loved one, near or far.
Dill
Dill is used in love and protection sachets. The dried seed heads hung in the home, over doorways, and above cradles provides protection. Add dill to your bath to make you irresistible to your lover.
Dragons Blood
Added to love incenses and sachets, it increases the potency of other herbs used. A piece of the plant is often used under the mattress as a cure for impotency. It is also used in spells to bring back a loved one. A pinch added to other herbs for magickal purposes will increas their potency.
Echinacea
Echinaea is used as an offering to the spirits or gods and goddesses to strengthn a spell or ritual.
Eucalyptus
Healing energies come from the leaves. A branch or wreath over the bed of a sick person will help spread the healing energies. The oil is added to healing baths, and for purifications.
Eyebright
Eyebright is used to make a simple tea to rub on the eyelids to induce and enhance clairvoyant visions.
Fennel
Use for scenting soaps and perfumes to ward of negativity and evil. Grow near the home for the same purpose.
Feverfew
Feverfew is carried for protection against illnesses involving fever, as well as for preventing accidents.
Frankincense
Frankincense is burned to raise vibrations, purify and exorcise. It will aid meditations and visions. The essential oil is used to anoint magickal tools, altars, etc.
Garlic
Peeled garlic cloves placed in each room is said to ward of disease. It is hung in new homes to dispel negativity and evil. It is a strong protective herb. Place a clove under the pillow of sleeping children to protect them.
Ginger
Ginger is used in passion spells to “heat up” the relationship. It is used in success spells, and to ensure the success of spells.
Ginseng
Ginseng is carried to guard your health and to attract love. It will also ensure sexual potency. Ginseng can be a substitute for mandrake.
Hazel
Hazel’s forked branches are used for divining, and the wood makes wonderful wands. Hazel nuts hung in the house will bring luck, and can be carried to cause fertility. Eaten the nuts bring wisdom.
Heather
Heather is carried as a guard against rape and violent crime. In poutpourri it adds protection. When burned with fern, it will bring rain.
Henbane
Henbane is sometimes thrown into the water to bring rain. In olden times, it had many more uses, but is seldom used today due to its poisonous nature.
Holly
Holly is used as a protective plant, and used as decoration during the Yule season. Planted outside the home, it will also afford protection. Sprinkly holly water on newborn babies to protect them.
Ivy
Ivy is grown to grow up the outside of a home to act as a guardian and protector. It is worn by brides to bring luck to the marriage.
Jasmine
Jasmine is used in love sachets and incenses. It is used to attract spiritual love. A drop of the essential oil in almod oil, massaged into the skin, is said to overcome frigidity. Carrying, burning or wearing the flowers attracts money and wealth. If burned in the bedroom, jasmine will bring prophetic dreams.
Juniper
Juniper is used to protect from accidents and theft. Grown at your doorstep, it will offer you protection. It is used in incenses for protection.
Lavender
Lavender is used in purification baths and rituals. It is used in healing incenses and sachets. Carrying the herb will enable the carrier to see ghosts. The essential oil will heighten sexual desire in men. Lavender water sprinkled on the head is helpful in keeping your chastity. The flowers are burned to induce sleep, and scattered throughout the home to maintain peaceful harmony within.
Licorice
Licorice root was buried in tombs and caskets to help the soul pass easily into the Summerland. Chewing on a piece of the root will make you passionate. It is added to love sachets and an ingredient in spells to ensure fidelity.
Mandrake
Mandrake is used in the home as a powerful protection. It is carried to promote conception, and men carry it to promote fertility and cure impotency.
Marigold
Fresh marigolds in any room heightens the energy within. Placed under the pillow before bed, it induces clairvoyancy. Planted in rows with tomatoes, it will keep pests from them and other vegetables. Planted near the porch/deck, it will keep mosquitoes away. It is also used to attract and see the fairies. Scattered under the bed, they protect during sleep. Add to bath water to win the respect of everyone you meet.
Myrrh
Myrrh is burned to purify and protect. It is used to consecrate and purify ritual tools and objects needing to be blessed. It is a standard magickal herb to be included in the tools of everyone.
Nettle
Sprinkle nettle around the room to protect it. It is also burned during ceremonies for exorcism. Stuffed in a poppet and sent back the sender of a curse or bad spell, it will end the negativity. Nettles gathered before sunrise and fed to cattle is said to drive evil spirits from them.
Nutmeg
Carried, nutmeg will help with clairvoyancy, and ward off rheumatism. It is included in properity mixtures. Nutmegs are carried as good luck charms.
Oak
The oak is one of the most sacred of all the trees. The most powerful mistletoe grows in oaks. The leaves are burned for purification, and the branches make powerful wands. The acorn is a fertility nut. It is carried to promote conception, ease sexual problems, and increase sexual attractiveness.
Oats
Oats are used in prosperity and money spells, and in rituals to the harvest.
Onion
Has been used as a charm against evil spirits. Halved or quartered onions placd in the home absorb negativity. An onion under your pillow will give you prophetic dreams. Magickal swords and knives are purified by rubbing them with an onion half.
Orange
The dried peel is added to love charms. The fresh or dried orange flowers added to the bath makes you attractive. The fruit itself induces lust.
Orange juice is used in rituals in place of wine.
Oregano
Oregano is used to help forget and let go of a former loved one, such as a former spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend etc. Burn in incenses or drink the infusion to aid in spells for letting go.
Patchouli
Patchouli is a powerful oil worn to attract the opposite sex. It is a sensual oil, and it can ward of negativity and evil. It is also burned in incenses to aid divination and clairvoyance.
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal placed in a shoe will prevent weariness on long walks and hikes, or journeys. It is also added to protection and exorcism incenses. It aids in making favorable business deals. It is given to arguing couples to cease their fighting and restore harmony in the relationship.
Peony
Dried Peony roots are carved and/or made into bracelets and necklaces for protection, as well as for breaking spells and curses. Peonies planted outside the home guard against storm damage and demons. A chain of beads cut from the dried root was worn as a protection against illness and injury, and to cure insanity.
Peppermint
Peppermint is used in charms to heal the sick, as well as in incenses in the sickroom of the patient. It is burned to cleanse the home, and is used in sleep pillows to aid in getting to sleep. Placed beneath the pillow, it can bring dreams that give a glimpse into the future. The essential oil is used in spells to create a positive change in one’s life.
Periwinkle
Periwinkle can help restore memory when it is gazed at or carried. It is also hung on a door to protect all within, and to prevent a witch from entering a home.
Poppy
Poppy seed pods are used in prosperity charms. The seeds are added to food to aid in getting pregnant. To find the answer to a question, write it in blue ink on a piece of white paper. Place the paper inside a poppy seed pod and put it beneath your pillow. The answer will come to you in a dream.
Raspberry
Raspberry is served as a love-inducing food. The brambles are hung at the entrance to the home to prevent unwanted spirits from entering.
Rose
Rose water is used in gourmet dishes and in love potions. Petals are used in healing incense and sachets, and burned to provide a restful night’s sleep. The essential oil is used in ritual baths to provide peace, love, and harmony within the self. The hips are strung like beads and worn to attract love. Rose petals sprinkled around the home will calm personal stress and upheavals in the home.
Rosemary
Rosemary in all of its forms is used for protection and banishment. Rosemary leaves under your pillow do away with evil spirits and bad dreams. It is hung on porches and doors to keep thieves out. Rosemary is grown to attract elves.
Saffron
Saffron is used to clean the hands before rituals. It is used in healing mixtures. The essential oil is used to induce clairvoyancy. Thrown in the air, it can bring the winds.
Sage
Sage is used in healing amulets, incenses, and sachets, and is also used in the same manner for bringing prosperity. Sage burned at the altar or in sacred space consecrates the area. Burned in the home, it removes impurities and banishes evil, as well as providing protection.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood oil is massaged on the forehead and between the eyes to help center and calm the mind. It is used in healing oils and sachets. It is burned as a purifying agent in every room of the home, and as a protective agent.
Spearmint Spearmint is added to healing incenses and sachets to aid in healing lung diseases and other afflictions. Place some in a sleeping pillow for protection during sleep.
Thyme
Thyme is burnt to purge and fumigate magickal rooms and spaces, as well as to bring good health. Thyme in a sleeping pillow repelts nightmares.
Valerian
Valerian is used to get fighting couples back together, in love spells, and in purification baths.
Vervain
Vervain is used for cleansing incenses and baths. Buried in a field, it will make your crops abundant. It is burned to attract wealth, and hung above a bed to prevent nightmares, and above a baby’s crib (out of reach) to offer protection for the little one, and will enable the child to grow up with a love of learning and a happy outlook. Hung in the home it offers protection from negative spells, and is used as a pledge of mutual faith when given to a friend.
Willow
Wiollow trees are trees of faith as the Willow bends with the elements. It is a tree of Goddess. Its branches have been used for the bindings on a witch’s broom, and as healing wands. It is also used to bring the blessings of the moon into your life. Planted near the home Willow trees are guards against all that would oppose Goddess.
Witch Hazel
The forked twigs of the witch hazel are used for divining. It will help heal a broken heart and cool passions when carried.
From the Website, Coven of the Goddess.com
Herbal Lore and Magick (Herbs M thru Y)
Herbal Lore and Magick (Herbs M thru Y)
Mace – Psychic Powers, Mental Powers
Maguey – Lust
Magnolia – Fidelity, Oppurtunity, Conflict Resolution
Mahogany, Mountain – Anti-Lightning
Maidenhair – Beauty, Love
Male Fern – Luck, Love
Mallow – Love, Protection, Exorcism
Mandarin – Calming
Mandrake – Protection, Love, Money, Fertility, Health
Maple – Love, Longevity, Money
Marigold – Protection, Prophetic Dreams, Legal Matters, Psychic Powers
Marjoram – Protection, love, Happiness, Health, Money
Master Wort – Strength, Courage, Protection
Mastic – Psychic Powers, Manifestations, Lust
May Apple – Money
Meadow Rue – Divination
Meadowsweet – Love, Divination, Peace, Happiness
Mesquite – Healing
Mimosa – Protection, Love, Prophetic Dreams, Purification, Grace
Mint – Money, Love, Lust, Healing, Exorcism,Travel, Protection
Mistletoe – Protection, Love, Hunting, Fertility, Health, Exorcism
Molukka – Protection
Moonwort – Money, Love
Moss – Luck,Money
Mugwort – Strength, Psychic Powers, Protection, Prophetic Dreams, Healing,Astral Projection
Mulberry – Protection, Strength
Mullein – Courage, Protection, Health, Love, Divination, Exorcism
Musk(Light) – Sexuality
Musk(Dark) – Deep Memories
Mustard – Fertility, Protection, Mental Powers
Myrrh – Protection, Exorcism, Healing, Spirituality
Myrtle – Love, Fertility, Youth, Peace, Money
Narcissus – Love, Beauty
Neroli – Astral Travel, Visions
Nettle – Exorcism, Protection, Healing, Lust
Niaouli – Purification, Health
Norfolk Island Pine – Protection, anti hunger
Nutmeg – Quick Luck, Visions
Nuts – Fertility,Prosperity, Love, Luck
Oak – Protection, Health, Money, Healing, Potency, Fertility, Luck
Oak Moss – Money
Oats – Money
Olive – Healing, Peace, Fertility, Potency, Protection, Lust
Onion – Protection,Exorcism, Healing, Money, Prophetic Dreams, Lust
Orange – Love, Divination, Luck, Money
Oarnge Blossoms – Visions, Astral Travel
Orchid – Love
Oregon Grape – Money, Prosperity
Orris – Love, Protection, Divination
Palm,Date – Fertility, Potency
Palma Rosa – Love, Health
Pansy – Love, Rain Magic, Love, Divination
Papaya – Love, Protection
Papyrus – protection
Parosela – hunting
Parsley – Love, Protection, Purification
Parsley Seed – Balancing
Passion Flower – Peace, Sleep, Friendship
Patchouly – Money, Fertility, Lust
Pea – Money, Love
Peach – Love, Exorcism, Longevity, Fertility, Wishes
Peach Blossom – Creativity
Pear – Lust, Love
Pecan – Money, Employment
Pennyroyal – Strength, Protection, Peace, Independence, Confidence
Peony – Protection, Exorcism
Pepper – Protection, Exorcism
Peppermint – Purification, Sleep, Love, Healing, Psychic Powers
Pepper Tree – Purification, Healing, Protection
Periwinkle – Love, Lust, Mental Powers, Money, Protection
Persimmon – Changing Sex, healing, Luck
Petitgrain – Protection, Healing
Plot Weed – Protection
Pimento – Love
Pimpernel – Protection, Health
Pine – Healing, Fertility, Protection, Exorcism, Money
Pineapple – Luck, Money, Chastity
Pinyon – Home Blessing
Pipsissewa – Money, Spirit Calling
Pistachio – Breaking Love Spells
Plantain – Healing, Protection, Strength, Snake Repelling
Plum – Healing
Plumeria – Love
Poke – Courage, Hex Breaking
Pomegranate – Divination, Luck, Wishes, Wealth, Fertility
Poplar – Money, Flying
Poppy – Fertility,Love, Sleep, Money, Luck, Invisibility
Potato – Image Magic, Healing
Prickly Ash – Love
Primrose – Protection, Love, Health, Beauty
Purslane – Sleep, Love, Luck, Protection, Happiness
Quassia – Love
Quince – Protection, Love, Happiness
Radish – Protection, Lust
Ragweed – Courage
Ragwort – Protection
Raspberry – Protection, Love
Rattlesnake Root – Protection, Money
Rhubarb – Protection, Fidelity
Rice – Protection, Rain, Fertility, Money
Roots – Protection, Power, Divination
Rose – Love, Psychic Powers, Healing, Love, Divination, Luck, Protection
Rosemary – Protection, Love, Lust, Mental Powers, Exorcism,Purification, Healing, Sleep, Youth
Rowan – Psychic Powers,Healing, Protection, Power, Success
Rue – Healing,Health, Mental Powers, Exorcism, Love
Rye – Love, Fidelity
Saffron – Love, Healing, Happiness, Wind Raising, Lust, Strength, Psychic Powers, Wealth, Longevity
Sage – Immortality, Longevity, Wisdom, Protection, Wishes
Sagebrush – Purification, Exorcism
St.Johns Wort – Health, Power, Protection, Strength, Love, Divination, Happiness, Calming
Sandalwood – Protection, Healing, Exorcism, Spirituality
Sarsaparilla – Love, Money
Sassafras – Health, Money
Savory/Summer – Mental Powers, Healing
Scullcap – Love, Fidelity, Peace
Senna – Love
Sesame – Money, Lust
Shallot – Purification
Skunk Cabbage – Legal Matters
Slippery Elm – Halts Gossip
Sloe – Exorcism, Protection
Snakeroot – Luck Money
Snakeroot/black – Love, Lust, Money
Snapdragon – Protection
Solomons Seal – Protection, Exorcism
Sorrel Wood – Healing, Health
Southern Wood – Love, Lust, Protection
Spanish Moss – Protection
Spearmint – Healing, Love, Mental Powers
Spikenard – Love, Contentment
Spruce – Blessings
Squill – Money, Protection, Hex Breaking
Star/anise – Psychic Powers, Luck
Stillengia – Psychic Powers
Straw – Luck, Image Magic
Strawberry – Love, Luck
Styrax – Blessings
Sugar Cane – Love, Lust
Sumbul – Love, Luck, Health, Psychic Powers
Sunflower – Fertility, Wishes, Health, Wisdom
Sweetgrass – Calling Spirits, Vlessings, Purification
Sweetpea – Friendship, Chastity, Courage, Strength
Tamarind – Love
Tamarisk – Exorcism, Protection
Tangerine – Happiness
Tansy – Health, Longevity
Tarragon – Clearing
Tea – Riches, Courage, Strength
Tea Tree – Healing
Thistle – Strength, Protection, Hex Breaking, Healing
Thistle/holy – Purification, Hex Breaking
Thistle/milk – Snake enraging
Thyme – Health, Healing, Sleep, Psychic Powers, Love, Purification,Courage
Ti – Protection,Healing
Toadflax – Protection, Hex Breaking
Toadstool – Rain Making
Tobacco – Healing, Purification
Trifolia – Balancing
Tuberrose – Peace, Love
Turmeric – Purification
Turnip – Protection, Ending Relationships
Uva Ursa – Psychic Workings
Valerian – Love, Sleep, Purification, Protection
Vanilla – Love, Lust, Mental Powers
Venus Flytrap – Protection, Love
Vervain – Love, Protection, Purification, Peace, Money, Youth, Chastity, Sleep, Healing
Vetch/Giant – Fidelity
Vetivert – Love, Hex Breaking, Luck, Money, Anti-Theft
Violet – Protection, Luck, Love, Lust, Wishes, Peace, Healing
Wahoo – Hex-breaking, Courage, Success
Walnut – Health, Mental Powers, Infertility, Wishes
Water Lilly _ Psychic Ability, Peace
Wax Plant – Protection
Wheat – Fertility, Money
Willow – Love, divination, Protection, Healing
Wintergreen – Protection, Healing, Hex Breaking
Winters Bark – Success
Wisteria – Crystal Gazing
Witch Grass – Happiness, Lust, Love, Exorcism
Witch Hazel – Protection, Chastity
Wolfs Bane – Protection, Invisibility
Wood Rose – Luck
Woodruff – Victory, Protection, Money, Success, Purification
Wormwood – Psychic Powers, Protection, Love, Calling Spirits
Yarrow – Courage, Love, Psychic Powers, Exorcism
Yellow Evening Primrose – Hunting
Yerba Mate – Fidelity, Love, Lust
Yerba Santa – Beauty, Healing, Psychic Powers, Protection
Yew – Raising the Dead
Ylang Ylang – Peace, Sex, Love
Yohimbe – Love, Lust
Yucca – Transmutation, Protection, Purification
From the Website, Coven of the Goddess.com
Herb Lore And Magick (Herbs A thru L)
Herb Lore and Magick
| HERB LORE Acacia – Protection, Psychic Powers Adam & Eve Roots – Love, Happiness Adders Tongue – Healing African Violet – Spirituality, Protection Agaric – Fertility Agrimony – Protection, Sleep Ague Root – Protection Alfalfa – Prosperity, Anti-hunger, Money Alkanet – Purification, Prosperity Allspice – Money, Luck, Healing Almond – Money, Prosperity, Wisdom Aloe – Protection, Luck Aloes, Wood – Love, Spirituality Althea – Protection, Psychic Powers Alyssum – Protection, Moderating Anger Amaranth – Healing, Protection, Invisibility Amber – Success, Love, Insipration Ambergris – Psychic Ability, Viions Anemone – Health, Protection, Healing Angelica – Exorcism, Protection, Healing, Visions Apple – Love,Healing, Garden Magic, Immortality Apricot – Love Arabic Gum – Purify negativity and evil Arbutus – Exorcism, Protection Asafoetida – Exorcism, Purification, Protection Ash – Protection, Prosperity, Sea Rituals, Health Aspen – Eloquence, Anti Theft Aster – Love Avens – Exorcism, Purification,Love Avocado – Love,Lust, Beauty Bachelor’s Buttons – Love Balm, Lemon – Love,Success, Healing Balm of Gilead – Love, Manifestations, Protection, Healing Bamboo – Protection, Luck, Hex-Breaking, Wishes Banana – Fertility, Potency, Prosperity Banyan – Luck Barley – Love, Healing, Protection Basil – Love, Exorcism, Wealth, Flying, Protection Bay – Protection, Psychic Powers, Healing, Purification, Strength Bayberry – Properity Bean – Protection, Exorcism, Wart Charming, Reconciliations, Potency LoveBedstraw/Fragrant – Love Beech – Wishes Beet – love Belladonna – astral projection *DEADLY POISON* Benzoin – Purification, Prosperity Bergamot – Focus, Manifestations Bergamot, Orange – Money Be-Still – Luck Betony wood – Protection,Purification,Love Birch – Intution,Empathy, Protection, Exorcism, Purification Bistort – Psychic Powers, Fertility Bitter Almond – Peace, Meditation Bittersweet – Protection, Healing Blackberry – Healing, Money, Protection Black Pepper – Energy, Strength Blackberry – Money, Healing, Protection Bladderwrack – Protection, Sea Spells, Wind Spells, Money, Psychic Powers Bleeding Heart – Love Bloodroot – Love, Protection, Purification Bluebell – Luck, Truth Blueberry- Protection Blue Flag – Money Bodhi – Fertility, Protection, WIsdom, Meditation Boneset – Protection, Exorcism Borage – Courage, Psychic Powers Bracken – Healing, Rune Magic, Prophetic Dreams Brazil Nut – Love Briony – Image Magic, Money, Protection Bromeliad – Protection, Money Broom – Purification, Protection, Wind Spells, Divination Buchu – Psychic Powers, Prophetic Dreams Buckeye – Divination, Money, Wealth Buckthorn – Protection, Exorcism, Wishes, Legal Matters Buckwheat – Money, Protection Burdock – Protection, Healing Cabbag – Luck Cactus – Protection, Chastity Cajeput – Healing Calamus – Luck, Healing, Money, Protection Camellia -Riches Camphor – Chastity, Health, Divination Caper – Potency, Lust, Luck Carawy – Protection, Lust, Health, Anti-theft, Mental Powers Cardamon – Lust, Love Carnation – Protection, Strength, Healing Carob – Protection, Health Carrot – Fertility, Lust, Grounding Cascara Sagrada – Legal Matters, Money, Protection Cashew – Money Cassia – Stimulant Castor – Protection Catnip – Cat Magic, Love, Beauty, Happiness, Psychic Development Cattail – Lust Cedar – Healing, Purification, Money, Protection Celandine – Protection, Escape, Happiness, Legal Matters Celery – Mental Powers, Lust, Psychic Powers Centaury – Snake Removing Chamomile – Money, Sleep, Love, Purification Cherry – Love, divination Chestnut – Love Chickweed – Fertility, Love Chicory – Removing Obstacles, Invisibility, Favors, Frigidity Chili pepper – Fidelity, hex Breaking, Love China Berry – Luck Chrysanthemum – Protection Cinchona – Luck, Protection Cinnamon – Spirituality, Success, Healing, Power, Psychic Powers, Lust Protection, Love Cinquefoil – Money, Protection, Prophetic Dreams, Sleep Citron – Psychic Powers, Healing Citronella – Beauty, Enjoyment Civit – Lust, Sexuality Cloth of Gold – Understand animal languages Clove – Protection, Exorcism, Love, Money Clover – Protection, Money, Love, fidelity, Exorcism, Success Club Moss – Protection, Power Coconut – Purification, Protection, Chastity Cohosh,Black – love, courage, protection, potency Coltsfoot – Love, Visions Columbine – Courage, Love Comfrey – Safety during travel, Money Copal – Love, Purification Coriander – Love,Health, Healing, Happiness Corn – protection,luck, divination Cotton – Luck, Healing, Protection, Rain, Fishing Magic Cowslip – Healing, Youth, Treasure Finding Crocus – Love, Visions Cubeb – Love Cuckoo-flower – Fertility, Lover Cucumber – Chastity, Healing, Fertility Cumin – Protection, Fidelity, Exorcism Curry – Protection Cyclamen – Fertility, Protection, Happiness, Lust Cypress – Longevity, Healing, Comfort, Protection, Grief Daffodil – Love, Fertility, Luck Daisy – Lust, Luck Damiana – Lust, Love, Visions Dandelion – Divination, Wishes, Calling Spirits Datura – Hex Breaking, Sleep, Protection Deerstongue – Lust, Psychic Powers, Love, Fedility Devils Bit – Exorcism, Love, Protection, Lust Devils Shoestring – Protection, Gambling, Luck, Power, Employment Dill – Protection, Money, Lust, Luck Dittany of Crete – Manifestations, Astral Projection Dock – Healing,Fertility, Money Dodder – Love,Divination, Knot Magic Dogbane – Love Dogwood – Wishes, Protection Dragons Blood – Love, Protection, Exorcism, Potency Dulse – Lust, Harmony Dutchmans Breeches – Love Ebony – Protection, Power Echinacea – Strengthening Spells Edelweiss – Invisibility, Bullet-Proofing Elder – Exorcism, Protection, Healing, Prosperity, Sleep Elecampane – Love, Protection, Psychic Powers, Strengthening Elemi – Grounding Elm – Love Endive – Lust, Love Eryngo – Travelers Luck, Peace, Lust, Love Eucalyptus – Healing, Protection Euphorbia – Purification, Protection Eyebright – Mental Powers, Psychic Power Fennel – Protection, Healing, Purification Fenugreek – Money Fern – Rain Making, Protection, Luck, Riches, Eternal Youth, Health, Exorcism Feverfew – Protection Fig – Divination, Fertility, Love Figwort – Health, Protection Fir Balasm – Expansion, Success Flax – Money, Protection, Beauty, Psychic Powers, Healing Fleabane – Exorcism, Protection, Chastity Foxglove – Protection Frankincense – Protection, Exorcism, Spirituality Fumitory – Money, Exorcism Fuzzy Weed – Love, Hunting Galangal – Protection, Lust, Health, Money, Psychic Powers, Hex breaking Galbanum – Purification Gardenia – Love, Peace, Healing, Spirituality Garlic – Protection, Healing, Exorcism, Lust, Anti-Theft Gentian – Love, Power – Fertility, Health, Love, Protection Ginger – Love, Money, Success, Power, Protection Ginseng – Love, Wishes, Healing, Beauty, Protection, Lust Goats Rue – Healing, Health Goldenrod – Money, Divination Golden Seal – Healing, Money Gorse – Protection, Money Gotu Kola – Meditation Gourd – Protection Grain – Protection Grains of Paradise – Lust, Luck, Love, Money, Wishes Grape – Fertility, Garden Magic, Mental Powers, Money Grass – Psychic Powers, Protection Ground Ivy – Divination Groundsel – Health, Healing Hawthorn – Fertility, Chastity, Fishing Magic, Happiness Hazel – Luck, Fertility, Anti-Lightning, Protection, Wishes Heather – Protection, Rain Making, Luck Heliotrope – Exorcism, Prophetic dreams, Healing, Wealth, Invisbility, Opens Chakras Hellebore,Black – Protection *POISON* Hemlock – Destroy sexual drives *POISON* Hemp – Healing, Love, Vision, Meditation Henna – Healing Hibiscus – Lust, Love, Divination Hickory – Legal Matters High John the Conquerer – Money, Love, Success, Happiness*POISON* Holly – Protection, Anti-Lightning, Luck, Dream Magic Honesty – Money, Repelling Monsters Honeysuckle – Money, Psychic Powers, Protection, Peace Hops – Healing, Sleep Horehound – Protection, Mental Powers, Exorcism, Healing Horse Chestnut – Money, Healing Horseradish – Purification, Exorcism Horsetail – Snake Charming, Fertility Houndstongue – Tying dogs tongues Houseleek – Luck,Protection, Love Huckleberry – Luck, Protection, Dream Magic, Hex Breaking Hyacinth – Love, Protection, Happiness, Self Confidence, Grieving Hydrangea – Hex Breaking Hyssop – Purification, Protection Indian Paint Brush – Love Iris – Purification, Wisdom Irish Moss – Money, Luck, Protection Ivy – Protection, Healing Jasmine – Love, Money, Prophetic Dreams, Meditation Jobs Tears – Healing, Wishes, Luck Joe-pye weed – Love, Respect Juniper – Protection, Anti-theft, Love, Exorcism, Health kava-Kave – Visions, Protection, Luck knotweed – Binding, Health Ladys mantle – Love Ladys slipper – Protection Larch – Protection, Anti theft Larkspur – Health, Protection Lavendar – Love, Protection, Sleep, Chastity, Longevity, Purification, Happiness, Peace Leek – Love, Protection, Exorcism Lemon – Longevity, Purification, Love, Friendship Lemon Balm – Clearing, Success, Love, Healing Lemongrass – Repel snakes, Lust, Psychic powers Lemon Verbena – Purification, Love Lettuce – Chastity, Protection, Love, Divination, Sleep Licorice – Love,Lust, Fidelity Life Everlastin – longevity, Health, Healing Lilac – Exorcism, Protection Lilac (Blue) – Inner Harmony Lilac (White) -Purification Lily – Protection, Breaking Love spells Lily of the Valley – Mental Powers, Happiness Lime – Healing, Love, Protection, Energy Linden – Protection, Immortality, Luck, Love, Sleep Liquidamber – Protection Liverwort – Protection Liverwort – Love Looestrife – Peace, Protection Lotus – Protection, Lock-Opening Lovage – Love Love Seed – Love, Friendship Lucky Hand – Employment, Luck, Protection, Money, Travel
From the Website, Coven of the Goddess.com
|
A Quicker Method to Herbal Infused Oils
A Quicker Method to Herbal Infused Oils
Items You Will Need:
2 – 3 oz. dried herbs or 3 – 4 oz. fresh
1 1/4 cups unblended vegetable oil (preferably sunflower or olive)
A heat-proof container with a tight-fitting lid (jam jars work well)
Chop the herb and put it in the container with all the oil. Put the container in a pan filled with water to within 1 inch of the top of the container of oil. Simmer slowly for 2 hours.
After 2 hours, allow the oil to cool, and strain well. Discard the spent herbs (makes lovely compost). Refill the canister with the remaining herbs and return to the water bath (remember to replace the lid). Simmer for another 2 hours. Be sure to check the water level occasionally so as to not burn the oil.
When the oil has cooled enough to work with, pour it through a jelly bag or sieve lined with cheesecloth. If using fresh herbs, there may be a watery liquid at the bottom of the oil.
This must be separated and discarded, or else it will spoil the oil over time. This oil can be used as a base for ointments, creams, or salves, or as a massage oil.
Let’s Talk Witch – Getting Those Herbs Gardens Ready, How About Planting By The Moon
Getting Those Herbs Gardens Ready, How About Planting By The Moon
A lot of gardeners, even those who aren’t witches, plant and harvest by the phases of the Moon. You can still find old almanacs that list what to plant and when in line with astrological timings. Think how much the Moon affects the sea and her tides, so it must affect the earth and how things grow too.
A Waxing Moon is good for planting. Fruit ready for eating straight away should be picked on a Waxing Moon; a Waning Moon is good for planting plants that fruit below ground such as potatoes. A Waning Moon is also good for pruning, weeding and harvesting food to be stored.
Just after a New Moon plant leafy vegetables and herb seeds.
Waxing Moon gardening activities include potting cuttings, re-pottting house plants and picking herbs, fruit and vegetables for eating straight away.
On a Full Moon plant vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and onions (any type of ‘watery’ vegetables and fruit). Fertilise your plants on a Full Moon too.
Just after Full Moon plant tuber vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, also biennials and perennials.
On a waning Moon start a compost heap, weed, cut and prune, pick fruits and flowers, herbs and vegetables that will be stored.
Close to the Dark Moon cut timber and spray any fruit trees (preferably with eco friendly spray).
Then you have the categories for the astrological signs; a list of each type of energy is show below, either barren, productive, semi-fruitful or fruitful:
Moon in Aries: Barren
Moon in Taurus: Productive
Moon in Gemini: Barren
Moon in Cancer: Fruitful
Moon in Leo: Barren
Moon in Virgo: Barren
Moon in Libra: Semi fruitful
Moon in Scorpio: Fruitful
Moon in Sagittarius: Barren
Moon in Capricorn: Productive
Moon in Aquarius: Barren
Moon in Pisces: Fruitful
Another useful guide is:
Above Soil-Level Plants: These are the plants that will produce crops above the ground; these should be sown the day after the New Moon up until the first quarter, preferably in a fertile or semi-fertile astrological sign.
Annuals: Plant the day after the New Moon up until the day before the first quarter, preferably in a fertile or semi-fertile astrological sign.
Below Soil-Level Plants: These are the plants that crop under the ground. These should be planted during the day after the Full Moon, preferably in a fertile or semi-fertile astrological sign.
Biennials and Perennials: This category includes shrubs and trees. Begin planting the day after the Full Moon and up to the day before the last quarter preferably in a fertile or semi-fertile astrological sign.
Seed Collection: This is best done at the Full Moon when the Moon is in a fire or air astrological sign such as Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Libra, Gemini or Aquarius.
Harvesting: Picking fresh flowers and smaller harvests for magical use straight away, can be done in the early evening. If you want to dry and store the flowers and herbs, cut them mid morning, after the dew has evaporated. Fruit and vegetables are best harvested during the Waning Moon and when the Moon is in a barren or semi-barren fire or air sign such as Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Libra, Gemini or Aquarius.
Pagan Portals – Moon Magic
Rachel Patterson
The Witches Magick for May 9th – Strega Herb Jar
The Witches Magick for May 9th – Strega Herb Jar
Strega Herb Jar
A strega herb jar is a jar, with herbs inside, designed to provide protection for you and your home (or those who live in it.)
Items You Will Need:
Rue
Cork
Thyme
Hyssop
Vervain
Coriander
Woodruff
Pennyroyal
Bay Leaves
Glass Jar
Gemstone (optional)
A ‘Strega Herb Jar’ is a jar of selected herbs designed to ensure protection over you, your home and those who take residence in it. Depending on the herbs selected, it can also look like an attractive form of ornament and can leave a nice scent.
The Strega Herb Jar has been traced to Italy, as ‘Strega’ is Italian for ‘witch.’ Stregheria is a system of Witchcraft with Italian roots, and the term itself is an archaic word in the Italian language that translates into the English word Witchcraft.
Now, place a small amount of each herb into the jar (you may wish to do so in layers for more ornamental effect). Once you have filled the jar with herbs up to the top, you may desire to add your gemstone of choice. Don’t fret if you do not wish to add a gemstone, this step is optional.
Also, you may want to call upon a deity of your choice, and ask them for their attention and blessing. This can be done in the form of a simple prayer.
Pop the cork in the top of the jar, sealing it. Before setting the jar down on a window or shelf of your choice, shake it slightly. From time to time, shake the jar and let the aroma of the cork remind you that you are protected.
*You may use a substitute for any herb shown in the list, for another herb that is said to have protective or cleansing properties.
*A Strega Herb Jar can also be used for the purpose of attracting good luck.
Author: Pseydonyma
How To Make Essential Oils
HOW TO MAKE ESSENTIAL OILS
Witches often ask about how to make essential oils. I don’t know exactly how you produce essential oils from herbs. What I do know is that it’s a laborious process, and that most of the time you will want to dilute the essential oils anyway, so that fragrant, blended oils consisting of a carrier oil and a herb are often more versatile. In addition to that they are quite easy to manufacture. This is how I do it.
The Kitchen Magic School’s Fragrant Oils
This is what you need
=====================
A carrier oil. The intended use decides which one. Edible oils are sold in super-markets everywhere, and can often be used for other purposes than just eating. In herbal cosmetic shops like the Body Shop you can buy pure or blended oils for special purposes like bathing and massage. You can experiment with different oils for different purposes, but never ingest any oil that wasn’t specifically made for the purpose. It’s important that you use new oil with the best before date well ahead, as fragrant oils don’t keep as well as essential oils. Wheatgerm oil can be used as preservative if you find that your oils don’t keep well.
The herb. For this purpose it doesn’t matter if it’s fresh, dried or even frozen. Herbs are sold in many places. Occult shops often have quite an assortment, but the super-market in your area may sell some of these much cheaper. Super-markets often have herbs in either the spice department (notably fennel and cardamon), the health food department (notably rosehips and buckwheat) or even the hot drinks department (notably chamomile and cocoa). Specialized health food stores and natural cosmetics boutiques often have herbs too.
Growing your own herbs can be a very satisfying experience, and it doesn’t take a lot of skill to do with the most common ones. You can buy plants at a nursery or raise your own from seeds. Seeds are available in super-markets, garden centers and nurseries. There are often quite adequate instructions on the seed envelope. If you are new to growing things, start out with easy growers like
mint, heartsease and dill and grow them in pots.
Which herb to choose is a science in itself. If you want to use the oil for magickal purposes, you will probably want to choose it according to its correspondences. At the end of Starhawk’ _Spiral_Dance_ there is a substantial list of common correspondences, and the classic Culpeper’s Complete Herbal lists herbs and their uses and correspondences. Of course if you follow a specific
tradition you will want to consult it, so you don’t use inappropriate herbs. Many eclectic witches like to make up their own correspondences following their intuition. If you will use the oil on your skin, make sure that it won’t irritate or cause allergic reactions. You may want to consult a book on
aromatherapy if you are using fragrant oils for healing. Some oils are considered aphrodisiacs, and can be quite fun to use for massage.
A practical consideration is the availability of a given herb. Herbs may be unavailable for many different reasons. Maybe it isn’t traditionally used in your part of the world, it may be illegal for a number of reasons, it could be surrounded with superstition or it can simply be out of season.
A bottle. Fragrant oils are sensitive to light so try avoiding crystal clear bottles. You will often want to use just a spoonful of the oil, so a squirt cap is useful. Shampoo bottles can often be used, as they are generally about the right size and have caps which are made so you can easily take a small amount without having oil run down the outside of the bottle. Plastic bottles will often be found to take on some of the aroma of the contents, so you may want to throw them away after one use, or always keep the same oil in the same bottle. Some occult shops sell amber glass bottles, too. Of course it’s neat to have all your oils in identical bottles instead of having an array of brightly colored shampoo bottles, but they’re a lot more expensive than saved up shampoo bottles. Label all your bottles carefully with the name of the herb, carrier oil and date of manufacture!
This is how to do it
====================
The basic principle is easy: put the herb in the oil, and wait.
If you are bothered by herb particles in the finished product, you can use a tea egg or a small bag of muslin or nylon suspended by string in the bottle, and remove them when you find the fragrance strong enough. This requires a bottle with a wide opening. If you don’t have such a bottle, you can strain the oil in a wire-mesh tea sieve instead. If you aren’t bothered by herb particles, you can
often leave the herb in the oil until you’ve used it all up. This works particularly well with antiseptic herbs like peppermint, but can in other cases make the oil go stale.
The time it takes for an oil to become pleasantly fragrant depends on the herb and the oil, what you consider pleasant and the conditions you keep them under. You will have to experiment with concentration, stirring, and time to find out which works best under your circumstances. With some herbs crushing can speed up the process. Seeds like fennel are among those. Many herbs vary quite a lot in strength depending on a range of factors, so sometimes you will have to adapt your recipes. The best thing is probably to develop your intuition with regards to herbs. As a rule of thumb, two weeks to three months should be adequate.
Suggested uses for fragrant oils
================================
Bathing:
Many oils can change your mood when used in a bath. Try out different ones, like thyme and heartsease.
Caveat 1: Some herbs are skin irritants, and you may be allergic to some without knowing this. If your skin gets irritated during or after a bath, immediately take a shower and wash yourself all over with hypoallergenic soap. Then dry yourself and use a hypoallergenic body lotion. This should take care of most skin irritations. If it doesn’t, seek a doctor. Carefully note which herbs cause skin irritations in you, and avoid them. If you know that your skin is sensitive, avoid herbs which are known to cause skin irritations or allergic reactions in many people. Some of the more common ones are mint, vanilla and of course all hot spices like pepper.
Caveat 2: Never use psychoactive herbs in a bath, this includes sleep inducing herbs.
You can drown yourself quite easily that way.
Anointing:
Fragrant oils are much milder than essential oils, and can often be used directly for anointing on your skin. If you are using fragrant oils for magickal purposes, you may want to take into account the correspondences of the carrier oil, too.
Vaporizing:
Vaporizing means that you heat the oil so that it gives off its fragrance. This is useful in its own right, but can also serve as a substitute for incense when you or members of your household object to incense for medical or other reasons. Vaporizers can be bought in occult stores, shops for herbal cosmetics, interior decoration boutiques or even in the department store. The most common ones are a terra-cotta ring that you suspend on a lightbulb, and more elaborate structures with a house for a tea-candle and a shallow pan suspended above it. The fragrant oil has to be quite strong for this purpose.
Massage:
Massage is a fine art and healing in many ways. You may want to experiment with using edible oils for this purpose. Caveat 1: The oil used for massage enters the skin even more forcefully than the one used in a bath. Make sure you aren’t allergic beforehand. Vigorously rub in a tad of oil on a sensitive place like the inside of the arm just above your wrist. If the skin is irritated after an hour, don’t use that oil on your skin again. Caveat 2: Massage is often a part of lovemaking. If you use a condom for birth control, don’t use massage oils. The reason for this is that the oil make microscopic holes in the rubber, and renders it useless.
Cooking:
Fragrant oils of spices like oregano or basil can be used in cooking. You can use it as a marinade, or to brush on meat before you grill it. How about making your own curry oil? Caveat: Use only oils specifically made for ingestion for this purpose.
Libations:
We often use wine or water for libations, but we know that for instance the Minoans on Crete offered their deities oils as well as wine and honey.
Further suggestions
===================
You can use this method with other mediums than oil; shampoo and liquid soap for instance. Find fragrance free products, and make your own herbal cosmetics. I like to use chamomile shampoo, so I blend 100 ml of fragrance free shampoo with 1 gram of chamomile flowers from a teabag. After one week the liquid starts to turn yellow and smell of chamomile, and is ready for use. I use a hair
conditioner (again fragrance free) to make sure I rinse out all chamomile particles from my hair. The same can be done with rosemary if you have dark hair, and other herbs if you have problems with your hair or scalp. Lavender produces a soothing soap, and pine needles an invigorating one. Again, make sure you aren’t allergic to herbs used on the skin or in the hair in this way.
Copyright Ceci Henningsson 1994. This article may be freely copied and distributed, provided this copyright notice is included.
Witchcraft and Empowering your Herbal Work
Witchcraft and Empowering your Herbal Work
Let the Magick come to life….’
You do not have to be practicing Witch to make use of the recipes and skills which are covered here, but it will help if you have an understanding of the principles of the Craft. For some this mean putting aside the misconceptions created by the media especially the popular press) and the adverse comments made by those who have no understanding and no desire to understand our heritage. Witchcraft is one of a number of belief systems whose roots pre-date Christianity and which come under the umbrella heading of Pagan. Indeed, Witchcraft has roots which go back to Pala eolithic times, as illustrated by the cave paintings of our ancient ancestors. Having said that, the Craft is a living religion and has as much relevance to us today as it had to its practitioners in the past. We still seek healing of our bodies and minds, strength to deal with our daily lives, understanding and compassion to help us relate to those around us and to develop our own selves.
So what do Witches believe in and how do they express these beliefs? First, you have to understand that, unlike the more orthodox religions, the Craft has no paid or formal priesthood we are each our own Priest or Priestess and therefore make our own decisions as to the expression of our beliefs. As a result there is no one true way to being a Witch. This gives rise to a great diversity in our daily practices and indeed enables the Craft to grow and adapt to the real world in a way that other paths find difficult because of their interpreted doctrine. Having said that, there are many beliefs and practices that most Witches have in common.
5 Herbs That Are Best Purchased As Plants
5 Herbs That Are Best Purchased As Plants
What Herbs Should I Buy Instead Of Starting From Seed?
By Amy Jeanroy, about.com
Why, you might wonder, would someone want to avoid starting herbs from seed? This is such a great way to start your herb garden for pennies. Starting an herb garden from plants, is also a good way to start. In my garden, all the herbs that are purchased instead of started as seeds, fall under these areas:
- They are fussy to start from seed (I am a busy, impatient gardener)
- They don’t have a snowball’s chance of growing to any useful size in my zone (which is why a good nursery is always so important)
- They are perennial, and I am only going to grow a single plant
- I need to replace an established perennial
1. Rosemary
Rosemary is one of those herbs that demands attention. Unless living in a Mediterranean zone, Rosemary needs to be able to come and go in the outdoor environment according to the temperature. This is not as difficult as it seems. In my garden, my rosemary gets planted pot-in-pot, so I can move it inside when we get our endless rains, and back to the garden until the fall temperatures start to loom.Rosemary plants just make sense. They can be matched for size and shape, and if you (like me) kill one, it is simple enough to pop out and replace with a fresh, new plant.
2. Lemongrass
Lemongrass, and herbs like it, should be purchased as plants. They are fussy and sensitive to temperature fluctuation, so for many of us growing lemongrass would be nearly impossible.
Buy these as small plants, and enjoy them throughout the season. They tolerate sun to partial shade and make wonderful focal points. We buy trays of lemongrass, and keep them in the greenhouse. That way, they can be harvested all season without worry that our crazy Nebraska weather will harm a leaf.
Lemongrass is great when used right from the freezer, so grow some if you can find the plants. Once fall hits, bring them in and freeze whole.
3. Lavender
Lavender is such a beloved herb, it is frustrating for many gardeners to struggle growing it from seed. Although not impossible, why bother when there are so many plants available?
Buying lavender as plants, also allows you to select the varieties that are proven to grow well in your location. I also recommend buying a LOT of plants. Lavender always looks better in groupings, and buying them at the same time will ensure your plants are the same size.
4. Beebalm
Bee balm and other ornamental herbs, are best purchased as plants. Why take a chance on growing the wrong variety, or something that won’t thrive in your location? Ornamental herbs are the quintessential reason for shopping at nurseries to begin with. Choose plants that your nursery owner recommends. They will guide you to the colors, and types of plants that will have the best chance of survival.
5. Medicinal Herbs
Medicinal herbs, which for this article refer to actual herbs that are grown for their healing property, should be grown from plant unless the gardener is familiar with herbal medicine. There are many wonderful places to buy medicinal herb plants. Start with a small garden of purchased plants, and as your skill grow (see how I did that?), you can then start identifying herbs that might be grown from seed or found in the wild.
I like to buy medicinal herbs that are possibly expensive for me to kill. This means I will take much better care of a purchased plant, than I would a few seeds in the soil.
Transplant Shock and How to avoid It
Transplant Shock and How to avoid It
Transplant Herbs Successfully
By Amy Jeanroy, About.com
Throughout the growing season, transplanting herbs is a great way to keep the garden looking fresh and full. Transplanting can also save you money, if you propagate new plants and then add them to your garden landscape for free.
There are some guidelines that need to be followed, in order to avoid transplant shock, allow your herbs to thrive in the garden. There is more to it than just pushing a seedling into the dirt.
What Can Go Wrong?
All plants, from herb to flower, hate to be shocked. They need time to become acclimated to their new surroundings, no matter if they are coming into or out of the garden. A shocked plant will wilt, become sun burnt and die, no matter how rich the soil or optimal the growing conditions.
How To Avoid Transplant Shock
To avoid transplant shock, give your herbs the time they need to become used to the move. About a week before you are moving them from indoors to the garden, place them outside, but in a sheltered location. Take them back inside during the nighttime.
By the end of the week, you can safely leave them outside all night long, but be sure to water them at least once a day – more than likely you will be watering even more often if they are in small cell pots.
Now Can I Plant Them?
Finally, your plants are truly ready to be planted outside. Try to choose a day that is neither too hot or cold, avoid a scorching hot day, and never plant in the rain. The best sort of day is one that is calm and warm, later in the day so the soil is warm but the sun is not directly overhead.
Water the hole before you place the herb into it. Also, be sure your potted herb is moist and not rootbound. Make a hole the size of the root and insert the plant. Fill the rest of the hole with soil and press around the base to be sure the herb has made contact completely with the ground. Water again and then mulch.
Transplanting Potted Herbs To The Garden
Transplanting Potted Herbs To The Garden
How To Transplant Herbs From Nursery Pots To The Garden
By Amy Jeanroy, About.com
Spring is the time to get out and visit garden shops and nurseries. Take along your garden wish list (you have one, don’t you?), and start selecting the best looking plants you can.
Once you do get your plants home, it will be time to transplant them into the garden. Here are some tips for transplanting potted herbs, in order to keep your plants looking fresh and growing well. Potted herbs come in many sizes, from tiny 3 inch pots to 1 gallon and even 2 gallon sizes. No matter what size you buy, look for plants that are not too dry in the pot. Their leaves should be lush and no shriveled or have dead areas on them. Looking at the bottom of the pot, there may be fine roots sticking out in numerous places, but avoid larger or extremely heavy number of thick roots coming out the sides and bottom of the pot. This is an indication that your plants have grown too large for that pot, yet have remained in the pot for too long (often called Pot or Root bound). Once you trim off the excess roots, it may be too much of a shock for the overgrown plant, resulting in its death or stunted growth.
When you are ready to actually transplant, soak your potted herb in water. This helps the plant to come out of the container more easily, helps keep the soil intact-protecting the roots, and ensures that when you do the final watering with the plant in the ground, it is thoroughly wet through the entire root ball as well as the surrounding soil.
Take a look at the root ball before placing in the ground. If the roots are packed together, gently loosen them and spread them apart (I call this teasing the roots), allowing them to grow in a outward, instead of circular pattern. For more aggressive teasing of the roots, it is often suggested that you cut into the root ball with a sharp knife in several spots. For herbs, this hasn’t been my experience, but it is a valid recommendation in the gardening industry.
Be certain to work on one herb plant at a time. Avoid removing a number of herbs from their pots at the same time, thinking it will speed up your transplanting. The herb roots and soil need to be protected from sunlight and air as much as possible. You may end up with stunted plants that were damaged from the 30 minutes their roots lay exposed as you worked on another plant.
Your hole should be twice the diameter as your potted plant, and deep enough that the herb will be planted in its new spot at the same level. Avoid planting too deeply, since this can cause fungal damage resulting in the plant’s demise. I like to moisten the hole before transplanting, to ensure that the top water will be absorbed more readily. Spread out the roots that you have loosened, and place the herb in the dampened hole. Refill the hole with soil and then firmly press the herb plant into place. Your plant will shift once watered, and it may end up lifting out of the ground, if it is not firmly in place.
Water the new transplanted herb well, trying to avoid soaking the leaves if possible. This will help reduce the chance of mildew and disease, as well as sun damage if transplanting during a hot, sunny day.
Place at least 2 inches of mulch around the base of the transplanted herb, leaving a little space right next to the stem. This helps protect the stem from mildew as well, and any critters that like to hide in the mulch to nibble your herbs, will not have an inviting location to move in. Moisten the mulch once it is in place, and you are done!
Spring is Here, When To Start Herbs From Seeds
When To Start Herbs From Seed
Planting Date For Herb Seeds
By Amy Jeanroy, About.com
Starting herbs from seed is probably the most frugal way to begin gardening. It is also a great way to try out many herbs that would be too costly to buy as plants. For the same price as one herb seedling, you can often purchase multiple seed packets.
The important thing to remember when starting herbs from seed is when you should actually germinate them. Here is a list of common herbs, and how many weeks before or after the last frost date you should be planting them.
Starting Herb Seeds Indoors
| How Many Weeks Before Last Frost To Start Seeds | |
| Basil | 6 to 8 wks before last frost |
| Borage | Direct seed after last frost |
| Chives | 8 wks before last frost |
| Cilantro | Direct seed after last frost |
| Dill | Direct seed after last frost |
| Fennel | 4 to 6 wks before last frost |
| Lemon Balm | 6 to 10 wks before last frost |
| Oregano | 6 to 10 wks before last frost |
| Rosemary | 8 to 10 wks before last frost |
| Sage | 6 to 10 wks before last frost |
| Thyme | 6 to 10 wks before last frost |
Let’s Talk Witch – Herbs for Sleeping & Dreaming
Herbs for Sleeping & Dreaming
There are many herbs used today which are helpful in making our dreams more accessible and for obtaining a good night’s sleep. Sometimes, rather than attempting to actually influence our dreams, it is often advisable when working magically simply to let the content of our subconscious come to the fore. For this we may use the group of herbs known as hypnotics or soporifics. Different herbs work for different people so the order here is alphabetical, without any particular preference:
Hops are often used as an infusion or tincture and should not be used when you are depressed. This herb has an effect on the central nervous system, and can be used when tension is making you restless. Gentle slumber is induced from the hop pillow, causing soothing dreams.
Jamaican Dogwood can be taken combined with hops, although it is a fish poison and should be used with care. It is used in cases of insomnia or broken sleep patterns.
Passion flower acts without leaving any kind of a hangover effect and makes it easy for those who suffer from insomnia on a regular basis to find restful sleep.
Skullcap has a sedative action par excellence. Working on the central nervous system, it is particularly useful in cases of nervous exhaustion.
Valerian, which is included in many pharmacopoeias as a sedative, is used to manage tension and sleeplessness caused by tension.
Wild lettuce is invaluable where there is restlessness and excitability; it is both sedative and hypnotic – that is, relaxing and sleep inducing.
As a gentle remedy, it is particularly useful for children.
Nervines have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Some which are relaxants are Balm, Black Haw, Bugleweed, Chamomile, Damiana, Lady’s Slipper, Lavender, Oats, Pasque Flower, Peppermint and Vervain.
Source:
Natural Magic: Spells, Enchantments & Self-Development Pamela Ball
Witches Of The Craft® 
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