Herb Magic for Beginners (5 page)

This comes in handy for grinding up dried herbs and spices. The mortar is the cup, and the pestle is the grinder. The shapes of these tools are symbolic. The mortar, like the cup, is considered feminine, and the pestle is considered masculine. Take a look at the shapes of the pieces, and you’ll get the idea. A mortar and pestle made from non-porous material is best to work with. A nonporous surface will not absorb any oils or scents from the ground-up herbs, so it will be easier to keep clean. In a pinch, you can use a blender or food processor to grind up your herbs. But please be safe, and make sure you wash it out thoroughly when you are finished. Before you cringe at the thought of using some modern appliance to work your herb magic, take a deep breath and relax. Sometimes you gotta go with what you’ve got.

Drying Rack

This is just what it sounds like: a rack to arrange herbs on so they can dry out without going moldy. This is actually pretty simple to make. One easy method is to staple pieces of cheesecloth over the top of a shallow, open cardboard box or a baking rack. Stretch the fabric tight. That way, the herbs lie on the taut, gauzy fabric, and air can circulate on all sides. You can also bind the herbs into small bundles and wrap each end with a rubber band. Then open one end of a paper clip, and hook it under the rubber band. Use the other end of the clip as a hanger, and hang the bundle upside down to dry.

Candles and Candle Holders

Yes, candles are tools utilized in herb magic. A burning spell candle is actually a physical symbol of your spell. So long as the candle burns, your spell is working. Plus, the element of fire is the element of transformation, so use this transformative power to your advantage. The following list of candle colors will help you link your herb magic together. Adding the enchantment of candles to your herb magic bumps up the volume of your spell. You can choose whatever type of candle you prefer, such as tapers, votives, mini spell candles, or tealights. By matching the color of the candle to your intention, you add the power of light, color, and fire to your herb magic. Be sure to burn your candles in a safe place and in the appropriate holder to avoid accidents. Here is a list of candle colors and their magical meanings.

Candle Colors and Magic

Pink
—Affection, friendship, warm fuzzies, children’s
magic

Red
—Love, passion, courage, the element of fire, the
Mother Goddess

Orange
—Energy, vitality, harvest, intensity

Yellow
—Creativity, communication, knowledge, the
element of air

Green
—Prosperity, health, gardening, herbalism, faery
magic, the earth element, the Green Man (God of
Nature)

Blue
—Peace, hope, healing, the element of water

Purple
—Psychic powers, spirituality, to increase
personal power, faery magic

Brown
—Homes, pets, garden magic

Black
—For protection, for breaking hexes, to banish
illness and negativity, the Crone Goddess

White
—All-purpose color, peace, calm, hope, the
Maiden Goddess

Gray
—Bindings, neutrality, invisibility spells and
glamours

Silver
—The Goddess, women’s mysteries, the moon

Gold
—The God, success, wealth, fame, the sun

Fabric and Ribbon

You’ll want to have fabric and ribbon in various colors on hand for herbal sachets and charm bags. Also try working with those sheer-organza favor bags that have become so popular for bridal favors. They have a drawstring top, and the herbs are visible through the sheer and shimmery fabric. Refer to the previous candle color list to link the fabric color for your charm bag to the theme of your spell. Organza bags may be reused when you have finished with the sachet. Just return the contents to nature, and wash out the bag by hand. Allow the bag to air-dry, and it will be good to go for the next spell.

Glass Jars

A nice selection of bell jars is great for storing your magical herbs. You can always run old glass jelly jars or baby food jars through the dishwasher to sterilize them. These work nicely. I have also had good luck finding colored glass jars in funky shapes and sizes in kitchen specialty stores. These tinted jars have cork tops, and the colored glass protects your herbs from direct sunlight. Plus, I will admit the different shapes and sizes help me identify the herbs at a glance. For example, in my magical cabinet, the lavender buds are always in the short, square glass jar, while the dried bergamot heads are in a small eight-sided jar that reminds me of a salt shaker. As mentioned in the first chapter, be sure to keep these separate from your cooking herbs and spices.

Work Space

While this is not technically a tool, a space set aside to work your herb magic is a wonderful thing to have. Some practitioners move around. For example, I have cast herb magic all over my house and yard: at the kitchen counter, while sitting at a patio table in my gardens, and even while sitting on the grass, tucked under a shady tree. It all depends on how formal you wish to be. Perhaps you’d like to work at an altar specifically reserved for herb magic. Well, here are a few ideas for you to try out. Use the following suggestions as guidelines, and be creative.

Some magical folks use illuminator candles, which are often white tapers set up in attractive candle holders. These are placed in the back of the work space to provide illumination, hence the name, and they set a lovely mood. You can include a representation of the God and Goddess. Artwork is nice, or a simple and earthy option would be to include a fresh rose in a vase for the Goddess, and a few acorns or an oak leaf for the God. You may also want a cloth to cover the work area. This could be as simple as a scarf or a small tablecloth, or even a placemat. I have seen placemats with herbal patterns and themes that would be pretty sharp.

Again, go with what you prefer. You can make the setup simple or elaborate, according to your mood or personal taste. I also like to include representations of each of the four elements on my herb magic altars: a burning tealight in a holder for fire, a crystal point for earth, a feather for air, and a seashell for water. These items are small and can be grouped together and kept out of the way so you have more working space for your herbs and tools.

The Herbs, Planets, and Elements

As you read along in this book, you will notice that the featured herbs have astrological/planetary and elemental correspondences. These correspondences give character and direction to your herb magic. For example, the majority of the herbs listed in chapter 3, “Herb Magic for Love and Happiness,” have the elemental association of water, and many have the planetary correspondence of Venus.

Why is this such a big deal? Because the planet Venus was named after the Roman goddess of love, Venus. So spells and charms cast on Friday—the day of the week with that planetary association—are perfect for working toward love and happiness. Take a look again at that “Days of the Week and Their Herb Magic Correspondences” section at the beginning of this chapter. All of the planetary associations and their symbols are right there for you to refer to.

The elemental correspondences of herbs add even more energies to the mix. Now, some folks don’t pay any attention to herbal elemental associations, and quite frankly, you’ll have to decide for yourself how complicated you’d like your spellcasting to be. The basic elemental data are provided here for you to consult, for your general information, so do with this information as you see fit. However, if we quickly break it down, the four natural elements bring specific vibrations and energies to their associated plants. The elements lend a certain flavor to their herbs, so to speak.

Earth
—Prosperity, grounding, security, and stability

Air
—Knowledge, wisdom, change, and intuition

Fire
—Passion, energy, protection, and transformation

Water
—Love, emotion, healing, and psychic powers

Without Further Ado . . .

Now that you understand the basics, it’s time to move on to the spellcasting section of the book. Let’s see . . . we went over how herb magic works, the rules of magic, and the elements of spellwork. We studied the simple planetary and herbal associations of the days of the week, and how to combine lunar timing and candle magic to your advantage. You also have a good idea of the terms and the tools required for working herb magic. So guess where that leaves us? On to the good stuff—the spells.

The next four chapters will each focus on one of four specific topics: love and happiness, well-being and comfort, protection, and prosperity. Here, you’ll find plant folklore and dozens of positive herbal spells and charms. These spells will incorporate other varieties of magic, such as color and candle magic, planetary symbols, and astrological timing (which we have already discussed). See, there is a method to my madness.

So without further ado, let’s get to it!

A loving heart is the truest wisdom.

—Charles Dickens

Chapter Three

Herb Magic for
Love and Happiness

As we begin these specialty chapters, you will notice that they are all set up in a similar fashion. Each chapter begins with a “Spells from the Spice Rack” section, so all of those culinary herbs in your kitchen can be put to practical use. I did not want to overlook these seasonings, as many of you will already have them at home. Then there is a segment featuring plants that you may not know are herbs. Next is a section on the enchantment of herbal trees, and finally, a bit of garden witchery. By “garden witchery,” I mean working with herbal plants commonly grown in the garden—from the garden straight into the cauldron, as it were.

In each of these specialty chapters, you will find the planetary and elemental correspondences for the featured herbs, a touch of herbal legend, and an accompanying herbal spell. You will also discover the most opportune day and/or moon phase for your herb magic. All four chapters are crammed full of herbal information, fun folklore, practical magic, and quick and easy spells and charms.

For spells that revolve around love and happiness, try working on a Friday, the day of the week that is dedicated to the Norse goddess of love, Freya. The planetary correspondence for Friday is the planet Venus, as we discussed in the previous chapter. Once again, the astrological symbol for Venus is
. You could also work on a Tuesday, the day dedicated to the Roman god Mars, to add some fiery passion to the mix. The astrological symbol for Mars is
. Yes, I’m sure you’ve noticed that these are also the symbols for female and male. You could incorporate either of these symbols into your herb magic by carving it into a candle, or drawing or stitching it onto a charm bag or sachet. Use your imagination, and see what you can conjure up.

So settle in and get ready to learn some practical tips and tricks. We’ll have some fun, expand your knowledge of the topic, and learn all about the wonderful world of herb magic.

Loving Spells from the Spice Rack

It is a fine seasoning for joy to think of those we love.

—Molière

Basil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an annual herb that corresponds to the planet Mars and the element of fire. It is a native of India and is sacred to the Hindu god Vishnu. According to European herbal folklore, basil created sympathy between people and promoted love. Easy to grow in most sunny gardens, basil is wonderful to have on hand to add to culinary dishes.

The licorice scent of fresh basil encourages loving feelings between two people, which may explain the old herbal folklore that if a man accepts a basil plant from a woman, he will love her forever afterward. You may add dried basil leaves to spells and charms designed to keep your lover faithful to you. Plus, sprinkling dried basil leaves around the bedroom will banish any negative emotions and bad feelings after a lover’s spat. In herb magic, basil is used to purify sacred spaces. Try this quick herbal charm and see how it works out for you.

The Lover’s Spat Spell

For best results, try working this herbal spell on a Friday, the day of the week that’s filled with romantic and loving energies. If you’d like to add lunar energies to this spell, work during the full moon, for power, or the waning moon, to banish negativity. To begin, sprinkle a pinch of dried basil leaves in each of the four corners of your bedroom, working in a clockwise direction. Repeat the charm softly as you go around the room:

Around the bedroom I sprinkle these fragrant leaves,
Now, banish anger and negativity please.
Clear the air and smooth over this lover’s spat.
Happiness does prevail, our love will stand fast.

Chili Pepper

Chili pepper (Capsicum ssp.), also known as red pepper, is a popular cooking herb found in the spice racks of most homes. The chili corresponds to the planet Mars and the element of fire. Capsicums were first brought to Europe from Mexico after Columbus’s travels. These plants are annuals and grow into small bushy plants, bearing their fruits in the summer months. In your herb magic, you may use either the dried pepper flakes or the whole chili, whichever you prefer.

When handling whole chilies, please be sure to keep your hands away from your face, especially your eyes. Hot chili peppers can cause skin irritation and make your eyes burn badly. I have found old herbal spells that call for tying together two chili peppers with a scarlet ribbon and tucking them beneath your pillow to keep your lover faithful—not a good idea. Instead, I’d tuck the peppers under the bed (as long as your pets won’t nibble on them) or hang the ribbon-bound chilies in the bedroom, but well away from the bed.

For a safer alternative, try working with dried red pepper flakes. Add red pepper flakes to passion-enhancing sachets and charms, or sprinkle a bit onto an unlit spell candle to bring some passion back to your love life. Try this next spicy candle spell and see if you can add a little heat to your love life. Muy caliente!

Spicy Candle Spell

This spell is intended for couples who have a dedicated relationship. It isn’t for a one-night stand sort of deal. You may customize this spell by adding your wedding photo, or a happy photo of the two of you. Other options include writing your and your partner’s names on a small piece of paper that you can slip under the candle holder. If you take a look at the closing lines of the spell, you will see that it includes a rider. You should keep this spell affectionate, and get your partner’s permission before you go and put an herbal passion whammy on him or her. Casting magic on another without permission is manipulation, and the spell will probably backfire if you aren’t working conscientious magic. If you need to, go back and review the section “The Basic Rules of Magic” in chapter 1.

You may work this spell on a Friday, Venus’s day, or even a Tuesday, for passion and extra energy. A coordinating lunar phase would be during the waxing moon. Casting a romance spell during a waxing moon will pull things toward you. As the moon increases, so does the loving energy of the magic.

Set up your work space as you desire, and then sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes onto an unlit small red candle (any style you prefer—taper, mini spell candle, or votive) or in the bottom of the cup of a white tealight candle. Put the tealight back in its cup, or slip the red candle in a holder. Wash and dry your hands. Then light the candle and repeat this charm three times:

Flames of love burn, with spicy red pepper,
Boost desire and bring us together.
Now bring some passion back between us two,
An enchanted evening for me and you.
By all the powers of the moon and sun,
For the good of all, bringing harm to none.

Allow the candle to burn in a safe place until it is consumed.

Marjoram

Marjoram (Origanum majorana) comes in many varieties and may be an annual, biennial, or perennial plant. This is a versatile and popular cooking herb, with a sweet and spicy taste. Marjoram was cultivated in medieval times for its fragrance, to attract bees. It was also valued as a strewing herb, and was added to potpourris and perfumes. Marjoram has the planetary correspondence of Mercury and is aligned with the element of air.

This fragrant herb has links in folklore to the goddess Aphrodite, who created it as a symbol of happiness. Marjoram was thought to have grown in Aphrodite’s garden on Mount Olympus, and it’s believed that the goddess herself blessed the plant with its charming scent. A popular folk name for marjoram is “joy of the mountain,” perhaps for the joy it brought to the Goddess in her garden. In olden times, chaplets and garlands were made from marjoram for blessing brides and grooms. Marjoram is often worked into spells that encourage long-term love, as its energies are harmonious with enduring relationships. Its scent is thought to bestow happiness and a sweet, restful sleep.

Herbal Sachet for Happy and Loving Dreams

As discussed in chapter 2, a sachet is a scented herbal charm bag. Here is a recipe and spell for a charming herbal sachet.

To begin, purchase a small, sheer, pink favor bag. (These organza bags are very popular as wedding favors and may be found in arts and crafts stores in the bridal section.) Or sew your own out of plain pink or white fabric, and tie it closed with pink ribbons.

Work this spell on a Friday, during a waxing or full moon. The herbal components of this spell—marjoram, rose petals, and violets—were sacred to the goddess Aphrodite and will work in harmony with each other.

To the sachet bag add fresh or dried marjoram leaves, and violet flowers or foliage. These can often be found growing in your yard. Add fresh pink rose petals to the mixture, and tie the bag closed. Next, hold the sachet in both hands, and visualize it surrounded by a warm pink light. Repeat the following verse three times:

Marjoram leaves tucked in a sweet-smelling sachet,
Will chase away the blues and keep bad dreams away.
Add violets for the Lady, and the rose for love,
Aphrodite, hear my call, and answer from above.

Tuck the sachet under your pillow, or place it on your nightstand. As you get ready for bed, close the spell with these lines:

Pink sachet bag and enchanted herbs so sweet,
Bring to me loving, sweet dreams and restful sleep.

Thyme

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a multibranching, low plant with woody stems and plentiful small, pointed, and strongly scented leaves. This shrubby, fragrant plant is a native of the Mediterranean regions. This lovely herb corresponds with the planet Venus and the element of water. This ties in neatly to this chapter’s theme, as both Venus and the element of water are associated with love. Thyme has long been associated with Witchcraft and magic, and is listed as one of the nine Anglo-Saxon magical herbs. There are over 300 varieties of thyme, and it is a popular culinary herb used to flavor poultry, soups, and stews.

According to herbal folklore, wearing a sprig of flowering thyme in your hair is believed to make you irresistible to the opposite sex. Plus, it is thought to grant you the ability to see the elves and the faeries. To the Greeks this was a symbol of courage, and the Romans believed that it was a remedy for melancholy.

This plant will attract many bees, and blossoming thyme and bees were popular themes for ladies embroidery in medieval times. It was common for this herb to be embroidered on a lady’s scarf and then presented as a favor to her knight. I would imagine this was a quiet way to give the bearer’s courage a magical boost, and to symbolize his lady’s affections.

Thyme was, and still is today, planted into a low herbal hedge for knot gardens. It was also planted together with lavender to help both plants grow stronger. This is often referred to these days as companion planting.

An old herbal spell calls for a maiden to place a sprig of thyme in one of her shoes and a sprig of rosemary in the other. The maiden was to sprinkle her shoes with water three times and place them alongside her bed. Then she said a prayer and turned in for the night, and was to expect a vision of her future husband. The original spell was to be performed on the night of January 20, on St. Agnes’ Eve. Nowadays, I’d try this herb spell on the night of a full moon.

All in Good Thyme: A Divination Spell

Work this enchantment during the full moon. For this spell you will need a pair of your shoes, a few tablespoons of water, a sprig of thyme, and a sprig of rosemary. (If you can’t get your hands on the fresh herbs, use a pinch of dried thyme and dried rosemary.) Tuck the thyme in your right shoe and the rosemary in your left. Then confidently set the shoes in your bedroom in a place where the light of the full moon will shine down on them. Sprinkle three drops of water on the shoes and herbs (just a bit of water—you don’t want to ruin your shoes), and then just before you turn in for the night, repeat this charm three times: