Many Wiccans, Pagans, Magicians, and Conjure
folk pride themselves on their knowledge of herbs, and which ones can be
used in which ways. Every herb and root has a medicinal and a magical
property of some sort. Each shows its properties by its form, shape, and
spirit; this is the Doctrine of Signatures. It is a part of the Craft of
the Wise to learn to hear, see, smell, and feel these Signatures so that
we may better use and understand these gifts from the Earth that are all
around us.
The herbs used in Witchcraft and Wicca magick are not always the same as
those used in Conjure, so we provide two lists here, covering
the most popular herbs in both traditions.
One difference between the two paths is that Conjure workers tend to use
the roots of plants, while Pagans more often use the leaves and flowers.
For this reason, Hoodoo plant lore and practice is called "rootworking" and Witchcraft
plant lore and practice is called "herb magick." These differences are not
hard and fast rules, however, and there is a lot of overlap between the
two traditions, as they have influenced each other over the years.
Two books that we recommend
to our own Coven members, and which we believe will set you on the path
of discovery about the wonderful subject of herbal spell-crafting are:
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical
Herbs by Scott Cunningham, published by Llewellyn. This book gives thorough
coverage of over 400 herbs, their magical uses, correspondences, and how
to use these herbs in Pagan and Wiccan Magick. This a great book for helping guide the
beginning Witch into the world of herbal magick. The bonus with this
book is the correspondence tables, listing their planetary, gender, and
elemental relationships.
Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic: A Materia
Magica of African-American Conjure by catherine yronwode, published by
Lucky Mojo. This book is really an invaluable companion to Cunningham’s encyclopedia.
It covers 500 herbs, roots, minerals, and rare zoological curios for working in
traditions such as Hoodoo, Rootwork, Witchcraft, spell-craft, conjure,
white magick, black magick, Pow-wow magic, hexenkraft, and herb magic. A
bonus with this book is that it contains many more practical spells that
you can use in ritual or when designing
spells for love,
money, protection, and blessing.
One final thought before we share our lists of spiritual herbs: Many of our
magickal herbs are also medicinal herbs, when
properly prepared and prescribed, and taken in proposer dosages. However,
some of the most famous Magickal plants can be really toxic if ingested, so it’s very
important to never ingest plants unless you know exactly what they are and what effect they will have
on the human body or on pets. For this reason we think that in addition to
becoming a repository for your growing knowledge of spell-craft, your personal Book of Shadows
is also a really a good place to keep information on all aspects of herb and plant lore and use.
The Witches' Cupboard:
Witchcraft Herbs and Roots
Let us first review some of the herbs
that you should already have in your Witches’ Cupboard.
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Basil
is a sacred herb used for peace and happiness at home. Basil is
used to protect the home from evil. Basil is known as Albahaca,
American Dittany, 'Our Herb', St. Joseph's Wort, Sweet Basil, and the
Witches Herb. Basil is considered masculine, associated with the
Planet Mars and the element of Fire. An herb for money and success, a
happy family, and a peaceful home, it drives away the Evil Eye.
-
Rosemary
is a powerful guardian, and a protector of woman. This wonderful
herb is widely used to bring good dreams, keep marriage faithful and the
home peaceful, and for brewing up cleansing and beautifying baths. Rosemary is
also known as Compass Weed, Dew of the Sea, Elf Leaf, Guardrobe,
Incensier, Polar Plant, and Sea Dew. Rosemary is considered masculine, and is
associated with the Sun and the element of Fire.
-
Thyme
is lucky in two ways. Thyme can bring peace of mind while sleeping
and it can protect you money. Thyme is also known as Common Thyme and Garden
Thyme. Thyme is considered feminine, and is associated with the planet
Mars and the element of Fire.
-
Nutmeg
is used to bring good luck in games of chance. Nutmeg is considered
masculine, and is associated with the planet Jupiter and the element of Fire.
-
Cloves
are used to draw friendship and money. Cloves are considered masculine, and are
associated with the planet Jupiter and the element of Fire.
-
Allspice
is a wonderful spice that is used magically for money-drawing, business
success, and to relieve mental tension. Allspice is considered masculine, and is
associated with the planet Mars and the element of Fire.
-
Bay leaves
are also known as Baie, Bay Laurel, Bay Tree, Daphne,
Greecian Laurel, Sweet Bay, and Laurier d'Apollon.
Bay leaves are used for protection and to avoid being
jinxed or hexed, especially if you are doing a job on someone else.
-
DANDELION can be drunk as
tea or carried in a bag to enhance psychic dreams and second sight.
-
LAVENDER FLOWERS are a
sweet-smelling herb, used to promote passion, romance, harmony,
friendship, and cooperation with a lover.
-
CHAMOMILE FLOWERS are
widely considered to be a Lucky herb, an herb used in gambling
spells and washes, and also an herb for cleansing, un-hexing and uncrossing.
-
MUGWORT is burned and inhaled
for psychic abilities and also made into tea to wash amulets and crystals.
-
DAMIANA LEAVES are used to
draw a new lover, to intensify sexual passion, or to bring back a
straying lover.
The Conjure Bag: Hoodoo Herbs and Roots
Next we present some of the herbs
that are used in the preparation of Hoodoo and Rootwork spells.
-
GINGER gives fiery protection from
evil; it also heats up love affairs and sexuality.
-
HIGH JOHN THE CONQUEROR ROOT
as an amulet has no equal. It is used for
drawing luck, gaining mastery, and strengthening the libido of men. Folks
make a dressing oil from chips of the root, and incorporate it into
sachet powders, incense, and crystals for bath or floor wash.
-
QUEEN ELIZABETH ROOT, also
known as ORRIS ROOT, can be used to attract men and to cause them to love you.
-
ANGELICA ROOT, also known
as HOLY GHOST ROOT, ARCHANGEL ROOT, and DONG QUAI),
enhances female magickal power and strength, and protects children.
-
LUCKY
HAND
ROOT
is also known as
HELPING
HAND or SALEP
ROOT. This unusual name refers to a rare wild orchid that grows in
the form of a hand with 2 - 10 life-like "fingers." Gamblers say
that its grasping action brings in the winnings -- and musicians employ it
to help them with fingering of their instruments.
"
-
FIVE-FINGER GRASS, also
known as SILVERWEED) brings success in all the things that five
fingers can do, and is used to get others to do you favours.
-
HYSSOP HERB
is a purification herb for cleansing yourself or your hme, to put an end to crossed
conditions, to take off a jinx, or break a hex.
-
THE DEVIL POD is known as
BAT NUT, GOAT HEAD, BULL NUT and BUFFALO NUT and grants the
owner strong protection from evil.
-
CALAMUS ROOT, also known
as SWEET FLAG, is used by
those who wish to control a situation or to dominate a specific
person.
-
LICORICE ROOT will help
you gain
power over others and control them; it is also used to change someone's mind.
-
DEER'S TONGUE is used to get
someone to love you, to obtain a proposal of marriage, and also for
court cases.
-
LITTLE JOHN TO CHEW is also known as
CHEWING JOHN and GALANGAL; folks chew it and spit
it out to win in court.
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Herbs & Roots, Witchcraft
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Incense, Pagan
Incense, Witchcraft
Introduction
Lucky Mojo Bag Spells
Oil, Essential
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