Magical Journey

In such centers as Toledo in Spain, where European and Islamic cultures mingled, medicine was studied as well as magic, alchemy and astrology; and so the knowledge of Eastern drugs, such as hashish, derived from the hemp plant, was combined with the knowledge handed down from the old classical writers. This knowledge gradually filtered down to the village wise women or witches, mingled with traditions derived from Norse, Celtic and pre-Celtic sources.

The village witch was a herbalist, spell-caster, interpreter of dreams, healer, midwife and psychologist. In times where there were no, or very few skilled, doctors, she was the people's only resource against injury and disease.

The time when magical and medicinal herbs were gathered was ruled by astrology and particularly by the phases of the moon. Constructive magic was undertaken at the waxing of the moon; the waning moon was utilized for spells that were destructive or to banish things. Herbs which were to be put to good purposes were gathered at the full moon. Herbs used for dark purposes would be gathered in the dark of the moon, just as the witches in Shakespeare's Macbeth used "root of hemlock digged I' the dark".

Please note that this herb list is neither exhaustive nor to be treated as a magickal grimoire of cure-alls. Do not consume any of these herbs unless you have consulted your general practitioner or doctor, or preferably, a suitable qualified herbalist.

Herbs

Alder: Whistles entice the Elemental Air.

Allspice: Burn for prosperity.

Angelica: Put whole root in a blue/white cloth bag and hang in the window for a protection against evil.

Anise: Protective, purification, entices spirits to aid in spell working. A pillow stuffed with anise seeds is reputed to keep away nightmares.

Apple: Bury in the garden on Samhain as food for the departing spirits. In Cornwall, a large apple was given to each member of the household at Samhain for good luck. The wood may be made into wands for use in love spells and rituals. Also used for health and to attract unicorns.

Ash: The wood from this protective tree can be used to make brooms and healing wands. Ash leaves beneath the pillow are reputed to induce psychic dreams. Ash is also linked with prosperity.

Basil: Used in rituals to promote wealth and prosperity. Carrying basil in your pocket is reputed to attract money into them. Also used for protection, love and to repel negativity.

Bay Laurel: The leaves can be burned or chewed to induce visions. They may also be put under the pillow to induce prophetic dreams. May also be used in purification and wish magic.

Bergamot: Used in spells to promote success.

Birch: Used for protection and purification. Wards negativity.

Blackberry: Used to promote health, protection and prosperity.

Blackthorn: Returns evil to the sender

Borage: Tea aids psychic powers. Carry leaves for protection.

Briar: Add to tea for clairvoyant dreams.

Broom: Use to sweep the circle for purification. Hang indoors for protection (N.B. This plant is not popular with faeries, and may drive them away.)

Catnip: Creates a psychic bond between cat and "owner".

Chamomile: Use in prosperity charms and rituals. Induces sleep. Tea brings tranquility and aids meditation.

Cherry: Aids creativity.

Cinnamon: Burn for spiritual and psychic powers, protection, and success.

Cinquefoil: Hang on house entrances for protection. May be used in spells and charms for prosperity, purification and protection.

Clove: Burn for wealth, purification and to ward negativity.

Comfrey: Sacred to Hecate. Used in rituals to honor the Goddess in her Crone aspect, roots and leaves may also be used for healing and may be carried for safe travel.

Coriander: Used in love spells and charms. And old love spell is to take seven coriander seeds and grind them in a pestle and mortar, chanting "Warm seed, warm heart, let them never be apart", three times. The drop the crushed seeds into a glass of wine and share the drink with your lover.

Cumin: Prevents theft. Burn for protection.

Daisy: Decorate the house with daisies on Midsummer's Eve to win favor with the fairies and bless the home.

Dill: The seeds of this plant draw money. The leaves may be used for protection and the flowers for love.

Elder: Caution - seeds are poisonous. Wards negative thoughts when used as wind chimes. The wood should not be burnt, as it is sacred to Hecate. There is a folk tale that you can see faeries in elder trees at Midsummer. Berries may be made into Esbat wine. Flowers may be added to a candle spell dedicated to Hecate at the new moon.
Elecampane: Burn as incense to aid meditation

Elm: Attracts elves and love

Fennel: Traditionally brought for new mothers and hung near the cradle to keep away flies. Also used for protection and hung over doors at Midsummer.

Ferns: Burn inside for protection, outside for rain.

Feverfew: Wards sickness; Wards accidents in travel

Foxglove: Poisonous; Grow in the garden for protection of house and yard

Frankincense: Used for protection, blessing, spirituality, meditation and power.

Garlic: This is sacred to Hecate. Use the flowers as an altar offering and the cloves for protection.

Ginger: Use to promote love and success.

Hawthorn: This makes powerful wands. May also be used in fertility magic and protection.

Hazel: Use for wands, healing, protection and luck. Forked branches may be used as divining rods.

Holly: Acts as a good protection if planted around the house

Honeysuckle: Use in prosperity spells and charms

Hops: Promotes health and aids sleep. It is unwise to us hops if you are depressed as they are reputed to induce melancholy

Hyssop: Use for purification and to ward negativity

Ivy: Believed to guard and protect the house that it grows over. Used as a good luck charm in conjunction with holly.

Jasmine: Use in love spells.

Kelp: Use in wind spells and for protection;  Also helps psychic powers.

Lavender: Attracts elves. Use in bath for purification and to promote calmness. Also used to aid love spells and psychic awareness. May be used as an offering at Midsummer.

Lovage: Add the root to cleansing baths. Carry to attract love.

Marigold: Use in marriage spells. Also make a dream pillow from marigolds to induce clairvoyant dreams. Mix with water and rub over the eyelids to see faeries. Also use for protection. Pick in full sun.

Marjoram: Use to encourage love, protection, and wealth.

Mint: Use for protection and prosperity. Use as an altar offering to helpful
fairies.

Mugwort: Good for divination. Rub fresh mugwort onto crystal balls and magic mirrors to increase their strength. This should be picked at night during a full moon. A pillow filled with mugwort will induce vivid dreams.

Mustard: Use to encourage health, protection and fertility.

Myrrh: Used for protection and wards negativity. Also burn for purification and consecrations (usually combined with frankincense).

Nutmeg: Burn for prosperity. Carry a nutmeg to increase psychic powers and prevent rheumatism.

Oak: Use for making wands. Burn oak leaves to purify the atmosphere. Acorns
draw money. Burn the wood to promote good health.

Onions: Used in protection and healing. To encourage recuperation from an illness, cut an onion in half and leave it in the patient's room overnight. Remove the onion in the morning and throw it away.

Orange: Use orange peels to promote love. Orange incense may be used to aid divination and encourage good fortune.

Parsley: Used for purification and protection.

Patchouli: Use in love spells to attract a lover.

Pecan: Use in prosperity spells.

Pepper: Use in protective charms

Pine: Brush an outdoor area with a pine branch to purify and sanctify the area. Burn for cleansing. Use pine needles in money spells. Put pine needles in a bath for a cleansing bath. Pine nuts may be eaten or carried to aid fertility.

Rose: Use in love spells. Drink a tea of rose petals for divinatory dreams.

Rosemary: An all-purpose herb! Burn for purification. Wards negativity. May also be used for protection, love and health. Also may be used for blessings or consecration. Grow rosemary to attract elves.

Rowan: Use rowan wands and amulets to promote knowledge. Make incense of rowan leaves and berries to aid divination. Use a rowan fire to call on spirits for help. Grow rowan to protect the home and help inspire you. String the berries together and wear as a necklace for a healing charm.

Rue: Use for blessings, consecration, protection, and health; Use rue to make altar oil. The smell of fresh rue clears the mind of emotional clutter.

Sage: Use to promote protection, wisdom. Sage is especially linked with health.

St. John's Wort: Wear to ward off fever and illness. Use as banishing incense. Use in protective charms. Wear to feel courage or increase willpower.

Sandalwood: Burn for protection and to ward negativity. Also use at Full Moon Esbats.

Star Anise: Burn for psychic power or to increase good fortune.

Tansy: Use to promote good health.

Thyme: Wards negativity. Burn for purification. May be used in healing spells

Vervain / Verbena: Use in magical cleansing baths and purification incenses. Hang above the
bed to ward off nightmares. Also draws riches and creativity.

Wheat: Use to encourage fertility and wealth.

Willow: Willow wands may be used for healing spells. Burn willow bark with sandalwood for divination, love, and protection.