Magical Uses of Herbs Herbs have been used for centuries in magical practices due to their potent energies and natural properties. These plants are believed to hold magical powers and can be used for various purposes, such as protection, healing, divination, and purification. Many different herbs are used in different cultures and traditions, each with its own unique magical properties. Protection: Some herbs are believed to possess protective energies and can be used to ward off negative energies and evil spirits. Basil, for example, is commonly used for protection and can be placed in a sachet or hung in doorways to keep negative entities at bay. Rosemary is also used for protection and can be burned or worn as a protective amulet.
Ornamental pepper plants can be raised inside, too. The peppers are edible, but the plants are classified as ornamental because they're so small and pretty. Don't take cuttings from these, but carefully pot whole plants.
It s also said to have been used by American Indians to stun fish Tales say they powdered it and cast it upon the waters, and it would cause the fish to rise, stunned, to the surface. The Unwritten Basics You may have run across various formulas that contained some ingredients that were obvious but also contained another ingredient that made you scratch your head and wonder why on earth it was included.
Rosemary is also used for protection and can be burned or worn as a protective amulet. Healing: Many herbs are known for their healing properties, both physically and spiritually. Lavender, for instance, is often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and calmness.
The Magic Of Herbs, Indoors
Herbs have long and strangely spicy histories that make their current status seem like a greal fall. They've been used to make coarse foods delicate, and to make old, basically unpalatable food gastronomically acceptable.
Before refrigeration, this was of such importance that wars were fought over herbs and spices, and the new world was discovered during Columbus' search for a route to bring Eastern spices to Europe.
Herbs were used to heal all illnesses, and, for many centuries, were the only medicines available.
So much power was attached to herbs that they were worn as amulets, used in divinations, made into witches' flying ointments, and used to expand consciousness since at least the time of the ancient Greeks. I don't doubt, in fact, that many of the people who were executed for witchcraft were simply herbalists involved in unconventional uses of plants.
In addition, herbs were used for strewing, and perfuming the air at times when bathing was rare. They were worn by medieval physicians in hopes of repelling plague germs. Valerian was used to attract mice and rats, and catnip to repel them. The artemisias still make effective moth flakes.
Over the years, herbs have fallen from a highly respected position of power to a small supermarket shelf. But herbs are making a comeback.
I can't say what magic works and what doesn't, so I simply offer a list of some magical uses of herbs.
Many herbs have been used to attract money. It's said that basil, carried in a pocket, will attract money like a magnet. And some sources say that if a gambler washes his hands with chamomile tea before beginning, it will put magic into them, and make winning easy.
A bath scented with red clover, taken before a financial transaction, is said to bring success. And buckeyes, or horse chestnuts, are said to bring both luck and money to the person who carries them. It seems, though, that as a child I always had a pocket full of these. I might have been lucky, but I don't remember having any money at all.
The root of High John the Conquerer has long been held as a powerful charm. Legend says that, carried in a pocket, it will cure melancholy, and bring success in any situation. Against all odds.
Calendula flowers were said to bring good luck in court. In old times, it was believed that carrying or wearing this flower would tip the scales of justice in your favor.
Hazel and willow branches have both been used for divining water. A forked stick is held, one end in each hand, and the dowser walks slowly over the earth. The stick is said to bend downwards and vibrate over water. This has been used by many people, and stories about my grandfather say he never failed to find water with a dowsing rod.
The leaves of great mullein were used by Quaker girls to rouge their checks by gently irritating them. It's also said to have been used by American Indians to stun fish: Tales say they powdered it and cast it upon the waters, and it would cause the fish to rise, stunned, to the surface.
Carrying bay leaves was said to improve memory, but cutting hawthorn was said to result in a memory loss. Oil of lavender, rubbed on the temples, is supposed to make a lost memory return.
Now, it may very well be that these herbal charms never worked at all, but that people tried them with the same hopefulness that bald men still buy magical preparations for hair growth; or it may be that herbs have powers that we're only beginning to discover. Who of us knows how much of their power herbs keep hidden? All we can do is play hide-and-seek with them, and it can be a lot of fun.
If you'd like to have some of this magic around your house, this might be the ideal time to get a start on a herb garden, inside, where these spicy plants will offer fresh snippings throughout the season. And, when spring comes, they can go outside, to stretch and grow without fear of winter killing.
Some herbs don't need any special care to make it through the cold -- thyme, for instance; winter can't usually stop it. The same is true of yarrow, sage, woodruff, winter savory and most herbs that can be found growing wild. Mints rarely have a problem to compare with that of the gardener who plants them, unbound, in a garden plot. The mints are so hardy, they always come back, and take more space each year. Parsley, a biennial, always returns to ripen and sow its seeds in spring.
Others, however, need to be inside for their own protection -- even rosemary, which can make it through a mild winter; this pretty little bush will lose the battle if the season gets tough. The same goes for tarragon. And, since true tarragon is grown from cuttings and often difficult to find, it makes sense to save it. Marjoram and oregano may also make it through mild winters, especially if they're well mulched, but a hard winter will do these tender Mediterranean herbs in; so it makes sense to start them inside now.
It's now necessary to start with whole plants: You can take cuttings of herbs and root them in sand. But it's not difficult, either, to grow the whole plants inside. Just get some large pots, and put a layer of small stones or broken crockery into the bottoms. Add a layer of soil. Set the plants into the pots, Fill the pots with fertile soil to half an inch from the tops, and water well.
Give the plants a spot with plenty of light and a temperature between 50 degrees and 70 degrees F. Water them when they get dry, and try to give them a breath of fresh air every day.
Even some annuals are worth the effort. Select a small basil plant, for instance, and plant it with the same care, and it will fill your house with fragrance.
Ornamental pepper plants can be raised inside, too. The peppers are edible, but the plants are classified as ornamental because they're so small and pretty. Don't take cuttings from these, but carefully pot whole plants.
Hardy chives can certainly survive cold winters, but it won't hurt to have a clump to grace your windowsill. They'll grow and thrive, giving you fresh chives for dressings, salads and omelets, and they'll be happy to go outside in the spring.
It's easy to have a little garden inside, to serve as a reminder of green, bright summer days throughout the winter. And it makes the yearly death of living things, which is inevitable in much of the country, just a little easier to bear.
The Druids believed that it was absolutely necessary to bring some of green nature inside for winter -- to provide a shelter for the nature spirits, who would otherwise have nowhere to go. And who knows? It's just possible that if you sneak up on your transplanted herbs in the middle of a winter night, you'll see tiny sprites and fairies dancing. At least you'll smell the fragrance that's released when they brush against the leaves.
Some of the herbs in this list are used primarily for "hexing". When taking my notes, I did not censor them . I was after Knowledge, learning all I could about herbs. If information of this sort frightens you, simply read no further. (some folks really get their knickers in a twist if you even SAY the "H- " word!)
It can also be used in healing rituals or bath spells to aid in physical and emotional healing. Eucalyptus is another herb used for healing, as it is believed to have purifying and cleansing properties. It can be burned or used in ritual baths to remove negative energies and promote healing. Divination: Certain herbs are used in divination practices to enhance psychic abilities or to aid in scrying or dreamwork. Mugwort, for example, is commonly associated with divination and can be burned or placed under a pillow to enhance psychic dreams. Bay leaves are also used in divination rituals and can be burned or written upon to enhance clarity and insight. Purification: Many herbs are used in purification rituals to cleanse spaces, objects, or individuals. Sage is perhaps the most well-known herb for purification, as it is believed to have strong cleansing properties. It can be burned as smudge sticks or used in ritual baths to purify and cleanse. Cedar is also used for purification and can be burned or placed in sachets to clear negative energies. These are just a few examples of the magical uses of herbs. Each herb possesses its own unique properties and can be used in various ways to enhance magical practices. It is important to research and understand the properties of each herb before using them for magical purposes, as some herbs may have specific associations or restrictions. Additionally, it's essential to approach magical practices with respect and intention to fully harness the energies of these natural wonders..
Reviews for "Herbal Charm Bottles: Giving Life to Your Intentions"
1. Jenna - 1 star
The book "Magical Uses of Herbs" was a huge disappointment for me. First of all, the information provided was very basic and could easily be found with a simple Google search. I was expecting more in-depth knowledge about the various herbs and their magical properties, but instead, I got a regurgitation of generic information that was neither insightful nor helpful. Additionally, the author's writing style was dull and lacked any sort of excitement or passion. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for authentic and useful magical herb knowledge.
2. Mark - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Magical Uses of Herbs" after hearing some positive reviews, but unfortunately, I found it to be quite underwhelming. The book lacked organization and coherence, jumping from one herb to another without any logical progression. It felt like a random collection of information that was thrown together haphazardly. The content was also shallow, merely scratching the surface of the magical properties of herbs without delving deeper into the practical applications. All in all, I believe there are better resources out there for those interested in learning about the magical uses of herbs.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
As someone who has been practicing herb magic for several years, I was excited to dive into "Magical Uses of Herbs" to expand my knowledge and discover new insights. Unfortunately, the book fell short of my expectations. While it did contain some basic information about different herbs and their magical properties, it lacked depth and failed to provide any unique or advanced techniques. The writing style was also dry and uninspiring, making it difficult to engage with the material. Overall, I would only recommend this book to complete beginners in the field of herb magic who are looking for a brief introduction, but for more experienced practitioners, it won't offer much value.