HERBAL WITCHERY

As a pagan and a practicing herbalist I want to share the uses of herbs in both magic and everyday life. Each day I'll discuss a herb of the day.

Friday, October 06, 2006


Rosemary: Rosmarinus officinalis

"There's rosemary, that's for remembrance, pray, love, remember." (Shakespeare, Hamlet)

The Ancients held that Rosemary strengthened memory, and because of this it was used in love charms so that a lover would not forget their beloved while away. It was entwined in wreaths for weddings symbolizing love and fidelity. It has also been used at funerals, holidays, and all times of remembering loved-ones and family

Health Properties: reduces headaches and aids digestion. Rosemary is a stimulant of the circulatory system. It is used to treat bites and stings externally. Internally it is used to treat migraines, bad breath, and to stimulate the sexual organs. It is also used to treat nervous disorders, upset stomachs, and is used to regulate the menstrual cycle and to ease cramps.

Magical Properties: love, health, healing, sleep, mental powers, purification, youth, lust, exorcism, Remembrance, Fidelity, Oaths, Clarity, Home, Friendship, Happiness. Use in protection charms, incenses and baths. It was thought as a preventative against the plague. Wear to aid memory and learning. Is used in sea rituals and magick.Wash your hands in with rosemary infusion before performing magick as a substitute for a ritual bath. Drink the tea before exams or interview to make the mind alert. Can also be made into a protection wreath. If placed under the pillow, it is supposed to ward off bad dreams.


Mugwort: Artemisia vulgaris

"Mugwort! Mugwort! Herb of power,
Bring Desire at the Midnight Hour"

The Mugwort is said to have derived its name from having been used to flavour drinks.
Health Properties: Mugwort eases colds, colic, fevers. It is used in all conditions dealing with nervousness and insomnia. Often used to stimulate the liver and as a digestive aid. Fresh juice of the plant treats poison ivy. Pregnant women should not use it.

Magical Properties:
Protection, strength, psychic powers, prophetic dreams, healing, astral projection.
Put into the shoe while travelling, for protection from sunstroke, wild beasts and evil spirits and to prevent fatigue on long journeys.
Mugwort tea will induce clairvoyance. Rub on magick mirror and crystal balls to strengthen divination. Add to scrying, clairvoyance and crystal balls to strengthen divination incenses.
It is reputed that putting it under the doorstep, it insures no unwelcome person will enter.
A pillow filled with mugwort is said to induce vivid dreams.

Recipe
Medicinal tea: Steep 1 tsp. dried herb in ½ cup boiling water, take in mouthful doses throughout the day.