The New Generation of Witches of West End

Herb Magick

Herb Magick:
Leaves from the Spiritual Spells Book of Shadows

Table of Contents

Introduction

How to Use Herbs

How to Use Oils

How to Use Incense

How to Use Bath
Crystals and Washes

How to Use Powders

Free Spiritual Spells

Index

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.

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.