HERBAL MAGIC FOR BEGINNERS ~ BASIC HERBS

Many witches have a list of tried-and-true herbs. There are several opinions concerning the "must
haves" and nobody can really agree on what is mandatory. The key is: Use whatever works best for
you! Everything you need to get started in herbal magic is probably sitting in your back yard (or
your kitchen)right now.

Let's discuss some of these wonderfully magical CULINARY herbs.

SAGE is a staple in herbal magic. It is commonly used by magicians as a "smudge",which means it
cleanses and purifies, or, more practically, keeps bugs away. Wiccans and other magicians use sage
to cense the sacred space, or circle. Though it is commonly used as an incense, it is also widely
used in baths, especially the purification bath taken before working magic.

Another common herb that is often used in magic is ROSEMARY. The vibrations of this herb lend
themselves well to healing magic. It's magical properties of protection and love make it a
suitable substitute for FRANKINCENSE.

GARLIC is an herb that is sacred to Hecate. This protective and healing herb can be used in a
variety of ways, especially when combining culinary magic with healing magic.

Every kitchen witch has BASIL within his/her grasp. It's wonderful for tomato dishes, sure! But
what about it's magical aspects? You may be surprised at it's diversity. Basil is associated with
the element Fire. Primarily, it is used for love and/or protection spells. In a crunch, basil can
be used for health spells.

This is an abbreviated list of culinary herbs that can be used in magic. If you intend to pursue
herbal magic, I recommend that you go out and buy a good reference book that states the magical
properties of herbs. It will include references for these "regular- everyday" herbs as well as
some of the more intricate and hard to find varieties.

Let's look at some of the other varieties of herbs, now. Earlier I mentioned FRANKINCENSE. This
has to be one of the most popular herbs for cleansing and protection. Burned as an incense, it has
an uplifting effect on the spirit, and all negativity in the area is banished.

MYRRH is usually burned with Frankincense. It acts as an amplifier to the effects of the
Frankincense. However, it has cleansing properties of its own.

Dragon's Blood is another of the basic essential herbs. On it's own it is effective in love magic
(and to bring back one's potency). It is also quite good as an "amplifier" to dominant herbs in
your spell.

One of my personal favorites is MUGWORT. This plant has several uses. It is infused (made into
tea) and used to wash magical tools.It can also be used to heighten psychic ability or bring
visions in ritual. Experiment with this herb and learn its many uses for yourself.

USING HERBS IN MAGIC
Okay, let's get into the fun stuff. We have a list of all kinds of cool herbs, great! Now what are
we going to do with them? Well, let's start with the culinary herbs. Let's say that I've had a
particularly difficult day at work.(for a change? {g}) I'm filled with all kinds of negative
energy and it's bringing me down. Since I'm too tired to cook dinner and then perform a spell to
get rid of my negativity, I'll combine the two activities. As the chicken is thawing in the
microwave, I go to the herb closet and pick out ROSEMARY and SAGE. Remember, Rosemary is for
healing and sage banishes negativity (is cleansing). I take the remainder of the time the chicken
is thawing to concentrate my need INTO MY HERBS (the release of negativity), say a prayer to my
deities, and set them aside somewhere clean until they are ready to add to my chicken dish. When
the chicken dish is complete and I sit down to eat, I visualize with every bite the negativity
leaving my body as the cleansing herbs enter it. This is a very simple form of herbal spell. It is
also very effective.

Another way to use herbs in magick is as a charged incense. By focusing your need into herbs and
then burning the herbs, you are releasing the energy as well as tuning with the vibrations of the
herbs to work a spell. For example, as a simple hex breaking spell, hold some Rosemary in your
hand and visualize white or blue light surrounding it, then permeating it, until the rosemary is
one with the light.Set the charged herb on a burning charcoal and as you do chant something
appropriate or pray. Your need combined with the vibrations of the cleansing herb are sent as it
is burning. It is being released to the powers that be.

There are many other uses for herbs in magic. You can use essential oils to dress candles for
candle magick and are then using both candle and herb magic. You can stuff sachets or pillows or
poppets with herbs for a small charm. If you use Faerie magic, essential oil mixed with a carrier
oil can make an appealing scent for a focal point for your spells.

As mentioned before, it's not the quantity of herbs you use, but the quality that matters. Pure
herbs cut for specific purposes are best because their "vibrations" are what is used in herbal
magic. Some herbs, like garlic, have a specific deity they tune to. Herbs in spells can be used
individually, or in a group as amplifiers,carriers, or the main herb.

How Herbs Are Used In Magic
Why Herbs Are Used In Magick
BASIC HERBS
Herbal Guide
Old Time Remedies



Special Thanks
"Lilye"

What a long, strange trip it's been...
Jerry Garcia {1942-95}
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