Herbs and Magic: The Basics

Basic Herbal Collection

According to a recent survey conducted on several mailing lists, these herbs
were considered 'essential' to a good collection:

Sage - protection, immortality, wisdom

Mugwort - Anti-theft, astral projection, banishing, clairvoyance,
consecration, divination
Rosemary - purification, wisdom, strength, remembrance, protection
Chamomile - dreams, healing, love, peace, prosperity
Patchouli - banishing, clairvoyance, protection
Rose - anointing, balance, banishing, beauty, love
Dragon's Blood - binding, changes, consecration, courage
Frankincense - cleansing, consecration, divination, exorcism, inspiration,
knowledge

No matter what type of magical system one follows, it's a pretty good bet that at one time
herbs have played a big part. Plants and their essences contain energy, which varies
according to the plant that aids in achieving the result of a spell. Some plants have,
through time and trial, been shown to benefit certain types of spell work. These are
known as magickal herbs. Herbs have a number of different uses in magical workings.
According to Celeste Moondancer, "They can be made into magickal oils, condensers and
balms for anointing the body, candles, tools, gemstones, amulets and pouches etc. In
loose form they can be mixed with other herbs or used by themselves as incense, dream
pillows, various sachets that can be carried or used in baths for specific intentions. The
seeds of some can be strung together and worn as necklaces, the flowers woven together
as garlands or used to adorn altars. There's more, but you get the idea." Some herbs may
also be used for different purposes. Cinnamon, for instance, is equally acceptable for
spells promoting protection, success, and love. For most of the herbs, however, one or
two of the connections is more powerful than others, so most magical practitioners
consult an herbal reference to get a better feel for the character of the plant's energies
before attempting its use. To continue the cinnamon example, it is much more effective as
a draw for money, protection and success than as a love herb. Herbal books and
references abound, both in print and on the Internet. In my experience, the best reference
in print is Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham. It
includes definitions, historical data, and uses for hundreds of herbs, from Acadia to
Yohimbe. Other titles include Charms, Spells & Formulas for the Making & Use of
Gris-Gris Bags, Herb Candles, Doll Magick, Incenses, Oils & Powders by Ray T.
Malbrough, and Herbs in Magic and Alchemy by C. L. Zalewski. Online sources include
Eadon's Herbals, a fairly comprehensive guide to herbal preparations and uses by Eadon,
The Enchanted Gardens of Ambrosia, a comprehensive guide to the herbs and their
correspondences, and The Magickal Garden, a thorough listing of herbs with brief listings
of uses.