Magic and Magical Herbs

Disclaimer: This article is presented here as general interest and is not to be taken as advice in any manner. It is offered here as a service only. Use this information at your own risk and only with qualified supervision. No guarantee is made towards the validity of the information presented here.

For centuries, herbs have been used as a food source, for medicinal purposes, and for spirituality practices. Magical herbs have symbolic associations and are believed to have great powers, as told in many stories of folklore. These magical herbs were used in a number of ways, including meditation and spell casting.

The use of magical herbs was common among Pagans, as well as in other ancient civilizations, but is probably best associated with this group and present day practitioners of alternative healing and witchcraft. Magical herbs come from the earth and nature, and are seen by many as the connection that can bring harmony and cohesiveness, to keep us one with nature so to speak.

An experienced Wiccan will know more about magical herbs than most people in modern times. There are some plants which are magical plants just by virtue of their nature, as recognized by ancient and traditional peoples the world over. Both Sage and Cedar, for example, are recognized as magical herbs by the native Americans, and are renowned for their abilities to purify and cleanse.

Similarly, mandrake root, especially when gathered at midnight from beneath the gallows of a hanged man, was known for its miraculous powers of sorcery by our Druid ancestors in Europe. And of course, High John the Conqueror root, also known as Saint John's Wart, is one of thousands of magical herbs whose mystical powers relate to its medicinal uses. But what else goes into the making of a magical herb?

Like everything else in “The Craft,” intention is everything in the preparation of effective magical herbs. Realistically, not all of us can grow an herb garden which will always yield any magical herbs which we might happen to need. You might only need to use something like Dragons Blood once in your practice. Does it follow that you should grow it year upon year, taking up valuable space?

Yes, it does. The more you interact with your magical herbs, and shepherd them through their life cycle, from sprout to harvest, the more they will aid you in your craft. It is similar to enlisting the help of the dead in casting. You can just go to any grave in a graveyard, pour out a bit of a libation, say an invocation, commune with the spirit, and ask for its aid.

But any experienced user of any magic will tell you that ancestors, or at least people born under the same astrological sign as you, will give much more powerful and effective aid.

Similarly, you can buy dried, powdered magical herbs at any magic supply store, or health food store, and use them instead of ones that you've given yourself, but the spell is likely to be weaker and slower to work.

It is not that good results can't be had without preparing your own magical herbs. Of course they can. But not preparing your magical herbs is as serious an obstacle as not preparing your wand, chalice, or any of your other ritual items. It will make the going that much more difficult.

Any herb that is not sold as a food item should be considered toxic, and not used in any food preparation. Since most magical herbs are indeed toxic, care should be used when brewing potions or combining dry herbs.

A well-ventilated area is best and eye protection should also be used in some instances. Wash your hands thoroughly when you are finished or wear gloves to prevent ingestion through the skin. Not all magical herbs may be toxic, but they should all be treated as such to prevent ingestion from occurring if it is known to be consumable.

Some of the more common magical herbs are catnip, chamomile, comfrey, kava kava, lavender, hibiscus, frankincense, myrrh, holly leaves, mistletoe, witch hazel, patchouli, lemon grass, white sage, and yarrow, just to name a few.

Here are the names of magical herbs that are probably most associated with paganistic-like rituals: dragon’s blood, cat’s eye, black cat bone, bat’s eye, bat’s head root, black snake root, devil’s shoestring, calf hoof, mugwort, witch’s grass, wolf’s eye, and wolf’s heart. The names say it all!

Of course, magical herbs should not be used without guidance. There are quite a few online sources that offer magical herbs for sale, including information on historic significance and use in ritualistic practices. Edible herbs are also available for purchase, in addition to herb garden equipment, and informative publications.

An interesting site you may want to visit for more information on magical herbs is gemNaries.com. You can also check out Amazon.com for a huge selection of books on nothing but magical herbs, their uses throughout the centuries, and how they are used today.

There are also quite a few local shops across the country that specialize in magical herbs, potions, casting spells, and guidance for the novice herbalist. Use with care!