Herbs and spices have always been used in magic. Plants are the foundation of all life on Earth, and the existence of every other creature depends on them. Herbs are a source of oxygen as well as of many good things. Herbal knowledge is the foundation on which shamans, healers and witches built their magic. Herbs were used both for healing and in rituals.
In Western society, the understanding of medicine is relatively narrow compared with the worldview that prevails in many other parts of the world. Some herbs were meant to arouse feelings of love or hatred, for example, or to bring prosperity.
In past centuries herbal knowledge was passed down from generation to generation, mainly by women. Today we know that many secrets and much knowledge about herbs have been lost, which is why we try to recover them.
There are many ways of using herbs and spices to give a spell great power. They can be drunk, added to food or added to a bath. What matters is what each herb is responsible for – not only as a medicinal herb but as part of magic.
Aphrodisiacs
Spices are obtained from the bark, fruit, seeds or roots of plants.
Herbs can also be used as magical talismans.
- St John’s wort can be hung on the door on warm days to protect and cleanse the home.
- Garlic and cloves protect against psychic disturbances.
- Tobacco, for example, is offered as a sacrifice. North American Indians regarded it as a sacred herb, leaving it on altars or throwing it into the fire as an offering.
- Salt is also a symbol of purification or of grounding energy.
- Sage is a herb with powerful cleansing properties. Native Americans used it in their sweat lodges as a symbol of purification.
- Cedar is an evergreen tree often called the Tree of Life. It too has a cleansing effect, freeing the human body and mind from negative vibrations.
First published (Polish original): 12 April 2010. Written by astrologers and esoteric specialists working with our editorial team; edited and translated for HOROSCOP.SPACE. © All rights reserved.
