breelandwalker:

Straw

Magical Uses:

• Luck
• Image Magic

Straw is considered lucky and can be tucked into charm bags to attract good fortune and wealth. Poppets and dollies can be made of straw for magical purposes. Scarecrows, anyone? Faeries are said to live inside of and be attracted to straw.

From Cunningham:

For a home luck talisman, take a used horseshoe and some straw, sew up into a small bag, and place it above or below the bed.

Practical/Medicinal Uses:

Straw is a common bedding for animals and a common material for stuffing scarecrows and weaving baskets.

Folk Names: None

[Sources: Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (2nd Ed.), Scott Cunningham, Llewellyn, 1984]

breelandwalker:

valerina:

nyclust:

ramshackleglam:

Love this idea, mostly because fresh herbs are crazy expensive and I never use them all up before they go bad: chop up your herbs and stick them into an ice cube tray, then cover with olive oil and freeze.

Toss a cube or two into your pan whenever you’re in need, and presto: fresh herbs, all winter long.

It’s like I’ve been waiting for this all my life.

This. Is. GENIUS.

breelandwalker:

Pomegranate (Punica granatum)

Magical Uses:

• Divination
• Luck
• Wishes
• Wealth
• Fertility
• Fire Magic
• Sacred to Persephone and Ceres

Pomegranate is considered a lucky fruit, imbued with much magic. Eat one before making a wish to help it come true. The seeds can be eaten to increase fertility, or the dried skin carried for the same purpose. The skin can also be added to wealth or money incenses. Branches of pomegranate used as a dowsing rod can reveal concealed treasures, or when carried as a charm or hung in the home attracts money to the person. Hang the branches over the door to ward off evil. Pomegranate juice is often used as a magical ink and can be used as a blood substitute for spell or ritual work.

From Cunningham:

Women who wish to know how many children they will have should throw a pomegranate hard on the ground. The number of seeds which fall out indicated the number of their offspring.

Pomegranates have come to be a symbol of the change of the seasons, due to their prominent role in the story of Hades and Persephone. Greek legend tells us that Persephone, daughter of Demeter (Ceres) the grain goddess, was taken to the Underworld to be the bride of Hades. She was eventually retrieved, but whilst there, she ate nothing except a few seeds from a pomegranate (sources differ on the amount, either three or six), and thus was bound to return to the Underworld for one month each year for every seed that she ate. While many traditions hold that Persephone is a happy bride and returns gladly to her husband each fall, Demeter grieves when her daughter goes away, and the world descends into cold and darkness until Persephone returns, and her mother’s joy at the reunion warms the world into spring.

Practical/Medical Uses:

Pomegranates are high in anti-oxidants and very tasty. The juice has become popular both as a beverage as an a dietary supplement.

Folk Names: Carthage Apple, Grenadier, Malicorio, Malum Punicum, Pound Garnet, Granatum

[Sources: Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (2nd Ed.), Scott Cunningham, Llewellyn, 1984; Bree’s own kitchen witch wisdom]

breelandwalker:

Apple (Pyrus spp.)

Magical Uses:

• Love
• Healing
• Garden Magic
• Divination
• Friendship
• Immortality
• Water Magic
• Sacred to Venus, Dionysus, Olwen, Apollo, Hera, Athena, Aphrodite, Diana, Zeus, Idunn

In many traditions, the apple is the symbol of immortality and of the soul, and thus is included in many rituals to honor the dead. It is one of the symbols of Mabon, festival of the autumn fruit harvest, and Samhain is sometimes called “the Feast of Apples.” The fruit is placed on altars or buried to feed ancestor spirits and those who will be reborn in the spring. Apples and apple trees figure prominently in mythology and folklore all over the world.

The apple is a useful teaching tool for young children. Cut an apple in half around the middle; the seeds make a five-pointed star. Eating one half of an apple and leaving the other half outside as an offering is a simple way to perform a house blessing. A Native American divination (simple yes-or-no) taught to me by a friend involves taking a large bite of an apple while meditating on a question, then placing the rest out of doors when the sun is at high noon. Stay away from the spot for three days, then check back. If the apple is gone, the answer is yes. If it remains, the answer is no.

From Cunningham:

The apple has long been used in spells of love. The blossoms are added to love sachets, brews, and incenses, and they are infused in melted pink wax, then strained out, to make candles suitable to burn for attracting love.
A simple apple love spell consists of cutting an apple in half and sharing it with your loved one. This ensures that you will be happy together. A similar spell directs you to hold an apple in your hands until warm, and then give it to your intended. If he or she eats it, your love will be returned.

Apples are also used for healing; the old adage “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” certainly applies. Rub apple slices on afflicted or injured parts of the body during a waning moon, then bury them to banish illness. Eat apples to ensure your continued good health. (Before eating any apple, rub it to make sure there are no spirits hiding inside!) Norse tradition holds that eating apples helps one to gain immortality.

Apple juice or cider can be poured as libations to bring life to a freshly-turned patch of earth before gardening. It can also be used in place of blood were it is called for in recipe or ritual. Use apples in rituals honoring fertility deities. The fruit and the wood can be carved for poppets, and the branches make excellent magical wands that are especially suited to love and emotional magic.

Practical/Medicinal Uses:

Apples are an excellent source of fiber, and have a gentle laxative effect. They are also high in fructose. Eating an apple in the morning has the same energy-boosting effect as a cup of coffee. The fruit is a common ingredient in pies and pastries, among other dishes. And, with the extra dose of vitamins, an apple a day may indeed keep illness away.

Folk Names: Fruit of the Gods, Fruit of the Underworld, Silver Branch, The Silver Bough, Tree of Love

breelandwalker:

Olive (Olea europea)

Magical Uses:

• Healing
• Peace
• Fertility
• Potency
• Fidelity
• Protection
• Lust
• Solar/Fire Magic
• Sacred to Athena, Apollo, Minerva, Ra

Olive oil is a traditional anointing oil to aid in healing, and it was used in ancient times as fuel for temple lamps. Olive leaves can be kept in a room or strewn under the rug to promote peaceful energy. When eaten, olives are said to induce fertility and sexual potency in males, and lust in both men and women. An Athenian bride would wear a crown of olive leaves to ensure her fertility, as well as the fidelity of her husband! Unmarried folk can use the leaves to attract a spouse. Olive branches, as well as being a symbol of peace, can be hung over the door to protect the household from evil, or upon the chimney to keep the house from being struck by lightning. When carried, the leaves bring good fortune. They also bring prosperity and security in love and business.

From Cunningham:

On an olive leaf, write Athena’s name. Press this against the head or wear on the body and it will cure a headache.

(Considering the circumstances of Athena’s birth, I consider this particular tidbit to be delightfully ironic.)

Practical/Medicinal Uses:

Olive oil is a classic basic ingredient in various cuisines, and is used as a base for balms, salves, lotions, and massage oils. Olives, pickled and stuffed or sliced, are a popular garnish, drink additive, and pizza topping.

Folk Names: Olivier, Itm, Mitan

[Sources: Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (2nd Ed.), Scott Cunningham, Llewellyn, 1984; Herbal Grimoire, The Magickal Cat; Bree’s own kitchen witch wisdom]

breelandwalker:

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Magical Uses:

• Love
• Health
• Healing
• Protection of Gardeners
• Fire Magic

Coriander is a common ingredient in love spell and sachets. The powdered seeds added to warm or mulled wine are a simple lust potion. (Always use with caution.) It can also be used in workings to ease the pain of a divorce or break-up. The seeds, when eaten or worn, relieve headaches and menstrual cramps. Hang fresh sprigs of coriander, tied with a ribbon, in the home to bring protective energy and bring peace to those who are quarreling or otherwise unable to get along. Folklore holds that if a pregnant woman eats coriander, her child will be highly intelligent.

Practical/Medicinal Uses:

My sources actually stipulate that women should avoid coriander during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Coriander remains a popular ingredient in salads (as cilantro), and as a flavoring herb in spice rubs and pickling blends.

Folk Names: Chinese Parsley, Cilantro, Cilentro, Culantro, Uan-Suy, Stinkdillsamen, Hu-Sui

[Sources: Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (2nd Ed.), Scott Cunningham, Llewellyn, 1984; The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines, Charles W. Fetrow (Pharm.D.), Juan R. Avila (Pharm.D.), Pocket Books, 2000; Herbal Grimoire, The Magickal Cat]

breelandwalker:

Grapes (Vitis vinifera)

Magical Uses:

• Fertility
• Garden Magic
• Mental Powers
• Money
• Water Magic
• Sacred to Dionysus, Bacchus, Hathor

Images of grapes were painted onto walls by the ancient Romans to ensure fertility, both in the garden and in the home. Eating grapes or raisins increases fertility and strengthens mental powers. Place grapes, grapevines, or grape leaves on the altar during the working of money spells. Grape juice can be used in place of blood or wine in spellwork that calls for such things.

Practical/Medicinal Uses:

Grapes, grape juice, raisins contain beneficial vitamins, and are favorite snacks among young children. And of course, grapes are grown to make wine for us big kids! Grape leaves are a common ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. Grapeseed oil is a component in many moisturizers and can be used as a base for essential oils and similar preparations.

Folk Names: None

[Sources: Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (2nd Ed.), Scott Cunningham, Llewellyn, 1984; The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines, Charles W. Fetrow (Pharm.D.), Juan R. Avila (Pharm.D.), Pocket Books, 2000; Bree’s own kitchen witch wisdom]

breelandwalker:

Honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium)

Magical Uses:

• Money
• Psychic Powers
• Protection
• Earth Magic

Place green candles inside a ring of honeysuckle flowers or leave a vase of the blossoms in the house to attract wealth. Lightly crushing the fresh flowers and rubbing them on the forehead (third eye) helps to heighten psychic powers. Grow honeysuckle outside your home to bring good luck. If the arbor arches over the door, which is always an attractive prospect if you don’t mind the occasional bee, it will ward off fever.

Practical/Medicinal Uses:

Honeysuckle flowers, with their sweet nectar, are edible and make a fragrant and delectable tea.

Folk Names: Dutch Honeysuckle, Goat’s Leaf, Woodbine

[Sources: Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (2nd Ed.), Scott Cunningham, Llewellyn, 1984; Herbal Grimoire, The Magickal Cat]

breelandwalker:

Honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium)

Magical Uses:

• Money
• Psychic Powers
• Protection
• Earth Magic

Place green candles inside a ring of honeysuckle flowers or leave a vase of the blossoms in the house to attract wealth. Lightly crushing the fresh flowers and rubbing them on the forehead (third eye) helps to heighten psychic powers. Grow honeysuckle outside your home to bring good luck. If the arbor arches over the door, which is always an attractive prospect if you don’t mind the occasional bee, it will ward off fever.

Practical/Medicinal Uses:

Honeysuckle flowers, with their sweet nectar, are edible and make a fragrant and delectable tea.

Folk Names: Dutch Honeysuckle, Goat’s Leaf, Woodbine

[Sources: Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (2nd Ed.), Scott Cunningham, Llewellyn, 1984; Herbal Grimoire, The Magickal Cat]

breelandwalker:

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Magical Uses:

• Love
• Wealth
• Protection
• Exorcism
• Fire Magic

The soothing scent of basil can be used to calm quarrels between lovers. It is a common ingredient in love incenses and the leaves can be rubbed on the skin to make the wearer more noticeable to a prospective lover. Sprinkle basil in your bath or over your heart to ensure that your love will remain faithful.

From Cunningham:

Basil is also used in love divinations. Place two fresh basil leave upon a live coal. If they lie where you put them and burn quickly to ashes, the marriage (or relationship) will be harmonious. If there is a certain amount of crackling, the life of the pair will be disturbed by quarrels. If the leaves fly apart with fierce crackling, the projected relationship is undesirable.

Basil carried in the pocket, the wallet, or the purse will draw wealth. Putting a few leaves in the drawer of a cash register or under the doormat will bring prosperity and customers to a place of business. Add it to money-drawing incenses, too.

Old Proverb:

Where basil grows, no evil goes.

Strew basil under the rug or hide a little sachet of it in each room to keep out any and all negative energy or malevolent spirits. A spritz bottle of basil water will have the same effect. Include it in incenses for purification, or add it to a bath for these same purposes. Give a basil plant as a housewarming gift to bless and bring good luck to a new home.

Practical/Medicinal Uses:

Like many other members of the mint family, basil is a good soother for stomach problems and possesses antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. As a bath additive, it can relieve pain from sore muscles and stiff joints, though it may leave you smelling like pesto for a while! (Note: Do not consume basil in amounts larger than normally used for seasoning if you take insulin or oral medications for diabetes.)

Folk Names: Albahaca, American Dittany, Common Basil, “Our Herb,” St Joseph’s Wort, Sweet Basil, Witches Herb, Njilika, Balanoi, Feslien, Tulasi, Tulsi

[Sources: Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (2nd Ed.), Scott Cunningham, Llewellyn, 1984; The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines, Charles W. Fetrow (Pharm.D.), Juan R. Avila (Pharm.D.), Pocket Books, 2000]

[Special Thanks to Anonymous for this request!]