The magical properties of herb and spices are endless. Their essence, just as in the flower kingdom, is everlasting. Herbs have been used for medicinal purposes since each seedling was discovered. Chinese herbalism has been around since the first century. The Romans and Egyptians also experimented with the essence and fragrance of herbs and spices.
When people plant a garden, the first thing they grow is herbs. I have to be honest: I do not possess or have the growth spirit in the garden. It seems the only thing I’m able to grow is basil, mint, and rosemary. But if you have that green thumb, utilize this gift to the fullest in your yard because that in itself is magical and a powerful gift to behold.
Herbs are the essence of Mother Nature; they give our food taste and our magic strength. The herbal kingdom is the healer of all. Some cultures nurture them not only for spiritual use but also for physical healing.
Their power is endless, magical, and beautiful. In conjunction with the Air element, we can make their essence grow and travel to enhance our thoughts and wishes. They are the best magical tools you will ever need.
A large variety of fresh herbs are available, and you may be able to find herbs in a pot ready to be planted in your garden. If you do, plant them according to the energy you wish to bring in. These fresh herbs are very aromatic and have a way of crawling inside our skin. I use them in the bath and also as a cleansing tool all over my body to rid it of negative energy or to enhance what I have already put out.
Santería uses the Water element in their magical baths with lots of fresh herbs and colognes or essential oils added. I personally love adding fresh herbs to bathwater and have had great results, not only within me but for those I recommend them for.
I use the following boiling method to extract herbs’ magical properties for a more concentrated magical substance. I place the fresh herbs I’ll be using in a large pot, fill it with water, and place it on the stove over a high heat. Once it boils, I put the lid on and turn off the stove. I let the water and herbs cool for a few hours and then I strain out the boiled herbs. I pour the strained water into my bathwater. Sometimes, I sprinkle fresh herbs or flowers directly to the bathwater to add other essences.
We all want a more natural approach to magic, but let’s face it, it’s getting harder to go back to a time when your backyard was your supermarket. But we can still find a happy medium.
A grocery store’s herb and spice section can overwhelm a buyer with all the choices, but most stores only carry the popular items used in cooking and not those we frequently use in magic, which are potent and rich with magical essence. Since this book is about the items you can find in a grocery store, I assure you that I will be able to supply you with a list just as powerful to replace those favorites we love.
First, find a brand that you feel comfortable with and that is ethical according to your principles. I look at the actual herb and study the contents before I decide to get the jar or the packet, and I usually pick the one that attracts me the most.
Some herbs are so processed that they are more like a powder than anything else, but their magical content does not lessen. If your store offers an organic option, help yourself to those. I do. If they don’t, don’t let that stop your intent; magic works with or without pesticides.
There are a number of ways you can use these wonderful essences for your magical needs. You can sprinkle them, burn them, carry them, and even strategically place or dust them around the home.
To code your herbs, see Chapter 36, Applying Color in Magic.
Using Barbecue Coals to Burn Herbs
I have yet to see charcoal blocks that are used to burn incense and resins sold in the grocery store, but there is a way you can get around that: buy barbecue coals or briquettes. My family used these to burn incense before they discovered charcoal blocks.
To use the coals or briquettes to burn herbs, first place four coals or briquettes in a pan on the stove. Let them heat up. Use a pair of metal tongs to gently turn each one until they are close to red. Be warned they do get very hot so handle with care and let them totally cool before discarding them in the trash can.
To test that the coals or briquettes are ready, sprinkle a small amount of whatever herb you will be using over them. If they give off smoke, they are ready to use. Once you are ready, sprinkle the herb or herbs bit by bit on top of the coals. Take this smoke around the house to cleanse it, bring positive energy, and add that little bit of peace you need by blessing your space and carrying that little wish that needs manifesting.
Allspice
Healing, Money
This aromatic spice holds magical properties and attracts money. Place it on coals and carry it around the home to leave that energy happily circling.
Sprinkle allspice around the home when you have prospective buyers coming around.
Use allspice in the name of someone who has been physically or spiritually unwell.
Alum
Gossip
Santería uses the actual alum stone in magic rituals to tighten things up, from a woman’s virginity to a gossiping meddler. But you can use the alum in the spice section to do the same.
Take a black drawstring bag and fill it with alum. Write the name of the person who gossips or meddles on a piece of paper and place it on something that belongs to the person in the bag. Shake it with thoughts in mind of what you want them to keep quiet about, and wish their mouths shut so they don’t open them and talk about things that are none of their business.
Basil (Fresh)
Love, Protection, Money
Grab a bunch of basil and rub it between your hands until you see a green substance on them, then rub this magical essence around your heart to let love back into your life.
Arrange a bunch of basil in your home like a flower arrangement and change it every Sunday for a new one to keep the love ever flowing.
In a pot of water on the stove, bring a bunch of basil to boil. Let it sit and cool off, then empty this green water into your bath. Step into this magical water to bring money into your life.
Basil (Dry)
Love, Protection, Money
Sprinkle basil around the outside of your home for protection and love.
Burn dried basil on coals to bring in all those money and protection needs.
I sprinkle dry basil on my wallet to keep those coins multiplying, and I sprinkle dry basil when I’m doing attraction spells.
Bay Leaves (Laurel)
Purification, Strength, Protection
Burn bay leaves to be rid of negative energy or unwanted spirits.
Carry a leaf for strength when there is something you need to confront, and to give you the courage you need to face your deepest conflicts
Caraway
Protection, Health
Carry the seeds in a little black drawstring bag for protection.
Sprinkle the seeds under your child’s mattress to keep away infections.
Burn caraway seeds for the overall health of your family and home.
Cardamom Pods
Love
Burn the pods to bring love into your world.
Carry them to attract the one you seek. Sprinkle them in the four corners of your home to keep love alive and strong. Rub them between your hands when going out on the town for a love conquest.
Cayenne Pepper
Protection, Strength
Sprinkle this powerful red powder around the outside of your home for those who wish you malicious intent.
At night, dust cayenne pepper sparingly around the inside of your home. The next day, vacuum to pick up negativity from those who bring it to the home.
Chicory
Strength
Chicory helps you find the strength to battle the obstacles that can surface on a daily basis. Carry it in a small red drawstring bag for strength or give the bag to someone who needs strength.
When you take a bath, burn chicory in the room to isolate the weakness within you. As you relax, visualize the power that you alone possess to conquer all that stands in your way.
Chili
Bring out arguments
On a piece of paper, write the name of the one who has done you wrong and sprinkle chili powder on top of the name. I use this method to help the person confess the bad they have done and admit to the damage they have caused.
Cilantro/Coriander
Peace, Protection
Burn cilantro on coals to bring peace and health to your home.
Hang a bunch of fresh cilantro tied with a red ribbon inside your front door to protect your home from the neighbor’s noise. Cilantro will also bring peace to the household from those who do not get along.
Cinnamon (Ground and Sticks)
Love, Success, Attraction, the Fruition of Dreams
I love to use cinnamon in most of my spells because it gives the spell power and strength to manifest. Its scent is intoxicating and attractive in a magnetic sort of way.
Without anyone knowing, place the tiniest piece of cinnamon in your mouth when on a job interview or when you are talking to the one you seek love from and try not to chew it or savor it in their presence.
Carry a cinnamon stick to attract all that you wish.
Dust your wallet with cinnamon for success in all money matters.
Place a small amount under your pillow to see your dreams become a reality.
Wrap a few sticks with a decorative ribbon and place in your room to keep love flowing.
Cloves (whole)
Love, Protection, Money
I love these small aromatic spices that look like rusty nails. Their scent is not as strong or as sweet as cinnamon, but they are just as powerful and change the taste of any recipe with the tiniest piece.
Place a handful of cloves around a candle for money.
Place under the pillow or in the pocket of the one you love so he or she will always be with you.
Carry a green drawstring bag filled with whole cloves to amplify the dollar situation.
Sniff the clove jar every morning to carry that essence with you throughout the day and remember the magic and the intention you are wishing for.
Cumin
Protection
Burn cumin seeds on coals for protection. Carry the seeds with you when you know you need protection. Sprinkle them under your car seat to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.
Curry Powder
Protection
Dust inside your shoes for protection against those with poor work ethics.
To stay on the defensive when needed, place your finger inside the bottle and then bring it to your chest and draw the pentagram. This will warn the one who seeks an altercation to stay away.
Dill (Fresh)
Protection, Money
Although it looks like a little fluffy pine tree, dill is a wonderful herb to use to protect your finances from those who seek to wear your bank balance down, and for this reason alone you should carry a small piece in your wallet.
Dill (Dry)
Protection, Money
Burn dry dill on coals to protect your finances from those who seek to wear your bank balance down, and carry a small amount in your wallet.
Fennel (Fresh)
Healing
The smell of fennel is intoxicating. Add it to your bath to heal the physical body from injuries or sickness.
Fennel (Dry)
Healing
Burn dry fennel on your coals for healing.
Sprinkle some under the mattress or inside the pillow of the one who is ill or needing protection from illnesses.
Ginger (Ground)
Health, Money, Success
Sprinkle ground ginger in your wallet or purse for financial gains.
Place two teaspoons of ginger in a small green drawstring bag. Inconspicuously put it close to your front door to attract what is yours to have.
Lemongrass (Fresh)
Love, Lust
For a not-so-boring sex life, place seven lemongrass stalks that have been wrapped in red tissue paper under your mattress. Change every month to keep the momentum going.
Marjoram
Love
As the newly wedded couple walk hand in hand down the aisle, throw a mixture of marjoram and rose petals at them to bring stability and everlasting love to their wedded life.
Mint (Fresh)
Protection, Money
Rub mint in your hands whenever you are around money, or before you go to the bank to attract that energy.
Keep fresh leaves in your wallet or purse and change on a weekly basis to keep the energy and to protect your finances.
Mint (Dry)
Travel, Protection, Money
Burn dry mint leaves on coals for your travel plans to come to fruition. Carry the leaves in your wallet or purse for money. Hang a small white drawstring bag filled with mint by the back door to keep money in the home.
Nutmeg (Whole and Ground)
Abundance
This is another one of my favorite magical tools. Nutmeg is for anything you want to enhance or to bring to the forefront, especially within the financial gains department.
I always have whole or ground nutmeg in my home. I carry it whole loosely inside my handbag. I also sprinkle dried nutmeg on my front door and rub my hands with it to bring all that is good into my life.
Parsley (Fresh)
Money
On Sundays, bring a bunch of fresh parsley into your home and your finances will multiply with the magical essence it possesses.
Parsley ensures the purification and stability of a peaceful, happy home.
Rub fresh parsley on your naked body for its essence to vibrate with its money frequency.
Parsley (Dry)
Money
Burn dry parsley on coals for money and take the smoke all over the house while visualizing your money needs. Sprinkle some inside your purse or wallet, in your shoes, and by your front door.
Pepper (Black, Brown, White, Peppercorn)
Repellent
It doesn’t matter if you use black or white, ground or powder or the actual corns; to me all forms of pepper work as a repellent. From what I have gathered over the years and heard through the family magical grapevine, pepper was used to cause fights. You would sprinkle it around the ones you wanted to fight when they were standing together.
I use pepper as a repellent to negative magic. On a piece of paper, write the name of the person you know has hexed you, then sprinkle black pepper on top of the name. Light a match and burn it and the spell will be broken.
Rosemary (Fresh, Dry, or Oil)
Everything you can think of
Rosemary is the Jedi, the Luke Skywalker of all the herbs. I have rosemary in pots and jars all over my house. This is the herb that replaces the one you can’t find when doing any spell. Use your imagination with rosemary. Every time I see a fresh bunch, I touch its leaves and then place my hands behind my neck. That intoxicating essence clears my head like no other. I also place this herb over red-hot coals and take its aroma all over the house to cleanse negative energy.
Strategically place small bunches of rosemary around the house for protection.
Carry a few leaves inside your wallet for money.
Add rosemary to a bath to enhance health and vitality.
Rub rosemary on your hands before you go out on a first date for a promising relationship and wait for your wish to manifest.
Saffron
Psychic Powers, Healing
Use this reddish yellow spice as incense when conducting magical work or meditation for a more spiritual outcome.
When doing psychometry or any healing work such as reiki, rub saffron between your hands for a clear picture between you and your client.
Sage (Fresh and Dry)
Protection, Cleansing, Healing, Purifying
Sage is one of the most trusted herbs, and largely used by those who spiritually cleanse their home on a regular basis. Sage is the Harry Potter of the herbs and used for all sorts of spiritual and magical needs. I usually buy fresh sage and dry it, and then make my own smudge sticks. I light the sticks and take them around the house mainly to purify space.
Inhale its scent when you have difficulty making a decision. Sage clears the mind from the turmoil of knowing which decision is right or wrong; but in saying that, there are no right or wrong decisions. Every decision just makes us move forward to the next part of our spiritual journey.
I carry a few sage leaves when going to a job interview.
Put a leaf in each shoe before you get on a plane for a safe and fun journey.
In a white drawstring bag, place some dry sage leaves and give to the one who is sick to carry around for better health and happiness.
Star Anise
Luck, Healing Powers
This scented aniseed herb looks like a many-pointed star and its scent is sweet yet refreshing. Star anise is great for healing and luck. I boil three of the stars and make a tea, which I drink cold over ice to help with my digestive system.
Carry some in your wallet or purse always and strategically place them around the house during the winter cold and flu season months. It will not only keep away colds but also bring luck into your home.
Tarragon (Fresh)
Healing the Feminine
Place a fresh bunch of tarragon in a white pillowcase under your pillow to heal from a broken heart and to find the strength to deal with spiritual and feminine health issues.
Thyme (Fresh)
Healing
I love to add fresh thyme to my magical bath when I’m not recovering well after a cold or an illness. A thyme bath gives me that healing energy I need. If you want to use thyme in your bath, add it at least once a week for three, five, or seven weeks. I can assure you, you will start to feel better hours after the first bath.
Thyme (Dry)
Healing
Get a white drawstring bag and fill it with dried thyme. Give the filled bag to the one who needs physical or emotional healing. Place the bag under the pillow to give you that sense of peace, knowing that with every breath you take, you are healing emotionally and physically and becoming a stronger, more positive individual.
Turmeric
Purification, Protection
I do love turmeric but in small doses. This yellow powder seems to love my kitchen bench and appliances. I seem to make such a splatter every time I use it, thus leaving yellow marks that eventually come out. But no matter the mess, turmeric is an excellent spice for protection and to purify the family space.
Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric with a few drops of water and stir until you have a paste. If you can’t get the consistency right, keep adding powder and water until you have a rich, thick, creamy paste. Use the paste to make a circle at your front and back doorsteps to protect your home. Do this on a Sunday and redo every Sunday after that to keep away those who wish you no happiness or love.