Nothing exists nor happens in the visible sky that is not sensed in some hidden manner by the faculties of Earth and Nature.
—JOHANNES KEPLER
Everything in our physical world corresponds to one or more of the bodies in the heavenly realm. These correspondences are based on energetic similarities between earthly matters and celestial influences. In some cases, affinities show themselves in obvious physical ways—for example, a sunflower's color and shape resemble the sun. In other instances, the correlations are energetic or vibrational.
In astrological parlance, the sun, moon, and planets are said to “rule” or have dominion over living things, inanimate objects, and activities—just about every facet of our existence, in fact. At one time, the heavenly bodies were considered to be the actual embodiments of deities who presided over affairs on earth, and each god or goddess had certain responsibilities, hence the concept of “rulership.” As you work with these energies and develop a feel for them, you'll start to understand why wine, for instance, is associated with Neptune and why computers are related to Uranus.
In this chapter, I provide lists that show the correspondences between astrological factors and botanicals that you might wish to incorporate in your magick work. Since ancient times, magick practitioners have drawn upon the properties of plants to aid the sick, attract benefits, and ward off danger. The ancient Druids even created a language and system of divination known as Ogham based on trees. Today, although our modern healthcare system relies more on pharmaceuticals to treat medical concerns, we see widespread interest in herbal remedies and plant-based healing modalities.
Plants are among the most popular ingredients in spells of all kinds. If you know which botanicals relate to which planet or sign, you can choose substances to enhance the power of a spell. First, consider the nature or purpose of your spell and the astrological sign associated with that purpose. For example, love spells correspond to Libra, the sign of relationships, and Venus, the planet that rules Libra. Then select substances that have an affinity with the appropriate sign or heavenly body.
In some cases, you may wish to work with plants that relate to astrological factors in your own birth chart or the chart of a person for whom you're doing a spell. Let's say, for example, you're doing a spell for an “idea” person who has a preponderance of air signs in her birth chart and wants to be able to apply those ideas in practical ways. You could draw upon botanicals associated with the earth signs Taurus, Virgo, or Capricorn to make a talisman or magick herbal brew for her. Healing spells might incorporate specially chosen botanicals to energize debilitated factors in an ailing person's chart or to mollify the difficult influences.
Before picking or cutting a plant to use in spells, ask the plant's permission. Make contact with the plant's spirit or deva and explain how you plan to use the flowers, leaves, or bark. Describe the outcome you seek with your spell. Ask the nature spirits to assist you. You may want to compose a short blessing or incantation to thank the plant for lending its energy and substance to your work.
During the Victorian era, floral bouquets were sent as a way of conveying messages from the giver to the recipient. Each flower had a particular meaning, some of which were related to astrological energies. We still see roses as symbols of love, which isn't surprising to astrologers who link roses with Libra, the sign of love, romance, and relationships.
Some flowers and plants bloom during the month when the sun is in their corresponding zodiacal sign. Jonquils and daffodils generally blossom during the spring months Aries and Taurus (though, of course, blooming times vary from region to region). Some plants possess properties similar to the astrological sign with which they're associated. Hemp, for instance, is known for its hardiness and is connected with Capricorn. Water lilies and lotus flowers grow in water, so they're related to the water signs Cancer and Pisces.
Because plants are living things, they have particularly powerful vibratory properties that you can tap in spellworking. Dried flower petals, leaves, roots, bark, or seeds can be used in amulets and talismans. Plant extracts are a basic ingredient in many perfumes, oils, and incense.
In their book The Secret Life of Plants, authors Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird reported on the results of botanist Luther Burbank's experiments. Burbank demonstrated that positive thoughts helped plants to grow stronger and healthier, and could even alter their usual characteristics. Since then, the beneficial effects of talking nicely to your plants and playing peaceful music to them have been studied widely and gained credence. In 2017, researchers Andras Zlinsky and Anders Barfod of Aarhus University, Netherlands, found that trees have heartbeats. Ecology professor Suzanne Simard further discovered that trees share survival information with each other, communicating through a network of tiny roots, and that they “speak” to one another in distinctive voices.
FLOWER REMEDIES
In the 1930s, the English physician Dr. Edward Bach developed a healing system based on harnessing the vibrational essences of flowers. He discovered that plants had the ability to aid humans with emotional, physiological, and physical problems, and could facilitate healing. Unlike herbal medicine, which generally involves using actual plant material in potions, poultices, salves, or other ways, Bach's original thirty-eight flower remedies drew upon the vibrational characteristics of botanicals. He floated flowers in glass bowls of spring water, placed them in sunshine, and allowed their essence to imprint the water. By ingesting the plant-infused water, a person could reap the benefits inherent in the plant's nature.
Like gemstones, flowers are often linked with certain months; however, choose flowers according to birth sign, not the month of birth. The list below shows which plants are appropriate for each sign. Use caution and common sense when working with botanicals. Some plants are not edible, and some may not be safe for use directly on the body.
Not all astrologers and magick workers will agree with the following associations I've listed between plants and zodiac signs—and these lists are far from comprehensive. Different schools of thought make different assignments. You'll also notice some overlap, as various substances may have affinities with more than one sign. As you progress in your astrological studies and your magickal practice, you may come up with your own connections.
Aries: jonquil, honeysuckle, snapdragon, hyacinth
Taurus: columbine, daisy, lily, daffodil, orchid, clover, lilac, tulip
Gemini: azalea, honeysuckle, lily of the valley, verbena, yarrow, tansy, heather
Cancer: iris, jasmine, water lily, white rose, larkspur
Leo: red rose, poppy, marigold, peony, dahlia, sunflower, gladioli
Virgo: aster, heather, lavender, myrtle, morning glory
Libra: cosmos, apple blossom, daisy, gardenia, rose, violet, hibiscus, pink clover
Scorpio: chrysanthemum, aconitum, foxglove, thistle
Sagittarius: paper-white narcissus, Christmas cactus, dandelion, magnolia
Aquarius: wild rose, orchid, bird of paradise
Pisces: violet, passionflower, wisteria, lotus
Aries: cayenne, cumin, garlic, paprika, dry mustard, nettle
Taurus: peppermint, parsley, catnip, golden seal
Gemini: valerian, dill, fennel, lemongrass, marjoram, ginger
Cancer: anise, sesame, coriander, poppy seed, hyssop
Leo: cinnamon, saffron, rosemary, sunflower seed, tarragon
Virgo: gentian, caraway, celery seed, savory, chamomile
Libra: golden seal, pennyroyal, mint, thyme, raspberry
Scorpio: black pepper, pomegranate seed, coriander
Sagittarius: bay laurel, agrimony, hops, cardamom, hyssop
Capricorn: poppy seed, comfrey, basil, star anise
Aquarius: ginseng, allspice, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg
Pisces: seaweed, lemon balm, sage
MAGICAL FOODS
You've heard the expression “You are what you eat,” and there's certainly a lot of truth in it. In magick rituals, food and beverages often play a role, both for their symbolism and because they produce specific chemical reactions in the body. When you ingest something, you incorporate its energetic properties into your body; therefore, consuming special foods and beverages can become a part of your magick work.
Hot, spicy foods such as chili peppers have a natural affinity with the fiery sign Aries; shellfish have an obvious connection with Cancer, the crab. Coffee and tea, which stimulate mental activity, have a vibration similar to the mentally quick air signs Gemini and Aquarius.
Aries: ash, dogwood, maple
Taurus: magnolia, locust
Gemini: hawthorn, fig
Cancer: willow, cypress
Leo: beech, olive
Virgo: hazel, birch, poplar
Libra: apple, chestnut
Scorpio: eucalyptus, ivy, walnut
Sagittarius: cedar, sandalwood, yew
Capricorn: oak, pine, spruce, fir, yew
Aquarius: rowan, elder
Pisces: willow
Aries: black pepper, lemon
Taurus: bergamot, verbena, lilac
Gemini: honeysuckle, lily of the valley, lavender, geranium
Cancer: chamomile, rosemary, clary sage
Leo: frankincense, almond
Virgo: lavender, fennel, chamomile, thyme
Libra: rose, jasmine, peppermint, sweet orange
Scorpio: patchouli, eucalyptus, musk
Sagittarius: sandalwood, myrrh, sage, frankincense
Capricorn: bayberry, pine, basil, tea tree
Aquarius: neroli, cinnamon, clove
Pisces: ylang-ylang, wisteria, melissa
THE ART OF AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy is the ancient practice of using scent to promote health and well-being. Thousands of years ago, the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Chinese used aromatic substances to treat all sorts of ailments, emotional as well as physical. The oils extracted from plants can be sniffed or in some cases rubbed directly on the skin. Aromas trigger responses in the limbic system and affect the emotions, heart rate, and blood pressure. Wearing astrologically appropriate fragrances that correspond to your sign can be beneficial mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Aries: onions, garlic, hot mustard, rhubarb, salsa, curry
Taurus: beans, confectionery, chocolate, wheat
Gemini: walnuts, hazelnuts, coffee, tea, carrots, buckwheat, lettuce
Cancer: sesame oil, melons, avocados
Leo: almonds, sunflower seeds, saffron rice, bourbon, honey, olives
Virgo: wheat, bread, corn, sassafras, green tea
Libra: confectionery, chocolate, strawberries, apricots, raspberries, apples
Scorpio: mushrooms, artichokes, pomegranates, fermented products
Sagittarius: chestnuts, maple syrup, asparagus, tomatoes
Capricorn: barley, beer, hops, potatoes, beets, dried fruit, spinach
Aquarius: coffee, cinnamon, sparkling drinks such as champagne
Pisces: water, wine, watercress, seaweed
Botanicals will likely play a major role in your spellwork; they're readily available, pleasant to work with, versatile, and inexpensive. In addition to using herbs and essential oils therapeutically, you can tap the power of plants in a variety of ways in spells and rituals. Here are some suggestions:
As you've seen, certain botanicals are suited to certain types of spells. By including appropriate plant material to your spells and rituals, you boost their effectiveness. Depending on your spell, you may wish to use leaves, flower petals, essential oils, or other parts of the plant—or a combination. Consider the following:
Some botanicals have qualities that make them popular additions in many types of spells. Sage, for example, is known for its purification properties, and magicians often burn sage to cleanse sacred space prior to magick work. Lavender's calming nature can help you relax and center yourself in preparation for a spell or ritual. Experiment with plant material in different forms too. You may find that fresh flowers and herbs provide a livelier energy that can help a spell work faster, whereas dried ones offer longer-lasting results. Record your experiences in your grimoire or book of shadows, so you can remember what happened and chronicle your growth as a spellworker.
BOTANICAL TALISMAN SPELL TO ATTRACT NEW LOVE
This spell draws on the energies of flowers and herbs to attract love into your life. Create this talisman while the moon is waxing, in Taurus or Libra, and/or on Friday if possible. Depending on your time frame, you may also want to consider the astrological position of Venus, making sure the planet is in a favorable sign (Taurus, Cancer, Libra, or Pisces) and in harmonious relationship to other heavenly bodies. (See Chapters 13 and 14 for more information.)
Assemble your ingredients, and smudge the space where you'll do your spell to eliminate unwanted vibrations and cast a protective circle.
Take some time to contemplate what you want in a love relationship and the type of person you wish to attract. On a piece of paper, write up to ten things you desire in the partnership. The more clarity and feeling you can bring to this act, the better your results will be.
Study the lists in this chapter to determine which flowers and/or herbs correspond to what you've written on your list. Many love spells include rose petals—pink for romance and affection, red for passion. If you're seeking a partner who has money, you could add some dried mint leaves. White carnation petals encourage stability in a relationship; cayenne pepper can stimulate excitement.
Read through your list aloud, and then fold the paper three times. You may also want to dot the paper with an appropriate essential oil.
Slip the list into a pink or red cloth pouch and add your botanicals while you envision the things you want in the relationship and what the botanicals represent. Then tie the pouch closed.
Light incense that corresponds to love (rose, jasmine, or patchouli). Hold the talisman you've created in the fragrant smoke for one minute to charge it.
Seal the spell by stating aloud: “So mote it be, with good to all concerned.” Open the circle.
Place the talisman on your nightstand, under your pillow, or on your altar until the love you seek arrives.