Water Herbs
and Botanicals
Water botanicals and water plants get their association in a number of different ways. First, there are herbs that are associated with the moon, or the watery zodiac signs of Cancer, Pisces, and Scorpio. Then there are herbs and plants that represent this element because they grow and thrive in water or very watery conditions and environments. Finally, some people consider certain botanicals to be water plants because they bear particularly juicy fruit or sap. The following list is extensive but by no means exhaustive. Feel free to add your own favorite water herbs into your rotation whenever possible.
Note: Some individuals can experience a negative reaction when ingesting these ingredients or even using them on their skin. Please consult with a medical professional and use extreme care when dealing with unfamiliar ingredients.
Aloe (Aloe barbadensis): The humble aloe vera plant has become a standard in modern healing. Here in the US it is available to use both topically and as a drink or supplement (however, it is toxic at certain levels, so consume with caution). It is composed of 96 percent water, so there is no surprise it is on our list of water plants. There is evidence that aloe has been used as a medicinal herb for over 2,000 years. Placing a live aloe plant in your home is said to protect your space from accidents and other mishaps. In certain areas of Africa, it is hung near the doors and windows to keep away the evil eye. Sacred to Venus and Aphrodite, it can be used as an offering to them on your altar or shrine. Magically it can also be used in workings for love and beauty.
Apple (Malus domestica): Apples are a traditional offering for Hel, Hecate, Lilith, Santa Muerte, and Changó. You can use the fruit of the apple, the flower, or even the bark in your magic spells and workings. It is influenced by the planets Venus and Jupiter, and you can use it in connection with these. I have always seen apples as inherently magical. In the Bible they are seen as representing knowledge. If you slice one open horizontally, it will reveal a five-pointed star, an elemental symbol highly prized in Witchcraft. The powerful fruit is used in magic for love, romance, passion, divination, psychic connection, and healing.
Ash (Fraxinus americana): Ash is one of the most magical trees around. It has long been a chosen wood for spiritual tools and creations such as wands and brooms. Ash is said to grant protection, strength, power, psychic dreams, prosperity, and luck. Ash trees themselves are said to attract lightning, so don’t take shelter under one in a storm. The spiral-shaped buds of the tree are believed to mimic the cosmic spiral of life. It was a sacred tree for both the ancient Egyptians and Druids. Early Norse mythology tells us that this tree was known as Yggdrasil, the tree of life connecting the nine worlds.
Balm of Gilead (Cammiphora opobalsamum or Populus candicans): According to biblical lore, the Queen of Sheba gifted this plant to King Solomon. Balm of Gilead in either floral or oil form is a regular ingredient in Hoodoo spells. The song “There Is a Balm in Gilead” is a traditional African American spiritual that dates back to the 1800s. The origins of the song are not totally clear, but in many different versions it says this balm can be used to cure one’s soul. Magically the plant can be used not only to heal and in matters of love, but also to consecrate, bless, and purify.
Bay (Laurus nobilis): Bay leaf is used very often in kitchen witchery and Hoodoo. You can use the leaves to write the name of your lover and carry it in your pocket; alternatively, you can use the leaves to write the names of your haters and burn the leaves to remove their influence from your life. Bay is a common houseplant, and growing a bay tree in your home is said to protect it from thieves and accidents. It is considered sacred to the orishas Obatala and Babaluaiye.
Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica): There are several different varieties of this small tree, which is native to Asia, Europe, North America, and Northern Africa. Many people view it as a nuisance plant, as it can be invasive. Magically it is a plant used for protection workings. It is said to repel negativity, demons, poisons, and the evil eye. Traditionally branches were hung from doors and windows to accomplish this purpose. It is also used in workings to remove blockages and grant your deepest wishes.
Burdock (Arctium lappa): This plant is also known as bat weed, gobo, beggar’s buttons, and love leaves. Carrying burdock root has long been said to be a source of power and strength. It also has several medicinal properties and is widely used by herbalists even today. Consequently, it is also used in magic for healing as well as cleansing and protection.
Calamus (Acorus calamus): Among the common names for calamus are sweet flag, sweet grass, sweet rush, myrtle grass, and gladden. It loves to grow near water, and that is the reason for its association with this element. It can be used in magic for controlling and dominance, as well as for protection, luck, healing, and strength. This is used as an offering for the orishas Oshún and Ochosi.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria): Anyone who knows cats knows that catnip can be a recreational drug for their pets. Consequently, it is sacred to Bast, as well as Freya and Aphrodite. It is primarily used as an herb for love. It is used as an attractant and works in spells to bring love and passion to your bed. It can be added to washes, baths, and oil formulas to capitalize on these effects.
Chamomile, German (Matricaria recutita): This plant is associated with fairy magic. It is known to bring about relaxation, calm, peaceful sleep, luck, protection, and gentle love.
Coconut (Cocos nucifera): Both the oil and the flesh of coconut are common ingredients in many kitchens. There are many magical uses for the coconut too. It can be used to bring purification, cleansing, and blessings. In La Regla Lucumi, coconut is very often an ingredient in ritual washes, and people are often advised to bathe in the water of a freshly cracked coconut. Coconut is said to be sacred to the orishas Yemaya and Eleggua.
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara): A member of the daisy family, this plant is found growing naturally in Europe and Asia. The medicinal properties of this herb have been lauded for thousands of years, and it is used to treat coughs and colds. Magically coltsfoot is used to grace altars and shrines during the holidays of Imbolc and Beltane. You may wish to use coltsfoot in your rituals and spells for peace, love, calm, and connection to the psychic realms.
Comfrey (Symphytum spp.): A member of the borage family, there are over thirty-five different plants that are commonly called comfrey. The most popular use of this herb is in magic for traveling and protection. For decades I have made sure to include a small piece in my luggage to make sure it doesn’t get lost. In addition to this, the herb is also helpful for protection and grounding work. Some people can have a reaction when their skin touches comfrey, so please be careful the first time you touch the fresh version of this plant.
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus): This common vegetable has been cultivated for over 3,000 years. Being composed of approximately 96 percent water, it is no wonder it finds itself on our list of water plants. Magically it is said to help with love, lust, and healing. Slices of cucumber placed on the eyes are said to help improve psychic visions.
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens): Cypress is one of those plants that thrives in water. Often it is found thriving in swamps and watery areas. It is said to bring blessings of healing, protection, wealth, and success. It can be utilized as a sacred offering for Hecate, Hera, Athena, Aphrodite, Astarte, Oya, Yemaya, and Nana Buruku.
Elder or Elderberry (Sambucus spp.): There are over twenty-five different varieties of this plant, but black elder is the most prevalent here in the USA. Like many of the water plants on this list, it is known to grow best in watery conditions, near the edge of a lake or stream. This plant has long been used for healing. Commercially prepared cough syrups and tonics from elderberry flowers or juice are widely available. They are said to help with fevers, flu, coughs, and also boost the immune system.
The ancient Druids were said to hold this tree in high regard, and it is one of the plants used in their Ogham system of divination. Elder is depicted there by five lines and the letter “R.” There it is said to represent the cycle of life, the ever-present interplay between life and death, this world and the next. However, it isn’t just the British Isles that utilized this magical plant. It is linked to early Germanic, Scandinavian, and even Christian concepts. Some call it the Judas tree and say that this is where the rogue apostle chose to hang himself.
There are many folk beliefs and superstitions surrounding this plant. One legend says that certain powerful witches possess the ability to shapeshift into these plants to avoid being seen. The sap that runs when the branches are cut is said to be their blood. Because of this it is very unlucky to cut down this tree, and elaborate permissions are asked beforehand. Wands made from elder are said to have the power to banish negativity, and it is a great wood for crafting your ritual tools. People also craft beads and instruments from the wood to help with protection and also for connecting to the Faery realm.
The Druids assigned this tree to the thirteenth month, the time between November and December that happens to include Yule. Any late berries that still cling to the plant can be used to make a powerful elixir or wine, which when drunk during Yule is said to bring prophecies and messages from the otherworld. Large quantities of elder are toxic, so please refrain from trying this on your own. St. John’s Eve, observed on June 24, is also an auspicious time to gather these berries and use in spells and workings to protect you from misfortune and harm and grant you great blessings. An equal-armed cross can be made of the wood and tied with red cord; this can then be hung from doors and windows to prevent harm from coming to the house. Elder is also a plant used for honoring and communicating with the dead. In many countries small shoots of elder were planted on graves to help the dead find their way to a blessed afterlife.
Elder is considered an appropriate offering for the goddesses Hel, Venus, and Hilde. Elder is a valuable ingredient in magical spells and rituals for intuition, prosperity, protection, healing, wisdom, judgment, rebirth, transformation, removal of jinxes and hexes, banishing, and exorcism.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus): This is one of those healing herbs that has found its way into common practice. You can even buy cough drops with this magical ingredient. In addition to its healing abilities, eucalyptus is known to promote concentration, focus, clarity, balance, divination, and psychic ability. You can also use it in magical workings to help with calming anxiety and panic attacks. It is considered sacred to the orishas Obatala and Babaluaiye.
Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides): These white flowers are said to symbolize love, devotion, purity, and spiritual connection. The Victorian language of flowers says they represent a secret love affair. If you were surprised by one of these on your doorstep, your secret admirer had come calling. Because of their connection to love magic, they are often used in wedding bouquets and arrangements. You can use oil of gardenia in your baths, floor washes, and ritual oils, or just place the actual flowers on your altar or shrine. It is considered sacred to Isis, Hecate, Aphrodite, Kuan Yin, and Obatala. There are lots of uses for this water elemental plant and luckily it can be grown easily at home, either indoors or out.
Heather (Calluna vulgaris): This plant, also called ling, or Scotch heather, is found growing in Europe, Asia, Greenland, and North America. Traditionally it has been used to make brooms, brushes, and baskets, and it was even used as a building material to create small buildings in the Scottish Highland. Its botanical name, Calluna, comes from the Greek word kalluno, which means “to cleanse.” Consequently, small bundles of heather can be tied together to make brooms or scourges for using with your ritual waters and washes. The famous author Robert Louis Stevenson writes about this delightful flower in his ode Heather Ale:
From the bonnie bells of heather,
They brewed a drink long-syne,
Was sweeter far than honey,
Was stronger far than wine.40
Clearly people have valued the benefits of this delightful flower for centuries. It can be used in your magic for luck, success, self-control, protection, purification, adoration, passion, and the granting of wishes. Heather is said to be especially prized by the fairies and can be given as an offering to them. Some even believe it opens the doorways between our world and theirs. It is also considered sacred to Isis, Cybele, Venus, and Eleggua. In Ireland incense and offerings of heather are used to bring about communication with those who have passed on. The white variety is considered particularly auspicious.
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis): One of the most delightfully fragrant spring flowers is the hyacinth. I would bathe in its delicious scent every day if I could. They bloom in an absolutely gorgeous array of colors—blue, purple, pink, white, and yellow. Magically they can be helpful with joy, happiness, calm, peace of mind, freedom from oppression, and removal of negativity. It is sacred to the orisha Yemaya.
Iris (Iris spp.): There are approximately 300 different species of iris. Irises are thought to be ruled by the moon and are therefore very useful for divination and other psychic work. They are said to bring faith, courage, and great wisdom. Often the root of the plant is used, which is called orris root. When growing irises in your garden, remember they thrive in damp soil, especially when in full bloom. In the Greek pantheon, Iris was a goddess who ruled over the rainbows and the seas. She functioned as a messenger between worlds, riding the rainbow to deliver the important words and information. Because of this, magically irises are still used for communication, especially when sending messages of love. In addition, irises are used for love, romance, protection, psychic power, and divination. They are given in offering to Erzulie Freda Dahomey and also to Hera, Aphrodite, and Venus. (See also orris root)
Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus): Not a moss but rather an algae or seaweed, Irish moss is one of the most watery plants around. Historically it has been used in brewing and is common to all lands that border the Atlantic Ocean. The magical uses for this plant include gambling luck, protection, travel safety, and success in business. It is used as an offering for Brighid, Aphrodite, and Maman Brigitte.
Ivy (Hedera spp.): Ivy is a common garden plant throughout most parts of the world. While there are several different species that fall under this name, English ivy, classified as Hedera helix, is one of the most popular. Ivy is known to be toxic, so do not ingest this plant. Sacred to Ariadne, Arianrhod, Artemis, Bacchus, Dionysis, and Osiris, this plant is firmly rooted in magic.
A favorite of poets and artists, in 1862 Christina Rossetti wrote the following about ivy:
Oh roses for the flush of youth,
And laurel for the perfect prime;
But pick an ivy branch for me
Grown old before my time.41
Ivy is easy to grow both indoors and outside in most areas. Planting it around your home is said to help keep it safe on every level. It is said that if ivy thrives on your property, you will be successful. In addition to success, Ivy is also said to be useful in magic for fidelity, relationships, fertility, protection, and health. Because of its ability to thrive in many diverse environments, it is said to teach us the value of perseverance. It can also be used to increase the speed and effectiveness of your spells.
Jasmine (Jasminum spp.): There are approximately 200 different species of plant that are known by the name jasmine. Its name is Persian in origin and roughly translates to “gifts from god.” The plant is useful in magic for divination, psychic connection, joy, happiness, healing, love, and abundance. It is said to help stimulate and heal the heart chakra. Jasmine is considered sacred to Aine, Aphrodite, Bast, Diana, Hecate, Ishtar, Venus, and Orunla. It is said to be ruled by the moon and is sometimes given the poetic name “moonlight on the grove.”
Lemon (Citrus limonum): Lemons are sacred to Juno, Luna, and Yemaya. Folk magic tells us to place a slice of lemon beneath each chair at the dinner table to keep the peace among guests. Either the juice, the leaves, or the fruit of this plant can be used. In your magic spells and recipes, lemon can help to impart blessings of love, romance, joy, peace, protection, and purification.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): This delightful herb has been in use since ancient times. Sacred to Artemis and Yemaya, there are many magical uses for this plant. You can add it to spells and rituals for strength, calm, wisdom, love, passion, and joy.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Licorice root is an ingredient in many medicines and confectioneries. It is sometimes even used to flavor tobacco. There are prohibitions for people who are pregnant, nursing, or suffering from heart problems. As always, consult with a physician before ingesting. It is used in spells for commanding, compelling, and controlling; however, these workings often have problematic results, so proceed with caution. Magically it is also used for workings for passion, love, and working with the dead. The plant can be found growing wild in Greece, Spain, Italy, Iraq, Syria, Russia, and even China. Fortunately, you can also grow it at home. Be sure to soak the seeds thoroughly before planting as this will help them sprout quicker and more effectively.
Lilac (Syringa vulgaris): Growing up, lilac was one of the few flowers that regularly found a place in our home. It was the favorite of my grandmother, who, despite her red-headed temper, was often calmed by the delightful scent. The fragrant blooms are also beloved by many types of butterfly, as well as the orishas Oshún and Yemaya and the lwa of the cemetery, Maman Brigitte. It is said to have the ability to drive away ghosts from your property, as well as bring protection and positive energy. Lilac can also be useful for divination and accessing knowledge from past lives.
Lily (Lilium spp.): There are daylilies, water lilies, and calla lilies, just to name a few. Each one manifests with its own unique type of magic. Daylilies are said to help with birth and parenting; they are also useful when trying to forget your troubles and cares. Lilies in general are associated with the Virgin Mary as well as Hera, Juno, Venus, Obatala, and Oshún. You can use them in your magic spells and rituals to grant passion, fertility, love, birth, progress, development, hope, faith, renewal, and remembrance. They are also helpful in rituals when communicating with the dead.
Lobelia (Lobelia erinus or Lobelia inflata): The tiny blossoms of this flower are said to be especially loved by fairies. Lobelia is used in workings for love, romance, protection, cleansing, and weather magic. Throwing it in the direction of a coming storm can make it change its path.
Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera): Lotus is used in workings for divination, meditation, healing, and protection. It is also used as an offering to Yemaya, the orisha of the ocean, and Oshún, the orisha of the river, as well as the goddess Isis.
Nettle (Urtica dioica): Nettle, also called burn hazel, burn weed, or devil’s plaything, is a plant that is known for its sting. It is used for hex breaking, jinx removal, protection, and exorcism.
Orris Root (Iris germanica and Iris pallida): Queen Elizabeth root is another name for this popular ingredient in spells and workings. Mainly it is used for love, romance, heart healing, and protection. You may also use it in conjunction with the heart chakra. It is a traditional offering for the orishas Eleggua and Orunla.
Passionflower (Passiflora spp.): Just as the name implies, these flowers are used to bring passion, love, and sensual pleasure. There are a whole host of plants in this classification that bear the name. They are said to remove negativity and illness while attuning your energy to higher vibrations and psychic knowledge. Passionflower is also used as an offering to the orisha Changó.
Peach (Prunus persica): Most kitchen witches are familiar with the delicious peach. Archaeological evidence tells us that peaches have been eaten since around 2000 BCE. They are particularly prized in Chinese culture, where they are said to grant vitality. The blossoms, wood, and fruit are all used in magic. Peach wood is used for both wands and dowsing rods, while eating peaches is said to create an atmosphere of love. They are considered sacred to Aphrodite, Freya, Hathor, Venus, and Oshún. Magically they are used for romance, passion, sensual pursuits, fertility, longevity, and the granting of desires.
Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus): Sorcerer’s violet is another name for this delicate treasure that has long been a favorite of witches. Periwinkle can grant peace, calm, harmony, money, success, love, passion, and psychic knowledge. Folklore says that parents who have lost children should plant it on their child’s grave to help them heal and keep the good memories alive.
Plumeria (Plumeria rubra): Plumeria is my favorite scent. It has been used by the perfume industry since the seventeenth century. Also called frangipani, it is said to help stimulate the crown chakra and open up receptivity to other worlds. Magically it can open one up to sensuality, attract love, improve self-confidence, and instill inner peace.
Poppy Seed (Papaveraceae spp.): Poppies are used for pleasure, success, divination, healing, and honoring the dead, as well as in spells for invisibility. They are also used in spells for confusion and overcoming addiction. Ironically, poppies are also the main ingredient in the manufacture of addictive drugs like opium and heroin. The flowers and seeds of this delicate beauty are used to honor Hecate, Aphrodite, Hypnos, Demeter, Persephone, Venus, and Nyx.
Pomegranate (Punica granatum): Pomegranates are associated with the goddess Persephone and her tale of the underworld. The fruit was made infamous through this story of dark and light. It may feature in other epic adventures as well: certain theorists suggest that the fruit in the garden of Eden was really a pomegranate and not an apple. The fruit is used in magic spells and rituals for fertility, prosperity, abundance, money, protection, divination, knowledge, and wisdom. Some practitioners even use pomegranate juice as a substitute for blood in rituals and formulas. It is held sacred by the goddesses Astarte, Persephone, and Sekhmet.
Rose (Rosa spp.): Roses are representative of love in almost every culture. Even nonmagical people use them to symbolize their love for each other and enhance their romantic pursuits. They can be given as an offering to Oshún, Yemaya, Pomba Gira, Adonis, Freya, Hathor, Hecate, Demeter, Isis, Santa Muerte, and many other manifestations of the divine. In addition to love, they can be used in your rituals and spellwork for divination, psychic connection, healing, luck, protection, purification, and more. Both Jewish and Islamic folklore tell of rose’s ability to reveal the truth, so you may wish to consider using them for this purpose too.
It takes over two thousand roses to make one gram of rose oil, making it highly prized and quite expensive. As an alternative, I frequently use rose water in my ritual baths and washes. There is even a food-grade option easily obtained from gourmet stores and retailers that can be used for your kitchen witch creations. Even though it isn’t thought of as a traditional ingredient, I like to cook with rose whenever possible; I find it imparts a loving harmony to the food and all those who eat it. Rose flowers and petals also make a beautiful addition to your altars and shrines.
Rose of Jericho (Selaginella lepidophylla or Anastatica hierochuntica): The magic of the rose of Jericho plant is that it comes back to life when placed in water. Also known as resurrection plant, it is good at renewing things that have become dead or stagnant. This could be your finances, business, love, relationships, or health-related issues.
Sage (Salvia officinalis): There are over a thousand species of plant referred to as sage. Common sage (Salvia officinalis) is the one most often used in cooking. It can also be applied to a variety of magical uses. White sage (Salvia apiana) is also used for sacred purposes. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should note that this herb can reduce milk supply.42 These days sage has become one of the most popular witchy herbs around. Sage is said to be useful when working with the third eye, crown, and sacral chakras. Magically you can use it in spells and workings to remove negativity, banish nightmares, gain clarity, remove ego traps, center yourself in the universe, and attract money. There is almost nothing it can’t do. It is sacred to the goddesses Brigid and Hecate, the gods Zeus and Jupiter, and the orishas Obatala and Eleggua.
Sandalwood, White (Santalum album): Sandalwood is a wood that is used in magic for protection, purification, psychic connection, success, joy, and healing. Sandalwood is used throughout the world and has been part of the ritual process in India, China, Tibet, Egypt, and elsewhere. It is considered to be a plant ruled by the moon, so you can use it in your astrological spells for this purpose. Sandalwood is also an appropriate offering for the goddesses Freya, Lilith, and Venus, and also the orishas Oya, Changó, and Yemaya. The most popular way to use sandalwood is to burn it as a resin or incense; in fact, the smoke is a common way to purify ritual tools and items in Hindu temples, where it is called chandan. The smoke is also said to aid with meditation and focus and is therefore often added to other blends to improve their potency.
Unfortunately, this is an herb that is threatened, especially Indian sandalwood, which has been overharvested and is facing extinction. Please purchase your magical items mindfully and responsibly.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata): In Spanish cultures this is called yerba buena, which translates to “good herb.” And a good herb it is, as spearmint is used for protection, fortitude, love, clarity, psychic knowledge, healing, and spiritual cleansing. As the name implies, it is a member of the mint family, which gets its name from the fact that the leaves are shaped like tiny spears. There are also many spells that use spearmint for banishing negativity and bad energy. It is offered to Aphrodite, Pluto, Yemaya, Eleggua, and Changó.
Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus): This flower was a standard in Victorian gardens and is still very popular today. The flowers come in many colors: pink, red, white, violet, or purple. They are native to the Mediterranean but are easily cultivated in other areas. Magically they are used in spells and workings for friendship, love, affection, and removing unwanted defenses. In the language of flowers they were said to mean “goodbye.” Sweet pea is a customary offering for the orisha Oshún.
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare): Tansy is a member of the Daisy family that is said to simultaneously repel pests and promote health and healing. Also called fairy buttons or bitter buttons, traditionally tansy was used as a funeral herb and was used in preparations for the dead. Tansy contains a toxic chemical called thujone, so do not eat and please proceed with caution when using it in your magic. Because of its association with death, it is also said to be an herb that fosters immortality and longevity. Tansy is used primarily to keep one safe from sickness and disease, and a smudge made from it was often used to cleanse and protect one’s home. Similarly, boughs of the herb were tied to doorways and windows for the same purpose. When planted near your home, it is said to chase away storms and lightning. Tansy is said to be sacred to the Virgin Mary.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): A common cooking herb, thyme has many magical applications as well. In your spells and rituals it can be used for healing, loyalty, affection, love, romance, courage, divination, psychic power, legal problems, grief, and protection. Thyme has been in use for centuries in many different parts of the world. In ancient Egypt it was used as an herb of the dead and was often included in funeral rites and rituals, while in ancient Rome it was eaten by statesmen and military leaders to prevent poisoning. In Victorian England thyme growing was thought to signify the presence of fairies.
Tonka Beans (Dipteryx odorata): These delightful beans are the product of a flowering tree native to Central and South America. The use of tonka beans as a culinary ingredient has seen a recent resurgence. Historically, tonka beans were used as a highly prized ingredient in creating vanilla extract until they were banned in 1954. The beans are toxic, but that has not deterred people from continuing to use them as a nonedible ingredient in their magic spells and potions. A popular Hoodoo item, the lucky beans are used for manifesting your utmost desires and wishes. They are particularly effective when used in spells for love, romance, and partnership.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis): Most often the root of this plant is used, and an alternate name for it is vandal root. It possesses a strong and unique odor that is often a substitute for musk or other animal ingredients in spellwork. Magically it can be useful in work for healing, harmony, strength, sleep, calm, and turning bad situations into good ones. The root is also used as an offering for Aphrodite, Hertha, and Venus.
Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia): Like all other orchids, the vanilla plant is ruled by the planet Venus. It is known for possessing the magical properties of beauty, clarity, communication, healing, love, joy, psychic knowledge, empowerment, and energy. Vanilla was prized in ancient Mexican culture and used both as a precious beauty aid and an aphrodisiac. It is considered a sacred offering for Lilith, Hecate, Oshún, and Eleggua.
Violet (Viola odorata): Luckily for us, violets grow wild in many parts of the world. There are over 500 different species of this flower, most colored in white, yellow, or the familiar purple. The tiny treasures are said to grant success in matters of love, lust, simplicity, serenity, peace, and luck. Ancient Greeks are said to have used these flowers to promote peaceful sleep and good dreams. In the language of flowers, their meaning is “faithfulness.” They are associated with fairies and children. Violets are edible, so they can make a great addition to your kitchen witch creations.
Willow (Salix spp.): Witchcraft and willow trees go hand in hand. Witch’s brooms (besoms) are traditionally made from willow branches, and magic wands can be made from the branches as well. Willow trees grow well near water, thriving on the edge of lakes and rivers. The branches are also said to make great dowsing rods, containing the ability to find water and hidden objects. It is one of the plants used in the Celtic Ogham alphabet and is representative of the fifth month. The tree is considered sacred to Artemis, Brighid, Cerridwen, Diana, Hecate, Persephone, Luna, Selena, and Maman Brigitte. Willow is associated with the moon and is said to magically help with psychic dreams, divination, empathy, enchantment, astral travel, grief, and healing. Willow is also known to provide a gentle, calm, loving atmosphere. The active ingredient salicylic acid has long been used in making aspirin, so even traditional medicine recognizes the healing value of this plant.
Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata): Called the “flower of flowers,” this powerful plant is known for bringing strong passion, true love, calm, success, foresight, opportunity, joy, and an irresistible quality to your magic. It can be used as an offering for Eleggua and Oshún.
This list is only a beginning. It should be considered a strong foundation to the whole host of herbs and botanicals that you can use in your water magic. Consider including them in your magic garden, leaving them as offerings on your altar or in nature, or incorporating them into your magic spells and formulas.