five

A Witch’s Herbal

“O most powerful spirit of the bush with fragrant leaves, I am here again to seek wisdom. Give me tranquility and guidance to understand the mysteries of the forest and the knowledge of my ancestors.”5

The Divine Rose

There is an old spell that goes something like this: If you are in need of anything, place a dried rose of Jericho in a clear bowl of clear water at 3 o’clock on a Friday afternoon. Leave the rose in the water for three days, praying each day at precisely 3 o’clock over the rose for what you desire. On the fourth day (the number four to seal the spell), remove the flower at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Sprinkle the water from the bowl in every corner of your house; as you do so, envision white light and sparkling, positive energy entering the home on luxurious waves, bringing peace, prosperity, and harmony into your life.

Simple folk spells such as this are laden with history, correspondences, and associations that are not readily apparent. This particular formula is designed to draw amorphous or material objects toward the seeker, and we can see this correlation in a number of areas throughout the formula. Let’s start with the flower. In earlier portions of this book we discussed the many levels the rose has in magickal applications—unfoldment, secrecy, the sacred spiral, the fact that energy moves in waves, and that there is a golden proportion in much of nature. The rose is a symbol of the magickal gateway between the manifest and the unmanifest. It is a prime three-dimensional example of bringing energy into physical form. The rose of Jericho also has religious connotations of its own and is unique in that, once dried properly, it can be revitalized by placing the plant in clear water. Like magick, this rose appears to be risen from the dead, a remarkable natural occurrence.

Yet there is much more in the spell. The bowl speaks of the magick circle in the natural field in which the practitioner will work. The clear water is associated with purity. And then there is the number three, representing our three-dimensional world, the ability of taking two opposing forces and combining them into a third force, the indication that some type of merger is necessary to create any given manifestation and, of course, the more loose association to a triple deity force. Naming the day—Friday—brings in astrological correspondences including the planetary energy of Venus in the elemental energies of earth and air, as Venus rules both Virgo and Libra. Friday is also associated with beauty, abundance, the arts, and fast cash. This day is often used for love spells and general monetary workings. If we look at this spell head-on, it is as much a cleansing working as it is a manifestation formula.

Finally, the number four speaks of security, stability, the four elements and, by the act of removing the flower, it incorporates the sealing process of the spell. We also know, scientifically speaking, that water can be digitized by thought. Praying over the water, then, actively charges the liquid with positive vibrations that are in turn scattered throughout the environment by the practitioner as he or she sprinkles the water in the home. The entirety of the spell contains only 103 words. The explanation, which is a shortened version, is over 400 words. Like an iceberg, there is a lot beneath even the simplest of spells.

Looking at the older spells, those written a few hundred years ago, even sixty years ago—what might you see that you didn’t recognize before?

Spell Review

Knowing this, as the first exercise in this section, I suggest that you pull out a few of your old spell books and take a look at them again. Choose three or four spells. Write them down and pull them apart with this same type of analysis. You may be incredibly surprised at what you find. Do additional research on symbols, history, etc., if this piques your interest. If you have been writing your own spells, you may wish to go back over your work with a deeper understanding of the process. I bet that you will discover your subconscious mind added great depth to your simplest working, or perhaps you will choose to add additional features. Finally, choose three spells that did not work in the way that you had planned and, considering your style and magickal practice, brainstorm about how you could change those spells to cultivate the original desire.

A Witch’s Herbal

The following section, which takes up most of this part, contains over one hundred herbs and simple spell ideas that go with them. The first four parts of this book have given you step-by- step preparations for this material. In our journey we have learned to cleanse, empower, plan, and actively move beyond the limited box of everyday function in a sequential format designed for the self-taught or the individual who wishes to teach others. We have covered the basics in an interesting way, perhaps shifting into a different gear to get there. When I first began writing this section I spent three thousand dollars at various herbal suppliers and it took three years to compile my data. I wanted to know what every herb looked like, smelled like, and how it behaved with other herbs in magickal applications. I was determined that I would learn how to blend the herbal kingdom in various combinations. As there are over 3,800 species worldwide, I guess I have a way to go, but at least there is plenty here to get you started. Enjoy!

Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria). Along with elder flower, agrimony is most often used to break hexes and send them back to their original creator, therefore this is definitely a “karmic” herb. Sometimes called the “goblin breaker,” the plant is used in many exorcism/cleansing and banishment rituals, especially when you obtain a new (to you) home or apartment. Also used to banish rotten apartment neighbors. Place herb in a muslin bag with other banishing plants and rub it against the wall or floor that you share with the undesirable individual(s) or scatter it on their doorstep with nettles, especially if you believe they are psychotic or “not of this world” (really). Add it to spells or rituals where peaceful sleep is necessary, or just peace in general. Dip a mini-broom in glue and coat with an agrimony, lavender, and rosemary mixture sprinkled with purple glitter to banish nightmares. Add a decorative bow and hang it over the headboard of your bed. Planetary Energy: Jupiter. Elemental Energies: Fire, Water. Astrological Signs: Sagittarius, Pisces.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Many of us have had very lean times. Used in spellwork, alfalfa is said to assist in bringing prosperity into the home, especially in the form of food. Wrap it in a piece of white bread and draw the Feoh rune () in the air over the bread, then place it on the altar with a white emergency candle (if you don’t have food, you don’t have money for candles—even a birthday candle will do.) An herb of plenty, add it to your emergency money jar to keep from “running dry” and to ward against poverty. Grind it with cinquefoil, almonds, and honeysuckle for a raise. Use it as an ingredient in a business success mixture that includes red clover. Sprinkle it around a candle dressed with a money-attracting magickal oil to attract positive success and energy in a creative endeavor. Planetary Energy: Venus. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Sign: Taurus.

Allspice (Pimenta dioica). Extremely popular in southern magickal applications, seen as a good luck charm, liked for its fast activation correspondences in money, love, and success. Mix it with frankincense, myrrh, and a stick of cinnamon in a pot of boiling water to fill the house with the aroma of warmth and happiness, banishing fears (especially on cold, wintry days). If you need a bit of luck in your life, fill a fire-safe bowl with allspice and brown sugar sprinkled on top with marigold or chamomile (or both). Ring with large quartz crystal points in a sunburst pattern. Activate it with a bell rung eleven times. Planetary Energy: Mars. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Aries.

American Mandrake (Podophyllum peltatum). Hathor’s herb, known in Germany as “the sorcerer’s root.” Mandrake is definitely an herb of physical manifestation, whether we are talking about money, a new car, replacing the refrigerator that likes to freeze the eggs even though they are on the lower shelf or the washing machine that screams in fear when the laundry basket draws near. From skateboards to clothing, any spell conjured for the need of a physical item should include at least a little mandrake. For more drawing power (like you are trying to manifest a car or a house), try adding blue vervain, damiana, and a lodestone to the spell. This herb is another one of those items that the FDA considers unhealthy for human consumption, so be sure to keep it locked in your magickal cabinet and away from children and pets. From the May apple family, this magickal herb is also used to coalesce your work and bring it into the physical plane even though the situation you are working for is not a solid item. Mandrake is also used to solidify love magick, increase monetary gain, and protect an establishment from financial loss. American mandrake and European mandrake are not the same plant; however, magickally they are interchangeable. Planetary Energy: Saturn. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Signs: Capricorn, Aquarius (classical). see also Mandrake.

Angelica (Angelica archangelica). Root. Angelica is a member of the parsley family and is often found in rich, wet soil. Sometimes called masterwort (but be careful, it may not be the same) or archangel, the root portion of the plant is most commonly used in medicinal and magickal applications, although if you have a chance to “wildcraft” (find it yourself), the entire plant can be dried and used for magickal purposes. Think “higher-vibratory” work and you are definitely applying the right association. In magick, its correspondences include inspiration, wisdom, knowledge, success, gain, astral work, contacting spirit guides, and asking for divine intervention. When it gets deep—grab the angelica for magickal work! In Pow-Wow the root is used in breaking hexes and exorcising all manner of nasties. Hoodoo also has a variety of uses for this herb, including waters blended to bless babies, conjuring bags employed to “control your man,” and powders ground to bless a home. Because this plant contains a compound much like estrogen, traditional folk magick generally includes this herb for any enchantments involving “women’s difficulties.” I’ve seen spells with bloodroot and angelica combined to assist women with menstrual problems. For menopausal difficulties, mix angelica with black cohosh and place in a blue conjuring bag with any blue gemstone. Hold the bag during daily meditations. Tie it together with nine knots to devil’s shoestring and hang it above a doorway with a conjuring bag full of rue to keep undesirable people and energies from entering your home. Angelica root is tough and hard, not soft and pliable like some herbs; however, it is one of the first plants I learned to use in an exorcism ritual many years ago and I always make sure I have a bit on hand—you never know when you are going to need it! Planetary Energy: Sun. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Leo.

Arnica flower (Arnica montana). Popular in herbal mixes for their visual effect, arnica flowers are excellent poppet and magickal sachet “stuffing” herbs. Excellent for love and movement magick. Planetary Energy: Mars. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Aries.

Bayberry Bark (Myrica cerifera). Bayberry, barberry, and bay are not the same—they are three different plants, each with their own herbal and magickal properties. The bayberry is a hardy perennial evergreen shrub, popular among northern coastal states. When considering the magickal properties of a plant I always look to the growing process of the plant itself. The bayberry plant survives in lousy soil and withstands tremendous ocean storms, which tells us that, like the willow, the bayberry bush is a tenacious creature. From a candlemaking point of view, it takes one bushel of bayberries to make four pounds of wax, which equates to four medium-sized pillar candles or about twenty-eight votives. The bayberries are boiled and the wax skimmed from the top of the water in a long, tedious process. If a bayberry candle is expensive, it probably comes from this process. If it is relatively cheap, the scent is most likely synthetic. Bayberry candles using wax from the bayberry plant are extremely coveted in magick circles as bayberry’s primary enchantment correspondences relate to money, financial wizardry, and prosperity throughout the year. Although the bark of the bayberry can be ground for incense, it does not produce a strong odor like the wax from the berries but it does carry the necessary magickal properties for any working associated with the plant; it is an excellent addition to any financial type of working. The bark of the bayberry is used in all manner of magick involving monetary windfall, prosperity, good fortune, family harmony and stability, good luck, and sympathy in partnership. Seasonally it is used with mistletoe, oak, and holly for Yule celebrations. Mix bayberry bark, nutmeg, cinnamon, cinquefoil, a magnet, and mistletoe for a fragrant money poppet or sachet. Roll this combination in a twenty-dollar bill and anoint with a money-magnet magickal oil. Wrap with a red thread and carry it in your pocket during holiday shopping to draw the “good deals” toward you. Planetary Energy: Mercury. Elemental Energies: Earth, Air. Astrological Signs: Virgo, Libra.

Bee pollen. Not exactly an herb or a resin, bee pollen is a must-have if you are involved in group magickal work, if you are on a team of any kind, or if business is slow and you need a nice push of added income from that buzzing hive of customers. Whether you are trying to stop an argument between several members in a group environment or if you are attempting to get a group to work better and faster, this particular magickal device can be extremely useful. Mix with real honey and gently spread on the bottom of a candle for increased wealth (remember, however, that the candle should be placed in a fire-safe container so you don’t have a bonfire by the end of the working). Bee pollen can be mixed with any herb grouping as a blender of energies, much like myrrh resin. For example, if you feel that the Saturn energy and Moon energy don’t mesh the way you would like, add the bee pollen for a smoother blend. Use in spells to increase your divination skills and overall telepathic ability. Finally, bee pollen works extremely well in protective, compelling, or banishing spells. Use to get someone off their duff and the work in your hands. Planetary Energy: Sun. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Leo.

Benzoin (Styrax benzoin). Derived from vegetation native to Sumatra and white or eggshell in color, benzoin is milder than other resins and carries a vanilla scent (not overpowering). Often added to a variety of herbal mixes designed for loose burning. Used primarily in magick for harmony, protection, and psychic pursuits, it may be combined with copal for continued happiness. Use in handfasting sachets and gris-gris bags for advancing one’s mental acuity (add peppermint to the sachet for increased clarity). Make into a loose incense with frankincense resin to burn on charcoal tabs for continued prosperity, or boil in a small pot of water for a pleasant, cleansing aroma during ritual. Planetary Energy: Venus. Elemental Energies: Earth, Air. Astrological Signs: Taurus, Libra.

Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa). If you need to generate more income, then bergamot is the herb for your magickal applications. Put your bank statement, paycheck stub, and other financial papers that indicate your intake of cold, hard cash in a cookie jar and sprinkle with bergamot, red clover, and mint. Add gold glitter and a magnet or lodestone. Cap. Lace top of jar with a magickal money-drawing oil. Place a green candle on top and let it sit for one full week, then burn the candle for seven minutes, turn it upside down, and extinguish it on the lid of the jar, saying, “Good fortune is here!” Planetary Energy: Sun. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Leo.

Bethroot (Trillium erectum). Primarily used in love spells to gather and coalesce the “forces of harmony.” Combine with rose petals, lemon verbena, and lavender sprinkled with a touch of yohimbe powder and a piece of rose quartz or carnelian for a unique love-drawing charm. Planetary Energy: Venus. Elemental Energies: Air, Water. Astrological Signs: Libra, Cancer.

Birch leaf (Betula lenta). As I was growing up, I discovered three particularly chatty trees in my area and at some point along the magickal way I learned that if you listen they will speak to you. The maple whispers tidings of joy and good fortune, especially in the depths of a soft summer night; the willow speaks of delicate mystery, and her favorite time centers on dusk; and the birch is a bit different—stately, seriously communicative, definitely a tree of well-formulated messages. His preferred hour appears to be at the first touch of morning, perhaps because his bark is distinctively white and glows in the dawn’s golden rays. Indeed, the birch’s song is so sweet as the sun peeks over the horizon that it might be mistaken for the first melody of a waking bird. With birch’s association with light, it is not so surprising that some of the first candles were crafted of birch. Birch doesn’t just purify—the energy of this tree brings us so much more! Dispelling the darkness! Scaring the shadows back to where they belong! Sweeping the area clean of negative debris! Add to a mixture of lavender, rosemary, and chamomile in a sleep sachet, especially if you are suffering from insomnia caused by worry or unhappiness caused by others. Should I go on? Destroying falsities, that’s a good one. Mix with plantain and lobelia for a nasty case of gossip. Ritual cleansing—red sandalwood chips, hyssop, and birch is a very nice combination. If you are into conjuring weather magick and storms, legend has it that if you carry birch you won’t be struck by lightening; however, I wouldn’t test that theory. Finally, add birch to any conjuring bag when doing work against criminal intent or for protection for those “in service” (police officers, fire people, paramedics, soldiers). Planetary Energy: Venus. Elemental Energies: Air, Earth. Astrological Signs: Libra, Capricorn.

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa). Surprisingly enough, this herb is a member of the buttercup family! Sometimes called black snakeroot, but be careful here as the word “snakeroot” seems to cover a variety of plant species. Magickally considered highly protective and extremely lucky, black cohosh (another tough root like angelica) can be used in a variety of enchanting applications that range from protecting the home to female medical difficulties. Scatter around a red candle for spellwork involving conjuring inner courage. Mix with angelica, sprinkle on the floor, and sweep out the door to banish unwanted energies in the home. Add to any relationship spell to strengthen the love. If you’ve been having a run of bad luck, a Pow-Wow spell includes mixing black cohosh, rose petals, bay leaves, and lemon rinds in a cleansed dish. Then form herbs into the shape of a banishing pentacle on a white plate. Place near the front door. Remove when luck turns around. Planetary Energy: Saturn. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Sign: Capricorn.

Bladderwrack (Fucus versiculosus). Sea kelp (which is what this is) is a magnificent money plant. I rate it right up there with cinquefoil. Wrap in red felt and soak in the most expensive bourbon you can afford to bring money. Let it dry thoroughly and carry it in your pocket or purse, or put it in a money-drawing jar along with a lodestone. Bladderwrack has other uses as well, including wind and weather magick. To command the winds, hold the herb in your hand, intone the words of power, and then throw it in the direction the storm is coming. Combine with feverfew for safe and healthy travel, including a protective gris-gris bag for your car, and definitely if you are flying. If you live by the sea, this plant is fairly easy to obtain, but if you are landlocked, you’re stuck buying from a supplier. Empower when the Moon is in Cancer for more power. Planetary Energy: Moon. Elemental Energy: Water. Astrological Sign: Cancer.

Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus). In antiquity, this plant was called the “bath of Venus” or the “lips of Venus,” as rainwater collects in the leaf bases. Excellent pillow or poppet-stuffing herb (make sure weave of material is tight, due to the consistency of this plant). If you think nasty magick is afoot, mix blessed thistle, lobelia, and wormwood, especially if you know a rumor started it all and you want to trace it back to the source. Take these herbs, place them in a “trick” of felt, sew, douse with perfume, and deliver to the grave of your most famous female ancestor—one known for her honesty and integrity. You’ll find the culprit soon enough! Empower a candle ringed with burdock and blessed thistle to dump a dunderhead out of your life. Blessed thistle has a compendium of uses in magick—healing, compassion, beauty, and protection in times of violence, war, or strife, to name a few; it is also used to ward thieves from a home or business, especially if empowered during the waning moon in Lunar Mansion 17 (when the Moon is between 25 degrees, 42 minutes of Libra and 8 degrees, 36 minutes of Scorpio). Add to healing spells to renew vitality and bring back that glow of health. In the sickroom of cold and flu patients, place a cut onion on top of a mixture of echinacea, blessed thistle, and lavender to remove germs and negativity. Renew daily. Planetary Energy: Mars. Elemental Energies: Fire, Water. Astrological Signs: Aries, Scorpio (classical).

Bloodroot (King) (Sanguinaria canadensis). Unicorn root aside, bloodroot is one of the most expensive herbs on the market today. In weight the root is much heavier than most. In magick this is an herb of ultimate success, whether we are talking about love, money, or protection. It was once thought that if you rubbed your palm with the root that whomever you touched would fall under your spell (normally used in marriage proposals). This is another one of those herbs that the FDA considers inappropriate for human consumption; however, it was used at one time in toothpaste to remove plaque (go figure). According to my father, this plant was prevalent in the area when he was a child and he often collected the delicate white flowers from the nearby woods to give to his mother. I find this interestingly appropriate as one medieval correspondence for this plant is to generate universal love and open the pathway to communication through harmony and understanding by burning away all that is negative. If you wish to be king or queen of your pond, stock your magickal cabinet with bloodroot and give it a whirl in your spells. Planetary Energies: Sun, Mars. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Signs: Leo, Aries.

Blue Malva flowers (Malva officinalis). As most magickal herbs are either green, brown, or yellow, working with these pretty flowers adds a bit of color to your application and is especially nice if you are making a protective potpourri that will be in a clear glass jar and on display in your home. Related to althea and rose of Sharon, blue malva can be added to mixtures specifically designed for conjuring spirits and honoring the dead. They are the flower to make “unseen” things seen (hidden agendas, lies, covert operatons, etc.). Like althea, blue malva can be instrumental in magick that involves finding treasure. Although you may think of the old-fashioned way of discovering treasure, allow your mind to expand beyond the word itself—finding information, the truth, your car keys, something stolen from you, a person—there are a compendium of uses if you just allow yourself to be creative! Blue malva flowers are an excellent addition to protective magick, as tiny fibers at the base of the flower tend to be prickly, which means that this is not an herb for a sleep pillow. Use care when crushing or mixing with other herbs; it is definitely not suggested for an herbal bath. Mix with nettles and graveyard dirt for an exorcism with a bit of punch. Part of the mallow family, use it in rituals around candles when you wish to meditate, practice grounding and centering, or when you are not focused due to stress and need that “still point” from which to launch your endeavors. Planetary Energy: Moon. Elemental Energy: Water. Astrological Sign: Cancer.

Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata). Magickally this is a “must-have” (at least in my mind) in the cupboard, as blue vervain is the essence of Mercury—and when speed is what you need in magickal work, a pinch of this herb really seems to help. However, speed isn’t the only energy in this versatile plant; you name it, there’s probably a spell that has this herb in it. Pow-Wow practitioners used vervain with juniper berries to call back a stolen item to the original owner. Whether we are talking health, wealth, protection, or love, vervain certainly can make itself useful in your repertoire. Use with elecampane to conjure material objects, with lavender to prevent nightmares, or patchouli for a powerful love spell. In Pennsylvania folk magick, if you need money, bury a mixture of vervain and cinquefoil in your garden. Truly the enchanter’s plant! Planetary Energy: Mercury. Elemental Energy: Air. Astrological Sign: Libra.

Bonset (Eupatorium perfoliatum). Primarily used in exorcism mixes, spells, and rituals, boneset is thought to drive evil spirits and negativity from any person or environment. As an herb of Saturn, it works well on nasty, cranky, older people who would rather take their life’s failures out on you than make an attempt to grow into better, wiser individuals. It’s definitely a great herb for those biddies on the job who just can’t keep their noses in their own affairs, or the next-door neighbor who likes to know every iota of your business, viewing you as their daily entertainment. Combine with plantain and slippery elm to curtail gossip. Planetary Energy: Saturn. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Sign: Capricorn.

Buckthorn Aged Bark (Rhamnus frangula). Found in the Carolinas and Virginia and out through Nebraska, buckthorn is high on the list when it comes to magick involving legal matters. From court cases to red-tape snafus, buckthorn is the most logical choice for the base herb in conjuring bags or candle magick. Lawyers, legal assistants, and those entangled in the “system” may find this herb particularly helpful. Add to fennel and fenugreek if you are hankering for a visit from a gnome or faery, as this herb is used to conjure such devas (have milk, honey, and your request in hand). Planetary Energy: Jupiter. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Sagittarius.

Burdock (Arctium lappa). Burdock (also known as bat weed) is primary a spell-breaking herb, whether that spell was cast by yourself and brought an experience you didn’t desire, was a spell cast by someone else, or was simply some nasty charismatic energy from a loony bird who has managed to flutter and honk into your life. A protective herb in magickal applications, you can add this one to conjuring bags, sachets, and poppets for protecting people, places, and objects. This is a great plant to use in magick if you are trying to teach your students to ground and center or if you are having a problem keeping your feet on the ground. If you want someone to get serious about a situation, add this herb to your magick. Planetary Energy: Venus. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Sign: Taurus.

Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus). If you are into weather magick, then broom is for you. To raise the winds, calm them, or call for fine weather or even a change in your life, add to bladderwrack and blow at the four quarters of an outside circle. If you need to blow out a destructive force, throw in lobelia; however, as both broom and lobelia are considered by the FDA to be unhealthy for human consumption, this should not be done inside the home (and for pity’s sake, don’t inhale before you blow)! In Hoodoo magick, if you need to calm a destructive force, mix with holy water, make a hole in the ground, stuff the hole with the problem written on a small piece of paper, pour the herb and water mixture over the paper, then cover with dirt. Other magickal applications for this herb include purification and exorcism. Planetary Energy: Mercury. Elemental Energy: Air. Astrological Sign: Gemini.

Calamus (Acorus calamus). A Hoodoo favorite in money spells and excellent for magick involving protection during travel. More importantly, it is one of the three herbs that can be used to “set” a spell (or a smell). The other two herbs that can master this feat are orris root and oak moss. Calamus is said to have “commanding” abilities in the magickal world. Combine with alfalfa to keep hunger and poverty away from your doorstep. Use with the power herbs to add strength to any spell (especially echinacea). This herb primarily focuses on matters of the home and the safety of the family unit. Planetary Energy: Moon. Elemental Energy: Water. Astrological Sign: Cancer.

Cascara Sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana). From the buckthorn family. If you’ve got legal problems, the morning that you must go to court or to a legal appointment, place a mixture of celandine and cascara sagrada in a coffee filter. Plop in the coffee maker. Run one cup of hot water through the filter and allow the infusion to fill a bowl (not your coffeepot). Let cool. Sprinkle at every entrance of your apartment or home, the four corners inside the house, and the four corners of your property. Got someone hounding you, trying to force you legally to do something you don’t want to do? Each day for seven days burn a brown candle atop a bowl of brown sugar mixed with cascara sagrada. Throw it in the dumpster on the eighth day, saying, “Eight is mastery—and I have now mastered the situation. Be gone! I am free!” (Eight is mastery of the physical, eleven is mastery of the spiritual, and twenty-one is mastery of both physical and spiritual.) This herb is also used in spells for meditation, spirituality incenses, and general protection magick. Planetary Energy: Sun. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Leo.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria). Used in attraction and animal magick (especially involving cats, though some puppies seem enamored with it as well). Catnip is used to gain friends and lovers in spells and rituals. A good luck herb, mix with calamus, linden, rose petals, and vetiver—add a lodestone or tonka bean in a sachet or gris-gris that can be used for success and harmony in almost any endeavor. For love, place on a red cloth with a lock of your hair, add rose petals, patchouli, and bloodroot, and sprinkle with a Mars-oriented magickal powder. Tie shut with red or gold ribbon. Planetary Energy: Moon. Elemental Energy: Water. Astrological Sign: Cancer.

Cat's Claw Inner Bark (Uncaria tomentosa). Una de Gato. She yawns, stretches, and cuts a swath in the air with those razor-sharp claws, and you’re very happy that she missed your nose. If you could handle that visualization, then you’ve got the essence of this herb—it looks like what’s left when your cat gets done with a favorite toy: shredded. I used this in magick on the last fool that tried to mess with one of my kids. He ain’t around no more. A great stuffing herb for poppets (though a bit coarse; if you want something softer, try blessed thistle), cat’s claw is definitely a protection-oriented plant—it doesn’t cower, it gets right out there with the lightening speed of your favorite kitty and puts up an excellent defensive front (at least in my experience). Where catnip is “charming,” cat’s claw carries adequate punch for some of those touchier magicks—especially when calling Bast and Sekhmet, the Egyptian cat goddesses who don’t trifle with the little things in life. You won’t find much about cat’s claw in the old American and European magickal books (if you find anything at all) because it is from South and Central America, deriving its folk name from the nasty thorns the plant so proudly presents to the unwary human hand, and it has only recently entered the American market from the medical platform. Peruvian priests used this plant to eradicate disturbances between the body and the spirit, believing that this particular herb can realign the three bodies (physical body, mind, and soul) when used properly in a healing or ritual format. Today, the herb has gained popularity in some circles by improving the vitality in cancer patients, especially in those who have chosen chemotherapy, and suppressing tumor growth; however, from my research it is clear that many over-the-counter offerings of cat’s claw are not always to be trusted, as there are twenty different varieties of this herb and not all of them would help in this type of situation. Where medical findings go, so then does that of the magickal use of any plant. As our scientists learn more through chemical analysis and testing, so we, the magickal people, can extend our knowledge on the energy function of any plant. Cat’s claw is an excellent example of one item that could be placed in a conjuring bag when working to reduce a tumor in healing enchantments. Planetary Energy: Sun. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Leo.

Celandine (Chelidonium majus). Celandine’s magickal thrust is to help you wiggle out of really tight situations. Combine with flax seed if you are really desperate. The primary herb of escape, it is often used in legal magick or spellcasting that involves unfair rules, regulations, and the unjust behavior of those in power. At the same time it is considered a protective device so that one remains as unscathed as possible. The herb is also placed in mixtures wherein protection is needed to avoid the label of scapegoat for a particular issue or issues, which occurs often in Fortune 500 companies (I’ve seen it firsthand), political groups, production lines, and warehouse environments. Of course, if this is happening to you, you might take the heads-up that Spirit is trying to tell you that you shouldn’t be in this line of work. Celandine is also used in magickal mixtures for family happiness, especially if one partner is kitchen-sinking, suffering from mild depression, or projecting his or her ills on the other individual. If your hubby or wife is bringing the angst of work home, mix a tiny amount of celandine and basil in the washing machine’s wash water (not the final rinse water) to remove all negativity and protect the family. Planetary Energy: Sun. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Leo.

Chamomile, German (Matricaria chamomilla). Along with lavender, chamomile is one of my favorite herbs. Anti-stress, fast cash, success, and anti-nightmare—this plant has a variety of uses in magickal work. Chamomile tea is often drunk by prospective students before their initiation or elevation ceremonies, before group meditation or hypnotherapy sessions. Considered an excellent spell-buster, chamomile mixed with pickling salt sprinkled around the edges of one’s property was thought to protect the borders from thieves, vagabonds, and nasty sorcerers who would curse your riches. Salt, however, will kill your plants, so be careful where you sprinkle the mixture outdoors. In medieval Germany chamomile mixed with dandelion was ground together along with the representation of a toad and placed in a holy area to overcome illness, or prevent the miscarriage of anything from justice to a human being. Planetary Energy: Sun. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Leo.

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara). Sometimes called British tobacco or bull’s foot, this herb has several magickal applications. Combine with healing herbs during the cold and flu season, especially eucalyptus. Stressful day? Mix with lavender and chamo-mile. Wanna hot time in the town tonight? Combine with patchouli. Also popular in rituals and magick associated with totem animals and calling alchemical animals. Coltsfoot is another “booster” herb, rarely used alone in southern magick, and added for additional power and longevity of the spell. Planetary Energy: Moon. Elemental Energy: Water. Astrological Sign: Cancer.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Protection, safety, and anti-theft—the herb of “comfort” and stability. Mix with juniper berries to protect property and when on fun travel or business trips. Add to any money spell, especially when the Moon is in Taurus, for protecting your finances. Add to gris-gris bags for the protection of a senior citizen who is healing or recovering from illness or surgery. Planetary Energy: Saturn. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Sign: Capricorn.

Copal Resin (Bursera fagaroides), Copal (Hymenaea courbaril). From Central America and sometimes called Mexican frankincense, used by the Mayan culture as “food for the gods.” Copal, a tree resin, comes in a variety of colors. Employed by modern magickal practitioners in spells and rituals focused on harmony, happiness, purification, good luck, prosperity, increasing the power of spells, meditation and mental training, and to break spells (someone else’s or your own, in case you make a boo-boo). Planetary Energy: Jupiter. Elemental Energies: Fire, Water. Astrological Signs: Sagittarius, Pisces.

Damiana Leaf (Turnera diffusa). A prime magickal ingredient in love spells, especially if mixed with patchouli and bethroot (trillium) and laced with your favorite love oil (or musk fragrance). However, if it is spirits you want to see and increase your psychic abilities, then many magickal recipes include this particular herb along with wormwood, deerstongue, and uva ursi. Like patchouli and dragon’s blood, damiana can also be used as an extra ingredient to strengthen a spell, especially if you feel that the odds are slim to none that success may be slow to manifest. Most interesting, however, is damiana’s role in Hoodoo magick—it is a “calling” herb and is thought to appeal to one’s basic drives: food, sex, and survival. It is often used to call an errant lover home, although this is only one use for the calling. I would definitely use this herb in magickal work involving the finding of a lost or stolen pet (or person), though I suggest adding protective herbs as well to balance the spell toward the individual’s (or pet’s) utmost safety. As all things have primal energy, the herb can also be used in calling lost objects to their original owner—include juniper berries and vervain if you feel the item was stolen. Planetary Energy: Mars. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Signs: Aries, Scorpio (classical).

Devil's Claw Foot (Harpago phytum procumbens). If you need an herb in a spell focused on calming the angry side of life (yours or someone else’s), then you’ll probably want to throw this herb into the pot. A tough root, it is native to southern Africa, especially found in the Kalahari Desert, Namibia, and on the island of Madagascar. This plant drew its name from the herb’s unusual fruits that are covered with small hooks. It is the tubers of the plant that are commonly sold in magickal and herbal stores, hence the tough nature of the item. Magickal correspondences include reducing the suffering and pain of loss and distilling anger. Devil’s claw is a root of balance and therefore can be added to gris-gris bags that concentrate on harmony (inner and outer). Mix with hawthorn and pansy for family unity. If someone is being extremely acidic toward you, your family, or your work, cut a small tomato in half and hollow out a small pocket in one half. Place the offending individual’s name inside the hollow covered with devil’s claw, angelica root, and black cohosh. Sprinkle with holy water. Add white blitz (see part one) if the difficulty is extremely troublesome. Put the tomato back together and secure with two hat pins crossed like an “x” through the tomato. Place in the sun. As the tomato collapses, so sayeth the legend, so will the individual’s anger toward you. Excellent for use in meditation that focuses on removing anger or fear from your lifestyle. Planetary Energy: Moon. Elemental Energy: Water. Astrological Sign: Cancer.

Devil's Shoestring(Tephrosia virginiana). A member of the honeysuckle family, devil’s shoestring is the primary magickal ingredient in most job and employment spells. Soaked in good bourbon, it is added to Hoodoo “tricks” for luck in gambling and money-attraction workings. A bit of the bourbon is also poured in a shot glass and offered to the gods when the herb is removed from the jar. Devil’s shoestring is also used in gossip spells to keep the poison tongues of colleagues (or their relations), neighbors, or family members from filling your life with poisonous goop. Weave several pieces of the herb together with colorful ribbons and hang on your desk at work to protect your interests and show the boss that you deserve a raise. However, since the boss will be more attentive, it is best not to goof off. If you have a nosey neighbor who insists on watching your door like your affairs are a real-life television episode, tape empowered pieces of devil’s shoestring to the windows and doors that face the neighbor’s property. Remember to replace every thirty days. Planetary Energy: Jupiter. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Signs: Sagittarius, Pisces (classical).

Dragon's Blood Resin (Calamus draco). Much coveted in the world of the Witches, dragon’s blood is extremely useful in dozens of spells and rituals. Known for more power, the herb is added to a compendium of enchantments. Dragon’s blood is sold in chunks or in powdered form, which is more expensive because dragon’s blood is a pain to granulate and is messy to boot. A little bit will do ya when it comes to this herb, which can be added to magickal ink formulas and wax. Dragon’s blood resin will stain clothing. It can be rubbed on natural wood and then covered with sealer to lock in energies. Note: Dragon’s blood is sticky and difficult to clean off any surface. Not recommended for a coffee grinder—use a rubber mallet instead. Once broken, it is easy to pulverize with mortar and pestle. Whether you want more virility, passion, or power, this herb ought to do it for you. Planetary Energy: Mars. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Aries.

Echinacea (Angustifolia). Where vervain speeds the spell and dragon’s blood and patchouli add more power, echinacea strengthens the web of the magick itself. Popular in today’s herbal healing market, echinacea is not a cure-all, but it does strengthen what you have. Therefore, if you are feeling ill or a little down, you might want to throw in a bit of echinacea to set the magickal application. Planetary Energy: Mars. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Aries.

Elder (Sambucus nigra). This herb is one of my favorites and I’ve been using it (both flowers and leaves) for years in protective magickal work. Used to break all manner of enchantments, it is an excellent ingredient in exorcism spells, banishing negative people and things, breaking bad habits, and sending evil energies back to where they belong. Called the bat’s flower, this is definitely a gothic-type herb also used in mixtures for consecration and commanding things to go away. Also employed in crossing rituals and ceremonies where the dead are honored. Combine with feverfew for spells to ward off attackers and place in gris-gris bags to hang over the threshold of any home or business to ward the premises. Another Hoodoo favorite in the herb department. Planetary Energies: Moon, Venus. Elemental Energies: Water, Earth. Astrological Signs: Cancer, Taurus.

Elecampane Root (Inula helenum). The sorcerer’s choice, elecampane definitely brings the truth to light in magickal applications. Related to ploughman’s spikenard and bitter weed in the aster family. Mix with dice in a wooden cup and shake it at every quarter four times, then seven times in the center of the circle—works great! Combine with blue malva flowers and a tiger-eye gemstone for particularly sticky cases. Add to a divination gris-gris bag with uva ursa, wormwood, broom, hibiscus, and a nice moonstone to increase your psychic abilities. Also used in spells for healing the mind, especially after a difficult experience. Mix with mistletoe for love spells. Planetary Energy: Mercury. Elemental Energy: Air. Astrological Sign: Gemini.

Eucalyptus Leaf (Myrtaceae). With more than 500 species of eucalyptus, this plant covers three-fourths of the Australian continent and was medicinally a prime ingredient in the treatment of malaria. A germicide known for its defense against colds and flu, treating abscesses, etc., it cannot be used at its full strength. The eucalyptus leaf is a magickal favorite for inclusion in healing spells, especially when working against contagious diseases. A simple healing mixture that includes garlic, chopped onion, and eucalyptus on a plate ringing a green candle in the sickroom works magickally as well as on the earth plane. Garlic and onion are natural air purifiers (although it smells way stinky). Use eucalyptus leaf in poppets and conjuring bags for sickness involving both body and mind. Planetary Energy: Moon. Elemental Energy: Water. Astrological Correspondence: Cancer.

Evening Primrose (Oenothera). An herb of night magick, balance, and protection from all who plot against you, the evening primrose derives its name from the natural opening of its flowers just at sunset. Like moonflowers, the evening primrose is a plant of the devas, heralding the magick produced by the slanted rays of the sinking sun and reminding the enchantress that the dance is about to begin! Some magickal people believe that this herb is a great addition to the opening of your ritual, drawing more power to the working and assisting in balancing those energies present for a harmonious focus, especially if you are doing a public group ritual where it is highly likely that several participants will not be “in tune” due to inexperience or outright rudeness. For the latter, evening primrose seems to shove them out of the circle environment so that they go elsewhere—as if the herb determines who is properly prepared and who is not. I’ve seen this happen, especially when the HPS wore a wrist sachet filled with this and other protective herbs on her dominant hand when casting the circle. Some dude dressed all in black, thinking he was all cool, stuck up his nose and stalked off. It was later learned that he was only present to “screw up the energies,” just to prove to his friends that he could do so. Not. Interestingly enough, this particular flower is sometimes called “password.” To attract devas, use in combination with lavender. To gain respect from others, try a gris-gris bag with sunflower petals, gold glitter, a lodestone, devil’s claw, and damiana (both are considered “calling” herbs). Planetary Energy: Venus. Elemental Energy: Air. Astrological Signs: Libra, Taurus.

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis). This is the Hoodoo favorite for divination, clear sight, learning to “look beyond,” and discovering the truth of any matter (sort of like a tiger-eye gemstone). Soaked in clear spring water, strained and empowered under a Full Moon or a Moon in Scorpio or Pisces, the solution is sometimes used to clean magickal mirrors and other scrying tools. Let settle in a steaming cup of hot water while you do your homework (yes, big people often are required to do homework), breathing in the aroma for a clear mind. Add to any divinatory formula or spells to encourage the flow of information. Also used in recipes for conjuring the dead. Planetary Energy: Mercury. Elemental Energy: Air. Astrological Signs: Virgo, Gemini.

Fava Bean. Herbal charm. Sometimes called “the mojo bean,” fava beans are thought to enliven magick and please the gods and spirits. Often given as offerings in money spells or placed in gris-gris bags to draw good fortune to the practitioner. Empowered beans are sometimes placed at the foot of statues (gods and saints alike). Planetary Energy: Venus. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Sign: Taurus.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). From the parsley family, fennel has a licorice scent. Magickally, fennel is great for diffusing any volatile situation, especially if one of the individuals is just a bag of hot air! To take care of a braggart, blow up a balloon and carefully insert the blowhard’s name along with empowered fennel. Tie. In circle, pop the balloon with an empowered nice, long, sharp, shiny pin over a white plate. Throw away balloon pieces and bury fennel and the name off of your property. On the lighter side of life, fennel is used to conjure faery magick: place a mixture of evening primrose, lavender, and fennel around a bowl of milk. Do the magick, scatter the herbs, leave the milk. Dragon magick also incorporates fennel. Place by a candle at each of the four quarters in a ritual circle to call them in. Some magickal practitioners mix rue, lavender, and juniper berries in a gris-gris bag with anti-theft charms to avoid vehicle confiscation. In Hoodoo, if you have been unfairly treated by a legal institution or government agency, fennel is a primary ingredient in several spells tailored to this unfortunate circumstance. Such spells often include black mustard seed, cascara sagrada (or buckthorn bark—both are from the same family), and oregano. Add rosebuds to keep your business private. Planetary Energy: Mercury. Elemental Energies: Air, Earth. Astrological Signs: Gemini, Virgo.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Sometimes called “the banker’s herb” in magickal communities, fenugreek’s primary function is to draw money to the household or business in the form of cash, loans, bonuses, etc. Compound with a lodestone or magnet in a jelly jar and legend has it that you have double the power to draw financial success to you. Throw in alfalfa once a week for seven weeks, then remove the mixture from your home and start over again. First used by Egyptians, then brought to Europe in the ninth century by Benedictine monks, this herb works well in various financial and prosperity spells. In Hoodoo lore, a dried eggshell was filled with fenugreek, dirt from a prosperous establishment, and one shredded bill of any monetary denomination on a new moon, then sprinkled with honey and brown sugar to draw success to any business enterprise. After seven days the shell and contents were buried on the property of the establishment. Planetary Energy: Mercury. Elemental Energies: Air, Earth. Astrological Signs: Gemini, Virgo.

Feverfew (Tranacetum parthenium). Along with eucalyptus, feverfew is another cold and flu magickal favorite for those conjuring bags and for around your healing candles of pink or green. The herb can also be added to magick involving travel or protection for those who are employed in some type of hazardous duty. Empower when the Moon is in Cancer to keep “accident” energy out of the home, and hang in a small bag above the most dangerous places in the household: bathroom and kitchen. Grind together with hyssop, juniper berries, comfrey, and rosemary to prevent accidents on the road or on the job. Planetary Energy: Moon. Elemental Energy: Water. Astrological Energy: Cancer.

Flax Seed (Linum usitatissimum). Also called linseed. The fibers from flax are woven into linen, creating a strong, durable material. Linen appears in ancient history, including Egyptian and Teuton practice and legend. Egyptians wrapped their mummies in linen, whereas Teutonic practice attributed the plant to a specific goddess, Hulda (Dame Holda), who supposedly taught humans to grow, cultivate, harvest, spin, and weave the flax fibers (when she wasn’t busy commanding hounds and ghosts). Although she is referenced with harvest energy, winter is her primary seasonal power and the snowflake is her emblem. From biblical references to a mention in the Odyssey, flax has a long and durable history, including as an additive in some breads and in the creation of ropes, strings, fishnets, sails, and car wax. I first learned about flax seed not through clothing or food but in its use in oil painting as an additive to keep the paint smooth and pliable when applying to canvas. The odor of linseed oil takes me back to childhood when my father taught me how to use the oil painting medium. In magick, flax seed has a compendium of uses, including increasing monetary gain, adding durability to a spell, protection, and healing. A most interesting use, however, comes from an urban legend that people have drowned in vats of flax seed because the seeds are so slippery. If you need to skinny out of a problem that you did not create, softly rub the flax seeds in your hands, visualizing yourself slipping out of the noose. Conversely, if you need to keep a wicked person busy, write his or her name on a piece of paper and bury it in a small jar of flax seed. Carry the jar off your property and bury it. This is not intended to harm, just to keep the individual from further harassing you. Add a layer of cat’s claw and black pepper for extremely difficult cases. For monetary difficulties (and especially to bring food into the home), mix flax seed and alfalfa in a conjuring bag. Place it by the stove and conjure for prosperity in hearth and home. Empower as you bake a loaf of bread, allowing the aroma to act as a trigger during the magickal process. If you are just learning magick and are having difficulty warding your home from unwanted visitors, combine flax seed with black pepper and angelica in a black bag and hang it near the most-used door. (Works for experienced practitioners as well.) To protect your vehicle from theft, mix flax seed, juniper berries, and holly or rue into a charm or talisman and place inside the car or truck. Planetary Energy: Mercury. Elemental Energies: Air, Earth. Astrological Signs: Gemini, Virgo.

Frankincense Tears Resin (Boswellia cateri). Native to Ethiopia. “Rich” is the only way to describe the aroma of frankincense. Eggshell in color with a yellowish tint, this resin has been used in a variety of cultures for honoring deity and the purification of a sacred area. A calming scent, especially when mixed with ceremonial sage or lavender, it is therefore ideal for meditation and vision questing. Used often in money spells or workings where financial wizardry is a must. Planetary Energy: Sun. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Leo.

Galangal Root (Alpine galanga). Galangal, buckthorn, celan-dine, and brown sugar combine to make the ultimate magickal mix for any legal difficulty. Light a brown candle on one side and a red on the other (some prefer pink) and you have three-fourths of the standard spell for most legal malfunctions. Galangal, a member of the ginger family, has a spicy aroma and acts as a motivator, sometimes called “Low John the Conquerer” (not to be confused with High John, which is jalop). Mixed with patchouli and red peppers, you have a sure-fire grouping for lust magick (just don’t inhale it or your sex life will be temporarily over, unless of course you find puffy, watery eyes and a runny nose attractive). Add to bee pollen to motivate a group of individuals. Use with runes carved on a red candle to jolt loose an otherwise hopelessly stuck situation. Planetary Energy: Mars. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Signs: Aries, Scorpio (classical).

Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale). Another Hoodoo favorite, ginger root, like vervain and hot peppers, is used to speed up the manifestation of a spell or force something that’s stuck to let loose, bringing back the natural flow of energy. Works extremely well with Runic War Fetters, as well as magick involving success, gain, and forward thinking. A common ingredient in love magick whether you are trying to heat up a marriage that’s gotten a bit cool or add a bit of lust to your current relationship. In candle magick try using this herb with patchouli, bee pollen, or dragon’s blood to enhance love, money, and success. If you need a boost in your business, make yourself a “trick” out of red felt, place your petition inside, add a magnet or lodestone, dab with honey, sprinkle with ginger root and red clover, wrap securely, and dab with a business-related magickal oil. Place near the business, then sprinkle the area with red clover water in an effort to lure successful energy into the establishment. Planetary Energy: Mars. Elemental Energies: Fire, Water. Astrological Signs: Aries, Scorpio (classical).

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). Eye root (folk name). Medicinally popular at the moment, folk magick references to this herb include second sight and divinatory pursuits, clearing of the mind for better magickal performance, breaking blocks in monetary issues, and assisting one in finding solutions to sticky financial problems (use a gold gris-gris bag for this). Can be used in spells for stress reduction and restful sleep, especially if added to chamomile and lavender (use a blue or purple bag). As with many herbs, this one functions well in healing magick with a white conjuring bag or poppet. A “guardian” herb, sprinkle goldenseal around candles when asking for assistance from your spirit teacher, guardian angel, or totem animal. Planetary Energy: Sun. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Leo.

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica). If you are working on something that you would like to last long-term, choose the Waxing Moon in Taurus (see if you can get a fixed sign on the rising and midheaven or at least on the cusp of the house the desire might be attributed to) and add gotu kola to your spellwork. Write your petition on a piece of paper, sprinkle with gotu kola, tie securely shut with a brown ribbon, and nail to the ground to “set” the energies of your request. This herb is also added to conjuring bags for divinatory purposes, in spells for growth (linked with wormwood), and stability in finances. Planetary Energy: Saturn. Elemental Energies: Earth, Air. Astrological Signs: Capricorn, Aquarius (classical).

Gum Arabic. Sometimes called Egyptian gum, this powder is a derivative of the acacia plant. Primarily used as an additive and binding agent, this white powder resin is a main ingredient in magickal inks (including bat’s blood ink and dragon’s blood ink) and powdered incenses to give the mixture more body. Magickally it is considered an appropriate additive for calling “good spirits” (including the honorable dead), cleansing and purification rites, and visionary work (divination, vision questing, and meditation). Although some people do add this powder to herbal mixtures, I don’t recommend it unless you are making herbal incense, as gum arabic “floats” because it is a clingy white powder and coats everything it touches. Planetary Energy: Mercury. Elemental Energy: Air. Astrological Signs: Libra, Virgo.

Hawthorn (Crataegus sp.). A mixture of hawthorn and linden are commonly used in Wiccan handfasting ceremonies to draw love, happiness, and protection into the marriage vow. Haw-thorn reminds me of the Pennsylvania Dutch bluebird of happiness because that is this herb’s primary focus: all that is joyful, entertaining, and upbeat. Use in spells or rituals to remove sorrow from the home, find a good mate, or guard small children. Put in a gris-gris bag to relieve the grief of those who are left behind in a crossing ritual. Place in a conjuring bag in the room where a person sleeps who cannot seem to get over the death of a pet or loved one. Also considered a ghost-buster herb when mixed with other leaves and resins, including angelica and larkspur, in exorcism spells. Planetary Energy: Mars. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Signs: Aries, Scorpio.

Heal-all (Prunella vulgaris). Not to be confused with valerian, which also has the folk name of heal-all and in Hoodoo is called vandal root. Self-heal or heal-all is common in folk herbal remedies for throat ailments. Its many-flowered spikes and hairy bracelets give us the correspondence of the circle of protection, and it is excellent in magick when you are protecting yourself from lies, harmful gossip, and other communicative difficulties. This is a plant that primarily deals with problems people cause through their words and actions—anything from the inconsiderate to the downright malicious. It can help you punch through to the truth or bore through a serious difficulty when light must be shed on the entire situation for clear thought. Used in meditation to open the throat chakra, especially if combined in a gris-gris bag with blue gemstones, such as turquoise or sodalite, or even blue glass beads. This works especially well if you are dealing with low self-esteem or a situation in which people have gossiped against you and your self-worth is at issue. Also excellent to use in healing poppets to assist in keeping up one’s spirits through medical difficulties. If someone has been a particular nuisance and you want them to forget you and move on with their life, write their name on a white card. Cut into a circle with the name in the center. Indicate that banishment in a quiet, unassuming way is of immediate necessity. Put the paper in the center of a Spirit Circle. Place a white candle on top. Surround the candle with heal-all mixed with white blitz (see part one). Add copal resin either around the candle or burn it as incense while completing the spellwork. Allow the candle to burn completely. Throw the spell ingredients off your property when the candle has finished burning. This small spell is an additional additive for full rituals involving the banishment of stalkers, abusive partners, or people whom you have grown away from and have tried very nicely to extricate from your life, but they stubbornly won’t go. Excellent for that one-time date that keeps calling and never in a million years will you go out with them again. A nice tie-up spell after divorce proceedings, moving out of a house or apartment where the landlord was a nightmare, or a job that became intolerable because of rampant gossip. Planetary Energy: Mercury. Elemental Energies: Earth, Air. Astrological Signs: Virgo, Libra.

Hibiscus Flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa). A popular ingredient in divinatory herbal mixtures, the hibiscus flower is also known as rose mallow and is of the mallow family. Found in swampy areas, it is no surprise that its magickal correspondences include clairvoyance, divination, psychic development, tranquility, and prophecy. Unfortunately, dried hibiscus does not have the vibrant color or lovely scent of the fresh flowers. Sometimes a magickal oil relating to the spell’s purpose is blended with these sturdy petals before use in divination or ritual. Some practitioners believe that adding a moonstone to the mixture increases the potency. Mix with lavender and chamomile for peaceful sleep, and with bethroot and patchouli for any love spell. Used in many potpourri blends, not for the scent but for the color and texture. Steep in hot water, allow water to cool, and sprinkle in divination area and on divination table and tools. Place dried flowers in the light of a full moon for additional divinatory energy. Also used in spells where determination is vital. Planetary Energy: Moon. Elemental Energy: Water. Astrological Sign: Cancer.

Honeysuckle Flowers (Fuchsia triphylla). If you are trying to find a new job or get a raise, the mixture of honeysuckle, devil’s shoestring, galangal, and gotu kola can add great oomph to your spellwork. In magick, the trailing vines of this plant guide the way for things to happen and the sweet antiseptic nectar of the flower entices the flow of positive energy. Use in all manner of money magick—general prosperity, building wealth, gaining new customers (and keeping old ones), and financial planning. Mix with bee pollen if you are building a business that includes hiring employees or subcontractors. Place in a jar with alfalfa, gold glitter, and coins if you are having a rough financial patch within the home and paying bills and eating at the same time is a questionable matter. Also used in spells for luck and psychism (which is probably attributed to the classical astrological correspondence). Planetary Energy: Jupiter. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Signs: Sagittarius, Pisces (classical).

Hops (Humulus lupulus). Primarily used as a cleanser, a little bit of hops goes a long way; it has a strong, pungent aroma. Mix with lavender and stuff a pillow for restful sleep, especially if you’ve been experiencing nightmares or have found it difficult to drift off into dreamland. Add to healing sachets, incenses, powders, gris-gris bags, and poppets. Mix with sea salt and dried garlic and place under the bed to remove negativity from a sickroom. Planetary Energy: Mercury. Elemental Energy: Air. Astrological Signs: Gemini, Virgo.

Horehound (Marrubium vulgare). Excellent poppet and pillow-stuffing herb—light and fluffy. Sometimes called Eye of the Star or Horus (after the Egyptian deity). Used in protective, healing, and mental pursuits. Given as an offering to Egyptian deities in general. Place in a bowl of clear water with rose petals, rosemary, and a quartz crystal to cleanse the vibrations of a room. Sprinkle infusion of same on divination table between customers to keep the air free from negativity. Planetary Energy: Mercury. Elemental Energy: Air. Astrological Signs: Gemini, Virgo.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis). From the mint family, hyssop is one of my favorite herbs. I like the mild, camphorlike odor, especially when mixed with lavender and chamomile—you know you have an herbal blend with a bit of magickal punch! To me, the herb does not have an unpleasant smell—I think of “clean” and use it in many healing spells. Mentioned in ancient texts as an herb used in purification ceremonies and the cleansing of sacred temples by the Hebrews, Greeks, and Romans (although the etymologists of today are not sure if the modern hyssop is the same as the ancient plant). During medieval times it was strewn in the home and other buildings to dispel sickness and unpleasant odors. Some magickal individuals blend thyme, hyssop, and rosemary for ritual baths. These same three herbs are sometimes steeped in hot spring water, then the liquid is cooled for addition to holy water formulas. If you have difficulty expressing your feelings due to self-doubt or self-imposed limitations, carry a conjuring bag with hyssop, black cohosh, and mullein. This herb is an excellent inclusion in any healing poppet or gris-gris bag! Planetary Energy: Jupiter. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Sagittarius.

Irish Moss Flakes (Chondrus crispus). Definitely a fragrance from the bog. One of the few herbs associated with weather magick, its correspondences also cover luck, the flow of money, and protecting your financial interests. Works well with red clover in regard to finances and with bladderwrack and pansy/ violet for weather magick. Use to create a “trick” or a “toby” (root worker slang for a small felt packet hand-stitched and stuffed with interesting items) to place under the rug (though if you have pets, this is a bad idea—hang from a nail atop the door frame instead). The spongy consistency makes this a great herb for stuffing money poppets, money jars, and conjuring bags. I use it for fast cash and money mixes. Planetary Energy: Moon. Elemental Energy: Water. Astrological Sign: Cancer.

Jasmine Flowers (Jasminium officinale). Ah, the heady energy of love! Jasmine’s specialty in the magickal herbal department is intoxication—no, not the bottle-tipping type, the walking-on-water euphoria! Dried jasmine, however, does not carry much of a scent and you may wish to add a few drops of your favorite compelling magickal oil to your gris-gris bag or potpourri. Like the goddess Venus, jasmine flowers pack a mighty punch, so use sparingly. Excellent for use in enchantments wherein you are working to dispel sadness. Great for general work of happiness and love. Ruled by the Moon, jasmine can assist with rituals for the manifestation of material objects, wealth, and prosperity. Used in handfasting herbal mixes and some meditation blends. However, and please read this carefully, if you have many allergies (or any at all), be careful with jasmine. There are some individuals that just can’t tolerate this plant, which is why I haven’t recommended any to-go-withs for spellworking purposes. Unfortunately, jasmine flowers (like many others, including honeysuckle and magnolia) do not hold the plant’s powerful, heady scent. An essential oil or fragrance would need to be added if you want both the power of the plant itself and the aromatic sensation. Just remember, jasmine is one of those herbs where a little bit goes a long way. Planetary Energy: Moon. Elemental Energy: Water. Astrological Sign: Cancer.

Juniper Berries (Juniperus communis). Surprisingly enough, juniper is the primary flavoring in gin, which is the origin of the plant’s name jenever (Dutch). Add juniper berries to any spell designed to ward against theft, whether you are protecting your automobile or something less physical, like an idea or job proposal. Extremely protective, medieval correspondences include warding against attacks from wild beasts (in this day psychodramas by humans would apply) and magickally guarding against sickness and accidents, ghosts and rabid bosses. In Hoodoo conjurations, juniper berries are associated with luck in love and are often combined with damiana. Mix with rosebuds or petals to ensure a secret is kept. Use with coltsfoot and horehound for animal magick. Planetary Energy: Sun. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Leo.

Kava Kava (Piper methysticum). If it is a twist of Hawaiian magick you’d like to add to your enchantments, kava kava may be just the right ingredient in that very special spell! Sometimes called ava root (first woman), this Saturnian herb is said to provide visions, luck, and protection to the bearer. Use in divinatory mixes with uva ursi, damiana, and wormwood for learning to move beyond the veil. If luck is on your mind, a combination of kava kava, orange peel, and fava beans rolled in cotton and offered to the spirits is said to bring good luck and fortune to the wish-maker. Planetary Energy: Saturn. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Sign: Capricorn.

Larkspur (Consolida). Scorpion Eater. If you don’t want to see ghosties and things that go bump in the night, use larkspur; conversely, if your goal in life is to be a ghost-watcher, don’t carry this vibrantly attractive herb. Legend has it that larkspur keeps away things that like to jab or bite, physically and spiritually; therefore, you’ll find these lovely flowers in conjuring bags designed to stop gossip and destroy stinging words, thoughts, and deeds. A deep blue-purple, larkspur adds a bit of zest to any magickal herbal mix (herbs can look so boring all jumbled together). Mix with lavender, chamomile, rose petals, and sunflower petals for business success. If you have a particular area of the house that seems to be a portal for someplace else, hang a muslin bag of larkspur there to deter anything from wandering through. If you have a child that isn’t ready to “see things,” a nice sachet tucked under the bed containing larkspur certainly helped in our home. Mix larkspur with lavender and rosemary if troubled by nightmares, and sew into an herbal pillow to place under your regular pillow. Mound larkspur on top of a picture of someone who is saying hateful things about you and cover with a heavy stone—river rock or creek stone will do. Place a tiger-eye stone on top so that they will be weighted down by their own words (and eventually caught). Surround a blue candle with larkspur during meditation and vision questing for extra astral security. Planetary Energy: Pluto. Elemental Energy: Water. Astrological Sign: Scorpio (like unto like).

Lavender Buds (Lavandula angustifolia). Lavender smells great, the energy is fantastic, it has a variety of magickal uses as well as practical ones, and it is a firm choice for protecting children, removing sorrow, and providing comfort in a crossing ritual of a person or pet. Works well with every type of deity energy because of its versatility. Practically, it is an herb that can be placed around the home to keep away fleas and relieve stress. Magickally it corresponds to love, peaceful sleep, long life, happiness, and, of course, purification. Sometimes called elf leaf, historically it was worn to ward off spousal abuse as well as to entice the male gender. Used in herbal baths, candles, and simmering potpourri, it is the number-one herb for anti-stress, anti-nightmare, and peaceful sleep. Excellent for stuffing poppets and dream pillows. Planetary Energy: Mercury. Elemental Energy: Air. Astrological Sign: Gemini.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus). Excellent cleansing herb mixed with hyssop and lemon verbena. Used in protective sachets, gris-gris bags, and poppets to ward from danger and negativity. Combine with uva ursi, eyebright, and damiana around a blue candle for a ritual to increase psychic awareness or carry this mixture in a gris-gris bag along with a tiger-eye gemstone if you plan to divine in public. Planetary Energy: Mercury. Elemental Energy: Air. Astrological Sign: Gemini.

Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla). Highly aromatic. Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs tells us that lemon verbena “charmed” the Spanish explorers during their conquests; commercially it is used in body splashes, perfumes, and herbal baths. A plant with a variety of applications, it has been used as a body rub, in potpourri, a tea, and added to culinary pursuits (like chicken and vegetable marinades, dressings and other delights). Magickally it is perfect for aura-cleansing mixes, especially when added to lavender and rosemary. Add to your holy water when asperging sacred space. Some feel that the scent is much like patchouli in drawing love interests to you, and therefore you will find these scented leaves in various love spells and poppets. A light mixture of patchouli and lemon verbena can be added to muslin conjuring bags carried in the pocket to enhance your appeal. Excellent for healing mixes, add lemon verbena to other healing correspondence herbs such as eucalyptus, mint, pine, wintergreen, and willow. Use lemon verbena in herbal mixes designed for cold and flu season. Not only does it smell wonderful, the properties of the herb helps to cleanse the aura of the room. Don’t miss putting this aromatic herb in your magickal cabinet! Planetary Energy: Mercury. Elemental Energies: Earth, Air. Astrological Signs: Virgo, Libra.

Linden (Tilia europea). I wasn’t familiar with this herb until I started my Hoodoo training. It is one of the few herbs associated with luck and protecting one’s ability to draw good fortune to the household. Mixed with dried citrus peels, the blend is a great magickal purifier during household cleansing rites. Linden is also used in sleep sachets when lilac, chamomile, and lavender are added. Functions as an ingredient in anti-nightmare spells where restful sleep and protection must be combined; also found in handfasting and marriage magick. Planetary Energy: Jupiter. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Sagittarius.

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata). Whether you are working with Pennsylvania Dutch Pow-Wow magick, Hoodoo, or are just way into folk magick, lobelia is an all-time favorite of many practitioners. Its primary use is to stop a blabbermouth. Mix with plantain, slippery elm, and wormwood, then place in a poppet of your own design. Hang it from a tree so that the individual will get “caught up” in his or her own lies. A bit more pricy than most magickal herbs (though not the most expensive), lobelia falls under the auspices of the dark goddesses in its ability to halt the blackest of tempests (real or astral) and stop the emotional turmoil of a stormy relationship. Another one of those herbs considered by the FDA to be unhealthy for human consumption. Planetary Energy: Saturn. Elemental Energies: Earth, Air. Astrological Signs: Capricorn, Aquarius (classical).

Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum). Called Hexenkraut (Witch’s wort) in the Middle Ages in Germany, those who kept a mandrake root in their homes were thought to derive information of past and future through hidden and obscure connections to the spirit world. There are three different types of mandrake—the American May apple, the European mandrake (popularized by a Harry Potter scene), and Hecate’s mandrake, which is belladonna (atropa or garden nightshade). Although all three are related, the last two, European mandrake and belladonna, are magickally considered polar opposites—the first associated with male energy and the second with feminine power and mystique. All three types of mandrake (difficult to procure unless wildcrafted by the Witch) are used in spells when the total destruction and banishment of an energy is necessary. From spiraling root to white flower, in Greek writings, the plant symbolized the alchemical manifestation of divine energy. Occasionally used in love spells. Planetary Energy: Mercury. Elemental Energy: Air. Astrological Sign: Gemini.

Mistletoe (Phoradendron flavescens). This is one of my all-time favorite herbs for magick—more power, more strength, more gusto for your mojo! For gain and good luck, success and power, a little bit of mistletoe goes a long way in any working. In the past, we’ve used it for money, banishing stalkers, healing, protection, and ritual for deity honor. Use in financial magick when you are concentrating on debt reduction. Planetary Energy: Sun. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Aries.

Moonflower (Ipomoea alba). A fast-growing, soft-stemmed, evergreen perennial whose vines can grow up to twenty feet! (Considered an annual in northern climes.) With the right conditions, the heart-shaped leaves can span eight to ten inches in width and are perfect for spells in which you wish to hold on to your money in a positive way. Using the large leaf like a piece of cloth, place a tonka bean, a dollar bill, and a bit of yellow dock root in the center; gently fold it shut and tie with golden thread. Bury it at the front door of your home or business establishment. Under a full moon, place offerings to the Goddess on one of the large, heart-shaped leaves with a crystal in the center when requesting personal empowerment. The crowning glory and the unique aspect of this plant are large pure-white flowers that bloom at dusk and remain open throughout the night. The flower lasts only one day, but the plant produces many blooms from midsummer to first frost. Use these for night magick and purification rituals. The blossom, right before opening, is large and oval, with the petals swirling in a spiral to the tip. Perfect for a ritual garden trellis, as it climbs on its own and provides dense privacy if several plants are close to one another. The very nature of the moonflower makes this plant ideal for binding and sealing magick as the vine shoots literally reach out to capture anything. These vines climb up and along posts, fences, even vertical wires. Once the vine finger touches an object, the vine will naturally curl around it in about twenty-four hours. Best used as a living plant, the dried leaves and flowers can also be employed in conjuring and gris-gris bags, especially if you are trying to diminish illness or are bracketing a diet with magickal practices. If you have a problem person in your life and you wish to entrap them in their own negativity, take their picture or write their name on a piece of paper, roll the paper away from you in a small tube, tie shut with black thread or seal with wax; wrap the living finger of the plant around the paper and tie with another string; the paper is now securely on the vine. From one moon to the next, the person is often gone from your life. Note that the moonflower is poisonous. Planetary Energy: Moon. Elemental Energy: Water. Astrological Sign: Cancer.

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca). The “woman’s herb” is used primarily in magick for a safe delivery in childbirth rituals and conjuring bags. From the mint family, the plant has “teeth” on the lobes (the protective energy of a mother roused to defense) and the flowers contain a pink whorl, signifying the spiral of birth and death and the manifestation of the child into this plane of existence. For birthing, embroider the Birca rune (b) on the conjuring bag and add this herb and a lock of hair from each (healthy) member of the family (or friends in your magick circle). Other protective herbs can be added as well. Use in magick to protect children, animals, the physically or mentally challenged, or the emotionally weak. Also used in dream magick; place in a sachet with lavender and chamomile for under your pillow. Planetary Energy: Venus. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Sign: Taurus.

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). A close relative of wormwood, mugwort figures prominently in Middle Age legend as a protector against evil manifestations. Definitely a witchy favorite, probably because of its interesting name, today you will find mugwort often added to a variety of holistic herbal baths. Mugwort is also popular in Hoodoo magick because it guards against all poisons—of the body, mind, or spirit (including hateful critics and gossipy idiots). Sometimes called the herb of Artemis, it is associated with the energy, wisdom, and strength of the bear totem. It has several uses in magick, including healing, protection, and strengthening intuition and psychic pursuits. Mixed with other scrying herbs, conjuring bags can be placed with your divination tools to keep them fresh. Steep in hot water along with eyebright to cleanse crystals and moonstones. Added to hawthorn in spells, it is used to call fertile energies to both people and pets. A prime favorite in exorcism spells as well (which is how I first learned to use it) and for stuffing dream pillows to ward off nightmares. Can also be used to stimulate energy patterns in magickal work, enhance the regularity of energy, and “sweat” the truth out in a nasty situation. Planetary Energy: Venus. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Sign: Taurus.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus). If you feel some wild human has set you for his or her prey, mullein is your choice of herbal shield! Used for warding, health matters, love, divinatory pursuits, banishment, and even fortitude, this all-purpose herb is great to have in your magickal cupboard. Place in a gris-gris bag with rue and angelica dotted with clove oil to protect the home or business establishment. Mix with damiana, uva ursi, eyebright, wormwood, and spearmint for spells involving psychism and mental clarity (but do not ingest the mixture). Planetary Energy: Saturn. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Signs: Aquarius, Capricorn.

Myrrh Gum (Commiphora molmol). The action resin that is popular as a magickal blending vehicle, much like a bindrune where various energies are bound together in one sigil. Here, myrrh binds the energies of plants and resins for a more seamless magickal working. Along with its binding properties, myrrh also has healing associations and has been used in toothpastes and mouthwashes. Mix with sandalwood and burn on charcoal brick specifically made for incenses during Reiki or Pow-Wow treatments, or when working healing spells. Can be added to love magick herbal mixtures, especially for money and love, and is combined with copal to break spells. Planetary Energy: Mars. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Signs: Aries, Scorpio.

Nettle (Urtica diocia). Easy to obtain during the summer months, nettles are often the prime ingredient when dealing with the nastier aspects of human behavior; however, if you choose to gather it yourself, use gloves as the teeny thorns will work their way under your skin and you will be more than miserable. Often depicted in paintings of Witches in the Middle Ages, associating the nature of the plant to the wilderness and the ability to overrun the mind. Added to other herbs of exorcism, it is often scattered in the footsteps of an undesirable individual whom you desperately need to vacate a building or your life in general. Also used in karmic return spells, especially in combination with graveyard dirt and coffin nails (the nails are to seal the spell). Added to mugwort and elder, this trinity of herbs aids in hefty spell-breaking magick. Associated most often with Hecate, dark goddesses in general seem to work quite well with this plant. Scatter around a black skull candle or figure candle to exorcise an unwanted individual or bad habit. A favorite of the Egyptian goddess Selkhet, the Scorpion Queen. In Pow-Wow magick the herb is mixed with hot pepper and rubbed into the underwear of a cheating husband, then burned in a cauldron during divorce proceedings to ensure that the truth of his infidelity becomes known. Throw in a tiger-eye gem and you’ll have a bonanza of information. Planetary Energy: Mars. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Signs: Aries, Scorpio.

Oak Moss (Evernia prunastri). In magick as well as potpourri recipes, oak moss is considered a fixative. From a magickal perspective the moss is used to seal a spell. In potpourri mixes the moss helps to hold the scent for a longer-lasting blend. Oak moss is also employed in binding spells and, since it is nice and fluffy, to stuff healing poppets in hopes of not only holding the spell in place for as long as possible but also to provide superior strength to the individual in need. Herbal mixtures for courage commonly use oak moss as a primary ingredient. For added strength, empower when the Moon is in a fixed astrological sign: Scorpio, Aquarius, Leo, or Taurus. Planetary Energy: Venus. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Sign: Taurus.

Orris Root (Iris florentina). Orris root is a “commanding” herb and is used by magickal practitioners in various rites involving the elements, protection, stopping gossip (use with plantain and gag root [lobelia]), exorcism, and divination. Orris is an herbal fixative employed to hold the scent of other herbs in gris-gris bags, dream pillows, potpourri, and loose incense. Orris is actually the rhizome of the Florentine iris. Unlike many herbs, orris root actually gets better as it grows older, taking on its own particular odor if aged for at least two years (discovered by the Egyptians). It is commercially used in blends that attempt to mimic violets. Some Hoodoo practitioners add this root to spells and conjure bags for love, citing its ability to attract “of a like mind,” and it is the primary ingredient in many love-drawing powders. Planetary Energy: Venus. Elemental Energies: Air, Earth. Astrological Signs: Libra, Taurus.

Pansy (Viola). If you want to make it rain or let it snow, then the violet (pansy) is the magickal herb for you! Conversely, if you want the precipitation to stop, add to bladderwrack, put it in the palm of your hand, and cast it in a complete circle, calling the four winds to cease and desist. Hey, it works for me. Sometimes called Johnny Jump-Ups or Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate, the pansy is employed in a variety of love magick. Mix with passion flower and roses, add a bit of magickal attraction oil, and you have a recipe to use in spells to gain friends and positive business associates. Add a bit of patchouli and ginger to this mix and dot a conjuring bag with red pepper for a hotter relationship. Divination is another pursuit of the magickal pansy, and therefore you will find it in various grimoires added to the likes of damiana, uva ursa, orris root, and wormwood. If you desperately need someone to tell the truth, add pansy to a poppet that includes a taglock of that person (or their name), a tiger-eye gemstone, a piece of frankincense or copal resin for the heart, and a magnet. Tie the poppet to a drum and trance the heartbeat for at least fifteen minutes, adding your own word charm as appropriate. You should have the truth shortly. Planetary Energy: Venus. Elemental Energies: Earth, Air. Astrological Signs: Libra, Taurus.

Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata). Herb of creativity. This is a great herb to add to spellwork when you are trying to make new friends, especially if you have just moved from a different location or to a new job. Combined with lavender and chamomile, it makes a nice sleep sachet. If you need to win some sort of popularity contest for a good cause, add this herb to your enchantments. Excellent herb for writers and poets. Mix with basil and hawthorn to quell arguments in the home or on the job. If you are negotiating a big contract and some of the participants just can’t keep their mouths off of each other, add this herb to your gris-gris bag along with red clover and uva ursi. Planetary Energy: Venus. Elemental Energy: Air. Astrological Sign: Libra.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin). There are several “power-house” herbs in medieval magickal correspondences and patchouli is definitely one of them. It has an enticing, musky scent, a sort of deep autumn aroma with a floral touch. Called “graveyard dust” by some, this herb has been used as an exorcism ingredient, to help develop psychism and meditation abilities, for clear sight in divination, to break spells (your own and others), entice the opposite sex, and increase the power of any magickal working. Planetary Energy: Saturn. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Signs: Capricorn, Aquarius (classical).

Pennyroyal (Mentha puleguim). An herb of Demeter, this is one of the bug removers of the herbal kingdom. Coupled with lavender in felt packets and tucked into furniture, it has been known to kill fleas. Mix with chamomile and a lodestone to draw money. Add to holy basil to clear the air after an argument. Used in warding, home happiness, and rituals for self-confidence. The FDA indicates this herb is harmful if taken internally. Planetary Energy: Mars. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Mars.

Pepper, White. Used in a variety of Hoodoo spells to set some action into the working. Add to all white/off-white action herbs such as calamus, orris root, white beans, and ginger for a thrust of power! Planetary Energy: Mars. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Mars.

Peppermint Leaf (Mentha piperita). If it is mental magick you have in mind, ease in completion of a project, the desire for money, healing, restful sleep, psychic endeavors, or clearing the air of negativity—peppermint just might do the trick! Cleanse the front door of your business with an infusion of peppermint and chamomile to increase business. To make the spell move quickly, try mixing peppermint, vervain, and ginger, sprinkling around a double-action or vervain herbal candle. Planetary Energy: Mercury. Elemental Energy: Air. Astrological Sign: Gemini.

Plantain (Plantago major). Plantain is best known for its ability to heal the wounds caused by stinging words in the magickal world or those irritating zaps from half-baked magicians; however, in mundane society, there is nothing better than drawing out a bee sting when there ain’t nothin’ around. Out on the baseball field the child screams and the bee zooms away. Crush plantain and apply. Takes the sting out. Witch to the rescue. Used as a primary ingredient in stop-gossip spells along with slippery elm and lobelia. Combine with calamus to protect your vehicle and ease the weariness of a long day when you know you must go on. Oh, and you’ll love this one—certain varieties of plantain are called “pussy-toes” (now you’ve learned something new for today), which is the most common variety in our area and therefore the plant is appropriate for all manner of feline, catlike magick. This isn’t so far off, as legend has it that plantain was used to scare off snakes—therefore, if you have a “snake in the grass” on the job, you might want to extend your claws and carry a little plantain with you. Planetary Energy: Venus. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Sign: Taurus.

Queen of the Meadow (Eupatorium purpureum). Use for offerings to the Goddess and protection of children and women, especially during childbirth or when under attack of some kind. An herb of command, use for warding, healing, and working on one’s self-image. Mix with angel wings and lavender to make wishes outdoors. Planetary Energy: Sun. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Leo.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense). There is nothing prettier than looking out across a field filled with the magick of red clover on a warm summer’s day. This is another herb that has a variety of correspondences from finding treasure, protecting individuals in human services (armed forces, police, emergency medical, firefighters, etc.), and dealing with money troubles. Red clover water helps with financial arrangements of all types. In magickal work it is used to banish astral nasties (mix with larkspur) and remove blocks from financial concerns. Can also be employed in love and spells of passion. A mixture of cinquefoil, holy basil, and red clover scattered around a white candle does wonders in any magick centered on protecting your family business (financial or otherwise) and allowing your personal concerns to flourish. Planetary Energy: Mercury. Elemental Energy: Air. Astrological Signs: Libra, Virgo.

Rosebuds and Petals (Rosa canina). Did you ever open your mouth and vent to a friend and then wish to whatever runs the universe that you’d kept your fool tongue tied to the roof of your mouth? Rosebuds aren’t just for love—they’re for keeping secrets, too. Or did someone tell you something that you are just dying to unload, but you know that if you do you will lose that friend forever? Whip out the rosebuds and start working the magick on your loose lips. Roses are often added to Craft and Druid initiation rituals to remind the student of their promise to guard the secrets of the group to which they now belong. Use with oak moss and orris root to keep your magickal work secret. Secrets aside, the general consensus of the general population relates the rose to the magick (and poetry) of love. Mix with hawthorn and linden to keep your present relationship firm. Use in spells to attract new friends or a new pet. Add to any spell where you wish to do your working centered in love, whether it be personal or universal—healing, protection, and even banishment. Planetary Energies: Venus, Moon. Elemental Energy: Water. Astrological Sign: Cancer.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Nature’s cleanser! A popular addition to house-cleansing spells and rituals as well as love rites and enchantments. Combine with lemongrass to remove the poison from a situation. Mix with lavender, blessed thistle, dried garlic, and hops for a healing poppet. Combine with patchouli, rose petals, and yohimbe to draw passion. Also considered a sleep aid, it can be mixed with peppermint or spearmint for an aromatic catalyst for focused mental energy. Planetary Energy: Sun. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Leo.

Rue (Ruta graveolens). Rue is a witchy favorite when it comes to protecting home, family, and property. Used to banish unwanted neighbors, unwanted in-laws, and astral nasties, it is usually placed in a conjuring bag and hung above all entrances to the home or apartment. A favorite of the goddesses Diana and Aradia, both who function in a protective and defensive capacity for the good of the magickal individual, this plant has been employed for a compendium of magick, including removing headaches, adding to healing poppets, and candle magick, and even taking the blindness from the love-struck so that common sense can prevail. A highly popular addition to most hex-breaking spells. Considered a clearing herb, it can be included in household cleansing rituals and karma spells when what was sent to you is kindly handed back—forthwith! Planetary Energy: Saturn. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Sign: Capricorn.

Safflower Petals (Carthamus tinctorius). Boldly colored, this deep, autumn-orange flower has a long and veritable history when it comes to magickal applications as well as mundane ones. In ancient Egypt safflowers were used as a prime source of cooking oil, dye for food and clothing, and, of course, decorative arrangements for gifts to the gods. Depending upon the culture, the flower was dedicated to the Goddess; promoted love, happiness, and healing; had the power to raise the winds (use with bladderwrack); and gave strength to the practitioner. Combine with damiana and eyebright for increased psychic abilities, bee pollen to command a group of people, or angelica to break a hex. If you want your business to grow, mix with galangal, ginger, and sassafras, and include one tonka bean in the conjuring bag. Add gold glitter and a lodestone (or magnet) to money bags, purses, and wallets. Excellent for any success-related work. Use with gold candles for money, red for action and lust, orange for employment and work-related enchantments, and white or yellow for general success. Planetary Energy: Sun. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Leo.

Sage, White Ceremonial (Salvia apina). Most commonly used for incense to cleanse, consecrate, and empower in all manner of magickal applications. It is a highly aromatic stress reliever and aura cleanser. Mix with angel wings and lavender and burn in a cauldron for wishes and wisdom. Add to spells for the health and welfare of senior citizens. Planetary Energy: Jupiter. Elemental Energies: Fire, Air. Astrological Signs: Sagittarius, Pisces (classical).

Sandalwood, Red Chips (Pterocarpus santalum). When we experienced a shortage of white sandalwood in the mid 1990s, good old red came to the rescue! Red carries the same magickal connotations as white, but with a bit more punch due to its color; although fragrant, it is not as strong aromatically as the white. Rich and exotic, fragrant woods such as sandalwood, cedar, and evergreen are a favorite for outdoor rituals, needfires, bonfires, and cauldron mixtures. Sandalwood blends extremely well with other herbs, making it the popular choice for homemade incense bases. Magickally, sandalwood (red or yellow) promotes harmony and is a conduit to higher energy vibrations. Extremely versatile, sandalwood powder or chips can be burned during the “big five”: money, health, love, protection, and “other” spellworkings. Mix with dragon’s blood resin for more power in thurible incense. Add this same mixture to rosebuds and patchouli for a simmering love cauldron. Combine with ginger, galangal, and pink peppercorns for a super-fast action blend! Planetary Energy: Jupiter. Elemental Energies: Fire, Water. Astrological Signs: Sagittarius, Pisces (classical).

Sandlawood, White. Aromatic. The essential oil and the herb itself are associated with purity and wealth. Planetary Energy: Jupiter. Elemental Energies: Fire, Water. Astrological Signs: Sagittarius, Pisces (classical). see also Sandalwood, Red Chips.

Sarsaparilla Root (Smilax ornata). Money, money, money is the best-known magickal theme for this particular sweet-smelling herb. Used to flavor a variety of beverages, sarsaparilla mixed with aromatic cinnamon, sandalwood, bayberry, frankincense, and myrrh makes a great cauldron herbal mix to increase monetary benefits coming into the home. Excellent for inclusion in a naturally scented magickal potpourri or sachet. Planetary Energy: Jupiter. Elemental Energies: Fire, Water. Astrological Signs: Sagittarius, Pisces (classical).

Sassafras Root (Sassafras albidium). A Hoodoo favorite for money spells, mix with yellow dock root, chamomile, fava beans, and white beans to draw good fortune. Planetary Energy: Sun. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Leo.

Saw Palmetto Berries (Sarenoa repens). Historically used for food and medicinal purposes by indigenous Floridians before the arrival of all those pesky Europeans. In magick, saw palmetto is used in love spells; mix with bloodroot, rose petals, and yohimbe and make yourself a powerful love poppet. Planetary Energy: Mars. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Aries.

Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia). Mad Dog (folk name). Here’s a witchy favorite. Used in folk magick applications to ward off mad dogs, wild beasties, and things with teeth that go bump in the night, it’s also used to ward off rednecks, blowzy women, and the riffraff with the beer breath that just moved in down the street. Surprisingly enough, skullcap is considered an herb of fidelity and is added to conjuring bags with linden and life everlasting (gotu kola), then placed under the marriage bed to keep the spouse from wandering. This is a Dark Goddess herb often added to petitions and ceremonies of honor in her name. Planetary Energy: Saturn. Elemental Energies: Earth, Air. Astrological Signs: Capricorn, Aquarius (classical).

Slippery Elm (Ulmos rubra). Primarily used in healing magick; however, mixed with plantain and lemongrass, you’ve got a fine mixture to work against slander, Internet “flaming,” and other nasty energies in the realm of the spoken word and written missives. Use in cauldron fires with sandalwood and frankincense to cleanse a ritual area. Planetary Energy: Saturn. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Signs: Capricorn, Aquarius (classical).

Solomon's Seal Root (Polygonatum). Used as individual talismans or amulets, or mixed with other herbs for protection from danger, illness, and psychological dysfunction. Sometimes referred to as “The Seal of Our Lady,” meaning where this herb touches, grace and protection are afforded. Mix with sandalwood and copal for a protective, natural incense and burn in a suitable cauldron. Use in gris-gris bags to protect your business establishment. Planetary Energy: Saturn. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Sign: Capricorn.

Spikenard Root (Aralia racemosa). American spikenard, related to sarsaparilla. Used in marriage and love spells for harmony, potency, and sexual fidelity. Mix with linden and hawthorn and scatter around a white candle for family happiness. Mix with chamomile, frankincense, and mint for a fragrant money- drawing gris-gris bag. Add to heal-all, rosemary, and lavender for a healing poppet. Planetary Energy: Moon. Elemental Energy: Water. Astrological Sign: Cancer.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum). Added to hawthorn and linden, legend has it that St. John’s wort increases the longevity of a marriage. Add to echinacea, eucalyptus, and feverfew in healing magick. Another one of those herbs considered unhealthy for human consumption. Mix with a lock of a loved one’s hair to make soldiers, police officers, and firefighters invincible, probably because of its folk medicinal application to wounds. Sprinkle around a statue or picture of any archangel, Michael and Uriel being the most prominent. Planetary Energy: Sun. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Leo.

Stoneroot (Collinsonia canadesis). Used to seal a spell or bring pressure to bear on an issue that needs to be resolved. Mix with graveyard dirt and patchouli to create haunting energy until justice is done. Set in clay with the Isa rune (i) and place in the freezer to cease movement on any issue. Planetary Energy: Saturn. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Signs: Capricorn, Aquarius (classical).

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare). One of the most common European strewing herbs (herbs placed on floors to mask unpleasant smells), the tansy flower looks like a tightly packed miniature sun and is very popular in dried flower arrangements, especially in the harvest months. The plant’s name in Greek was athanasia, which means “immortality”; therefore, if you want a spell to last a good long while (like a baby blessing or any prayer for continued happiness and good fortune), then the tansy is your magickal herb of choice. Southern magickal practitioners add tansy to conjuring bags to keep the law (or the “system”) at bay, which is especially useful if you have been unjustly accused. These bags usually include buckthorn aged bark and celandine as well. If you have been slandered through gossip, mix lobelia, tansy, and black peppercorns in a conjuring bag with a tiger-eye gemstone, or scatter around the base of an empowered candle, or create a poppet with a raw potato and stuff with this herbal combination. Write the perpetrator’s name on the poppet with indelible ink and bury it off your property. As the potato rots, their words will turn against them. This does not help you in the deep winter, however. If you wish someone to leave you alone permanently, mix flax seed, graveyard dirt, and tansy in a cup covering the person’s name. Place it on your windowsill. Leave it there. I had three cups lined up like that for several years. Worked great! Tansy can also be used in money spells that involve work for solid investments or drawing stable, long-term clientele to your business establishment. Planetary Energy: Venus. Elemental Energies: Air, Earth. Astrological Signs: Libra, Taurus.

Tonka Beans. Considered an herbal charm and poisonous if ingested. Thought to operate like an herbal lodestone, drawing your desires to you. You need use only one bean per magickal application. A powerful fast-cash formula mixed on a new moon and scattered around a golden candle includes sunflower, chamomile, snakeroot, marigold, sarsaparilla, vervain, peppercorns, safflower, bergamot, mountain mint, tonka bean, red clover, and allspice. Add a lodestone or a crystal to the mixture if you’re desperate, and perform your chosen working on Friday. Planetary Energy: Venus. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Sign: Taurus.

Uvi Ursi (Arcostaphylos uva-ursi). If you are into protecting animals both big and small, add uva ursi to your spellwork; however, this is one of those herbs that is considered undesirable for human consumption by the FDA, so keep it locked in the magickal cabinet. Used also for spells involving psychism, it is never ingested, only scattered around the base of candles or used in poppets and gris-gris bags. Because of its natural capabilities, this herb is considered highly desirable in spells when great protection is needed. As the ruling planet for uva ursi is Saturn, this herb works well in spells to protect your business and financial dealings or to protect you against others who wish to destroy your fame and fortune in relation to your career pursuits. Mix with red clover and carry in a conjuring bag when making business deals when you feel you may be ripped off, or use if a business deal has gone sour and you wish to recoup your losses. This will only work if you have been legitimately cheated. Planetary Energy: Saturn. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Sign: Capricorn.

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides). Very popular in the magickal community in the 1960s and early ’70s. Grimoires written around that time are filled with recipes for its use, especially in incenses and oils because of vetiver’s sweet, musky aroma (if you work with herbals often, you’ll learn to enjoy the good-smelling ones like this one). An Asiatic grass, the plant has several magickal associations, including commanding energies, bringing good luck and a prosperous fortune, increasing the power of spells (much like dragon’s blood or patchouli), enhancing love (tighten matrimonial bonds by using in spellwork to make you more alluring: soak in his or her favorite scent and place in a sock of yours under your bed), and psychic protection (especially when used in conjunction with wormwood, which calls in just about anything). Combine vetiver with juniper berries to prevent theft, with cinquefoil to increase business success, or with boneset to break a hex. Planetary Energy: Venus. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Sign: Taurus.

Violet. See Pansy.

White Oak Bark (Quercus alba). Aromatic barks are excellent for use in potpourris and cauldron fires, great additions to your natural incense blends, and wonderfully enhancing to any ritual, especially when combined with resins and burned. Like mistletoe, the oak has numerous magickal correspondences that cover just about every endeavor of enchantment—love, money, health, protection, strength, fertility, luck, spirituality, and potency. From the Druid belief system to the Pow-Wow hex signs, the mighty oak figures prominently in ritualistic practices and designs. Hoodoo also employs the oak. If you magickally bind any item with oak, so the saying goes, it will not be broken in your lifetime, especially if you use red thread in the spell. Brewed oak water is used to aspurge a ritual area and break hexes, and it is believed that the power is doubled if you add mistletoe and oak to any spellworking. Combine mistletoe, oak bark, and bayberry bark for an aromatic, woodsy blend to be burned on New Year’s Day to strengthen the family and entice good fortune. Use with cherry bark to pluck up a love spell—add yohimbe for a “hot” night! Blend with chamomile, gold glitter, and honey to increase gain and stabilize finances. Planetary Energy: Sun. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Leo.

White Pine Bark (Pinus strobus). Considered a spiritual cleanser in many magickal applications, pine essential oil, fragrance, bark, boughs, and needles are used to cleanse sacred space, one’s aura, or even one’s situation. If you’ve done a blooper in your spellwork and need to reverse what you’ve set in motion, add pine bark to your herbal mix. If protection is a necessity over the holiday season, mix pine, oak, and mistletoe in a bowl. Empower by adding a few drops of your favorite protection oil. Write the names of your family members on parchment and place in a Mason jar. Cover with the herbal mix. Add a few sprigs of holly on top. Punch holes in the jar lid, then screw it tightly in place. Add a bow and place as a working decorative piece in the home. To hold the scent, include a little orris root or oak moss. If you are very artistic, you can make a jar for each of your covenmates as a Yule present for strength and protection the whole year through. Tip: If you have someone in circle who is a “black hole,” place pine boughs around the entire circle area (just be careful of open flames). Planetary Energy: Saturn. Elemental Energies: Air, Earth. Astrological Signs: Aquarius, Capricorn.

White Willow (Salix alba). One of my favorite goddess-oriented herbs, the white willow is associated with Artemis, Hecate, Ayzian, and the androgynous Mercury. Although delicate in appearance, the willow tree is one of the strongest and most tenacious plants on earth. Its root system will burrow through almost anything to obtain the large amount of water it needs to survive, including puncturing water pipes and drilling through the stone walls of wells. Leaves are used in a variety of spells, including divination (mixed with damiana and uva ursa), protection (mixed with angelica root and rosemary), healing (combined with eucalyptus, myrrh, sandalwood, mugwort, and mint), and love magick (with rose petals). Whole branches can be used for cleansing sacred space, tying Witch’s brooms, or as temporary poppets. Planetary Energies: Mercury, Moon. Elemental Energies: Air, Water. Astrological Sign: Cancer.

Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina). Under the auspices of Venus, cherry bark has a sweet, woodsy aroma popular in many love spells and rituals. Combine with rose petals and cinnamon, then add a few drops of love oil for a great bedroom sachet. Mix with cedar, orange peel, and orris root for divination potpourri and a drop of divination oil for a great sachet. As cedar, cherry, and orange peel normally have exotic scents of their own, the orris root helps to hold the combined essence, which is especially handy for an on-the-go reader. If you want to sweeten a deal or attract a specific energy, cherry is an excellent addition to your spellwork. You might also consider adding bee pollen, sugar, and bergamot to a gris-gris bag that includes a magnet or lodestone and your desire written on parchment for financial endeavors, especially if you are dealing with the opposite sex who may be in opposition to your wishes. Cherry bark can also be included in all manner of beauty spells. Planetary Energy: Venus. Elemental Energies: Air, Earth. Astrological Signs: Libra, Taurus.

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens). Popular in gum, candy, and medicinals for muscle aches and pains, wintergreen was used by the Sioux Indians as a poultice and in colonial times as a replacement for tea; however, most of the wintergreen flavorings in food these days is synthetic, as wintergreen essential oil is considered highly toxic by the FDA if taken internally. Mix wintergreen, lavender, and mint in spells that focus on the protection of children. Combine with eucalyptus, rosemary, and hyssop for healing poppets and sachets. Throw wintergreen into the needfire, cauldron, or fire-festival bonfire for good luck during the current seasonal cycle. Some practitioners add wintergreen to spells involving astral travel, divination, and animal magick. Planetary Energy: Mercury. Elemental Energies: Air, Earth. Astrological Signs: Gemini, Virgo.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana). The witch hazel is a deciduous shrub with twisting stems; long, forking branches; and smooth grey to brownish bark. Growing well in misty woods, this hardy bush immediately leads the mind to enchantment and magick! Primarily used in spells for divination, clarity, and wisdom, witch hazel can also be employed when working healing magick to combat mental illness and low self-esteem. Used in crossing rituals (Wiccan funerals) to assist in combating the grief felt by the participants in the ceremony. The name “witch hazel” comes from an Old English word meaning “pliant” or “to bend.” The limber branches of this plant were used as archery bows, and we can see how the association to magickal workers may have occurred—a Witch (in today’s terms) learns to manifest from the primordial void by “bending” light, so to speak. Planetary Energy: Saturn. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Signs: Capricorn, Aquarius (classical).

Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis). A protective herb often added to gris-gris bags or burned in combination with angelica, elecampane, horehound, or hyssop. Use in any ritual for a soldier, police officer, firefighter, or paramedic. Combine with safflower for victory and successful finance ventures; use with a red candle. Planetary Energy: Mars. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Aries.

Woodruff (Asperula odorata). Also known as Master of the Woods. Used in magick for strength, protection, and the absence of pain. Combine with sunflower petals, St. John’s wort, mugwort, and blessed thistle in a poppet for victory over obstacles of any kind. For money spells, add white beans and cinnamon and place in an open jar with a lodestone or crystal to draw money into the home or business. Dress with a money oil. Planetary Energy: Mars. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Aries.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). A major favorite in Hoodoo magick, wormwood is used to speak to the dead and call the spirits. In such southern magick it is used to work on an individual’s conscience if they have done you wrong, or if they lie straight out in a court case or other venue where your reputation is at stake—however, if you are dealing with a psychopath that doesn’t have a conscience, sending an astral dead guy might be a better idea. The formula for such conjuration includes myrrh, patchouli, clove, yerba maté, mullein, peppermint, lemon peel, and graveyard dirt. Spray mixture lightly with white rum. Note: Do not ingest this formula. On the brighter side, the herb can also be used as an increasing agent in success spells, especially if you are trying to increase your current paycheck. Add to lobelia (gag root), plantain, and slippery elm to stop gossip. This is another one of those herbs considered by the FDA to be unhealthy for human consumption. Planetary Energy: Mars. Elemental Energy: Fire. Astrological Sign: Aries.

Yarrow Flowers (Achillea millefolium). Yarrow was one of the first herbs I learned to work with both in a magickal and medicinal arena. Yarrow tea (which can be purchased at an herbal store) is wonderful for respiratory infections, especially if you are prone to bronchitis. However, at the same time I had a nasty cold I also had a doozy of a neighbor. The formula of yarrow, nettles, and hot peppers got that nasty neighbor gone in no time at all. A little sprinkled on the doorstep will do ya. Primarily used for its exorcism properties, yarrow mixed with hawthorn, trillium, linden, gotu kola (“life everlasting”), and dried rosebuds can be used in a handfasting/marriage sachet to be carried in the bridal bouquet, then placed under the bridal bed to ensure a long and happy marriage. One of those all-purpose herbs, yarrow can be used in animal magick, divination, to increase the power of a spell, for breaking spells, and in fertility rituals. Planetary Energy: Moon. Elemental Energy: Water. Astrological Sign: Cancer.

Yellow Dock Root (Rumex crispus). With Jupiter as its ruling planet, this herb’s primary function is one of expansion. The leaves of the yellow dock are spiky and the seeds look like little hearts, thus it contains the idea of protecting the heart of the matter and expanding the central focal point of an issue. In magick, yellow dock is said to remove the bad blood from a financial situation and make way for growth and monetary success. A prime ingredient to bring money into a business, yellow dock should be brought over the front threshold of the establishment and placed in a bowl of water along with a lodestone or magnet to attract solid, paying customers, with the light of a yellow candle reflecting off the surface of the bowl. If you are running low on fast cash, sprinkle a bit of yellow dock on your remaining funds (you know, those quarters you found under the couch cushions). The herb has other magickal uses, including marriage (with yarrow) in fertility spells. If it sets for long periods of time, yellow dock will stain white cloth. This can be useful! Wrap yellow dock and white cotton gris-gris bags in a plastic bag and allow to age. Bags will pick up the color and vibrations of the plant. Use them later on in the year for prosperity spells. For a “root of prosperity” formula designed to assist you to build a stable financial base, mix allspice, snakeroot, sarsaparilla, galangal, ginger, frankincense, yellow dock, fava beans, and tonka beans. Place mixture on a white plate. Burn a white or golden candle (in a fire-safe holder) in the center of the mixture. Planetary Energy: Jupiter. Elemental Energies: Fire, Water. Astrological Signs: Sagittarius, Pisces (classical).

Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguensis). A Hoodoo favorite, a little over two years ago I went nuts looking for this herb in my area. I finally found it in tea form at a health-food store and had to make do with that until I could find a supplier that could mail it to me. This is the number-one additive in any spell to banish nightmares, make problems disappear, and diminish worries, pain, sorrow, or discomfort. Add to any exorcism or purification mixture for that added punch. Also used in dieting spells or spells in which you wish to diminish an issue on which you have been so focused that you have ignored all other things and now your world is out of balance. Planetary Energy: Saturn. Elemental Energies: Earth, Air. Astrological Signs: Capricorn, Aquarius (classical).

Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon sp.). Sometimes called the holy or sacred herb, yerba santa is a primary ingredient in glamouries and spells of illusion. Include in healing work by combining with heal-all, lavender, and eucalyptus. Sometimes worn to increase clarity, used in divinatory herbal mixes and gris-gris bags for spiritual strength. Elemental Energy: Earth. Planetary Energy: Venus. Astrological Sign: Taurus.

Yohimbe Powder (Corynanthe yohimbe). The equivalent to dragon’s blood, yohimbe is also expensive, messy, and powerful. In fact, it is difficult to tell the two herbs apart; however, yohimbe is more on the brown side. This is another herb that is not recommended for human consumption by the FDA and therefore is only used in magickal applications. As it is a powder, care should be taken when working with this particular herb not to inhale the particles. Yohimbe is used in spellwork to Command (with a big “c”). It is an authoritative herb, one that demands that the work be done. Use in combination with patchouli and other power herbs if you need to produce magick with gusto. This is a vibrant, forceful herb used to break blocks, destroy obstacles, and add more bounce to the ounce in matters of the heart. Planetary Energy: Venus. Elemental Energy: Earth. Astrological Sign: Taurus.

The herbal information provided in this section took me three years to compile and is representative of my own experiences in working hundreds of spells and rituals for a variety of situations, some practical and others very strange indeed. The life of a Witch is certainly never boring!

Summary

As I close yet another visit with you, my youngest son is entering his last year of high school and about the month the book is released he will be graduating. Echo is in college and working full time. Falcon is three-quarters through a tour in the army as a medic and has just returned from overseas. My oldest son is leaving for an overseas tour in the military service. This past summer, my three adult children took their oath of third degree in the world of Witchcraft. Through the years, fans all over the world have visited with my family, had a few laughs and witnessed a few tears . . . I bet some of you can even remember when my kids were small! It was a pleasure and a joy as I and other Black Forest members welcomed these three into the “big Witches” circle. Their journey, once again, has just begun—this time into the world of Craft adulthood.

This is definitely a year of closure for me with many bright avenues ahead. I wish you the same success and joy I have experienced in developing this material—but without any of the pitfalls that daily life can throw at you! I will finish out by writing the same words given to my daughter with each missive when she spent that perilous time overseas.

Be safe.

Keep smiling.

And may the Lord and Lady be with you.

IS (In Service),

Silver RavenWolf

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5. Manuel Cordova-Rios, shaman trained in the Peruvian Amazon Basin. From Muller-Ebeling, Claudia, Christian Ratsch, and Wolf-Dieter Storl. Witchcraft Medicine: Healing Arts, Shamanic Practices and Forbidden Plants. Rochester, Vermont: Inner Traditions, 2003, page 171.