Magical Herbs and Spells
By: Shyan Chapman 08/15/04
"In ancient times, plants were gods and
goddesses; spirits and magicians lived within gnarled oaks and whispered from
flowers.
Our ancestors discovered the forces present in plants and harnessed
them to improve their lives.
Today the weeds and wildflowers that grace our cities and wildernesses,
the ornamental and food plants in our gardens, even common house plants still
possess incredible powers. Magical herbalism is the use of these powers."
- Scott
Cunningham
·
“Flying ointment” contained Belladonna (Deadly
Nightshade). There are many other names for Belladonna such as Devil’s Herb or
Devil’s Cherries. Belladonna is used to make medical drugs and hallucinogenic
narcotics, so it is easy to see why centuries ago after taking the herb witches
thought they could fly. When given the seeds, Belladonna can be grown anywhere.
It is however widely distributed over Central and Southern Europe. Belladonna
is also very common and widely distributed in Algeria and South-west Asia. This
poisonous herb is cultivated in England, France and North America as well.
·
Willow bark is burned and crushed during a Waning
moon to conjure spirits.
·
“Witches Garland” was 5 feet of rope with feathers
from geese, crows and rooks stuck in it. It was a device used for placing
curses.
·
Black wicked candles are lit while the tip of a
magical knife is used to draw a magic circle.
·
The green and silver leaves of Mug wart are plucked
during a full moon and carefully brewed and drank in the hopes of improving
clairvoyant powers.
·
Bats Wing Herb (Yerba Mate): Used for protection
from curses or harm. To place a binding on an enemy, place a photograph of the
person, or an item belonging to them in a jar with the herb and cover with
strong black coffee. Recite the behaviors you wish them to stop, then hide the
jar in their home.
My favorite flowers/herbs to use is Lavender,
Rose and Lemon so below is a list of a few recipes for various things you can
try and enjoy.
Many herbs and flowers are used by modern
witches such as Lavender to aid in psychic abilities and make ones self more
relaxed.
LAVENDER OINTMENT
4 tablespoons olive oil
3 to 4 tablespoons beeswax
3 tablespoons cocoa butter
1 vitamin e capsule
15 drops lavender oil
Combine the olive oil, beeswax, cocoa butter and heat in the top of a double
boiler. Remove from the heat. Add the vitamin e, lavender oil and beat well.
Pour into little jars and allow the mixture to cool before covering.
As you can see herbs are used for a wide variety of things, not just potions and spells. Herbs are used for Teas, soaps, potpourri, medicines, make-up, foods, etc..
Lavender Lemonade
Steep lavender for
10 minutes then strain. Combine lavender concentrate with juice from lemons and
sugar in pitcher with ice and fill with water. (For a beautiful Feminine or
Romantic touch, pick rose petals and place them under warm water and rinse
clean. Stick a pedal in each square of an Ice cube tray and fill with water,
once frozen stick the ice cubes in the Lavender Lemonade to add color and
love).
“Double, double toil and
trouble;
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
Fillet of a fenny snake,
In the cauldron boil and bake,
Eye of newt and toe of frog,
Wool of bat and tongue of dog,
Adder’s fork, and blind-worm’s sting,
Lizard’s leg and owlet’s wing,
For a charm of powerful trouble,
Like a hell-broth boil and bubble...”
~William Shakespeare, Macbeth, Act IV, Scene I