Herbs & their Spiritual Uses
Herbs and spirituality have gone hand in hand since the beginning of humanity. Ancient peoples used medicinal mixtures to enhance their connection to Divine Energy and flowers and fruit as offerings to saints and deities. Today, herbs can be used alone or in oils or tinctures, as medicinal or simply intentional or devotional. While herbs must be specifically food-grade to be safely used in teas, medicine or any ingestible format, herbs can be used freely in Spiritual Baths, Sprays, Jar Spells, and Candle Spells.
In candle spells, the practitioner makes an herbal mixture that aligns with the spell’s intention, and applies it to the length of the candle after coating with oil (olive or an intention oil) so the herbs will stick to the candle as it burns. They can also be used on the burning surface (plate, altar, etc.) to amplify the intention and energy of the spell as the candle burns.
All herbs possess spiritual properties that often match their medicinal or “real-world” properties. Below, find a basic list of herbs to use in spellwork, spiritual baths, and spiritual life.
Lavender - Use the buds dried or fresh for calming, getting rest, healing, and intuition-bosting.
Basil - Often used in prosperity or money workings, plant near the main entrance of your home to usher abundance in.
Catnip - Used for attraction of love, money, success, or a particular person.
Cinnamon - Cinnamon’s warm essence can be used in sticks or powder form for abundance. Folk magic recommends blowing some powder inside through your front door on the first of every month for a steady flow of money.
Coffee - Ground coffee adds energy and speed to every magical working. Brewed fresh, it is also a great offering to ancestors who drank it.
Rose - Often associated with romance, rose petals or buds are used in romantic, friendship, and self-love workings for sweet, blossoming loving energy. The thorns can be used in baneful or protective spells.
Rosemary - Fresh or dried rosemary sprigs are often used for cleansing, healing, purity, and many other intention. Like a blank slate, one can tell rosemary what to do, and it will comply.
Sage - Many species of sage can be used for cleansing! While White Sage is endangered, there are many other types of sage (Blue Sage, Black Sage, etc.) that can be used instead, including the sage often used in cooking.
Cloves - Can be used whole or powdered for protection and good luck. Historically, “Pomanders” are clove-adorned oranges that adorn the home in winter and protect against illness and evil.
Ginger - Adds energy and passion to any spell or simmer pot. It is useful in love, money, and success spells.
Hyssop - A powerful “cleanser” of all negative energy. Great for spiritual baths, cleansing, and spellbreaking.
Star Anise - The 8-pointed star is used for good luck, enhancing psychic powers, protection, and drawing love.
Honey - Honey adds long-lasting sweetness to any spell. This can sweeten a coworker, friend, family member, or lover. It can be used in a jar or on a candle.
A beginner witch chooses the herbs that speaks to their practice over time for their personal apothecary; these are just some ideas to get started on the path. Be patient and allow herbs and ingredients to come in as they are meant to. For usage and spell ideas, check out our Soul Therapy 1111 Spellbook for some beginner to intermediate spells.
Have fun!
