Herb Magic for Beginners (3 page)

The Basic Rules of Magic

Intention

Here is where we separate the dabbler from the magician. What is your intention? Is it a positive one that harms none and takes into consideration the free will of others? If you are trying to whip up an herbal spell to make that guy or girl of your dreams fall hopelessly in love with you, you are definitely looking for trouble. Try working to make yourself more attractive instead. If you are looking for a raise or promotion at your job, work hard and then perform magic on yourself to catch the attention of your boss in a positive way. Cast your herbal spell for good luck and career advancement and to make yourself seem savvier and more promotion-worthy, but don’t go and hex your co-workers who are also trying for the promotion. Talk about your bad mojo. You can climb the corporate ladder without stepping on others. Be creative, and most of all, be conscientious. Targeting a specific individual, whether in a love spell or to win out over that person, is manipulation. So be honest with yourself and carefully consider your goals. Now, take a few moments to ground and center and to put aside all negative emotions.

Grounding and Centering

Take a deep breath and ground yourself. Visualize all the stress and negative emotions you carry draining away harmlessly into the earth. Now take a deep breath, and slowly blow it out. Then reach down and put your hands on the ground. Imagine that tree roots are growing from the soles of your bare feet and down into the rich soil. Stay there for a moment and then draw up some positive earth energy. Keep up those nice, slow, deep breaths. Picture yourself as a plant that draws sustenance and strength from the earth. Stand up and reach your fingers up to the sky. Gently stretch yourself out and up, and wiggle your fingers. (I like to imagine that my fingers are like the leaves on a tree. Try it for yourself—it always makes me smile.) Just enjoy the feeling of being connected to the earth, while all that steady, nurturing energy streams through you. Lower your arms, and take in a deep breath. Hold it for a count of four, then slowly release it by blowing gently out through your mouth. Now that you feel refreshed and energized by the stabilizing powers of the earth, you are good to go.

The Law of Three

You should be aware of the magical Law of Three, which says that whatever energies you send out will be returned to you in kind—times three. This is a metaphysical way of saying, “What goes around, comes around.” Therefore, it makes absolutely no sense to perform negative spells, as the magic is just going to circle around back to you, with a vengeance. So, as conscientious magic users, our intentions must be positive and our magic must be worked in the best way possible for all those involved.

Respect Yourself and Others

The basic law of Wicca and affirmative magic is “Harm none.” This is a fundamental rule that is not open to interpretation or change. Another important aspect of magic is keeping your magic free of manipulation. Taking away another’s free will definitely causes harm, so consider your options carefully before you cast a spell. You can also hedge your bets, so to speak, by including a closing line to your herbal spells. This tag line reinforces your magic and ensures that the best possible outcome will occur.

A Closing Line for Your Herbal Spells

Here is a good all-purpose closing line, sometimes referred to as a tag line (because you “tag” it on at the end). You can add this to all your herbal spells and charms.

For the good of all, with harm to none.
By herb magic this spell is done.

Here’s Something Else to Consider:
Herb Magic Is a Major Magic

A “major magic” is defined as one that requires a higher level of expertise and knowledge. Herb magics fall in this category. So, while this is a book designed for learning the basics of herb magic, you should know that you will be combining many different aspects of traditional magic into the study of magical herbalism. Pretty cool, huh?

The complexity of the subject matter held me up on the writing of this book for a while. How was I to teach magical herbalism to a beginner, when it isn’t necessarily a beginner’s topic? I absolutely refused to dummy it down, so that left me with the option of telling it like it is and going from there. While you perform your herbal spells and charms, you will be utilizing other types of magics, such as color magic, planetary symbols, candle magic, and astrological timing. All of these different techniques are often incorporated into herb magic.

The bottom line is that there is much more to the topic of herb magic than meets the eye. You have to study and practice this variety of magic in order to become proficient at it, but it is really enjoyable to experiment with and perform herbal spells. It’s a sensory experience—there is nothing like getting your hands into something and discovering the scents, textures, and energies of the various herbs for yourself. I do recommend that you keep detailed notes of your herbal charms and spells. (We’ll talk more about this in the last chapter.) This will help you as you learn and grow in the traditional art of magical herbalism.

The next section covers the basic elements of spellcasting This is a fundamental outline for working magic, and it is included here for you to study and then apply to your own personalized brand of enchantment.

The Elements of Spellwork

The majority of Witches, magical herbalists, and other magic users will agree that there are several elements to the successful performance of a ritual or spell. While people’s opinions on how to cast a spell may vary, the essentials remain the same. Inspect the following list, and you’ll get the idea.

Purpose

Take a moment to center your focus and calm your mind. Now ask yourself the following questions: What do I really need from this herbal spell? What is the goal of the spell or charm? How can I best work my herb magic for a positive outcome that will harm none? Mull this over for a bit, and write down your magical goals if necessary. Take your time, and mentally prepare yourself to work the spell.

Sequence

Every spell, charm, ritual, or act of magic has a clear beginning and end. Write up a quick outline to help you sort things out. You may find it helpful to refer to the “Herbal Spell Worksheet” on pages 164–165. Set things up, and get ready to cast your spell.

Sacred Space

Establishing sacred space when you work your magic is an excellent idea. Choose a clean, happy, and pleasant environment in which to cast your spells. Call on the God and Goddess to assist you. This is a simple step, and one that is often overlooked. Just ask them in your own words to bless your work area and to help you create a sacred space. No muss, no fuss. By the way, your working area doesn’t have to be fancy or elaborate. Try keeping things natural and simple. You could toss a scarf over a table, sit on the floor, or work your magic at a special spot like your household shrine or altar. Or maybe you’d prefer to cast your herb magic while sitting under a tree in your backyard. Wherever you choose to work, invite the God and Goddess to assist you, and take the time and effort to create a special and sacred space.

Supplies

All spellcraft and magic employ supplies of some sort. In this book, we will, of course, be focusing on herbs. However, as mentioned earlier, colored candles, swatches of fabric, colored ribbons, and other props are often incorporated into herb magic. You will want to select materials that will work well together, and toward the goal you have in mind. These complementary items will enhance and personalize your herb magic. We will discuss these tools in more detail in chapter 2.

Timing

Astrological timing plays a huge role in magic of any form. One of the simplest methods is following the magical correspondences that are assigned to each day of the week. Every day of the week, Sunday through Saturday, has its own special magical energy that can be incorporated into your herbal spells. There are also a few other options available to you when it comes to magical timing. One is to consider the various seasons of the year. Use the spring season for growth, energy, and new beginnings, and the summer months for passion, fertility, and power. Consider the fall months for prosperity, abundance, harvest, and balance, and the winter for protection, rest, study, and meditation. Another timing option is to consider the phases of the moon. Work in the waxing moon to pull things toward you, in the full moon for extra power, and in the waning moon to push things away. In the next chapter, we will discuss the days of the week and the moon and her magics in much more detail.

Creativity and Imagination

This last element of spellcasting is, of course, the most important one. You should feel free to take the information from this book and others, and apply it in new and original ways to your herb magic. Refer to the correspondence charts in the appendix of this book, and learn the basics. Then, use your imagination to conjure up your own unique herbal spells and charms. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: magic is where you find it, and creativity is the key.

Nature, the Ultimate Teacher

Go forth, under the open sky, and list to Nature’s teachings.

—william cullen bryant

Let’s dig into some more practical herb magic tips. In our next chapter, there are secrets and symbols, plus some terminology you’ll need to know, and the tools of the herbalist’s trade. Are you ready to begin? I bet you are planning and plotting out all sorts of wonderful charms and spells to try.

The study of herbalism is the perfect excuse to get back into the natural world, where you belong. (Yes, it’s my goal in life to get Witches and magic users off the couch or away from their computers for a while.) It’s a magical thing to feel the earth beneath your bare feet, to feel an affinity with nature and all the green, growing plants. Nature is the ultimate teacher. If you show her some respect and listen closely, you’ll be amazed at what you will discover and what magical things you will learn.

The whole secret of the study of nature
lies in learning how to use one’s eyes.

—George Sand

Chapter Two

Herb Magic Secrets:
Timing, Terms, and Tools of the Trade

Now that we’ve gone over the basics of herb magic and spellwork, let’s get into the secrets and insider tricks that will help you combine all of this information and get your herb magic up and rolling. We mentioned astrological and lunar timing briefly before, but the subject does deserve a better explanation. Each day of the week is aligned with a specific planet, a color or colors, a magical specialty, and a magical energy. Getting to know the basic correspondences and magical themes for each day of the week—and their accompanying herbs—is a nifty little technique to add to your magical repertoire. This is a traditional form of magic, as herbs and astrology have been combined successfully for centuries.

The astrological information presented here is based only on the planetary influences of the days of the week. Otherwise it gets a little too confusing, even for me. Hey, I’m not afraid to admit that complicated astrological jargon is way over my head. So no worries—this is basic information. The following section breaks down the data for you in an easy-to-read daily format.

The planetary influence for the day of the week is given first, followed by a list of enchantments that correspond with that particular day. Next, the colors that correspond to that specific day of the week are given. Use this color information to coordinate candles, or to choose fabric to make herbal charm bags. Finally, a few of the common herbs that align with the daily planetary energy are listed.

Basically, this is a handy-dandy correspondence chart and a daily reference guide for your herb magic. You will find it much easier to create your own herbal spells and charms, as you’ll know immediately what things complement each other, and which accessories work well together.

Days of the Week and Their
Herb Magic Correspondences

Sunday

Planetary influence
—The Sun

Symbol
—

Cast for
—Success, realizing your goals, building confidence, wealth, fame

Candle/charm bag colors
—Yellow and gold

Common herbs associated with the Sun
—Ash tree, bay, cinnamon, heliotrope, juniper, orange peel, St. John’s wort, witch hazel

Monday

Planetary influence
—The Moon

Symbol
—

Cast for
—Goddess magic, women’s mysteries, emotions, instincts, intuition

Candle/charm bag colors
—White and silver

Common herbs associated with the Moon
—Aloe, eucalyptus, lemon rind, mallow, myrrh, sandalwood, wintergreen

Tuesday

Planetary influence
—Mars

Symbol
—

Cast for
—Problem solving, courage, passion, vitality

Candle/charm bag colors
—Red and black

Common herbs associated with Mars
—Allspice, chili pepper, coriander, dragon’s blood, garlic, holly, nettle, pepper, thistle

Wednesday

Planetary influence
—Mercury

Symbol
—

Cast for
—Communication matters, cleverness, creativity, to improve your luck

Candle/charm bag colors
—Orange or purple

Common herbs associated with Mercury
—Almond, celery seed, dill, fennel, lavender, parsley

Thursday

Planetary influence
—Jupiter

Symbol
—

Cast for
—Prosperity, expansion, moving up in the world, healing and health

Candle/charm bag colors
—Green, purple, and royal blue

Common herbs associated with Jupiter
—Anise, borage, clove, hyssop, maple, nutmeg, oak, sage

Friday

Planetary influence
—Venus

Symbol
—

Cast for
—Love, luxury, pleasure, entertainment

Candle/charm bag colors
—Pink and aqua green

Common herbs associated with Venus
—Catnip, elder, feverfew, foxglove, iris, orris root, periwinkle, tansy, thyme, valerian, vervain, violet

Saturday

Planetary influence
—Saturn

Symbol
—

Cast for
—Protection, banishing, bindings

Candle/charm bag colors
—Black or deep purple

Common herbs associated with Saturn
—Comfrey, elm, ivy, mimosa, morning glory, mullein, pansy, patchouli, poplar, quince, yew

Lunar Timing and Herb Magic

Observe due measure, for right timing is in all things
the most important factor.

—hesiod

You are probably wondering why I’m focusing so much on timing when it comes to herb magic. Well, the truth is that timing plays an essential role in all of magic. We began this chapter by taking a look at the days of the week, but we should also consider the moon and her bewitching phases. The moon holds more power over our magic than any other object in the sky. One of the simplest ways to add a little oomph to your herb magic is to work in harmony with the lunar cycles. Working in accord with the lunar phases ensures that your charms and spells turn out the way you want them to.

Over the years, I have found that I divide the lunar phases into five categories: new, waxing, full, waning, and the dark of the moon. There are specific magical applications for each of these phases, and once you have the essentials down, you can use these lunar associations alone or in combination with the daily correspondences for an unbeatable combination.

New Moon

The new moon is the beginning of the lunar cycle. This phase begins on the last day of the “dark of the moon” phase. The following evening, if you are observant, you will probably see that very thin crescent, low in the western sky. Cast your herbal spells during the new moon phase for new beginnings, birth, growth, and fresh starts.

Waxing Moon

The waxing moon is technically when the moon is in the first quarter and second quarter phases. Every evening, you’ll notice that the moon is higher and higher in the western sky at sunset. As it rolls farther into the second quarter, it seems to begin to rise in the east an hour or so before sunset. Traditionally, you cast spells and create charms during the waxing moon for “increase” and to draw positive things and goals toward you. A few of these positive goals may include fertility, creativity, health and wellness, prosperity, happiness, and love.