Herbs that are used in the Wiccan religion have ruling planets and a ruling element, a gender, and usually an overseeing god or goddess. In all the common kitchen herbs, many are used in different Wiccan ways. Common uses are for spell casting, for incense burning, or for baths and oils (much like aromatherapy). Using herbs with the Wicca religion is generally viewed as what is called “Green Witchcraft”. Wiccans who primarily use herbs are also termed “Green Witches”.
Herbs typically have an “essence”. It is this essence, combined with the belief of the person, will radiate throughout the herb’s use. This article tells of some of the more common herbs, its ruling planets and elements, its gender, how the herb is used, and generally for what purpose.
Basil (Mars, Fire, Masculine) Usually used in love or wealth settings, you can use this in a bath to free an old love from your heart or to bring a new love in. Used in purification rituals and makes a good exorcism incense. Basil has the essence of “fidelity”.
Bay Leaves (Sun, Fire, Masculine) This herb is used in vision and clairvoyance potions for wisdom. It has several different functions such as warding off evil when carried and can be scattered on the floor and swept away for protection or scattered for an exorcism. It is good to add to a cleansing bath or tea. It is said that Delphi priestesses chewed this to induce prophetic visions.
Camellia (Moon, Water, Feminine) Camellia flowers are used to show thankfulness or to bring riches into the life. You can place fresh blooms in water to bring prosperity to the altar during a ritual. Chinese medicine men used this for skin condition treatments traditionally.
Caraway (Mercury, Air, Masculine) Caraway seeks used in spells will ensure faithfulness and used in cooking will invoke lust for the eater. You carry caraway for protection against harmful spirits or spells.
Catnip (Venus, Water, Feminine) Used obviously in animal spells for increasing the bond with the animal and for healing uses. You can use catnip to bring on psychic talent during meditation and as a relaxing tea. Love magic uses catnip by burning the dry leaves.
Chamomile (Sun, Water, Masculine) Everyone knows that chamomile is a relaxing herb, especially in teas. This is used in meditation incense, as a sleep enhancer, a prosperity amulet, and to attract wealth. It can clear the head for magic. Using as a bath enhancement can make the herb a love attracter and for bathing children as a protector to evil wishes.
Cinnamon (Sun, Fire, Masculine) Cinnamon is known as a male aphrodisiac so it is no wonder that it is used for lust and love spells. Cinnamon is also used for healing, success, psychic abilities and spirituality. Burning the herb as incense or binding in sachets is common. Of course, this can also be mixed in food as a spice for flavor.
Fennel Seed (Mercury, Fire, Masculine) Good for purification and protection, fennel seed gives strength and courage. It also will aid in cooking recipes, by freshening breath, helping in weight loss and digestion, and add to flavor. This herb prevents curses and possession.
Feverfew (Venus, Water, Feminine) Used in love spells, it is also a good herb for healing rituals. It will help the immune system and is a good treatment for migraines by reducing light and nausea sensitivity and restricting blood flow. Mostly used in food or sachets.
Garlic (Mars, Fire, Masculine) Garlic has always been seen as a vampire ward, but it can be used in other protection spells as well. It has been proven as a healing agent and is both antiviral and antifungal.
Nutmeg (Jupiter, Fire, Masculine) Nutmeg is carried for luck and to increase ESP. It has uses in many success and wealth spells. Drinking nutmeg as a brewed tea can produce hallucinations and is toxic in large quantities.
Rosemary (Sun, Fire, Masculine) Used in a variety of spells and magic work for protection, health, purifying, love and lust, exorcism and sleep. Burn it to cleanse spirits and a tea of rosemary can keep your mind sharp. Orally the herb helps stimulate circulation, digestion, and nerves. It will help soothe bad breath and depression.
