Magical Herbs :: Preparations
Preparing herbs for magical use begins by selecting the herbs that correspond to the magical goal. In ancient times, certain herbs and plants were thought to be sacred to a particular deity; bay laurel was sacred to the god Apollo for example. Over the years since that time, alchemists, herbalists and magicians have added to these herbal correspondences and this process continues today with modern herbalists and magical practitioners.
Some people claim to be able to see the vibrations given off by plants, a claim that may sound strange but modern science is slowly catching up to this ancient magical assertion. Recent experiments have found that plants that have been hooked up to polygraph machines have definite reactions when a guilty person enters the room. Science has also found that when a plant is wired to a brine shrimp it has a marked reaction when the shrimp is dropped into boiling water. Russian researchers have also claimed to have identified a “nervous system” with in plants and have marked the center of this system as being in the root neck of the plant.
It is believed that each plant contains inherent energies that are imbued to it through the earth in which it grows. It is best to work with this energy, rather than against it, by selecting herbs that are in accordance with the magical goal. Once the proper herbs have been selected and procured, it is time to attune them with our own personal energy; Scott C unningham refers to this process as enchantment. Enchantment is best done in a ritual atmosphere, somewhere where you feel connected to the universal energy, be it a full altar and cast circle or in the garden surrounded by blooming plants.
Begin by listening to the plant, sense the energy held within it. For the intent of this section, we will assume that you are working with dried plant material, though fresh herbs may also be used in some instances. Focus your mind on the goal of the working and extend your projective hand over the bowl containing the plant material. Visualize your need and dip your fingers into the bowl. State your goal, chant it if you wish, and sense the energies within the plant aligning with your own. If multiple herbs are to be used in a preparation, they may be enchanted together or separately, though we strongly suggest doing this separately. After enchantment, the herbs are ready to use in magical preparations.
The Preparations
Incense and Oils - By far the most popular uses for herbs, detailed information about both subjects can be found on Chapter X Incense & Oils.
Herbal Baths – Ritual preparation often includes bathing. When herbs and oils are added to the bath, the water carries the properties of the herbs, allowing them to flow completely over the body and the steam carries the scent to the nose, affecting us on another level. Adding herbs to a bath can ritually cleanse the body and/or align the spirit with the intended goal. Baths can be calming or energizing depending on the herbs selected.
To prepare a ritual bath, gather ¾ cup of the appropriate herbs into a cheesecloth of muslin pouch. Fill the tub 2-3 inches deep with hot water, drop the pouch into the water and allow it to steep for 15-20 minutes before continuing to fill the tub. Swirl the pouch around as it steeps to encourage water to flow through all parts of the herbs and increase the potency of the bath. Alternately, you may choose to hang the herbal pouch under the faucet as the tub fills. For an indulgent, sensual bath, add a few drops of rose oil to a warm tub scattered with loose rose petals.
Sachets – A sachet is a small bag or piece of cloth that contains herbs. Sachets are sold commercially for the purpose of scenting drawers or linen closets. To make a sachet, select a natural material (cotton, linen, silk) of a color that corresponds to the magical intent. Cut it to approximately 5 inches square or 5 inches in diameter. Place the enchanted herbs in the center of the cloth, gather the ends so the cloth forms a pouch and secure with a leather thong or colored string. Stones, found objects and small items suitable to the need may also be included in the charm bag.
Pre-made bags of muslin are available at kitchen supply stores and occult shops sell beautiful pouches of velvet and silk. You may choose to sew your own pouch depending on your skill with a needle and thread. The process can easily be done by hand and entails only about one hour worth of work.
Sachets may be carried on the person to encourage magical energy and to focus metal energy on the need. They may also be placed about the home, especially over doors and windows for protection, in the car for safe travel or hung on trees or buried as an offering to the spirits that inhabit these natural places.
Dream Pillows – Dream pillows are similar to sachets, but are made with the specific intent of encouraging dreams, aiding in remembering dreams, calling prophetic visions, or contacting the otherworld while sleeping.
Begin by selecting an appropriately colored piece of fabric and the herbs, stones, objects that correspond to the magical goal. Cut the cloth into two matching pieces, approximately 4 inches square or 4 inches in diameter. Place the two pieces of fabric front to front with their finished sides together on some materials (cotton, felt), both sides appear finished, other materials like silk, will have an obvious finished side. Start ¼ inch in from the edge and sew the two pieces together. Make sure to leave enough of a gap on one of the four sides to be able to stuff the pillow later. Turn the pillow right side out so the stitching is now on the inside, stuff it with the plant material and other objects and place it under a pillow before going to sleep. As you fall asleep, focus on your intention and be aware of the dream pillow beneath your head.
Poppets – Poppets have been used in magic for at least 4,000 years but are typically associated with Voodoo as 'Voodoo dolls". Herbal poppets are made using cloth and herbs and the poppet is intended to represent the person to be aided by the magical working.
To begin making a poppet, select fabric of the appropriate color and herbs and objects that correspond to the magical goal. The poppet can be any size, but 6” tall is a good size to work with. Double over a 12 inch piece of cloth and sketch an outline of a human body, cut along the outline so that you now have two identical 6” tall figures. Sew the two pieces together, leaving enough room to stuff it with herbs etc, then sew closed. Make the completed poppet the focus of ritual or meditation directed at the goal. After the working is complete, take apart the poppet and bury or burn the herbs and dispose of the cloth.
Poppets are typically used for healing, but may also be used in other workings; to instill self confidence, to protect on a journey, or to bind from harm.
Potions – A potion is not much different than an infusion or decoction, but where an infusion is used for its medicinal qualities, a potion is for magical use.
Potions are prepared by steeping herbs in boiling water for 10-20 minutes. Select the herbs that will invite the magical energy desired and are safe for internal use. A potion may be drunk as part of a ritual, take as a daily magical tonic or offered as a libation. Potions may also be cooled as used as washed to anoint the chakras, or covenmates as they enter the circle or at specific points during the ritual. If the aim of the working is to invoke specific deities, select herbs that are sacred to that deity.
As Offerings – Herbs may also be offered to deities and energies as tokens of respect, gratitude and connection. Decorate your altar with fresh herbs such as holly, mistletoe and chamomile at the Winter Solstice and St. John’s wort and sunflowers at the Summer Solstice. Offer fresh stems of sacred herbs to patron deities at their shrines or sprinkle dried herbs into candle flames as an offering. To honor the triple goddess, use jasmine or vanilla on the new moon, gardenia or rose on the full, and frankincense at the dark moon.
The number of ways to use herbs in magic is only as finite as the imagination. Roots and nuts can be strung together to be made into necklaces or talismans. Sachets of love and lust herbs can be placed in dresser drawers to imbue the garments with alluring scents and carry their powers to all who smell their scent. Herbs of protection and accumulation can be grown in household gardens to draw their energies into the home. Granulated herbs can be used to mark the boundaries of sacred space or sprinkled around candles to increase magical potency. Candles may also be anointed with powdered herbs by anointing the candle with oil then rolling it in the powdered mixture. When used wisely and in accordance with their natural energies, herbs can enrich ritual experience and deepen our connection to the natural world.
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