Magick is a tool of self-transformation. When I began walking the magickal path I began to see the magick in the natural world around me, in the beauty of the setting sun, in the glory of the full moon, in the wonder of a butterfly sipping nectar from a blossom…Indeed the practice of natural magick transformed my world and transformed my life, opened my perception of things around me and made me aware of the magick that had been at work in my life all along.
The properties of magick are important to understand. Everything in the heavens and earth has an energy ( a magickal force or a baraka) When casting a spell energy is raised with a focused goal (though visualization) and then released to manifest that goal.
Even the most common culinary herb has a magickal property. Parsley is used for fertility and thyme for clairvoyance. Here are some ways herbs are commonly used.
Amulets, Sachets, Talismans – Herbal mixtures that are bundled together for a specific purpose. Aspersers - Bundles of herbs that are used to sprinkle salt water in a ritual or around the home in purification. Baths - Mixtures of fresh or dried herbs or oils to create magickal baths. Oils can be added to mixtures of Epsom salts and baking soda to create wonderful bath salts. Brews and infusions - Herbs combinations that are steep and can be taken internal or externally. Can be added to baths, used as wash or sprinkled. Dream Pillows - Herbs stuffed into pillows for a particular purpose; better sleep, psychic dreams, vivid or lucid dreams. Incense - Burning dried plant materials or formed into sticks or cones. Inks - for creating Talismans on Parchment paper and other magical writings. Doves Blood ink is tradition made of amber resin and orris root Ointments - Herbs or essential oils mixed into some kind of fat/lard/oil and bees wax. Essential Oils - Used for anointing people, candles or objects. Powders - Finely ground herbs added to mixtures, ritual fires or sprinkled on an altar or ritual space to add energy to the working. Potpourri - Attractive mixtures of scented, usually dried, plant materials. Can be simmered or added to infuser or ritual fire. Tinctures - Plant materials are added to an alcohol base. The energies are released into the alcohol and the plant material is strained.
"Herbal potion, cauldron brew, now be charged with magick true. With intent I speak this charm, all be blessed and none be harmed. Ever minding the law of three, This is my will, so mote it be..."
Common Herbal Correspondences
Here is a list of 38 common herbs you should try to memorize. They can be invaluable to you for their convenience, low price and effectiveness. These herbs are both reliable and relatively potent in magical workings. Many on this list fall into the category of Culinary Herbs which means you should be able to find them at any grocery store. The rest can be found as loose herbs, incense or oils in most health food stores.
Acacia: Psychic Development, Protection Against Psychic Attack, Uncrossing, Protection Against Hexes
Agrimony: Uncrossing, Protection, Rest, Invisibility, Banishing, Binding, Hexing, Disbursing Negative Energy, Reversals, Returning Negative Energy To Its Source
All-Heal: Healing, Health, Vitality
Aloe: Healing, Protection Against Harmful Spirits, Luck, Water Elemental Invocation
Amber: Mental Magic, Balance, Protection, Protection Against Harmful Spirits, Protection Against Hexes, Protection Against Psychic Attack