The Basics of Herbs and Herbal Magic and Spells and Magick About > Religion & Spirituality

> Alternative Religions > > > > Play Games Auctions Free Psychics Free Web Site

Alternative Religions with Tammy Todd Your Guide to One of Over 700 Sites Search in this topicin Aboutin Productsin the Web Home Articles Forums Chat Contact Guide Newsletter

Subjects African Religions Afro-Caribbean Angels Asatru Celtic Pagans Cults/Sects Druidry Egyptian Goddess Worship Left Hand Path Native American Pantheism Polynesian Shinto Satanism Scientology Shamanism Taoism SubGenius Thelema Unitarianism Wicca Handfastings Holidays Magick Parenting Issues Prophecies Religion Reference Religious Rights Subject Library All articles on this topic

Related Sites from About Agnosticism/Atheism Ancient/Classical History Astrology Buddhism Christianity - General Hinduism Judaism New Age Pagan/Wiccan Religion Paranormal Phenomena About Also Recommends Religious Tolerance

Stay up-to-date! Subscribe to our newsletter. Want a free web site? It's easy with new About SiteBuilder! Get your site now PRIMEDIA Affiliate Network Put over 100 Magazines to work for YOU. Earn $$$ Now! Got a question? Ask an Expert Herbs and Magic: The Basics 08/20/99 Basic Herbal Collection According to a recent survey conducted on several mailing lists, these herbs were considered 'essential' to a good collection: Sage - protection, immortality, wisdom Mugwort - Anti-theft, astral projection, banishing, clairvoyance, consecration, divination Rosemary - purification, wisdom, strength, remembrance, protection Chamomile - dreams, healing, love, peace, prosperity Patchouli - banishing, clairvoyance, protection Rose - anointing, balance, banishing, beauty, love Dragon's Blood - binding, changes, consecration, courage Frankincense - cleansing, consecration, divination, exorcism, inspiration, knowledge No matter what type of magical system one follows, it's a pretty good bet that at one time herbs have played a big part. Plants and their essences contain energy, which varies according to the plant, that aids in achieving the result of a spell. Some plants have, through time and trial, been shown to benefit certain types of spellwork. These are known as magickal herbs.

Herbs have a number of different uses in magical workings. According to Celeste Moondancer, "They can be made into magickal oils, condensers and balms for anointing the body, candles, tools, gemstones, amulets and pouches etc. In loose form they can be mixed with other herbs or used by themselves as incense, dream pillows, various sachets that can be carried or used in baths for specific intentions. The seeds of some can be strung together and worn as necklaces, the flowers woven together as garlands or used to adorn altars. There's more, but you get the idea." Some herbs may also be used for different purposes. Cinnamon, for instance, is equally acceptable for spells promoting protection, success, and love. For most of the herbs, however, one or two of the connections is more powerful than others, so most magical practitioners consult an herbal reference to get a better feel for the character of the plant's energies before attempting its use. To continue the cinnamon example, it is much more effective as a draw for money, protection and success than as a love herb. Herbal books and references abound, both in print and on the Internet. In my experience, the best reference in print is Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham. It includes definitions, historical data, and uses for hundreds of herbs, from Acadia to Yohimbe. Other titles include Charms, Spells & Formulas for the Making & Use of Gris-Gris Bags, Herb Candles, Doll Magick, Incenses, Oils & Powders by Ray T. Malbrough, and Herbs in Magic and Alchemy by C. L. Zalewski. Online sources include Eadon's Herbals, a fairly comprehensive guide to herbal preparations and uses by Eadon, The Enchanted Gardens of Ambrosia, a comprehensive guide to the herbs and their correspondences, and The Magickal Garden, a thorough listing of herbs with brief listings of uses.

Subscribe to the Alternative Religions Newsletter Name Email

If you have a comment, question, or an idea for a feature, please e-mail me at altreligion.guide@about.com Take a look at some Previous Feature Articles from Alternative Religions. Keep up on the latest word from around the globe in the Alt. Religions Newsroom.

Email this page! Sponsored Links Capricorns Lair Metaphysical online store Capricorns Lair metaphysical store offers magick, tarot, flasks, gifts, more

http://www.capricornslair.com/ (Cost to Advertiser: $0.23) At the Spellmaker! Your source online for spell kits, oils, herbs, incense, spell casting services, and more. Confidential, caring service since 1995. http://www.spellmaker.com/ (Cost to Advertiser: $0.22) www.SpellKit.Com, your spellkit source online... Love Spells, Money Spells, Curses, www.SpellKit.Com. Your online source for SpellKits! http://www.spellkit.com/ (Cost to Advertiser: $0.21) Enchantedjewelry.com Has Spells! Spell kits, spell cards and spell candles too! We also carry Celtic, Viking and Mediaeval jewelry, magickal amulets, Book of Shadows CD, divination tools and much more! http://www.enchantedjewelry.com/ (Cost to Advertiser: $0.07) Become a legally ordained minister The Universal Life Church provides free, legal ordination to all, including wiccan and pagan and all other faiths. Perform legal marriage (handfasting) in all 50 states. http://ulc.net/ (Cost to Advertiser: $0.06) Buy a Link Now!

Advertising

Search Explore More on the About Network! About Australia About Canada About India About Ireland About UK All About Japan Arts & Literature Autos Citysearch Cities & Towns Comedy

Computing & Technology Cultures Education Food & Drink Gadgets Games Health & Fitness Hobbies Home & Garden Homework Help Industry Internet & Online Kids Jobs & Careers Money Movies Music & Performance News & Issues Parenting & Family People & Relationships Pets Recreation & Outdoors Real EstateReligion & Spirituality Science Shopping Small Business Sports Style Teens Travel TV & Radio

About Us | Advertise on This Site | User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy | Help Copyright 2001 About.com, Inc. About and About.com are registered trademarks of About.com, Inc. The About logo is a trademark of About.com, Inc. All rights reserved.