Yarrow

The use of this herbe is most ancient, said to have been used for healing by Achilles. In the Orient it is highly respected and used in divination with the I Ching. For this purpose, the most prized Yarrow is that which grows upon the burial site of Confucius.
These flowers are used in handfastings and weddings, worn by guests and added to the bouquets.
Yarrow is sacred to the horned god of Pagan mythology, the male principle of the Universe. One lovely folk custom is to watch the Yarrow patch, and to make a wish upon the first blossom of the summer.


Yerba Mate

Mate tea, the national beverage of Argentina, a powerfully caffeinated beverage akin to coffee or tea, has strong romantic associations. Allegedly the couple who drinks mate together out of one cup will stay together, weathering all challenges that come their way.


Yerba Santa

Carry Yerba Santa, ‘sacred herb’, to enhance beauty and charm.


Yucca

Before the advent of commercially manufactured soap, Native Americans created cleansing suds from yucca plants. Yucca suds have spiritual and magickal cleansing effects as well as physical.

Wahoo

Wahoo bark may be used to uncross (remove a curse) from oneself.
Carry Wahoo bark in a conjure bag to achieve success in your chosen endeavours.


Walnut

Stick walnut leaves in your hat to prevent headaches.


Watercress

This is a true herbe of the water creatures, magickally symbolized by elementals called ‘undines’. Magickally, Watercress is carried in a bit of red flannel to bring safety for those travelling in boats, or flying across the waters. Watercress is also known as a Visionary Herbe; if included in the morning breakfast at daybreak, visions and dreams may result the following night. In Tarot, this herbe helps to understand the Chariot card.
Watercress may be made into a wash to anoint and stimulate the third eye for a better balance of energies and understanding of the human condition.


Willow

Among the Chinese, the Willow is an Herbe of Immortality, for even the smallest piece of branch is capable of bringing forth another tree. It is said the Hebrew peoples, as they wandered through Babylon, came to the Willow and hung their harps upon them, and wept to return to their homeland. The Druids used the pussywillow, and thought it appropriate for charms and protection. There are many who think a pussywillow makes an excellent magickal wand, and others who take their tool from the mightier tree.
Anciently, it was the Willow which was the site of the birth of Hera, a most honoured Goddess. It is said that Orpheus turned to the Willow when passing through the underworld to receive the virtue of eloquence. The Willow is today a patron herbe of those involved in communication.
Willow is sacred to Hecate, Hermes, and all deities of the otherworlds, and may be used as a Funereal Herbe. For safe passage into another life, one must plant a Willow during their lifetime so that it will still be alive at their death.
Willow is the herbe to work with rock crystal, to charge the stone and give it protective and healing virtues.


Wisteria

This is an herbe of all students, scholars, and those pursuing intellectual development. It will stimulate the brain, aid in keeping thought organized, and will aid in helping achieve educational goals. The oil may be used, or the flowers made into a tea.


Witch Grass

Witchgrass, also known as couch grass, may be used to draw love towards you. Carry it in a charm bag to attract new love. Or grind the dried botanical into powder and sprinkle it onto your bed to stimulate fun, romance, and commitment.


Wolfs Bane

The poisonous plant Wolfsbane, allegedly a frequent component of witches’ flying ointments, has powerful associations with invisibility and transformation spells. It’s a problematic botanical; although referred to in many grimoires and folk spells, wolfsbane is potentially so toxic that not only must it not be consumed, but even inhaling its fumes or just handling the plant can be dangerous.


Wood Rose

Wood Roses aren’t true roses but instead are members of the morning glory family, as is that other luck provider, High John the Conqueror. Carry it or keep a wood rose for good luck.


Woodruff

This is the herbe of May wine, that wonderfully flavoured wine used to celebrate the joys of spring. It was once used in Christian magick, hung about cathedrals and churches as a protective charm against evil.


Wormwood

This herbe is sacred to both Artemis and Diana. A most potent herbe, it is used in less common works of magick. For those who seek to vent their anger in a peaceful, creative means, this herbe is appropriate to use. It is also used when a group works magick to stop war, or to inhibit the enemy.
This herbe is a patron of Herbalists. It is said that Artemis gave this herbe to Chiron as his primary healing herbe.
Wormwood can be used to banish anger and negative energy. In tarot it may be used with the Lovers card. It is a Visionary Herbe, and is used in prophecy and divination.

Valerian

This is known as an ‘herbe of witches’. It is known as an Herbe of Protection. It may be used for cleansing any space, and is often used in self-purification. This must be done with care, and only small amounts taken daily.
Valerian is an herbe of Virgo.


Vanilla

How vanilla has earned a reputation for blandness is a mystery. Indigenous to Mexico, vanilla orchids were cultivated by the Totonacs as sacred plants, gifts of the spirits, as well as aphrodisiacs. When the Aztecs conquered the Totonacs, they acquired vanilla’s sacred gifts. When in turn the Spanish conquistadors conquered the Aztecs, they brought vanilla back to Europe, nicknaming it the ‘little sheath’, a euphemism for vagina.


Verbana or Vervain

Although there seems to be much misconception, these two names refer to the same herbe. This is one of the few herbes which can be used in almost any magickal situation. As a Visionary Herbe, it may be mixed with others in either incense or beverage, or it may be used as either oil or fresh juice to anoint one’s divinatory tools. It has been used by those who follow a dream quest, to divine one’s future love, and the Pawnee thought it an excellent choice of herbes to enhance the dreaming process.
Vervain enjoys many delightful common names, such as ‘fer faen’ among the Celts for its ability to relieve us of emotional pressures and unnecessary burdens; ‘llysiaur hudol’ or the enchanting herbe, among the Welsh, and ‘lustral water’. It has been a Religious Herbe for many peoples, among them the Druids, the Celts, the Welsh, the Greeks, the Romans, and nearly any culture that grew this herbe in their gardens.
Vervain is an Herbe of Immortality, containing the essence of this mystery and regular work with the herbe can bring an understanding of this secret. It is also an Herbe of Protection, added to numerous recipes for spells and amulets to keep the practitioner safe against various negative influences. It is used to reverse bad spells, and to keep one safe against all negativity. It is used to consecrate tools of magick, and keep them safe from evil. In times past, a priest or priestess performing an exorcism might wear a wreath of Vervain about the head. It was used by the Druids in their ritual sweeping to cleanse the altar, and is of particular value in consecrating the altar stone. It is also used to consecrate tools of Mercury. If mercury is stored with Vervain, the mercury should be in a sealed glass vial.
Vervain or Verbena is also an herbe of romance. It is found in a great many recipes for attracting mates, love, and sexual fulfilment. It is ideal for the ritual drink in rites of love and sexual magick, and was often worn by brides. It is sacred to the Goddess Diana, and may be used to ask Her for favours. Vervain was used to honour the Sun by Persian magicians who would gather bouquets of it to hold in the newly-risen Sunlight. Thus, the Vervain and the Persian magi were totally bathed in sunlight, wearing nothing else, as a magickal preparation for the day. This custom is still preserved in some places today.
An herbe of Midsummer, this is the best time to gather it. It is also dried, and tossed into the Midsummer fire at the gathering for the following year, and is an appropriate incense for any of the eight major festivals.
An ancient recipe for a Draught of Immortality contains Verbena and this herbe is used in conjunction with opals and agates. Some say a magickal wand should be cleansed with Verbena before the consecration.
Vervain is the herbe of poets, singers, and bards, and should be worn when performing, bringing inspiration and increased skill.


Vetiver

Sometimes also known as Calamus, or Khus Khus, Vetiver is one of the more powerful botanicals. Surprisingly perhaps it’s also known in India as the ‘plant of tranquility’. It has a deep, earthy scent with mild sedative effects for many. Traditionally used as roofing material in India, when it rains the scent is released and intensified. It’s used for love, healing, and protection, and also allegedly draws good fortune closer to you.
The fragrance of vetiver allegedly attracts men, whether worn by women or other men.


Violets

As a Funereal Herbe, Violets are used when a young child passes away. They will bring comfort to the hearts of those left behind. This virtue is not limited to these times of sorrow, but may be gained by either tending a bed of violets, or by collecting the fresh blossoms and using them, such as sprinkling them on a salad.
Violets can also carry the virtues of modesty, simplicity, serenity, peace, and are particularly a source of inspiration and good fortune for women. Violets originate from the nymph Io, a daughter of the river god Inachus. She and the god Zeus were developing a romance, when another of Zeus’ lovers became so jealous that she cast a spell and changed Io into a heifer. Poor Io was left with grass to munch, and a god who really loved women rather than cows. In His great compassion, this benevolent god changer her, not back into a young woman, but into the Violet

Unicorn Root

The true Unicorn Root is used by those who keep one or more astral unicorns about, and is the patron herbe of the magickal tradition of Lothlorien. It is a Visionary Herbe, used by those who enjoy an element of joyful fantasy in their visionary workings.


Uva Ursi

For those who wish to increase their psychic ability, this herbe may be used in small daily amounts as a tonic. It was a Religious Herbe to Native Americans, who included it in the pipe-smoking mixtures, and in some tribes used it to train Shamans in skills of divination and prophecy.

Tamarisk

Burning Tamarisk branches allegedly wards off snakes.



Tansy

Tansy is an Herbe of Immortality. As such, it was associated in many areas in the Christian festival of Easter, added to the batter for small cakes to represent the eternalness of life.
Tansy is used in women’s rituals , and as such shares its virtue of celebrating womanhood, It would be appropriate to give the live flowers as a blessing to one’s mother, or another woman held in esteem.
Tansy was also an embalming herbe, the tannic acid in its constituents keeping the corporeal safe against decay (up to a point).
Tansy is often seen as an herbe which honours the Virgin Mary and other Goddesses.


Tarragon

A Greene Herbe of the kitchen, Tarragon is sacred to the feminine aspect of the Universe, In particular it is used to invoke Lilith, and may be used in kitchen magick to calm, nurture, and make the guests more compassionate to one another. It should be gathered after Midsummer, but yet before Michaelmas.


Thistle

Thistles represent the virtues of endurance, and the ability to survive. They are used in ritual healings for animals, both domestic and wild. Within a healing Circle a red Thistle is placed at each of the four directions to invoke healing powers for the animal.


Thornapple

Also commonly known as Jimson Weed, this is a Visionary Herbe, and should be used with care. It has long been associated with the working of spells and the seeking of visions, and is used in similar fashion today. Large quantities of the herbe are dangerous.


Thyme

One of the most popular Greene Herbes of the kitchen, Thyme is most fun when used to invoke the faery folk. When added to the cooking, it will help guests reclaim their childlike sense of fun, letting go the ‘serious’ cares of the adult. Thyme also carries the virtues of courage and ambition.
As a Funereal Herbe, Thyme is used to re-establish communion with those friends and relatives who have passed into death, to ask advice of them or to send them blessings. As an incense, Thyme is an Herbe of Protection, used to bring protection against all dangerous creatures, insects and animals.
Once, Thyme was a part of a design embroidered for valiant knights, shown with a bumblebee flying over it. The Greek word for Thyme describes its use for incense, and it works to consecrate pearls.


Ti

Ti plant is the sacred plant of Hawaii, not to be confused with either Australian tea tree or New Zealand tea tree (manuka).
The first Hawaiians travelled from Tahiti via outrigger canoes, so they know something about water travel safety. Carry Ti leaves on your journey. According to Hawaiian tradition, Ti plant leaves protect vessels from harm and individuals from drowning.
Crumble Ti plant leaves and sprinkle them beneath the bed for spiritual protection.


Toadflax

This is an Herbe of Witches, according to folklore, grown everywhere in their gardens to encourage the presence of toads. It is still in use as a Magickal Herbe and may be included in any amulet. It is also used by those who work with familiars and grow magickal gardens.


Tobacco

In South American tradition – and many others- no journey over the water was initiated without an offering to water spirits requesting safe passage. Tobacco is a sacred plant indigenous to the Western hemisphere; use the actual botanical leaves, not the contents of cigars or cigarettes.


Turmeric

Sprinkle ground turmeric onto lit charcoals. Malicious spirits allegedly dislike the fragrance enough to leave its presence.
The rhizome turmeric, a cousin of ginger root, is believed to bring good fortune. It’s also the source of a potent-and permanent-yellow dye. Dye garments with turmeric for good luck.


Turnip

Protect the trick-or-treaters! The original Irish jack o’lantern was carved from a turnip. It has the advantage of being portable and can thus be carried as a protective amulet. Hollow the turnip and carve, either with the traditional face or with symbols that represent protection to you. Insert a lit candle and carry as a magickal, protective lantern.

Saffron

Saffron, Earth’s most expensive spice, is also one of the famed Tantric perfumes. Allegedly if someone was fed a diet featuring saffron for an entire week, he or she will be unable to resist erotic advances from the person administering the sex potions.


Sage

This has been a most sacred herbe among many tribes of North America, who regard it as a highly Religious Herbe. It is used in purification, healing and cleansing. A most powerful broom to sweep away undesired influence from a Circle would be made of Sage. Sage carries the virtues of strength, mental health, wisdom, and banishes all evil.
When growing Sage, to keep its energies pure it should be planted near rue. As a magickal tonic, it is nearly unsurpassed. One method is to drink it after sunrise for nine consecutive mornings. Another is the following charm, found in several modern sources: “Sage make green the winter rain, Charm the demon from my brain.”
When a practitioner grows Sage, the health of the live plant is seen as a reflection of the grower’s personal affairs and business. Sage is the appropriate incense for meetings of business and important decisions. It invokes the deity Consus, who is the ruling God of councils. Solomon included Sage in the making of his aspurger, and it also is used today to increase longevity.


Saint John’s Wort

Used primarily as an Herbe of Protection, it should be tossed into the hearth or fireplace and allowed to burn, bringing protection to the home against lightning and severe storm.
Saint John’s Wort is best gathered at Midsummer, and may be used as an amulet at this time. It is associated with the element of fire, and may be magickally worked to commune with the fire spirits.


Salt

There are many ways to benefit from salt’s cleansing powers. The cleansing may be enhanced and strengthened by adding essential oils.
Toss a handful of salt into your cooking fire (stove, grill or similar) every Monday morning to keep your family happy and good-natured.
According to a New Orleans tradition, tossing salt onto your front steps on the first Friday of each month brings good fortune to the house.
Using sea salt form the shape of a cross over your doorstep. (The cross symbol derives from pre-Christian metaphysical geometry: salt’s protective capacities are radiated in all possible directions. If you are uncomfortable using the cross shape, substitute triangles, diamonds, or crescents instead).


Sandalwood

This herbe may be used to invoke the Goddess Venus. In Tarot, it works with the Empress card, and its gems are emerald and turquoise. It was a Funereal Herbe in the Orient, used in embalming the body and carrying the soul into the next life.
Sandalwood may be used in all forms of meditation, divination, and trancework. It calms the mind, and allows the spiritual aspects of the self to do their work with confidence and ease. It carries the virtue of success with it, and may thus be added to any magickal incense.
Sandalwood is the appropriate herbe to consecrate the altar cloth.


Sassafras

Keep a piece of sassafras bark in your wallet to stimulate prosperity and protect against poverty.


Savory

A Greene Herbe, it may be used in kitchen magick to bring joy and good times to a feast. The Romans believed that Savory was an herbe of the Satyrs, and called it Satureia. Added to the cooking, it will lighten the mood of the meal and increase the sense of mirth.


Senna

This is the herbe for a diplomat, or a person who manages people. It is said that carrying a few leaves with you will emphasize the positive qualities of those you meet. It is a good herbe, and may also be used to promote compassion among a group of people, and willingness to co-operate.


Sesame

The seed of this herbe is used as an Herbe of Protection, functioning primarily to preserve the health and vitality of the reproductive and sexual systems of the body. The oil is used, and is regularly used to anoint the external parts. It may also be taken internally for the internal organs. An oil of the Sesame seed may be used as a lubricant for sexual activities.


Skullcap

This herbe carries the virtue of fidelity, but caution must be had for those who would use it to bind their promise, for should the promise be broken this herbe commands a severe penalty. Skullcap may be used in the binding of a handfasting for a couple willing to pledge their commitment for the rest of this life. It is also used by those who desire to commit themselves to a relationship which will extend beyond this life.


Skunk Cabbage

Blend skunk cabbage with bay laurel leaves to stimulate an influx of wealth.


Slippery Elm

Slippery Elm, which soothes sore throats, is a common ingredient in cough syrups and cough drops. It can also be used to stop malicious speech.


Sloe

Sloe berries, the fruit of the blackthorn tree, are used to concoct mixed drinks and break curses.


Snapdragon

This lovely flower is an Herbe of Protection. A bouquet given to a friend will keep them safe from harm. The flower may also be worn fresh, as an amulet against all unwanted occurrences. They are grown about a house to keep it safe.


Solomon’s Seal

This Herbe of Protection is one of the most powerful Herbes of Consecration available to the practitioner. It is used in ceremonial magick to bind magickal works, and to make sacred oaths and promises, and to keep them everbinding. The flowers and roots have been used in Aphrodisiacs, and sometimes the herbe is found in recipes for love potions. Its primary use is in the consecration of temples, and all the sacred tools which would be used in the Circle. If you are considering making a sacred oath, it could be sealed with this herbe of Solomon.


Sorrel Wood

Sorrel is among fairies’ favoured plants. Grow sorrel in your garden and gather it frequently as a salad herb; allegedly you’ll be granted a vision of the fairies.


Southernwood

This herbe is sometimes used as an Aphrodisiac. It has other associations with sexual desire and attractiveness, and is said to increase the potency and sexual skills of a male. It has been claimed that used as a wash it will inhibit the balding process.
Absolutely fascinating common names for this herbe include ‘lad’s love’ and ‘maiden’s ruin’, a very interesting and colourful pair of labels.


Spikenard

This is the herbe of the student, for it increases mental clarity. In early magickal training, Spikenard may be taken as a tonic to help one in remembering the details of one’s study, and to more quickly learn from the experiences one undertakes.


Squill

Hold squill root in your hands and charge it with your desire. Allegedly, if you then carry it with you constantly, all hexes and curses will be broken.
Squill root allegedly makes money grow. Place squill in a magic box or bottle together with some real silver. Once upon a time silver coins were recommended and squill apparently doubled their value. Modern coins are often only silver-coloured.
Silver magically activates squill’s money-drawing powers. Use real silver coins if you have them, however a stash of small silver beads may work best. Add one to the box or bottle daily while making affirmations of prosperity. Dramatic improvements in your general financial state should follow.


Storax

This is the herbe for opals and turquoise. It carries the virtues of truthfulness and honesty. As a Religious Herbe, Storax may be used in rituals to honour Hermes, Loki, Mercury, or Thoth. The lessons of truthfulness are also shown when studying the Tarot, and Storax is best served to understand any of the Eights of the suits.


Sumbul

Sumbul has been used in India and Iran for centuries but was first introduced to the West in the nineteenth century. Carry a sumbul root for magically enhanced good fortune.


Sunflower

Sunflower was a Religious Herbe of the Aztecs. They would carry the flowers and adorn themselves with them in honour of the Sun God. Sunflowers were often found around the temples of Peru.
Sunflower may be used as a bathing herbe, to bring increased happiness into one’s life, and to attract joy to fill the emotional spaces where there is sorrow. An oil made of this herbe is used to consecrate ritual robes.
As an Herbe of Protection, Sunflower keeps the soul safe against malicious energy, and may be used to consecrate stones and gems which will be used in healing. It corresponds to the Sun card of the Tarot.
Sunflower is also an Herbe of Immortality, and carries the virtues of adoration and worship. It is used to honour all Sun Gods, particularly Apollo, and is said to be a patron herbe for Leos and Virgos. It is an herbe which is excellent for those choosing to preserve their virginity, and to those who wish to have dragons and lions about. As it relates to the Goddess, it is most like Demeter.


Sweetgrass

A Cheyenne method used for children and adults alike is to tie a piece of sweet grass root onto a necklace, blanket, clothing or cradleboard to ward off malevolent night spirits and to sweeten dreams.

Ragweed

Few modern plants have as bad a reputation as ragweed. Once upon a time, its power to stimulate what is now understood as allergies was considered a testament of its magickal powers. Fairies were believed to ride upon ragweed, earning its nickname ‘fairy’s horses.’ Witches allegedly rode upon it as well, just like a broomstick. Ragweed will not work with everyone; if its presence makes you ill, the plant is telling you something. However, if you can, carry ragweed to break hexes and repel them.


Raspberry

Raspberry plants are believed to possess an affinity for childbirth. Wear or carry raspberry leaves in a charm bag to speed and alleviate childbirth.
Carry a piece of root from a raspberry vine/cane to magickally protect against snakebite.


Rattlesnake Root

Rattlesnake master root allegedly enables you to capture the love you desire. Anoint the root daily with a drop of love-drawing oil until your goal is achieved.


Red Clover

Although we all know the luck to be had if you find a four-leaf variety of Red Clover, did you know that a three-leaf Clover is one lucky for those who study of magick?
A four-leaf clover may be placed beneath the pillow before going to sleep, and it is said that you will then dream of your beloved, even if you have not yet meet.
Red Clover was a sacred herbe among the Celts, and was widely used by Anglo-Saxon practitioners of herbal magick. It is best gathered within two days of a full Moon, and kept out of the sight of the Sun.
Red Clover holds energy that is benevolent for animals, and has been used in the ritual healings of domestic animals and pets. It is said that Red Clover is an Herbe of Immortality, and this applies to both animals and humans alike. Steeping the blossoms and drinking the draught is an excellent means of getting in touch with one’s eternal soul.
As an Herbe of Protection, the dried blossoms may be used in amulets as well as the three-leaved greens. It is said to keep one in good health, and protect you against consumption, cancer, and other wasting diseases.


Rice

Rice is the traditional Chinese offering made to propitiate wandering Earth spirits, in order to promote harmonious coexistence and basically to avoid trouble.
Plain old rice powder allegedly enhances sexual attractiveness in women and virility in men. It also allegedly heightens passions for both.
Rice offers many gifts including fertility, prosperity, and, especially, protection.
Carve a protective symbol on a single grain of rice and carry it with you. This will take some practice, but the concentration required to create the amulet enhances its magickal, protective power.


Roses

Roses are sacred to Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, and represent beauty, which is capable of winning over evil and adversities. A Rose is also a symbol of secrecy, and was once suspended from the centre of the ceiling at important meetings of confidence, that none would break the trust.
If you have a magickal stock of Rose petals, the appropriate stone to keep with them would be an emerald. The oil of Rose is the best herbal mixture you might find to consecrate the emerald with.
When meditating, anointing the heart chakra with Rose oil is a means of learning the manifestation of love, and the perfect balance to be kept within the world when giving love to all humanity.
To magickally attract a lover, remove all of your clothing and jewellery and walk through a garden scattering Rose petals as you walk. It is said that your lover will soon appear. Don’t be surprised if you find a midnight voyeur…
Roses bring with them the ability to learn the balance of giving, how to do so selflessly, and to take joy in the process, rather than expecting a return. They represent all aspects of the Goddess, the ability to love and nurture, and to see beauty in all things.
In Tarot, the Rose represents the Seven of Cups.


Rose Geranium

This herbe has such a magnificent scent, that merely growing in your garden is enough to spread its fragrance. The leaves are gathered, dried, and ground into love philtres. The oil, which may be either extracted or commercially prepared, is worn by those who seek sexual fulfilment and represents sexual maturity, and a great joy taken therein.


Rosemary

This is the herbe that even Shakespeare says is ‘for remembrance’. This herbe is capable of increasing the power of memory, and is also brought into use when a particular occasion merits special remembering.
In some places, all guests to a wedding are greeted with a branch of Rosemary. Some say it should be decorated with gold and ribbon, others, more practical, leave out the gold. Grieve also tells of taking the branch of Rosemary and dipping it into a mixture of herbal oil, perfume and water, and the Rosemary then being woven into the bride’s wreath.
Rosemary has also been used as a Funereal Herbe. It has sometimes been mixed into the incense for the ceremony, and has often been cast upon the coffin, when it is slowly lowered into the burial place. Thus will we all remember that we inhabit mortal bodies as we walk this earth. For a long time Rosemary was a symbol of cemeteries and funerals, and seeing it grown or worn would bring to mind the loved ones who had passed beyond.
As a Magickal Herbe, Rosemary is used as a religious incense, and will enhance the sacredness of any occasion. It is an Herbe of Protection against evil, and has been used as incense in places of illness, mixed with juniper, to cleanse and purify the air. It is sometimes placed beneath the bed, and this is said to protect you from frightening and evil dreams.
Rosemary has been worn when going to face enemies, and might be an excellent herbe to use for fortification when going on job interviews. It is also wonderful to use as a Greene Herbe at family gatherings.


Rowan

This lovely tree, known in the United States as the European Mountain Ash, is both an Herbe of Protection and a Visionary Herbe. It may be used ritually to invoke the Goddess and ask Her for help, direction, and bounty. The leaves are commonly used, but the berries may be gathered, dried, and when ground, added to the incense.
Rowan has been used to call up magickal spirits, familiars, spirit guides, elementals and the like, but it also has the ability to banish any type of energy undesired by the practitioner. For the poet, Rowan is a sure herbe to enhance creativity and set the creative process flowing. Rowan has also been used to divine future loves and mates.
A familiar tree in the lores of Scotland, it is said that once there were nearly no homes without the tree growing nearby, for it brought protection against evil energies and bad times. A Scot saying is “O Rowan tree, O Rowan tree, thou’ll aye be dear to me.”
Taking two small twigs of Rowan, equal in length, and bound into a cross with red twine is a sure means of keeping negative magicians and those who work evil away from one’s life. A ritual beverage was once brewed of the berries by the Welsh, although the recipe was lost in the passing of time. This would be an excellent goal for the practitioner.


Rue

This Greene Herbe of the kitchen belongs also in the magickal closet of the practitioner. It is an Herbe of Protection, and is most useful in bringing benevolence and good to one’s family. It is sometimes hung in a small bunch in the kitchen, and other times made into an amulet with a morsel of bread, some ash from the hearth, and something personal of each member of the family, and secreted someplace within the house.
As a Countermagicke Herbe, Rue may be used to exorcise any item which has been in contact with negative energies. Rue has also been used to attract love, and the easiest approach is to use it as a bathing herbe.
Sometimes called ‘herbe of grace’, Rue was once commonly grown around the temples of Rome. It is also considered sacred to the God Mars, and as a Religious Herbe may be offered in His honour. For those who study the astral realms, it is said to take your vision out into places of purity and vision.
During the Middle Ages, Rue was strewn about, thus protecting the home from plaque and disease. This may be done in conjunction with angelica. For those who channel visions, Rue is an excellent herbe to protect a medium, to keep the seer safe from influence from the visions and messages.
Rue is used to consecrate tools of iron, and is associated with the ruby, used in cleansing the stone. Magickal Rue is best kept with a small ruby in the container.

Quince

Many images of Venus show Her holding Quince in her right hand. She is said to have received this from Paris, as a token of love and esteem. Quince is still held sacred to Venus, and honours Her even today. It is also used as a token of lasting love, sometimes shared by a couple upon completing the ceremony of either marriage or handfasting. Thus, they will share love and joy in their union, and it will be blessed by the Gods.
Quince is also used to protect one from another’s evil intent, and is known as an Herbe of Protection.

Palm, Date

Date Palms are emblematic of oases and symbolic of the union of male and female energies. Maintain date palms on either side of your front entrance to demarcate your private oasis. Allegedly they ward off intangible evil as well as repelling evil spirits.


Pansy

Carry pansies in a charm bag to ensure that your lover remains enamoured of you.


Papaya

Place papaya twigs and leaves over the door to ward off evil.

Oak

The Oak was a most sacred tree to both Romans and Druids. It is considered sacred to Jupiter and Zeus, and the acorn may be worn as a symbol of fealty to those Gods, or also to Blodeuwedd or Odin. The bark may be dried, ground, and used as an incense to honour these deities.
To keep yourself surrounded by good luck, take two pieces of a small branch, equal in length, and tie them crossed with red yarn to represent keeping oneself in perfect balance.
Never gather from an Oak which is host for the mistletoe. These trees are best served by doing ritual beneath the branches, but the tree itself should be left undisturbed. The mistletoe, however, may be gathered, and is highly prized.