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An
Explanation of Herb Magic
In the
practice of magical herbery, the collections of what might be considered
“herbs” is far greater than in the study of medicinal herbology.
Magic can encompass so many thing, the possibilities are virtually
endless.
The
following are generally considered “herbs” when dealing with most
forms of herbal magic.
All
leaf varieties of plants, both edible and non-edible.
All
fruits and vegetables.
Spices
and nuts.
Trees,
shrubs and ground-level plants.
Weeds,
both domestic (lawn weeds) and wild (meadow “weeds”)
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An herb, in
the practice of spell-casting and magic, can be the single item which
pushes magic to its purpose, if the practitioner is in tune with the
herb, leaf, plant or fruit he/she is using.
Each herb
has a different molecular vibration. This is not magic, but science.
Molecules
which make up a thing, vibrate to maintain the bond with surrounding
molecules. When that vibration slows dramatically and ceases, the thing
dies. However, the energy (soul, spirit, essence, chi) that inhabited
that thing leaves its residue behind and the item maintains the signature
of its former inhabitant, but not its frequency. The frequency is the
rate at which the living active molecules general vibrate. The frequency
of a plant with its roots firmly and healthfully imbedded in the earth
has a higher frequency of vibration than that of the dried herbs in the
cupboard. In each case though, we can sense or “read” the signature
regardless of frequency, just as we know that the dried basil in the
cupboard is the same basil cut from the garden a few months ago.
It is the
signature of the herb which lends its power to magic work.
The history
of magical herbery is as old as this planet. Earth has maintained living
growth throughout its life, even in the Ice Age when the smallest
organisms and cellular growth took place.
Before human
beings evolved from the primordial soup, plant life maintained the health
and healing of the beasts which roamed the planet. Animals instinctively
seem to know which herb is necessary to make them feel better. They seek
out that healing power by smell or recognition. Dogs will chew regular
lawn grass. Annoying as that may be to the dog’s human, either in lawn
care or cleanup after the animal, the dog only knows that the grass
relates to his upset digestive tract and will relieve the pain or
digestive block. Grass is a basic fiber (plant with heavier strings or
strands of fiber running through it) and aids the dog’s digestive
process.
Assuming
that the first cognitive human beings watched animal behavior very
closely, they would naturally try the same herbs and plants, leaves and
shrubs that the animals used to heal their ills. From that practice
evolved general use and experimentation with plants.
Jean Auel
makes a wonderful and very believable hypothesis, set in fiction, in her
series beginning with Clan Of The Cave Bear.
Her primitive characters have maintained a certain “ancestral
memory” which enabled them to continue adding to their stores of
knowledge. As humans became more human-like and less ape-like, the
ancestral store of memories was lost.
The Earth in
its pure evolution, was a balanced world of equal components. For every
illness or condition there was a cure, through plant life or minerals.
Pollution, erosion and overpopulation have knocked that delicate balance
off kilter.
Almost
instinctively, humans attune themselves to the vibrations of herbs and
use them in an automatic way. As an example, basil is an herb which
strengthens love, lust and feelings of romance and closeness. Have you
ever wondered why romantic dinners often involve a pasta dish? Basil is
most-often a key ingredient in Italian cooking.
In using
herbs for magic, you must become aware of the aspects of the herb itself.
Awareness is the ENTIRE key. It is vital that you take the time to look
and really see, feel and really experience, smell and really recognize.
With practice these are very possible.
An herb’s
potential in your magical work is endless. It will interact with your key
vibrations based on your intent and effort. It will expand with you as
you fill with energy. Once you begin to recognize and experience the herb
as a unique thing, your magic will naturally grow more powerful.
Your Responsibility In Magic
In any
action, there is a reaction. This is a basic universal law. What you do
with your magical work has a direct effect on the world, in some form or
other. Good intent creates strong magic. An herb’s signature is neither
positive or negative, but just IS. It is the intent which you place in
your work that steers the energy to its intended goal.
Be
responsible in your magic. Care for all things. Herb magic, nor any other
form of magic should be used in the harming of others. What you send out,
WILL return to you, in a different form and with a different face. You
can ensure positive return if you maintain a positive intent.
Be happy in
your work, take joy in your interaction with herbs and be content that
you have done your best.
Emerald
Gypsy
© Copyright 2005
Kitchen
Witchery Supply List
For
Magic
assortment of herbs
selection of stones and crystals
container of salt
small material pouches
ties or ribbon
mortar and pestle
jars and labels
wooden matches
candles
parchment and pen
mixing utensils
cauldron or favorite pot
incense and essential oils
your journal or shadows
For
Cooking
assortment
of culinary herbs
favorite wooden utensils
recipe books and journals
favored pots and pans
salt - for cleansing
candle near the stove
hearth goddess representation
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