Herbs are a wonderful addition to anyone's life. It's easy and fun to incorporate herbs into your life, be it Magickal, or routine! They can be used in oils, spells, incense, ritual waters, honey jars, home or self-care products, and more! Anyone can take advantage of the powerful properties of herbs to make their life easier and more magical.
Herbs are more than just a collection of pretty plants—they're a gateway to the Divine, and are a really exciting way to add a little extra something to your spells, rituals, and other magickal practices. They have so many uses, but they also have their own personality and vibe that can be unique depending on the type of herb.
Learning their history and metaphysical associations can help you find out how best to use them. I pay particular attention to which element they are and which deities, angels, and spirits they are associated with. This can help you determine what kind of spell or ritual they would be best suited for. For example, if I want to do a protection spell, I might choose herbs that are associated with the element of earth and goddesses like Athena who was the protector of Athens.
I find that the best way to learn about herbs is by trial and error. I experiment with them in different ways and see what works for me. If you're just starting out, try using one herb at a time so you can really get to know its energy and how it interacts with your own energy system. Just like in fashion, I can't wear puffy dresses without looking like a marshmallow, but I look amazing in high-waist dresses. It's the same with herbs because not every herb is a good match for you or what you are trying to accomplish.
The best way to start is with an intention. When I started learning about herbs and their uses, I had no idea where to begin. My first step was to ask myself what my intentions were for using herbs in my life.
When you're choosing your herbs, think about what kind of energy they bring to the table. Are they grounding or uplifting? Do they make you feel calm or energized? You can even ask the herb itself how it wants to be used. I do this by holding the herb in my hands and tapping into its energy. I also ask it to show me how it wants to be used. If you're not ready for that level of connection with your herbs, just choose one from our handy 3-herb starter kits!
Here are 8 easy ways to add herbs into your daily life.
1. Create a vacuum freshener blend to remove stale energies and protect the home.
This is one of my favorite and easy ways to use dried herbs. Plus, it won't raise any eyebrows if your practice is on the down low. Combine 1/2 cup baking soda with a pinch of each dried herb. To keep it from being overpowering, keep the total herbs to no more than a teaspoon per 1/2 cup of baking soda. Sprinkle over the floor while speaking or visualizing your intent. Let set for half an hour then vacuum or sweep up.
2. Create a Honey or Sweetening jar.
The sweetening jar is great for anything you want to sweeten up or bring into your life, like love, better relationships, a new job, more money, etc. This one is super easy too. I take a small glass jar usually about the size of a baby food jar, local honey, charms or symbols of what you want to bring into your life, herbs such as rose petals for love, or vervain to heal a relationship on the rocks. Try mandrake and cinnamon for abundance. Don't forget to add a powerful crystal to your mix. You can even do a honey jar to help bring better health to you using lavender and mugwort.
Place dry ingredients in a jar, and add your written prayer, wish or spell. Cover the contents with honey. Seal the jar with twine, and some ribbon, and decorate the jar as you wish. I like to place a wax seal on top with a sigil. Place on your altar and shake daily with your intentions in mind until the goal is reached. You can get canning/mason jars in a variety of sizes or even craft jars are perfect. The rock shop also carries a selection of beautiful jars for all your witchy needs
3. Create spell paper.
Intensify your ritual spells by creating your own special paper. It's easy to create by sprinkling herbs on the spell paper writing out your prayer, wish or spell and then rolling the paper up. You can then burn, bury, or stuff the paper into a poppet.
4. Anoint a candle.
Take a pinch of herbs and add just enough oil or honey to moisten them and spread over the candle while praying, speaking, or visualizing your intentions.
5. Create a simple spell candle.
You can use any new jar candle, or pour your own. Preferably use an unscented one or one with essential oils versus fragrance oils (perfume). Grind your selected herbs to a fine powder. Take your hair dryer and gently melt the top layer of wax and sprinkle the herbs into the wax either deosil (clockwise) to bring energies in or widdershins (counterclockwise) to remove energies as desired. Gently press the herbs into the soft wax. Add a few crystals to really ramp up the effect! Your candle is now ready for your magick rituals, or as a special gift for a friend. Remember larger chunks of herbs can flare when the candle burns so do not leave any of your spell candles unattended.
6. Create beeswax ritual candles.
Again, grind your herbs to a fine powder and sprinkle them over the beeswax sheet before rolling into candle form. Use in your rituals as desired, or gift them to a friend. Again, remember your candle safety!
7. Make a simmering pot.
Simmering pots are a perfect way to infuse your home or space with the wonderful scent of herbs. Fill a small pot or crockpot 3/4 full of water. You can use mostly tap water and only a few drops of your special charged waters, like Moon, Sun, Crystal, or Holy Water. Add orange or lemon peel, cinnamon, and herbs of your choice. Stir deosil (clockwise) to bring energies in or stir widdershins (counterclockwise) to remove energies. Keep the heat low and make sure the pot doesn't run dry. A small crock pot dedicated to this purpose is the best and safest plan.
8. Create a potpourri mix.
This works best for flowers and leaves that have not been ground up. Create a lovely fresh blend with rose petals, lavender, lemon peel, and cedar wood oil to scent. Pump it up with a drop or two of energetically complimentary essential oils if desired. You can use a sachet bag, or simply place the blend in a lovely offering bowl. Place the potpourri mix on your altar during worship rituals, in the sachet in your drawers, or anywhere you would like to sweeten the environment with your lovely potpourri. Pssst... makes a great gift also!
I hope these ideas bring beauty and joy to your path. You can always reach out to me at theshellyverse2@outlook.com or through my Instagram @theshellyverse. I'd love to hear how you are using the starter kits or answer any questions you may have!
Article by Shelly Kay, Magickal Herbalist
The Rock Shop, sells healing crystals, books, aura cleansing salt soaps, aura scrubs, aromatherapy, and candles for any of your ritual needs. Contact the shop or stop in for more info. Susan is a Licensed Spiritual Healer Life Coach, Reiki Master, Certified Ho’ Oponopono Instructor, and Light Worker. She and her husband own the Nice Rock Shop at 311 Broadway Street, Paducah KY. Subscribe to her YouTube channel, Nice Rock Shop, follow her on social media, or contact her at NiceRockShop@gmail.com. The website is NiceRockShop.com.
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