With this week’s full moon nearly upon us, I want to talk about some of the uses and magical uses for herbs. This list below is only a few of the herbs and plants we can use for medicinal or magical purposes.

MUGWORT

In European folklore it is said to have protective properties, and mugwort shields against injury, fatigue, and poisons. In modern magic, mugwort’s main use is for divination, psychic visions and prophetic dreams. Mugwort can be ingested in teas, burnt as in incense, or applied to the skin. Its non-magical properties include regulating menstruation and calming the digestive system.

SAGE

Sage wards off evil, and is used in traditional cleansing ceremonies. It is associated with wisdom and good luck. Sage aids emotional strength and can help to heal grief.Burning sage clears the space of bad energy or spirits; after a death in the family, when you move into a new home, after a negative presence in your home, or during the changing of seasons. It was used to cure snake bites and enhance memory and cognition. As a culinary herb used in autumn dishes such as roast turkey, sausage stuffing, and pumpkin soup.

VERVAIN

Purifying and protective, it is used for cleansing and consecrating a sacred ritual space. Sprinkled around our homes to keep away evil spirits. As a tea aids in astral work, psychic ability and divination. Alleviates stress symptoms and digestive upsets.

MINT

Mint is used to draw wealth and love, keep out evil, and enhance overall wellbeing.  Mint tea can bring good luck and protection. Place the herb under a pillow to protect against nightmares and evil spirits. Fresh or dried to promote prosperity. In cooking to add aroma and flavour. Aids with digestion issues and it can relieve sore and fatigued muscles when applied topically.

LAVENDER

Used for purification, to ward off evil spirits, promote peace. Fresh or dried or as incense to promote sleep and rest, and scattered around the home to purify and bring peace and harmony. Hung outside the house to ward off evil spirits.  Many years ago it was recorded that lavender relieved indigestion, headaches, and sore throats. Now lavender is used for anxiety, stress, insomnia, exhaustion, digestion, and more.

ROSEMARY

This herb is used for love and protection, purification and cleansing rituals. Under a pillow rosemary aids sleeping and wards off evil spirits and nightmares. A recent study has found that rosemary can be used to improve retention and recall facts. Rosemary is good for increasing circulation and relieving aches and pains.