Enchanting Herblore: A Study on Magickal Properties and Associations of Herbs Across Time

Herbalism has been used for centuries to provide physical and emotional healing. It is also an integral part of herbal magickal practices. Many herbs are believed to have supernatural properties, and their use is steeped in magick and folklore. Understanding the magickal associations of herbs throughout history is an important part of harnessing their power for spiritual and emotional healing. In this post, we will explore some of the herbs used in herbal magick, their properties and magickal associations throughout time, and how one can possibly use these associations to enhance their magickal practices. If for no other reason, this guide will help to deepen your understanding of the magickal properties associated with various herbs overtime and how they can be used to enhance your spiritual practice.

1. The historical significance of herbs in herbal magick

The historical significance of herbs in herbal magick  is deeply rooted in ancient traditions and beliefs. For centuries, individuals who practiced magick relied on the power and properties of various herbs to enhance their magickal rituals and spells. These herbs were believed to possess supernatural qualities, making them essential tools in herbal magick.

In ancient civilizations throughout the world, herbalism played a significant role in magickal and spiritual practices. Herbs were revered for their healing properties, as well as their ability to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. They were used in potions, incense, and charms to invoke specific energies or deities, harnessing their power for various purposes.

One common belief in many magickal practices is the concept of sympathetic magick, which suggests that like attracts like. This principle is often applied when selecting herbs for magickal purposes. For example, herbs with thorns or sharp pointy leaves, like hawthorn or holly, were believed to possess protective qualities, warding off negative energies or malevolent spirits. Similarly, herbs with vibrant colors, like lavender or chamomile, were associated with attracting love and promoting relaxation.

In modern herbal magick, the historical significance of herbs continues to be embraced. Practitioners explore the magickal associations of various herbs, incorporating them into spells, rituals, and potions. By understanding the historical context and symbolism behind these herbs, magickal practitioners can tap into the ancient wisdom and power that has been passed down through generations. So without further adieu, let’s dive right in. 

2. Intriguing magickal properties and mystical associations of herbs in       history (many of which persist today throughout the world)

• ACORN:  once believed to protect against house fires and lightning

• ADDER’S TONGUE:  protected against snakes and aided in healing snake bites

• AGRIMONY:  induced heavy sleep if placed under the pillow

• ALMOND:  eating 5 almonds before consuming alcohol would prevent one from becoming intoxicated

• ANGELICA:  dispelled lustful thoughts and kept one chaste as well as protected against the Black Death

• APPLE:  an apple a day keeps the doctor away, also thought to keep evil spirits at bay, cutting down an apple tree would bring bad luck, eating apples promoted immortality through wisdom, rubbing an apple before consuming it ridded the apple of evil spirits

• BELLADONNA:  used in witchcraft as an ingredient in “flying ointment”

• BLACKBERRY:  aided in snaring and tripping up one’s foe and brought about bad luck

• BLACKTHORN:  once thought to be used by witches to curse people

• BROOM:  bringing blossoming broom into the home would bring bad luck and possibly death especially in the month of May, green broom was thought to be able to stunt one’s growth

• CYPRESS:  it was believed that throwing a sprig of cypress in the grave of your loved one would give them luck and love in the hereafter

• DAFFODIL:  if the first daffodil you saw in the spring had dropped its head toward you, you would have bad luck

• DEVIL’S BIT:  it was once believed by many that the root of this plant was bitten by the “devil” himself out of envy of the plant’s beauty

• FOXGLOVE:  once believed to be inhabited by the fae

• GARLIC:  protected against the evil eye, it was thought to absorb and destroy negative energy, it was once believed that garlic grew in the place the “devil’s” right foot stepped

• HAWTHORN:  was deeply associated to witches and were once thought to be witches in disguise, these trees were thought to be beloved by the fae and cutting one down would bring bad luck

• HELLEBORE:  black hellebore was thought to bring bad luck, while white hellebore would cure madness and bring protection

• HENBANE:  thought to be one of the herbs used in the witches “flying ointment”

• HOLLY:  was thought to enhance divinatory practices, protect against evil entities and lightning, carrying a piece of holly wood would protect against dark magick, stepping on a holly berry would bring bad luck

• HOUSELEEK:  houseleeks growing on the house or roof would bring abundance and great luck, it was also thought to be very protective

• HYDRANGEA:  according to old English folklore, this is a very unlucky plant for young ladies looking to marry and would cause them to live as “spinsters”

• IVY:  would bring bad luck and cause one to fall ill if they plucked an ivy leaf growing on a church

• LADY’S MANTLE:  the dewey beads of liquid that formed on the leaves of this plant overnight were once used to make the “philosopher's stone” which was thought by alchemists believed to be able to transform base metals into gold, cure all diseases, and prolong life

• MANDRAKE:  was thought to be inhabited by supernatural beings called mandragons who aided practitioners of magick in achieving their set intentions

• MISTLETOE:  was sacred to the ancient Druids, fairies were thought to be repelled by mistletoe, kissing under the mistletoe would bring good luck, cutting down a tree bearing mistletoe brought bad luck

• MOONWORT:  had the ability to break locks and loosen iron nails and unshoe horses

• MUGWORT:  sacred to Artemis and Diana, the root was thought to be of the most powerful of amulets for protection, it was thought to bring about prophetic dreams, inspire feeling of lust, ward off dark magick, protect against plague, madness and all forms of illness, aided in fertility

• PEAS:  it was thought if one found a pea pod containing nine peas or only one pea within, it would bring great luck and abundant fortune, making a wish and then throwing it over your right shoulder would bring your wishes to fruition

• PEONY:  once thought to be able to prevent nightmares, was also worn as a necklace to protect against evil spirits

• POPPY:  thought to ease grief and suffering, also thought to cause one to become confused and unreliable

• ROSEMARY:  once worn during weddings and used as a love charm, ancient monks also used it as a cure for baldness

• RUE:  once believed to prevent and cure loss of eyesight

• SEA HOLLY:  was thought to be a strong aphrodisiac

• ST. JOHN’S WORT:  once thought to be able to repel demons and in fact early Christians believed it would ward off the “devil” or “satan” himself

• VERVAIN:  known as the enchanter’s herb and also thought to ward off malevolent entities

• WILLOW:  burning willow would bring bad luck and misfortune, protected against dark magick and evil, touching a willow tree would bring good luck, however, telling a secret beneath a willow tree would cause your secret to become revealed

• WOLF’S BANE (ACONITE):  thought to be one of the ingredients in witches “flying ointment”

• WOOD BETONY:  was once considered the most popular herb for making protective amulets for both physical healing and protection, it was thought to shield from all harm

• WORMWOOD:  used by ancient monks to get rid of parasites as well as to flavor drinks

3. Herbs believed to protect against the “evil eye”

The evil eye is a belief that has been around for centuries and is found in many cultures around the world. It is believed to be a curse or affliction that is cast upon someone by an envious person. The belief in the evil eye is a fascinating topic that has captivated people's minds for generations. The concept of the Evil Eye is deeply rooted in ancient beliefs and has persisted throughout various cultures and civilizations for centuries. This intriguing belief revolves around the notion that certain individuals possess the power to cause harm or misfortune by merely casting their gaze upon others. This is done both deliberately by malicious intention, and unintentionally simply by gazing upon someone with great envy in one’s heart.

The following is a list of herbs, though not exhaustive, believed throughout history and in different cultures to be powerful protection against the evil eye curse:

• ALOE VERA

• ANISE

• BAY

• CEDAR

• CASTOR BEANS

• FRANKINCENSE

• GARLIC

• HENNA

• LADY’S SLIPPER

• LAVENDER

• LIME TREE TWIGS

• MUGWORT

• MYRRH 

• NETTLE

• OLIVE LEAVES

• PALO SANTO

• PEACE LILY

• PENNYROYAL

• PERIWINKLE

• ROSE

• ROSEMARY

• ROWAN

• RUE

• SAGE

• SANDALWOOD

• ST. JOHN’S WORT

• THYME

• VERVAIN

• WORMWOOD

4. Herbs believed throughout history and in various cultures to attract good luck

The belief in luck has long been ingrained in human culture and history. From ancient civilizations to modern-day societies, the concept of luck holds a significant place in our lives. It is a belief that certain events or outcomes are influenced by forces beyond our control, and that luck can either bring fortune or misfortune.

Luck has different connotations for different people. Some see it as a random occurrence, while others believe in its supernatural or divine origins. Regardless of the interpretation, luck has a profound impact on our thoughts, actions, and decisions.

In the realm of herbal magick, the belief in luck becomes even more prominent. People have turned to the power of herbs for centuries, harnessing their natural energies and properties to enhance their luck. These lucky herbs are often associated with specific intentions, such as attracting wealth, success, love, or protection.

The significance of luck-bringing herbs lies in their ability to tap into the mysterious forces of the universe. Whether through their enchanting scents, vibrant colors, or unique healing properties, these herbs are believed to possess an inherent luck-enhancing energy that can be utilized for positive outcomes.

Herbal practitioners and enthusiasts often incorporate these lucky herbs into various rituals, spells, or charm bags, aiming to attract good fortune into their lives. They may be used in the form of dried herbs, essential oils, teas, or even planted in personal herb gardens as a constant source of luck and positive energy.

The following is a list of herbs, though not exhaustive, believed throughout history and in different cultures to bring good luck and fortune:

• ALLSPICE

• ALOE VERA

• BAMBOO

• BANYAN

• BASIL

• BAY

• BE-STILL

• BLUEBELL

• CABBAGE

• CALAMUS

• CLOVER

• CHAMOMILE

• CHINABERRY

• CINCHONA

• CINNAMON

• COTTON

• DAFFODIL

• DEVIL’S-BIT

• FERNS

• GRAINS OF PARADISE

• HAZEL

• HOLLY

• HOUSELEEK

• HUCKLEBERRY

• IRISH MOSS

• JOB’S TEARS

• LINDEN

• LUCKY HAND ROOT

• MINT

• MOSS

• NUTMEG

• OAK

• ORANGE

• PERSIMMON

• PINEAPPLE

• POMEGRANATE

• POPPY

• PURSLANE

• ROSE

• ROSEMARY

• SNAKEROOT

• ST. JOHN’S WORT

• STAR ANISE

• STRAW

• STRAWBERRY

• SUMBUL

• VETIVERT

• VIOLET

• WOOD ROSE

5. Herbs believed throughout history and in various cultures to be able to  cause bad luck

In the realm of herbal magick, the concept of bad luck is a fascinating and often misunderstood aspect. Some practitioners believe that certain herbs possess inherent energies that can bring about negative outcomes if used improperly or without due caution. This belief stems from the idea that every plant, just like every other object in the universe, carries its own unique energy signature.

However, it is important to note that the concept of bad luck in herbal magick is highly subjective and dependent on individual beliefs and practices. What may be considered unlucky by one practitioner might not hold the same meaning for another. It is crucial to approach these beliefs with an open mind and respect the diverse perspectives within the herbal magick community.

Additionally, the intention and energy behind the use of herbs in magick play a significant role in determining their effects. If used responsibly and with positive intent, even herbs that are traditionally associated with bad luck can be harnessed to bring about positive outcomes. It is essential to thoroughly research and understand the properties of each herb before incorporating them into your magickal practices.

Ultimately, the concept of bad luck in herbal magick serves as a reminder to approach the craft with reverence and mindfulness. By understanding the historical and cultural associations of certain herbs, practitioners can navigate the intricate world of herbal magick with respect for tradition while forging their own path.

The following is a list of herbs, though not exhaustive, believed throughout history and in different cultures to be able to cause bad luck and misfortune:

• ACONITE (WOLF’S BANE)

• ALASKAN GINSENG (DEVIL’S CLUB)

• BACHELOR’S BUTTONS

• BELLADONNA

• BINDWEED

• BIRD’S EYE SPEEDWELL

• BLACKBERRY

• BLACKTHORN

• BLUEBERRY

• CELANDINE

• COLIC ROOT

• DAFFODILE

• DATURA

• DILL

• DODDER

• DOG ROSE

• ELDER

• FALSE HELLEBORE

• FERN

• FOXGLOVE

• GORSE

• HAWTHORN

• HEATHER (UNLESS IT IS WHITE)

• HELLWEED

• HEMLOCK

• HENBANE

• HYDRANGEA

• INDIGO BERRY

• IVY

• JIMSONWEED

• LILY OF THE VALLEY

• LILAC

• MANDRAKE

• MAYAPPLE

• MEXICAN POPPY

• MISTLETOE

• MORNING GLORY

• MUGWORT

• MUSHROOMS (POISONOUS)

• PARSLEY

• POPPY

• PRICKLY PEAR

• PUFFBALL FUNGUS

• PUSSY WILLOW

• QUEEN ANNE’S LACE

• RUE

• SNOWDROPS

• TOBACCO

• VIPER’S BUGLOSS

• WILD YAM

• YARROW

6. Conclusion on the study of various herbs and their magickal properties throughout history

When diving into the world of herbal magick it is important to study the history and magickal associations to various herbs over time. This will give you a deeper understanding of the herbs themselves and how to incorporate them into your practice. Please note that many of the herbs mentioned in this post are highly toxic. Some even have the ability to cause death. It is of the utmost importance to research each and every herb that you plan to use in your magickal practice. It is important to properly identify the herb using more than one method. 

If in doubt about a particular herb’s toxicity, treat the herb as toxic. It is better safe than sorry. In several instances while researching herbs, I myself have come across conflicting data as to the toxicity levels of various herbs. When this happens I always err on the side of caution for my own safety, as well as the safety of those around me. Keep all toxic herbs well out of the reach of children and pets. It is your responsibility to protect yourself and others as you explore this beautiful journey of herbal magick. 

If you wish to dive deeper and gain more knowledge, the following are two books that I regularly refer to in my own herbal magick practice, and the source of much of the information contained within this lesson:

Dunwich, Gerina, Herbal magick:  A guide to herbal enchantments, folklore, and divination. (Newburyport, MA:  Weiser Books, 2019)

Cunningham, Scott, Encyclopedia of magical herbs. (Llewellyn, 1985) 

Thank you for taking the time to read this far from exhaustive, but still very intriguing study of the magickal properties and associations of herbs over time.

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