Disc:Herbs, Plants, Roots

I thought this would be a relevant discussion to our coven. The use of a variety of herbs, plants, and roots in magic is found in many different forms/practices. In many paths, it is believed that these herbs and plants carry magical properties which could be used for one's benefit and working.

• Do you use herbs, plants or roots for your workings or practice?
• If so, what are some of the common herbs that use for these purposes?

Hoping to see your responses :)

The use of a variety of herbs, roots, and plants is almost a staple to many of my workings and practices; especially when it comes to mojo or charm bags as it is believed that these plants carry magical properties which could be beneficial to the intent of the working. Some common herbs are elder flowers, lavender, rosemary, basil as well as roots such as snakemaster, Alkanet, and papoose root. Papoose root for example is used for protection, especiall for children. Usually herbs and plants are associated with more than one magical trait, such as rosemary which is used for attraction as well protection and purification.

One of my main magickal practices is the use of herbs, my collection is large and ever growing.

I love using chamomile and hops for their calming/sleep inducing proporties.
Sage is my favourite all round herb.
But I love making incense, herbal jewellery, mojo bags and so pretty much every herb is useful, that's why I have so many.

To be honest, I've only recently began working with herbs in general. I had always had an interest in them- just never had the time or motivation to follow through with learning more about them. I have a few which I incorporate into my practice (sage, mistletoe, watercress, etc) but I'm beginning to expand that list.

On a deeper level than that, I have an interest in working with plant spirits. This is similar to work I already do in getting to know the landvaettir, but I'd like to work with the specific spirits of certain herbs and plants and learn their properties through that manner.

Since I've moved, I haven't had a lot of opportunity to stock up on dried herbs or check out what grows locally. Previously, I used a lot of common herbs found in spice cabinets and grocery stores as well as a lot of wildflowers, yarrow, and pine. I mostly made teas and coffee mixes for a variety of purposes, but mostly healing, prosperity, and as offerings.

I use quite a few herbs in my workings. I most commonly use lavender, St. John's Wort, Sage, Basil, Chamomile, Catnip, and Mint.

Herbs are a great part of my practice. The herbs I mostly use are:

• Rue
• Lavender
• Star anise
• Rosemary

These ones I use them for spell casting and/or rituals. They're not limited to just that, though! For example, they are excelent for baths. Rue mixed with salt and rosemary will cleanse all the negativity that's around you.

I also use Jasmine and Cherry for attraction spells. To bring love in to one's life, or to sweeten a relationship. I do not cast love spells, since I am a bit against that.

I use a lot of different herbs! The ones I use most often thought are bay leaves, lavender, mint, rosemary, different parts of rose plants, and raspberry leaves.

I use bay leaves pretty much exclusivly for cleansing activities, making purified water, etc. But i also use them in dream pillows, sometimes writing the name of a certain deity on them.

Everything else is just common for my self defined love magic, and tea brewing! I'll often use herbs that corespond to the deities I work with to make libations.

I plan on using more herbs once I have the space to grow them and once I get out of horticulture, because I find I work best with herbs I have made a connection with.