Gardens

Every astrological sign has flowers associated with it. These might be, but are not necessarily the same as the flowers assigned to the specific months of the year, and some flowers are assigned to more than one astrological sign.

Here’s the list:

  • Aries  (March 21 ~ April 20) Honeysuckle
  • Taurus (April 21 ~ May 20) Rose
  • Gemini (May 20 ~ June 21) Rose; Violet
  • Cancer (June 21 ~ July 20) Rhododendron
  • Leo (July 21 ~ August 20) Gladiolas; Orchid; Lily of the valley; Lavender
  • Virgo (August 21 ~ September 20) Aster; Gladiolas
  • Libra (September 21 ~ October 20) Marigold; Acanthus
  • Scorpio (October 21 ~ November 20) Chrysanthemum; Pansy
  • Sagittarius (November 21 ~ December 20) Narcissus; Chrysanthemum; Sunflower
  • Capricorn (December 22 ~ January 20) Carnation; Narcissus; Buttercups; Orchid
  • Aquarius (January 21 ~ February 20) Violet; Carnation; Lily
  • Pisces (February 21 ~ March 20) Jonquil; Violet; Poppy


In traditional herbal magick there are nine steps to gathering herbs. They are as follows:

First the herb must always be taken with the left hand. This is because the left hand is receptive. When the power of an herb is harvested it is received and not taken.

Second, the wind (if any) must be at your back when the herb is gathered. This is because the wind indicates the presence of spirits and to have them support you from behind is beneficial. To have them pushing against your movements is detrimental and you risk offending them. In other words you are either with the flow or against the flow.

Third, you must never look back over your shoulder. This is because you might scare off the fairy folk and other nature spirits who have gathered to take witness. Thus abandoned, you risk negative charges on the herb.

The fourth step in harvesting an herb is to trace a circle around the herb with your magickal blade. This prepares the spirit of the herb for withdrawing and ensures that it stays with the herb when harvested. It is essential that iron never come in contact with the herb or touch inside the circle at any time. Iron negates magickal magnetic charges.

The fifth step requires that you speak to the herb telling it why you need its help and what you are about to do to it.

The sixth step is to place the herb in a pouch, never letting it touch the soil. If it touches the soil the spirit will pass back into the soil.

The seventh step is to wear no jewelry or clothing and to have abstained from sexual intercourse for seven days (a lunar quarter). This helps to magnetize your aura, and being nude while you gather the herb makes you a creature of Nature again free from the signs of domestication.

The eighth step is to leave a small gift or offering in the hole from where the herb was withdrawn. The traditional offering is a mixture of equal parts of wine, honey, and milk. In place of this, a silver or copper coin may be planted as a gift to the Earth spirit. Perhaps the best offering might well be a new herbal seed.

The ninth and final step is to kiss your hand to the moon as a token of love and respect.

Notes:

When taking an herb in this manner you will want to decide in advance whether you need the entire plant or simply a leaf or two. The leaves will only provide you with pharmaceutical ingredients, as would only the roots or stems. To obtain the spirit of the plant you must harvest the entire plant intact. If you harvest only the leaves of an herb then avoid pouring the libation directly upon the plant. If using a coin simply press it into the soil nearby.

If harvesting wild plants leave a large amount of flowers, seed and root as the plant population of that area will very quickly die out if you go in mob-handed and wrench up the only two plants for miles around.

Source: Wiccan Magick

Various botanicals are said to discourage the presence of ghosts, especially rue and garlic. Here is a list of more botanical ghost busters and how to use them:

A strong scent of real carnations discourages and pacifies ghosts. Synthetic scents will not have the same effect. The best method is to strategically place bouquets of carnations replacing them as their aroma fades.

Hawthorn repels evil ghosts, while permitting the entry of helpful souls. Maintain a barrier of living hawthorn bushes and trees outside the home or bring branches within; the catch to the latter plan being that hawthorn is among the plants most associated with Fairies. Do not break off a branch without first seeking permission from Fairies, lest ghosts become the least of your problems. Branches found already fallen may be considered a gift and safely retrieved.

Boneset guides ghosts elsewhere, attracting protective, benevolent spirits instead. Boneset may also be used to protect people and animals from “ghost sickness,” the illness that some believe may emerge after extended contact with the dead. The most potent boneset is found growing on or near graves. Supplement it with white pine for added enhancement.

Hang fresh boneset branches over doorways, or burn young boneset branches and twigs within a cauldron to drive away existing ghosts.

To prevent hauntings, surround your home with living bean plants. Not only do beans repel ghosts but allegedly, the plants sing to wandering ghosts, guiding them to the next realm. If you’d like to hear these songs, a shamanic art, sit under the vines while they’re in bloom. Meditate or allow yourself to fall asleep.

Burn dried powdered bistort to banish ghosts, wafting the fragrance as needed.

Fennel can be used to ghost-proof individual rooms or an entire building. It only works on some ghosts but may be worth trying. Stuff keyholes full of fennel to prevent ghosts from entering the room. It also stops them from leaving, so if the ghost is already in the room, it may be trapped.

According to Hildegard of Bingen, ghosts hate pine trees and avoid places where they grow. If it’s not possible to surround your home with living pines, bring small living trees within it and situate them strategically.

Tiger lilies planted near doors and windows allegedly prevents the entry of ghosts.

If a ghost has taken up residence in your home or within another building, hanging alyssum up in every corner of a house will exorcise it.

A wreath of fresh bay laurel leaves posted on your entrance doors signals “No Trespassing” to ghosts. To provide relief from destructive and mischievous ghosts and poltergeist, maintain fresh bay laurel branches and /or leaves within the home. Replace them as their green color fades.

Fumigating an area with camphor and mint is used to send unwanted ghosts in search of new housing. One application may not be sufficient, however. Use repetitions of mystical numbers for reinforcement. Repeat for three, seven, nine, eighteen, twenty-one, or twenty-seven days as needed.

Sprinkle a strong infusion of bayberry inside and around the perimeter of a house to exorcise existing ghosts and repel new ones.

Make a decoction of angelica roots or pour boiling water over the dried, powdered root to make an infusion. Sprinkling this within and around the home is an Iroquois recommendation for exorcising and preventing ghosts.

From: The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells

  • Bluebells:

To attract faeries to dance in your garden. On Beltane eve, make an ankle bracelet of “Bluebells” and “jingle” bells to attract helpful fae folk to you.

  • Clover:

A sacred faery plant, clovers of all kinds will attract them. Lay seven grains of wheat on a four-leafed clover to see the Faery.

  • Elderberry:

Used to make Faery wine, these berries can be burned on a fire to invite the Good Folk to a gathering. Make a homemade brew of Elderberry Wine and you are sure to have some thirsty visitors. It is said that if a human drinks the wine, he or she will be able to see the Faery. If a human should drink Elderberry wine from the same goblet as a Faery being, he will be able to see them forever after.

  • Elecampagne:

Also known as Elfswort. This root can be scattered around the home to attract the Sidhe. It can be added to any magick or spell to invoke Faery blessing.

  • Foxglove:

The source of the modern heart drug Digitalis, Foxglove can have seriously dangerous results if taken internally. DO NOT INGEST!! Instead, plant Foxglove near your front door to invite the Faery in. Put a dried sprig of Foxglove in a talisman to keep you surrounded in Faery light.

  • Heather:

Heather is said to ignite faery passions and open portals between their world and our own. Make an offering of Heather on “Beltane” eve to attract good fae to your garden

  • Lilac:

The sweet scent is said to draw Fae spirits to your garden. Lilac and primroses for midsummers eve, will please the Fae.

  • Mistletoe:

The most sacred herb of the Druids. Mistletoe is a magickal activator. In Faery spells, use a dash of Mistletoe taken on Summer Solstice to empower your workings with Faery magick.

  • Milkweed:

Both Monarch butterflies and fairies like milkweed. If Milkweed is planted in a Witch’s garden, the fey will always be in the area. The silky tassels of the milkweed pods can be added to a dream pillow to not only make it softer, but also to make you dream of fairies. In the Autumn when the pods are bursting and the fluffy seeds are flying across the fields, a wish is granted for each seed that can be caught and then released again.

  • Peony:

Peony seeds were once used to protect children from faeries. A garland of the seeds were placed around the child’s neck to keep them safe.

  • Poppies:

Said to invoke the faery into your dreams Make a dream pillow of fresh poppies to entice the fae to your dreams.

  • Primrose:

When planted in a garden or hung dried on the front door, primroses will attract the company of Faeries. If you have them growing under your care, do not let them die! The Faery will be deeply offended by your carelessness. Primroses are great in container gardens. Tie a pink ribbon around your container of Primroses while chanting; “Sacred roses, hear my cry for your protection, this I tie.”

  • Roses:

Roses are loved by the fey so you can plant Roses in your garden to attract fairies. Their sweet scent will lure elemental spirits to take up residence close by. Roses can be used in Faery love spells. When performing the spell, sprinkle rose petals under your feet and dance softly upon them while asking the Faery for their blessing on your magick. Wild Roses are best for this purpose. Say the following spell as you plant your baby Rose bush:

“I ask a fairy from the wild,
To come and tend this wee rose-child.
A babe of air she thrives today,
Root her soul in the Goddesses’ good clay.
Fairies make this twig your bower,
By your magic shall time see her flower!”

  • Thyme:

Wearing thyme will increase your ability to see the Sidhe. Sprinkle it at the base of your door, and on window sills to invite the Faery to enter your home.

~collected from a 17th century work

  • ACORN is a symbol of great luck and fortune.
  • ALLSPICE is burned as an incense to attract money or luck, and is also added to such mixtures.
  • ALOE is hung over houses and doors in Africa to bring good luck.
  • ANGELICA is considered lucky. Rub the root between your palms when you gamble or pick your lottery numbers.
  • BAMBOO placed over the door is lucky, since its wood never changes color.
  • BANYAN TREES bring good luck when sat under or looked at.
  • BEECH, carry small pieces of the bark in your pocket for luck and success.
  • BLUEBELL brings luck when it is picked up and the following words recited: “Bluebell, bluebell, bring me some luck before tomorrow night.” Slip it into your shoe to seal the spell.
  • BORAGE, place fresh blossoms on an altar to bring luck and power to your spells.
  • BUCKEYE, rub the buckeye with cinnamon oil and carry in the pocket to increase your luck at winning bets.
  • CALAMUS brings good luck to the gardener when grown.
  • CINNAMON is a favorite of many gods and goddesses, sprinkle powdered cinnamon on offerings to attract attention and win the favor of the gods.
  • CLOVER or SHAMROCK is a symbol of luck, leprechauns, and wishes and is a powerful talisman to carry.
  • COTTON, placed in a sugar bowl will attract good luck, as it will if cotton is thrown over the right shoulder at dawn. In the latter case, the good luck will come before the day is over.
  • DAFFODIL plucked and worn next to the heart will bring good luck.
  • FERN brings good luck to the person who breaks the first fern frond of Spring.
  • HENNA, stain the hands with henna for luck and protection.
  • HICKORY, burn hickory bark for luck and to dispel evil.
  • HOLLY is carried to promote good luck, especially by men, since the holly is a ‘male’ plant. (IVY is the corresponding plant for women.) It is also hung around the house for good luck at Yule.
  • HORSETAIL, carry the dried leaves in your pocket at the racetrack to pick the winners.
  • HUCKLEBERRY, carry or eat the berries for good luck and protection.
  • IRISH MOSS is carried or placed beneath rugs to increase luck and to ensure a steady flow of money into the house or pockets of the person.
  • IVY, growing ivy brings good luck and protection to a property.
  • JOB’S TEARS: Three seeds are carried for good luck.
  • KAVA-KAVA tea is drunk to offer protection against evil and to invite in good luck in Polynesia.
  • LUCKY HAND (hand of Power, Hand Root, Helping Hand, Salap) is the root of an orchid plant and is one of the most famous New Orleans magical botanicals. It has long been placed in sachets and conjure bags for luck and general success.
  • MOJO BEANS, also called African wishing beans. Wear them in a necklace or bracelet or carry loose beans in a red conjure bag for good luck.
  • MOSS taken from a gravestone and carried in your pocket, is a good ensurer of luck, especially financial luck.
  • NUTMEG is a gambler’s favorite, it promotes winning in games of chance.
  • OAK MOSS is great for money and luck formulas.
  • OLIVE leaves, worn, bring luck.
  • ORANGE PEEL is added to prosperity powders, incenses and mixtures, and the Chinese have long considered oranges symbols of luck and good fortune.
  • PERSIMMON: If you wish to have good luck, bury green persimmons.
  • PINEAPPLE, dried, is placed in bags and added to baths to draw good luck to the bather.
  • SEAWEED, scrubbing yourself with seaweed while in the ocean brings good luck and leads to excellent employment opportunities.
  • SHAMROCK or CLOVER is a symbol of luck, leprechauns, and wishes and is a powerful talisman to carry.
  • SNAKEROOT, carry the root of this plant as a luck and money talisman.
  • STRAW is lucky, hence it is often carried in small bags. For a home luck talisman, take a used horseshoe and some straw, sew up into a small bag, and place it above or below the bed.
  • VETIVERT is carried to attract luck.
  • VIOLET flowers are carried to bring changes in luck and fortune.
  • WOOD ROSE is carried to attract good luck and fortune. Also place some in the home to ensure it is lucky as well.
  • YELLOW SPLIT PEAS bring luck and fame.
  • YERBA BUENA is added to gamblers’ luck spells to increase your chances of winning.

Note: This post was put together by Shirley Twofeathers, you may repost and share it only if you give me credit and a link back to this website. Blessed be.

As spring arrives, our gardens begin to bud and eventually bloom. For hundreds of years, the plants that we grow have been used in magic. Flowers in particular are often connected with a variety of magical uses. Now that spring is here, keep an eye out for some of these flowers around you, and consider the different magical applications they might have.

  • Crocus:

This flower is one of the first you’ll see in the spring, and it’s often associated with newly blooming love. The crocus is also known to enhance visions and bring about intuitive dreams.

  • Daffodil:

The bright petals of the daffodil are typically found in shades of white, yellow or even pale orange. This flower is associated with love and fertility — place fresh ones in your home to bring about abundance. Wear this flower close to your heart to draw love and luck.

  • Dandelion:

The leaf of the dandelion is used for healing, purification, and ritual cleansing. To bring positive change about, plant dandelions in the northwest corner of your property. The bright yellow flowers can be used in divination, or placed in a sachet to draw good energy your way.

  • Echinacea:

Also called purple coneflower, this garden mainstay adds a little bit of magical “oomph” to charms and sachets. Use it for prosperity related workings. Burn the dried flowers in incense, and use on your altar during ritual as an offering to deities.

  • Goldenseal:

This sunny yellow flower is often found growing in the wild, alongside roads and in fields. Use it in money spells, or for business dealings. Work it into charms connected to matters of financial gain or legal issues.

  • Hibiscus:

This lusty flower incites passion — use it to attract love or lust, or for prophetic dreams about your lover. Burn in incense, or carry in a sachet to bring love your way.

  • Hyacinth:

This flower was named for Hyakinthos, a Greek divine hero who was beloved by Apollo, so it’s sometimes considered the patron herb of homosexual men. Hyacinth is also known to promote peaceful sleep, and guards against nightmares. Carry in an amulet to help heal a broken heart or to ease grief when a loved one dies.

  • Lily:

The Easter lily or Tiger lily is associated with all kinds of Spring connections — fertility, rebirth, renewal and abundance.

  • Narcissus:

Named for another Greek figure, the Narcissus helps promote polarity and harmony. Its calming vibrations bring about tranquility and inner peace.

  • Tulip:

The tulip appears in many different colors and varieties, but is typically connected to prosperity. You can use the different colored variations in color magic — use a dark strain such as Queen of the Night for full moon rituals, or bright red flowers for love magic.

  • Violet:

In Roman myth, the first violet sprung from the spilled blood of the god Attis, who killed himself for Cybele, the mother goddess. However, today the violet is associated with tranquility and peace. The leaf offers protection from evil, and can be sewn into a pillow or sachet for a new baby. Carry the petals with you to bring about luck and enhance nighttime magic.

“Magic is only unexplained science. Science is explained magic. When I study science, I study magic. When I study magic, I study science.” ― C. JoyBell C.
Notice
Do not use any ingredient if you are allergic to it. There is always something else that can be used, or substituted.
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