by Terri Kleinberg

Created on: May 19, 2009

There are a number of plants associated with Wicca. Herbs, trees and other flora have different attributes that can make spell work and rituals run more smoothly. The first resource used when planning should be a Table of Correspondences. This will tell how each herb is used, what elements it represents, and whether it is masculine or feminine and its planet of association. The plants incorporated into ritual or spell work will depend upon the intention of the work. This is a list of the most common plants used and what their use is.

WHITE SAGE: Air, Masculine, and Jupiter. Sage is often burned in a small fireproof bowl at the door or opening of a circle to cleanse the space of negative vibrations. A sage stick is a bundle of sage dried, wrapped, then tied with a clean white cotton string is used to smudge each person as they enter the space. Sage is also used for prosperity, healing, and protection.

CEDAR: Air, Masculine, and Sun. Cedar is also used to cleanse space, especially if anyone has sensitivity to sage. Cedar is burned in sticks, or in shavings in a metal, or fireproof bowls. It is also used for healing, protection, and attraction for money and love.

ROSEMARY: Sun, Masculine, and Fire. Rosemary is used for psychic protection as well as purification and healing. This plant has an astringent quality and it lends itself to antiseptic purposes. It is mostly used in tea, oils and cooking. According to author Alice Hoffman, you should always plant rosemary by the garden gate for protection.

ROSES: Venus, Feminine, and Water. Rose petals and hips are both used in Wiccan circles. The petals are favored for love magick as well as glamours; they are also used to enhance psychic powers. The rose hips are full of vitamins and minerals, all great for healing. Roses can be used in teas, pillows, oils, and even in jellies. They can be used in spells for protection as well; those thorns can keep unwanted attentions at bay.

WILLOW: Moon, Feminine, and Water. Willow is used for protection, healing, and divination. The bark is especially good for arthritis and headaches when used in tea. A nice straight piece of a willow stick can make a great wand for healing.

MUGWORT: Venus, Feminine, and Earth. Mugwort is often sewed into small pillows used for dream pillows as it promotes prophetic dreams. It is also taken as a tea before doing divination.

MANDRAKE ROOT: Mercury, Fire, and Masculine. This herb is used to intensify any magical working. Any spells that are concerned with money, love, prosperity, or protection will be made stronger when it is used. It must be used with caution when ingested as in a tea. Mandrake can be a strong hallucinogenic.

LAVENDER: Venus, Earth, Feminine. Lavender is used for many things. Peace, love and protection are the three most common. It is included in dream pillows with Mugwort. The scent of the lavender promotes restful sleep, while the Mugwort brings about vivid dreams. Lavender also has antiseptic properties that lend it to use in soaps and protection spells.

This is just a beginning list of herbs. Nearly every plant you can name, from the lowly dandelion to the towering oak are used in Wiccan rituals. One of the most comprehensive books on herbs is Scott Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs.

Always keep in mind that many herbs we use can be dangerous if used improperly or ingested in large quantities. Know what you're doing before using anything in food or tea, even nutmeg is poisonous if used in a large quantity. The study of herbs can be fun and give you ideas on accomplishing your personal goals.

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