by Debbie Dawson

Created on: August 26, 2010

There is a range of ways to use plants and resins in magic.  Whether in creating atmosphere, focus or as a component in a spell or charm, plants and resins are one of those central items that are always there.

One of the first things that I would recommend is to find a book where the latin names as well as folk names or common names are used.  Correct identification is essential, especially as some plants share folk names but are very different plants.  For example, what is commonly known as Lobelia in New Zealand is a lovely small border plant different from the meter high Lobelia that Scott Cunningham refers to in The Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs.  Wolfbane is frequently referred to, but is shared by Monkshood, Aconita and Arnica.  Marigold can be either French Marigolds with the ball shaped flowers, or Calendula, that looks more like a yellow or orange daisy.

There are plenty of books and websites that have a long list of herbs and a section for what they can be used for, but they very rarely go into which part of the plant is used, and how to turn it from a pile of bay leaves into a prophetic dream.

Magickal Incense is one simple way of using plants in magick.  The selected plants and resins are ground fairly finely in a mortar and pestle and sprinkled over a burning charcoal.  Many recipes are available all over the net, and there are books purely about making magickal incense.

Magickal Powders can be used in a variety of ways.  The same initial process as incense - the chosen herbs are ground together, although not necessarily as fine as for incense.  Powders can be placed in a small bag and carried or worn, sprinkled around the home, sprinkled over something symbolic of what the spell is for.

Infused Oils can be made in the home easily enough, these should not be confused with essential oils.  Essential Oils are either steam distilled or solvent extracted in a complicated process.  Infused oils are carrier oils infused with the plants.  There is the hot method and the cold method, and which you use may depend on the plants you've chosen, or personal preference.  The hot method involves using olive oil, grapeseed oil or something similar (not a cold-pressed oil though) in the top of a double boiler, filling the oil with the herbs or blend, and heating the oil gently until the herbs have faded and sometimes become a little crispy.  Strain and let cool.  The cold method takes a

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