Magical Herbs

As an experienced Wiccan, and Grand Dame of the Coven of the Triple Goddess, I know more about magical herbs than most people in modern times. There are some plants which are magical plants just by virtue of their nature, as recognized by ancient and traditional peoples the world over. Both Sage and Cedar, for example, are recognized as magical herbs by the native Americans, and are renowned for their abilities to purify and cleanse. Similarly, mandrake root, especially when gathered at midnight from beneath the gallows of a hanged man, was known for its miraculous powers of sorcery by our Druid ancestors in Europe. And of course, High John the Conqueror root, also known as Saint John's Wart, is one of thousands of magical herbs whose mystical powers relate to its medicinal uses. But what else goes into the making of a magical herb?

Like everything else in “The Craft,” intention is everything in the preparation of effective magical herbs. Realistically, not all of us can grow an herb garden which will always yield any magical herbs which we might happen to need. You might only need to use something like Dragons Blood once in your practice. Does it follow that you should grow it year upon year, taking up valuable space?

Yes, it does. The more you interact with your magical herbs, and shepherd them through their life cycle, from sprout to harvest, the more they will aid you in your craft. It is similar to enlisting the help of the dead in casting. You can just go to any grave in a graveyard, pour out a bit of a libation, say an invocation, commune with the spirit, and ask for its aid. But any experienced user of any magic will tell you that ancestors, or at least people born under the same astrological sign as you, will give much more powerful and effective aid.

Similarly, you can buy dried, powdered magical herbs at any magic supply store, or health food store, and use them instead of ones that you've given yourself, but the spell is likely to be weaker and slower to work. It is not that good results can't be had without preparing your own magical herbs. Of course they can. I've done it myself many times. But not preparing your magical herbs is as serious an obstacle as not preparing your wand, chalice, or any of your other ritual items. It will make the going that much more difficult.