Contents
Page List
Guide
Cover
Herbal
Magic
A HANDBOOK OF
NATURAL SPELLS, CHARMS,
AND POTIONS
AURORA KANE
Table of Contents
Welcome
Another world, the garden realm, entices with its herbal charms.
What magic stirs within these boughs can neer be used for hurt or harm.
Its ancient secrets sway and soothe and propagate the herbs we use.
Where fairies tread and spirits roam, pine needle mats provide a home
For animals who guard and guide, keep watch with their protective eye.
Sweet juniper and cedar, too, whose whispers calm, defend, and soothe.
Within the forest, Earth blooms forth with herbs to gather, bless, and store.
And in a pinchno forest near?a yard, a pot, a farmers crop,
Stand in for Earths grand herbal shopa scented bounty full of hope.
Harkthose of purest heart and mind who wish to learn a spell or two.
Step forth upon this scented path to learn from timeless lore at last.
Reach deep within your heart with pride, for that is where your magic hides.
The light of day and moonlight, too, will germinate belief in you,
That in these herbs you tend and grow is magic far beyond what you know.
With pure intent and faith so rare, cast magic with these herbs you share.
For goodness shared comes back to you, threefold its told, with luck to spare.
Enter here, all who believe, with healing promise that you treat
Our Mother Earth, our sacred home, with deep respect and love complete.
HERBAL MAGIC
Part of a
Magical Life
T he magic of Nature is on full display, around us, every dayand herbs are but one small, yet mighty, component. They reveal their secrets to us, communicating with all our senses. Feel the velvety coat of lambs ear as you absorb its soft message of peace, compassion, and the importance of listening. Smell the forest of pines and inhale their scent of success. Behold the uplifting beauty of a rose in full bloom and contemplate its power to attract love and friendship. Hear the wind in the willows and let its gentle healing energy soothe. Taste the fruit of the apple blossom and be nourished, refreshed, uplifted, and, perhaps, glimpse a sight of your true love as you close your eyes and savor its sweet flavor.
Blending herbal magic into your everyday life is a way to enhance your connection and communication with Nature, honor Earth in a positive and sustainable way, expand or begin your magical practice, and season your life with purpose and intention. You do not need to be a witchgreen, kitchen, or otherwise, though all are welcome hereto learn what herbs and their energies can bring to your world.
Herbs are a natural in the kitchen for all kinds of magical concoctions. Use herbs in your spellwork, combined with crystals and candles for enhancing their vibrations and your intentions.
WHAT IS AN HERB?
W hen we talk of herbs we often mean the sensuous, aromatic, flavorful, leafy, and woody plants used to season food and drink, or imbue perfumes, cosmetics, or medicines. In our magical apothecary, herbs include all type of plants, including traditional herbs, spices, flowers, and treesall with the potential to promote soothing, bewitchery, and charm.
WHAT MAKES AN HERB MAGICAL?
Although all herbs are connected to Nature and, therefore, carry Natures energies and wisdom, each herb has its unique properties and spirit, exhibiting different vibrational tones and energies. In that way, all herbs are magicalbut what makes any particular herb magical can be different for every person. Several things could contribute to a plants otherworldly propertiesits ancestral lore perhaps, as familiar as Grandmothers secret healing soup, or the magical dream interpretations of distant generations, can all be traced back to herbal use and its magic. Its relationship with animals, or even sacred status among Indigenous Peoples, can lend magical status to specific herbs.
WHY HERBAL MAGIC?
Herbs stories and promises, though ancient, resonate with todays desire to balance the stress and unease of modern-day living with natural, simple, mindful practices. Working with herbs and Nature gives us a chance to slow down. To practice mindfulness, if only for a moment, while gently weeding and tending our precious plants. To tune in to Natures song. To have influence on an outcome.
Herbs and spices, once only procured through arduous trade routes, or grown on ones own patch of land for personal use, have now become a global economy in their own right. Your magical practice is no longer limited to what can be bartered, bought, or grown yourself, but is virtually unlimited due to the bountiful opportunities to purchase herbs and spices easily from all over the world.
WITCHES OR HEALERS?
Early witches, rumored to ply their herbal craft with magic spells and spirit guides, were usually just natural healers, wise women whose role in society was frequently valued and consulted for remedies and advice, yet simultaneously misunderstood. Todays herbal magic devotees use their herbal wisdom to promote peace, tolerance, balance, living in harmony with Nature, and honoring Earth for her gifts.
PLANT INTELLIGENCE
The idea that plants possess intelligence has been proposed for some time. Defining intelligence related to plants is tricky and is said to be measured based on memory and movement, adaptability, sensory abilities, and communication systemsnot to mention growth and developmentall reasons that can be argued for, and against, a plants ability to possess and demonstrate intelligence.
A common detractor to the idea of plants innate intelligence is the plant kingdoms slow pace of lifebut that pace can serve plants abilities to adapt to their environment and continue to grow and reproduce.
Scientists today are beginning to understand that plants have an intelligence and ability to learn, remember, communicate, and cooperate. In a forest, trees exchange nutrients and information about threats and predators via an underground network of roots and fungi. Above ground, plants communicate using chemicals and scents to send warning of danger, deter predators, and invite pollinating insects. Studies have shown that plants respond to sound, specifically a noise made between 125 Hz and 250 Hz, like that produced by running water. Research also seems to be proving that plants have an awareness, both of themselves and their environment.