CELTIC HERBS







Alder: A druid sacred tree. A whistle made of Alder is the basis for the old superstition of whistling up the wind.


Apple, Domestic: A Druid sacred tree. Apple cider can be used as a substitute for blood.


Ash:A druid sacred tree. Druid Shamanic wands were often made of ash.


Betony: A Druid sacred herb. This was a magical herb used to expel the power of evil spirits, nightmares, and despair. It was burned at Summer Solstice for purification and protection.


Birch: A Druid sacred tree. The bark was used for purification, especially during childbirth.


Blackthorn: A Druid sacred tree. It's thorns were used in negative magic.

Broom: Also known as Scotch or Irish Broom. A Druid sacred tree. Burned at the Spring Equinox, it purified and protected.

Catnip: A Druid sacred herb. Chewed by warriors for fierceness in battle

Cedar: A Druid sacred tree. Ancient Celts on the Mainland used cedar oil to preserve heads of enemies taken in battle. To draw Earth energy, to ground yourself place the palms of your hands against the ends of the needles.

Cherry, Wild: A Druid sacred tree. Chips of the wood or bark were burned at Celtic festivals.


Club Moss: A Druid sacred herb. Among the Celts, only a priest or priestess could gather club moss. The plants and spores were collected in July and August for use in blessings and protection.

Elder: A Druid sacred tree. Sacred to the Celtic White Lady and the Summer Solstice. The Druids used it both to bless and curse. Elder wands drive out evil and negativity. Standing under and elder tree at Midsummer, like standing in a ring of Faery Mushrooms, will help you see the Little People.

Eyebright: A Druid sacred herb that promotes clairvoyance.

Ferns: The Druids classified ferns as sacred trees. Uncurled fronds of the male fern were gathered at Midsummer, dried and carried for good luck. All ferns are powerful protective plants and faeries are especially attracted to them.

Fir, Silver: A Druid sacred tree. Also known as the Birth Tree. Burning needles or sweeping around the bed with a branch blessed and protected a mother and her new baby.

Foxglove: This is a Poisonous plant! A Druid sacred herb, associated with the Little People and Otherworld beings.

Furze: Also known as gorse or whin. A druid Sacred tree, whose flowers were associated with the Spring Equinox.

Hawthorne: A Druid sacred tree. Wands of this wood have great power.

Hazel: A Druid sacred tree. Faeries are attracted to hazel. Healing wands are made from its wood, as are water divining sticks.

Heather: A Druid sacred herb. Associated with Summer Solstice.

Holly: A Druid sacred tree, sacred to the Winter Solstice because of its red berries and evergreen leaves.
Hops: A Druid sacred herb used for sleep and healing.
Ivy, English: POISIONOUS! A Druid sacred herb. Connected with the Winter solstice.
Juniper: A druid Sacred tree. Its berries were used with thyme in incenses.
Marigold: A Druid sacred herb. The Druids believed that Marigold water made from the blossoms, then rubbed on the eyelids helped one to see faeries.
Meadowseet: One of the three most sacred hers to the Druids. The other two are mint and vervain (verbena).
Mint: A Druid sacred herb. Burning mint cleanses the area.
Mistletoe: POISIONOUS! It was the most sacred tree of the Druids, and it ruled Winter Solstice.
Mugwort: A Druid Sacred herb. Was placed in barns to protect cows from the influence of faeries. The herbs powers are strongest when picked on a Full Moon. Gather at the Summer solstice for good luck, and rub on ritual tools to increase power.
Nuts and Cones: Sacred to the Druids; very magical, especially in fertility magick. Small cones or acorns were sometimes used on the tips of wands used by the Celts.
Oak: A druid holy tree. The oak was the king of trees in the grove. Magick wands were made of its wood. Oak galls, sometimes called "Serpent Eggs", were used in magickal charms. Acorns gathered at night held the greatest fertility powers. The Druids and other magickal pracitioners listened to the rustling leaves and the wrens in the trees for divinatory messages.
Pine: Sacred to the Druids, the pine was known as one of the seven chieftan trees of the Irish. Burn the needles inside for purification. To purify and sanctify an outdoor ritual area, brush thr ground with a pine branch.
Rowan: Its seeds are poisonious! A Druid sacred tree and sacred to the Goddess Brigit. A very magickal tree used for wands, rods, amulets and other spell objects. A forked rowan branch can help find water. It is believed to be a powerful charm against evil spirits.
Rue: The ancient Celts considered rue an antimagickal her; it is a defense against spells and drak magic. If burned it routs negativity and gets things moving.
St. John's Wort: A Druid sacred herb. The Celts passed it through the smoke of the summer solstice fire, then wore it into battle for invincibility. The people of Scotland wore it as a charm against faery influence.
Holy Thistle: A Druid sacred herb. Primarily for protection and strength.
Thyme: A Druid sacred herb. Repels negativity and depression.
Trefoil: Aslo known as shamrock, or searaog. A Druid sacred herb, w3hich symbolizes all triple deities. Always leave something in payment when you take trefoil, because it is a favorite herb of the Little People and faeries. A pinch of Ginger or a little milk poured onto the ground are acceptable gifts.
Vervain or Verbena: A Druid sacred herb, common in many druididic rites and incantations. Offerings of this herb were placed on altars.
Willow: A Druid sacred tree; one of the seven sacred trees of the Irish. the willow is a Moon tree sacred to the Goddess. its grooves were considered so magickal that priests, priestesses and artisans sat among the trees to gain eloquence, inspiration, skills, and prophecies.
Woodruff: A Druid sacred herb which acquires its scent after drying.
Wormwood: An accumulative poison! A Druid sacred herb which was very magickal as well as sacred to Moon deities. Burn on Samhain to aid evocation, divination, scrying and prophecy. Combine with Mugwort for added effect.
Yew: The berries are poinsionous! A Druid sacred tree. Sacred to the Winter Solstice and deities of death and rebirth. The Irish used it to make dagger handles and bows.



HERBS PART II - For The Pagan /Shaman



Buckeye: Attracts money and wealth, and can be used to help alleviate the pain of arthritis and rheumatism when held in the hand. Also useful to have near when performing any act of divination. Just don't leave them outside on your balcony, or the birds will take them away...they must have magickal properties we are not yet aware of!!!

CATNIP: Catnip is ruled by the planet Venus, and is therefore useful in love, beauty, and happiness spells. One of my favorite uses for catnip is; "cat magick", If you feed your cat some catnip, it will build a psychic bond between you and your cat! You can also make a pink sachet and fill it with Catnip to wear or carry to draw love to you. Another fun use for catnip is to grow some in your home. Aside from pleasing your cat, this will draw positive vibrations and good luck to you and to your house.

CEDAR CHIPS-- Useful in healing, purification, protection, and money-drawing spells. Burn cedar chips on a charcoal disc to purify an area...burning cedar chips is also useful for inducing and strengthening psychic powers. You can keep a little green sachet filled with cedar chips in your purse or wallet to draw money.

CHAMOMILE-- Chamomile is useful in spells for luck and gambling as well. Make a green amulet and fill with Chamomile Flowers to carry as a good-luck amulet.

CINNAMON -- Cinnamon is a wonderful herb to either burn as an incense or make into a sachet. Fill a green or gold sachet with Cinnamon to draw money and success or to use as a healing charm. A purple sachet can be used to increase your magickal and/or psychic powers. A pink or red sachet of Cinnamon can be worn, carried with you, or placed under your bed to draw love or to promote lust. Use a white sachet filled with Cinnamon to increase your spirituality and to confer protection.

CLOVES -- Their magickal properties include banishing evil (exorcism), clearing your head, protection, love, and money. Burn cloves as an incense to draw wealth and prosperity, drive away hostile and negative forces, produce positive spiritual vibrations, and purify the area in which they are burned. Wear or carry cloves to draw members of the opposite sex to you. Using cloves in your magickal spells is said to ensure that your magickal intention is realized.

DRAGON'S BLOOD -- Dragon's Blood is a resin which comes from a palm tree. Uses for Dragon's Blood include love, protection, and exorcism.

EUCALYPTUS -- This is the best herb I know of for healing, and can be used for protection as well. Carry some of the leaves with you for protection. To relieve a cold or other respiratory infection, ring green candles with the leaves and pods and visualize yourself as healed. Allow the candles to burn down completely.

FRANKINCENSE TEARS-- Magickal properties similar to Myrrh (below). Use these cute little beads to drive out negativity and enhance positive vibrations. You can crush them and use them as an incense on a charcoal disc. Frankincense incense induces visions and is useful as an aid to meditation. You can also make a little white or purple sachet of Frankincense and carry it with you to aid in your spiritual growth. A sachet of Frankincense Tears can also be used as a protective amulet.

HIGH JOHN-- This is an extremely potent herb, probably due to its affinity with the planet Mars. High John is useful in spells for winning and success, psychic powers, protection, love, and "making things happen. Annoint a root with Peppermint Oil and tie up in a green sachet. Carry this with you to attract prosperity, wealth, and success. You can also carry a yellow sachet to stop depression, or pink to draw love. THIS HERB IS POISONOUS IF EATEN, SO BE SURE TO KEEP IT OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN AND PETS!!!

IRISH MOSS -- This herb is great to use in spells for money, luck, and protection. You can carry some with you or place some in your home to increase your luck and to ensure a steady flow of money into your house or pocket. Some place it under the rugs in their house for these purposes. Carry a little amulet filled with Irish Moss with you while travelling, for protection.

LAVENDAR FLOWERS -- Wonderful for use in love spells. Lavendar has long been known to be a particularly attractive scent to men...Lavendar Flowers can be sprinkled around the house to bring peacefulness, and can also be burned as an incense to help you sleep. Lavendar has also been used for protection, chastity, longevity, purification, and happiness.

MUGWORT-- Mugwort can be used as an incense (mixed in equal parts with Sandalwood)to aid in strengthening Psychic Powers. Try using it while scrying or before divination!!! Mugwort can also be placed next to the bed to aid in achieving astral projection. Its other magickal uses include strength, protection, prophetic dreams, and healing...

MYRRH-- Myrrh is a wonderful herb to use in spells for spirituality. Its other magickal uses include protection, healing, and exorcism. It is often combined with Frankincense to increase its power. Burn as an incense to purify an area. Use the smoke from the incense to purify and bless charms, amulets, talismans, magickal jewelry, tools, etc.

PEPPERMINT-- Peppermint makes a wonderful tea to increase your psychic ability (drink some before reading the Tarot, consulting runes, scrying, dowsing, etc.). Drinking Peppermint tea is also useful for healing (especially stomach aches), producing visions, and helping with sleep. The herb can also be sprinkled around your home for purification.

ROSE BUDS / PETALS -- These are wonderful for use in spells to draw love...use red for passionate love, pink or white for romantic, or true love. You can also place a single rose in a vase on your altar as a powerful love-drawing aid. To make a love candle melt several pink household size candles over low heat. When they are completely melted, remove from heat, add several pink or red rose buds (ground) and 20 to 30 drops of Rose Oil. Pour into a prepared glass jar (with wick and metal tab attached). Allow the candle to cool and harden, and burn on the first Friday after the New Moon to draw love to you. Rose buds/petals can also be used for psychic powers (especially when used for a tea), healing, protection, and luck...

ROSEMARY -- This is a wonderful all-purpose herb that you can't afford to be without! Rosemary can be used as a substitute for just about any herb. Its powers include love, lust, protection, exorcism, purification, healing, longevity, youth, mental powers, and sleep...Rosemary is a wonderful incense...smoulder a bit of it to emit powerf ul clean sing and purifying vibrations and to rid negativity in the area in which it is burned (especially helpful to burn before performing any magick!) Place a bit of rosemary under your pillow to ensure a good night 's sleep. Wear rosemary to aid your memory (especially helpful when you are studying for an exam). Add an infusion of rosemary to your bathwater to perserve youthfulness and to purify you. Carry a bit of rosemary with you to remain healthy. Hang a sprig of rosemary above your door posts.

SAGE -- Sage is useful for protection, healing, wealth, fulfilling wishes, and spells to increase longevity. One of my favorite uses for Sage is to powder some and add to my homemade yellow candles. These I burn on a Wednesday during the Waxing Moon to increase knowledge and wisdom.

SANDALWOOD -- Sandalwood has many magickal uses, including protection, spirituality, exorcism, healing, and wish fulfillment. Scatter sandalwood powder around your home to clear it of negativity. Use in healing and exorcism spells. Write a wish on a sandalwood chip and burn in your cauldron. As it burns it sets your magick flowing. Sandalwood mixed with Lavendar makes a wonderful incense which is intended to conjure spirits.

VIOLET FLOWERS-- These are wonderful for using in amulets for good luck and fortune. They also work well in spells for lust and passion -- they are powerful love stimulants and also arouse lust...try mixing them with Lavendar Flowers for a potent combination. They are also useful in spells for protection, wishes, peace, and healing...

YARROW -- A wonderful herb to use in love spells!!! Also works to draw courage and to purify (exorcism). Drink as a tea to increase your psychic powers. Wear a sprig of yarrow for protection. Hold some in your hands when you are afraid. This will stop all fear and give you courage. Carry some with you to draw love and to attract friends.