5 herbs for all your winter witchery needs
I don't know about y'all, but in my corner of the world, this is about the time of year when winter starts to creep in. The days are getting colder, the nights are getting longer, and things are winding down for the end of the year.
I love working with seasonal plants in my practice as a way of connecting with the changing of the seasons. Below are a few plants that are really great for this. I've tried to prioritize plants that are accessible -- these are either easy to forage throughout North America, Europe, and Australia, or can be purchased affordably at most grocery stores.
Pine (Pinus spp.) is the plant I associate most strongly with winter, probably because of Christmas trees. Magically, pine is associated with healing, cleansing, and protection. White pine (Pinus strobus) is used as a cold and flu remedy in Appalachian folk medicine. (Please be aware that not all pine species are edible and that I share this fact for educational purposes only.) Appalachian lore also says that pine trees comfort a troubled mind. Scott Cunningham specifically mentions burning pine needles during the winter to purify and cleanse the home and scattering needles on the floor to drive away evil. Like all evergreens, pine is associated with vitality and resilience. Pine is a wonderful plant ally for all cleansing and healing magic, especially during winter.
Holly (Ilex aquifolium) is another very wintery plant. Holly is very strongly protective, and planting it outside the home is said to protect inhabitants from evil spirits and witchcraft. Depending on the culture, carrying holly is sometimes seen as good luck and sometimes seen as bad luck. In British folklore, holly is associated with the Holly King, a figure who represents winter. I decorate my home with holly during Yule for protection and good luck, and as a nod to British folk traditions.
Ivy (Hedera helix) is yet another evergreen plant associated with winter. It is associated with protection and healing. Ivy is said to protect from bad luck and to bring good luck when carried. It is also sometimes used in spells for love and romantic commitment. The flexible vines can be used to bind spell bundles and can be incorporated into seasonal decorations. You might consider decorating your home with holly and ivy together for strong protection during the winter.
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is THE winter flavor, at least here in the United States. Once pumpkin spice season ends, peppermint season begins. Like pine, peppermint is strongly associated with healing and with cleansing. It is specifically associated with healing headaches. Peppermint is also used in love spells and spells to strengthen psychic abilities. Author Rebecca Beyer says that mint was associated with the dead in ancient Greece and can be worn as protection against witches. Peppermint can be used in any spells related to improving happiness and loving feelings. (Kitchen magic is a great option here!)
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) brings warm, fiery solar energy into our winter spells. It is associated with spirituality, healing, protection, sexuality, wealth, and love. Cinnamon is also strongly associated with success and is said to lend power to spells. It is considered a solar plant, meaning it is ruled by the Sun in Western astrology. Because the Sun is an important part of many pagan winter solstice traditions, cinnamon may be used in these celebrations. If you are someone who finds your energy levels are lower in the winter, you might work with cinnamon for an energy boost.
These plants can be added to spell candles or charms, used to decorate a seasonal altar, or given as offerings to spirits associated with winter. Some, like pine and peppermint, can be burned as incense while others, like peppermint and cinnamon, can be used in kitchen witchcraft. As always, you should research drug interactions and talk to your doctor before using any herb internally.
Further Reading:
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham
Wild Witchcraft by Rebecca Beyer
