Weeds plague the gardens everywhere. From good old fashion pulling to chemical warfare, we have devised many common and unusual methods for ridding our yards of “Pesky Weeds”.
In our efforts to create the perfect lawn and exquisitely manicured garden beds, we have forgotten that these so called weeds are useful plants. As we realize their benefits we begin to remember their uses as medicine, food, subjects of lore, and spell components.
Here, we will take a look at 5 common plants we tend to think of as weeds. Let’s take a look at their beneficial Magickal properties ways you can use them in your Magickal practice.
Chickweed
(Stellaria media)
Also known as: Adder’s Mouth, Satin Flower, Starwort, Winterweed, among others.
Appearance: This plant forms large mats of foliage and small and white flowers. The small flowers are quickly followed by the seed pods.
Element: Water
Planet & Gender: Moon, Feminine
Parts of plant used: Leaves, flowers and stem
Magickal Uses: Ensure Fidelity and Love Magick
This herb is used in love spells and spells directed at ensuring fidelity in a relationship. Leaves and stems can be dried and used in sachet or mojo bags.
Chicory
(Cichorium intybus)
Also known as: Succory, Wild Cherry
Appearance: A somewhat woody plant with bright blue/periwinkle colored flowers. In the USA it is sometime confused with curly endive. They are closely related but not the same.
Element: Air
Planet & Gender: Sun & Masculine
Parts of plant used: Whole Plant
Magickal Uses: Removing obstacles, promote frugality, and influence favors from others.
Chicory can be eaten, carried, sprinkled in tea, and burned as incense. Use to anoint your body and use in ritual bathing. Place fresh flowers on your altar during spell work or carry it in sachet or mojo bag.
Dandelion
(Taraxacum officinale)
Also known as: The Wishing Flower, Blow Ball, Lion’s Tooth
Appearance: 5–25 cm long leaves, with basal forming a rosette above the centralized taproot.
Element: Air
Planet & Gender: Jupiter & Masculine
Parts of plant used: The whole plant, including the seeds
Magickal Uses: Calling spirits, Divination, Wishes
Probably the best known use for this plant is in wishing. It is a tradition to pick the fuzzy seed bulb and blow the seeds in the wind as you internally ask for your wish.
Other uses vary from using dandelion in Magickal recipes, to using dandelion in mojo or sachet bags. Dandelions are edible and are a tasty addition to a variety of Magickal recipes
Other uses vary from using dandelion in Magickal recipes, to using dandelion in mojo or sachet bags. Dandelions are edible and are a tasty addition to a variety of Magickal recipes
To summon spirits, conduct a summoning ritual where you write the name of the spirit you wish to summon on a dried dandelion leaf. Burn the leaf in your altar fire to request the spirit’s presence.
Horsetail
(Equisetum arvense)
Also known as: Bottle Brush, Dutch Rushes, Paddock Pipes, Pewterwort, Snakegrass, and Shavegrass
Appearance: The leaves of horsetails are arranged in spirals fused into sheaths. The stems are green and are hollow, jointed and ridged with usually 6-40 ridges.
Element: Earth
Planet & Gender: Saturn & Feminine
Parts of plant used: Stem and Leaves
Magickal Uses: Fertility rights, Snake Charming
Hang try horsetail stems on your bed post or above your bed to increase your chances of conception. Horsetail can also be used in fertility mixtures, that can be placed in mojo bags and sachet Magick. Some say a flute or whistle made of horsetail will charm snakes and call them to the player.
Plantain
(Plantago lanceolata)
Also known as: CooCoo’s Bread, English plantain, narrowleaf plantain, ribwort plantain, ribleaf, buckhorn plantain, buckhorn, and White Man’s Foot.
Appearance: Erects long stems that product a small whitish-brown flower clusters. The leaves are usually long and wide with fibrous veins.
Element: Earth
Planet & Gender: Venus & Feminine
Parts of plant used: Leaves
Magickal Uses: Healing, Repel Snakes, Protection, Physical Strength
Hang from windows, doors, and in the car to protect against Evil spirits. Can also be used in mojo bags and sachet Magick. Place leaves in your shoes when walking long distances to aid in increasing physical stamina.
The more we know about the plants around us the more we can appreciate their value and benefits in Magickal and mundane life. In addition to their Magickal uses these plants also have medicinal benefits. Many provide us with necessary antioxidants, micro and macro nutrients.
Check out part two of this post 5 More Common Weeds and their Magickal properties
Post Notes:
It is important to harvest plants in a chemical free environment. It is also very important to consult a healthcare professional and/or an experienced, licensed herbalist before you begin any herbal regimen.
Enjoyed this and thanks for your efforts love and light always…