Herbs Of Yule: It’s almost Christmas and we’re already thinking about gifts, parties, and holiday cheer. But before you go shopping for presents, why not make sure you’ve got everything magical and witchy covered with these herbs of yule?
Herbs can be used in cooking (kitchen witchcraft), incense and spells (green witchcraft), and in your decor for general manifestation purposes. They are also great for cleansing and purification rituals.
Here are some of my favorite herbs that I use during the holiday season.
1. Bayberry
Bayberry is said to bring prosperity, peace, and happiness. It has been used in folk remedies for centuries and has been known for its beneficial effects such as fever reduction. Since ancient times, bayberry has been considered a sacred plant, especially among Native Americans; it was used to make candles.
As far as spellwork goes, bayberries offer protection against malicious energies and can be used to dispel harmful influences. If you need help casting a protection spell, try using bayberry leaves. These can be burned in a candle flame, then sprinkled around the area where you wish to protect yourself and others.
2. Blessed Thistle
The blessed thistle is known for its healing properties and has been used throughout history. It has long been a symbol of protection and good luck. In ancient times, it was believed to protect travelers and hunters.
Blessed thistle is traditionally used at Yule time as a protection charm and love potion. It can help to attract new love or maintain your current relationship.
3. Evergreen
Evergreens symbolize persistence, endurance, growth, and permanence. As such, they represent strong, resilient individuals who can weather any storm and persevere in spite of adversity. If you are feeling like your own strength is waning, look to the evergreen to remind you that you can always draw upon your inner resources to keep moving forward.
The scent of the evergreen will fill your mind with pleasant thoughts and memories of happier times spent together. Even though you cannot see the green leaves, you can still feel the warmth of the greenery surrounding you. Try planting a few evergreens around your home to create a protective barrier against negativity, and to give you the gift of strength during difficult times.
4. Cinnamon
Cinnamon can be used in spells to attract love, money, luck, or success. It can be burned as incense or sprinkled on food. The best time to do so is during the waxing phase of the moon. Use it in the kitchen or anywhere else you need a good fortune.
When it comes to magical properties, cinnamon is thought to protect against bad luck, improve memory, increase fertility, aid childbirth, attract love, enhance creativity, induce restful sleep, boost willpower, strengthen relationships, and dispel illness.
5. Holly
Holly has been revered since ancient times for its connection to winter, fertility, and rebirth. It’s thought to bring good luck and protection during travel. But more importantly, it’s often used in wreaths and garlands during the holiday season. If you need something to do around the holidays, try making your own holly garland!
Traditional uses include protection against fire, warding off bad luck and evil spirits, purification, healing, and fertility; as such it has been widely used in charms, amulets, and medicines, particularly in herbalism. It is thought to help protect against lightning strikes. The bright red berries are believed to aid witches and warlocks in detecting and locating lost objects.
However, remember that this plant is poisonous. Never ingest it. Learn more about holly before including it in your workings.
Today, holly continues to be popular among Christians and non-Christians alike as a symbol of good fortune and happiness during the holiday season. In modern culture, holly is frequently displayed on Christmas trees and wreaths.
6. Laurel
Laurel is known to symbolize protection, healing, wisdom, and strength. If a person uses laurel leaves in a spell, it can help him overcome obstacles in his life.
Laurel is believed to protect people from supernatural forces and evil beings. It can keep the soul safe from spiritual attacks. Wearing laurel leaves during a difficult time in your life will give you courage and strength.
When you prepare a ritual with laurel leaves, you will attract positive energies toward you. Use laurel leaves in a charm to bring luck and wealth.
7. Mistletoe
Mistletoe is known for its ability to ward off evil. Witches place mistletoe under doors and windows to protect houses and families from fireballs, ghosts, and poltergeists.
If a witch wanted to keep her enemies out, she would hang mistletoe in her home.
Another way to use mistletoe is in spell casting. One method involves placing mistletoe between two candles and lighting them together. This creates a smoke that helps dispel negativity. Another method entails hanging mistletoe in a window. By doing so, you can invite good luck into your home.
Mistletoe has been used throughout history as a symbol of love. Some countries still revere mistletoe as a symbol of fertility.
In addition to being a symbol of good luck, mistletoe is also a herb of yule. Yule is the old name for winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.
8. Oak
Oak is one of the most important tree species in the world. It provides us with food, shelter, medicine, clothing, and fuel.
The oak is associated with Thor. It represents growth, wisdom, prosperity, and abundance. The tree was sacred to the Druids and was used in their ceremonies.
Witches believe that the oak protects them from harm. They use oaks in spells to attract money, health, and success.
9. Pine
Pine is another very important tree. It is an evergreen coniferous tree native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
It is considered sacred by many cultures because of its association with mars and the element of fire. As such, pine is often used in rituals involving fire and rebirthing the sun in the cold winter months.
Pine is also said to represent rebirth and new beginnings.
The pine cone symbolizes the cycle of life, death, and renewal. It represents the beginning of a new season or year.
10. Yellow Cedar
One of the world’s most durable woods, yellow cedar is used in witchcraft for divination and magickal purposes.
Yellow cedar is used in spells to attract money and prosperity. It is also used to cleanse homes and purify spaces. If you are looking for a job, you might want to try using this wood in your spellcasting.
11. Rosemary
Rosemary is a beautiful shrub that grows wild in Europe and North America. It is a member of the mint family and is closely related to oregano.
This herb is used in spells to promote happiness, love, and joy. You can use rosemary in a spell to attract someone special into your life.
12. Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a spice that comes from the fruit of the nutmeg tree. It is commonly used in baking and cooking.
Nutmeg is used in spells to encourage creativity, self-expression, and passion. It is also used in spells to attract wealth and prosperity.
At Christmas time, people use nutmeg in baked foods to bring good fortune.
13. Ginger
Ginger is a root vegetable that is widely used in Asian cuisine. It is also known as Zingiber officinale.
Ginger is used in spells to help you get rid of bad habits and negative energy. It is also used for protection against evil spirits. During the Winter Solstice, ginger is used in spells to protect against dark forces.
14. Spruce
Spruce is a deciduous coniferous tree native primarily to northern forests.
Spruce is used in spells to increase spiritual awareness and intuition. It is also used during the holiday season to ward off evil spirits.
15. Frankincense
Frankincense is a resin produced by trees in the genus Boswellia. It has been used since ancient times as incense and perfume.
Frankincense is used in spells to enhance spirituality, psychic abilities, and emotional healing. It is also used as an aphrodisiac.