A Witch's Garden: Rosemary
(Rosemarinus officinalis) A popular herb found in many gardens (apparently introduced to the UK by the Romans), I have several in mine and it grows all year round. An evergreen plant with woody stems, narrow dark green leaves and tiny lilac colour flowers twice a year, once in the spring and again in the autumn. The whole plant is aromatic and has a habit of covering you in strongly scented oil whenever you handle the leaves. Greeks wore rosemary in their hair to help boost the power of memory. Traditionally rosemary was burnt as incense in houses that were stricken with illness; I like to also use it in my smudge sticks along with lavender and sage. Grow, carry with you or use in incense blends to bring about protection, healing and purification. It was often used in bridal bouquets for love and funeral wreaths for remembrance. Use a long piece of fresh rosemary and bend it into a circle, tie together with ribbon and hang in your home to bring protection. Burning rosemary as incense in your home apparently gets rid of unwanted guests or those that have outstayed their welcome. And yes…it is another one that was used for protection against witches… I have read that folklore states that rosemary will only flourish in the garden where the lady rules the house… (it grows really well in my garden)… Protection and Purification Rosemary Water Take a good handful of rosemary (flowers, leaves and stem) place it in a saucepan and cover with cold water, bring it to the boil, cover and simmer for about five minutes. Then transfer to a jug and allow to cool, strain and pour into bottles. This water is excellent to use for sprinkling around your home and property to cleanse and protect, to use for casting a circle in ritual or to cleanse and consecrate ritual tools. It can also be added to bath water or used as a hair rinse. Rosemary Magical Properties: Protection, love, lust, mental powers, exorcism, purification, healing, sleep Ruling planet – Sun Sign - Aries Element – Fire Gender – Masculine
Taken from A Kitchen Witch's World of Magical Plants & Herbs
