Kitchen Essentials
If you are a cook, or a Kitchen Witch, these herbs are a must have. The aroma of these herbs can calm any temper, or bad mood. There is something wonderful about growing your own spices. The taste of fresh herbs in your dish is a true joy. Just walk outside, clip and cook.
Parsley
Petroselinum sativum
Folk Names: Devil's oatmeal, Percely, Persil, Pettresillie, Rock Parsley
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Deity: Persephone
Powers: Lust, Protection, Purification
Magical Uses:
Parsley provokes lust, and is helpful with fertility. If you are in love, don't cut parsley, it cuts love. Parsley is used in purification baths, and stops misfortune. It is said wearing a wreath of parsley prevents, or delays drunkenness. I however would not count on that.
Have you ever wondered why they put parsley on your plate when eating in a restaurant? This is a hoot. I'm sure they don't know either.. It guards your food from contamination!
Thrown into a fish pond, it is said to heal your fish. It's also a natural breath freshener.
Lore:
The herb is said to have been dedicated to Persephone and to funeral rites by the Greeks. That is why the relate the herb to death.
The Greeks held Parsley in high esteem, crowning the victors with chaplets of Parsley at the Isthmian games, and making with it wreaths for adorning the tombs of their dead. The herb was never brought to table of old, being held sacred to oblivion and to the dead. It was reputed to have sprung from the blood of a Greek hero, Archemorus, the forerunner of death, and Homer relates that chariot horses were fed by warriors with the leaves. Greek gardens were often bordered with Parsley and Rue.
Planting
This is my favorite herb above all others. Maybe because I relate to Persephone so much. For those that do not know this Deity, it's well worth your while to read up on her. I get what they call the winter blues. I don't feel better until spring. Persephone, Goddess of the Harvest,, was married to Hades, making her the queen of the underworld. When Hades took her away, he made a deal with Demeter, Persephone's mother, to let her stay with her certain months of the year. Each spring she comes up from the underworld. About the time she returns I feel right again.
Parsley is a bi-annual. If you keep the plant in well weeded areas it will re-seed itself. When the plant goes to seed you know it's done. I don't count on it re-seeding itself. I buy new seeds every year, because I must have several large plots of parsley. I not only depend on parsley because of the joy it brings, but I cook most everything with it. Because it's an annual, it's easy to control. From pots to plots, this plant is a must have!
It's a hardy herb. In a well protected area it will last through most of the winter. I manage to cook with it all the way past the winter holidays.
Cilantro
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is an annual herb that closely resembles parsley and is in the same family of plants (Apiaceae). This pungent herb is native of southern Europe and is commonly known as Coriander, Cilantro, or Chinese Parsley. Its name is said to be derived from koris, Greek for "bedbug" since the plant smelled strongly of the insect.
The leaves of cilantro are light green, feathery, and flat. The distinctive flavor of cilantro leaves is quite different from that of parsley. While the leaves are used as an herb, the dried seeds, called coriander seed, are used as a spice and have an entirely different taste.
Magical Uses:
Parsley provokes lust, and is helpful with fertility. If you are in love, don't cut parsley, it cuts love. Parsley is used in purification baths, and stops misfortune. It is said wearing a wreath of parsley prevents, or delays drunkenness. I however would not count on that.
Have you ever wondered why they put parsley on your plate when eating in a restaurant? This is a hoot. I'm sure they don't know either.. It guards your food from contamination!
Thrown into a fish pond, it is said to heal your fish. It's also a natural breath freshener.
Lore:
The herb is said to have been dedicated to Persephone and to funeral rites by the Greeks. That is why the relate the herb to death.
The Greeks held Parsley in high esteem, crowning the victors with chaplets of Parsley at the Isthmian games, and making with it wreaths for adorning the tombs of their dead. The herb was never brought to table of old, being held sacred to oblivion and to the dead. It was reputed to have sprung from the blood of a Greek hero, Archemorus, the forerunner of death, and Homer relates that chariot horses were fed by warriors with the leaves. Greek gardens were often bordered with Parsley and Rue.
Planting
This is my favorite herb above all others. Maybe because I relate to Persephone so much. For those that do not know this Deity, it's well worth your while to read up on her. I get what they call the winter blues. I don't feel better until spring. Persephone, Goddess of the Harvest,, was married to Hades, making her the queen of the underworld. When Hades took her away, he made a deal with Demeter, Persephone's mother, to let her stay with her certain months of the year. Each spring she comes up from the underworld. About the time she returns I feel right again.
Parsley is a bi-annual. If you keep the plant in well weeded areas it will re-seed itself. When the plant goes to seed you know it's done. I don't count on it re-seeding itself. I buy new seeds every year, because I must have several large plots of parsley. I not only depend on parsley because of the joy it brings, but I cook most everything with it. Because it's an annual, it's easy to control. From pots to plots, this plant is a must have!
It's a hardy herb. In a well protected area it will last through most of the winter. I manage to cook with it all the way past the winter holidays. Curled Parsley. This is my favorite. I have four different places I plant it. It has a stronger taste then the flat leaf Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is an annual herb that closely resembles parsley and is in the same family of plants (Apiaceae). This pungent herb is native of southern Europe and is commonly known as Coriander, Cilantro, or Chinese Parsley. Its name is said to be derived from koris, Greek for "bedbug" since the plant smelled strongly of the insect.
The leaves of cilantro are light green, feathery, and flat. The distinctive flavor of cilantro leaves is quite different from that of parsley. While the leaves are used as an herb, the dried seeds, called coriander seed, are used as a spice and have an entirely different taste.
The leaves of cilantro are light green, feathery, and flat. The distinctive flavor of cilantro leaves is quite different from that of parsley. While the leaves are used as an herb, the dried seeds, called coriander seed, are used as a spice and have an entirely different taste.
Magical Uses:
Parsley provokes lust, and is helpful with fertility. If you are in love, don't cut parsley, it cuts love. Parsley is used in purification baths, and stops misfortune. It is said wearing a wreath of parsley prevents, or delays drunkenness. I however would not count on that.
Have you ever wondered why they put parsley on your plate when eating in a restaurant? This is a hoot. I'm sure they don't know either.. It guards your food from contamination!
Thrown into a fish pond, it is said to heal your fish. It's also a natural breath freshener.
Lore:
The herb is said to have been dedicated to Persephone and to funeral rites by the Greeks. That is why the relate the herb to death.
The Greeks held Parsley in high esteem, crowning the victors with chaplets of Parsley at the Isthmian games, and making with it wreaths for adorning the tombs of their dead. The herb was never brought to table of old, being held sacred to oblivion and to the dead. It was reputed to have sprung from the blood of a Greek hero, Archemorus, the forerunner of death, and Homer relates that chariot horses were fed by warriors with the leaves. Greek gardens were often bordered with Parsley and Rue.
Planting
This is my favorite herb above all others. Maybe because I relate to Persephone so much. For those that do not know this Deity, it's well worth your while to read up on her. I get what they call the winter blues. I don't feel better until spring. Persephone, Goddess of the Harvest,, was married to Hades, making her the queen of the underworld. When Hades took her away, he made a deal with Demeter, Persephone's mother, to let her stay with her certain months of the year. Each spring she comes up from the underworld. About the time she returns I feel right again.
Parsley is a bi-annual. If you keep the plant in well weeded areas it will re-seed itself. When the plant goes to seed you know it's done. I don't count on it re-seeding itself. I buy new seeds every year, because I must have several large plots of parsley. I not only depend on parsley because of the joy it brings, but I cook most everything with it. Because it's an annual, it's easy to control. From pots to plots, this plant is a must have!
It's a hardy herb. In a well protected area it will last through most of the winter. I manage to cook with it all the way past the winter holidays. Curled Parsley. This is my favorite. I have four different places I plant it. It has a stronger taste then the flat leaf Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is an annual herb that closely resembles parsley and is in the same family of plants (Apiaceae). This pungent herb is native of southern Europe and is commonly known as Coriander, Cilantro, or Chinese Parsley. Its name is said to be derived from koris, Greek for "bedbug" since the plant smelled strongly of the insect.
The leaves of cilantro are light green, feathery, and flat. The distinctive flavor of cilantro leaves is quite different from that of parsley. While the leaves are used as an herb, the dried seeds, called coriander seed, are used as a spice and have an entirely different taste.
Bay Laurel
Petroselinum sativum The bay Tree is in the middle of this beautiful Cuban sage
Folk Names: Devil's oatmeal, Percely, Persil, Pettresillie, Rock Parsley
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Deity: Persephone
Powers: Lust, Protection, Purification
Laurus nobilis
Folk names: Baie, Bay, Bay Tree, Daphne, Greecian, Laurel, Laurier d'Apollon, Laurier Sauce,
Laurel beer, Noble Laurel, Roman Laurel, Sweet Bay
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Deities" Aesculapius, Apollo, Ceres, Faunus, Eros
Powers: Protection, Psychic Powers, Healing, Purification, Strength
Ritual uses:
Priestesses of Apollo chewed bay leaves to induce a prophetic state, and inhaled the fumes.
Used to celebrate Yule. used in honoring scholars and poets.At funerals it expressed the hope of resurrection, since it can revive after dying back to its roots.
Magical uses and Lore:
Bay is used for Clairvoyance and wisdom. So placing under your pillow, or burning is done for those reasons.
Bay is also a protection herb, and used for purification. Scott Cunningham says of it's use for this "par excellence"
It's used as an amulet to ward off negativity and evil, so it goes without saying useful in exorcism's. It's also said to be used for troublesome poltergeists.
Bay is planted to keep the owner from sickness, and to protect against lightening. Mix Bay with sandalwood to remove curses and evil spells. Bay is worn to give strength to those engaged in sports. Many times you see pictures of Greeks wearing a wreathe of bay. The Indians bound it about the head to get rid of head aches. So it has a duel purpose!
Write a wish on a Bay leaf, burn, and your wish will come true. Put Bay in your mouth it will ward off bad luck.
Bay is one of my very favorite plants. It's a tree more then a plant, and has to be indoors in the winter. I had a Bay Tree that my dog destroyed. In one years time it grew three feet. Needless to say I was heartbroken. The one shown here shares it's home with a wonderful Cuban Sage. What I have found is, the bigger the pot, the faster the growth.I don't do well with house plants, but I baby these ones. The one below is a Bay Bush, and it comes in the winter, with all my other potted herbs.
I use Bay in my vegetable soup, and other home made dishes.
Truly one of the best Kitchen Essentials
Thyme
Thymus vularis
Folk Names: Common Thyme Garden Thyme
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Air
Powers: Health, Healing, Sleep, Psychic Powers. Love, Purification, Courage
Magical uses:
Thyme can be burned for good luck, Used in healing spells. Put under a pillow, you will experience a good nights sleep, free of nightmares. Thyme is carried , and smelled to give courage and energy. If you wear thyme you may be able to see Fairies. Ladies can wear it to be irresistible. Also if you wear it, it helps with psychic powers.
Thyme is also a purificatory herb. The Greeks burned it in their temples, so burn it just before a ritual to cleanse the area. Spring cleaning with thyme and Marjoram will rid the house and person of sadness and ills.
Knights departing for the Crusades were given scarves embroidered with a spring of thyme from their loves. Herbalists of the middle ages regarded thyme as a stimulant and antispasmodic. They recommended sleeping on thyme and inhaling it as a remedy for depression and epilepsy.
Part of the Mint family, this herb can be grown for a spice or in rock gardens to accent your flowers. There are as many types of thyme as there is mint. I prefer the type that is low growing. As with mint it can take over. Make sure you give it lots of space, and don't be afraid to keep it cut back
Folk Names: Common Thyme Garden Thyme
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Air
Powers: Health, Healing, Sleep, Psychic Powers. Love, Purification, Courage
Magical uses:
Thyme can be burned for good luck, Used in healing spells. Put under a pillow, you will experience a good nights sleep, free of nightmares. Thyme is carried , and smelled to give courage and energy. If you wear thyme you may be able to see Fairies. Ladies can wear it to be irresistible. Also if you wear it, it helps with psychic powers.
Thyme is also a purificatory herb. The Greeks burned it in their temples, so burn it just before a ritual to cleanse the area. Spring cleaning with thyme and Marjoram will rid the house and person of sadness and ills.
Knights departing for the Crusades were given scarves embroidered with a spring of thyme from their loves. Herbalists of the middle ages regarded thyme as a stimulant and antispasmodic. They recommended sleeping on thyme and inhaling it as a remedy for depression and epilepsy.
Part of the Mint family, this herb can be grown for a spice or in rock gardens to accent your flowers. There are as many types of thyme as there is mint. I prefer the type that is low growing. As with mint it can take over. Make sure you give it lots of space, and don't be afraid to keep it cut back
Rosemary
Rosemarinus officinalis
Folk Names: Compass Weed, Dew of the Sea, Elf leaf, Guardrobe, Incenisier, Libanotis (green) Polar Plant, Sea Dew
Gender: Masuline
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Powers: Protection, Love, Lust, Mental Powers, Exorcism, Purification, Healing, Sleep, Youth
Magical Uses:
Rosemary, when burned emits powerful cleansing and purifying vibrations, so it's used for smudging. Very important in Magick, and is one of the oldest incenses. Under the pillow good sleep and no nightmares. Put under the bed for protection. Hung on the porch it protects against thieves. It's carried to stay healthy. A wreathe of rosemary helps with memory. Wood of the plant burned preserves youth.
Poppets of rosemary were made to help cure illness. Long since it's been made into incense for love and lust. It was used as a hand wash before a healing. Burned with juniper berries in sick rooms, it's healing properties are wide known. If you are looking for answers, burn rosemary on charcoal, and smell the smoke.
Rosemary is grown to see elves and Fairies. Powdered rosemary wrapped in linen cloth and bound to the right arm dispel depression and make the emotions light and merry. Rosemary is used as a substitute for frankincense.
I really love this herb, but it doesn't like me. I have vowed to find a way to grow it without it croaking on me
Folk Names: Compass Weed, Dew of the Sea, Elf leaf, Guardrobe, Incenisier, Libanotis (green) Polar Plant, Sea Dew
Gender: Masuline
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Powers: Protection, Love, Lust, Mental Powers, Exorcism, Purification, Healing, Sleep, Youth
Magical Uses:
Rosemary, when burned emits powerful cleansing and purifying vibrations, so it's used for smudging. Very important in Magick, and is one of the oldest incenses. Under the pillow good sleep and no nightmares. Put under the bed for protection. Hung on the porch it protects against thieves. It's carried to stay healthy. A wreathe of rosemary helps with memory. Wood of the plant burned preserves youth.
Poppets of rosemary were made to help cure illness. Long since it's been made into incense for love and lust. It was used as a hand wash before a healing. Burned with juniper berries in sick rooms, it's healing properties are wide known. If you are looking for answers, burn rosemary on charcoal, and smell the smoke.
Rosemary is grown to see elves and Fairies. Powdered rosemary wrapped in linen cloth and bound to the right arm dispel depression and make the emotions light and merry. Rosemary is used as a substitute for frankincense.
I really love this herb, but it doesn't like me. I have vowed to find a way to grow it without it croaking on me
Marjoram
Origanum majorrana O vulgare
Folk names: Joy of the Mountain, Knotted Marjorane, Marjolaine, Mountain Mint, Pot Marjoram, Sweet Marjoram, Wintersweet,
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Deities: Venus, Aphrodite
Powers: Protection, Love, Happiness, Health, Money
Magical uses:
Marjoram is used in love spells, and is added to food to strengthen love. Carried it is protective, as with it being placed around the house. Renew it once a month. When you grow it in the garden it gives shielding powers against evil.
Mix together violets and Marjoram and wear during the winter as an amulet against colds. Marjoram brings happiness. And used in Money spells and sachets.
From the Greek word Eros (mountain) and ganos (joy) it was given the name "joy of the mountain" The Greeks believed when Marjoram sprung from graves, their loved ones were happy in the after life. In Greek weddings couples wore the herb to symbolize the joyful event.
Marjoram is also part of the mint family, like oregano. Make sure you have plenty of room for this herb. As with mint it really takes over. I grow this along the edge of my rock garden. Cut back it makes a great rock growing, ground cover.
Pictured above: With the look of a mint, cut back it's a great ground cover.
Around my tree is spicy Oregano, and the light green is the Marjoram
Oregano
Origanum
There is so much confusion with Oregano, and Marjoram. all marjoram's are oregano's, but not all oregano's are marjoram's. Anyone that cooks with these herbs know this just by common sense. Needless to say because most people do not distinguish between the two, there is little to add in Magical properties. As for lore, much the same other then Oregano was thought to be a favorite to the Greek Goddess Aphrodite, Goddess of love. Also used to comfort the dead when it grew on their grave. If you anoint yourself with oregano before sleeping, you will dream of your future spouse.
Whether oregano or marjoram, they all are members of the Lamiaceae family, the mint family. Plants belonging to this family are easily recognized by their square stems and opposing pairs of leaves.
Myself of course I grow it because I love it, and use it in my kitchen. Like all the mint family it can take over. Keeping it contained is a battle. Cutting and pulling is always an option. You can also put it in a large plastic pot and put a large hole in the bottom, then bury it. Also like all the mint family there are many types of these herbs. Only you can say what one you will grow, make sure it's something useful to you
Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus
Folk names: Dragon's-mugwart French Tarragon, Fuzzy Weed
Powers: Love, Hunting,Strength, Independence, Recovering
Element: Fire
Deiity: Etruscan
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Mars
Magical uses:
This plant is part of the mugwort and wormwood family, and was used by Indians to attract love. It was rubbed on the clothes and body. Fuzzy Weed or Tarragon is carried to bring good luck on the hunt. is was said to cure the bites and stings of venomous beasts and mad dogs. Spiritually, the odor of tarragon stimulates a deeper sense of the true self. It also supports conscious or lucid dreaming, and astral travel.
Tarragon is an herb of consecration and brings a Magick which promotes compassion for others. It's also used as an aphrodisiacs and in love charms. In the Middle Ages people believed that whoever carried a branch of tarragon need fear no dragon or snake, and for centuries it was used to cure the bites of poisonous creatures. Now Tarragon is used for protection, to banish fear, and for cleansing. Plant tarragon around your house to protect against evil. Or, because tarragon winters well indoors, plant it in a pot and put it in a window with southern exposure for the same purpose.
Not much for the magical world, but this plant is essential in the kitchen.
Although the pictures look much like rosemary, the leaves and the stocks are much different. Tarragon also grows out, as rosemary grows more upward.
Chives
Planet: Mars
Gender:Masculine
Element: Fire
Chives of course are from the Onion family. So if you go to look it up in Scott Cunninham's book you won't find it under the name "Chives"
The gypsies of ancient times used chives in fortune telling. It was believed that you should hang bunches of dried chives around your house to ward off disease. The onion family was used to break hexes, and used in love spells.
Like many herbs on this page they are related to other plants, and share magical properties with all the relations. We are talking kitchen herbs here, and we know the taste of chives is not like the common Onion. It's a must have in cooking. Where we lived a good part of our yard was full of wild onions or chives. Mother liked to use the domestic chives because she loved the flowers, and we mowed over the wild stuff
Gender:Masculine
Element: Fire
Chives of course are from the Onion family. So if you go to look it up in Scott Cunninham's book you won't find it under the name "Chives"
The gypsies of ancient times used chives in fortune telling. It was believed that you should hang bunches of dried chives around your house to ward off disease. The onion family was used to break hexes, and used in love spells.
Like many herbs on this page they are related to other plants, and share magical properties with all the relations. We are talking kitchen herbs here, and we know the taste of chives is not like the common Onion. It's a must have in cooking. Where we lived a good part of our yard was full of wild onions or chives. Mother liked to use the domestic chives because she loved the flowers, and we mowed over the wild stuff
Basil
Ocimum Basilicum
Folk names: Albahaca, American Dittany, Our Herb, St Joseph's Wort, Sweet Basil, Witches Herb
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Deities: Vishnu, Erzulie
Powers: Love. Exorcism, Wealth, Flying, Protection
Magical uses:
Smelling the herb can sooth tempers between two people. It used in love incenses and sachets, and used as a natural "love parfum"
Put Basil in your pocket to attract wealth, or in your register or doorway for customers. Sprinkle it on your love to have them remain true. Basil on the floor, to keep evil from your home. It is also used in exorcism incenses and in purification baths.
Witches were said to drink basil juice before flying. It is said to be used in diet spells. This has to be done by someone other then the dieter, and without their knowledge. They will be unable to eat any dish where the basil is placed under it. Although that seems somewhat harsh! It's also used in new homes, to bring good luck!
Lore:
Basil was associated with the reptile Basilisk, whose breath and eye contact could kill. No I didn't get that from Harry Potter. I have noticed in her books she did her homework on real lore with herbs.
The ancient Greeks believed that basil would only grow if gardeners vilified it while sowing it. Some believed it was protection from Witches! PPfft!
My mother grew this herb everywhere, every year. Basil is an annual, so you must seed, or replant every season. This was above all a must in her garden. I have Ball jars full of this I saved from Mom's dried herbs. I don't use it as much as she did, but I try to have a few of these every year. The purple reseeds itself everywhere. The green I have to buy every year. Many find they can not do without Basil. If you are one of those, be sure to cut it back as it starts to seed. It takes away from the flavor.
Folk names: Albahaca, American Dittany, Our Herb, St Joseph's Wort, Sweet Basil, Witches Herb
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Deities: Vishnu, Erzulie
Powers: Love. Exorcism, Wealth, Flying, Protection
Magical uses:
Smelling the herb can sooth tempers between two people. It used in love incenses and sachets, and used as a natural "love parfum"
Put Basil in your pocket to attract wealth, or in your register or doorway for customers. Sprinkle it on your love to have them remain true. Basil on the floor, to keep evil from your home. It is also used in exorcism incenses and in purification baths.
Witches were said to drink basil juice before flying. It is said to be used in diet spells. This has to be done by someone other then the dieter, and without their knowledge. They will be unable to eat any dish where the basil is placed under it. Although that seems somewhat harsh! It's also used in new homes, to bring good luck!
Lore:
Basil was associated with the reptile Basilisk, whose breath and eye contact could kill. No I didn't get that from Harry Potter. I have noticed in her books she did her homework on real lore with herbs.
The ancient Greeks believed that basil would only grow if gardeners vilified it while sowing it. Some believed it was protection from Witches! PPfft!
My mother grew this herb everywhere, every year. Basil is an annual, so you must seed, or replant every season. This was above all a must in her garden. I have Ball jars full of this I saved from Mom's dried herbs. I don't use it as much as she did, but I try to have a few of these every year. The purple reseeds itself everywhere. The green I have to buy every year. Many find they can not do without Basil. If you are one of those, be sure to cut it back as it starts to seed. It takes away from the flavor.
Dill
Anethum graveolens
Folk Names: Aneton, Dill Weed, Dilly, Garden Dill
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mercury
Element: Fire
Powers: Protection, money, lust, Love
Magical uses:
Dill is protective when hung at the door and carried in protective sachets. Placed where children sleep it protects them. Placed over the door no one Ill-disposed or envious of you can enter. As dill has so many seeds it's used in money spells. Bath in dill and it makes you irresistible, and stimulates lust when eaten. They say dill cures the hiccoughs.
I love dill. It brings back memories of crocks filled with cucumbers in pickling salt. My poor mother always found less salted cucumbers in her crock then when she started. Us kids would pull the muck on the top to the side and snatch those bad boys.
Folk Names: Aneton, Dill Weed, Dilly, Garden Dill
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mercury
Element: Fire
Powers: Protection, money, lust, Love
Magical uses:
Dill is protective when hung at the door and carried in protective sachets. Placed where children sleep it protects them. Placed over the door no one Ill-disposed or envious of you can enter. As dill has so many seeds it's used in money spells. Bath in dill and it makes you irresistible, and stimulates lust when eaten. They say dill cures the hiccoughs.
I love dill. It brings back memories of crocks filled with cucumbers in pickling salt. My poor mother always found less salted cucumbers in her crock then when she started. Us kids would pull the muck on the top to the side and snatch those bad boys.