Alt. Herbs for Smoke Cleansing- Eucalyptus
There has been a lot of buzz lately in the spiritual community about the use of certain herbs for the practice of smoke cleansing. We thought it might be helpful to educate folks on other options you can bring into your practice. There are so many magickal plants at our disposal, but not all of them are locally available. Use what works for you while keeping in mind what is respectful to the land and how the plants propagate. What good is a tool that has been gathered in a way that harms the earth, or the plant itself? It’s important to consider those energies when using anything from nature in your practice, like herbs, crystals, bones, or shells.
One of the beautiful things about the eucalyptus plant is how prolific it is! There are over seven hundred species of this plant, each with its own magick. Generally speaking, this plant is native to Australia, however it can be quite easily found growing as an invasive species in the US and many other countries. You can even buy fresh Eucalyptus at a lot of grocery stores! You can source this plant without causing harm and it can be used very similarly to white sage.
The leaves of this plant are most frequently used for burning, but you can also diffuse the oil to get the same benefits. This is great news for all those with sensitive noses or those who can’t burn things in their homes!
Near the end of the blog is a printable page for you to include in your grimoire, if you choose to do so. You can find more info about the magickal properties of Eucalyptus below!
Eucalyptus
Planets: Moon, Venus, Mercury | Elements : Water, Air | Zodiac: Aquarius | Chakra: Throat | Gods: Mercury | Goddess: Venus
Parts Used: Leaves collected from windfallen branches, essential oil, bark
Smoke: Light, herbal, spicy, warm, slightly floral
Properties: Cleanses and removes negative energy, repels enemies and evil, protection, purification, prosperity, creates less harsh energetic boundaries.
Folklore: Eucalyptus trees are said to have roots so deep that they bring gold up into the plant, and then expel it through the leaves, which is why they are great for prosperity work.
If you carry a leaf in your shoe or pocket, it will protect you from harm.
Leaves can be used to help aid in dreamwork and to boost divination by adding it to an herbal incense or satchel.
Frequently used in healing remedies for colds and congestion because its vapors help unblock the throat. Also, this is why it is used to help open the throat chakra.
Helps vulnerable folks to put up energetic barriers between themselves and abusers. The smoke from this plant is more delicate type of a protection barrier, so this is great if you are worried about a harsh energetic bounce back.
Aboriginal Austrailians considered this tree sacred because it represents all of the spirit realms; the underworld, Earth, and Heaven.
Comes from Greek ‘eu’- meaning ‘well’ and ‘kaluptos’- concealed.
Trees are so full of oils, they are known to explode in times of fire or when struck by lightning, so they can be related to the tower card in tarot.
Used by the Kulin people to make bowls, canoes, spears, and shields. This ancestral connection is one of the main reasons Eucalyptus has such a strong protection energy. This is also why it relates heavily to the water elemental.
To Harvest: If you live in an area where you can find this plant in the wild, consider foraging it for yourself. Bring a small bag for collecting the leaves and something to leave for the land as an offering; this can be a beautiful rock you found on your walk, a small piece of bread, or some moon water. The important thing is that you give thanks and leave something in place of what you are taking.
Always be conscious of the things you are leaving, make sure they won’t do any damage to the ecosystem - things like seeds, salt, or glitter can be very harmful. Another option is to pick up trash as an offering instead of leaving something physical behind. Service is a great way to show that your intentions are helpful and may help you gain favor with the local spirits.
When collecting leaves, look for branches that have fallen because of the wind, or those that may have been pruned by neighbors. Avoid picking leaves directly off the tree. As a rule of thumb, I like to never take more than I need and NEVER take more than 10% of a local population. This won’t be as much of an issue with this plant, because its leaves are so abundant. However, this practice ensures that you will always have a local supply to come back to.
Be sure to speak your intentions aloud (whispering is fine), making it clear your magickal intentions for the leaves and asking for permission to take them. After doing this, collect your eucalyptus leaves! Be sure to keep them out of sunlight and label them well.
Personally, I love to use Eucalyptus because of its connection to Southern California, where much of my family is from. Whenever I see these towering trees I am reminded of my grandmother, who has inspired me in so many different ways. I burn this herb for protection and I can feel the spirit of the place enveloping my sacred space. This energy is so powerful for me.
You too can call upon your personal history when you burn herbs for purification and protection. Is there a plant that calls to your ancestral home, or a place that you hold sacred? Consider this plant in your future practice. It will have much more personal power for you and be that much more effective for it. I find that collecting my magickal supplies helps to make the spells more powerful and effective. Plus you get to learn more about your local environment!