Humble rosemary.

An herb most of us have on hand already, it makes a wonderful cleansing herb. It is simple to cultivate, and most of the time you can find it fresh at your grocery store. It is a subtle herb, which is perfect for baby witches in the broom closet as it doesn’t arouse suspicion. It has many medicinal uses as well as magickal. This plant is truly a powerhouse!

There is so much buzz lately about the use of certain plants in spiritual practices, and what is appropriated or harmful to the environment. As with anything, it is important to do your own research. Remain respectful to any closed traditions or cultures that have been marginalized. Use local ingredients when possible, foraged respectfully always. Be mindful of any unintentional harm that may be caused by your use of certain plants.

Rosemary is a fairly guilt free herb. Its been cultivated widely across cultures for centuries, and is readily available to use for most folks. It can be bundled into a smoke wand, or burned loose on a charcoal disk. You can spray the oil in a mixture of water and witch hazel if you are not able to burn herbs. You can even ingest this herb for teas, and kitchen witchery. Consider the possibilities that are open to you and get creative!

Below you will find a page for your grimoire, as well as more info about this herb and its lore. If you find this information useful, be sure to let us know! Your feedback is so important to us!

Rosemary

Parts Used: leaves, stems, and sometimes roots

Smoke Properties: Spicy, Herbal

Used for protection, purification, love, fidelity, happiness, death, memory, and enhancing psychic ability. Also a substitute for frankincense by Hedge witches.

Folklore: Placed under a pillow, it will dispel nightmares.

Hung from a door frame, it protects from thieves. It is also used in the four thieves vinegar. The story goes that during the plague times, four thieves who were grave robbers came together and made vinegar to protect themselves from getting sick. One of the main ingredients was rosemary.

Traditionally placed in coffins, in the hands of the dead to represent remembrance. It is also scientifically proven to help improve memory.

An old saying goes “Where Rosemary flourishes, the woman rules”.

During times of plague, and in France, they burned Rosemary with Juniper in sick rooms to purify the air. A spring was also worn around the neck of folks to help protect against the plague.

It also corresponds with love and fidelity. Frequently used in hand-fasting ceremonies, and bouquets to help aid a marriage.

Sacred in Greek and Egypt culture.

Name means ‘Dew of the Sea’.

Harvesting: Rosemary is easily cultivated and prefers loose, well drained soil. I’ve always heard the saying, ‘Rosemary doesn’t like wet feet’. It is native in the Mediterranean, but is cultivated all over the world.

When wild harvesting any plant, never take more than you need and always leave an offering for the land spirits. This can be simple things like a bit of water, or bread, but can also be a song or kind words. Always speak your intentions aloud as you harvest, letting the plant know how it will be used, and ask for permission to work with the spirit. Never take more than 10 percent of a local population to prevent over harvesting. Be sure to consider the way you take any cuttings, using a clean sharp knife to prevent infection. Also be mindful of the moon cycles, because during a full moon plants will bleed more than during a new moon.

Specifically, when harvesting rosemary you never want to cut from a flowering plant. The ideal time to harvest is just before the plant flowers. This is because it is at its peak of oils, which is what makes it so effective medicinally. Wait to harvest from young plants until the stems have become woody, and cut from just above the hard stems.

Storage: For larger stems, bundle these together at one end and hang upside down until dried. This will preserve the most oil in the leaves and help to retain color. Make sure to leave your bundle open to air dry, and wait to tie shut to avoid mold and reduce drying time.

For smaller stems, allow to air dry on a screen.

Store in an airtight jar away from sunlight after dried to preserve the oil.

Side note: Rosemary also makes a beautiful yellow/green dye, which can be used on all manner of materials. To do so, collect at least 1/3 the weight of your cloth or object in rosemary. Add this to a non-reactive vessel and pour boiling water over the rosemary. Allow this to cool overnight and then strain. Mordant your item to be dyed with your choice, I prefer alum, or copper depending on your color preference. When in doubt, experiment!! Wet your item and submerse in dye bath. Heat in a water bath for a hour, at a steaming temperature (not boiling!) and allow to cool overnight. Allow your dyed item to dry before rinsing.