There’s an Herb for That – Part I

Whatever your need, there’s an herb to cover it. Boil ‘em, burn ‘em, stick ‘em in a stew, herbs are useful for whatever you do! The herbs used in magic number in the hundreds; the books about magical herbalism likewise number in the hundreds. However, on the cusp of Lunar Samhain, I’m going to narrow it down to those herbs that both banish (or exorcise) and are readily available in your local supermarket.

Here’s the list:

Basil
Clove
Cumin
Garlic
Horseradish
Leek
Mint
Onion
Pepper
Rosemary

Naturally, what herbs you use will depend on how you want to perform your banishing. On the other hand, how you perform your banishing may very well depend on what you already have in the house! Basil, clove, cumin, mint, and rosemary easily lend themselves to burning, whereas garlic (in powdered form), horseradish (dried, powdered), and pepper are best sprinkled in strategic places around the home. Onions cut in half will absorb negativity, while biting into a leek will drive away evil. As with everything else in magic, intent is the key.

If your intent is to expel negativity from your life, putting together a banishing incense is a great way to focus that intent while creating something unique. Let your nose and your spice cabinet be your guide, but be warned that even the most fragrant herbs might not smell the way you expect when combined. The good news is that it’s not the scent that’s important, but the vibrations. While you’re mixing your incense, speak your intent out loud. Your language does not need to be elegant and poetic, but it does need to move you. To banish something from your life requires resolve; you really have to feel what you’re doing.

Once you’ve made your incense, you’ll need to release its power by either burning it, or diffusing it. To burn it – unless you have ready access to a fireplace – you’ll probably need one of those charcoal blocks for incense that can be purchased online or in religious or occult supply stores. Place the block on an insulating layer of sand or salt inside a fireproof container, such as an ashtray or a small saucepan. Light the charcoal with a match or a lighter, give it time to heat up, and then sprinkle your incense over it. To diffuse your incense, you’ll need an aromatherapy oil diffuser and a tea light, both of which can be purchased at a thrifty place that has items for only a dollar. Simply place your incense in the top portion of the diffuser, light the tea light, and place it in the space underneath. The idea of both these methods is to let the scent fill the space, and your senses, driving out the energies you don’t want in your life.