Rosemary is probably the most common herb you hear about. Low maintenance and easy to grow (unless you are me, HA HA). But all jokes aside, this herb is used for a multitude of things. You can use it in the kitchen, use it medically and use it magically. In this post we will dive into how this herb was used throughout history and what it can do for you and your health. We will not be stopping there though. We’re going to also dive into rosemary’s magical properties and magical correspondences.
Rosemary Used Through History
Rosemary has been commonly used in many ways throughout history. It has been recorded on tablets dating back to 5000 BC.
In Ancient Times, rosemary symbolized fertility and continues to be this symbol to this day.
Was used in many celebrations such as weddings, funerals, festivals, and ritual ceremonies. Churches and communal areas were decorated with this herb during these festivities.
During a wedding, the bride would wear a wreath made from rosemary around her head. This symbolized love and fidelity. Branches of rosemary were tied with colorful ribbon and handed out to the guests at the wedding. These branches symbolized love and loyalty.
During funerals, sprigs of rosemary were handed out to mourners that were placed on the deceased’s casket once it was lowered into the ground.
Egyptians would place sprigs in the pharaoh’s tombs. This was to protect the soul of the pharaoh.
It has been an old custom to burn rosemary for many reasons. During the Middle Ages, it was burned to ward off evil spirits and negative energies. Rosemary was also used throughout history for the sick. This was commonly used during the time of the plague. Rosemary was burned in the room that the sick resided. Often times it was burned with juniper. This was believed to prevent the spread of infection as well as purify the air.
Let us not forget that rosemary has also been used in the kitchen for centuries. Having the reputation for strengthening the memory, almost everyone used rosemary in some way in their life.
Gods representing Rosemary
Of course there is a link between this wonderful herb and the Gods. The Greek goddess Mnemosyne represents rosemary in ancient Greek mythology. Mnemosyne means “memory”. Aphrodite was also associated with rosemary being that Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of love.
Did you know: 100lbs of rosemary flower tops only make up to 8oz of essential oil
Rosemary Health Properties
Now the list of health properties isn’t the longest, but that doesn’t mean that you should sell this herb short. You can use this herb as a tea, tonic, wine or oil. The oil is not for consumption, but for external uses.
Do not ingest this herb or forms of it without consulting your doctor first. Some people have different reactions to different things. Also, you need to know the right dosages that are SAFE for you.
One thing that rosemary can help with is our youthfulness. Use the oil for wrinkles, cellulite, and varicose veins. Use also as a hair stimulant. Massage in your hair to stimulate your hair follicles. It can also be used to help prevent the early stages of balding. You can use the oil to massage on your temples to help with tension headaches.
Make into a tea to help with headaches. This would also be good when dealing with a cold or any nervous diseases such as depression and anxiety.
Rosemary can be made into wine. This is said to help stimulate the kidneys when taken in small doses. It is also believed that it can ease heart palpitations.
Rosemary Magical Properties
Rosemary magical properties hold high value to witches. I have heard from many sources that rosemary can be used in place of any herb in spells and rituals. So much this plant can do for us physically, mentally, and spiritually.
- Cleansing
- Concentration
- Dreams
- Exorcism
- Healing
- Love
- Lust
- Memory
- Mental Power
- Protection
- Purification
- Sleep
- Youth
Magical Uses
- Place under pillow to help aid in sleep, prevent nightmares, as well as protect from any harm from occurring while sleeping.
- Wear a wreath head piece to help with memory
- Energy work
- Bath cleansing for youth
- Make into healing poppets
- Burn to cleanse and purify yourself, your space, and your witches’ tools
- Carry on your person for good health
- Chakra alignment
- Use as a substitute for Frankincense
- Make dream pillows or sachets
- Hang on porches to deter thieves from your home
- Burn to promote healing (combine with juniper)
Other Uses
Rosemary magical properties and health properties are not the end of uses for this plant. Here is a few more!
- Flowers on the rosemary plant are edible, use them in salads or use to make rosemary butter
- Soak the stems in some water and use them as skewers while barbequing
- Dry out the leaves and use them for potpourri
- Place the leaves in closets, dresser drawers, and clothing storage containers to repel away moths (NO MORE MOTH BALLS!!)
- Attract bees to your garden
Rosemary Correspondences
Names: Polar Plant, Rosmarinus (Dew of the Sea), Compass Weed, Compass Plant, Elk Leaf, Pilgrim’s Flower, Libanotis, Rose of Mary, Incensier (Old French), Sea Dew, Guardrobe
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Chakras: Heart, Third Eye, Solar Plexus
Astrological: Leo, Libra
Deities: Aphrodite, Mnemosyne, Venus (gods and goddesses associated with love)
Symbolism: Fertility, Love, Lust
Powers: Cleansing, Concentration, Dreams, Exorcism, Healing, Love, Lust, Memory, Mental Healing, Purification, Sleep, Youth
Sources:
Green Witchcraft by: Paige Vanderbeck
Herbal Handbook
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by: Scott Cunningham
A Modern Herbal by: Mrs. M. Grieve