Magical Ways in Herb Magic
Timing
Ancient people created magical systems of varying complexity to time ritual acts with astronomical phenomena. Some of these systems involved the phases of the moon, others accounted for the seasons, and others used the stars and their positions. Timing can provide extra power to spells, but the inviolable rule of magic is to use it when needed. If you have a need now, there's no use waiting for the moon to enter the proper sign or until Ursa Major rises, grab your herbs and get on with it! Magic already works, it will work any time of day or night. If you wish to follow the old ways of timing magic with the sun, moon, and stars, please do! It's amazing and will give your powers a boost, but it may be followed or not as you please. You will still get results because the power is in everything, including you!
Tools
Herb magic requires few tools, and the only one you really need is the herbs themselves. Candles, incense burners, charcoal blocks, and jars to store herbs are important as well. A mortar and pestle set is needed to grind herbs and seeds. A large bowl to enchant herbs. A large glass or enameled pot to use exclusively for brewing infusions/potions. You may also want some simple sewing supplies to make sachets, along with cotton or wool cloth.
The Altar
Also called the spell table or work table. Magic does not need the presence of an altar, but it is a special place where spells are cast. It can also be used to enchant herbs, compose sachets, and perform all other magical work. An altar can be any flat surface where you can place herbs, candles, an incense burner, and any other materials you need for your spells. It can be indoors or outdoors, performing magic outdoors is advised when it feels right and is practical for you. Wherever you can find a for an altar place is sufficient, I use the top of my dresser inside and an old stump outside. You can add any objects that feel comfortable and significant to you. Lucky charms, fossils, rocks, shells, feathers, anything. Natural objects in particular may empower your magic further. I even collect my cats' shed claws and whiskers to add to my altar since that feels special and powerful to me. Your altar is all about you and limited only by your imagination!
Visualization
Visualization is forming a picture in your mind of your need. Many books have been written on this subject and many have difficulty visualizing clearly. If this is you, that's totally okay! The ability is present in you, I promise, and like any skill you probably just need practice. Try picturing a sunflower in your head right now... this is visualization. In magic, visualization is used to direct the power by forming a picture in your head. What you visualize can be any symbol associated with the need you're using magic for. Visualize it as if you've already obtained it, it's already come to fruition. Even if you're never able to fully visualize your need, that's okay! Magic will work as long as the intention is there.
Other Considerations
When possible, bathe before performing magic and dress in clean comfortable clothing or nothing at all. Some choose to wear special articles of clothing or jewelry, which is wonderful if it feels right but isn't necessary. It's also not necessary to abstain from sex, foods, or liquids prior to magic. Again, do so if it feels right to you. As a rule of thumb, don't cast spells for others without permission. If you want to use magic for someone you love and can't get permission or want it to be a surprise, make them a sachet! Present it as a gift, explain the uses and powers, and allow the other person to choose to bring those vibrations into their life or not. Above all, have fun! You should be serious when actually enchanting herbs and visualizing, but magic should be enjoyable.
Cunningham, Scott. Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Sixteenth Printing, Second Edition, 2008.
