MISSIVES FROM THE APOTHECARY:
Herbal Apotropaic Magic for the Holidays
December 9, 2024
by Kamden Cornell, our head herbalist and owner of Heart & Vine Apothecary
One of the unique things about Old Town Herbal is that we not only know a lot about the remedial qualities of herbs, but also their uses in building magical charms and such. Given the socio-political atmosphere in the world and the fact that Yuletide is, historically, a very spooky, ghost-filled time of year (just ask old Ebenezer!), we thought perhaps you’d like to get a little run down on some protective herbs and charms to utilize this year!
Red Chile: First and foremost is red chile. Mix red chile powder, egg shell, and tobacco to create a strewing powder that you can place in front of your door or around your property to avert malicious intent from your door. Add red brick dust and frankincense powder to create an impenetrable wall that will protect you and your home through the long, winter nights. You may also add a bit of Siberian elm to ward off slander or soot/charcoal to keep your property hidden from those who would do you harm.
Basil: Basil is a lovely herb that does a very good job at protecting us. It provides a shield that keeps away negative energetic influences and can help alert us to moments when someone may be directing it our way. It is said that evil cannot be in the presence of basil. Mix basil with chamomile for an empowered shield of protection or mix it with a bit of sugar and fenugreek to make people act more kindly toward you. Put the powder in a small bag, preferable red or pink, and carry it with you. On a folklore note for the holiday season, basil is said to have grown at the base of Christ’s cross, giving it a particularly potent quality for Christian based magic.
Garlic: This humble herb not only keeps away vampires, but most other bogey creatures of the night. It is considered a highly protective herb and just having it hanging in the home, particularly in the kitchen or near the front door, is a mighty deterrent for those pesky Yule monsters and other unwanted interlopers. Remember this if you hear the rattling of chains and the ringing of dolorous bells outside your door, for Krampus cannot abide garlic. Crack a clove of it open and use your index finger or thumb to mark the door with a cross or an “x” to keep him from getting too close. Hekate, the goddess of gates, doorways, and other liminal places, among a slew of other things, finds garlic to be one of her most sacred plants. Leave three bulbs of it by the door along with some salt and lime peel to warn away other spirits.
Eucalyptus: Not only for headcolds, the smell of eucalyptus is a powerful protection against all sorts of intrusions into your life. Create an infused oil of basil, juniper, and tobacco, then add thirteen drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the blend. Use this to (very carefully) anoint rusted iron nails or railroad spikes and drive these into the corners of your property, one for however many corners you’ve got. Tell the nails to keep your property safe, to “nail it down” in place, and to keep all uninvited guests, corporeal and otherwise, from your doorstep.
Happy Spooky Yuletide, y’all!