Herbs & Oils

This article presents guidance for practitioners of nature-based spiritual traditions regarding the ethical wildcrafting of botanical materials used in magical and healing practices.

This article provides an overview of the tomato (*Lycopersicon esculentum*), examining its botanical characteristics, historical origins in South America, and the rich folklore surrounding its introduction to European cultures, including associations with aphrodisiac properties and biblical symbolism.

This article examines toadflax (*Linaria genistifolia* spp.), a member of the snapdragon family, exploring its botanical characteristics, folkloric significance, and applications within magical and healing traditions. The text presents toadflax’s associations with planetary correspondences (Mars), elemental attributions (fire), and its traditional uses for protection, hex-breaking, and medicinal purposes including respiratory and skin ailments.

This article presents an overview of the magickal attributes and ritual applications of African violet (*Saintpaulia ionantha*) within contemporary spiritual practice. The text examines the plant’s traditional correspondences—including its associations with Venus, the water element, and feminine energy—while detailing its purported uses in love spells, protection work, prosperity rituals, psychic development, and emotional healing practices.

This article provides an overview of violet (*Viola* spp.), addressing botanical identification, cultivation methods, and traditional harvest practices alongside the plant’s attributed magical and healing properties. Readers will learn practical approaches to violet propagation and storage, as well as the plant’s associations with planetary correspondences, love magic, protection work, and folk medicinal applications including respiratory and skin support.

This article examines valerian (*Valeriana officinalis*), exploring its historical significance, traditional folkloric associations, and attributed magical properties across various cultural contexts. Readers will gain an understanding of the plant’s botanical characteristics, its folk names and etymological origins, as well as its traditional applications in protective rituals, love magic, dream work, and purification practices.