Wishing Herbs

When it comes to wishes, the best advice is to be careful what you
wish for--you just might get it! While there are numerous spells
designed specifically to carry your wish into the universe and to the
powers that can make it come true, using herbs as well as the four
elements in your spell can help to ensure its success.

It is common knowledge that herbs possess many properties-- including
numerous magical powers. Herbs add their energy to the spell, which
in turn adds an extra dimension of power. While many people believe
that using a specific herb is the only way to make a spell come true,
today we know that sometimes it is not always possible to get enough
of one particular herb, especially if it is hard to find. A mix of
herbs can work, too.

If you choose to use a mixture of herbs, be sure that none of the
herbs in the mixture will counteract your wish. Vervain is a good
herb to use in almost all wish spells, because its properties are
very general as well as protective. Cinnamon, however, would not be a
good choice if your wish is to release your power. It would
counteract the wish and instead grant additional power.

You also need to make sure you use the correct ink. For example,
Dove's Blood Ink is the common ink used in wishing spells. However,
if your wish is destructive in nature, you would use Dragon's Blood
Ink instead. A word of caution here is that whatever you wish onto
another will come back to you sevenfold, so, again, be careful what
you wish for.

When you need a special wish granted, write the wish out in Dove's
Blood Ink
on parchment paper. Make three folds in the paper and place it in a
red flannel bag. Then fill the bag with dandelion petals, sew it
closed with red thread, and wear it around your neck for three days.
Although this spell is not recommended for acquiring money or
property, it is quite effective when used in situations when you are
in danger of losing or having it taken from you by outside influences.

You can also write your wish on a piece of parchment paper using
Dove's Blood Ink. While the ink is still fresh sprinkle on some peony
petals. Roll the paper up, and seal it with melted red wax from a
candle. Hide the talisman in your home, making sure to change the
hiding place every third day. repeat the spell as you remove and hide
the bag. After your wish has been granted, destroy the token by
burning it.

Here is a common spell that can be chanted three times in succession
as you
perform your ritual. You may adapt it to suit your specific needs.
For example, you can replace the word "wish" with your specific
request.

Powers that be grant me a wish today,
Large, small, tiny, or huge.
Let my wish grow here, there, and everywhere,
North, south, east, and west.
Carry my wish through your quarter to the powers that be,
Grant me this wish so that we may rejoice together.
So mote it be.

Here are some popular herbs used in wishing spells.

BASIL is an easy herb to obtain or grow yourself. If your wish is to
be protected from negativity or to be cleansed, then basil is the
herb to use.

BAY LAUREL, commonly known as bay leaf, is used in success and
prestige
wishes. Although this is a tender perennial, it does grow well
indoors in a pot.

CALENDULA LEAVES and dried flowers placed under the bed are said to
make
one's dreams come true. This is an easy flower to grow. It adds extra
punch to
your herb garden with its bright orange, yellow, and pink petals.

CINNAMON is the spice of choice for wishes dealing with power.

HYSSOP is effective when used in wishing spells for spiritual
calmness.

JOB'S TEARS, sewn inside your pillow, are said to make a wish come
true within seven days.

MUSTARD SEED has always had special properties. To make a wishing bag
of
your own for a particular objective, place into a drawstring pouch
one rabbit's
foot, five new nails, nine mustard seeds, and thirteen pennies.
Anoint the bag with Mojo Oil and then rub the bag between your palms
as you make your wish.

PARSLEY is best used in wishing spells by women. Parsley is effective
for wishes involving calming an atmosphere or protecting a specific
place.

PEPPERMINT is best used for money and prosperity wishes. Peppermint
is said to give a mentally stimulating vibration. hen growing your
own peppermint, be sure to put it in a large pot and bury the entire
pot. Peppermint is very invasive.

ROSEMARY is most effective when used in promotion or advancement
wishes. In
cooler climates, rosemary can be overwintered in a pot indoors.

RUE is an excellent herb to add to your wish spell mixture because it
provides protection. It is also a spiritualizing herb that adds a
calming vibration to spells. A note of caution: If you are allergic
to rue, it can cause boils on your skin when you touch it.

SAGE is good if you wish to resolve a problem. It is also a good
choice for wishing spells that deal with mental clarity. Sage is a
very easy herb to grow.

VERVAIN is good for making your dreams or wishes come true. Steep the
vervain, covered, in warm water for five minutes. Strain and add the
water to your bath. The carrying or wearing of vervain places one
under the protective influences of the Love Goddess. Vervain is also
considered a protective herb that will guard the wearer from
enchantments on them. This is the best herb to use for general wishes.

YARROW LEAVES and flowers are often used in wishing spells that deal
with love. A word of caution here: One should not perform a love
spell. These spells are known to backfire, and one should not try to
control the will of another. However, the sprinkling of yarrow can
increase human love.

Once you have decided which herbs you will be using and are ready to
complete your spell, you will need to measure out the correct amount
of herbs. Generally a small amount, such as a tablespoon, of each
herb is sufficient. However, for talismans you may need a bit more in
order to fill your container. If you are using fresh herbs, be sure
to dry them first--especially if they will be put into a talisman.

by Sheri Richerson, copyright 2005