Description
ROSEMARY – often used in spells of fidelity and to end jealousy. Used often for ritual cleansing by steeping rosemary in the bath water. Protection, Purification. Is also used in handfastings as a symbol of love and loyalty. The legend around Rosemary is very extensive. Since ancient times, it has been used to cleanse and purify incense. Given that Rosemary’s name in Latin means “dew of the sea,” it was connected to Aphrodite/Venus. Later, it was associated with the Virgin Mary, who is claimed to have placed her blue cloak on a bush to give the plant its blue blossoms. As a symbol of virtue and love, rosemary was worn by medieval brides and carried by wedding guests.
In hedge-witchery, Rosemary is used in place of expensive, exotic Frankincense as a garden-friendly alternative. Fresh rosemary can be purchased by witches from herb gardens and upscale merchants. Regular trimming is appreciated by rosemary. The boughs can be harvested and stored, but in humid environments, they can mildew. For incense and sachets, rosemary that has been completely dried is preferred.
Those who practiced in antiquity were familiar with rosemary. It was a plant renowned for enhancing memory and benefiting the brain. Over time, it also came to be connected with romantic constancy and was given as a gift to wedding guests.
Burn rosemary as an incense or for magical purposes to purge a house of bad energy. Bundles can be hung on your front entrance to deter undesirable visitors, such as robbers. Use dried rosemary in a healing poppet to benefit from its therapeutic qualities, or combine with juniper berries and burn in a sickroom to encourage a speedy recovery.
