In both the shadowed corners of Victorian parlours and the sunlit windowsills of modern homes, certain herbs have quietly held their power through the ages. These humble plants, easily nurtured indoors or out, are far more than simple culinary companions—they are ancient allies in magic, ritual, and healing. Whether whispered over in spells or steeped into calming potions, these herbs carry centuries of wisdom, weaving together the practical and the mystical.
Below are five such herbs, each a cornerstone of witchcraft and Victorian lore alike. They are perfect for cultivating on your windowsill or garden, ready to infuse your craft with their timeless energies—from protection and love to remembrance and courage.
Lavender.
Lavender
Lavender is a beautifully fragrant herb with a long history of use, both practical and magical. Known for its calming scent, it has been prized since Victorian times not only for its soothing qualities but also as a popular addition to sachets and drawer liners to keep linens fresh and repel moths. Victorian households often used lavender water and lavender oil for personal hygiene and relaxation.
Magical Uses:
Lavender’s energy is deeply connected to peace, purification, and protection. It is excellent for rituals aiming to lift spirits, ease anxiety, and promote restful sleep. Use lavender in sachets under your pillow or in sleep sprays to invite sweet dreams and ward off nightmares. Lavender bundles are often burned in purification rites or carried to invite love and happiness into one’s life.
Spellwork Ideas:
- Add dried lavender to a charm bag for peace and happiness.
- Burn lavender incense to purify a space before meditation.
- Use lavender oil in love spells to attract gentle and calming energies.
Rosemary
Rosemary has long been treasured not only for its fragrant leaves but also for its deep symbolic power. In Victorian times, rosemary was strongly associated with remembrance—it was traditional to wear sprigs of rosemary at funerals and weddings as a symbol of memory and fidelity. It was believed to help the living keep loved ones close in spirit and was often laid on graves or woven into wreaths to honour the dead.
Beyond remembrance, rosemary was also a powerful herb for protection and mental clarity. It was used to dispel negative energy, enhance memory, and aid concentration—qualities valued both in everyday life and in spellcraft. Victorian households often used rosemary water for purification rituals or to bless the home.
Magical Uses:
- Remembrance & Memory: Carry rosemary or wear it in a sachet to keep memories vivid and honour ancestors.
- Protection: Use rosemary in protective charms to ward off evil and negative spirits.
- Healing & Purification: Add rosemary to cleansing baths or burn it as incense to purify spaces and soothe the mind.
Spellwork Ideas:
- Place rosemary sprigs on altars during ancestor veneration or remembrance ceremonies.
- Brew rosemary tea and sip it during divination to sharpen mental clarity.
- Tie rosemary with a ribbon and keep it by your bedside to invite peaceful dreams and protect your mind.
Thyme.
Thyme
Thyme has long been associated with courage and strength. In the Victorian era, thyme was often included in sachets or embroidered handkerchiefs to provide bravery and protection, especially before public speaking or important social occasions. It was also believed to attract fairies and protect against their mischief.
Magical Uses:
Thyme is a potent herb for protection against negative influences and spiritual attacks. It encourages restful sleep by calming the mind and heart, and inspires courage to face challenges. Its energy is both grounding and purifying, making it a versatile ingredient for many ritual workings.
Spellwork Ideas:
- Burn thyme in a ritual fire to invoke courage and strength.
- Place thyme under your pillow to encourage peaceful sleep and ward off nightmares.
- Add thyme to protective charm bags or mojo bags to shield against harm.
Basil.
Basil
Basil is a vibrant herb with rich magical and medicinal history. During the Victorian period, basil was associated with wealth and good fortune, often grown in kitchen gardens or kept in pots by windowsills for good luck. It was also thought to enhance psychic abilities and was sometimes used by spiritualists for clearer communication with the otherworld.
Magical Uses:
Basil’s energy is closely tied to money, luck, love, and protection. It is an excellent herb to include in prosperity spells, charm bags, and money-drawing sachets. Additionally, basil enhances psychic sensitivity and spiritual awareness, making it a helpful aid in astral travel and hedgeriding.
Spellwork Ideas:
- Use basil leaves in money spells or tuck them into your wallet to attract abundance.
- Burn basil incense during rituals to clear negative energy and invite love.
- Carry fresh basil or basil oil when practicing divination to heighten psychic senses.
Parsley.
Parsley
Parsley is one of the most familiar culinary herbs but is also steeped in magical lore. In Victorian herbal medicine, parsley was used as a remedy for a variety of ailments and was thought to promote vitality and renewal. In folklore, parsley was believed to facilitate communication with spirits and enhance fertility.
Magical Uses:
Parsley is a versatile herb used for love, fertility, protection, purification, and healing rituals. It is often employed in spells that encourage spiritual growth and connection with the unseen realms. Parsley can be added to incense or ritual baths to cleanse and purify energy, as well as attract positive influences.
Spellwork Ideas:
- Include parsley in fertility spells or ritual baths to encourage growth and renewal.
- Use parsley as an offering to spirits or ancestors during communication rituals.
- Carry dried parsley to protect against harmful energies and promote healing.
These herbs invite you to connect deeply with nature’s enduring magic, bridging past and present through every leaf and fragrance. As you grow and gather them, may their energies weave protection, healing, and wisdom into your daily life and sacred workings. Whether in simple spells or elaborate rituals, let these plants be your trusted companions on the path of craft and discovery.
Amazon do some great windowsill herb kits here
Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers by Jessica Roux
Kew – Witch’s Garden: Plants in Folklore, Magic and Traditional Medicine by Sandra Lawrance.
The Celestial Garden : Growing Herbs, Vegetables, and Flowers in Sync with the Moon and Zodiac
*Disclaimer The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any remedies.
