Spice Rack Magick

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This was a short article previousl published in a local Zine. Spice Rack Magickby Ana Hawthorn The realm of the folk practitioner has always relied more on thosethings found in the home and growing in walking distance. Much lesscommon were the exotic herbs and resins that are now readily availableto us through herb shops and supermarkets. The spices we commonly usetoday, were originally designated with special and more 'fiery'properties, largely because they were exotic and their use lent a'special occasion' feeling to the meal. For example, such things ascinnamon and nutmeg have been attributed with aphrodisiac properties, asonce were the homely tomato and potato. Though we take them for grantedtoday, with a little conscious charging of your spices when cooking, youcan once again awaken the magical energies of your food. Simply take a moment with your spice before adding it to the dish. Holdit in your strong hand and take a moment to ground and center yourbeing. Fill your body with energy and address the herb or spice at handand tell it what sort of energies you want to awaken in it. Visualize instrong detail what effect this herb is to have and send it into thespice with the energy from your body. When doing magical cooking, talkto your food as you would a plant; tell it what you want it to do.Always stir magical dishes in a clockwise manner. Use color in yourchoice of dishes, tablecloth and lighting to enhance the feeling youwish to imbue. Common spices and herbs and their magickal attributes: Allspice- Healing, Luck, Prosperity, Winning a discussion Almond-Prosperity, Abundance, Treasure, Wisdom Anise- Protection and Cleansing, and for Ancestral meals Arrowroot- To bind things together or to make a relationship 'gel' Basil- Sort of all purpose drawing Love, Money, Protection and evenExorcisms Bay Leaf- Increase Psychic Abilities, Healing, Protection, IncreasePower Caraway- Increases powers of Protection, Health and for Lust Cardamom- Aphrodisiac properties and for Love Celery- Increase your psychic powers and to induce Lust Chamomile- To bring Peace, to open one to Possibilities, Sleep, Love,Money Cinnamon- Almost all-purpose used for Healing, Success, Psychic work,Protection, Love and Lust Clove- To get rid of what you don't want, and to bring you riches inLove and Money Coriander- used to induce Lust, to Heal headaches and to increaseIntelligence Cumin- To Keep what is yours- whether a person or an object, Peace ofmind Curry-Protection against evil influences Dill- for Increase with either Money or Lust and to turn away Jealousyover prosperity Fennel- Warding of evil spirits and ill health Fenugreek- Money and attraction Garlic- Protection (of- course!), Exorcisms, and Healing Ginger- Abundance of what you wish for in all matters Lemon- Cleansing,Love and Healing Lovage- to increase your Attractiveness Mace- To increase the powers of the mind Marjoram- All-purpose- Love, Money, Happiness, Protection, Healing Nutmeg- To induce Lust, also for Money and Luck Onion- Healing, Purification, Protection and Money Orange Peel-Happiness, for seeking answers and for Abundance Oregano- Money, Abundance Parsley-To get rid of negativity and to induce Lust Pepper, Black- Protection and Exorcisms Pepper, Red (Ceyenne, Chili, etc.)- Hex- breaking, Issues of FidelityandLove, Lust Peppermint- Increasing the abilities of the mind, Healing, Love, Sleep Rosemary- Purification, Love and all Mental/Magickal Workings Saffron- Strength of the Mind, Love and Lust, Power Sage- Purification, Healing, Wishes, Contact with long lost friends,Wisdom Sorrel- Healing Thyme-Health, Mental Powers, Courage, Love, Purification Turmeric- Purification Vanilla- Love and Lust, Mental abilities