Rosemary is one of those herbs that feels both ordinary and sacred at the same time. It has many uses, both magical and culinary, and is considered a staple in any Chef’s Pantry or Witch’s Kitchen. It can be used in sweet and savoury dishes, it pairs perfectly with lamb and adds a delicious perfume to a roast potato. As for it’s magical properties it is so versatile, it can often be used as a substitue for most herbs in rituals and spells.
At the heart of Kitchen witchery is the use of specific ingredients to add intention or invoke feelings while cooking. Many of these associations are based on the history of the ingredient or it’s healing properties. As with all magic, these definitions are open to intepretation, so I will share my personal take and the associations that I hold with the ingredients.
A Brief History of Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant and evergreen herb and has been used for centuries in a multitude of ways for cooking, healing and magic. Rosemary – the herb of rememberance – was associated with memory and learning in ancient Greece and Rome, so students would wear it in their hair or around their necks as they believed it would aid their studies.
Throughout European folk traditions, rosemary was often grown by the door to symbolise protection. As anyone who has seen the film ‘Practical Magic’ knows, you should always “keep rosemary by your garden gate.”
The Magical Properties of Rosemary
- Protection
- Cleansing & Purification
- Sleep
- Memory
- Healing
Mindful Ways to Use Rosemary
Rosemary has a very recognisable scent, that can clear your head and shift your mood. Here are some simple ways to invite its qualities into your day:
- Add fresh rosemary to roasted vegetables when you want a meal to feel grounding and nourishing.
- Plant a rosemary bush by your garden gate for protection, and easy access to this versatile herb.
- Burn bundles of dried rosemary around your home to cleanse it of negative energies.
- Crush a sprig gently between your fingers and inhale before starting focused work, or diffuse rosemary essential oil.
- Add rosemary to homemade bread to infuse it with intention and steadiness.
- Place a sprig of rosemary under you pillow to improve your sleep and help you remember your dreams.
A Home Protection Ritual
Next time you are mopping your floors, add a few sprigs of rosemary or rosemary oil to your mop bucket, let it infuse for a few minutes and then mop your floors. Remember to mop clockwise around your room to invite in good energies.
You could also use rosemary infused water to wipe down your front and back doors to offer some further protection to your home. This is a lovely ritual to perform on the 1st of the month – and a great way to turn a chore you may otherwise forget into a ritual.
Practical Tips
If you choose to grow any herbs at home, I would recommend rosemary due to it’s range of uses – and its gorgrous scent. Keep it in a sunny spot, with good drainage – preferably by your garden gate for some multi-tasking.
Rosemary can be used fresh or dried or as an essential oil. Remember that fresh rosemary has a stronger flavour than dried, so use sparingly at first.
Closing Reflection
Rosemary reminds us that magic doesn’t have to be dramatic. Sometimes it’s simply the act of tending a plant, seasoning a meal, or pausing to breathe in something to steady our mind.
