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Herbal Smoking Blends for Spirit Work

1/14/2022

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I’ve never been one to drink or smoke weed. However, I have been smoking herbs for years. While herbs can produce a hallucinogenic or sedative effect, they are not as strong as other drugs. That makes them ideal for a lot of people who don’t want to feel high but want some assistance in magic.

Herbal smoking blends can aid magic in many different ways. They can enhance psychic vision, induce trance states, promote sleep, and relax the body. Herbs are also cheaper and more accessible than other smoking ingredients.

In this post, I’ll talk about some magical smoking herbs and how you can use them for spirit work. I will not mention weed, tobacco, or other drugs because I don’t have experience with them. I’ll dive into correspondences first; then, I’ll discuss blends and uses for anyone who wants to try herbal smoking.
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Chamomile: Chamomile frequently appears in tea recipes to improve sleep and dream work. In smoking blend, it also enhances prophetic dreams and divination. Smoke it to induce vision and bring about clarity during times of spiritual confusion. 

Many like chamomile in smoking blends because it is gentle and has a nice flavor. The ancient Egyptians associated it with the Sun God Ra, but others associate it with the Moon for its dream enhancement.

Coltsfoot: Coltsfoot is a common base for herbal blends because of its neutral flavor and relaxation effect. In magic, people burn it to induce visions. This not only helps divination, but also wealth and business spells where you can use some prophecy.

Coltsfoot is also a love charm and works in Venus magic.

Damiana: Although damiana is a well-known aphrodisiac in its native country of Mexico, it also aids spirit work. When burned, damiana sharpens one’s psychic vision. Any kind of spirit work that includes visions–such as psychic dreams, scrying, and astral travel–can benefit from damiana. So can any magic associated with Venus.

Damiana works as a base for smoking blends. It is also a mild hallucinogen. However, hallucinations tend to occur around 200 mg, so you’d have to smoke A LOT for these health consequences.

CAUTIONS: Can affect blood sugar levels.

Lavender: Lavender is a well-known magic ingredient that promotes sleep, calm, and love. In smoking blends, it relaxes the body. Since lavender is associated with the element of air, its smoke can also help people see ghosts and other spirits.

Lavender is also used in glamors. Smoking it can make you appear more attractive and help you feel joyous. Many love adding lavender to smoking blends simply for its smell and flavor. It is governed by Mercury and assists with purification and protection rituals.

Lemongrass: You might have heard that lemongrass tea can progress psychic powers; smoking it can do the same. Since this plant is ruled by Mercury, it improves psychic skills from divination to glamors. 

Lemongrass has a slight lemon smell that makes it relaxing, and it can even help people sleep. I often include this herb in blends for flavor.

Marigold: Marigold, also called calendula, was well-known in ancient rituals. It appears in Dia de Los Muertos, on the altars of Hindu deities, and in Aztec and Mayan ceremonies. In smoking, it has a sweet citrusy flavor that relaxes the body.

In magic, it promotes spirit sight and visions. It is known to produce clearer and less frightening visions. Smoke it prior to trance work and scrying. Like rosemary, marigold is a fire herb associated with the Sun.

Mugwort: Mugwort has many uses for a spirit worker; magicians drink it as a tea before divination and wash divination tools with it. When smoked, mugwort can aid psychic workings, induce lucid dreaming, and help hedgecrossing. As a hallucinogen, it has a long history in spirit work and is associated with the Moon.

Mugwort can give you the “burning” feel in your throat. To prevent this, dampen it a bit before smoking.

CAUTIONS: Can cause nausea and is toxic in excessive doses. Do not use if you are allergic to daisies.

Mullein: Mullein is a mild sedative that many people smoke to relax their lungs. Magic-wise,its smoke is said to summon the dead; the Romans used them to make torches during funeral processions. Because it has the nickname “graveyard dust,” many people falsely claim that it is a substitute for graveyard dirt. (To be clear: it is not.)

Mullein is often hung, carried, or put in pillows to dispel evil spirits. In smoking, it calms and centers the spirit, which can help you with astral work, prophetic dreams, and divination. Practitioners debate over which planet rules it; Agrippa said it was Mercury, but Culpeper claimed it was Saturn.

Because mullein has little effect when smoked and a gentle smell, many use it as a base. It works well with any herb on this list and has few side effects. 

Passionflower: Passionflower has a fantastic flavor and sedative effect. Unlike similar herbs, it can produce a “high” in large enough amounts.

Magically, passionflower aids sleep and brings peace. Many place it around the home to relieve troubles, and you might feel calmer after smoking it. Ruled by Venus and water, passionflower is a great addition to almost any smoking blend.

Rose: Although many label rose as “the love herb,” it has many other magical properties. Its soothing scent can relax people and relieve headaches. In teas and smoking blends, rose induces prophetic dreams. 

Rose can be smoked before bed or before a ritual that requires a calm head and concentration. It’s a water herb associated with Venus.

Rosemary: Rosemary is a common incense in magic. Many burn it prior to magic to purify the area, but it can also boost divination. If you want an answer to a question, burn rosemary and inhale the smoke. The herb will grant you psychic clarity. The ancient Greeks associated rosemary with memory and would toss sprigs into graves. Using it in spells might improve your memory.

Rosemary is often paired with juniper for a purification incense, but I don’t recommend smoking juniper. The berries are incredibly oily and produce a lot of smoke! However, you can combine rosemary with other cleansing herbs prior to rituals. It’s a fire herb governed by the Sun.

Spearmint: The scent of spearmint increases psychic powers and intuition. It is a popular smoking herb for its flavor and ability to relax the lungs.

Spearmint can pair with any spirit work blend, but it also supports meditation, healing spells, and love spells (hence its association with Venus and water). If peppermint is too strong for you, try this.

Wormwood: The smell of wormwood is said to increase psychic powers. Many budding magicians carry or wear it for this purpose. Burning it attracts spirits, including the dead. The ancient Egyptians created inks with wormwood and wrote to the deity Bes as a form of divination.

Wormwood also has a protective element, especially when combined with mugwort. It is ruled by Mars.

CAUTIONS: While wormwood is not hallucinogen, it can be toxic in large amounts.

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Three Herbal Smoking Blends

Anyone with the proper knowledge of herbs can create a smoking blend. But I have a few personal recipes to get you started.

I divided these blends into “parts” instead of grams and teaspoons because I don’t know how you smoke herbs. You can adjust the measurements to your smoking device.

  1. Hedgecrossing Blend: two parts damiana, two parts mugwort, one part lemongrass. This blend sharpens your spirit vision and prepares you for trance work.
  2. Spirit Vision Blend: three parts coltsfoot, two parts spearmint, one part rosemary, one part wormwood. This blend can help you see and sense spirits.​
  3. ​Prophetic Dreams Blend: two parts chamomile, two parts lavender, one part marigold, one part roses. This blend is designed to relax the body and increase the likelihood of getting spiritual dreams.
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Advice for Creating Herbal Smoking Blends

If you want to create your own blend, here are some tips.

  • When is it unsafe to smoke herbs? In general, people who are pregnant or on medication for mental illnesses should be careful while smoking herbs. Some herbs also conflict with blood pressure medications and blood thinners. I included some cautions above, but ALWAYS research the herbs BEFORE SMOKING THEM! When in doubt, consult a medical professional.
  • Which herbs do I use? I recommend testing each herb in a small amount by itself before creating blends. That way, you’ll know how you react to each herb. Everybody’s different. For example, some people find passionflower to be mellow, while others feel a bit too sedated after smoking it.
  • How do I know that an herb is safe to smoke? In general, herbs that you can drink as a tea are also safe to smoke. However, many come with risks that I mentioned above. Also, the dosage matters. NEVER SMOKE AN HERB WITHOUT PROPERLY RESEARCHING IT FIRST.
  • How many herbs should I include? Smoking blends vary–some people include only two herbs, while others provide five or six. It depends on your experience and smoking method. My crystal pipe is pretty small, so I can’t include too many herbs in my blend; they won’t fit! I recommend starting with two to three herbs and gradually including more.
  • How do I smoke the herbs? Again, this is all personal preference. Some people toss herbs onto a charcoal bloke, similar to incense. Others make herbal cigarettes, and others use pipes. Before you drop a bunch of money on a pipe, test out some cheaper methods and see what works for you.
  • ​How can I safely smoke herbs? Make sure your room has proper ventilation; open the window, turn on a fan, or keep the door open. Keep a bowl of water nearby in case the fire grows too large. If you don’t know how you’ll react to the herbs, make sure there’s someone you trust in the house with you.

Did I Miss Anything?

Is there anything else people should know about herbal smoking blends? Do you have a favorite ingredient that I missed? Let me know in the comments below!

Related Blog Posts: 

  • Starting Spirit Work
  • Is Meditation Necessary in Witchcraft?
  • Herbs for the Dead
  • Scrying: How to Perceive Visions in Crystals, Water, and More
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Herbs for the Dead

12/20/2021

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When I was 16, I got my first job at my hometown’s new spice and tea shop. During training, a corporate representative showed us every spice, herb, and tea, and what it is used for. Customers usually came in with cooking or health questions, and we had to know the answers. Although I was trained in magic at the time, I never imagined that this knowledge would benefit my Craft.

This is a long-winded explanation for “I used a lot of herbs in witchcraft.” However, I’m not alone; herbal grimoires and encyclopedias are prominent in the occult community. Today, I’m going to discuss how herbs can aid death witchcraft.
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I keep dried herbs in these magnetic tins that I painted.

How To Use Herbs in Death Witchcraft

Herbs have been ingredients in necromancy, ancestor work, and other forms of magic for thousands of years. They have multiple uses–I’ll give you an abridged list.

  • Use as Offerings. Herbs make convenient offerings for the dead. You can sprinkle them onto graves, burn them, or place them on an altar and bury/throw them away later.
  • Burn as Incense. Not only do burnt herbs serve as offerings, but they also have magical uses. For instance, certain herbs can protect the altar, enhance divination, or put you in a trance state. Similarly, you can create herbal smoking blends.
  • Brew as a Tea. Like incense, this tea can become an offering or amplify your psychic abilities.
  • Mix into Graveyard Dirt. If you have a jar of graveyard dirt, you can mix crushed herbs into that dirt to lend that spirit certain magical properties. 
  • Magnify or Dull Spirit Communication. Many know that herbs can boost your spirit senses, but they can also dull them when necessary. For example, I once had some spirits reach out to me every time I walked by my altar. When I placed a jar of dried rose petals near the graveyard dirt, the spirits calmed down.
  • Protect Yourself from Spirits. Many herbs have protective properties that can guard you, your home, or your altar from malicious spirits. Carry them on your person when you visit a cemetery. You can even use some to divert spirits who follow you (for example, by throwing salt over your left shoulder).
  • Infuse into Oils. These magical oils can boost spirit work, protect your home, or charge your ritual tools.
  • Cook into Food. Cakes, bread, and other meals are traditional offerings for the dead, especially during certain festivals like Samhain and Dia de los Muertos. 
  • Make Magical Inks. Magical inks often appear in necromancy and folklore.
  • Sew into Poppets. Poppets are one method of creating a taglock to communicate with a specific soul.
  • ​Pour into a Ritual Bath. In death work, ritual baths can prepare people for divination or hedgecrossing.
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Herbal smoking blend in a labradorite pipe.

Herbs and Correspondences

Here, I will list herbs that I frequently use in death witchcraft, along with their correspondences. Correspondences stem from a mixture of personal experience, historical use, and folklore. Note that I will not mention trees here; I have already covered trees in another post. I will not mention cooked/baked foods like bread, but I will cover naturally-grown foods like fruits and vegetables.

  • Apples. Apples are known as “the fruit of the dead” in Ireland. As such, they are a traditional offering for the dead on Celtic holidays like Samhain. The wood from an apple tree can be carved into necromantic wands or poppets.
  • Basil. Basil has a long history in purification and cleansing rituals. The Egyptians prepared embalming salves with basil; the Gauls infused it into purification washes; and basil juice was said to “help witches fly” in the Middle Ages. In Hinduism, Basil is used in both weddings and funerals because it is said to link people in love. It was a symbol of sorrow of ancient Greece. Use basil to aid in divination, hedgecrossing, or spirit communication.
  • Bay. Bay leaves are often used in clairvoyance spells and divination. They aid communication with the dead; the ancients either chewed them or burned them as incense. I often burn bay to enhance divination and ward off evil. (Be careful–it burns fast!)
  • Beet. Beet can be used as a blood substitute and as a dye in necromantic inks.
  • Carnations. Carnations are a common funeral flower, especially in France (where purple carnations are traditional). They are common in healing spells but are also used to remember the dead. After the crucifixion of Christ, it is said that Mary’s tears grew carnations. In the Netherlands, people wore carnations to remember fallen veterans.
  • Chamomile. Chamomile is best-known for its ability to aid sleep and meditation, but its history branches far before that. The ancient Egyptians associated chamomile with the sun, specifically with the God Ra, who was said to heal malaria with it. They used it in mummification to repel flies. The Romans also dedicated chamomile to their Gods and bathed in it for its healing properties. Chamomile makes a great offering to assuage the dead.
  • Cinnamon. Ever since Moses anointed the Tabernacle with cinnamon oil, it has been associated with deity and spirit work. Cinnamon oil was common in the Egyptian mummification process. The Roman emperor Nero tossed cinnamon onto his wife’s funeral pyre. In magic, cinnamon can amplify magical workings such as divination.
  • Copal. There are many different types of copal that have unique properties. However, most of them make great offerings for the dead, especially those who remain disoriented from trauma.
  • Damiana. In my experience, damiana is one of the best herbs to use in incense and herbal smoking blends. Its smoke produces visions, increases your ability to astral project, and aids meditation.
  • Dittany of Crete. As another spirit work herb, Dittany of Crete is burned to manifest spirits. It is especially potent in summoning spirits of the dead. Since it grows near cliffs, many farmers fell to their deaths trying to harvest them, giving this plant a negative connotation. However, the ancient Greeks valued it as a symbol of love and healing.
  • Dragon’s Blood. It’s nearly impossible to research ceremonial magic without running into this resin from the palm tree. Dragon’s blood is burned to aid spirit work and protect the magician. You can also infuse it into necromantic inks.
  • Eucalyptus. According to Australian Aboriginals, eucalyptus trees divided the Earth between the Underworld and Heaven. It is commonly used in healing poppets and health spells. DO NOT burn green eucalyptus; its oils produce too much smoke.
  • Fennel. Fennel is a protective and purifying herb. In the Middle Ages, people placed fennel inside their keyholes to prevent ghosts from entering their homes.
  • Frankincense. Due to its powerful vibrations, frankincense often aids spirit work. It is a common consecration herb in Judaism and Christianity. In Hoodoo and rootwork, frankincense boosts the powers of other herbs.
  • Heather. Heather is said to conjure ghosts and open the portals between worlds. In the Scottish highlands, heather marked the resting places of faeries. It was also said to grow where no blood had been shed. As such, it can help to heal deceased warriors.
  • Holly. Holly is often planted in graveyards to protect both the dead and the mourners. It also promotes good fortune.
  • Juniper. Juniper has ancient healing associations. The Egyptians used it both medicinally and to embalm the dead. In Scotland, it was said to guard against ghosts and illness. The Key of Solomon often lists it in purification rites. I often use juniper berries as offerings. (Be careful while burning or grinding it in a mortar and pestle–it is incredibly oily!)
  • Lavender. Beyond its sleep-inducing effects, lavender is also carried to see ghosts. Dried lavender was found in Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb. During the Middle Ages, Christians made crosses out of lavender to protect themselves from evil. It was also used in healing magic, as people carried it to cure headaches in the Mediterranean. You can use it to heal the dead, aid divination and psychic dreams, and protect the home.
  • Lemon Balm. Known as one of the “witch’s plants,” it is said that Hekate gave lemon balm to Her daughters. Pliny the Elder hyped up lemon balm’s properties as a healing herb, claiming that it could stop the bleeding from a stab wound and prevent bees from swarming. In the Abuzzi region of Italy, women would pick lemon balm between their fingers so Jesus would assist them into Heaven. For death work, lemon balm is a healing herb that helps souls to pass on.
  • Lily. Lilies do not only symbolize purity and love; they are also planted in gardens to ward off ghosts and evil spirits. They are a common funeral flower, especially for women and children. It is said that Mary’s tomb was adorned with lilies. In the Anglican church, Jesus is sometimes depicted as being crucified on a lily cross. There are many types of lilies with different meanings. For instance, the Calla lily is associated with everlasting honesty and love, so it is used in both weddings and funerals.
  • Marigold. Marigolds are the most popular flower used in Dia de los Muertos, and they are also common in funerals. Along with being a protective herb, they also improve your relationships. It is said that bathing in marigolds will help you earn respect and admiration. Use it in healing and communication spells for the dead. 
  • Mint. Mint used to be a popular funerary herb in Greece, as it masked the scent of corpses. It is not so popular at funerals anymore. The name stems from the myth of Pluto and Menthe, so many Pagans use mint to connect to chthonic deities. It is also a healing herb and can protect you on journeys.
  • Mugwort. Another one of my favorite spirit work herbs–mugwort is used in divination teas, smoking blends for spirit work, and washes for magical tools. Native Americans rubbed mugwort on themselves to keep ghosts away. According to a 9th-century grimoire (Bald’s Leechbook), it casts out demonic possession. Use it to amplify spirit work and induce a trance state.
  • Mulberry. Mulberries (which are technically trees, not bushes) are planted in cemeteries to heal grief and grant eternal life. They also protect against evil.
  • Mullein. Because of its nickname “Graveyard Dust,” mullein is often mistaken for a graveyard dirt substitute. To be clear: it is not a substitute. But mullein torches used to be burned during funerals, and its smoke can help people see spirits of the dead and the afterlife.
  • Myrrh. Myrrh is a common incense and oil in necromancy. The Egyptians associated myrrh with Isis’s death aspects, so they used it in magical inks and embalming. The ash from myrrh can be used to draw magic circles. Burn it to enhance meditation and increase psychic powers.
  • Olive. Olive fruits and leaves were usually used for protection, healing spells, and luck. But olive oil is common in spirit work; the Romans used it for necromantic scrying. The Greek Magical Papyri recommends pouring it into spring water to see spirits of the dead.
  • Orchid. In Greek mythology, Orchis, the son of a satyr and a nymph, became an orchid upon dying. The Greeks also used orchids in fertility spells, so it became a symbol of death and rebirth. As such, it’s a common funeral flower. It also induces trance states and develops psychic powers.
  • Oregano. The ancient Greeks believed that growing oregano on graves would ensure that the deceased was happy. This herb enhances love and is used in healing salves. Place it under your pillow to have prophetic dreams, or give it as an offering.
  • Parsley. Parsley has long had associations with death. According to Greek mythos, parsley sprang from the blood of Archemorus, whose name means “forerunner of death.” It frequently appeared in ancient funerals. During Greek funerary games, victors wore crowns of parsley to commemorate the dead. It also has protective qualities.
  • Patchouli. Because of its earthiness, patchouli is often linked with graveyard dirt. I use it as an oil to anoint candles.
  • Rose. Possibly the most commonly recognized funeral flower, roses have been associated with death for centuries. In 5th century Egyptian tombs, paintings of roses covered the walls. Its relationship to love connects the living and the deceased for eternity. It can also heal the dead.
  • Rosemary. Rosemary is the herb of remembrance. Studies have linked rosemary to a sharper memory, but the ancients learned this long before. It appeared in Egyptian, Roman, and Medieval funeral rites to commemorate the dead. The Greeks tossed sprigs of rosemary into graves to ensure that the deceased would not be forgotten. It is also burned to magnify divination and infused into ritual washes.
  • Sage. In Medieval folklore, eating sage in May was said to promote longevity. It also symbolizes immortality. The Egyptians often used sage ceremonially. Sage pollen was found in the tomb of Pharaoh Ramses II. In France, sage is said to heal grief, so it is often planted in graveyards.
  • St. John’s Wort. St. John’s Wort sometimes appears in spirit work and divination rituals. In the Middle Ages, people carried it in the mouth to find witches. But it is also protective. Dry it during Midsummer and hang it over a door to guard against ghosts, necromancers, and evil spirits. Do not ingest if you are on an anti-depression or mood disorder medication.
  • Sandalwood. This fragrant plant was used in Egyptians embalming rituals. Nowadays, it is often burned as incense to support spirit work, consecrate tools, and protect a space. In my opinion, it’s more effective if you burn it with frankincense.
  • Thyme. In ancient Greek funerals, thyme represented the bravery of a warrior. You can burn it to aid those suffering in death. It was also used in ancient Egyptian embalming and to induce prophetic dreams during the Victorian era. Combine it with marjoram in a bath to wash away sorrows of the past. You can also use it to communicate with the fae and the dead.
  • Tulips. Since blooming tulips signal the coming of spring, they are associated with death and rebirth. They often appear in funerals to signify perfect love. In Middle Eastern traditions, people wore tulips for protection.
  • Valerian. Like mullein, valerian root is called “graveyard dirt” when powdered. But it is not a substitute for real graveyard dirt. Instead, it is used to induce a trance state and sleep. The Greeks hung a sprig under a window to protect the home from evil.
  • Vervain. Vervain is a common herb in spirit work. In Christian mythos, it is said that Christ’s crucifixion wounds were staunched with vervain. The Romans called it a “sacrificial herb,” and it was said to be especially powerful. As a protective herb, vervain can be carried, burned, or infused into potions to drive off evil spirits. Use it in spirit work spells to enhance their powers.
  • ​Wormwood. Wormwood is often burned as an incense or smoking blend to develop psychic powers. In Slavic rituals and dances, people carried it for protection. The Greeks hung it to ward off malicious spirits. Its smoke is said to summon spirits. According to old grimoires, burning it on a grave will raise the dead. You don’t have to perform magic in a cemetery, though–wormwood will aid necromancy anywhere.
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How Do You Use Magic Herbs?

Have you ever used herbs in death work? Did I miss any noteworthy herbs or plants? Let me know in the comments below!

Related Posts:

  • Trees in Cemeteries: Part 1 (including tree correspondences)
  • Magical Uses for Cemetery Water and Snow
  • Making Magical Inks
  • Magical Uses for Graveyard Dirt
  • Three Death Witchcraft Spells to Heal the Deceased
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Trees in Cemeteries, Part 1

6/29/2019

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Statues and trees in Mt. Olive Cemetery.
Much has been written on trees in magical folklore and Paganism. This post will concern these trees in relation to cemeteries, souls of the dead, and their uses in death witchcraft and necromancy. 

Many of these trees are used for wands and talismans in death magic. A branch can be picked up from the ground of a cemetery and polished into a powerful tool. If you understand the associations, you may grind their bark for protection powders, give their dried leaves as offerings, and include them in talismans.

These particular trees are common in North America where I live, though you can find many more online. Along with their mythological symbolism, many of these trees are planted in cemeteries because they require little upkeep to survive. However, this only highlights their association with endurance, hardiness, immortality and rebirth. 
Note that these trees have many more associations and folklore attached to them. I am focusing on what I can find that connects to death, resurrection, and the afterlife.
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  • Acacia - The ancient Egyptians made coffins from acacia due to its association with Osiris. In some versions, after Seth killed Osiris, Osiris’ coffer washed up in Byblos, where an acacia grew around it. Because some Egyptian Gods were also born under the acacia, the tree shelters the Gods who decide upon life and death. Hence, the acacia was put to much use honoring the dead: Egyptians would use its gum to coat mummies and burn wreaths for the dead; and Hebrews planted these trees near graves.
  • Cedar - A common tree in American cemeteries, the cedar has roots in Chinese folklore. According to one story, a king jailed an innocent man to pursue his wife. The man died in jail, and his wife committed suicide. Even though their graves were buried far apart, cedars grew upon the graves, and eventually their branches touched. Cedar is also a symbol of Hades Lord of the Dead, and its oil was used in Egyptian mummification.
  • Cypress - With strong connections to the Furies, Fates and several chthonic deities, cypress has a long history in Greek and Roman funeral rites. According to myth, Apollo gave a man Cyparissus a white stag, which was accidentally killed. Cyparissus asked the Gods to let him mourn forever, and, eventually tired of his weeping, the Gods turned him into a cypress tree. Mourners would carry cypress branches, and eventually lay the corpse down on a bed of cypress leaves before burial. Cypresses were planted by graves, or by a home to warn that the plot was occupied by a corpse. This period, a nine day period after being buried or cremated, was considered to have corrupted energy that the cypress (along with yew) guarded others from. 
  • Holly - Holly is sacred to Thor, and its use was said to protect one from lightning strikes. It is planted in cemeteries to protect the dead and mourners. The tree is used in celebrations around the winter solstice, being a symbol of the popularized NeoPagan Holly King, who ruled the year from summer to the winter solstice. 
  • Mulberry - Throughout the Middle East, India, Europe and Asia, mulberry leaf was traded and sold for its medicinal benefits. The mulberry quickly became associated with life and restoration, and the weeping mulberry is planted in cemeteries to represent healing grief and eternal life after life. 
  • Myrtle - When Venus washed up on the Isle of Cytheraea, it is said that she hid her nakedness behind a myrtle tree. She then labeled the tree as Hers, and it became associated with eternal love. It is planted in cemeteries for this same purpose. 
  • Oak - Often planted within military and children’s cemeteries, oak signifies strength, authority and protection. Its associations with thunder deities such as Thor and Zeus come from its remarkable hardiness in withstanding destructive weather. Oaks are also sprinkled throughout the Bible, with some naming it as the wood used for Jesus’s cross, although some sources say it was yew. The oak is planted to protect the souls of the dead, protect headstones from rough weather, and protect mourners from sun rays.  
  • Olive - A recognized symbol of Athena, the olive tree highlights deep symbolism of hope, peace, and protection. According to one story, King Xerxes once set Acropolis ablaze, which contained rows of olive trees. But the trees re-sprouted the same day that the fire went one. This and other stories make the olive a powerful symbol of rebirth. 
  • Palm - In Christianity, palm trees represent martyrs who triumph with soul over body. In Islam, the palms symbolize Paradise, giving this tree strong links to a spiritual afterlife. Although natives of Malaysia and India referred to the palm as “The Tree of Life” due its medicinal properties and resilience, it is said that Portuguese explorers found the coconut similar to a ghost in their folklore called the coco. 
  • Pine - As an evergreen tree slow to decay, the pine symbolizes immortality and the eternal life after death. Ancient Egyptians would sometimes bury carvings of Osiris out of pine with the deceased. In the Scottish Highlands, pine marked the graves of honored warriors and chieftains. Druids burned pine on the winter solstice to mark the end of long nights and coming of divine light. In Roman mythology, the consort of the earth Goddess Cybele, Attis, was transformed into a pine tree after being killed by a boar. The pine protects mourners from some of the darkest moments of their life, and connects the dead to the Gods.
  • Weeping Willow - This tree is a picturesque analogy for human mourning–hunched, drooping, dragging–that it’s no wonder the ancient Greeks called it “the mourning tree”. It is a symbol of Hecate, a chthonic deity. Orpheus carried willow branches on his journey to the underworld. In China, the willow depicts rebirth and immortality, due to its ability to quickly regrow after being damaged or chopped. To no one’s surprise, by the nineteenth century, willows were commonly seen on gravestones and mourning cards in Britain and America. The willow highlights more of the mourner’s struggle than the deceased’s, and it is a reminder that we too enter the graves of those we’re mourning for. 
  • Yew - One of the oldest trees recorded, yew stands as a reincarnation symbol for the Druids, a symbol of immortality for Christians, and a reminder of the otherworld for Irish Pagans. In Irish folklore, the yew is one of five sacred trees brought up from the otherworld to divide the land. A sister of birch, the tree of eternal life, yew is the opposite as the tree of eternal death. Its reputation stems from how it grows down to form new stems which looks like freshly sprouted trunks. Yew governs both death and rebirth, and is a perfect symbol for the afterlife. Early Christians buried corpses with yew shoots. The ancient Romans used yew to warn onlookers of the nine day libation period mentioned before. 
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In the best case scenario, a magician will learn to recognize these trees on sight. Otherwise, they may recognize some of these trees in a cemetery, and gain a better understanding of the conditions of the souls beneath the canopy. They can also use these trees for their own magical purposes. 

For more information on plants and trees common in North American cemeteries, you can visit this document from the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust, April 2016.

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