Herbs of Hecate

Note: I wrote this back in June 2019 and since today is the Night of Hecate, I thought it would be great to put it up again.

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Dandelion, garlic, mugwort, lavender, and mullein are all herbs of Hecate, goddess of the underworld. Often portrayed as the triple goddess, Hecate is the goddess of magick and witchcraft, of those who’ve passed through the veil, necromancy, as well as the crossroad. She’s often accompanied by a large black dog and is well-versed in plants, both medicinal and poisonous.

I was thinking about Hecate as I gathered some dandelion leaves for this morning’s tea. Although she represents the triple goddess in her Maiden, Mother, and Crone phases, she aligns best with the Crone. I find myself drawing inspiration and, dare I suggest power, from this blessed figure.

The dark goddess represents the dark or shadow side of self, transition, and transformation. The daughter of a Titan, Hecate establishes her own path, and embraces life on her own terms as a powerful sorceress, moving within the underworld, or unconscious realm, with ease.

That said, our goddess was clearly an herbalist. As am I.

So, let’s take a walk around the garden and look at a few of the herbs commonly associated with Hecate beginning with mystical dandelion. It begins with a sunny yellow flower and ends with a wish. The root is lovingly dug in the Spring and Fall and the leaves and flowers are gathered throughout the summer months. When the leaves become ragged-looking, allow the roots to take the energy and then gather some in the fall for winter decoctions to keep the body in balance. Dandelion is a wonderful diuretic and given that it’s high in potassium, used in tea or as part of a stronger infusion, dandelion doesn’t strip potassium from the body the way prescription diuretics can. An herb of Jupiter, dandelion promotes prosperity, leadership, justice, and understanding. And wishes…we cannot forget the wishes.

Mugwort is as prolific as comfrey, which means you never want this plant to flower. Never let it go to seed unless you want it everywhere. Used both in herbal preparations and in ritual, this herb of Venus is magickal and healing. Whether used in trancework or to smudge an area, mugwort is useful in love spells, ritual purification, and dreamwork. It promotes menses, so mugwort tea should never be used by a woman who either is pregnant or is attempting to become pregnant. However, it is useful as an herbal tea, alone or with other herbs, to calm nervous tension and menstrual pain, and its bitter flavor aids digestion. It’s also a lovely addition to dream pillows. And, I’ve read that chickens seem to like it as do sheep.

Garlic is assigned to both Hecate and Lilith and is useful in magickal workings involving protection, self-empowerment, passion, and courage. Governed by Mars, it aligns best with Tuesday and is highly protective. It can be added to protection mojo bags focused on vampiric energy or to guard against baneful magicks. It both repels and attracts and has amazing antibiotic properties when consumed medicinally. Garlic also improves respiratory conditions and reportedly has been used to support balanced blood pressure. Hang a garlic braid by the door as a natural protection talisman and don’t forget to leave an offering at the crossroads in the event that Hecate passes by.

Lavender, in its many forms, is a stunning plant. Its varied fragrance is found in essential oils, sachets, and potpourri and it’s a staple on my altar for use in love magick and herbal incense. An herb of Mercury as well, lavender essential oil may be used to anoint candles during workings involving communication and clarity. Lavender flowers are also a perfect addition to smudge sticks. Medicinally it has nervine properties making it useful to include in teas for nervous tension and headaches.

Also known as Hag’s taper, mullein is a versatile plant. It can be infused in tea to open respiratory passages; set afire and carried like a torch (hag’s taper); the flowers soaked in oil have been used as an earache remedy, and, the powdered leaf can be used as a substitution for graveyard dirt. Magickally, mullein can be useful in banishings or bindings as well as in protection spells.

Mints are among the most varied herbs around. The above variety is called sweet mint and it’s lovely. I also grow spearmint, chocolate mint, peppermint, lemon balm, and various oreganos (yes, they’re considered mint), and years ago, I used to grow pineapple mint which was heavenly when the wind blew just so. They all aid digestion and nausea, and peppermint is a wonderful replacement for a quick pick-me-up in the afternoon. An herb of Venus and Elemental Air, all varieties of mint strengthen resolve, balance emotions, and keep potential flowing. Anoint candles with peppermint essential oil to increase clarity and stimulate energy and spearmint to calm emotional distress. But above all, don’t forget a cup of mint and chamomile tea in the evening for a lovely herbal end to the day.

In a sense, all herbs are transitional, moving our bodies from one state to another, gently, and sometimes not so gently, transforming our mind, body, and Spirit. Hecate does the same as the Crone Goddess, assisting us in the transition into our Crone phase. Ruling the sky, sea, and earth, a gift from Zeus, Hecate defines boundaries, as she guards both entrances and crossroads, particularly crossroads comprised of three intersecting roads. As the Goddess of magick, she blesses witches with her knowledge and is unafraid to exact justice when the need arises.

So, the next time you take a walk, and you find yourself at the crossroads, lay down some garlic, or perhaps a sprig of lavender flowers, and say a silent blessing to Hecate before continuing on your path. She’ll appreciate your kindness and bless you in return.