Every magickal garden should grow rosemary. It is often said that rosemary can be substituted for just about every other herb in magick. Plant it near your front door for protection from low vibrational energies. Some say that a home with rosemary growing by the front gate is a home where the woman is the boss. That seems reason enough to plant it!!
“Rosemary for remembrance”, is an old saying. You can use rosemary in oils or incense form when performing spells where you want to make a lasting impression, as well as in spells to help your memory. Rosemary oil applied behind the ear could help during a test or exam…although it’s no substitute for studying!
Making bundles of rosemary tied with cotton string and allowing them to dry is a wonderful substitute for sage smudge sticks. I call the rosemary ones “European smudge sticks” since rosemary is native to the Mediterranean. Wild harvesting of native white sage can be a problem in the US, so rosemary smudge can be a great alternative. Dried rosemary can also be added to homemade incense. The smell of rosemary can be enjoyed fresh, dried and burned!
One traditional story about rosemary states that if you are trying to decided between two (or more…lucky you!) prospective suitors, write the names of each person you are considering on identical flower pots. Plant a small rosemary plant in each pot and observe how they grow under the same growing conditions (same soil, light and water). The plant that grows the best is your best choice for a relationship. If you have no prospects at the moment, create a poppet (cloth dolly) of yourself and stuff it with rosemary. Enchant it at the new moon to attract your perfect partner.
Rosemary can be used for remembrance in kitchen witchery as well. It goes great with roasted potatoes. Infuse olive oil with rosemary to be used in the kitchen as well, and serve as a dipping sauce for a hearty, herbally bread. You are sure to create a memorable magickal meal!
Rosemary likes a sunny, sheltered location but hates soggy soil. After watering let the soil dry before watering again. I have found rosemary grows well near a wall or sidewalk and that the concrete will protect it from freezing temperatures. In Texas I was able to keep a plant alive for years in such an environment. You could also grow rosemary in a pot and bring it inside to a sunny windowsill during the freezing weather.
If you haven’t added rosemary to your magickal apothecary, I highly recommend it.
Herbal Blessings,
Sarina
The Magickal Cottage 