Herbs and Oils for Samhain

Hola and welcome back to the latest installment of my Sabbat herbal series. This is part 6 of this series of Sabbat Herbs & Oils. You can check out part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4 and part 5 at these links. Samhain, marks the last harvest and the end of the year for me. Because my birthday is on November 1st. It has many names such as Halloween, Calan Gaev, All Hallows Eve, Day of the Dead, etc. Its a time of reflection, preparation, divination, protection and spirit work. The veil between worlds is thin again. The last time was during Beltane. During the darker half of the year you can get more easily in touch with the Fae again. But also with the spirits of the dead. Divination is more powerful during this time of year as is journeying. Many do rituals out of respect for their ancestors who have passed. Others take stock of the past year and begin to plan for the winter and the rest of the new year beyond.


With that all in mind I thought I'd share some of the many plants and oils associated with this season. You can use them in your rituals as altar decor, incense, oils, or in your ritual bath as a bath oil, bath bomb or bath salts. You can make a potpourri or room spray with one or some of these ingredients. Anyway, you feel pulled to celebrate the season. Just be sure to read any and all label warnings.

Cloves are associated with Jupiter and therefore attraction and gain. Particularly in areas involving money. It has a warming scent and flavor. In that way it gives comfort but may also be stimulating and good for overcoming mental fatigue. Medically, Clove Bud oil is antiseptic, antifungal and antiviral, good for slowing inflammation and infections. This translates magically into it being a good oil for protection. It drives away negativity and purifies any ritual space. This time of year, the spice is often added to comfort foods and drinks such as pumpkin pie and mulled cider. Add a little extra flare by doing some kitchen magic and chanting a protection charm when adding cloves to your dishes.

Samhain Ritual Kit

Mugwort is one of my favorite herbs. Mugwort is considered one of the psychic herbs. Because however you use it it can enhance psychic powers. Burn as or in an incense mixture before or during divination or spirit work. For prophetic dreams hang around your bed or put it under your pillow. Create a wash with it to cleanse your divination tools. For those that cannot be wet, hold them in the smoke of a mugwort incense. Mugwort is often including in flying ointments for those that wish to astral project. It is also great for protection. So in this way, you can hang it around your home or on your person to protect from malevolence and negativity.

Samhain Oil

Pumpkin, well you had to know this would be here. Its still pumpkin spice season after all. Pumpkin spice includes cloves by the way. Pumpkins were used and carved into Jack 'o' Lanterns to scare away evil spirits during this time of year. The veil is said to be thin between this world and others. The large gourds more modernly represent a plenty and prosperity. Place them around your home or on your altar for those purposes. Or carve them for protection.

Pumpkin n' Clove Body Scrub

Pomegranate has been used for centuries around the world for many purposes. The red seeds often represent the blood in our veins; life. They were even once used as currency. And have been said to increase fertility. So include them in your rituals for fertility, to bring money in or to represent life. Renewal of life or the promise of life coming are big cornerstones of the season of samhain.

Pomegranate Body Scrub

Sage is an herb and oil associated with wisdom as it offers clarity of mind and one type, clary sage, is helpful for stress disorders as it helps calm. Some say it even promotes longevity if you eat some every day. However, its because sage is very versatile in treating many physical ailments. Add some sage to your incense or make a tincture for a calm and clear mind during meditations or just to go about your day. this time of year can get very hectic and stressful. So keep some sage nearby.

Samhain Incense

Rowan berries are ripe and growing all over the place now. This is another plant associated with psychic powers. Both the berry and the bark can be work or carried to improve psychic powers. There are many potions of the berries made to improve second sight. But only if they are dried, cooked or fermented since fresh berries are not good to be ingested. Rowan branches are often used to create wands as it enhances personal power. Rowan trees are also associated with the Fae. It is said they are originally from the faerie realm. So the branches are good for creating a gateway between realms when the veil is this as it is now. Or to work with the Fae.

So I hope you enjoy this latest installment of my Sabbat Herbs and Oils posts. You can use these ingredients in many ways beyond the few I have given here as examples. And you don't have to wait for that one day of year to do so. The Sabbats represent a season rather than just one day.  As always with any of these and other items new to you, test them carefully before going all in especially if you have sensitive skin. Do a spot test on your skin before fully submerging into a bath. Sniff a bit of the item before purchase to make sure you are not allergic or sensitive to it. Read all label warnings because some items are not for women who are pregnant or nursing, or others on certain medications. Safety first always.

Let me know if you found other ways to use these plants and oils that I have not mentioned as I am always looking to learn. Whatever you do I hope you enjoy the first harvest. I will see you during the Yule, the winter Solstice. If you would like to try any of my Samhain products you can find them in the link below.

~Lashette
  Scarlet Moon Creations