Herbs and Oils of the Winter Solstice

Hola and welcome back to the latest installment of my Sabbat Herbal series. This is part 7 of this series of Sabbat Herbs & Oils. You can check out part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, and part 6 at these links. Now we shall focus on the Winter Solstice, also called Yule or even Midwinter among many in the pagan community. The Winter Solstice marks the longest night of the year and therefore the shortest day. And similar to the Summer Solstice, which is its opposite on the wheel of the year, the celebrations around this time of year are centered around the sun and light. However its from a different perspective. From here on out the days will start to get longer and the nights shorter. There are many ways you can use these herbs and oils for warmth, earth, cleansing, love, physical and mental health.

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.

Yule Ritual Kit

Peppermint is associated with the winter thanks to its cooling menthol. Inhaling its steam can clear congestion and infections in the sinuses and lungs. And topical application of peppermint oil can help relieve headaches. Too much oil can and will burn the skin. It is also considered a stimulant. Peppermint plants also keep the air clean and fresh in households. Because of these attributes it is most often associated with the element of Air and mental well being. Use it on your altar, around the house or carry it around in bundles or in a sachet for a clear mind, for purification/cleansing or healing magic and rituals. Peppermint has long been a common flavoring agent in many foods and drinks like candy canes and hot chocolate. So you can also add fresh or dried leaves to your meals and beverages for some kitchen magic. Lastly, peppermints bright green leaves lend themselves to money and prosperity spell work.

Home Blessing Oil

Rosemary is a favorite of mine. It has a refreshing scent that is also brightening somehow. Rosemary is associated with the Sun and the element of Fire. This makes sense as it is a stimulant for many of the bodies systems. It also works to improve the memory as well as one's confidence and creativity. The scent of the oil helps prevent negative mental issues. It is also cleansing. So use it in rituals and magic for studying, making yourself memorable, remembering dreams or past lives. It is a very versatile herb so you can cook with it, burn it, warm the oil, bathe with it, anoint yourself or any ritual items or sacred spaces with it. Rosemary is also associated with the Goddess Venus and love and loyalty. Because of this it is often used in weddings and handfastings as decor, in bouquets or in a planting ritual.

Vanilla n' Honey Facial Scrub

Vanilla is another favorite of mine. Vanilla is associated with the planet Venus as well as the element of water. The oil is very thick and difficult to use so most people make and use extracts which contain the same essence since its like an infusion. The scent is very calming and soothing. And it can also be an aphrodisiac as well. So use it in ritual baths or incense for calming or sensual purposes especially. And of course you can make your own vanilla extract to use in kitchen magic. Especially when baking since vanilla is used so often so you can add your intent when mixing it in. This is why the scent of Vanilla is often associated with this time of year as many people are baking more for the holidays and to keep warm. 

Cinnamon Body Butter

Cinnamon is another scent associated with this time of year. It is associated with the element of Fire and with the sun due to its stimulating and warming properties of both the bark and the oil. It can be irritating to the sinuses and burning to those with sensitive skin. Cinnamon is often used in incense blends to purify a space. Potpourri is another alternative. It can be used for protection or to draw in prosperity, money and comfort. Cinnamon brooms are popular for hang over doors and windows to bring those elements into the home. Burn cinnamon sticks for simple incense to sanctify your altar, sacred space. Or use it to cleanse items such as crystals or ritual tools. Cinnamon oil is also great for a ritual bath. Put into sachets for success or confidence as well.
  

Capricorn Bath Soak

Pine is another versatile plant for ritual and magical use. There are over a hundred known types of pine. And Pines are one of many types of conifers (e.g. fir, spruce, juniper, cypress, cedar). I picked pine because it is the most well known and used. It is very antiseptic so is often used in cleaning agents. You can make your own floor washes, window cleaners or even ritual baths. Sprinkle the pine needles on floors or burn in incense. It cleanses negativity and even helps keep sickness at bay and to promote good health. Pine oil is good for relieving congestion and treating muscle and joint pain. But be careful for those allergic to pine. Pine cones are used for decor this time of year as they represent masculine energies as well as the elements of Fire and Earth. The Winter Solstice being the longest night, afterwards means the return of the Sun. 

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 herbs, woods 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 Imbolc post next year. If you would like to try any of my Winter Solstice products you can find them in the link below.

~Lashette
  Scarlet Moon Creations