Three Kitchen Spices I Use in Almost Every Spell

If you look at my ritual photographs, you’ll often see a bundle of cinnamon sticks tied with green thread, a few bay leaves in the central dish and a sprig of rosemary somewhere nearby. None of them came from a specialist shop. Kitchen witchcraft is the oldest kind there is, and the spice rack is a perfectly good place to begin.

Which kitchen spices are used in spells?

My herb and spice reference covers eighteen herbs, with pet and health notes from the ASPCA and the NIH.

What is cinnamon used for in spells?

Cinnamon is my go-to for anything that needs to speed up or warm up: money, career moves, attraction and confidence. A pinch in a candle dish or a stick on the altar both count. If you like the old custom of a little on your palms before an interview, test a tiny amount first: the NIH notes that cinnamon oil or powder on the skin can cause irritation. Never inhale it, and keep it out of your eyes.

Cinnamon is also the heart of an old doorway custom; I describe it in my first of the month cinnamon ritual.

What are bay leaves used for in spells?

Bay has been tied to victory and achievement since ancient times. The simplest wish spell I know is to write your wish on a dry bay leaf. Hold it while you picture the wish already done, then keep it in your wallet, under a candle or tucked into a journal.

Some witches burn the bay leaf to release the wish. If you do, burn one leaf at a time over a heat-safe dish, away from anything that can burn. Keep bay leaves out of reach of pets: according to the ASPCA they are toxic to dogs and cats.

What is rosemary used for in spells?

Rosemary is the herb of remembrance and of guarding the home. I add it to protection jars, to cleansing water for wiping doorways, and to anything where I want a clear head. It is also one of the best herbs for smoke cleansing, which I describe in smoke cleansing your home.

How do I make a three-spice abundance dish?

1. Place a small plate beside a green or gold candle.
2. Add a pinch of cinnamon, one bay leaf with your wish written on it, and a sprig of rosemary.
3. Light the candle and say your intention aloud. Be specific, such as “steady freelance work this month”.
4. When you’re done, keep the bay leaf. Return the rest to the earth or the bin.

Please never leave a candle unattended, and keep dried herbs away from the flame itself. The NFPA advises keeping candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. Green and gold are the traditional colours for prosperity; see the candle colour reference.

Can I use other spices from my kitchen?

Yes. A few more that appear often in folk magic:

• Basil: money, love and harmony at home.
• Thyme: courage and strength.
• Mint: money and fresh starts. Mint is toxic to dogs and cats according to the ASPCA.
• Salt: protection and cleansing; see my salt warding guide.

When do I want a full working?

My abundance rituals use these same ingredients, with coins, citrine and a candle in your colour. Explore my money and career rituals or good luck and success work. Each one is cast the same day and photographed for you. My money spells guide explains the types.