Cloves are an iconic staple in the kitchen but they also have a rich history of use in protection, luck, and love spells. In fact, this spice was revered so much in Ancient Rome that it became more highly prized than gold! Read on to learn about the magical properties of cloves, their spiritual benefits and how you can use them in your own life.
What do cloves symbolize?
The word ‘clove’ comes from the old French word clou and the Latin word clavus, meaning nail, which refers to their unique shape. The clove tree is native to the Molucca Islands in Indonesia where the dried flower buds were regularly traded to Ancient Rome and China. Cloves were so highly regarded in these cultures that only the wealthy could afford them. So, they quickly became associated with prosperity.
They are masculine and protective in nature; aligned with the element of fire and the planet Jupiter. This makes them very effective in any spell to do with growth, money, legal issues, and abundance. Perhaps one of their most famous magical uses is in perfume balls to protect against illness, called pomanders.
By the 18th century, cloves were commonly pushed into oranges and offered as gifts at Christmas time for protection, or fragrant good luck charms for the new year. They are still sometimes gifted today, especially by those that follow Pagan traditions.
Spiritual benefits and magical properties of cloves
1. Sprinkle clove dust to stop gossip about you
Feeling like you have become the target of unwanted gossip? Cloves can stop malignant gossip in its tracks! Simply grab a handful of cloves and grind them up with a pestle and mortar as you focus on the rumors that are being spread about you. Then sprinkle the clove dust over yourself. This is most effective just before you go into a situation where you feel you are going to be talked about. You can also sprinkle the powder onto lit charcoals and fumigate your body with the incense.
Alternatively, you can light a red candle (for energy, strength, and willpower) studded with cloves as you visualize the gossip that is surrounding you.
2. Use Orange and Clove Pomanders to attract abundance & raise your vibration
Orange and clove pomanders are a time-honored tradition that can help you attract abundance into your life. The uplifting scent of orange and clove will also promote positive vibrations which makes it the perfect ornament to have in your home!
To make the pomander, take an orange and start pushing cloves into the skin. You can be as creative as you like with this. Many people choose to create a pattern that is meaningful to them or you can simply create your own unique design. When you are done, it is customary to tie a red ribbon around your ornament and hang it up. You can also place the pomander in a red bowl to promote happiness and light within the home.
3. Burn cloves for cleansing and good luck
Cloves are believed to banish negative energy and promote clarity of mind. So, they are an excellent choice for cleansing your home after an argument or any other negative situation.
Put a tablespoon or so of cloves into a pot of simmering water and allow the warm, woody scent to melt away your worries!
To attract money, good luck, and positive relationships, crush up a handful of cloves and burn the power on charcoal disks along with rosemary (a universal symbol of love). This ritual can be performed once a week to increase prosperity and a happy home.
4. Use clove as an amulet to attract love and prosperity into your life
Keep a clove in your wallet to attract wealth and meet good people. You can also chew on a clove while doing any type of finance work. Alternatively, you can wear a clove as an amulet to attract new love or to calm the emotions related to bereavement.
If you are feeling a little more creative, try making a spell jar to attract love by combining cloves, cinnamon, pink Himalayan salt, rose petals, rosemary, and a rose quartz crystal in a small jar. To ensure even layering, you should start with the smallest grains and finish with the large ones (such as rose petals) at the top. Use a candle to seal the jar closed with either pink or white wax. When you are done, wear the amulet around your neck to encourage love into your life.
As you encounter people, the jar will be exposed to negative energies so make sure you cleanse it when you get home. You can do this by storing it near a Smokey quartz crystal or Himalayan lamp. Failing that, you can leave it out under the light of the moon overnight.
5. Diffuse clove oil for mental clarity
Cloves contain a mineral called manganese, which is essential for maintaining brain function. If you find yourself struggling to focus or your mind is feeling clogged, add a few drops of clove oil to your diffuser. The heady scent of this spice will boost your confidence and help you to concentrate on a task.
A simpler alternative is to add a few drops of clove oil to a spray bottle filled with water. You can then spray this around you whenever you feel the need.
6. Hang cloves over your baby’s crib for protection
In the Molucca Islands, a clove tree was planted for every child born. The tree was believed to be linked to the child so if it grew healthy and strong, the child would thrive. If the tree began to wilt, the child would become ill. Given this history, it is perhaps no surprise that cloves are often used to protect newborn babies from illness and injury.
Instead of planting a tree, you can simply string cloves together and hang them over your baby’s crib. Just make sure the cloves are out of reach!
7. Enhance your psychic abilities & spiritual awareness using clove
Clove tea is excellent for calming nerves and helping you achieve the clarity of mind needed for effective meditation. Before performing any divination work, drink a warming tea made of thyme, cinnamon, yarrow (yarrow root), rose petals, and clove, to enhance your spiritual awareness. This state of mind will help you to focus on your intentions and so increase the power and efficiency of any magical work.
8. Wear cloves for protection
To create your very own protection jar to shield you from negative energies, combine sea salt, 5 cloves, 1 bay leaf, white and green sandglass (if you have access to it), and some seashells in a sealable jar. You can either make this in miniature form to be worn as an amulet around your neck or as a larger charm to place in your home or workspace. This will protect you from harm and bind those who choose to speak badly of you.
You can also string cloves onto a red thread and wear them as a necklace to cleanse your aura, assist with financial situations, and dispel negativity.
10. Place cloves under your pillow to attract deep restorative sleep
Cloves are wonderful aids for soothing tension, frustrations, and worries. They have also been proven to balance blood sugar levels which can directly impact moods. If you are struggling to get a proper good night’s rest, you may be too stressed. So, try placing a few cloves in a sachet or pouch, alongside a couple of mint leaves and rose petals, and putting it under your pillow to aid restful sleep. If you don’t have fresh mint and rose to hand, you can use dried mint and anoint the bag with rose oil.
11. Cleanse your aura with a clove bath
Feeling a bit overwhelmed and stressed? Then it is time to cleanse your aura with a clove bath! Just add 3-5 cloves to your bathwater and soak for as long as you need. Alternatively, you can brew a strong herbal tea with cloves by simmering them in boiling water for 10 minutes. The cloves will re-balance your aura and help you to feel clearer and lighter in everyday life.
12. Use cloves to enhance friendship in a social gathering
Planning on having a party or family get-together? Don’t forget to put out some cloves in a bowl to encourage friendships and positive energy.
When is the best time to work with cloves?
Cloves are closely associated with the planet Jupiter. So, it makes sense that they will be most effective in magical workings when performed during the days and times associated with this planet. Thursdays are closely connected to Jupiter, as well as the element of fire and Thor, the God of Thunder.
Jupiter is a planet of positivity and prosperity, so perform spells for good luck, abundance, and spiritual growth on the corresponding day. You can enhance the power of your spells by also working in the hours governed by Jupiter, which will vary depending on where in the world you live. Luckily, there are numerous planetary calculators online that you can use!
Conclusion
The scent of clove reminds us of a log fire burning on Christmas morning as we are surrounded by loved ones, cheer, and laughter. It has the ability to lift our mood and help us think clearly in any situation. It is a multi-purpose spice that deserves a place in every person’s home to promote abundance, love, and joy.
