Rosemary is an evergreen plant that is commonly used in a wide range of culinary dishes. However, it also has a long history as a potent magical herb with a wide variety of uses including purification, improving memory, and attracting love. So how can you use this powerful spiritual herb in your own life? Read on to find out.
What does Rosemary symbolize?
Rosemary is a universal symbol of remembrance. In Shakespeare’s famous playwright Hamlet, Ophelia mentioned rosemary in relation to remembrance:
“There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance.
Pray you, love, remember.”
Rosemary has also been a symbol of love. In fact, it was believed that if you placed a sprig of rosemary under your pillow, it would reveal the identity of your soulmate in a dream.
Throughout history, rosemary has been a common addition to weddings, with brides often wearing the herb as a symbol of everlasting love and fidelity. Some people also believed that if rosemary cuttings from a bride’s bouquet were planted and they began to grow, then it was a sign that the marriage would be successful.
Historical usage of rosemary
Rosemary has a long history of symbolism that dates back to around 5000BC. The Ancient Egyptians used rosemary in their burial rituals, most likely because of its intense antibacterial properties which would have helped with the mummification process.
In the Middle Ages, rosemary was used to ward off evil and was often placed under pillows to prevent nightmares. This potent herb has strong protective properties which have made it a common smudging herb to purify sacred spaces as well as people’s homes.
Today, some people use rosemary essential oil in aromatherapy as it is believed to relieve stress and improve memory.
10 spiritual benefits of Rosemary
Rosemary has been used across various cultures throughout history, from witchcraft to the Roman empire. Famed for its multiple health and spiritual benefits, this herb is still commonly used today as a symbol of remembrance and protection. Below are 10 ways you can use this magical herb in your own life:
1. Smudge/Burn Rosemary for cleansing your space
Rosemary is known to relieve stress and instill a sense of peace. It can also remove negative energies from a space which makes it a wonderful smudging herb.
Simply collect a bundle of dried rosemary and tie it together with twine. Then light the end of the stick and wave it around the room you wish to cleanse, ensuring that the smoke reaches into all of the corners. You can also combine rosemary and sage in the same smudging stick to increase its purification power.
2. Burn Rosemary to cleanse your aura
Rosemary can be used to cleanse the aura in much the same way as you would cleanse a room. This herb is known to strengthen memory and can help you to achieve a higher level of consciousness so it is the perfect herb to burn prior to meditation or any magical work.
The intense scent of rosemary is thought to be a ‘cognitive stimulant’ which means it can help to lift your mood and boost alertness.
3. Drink Rosemary tea for healing and raising your vibration
Inhaling and drinking rosemary tea has been proven to have numerous health benefits, from reducing anxiety and boosting your mood, to improving concentration and overall brain health. For these reasons, it is an excellent beverage to drink in the morning to reduce stress and increase alertness for the day ahead.
4. Bath with Rosemary for achieving emotional balance
Taking a bath infused with rosemary is a fantastic way to unwind after a long stressful day. Bathing with rosemary will help you to relax and will assist you in achieving emotional balance. It will also rid your body, mind, and spirit of negative energies and encourage positivity.
Here’s how: To prepare a rosemary bath you will need to infuse a few rosemary sprigs in boiling water for a few hours, before adding the concoction to your usual bath water. Then simply relax and let the purifying energies of rosemary cleanse your spirit and calm your mind.
5. Keep Rosemary under your pillow for restful sleep and attracting good dreams.
For centuries, rosemary has been placed under pillows to ward off nightmares. The theory behind this practice is that the herb helps you to understand the meaning of your dreams, which will help you to clarify any issues that you are having in your life.
An additional benefit of having rosemary under your pillow as you sleep is that it can improve air quality which has been proven to aid more restful sleep. You can also apply a few drops of rosemary essential oil, mixed with a suitable carrier oil, behind your ears or on the soles of your feet for a more potent effect. However, do bear in mind that rosemary can cause very vivid dreams!
6. Place a Rosemary sachet in front of the house for protection and good luck
Rosemary is one of the many herbs that you can use to attract good luck into your life.
Rosemary sachets are surprisingly simple to make. All you need is a few sprigs of rosemary and a small pouch to put them in. You can also make your own sachet by cutting out a large square of fabric, placing the sprigs in the middle, and then tying the side up around the rosemary or securing it with a ribbon.
Placing one of these sachets in front of your home will help to prevent negative energies from entering, promote positivity, and attract good luck into your life. You can also add other herbs to your bundles such as sage or basil, depending on your intent.
7. Awaken your heart chakra, boost self-love and get mental clarity
Burning rosemary is a fantastic way to cleanse your aura and awaken your chakras. It is believed to be particularly beneficial at opening your heart chakra due to its connection with love and friendship.
During meditation, burn rosemary and allow the potent scent to invade your senses. When you are ready, turn your attention to your heart chakra and envision a green light over your heart. Imagine it getting brighter and more vivid. Doing this will help you to live with more compassion, love, and forgiveness.
Rosemary is also excellent at clearing the third eye chakra (located between your brows) as it is believed to help you to achieve mental clarity.
8. Use Rosemary to attract love into your life
Rosemary has been a common sight at weddings for a reason! It is believed to attract true love, prevent infidelity, and rid a relationship of jealousy.
The scientific name for rosemary is Rosmarinus officinalis which means ‘dew of the sea’ in Latin. This is believed to come from the myths of Aphrodite (the Goddess of love, beauty, and passion), who is often depicted with rosemary and myrtle draped around her.
Here’s how to use rosemary to attract love: Try adding this herb to a tasty dish for your other half and blessing it with your intent, to ignite the passion in your relationship. Simply having rosemary in your home is also believed to protect a marriage from failing. If you are struggling to conceive, try adding rosemary and some pennies to a green drawstring bag, and hanging it above your bed to increase fertility. Gifting rosemary to a loved one is also a strong symbol of everlasting friendship.
9. Diffuse Rosemary essential oil for relaxation & clearing your mind
As mentioned above, rosemary has been famed throughout history for its ability to help you achieve clarity of mind and peace within yourself.
After a long day at work, try adding a few drops of rosemary oil to your diffuser and then simply relax and let the herb works its magic! Rosemary is proven to be a powerful stress reliever that can lower the heart rate by up to 9%. Rosemary essential oil also makes a wonderful cleanser for crystals, tools, or other magical items. Simply rub the oil over them to cleanse and consecrate each item.
Benefits of growing Rosemary herb at home
Rosemary is considered to be an all-rounder when it comes to magical properties. This makes it a fantastic herb to grow at home to promote love and compassion.
Plant this wonderful herb by your front door as a powerful protective barrier to prevent negativity from entering your home and to encourage positivity. Growing rosemary also has several health benefits; inhaling the scent of this herb is believed to relieve the pain of tension headaches and has been proven to reduce cortisol levels (also known as the stress hormone).
Conclusion
Rosemary is truly a magical herb with countless spiritual and health benefits. Keeping rosemary in your home will ward off negativity, relieve stress, and promote good luck. It is particularly beneficial for promoting long, healthy relationships too! If you are wishing to live in a more peaceful and focused state, rosemary is the plant for you!
