Other Names: Incensier, Dew of the Sea, Rose of the Sea, Sea Mist, Sea Dew, Ros Maris, Rosmarie, Guardrobe. Mary's Mantle, Polar Plant, Compass Plant, Romarin, Romero, Rosemarino.
Planetry Ruler : The Sun
Element : Fire
Gender: Masculine
Powers: Protection, Love, Lust, Mental powers, Exorcism, Purification, Healing, Sleep, Youth.
Rosemary is a hardy, evergreen perennial that grows between 3-6 ft. It is native to the Mediterranean and was said to have been brought to Britain by the Roman's. It is now grown throughout the world, and is a popular ornamental, culinary and magical plant. Rosmarinus is from the Latin meaning 'Dew of the Sea'.
Rosemary can be hung up around the home for protection against thieves, evil spirits and negative energies, which makes it a great addition to any protection bags/pouches or bottles. It can also be placed beneath your pillow to keep away nightmares. Powdered rosemary kept under the bed is said to keep a couple together, and hung over cradles, it will deter faeries from stealing babies, although it is also said to attract faeries and elves !
Rosemary can be used in spells for fidelity, memory and to dispel jealousy. It is perfect for purifying ritual baths, and used as incense during past life meditations.
A sprig of Rosemary, wrapped in cotton and tied around your right arm is said to dispel depression and keep you merry and bright; and in the middle ages it was worn around the neck to protect against the plague. Along with Rue, it was placed in Courts of Justice as a preventative from the contagion of gaol fever.
Rosemary infusion makes an ideal purifying wash for your hands before any healing work. Rosemary has a long tradition of being used to boost memory, the Greeks used to wear it in their hair for just that purpose. In France it was burnt along with juniper berries in sick rooms and hospitals to purify the air. It was also added to bridal bouquets to symbolize love, and funeral wreaths for remembrance.
Rosemary makes an excellent hair rinse ( see recipe below ) it adds strength and shine to your hair and stimulates growth. The essential oil, (diluted in a carrier oil) can be massaged into the scalp to prevent baldness and as it increases circulation it makes a soothing and warming massage oil for aches and pains. The infusion can be used as an antiseptic and astringent toner for your skin, and can be drank to relieve headaches, indigestion, menstrual cramps and nervous disorders.
ROSEMARY LEAF SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN INTERNALLY IN LARGE AMOUNTS ( ESPECIALLY BY PREGNANT WOMEN). ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL SHOULD NOT BE USED INTERNALLY AT ALL.
Rosemary is said to only flourish in gardens where the woman rules the home. It repels insects from neighbouring plants, and makes a good insect repellent when applied to the skin. The leaves and flowers can be used to create a yellow-green dye.
Rosemary is sacred to Hebe, Aphrodite and the Virgin Mary. There is a Christian story that says the flowers were originally white, and turned blue when Mary spread her blue cloak over a rosemary bush to dry.
As a culinary herb, rosemary is used as a flavouring for game and poultry, oils and wine.
Recipes:
Vegetarian Goulash - serves 4
2 tbsp rosemary infused oil
2 medium onions, sliced
1 dsp wholemeal flour
1 tbsp paprika
275ml hot water mixed with 1 tsp tomato puree
400g tin chopped tomatoes
2 sprigs rosemary, approx 10 inches long
225g cauliflower sprigs
225g carrots, peeled and chopped into small chunks
250 g new potatoes, washed and halved
1/2 green pepper, de-seeded and chopped
150g soured cream or Greek yogurt
salt and pepper
Heat rosemary oil in flame proof casserole dish, fry onions until soft, then stir in 3/4 of paprika. Cook for 2 minutes. Stir in water, tomatoes and rosemary. Bring to boil, stirring. Add vegetables and seasoning. Cover and bake in re-heated oven 190oC/375oF/Gas 5 for 30-40 minutes. Remove from oven and remove rosemary sprigs. Stir in soured cream or yogurt and remaining paprika. Serve with fresh pasta and/or garlic bread.
Herbal vinegar hair rinse:
Apple Cider Vinegar cuts through the residue left by styling products and shampoo. Lavender, rosemary and chamomile are beneficial for all hair types.
1 tbsp dried lavender
1 tbsp dried rosemary
1 tbsp dried chamomile
250 mls ( 8fl oz) apple cider vinegar
Steep dried herbs in apple cider vinegar in a covered glass jar for 2 weeks. Strain and pour into a glass bottle. Add 1 tbsp to 250ml ( 8fl oz) warm water and pour through hair for a final rinse after shampoo and conditioner.
Protection incense:
2 parts frankincense
1 part rosemary
1 part sandalwood
Unity
Bibliography :
Holistic Herbal - David Hoffman
Herbcraft: A Guide to the Shamanic and Ritual use of Herbs - Anna Franklin and Susan Lavender
Cunningham's Encyclopaedia or Magical Herbs - Scott Cunningham
A Kitchen Witches world of magical herbs and plants - Rachel Patterson
Jekka's complete herb book - Jekka McVicar
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