Long before the advent of chemistry and modern medicine, herbalists used botanicals to cure illness and save lives, which maybe one reason plants were initially linked with magic. Countless generations of wise men and women throughout the world have tapped the secrets of plant kingdom, using roots, herbs, flowers, bark and leaves in potions and amulets to promote healing, provide protection, attract love, induce sight or visions, and increase prosperity. 

However, magical practitioners will tell you that a plant’s physical properties are only part of the story. When working in this field, the nonphysical is equally important. Plants are living entities, and as such, have etheric bodies as well as physical ones. They also possess a type of intelligence and an ability to communicate with us and with each other. No wonder that plants – scientific experiments have proved – grow “healthier” when soothing music are played to them just as soothing music are played to them just as soothing tunes de-stress our modern, hectic lives. (But this is another story altogether.) 

When planning your garden – or even just having live plants in your house or buying cut-flowers for your vase in the office – pay attention to the mystical powers inherent in them, and choose that supports your own purposes. Even if you never use them in magical work, their presence in your environment can have an impact on your life. 

The following lists include some common herbs, flowers, shrubs and trees you may wish to include in your garden, along with their magical uses. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the physical properties of the species you include, for some popular and beautiful plants maybe poisonous. 

PROTECTION: verbena, anise, sage, thyme, fennel, garlic, bougainvillea, willow and pine. 

LOVE: roses, clover, jasmine, basil, marigold, daisy, orchid, anise, geranium. 

PROSPERITY OR SUCCESS: alfalfa, laurel, celery, parsley, lavender, yellow bell, cedar, money plant. 

INSIGHT, INSPIRATION AND WISDOM: lavender, marigold, apple, narcissus, violets.