A Complete Guide to Sowilo, the Sun Rune

Today, we continue our runic study journey by looking at Sowilo (SOH-wee-loh), the Sun rune from the second ætt. Sowilo (ᛊ, ᛋ) is associated with fire, energy, victory, success, illumination, and vitality. Being part of the second ætt makes it part of Heimdall's ætt, which is the ætt of nature, unexpected challenges, and transformation. 

As seen in my previous runic guides, today's post will include a deep dive into the runic poems, Sowilo's cultural significance, its correspondences, how to work with it, its meaning in a spread, and its relationships with runes. Also included is a free printable for your Book of Shadows or Grimoire!

Sowilo's Portrayal in the Rune Poems

Sowilo (ᛊ, ᛋ) is the final rune of the second ætt, making it the sixteenth rune in the Elder Futhark. Like Wunjo, which marks the end of the first ætt, Sowilo represents success and glory, but unlike Wunjo, it does not mark the end of the journey. Sowilo, being associated with the Sun, is associated with movement and therefore change and transformation. Sure, you have been successful and triumphant, but the universe is transient and ever-changing, and therefore, we must be too. You have won one battle, but there are more that lie ahead.

Sowilo, like most of the runes of the Elder Futhark, is found in all three runic poems, which helps us understand its meaning within the context of the runic alphabet as well as Nordic life.

Icelandic Rune Poem                                  Translation:

Sól er skýja skjöldr                                       Sun is the shield of the clouds

ok skínandi röðull                                         and shining ray

ok ísa aldrtregi.                                            and destroyer of ice.

rota siklingr.

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem                            Translation:

Sigel semannum sẏmble biþ on hihte           The sun is ever a joy in the hopes of seafarers

ðonne hi hine feriaþ ofer fisces beþ,            when they journey away over the fishes' bath,

oþ hi brimhengest bringeþ to lande.            until the courser of the deep bears them to land.

Norwegian Rune Poem                               Translation:

Sól er landa ljóme;                                       Sun is the light of the world;

lúti ek helgum dóme.                                   I bow to the divine decree.

All three rune poems refer to Sowilo as the sun, and all three present Sowilo in a positive light. In the Icelandic poem, the sun is the destroyer of ice, a reference to Isa, which is found earlier in the second ætt. Being the final rune of the second ætt, Sowilo represents triumph, in this case, over winter and its hardships. The second ætt heavily focuses on the cycles of the year, beginning with winter and ending with summer, so it only makes sense that it would be referred to as a "shining ray and destroyer of ice." The sun is what causes the shift from winter to summer, bringing with it new life, represented by Eihwaz, and the harvest, represented by Jera.

We see a similar theme in the Norwegian rune poem, where Sowilo is referred to as "the light of the world." In this case, the sun is viewed as the supreme source of illumination, bringing with it life and vitality. As such, Sowilo often reveals hidden truths, strengths, or other masked messages in a runic spread. However, referring to it as "divine decree" sets the sun apart from other life-giving earthly attributes, placing it as the supreme or ultimate life-giver and marking it as sacred. This isn't surprising considering the landscape in which the Norse lived. Long, harsh winters were often deadly, and the sun was what brought an end to these hardships, bringing with it nourishing foods and fairer weather. Like most cultures, the sun was a prominent figure within Nordic mythology, which I will discuss in more detail in the next section, Sowilo's Cultural Significance. Needless to say, it was reliable, a "shield" and "shining ray" against the darkness of winter.

The Anglo-Saxon poem, however, takes a slightly different approach to the sun's power, heavily focusing on its use as a navigational guide for seafarers as they "journey away over the fishes' bath." Summer was raiding season, meaning clans would embark on seafaring journeys to discover new lands, trade, and even raid coastal settlements. It should come as no surprise, then, that the Anglo-Saxon poem would refer to such journeys during the summer months and the sun's role in navigation. As such, Sowilo acts not only as a source of illumination and warmth, but also as a guide through difficult times.

Taking into account all three runic poems, we see that Sowilo is treasured not only as the Sun rune, but also for its ability to illuminate, bring warmth and energy, nourish new life, and bring success and victory. It is a "shiny ray" and "destroyer of ice," but also a "divine decree" and a "joy...[that] bears them to land." As in every culture around the world, the sun is viewed with reverence and honored as a driving force of life and strength.

Sowilo's Cultural Significance

The only verifiable use of Sowilo and the other numerous runes is that it was part of a writing system used by the Norse and other Germanic peoples. Sowilo represented the s sound in the Elder Futhark, its literal meaning being "sun." Surviving archaeological evidence shows Sowilo carved into stones, leather, arm rings, and even surviving wooden and bone staves or rune sticks. The Bryggen inscriptions, which were discovered in Bergen, Norway, are one of the most important runic finds of the twentieth century. The some 670 runic inscriptions found on mostly pine and some bone confirm, beyond a doubt, that runes were used to send everyday messages and even mark belongings. Some of the inscriptions are believed to be business letters, orders, and short religious inscriptions that may have been used as amulets.

Apart from the Bryggen inscriptions, we also see Sowilo featured prominently on runestones. Interestingly, while it does appear on navigational runestones, it is also very commonly found on stones to mark graves or in memorium of loved ones, such as the Jelling stones from the 10th century that were raised in memory of King Gorm the Old's wife, and later by his son in memory of his parents.

Jelling Stone

Another enlightening use of Sowilo is on silver arm rings or "hacksilver" found with the Galloway Hoard. The arm bands were found toward the surface of the hoard, having been hacked at each end and folded in half, showing that silver arm rings were used for commercial transactions. Most of the inscriptions are believed to mark who the hoard belongs to (the community) and what it contained, further supporting the fact that the runes were most often used to communicate and record important information.

Runic inscriptions on four arm-rings, found in the larger lower deposit of hacksilver in the Galloway Hoard.

Apart from its use in writing systems, Sowilo would have held significant cultural value as it represented one of the most revered elements, the Sun. In Norse cosmology, the Sun, known as Sól or Sunna, is described as riding across the heavens in a chariot pulled by horses while being chased by the great wolf, Sköll. Sköll is fated to eventually catch and devour Sól during Ragnarök, thus bringing an end to the world. However, not all is lost, as the world is said to be reborn, with Sól's daughter rising to take her place in the sky. 

Sól is mentioned throughout the Eddas with reverence and respect, as she is the bringer of life and the banisher of winter's harsh conditions. However, she is also known for her destructive nature. In Grímnismál, Odin references a shield by the name of Svalinn that is carried by Sól and says that if it were to fall from its frontal position, the earth "would burn up." Here we see that the Sun can be a destructive force, not just by burning up the land, but also by potentially causing heat sickness and death.

Unfortunately, Sowilo is another rune that was appropriated by the Nazis. In 1908, Austrian occultist Guido von List developed and published his own 18-rune alphabet he called the "Armanen Runes." His alphabet became part of various cultural movements to promote Germanic purity, including the Nazi movement just years after his death. von List reinterpreted the Sowilo rune as "Sig," meaning victory, which the Nazis doubled to turn into the infamous SS emblem used by the Schutzstaffel. The lightning bolts were supposed to communicate absolute power, dominance, and strength, and potentially acted as a battle cry: "Victory, Victory!" Neo-Nazi's continue to use the Sowilo rune, including in Thule-Seminars ' emblem, which combines Sowilo with Tiwaz.

SS Insignia

Thule-Seminar Emblem

As with all things, context matters. Sowilo is not a racist or hateful symbol; it's simply one that has been co-opted by hate groups. Using it in your magical practice does not mean you support or agree with these hate groups. However, it is important to recognize that Sowilo is a dog whistle, especially when tattooed on someone's body, so I would avoid such uses and be mindful of its presentation.

Sowilo's Correspondences

It should be noted that general correspondences are not mentioned in any Nordic text. Instead, these are a best guess based on experiences from both myself and others. In fact, most of these are of modern invention, pulling inspiration from Wicca. As with all correspondence lists, you can add and subtract based on your experiences.

• Upright Meaning: achievement, victory, illumination, good fortune, celebration, success, positive energy, abundance, fruition, warmth, clarity, vitality, triumph, growth, enlightenment
• Reversed Meaning: none
• Letter: S
• Element: Fire, Air
• Zodiac: Leo
• Planet: Sun
• Animal: hawk, eagle, falcon, golden pheasant
• Colors: yellow, gold, white, silver
• Deities: Sol, Baldr
• Plants: juniper, willow, sunflower, calendula, marigold, St. John's wort, mistletoe, goldenrod, saffron
• Crystals: ruby, diamond, citrine, amber, sunstone
  
  

How to Work with the Sowilo Rune

Incorporating runes into your magical practice can be incredibly rewarding and bring new energies to spells and rituals. But how exactly can you use Sowilo in your workings?

1. Use Sowilo in spells or rituals focused on success, confidence, vitality, and achieving goals.
2. Meditate on Sowilo to understand your purpose, strengthen self-confidence, and reconnect with the light that guides you forward.
3. Carry or wear the Sowilo rune to encourage optimism, personal power, and resilience during difficult times.
4. Include Sowilo in rituals during midsummer, sunrise observances, or moments when you seek clarity and renewed inspiration.
5. Draw the Sowilo rune in sunlight, sand, or with incense smoke to bless your workings with illumination, success, and protection.
6. Sit with the rune during times of uncertainty to cultivate faith in your abilities and trust in the direction your life is taking.
7. Sleep with Sowilo beneath your pillow to invite dreams that reveal your strengths, illuminate hidden opportunities, or offer guidance on your path.
8. Chant Sowilo to raise energy for victory magic, especially when overcoming obstacles or pursuing something that requires courage and perseverance.
9. Use Sowilo in healing magic aimed at restoring vitality, renewing motivation, or supporting recovery after burnout or exhaustion.
10. Incorporate Sowilo into shadow work focused on self-worth, overcoming fear, and healing beliefs that keep you from embracing your own power.
11. Draw Sowilo on paper and write a goal, dream, or intention beneath it, then place it beneath a candle, crystal, or altar object to empower the work with solar energy.
12. Journal with Sowilo to explore where you are being called to step into your strengths, claim your victories, or shine more authentically.
13. Use in spells and rituals centered on leadership, ambition, recognition, or achieving long-term aspirations.
14. Place Sowilo on charms, talismans, or protective objects to attract good fortune, guidance, and strength in times of challenge.
15. Trace Sowilo over yourself before important conversations, journeys, or endeavors to invoke courage, confidence, and success.

Sowilo's Meaning in Rune Spread

What does it mean if Sowilo appears in a rune spread? Sowilo holds various meanings depending on its position and relation to other runes in the spread.

Below are some examples of how to interpret Sowilo when it's next to or near other runes:

• Next to Fehu suggests prosperity, success, or resources gained through confidence, right action, and sustained effort.
• Near Uruz indicates renewed vitality, strength, and the courage to overcome challenges through resilience and determination.
• Paired with Raidho points to journeys aligned with purpose, forward movement, or success achieved by following the right path.
• In proximity to Wunjo, it suggests joy, fulfillment, and victories that bring lasting happiness and peace.
• Near Isa indicates delayed success, the need for patience, or light waiting beneath a period of stillness and stagnation.
• In proximity to Mannaz suggests personal growth through self-awareness, leadership, or discovering your place within a larger community.
• Combined with Eihwaz indicates endurance during times of change, emphasizing inner strength and trust through periods of transformation.

Sowilo's Relationships with Other Runes

Sowilo generally interacts with other runes in an illuminating and empowering way, as seen in the previous section. Where some runes introduce uncertainty, stagnation, or hardship, Sowilo often sheds light on their deeper purpose, emphasizing clarity, vitality, and the possibility of success. When Sowilo appears alongside other runes, it frequently strengthens their positive qualities or reveals the direction in which their energies are meant to unfold.

When found with runes associated with prosperity or fulfillment, such as Fehu or Jera, Sowilo often points to rewards that are becoming visible after periods of effort and patience. Success, abundance, or recognition may be approaching, particularly when one's actions are aligned with long-term goals. Near runes of movement, such as Raidho, or partnership, such as Ehwaz, Sowilo highlights progress through purposeful action and cooperation, suggesting that the right path becomes clearer through shared effort and steady forward momentum.

Despite its association with the sun, victory, and wholeness, Sowilo is not limited to easy or favorable meanings. Too much sunlight can scorch as easily as it can nourish, and unchecked confidence can become pride or overconfidence. In some contexts, Sowilo may point to excessive ambition, burnout, or a need to temper one's desires with humility and self-awareness. When paired with more challenging runes such as Hagalaz, Nauthiz, or Isa, Sowilo does not necessarily remove hardship but instead reveals how adversity can become a source of strength, wisdom, or eventual transformation.

Ultimately, Sowilo teaches us to trust in the return of light, even when circumstances remain uncertain. Its presence among other runes reminds us that clarity, victory, and wholeness are not always immediate gifts but qualities cultivated through perseverance, right action, and the willingness to continue moving toward the light.

***

Sowilo is the perfect rune to begin working with during Summer, as outlined in my post Runes for the Bright Season, as it is the Sun rune. You can't get more on the nose than that. No matter how you choose to work with Sowilo in your own practice, it is sure to bring strength, illumination, and success to your life. Below you will find a printable cheat sheet that includes a summary of all important information that you can incorporate into your Book of Shadows or Grimoire.

Click the image below to download your free cheat sheet for your Book of Shadows or Grimoire.

If you liked this post, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

Tarot Chimera by Nitasia Roland Review

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I received a free copy of this deck in exchange for an honest review.

I love unique tarot decks, even though I really don't practice tarot. It's a beautiful expression of creativity wrapped in esoteric lore, which is excellently represented by one of Weiser's more recent decks, Tarot Chirmera: The Arcana of Doilon Redon by Nitasia Roland.

In this deck, Roland uses the art of French Symbolist painter, printmaker, and draftsman, Odilon Redon, to create a unique tarot deck. His work has been referred to as "dream terrors," "beyond anything imaginable," and "inconceivable apparitions," which is very apparent when looking at the art Roalnd chose for this deck. There are floating heads, mythological creatures, and unsettling locals throughout, making this deck unlike anything else I have seen thus far...in a good way.

As with all tarot decks, Roland includes all the major and minor arcana, with a guidebook to help new and old tarot readers alike. This guidebook includes a breakdown of the cards, but also gives some much-needed history about Redon and the use of the chimera in the deck. And that is where this deck becomes unlike most others on the market. Roland includes 6 oracle cards, one of which is the chimera, to help focus, elaborate, and clarify a reading. The meaning of these oracle cards can be found in the guidebook as well, although you can always look for your own symbolism. My favorite among these is the Genis Loci, which is not only a fascinating inclusion for a witch that works locally, but the artwork is also captivating.

Furthermore, this is one of the best constructed decks I have seen in a while. The cards are incredibly sturdy, but not so much that you can't easily shuffle them. They will wear out incredibly well, lasting you for many, many years if taken care of. The gold detailing on the edges is particularly beautiful, but like all gilding, it will likely fade with time.

If you are looking for a truly unique tarot deck, Tarot Chirmera: The Arcana of Doilon Redon by Nitasia Roland is for you...or your artsy friend. If my mother were into tarot, this is a deck she would likely pick up. While she prefers Impressionists over Symbolists, she loves art of all kinds and would appreciate the care and thought that went into compiling such a deck.

If you liked this post, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

Harnessing Summer's Magic: Herbal Allies for Health and Witchcraft

Working with plants is one of the key tenets of my magical practice, just like the hedge witches who came before me. The relationships I have built with the plants in my garden and around my home are precious, allowing me to cast spells, develop rituals, and create healing medicines. As the seasons change, so do the plants I work with. Part of practicing local, animistic witchcraft means shifting with the seasons and relying on what is available. That isn't to say I don't bring in some plants that aren't necessarily prevalent this time of year, but I am definitely more cognizant of my choices each season.

Seasonal plant allies are an excellent source of magic and healing, bringing a potent natural element to your work. But what is a plant ally exactly? 

A plant ally is a plant with which you have a close relationship, much like that of a close friend. Just like real friendships, your plant allies shift and change as you grow. Some will be fair-weather friends, while others will stick with you through the thick of it. They come into our lives to guide us, challenge us, and encourage us to face life's challenges and adventures.

How you connect with your plant allies is entirely personal and a topic for another post, but developing these relationships is critical for those interested in working with plants in their magical or healing practice. We are but one spirit in the cosmos, no greater or smaller than others. Respecting others is paramount to an ethical practice, and I take it quite seriously.

Summer is a time for growth, creativity, joy, and romance. While much of the summer was spent engaging in foraging, hunting, and agriculture, there were several causes for celebration, most of which focused on the fruits of the community's labor and the strength of the sun. After all, the sun is what brought the nicer weather and caused fruits to ripen on the bough. This abundance was celebrated and stored away for the harsher months to come. But with the return of the sun and its abundance came heat, which could be deadly if not managed properly.

In today's post, we will journey together to get to know the plants I rely on most during the summer months for witchcraft and healing. I have grouped the plants based on need and offered alternatives where possible.

For Cooling the Body Beneath Summer's Blaze

The rising of the sun brings warmer weather, and warmer weather means increased risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and inflammation. I don't know about the rest of you, but summer is my least favorite time of the year. I am extremely sensitive to heat, which has caused many a heat-related rash, and I have suffered from heat exhaustion on more than one occasion. As such, I spend most of the hot and humid months indoors with the AC turned on full blast. When I am tasked with outdoor activities, I take care to ensure I am properly hydrated, shaded, and prepared with herbs that help cool the body.

The herbs on this list are magically and medicinally associated with cooling, hydration, calm, and healing, making them perfect for treating heat exhaustion, dehydration, and inflammation.

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa): Hibiscus is a rather large genus of flowering plants that produce large, trumpet-shaped flowers in vibrant colors between mid-spring and late fall. The exact blooming period depends largely on the variety, but most, like Hibiscus sabdariffa, bloom during the summer months. Packed with anthocyanins and polyphenols, hibiscus is great at fighting oxidative stress, thus lowering inflammation and potentially restoring energy levels. It is also widely celebrated as a "refrigerant," as it is able to lower body temperature, reduce fevers, and even alleviate the symptoms of heatstroke. Magically, it is associated with harmony, passion, and the heart, as well as healing. Add to spells, rituals, and remedies to release stress and fears, cool tempers, and bring balance.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus): This beloved summer-time vegetable is well known for its hydrating capabilities. It is packed with vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, making it perfect for replenishing electrolytes lost while sweating. Like hibiscus, cucumber is also a naturally cooling anti-inflammatory, having been proven effective in treating swelling, itching, and sunburn pain. Magically, cucumber is associated with water, and is often used in spells for beauty, healing, harmony, and balance due to its cooling nature and ability to "absorb" sickness and blemishes. As such, cucumber is the perfect summer ally for spells, rituals, and remedies related to cooling, stress relief, healing, glamour, and balance.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): Like hibiscus and cucumber, lemongrass is also a natural refrigerant. However, it is also a diaphoretic. These two properties combined help lower your body temperature through cooling perspiration, but too much can cause dizziness, fainting, and confusion if taken in excess. As such, lemongrass is best used in conjunction with fluid intake, as the last thing you want to do during the summer months is accidentally dehydrate yourself. Magically, lemongrass is often used as a road opener, clearing obstacles and negative energy while attracting luck and good fortune. These magical and medicinal properties make lemongrass perfect for spells, rituals, and remedies for dispelling heat and exhaustion, attracting luck and vibrancy, and protection.

Other potential plant allies for cooling, hydration, calm, and healing include peppermint, lemon balm, catnip, nettle, raspberry leaf, chrysanthemum, and alfalfa.

For Calming the Skin After Sun and Sting

More sun means more UV radiation, which causes burns and cancer. If the sun doesn't get you, the insects certainly will. In both cases, prevention is the best medicine. Wearing sunscreen, insect repellent, and protective clothing are the best preventatives we have to sunburns and insect bites, but even the best protections can fail, leaving us with skin that is screaming for help. This is the perfect time to turn to your plant allies, inviting herbs that help calm skin irritations caused by sunburns, insect bites, rashes, and other skin irritations.

The herbs on this list are magically and medicinally associated with healing, shielding, resilience, and protection.

Plantain (Plantago major or Plantago lanceolata): The leaves of plantain are harvested from spring through early autumn and used fresh or dried to soothe insect bites, stings, sunburns, rashes, cuts, and other minor skin irritations. Rich in mucilage and anti-inflammatory compounds, plantain draws heat from the skin, reduces swelling, and promotes healing, making it one of the most beloved first-aid herbs in folk medicine. Historically, it was carried by travelers and applied to wounds and bites encountered along the road. Magically, plantain is associated with healing, resilience, and protection. In Anglo-Saxon tradition, it was praised in the Nine Herbs Charm as a mighty healer and companion of roads and pathways. As such, plantain can be used in spells, rituals, and remedies not only to calm inflamed skin, but also to provide protection and encourage recovery.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis): The bright petals of calendula are gathered throughout the summer months and infused into oils, salves, and washes to soothe sunburns, rashes, minor cuts, scrapes, and irritated skin. Possessing anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and vulnerary properties, calendula promotes tissue repair while reducing redness and discomfort. For centuries, it has been treasured as a healing herb for wounds and skin ailments. Magically, calendula is associated with solar energy, joy, protection, and emotional healing. Its golden blossoms have long been used to invite blessings, strengthen the spirit, and bring warmth and light during difficult times. As such, calendula can be used in spells, rituals, and remedies to mend skin touched by sun and sting, promote happiness, protection, and to renew vitality.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis): A must-have plant ally for summer, the cooling gel contained within the fleshy leaves of aloe vera is harvested year-round and applied directly to the skin to relieve sunburns, insect bites, minor burns, and other forms of irritation and inflammation. Rich in polysaccharides and antioxidants, aloe vera hydrates damaged tissue, reduces redness, and supports the skin's natural healing processes, offering quick relief after long days spent beneath the summer sun. Magically, aloe vera is associated with healing, protection, luck, and warding away negativity. Traditionally grown near doorways and homes, it was believed to absorb harmful influences and safeguard those living within. As such, aloe vera can be used in spells, rituals, and remedies to cool and soothe the skin, encourage renewal, protect against misfortune, and foster peace within the home.

Other potential plant allies for healing, shielding, resilience, and protection include yarrow, witch hazel, chamomile, chickweed, peppermint, and lavender.

For Easing the Burdens of Summer Feasting

The sun's return brings a return of life, and with that life comes bountiful harvests. Over the next couple of months, trees, vines, and stalks will be weighed down with the burden of ripening fruits and vegetables. Our ancestors celebrated this time with large feasts, feasts that many of us continue to celebrate today, along with more 'modern' cultural holidays such as Memorial Day or July Fourth. I love food, and feasting holidays are popular in my family. My stomach, however, doesn't always like the rich, excess food, which can put a damper on everything. As such, summer is a great time to work with herbs that will help ease these digestive discomforts and support healthy movement.

The herbs on this list are magically and medicinally associated with purification, strength, cleansing, and gastrointestinal health.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): The aromatic seeds and feathery leaves of fennel are harvested from late summer into autumn and have long been used to ease indigestion, bloating, gas, cramping, and sluggish digestion. Rich in volatile oils and compounds that relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, fennel helps dispel trapped gas and soothe discomfort after heavy meals. It has been given to infants suffering from colic and enjoyed after feasts throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East to promote healthy digestion and even freshen the breath. Magically, fennel is associated with protection, longevity, courage, and purification. It was traditionally hung above doorways to ward off malevolent spirits and carried to strengthen resolve and dispel negativity. As such, fennel can be used in spells, rituals, and remedies not only to ease digestive complaints and support gut health, but also to protect against harmful influences, encourage vitality, and bring balance after periods of excess.

Dill (Anethum graveolens): Dill is one of those plants that behaves erratically in the summer heat. While the leaves are best harvested in early spring, while they are still tender and the weather is still cool, the seeds do not become available until the summer months, after the plant has "bolted." Dill is medicinally used to calm indigestion, relieve bloating, reduce cramping, and support healthy digestion as it possesses carminative and antispasmodic properties. As such, dill helps relax the digestive tract and dispel gas, making it particularly useful after rich meals and summer feasts. Magically, dill is associated with protection, prosperity, luck, and harmonious relationships. Folk traditions placed dill in sachets and charms to ward off envy and ill intent, while its pleasant aroma was thought to bring peace and good fortune. As such, dill can be used in spells, rituals, and remedies not only to settle an overburdened stomach and support overall gut health, but also to invite abundance, preserve harmony, and safeguard against negativity.

Caraway (Carum carvi): Caraway is one of those plants you either like or loathe. Its distinct anise flavor and fragrance make it a controversial ingredient, with some (including myself) describing its flavor as soapy. Despite my disdain for the seeds, they make an excellent magical ally during the summer. The seeds are usually harvested from midsummer through early autumn and have long been used to relieve indigestion, bloating, gas, and digestive spasms as they are rich in essential oils and bitter compounds that stimulate digestion and soothe intestinal discomfort. Caraway has traditionally been enjoyed after meals and incorporated into breads, cheeses, and liqueurs to aid digestion. In European folk medicine, it was particularly valued for calming colic and restoring balance to an upset stomach. Magically, caraway is associated with protection, memory, fidelity, and safeguarding what is cherished. Use caraway in spells, rituals, and remedies to ease digestive discomfort and support healthy digestion, preserve harmony, and guard against loss and misfortune.

Other potential plant allies for purification, strength, cleansing, and gastrointestinal health include ginger, peppermint, turmeric, chamomile, and licorice root.

For Supporting the Traveler's Journey

I have always associated summer with movement and wandering, a season of journeys both great and small. Whether visiting distant places, gathering with loved ones, or simply spending more time outdoors, summer invites us beyond the familiar rhythms of home. Yet travel and disrupted routines can take their own toll, bringing motion sickness, fatigue, restless nights, and the unease that often accompanies unfamiliar places. Our ancestors knew that the road demanded preparation and relied on the plants around them to ease discomfort, restore strength, and provide a sense of protection far from home. Though our journeys may look different today, we still benefit from plant allies that help us remain grounded, resilient, and at ease as we navigate the season's many paths.

The herbs on this list are magically and medicinally associated with safe passage, protection, restoration, and maintaining balance during times of travel and transition.

Focus on motion sickness, fatigue, jet lag, disrupted routines, and travel anxiety with plant allies like sweet cicely (motion sickness), rosehips (fatigue), linden (jet lag),

Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata): Traditionally gathered from spring through early summer, sweet cicely has long been used to ease nausea, settle upset stomachs, and calm digestive disturbances, making it a valuable ally for those prone to motion sickness and travel-related discomfort. I am one of those people, and unfortunately, I do not get along with ginger...like at all. Sweet cicely, despite its anise flavor, tends to be more palpable when I am feeling under the weather. Magically, sweet cicely is associated with harmony, gentleness, and smoothing life's rough edges. It can help ease difficult transitions and bring comfort during times of uncertainty and change. Add sweet cicely to spells, rituals, and remedies to calm nervous stomachs, ease the discomforts of travel, and encourage peaceful and pleasant journeys.

Rosehips (Rosa canina): Though the fruits are harvested in late summer and autumn, rosehips dry and store exceptionally well, providing nourishment long after the season has passed. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, rosehips are used to combat fatigue, support the immune system, and restore strength after periods of stress, exertion, or disrupted routines. Magically, rosehips are associated with love, healing, protection, and resilience. They offer comfort during times of separation and foster a sense of belonging when far from home. Add rosehips to spells, rituals, and remedies to replenish depleted energy, strengthen the spirit, and cultivate connection and protection while traveling near or far.

Linden (Tilia cordata, Tilia platyphyllos, or Tilia americana): The fragrant blossoms of linden are gathered in early summer and used as a gentle nervine to calm anxiety, soothe tension, and promote restful sleep. Linden is particularly useful when in unfamiliar surroundings and disrupted schedules make it difficult to unwind, especially related to jetlag, as linden encourages relaxation without dulling the senses. Magically, linden is associated with peace, love, protection, and harmonious relationships. Sacred to many European folk traditions, linden trees were often regarded as places of refuge and gathering, offering shelter and comfort to weary travelers. Add linden to spells, rituals, and remedies to ease travel anxiety, encourage restorative sleep, and foster feelings of safety and belonging when journeying beyond familiar places.

Other potential plant allies for safe passage, protection, restoration, and maintaining balance include comfrey, mugwort, plantain*, rosemary, and dill.

*Plantain was known in Anglo-Saxon tradition as "waybread" because it grows wherever people travel. Few plants are more strongly associated with roads, paths, and journeys.

***

As the wheel turns toward summer, these plant allies can help ensure you are happy and healthy for the coming months. Magically, they can empower and enrich your spells and rituals, timing them with seasonal changes and encouraging a bright and prosperous future. How you work with these plant allies is entirely up to you, but remember to always ask them for their assistance and thank them for whatever they provide for you in return. Maintaining these relationships is important and worthwhile.

Is there a plant you like to work with during the summer months that I failed to include on this list? Let me know in the comments below!

If you liked this post, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

Magical Properties of Unakite

If you liked this post, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

Book Review: Ancient Spells and Incantations by Enid Baxter Ryce

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love a good historical text or research paper, especially when it comes to the occult. Our magical history is rich, but sometimes inaccessible to the general public. There are a large number of resources that are hidden away in museums that have yet to be digitized, and many never will be. Unless you know where to look and know the right things to say, these are documents that are going to go unseen by most. Thankfully, we have people like Enid Baxter Ryce, who work tirelessly to bring these works to light, and that is exactly what she did in her most recent work, Ancient Spells and Incantations: Echoes of Magic Through the Ages & Across Cultures.

In Ancient Spells and Incantations, Baxter Ryce describes her process to uncover magical spells for our past. This included viewing the original texts and translating them before stylizing them for modern readers. I am glad she was honest and upfront with her methodology, which has its very own section at the end of the book, complete with a bibliography so you can do your own verification research. There are many authors who attempt to pass off their translations as the original versions, failing to account for changes in language, tone, and culture. Baxter Ryce makes it known that she has done her best to maintain the original integrity of the spell while modernizing it for today's readers. I appreciated her candor and dedication to ensuring these spells are not completely lost.

The book is divided into chapters based on types of magic. There are spells for manifesting, love, healing, protection, and even cursing, coming from a wide array of cultures, heritages, continents, and time periods. There are Greek papyri from 100 BCE to American Hoodoo spells recorded in 1931, and everything and anything in between. If you are of a particular culture, there is likely at least one spell or incantation to be found. I love that she took such a diverse approach to her research, including a wide breadth of knowledge, instead of focusing only through a Eurocentric lens.

While there is a wide variety of expertly translated spells and incantations to be found, there are some things I wish Baxter Ryce had included. Context is key, and it is completely lacking here. How and why were these spells used? Where were they found, and how does that impact their meaning? Removing these translations from their context deprives them of their true meaning, making it difficult to implement them into modern practices. Sure, there would be a lot of speculation, but that speculation could have been scholarly. There are plenty of experts who have written on these topics over the years. While this is one of my largest complaints about the book, it doesn't negate the inherent value of the work, especially if you are interested in incorporating such spells and incantations into your own practice.

Now you'll notice I said "complaints" above because I have another. I did not like Baxter Ryce's approach to cursing, binding, and 'vengeance' spells. She says in the introduction for the chapter that we should focus on healing and that these spells are a sign of someone "not at their best." Well, no shit. Some of these people were living in severe poverty, starving, sick, enslaved, or unduly punished simply for existing. Cursing and hexing are valid magical practices under the umbrella of protection. To say otherwise is to misunderstand history and is a very colonial view. She further goes on to say we should send love to the ancient targets of these spells. Shut up. I will not be sending my love to bigots. If someone took the time to curse them, they very likely deserved everything that came to them.

With that said, I don't think Ancient Spells and Incantations: Echoes of Magic Through the Ages & Across Cultures by Enid Baxter Ryce is a terrible book, and it will certainly have its place on many a witch's bookshelf. This is one I plan to hold onto for future research purposes, especially because her bibliography is so wonderful. However, unless you know how to read critically, you might want to forego picking this one up for the time being. I do not suggest Ancient Spells and Incantations for the novice witch; you definitely need to have years of practice under your belt before picking this one up.

If you liked this post, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar.