Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Abundance, Beauty, Cat Magic, Fertility, Love
Magical Uses and History: Catnip is probably most well known for its ability to seduce our feline friends, hence the name "catnip." However, many of the plants belonging to the catmint genus Nepeta are also well-loved by cats. Due to this property, which only affects about 2/3 of cats and is believed to be hereditary, catnip can be used in any magical workings dealing with cats, cat deities, or feline animal guides. Use it to bring feline-like agility and stealth to a spell, call upon cat deities, or as an offering to cat spirits.
The name Nepeta is believed to come from the ancient city of Nepete or Nepeti where large amounts of catnip were cultivated for teas and herbal remedies. Like other mint-related plants, catnip grows prolifically so it can be used in spells for abundance or even fertility, as not only does catnip reproduce quickly but so do cats.
Apart from attracting cats and abundance, catnip was also historically used in love spells and rituals, although the reasoning for this correspondence is unclear. It may be due to the frenzied nature of cats after coming into contact with catnip, as catnip mimics cat pheromones. Some folklore suggests that holding catnip in your hand until warm then holding someone else's hand will ensure friendship for as long as the catnip remains safe. It can also be used in sachets for love, especially when paired with rose petals.
Finally, catnip can be used in glamour and beauty magic. Medicinally, catnip has anti-aging properties, make it perfect for spells related to beauty.
Catnip can be used in a number of spells including:
Abundance Spells
Beauty Magic
Glamour Magic
Love Spells
Medicinal Uses: Apart from its anti-aging properties, especially at treating fine lines and wrinkles, the leaves and flowers can also be used to treat colds, flu, and even bronchitis as it helps loosen congestion due to its anti-catarrhal properties. It can also be taken internally, such as in a tea, or treat an upset stomach, flatulence, diarrhea, and colic, or as a sedative, especially in children.
Preparation and Dosage: Catnip can be taken internally in a variety of ways, most predominantly as an infusion or tincture. To make an infusion, pour one cup of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of dried catnip and allow it to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink up to three times a day. If taken as a tincture, take 2-3 milliliters up to three times a day. Topically, catnip can be used to create a vapor rub salve especially when mixed with eucalyptus and thyme.
Love Spells
Medicinal Uses: Apart from its anti-aging properties, especially at treating fine lines and wrinkles, the leaves and flowers can also be used to treat colds, flu, and even bronchitis as it helps loosen congestion due to its anti-catarrhal properties. It can also be taken internally, such as in a tea, or treat an upset stomach, flatulence, diarrhea, and colic, or as a sedative, especially in children.
Preparation and Dosage: Catnip can be taken internally in a variety of ways, most predominantly as an infusion or tincture. To make an infusion, pour one cup of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of dried catnip and allow it to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink up to three times a day. If taken as a tincture, take 2-3 milliliters up to three times a day. Topically, catnip can be used to create a vapor rub salve especially when mixed with eucalyptus and thyme.
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Such a lovely look at a herb that has a wide array of uses beyond just making plenty of our feline friends mightily happy campers (cat-pers?).
ReplyDeleteAutumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life
Haha! Nice pun my friend!
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