Gardening provides the magickal ecologist with a real and tangible connection to the Earth. Just as we take in oxygen from the breath of plants, so do they thrive on the carbon dioxide we exhale. We are a vital part of the Web of Life, and at no time is it more evident than when in the garden or wilderness. We can increase the health of the planet by using organic and natural gardening practices, increasing our own health in the process. We can also enhance our magickal practices by growing our own spellworking herbs.

What is a magickal garden?

Magickal gardens come in all shapes and sizes. Some consist of herbs used only in magickal work. Some gardens include both magickal and mundane plants, but are planted and harvested by the phases of the moon and the signs of the zodiac. These gardens may have blessed and consecrated crystals added to the soil or been blessed by magickal rite. Patricia Telesco, in her book Urban Ecologist, recommends planting garlic around the perimeter of the garden for protection, sprinkling chamomile on the earth to bring a successful harvest, or using it in a tincture to discourage garden pests. A third type of magickal garden is one that utilizes magickal realities in its design. Faery gardens, gardens dedicated to particular god/desses, or gardens aligned with the elements and directions are only a few examples. Most magickal gardeners mix and match the above elements.

Creating a magickal garden

To create a magickal garden, first go through your Book of Shadows to find which herbs you use most often in spellwork or meditation. I use a lot of mugwort, myrrh, lemongrass, jasmine, patchouli, and cinnamon in candle magick. See my list of the magickal properties of herbs.

Next find out if your climate and soil are right for the plants on your list. A look through a gardener's almanac should provide information on what grows best in your area and the best planting times.

Plan your garden electronically at the Garden Escape site. (Use the back button on your Internet browser to get back to this page.) This is a free service, but you must register to enter. Find out what growing zone you are in as well as which plants grow best in your area. At the website you can even lay out your garden on a computer grid. Not necessary, but nice nonetheless -- especially on cold winter afternoons when spring and summer seem light years away.

Faery gardens

A faery garden provides a sanctuary for the fae. Increasingly, these magickal creatures are being pushed out of our reality by urban development and unbelieving souls. Some provide a spot for them by leaving a corner of the garden wild. Others plant specific plants to attract them. Go here for instructions on creating your own faery garden.

Magickal container gardening

I live in an apartment in the city so I plant my magickal herbs in containers. While I'm limited in space, I do manage to grow my magickal essentials. This spring, I planted mugwort, patchouli, jasmine, rosemary, vervain, lavender, dragon's blood, and sage in 5 gallon containers. (Be sure to provide adequate drainage holes in the bottom of the container.)

After conducting a seed blessing ritual at Ostara, I nurture my seeds indoors until the danger of frost is past. I usually transplant my pots outdoors at Beltane, weather permitting.

Go here for more information on container gardening.

The tarot garden

This is just one of many ideas for a magickally themed garden. What do you want to manifest in your life in the coming year? Prosperity? Fertility? Love? Find cards in the tarot that represent your desires. Examples would be the Empress and the Ace of Cups for a wanted pregnancy, or the Lovers, Ace of Cups, and Eight of Wands for a new relationship. If money is on your mind, how about the Ace, Ten, and King of Pentacles or Emperor?

Find plants corresponding to the chosen cards. Plant the seeds and nurture them to harvest. Your goals should be reached by harvest. If you use the Herbal Tarot, your work is already done -- just plant the plants found on each card. If not, refer to the following chart.

HERBAL CORRESPONDENCES FOR THE TAROT

Seed blessing ritual

Blessing the seeds prior to planting is an essential part of magickal gardening. This is usually done at Imbolg or Ostara, when life and light are stirring once again in the Earth. The seeds can then be saved for planting outdoors later or started indoors for transplanting at Beltane. Go here for more information on blessing seeds.

Remember to commune with the spirits of your plants often. Etch runes on your containers or in the ground around your plants to facilitate growth. Bless them often with energy to grow and be strong. This can be done by charging a crystal with growing power and planting it in the soil, or by sitting with the plant in deep communion. Stretch your open palms toward it and send it energy, visualizing a healthy, thriving plant. Be open to communion with the plant's diva.

Harvesting your plants

If I start my seeds at Imbolg or plant seedlings at Ostara, some plants are usually ready for harvest by Midsummer. Harvesting is easy. I cut the plants even with the soil, tie them together at the end, and hang them upside down to dry in a well ventilated place. Plants are ready for magickal workings when they are crispy and dry.