Backyard Witchcraft: Nearby Items to Use for Spells

While lots of ingredients for witchcraft can be found at local shops and grocery stores, there's plenty you can use in your backyard! This article will cater mostly to natural plants found in Virginia, but some of these can be found in other states as well. Do some research into your local flora to find more ingredients for your spells.

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Oaks and Acorns

Oak trees are symbols of strength and endurance, as well as growing wisdom. Adding their leaves to spell jars or charm pouches can help increase your magic as well as empower spells for gaining strength. Acorns are also symbols of protection and growth, and can be added to spells or easily turned into charms/talismans.

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Dandelions

These weeds represent hope, determination, and overcoming adversity. They are an easy ingredient to use in spells and spell jars or charm bags. They are also completely edible which makes them great for turning into tinctures.

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Azaleas

This flower is a symbol of temperence and prudence, and is also associated with femininity/womanhood. Azaleas are excellent for spells with feminine deities involved as an offering or ingredient. They are also a great edition to spells for wisdom and calm.

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Virginia Creeper

This common vine is seen as a symbol of connection and fidelity (in friendships and marriages). It's a great vine to use for weaving, and especially for making wreaths to use for witches bells and other protective circles.

Be careful when harvesting this vine. While it is in the grape family, the leaves bear a resemblance to the vine of poison ivy. Make sure you're familiar with the differences to help keep yourself safe.

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Queen Anne's Lace

While this dainty flower is often associated with beauty, it is generally a symbol of sanctuary and safety. Queen Anne's Lace can be kept by doors of the house to promote protection, as well as used in spell jars and charm bags. They can also be a nice offering for house spirits and deities that protect the home.

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Redbud Trees

These beautiful trees are seen as a symbol of love due to their heart shaped leaves and red blooms. It is seen as a nurturing and loving tree that promotes emotional expression and release. It's also said that the redbud tree helps relieve guilt and shame. The leaves and blooms from this tree make for great spell ingredients, and the tree itself makes and excellent space for spiritual meditation and healing.