Apothecary
Cedar.
Cedrus spp. / Thuja spp.
Also known as Tree of Life, Arborvitae
Ancient, evergreen, and fragrant of both temple and forest. Cedar smoke is the breath of the old gods of Lebanon and the cleansing wind of Indigenous America — wherever it is burned, the air remembers itself, and what is unwelcome cannot remain.
Correspondences
Element
Fire
Planet
Sun
Zodiac
Aries
Chakra
Root, Crown
Parts Used
Wood, bark, berries
Harvest
Year-round
Practice
Magical Properties
Protection, purification, healing, strength, prosperity
Burn cedar as a powerful cleansing and purifying incense. Hang cedar bundles in a new home for protection. Carry cedar chips for strength and confidence. Use in money-drawing spells.
Mundane
Mundane Uses
Antifungal and antibacterial properties. Used in traditional medicine for respiratory complaints.
Devotion
Deity Associations
Osiris, Wotan, the Green Man
History
Folklore & History
Cedar is sacred to many Indigenous North American traditions as a purifying and protective plant. In ancient Middle Eastern cultures, the great Cedar forests of Lebanon were considered the dwelling place of the gods.
Safety
Safety Notes
Essential oil is toxic internally. Do not ingest. Avoid during pregnancy.
This information is provided for educational and magical reference only. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using herbs medicinally.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cedar used for in witchcraft?
Cedar is traditionally used in workings for protection, purification, healing, strength, prosperity. Burn cedar as a powerful cleansing and purifying incense.
What element is Cedar associated with?
Cedar is associated with the Fire element and the sign of Aries, and resonates with the Root, Crown chakras.
What planet rules Cedar?
Cedar is ruled by Sun. In the classical planetary system, this gives the herb its characteristic energetic signature and indicates which workings it most readily amplifies and which planetary hours best suit it.
Is Cedar safe to use?
Some care is required when working with Cedar. Essential oil is toxic internally. Do not ingest. Avoid during pregnancy. The information here is provided for educational and magical reference only — always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb medicinally.
In Your Practice
Track your work with Cedar.
Record spells, rituals, and observations in your private digital grimoire.
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