Marjoram: Magical Properties & Uses

Marjoram is the herb of happiness, of harmony in the home, and of protection from grief. It is primarily a comfort herb: used in workings that seek to ease sorrow, restore joy, and create an atmosphere of warmth and safety. In love workings it supports the happiness of existing relationships and is particularly appropriate as an offering in rituals for long-term partnerships. In protection workings it guards against melancholy and the kind of deep sadness that can make the practitioner vulnerable. It is associated with Aphrodite and is appropriate in any working dedicated to her. Planted in the garden it brings harmony to the household.

Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is closely related to oregano but milder and sweeter. Medicinally it is used as a carminative, antispasmodic, and mild sedative. Culpeper recommended it for headaches, nervous complaints, and digestive problems. The essential oil has demonstrated antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It is used in aromatherapy for anxiety and stress. It is a standard culinary herb in Mediterranean, Italian, and German cuisines. It is considered safe at normal doses and is used as a gentle relaxant herb.

Aphrodite, Venus, Osiris

A small green herb of happiness: the very emblem of joy in the Greek and Roman traditions, where lovers crowned themselves with marjoram wreaths and the herb was planted on graves to ensure the dead rested in joy rather than unrest. In Greek mythology it was created by Aphrodite, who gave it its sweet scent as a mark of her touch. The Romans used it extensively in weddings as a symbol of love and honour. Culpeper, who associated it with Mercury, recommended it for headaches, nervous complaints, and for warming cold stomachs. In European folk magic it was used to ensure marital happiness and to bring harmony to troubled households.