Apothecary
Thyme.
Thymus vulgaris
Also known as Common Thyme, Garden Thyme, Serpyllum (Wild)
The herb of courage in Highland tea and knightly bouquet alike — small, fragrant, and quietly indomitable. Thyme is the herb of the witch who must stand when standing is hard, and of the dreamer who would rather not be visited by nightmare.
Correspondences
Element
Air/Water
Planet
Venus
Zodiac
Virgo
Chakra
Throat
Parts Used
Aerial parts
Harvest
Summer
Practice
Magical Properties
Courage, purification, strength, healing, sleep, psychic powers
Burn thyme as incense for purification before ritual. Carry thyme for courage and strength. Inhale the scent to improve memory. Place under the pillow to prevent nightmares.
Mundane
Mundane Uses
Powerful antimicrobial (thymol), expectorant, antispasmodic. Used for respiratory infections and coughs.
Devotion
Deity Associations
Freya, Mars, Venus
History
Folklore & History
Scots Highlanders drank wild thyme tea for courage. Knights were presented with thyme by their ladies before going into battle. The best honey in the world is said to come from Hymettus, the thyme-covered mountain near Athens.
Safety
Safety Notes
Generally safe. Large doses of essential oil can be toxic. Avoid high medicinal doses in 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 Thyme used for in witchcraft?
Thyme is traditionally used in workings for courage, purification, strength, healing, sleep, psychic powers. Burn thyme as incense for purification before ritual.
What element is Thyme associated with?
Thyme is associated with the Air/Water element and the sign of Virgo, and resonates with the Throat chakra.
What planet rules Thyme?
Thyme is ruled by Venus. 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 Thyme safe to use?
Some care is required when working with Thyme. Generally safe. Large doses of essential oil can be toxic. Avoid high medicinal doses in 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 Thyme.
Record spells, rituals, and observations in your private digital grimoire.
Related
More Air/Water Herbs
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