Herbs for Hekate - 30+ Plants For Offerings, Magick, & Connection

Goddess of Plants

Hekate is a mentor to witches, and is considered a Goddess of Plants, as well of Crossroads, Magick, and Divination. When working with her energy, it’s important to remember that she’s a powerful force and requires respect, and so do the plants you use in your practice. Herbs are often used in magickal workings, so having the right plants for Hekate can be beneficial in spiritually connecting with her. She’s also not the only goddess of plants, but in the context of witchcraft and plants she is the strongest frontrunner.

Generally, she has been known through her tales to be associated with a variety of herbs, such as mugwort, mandrake, dittany and valerian. Each of these herbs has unique properties related to Hekate’s domain which can be used for protection, divination and healing. Mugwort specifically is thought to have been strongly connected with her practices due to its use in dream magick – I go into these in depth below for you, but she is the perfect deity to discover when you are in a herbalism deep-dive aspect of your practice.

Herbal Offerings and Herbalism as a Practice with Goddess Hecate

Herbal offerings on altars, in nature, grown in a garden dedicated to our patron deities (if we have them), or even using them in our magickal workings can be a potent way to connect with the energy of Hekate. Herbalism is not only about medicine, but it’s also about connecting with spirits and deities, connecting with the energies for manifestation, embracing elements of plants in our self-love journey, and so much more. Connecting with the Goddess Hecate through herbalism can be an impactful practice that will help to honour her but seriously change up your life.

Herbalism isn’t just mixing up plant-based potions to heal our bodies and our minds. It is also about connecting with the spirits of the plants and herbs, as well as honouring the deities in our lives who can be a catalyst for transformation and healing. Hekate is a dark goddess that guides us through darkness, helping us to become more powerful witches by shedding light on what lies within. By using her correspondences with herbs, we can connect to her and gain insight into our magickal practice.

What is Pharmakeia?

This is the known magick of using herbs and flowers in spellwork, which Hekate supported and Circe nurtured. Pharmakeia has been used for centuries, and it’s still widely practiced today. It is an important aspect of Witchcraft as it connects one to the land, to energy and the spirit world through plant offerings. It’s also a way to bring magickal power into everyday life. Hekate, her devotees and her mentees would use plants, herbs and ingredients for various magickal purposes, such as healing or casting curses.

Pharmakeia [pronounced far-mak-i’-ah] is where we get the term “pharmacies” which we use today as a professional place that distributes poisons for medicinal purposes. A pharmacist is someone who knows how to mix and use medicinal components to help aid and heal. Asclepius was a pharmacist, who used herbal knowledge as well as biological & chemistry findings and was killed for this knowledge for aiding humans in averting death. Using plants medicinally has been around for millennia; this is a very old practice that Hekate helped to foster and develop when she was around in Ancient Greece.

If you find that whilst you start to work with herbalism and magick (pharmakeia) then be respectful to your environment, be wary of any plants side effects, and if you plan to ingest any of these plants then speak with your professional medical team beforehand.

Mugwort – Dream Magick with Hekate

Mugwort is one of the most potent herbs used in dream magick, and was even known as “The Dream Herb” by ancient Greeks. This herb has been connected to Artemis (it’s name is artemisia vulgaris) and Hekate, who would have been seen to share many of the same qualities. Mugwort was used in Ancient Greek rituals for fertility, protection, health and healing. It’s also believed that it could ward off negative energies, as well as bring vivid dreams. In modern times it is known to help induce divinatory states of consciousness, which is why it’s used by many in dream magick.

When dreaming with mugwort, it’s important to be aware of the potential consequences. It can bring on vivid and lucid dreams, as well as sometimes nightmares if the user isn’t mindful of how it affects them. Therefore I would suggest grounding yourself before and after your lucid dreaming session.

Mugwort is a powerful herb to use when connecting with Hekate, and it has been associated with her for centuries. This herb has properties of protection and divination, and can be used in rituals to strengthen energetic connection to the Goddess. It also works well as an offering – adding mugwort to a ritual incense blend or burning it as an offering during devotions can be a nice touch. Mugwort is also known to aid with prophetic dreaming and divination, making it an important herb for witches.

In terms of imbibing it yourself, mugwort is great for herbal smoke cleanses and in teas, said to aid in muscle relaxation, to aid anxiety, to aid depression symptoms and to aid in stomach upsets – but if you are pregnant or have had allergies to plants like celery, sage, marigolds and wild carrots then this plant is better to grow and use in display offerings only. At any stage of working with plants, if you show any signs of allergic reaction, please discontinue use and contact your medical care team immediately.

Plants, Spices and Herbs for Hekate

While these associations are based on historical and traditional beliefs, your personal connection to these herbs may differ and you may find something in your practice works better for you. Always exercise caution when working with herbs, especially those that can be toxic or harmful. If you’re new to working with herbs, consider starting with milder and safer options before exploring more potent plants. Don’t be afraid to try, however. The energy of the earth is incredible and can lead to wonderfully unexpected delights that make you and your craft even more powerful.

1. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

2. • Ruled by: Jupiter
   • Element: Air
   • Hecate Association: In folklore, dandelions are sometimes associated with Hecate due to their connection to the underworld and their transformative nature. Dandelions can be seen as symbols of transition and change, much like Hecate’s role as a guide in the realms of life, death, and rebirth. I love using dandelions for divination, and I’m unsurprised that this plant (which is also associated with Apollo) has so many uses in witchcraft. The way the deep roots can turn the soil making it better for something else to come along later is a perfect testament to shadow work practices too.
   • Safe parts to use: Leaves, roots
   • Create a Dandelion Shadow Jar by placing dandelion roots and a black candle in a jar. As you light the candle, focus on facing and understanding your shadow self. Meditate on how embracing your darkness can lead to growth and transformation.

2. Garlic (Allium sativum)

3. • Ruled by: Mars
   • Element: Fire
   • Hecate Association: Garlic has been used historically for protection and banishing negative energies. Hecate, as a goddess associated with magic and protection, aligns with the use of garlic for warding off malevolent forces. Garlic bread as a modern-day cheap offering for the goddess is kinda amazing.
   • Safe parts to use: Cloves
   • Create a Garlic Self-Love Pouch by placing a few cloves of garlic in a small pouch. Carry it with you to boost your self-confidence and self-love, warding away negative inner criticisms.

3. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

4. • Ruled by: Mercury
   • Element: Air
   • Hecate Association: Lavender’s calming and purifying properties resonate with Hecate’s role as a guide through transitions. Lavender’s scent and energy can help facilitate inner exploration and intuitive insights.
   • Safe parts to use: Flowers
   • Create a Lavender Divination Sachet by placing dried lavender flowers in a small pouch. Keep this pouch near you during divination sessions to enhance your intuitive abilities and connect with higher guidance.

4. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

5. • Ruled by: Saturn
   • Element: Fire
   • Hecate Association: In ancient times, mullein was used to communicate with spirits and was associated with Hekate as a goddess of the crossroads and the unseen realms. It was believed that burning mullein leaves could help facilitate communication with spirits.
   • Safe parts to use: Leaves, flowers
   • Create a Mullein Emotional Healing Infusion by steeping mullein leaves and flowers in hot water. As you drink the infusion, visualize releasing emotional pain and finding inner peace.

5. Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)

6. • Ruled by: Saturn
   • Element: Water
   • Hecate Association: Belladonna, also known as “deadly nightshade,” has been associated with Hecate due to its association with death, the underworld, and its use in flying ointments for astral travel and divination.
   • Safe parts to use: None (due to its extreme toxicity, belladonna should not be used)
   • Please note that belladonna is highly toxic and should not be used in any magickal or herbal practices.

6. Dittany (Dictamnus albus)

7. • Ruled by: Mars
   • Element: Fire
   • Hecate Association: Dittany has been associated with Hecate due to its historical use in magic and medicine, particularly in spells related to healing and protection.
   • Safe parts to use: Flowers, leaves
   • Create a Dittany Healing Spell Jar by placing dried dittany flowers and leaves in a jar. Charge the jar with healing energy and place it on your altar. Visualize the jar radiating healing energy that supports your well-being.

7. Hellebore (Helleborus spp.)

8. • Ruled by: Saturn
   • Element: Water
   • Hecate Association: Hellebore has ancient associations with both healing and banishing negative energies. Hecate, as a goddess of magic and protection, aligns with the use of hellebore for rituals related to purification and transformation.
   • Safe parts to use: Flowers, leaves (note: hellebore can be toxic, so caution is advised)
   • Create a Hellebore Emotional Healing Sachet by placing dried hellebore flowers and leaves in a small bag. Carry it with you to help release emotional pain and promote emotional balance. Ensure to wash hands after handling, and to clean up responsibly your spell ingredients.

8. Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger)

9. • Ruled by: Saturn
   • Element: Water
   • Hecate Association: Henbane has been associated with Hecate due to its historical use in herbal magic, divination, and flying ointments. It was believed to aid in communicating with the spirit world and accessing altered states of consciousness.
   • Safe parts to use: None (due to its extreme toxicity, henbane should not be used)
   • Please note that henbane is highly toxic and should not be used in any magickal or herbal practices.

9. Thornapple (Datura stramonium)

• Ruled by: Saturn
• Element: Water
• Hecate Association: Thornapple, also known as “jimsonweed,” has historical associations with witchcraft, trance states, and transformation. It was used in flying ointments and associated with night rituals, aligning with Hecate’s nocturnal and transformative aspects.
• Safe parts to use: None (due to its extreme toxicity, thornapple should not be used)
• Please note that thornapple is highly toxic and should not be used in any magickal or herbal practices.

11. Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum)

• Ruled by: Moon
• Element: Water
• Hecate Association: Native to modern day Turkey, Opium poppy has associations with the realm of dreams, visions, and altered states of consciousness. Hecate’s connection to the underworld and liminal spaces aligns with the use of opium poppy in practices related to journeying between worlds.
• Safe parts to use: None (due to its potential for misuse and legality, opium poppy should not be used)
• Please note that opium poppy is subject to legal restrictions and should not be used in any magical or herbal practices. I would use a different poppy species instead, including the petals and seeds.

12. Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara)

• Ruled by: Mercury
• Element: Water
• Hecate Association: Bittersweet, with its intertwining vines and red berries, reflects themes of duality and transformation. These aspects resonate with Hecate’s role as a goddess of liminality, transitions, and crossroads.
• Safe parts to use: Berries, leaves
• Create a Bittersweet Shadow Work Ritual by crafting a small poppet from bittersweet vines. Place symbols of your shadow aspects within the poppet. During meditation, visualize acknowledging and integrating these aspects.

14. Wolfsbane (Aconitum spp.)

• Ruled by: Saturn
• Element: Water
• Hecate Association: Wolfsbane, also known as aconite and hecateis, has historical associations with protection, transformation, and werewolf folklore. These aspects align with Hekate’s connection to the moon, and liminal spaces.
• Safe parts to use: None (due to its extreme toxicity, wolfsbane should not be used)
• Please note that wolfsbane is highly toxic and should not be used in any magickal or herbal practices. Speak with a seasoned gardener if you come across it on how to manage it.

15. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

• Ruled by: Venus
• Element: Water
• Hecate Association: Foxglove has been linked to Hecate due to its historical use in magick, poison, and folklore. It was believed to have connections to the spirit world and was used for divination and protection.
• Safe parts to use: Flowers (caution: the entire plant is toxic)
• Create a Foxglove Divination Candle by carving symbols or runes into a purple or white candle. Anoint it with foxglove-infused oil and burn it during divination sessions to enhance intuitive insights. Make sure to wash your hands after handling, and to clean up your spell leftovers responsibly.

16. Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum)

• Ruled by: Mercury
• Element: Earth
• Hecate Association: Mandrake is historically associated with magick, fertility, and protection. Its use in folklore and potions aligns with Hecate’s role as a guide in the realms of magick and the hidden mysteries. It’s said that the use of dogs to find Mandrake cements Hekate’s ruling over it.
• Safe parts to use: None (due to its potential toxicity and cultural significance, mandrake should be approached with caution)
• Please note that mandrake has cultural and historical significance and should be approached with respect and caution. You can always speak with a seasoned gardener how to respect it in a garden setting.

17. Yew (Taxus spp.)

• Ruled by: Saturn
• Element: Water
• Hecate Association: Yew has historical associations with death, rebirth, and liminal spaces. Its connection to the cycle of life aligns with Hecate’s role as a goddess of the underworld and transitions. You’ll often find it in graveyards and cemeteries.
• Safe parts to use: None (due to its extreme toxicity, yew should not be used)
• Please note that yew is highly toxic and should not be used in any magickal or herbal practices especially for ingesting. If you ever work with yew wood, ensure it is treated properly and always wash your hands.

18. Almonds (Prunus dulcis)

• Ruled by: Mercury
• Element: Air
• Hecate Association: Almonds are associated with Hecate through references to the “bitter almond” in ancient texts, which was believed to symbolize the transformative aspects of the goddess. Bitter almonds contain cyanide and were used as a symbol of death and rebirth.
• Safe parts to use: Nuts (edible almonds, not bitter almonds)
• Create an Almond Emotional Healing Ritual by placing a few edible almonds on your altar. As you meditate, visualize releasing emotional pain and embracing transformation.

19. Myrrh (Commiphora spp.)

• Ruled by: Moon
• Element: Water
• Hecate Association: Myrrh is associated with Hekate through its historical use in rituals, incense, and embalming. Its connection to death and the mysteries aligns with Hecate’s role as a guide in the underworld.
• Safe parts to use: Resin
• Create a Myrrh Healing Bath Ritual by adding myrrh resin to warm bathwater. As you soak, visualize the healing energy of myrrh enveloping you and promoting well-being.

20. Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

• Ruled by: Venus
• Element: Water
• Hecate Association: Cardamom is associated with Hecate through its historical use in love potions and recipes. Its use in enhancing desire and manifestation/attraction aligns with Hecate’s role as a goddess of magick and transformation.
• Safe parts to use: Seeds
• Create a Cardamom Self-Love Sachet by placing cardamom seeds in a small bag. Carry it with you to boost your self-esteem and self-love.

21. Mint (Mentha spp.)

• Ruled by: Mercury
• Element: Air
• Hecate Association: Mint is associated with Hecate due to its use in rituals, offerings, and spells related to psychic abilities, manifestation and protection. Its aromatic qualities resonate with Hekate’s connection to the senses and magick.
• Safe parts to use: Leaves
• Create a Mint Divination Ritual by brewing mint tea before a divination session. The mint’s energy can help sharpen your focus and enhance your intuitive insights, aiding in removing any nervousness.

22. Black Poplar (Populus nigra)

• Ruled by: Saturn
• Element: Water
• Hecate Association: Black poplar has been linked to Hecate through its historical associations with death and transformation. Its connection to water aligns with Hecate’s role as a goddess of liminality and crossroads. The colour of the leaves reflects Hekate’s balance in multiple realms too.
• Safe parts to use: Bark
• Create a Black Poplar Shadow Work Ritual by inscribing symbols of your shadow aspects on a piece of black poplar bark. Burn the bark and visualize releasing and transforming these aspects, as part of shadow integration work.

23. Rue (Ruta graveolens)

• Ruled by: Mars
• Element: Fire
• Hekate Association: Rue has been associated with Hecate due to its historical use in rituals, protection spells, and magick related to the underworld. Its use in warding off negativity aligns with Hecate’s role as a protector.
• Safe parts to use: Leaves
• Create a Rue Protection Charm by tying dried rue leaves together with red thread. Hang it above your doorway or carry it with you for added protection.

24. Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)

• Ruled by: Jupiter
• Element: Fire
• Hecate Association: Hyssop has been associated with Hecate through its use in rituals of purification, cleansing, and banishing negative energies. Its cleansing properties align with Hecate’s role as a guide through transitions.
• Safe parts to use: Leaves
• Create a Hyssop Cleansing Bath Ritual by adding hyssop leaves to warm bathwater. As you soak, visualize negative energies being washed away, leaving you purified and refreshed.

25. Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

• Ruled by: Mercury
• Element: Air
• Hecate Association: Marjoram has been linked to Hekate through its historical use in rituals, incense, and spells related to protection and healing. Its aromatic qualities resonate with Hecate’s connection to magick and the senses.
• Safe parts to use: Leaves
• Create a Marjoram Healing Spell Jar by placing dried marjoram leaves in a jar. Charge it with healing energy and place it on your altar. Visualize the jar radiating healing energy that supports your well-being.

26. Tennel (Tanacetum vulgare)

• Ruled by: Venus
• Element: Water
• Hekate Association: Tennel, also known as tansy, has historical associations with magick, protection, and rituals. Its use in repelling negative energies aligns with Hecate’s role as a guardian and protector.
• Safe parts to use: Flowers, leaves
• Create a Tennel Protection Bundle by tying dried tennel flowers and leaves with black thread. Hang it in your home to ward off negative energies.

27. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

• Ruled by: Venus
• Element: Water
• Hekate Association: Thyme has been associated with Hecate through its historical use in rituals, offerings, and spells related to protection and healing. Its aromatic qualities resonate with Hecate’s connection to the senses and magick.
• Safe parts to use: Leaves
• Create a Thyme Divination Sachet by placing dried thyme leaves in a small bag. Carry it with you to enhance your psychic abilities and intuition during divination, or grow a plant of Thyme in your sacred space.

28. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

• Ruled by: Sun
• Element: Fire
• Hecate Association: Rosemary has been linked to Hecate due to its historical use in rituals, purification, and protection. Its aromatic qualities and association with memory resonate with Hecate’s role as a guide through the realms of life and death. This has been used in breads and offerings I’ve seen from followers of Hekate online.
• Safe parts to use: Leaves
• Create a Rosemary Shadow Work Ritual by brewing a strong rosemary tea. Anoint yourself with the tea while focusing on uncovering and addressing your shadow aspects. Once I’ve used up the leaves on a rosemary cutting, I burn the stalk as incense.

29. Sage (Salvia spp.)

• Ruled by: Jupiter
• Element: Air
• Hecate Association: Sage has been associated with Hecate through its use in rituals, protection, and cleansing spells. Its smoke is believed to purify and ward off negativity, aligning with Hecate’s role as a guardian and guide. It’s really common for witches to recommend sage in their spellwork as it’s a hardy plant, but normal garden sage that you grow is best for this.
• Safe parts to use: Leaves
• Create a Sage Protection Smoke Bath by burning dried sage leaves. Walk through the smoke to cleanse your aura and protect yourself from negative energies.

30. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

• Ruled by: Mars
• Element: Fire
• Hecate Association: Wormwood has historical associations with magick, divination, and rituals. Its use in enhancing psychic abilities and connection to otherworldly realms aligns with Hecate’s role as a guide through the liminal spaces.
• Safe parts to use: Leaves
• Create a Wormwood Divination Infusion by steeping a small amount of wormwood leaves in hot water. Sip the infusion before divination to enhance your psychic awareness. If you’ve ever had Malórt, you’ll be ok.

31. Dill (Anethum graveolens)

• Ruled by: Mercury
• Element: Fire
• Hecate Association: Dill has been associated with Hecate through its historical use in rituals, protection, and magick related to love and lust. Its aromatic qualities and use in charm bags resonate with Hecate’s connection to magick and transformation. I’ve seen quite a lot of offerings online of dill in cakes or breads for Hekate.
• Safe parts to use: Leaves, seeds
• Create a Dill Self-Love Charm Bag by placing dried dill leaves and seeds in a small bag. Carry it with you to boost your self-confidence and self-love, to ward off negative thinking.

My Other Articles on Hekate:

• Signs Hekate is Calling You
• Hekate Tarot Spread: Connect With The Dark Goddess