Heart’s Delight the Magick of Lemon Balm

One of my favorite things to grow in my garden is Lemon Balm. I love just walking by it and brushing it gently with my hand to fill the air with its lemony scent. Lemon Balm has gone by many names such as Common Balm, Balm Mint, Balm, Bee Balm, Lemon Balsam, Melissa, Sweet Balm, Sweet Melissa, and Heart’s Delight but its official name is Melissa officinalis. And it has a rich history, in ancient times it was often planted around by beekeepers to keep the honeybees content. It was also planted around the Temples of Diana, it was a herb sacred to her and it helped keep the honeybees happy. It is from the Goddess Diana that Lemon Balm was started to be called Heart’s Delight. It was believed in ancient times that Lemon Balm was useful to calm the heart and the body. And it has been used through the ages for many reasons from flavoring medicine and flavoring in cooking. It has been found to have a sedative effect and as a tranquilizer. It is also said to help inhibit bacteria and viruses and also as a digestive aid. As a digestive aid, it can even be added to fresh salads where it will add a fresh lemon flavor.

Magickally Lemon Balm is feminine and associated with the element of Water. It is also connected to the Moon and the planet Neptune. it is commonly used in love sachets but it has more magickal uses than just for love. Magickally it can be used for love, success, healing, cleansing, fertility, animal healing, happiness, prosperity, psychic awareness, and divination.

The Magick of Marjoram

Marjoram is a magickal herb that has many uses ranging from culinary, medically and magickally. But what is Marjoram? Marjoram or Origanum majorana is a perennial in zones 8-11 and annual elsewhere in the world. It has many common or folk names such as Sweet Marjoram, Joy of the Mountain, Wintersweet, Knotted Marjorane, Marjorlaine, Mountain Mint, and Pot Marjoram. It belongs to the genus of Origanum and the family of Lamiaceae, which is the mint family. Because it is part of the mint family it will spread quickly in the garden so you will want to take precautions with it. I like to grow mine in a 2×2 raised bed that is sitting on cement, this way I know it will not take over my garden. It prefers full sun and for the soil to be kept moist but not water-logged. Marjoram will grow happily from spring until fall and once a cold snap comes it will go dormant for the winter. It will grow up to about 18 inches and has grey-green leaves. Marjoram is often mistaken for Oregano, but it has a sweeter and more delicate flavor than Oregano. It is so easy to grow that it is a great addition to any herb garden.

Marjoram is most commonly used in the kitchen. It is often used to season soups, stews, meats, vegetables, dressings, and sauces. Each summer I use fresh Marjoram in my cooking, but I also make sure I dehydrate some for winter use. When I go to pick some I make sure that it is before the plant starts to flower because this will ensure the best taste.

Magickally Marjoram is very versatile. It has the powers to help with protection, love, happiness, money, and health. It has masculine energy and is associated with the element of Air. It is also connected to the planet of Mercury. If you wish to get help aligning your chakras then simply burn some Marjoram during meditation. It can also be added to any spell workings to enhance them. It is also said to help the easing of grief. It is commonly used in love and happiness spells. With so many uses it will be easy to find use in your practice for this magickal herb.

Sources:
Complete Guide to Vegetables, Fruits, & Herbs (Meredith, 2008) pg.188
Herbgardening.com How to Grow Marjoram http://herbgardening.com/growingmarjoram.htm
The Magickal Circle School The Herb Rack 101 Laura Roman https://themagickalcircle.net/enrol/index.php?id=175
Herbial Riot Magickal Uses of Marjoram http://herbalriot.tumblr.com/post/60748382957/magickal-uses-of-marjoram