Herbs are used to enhance or intensify a specific process. Unlike stones, they heighten the abilities that you already have and remove blockage that would keep you from reaching your goals. While there are an endless list of herbs you could use, these are the herbs that I commonly use in a Sylvan setting. Within an urban setting, your choice of herbs can vary greatly (for instance, my altar incense is made of equal parts of cinnamon, myrrh, and frankincense).
While many of the herbs listed below have internal applications as well (I have a friend who swears by mugwort tea), the applications listed here focus on using the herbs in an aromatic fashion (through smudging, incense, etc.).
I recommend using a smudge pot (any small, non-flammable container capable of holding water should work). Fill your smudge pot about ¾ of the way with dirt or stones. Ignite a disk of self-lighting charcoal (available at nearly any metaphysical bookstore) and set it on the dirt or stones. Once the charcoal has turned from black to white, you're ready to go. Follow the steps outlined in herbs for connecting with your herbs and you're ready to go.
| Copal | Resin | Used to increase shamanic sight, the ability to listen to the weave of magic. |
| Yerba Senta | Leaf | Used to increase shamanic sight, open the third eye, receive messages from the spirit world. |
| Mugwort | "mossy" | Used to intensify dreaming and attune to the faerie realm. |
| Dragonsblood | Resin | Used for protection. |
| Cedar | Evergreen Needle | Sacred herb, used to purify and carry messages to the spirit realm. |
| Sage | Leaf | Sacred herb, used to purify and carry messages to the spirit realm. |
| Ritual Tobacco | Leaf | Carries messages to the spirit realm. |