Free spell for March: Birch and bramble smudge
- spoiled bean dip
- Feb 28
- 3 min read
When it comes to spring cleaning for us spiritual workers we try to utilize the natural resources of the land by incorporating the local plants and herbs in our practices. During this spring tide some of the more notable plants that could be wild crafted at this time are often dried bramble arches and papery birches.
Birch was often seen as a feminine herb that is linked to the planet of Venus. Spiritually it is used to cleanse/ sweep away negative as it is traditionally collected to be made into a broom. Connected to the Elder Futhark rune Berkano, which symbolizes the birth of a situation, new beginnings, and love; the same may be applied to the herb when used spiritually.
Bramble or blackberry is often considered to be a masculine herb linked to the planet of Saturn. There are many stories of bramble branches being the foil for many ghouls and evil spirits, most notably the devil. It’s said that when Saint Michael defeated the devil he fell into a large thicket of brambles, which in turn stabbed him with their many long and prickly thorns. The devil let out a loud cry and promptly ran away from the bushes, thus making bramble an excellent choice for workings of banishing, exorcism, or warding away unwanted spirits. If one so chooses you could even employ this herb in curses or break-up magick; do with that information as you please but be aware of the consequences.
Although they are not necessary the most aromatic herbs out there, spiritually they offer great cleansing/ protective energies; it should also be known that before the new age movement seasonal smudges like this were common throughout Western Europe and much of the United States. The recipe that follows is a simple yet effective one that could be easily adapted and made more exclusive depending on your local environment (as I will show further on).
Collect the following:
7 bramble stalks of equal length ( I advise that you should have at least some thorns on your stalks for some added banishing energy but this is optional)
6 birch twigs of the same length as the bramble stalks
A good amount of red string to bind them
To create your smudge stick simply gather and tie together the stalks and twigs with the red string until you’ve fashioned yourself a handle for it. The final result should resemble a small broom/ whisk like instrument as opposed to a traditional densely packed smudge stick; but its usage remains the same. To burn your bramble and birch smudge simply light the ends until they’ve caught on fire and then quickly blow it out to make it smolder throughout the home or area.
Again as I’ve mentioned before this is a simple yet effective way to shake off those dead winter energies so that you're able to create a new lively space with a higher vibration. If you wish to add on any other plants that are available during this spring tide I have listed a good amount of herbs I could find in my area but please get creative and use what you have; but when collecting herbs in the wild just keep in mind to always leave an offering to the space in which you’ve found the plant and to always thank the plant for giving itself for your needs.
Pine: Known as the American espanta muerto, pine is often my first plant of choice whenever I try to remove unwanted spirits or ghosts from an area. Because it is also considered an evergreen you could even use pine to bring in life into a situation or your home.
Juniper: An excellent choice when seeking healing energies, juniper may also be employed in the removal of unwanted energies.
Bayberry: This plant is often utilized in good luck and prosperity magick.
Quince blossoms: A wonderful choice for those desiring love or fidelity in the home, quince also makes for a fine choice for fertility if you wish to manifest a little one! If quince isn’t available in your area you could always substitute for apple, cherry, or pear blossoms.
To conclude this free monthly spell I would just like for you, dear reader, to always use your intuition to decide when it is best to cleanse and to always be sure to follow with protection work afterwards. Whether in store or online we offer a large array of spiritual goods to cast away evil on all levels- find what you need today and the foreseeable future with The Pride!
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