Herbs in Witchcraft - Grapes

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Grapes and wine have featured in mythology and folklore for centuries, so you know they have their place in witchcraft. Read on to learn more about the healing and magical properties of grapes.

Herbs in Witchcraft: Grapes (with bunches of red grapes on the vine)

Grapes, and their most beloved product, wine have been part of sacred ceremonies for centures. Wine still features in the Christian ritual of communion to this day, and ancient cultures had specific deities dedicated to the growing of grapes and the production and enjoyment of wine. A plant this important will definitely have a significant magical presence. Let's get into it.

Healing Properties of Grapes

Grapes are full of antioxidants, and the amount increases in darker varieties. These nutrients can help reduce the risk of cancer. They're also believed to have antiviral and antibacterial properties, making them a great addition to home remedies.

Grapes are loaded with vitamins and minerals our bodies need, including copper, and vitamins K and B. The potasium in grapes can help lower blood pressure, and other compounds can help reduce cholesterol. They can also help improve the health of the brain, the eyes, the bones, and the skin and hair.

It's no wonder we've been eating them for centuries because grapes can also help protect against obesity, relieve constipation, and support sleep. It seems like there's not a lot these little bundles of sweetness can't do.

Some, but not all of these health benefits are also found in wine, but of course, alcohol is not great for our bodies, so there is a trade off. Similarly, grape juice can give some benefits but decreases others, such as fiber intake and antioxidant levels. You know your body best, so make wise choices for yourself, and always consult a professional before beginning any herbal treatments.

Magical & Spiritual Properties of Grapes

When I think of grapes and paganism and witchcraft, I automatically think of Bacchus and Dionysus. These gods of wine were well known for engaging in sensual pleasures. You can definitely use grapes and wine to call in love, pleasure, vitality, and fertility. Wine can help you connect to the spiritual realm, while grapes or raisins can be used to call in money and increase mental powers. Grapes are also sacred to the Egyptian goddess Hathor.

Grapes also share common magical properties with vines. The creeping and expansive growth of the plant symbolizes everlasting life. Vines are ruled by the sun and the element of fire and celebrated at the sabbats of Lughnasadh and Mabon, when grapes are harvested.

Witchcraft Uses

Use your imagination and intuition when deciding how to incorporate grapes and wine into your spells. Remember, you can also work with the leaves and wood as well as the fruit. And grape juice can always be substituted for wine if you prefer not to drink alcohol. Raisins can be a good option for spells that you want to keep for a long period of time. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Add raisins to a charm bag or spell jar to celebrate the harvest and call in abundance.
Craft a potion with mulled wine or a pitcher of sangria.
Feed grapes to your lover for a sensual love spell.
Leave a glass of wine on an ancestor or deity altar.

Recipes for the Kitchen Witch

Grapes and raisins tend to be something we just munch on rather than featuring them in recipes, and while opening a bottle of wine is almost always a good idea, it's not exactly a recipe. So it's easy to work the magic of grapes into your daily life without having to do a lot of extra work. If you are looking for a few recipes, these should get you started.

I hope this has inspird you to tap into the magic of grapes. They're more than just a convenient snack. They're a powerful magnet for your desires. Let me know how you like to work with this plant in your witchcraft practice in the comments below.