Herbs in Witchcraft - Pomegranate

One of the most mythical herbs in witchcraft is the pomegranate. This fruit brings a burst of sweetness in the dead of winter and reminds us that death is part of life.

As a kitchen witch, I absolutely love pomegranates for so many reasons. First, the seeds look like little red jewels that bring a beautiful brightness to any dish or drink. Second, their association with the myth of Persephone makes them instantly powerful. Finally, cutting into a whole pomegranate almost makes it seem like the fruit is bleeding all over the cutting board. It's a powerful fruit for sure. Let's get into all the awesome power of this winter fruit.

Healing Properties of Pomegranate

This fruit that grows in the cradle of civilization has obviously been used in folk medicine for centuries. It's astringent properties were used on cuts and sore throats, amongst other things. The bark of the pomegranate tree has been used in expelling tape worms.

In Ayurveda, the rind and bark are used to support digestive health.

These days, pomegranate juice is best known for its high levels of antioxidants. It's also a good source of vitamin C. It's being studied for benefits for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, joint health, and neurological function just to name a few. Is there anything this fruit can't do?

Many herbal and holistic health stores will sell pomegranate supplements, syrups, and tinctures to get all those good nutrients into your body.

Magical & Spiritual Properties of Pomegranate

With its many seeds, pomegranates are a strong symbol of fertility, and it's also believed to be an aphoridisiac. It's also been seen as a symbol of prosperity, hope, and abundance in cultures around the world. Other metaphysical properties include hearing your inner voice, protection, wisdom, wishes, growth, death, rebirth, and new beginnings.

This fruit is closely tied to the Greek Queen of the Underworld, Persephone. When she was taken to the underworld, she was told not to eat any of the food, or she'd be trapped there forever. It was three pomegranate seeds that became her downfall. Because of this, pomegranates serve as a reminder of the cycle of life and the necessity of death in the wheel of the seasons. Because of this myth, pomegranates can also help us connect with the spirit world.

Here are some of the common correspondences of pomegranate for use in your spell work or altars.

• Elements - air, fire, earth
• Planets - Venus, Pluto, Mercury
• Astrology - Scorpio
• Deities - Astarte, Persphone, Sekhmet
• Chakras - third eye, root

Witchcraft Uses

Pomegranate juice can be used as a symbol for blood in a spell. It can also be used to make magical ink. This might be especially powerful in any writing connected with ancestor work, as pomegranates have a special tie to the spirit realm.

Pomegranate juice and seeds can be used in love spells as well as protection spells. Add pomegranate juice or seeds to a tea or potion. Give a whole fruit as an offering on your altar.

Recipes for the Kitchen Witch

It appears I'm mainly a fan of using pomegranate juice in cocktails based on my recipes. I certainly think a cocktail can be a fun potion to share with friends or lovers. A pitcher of pomegranate margaritas would be perfect for a Samhain feast or for dios de los muertos.

Here are a few recipes to help you bring the power of pomegranate into your kitchen witchcraft.

• Pomegranate Martini - a perfect little love spell
• Pomegranate Margaritas - to connect to the spirit world
• Ginger Pomegranate Cocktail - to summon quick abundance
• Sweet Potato Chickpea Dip - for grounding and protection

This beautiful fruit has so many different energies to work with and so many health benefits. I hope you find yourself calling on pomegranate energy more often.

How will you incorporate pomegranates into your spiritual or witchcraft practice? Let me know in the comments.

Sources:

• American Botanical Council
• Herbal Reality
• Gaia Herbs
•  Plentiful Earth
• Rachel Paterson