Thyme is one of those magical ingredients that most witches come across at one point or another. To this witch, thyme is the perfect complimenting herb to my favorite herb – rosemary. But, separate from rosemary, it has its own powerful properties and uses. Come with me to the witches’ cabinet and find the jar labeled “Thyme”, and we’ll explore thyme magical properties, uses, health benefits, and fairy folklore.
What is Thyme?
The Thymus species of herbs are many and include lemon thyme, Spanish wood thyme, Doone valley thyme, creeping thyme, silver-variegated thyme, and wolly thyme. In Spanish, thyme is called Tomillo. It is a perennial plant, meaning it survives all year, and herbaceous, growing best in zones 5-9. If you’ve never seen thyme, it can be described as long stems with small leaves, with flowers that bloom throughout the Summer in shades of white, pink, and purple. When grown in the garden, thyme prefers a hot, dry climate and soils that aren’t too rich and somewhat dry, according to Tammi Hartung’s Homegrown Herbs.
Folklore, Fairies, and Thyme Tales
One of the first herbs I learned about besides rosemary was thyme. My mentor told me that thyme, like rosemary, is quite versatile and is beloved by the fairy realm. Where thyme grows, fairy energy flows. Thyme has been used in magic, food, and medicine since ancient times. It’s documented as being a beneficial plant for farmers in the Georgics of Virgil, which is an agricultural poem written around 35 BCE. According to Nutufia.com, when thyme bloomed in the Middle Ages, people believed the tiny, delicate flowers were actually fairies in disguise.
Thyme is a sacred plant to many deities including Venus and was once encouraged to be burned to ensure good health and vitality. In the Grey Fairy Book by Andrew Lang, there is a story called The Goblin Pony. It tells of two naughty children who ignore the advice of their caretaker and go out on Hallowe’en night under the full moonlight. They find thyme and blackberries and pick them…only to meet a black pony that galloped them right into the sea and to their deaths. This “goblin pony” seems to me very much like a Kelpie, and interestingly both thyme and blackberries are associated with witchcraft and fairies in this tale as well as in others.
Thyme Magical Properties and Associations
Thyme’s magical properties and associations are as follows:
- Name: Thymus (many but typically Thymus vulgaris is used in magic)
- Parts Used: mainly leaves and stems
- Uses: Culinary, Magical and Medicinal
- Culinary: in poultry dishes, soups, stews, sauces, veggies, and grain dishes
- Folk Names: Garden thyme and Common thyme
- Planet: Venus
- Energy: Feminine
- Chakra: Heart
- Day of the Week: Friday
- Element: Water
- Deities: Aphrodite, Venus, Ra
- Thyme Magical Properties: Fairy magick, love, lust, purification, health, longevity, healing spells, sleep, psychic abilities, strength, endurance
- Thyme Symbolic Meaning: in ancient times, women wore a bundle of thyme in their hair to signify they were single and ready to mingle.
- Safety Concerns: there are no real safety concerns with thyme or thyme magical properties. It is considered generally safe for everyone to consume and use.
Ways to Use Thyme in Your Magical Practice
As mentioned, thyme has multiple uses and benefits in the kitchen, garden, and in one’s magical and spiritual practice. Here are some of the ways we enjoy using thyme in our magical practice:
1. In Herb Roasted Chicken
One of my favorite dishes to make in the kitchen is an herb roasted chicken with rosemary and thyme. The thyme is shoved into the chicken along with lemon, onion, and rosemary and literally turns the bird into something magical to eat. I like to make this dish and serve it to the family for multiple magical intentions including protection and prosperity. The thyme acts as a flavoring agent, but also lends its purifying and healing properties to the mix.
2. Thyme in a Spell Bag or Sachet
Thyme is a great ingredient to add to any spell bag or sachet. Add it to a small sachet or vial and wear it to increase your witchy power and psychic abilities. You can also place this same spell bag in your purse or carry it in a pocket. This spell is extra effective when cast on a Full Moon. Then…pour the contents into the bath and bathe in thyme’s energies!
3. Burn in an Herb Bundle
One of my favorite ways to purify my space and my aura is by smoke-cleansing. I accomplish this by bundling some of my favorite herbs together and then burning them once they have dried out completely. Thyme, again along with rosemary, is effective at purifying your aura and your space from negative energy, illness, and any residual yuckies.
4. To Attract the Fae
Obviously thyme is linked to the fairy realm, so why not use it to attract them to your space or dreamtime? Be careful though! Not all fairies have human beings’ best interest at heart. Do your research on the fae first, if you’ve never worked with them in your practice. To attract fairies to your garden, simply grow thyme in the ground OR in a pot. Sprinkle dried thyme (or fresh) around your property. And wear thyme to show the fae you are open to communication.
5. Taurus and Libra Magick with Thyme
According to Scott Cunningham’s Complete Book of Incense, Oils, & Brews, thyme is linked to two zodiac signs: Taurus and Libra. If you are one of these signs, we encourage you to use thyme in your practice regularly. If you’re NOT one of these signs, consider using more thyme magic when it is Taurus or Libra season!
6. Thyme in Healing Spells
Thyme is known for its healing abilities and has been for thousands of years. Incorporate it into any of your healing spells for multiple ailments, including of the body, mind, and heart. It was once added to the bath of a mourning person in the Spring, after the person might have suffered a loss during the Winter. Thyme and marjoram in the ritual bath was believed to heal the person from overwhelming grief and allowed the person to release old hurts.
7. Thyme in a Simmer Pot
Every New Moon I like to make a big simmer pot on the stove. This is a simple and aromatic way of cleansing your house and making way for new, abundant energy. Adding thyme and rosemary along with lemon to a simmer pot purifies the air, sends negative energy flying away, and smells absolutely amazing! It’s as simple as putting a large pot of water on the stove, bringing it to a simmer, and adding fresh herbs and fruit to the water. Then allow it to simmer for as long as you’d like (an hour+).
8. Add it to Sacred Magical Oils
An easy way to use thyme magical properties in your practice is to add it to your herbal oils and tinctures. Making herbal oils requires a carrier oil like olive, sunflower, jojoba, etc. As well as DRIED herb matter. If you use fresh herb matter, it may turn the oil moldy or rancid. Put a bit of dried thyme in an airtight jar with a lid, then pour your oil over top…fill it nearly to the top of the jar. Then cap it and place it in a cool, dark place. Shake every day for up to two weeks. Then strain the thyme out and use the oil to anoint your power points, chakras, candles, tools, etc.
9. Thyme Hair Oil for Psychic Abilities
A powerful way to help open your crown chakra and psychic clairvoyance is to infuse a bit of thyme into olive oil over the stove. You don’t need to heat the oil to boiling, just until warm. Then add the thyme sprigs and let it infuse for at least 13 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then strain the herbs and massage the oil into your scalp. Let it sit and soak into your crown chakra for three to seven hours, then wash out in a ritual bath.
10. Sleepy Dream Pillow
A wonderful way to use thyme’s magic is to stuff it into a dream pillow or in a dream sachet, then place it under your pillow or in your pillowcase. Thyme is known to induce deep sleep and sweet dreams and chase away nightmares. The easiest way is to put it in a sachet, but I find making things with my hands extra powerful when it comes to magic. To make a dream pillow, you need two pieces of square fabric, needle and thread, and herb. Place the two pieces of fabric together, inside out, and sew around the perimeter leaving an inch or two open. Turn the pillow right-side out, then stuff with your DRIED herb material including the thyme. Sew it up and place it under your pillow.
The AMAZING Medicinal Benefits of Thyme
Thyme has many amazing medicinal benefits since it is rich in antimicrobial and antiinflammatory properties. According to Hartung, thyme has been used for centuries for Winter-borne illnesses. Which is especially interesting to me, since it was also placed in Springtime baths to remove heartache after Winter loss (see sections above). It’s a great support for the immune system, warding off bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.
When added to a tea, thyme’s medicinal benefits might help to fight colds, respiratory illnesses, and to soothe a sore throat. Thyme tea has also been beneficial for calming digestive issues including upset stomach and indigestion. The lemon type of thyme is especially helpful for children’s remedies, as it tastes a little better than the regular. Children find it more palatable. It can be made into tinctures, syrups, elixirs, ointments, salves, creams, foot soaks, oils, and can be infused into honey and butter.
Other Magical Herbs:
Sources Used:
- Homegrown Herbs: A Complete Guide to Growing, Using, and Enjoying More than 100 Herbs by Tammi Hartung
- Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham
- Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide by Rosemary Gladstar
- The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews by Scott Cunningham
- The Grey Fairy Book by Andrew Lang
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