I wanted to encourage the idea of a list of herbs and plants that can be somewhat easily grown in the home or on an altar or small space. I have provided some house plant options for death working witches or practitioners. There are many herbs and plants associated with death work however you may not see them listed here as they are not well grown indoors or may be difficult to grow indoors. I have a masterlist that exists already however, I wanted to list herbs and plants that would be easy to somewhat easy for practitioners as well as common, affordable, and accessible to people with varying skills, experience, or knowledge of plants. In this effort I hope to encourage people to take a leap and try out some plants!
Parsley -
Difficulty: Easy
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Water: Weekly (Do not over water)
Notes: Is said to please spirits of the dead and ward away the spirits of the dead of whom are malignant or angry.
Rosemary -
Difficulty: Medium
Light requirements: Full Sun
Water: Do not over water. Water when Top Inch of soil is dry.
Notes: Rosemary cleanses and banishes as well as is used to honour the dead. There are recipes for rosemary bread. Bread is often used as an offering for ancestor veneration and to the dead. Notes: Rosemary itself is also associated with remembrance of the dead and the memories of the lives they have lived.
Thyme -
Difficulty: Medium
Light requirements: Full Sun
Water: Allow to dry out *completely* before watering. When watering, saturate thoroughly.
Notes: Thyme is used to sooth the spirits of the dead of whom experienced great suffering. Thyme is used in Necromancy when communing with the dead and its oil has been historically used in embalming!
Peace Lily -
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Light Requirements: Won’t die in low light but prefers bright indirect light.
Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and allow water to drain through the bottom of the pot.
Notes: The Peace Lily is actually a rather hearty plant to grow indoors and lives a rather long life. The plant itself is said to sooth the dead and the spirit of those experiencing grief and is a wonderful plant to maintain harmony with the dead. You may also use it in a space while making efforts to reconcile with the dead.
Basil -
Difficulty: Easy (Though is prone to pests when grown outdoors)
Light Requirements: at least 6 hours of bright light either direct or indirect. This is a light happy plant.
Water: Can be grown hydroponically (completely in water). Allow top inch of soil to be completely dry. Water thoroughly. Leave to dry.
Lemon Balm -
Difficulty: Easy - Medium
Light requirements: Allow 5-9 hours of direct or indirect bright light. This is a light happy plant.
Water: Similarly to Mints and Basil, Lemon Balm can be grown hydroponically. Water when top inch of soil is dry. Water thoroughly.
Notes: Lemon Balm is used in Necromancy and Psychopomping work to help aid in the passing of souls and to get to the root of what may be holding the spirit of the dead back. Aids in the spirit’s memory recall especially when used in companion with Rosemary.
Orchids -
Difficulty: Not As Hard As You Think
Light Requirements: Most enjoy 6-8 hours of indirect light a day. Some prefer more some prefer less.
Water: When growing and flowering it may need water twice a week. Use the “One inch of dry soil” method to determine when it needs water. Do not over water it. When it is done flowering, it needs less water. Simply soak the roots in water for 15-20 minutes or let a trickling amount of water pass through them.
Notes: Orchids have historical background with the story of Orchis whom was killed by maenads but was turned into an Orchid upon death. The Orchid is an excellent herb to represent the cycles of life and death but also love and love within death and the death of loved ones including romantic.
Mint -
Difficulty: Easy
Light requirements: 3-5hours of indirect sunlight to partial shade. Flexible with light.
Water: Can be grown hydroponically. Likes water but should not be regularly saturated.
Notes: Mint oil is a stable of Necromancy reagents and is commonly used to communicate with the dead. Said to carry the messages of the dead when made into inks and used in sending parchment messages to the dead. Necromancy Inks often use mint as a part of its structure.
(False) Rose of Jericho - Requires similar but different cares.
Difficulty: You Cannot Kill This Plant
Light Requirements: Low light prefers indirect light. Does not require Soil.
Water: Can be kept in a bowl of water. Will curl up as it dries out. Can be potted but must be in well draining soil.
Notes: The Resurrection Plant is in its name. This plant goes through symbolic life and death as it cycles through incredible cycles. It goes into various states of stasis. This is a wonderful plant representing life, death, and rebirth. Both Rose of Jericho and False Rose of Jericho are incredible motifs of this theme.
Yucca -
Difficulty: Easy
Light Requirements: Prefers Indirect Bright light
Water: Water Deeply during spring and summer when the soil is dry. Decrease water intake during dormancy (winter and fall)
Notes: Yucca has a folkloric history of being associated with rebirth and transformation in indigenous American Tribes. It also holds symbolism of purity and growth through trails. The Yucca retains water in its roots and links to the Motifs and symbolism of rivers of the underworld. It is has been culturally given as a houseplant to represent growth through grief and difficulty after great loss.
