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Step 1
Understand what your goals are. Certain times of year are considered good for performing certain spells, and there are specific herbs useful for attaining the desired results. The spring holiday of Ostara, for example, celebrates fertility and the beginning of new life and is considered a good time to perform spells involving love and fertility. If you are performing rituals aiming for a specific result like this, know which herbs are used for these sorts of spells.
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Step 2
Know your names. Depending on which sources you use, you may find herbs categorized by their actual scientific name or by their more common name, like "colt's foot" or "Saint John the Conqueror root." A good way to keep these all straight is to make a list of the herbs you use most often that includes all of their known names so that you can recognize them when you see them.
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Step 3
Consider substitutions. There is often more than one herb that is appropriate for a specific spell, blessing or ritual. Most herbal guides list two or three options. If you are using a particularly old spell that includes uncommon herbs that you can't find, consider substituting them for ones whose names you recognize.
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Step 4
Shop at the grocery store. Many herbs commonly used in spells can actually be found at your local grocery or health food store. Fennel seed, rosemary, sage, thyme and lavender (all commonly used in various Wiccan rituals) can be easily purchased at supermarkets or floral shops. Other herbs, such as Saint John's Wort, can be found at health food stores and vitamin retailers.
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Step 5
Use reliable sources. Wiccan authors have written several concise guides to herbs and their magical uses. Find a book that is clear and makes sense to you, and use it as your herbal guide. It should clearly explain what each herb is used for, how to use it in specific rituals and any health risks involved in using it. This is important because many older spells often involve elements like belladonna that have proven to be harmful if ingested or exposed to skin.
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Step 6
Grow your own. If you can grow your own tomatoes and peppers, you can grow your own supply of herbs. Many of the herbs used in Wiccan rituals and spells can be found in home herb garden kits. If there is something specific that you want in ready supply, consult your local greenhouse about its availability. Educate yourself about proper drying procedure and storage.
