Herb of the Week – Calamus
Botanical Name: Arcorus calamus
Common Names: Bee Wort, Bitter Pepper Root, Calamus, Sweet Flag, Myrtle Flag, Myrtle Grass, Gladdon, Sweet Cane, Sweet Grass, Sweet Root
Gender: Feminine
Planetary Influence: Sun and Moon
Element: Water and Fire
Magical Uses: Luck, healing, money, abundance, protection, controlling / compelling
This is an important magical plant that has been used since antiquity. A member of the Iris family, this perennial, herbaceous plant grows in wetlands, marshes, small lakes and ponds, and swamps. The sword-like leaves and yellow flowers stick out above the marshy soil and water and propagate through its fleshy, usually submerged rhizome. Calamus originated in India, Nepal, and Central Asia. From there it spread to Russia, Europe, and the Northern United States. The entire plant is considered aromatic and the leaves were spread on floors to give a pleasant scent to homes. It is said that it has a purifying effect on the bodies of water it grows around and is a favorite among gardeners.
Calamus has been used since antiquity for incense and perfumes and is one of the ingredients in some versions of the Ancient Egyptian incense formula, kapet or kyphi. In Hoodoo and other magical traditions, calamus is used to increase the power of spells or for the witch or magician to gain control over a situation. This herb can be used in binding spells and compelling spells to dominate or bend another to your Will. Added to a conjure bag it is protective and can help with gambling luck. Making an infusion of calamus the liquid can be used to asperge or bless a home or ritual space.
One use suggested by Scott Cunninghan is to place a pinch of ground calamus in all four corners of the kitchen to ensure that the inhabitants never face hunger or poverty.
One of the most popular magical oils which use calamus root in the ingredients is Abramelin oil. Here is one of many recipes that are floating around out there.
- 4 parts Cinnamon powder
- 2 parts Myrrh powder
- 1 part Calamus powder
- Olive oil to cover
Let the oil macerate in a glass bottle or jar for one month. I find that it is good to go from New Moon to Full Moon to increase the strength and to infuse the magical properties of the herbs into the oil. Strain and decant. You can use the oil to anoint candles, ritual tools, and the self, without skin irritation. You can use these same ingredients as an incense to be used over charcoal. Note that I listed powdered ingredients. You may wish to go with cut and sifted herbs and work them into a powder with a mortar and pestle. When grinding myrrh, frankincense, or any resin, consider having a completely separate mortar and pestle for the job because it can be incredibly difficult to get resins out of your equipment, depending on what they are made out of.
For abundance and increase in wealth, take a green candle and sprinkle a circle of calamus around it. Once lit, speak your desires out loud. One magical text suggests performing this ritual every Friday to ensure increased or continued good fortune.
(Photo by H. Zell via Wikimedia Creative Commons)