Catnip is most well known as an herb that cats adore for the euphoric feeling it gives them. After a few minutes of rolling around on top of the herb, the cat tends to calm down. And finally settle in for a nice cat nap.
The herb isn't just for cats though. Humans also benefit from Nepeta cataria as a medicine. And like so many plants in my garden catnip has multiple uses: chilling out my crazy cats, as a tea for an upset stomach, and an ingredient in spellcraft. Let's talk more about it!
There is so much to do in the garden this fall. I am setting up my greens garden as well as harvesting the remaining herbs of summertime and gathering up all I will need to survive & thrive in fall. Catnip is one of those special herbs that stays green and vibrant all year long. Alongside a couple of other herbs, Catnip is one of my staples of fall. If you are curious about how I use this herb and what the other two are, check out this video:
In herbcraft, catnip attracts abundance, friendship, beauty, and, of course, cats! I have been surprised to spot wild cats (Jeffrey's Cats) as well as feral kitties playing with the herb from my window. As for using catnip in magick, I have only now begun to experiment with it's uses. The most recent spell I tried was really, really simple: I included a sprig of fresh catnip in the pictures for a listing on my website for the candles I make.
But, when I think back, this is far from the first time I have used catnip in a spell. A couple of years ago I started to put more energy in the plants that grow around my house. I spend a lot of time on my front patio and I wanted it to be surrounded by more than just grass. So, one by one, I began transplanting random catnip plants to the edges of the patio with the intention of creating a beautiful and safe space for my cats and for us. I hoped that my three cats would stay close to home if home was surrounded by their favorite herb.
and ... I dare say it has worked!
As I write this blog post I am dreaming of using the abundance and beauty attracting powers of catnip in other ways too. During the past few months I have been trying to transform my routines of cleaning the house and taking care of my body from something I have to do into activities I love to do. It is a challenge!
I think that combining little rituals with each and ever task is key. For example, lighting a candle before doing my indoor chores or listening to a mystical podcast as I scrub the dishes. And as for my self care routine, now that I read via Flying the Hedge that catnip is associated with Venus & glamour magick I will see how I can include this mutli-use herb in beauty rituals too.
