Meet The Incense Botanical: Rosemary

Rosemary, (Rosmarinus officinalis )

Meet the herb:

Hailing from the shores of the Mediterranean sea, this vibrant, fragrant perennial shrub is a favourite in most gardens. Loving the light, warmth and humidity, when thriving Rosemary can expand from a humble pot herb to a full blown hedge!

Best known in our household for making Roast Potatoes epic, Rosemary is a beautiful accompaniment to any dish. But the magic doesn't stop in the kitchen....

Rosemary uses:

• Powerful cleansing, healing and blessing function when burned

• Brings peace to your inner and outer environment when used in ritual.

• Memory and clarity of mind

• In the language of flowers, rosemary symbolizes remembrance.

• Rosemary contains substances that are useful for stimulating the immune system, increasing circulation and improving digestion

• rosemary has been shown to increase the blood flow to the head and brain, improving concentration.

• Burning rosemary purifies the air

Myths & rituals:

• Celtic myths believed wearing a sprig in your hair increases memory

• Take Rosemary to a funeral or add to Samhain altar for remembrance

• Rosemary is also associated with fidelity and love.It is traditional to give a sprig of rosemary to newlyweds to inspire faithfulness.

• In English folklore if a girl placed a plate of flour under a rosemary bush on midsummer’s eve, her future husband’s initials would be written in it.

• Roman priests used rosemary as incensein religious ceremonies, and many cultures considered it a herb to use as protection from evil spirits and witches.

• In England, it was burned in the homes of those who had died from illness, and placed on coffins before the grave was filled with dirt.

• Rosemary is also associated with the goddess Aphrodite–Greek artwork depicting this goddess of love sometimes includes images of a plant believed to be rosemary.

• Hang bundles on your front door to keep harmful people, like burglars, from entering.

• Star sign: Capricorn

Rosemary features in our signature Awakening Botanical loose incense blend to create space and clarity to your mind.