The Magic & Medicine of Juniper
Connecting with Juniperus osteosperma
This week I posted a rather lengthy class for you to soak up on my YouTube channel which is all about the magical virtues and medicinal properties of Juniper. I love this tree so much, for so many reasons. First, this is an evergreen ally which means that during the long, cold, bleak winters where I live, I have some verdant energy I can admire. Second, Juniper thrives in the high-desert climes where I live and really exemplifies how to move with seasons, clay soil, and intense heat. Last but not least, the folklore around Juniper is extensive- and the ways in which folks have worked with this tree over the ages is incredibly inspiring to me. The Juniper species that grow where I live aren’t exactly the same as those referenced in plant lore from Scotland, the British Isles, and Southern Europe- but the spirit is one.
My love for Juniper started without seeking or being sought by this plant spirit at all. This is an example of a plant relationship that, rather than being hard-won through doing the work, was gifted to me via work with my patron deity, The Green Man. The more I chased him, the more Juniper was coming up as an ally of connection and initiation. Some deeper visionary work with The Man led, unexpectedly, to a copse of desert Juniper which became like a wild cathedral where I could commune with him. From there, my work with Juniper was about stepping into a connection with the Old Ones; and to this day I rarely connect with one of them without the other.
Juniper spirit vessel crafted from desert clay, Alligator Juniper wood from a friend on Hopi, Juniper sachet, and a piece of Juniperus commmunis wood I’ve been wearing around my neck for so long it’s probably mostly made up of me at this point.
When working with Juniper in magic and ritual, all parts of the tree have their virtues and blessings. The dried leaves can be smoldered to create an aromatic and powerful smoke which has many effects to both spaces and the people in those spaces. Bark and wood can be worked with in amulets and talismans to carry Juniper’s energy, and of course the berries can be worked with for so many reasons. I love crafting incense with all parts of Juniper.
Medicinally, we only work with Juniper berries which are actually cones! These berries can be added to sitz baths, steams, suppositories, teas, and tinctures for a variety of applications. The berries are ready to be harvested once they turn dark blue or purple. Their aroma is potent and intoxicating. Did you know the name Juniper comes from Ginevre which is where we get the modern name for Gin?
One of the main teachings I have received from Juniper is that to sit under their canopy or even near their trunk beings one into a safe and sacred space- a temple of the wildwood. Here, one can meditate, pray, study, or simply breathe in the warm fragrance of Juniper and connect with the deep heart of the green realm.
Juniper sachet carried in the pocket to connect to the spirit of this powerful green ally
I would love for you to join me to learn more about this amazing tree. Check out the free class below which covers:
Botany of the Juniperus genus
Etymology of the names of this tree
Medicinal virtues
Remedial preparations
Folklore
Magical virtues
and so much more!
